Patent ID: 6802229
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A variable drive ratio transmission comprisinga support; a first shaft rotatably mounted to the support so that shaft can rotate about a first axis; a helical rack supported by the first shaft so that the rack has a plurality of toothed convolutions spaced apart along the first shaft, the diameters of said convolutions being such that together they define a conical envelope encircling the first shaft; a second shaft rotatably mounted to the support so that the second shaft is spaced from and extends parallel to said envelope, and a gear member mounted to the second shaft for rotation therewith, said gear member having teeth shaped to mesh with those of the rack, said gear member being slidable along the second shaft so that the gear member may be positioned at any location along the rack, said gear member including; first and second pinions positioned side by side on the second shaft, said first and second pinions being rotatable through a small angle relative to the second shaft, and first spring means for biasing said pinions to a home angular position on the second shaft.