Abstract:
A variable transmission is described having a transmission mechanism and a phase adjustment mechanism. The transmission mechanism has supports that are movable toward or away from one another to vary the effective size of an effective cog. The phase adjustment mechanism has a differential type gear arrangement that creates a phase change to adjust the transmission mechanism. Another configuration is described which includes a subassembly with a phase adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pitch of propellers. Counter-rotating elements to control relative gear phase or pitch are provided externally, internally, distally or proximally relative to the source of mechanical torque in various configurations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This utility application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/214,391, filed on Apr. 23, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/216,232, filed on May 14, 2009 each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1). Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a phase adjustment mechanism for a variable transmission. 
     2). Discussion of Related Art 
     A transmission system transfers power from a first shaft (or axle) to a second shaft (or axle) and allows for adjustment of the ratio of a rotational speed of the first shaft relative to the second shaft. A standard bicycle has a transmission with two sets of cogs of varying sizes connected by a roller chain. One or more derailleur shift systems move the chain laterally by increments so that cogs of varying relative sizes are connected, varying the ratio that the front driving cog rotates relative to the rear cog that is connected to the rear wheel. 
     Attempts have been made in the past to design a bicycle transmission that does not have a derailleur. A derailleur is a relatively complex and delicate mechanism that does not allow gear changing while stationary or at slow speeds. U.S. Pat. No. 724,449 describes a transmission having a plurality of supports that form an effective cog and the supports are adjustable relative to one another to vary the size of the effective cog. The system in the U.S. Pat. No. 724,449, however, has a mechanism for adjusting the support members relative to one another, but the mechanism is complex and would be impractical and expensive to make. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a phase adjustment mechanism including first and second phase adjustor mounting pieces that are mounted to one another for adjustment relative to one another about a central axis through an adjustment angle, a first phase adjustor connecting component and a first phase adjustor connecting member respectively mounted to the first and second phase adjustor mounting pieces for rotation respectively about a first phase adjustor component axis and a first phase adjustor connecting member axis that are different than the central axis, first, second and third phase adjustor rotational members connected such that a train is created sequentially by the first phase adjustor rotational member, the first phase adjustor connecting component, the second phase adjustor rotational member, the first phase adjustor connecting member and the third phase adjustor rotational member and such that the first and third phase adjustor rotational members revolve in an opposite direction than the second phase adjustor rotational member, the adjustment of the phase adjustor mounting pieces relative to one another through the adjustment angle causing a phase adjustment between the first and third phase adjustor rotational members. 
     The second phase adjustor mounting piece may extend through the second phase adjustor rotational member. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may further include a plurality of phase adjustor connecting components, each being mounted to the first phase adjustor mounting piece. 
     Each phase adjustor component axis may intersect the central axis. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may further include a plurality of phase adjustor connecting members, each being mounted to the second phase adjustor mounting piece for rotation about a respective phase adjustor connecting member axis, the phase adjustor connecting member axis being different from one another and different than the central axis. 
     Each phase adjustor connecting member axis may intersect the central axis. 
     Each phase adjustment mechanism may further include first phase adjustor component, first phase adjustor connecting member, and the first, second and third phase adjustor rotational members have meshing teeth, and may for example be gears. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may further include a first phase adjustor component and a first phase adjustor connecting member having the same number of teeth. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may further include a first, second and third phase adjustor rotational members that revolve about the central axis. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may further include a third phase adjustor rotational member that forms part of a phase adjustor subsystem that rotates in the same direction as the first phase adjustor rotational member, the first phase adjustor rotational member and at least a portion of the phase adjustor subsystem being located to the left of the second phase adjustor rotational member. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may further include first and third phase adjustor rotational members are that are located to the left of the second phase adjustor rotational member. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may further include the first phase adjustor component and the first phase adjustor connecting member which may contact the same side of the second phase adjustor rotational member. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may further include a phase adjustor shaft secured to the third phase adjustor rotational member, the second phase adjustor mounting piece being located on the phase adjustor shaft and rotatable on the phase adjustor shaft. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may also include first and third phase adjustor rotational members that are on opposite sides of the second phase adjustor rotational member. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may also include a first phase adjustor component and a first phase adjustor connecting member which contact opposite sides of the second phase adjustor rotational member. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism may also include a phase adjustor return shaft connected to the third phase adjustor rotational member and extending from the third phase adjustor rotational member through the second and first phase adjustor rotational members. The phase adjustment mechanism may also include a second phase adjustor mounting piece that is located on the phase adjustor return shaft and that is rotatable on the phase adjustor return shaft. 
     The invention further provides a variable transmission including, a transmission mechanism including a transmission mechanism mounting piece, a plurality of transmission mechanism adjustor pieces, each being mounted about a central axis to the transmission mechanism mounting piece for rotation about a respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece axis and each having an outer edge defining an arc about a respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece axis, a plurality of eccentric transmission mechanism supports, each being mounted to a respective one of the transmission mechanism adjustor piece at a location that is offset from the respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece axis so that rotation of the respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece causes rotation of the transmission mechanism support toward the central axis, each transmission mechanism support having an outer surface for supporting a looped elongate member running over the surfaces of consecutive ones of the transmission mechanism supports, a phase adjustment mechanism including first and second phase adjustor mounting pieces that are mounted to one another for adjustment relative to one another about a central axis through an adjustment angle, a first phase adjustor connecting component and a first phase adjustor connecting member respectively mounted to the first and second phase adjustor mounting pieces for rotation respectively about a first phase adjustor component axis and a first phase adjustor connecting member axis that are different than the central axis, first, second and third phase adjustor rotational members connected such that a train is created sequentially by the first phase adjustor rotational member, the first phase adjustor connecting component, the second phase adjustor rotational member, the first phase adjustor connecting member and the third phase adjustor rotational member and such that the first and third phase adjustor rotational members revolve in an opposite direction than the second phase adjustor rotational member, the adjustment of the phase adjustor mounting pieces relative to one another through the adjustment angle causing a phase adjustment between the first and third phase adjustor rotational members, and a link member secured to the phase adjustment mechanism, the link member having surface contacting the outer edges of the transmission mechanism adjustor pieces and the phase adjustment mechanism being secured to the transmission mechanism mounting piece so that phase adjustment of the first phase adjustor rotational member relative to the third phase adjustor rotational member causes rotation of the transmission mechanism adjustor pieces relative to the transmission mechanism mounting piece. 
     The link member may include a ring and the surface of the link member may be an internal surface of the ring. 
     The link member may be a shaft member and the surface of the link member may be an outer surface of the shaft member. 
     The invention further provides an airplane assembly including a phase adjustment mechanism including first and second phase adjustor mounting pieces that are mounted to one another for adjustment relative to one another about a central axis through an adjustment angle, a first phase adjustor connecting component and a first phase adjustor connecting member respectively mounted to the first and second phase adjustor mounting pieces for rotation respectively about a first phase adjustor component axis and a first phase adjustor connecting member axis that are different than the central axis, first, second and third phase adjustor rotational members connected such that a train is created sequentially by the first phase adjustor rotational member, the first phase adjustor connecting component, the second phase adjustor rotational member, the first phase adjustor connecting member and the third phase adjustor rotational member and such that the first and third phase adjustor rotational members revolve in an opposite direction than the second phase adjustor rotational member, the adjustment of the phase adjustor mounting pieces relative to one another through the adjustment angle causing a phase adjustment between the first and third phase adjustor rotational members, and a propeller mechanism including a propeller mount that rotates about a central axis and at least one propeller mounted to the propeller mount for rotation together with the propeller mount about the central axis and relative to the propeller mount about an axis at right angles to the central axis, wherein the phase adjustment by the phase adjustment mechanism rotates the propeller relative to the propeller mount. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view from the left showing a bicycle sub-assembly in exploded form including a variable transmission having a phase adjustor assembly, according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view from the right of the bicycle sub-assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view from the right of the bicycle sub-assembly with the components thereof assembled to one another and showing transmission mechanism supports in positions to form a large effective cog; 
         FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  showing the transmission mechanism supports in a position to form a small effective cog; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view from the left of an airplane subassembly including a propeller mechanism, components of a phase adjustment mechanism of a variable transmission, according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view from the right of the airplane subassembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view from the left of components of a variable transmission according to a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view from the right of the variable transmission of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view from the left of the variable transmission according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, displaying 3 sizes of an effective cog; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view from the left of the variable transmission of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view from the right side of the variable transmission of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view from the left of a small effective cog of the variable transmission of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view from the left of an airplane subassembly including a propeller mechanism, components of a phase adjustment mechanism of a variable transmission, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is an assembled perspective view from the left of an airplane subassembly including a propeller mechanism, components of a phase adjustment mechanism of a variable transmission of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view from the right of a continuous variable transmission according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view from the left of a continuous variable transmission of  FIG. 15  in a maximum cog size configuration; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view from the left of the variable transmission of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view from the left of the continuous variable transmission of  FIG. 15  configured to receive a roller chain in conjunction with a second transmission, such as for a bicycle; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view of a continuous variable transmission according to a seventh configuration of the invention; 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view from the left of a continuous variable transmission of  FIG. 19  in a maximum cog size configuration; and 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view from the left of a continuous variable transmission of  FIG. 19  in a minimum cog size configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  of the accompanying drawings illustrate a bicycle subassembly  10  including a variable transmission  12 , and first and second pedal assemblies  14   a  and  14   b  respectively. The variable transmission includes a transmission mechanism  16 , a phase adjustment mechanism  18  and a link member  20 . 
     The transmission mechanism  16  includes a transmission mechanism mounting piece  22 , six transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24  and six transmission mechanism supports  26 . 
     The transmission mechanism mounting piece  22  has a central pedal mount  28 , six arms  30 , and six mounting pins  32 . The pedal mount  28  has a central axis  34 . The arms  30  extend radially away from the pedal mount  28  and thus radially away from the central axis  34 . Each one of the mounting pins  32  is located on a respective end of a respective one of the arms  30  and are located at 60 degree intervals around the central axis  34 . 
     Each one of the transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24  is mounted to a respective one of the mounting pins  32  and is rotatable about a respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece axis  36  parallel to the central axis  34 . The transmission mechanism adjustor piece  24  has an outer edge  38  that forms a circular arc around the transmission mechanism adjustor piece axis  36 . The outer edge  38  is toothed, so that the transmission mechanism adjustor piece  24  is a spur gear. 
     Each one of the transmission mechanism supports  26  is mounted to a respective one of the transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24  and can rotate clockwise but not counter clockwise relative to the respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece  24  to which it is mounted. Each one of the transmission mechanism supports  26  has an outer surface for supporting a looped elongate member. In the present example, the outer surface is toothed to receive a bicycle chain  39 . The outer surface has a transmission mechanism support axis  40  that is parallel to and offset from the respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece axis  36  so that rotation of the respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece  24  about the respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece axis  36  causes rotation of the respective transmission mechanism support axis  40  and the respective transmission mechanism support  26  about the respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece axis  36 . A bicycle chain  39  at any moment in time contacts either four or five of the transmission mechanism supports  26 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the link member  20  includes a central portion  44 , an outer ring  46  and radial supports  48  connecting the outer ring  46  to the central portion  44 . The outer ring  46  has an internal surface  50  that is brought into contact with the outer edges  38 . The internal surface  50  is toothed so that the outer ring is an internal annular ring gear. 
     The phase adjustment mechanism  18  includes a first phase adjustor mounting piece  54 , a second phase adjustor mounting piece  56 , first and second phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60 , first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64 , first, second and third phase adjustor rotational members  66 ,  68 , and  70 , a phase adjustor shaft  72 , and a phase adjustor cable assembly  74 . 
     The phase adjustor shaft  72  is connected to and can form an extension of the pedal mount  28  so that the phase adjustor shaft  72  has an axis corresponding to the central axis  34 . 
     The third phase adjustor rotational member  70  is in the form of a ring having an internal surface  76 . The third phase adjustor rotational member  70  is placed over an end of the phase adjustor shaft  72  and is secured to the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22  so that they rotate in unison. The third phase adjustor rotational member  70  has a rear surface  78  that is toothed, so that the third phase adjustor rotational member  70  is a bevel gear. 
     The first phase adjustor rotational member  66  is in the form of a ring having an internal surface  80  and is secured to the central portion  44 . The first phase adjustor rotation member  66  has a rear surface  82  that is toothed, so that the first phase adjustor rotational member  66  is a bevel gear. A roller bearing  84  is secured to the central portion  44 . The link member  20  together with the first phase adjustor rotational member  66  are placed over the phase adjustor shaft  72  and the roller bearing  84  is brought into contact with an outer surface  71  of the third phase adjustor rotational member  70 . The roller bearing  84  aligns the link member  20  so that it can, if necessary, rotate about the central axis  34  relative to the third phase adjustor rotational member  70 . 
     The second phase adjustor mounting piece  56  is in the form of a ring having an internal surface  86  and an external surface  88 . The first and second connecting members  62  and  64  are mounted on opposing sides of the second phase adjustor mounting piece  56  and are rotatable about first and second phase adjustor connecting member axis  90  and  92 , respectively, that coincide in this embodiment. The second phase adjustor mounting piece  56  is placed over the phase adjustor shaft  72 . A sliding fit is provided between an outer surface of the phase adjustor shaft  72  and the internal surface  86 . The second phase adjustor mounting piece  56  rotates about the central axis  34  by sliding on the phase adjustor shaft  72 . Outer surfaces of the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64  are toothed so that they are bevel gears. The toothed outer surfaces of the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64  are placed in contact with the rear surface  78  so that the teeth of the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64  mesh with the teeth of the rear surface  78 . The first and second phase adjustor connecting member axis  90  and  92  are at right angles to and intersect the central axis  34  in this embodiment; in another embodiment the axis  90  and  92  may be at an angle other than at 90° relative to the central axis  34  and may be parallel to the central axis  34 . 
     The first phase adjustor mounting piece  54  is in the form of a ring having an internal surface  94 . The first and second phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60  are secured to the first phase adjustor mounting piece  54  within the internal surface  94 . The first and second phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60  can rotate about first and second phase adjustor connecting component axis  96  and  98  respectively. The first and second phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60  have outer surfaces that are toothed, so that the first and second phase adjustor connecting components are bevel gears. The first phase adjustor mounting piece  54  is placed over the second phase adjustor mounting piece  56  until the toothed outer surfaces of the first and second phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60  come into contact with and mesh with the teeth of the rear surface  82 . The first and second phase adjustor connecting component axis  96  and  98  are at right angles to and intersect the central axis  34 , although they may be at an angle other than 90° relative to the central axis  34 . The first and second phase adjustor connecting member axis  90  and  92  and the first and second phase adjustor connecting component axis  96  and  98  are all in the same plane in this embodiment. 
     The second phase adjustor rotational member  68  is in the form of a ring having an internal opening  100  and has a front surface  102  that is toothed so that the second phase adjustor rotational member  68  is a bevel gear. The front surface  102  has a wider track than the rear surfaces  78  or  82 . The second phase adjustor rotational member  68  is placed over the second phase adjustor mounting piece  56  so that opposing ends of the second phase adjustor mounting piece  56  protrude from opposing sides of the second phase adjustor rotational member  68 . Outer surfaces of the first and second phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60  contact an outer region of the front surface  102 . Outer surfaces of the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64  contact an inner region of the front surface  102 . A gear train is created sequentially by (i) the first phase adjustor rotational member  66 , (ii) the first and second phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60 , (iii) the second phase adjustor rotational member  68 , (iv) the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64 , and (v) the third phase adjustor rotational member  70 . 
     The phase adjustor cable assembly  74  includes a phase adjustor lever arm  106 , a phase adjustor cable  108 , and a phase adjustor sheath  110 . An end of the phase adjustor lever arm  106  is secured to an end of the second phase adjustor mounting piece  56  on a side of the second phase adjustor rotational member  68  opposing the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64 . The phase adjustor cable  108  is located within the phase adjustor sheath  110  and can slide up and down within the phase adjustor sheath  110  to alternately extend out of and retract into the phase adjustor sheath  110 . An end of the phase adjustor cable  108  is attached to an end of the phase adjustor lever arm  106  distant from the central axis  34 . 
     The assembled phase adjustment mechanism  18  is mounted to a frame of a bicycle. The first phase adjustor mounting piece  54  and the phase adjustor sheath  110  are mounted in a stationary position to a frame of the bicycle. The first pedal assembly  14   a  is secured to the pedal mount  28 . The second pedal assembly  14   b  is secured to the pedal mount through the phase adjustor shaft  72 . 
     In use, the first and second pedal assemblies  14   a  and  14   b  are rotated in a clockwise direction at a rotational speed of, for example, 100 rpm. The third phase adjustor rotational member  70  rotates together with the mounting piece  22  at 100 rpm in a clockwise direction. The second phase adjustor rotational member  68  rotates at 100 rpm in a counter clockwise direction because the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64  reverse the direction of rotation from the third phase adjustor rotational member  70  to the second phase adjustor rotational member  68 . The third and second phase adjustor rotational members  70  and  68 , however, rotate at the same rotational speed because the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64  do not normally revolve about the central axis  34 . 
     The first phase adjustor rotational member  66  revolves in a clockwise direction at about 100 rpm because the first and second phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60  reverse the direction of rotation from the second phase adjustor rotational member  68  to the first phase adjustor rotational member  66 . The first phase adjustor mounting piece  54  does not rotate about the central axis  34 , so that the first and second phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60  do not revolve about the central axis  34 . The rotational speeds of the second and third phase adjustor rotational members  68  and  70  are thus the same. The first and third phase adjustor rotational members  66  and  70  thus revolve together in a clockwise direction at 100 rpm. 
     In order to effect a phase change between the first and third phase adjustor rotational members  66  and  70 , the phase adjustor cable  108  is extended out of the phase adjustor sheath  110 , causing a rotation of the phase adjustor lever arm  106 , the second phase adjustor mounting piece  56 , and the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64  about the central axis  34  relative to the phase adjustor shaft  72  and the first mounting piece  54  through an adjustment angle. As best envisioned when the second and third phase adjustor rotational members  68  and  70  are not revolving at 100 rpm, rotation of the first and second phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64  counter clockwise through the adjustment angle causes rotation of the first phase adjustor rotational member  66  relative to the third phase adjustor rotational member  70  in a counter clockwise direction through an angle that equals two times the adjustment angle. The angular adjustment of the first phase adjustor rotational member  66  relative to the third phase adjustor rotational member will also occur when the first, second, and third phase adjustor rotational member  66 ,  68 , and  70  are revolving about the central axis  34  at 100 rpm in their respective clockwise or counter clockwise directions. A phase adjustment between the first and third phase adjustor rotational members  66  and  70  is thus effected. The original phase relationship between the first and third phase adjustor rotational members  66  and  70  can be achieved by again retracting the phase adjustor cable  108  into the phase adjustor sheath  110 . 
     During steady operation with the transmission mechanism supports  26  as shown in  FIG. 3 , the link member  20 , the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22 , and the transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24  revolve about the central axis  34  at the rotational speed of pedaling, for example 100 rpm clockwise. An adjustment in phase between the link member  20  and the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22  causes rotation of the transmission mechanism adjustor pieces and the transmission mechanism supports about the respective transmission mechanism adjustor piece axis  36 . The transmission mechanism supports  26  then rotate closer to the central axis  34  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The link member  20  and the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22  can then again rotate clockwise at the same rotational speed, for arguments sake 100 rpm. Rotation of the link member  20  and the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22  in a direction opposite to the direction that caused the phase change causes movement of the transmission mechanism supports  26  back into the position shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The transmission mechanism supports  26  effectively form a cog for the bicycle chain  39 . Another embodiment may make use of a belt or other looped flexible elongate member, in which case transmission mechanism supports provide an effective wheel for such an elongate member. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the effective diameter of the effective cog is relatively large. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , rotation of the respective transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24  rotate the transmission mechanism supports  26  closer to the central axis  34  and reduces the effective diameter of the effective cog. The ability for each transmission mechanism support  26  to rotate clockwise relative to a respective one of the transmission mechanism adjustor piece  24  to which it is mounted allows for the chain  39  to roll over the transmission mechanism supports  26  during adjustment between  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     The phase adjustment mechanism  18  of  FIG. 1  is “reflective” in the sense that it allows for phase adjustment of the link member  20  and the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22  which are both located substantially in a common plane on a front (a left side in  FIG. 1 ) of the phase adjustment mechanism  18 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the reflective nature is accomplished by locating the first and third phase adjustor rotational members  66  and  70  on the same side to the left of the second phase adjustor rotational member  68 . The phase adjustor shaft  72  does not transmit torque between the first, second and third phase adjustor rotational members  66 ,  68 , or  70 , and merely serves the purpose to align the second phase adjustor mounting piece  56  with the central axis  34  and to mount the second pedal assembly  14   b.    
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an airplane subassembly  10   a  including a propeller mechanism  14   a  and a phase adjustment mechanism  18   a  according to an alternative embodiment. 
     In the phase adjustment mechanism  18   a , first and third phase adjustor rotational members  66   a  and  70   a  are located on opposite sides of a second phase adjustor rotational member  68   a . A gear train is created sequentially by (i) the first phase adjustor rotational member  66   a , (ii) four phase adjustor connecting components  58   a , (iii) the second phase adjustor rotational member  68   a , (iv) four phase adjustor connecting members  62   a , and (v) the third phase adjustor rotational member  70   a . The phase adjustor connecting components  58   a  are mounted to a stationary first phase adjustor mounting piece and the phase adjustor connecting members  62   a  are mounted to a rotatable second phase adjustor mounting piece  56   a.    
     The third phase adjustor rotational member  70   a  is mounted on an adjustor return shaft  72   a . The adjustor return shaft extends from the third phase adjustor rotational member  70   a  sequentially through the second phase adjustor mounting piece  56   a , the second phase adjustor rotational member  68   a , the first phase adjustor mounting piece  54   a , and the first phase adjustor rotational member  66   a . An end of the adjustor return shaft  72   a  and the first phase adjustor rotational member  66   a  are both located on a front or left side of the phase adjustment mechanism  18   a  with the remainder of the components of the phase adjustment mechanism  18   a  behind the first phase adjustor rotational member  66   a  to the right. The adjustor return shaft  72   a  thus provides the reflective nature of the phase adjustment mechanism  18   a  and transfers torque from the third phase adjustor rotational member  70   a.    
     The second phase adjustor mounting piece  56   a  is inserted through an opening in the second phase adjustor rotational member  68   a . A phase adjustor adjustment gear  74   a  is attached to the second phase adjustor mounting piece  56   a  and serves the same purpose as the phase adjustor cable assembly  74  of  FIG. 1 . A phase adjustor worm gear  110   a  meshes with the phase adjustor adjustment gear  74   a , to cause adjustment thereof. 
     The propeller mechanism  14   a  includes a propeller mount  120   a , two propellers  122   a , two propeller mechanism pinion gears  124   a  and a propeller mechanism adjusting gear  126   a . The propeller mount  120   a  is mounted to the adjustor return shaft  72   a  and the propeller mechanism adjusting gear  126   a  is mounted to the first phase adjustor rotational member  66   a , so that the phase of the propeller mechanism adjusting gear  126   a  can be adjusted relative to the propeller mount  120   a  while the propeller mount  120   a  rotates together with the adjustor return shaft  72   a . The propellers  122   a  are mounted to the propeller mount  120   a . The propellers  122   a  can rotate about axis that are at right angles to and intersect a central axis about which the propeller mount  120   a  rotates. The propeller mechanism pinion gears  124   a  are non-rotatably secured to the propellers  120   a  and have teeth that mesh with teeth on the propeller mechanism adjusting gear  126   a . Phase adjustment between the propeller mechanism adjusting gear  126   a  and the propeller mount  120   a  causes the propeller mechanisms pinion gears  124   a  to roll on propeller mechanism adjusting gear  126   a , and thereby to adjust the pitch of the propellers  122   a.    
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a variable transmission  12   c  that is more suitable for power applications than the variable transmission  12  of  FIG. 1 . The variable transmission  12   c  is similar to the variable transmission  12  of  FIG. 1  and like components are indicated with like reference numerals that are appended with “c.” Four phase adjustor connecting components  58   c  are provided instead of the two phase adjustor connecting components  58  and  60  of  FIG. 1 . Similarly, four phase adjustor connecting members  62   c  are provided instead of the two phase adjustor connecting members  62  and  64  of  FIG. 1 . A phase adjustor adjustment gear  74   c  is provided instead of the phase adjustor cable assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
     A transmission mechanism mounting piece  22   c  is secured to the first phase adjustor rotational member  66   c . In contrast, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22   c  is mounted to the third phase adjustor rotational member  70 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , a link member  20   c  is a shaft member to which the third phase adjustor rotational member  70   c  is mounted. In contrast, the embodiment of  FIG. 1  has the link member  20  secured to the first phase adjustor rotational member  66 . The link member  20   c  extends through an opening in the first phase adjustor rotational member  66   c  and the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22   c . An outer surface of the link member  20   c  is splined or toothed and meshes with teeth on outer edges  38   c  of the six transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24   c . A phase adjustment between the link member  20   c  and the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22   c  causes rotation of the transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24   c  relative to the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22   c , and corresponding rotation of the transmission mechanism supports  26   c  relative to the transmission mechanism mounting piece  22   c.    
     Six additional transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24   d  are mounted to a transmission mechanism backing plate  22   d . The transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24   d  and  24   c  support the transmission mechanism supports  26   c  on opposing sides and are rotationally driven by the same link member  20   c.    
     The reason why the variable transmission  12   c  of  FIGS. 7 and 8  is more suitable for power transmission is because the link member  20   c  can be extended to the left to control further arrays of transmission mechanism supports and power chains, and in this way torque capability can be increased as needed. 
       FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12  of the accompanying drawings illustrate a second bicycle subassembly  10   d  including a variable transmission  12   d , and first and second pedal assemblies  14   a  and  14   b  respectively. The variable transmission  12   d  includes a transmission mechanism  16   d , and a phase adjustment mechanism  18   d    
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12  of the accompanying drawings, the transmission mechanism  16   d  includes a double transmission mechanism mounting ring  127   a ,  127   b , six transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24   e , six transmission mechanism supports  26   d , and six support arms  128 ; three of the six affixed to each mounting ring  127 . 
     The transmission mechanism mounting ring  127  has three flanges directed inwards to be used in conjunction with mounting pins  32  in order to affix the mounting rings  126  together. Additionally the flanges on the rear mounting ring  126   b  mount a transmission mounted phase adjustment sun gear  130 . 
     The transmission adjustor pieces  24   e  engage with a pair of fixed motor sun gears  132  on an axis  34  and serve to support the transmission mechanism  16   d  about the bicycle subassembly  10   d  in addition to a later disclosed purpose. 
     Each one of the transmission mechanism supports  26   d  has a toothed outer surface for supporting a looped elongate member. In the present example, the outer surface is toothed to receive a ladder chain, but could be adapted to receive a roller chain. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 11  of the accompanying drawings, the phase adjustment mechanism  18   d  includes a mobile phase adjustor  134 , a static phase adjustor  136 , a counter-rotating double annular gear  138 , and an axial mounted phase adjustment sun gear  140 . 
     The mobile phase adjustor  134  includes two or more planet gears which act as mobile phase adjusting components  62   d  as well as a lever  106   c  to be used in order to adjust the phase of the mobile planet gears  62   d  relative to the rest of the phase adjustment mechanism  18   d . The mobile planet gears  62   d  engage a ring of the counter-rotating double annular gear  138  in addition to an axial mounted phase adjustment sun gear  130 . 
     The static phase adjustor includes  136  two or more planet gears  58   d  that are fixed to their respective positions as well as a device mount  142  which is used to affix the static phase adjustor  136  to a non displayed surface. The static planet gears  58   d  engage the remaining ring of the counter-rotating double annular gear  138  as well as the axial mounted sun gear  140 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10  of the accompanying drawings, in use, the variable transmission  12   d  can alter the size of an effective cog size altering gear ratios without disengaging a looped elongate member, or drive chain. When a user drives pedal assemblies  14   a, b  clockwise at a given rate, for purposes of this disclosure the rate 100 rotations per minute will be used (hereafter: 100 rpm) the axial mounted sun gears  132 ,  140  being fixed to the axle are also rotated clockwise at 100 rpms. The fixed motor sun gear  140  drives the annular gear  138  through fixed planet gears  58   d , resulting in a counterclockwise rotation of  138  at a ratio depending upon the relative tooth counts of  140  and  138 . The mobile planet gears  62   d , driven by counter rotating annular gear  138 , in turn drive the transmission mounted sun gear  130  clockwise at 100 rpm, matching the rotation of the axle. 
     When a user alters the orientation of the mobile phase adjustor&#39;s  134  lever  106   c  the mobile planet gears  62   d  alter the angle or phase of the sun gear  130 , which in turn alters the transmission mounted phase adjustment sun gear&#39;s  130  orientation or phase in relation to the axle, which forces the teeth of the pair of fixed motor sun gears  132  to turn the six transmission mechanism adjustor pieces  24   e  thereby altering the size of the effective cog of the variable transmission  12   d.    
       FIGS. 13 and 14  of the accompanying drawings illustrate a second airplane subassembly  10   e  including a variable transmission  12   e , and a phase adjustment mechanism  18   e.    
     Referring to  FIG. 14  of the accompanying drawings, the variable transmission  12   e  includes propellers  122   a , propeller mechanism pinion gears  124   a , propeller mounts  120   b , an inner phase adjustment crown gear  146 , and an outer drive gear  148 . 
     The propeller mechanism pinion gears  124   a  engage with the outer drive gear  148 , and the propeller mounts  120   b  position the propellers  122   a  radially outwards. The outer drive gear  148  includes bearings on its inner circumference in order to rotate freely about the inner phase adjustment crown gear  146   
     The phase adjustment mechanism  18   e  includes a double crown gear  148 , having an inner  148   a  and outer  148   b  set of teeth, a lever mechanism  106   d , having pinion mounts  150 , two mobile pinion gears  62   e , and two static pinion gears  58   e.    
     The mobile pinion gears  62   e  at positioned on the pinion mounts  150  and engage both the inner crown gear teeth  148   a  and an inner phase adjustment crown gear  146 . The static pinion gears  58   e  are mounted to an exterior non-displayed feature and engage the outer crown gear teeth  148   b  as well as the outer drive gear  148 . 
     In use, a force is applied to the propellers  122   a  or the axle upon which they are mounted. If the axle with propellers turns clockwise at 100 rpm, this forces the mobile  62   e  pinion gears to rotate additionally, forcing the back gear  148  to rotate counter clockwise direction at 100 rpm. The mobile phase adjustor pinions  58   e  then force the annular gear  148  to rotate at the same 100 rpm clockwise as the axle mounted assembly  120   b . Until the lever  106   d  is repositioned, the propeller mechanism pinion gears  124   a  do not rotate relative to the axle. Once the lever  106   d  is angled at a different orientation, the mobile pinion gears  62   e  are also repositioned, altering the angle of the inner phase adjustment crown gear&#39;s  146  phase forcing the propeller mechanism pinion gears  124   a  to rotate altering the transmission of the propeller blades  122   a.    
       FIGS. 15 and 16  of the accompanying drawings illustrate an additional alternate bicycle subassembly  10   f  including pedal assemblies  14   a  and  b , a variable transmission  12   f , and a phase adjustment mechanism  18   f.    
     Referring to  FIG. 15  of the accompanying drawings, the variable transmission  12   f  includes six transmission mechanism supports  26   e  affixed to the ends of six adjuster arms  24   f , each having a rack gear edge  152 , a hub  154  affixed to the axle  34  incorporating a hub annular gear  156  and a rotating element  158  having an annular gear edge  158   a  and a pinion gear edge  158   b.    
     Referring to  FIG. 17  of the accompanying drawings, the phase adjustment mechanism  18   f  includes twin static phase adjusting pinions  58   f , twin mobile phase adjustment pinions  62   f , an adjustment wire  106   e , and a mobile double annular gear having inner teeth  148   a  and outer teeth  148   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 ,  16 , and  17  of the accompanying drawings the bicycle subassembly  10   f  pieces together as follows; the pedal assemblies  14   a  and  14   b  affix to an axle  34  to which the hub  154  is also affixed; the hub annular gear  156  engages to both mobile phase adjustment pinions  62   f  which additionally engage outer teeth  148   b  of the double annular gear  148  as well as being affixed to an adjustment wire  106   e  which can alter the orientation of the mobile pinions  62   f ; the double annular gear  148  which rotates freely about the axle  34 , having inner teeth  148   a  engage both static phase adjustment pinions  58   f , which are affixed to an outside fixture such as the frame of a bicycle; the static phase adjustment pinions  58   f  additionally engage the annular gear edge  158   a  of the rotating element  158 ; and the rotating element  158  having a pinion gear edge  158   b  which engages each of the six rack gear edges  152  of the six adjuster arms  24   f  which slot into the hub  154  affixed to the axle. 
     In use, a force is applied to the axle  34 . If the axle  34  is turned clockwise at 100 rpm the hub  154  additionally rotates at this speed forcing the slotted in adjuster arms  24   f  with transmission mechanism supports  26   e  to rotate simultaneously carrying a chain, for example a roller chain  39  for a bicycle with it. When a force is applied to the adjustment wire  106   e , the relative angle of the mobile phase adjustment pinions  62   f  is altered, forcing the alteration of the relative angle in a chain action to the double annular gear  148  to the static phase adjustment pinions  58   f  to the rotating element  158  forcing the extension or retraction of the adjuster arms  24   f  to alter the size of the effective cog. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18  of the accompanying drawings, two separate sets of variable transmissions and phases adjustment mechanisms can be combined to create a multiplicity of gear ratios to accommodate for example various grades of terrain on a bicycle. 
       FIG. 19  of the accompanying drawings illustrates a still additional bicycle subassembly  10   g  that includes pedal assemblies  14   a  and  14   b  (not shown), a variable transmission  12   g , and a phase adjustment mechanism  18   g.    
     The variable transmission  12   g  includes six transmission mechanism supports  26   e  affixed to the ends of six adjuster arms  24   f , each having a rack gear edge  152 , wherein the adjuster arms  24   f  are held between a face plate  160  and a annular, spur gear array  162  having spur gears  162   a  and a set of inner annular gear teeth  162   b , the spur gears  162   a  finally engaged with a center drive gear  164  affixed to the axle  34 . 
     The phase adjustment mechanism  18   g  includes a set of mobile adjustment planet gears  62   g , a set of static adjustment planet gears  58   g , an adjustment gear  106   f , a double sun gear  166 , having front teeth  166   a  and rear teeth  166   b , a static planet gear support  168 , and an axle mounted annular gear  170 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20  of the accompanying drawings, the bicycle subassembly  10   g  pieces together as follows; the pedal assemblies  14   a  and  b  affix to an axle  34 ; affixed to the axle  34  are a center drive gear  164  and an axle mounted annular gear  170 ; the Axle mounted annular gear  170  is engaged with a set of static planet gears  58   g , which are affixed to an outside fixture such as the frame of a bicycle via a static planet gear support  168 ; the static planet gears  58   g  engage a double sun gear&#39;s  166  rear set of teeth  166   b , while the front set of teeth  166   a  of the double sun gear  166  engage a set of mobile adjustment planet gears  62   g ; the mobile adjustment planet gears  62   g  are affixed to an adjustment gear  106   e  which in turn receives an adjustment chain  172 ; the mobile adjustment planet gears  62   g  additionally engage a set of inner annular gear teeth  162   b  of an annular, spur gear array  162 ; the six spur gears  162   a  of the annular, spur gear array  162  engage each of the six rack gear edges  152  of the six adjuster arms  24   f , additionally the six spur gears  162   a  engage the center drive gear  164 , which is, as noted previously, affixed to the axle  34 . 
     In certain use cases, a force may be applied to the axle  34 , wherein if the axle  34  is turned clockwise at 100 rpm, the center drive gear  164  will additionally rotate at this speed and force the spur array  166  engaged with the adjuster arms  24   f  with transmission mechanism supports  26   e  to rotate simultaneously carrying a chain, for example a roller chain  39  for a bicycle with it. When the adjustment chain  172  drives the adjustment gear  106   f , the relative angle of the mobile adjustment planet gears  62   f  affixed thereto is altered, forcing the alteration of the relative angle in a chain action to the double sun gear  166  to the static adjustment planet gears  58   f  to axle affixed annular gear  170 , which forces the six spur gears  166  to rotate and cause the extension or retraction of the adjuster arms  24   f  altering the size of the effective cog. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the bicycle subassembly  10   e  is shown in both a maximum and a minimum effective cog size and when two such sets are positioned together a multiplicity of gear ratios can be obtained in order to perform work in a user favorable manner. 
     While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the current invention, and that this invention is not restricted to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described since modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.