US4077278A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Torque converter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-08-17
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Granted: 1978-03-07
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Expires: 1996-08-17
Abstract
Abstract A torque converter includes two differentials, the cage of the first differential receiving the input shaft power and the cage of the second differential driving the power-receiving output shaft. Both differentials have their planet wheels coupled by pairs, the first group constituting a gear train providing a ratio M while the second group constitutes a gear train providing a ratio N, the ratio M/N differing from unity. The converter input shaft is rigid with the first planet carrier while the output shaft is rigid with the second planet carrier cage.
Inventors
- 👤 Michel Combastet
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 12:01
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H3/00; F16H3/44; F16H3/74
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A mechanical torque converter operating by differential retroaction, said torque converter comprising: a power input shaft; a power receiving output shaft; first and second differentials, the cage of the first differential being coupled to and receiving the power from said power input shaft, and the cage of the second differential being coupled to and driving said power receiving output shaft; and said first and second differentials each having planet wheels coupled by pairs such that a first group forms a gear train providing a gear ratio M and a second group forms a gear train providing a gear ratio N, wherein the ratio M/N is other than unity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A mechanical torque converter operating by differential retroaction, said torque converter comprising: a power input shaft; a power receiving output shaft; first and second differentials, the cage of the first differential being coupled to and receiving the power from said power input shaft, and the cage of the second differential being coupled to and driving said power receiving output shaft; and said first and second differentials each having planet wheels coupled by pairs such that a first group forms a gear train providing a gear ratio M and a second group forms a gear train providing a gear ratio N, wherein the ratio M/N is other than unity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A mechanical torque converter according to claim 1, wherein said differentials are mounted in parallel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A mechanical torque converter according to claim 1, wherein said differentials are mounted in series.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A mechanical torque converter according to claim 1, wherein said differentials are incorporated in each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
118 words
A mechanical torque converter according to claim 4, wherein said first differential comprises a pair of satellite gears having said cage thereof rigid with said input power shaft, a sun wheel rigid with a central shaft and an annulus carrying a pair of coupling gears, said second differential comprises a pair of satellite gears the said cage of which carries said output shaft driving a torque receiving member, a first sun wheel revolving about said power shaft, and a second sun wheel rigid with said central shaft, the two differentials being operatively interconnected by said pair of coupling gears meshing with a transmission gear also in meshing engagement with one of said sun wheels of the second differential.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
117 words
A mechanical torque converter according to claim 5, wherein said first and second differentials comprise a pair of epicyclic gear systems associated with each other, and further comprising a pair of satellite gears in meshing engagement with a sun wheel which is rigid with the gear of the output epicyclic gear system, and also with an internally toothed annulus, said annulus and sun wheel constituting the planet gears, and other gears meshing with said annulus and said epicyclic system gear, constituting the output train satellite gears, the ratio M/N being equal to the ratio of the number of teeth of said sun wheel and said output train epicyclic gears to the number of teeth of said annulus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-03-06 | 1981-09-05 | 1982-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-03-06 | 1985-09-05 | 1986-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-03-06 | 1989-09-05 | 1990-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |