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Title:
IMPROVED SPRAGUE GEAR TRANSMISSION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2014/028782
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission is disclosed capable of converting reciprocating power inputs in both the forward and backward directions to a continuous rotational output in one direction while always maintaining an optimum ninety degree vector angle during operation in order to perform maximum transfer of power. A first Sprague gear catches during the forward movement of a reciprocating member and then a second Sprague gear catches during the backward movement of the reciprocating member. While the first Sprague gear catches (drives), the second Sprague gear slips (idles); and, then while the second Sprague gear drives, the first Sprague gear idles. A pair of separated synchronous pulleys coupled together by a synchronous belt both rotate in the same forward direction during the forward movement of a reciprocating member and apply forward rotation to a common power output shaft. Then a pair of mating spur gears that rotate in the opposite directions of each other cancel out the reversed movement of the reciprocating member, which results in the mating spur gears also applying forward rotation force to the power output shaft. The power output shaft is thereby rotated twice in the forward direction from a single back and forth movement of a reciprocating member.

Inventors:
ROBERT DANIEL HUNT (US)
ROBERT DANIEL HUNT II (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2013/055215
Publication Date:
February 20, 2014
Filing Date:
August 15, 2013
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ROBERT DANIEL HUNT (US)
ROBERT DANIEL HUNT II (US)
International Classes:
F03B13/14; F03B13/22; F03C1/26
Domestic Patent References:
WO2011112877A12011-09-15
WO2011083347A12011-07-14
Foreign References:
US20100047071A12010-02-25
US6247308B12001-06-19
US20110156395A12011-06-30
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Claims:
Improved Sprague Gear Transmission

Claims:

1. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output in a single direction while always maintaining an optimum ninety degree vector angle during operation in order to perform maximum transfer of power is hereby claimed comprising; at least one reciprocating member capable of transferring power from a suitable power source such as a piston engine whose pistons reciprocate back and forth, a buoyant device that moves up and down in response to wave energy or any other form of reciprocating motion capable of providing input power or force; at least two mating pinion or spur gears capable of reversing the direction of rotation of each other; at least two

synchronous pulleys coupled together by a synchronous belt capable of transferring force and being capable of providing rotation in the same direction; at least two Sprague gears capable of catching (driving) in one direction of rotation and of slipping (idling) when rotated in the opposite direction; at least one reciprocating shaft capable of transferring force; at least one power output shaft capable of transferring force; and, whereby during the forward motion of the reciprocating member providing power input in the forward direction, power is transferred to the power take-off pulley which in response rotates in the forward direction; and, whereby the power take-off pulley is coupled to a

reciprocating shaft that transfers rotational force in the forward direction to a first Sprague gear one that in response rotates in the forward direction; and, whereby this first Sprague gear one catches (drives) and transfers rotational force via the reciprocating shaft in the forward direction to a first synchronous pulley one; and, whereby the first pulley one transfers rotational force to a second synchronous pulley two coupled to the first pulley one by a synchronous belt and the second pulley two also rotates in the forward direction; and, whereby second pulley two is attached to the power take-off shaft and thereby transfers rotational force to the power take-off shaft in the forward direction during the forward stoke of the reciprocating member; and, whereby in response to the forward rotation of power output shaft, the second pinion gear two connected to the power output shaft is also rotated in the forward direction; and, whereby the second pinion two gear mates with the first pinion gear one that in response rotates in the backward direction because mating gears cause opposite directions of rotations of each other; and whereby first mating spur gear one is coupled to the reciprocating shaft that is coupled to the second Sprague gear two that slips (idles) in response to being rotated in the direction in which it slips being a clutch that catches in one direction and slips in the opposite direction; and, whereby during the backward movement of the reciprocating member it provides input power to the power take-off pulley, the pulley rotates in the backward direction in response thereto; and, whereby the power take-off pulley is coupled to the reciprocating shaft and it transfers rotational force to the second Sprague gear two in the backward direction; and, whereby the second Sprague gear two catches (drives) and transfers rotational force in the backward direction to the reciprocating shaft in response to being coupled the second Sprague gear two; and, whereby the

reciprocating shaft transfers rotational force to the first pinion gear one in the backward direction; and, whereby the first pinion gear one transfers rotational force to the second pinion gear two that in response rotates in the forward direction because mating pinion gears rotate in the opposite directions of each other; and, whereby the second pinion two gear is connected to the power output shaft and thereby transfers rotational force to the power output shaft in the forward direction; and, whereby second synchronous pulley two also connected to power output shaft rotates in the forward direction along with first pulley one being coupled to pulley two by the synchronous belt causing forward rotation; and, whereby first pulley one is connected to the reciprocating shaft that is also rotated in the forward direction; and, whereby the reciprocating shaft is connect to the first Sprague gear one thereby rotating gear one in the forward direction; and, whereby first Sprague gear one slips (idles) in response to being rotated in the direction in which it slips; and, whereby the backward movement of the reciprocating member results in a second forward rotation of the power output shaft due to the reversal of direction caused by the mating spur gears that cancels out the change in direction of the reciprocating member as the member changes directions from the forward direction to the backward direction; and, whereby Sprague first gear one catches on the forward movement of the reciprocating member and then second Sprague gear two catches on the backward movement of the reciprocating member; and, whereby while the first Sprague gear one is catching

(driving), second Sprague gear two is slipping (idling); and, then while the second Sprague gear two is driving, Sprague gear one is slipping (idling); and, whereby two forward rotations of the power output shaft are achieved from a single back and forth movement of the reciprocating member in order to provide continuous power output rotation in a single direction that is capable of powering a rotary electrical generator; capable of providing mechanical rotary motive force for any means of transportation such as the wheels of an automobile; or to provide rotational mechanical power output for any purpose for which rotational mechanical power output may be used.

2. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output of claim 1 whereby a flywheel having his mass is attached to the power output shaft of the Sprague gear transmission in order to smooth out the rotation so there is no hesitation in regard to continuous rotation of the power output shaft in order to more efficiently provide continuous rotational power output.

3. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output of claim 1 whereby the gear ratios of the mating spur gears and of the mating pulleys are changed in order to either increase the velocity or decrease the velocity of the power output shaft.

4. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output of claim 1 whereby the improved Sprague gear transmission provides an improved transmission capable of providing continuous rotation that may be used by any and all means of transport, selected from such species as automobiles, boats, airplanes, trucks including heavy transport vehicles, heavy construction equipment or any other means of transport that requires the input of rotational power.

5. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output of claim 1 as shown in Figure 8 whereby the improved Sprague gear transmission provide a method of construction of a novel engine capable of being used for any other purpose for which an engine may be used; comprising a suitable engine, preferably a free piston engine that does not use a crankshaft, coupled to the Sprague gear transmission; at least one actuator assembly being a six way valve assembly that directs the input of working fluid into the cylinders and directs the exhaust flows from the engine; a pressurized working fluid, such as high pressure air or other gases, pressurized hot air supplied by a combustor; pressurized liquids or any combination of gases and liquids; power out rods capable acting as reciprocating members being capable of transfers input power to from the engine to the Sprague gear transmission; a suitable power take-off means, preferably a synchronous belt and pulley system, a rack and pinion system or a cable and pulley system, etc.; at least one power output rod extending from the pistons of the engine; and, whereby pressurized working fluid is supplied by suitable means to the engine that flows into the actuator that supplies pressurized fluid to power the pistons of the engine; and, whereby movement of the pistons in response to pressure causes movement of the power output rods connected to the pistons; and, whereby the rods are connected to a synchronous belt by suitable means; and whereby the belt provides input power to the power take-off synchronous pulley of the improved Sprague gear transmission disclosed herein connected to the free piston engine by suitable housing means; and whereby the Sprague gear transmission's power output shaft produces continuous rotation in a single forward direction; and, whereby he Sprague gear transmission converts the back and forth motion produced by the free piston engine into continuous rotation in a single direction while always maintaining an optimum ninety degree force vector angle;

whereby the rotational power output may be used to drive an electrical generator in order to produce electrical power output; rotate wheels of an automobile or other means of transportation, turn the propeller of an aircraft of a boat; and the output power of the engine may be used for any purpose for which an engine may be used.

6. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output of claim 1 whereby the improved Sprague gear transmission provides an improved means of constructing a wave generator capable of harnessing buoyant wave energy using the up and down and the back and forth motion of wave motion to power the Sprague gear transmission; comprising a weighted buoyant device attached to a top cable section and a bottom cable section that forms a closed loop under tension; a series of pulleys cable of supporting the cable; a least one Sprague gear transmission; suitable support piling or other structures capable of housing the wave energy generator; and, whereby the cables reciprocate back and forth in response to wave action lifting the weighted buoyant device to a higher elevation as the crest of a wave passes the device; and, then the weighted section of the device causes it to fall due to the acceleration of gravity; and, whereby the upward and the downward movements of the weighted buoyant device transfer power to the cables and cause the cables to create reciprocating motion; the input power provided by the buoyant device is transferred to the Sprague gear transmission mounted to the pier structure; and, whereby intermittent power input into the Sprague gear transmission is converted into continuous high speed continuous rotation by use of high gear ratio to increase the velocity of the power output shaft; and whereby the Sprague gear transmission drives an electrical generator in order to generate continuous electrical power output; or the rotational power output of the transmission may be used for any other purpose.

7. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output of claim 1 whereby the improved Sprague gear transmission provides an improved means of constructing a wave generator capable of harnessing buoyant wave energy using the up and down and the back and forth motion of wave motion to power the Sprague gear transmission having a much different geometry than the method described in claim 6 whereby the buoyant component providing floatation rocks back and forth like a seesaw on a fulcrum comprising; at least one floatation device having an arm having substantial length to which buoyant floatation is attached to each end of the arm; a suitable fulcrum being a pivot point; suitable housing to which the floatation device and the Sprague gear transmission are mounted, preferably a screw pile capable of being screwed into the ocean floor; a least one synchronous belt capable of transferring reciprocating power; At least two synchronous pulleys; and, whereby the floatation arm mounted upon a horizontal fulcrum at its mid-point rocks back and forth like a seesaw on the pivot point; and whereby the a large synchronous pulley is fixed to the rocking arm as a power take- off means, which in response causes reciprocating movement of a synchronous belt coupled to the large pulley in response to the rocking motion provided by wave energy; and whereby the synchronous belt is connected to a fixed smaller power take-off synchronous pulley in order to provide input reciprocating force to the Sprague gear transmission in order to provide a high gear ratio in order to produce high speed rotation of the output shaft of the transmission in order to drive and electrical generator at velocity in order to efficiently generate electrical power output; and, whereby the method of harness wave energy herein discloses provides a major improvement over prior art means because the weight of the buoyant arm and the floatation at each of its ends and the large synchronous gear are balanced like a "seesaw" having equal weight on each side of the fulcrum, which means the weight of the buoyant device and its housing does not have to be lifted by the energy of the wave and much more energy is thereby available to be harnessed by the device of the present invention than is available by prior art wave energy generators.

8. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output of claim 1 and the wave generator of claim 7 whereby the length of the rotatable arm having floatation at each of its ends is adjustable to suit different wave length conditions in order to more efficiently extract wave energy to attain additional power that is lost in prior wave generators.

9. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output of claim 1 whereby and the wave generator of claim 7 whereby the support piling with an augur at the bottom of the piling that screws into the ground in order to secure the wave generator to the ocean floor provide a support onto which the housing of the wave generator vertically slips over the top of the piling in order to made the arm and floatation capable of being rotated 360 degrees of direction around the piling to self-align itself to the direction of the wave energy.

10. An improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission capable of converting the reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and backward motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output of claim 1 whereby and the wave generator of claim 7 whereby the support piling of claim 9 with an augur at the bottom of the piling that screws into the ground in order to secure the wave generator to the ocean floor provide a support onto which the housing of the wave generator is mounted provides a method of rapidly deploy for the wave energy generators disclosed herein.

Description:
Improved Sprague Gear Transmission

Background

The Present Inventor, Robert D. Hunt, was the original and first inventor to invent a transmission comprised of double-acting Sprague gears that convert the back and forth motion of a reciprocating member into rotation in a single direction that always maintains a perfect ninety degree vector angle during its operation for maximum transfer of power. International Patent Number PCT/IB2009/007766 titled "Sprague Gear Transmission" was filed on December 19, 2009 by Robert D. Hunt, the Present Inventor. Subsequently filed National Phase patents: US Patent Number 13,140,517 on June 20, 2011; and. European Application Number: 09797155.0 on My 13, 2012; and, India Application Number 6250/DELNP/2012; Filing Date (India): July 16, 2012. The present invention is an improvement to the original Sprague gear invention by the present inventor.

The Abstract to the International Patent reads as follows: "A novel double-acting Sprague gear mechanical transmission is herein disclosed capable of converting reciprocating power inputs in both the forward and backward directions to a continuous rotational output in one direction while always maintaining an optimum ninety degree vector angle during operation in order to perform maximum transfer of power. A first Sprague gear catches on the outward stroke of the rack bar and then a second Sprague gear catches on the inward stroke of the rack gear bar. While the first Sprague gear is catching (driving), the second Sprague gear is slipping (idling); and, then while the second Sprague gear is driving, the first Sprague gear is idling. A common power output gear having a common power output shaft mechanically connects the two Sprague gears so that they operate in unison, providing power output on both the inward and outward strokes of the rack bar in order to provide continuous power output rotation in a single direction that is capable of powering a rotary electrical generator or alternator and is capable of providing mechanical rotary motive force for any means of transportation such as the wheels of an automobile or to provide rotational mechanical power output for any purpose for which rotational mechanical power output may be used. A portion of the WIPO Search Report is presented below that shows patentability:

Box No. V Reasoned statement under Rule 43t>;≤.1(a)(!i with regard to nove!ty. inventive step or industrial applicability; citations and explanations supporting such statement

1. Statement

Movef iN; Yes: Ciaims y¾

ISifi: Claims

Inventive step (IS) Yes: GJaitns 1- 15

No: Claims

ίησυκηβΙ applicability ;;As Yes: Clain

Mo: Clain

2- Citations and expi-natons

s∞.s.eg.aral.^s_heei

The Sprague Gear Transmission stands as "new art". No like device or family within the scope of prior art devices can claim to achieve the conversion of reciprocating motion into continuous rotation in a single direction at a perfect ninety degree vector angle for the maximum transfer of force.

The goal of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method in order to construct a Sprague gear transmission that is not entirely comprised of a series of pinion gears, also known as "spur" gears. And to present a new Sprague gear transmission design that does not require a complex set of multiple mating spur gears as is illustrated in Figure 2 herein in order to change the direction of rotation to the forward direction during backward movement of a reciprocating member.

Description

An improved Sprague Gear Transmission is hereby disclosed being a novel method whereby a pair of separated synchronous pulleys coupled together by a synchronous belt both rotate in the same forward direction during the forward movement of a reciprocating member and apply forward rotation to a common power output shaft. Then a pair of mating spur gears that rotate in the opposite directions of each other cancel out the reversed movement of the reciprocating member, which results in the mating spur gears also applying forward rotation force to the power output shaft. The power output shaft is thereby rotated twice in the forward direction from a single back and forth movement of a reciprocating member. The power output shaft first gains forward rotation by the set of pulleys and then gains a second forward motion from the set of mating spur gears from one outward and inward movement of the reciprocating member. The present invention is a vast improvement in design and is a much simpler method of construction of a Sprague gear transmission as compared to the method described in the prior art, originally invented by the same inventor. Prior to the original invention by the present inventor, there was no Sprague gear transmission.

The improved double-acting Sprague gear transmission is capable of converting the

reciprocating power inputs of a reciprocating member having forward and back motion or upward and downward motion into continuous rotational power output in a single direction of a common power output shaft while always maintaining an optimum ninety degree vector angle during operation in order to perform maximum transfer of power. The Sprague gear transmission is capable of powering a rotary electrical generator; capable of providing mechanical rotary motive force for any means of transportation such as the wheels of an automobile; or to provide rotational mechanical power output for any purpose for which rotational mechanical power output may be used.

Sprague gear one catches on the forward movement of the reciprocating member and then Sprague gear two catches on the backward movement of the reciprocating member. While the first Sprague gear one is catching (driving), the second Sprague gear two is slipping (idling); and, then while the second Sprague gear is driving, the first Sprague gear (308) is idling. A common power output shaft provides forward rotational power output on both the forward and backward movements of the reciprocating member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is the prior art disclosed in International Patent Number PCT/IB2009/007766, which was the preferred embodiment of this prior art patent that represented the original design for a Sprague gear transmission, which was entirely comprised of a series of spur gears also known as pinion gears that were used in association with two Sprague gears (104 & 111).

The first Sprague gear (104) drives (catches) on the outward stroke while the second Sprague gear (111) slips; and, then the second gear (111) catches on the backward stroke while the first gear (104) slips. In order to reverse the direction of the force produced by the second Sprague gear (111) as it catches during the backward stoke in order to turn the power output shaft (107) in the same direction as the direction of rotation as the outward stroke, additional spur gears are needed which adds to the complexity of construction, additional friction, greater weight and other detrimental aspects such as the need of additional bearing and supports for the bearing to mount the additional spur gears needed to reverse the direction.

In this prior art design the power output pinion gear (108) being a spur gear in the drawing, is an additional spur gear needed in its design in order to reverse the direction of rotation of the force transferred to the common power output shaft (107) that has the problems as stated above associated with its use.

Rotation of the Sprague Gear Transmission in one direction in (drawing at the top of the page) is accomplished by the pressurized movement of the power input cylinder 1 rack bar (101) that moves over the top of the power input pinion gear (102) causing one pinion gear (103)/Sprague gear (104) to engage (Driving Mode), rotating the power transfer shaft (105), causing a connecting pinion gear (106), power output pinion gear (108), and power output shaft (107) to rotate a number of turns in the forward direction. The pinion gear (112)/Sprague gear (111) connection to a second power transfer shaft (110) rotates in the opposite direction, causing the second Sprague gear (111) to disengage (Idling Mode). At the same time, the power input cylinder 2 rack gear (113) is being forced in the backward direction.

Rotation of the Sprague Gear Transmission in the opposite direction (drawing at the bottom of the page) is accomplished by the pressurized movement of the power input cylinder 2 rack bar (113) that moves under the bottom of the power input pinion gear (102) causing the other pinion gear (112)/Sprague gear (111) to engage (Driving Mode), rotating the power transfer shaft (110), causing a connecting pinion gear (109), power output pinion gear (108), and power output shaft (107) to rotate a number of turns in the forward direction. The pinion gear (103)/Sprague gear (104) connection to the other power transfer shaft (105) rotates in the opposite direction, causing the other Sprague gear (104) to disengage (Idling Mode). At the same time, the power input cylinder 1 rack gear (101) is being forced in the backward direction.

Figure 2 is a photograph of an actual prior art operational Sprague gear transmission that is entirely made up of pinion gears (also known as spur gears). Note the complexity of the device. While it worked as designed having a perfect ninety degree vector angle during its operation, its design is difficult and expensive to construct and generates excessive friction and wear due to the large number of mating gear components, including the rack bar gears that are linear toothed gears.

Figure 2 comprises the following components:

101 - Power Input Cylinder 1 Rack Gear

102 - Power Input Pinion Gear

103 - Pinion Gear 1A

104 - Sprague Gear 1

105 - Power Transfer Shaft 1

106 - Pinion Gear IB

107 - Power Output Shaft

108 - Power Output Pinion Gear

109 - Pinion Gear

110 - Power Transfer Shaft 2

111 - Sprague Gear 2

112 - Pinion Gear 2 A

113 - Power Input Cylinder 2 Rack Gear

114 - Power Transfer Pinion Gear

Figure 3 is the preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrates the improved Sprague gear disclosed herein comprising; a pair mating pinion or spur gears (302 & 304) capable of reversing the direction of rotation a first spur gear one (304) in reference to a second spur gear two (302); a pair of synchronous pulleys (312 & 314) capable of rotation of a first pulley one (314) in the same direction as the direction of rotation of a second pulley two (312); a synchronous belt (320) capable of coupling the two synchronous pulleys (312 & 314) together in order to rotate in the same direction; at least one reciprocating shaft (316) capable of transferring force; at least one power output shaft (318) capable of transferring force; at least one power takeoff synchronous pulley (310) that reciprocates back and forth in response to the back and forth movement of the synchronous power input belt (300) being a reciprocating member that translates power for a source such as a piston engine (not shown) whose pistons reciprocate back and forth, a buoyant device (such as those show in Figure 9 & 10) that harness wave energy creating an up and down and / or back and forth movement; or movement by any other form of reciprocating motion produced by any source whatsoever.

And, comprising at least two Sprague gears (306 & 308) capable of catching (driving) in one direction of rotation and of slipping (idling) when rotated in the opposite direction. Whereby during the forward motion of synchronous belt (300) providing power input to power take-off pulley (310) which also rotates in the forward direction. Take-off pulley (310) is coupled to reciprocating shaft (316) which rotates the first Sprague gear one (308) in the forward direction. In response first Sprague gear one (308) catches (drives) being coupled to the first synchronous pulley one (314), which rotates the second synchronous pulley two (312) in the forward direction being connected to pulley one (310) by synchronous belt (320), which also rotates power takeoff shaft (318) connected to the second pulley two (312) in the forward direction. In response to the forward rotation of shaft (318), pinion gear two (302) is also rotated in the forward direction. Pinion gear two (302) mates with first pinion gear one (304) which turns gear one (304) in the backward direction because mating gears cause opposite directions of rotations of the two gears (302 & 304). Note that this causes a change of direction of rotations of two different sections of shaft (316) with one section on each side of the Sprague gear (306), which is allowed to occur because Sprague gear two (306) slips (idles) being a clutch that catches in one direction and slips in the opposite direction. Thereby the forward movement of the reciprocating member belt (300) results in a forward rotation of the power output shaft (318). Whereby during the backward motion of the reciprocating synchronous belt (300) providing power input to power take-off pulley (310) which now also rotates in the backward direction. Take-off pulley (310) is coupled to shaft (316) which rotates second Sprague gear two (306) in the backward direction. In response Sprague gear two (306) catches (drives) and being coupled to pinion gear one (304) rotates pinion gear one (304) in the backward direction. Pinion gear one (304) mates with pinion gear two (302) which results in pinion gear two (3020 being rotated in the opposite forward direction because mating pinion gears rotate in opposite directions.

Pinion gear two (302) is connected to power output shaft (318), which in response rotates power output shaft (318) in the forward direction. Pulley two (312) connected to shaft (318) is also rotated in the forward direction along with pulley one (314) being coupled to pulley two (312) by synchronous belt (320). Note that this causes a change of direction of rotations of two different sections of shaft (316) with one section on each side of the Sprague gear (308), which is allowed to occur because Sprague gear (308) slips (idles) being a clutch that catches in one direction and slips in the opposite direction. Thereby the backward movement of the reciprocating member belt (300) also results in a forward rotation of the power output shaft (318) due to the reversal of direction caused by the mating spur gears (302 & 304) that cancels out the change in direction of the reciprocating member (300) from the forward to the backward directions. Thus two forward rotations of the power output shaft (318) are achieved from a single back and forth movement of the reciprocating member (300).

Sprague gear one (308) catches on the forward movement of the reciprocating member (300) and then Sprague gear two (306) catches on the backward movement of the reciprocating member (300). While the first Sprague gear one (308) is catching (driving), the Sprague gear two (306) is slipping (idling); and, then while the second Sprague gear two (306) is driving, the Sprague gear one (308) is idling.

A common power output shaft (318) provides power output on both the forward and backward movements of the reciprocating member (300) in order to provide continuous power output rotation in a single direction that is capable of powering a rotary electrical generator or alternator (not shown) and is capable of providing mechanical rotary motive force for any means of transportation such as the wheels of an automobile (not shown) or to provide rotational mechanical power output for any purpose for which rotational mechanical power output may be used.

Figure 4 provides a detail view that illustrates the primary improvement of the present patent over the prior art Sprague gear transmission invented by the same present inventor as disclosed herein. The two synchronous pulleys (402 & 404) are connected in parallel by a synchronous belt (406) and both pulleys (402 & 404) turn in the same direction, which "drives" or "catches" in the forward direction and "slips" or "idles" in the backward direction. The two mating spur gears (408 & 410) rotate in the opposite directions. The mating spur gears (408 & 410) "drive" in the backward direction and "slip" in the forward direction. Force is transferred from Spur Gear One (408) to Spur Gear Two (410) with the change in direction of rotation of the shaft being canceled out by the change in direction of rotation of Spur Gear Two (410).

Figure 5 illustrates two different perspective views of an assembly as constructed of the improved Sprague gear transmission as disclosed herein and as illustrated in Figure 3. A force provided by a reciprocating power source being a reciprocating member (502) causes back and forth movement of a power take-off synchronous belt (504), which also reciprocates. The belt drives a main power take-off pulley (518) that reciprocates as well, along with portions of shaft (520) that transfers force to Sprague gear (510) on the left side and to Sprague gear (512) on the right side of the drawings. Sprague gear (512) catches or drives on the outward stroke of the reciprocating member (502) and rotates the power output shaft (508) in the forward direction because the mating pulleys (506) both turn in the same forward direction. Sprague gear (510) catches on the inward stroke of the reciprocating member (502), which causes rotation of the mating spur gears (514) that rotate in opposite directions in order to cancel out the change in direction of the reciprocating member (502) that results in a second rotation of power output shaft (508) in the forward direction. The shafts (508 & 520) are mounted onto housing (516) by bearings (522). Thereby a single back and forth movement of the reciprocating member (502) results in two rotations of the power output shaft (508) in the forward direction in order to produce continuous power output rotation in the forward direction having significant torque because a perfect force vector angle is always maintained by the improved Sprague gear transmission disclosed herein.

Figure 6 is a photographic presentation of the improved Sprague gear transmission of the present invention that is attached to a free piston engine further described in Figures 7 & 8 herein. The Sprague gear is constructed in the manner previously presented in Figures 3, 4, & 5. In addition to the methods shown in the previous drawings, a flywheel (702) is shown in order to smooth out the rotation so there is no hesitation in regard to continuous rotation of the power output shaft that provides a constant power output.

Figure 7 is a photographic presentation of a free piston engine using the improved Sprague gear transmission of the present invention. Pressurized gas is supplied through supply hose (704) to the free piston engine that flows into the actuator assembly (702) being a six way valve assembly that directs the input of working fluid into the cylinders and directs the exhaust flows from the engine. Pressurized gas drives the power pistons (not shown) within power cylinders (706). The pistons are connected to output rods that are connected to a synchronous belt (710) that reciprocates in response to the back and forth movement of the pistons within the cylinders (706) that will be more fully described in Figure 8 herein. The engine is connected to frame (708) having end support plates (716).

The Sprague gear transmission (714) converts the back and forth motion produced by the free piston engine into continuous rotation in a single direction while always maintaining an optimum ninety degree force vector angle that rotates and electrical generator (712) in order to produce electrical power output.

Figure 8 illustrates the power take-off method used by the free piston engine that does not use a crankshaft to efficiently generate power disclosed in Figures 6 & 7 herein that creates a near perfect transfer of linear motion to rotary torque, which uses the Sprague gear transmission (not shown in this drawing) of the present invention. The take-off means uses the belt and pulley system that is classified as an "ideal machine". While there are always some losses due to friction and wear, there are no vector angle losses using the belt and pulley system as shown. All of the power is transmitted at an optimum ninety degree force vector angle into rotatory torque.

Force is applied by upper piston (810) by a driving force such as a pressurized gas input into the right side of cylinder (806). The force moves piston (810) in the forward direction to the left. The force is translated all the way around a complete closed loop that is under tension as described below. The closed loop is formed starting at the upper piston (810) that is connected to the upper rod (812) that extends to either side of the piston (816) going in a counterclockwise direction to the right. Rod (812) is connected to synchronous belt (822) by one of the four belt connectors (824). The synchronous belt (822) surrounds and transmits counterclockwise rotational force (torque) to synchronous pulley (804) on the right side of the drawing. Belt (822) is connected to bottom rod (814) by a belt connector (824). Rod (814) is connected to lower piston (816). The rod (814) and the piston (816) are pulled backwards by the forward movement of upper piston (810).

Lower rod (814) is also connected to the synchronous belt (802) by a belt connector (824) and the belt (802) is also pulled backwards by upper piston (810). Left side synchronous belt (820) surrounds and transmits counterclockwise rotational force (torque) to the left side synchronous pulley (802). Belt (820) is connected to upper rod (812) that is connected to the other side of the upper piston (810) to complete the closed loop power train that is under tension and therefore always moves in perfect unison and always maintains a perfect ninety degree force vector angle during its operation.

Lower piston (816) is pulled back to its starting position by the movement of upper piston (810) described above. Force is applied to the left side of lower piston (816) that is (not shown), which reverses the direction of movement until upper piston (810) is pulled back to its original position to the left by the movement of piston (816). At which time, force is again applied to upper piston (816) from the left to repeat the reciprocating back and forth movement of all of the components that comprise the closed loop in a continuous cycle in order to run the free piston engine.

Figure 9 illustrates use of the Sprague gear transmission (906) as an efficient means to harness wave energy. The simplicity of the device (906) makes it an attractive alternative to the prior art buoyant systems in use at this time, especially for near shore applications. The application shown in Figure 9 is for use as an attachment to a pier structure (922) or for use with free standing support piling. A weighted Buoyant device (918) is attached to cable having a top cable section (914) and a bottom cable section (916) that forms a closed loop under tension. Four pulleys (902, 904, 910, & 912) form the corners of the loop that allow the cables (914 & 916) to reciprocate back and forth in response to wave action lifting the weighted buoyant device (918) to a higher elevation as the crest of a wave passes the device (918); and, then the weighted section (920) of the device (918) causes it to fall due to the acceleration of gravity. Both the upward and the downward movements of the device (918) create rotation of the Sprague gear transmission (906) mounted to the pier structure (922).

The top section of the device (918) is filled with low density material such as air or other gases, which allows it to rise when the water level rises. The up and down movement of the device (918) provides intermittent power input into the Sprague gear transmission (906) that is converted into high speed continuous rotation using high gear ratio to increase the velocity that drives an electrical generator (908) attached to the power output shaft of the transmission (906) in order to generate continuous electrical power output.

Figure 10 is an additional wave energy embodiment with a much different geometry than that of Figure 9 that also uses the Sprague gear transmission (1002) as an efficient means to harness wave energy. The buoyant component the floatation (1014) rocks back and forth like a seesaw on a fulcrum that is a pivot point (1008) located at its mid-point having a synchronous belt (1006) and synchronous pulley (1004 & 1012) system power take-off means, which is attached to the rocking floatation (1014). The Sprague gear transmission (1002) converts the back and forth rocking motion of the floatation (1014) into rotation in a single direction while always maintaining an optimum ninety degree force vector angle.

A major advantage of the design is that the weight is balanced like a "seesaw" having equal weight on each side of the fulcrum, which means the weight of the buoyant device (1014) and its housing (1016) does not have to be lifted by the energy of the wave and much more energy is thereby available to be harnessed by the device of the present invention than is available by prior art wave energy generators. The balanced means disclosed herein is a substantial improvement in wave energy generator design. Further, waves have length. The length of the rotatable housing arms (1015) can be made to be automatically adjustable to suit different wave length conditions in order to more efficiently extract wave energy to attain additional power that is lost in prior wave generators.

A support piling (1018) with an augur at the bottom of the piling that screws into the ground in order to secure the Wave generator to the ocean floor. The housing (1016) vertically slips over the top of the piling (1018) and is thereby capable of rotating 360 degrees around the piling to self-align itself to the direction of the wave energy. The floatation (1014) is attached to a rotatable housing (1016) that is connected to horizontal pivot point (1008). A large synchronous pulley (1012) is mounted upon the pivot point (1008) that causes reciprocating movement of a synchronous belt (1006) in response to the rocking motion provided by wave energy.

Synchronous belt (1006) is connected to a fixed smaller power take-off synchronous pulley (1004) that provides reciprocating force to the Sprague gear transmission providing a high gear ratio in order to produce high speed rotation of the output shaft of the transmission in order to drive and electrical generator at velocity in order to efficiently generate electrical power output. The use of a single screw pile (1018) to rapidly deploy the wave energy generator comprising a Sprague gear transmission of the present invention is an additional advantage and improvement in wave energy power generation disclosed herein.