Ker-train's "Incrementally-Variable Speed Change
Gearbox" incorporates a plurality of binary gear-trains
with fixed ratios in the sequence X1, X2, X4, X8, etc.,
so that when activated on or off independently with binary
control system logic, all combinations of products of the
ratios of the binary gear-trains will result in driveline ratios
in the order of the geometric progression X0,
X1, X2, X3, X4,
X5, X6, X7, etc., to XN.
This provides a total of sixteen ratios with four binary gear- trains,
thirty-two ratios with five binary gear-trains, sixty-four
ratios with six binary gear-trains, etc., doubling the number
of ratios with each additional gear-train.
The "Gemini Drive" is a drive by wire
digital electronic tracked vehicle transmission with 64
uniformly spaced forward and reverse speed ratios. Kinematically
identical gearboxes operate in unison to provide not only
64 vehicle speed ratios, but also 64 steering ratios. With
no torque converter or hydrostatic pump/motor set, parasitic
losses are low, efficiency is high and heat rejection requirements
are far less than present track laying transmissions of
equivalent capacity.
Current Developments:
Eight-Speed Fan Drive
32-Speed LAV Transmission
