SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION
This is the class for friction gear power transmission and elements
thereof, such transmission being defined as an assembly of parts
wherein rotary motion is transmitted from an input body to an output
body by surface friction of rolling contact between parts associated
with said input and output bodies.
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Note. A nominal recitation of a device for applying power
to, or receiving power from, a structure of this class will not exclude
a patent from being placed in this class. |
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A method or apparatus for manufacturing a device of this class
is not found in Class 476, but is found in an appropriate manufacturing
class. See, for example, Class 29, Metal Working, subclasses 893+ and
other subclasses in Class 29 directed to process and apparatus of
mechanical manufacture.
SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, | Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclass 721 for systems including plural power paths to or from
friction gearing; subclass 745 for plural ratio change gearing in
series, one of which may be friction gearing. |
180, | Motor Vehicles, for combinations of significant vehicle structure which
may include friction gearing, especially
subclass 368 for friction gearing combinations. |
184, | Lubrication, for lubrication generally, especially
subclass 6.12 for lubrication systems for gearing. |
192, | Clutches and Power-Stop Control,
subclasses 3.51+ for controls for a friction transmission and clutch;
and subclasses 4+ for a transmission control and brake. |
474, | Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components, for friction power transmission using an endless,
flexible friction drive belt. |
475, | Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components,
subclasses 165+ for an eccentrically driven friction gear; subclasses
183+ for planetary friction gearing; and subclasses 214+ for
a nonplanetary friction gear transmission combined with a planetary
transmission. |
477, | Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including
Engine Control, especially
subclasses 37+ for interrelated control between a motor and a continuously
variable friction transmission. |
SUBCLASSES
1 | CONDITION RESPONSIVE RATIO CHANGE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein means are provided to change the
rotational velocity of the output body divided by the rotational
velocity of the input body, said means having mechanism to sense
a condition or change of condition in the environment of the friction
gear transmission; and, in response to such sensing, effect said
change of rotational velocity.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
477, | Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including
Engine Control, especially
subclasses 37+ for interrelated control between a motor and a
continuously variable friction transmission. |
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2 | Fluid control: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein said means to change the rotational
velocity are actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic energy.
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4 | Electric or magnetic control: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein said means to change the rotational
velocity are actuated by electric or magnetic energy.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3, | for electrical control combined with fluid control. |
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5 | Centrifugal actuator: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein said means include a mass rotatable
about an axis with a member of said friction transmission; and wherein
a component of force acting on said mass by said rotation in a direction
away from said rotational axis is used to move a transmission component
by said mass to effect said change of rotational velocity.
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6 | RATIO CHANGE BY EXPANSION OR COMPRESSION OF FLEXIBLE FRICTION
SURFACE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein at least one of said surfaces of
a part in rolling contact is formed of pliable material; and wherein
means are provided to change the radial distance from the axis of
rotation of said part to its rolling contact surface by expanding
or contracting its pliable surface so as to vary the rotational velocity
of the output body divided by the rotational velocity of the input
body.
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7 | WITH FRICTION ENHANCING FLUID: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter and further including means for applying
a flowable material to a rolling contact surface; said material
having a characteristic that increases the resistance to relative
slipping movement between said rolling contact surfaces. |
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8 | WITH LUBRICATION: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter and further including means for applying
a substance between contacting moving parts to reduce friction between the
contacting parts.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
184, | Lubrication, for lubricating devices and systems in general. |
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9 | FLUID CONTROL: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein means are provided to regulate the
operation of said transmission, and such means is actuated by hydraulic
or pneumatic energy.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2+, | for fluid control of condition responsive ratio
change. |
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10 | Of toroidal transmission: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein said transmission includes first
and second surfaces facing each other and having a common rotational
axis, said first surface having a semicircular concave portion spaced
from its rotational axis, and said second surface having a semicircular
concave portion spaced from its rotational axis and facing said
concave portion of said first surface so that said concave surface
portions of said first and second surface together define a doughnut-shaped
cavity surrounding said rotational axis; and said transmission further
includes an idler member rotatable about its own axis and positioned
in said cavity to transfer rotary motion from said first to said
second surface.
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11 | ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC CONTROL: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein means are provided to regulate the
operation of said transmission, and such means are actuated by electric
or magnetic energy.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4, | for electric or magnetic control of condition responsive
ratio change. |
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12 | WITH INDICATOR OR ALARM: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter and further including a device for indicating
a condition thereof or for providing a warning that an undesirable
condition exists.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, | Signals and Indicators, for indicators and alarms in general. |
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13 | CYCLICAL OUTPUT: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein means are provided to vary the rotational
speed of said output body according to a predetermined pattern without
operator intervention.
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14 | WITH TRANSMISSION COOLING OR HEATING MEANS: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter and also including means to alter the temperature
of an element thereof during operation.
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15 | FORWARD AND REVERSE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein means are provided to drive said
output body in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction.
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16 | Flexible belt in drive train: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein one of a group of interconnected
elements providing rotary drive between said input and output bodies
includes an endless flexible member.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
474, | Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components, for frictional power transmission via an endless flexible
member. |
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17 | Drive in one direction by direct engagement of belt pulleys: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein said endless flexible member extends
between and drivingly engages a pair of wheels; and wherein means
is provided to provide direct driving contact between surfaces of
said wheels to drive said output body in said clockwise or counterclockwise
direction.
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18 | Variable speed in forward or reverse: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein means are provided to change the
rotational velocity of said output body in either said clockwise
or counterclockwise direction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47+, | and 59+, for variable speed friction gearing
wherein a reversing feature may be disclosed but not claimed. |
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19 | With toothed gears in drive train: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Subject matter wherein one of a group of interconnected
elements providing rotary drive between said input and output bodies
includes members having intermeshing teeth to transmit rotation
from one to the other of said members.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, | Machine Element or Mechanism, for gearing, per se, which has intermeshing teeth. |
475, | Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components, for planetary gearing having intermeshing teeth. |
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20 | Stepped ratio change: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Subject matter wherein means are provided to vary the rotational
velocity of the output body divided by the rotational velocity of
the input body, said velocity being varied in a finite number of
increments.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
59+, | for stepped ratio change friction gearing wherein
a reversing feature may be disclosed but not claimed. |
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21 | Intermediate idler between input and output gears: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Subject matter wherein said rotary motion transmitting parts
include a first element rotatable by said input body, a second element
rotatably connected to said output body and a third element rotatable
about its own axis; said third element having surface portions sequentially contacting
said first and second elements to transmit rotary motion from said
first element to said second element via said third element by surface
friction of rolling contact between said third element and said
first and second elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50+, | for similar gearing wherein a reversing feature
may be disclosed but not claimed. |
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22 | Idler between conoidal gears: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein said first and second elements are
in the shape of a cone or the frustum of a cone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
51, | for similar gearing wherein a reversing feature
may be disclosed but not claimed. |
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23 | Idler between flat discs: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein said first and second elements comprise
flat circular plates with said third element contacting the flat
surfaces of said plates.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54, | for similar gearing wherein a reversing feature
may be disclosed but not claimed. |
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24 | Driving and driven gears on perpendicular axes: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Subject matter wherein said rolling frictional contact is
between a first part having a first rotational axis and a second
part having a second rotational axis; said second axis being at
an angle of ninety degrees relative to said first axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
56+, | for similar gearing wherein a reversing feature
may be disclosed but not claimed. |
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26 | Driving and driven gears on angularly related axes: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein said rolling frictional contact is
between a first part having a first rotational axis and a second
part having a second rotational axis; said second rotational axis being
different from and intersecting said first rotational axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68+, | for similar gearing wherein a reversing feature
may be disclosed but not claimed. |
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27 | PLURAL GEARING IN SERIES: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein in addition to said parts transmitting
rotary motion by surface friction of rolling contact there is located,
in series therewith, a second assembly of elements transmitting
rotary motion from the input body to the output body by rolling
contact between engaging surfaces of said elements.
Friction gear SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, | Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclass 745 for plural ratio change gearing in series. |
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28 | Flexible belt in drive train: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter wherein said second assembly of elements
includes an endless flexible member.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
16, | for a flexible belt in a drive train of forward
and reverse gearing systems. |
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29 | Friction gearing is ratio change gearing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter wherein said parts transmitting rotary motion
by surface friction of rolling contact include means to vary the
rotational velocity of the output body divided by the rotational velocity
of the input body.
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33 | Friction gearing is ratio change gearing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter wherein said parts transmitting rotary motion
by surface friction of rolling contact include means to vary the
rotational velocity of the output body divided by the rotational velocity
of the input body.
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34 | One gear is toothed bevel gear: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter wherein said second assembly of elements
includes members having intermeshing radial teeth transmitting rotary motion,
and wherein the radial teeth on said members are inclined with respect
to the rotational axis of said members.
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35 | One gear is worm gear: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter wherein said second assembly of elements
for transmitting rotary motion includes a rotary body having radial
teeth on the rim, with the edges of the teeth arranged as a helix
extending around the rotational axis of the body.
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36 | FRICTION GEAR IS BALL: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein said rolling contact parts include
a spherical element for transmitting rotary motion by surface friction
of rolling contact between said spherical element and another element.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
475, | Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components,
subclass 196 for a spherical friction planetary gear. |
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37 | With condition responsive means to vary contact pressure: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter including means to sense a condition or change
of condition in the environment of said friction gear transmission;
and, in response to such sensing, said means act to increase pressure
of frictional contact between said rotary motion transmitting parts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9+, | for condition responsive fluid control to increase
contact pressure; and subclasses 41, 48, and 61+ for other transmissions
having condition responsive pressure variation. |
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38 | Variable ratio: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter which includes means to change the rotational
velocity of the output body divided by the rotational velocity of
the input body.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
475, | Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components,
subclass 189 , for a spherical friction planetary gear having
means for ratio change. |
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39 | FRICTION GEAR INCLUDES IDLER ENGAGING FACING CONCAVE SURFACES: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein said rotary motion transmitting parts
include a first rotatable element having a first concave surface,
a second rotatable element having a second concave surface facing
the concave surface of said first rotatable element so as to define
a cavity therebetween, and a third rotatable element rotatable about
its own axis and mounted in said cavity; said third rotatable element
including surface portions in contact with said first and second
concave surfaces to transmit rotary motion from said first element
to said second element via said third element by surface friction
of rolling contact between said contacting surfaces.
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40 | Toroidal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter wherein said first and second concave portions
are radially spaced from the axis of rotation of said first and
second elements so that said cavity is substantially doughnut-shaped
and surrounds the axis of rotation of said first and second elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10, | for fluid control of a toroidal transmission. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
475, | Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components,
subclass 192 for a frictional toric planetary gear system. |
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41 | With condition responsive means to vary contact pressure: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter including means to sense a condition or change
of condition in the environment of said friction gear transmission;
and, in response to such sensing, said means acts to increase pressure
of frictional contact between said rotary motion transmitting parts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10, | for condition responsive fluid control to vary contact
pressure in a toroidal transmission, and subclasses 37, 48, and
61+ for other condition responsive pressure variation. |
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42 | Plural toric cavities: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter which further includes an additional set
of concave portions defining a second substantially doughnut-shaped
cavity; said second cavity also including an element rotatable about
its own axis and mounted in said second cavity.
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43 | Including threaded means to adjust idler: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter wherein adjusting means are provided to change
the position of said third element in said cavity; and wherein said
adjusting means are actuated by rotary movement of a part having
a surface in the form of a helix around the axis of rotation of
the part.
threaded adjuster |
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44 | Including toothed gearing to adjust idler: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter wherein adjusting means are provided to change
the position of said third element in said cavity; and wherein said
adjusting means are actuated by movement of first toothed element
that meshes with a second toothed element to move said second element and
said adjusting means.
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45 | Including spring means to bias friction surfaces into engagement: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter wherein one of said first, second, or third
elements is biased into contact with another of said first, second,
or third elements by a resilient member.
biasing spring SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
65+, | for spring means to urge gears into engagement in
other friction transmissions. |
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46 | Idler supported by roller bearing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter wherein said third element is mounted for
rotation relative to a holder by rotatable bearings spaced around
the axis of rotation of said third element.
support bearing SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
70, | for other transmissions having roller bearing support
for friction gears. |
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47 | STEPLESS RATIO CHANGE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein means are provided to vary the rotational
velocity of the output body divided by the rotational velocity of the
input body, said velocity being varied in an infinite number of
increments.
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48 | With condition responsive means to vary contact pressure: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter including means to sense a condition or change
of condition in the environment of said friction gear transmission;
and, in response to such sensing, said means act to increase pressure
of frictional contact between said rotary motion transmitting parts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37, | 41 and 61+, for other friction gearing transmissions
having condition responsive means to vary contact pressure of the
gears. |
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49 | Plural interdigitated disks on parallel axes: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter wherein said friction gear transmission includes
a first plurality of plates spaced from each other along a first
rotational axis; and a second plurality of plates spaced from each
other along a second rotational axis; said second plates extending
into the space between said first plates, and said second plates contacting
said first plates to transmit rotary motion by surface friction
of rolling contact.
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50 | Intermediate idler between driving and driven gears: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter wherein said rotary motion transmitting parts
include a first element rotatable by said input body, a second element
rotatably connected to said output body, and a third element rotatable
about its own axis; said third element having surface portions sequentially contacting
said first and second elements to transmit rotary motion from said
first element to said second element via said third element by surface
friction of rolling contact between said third element and said
first and second elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
21, | for similar structure in forward and reverse gearing. |
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51 | Idler between conoidal gears: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter wherein said first and second elements are
in the shape of a cone or the frustum of a cone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
22, | for similar structure in forward and reverse gearing. |
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53 | Rigid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter wherein said band is inflexible.
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54 | Idler between flat disks: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter wherein said first and second elements comprise
flat circular plates with said third element contacting the flat
surfaces of said plates.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
23, | for similar structure in forward and reverse gearing. |
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56 | Perpendicular: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein said second axis is at an angle of
ninety degrees relative to said first axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24, | for similar structure in forward and reverse gearing. |
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57 | Disc and wheel: |
| Subject matter under 56 wherein said first part is a flat,
circular plate and said second part is a circular ring; and wherein
rotary motion is transmitted by surface contact between the exterior
round surface of the ring and the flat face of the plate.
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59 | STEPPED RATIO CHANGE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein means are provided to vary the rotational
velocity of the output body divided by the rotational velocity of the
input body, said velocity being varied in a finite number of increments.
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60 | Stepped motor shaft: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Subject matter wherein the input body comprises a shaft
on a prime mover, said shaft having varied diameters spaced along
its length.
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61 | CONDITION RESPONSIVE MEANS TO VARY CONTACT PRESSURE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means to sense a condition or change
of conditions in the environment of said friction gear transmission;
and, in response to such sensing, said means act to increase pressure
of frictional contact between said rotary motion transmitting parts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37, | 41 and 48, for other condition responsive pressure
variation in specific kinds of friction gearing. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
475, | Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components,
subclass 195 for torque responsive means to vary contact pressure
in a planetary friction transmission. |
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62 | Centrifugal actuator: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein said means include a mass rotatable
about an axis with a member of said friction transmission; and wherein
a component of force acting on said mass by said rotation in a direction
away from said rotational axis is used to move a transmission component
by said mass to increase said frictional contact pressure.
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64 | FRICTION GEAR ON SHAFT OF MOVABLY MOUNTED MOTOR: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein one of said parts in frictional rolling
contact is mounted on a prime mover shaft; and wherein said prime mover
is adjustably mounted on a support therefor to change the position
of said one of said parts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
60, | for a motor having a stepped shaft, wherein the
motor may be movable to bring different stepped portions of the shaft
into contact with a driven member to obtain a variable ratio. |
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65 | SPRING URGES CONTACTING GEARS INTO ENGAGEMENT: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein said parts transmitting rotary motion
are biased into rolling contact with each other by a resilient member.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
45, | for spring means to urge friction gears into engagement
in a toroidal transmission. |
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66 | Coil spring: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter wherein said resilient member is a helically
coiled wire.
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67 | FRICTION TRANSMISSION OR ELEMENT: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. A transmission as defined in the ... or a device particularly
adapted to be used with said transmission.
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68 | Friction gears on nonlinear angularly related axes: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Subject matter wherein said rolling frictional contact is
between a first part having a first rotational axis and a second
part having a second rotational axis; said second rotational axis being
different from and intersecting said first rotational axis.
Input shaft; Output pulley SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24, | and 55, for other friction gear transmissions having
gears on angularly related axes. |
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69 | Perpendicular axes: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter wherein said second axis is at an angle of
ninety degrees relative to said first axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24, | and 56+, for other friction gear transmissions
having gears on perpendicular axes. |
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70 | Roller bearing between gear and support: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Subject matter wherein a part in rolling frictional contact
is mounted for rotation relative to a holder, by rotatable bearings
spaced about the axis of said part.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46, | for other transmissions having roller bearing support
for friction gears. |
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71 | Flexible drive shaft: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Subject matter wherein a drive train between said input
and output bodies including a bendable elongated member rotatable
about its longitudinal axis to transmit torque.
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72 | Particular friction surface: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Subject matter wherein significance is attributed to the
configuration of the contacting portion said parts in rolling contact,
or to the material from which said portion is formed.
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73 | Metallic: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter wherein said portion is, at least in part,
formed from a metal.
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CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
900 | OVERLOAD RELEASE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. A collection of patents relating to structure for interrupting
the flow of power through a drive train when torque on the output
means exceeds a predetermined limit. |
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