FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a mechanically variable gear ratio gearbox, a method for transforming a constant, rotating energy input to a variable, rotating output and a method for transforming a variable rotating energy input to a constant, rotating output.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of gearboxes for vehicles, such as automobiles and trucks, are known in the art. Known gearboxes found in vehicle transmissions require that the RPM of an engine vary between wide ranges when accelerating or decelerating the vehicle. In addition, the known gearboxes generally require shifting, whether by automatic or manual means, between gears of different sizes depending on the desired direction and speed of the vehicle.

None of the known devices provide a design whereby the RPM of an engine can operate at a preset optimum and in a single gear, while changing the direction and speed of the vehicle, so as to maximize fuel economy and efficiency. Furthermore, none of the known devices provide a design whereby the variable engine RPM can result in a constant vehicle velocity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mechanically variable gear ratio gearbox, which causes changes in speed and direction of a vehicle by changing the orientation of geared wheels on a rotatable geared surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for transforming a constant, rotating energy input to a variable, rotating output.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for transforming a variable, rotating energy input to a constant, rotating output.

The foregoing objects are achieved and the disadvantages of the known gearbox designs are overcome by providing a mechanically variable gear ratio gearbox in accordance with the present invention.

The mechanically variable gear ratio gearbox comprises at least one rotatable geared surface including first grooves, and a number of geared wheels having teeth that engage the first grooves when the geared wheels are positioned to contact the rotatable geared surface. The gearbox includes a means for moving the geared wheels in a predetermined direction at a constant speed either across, around or under the rotatable geared surface. The means is powered by a standard engine commonly found in a ground transportation vehicle.

The gearbox has at least one transmission belt which is driven by turning of the geared wheels, which includes, like the rotatable geared surface, grooves that align with the teeth of the geared wheels. The gearbox is designed so that a vehicle can be driven at different speeds and in different directions by changing an orientation of the rotatable geared surface.

The geared wheels rotate at different speeds and in different directions depending on the orientation of the rotatable geared surface. The transmission belt transmits the rotation of the geared wheels to the wheels of the vehicle, which, in turn causes either forward or backward movement of the vehicle. The vehicle can be driven at different speeds and in different directions by changing the orientation of the rotatable geared surface.

The rotatable geared surface can be rotated between the angles of 0 and 360 degrees. The size of the angle is equal to the angle formed between the grooves of the rotatable geared surface and the direction of the geared wheels across the rotatable geared surface. When the rotatable geared surface is positioned at an angle between 0 and 360 degrees, the geared wheels swivel in accordance with the angle of the rotatable geared surface to maintain alignment between the teeth and the grooves of the rotatable geared surface. The transmission belt, in turn, swivels with the geared wheels to maintain alignment between the teeth and the transmission belt grooves.

When the angle of the rotatable geared surface is either 0 or 180 degrees, the geared wheels slide, without rotation, across the rotatable geared surface. When the angle of the rotatable geared surface is between 0 and 90 degrees, 90 and 180 degrees, 180 and 270 degrees, or 270 and 360 degrees, the geared wheels both rotate and slide across the rotatable geared surface. When the angle of the rotatable geared surface is either 90 or 270 degrees, the geared wheels rotate, without sliding, across the rotatable geared surface. The number of rotations of the geared wheels is highest when the angle of the rotatable surface is either 90 or 270 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment, the gearbox is comprised of first and second rotatable geared surfaces positioned on respective outside top and bottom surfaces of a ring of geared wheels, and first and second transmission belts positioned on the inside surface of the ring of the geared wheels. The first and second transmission belts are respectively linked to the first and second rotatable geared surfaces so that the transmission belts swivel in line with the rotatable geared surfaces.

A transmission crown is positioned between and linked to the first and second transmission belts so that a rotation speed of the first and second transmission belts is transmitted to the transmission crown. The rotation speed of the first and second transmission belts is transmitted to the transmission crown via a plurality of gears and the rotation speed of the transmission crown is transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle via at least one gear to cause either forward or backward movement of the vehicle.

The mechanically variable gear ratio gearbox also includes geared wheel sets positioned adjacent to each other which house the geared wheels. Each geared wheel set includes a plurality of geared wheels, rotating transfer means which transmit rotation of a first geared wheel to a second geared wheel within a geared wheel set and between geared wheel sets and swiveling transfer means which transmit orientation of a first geared wheel to a second geared wheel within a geared wheel set and between geared wheel sets. Each geared wheel set can include a first motor to assist with gear movement when executing a change in rotation speed of the geared wheels, and a second motor to assist with gear movement when executing a change in orientation of the geared wheels. The geared wheel sets can be fixed to an axle or the like positioned in between adjacent geared wheel sets.

The rotation transfer means transmits rotation speed of the geared wheels in contact with the rotatable geared surface to the geared wheels not in contact with the rotatable geared surface.

The rotation transfer means includes a first gear fixed to a first geared wheel. The first gear meshes with a first rotating ring to transmit rotation of the first geared wheel to the first rotating ring. A middle gear meshes with the first rotating ring and a second rotating ring to transmit rotation of the first rotating ring to the second rotating ring. A second gear is fixed to a second geared wheel that meshes with the second rotating ring, and transmits rotation of the second rotating ring to the second geared wheel. An end gear that meshes with the second rotating ring and a gear fixed to a rod transmits rotation of the second rotating ring to the gear fixed to the rod. The rod turns at the same rate of rotation as the first geared wheel.

The rod is joined to another rod of an adjacent geared wheel set that performs the same function. The rods are joined via a flexible connecting mechanism so that they may adjust to handle movement of the geared wheel sets around a curve.

The swiveling transfer means transmits the angle of the geared wheels in contact with the rotatable geared surface to the geared wheels not in contact with the rotatable geared surface.

The swiveling transfer means includes a swiveling ring fixed to the first geared wheel. The swiveling ring meshes with a middle gear to transmit orientation of the first geared wheel to the middle gear. A second swiveling ring meshes with the middle gear to transmit orientation of the middle gear to the second swiveling ring. An end gear meshes with the second swiveling ring and a gear fixed to a rod to transmit orientation of the second swiveling ring to the gear fixed to the rod. The rod turns with the gear fixed thereto to the same orientation as the first geared wheel. The rod is joined to another rod of an adjacent geared wheel set that performs the same function. The rods are joined via a flexible connecting mechanism so that they may adjust to handle movement of the geared wheel sets around a curve.

Each geared wheel is housed in a geared wheel base, which includes a rack for a rotating ring, a swiveling ring and a gear fixed to the geared wheel that meshes with the rotating ring to transmit the rotation of the geared wheel to the rotating ring.

The method for transforming a constant, rotating energy input to a variable, rotating output, comprises the steps of providing at least one rotatable geared surface; engaging geared wheels with grooves of the rotatable geared surface; moving the geared wheels in a predetermined direction, at a constant speed over the rotatable geared surface; setting a first trajectory, by rotating the rotatable geared surface, whereby an angle formed between the grooves and the direction of movement of the power belt across the rotatable geared surface is either 0 or 180 degrees; sliding the geared wheels on the first trajectory parallel to the grooves of the rotatable geared surface; setting a second trajectory, by rotating the rotatable geared surface, whereby the angle formed between the grooves and the direction of movement of the geared wheels across the rotatable geared surface is between 0 and 90 degrees, 90 and 180 degrees, 180 and 270 degrees, or 270 and 360 degrees; sliding and rotating the geared wheels on the second trajectory diagonal to the grooves of the rotatable geared surface; setting a third trajectory, by rotating the rotatable geared surface, whereby the angle formed between the grooves and the direction of movement of the geared wheels across the rotatable geared surface is either 90 or 270 degrees; and rotating the geared wheels on the third trajectory perpendicular to the grooves of the rotatable geared surface, whereby a vehicle is driven at different speeds and in different directions depending on the angle formed by rotating the rotatable geared surface. The method can include the steps of counting, during predetermined time intervals, the number of rotations of the geared wheels; recording the number of rotations after each time interval; and comparing the recorded numbers of rotations with the geared wheel trajectory angle formed between the grooves and the direction of movement of the geared wheels across the rotatable geared surface. The steps of counting, recording and comparing the number of rotations with the angle of the geared wheels over a given time period factor into a determination of the relationship between the orientation of the geared wheels and the speed of the vehicle.

The method also includes the steps of transmitting, via the transmission belt, the rotations of the geared wheels to wheels of a vehicle; swivelling the geared wheels to maintain alignment between teeth of the geared wheels and the grooves of the rotatable geared surface when the rotatable geared surface is rotated between 0 and 360 degrees; and swivelling the transmission belt with the geared wheels to maintain alignment between the teeth of the geared wheels and transmission belt grooves. The alignment between the geared wheels, the rotatable geared surface and transmission belt must be maintained to ensure transfer of the geared wheels'rotation to the transmission belt and ultimately to the wheels of the vehicle.

Further, the method includes the steps of housing geared wheels in a geared wheel base, each geared wheel base including a rack for a rotating ring, a swiveling ring and a gear fixed to the geared wheel that meshes with the rotating ring to transmit the rotation of the geared wheel to the rotating ring; positioning geared wheel sets adjacent to each other, each geared wheel set including a plurality of geared wheels; transmitting, via rotating transfer means, the rotation of a first geared wheel to a second geared wheel within a geared wheel set and between geared wheel sets; and transmitting, via swiveling transfer means, orientation of a first geared wheel to a second geared wheel within a geared wheel set and between geared wheel sets.

The method further includes the steps of meshing a first gear fixed to the first geared wheel with a first rotating ring to transmit rotation of the first geared wheel to the first rotating ring; meshing a middle gear with the first rotating ring and a second rotating ring to transmit rotation of the first rotating ring to the second rotating ring; meshing a second gear fixed to the second geared wheel with the second rotating ring to transmit rotation of the second rotating ring to the second geared wheel; and meshing an end gear with the second rotating ring and a gear fixed to a rod to transmit rotation of the second rotating ring to the gear fixed to the rod, wherein the rod turns at the same rate of rotation as the first geared wheel.

Similarly, the method also includes the steps of meshing a swiveling ring fixed to the first geared wheel with a middle gear to transmit orientation of the first geared wheel to the middle gear; meshing a second swiveling ring with the middle gear to transmit orientation of the middle gear to the second swiveling ring; and meshing an end gear with the second swiveling ring and a gear fixed to a rod to transmit orientation of the second swiveling ring to the gear fixed to the rod, wherein the rod turns with the gear fixed thereto to the same orientation as the first geared wheel.

The method for transforming a variable, rotating energy input to a constant, rotating output, includes the steps of providing at least one rotatable geared surface; determining a desired constant output speed; engaging geared wheels with grooves of the rotatable geared surface; moving the geared wheels in a predetermined direction at a variable input speed over or under the rotatable geared surface; calculating, based on the variable input speed and the desired output speed, a trajectory to be followed by the geared wheels over or under the rotatable geared surface to maintain the desired output speed ; setting the trajectory, by rotating the rotatable geared surface, whereby an angle formed between the grooves and the direction of movement of the geared wheels across the rotatable geared surface is in the range of 0 to 360 degrees; and either sliding, sliding and rotating, or rotating the geared wheels on the trajectory parallel, diagonal or perpendicular to the grooves of the rotatable geared surface, whereby a vehicle is driven at a constant output speed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: FIGS. 1A-1C are perspective illustrations of the basic design of the present invention; FIGS. 2A-2C are perspective illustrations of the basic design of the present invention; FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective illustrations of the basic operation of the present invention; FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the gearbox design oriented at 0° according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention ; FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the gearbox design oriented at 30° according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the gearbox design oriented at 90° according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the rotation transmitting means according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the rotation transmitting means oriented at 0° according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the rotation transmitting means oriented at 30° according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the rotation transmitting means oriented at 90° according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the gearbox design oriented at 0° according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the gearbox design oriented at 30° according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the gearbox design oriented at 90° according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 7A-7D are schematic representations of a geared wheel set according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 8A-8D are schematic representations of a geared wheel set according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a connecting mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and FIGS. 10A-10D are schematic representations of a geared wheel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As shown in the figures, the present invention relates to a mechanically variable gear ratio gearbox, a method for transforming a constant, rotating energy input to a variable, rotating output and a method for transforming a variable rotating energy input to a constant, rotating output.

FIGS. 1A-lC and 2A-2C illustrate the basic design of the present invention, which consists of the rotatable geared surface 10 and geared wheels 20 that move across the rotatable geared surface 10. The geared wheels 20 have teeth 21 which engage or fit into grooves 11 on the rotatable geared surface 10 to allow movement of the geared wheels 20 across the rotatable geared surface 10. The grooves 11 of the rotatable geared surface 10 act as a guide for the geared wheels 20 to help maintain their orientation as the geared wheels 20 move over the rotatable geared surface 10. The geared wheels 20 are moved in a predetermined direction 15 over the rotatable geared surface 10 by a suitable mechanism, such as a power belt. The power mechanism can consist of parallel belts and other power transmission mechanisms can also be used, such as chains. The power mechanism is driven by an engine commonly found in a ground transportation vehicle, such as, an automobile or the like. As shown by virtual path 16, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the geared wheels 20 maintain their orientation when not in contact with the rotatable geared surface 10.

The angle between the grooves 11 and the direction of movement 15 can vary between 0 and 360 degrees. The angle is varied by rotating the rotatable geared surface 10, as indicated by the arrow 25. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A, when the angle is 0 or 180 degrees, the geared wheels 20 slide across the rotatable geared surface 10 and do not rotate. As shown in FIG.

1B and FIG. 2B, when the angle is between 0 and 90 degrees, 90 and 180 degrees, 180 and 270 degrees, or 270 and 360 degrees, the geared wheels 20 both rotate and slide across the rotatable geared surface 10. As shown in FIG. 1C and FIG. 2C, when the angle is 90 or 270 degrees, the geared wheels 20 rotate over the rotatable geared surface 10 and do not slide.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, a transmission belt 30 is arranged to align with the geared wheels 20. The transmission belt 30 includes grooves 31 which receive the teeth 21 of the geared wheels 20. Any rotation of the geared wheels 20 causes the transmission belt 30 to move, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. The transmission belt 30 is linked to the wheels of a vehicle so that movement of the transmission belt 30 by rotation of the geared wheels 20, in turn, causes rotation of the vehicle wheels, resulting in movement of the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, transmission belts 30,32 transmit the rotation of the geared wheels 20 to the transmission crown 70, via a plurality of gears 63,64. The rotation of the transmission crown 70 is then transmitted to gear 65, which, in turn, is transmitted to the vehicle wheels. The gears 63,64, 65 can be of any variety appropriate to transmit the rotation, such as bevel gears, spur gears, helical gears, worm gears or the like. As shown in FIGS. 5B-5D, the transmission belts 30,32 also include grooves 13 on their inside surfaces allowing for linkage with gears 63.

The present invention allows for a vehicle's engine to operate at an optimum preset RPM and in the same gear through all phases of movement of a vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1A-3A. 4A and 6A, when the angle is 0 or 180 degrees, the vehicle is at rest.

The grooves 11 are parallel to the direction of movement 15 of the geared wheels 20. The orientation of the grooves is indicated by the reference lines 35 in Fig. 4. As a result, the geared wheels 20 are sliding without rotation over or under the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 and are also sliding over or under the transmission belts 30,32. The wheels of the vehicle, therefore, remain still.

As shown in FIGS. 1B-3B, 4B and 6B, when the angle is between 0 and 90 degrees, 90 and 180 degrees, 180 and 270 degrees, or 270 and 360 degrees, the vehicle moves, but not at a maximum speed. The grooves 11 are angled with respect to the direction of movement 15 of the geared wheels 20. As a result, the geared wheels 20 both rotate and slide over and under the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 and over and under the transmission belts 30,32. The transmission belts 30,32 move due to the rotation of the geared wheels 20, and, in turn, rotate the wheels of a vehicle. The rotation of the geared wheels 20 in this range of angles is not at a maximum because the direction of rotation is not completely aligned with the direction of movement 15 of the geared wheels 20. Therefore, the speed of the vehicle for this range of angles is not at a maximum.

As shown in FIGS. 1C-3C, 4C and 6C, when the angle is 90 or 270 degrees, the vehicle moves at full speed. The grooves 11 are perpendicular to direction of movement 15 of the geared wheels 20. As a result, the geared wheels 20 rotate at maximum speed over and under the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 and do not slide. At these angles, the rotation of the geared wheels 20 is at a maximum because the direction of rotation is the same as the direction of movement 15 of the geared wheels. At this orientation, the speed of the vehicle is at a maximum.

The apparatus of the present invention varies the position of the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 to cause a change in the speed of the vehicle without changing the RPM of the vehicle's engine. The change in position of the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 also determines forward or backward movement of the vehicle. For example, the range of angles between 0 and 90 degrees and 180 and 270 degrees causes a first direction of rotation of the geared wheels 20 which results in forward movement of the vehicle. In contrast, the range of angles between 90 and 180 degrees and 270 and 360 degrees causes a second direction of rotation of the geared wheels 20 which is opposite the first direction and results in backward movement of the vehicle.

In order to maintain alignment between the teeth 21 of the geared wheels 20 and the grooves 11 of the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12, the geared wheels 20 swivel in accordance with the angle of the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12, as shown in FIGS. 1B, 1C, 3B and 3C. Similarly, in order to maintain alignment between the grooves 31 of the transmission belts 30, 32 and the teeth 21 of the geared wheels 20, the transmission belts 30,32 swivel with the geared wheels 20.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the rotatable geared surfaces 10, 12 and the transmission belts 30,32 are linked and positioned so as to sandwich the geared wheel sets 40. The linkage allows for simultaneous rotation of the rotatable geared surfaces 10, 12, the transmission belts 30,32 and the geared wheels 20. The linkage is kept together by lateral pressure from a tracking system or similar means. As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission belts 30,32 and the gear links to the transmission crown are positioned in the center of the geared wheel sets 40 to allow for stability and a compact design.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a geared wheel set 40 houses one or more geared wheels 20 and their component parts. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each geared wheel set 40 is positioned so as to mate with an adjacent geared wheel set 40. Each geared wheel set 40 can be fixed to an axle or the like positioned in between adjacent geared wheel sets 40.

In a preferred embodiment, three geared wheels 20 in a geared wheel set are positioned adjacent to two geared wheels 20 in a geared wheel set 40 and 14 geared wheels 20 are in contact with the transmission belts 30,32 at any given time. The number of geared wheels 20 in a geared wheel set 40 can be varied depending on the type and size of vehicle.

The geared wheel sets 40 are fixed to the power transmission mechanism by mechanical means known in the art. The power transmission mechanism receives power from the engine to move the geared wheel sets 40 in the direction indicated by arrow 15.

As shown in FIG. 10, in a preferred embodiment, each geared wheel base 50 includes a housing rack 54 for a rotating ring 51, and a swiveling ring 52. The wheel base 50 is also designed to house a gear 53 which transmits the rotation of a geared wheel 20 to the rotating ring 51.

As shown in FIGS. 7B-7D, the rotating rings 51 for each geared wheel 20 are linked by gear 55 positioned between each geared wheel 20 in the geared wheel set 40. Gear 55 transmits, via the rotating ring 51, the rotation of one geared wheel 20 to the adjacent geared wheel 20. The rotation of the geared wheels 20 in one geared wheel set 20 is transmitted to the geared wheels 20 of an adjacent geared wheel set 20 via the combination of gears 56,57 and rod 58. Rod 58 rotates and runs through a hole 59 in the geared wheel set 40. Rod 58 transmits the uniform rotation of the geared wheels 20 and is joined to another rod 58 of an adjacent geared wheel set 40 via a flexible connecting mechanism 80 so that it may adjust to handle movement around a curve. As shown in FIG. 9, the connecting mechanism 80 includes two connector supports 82 which slide along cylinders 81 when going around a curve. Hinged connections 84 allow for bending along a curve and concentric gimbal connection 85 allows for elongation of the rod 58 around a curve. The connecting mechanism 80 includes a hole 86 so that it may be positioned on an axle between adjacent geared wheel sets 40.

As shown in FIGS. 8B-8D, the swiveling rings 52 for each geared wheel 20 are linked by gear 65 positioned between each geared wheel 20 in the geared wheel set 40. Gear 65 transmits, via the swiveling ring 52, the angle of a geared wheel 20 in to an adjacent geared wheel 20. The angle of the geared wheels 20 in one geared wheel set 20 is transmitted to the geared wheels 20 of an adjacent geared wheel set 40 via the combination of gears 66,67 and rod 68. Rod 68 rotates and runs through a hole 69 in the geared wheel set 40. Rod 68 transmits the angle of the geared wheels 20 and is joined to another rod 68 of an adjacent geared wheel set 40 via the flexible connecting mechanism 80 so that it may adjust to handle movement around a curve.

When the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 change their angle, the geared wheels 20 passing over and under the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 change their orientation. This change in orientation is transmitted to each geared wheel set 40 via gears 65,66,67 and rod 68. In similar fashion, when the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 change their angle, the geared wheels 20 passing over and under the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 change their RPM. This change in RPM is transmitted to each geared wheel set 40 via gears 55,56,57 and rod 58.

A motor, for example an electric motor, can be used to assist with movement of the gears 55,56,57 and rod 58 when executing a change in RPM of the geared wheels 20. Similarly, a motor, for example a step motor, can be used to assist with movement of the gears 65,66,67 and rod 68 when executing a change of orientation of the geared wheels 20. The gears 55,56, 57,65,66,67 can be of any variety appropriate to transmit rotation and orientation of the geared wheels 20, such as bevel gears, spur gears, helical gears, worm gears or the like.

In operation, when a driver of a vehicle starts the engine, the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 are set at 0 degrees. The power transmission mechanism, activated by the power of the vehicle's engine, moves the geared wheel sets 40 over and under the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12. At this point, the geared wheels 20 are only sliding along the grooves 11 of the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 and do not rotate. As a result, the transmission belts 30,32 are not moving and the vehicle is motionless while in gear.

As the driver starts to accelerate, the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12, electronically monitored, start to rotate and the geared wheels 20 and the transmission belts 30,32 swivel to the same angle as the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 to maintain alignment. The orientation of all of the geared wheels 20 in each geared wheel set 40 is uniform due to the connections formed by gears 65,66,67 and rod 68.

When the geared wheels 20 that are moving over and under the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 start to rotate, they transmit their rotation to the transmission belts 30,32 and the vehicle starts to move. The rotation of all of the geared wheels 20 in each geared wheel set 40 is uniform due to the connections formed by gears 55,56,57 and rod 58.

The transmission of orientation and rotation to the geared wheels 20 not on the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 allows for the geared wheels 20 to align perfectly with the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 when they contact and begin to move over and under the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12.

As the driver accelerates to the preset optimum RPM, the electronically monitored rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 progressively adjust their angle in order to maintain a constant maximum acceleration. This action results in constant reorientation of the geared wheels 20 passing over the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12. As the geared wheels 20 rotate faster on the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 and transmit their rotation to the transmission belts 30,32, the vehicle accelerates.

As the driver decelerates, a connector (not shown) disconnects the variable gearbox from the engine and causes coasting of the vehicle. The connector can be of the male/female variety, or the like.

The variable gearbox, even disconnected, is electronically synchronized with the engine. Therefore, when the driver accelerates again to the preset optimum RPM, the variable gearbox, being already synchronized, instantly reconnects to the engine.

As the driver brakes, the variable gearbox reconnects to the decelerating engine in order to add more power to the brakes.

Smooth decelerations can be computer controlled.

The design of the present invention allows for a constant RPM of an engine to result in variable velocity of the vehicle.

At a constant RPM, the speed of the vehicle may be (1) 0 mph (0 kph) when the angle of the rotatable geared surfaces 10, 12 is 0 degrees; (2) 50 mph (80 kph) when the angle of the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 is 30 degrees; and (3) 100 mph (160 kph) when the angle of the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 is 90 degrees.

The design of the present invention also allows for a constant vehicle velocity when the RPM of the engine is varied.

A gearbox can be programmed to recalculate and adjust the angle of the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12 to obtain a constant vehicle velocity from a measured variable engine RPM. For example, at 2000 RPM, the rotatable geared surface can have an angle of 45 degrees resulting in a speed of 50 mph (80 kph) and at 3000 RPM, the rotatable geared surface can have an angle of 30 degrees resulting in the same speed of 50 mph (80 kph).

The same gearbox model may be used to fit in cars of different sizes and types by reprogramming a computer chip or the like designed to monitor the RPM of the engine and the angle of the rotatable geared surfaces 10,12.

The preferred embodiment described above is illustrative of the invention, which is not limited to the embodiment described.

Various changes and modifications may be made in the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.