Patent · US Active

Apparatuses and methods for controlling a variable speed transmission

US7850555B2 · kind B2 · utility

22Cited by
36References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 30, 2004
Grant dateDec 14, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 13, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA01D69/08
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for controlling a variable speed transmission including an actuator, a cam follower, and a speed adjustment cam. The actuator is rotatable through a first phase and a subsequent second phase, and includes an actuator cam surface and a variator. The cam follower is movable in response to contact with the actuator cam surface during rotation through the first phase, for actuating a coupler of the transmission between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The variator is movable along the speed adjustment cam during rotation through the second phase for enabling adjustment of a torque transfer mechanism associated with the transmission. By this configuration, control over the coupling of the transmission to a torque input such as a motor and control over the speed of the transmission are both enabled through rotation of a single actuator, and thus can be implemented in a self-propelled machine such as a lawnmower using a single operator-manipulated control.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.