Importance

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Abstract

A planetary drive includes static and freely rotating outer rings having different diameters, sun gear, and multiple planet gears disposed around the sun so that their axis of rotation is rotated relative to the drive axis, causing each planet to contact each ring at a point along its length. The sun contacts each planet at a point between its contact points with the rings, such that the force at the contact points is enough that the resulting traction can transmit torque with minimal backlash. A carrier supports the planets such that each can rotate about both its own axis and the drive axis. There may be involute teeth or other surface features on parts of the rings, planets, and sun. In a sun-less configuration, the drive is actuated by the carrier. In a single-stage version, the freely rotating ring is absent and output is obtained from rotation of the carrier.

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First Claim