公开(公告)号：US07238137B2

公开(公告)日：2007-07-03

申请号：US11030415

申请日：2005-01-05

Applicant: Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson

Inventor： Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson

IPC: F16H37/02

CPC classification number: F16H61/6649 ,  B62M9/08 ,  B62M11/04 ,  B62M11/14 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H15/40 ,  F16H15/50 ,  F16H15/503 ,  F16H15/52 ,  F16H37/084 ,  F16H37/0853 ,  F16H37/086 ,  F16H63/067 ,  F16H2037/088 ,  F16H2037/101 ,  Y10T29/49464 ,  Y10T408/65

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

公开(公告)号：US07214159B2

公开(公告)日：2007-05-08

申请号：US11051364

申请日：2005-02-03

Applicant: Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson ,  Jeffrey A. Birchak

Inventor： Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson ,  Jeffrey A. Birchak

IPC: F16H37/02 ,  F16H13/04 ,  F16H15/38

CPC classification number: B62M9/08 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H15/40 ,  F16H37/084 ,  F16H61/6649

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

公开(公告)号：US07204777B2

公开(公告)日：2007-04-17

申请号：US11051052

申请日：2005-02-03

Applicant: Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson

Inventor： Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson

IPC: F16H15/48

CPC classification number: B62D5/0475 ,  B62D5/0409 ,  B62M9/08 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H15/52 ,  F16H37/084 ,  F16H61/6649 ,  Y10S903/918 ,  Y10S903/945 ,  Y10S903/951 ,  Y10T74/19251 ,  Y10T74/19555 ,  Y10T74/1956 ,  Y10T477/23 ,  Y10T477/33 ,  Y10T477/619 ,  Y10T477/621 ,  Y10T477/679 ,  Y10T477/688

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

公开(公告)号：US07198585B2

公开(公告)日：2007-04-03

申请号：US11030018

申请日：2005-01-05

Applicant: Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson

Inventor： Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson

IPC: F16H37/02

CPC classification number: F16H61/6649 ,  B62M9/08 ,  B62M11/04 ,  B62M11/14 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H15/40 ,  F16H15/50 ,  F16H15/503 ,  F16H15/52 ,  F16H37/084 ,  F16H37/0853 ,  F16H37/086 ,  F16H63/067 ,  F16H2037/088 ,  F16H2037/101 ,  Y10T29/49464 ,  Y10T408/65

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

公开(公告)号：US07172529B2

公开(公告)日：2007-02-06

申请号：US11005915

申请日：2004-12-06

Applicant: Donald C. Miller ,  David John Allen

Inventor： Donald C. Miller ,  David John Allen

IPC: F16H13/10

CPC classification number: F16H15/52 ,  B62M11/12 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H61/664 ,  F16H61/6649 ,  F16H63/067

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The present invention includes a continuously variable transmission that may be employed in connection with any type of machine that is in need of a transmission. For example, the transmission may be used in (i) a motorized vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, or watercraft, (ii) a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, exercise equipment or (iii) industrial equipment, such as a drill press, power generating equipment, or textile mill.

公开(公告)号：US07166056B2

公开(公告)日：2007-01-23

申请号：US11030210

申请日：2005-01-05

Applicant: Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson

Inventor： Donald C. Miller ,  David J. Allen ,  Robert A. Smithson

IPC: F16H13/00

CPC classification number: F16H61/6649 ,  B62M9/08 ,  B62M11/04 ,  B62M11/14 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H15/40 ,  F16H15/50 ,  F16H15/503 ,  F16H15/52 ,  F16H37/084 ,  F16H37/0853 ,  F16H37/086 ,  F16H63/067 ,  F16H2037/088 ,  F16H2037/101 ,  Y10T29/49464 ,  Y10T408/65

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

公开(公告)号：US07163485B2

公开(公告)日：2007-01-16

申请号：US11005869

申请日：2004-12-06

Applicant: Donald C. Miller

Inventor： Donald C. Miller

IPC: F16H13/10

CPC classification number: B62M11/00 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H61/664

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.

公开(公告)号：US07156770B2

公开(公告)日：2007-01-02

申请号：US11006212

申请日：2004-12-06

Applicant: Donald C. Miller

Inventor： Donald C. Miller

IPC: F16H13/10

CPC classification number: B62M11/00 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H61/664

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.

公开(公告)号：US07153233B2

公开(公告)日：2006-12-26

申请号：US11007531

申请日：2004-12-07

Applicant: Donald C. Miller ,  David John Allen

Inventor： Donald C. Miller ,  David John Allen

IPC: F16H13/10

CPC classification number: F16H15/52 ,  B62M11/12 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H61/664 ,  F16H61/6649 ,  F16H63/067

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The present invention includes a continuously variable transmission that may be employed in connection with any type of machine that is in need of a transmission. For example, the transmission may be used in (i) a motorized vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, or watercraft, (ii) a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, exercise equipment or (iii) industrial equipment, such as a drill press, power generating equipment, or textile mill.

公开(公告)号：US07131930B2

公开(公告)日：2006-11-07

申请号：US11006115

申请日：2004-12-06

Applicant: Donald C. Miller ,  David John Allen

Inventor： Donald C. Miller ,  David John Allen

IPC: F16H13/10

CPC classification number: F16H15/52 ,  B62M11/12 ,  F16H15/28 ,  F16H61/664 ,  F16H61/6649 ,  F16H63/067

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The present invention includes a continuously variable transmission that may be employed in connection with any type of machine that is in need of a transmission. For example, the transmission may be used in (i) a motorized vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, or watercraft, (ii) a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, exercise equipment or (iii) industrial equipment, such as a drill press, power generating equipment, or textile mill.