A pinion gear, with a varied gear ratio, can be inline with a rack. When the rack moves, the pinion gear can rotate. This rotation can cause an interior of an electrical generator to rotate. Rotation of the interior of the electrical generator can cause an electricity to be produced and outputted.

A crank assembly for a bicycle includes a crank axle, crank arms mounted to the crank axle to rotate the crank axle, a carrier shaft slidably mounted on the crank axle and configured to slide relative to the crank axle, and a sprocket mounted on the carrier shaft. A position sensor determines a relative position of a diametric axis of the sprocket relative to a central longitudinal axis of the crank arm at an end of a power stroke. Further, an actuator is operatively coupled to the carrier shaft to slide the carrier shaft, and a controller is configured to actuate the actuator to slide the carrier shaft relative to the crank axle based on input from the position sensor to change a start time of the power stroke of the sprocket.

A crank assembly for a bicycle includes a crank axle, crank arms mounted to the crank axle to rotate the crank axle, a carrier shaft slidably mounted on the crank axle and configured to slide relative to the crank axle, and a sprocket mounted on the carrier shaft. A position sensor determines a relative position of a diametric axis of the sprocket relative to a central longitudinal axis of the crank arm at an end of a power stroke. Further, an actuator is operatively coupled to the carrier shaft to slide the carrier shaft, and a controller is configured to actuate the actuator to slide the carrier shaft relative to the crank axle based on input from the position sensor to change a start time of the power stroke of the sprocket.

Disclosed herein are multi-turn drive assemblies, systems and methods of use thereof. The multi-turn drive assemblies enable a robot link member to have a maximum rotation of at least 360 degrees about an axis. The multi-turn drive assemblies can be incorporated into a robot arm for enabling 360 degrees rotation of one or more link members about an axis. The robot arm may be located in a transfer chamber of an electronic device processing system. Also disclosed are methods of controlling the multi-turn drive assemblies and related robots.

Disclosed herein are multi-turn drive assemblies, systems and methods of use thereof. The multi-turn drive assemblies enable a robot link member to have a maximum rotation of at least 360 degrees about an axis. The multi-turn drive assemblies can be incorporated into a robot arm for enabling 360 degrees rotation of one or more link members about an axis. The robot arm may be located in a transfer chamber of an electronic device processing system. Also disclosed are methods of controlling the multi-turn drive assemblies and related robots.

The present invention is a variable-ratio line gear mechanism. The mechanism forms a transmission pair consisting of a driving line gear and a driven line gear, of which axes intersect at an arbitrary angle. Transmission is generated by point contact meshing movement of line teeth between the driving line gear and the driven line gear. A contact curve of the line tooth is designed in accordance with space conjugate curve meshing theory, and the designing equation is divided into an equal transmission ratio part and a variable transmission ratio part. The equal transmission ratio part provides a uniform transmission, and the variable transmission ratio part makes the transmission ratio smoothly transit. The line gear mechanism is able to provide periodically transmission with variable transmission ratio, to provide a plurality of transmission ratios during a movement period of the driven line gear, and to enable smooth transitions between respective transmission ratios in accordance with movement rules.

The present invention is a variable-ratio line gear mechanism. The mechanism forms a transmission pair consisting of a driving line gear and a driven line gear, of which axes intersect at an arbitrary angle. Transmission is generated by point contact meshing movement of line teeth between the driving line gear and the driven line gear. A contact curve of the line tooth is designed in accordance with space conjugate curve meshing theory, and the designing equation is divided into an equal transmission ratio part and a variable transmission ratio part. The equal transmission ratio part provides a uniform transmission, and the variable transmission ratio part makes the transmission ratio smoothly transit. The line gear mechanism is able to provide periodically transmission with variable transmission ratio, to provide a plurality of transmission ratios during a movement period of the driven line gear, and to enable smooth transitions between respective transmission ratios in accordance with movement rules.

This invention is an all gear infinitely variable transmission that is non-dependent on friction. It can me be used in high torque applications. It offers a steady and uniform output for a steady and uniform input. It allows a co-axial input and output thereby by using a planetary gear system the output can be made continuous from for to reverse. This uses a scotch-yoke mechanism to convert rotational motion to a linear reciprocating motion. The linear distance of this reciprocating motionstroke is changed by altering the crankpin location of the scotch-yoke mechanism. This reciprocating motion is converted to a rocking motion by using a rack and pinion and later converted to a unidirectional motion via a One-Way-Bearing. A set of non-circular gears are used to achieve a steady and uniform output. It employs a very simple mechanism to change the ratio between the input and output of the transmission.

[Object] To propose a novel and improved support apparatus in which the apparatus can be miniaturized more effectively, while also minimizing limitations on the attitude of the apparatus.

[Solution] Provided is a support apparatus including: a drive motor, a link mechanism that, by transmitting motive power output from the drive motor, is extendable and contractable in response to the motive power, and a pair of rotating bodies that act as a variable speed mechanism that outputs the motive power to the link mechanism by a reduction ratio according to an attitude of the link mechanism. At least part of the link mechanism forms a trapezoidal link mechanism.

[Object] To propose a novel and improved support apparatus in which the apparatus can be miniaturized more effectively, while also minimizing limitations on the attitude of the apparatus.

[Solution] Provided is a support apparatus including: a drive motor, a link mechanism that, by transmitting motive power output from the drive motor, is extendable and contractable in response to the motive power, and a pair of rotating bodies that act as a variable speed mechanism that outputs the motive power to the link mechanism by a reduction ratio according to an attitude of the link mechanism. At least part of the link mechanism forms a trapezoidal link mechanism.