Variable speed drive unit
First Claim
1. A variable speed drive unit for translating reciprocal motion into rotary motion and for selectively changing the ratio between the amplitude of the reciprocal motion and the degree of rotation of the rotary motion while said drive unit is in operation, said variable speed drive unit comprising:
- (a) a frame,(b) an elongate flexible power transmission member having,a. a first end secured to said frame,b. a second end,c. a normally straight section intermediate said ends, andd. a drive section intermediate said straight section and said second end;
(c) biasing means interconnected between the second end of said power transmission member and said frame for exerting tension upon said member;
(d) means for angularly deflecting said straight section thereby urging reciprocal movement of said drive section;
(e) a unidirectional drive element engaged with said drive section of said power transmission member and providing a unidirectional rotary output in response to the movement of said drive section; and
(f) control means carried by said frame for selectively varying the angular deflection of said straight section of said power transmission member.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An elongate flexible power transmission member, stationarily affixed at one end and secured to tension biasing means at the other end, is engaged with a unidirectional drive mechanism. Reciprocating power input means angularly deflect a section of the power transmission means, causing reciprocal movement of the power transmission means and urging rotation of the unidirectional drive mechanism. The drive ratio between the length of the stroke of the reciprocating power input means and the degree of rotation of the unidirectional drive mechanism is controlled by a pair of extendibly and retractably movable guides engaged with the power transmission member for determining the section thereof subject to angular deflection.
-
Citations
8 Claims
-
1. A variable speed drive unit for translating reciprocal motion into rotary motion and for selectively changing the ratio between the amplitude of the reciprocal motion and the degree of rotation of the rotary motion while said drive unit is in operation, said variable speed drive unit comprising:
-
(a) a frame, (b) an elongate flexible power transmission member having, a. a first end secured to said frame, b. a second end, c. a normally straight section intermediate said ends, and d. a drive section intermediate said straight section and said second end; (c) biasing means interconnected between the second end of said power transmission member and said frame for exerting tension upon said member; (d) means for angularly deflecting said straight section thereby urging reciprocal movement of said drive section; (e) a unidirectional drive element engaged with said drive section of said power transmission member and providing a unidirectional rotary output in response to the movement of said drive section; and (f) control means carried by said frame for selectively varying the angular deflection of said straight section of said power transmission member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. In a drive mechanism comprising an elongate flexible power transmission element supported by at least two spaced-apart support members and coupled to a unidirectional drive element so as to convert reciprocal motion of at least a portion of said elongate flexible power transmission element to rotary motion at said unidirectional drive element, a variable speed drive apparatus comprising:
-
means for reciprocating said elongate flexible power transmission element by angularly deflecting same between at least two of said spaced apart support members; and means for selectively varying the distance between said at least two spaced apart support members while said elongate flexible power transmission element is in at least one of the states of reciprocation and rest.
-
Specification