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Transmission Technologies Corporation

George M Ketcham

A continuously variable traction transmission uses a pair of rotatable, substantially cone shaped members, one cone being connected to a power input shaft and the other cone being connected to the load output shaft. The small diameter of one cone is oriented adjacent the large diameter end of the other cone. The cone surfaces are configured such that the cones may make contact at a point or small area, for example, as seen longitudinally, the surface of one cone may be slightly convex and the surface of the other cone may be straight. The shafts on which the cones rotate are angularly adjustable with respect to each other such that the point of contact, and therefore the ratio of diameters of the cones, may be varied from one end of the cones to the other to continuously vary the input/output ratio of speed and torque transmitted through the transmission. Control systems for the transmission permit automatic or external manual control over the starting input/output ratio and over adjustment of the input/output ratio during operation.

Continuously variable traction transmission and control system

Continuously variable traction transmission

A wheeled tailer power unit includes a self-powered, self-contained towing servomechanism that permits selective towing and control of a trailing vehicle by a leading vehicle in the absence of a power transmitting and control umbilical between the leading vehicle and the trailer power unit, A controller included in the trailer power unit measures the relative displacement of the unit and the leading vehicle and communicates to a unit control and drive means appropriate signals to operate variable torque transmitting drive means operating the respective wheels of the trailer power unit.

Self-powered towing servomechanism

An intelligent slave vehicle follows the movements of a master vehicle without imposing a requirement on the master vehicle to supply towing power for the slave vehicle, the slave vehicle being self powered and self controlling in dependence on movements of the master vehicle.

Growing community of inventors

Easton, CT, United States of America

George M Ketcham