Patent ID: 7011322
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: B62M,F16D,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A mechanical transmission for transmitting input mechanical energy from a source of input mechanical energy to an output driven member, the transmission having an automatic, continuously variable drive ratio and converting alternating motion to rotary motion, the transmission comprising: (a) an input driving member which is drivable in alternating motion by the source of input mechanical energy; (b) a ratchet including an alternating motion member and a continuous motion, rotary, output member forming said output driven member; (c) a drive spring drivingly linked between the ratchet alternating member and the input driving member for transmitting a force applied to the input driving member to the ratchet alternating member in one direction, wherein the input driving member is drivingly linked to the ratchet alternating member by the drive spring linked to a flexible drive linkage; and (d) a return spring drivingly linked to the ratchet alternating member for applying a return force upon the ratchet alternating member opposite to the force applied by the drive spring.