WO2014075177A1

WO2014075177A1 - Power transmission assembly and method for transmitting power

Info

Publication number: WO2014075177A1
Application number: PCT/CA2013/050283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Arel
Original assignee: Richard Arel
Priority date: 2012-11-19
Filing date: 2013-04-09
Publication date: 2014-05-22

Abstract

A power transmission assembly, which can be used in an energy network, comprise: a rotary actuator including an actuator body and a rotatable actuator driving shaft; and a first gear assembly including a movable gear operatively connected to the actuator driving shaft, a stationary gear, a connecting member, and a secondary driving shaft; the connecting member being operatively connected to the actuator body and secured to the secondary drive shaft; the movable gear rotating around the stationary gear; and the connecting member the secondary driving shaft, and the actuator body being engaged in rotation upon actuation of the rotatable actuator driving shaft. There is also provided a method for transmitting a rotation from an actuator driving shaft to a secondary driving shaft and a method for operating an energy network.

Description

POWER TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

FOR TRANSMITTING POWER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of Canadian patent applications nos. 2.797.060 filed November 19, 2012, 2.805.495 filed February 1 , 2013, 2.796.1 12 filed November s, 2012, 2.805.084 filed February 1 , 2013, 2.796.1 14 filed November 19, 2012, 2.804.932 filed February 1 , 2013, now pending, the specifications of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE I NVENTION

[0002] The technical field relates to power transmission assemblies and, more particularly, to a power transmission assembly operatively connected to a rotary actuator. It also relates to a method for transmitting power from a rotary actuator and a method for operating an energy network.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In these times of ever increasing global demands for energy, it is clear that there is a need for a better, cleaner, more efficient method of using energy for both stationary as well as for portable energy needs. Although there is currently a great emphasis on the development of cleaner, environmentally friendly systems for producing energy through methods such as solar, wind and wave, they are not always practical especially in portable applications. Furthermore, it is not always sunny or windy, and the bodies of water large enough to produce usable wave power are not always wavy. Consequently, there remains a need for dependable and efficient methods of outputting mechanical power that we need to survive and grow.

[0004] There are needs for an environmentally friendly, conservation minded, energy efficient mechanical power transmission device and, even, power generating device. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above mentioned issues.

[0006] According to a general aspect, there is provided a power transmission assembly comprising: a rotary actuator including an actuator body and a rotatable actuator driving shaft; and a first gear assembly including a movable gear operatively connected to the actuator driving shaft, a stationary gear, a connecting member, and a secondary driving shaft; the connecting member being operatively connected to the actuator body and secured to the secondary drive shaft; the movable gear rotating around the stationary gear; and the connecting member, the secondary driving shaft, and the actuator body being engaged in rotation upon actuation of the rotatable actuator driving shaft.

[0007] In an embodiment, the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis for each rotation of the actuator driving shaft.

[0008] In an embodiment, the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear.

[0009] In an embodiment, the movable gear carries out two rotations about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear.

[0010] In an embodiment, the secondary driving shaft has a rotation axis aligned with a center of the stationary gear.

[0011] In an embodiment, the power transmission assembly further comprises a frame and the actuator body is rotatably mounted to the frame. The frame can comprise a housing through which the secondary driving shaft is rotatably inserted.

[0012] In an embodiment, the rotatable actuator driving shaft is secured to the movable gear and aligned with its rotation axis.

[0013] In an embodiment, the movable gear rotates outwardly around the stationary gear. [0014] In an embodiment, the stationary gear and the movable gear comprises a plurality of peripheral tooth and a gear ratio of 1.

[0015] In an embodiment, the actuator driving shaft is inserted in a through hole defined in the connecting member and rotates therein.

[0016] In an embodiment, a rotation axis of the connecting member is aligned with a rotation axis of the secondary driving shaft.

[0017] In an embodiment, the secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the actuator body rotate in a same rotation direction.

[0018] In an embodiment, the secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the actuator body rotate at a same rotation speed. The secondary driving shaft and the actuator driving shaft can be engaged together. The secondary driving shaft and the actuator driving shaft can be a single continuous shaft.

[0019] In an embodiment, the movable gear and the stationary gear comprise peripheral tooth and the peripheral tooth of the movable gear are engaged in the peripheral tooth of the stationary gear.

[0020] In an embodiment, the power transmission assembly comprises a second gear assembly operatively connected to the actuator driving shaft and the first gear assembly. The second gear assembly can comprise a driving gear operatively connected to the actuator driving shaft and a driven gear operatively connected to the movable gear and the driving gear, the driving gear and the driven gear being engaged in rotation upon actuation of the rotatable actuator driving shaft. The driving gear and the driven gear can rotate in a same rotation direction. The driving gear and the driven gear can be operatively connected to one another through at least one intermediate driven gear. The driven gear and the movable gear can be connected together through an axle secured to both the driven gear and the movable gear. The connecting member can comprise a first connecting member and a second connecting member, the first connecting member being secured to the secondary driving shaft and rotating about a rotation axis aligned with the secondary driving shaft upon rotation of the movable gear around the stationary gear, the second connecting member being engaged with the actuator body and operatively connected to the first connecting member and rotating upon rotation of the first connecting member. The first connecting member and the second connecting member can be connected together through an axle secured to both the driven gear and the movable gear. Each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member can comprise a through hole through which the axle is rotatably inserted. The first connecting member and the second connecting member can rotate in a same rotation direction at a same rotation speed.

[0021] In an embodiment, the rotary actuator comprises at least one of an electric motor, a pneumatic actuator, and a hydraulic pump.

[0022] In an embodiment, the power transmission assembly can further comprise a mechanical energy converter operatively connected to the secondary driving shaft. The mechanical energy converter can comprise a generator.

[0023] According to another general aspect, there is provided a power transmission assembly comprising: a rotary actuator engaged with a driving gear for rotating same in a first rotation direction; a driven gear operatively connected to the driving gear and rotating upon actuation of the rotary actuator; a stationary gear; a movable gear operatively connected to the driven gear and rotating around the stationary gear upon actuation of the rotary actuator; a secondary driving shaft rotating upon actuation of the rotary actuator; and a first connecting member secured to the secondary driving shaft and operatively connected to the movable gear and rotating about a rotation axis aligned with the secondary driving shaft upon rotation of the movable gear around the stationary gear.

[0024] In an embodiment, the driven gear rotates in the first rotation direction upon actuation of the rotary actuator.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first connecting member is operatively connected to the rotary actuator and the rotary actuator rotates upon rotation of the first connecting member.

[0026] In an embodiment, the power transmission assembly can comprise a frame and a second connecting member, the rotary actuator being rotatably mounted to the frame and the second connecting member being engaged with the rotary actuator and operatively connected to the first connecting member, rotating upon rotation of the first connecting member, and engaging the rotary actuator in rotation.

[0027] In an embodiment, the secondary driving shaft has a rotation axis aligned with a center of the stationary gear.

[0028] In an embodiment, the rotary actuator comprises an actuator body and a rotatable actuator driving shaft secured to the driving gear.

[0029] In an embodiment, the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis for each rotation of the driving gear.

[0030] In an embodiment, the stationary gear and the movable gear comprises a plurality of peripheral tooth and a gear ratio of 1.

[0031] In an embodiment, the movable gear performs more than one rotation about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear.

[0032] In an embodiment, the movable gear performs two rotations about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear.

[0033] In an embodiment, the movable gear rotates outwardly around the stationary gear.

[0034] In an embodiment, the secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the rotary actuator rotate in the first rotation direction.

[0035] In an embodiment, the secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the rotary actuator rotate at a same rotation speed. The secondary driving shaft and the actuator driving shaft can be engaged together. The secondary driving shaft and the actuator driving shaft can define a single continuous shaft.

[0036] In an embodiment, the movable gear and the stationary gear comprise peripheral tooth and the peripheral tooth of the movable gear are engaged in the peripheral tooth of the stationary gear.

[0037] In an embodiment, the driven gear and the movable gear are connected together through an axle secured to both the driven gear and the movable gear. [0038] In an embodiment, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected together through an axle secured to both the driven gear and the movable gear.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate in the first rotation direction at a same rotation speed.

[0040] In an embodiment, the secondary driving shaft extends in a through hole defined in the stationary gear and rotates therein.

[0041] In an embodiment, the rotary actuator comprises at least one of an electric motor, a pneumatic actuator, and a hydraulic pump.

[0042] In an embodiment, the power transmission assembly further comprises a mechanical energy converter operatively connected to the secondary driving shaft. The mechanical energy converter can comprise a generator.

[0043] According to still another general aspect, there is provided a method for transmitting a rotation from an actuator driving shaft to a secondary driving shaft, the method comprising: driving an actuator driving shaft in rotation in a first rotation direction, the actuator driving shaft being operatively connected to a movable gear; engaging the movable gear in rotation around a stationary gear; engaging the secondary driving shaft in rotation, the secondary driving shaft being operatively connected to the movable gear; and converting a rotation movement of the secondary driving shaft in energy.

[0044] In an embodiment, the movable gear is engaged in rotation around the stationary gear in the first rotation direction.

[0045] In an embodiment, the secondary driving shaft is engaged in rotation in the first rotation direction.

[0046] In an embodiment, the method further comprises engaging in rotation a rotary actuator associated to the actuator driving shaft upon rotation of the actuator driving shaft. The rotary actuator can rotate in the first rotation direction. [0047] In an embodiment, the movable gear is engaged in rotation outwardly around the stationary gear.

[0048] In an embodiment, the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis for each rotation of the actuator driving shaft.

[0049] In an embodiment, the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear. The secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the rotary actuator can rotate at a same rotation speed.

[0050] In an embodiment, the energy is one of electric energy, pneumatic energy, and hydraulic energy.

[0051] In an embodiment, the method further comprises returning part of the converted energy to engage in rotation the actuator driving shaft.

[0052] According to a further general aspect, there is provided a method for operating an energy network, the method comprising: receiving a signal to start a power transmission assembly converting energy into mechanical energy; feeding the power transmission assembly with energy from a first power supply; converting the mechanical energy into another energy form ; feeding the power transmission assembly with a first part of the converted energy; and feeding at least one energy consuming unit with a second part of the converted energy.

[0053] In an embodiment, the method further comprises preventing energy from the first power supply to reach the power transmission assembly when the power transmission assembly is fed with the first part of the converted energy.

[0054] In an embodiment, the method further comprises recharging the first power supply with part of the converted energy when the power transmission assembly is fed with the first part of the converted energy.

[0055] In an embodiment, the power transmission assembly comprises the power transmission assembly as described above.

[0056] In an embodiment, the energy supplied by the first power supply is electric energy. The first power supply can comprise at least one battery. The at least one battery can be a rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the other energy form is electric energy.

[0057] In an embodiment, the energy supplied by the first power supply is hydraulic energy. The first power supply can comprise at least one pressurized hydraulic reservoir. The other energy form can be hydraulic energy.

[0058] According to a further general aspect, there is provided an energy network comprising: a power transmission assembly as described above; a first power supply operatively connected to the power transmission assembly for supplying the power transmission assembly with energy; a mechanical energy converter operatively connected to the power transmission assembly for converting mechanical energy output by the power transmission into another energy form; and a controller operatively connected to the first power supply.

[0059] In an embodiment, the mechanical energy converter is operatively connected to the power transmission assembly for energetically supplying the power transmission assembly with part of the converted energy.

[0060] In an embodiment, the energy network further comprises at least one energy consuming unit operatively connected to the mechanical energy converter and energetically supplied with part of the converted energy.

[0061] In an embodiment, the first power supply comprises an electric energy supply. In an embodiment, the first power supply comprises at least one battery. The at least one battery can be a rechargeable battery. The other energy form can be electric energy.

[0062] In an embodiment, the first power supply is hydraulic energy. The first power supply can comprise at least one pressurized hydraulic reservoir. The other energy form can be hydraulic energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a power transmission assembly in accordance with a first embodiment; [0064] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the power transmission assembly shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0065] Fig. 3 is a cross-section view along section lines 3-3 of Fig. 2;

[0066] Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of the power transmission assembly shown in Fig. 1 including a counterweight;

[0067] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a power transmission assembly in accordance with a second embodiment;

[0068] Fig. 6 includes Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b, Fig. 6a is a side elevation view of the power transmission assembly shown in Fig. 6, wherein a generator is mounted to a distal end of a secondary drive shaft and Fig. 6b is a side elevation view, enlarged, of a section of Fig. 6a;

[0069] Fig. 7 is a cross-section view along section lines 7-7 of Fig. 6;

[0070] Fig. 8 is a cross-section view along section lines 8-8 of Fig. 6;

[0071] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a power transmission assembly in accordance with a third embodiment, wherein the movable gear and the stationary gear are connected to one another through a chain and the engine drive shaft is engaged with the movable gear through a rotation reversing device;

[0072] Fig. 10 is a cross-section view along section lines 10-10 of Fig. 9;

[0073] Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of a power transmission assembly in accordance with a fourth embodiment, wherein the movable gear and the stationary gear are connected to one another through a chain and the engine drive shaft is operatively connected to the movable gear through a gear assembly;

[0074] Fig. 12 is a cross-section view along section lines 12-12 of Fig. 1 1 ;

[0075] Fig. 13 is a cross-section view along section lines 13-13 of Fig. 1 1 ; [0076] Fig. 14 is a left-side perspective view of a power transmission assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment, wherein the stationary gear is an annulus gear having its gear tooth formed on an inner surface thereof;

[0077] Fig. 15 is a right-side perspective view of the power transmission assembly shown in Fig. 14;

[0078] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the power transmission assembly shown in Fig. 14;

[0079] Fig. 17 is a cross-section view along section lines 17-17 of Fig. 16;

[0080] Fig. 18 is a cross-section view along section lines 18-18 of Fig. 16;

[0081] Fig. 19 is a left-side perspective view of a power transmission assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment, wherein the stationary gear is an annulus gear having its gear tooth formed on an inner surface thereof and the second gear assembly includes four gears operatively connected together;

[0082] Fig. 20 is a right-side perspective view of the power transmission assembly shown in Fig. 19;

[0083] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the power transmission assembly shown in Fig. 19;

[0084] Fig. 22 is a cross-section view along section lines 22-22 of Fig. 21 ;

[0085] Fig. 23 is a cross-section view along section lines 23-23 of Fig. 21 ;

[0086] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a power transmission assembly in accordance with a seventh embodiment, wherein the engine drive shaft and the secondary drive shaft are single piece;

[0087] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the power transmission assembly shown in Fig. 24;

[0088] Fig. 26 is a schematic view of an electric network including a power transmission assembly, in accordance with an embodiment; [0089] Fig. 27 is a schematic view of the electric network including the power transmission assembly, wherein the electric network is used refill a rechargeable battery system; and

[0090] Fig. 28 is a schematic view of a hydraulic network including the power transmission assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0091] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, referring to Figs. 1 to 3, there is shown a power transmission assembly 20 in accordance with a first embodiment. The power transmission assembly 20 includes a rotary actuator 32, such as a motor or engine, operatively connected to a gear assembly 22 through a drive shaft 3 (Fig. 2). The rotary actuator 32 is conceived to convert energy into a mechanical motion and, more particularly, rotation. The rotary actuator 32 can be any actuator that produces rotary motion or torque. It can be either an electric powered actuator, such as an electric motor, or a fluid powered actuator, such as hydraulic powered or pneumatic powered actuator.

[0093] The power transmission assembly 20 is mounted to a frame 26 including, in the embodiment shown, an upright leg 16 and a tubular housing 34, secured to leg 16.

[0094] The rotary actuator 32 comprises a body 36, an actuator arm 32A extending outwardly of the actuator body 36, and a rotatable driving shaft 3 extending outwardly from the actuator arm 32A. The rotatable driving shaft 3 rotates in the actuator arm 32A upon actuation of the rotary actuator 32.

[0095] The gear assembly 22 is mainly enclosed in a housing 42 and comprises, amongst others, a movable gear 12 and a stationary gear 13, operatively engaged together. The tooth of the movable gear 12 mesh with the tooth of the stationary gear 13. More particularly, the movable gear 12 rotates around the stationary gear 13 and, more particularly, outwardly around the stationary gear 13. The stationary gear 13 is secured to the tubular housing 34.

[0096] The gear assembly 22 also includes a secondary drive shaft 14 which extends through the tubular housing 34 and is rotatably mounted therein. In the embodiment shown, the ends of the secondary drive shaft 14 extend past the tubular housing 34 on both sides thereof. To engage in rotation the secondary drive shaft 14, the gear assembly 22 further comprises a connecting member 4 engaged with the drive shaft 3, secured to the movable gear 12, and the secondary drive shaft 14. In the embodiment shown, the connecting arm 4 is a vertically extending wall of the gear assembly housing 42. The drive shaft 3, the secondary drive shaft 14 and their connections with the connecting member 4 are spaced-apart from one another. More particularly, the drive shaft 3 is inserted in the through hole defined in the connecting member 4, close to a distal end thereof, and the secondary drive shaft 14 is secured to the connecting member 4 close to a proximal end thereof. The drive shaft 3 rotates in the through hole. As mentioned above, the drive shaft 3 is secured to the movable gear 12. Rotation of the drive shaft 3 engages the movable gear 12 in rotation about the stationary gear 13. Thus, the rotation of the movable gear 12 about the stationary gear 13 engages the connecting member 4, and the gear assembly housing 42, in rotation. Rotation of the connecting member 4 engages the secondary drive shaft 14 in rotation since the latter is secured to the connecting member 4. The rotation axis of the connecting member 4 is aligned with the secondary drive shaft 14.

[0097] It is appreciate that the power transmission assembly 20 can be free of housing 42 and it can includes solely the connecting member 4, which can be in the shape of an arm, for instance, through which the drive shaft 3 is rotatably inserted and which is secured to the secondary drive shaft 14.

[0098] The actuator arm 32A is secured to the connecting member 4, close to the distal end thereof, the purpose of which will be described in more details below. In the embodiment shown, the actuator arm 32A surrounds the drive shaft 3 and has a distal end secured to the connecting member 4. [0099] The power transmission assembly 20 also comprises a plurality of rolling assemblies 8 to allow rotation of the components with respect to one another. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a first rolling assembly 8 surrounds the drive shaft 3, close to a distal end thereof, and is positioned in a through hole defined in a second vertically extending wall of the housing 42, spaced-apart from the connecting member 4. This first rolling assembly 8 allows rotation of the drive shaft 3 while supporting same. A second rolling assembly 8 surrounds the tubular housing 34 and is inserted in a through hole defined in the second vertically extending wall of the housing 42. This second rolling assembly 8 allows rotation of the second vertically extending wall of the housing 42 around the tubular housing 34. Two additional rolling assemblies 8 are located inside the tubular housing 34 and surround the secondary drive shaft 14. These rolling assemblies 8 allow rotation of the secondary drive shaft 14 within the tubular housing 34 while supporting same. The rolling assemblies 8 can include bearings, sliding pads, and the like. The number and the configuration of the rolling assemblies 8 can vary from the embodiment shown.

[00100] Upon actuation of the rotary actuator 32, the drive shaft 3 rotates, for instance, in a clockwise direction. Since the movable gear 12 is engaged with the drive shaft 3, the movable gear 12 rotates about its rotation axis and about the stationary gear 13 in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the movable gear 12 around the stationary gear 13 engages the connecting member 4 in rotation in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the connecting member 4 engages the secondary drive shaft 14 in rotation in the clockwise direction. Finally, since the rotary actuator 32 and, more particularly, the actuator arm 32A is secured to the connecting member 4, the rotary actuator 32 further rotates in the clockwise direction. Thus, the body 36 of the rotary actuator 32 rotates in the same direction that its drive shaft 3. The rotation speed, measured in RPM (rotation per minute), of the drive shaft 3 is thus increased by the simultaneous rotation of the rotary actuator 32. Furthermore, rotation of the drive shaft 3 engages the secondary drive shaft 14 and the body 36 of the rotary actuator 32 in rotation in the same direction.

[00101] If the gear ratio for all gears is 1 , i.e. the movable gear 12 and the stationary gear 13 have the same number of tooth and the same diameter, and, if, for instance, the rotary actuator 32 drives the drive shaft 3 in rotation at 1 RPM, the secondary drive shaft 14 rotates at 1 RPM. However, since the body 36 of the rotary actuator 32 also rotates simultaneously at 1 RPM due to the connecting member 4, the apparent rotation speed of the drive shaft 3 is increased to 2 RPM, i.e. 1 RPM due to the actuation of the rotary actuator 32 and 1 RPM due to the rotation of the body 36 of the rotary actuator 32. Consequently, the movable gear 12 also rotate at 2 RPM since it is driven in rotation by the drive shaft 3. The movable gear 12 performs two full rotations, i.e. 720°, to rotate around the stationary gear 13. Thus, as the driving shaft 3 of the actuator 32 performs a half-turn, i.e. 180°, due to the power supplied by the rotary actuator 32, the movable gear 12 performs a full rotation, i.e. 360°, due to the body 36 of the rotary actuator 32, which rotates simultaneously. Upon actuation of the rotary actuator 32, the movable gear 12 carries out two full rotations, i.e. 720°, to complete a rotation around the stationary gear 13. The connecting member 4, which follows the movable gear 12, rotates at 1 RPM since it follows the rotation of the movable gear 12 around the stationary gear 13 and the secondary drive shaft 14, secured to the connecting member 4, also rotates at 1 RPM.

[00102] When the rotary actuator 32 is actuated, the driving shaft 3 acts on the movable gear 12, which is spaced-apart from the secondary driving shaft 14, thereby acting as a lever. In an embodiment, the torque obtained on the secondary driving shaft 14 is twice the torque provided by the actuator 32 on the driving shaft 3. The above-described power transmission assembly is thus a power multiplier by increasing and, in an embodiment, doubling the torque obtained on the secondary driving shaft 14 in comparison to the torque provided by the actuator 32 on the driving shaft 3. As mentioned above, the rotation speed and the rotation direction of the secondary driving shaft 14 is the same than the rotation speed and the rotation direction of the driving shaft 3.

[00103] The secondary driving shaft 14 can be operatively connected to any device or apparatus that converts mechanical energy to other types of energy or use the mechanical energy. For instance, the secondary driving shaft 14 can be operatively connected to an electric generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. It can also be connected to any device or apparatus that converts mechanical energy into other forms of energy, such as light, hydraulic energy, pneumatic energy, thermal energy such as heat, and the like.

[00104] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the movable and the stationary gears 12, 13 can be indirectly connected to one another. For instance, they can be connected through one or more intermediate gear(s), through one or more chain(s) or combination thereof provided that the movable gear 12 and the connecting member 4 rotates in the same direction. In an embodiment, the movable gear 12 and the connecting member 4 rotates in the same direction than the driving shaft 3.

[00105] Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown an alternative embodiment to the power transmission assembly 20 wherein the rotary actuator 32 is rotatably engaged to a frame through connecting member 2. The frame includes a leg 15 and a transversal arm 17. The connecting member 2 is rotatably mounted to the transversal arm 17 at a proximal end thereof while the rotary actuator 32 is secured to the connecting member 2 at a distal end thereof. Also, rotary actuator arm 32A is secured to the movable arm 12. Thus, the rotary actuator 32 is engaged in rotation by the movable gear 12 and rotation of the rotary actuator 32 engages the connecting member 2 in rotation about the transversal arm 17. In the embodiment shown, the rotary actuator is a hydraulic actuator supplied by a pressurized fluid in conduits 79 with 80 and 81 being rotary connection plates.

[00106] Furthermore, part of the connecting member 2 extends past the transversal arm 17 and has a counterweight 83 mounted thereon.

[00107] A plurality of rolling assemblies 8 allows rotation of the components with respect to one another. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, first rolling assemblies 8 surround the drive shaft 3 and are positioned in through holes defined in the vertically extending walls 4. A second rolling assembly 8 surrounds the tubular housing 34 and is inserted in a through hole defined in the second vertically extending wall 4. Additional rolling assemblies 8 are located inside the tubular housing 34 and surround the secondary drive shaft 14. Another rolling assembly extends between the transversal arm 17 and the connecting member 2 and allows rotation of the connecting member 2 around the transversal arm 17. The rolling assemblies 8 can include bearings, sliding pads, and the like. The number and the configuration of the rolling assemblies 8 can vary from the embodiment shown.

[00108] Referring now to Figs. 5 to 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a power transmission assembly 120 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 100 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment.

[00109] The power transmission assembly 120 includes a rotary actuator 132 operatively connected to a first gear assembly 122 and a second gear assembly 124. The first gear assembly 122 is operatively connected to the secondary drive shaft, as it will be described in more details below.

[00110] The power transmission assembly 120 is mounted to a frame 126, which in the present embodiment, includes two spaced-apart legs 1 15, 1 16 and a tubular housing 134 mounted to the first leg 1 16. The second leg 1 15 is associated to the second gear assembly 124 and the rotary actuator 132 and supports same. The first leg 1 16 and the tubular housing 134 are associated to the first gear assembly 122.

[00111] The rotary actuator 132 comprises an actuator arm 132A extending outwardly of a main actuator body 136. The actuator arm 132A extends through apertures defined in leg 1 15. More particularly, the actuator arm 132A is rotatably inserted in the apertures and rotates therein, as will be described in more details below. Rolling assemblies 108 (Fig. 6) are provided between the actuator arm 132A and the apertures defined in leg 1 15 to allow the actuator arm 132A to rotate therein. A rotatable driving shaft 103 extends outwardly from the actuator arm 132A and rotates therein upon actuation of the rotary actuator 132. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the second gear assembly 124 is operatively connected to the driving shaft 103. More particularly, the second gear assembly 124 includes a proximal driving gear 1 1 1 secured to the driving shaft 103, an intermediate driven gear 1 10 operatively engaged with the driving gear 1 1 1 , and a distal driven gear 109 operatively engaged with the intermediate driven gear 1 10. In other words, the peripheral tooth of the driving gear 1 1 1 mesh with the peripheral tooth of the intermediate driven gear 1 10 and, in turn, the peripheral tooth of the intermediate driven gear 1 10 mesh with the peripheral tooth of the distal driven gear 109. The driving shaft 103, the driving gear 1 1 1 , and the distal driven gear 109 rotate in the same direction while the intermediate driven gear 1 10 rotates in the opposite direction. For instance, if the driving shaft 103, the driving gear 1 1 1 , and the distal driven gear 109 rotate in the clockwise (CW) direction, the intermediate driven gear 1 10 rotates in the counterclockwise (CCW) direction.

[00112] In an alternative embodiment, the intermediate driven gear 1 10 could be replaced by a chain surrounding the driving gear 1 1 1 and the distal driven gear 109 and engaging the peripheral tooth thereof. As the intermediate driven gear 1 10, the chain would transmit the rotation motion of the driving gear 1 1 1 to the distal driven gear 109 with both gears 109, 1 1 1 rotating in the same direction.

[00113] In still an alternative embodiment, the second gear assembly 124 can include more than three gears or a different combination of gears and chain(s) provided that the driving gear 1 1 1 and the distal driven gear 109 rotate in the same direction.

[00114] As shown in Figs. 6 and 8, the first gear assembly 122 includes a movable gear 1 12 and a stationary gear 1 13, operatively engaged together. The tooth of the movable gear 1 12 mesh with the tooth of the stationary gear 1 13. More particularly, the movable gear 1 12 rotates around the stationary gear 1 13 and, more particularly, outwardly around the stationary gear 1 13. The stationary gear 1 13 is secured to an end of the tubular housing 134.

[00115] An axle 106 extends between the first gear assembly 122 and the second gear assembly 124 and operatively connected both gear assemblies 122, 124 together. The axle 106 is aligned with the rotation center of the movable gear 1 12 and the distal driven gear 109. The axle 106 is secured to the movable gear 1 12 and the distal driven gear 109. Therefore, upon rotation of the distal driven gear 109, the movable gear 1 12 also rotates. Thus, the distal driven gear 109 and the movable gear 1 12 rotate in the same direction. The axle 106 defines the rotation axis of the distal driven gear 109 and the movable gear 1 12. [00116] The second gear assembly 124 includes a connecting member 102, in the shape of a connecting arm, connecting together the driving shaft 103, the intermediate driven gear 1 10, and the distal driven gear 109. The axle 106 extends through a through hole defined at a distal end of the connecting arm 102 and rotates therein. The intermediate driven gear 1 10 is rotatably mounted to the connecting arm 102 at rotation axle 133. The driving shaft 103 extends through a through hole defined at a proximal end of the connecting arm 102 and rotates therein. The connecting arm 102, close to a proximal end thereof, is secured to the actuator arm 132A of the rotary actuator 132. Thus, rotation of the connecting arm 102 engages the actuator arm 132A and the actuator body 136 in rotation, as will be described in more details below.

[00117] As the second gear assembly 124, the first gear assembly 122 further comprises a connecting member 104, in the shape of a connecting arm. The connecting arm 104 has a first distal end engaged with the axle 106 and juxtaposed to the movable gear 1 12 and a second proximal end secured to a secondary drive shaft 1 14. More particularly, the connecting arm 104 has one through hole defined at each end thereof. The axle 106 is inserted in the through hole defined at the distal end and the secondary drive shaft 1 14 is inserted in the through hole defined at the proximal end. The axle 106 rotates in the distal end through hole while the secondary drive shaft 1 14 is secured to the connecting arm 104. Thus, the rotation of the movable gear 1 12 about the stationary gear 1 13 engages the connecting arm 104 in rotation. Rotation of the connecting arm 104 engages the secondary drive shaft 1 14 in rotation. The rotation axis of the connecting arm 104 is aligned with the secondary drive shaft 1 14.

[00118] As mentioned above, rotation of the movable gear 1 12 about the stationary gear 1 13 engages the connecting arm 104 in rotation. Since both connecting arms 102, 104 are connected together through the axle 106, rotation of the connecting arm 104 engages the connecting arm 102 in rotation about the drive shaft 103. The rotation axis of the connecting arm 102 is aligned with the drive shaft 103. Since the actuator arm 132A of the rotary actuator 132 is secured to the proximal end of the connecting arm 102, rotation of the connecting arm 102 engages the actuator arm 132A and the body 136 of the rotary actuator 132 in rotation. The rotation axis of the actuator arm 132A and the body 136 of the rotary actuator 132 is aligned with the drive shaft 103.

[00119] The power transmission assembly 120 also comprises a plurality of rolling assemblies 108 to allow rotation of the components with respect to one another. As mentioned above, rolling assemblies 108 are provided between the actuator arm 132A and the apertures defined in leg 1 15 to allow the actuator arm 132A to rotate therein. As shown in Fig. 6, additional rolling assemblies 108 are located inside the tubular housing 134 and surround the secondary drive shaft 1 14. These rolling assemblies 108 allow rotation of the secondary drive shaft 1 14 within the tubular housing 134 while supporting same. The rolling assemblies 108 can include bearings, sliding pads, and the like. The number and the configuration of the rolling assemblies 108 can vary from the embodiment shown.

[00120] As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the secondary driving shaft 1 14 can be operatively connected to any device or apparatus 140 that converts mechanical energy to other types of energy or use the mechanical energy. For instance, the secondary driving shaft 1 14 can be operatively connected to an electric generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. It can also be connected to any mechanical energy converter 140 that converts mechanical energy into other forms of energy, such as light, hydraulic energy, pneumatic energy, thermal energy such as heat, and the like.

[00121] In summary, upon actuation of the rotary actuator 132, the drive shaft 103 is engaged in rotation. Rotation of the drive shaft 103, for instance in a clockwise direction, engages the driving gear 1 1 1 in rotation also in the clockwise direction since the drive shaft 103 and the driving gear 1 1 1 are secured together. Rotation of the driving gear 1 1 1 in the clockwise direction engages the intermediate driven gear 1 10 in rotation in the counter clockwise direction since the peripheral tooth of the driving gear 1 1 1 and the intermediate driven gear 1 10 mesh together. Rotation of the intermediate driven gear 1 10 in the counter clockwise direction engages the distal driven gear 109 in rotation in the clockwise direction since the peripheral tooth of the intermediate driven gear 1 10 and the distal driven gear 109 mesh together. Rotation of the distal driven gear 109 in the clockwise direction engages the axle 106 in rotation in the clockwise direction since the distal driven gear 109 and the axle 106 are secured together. Rotation of the axle 106 in the clockwise direction engages the movable gear 1 12 in rotation in the clockwise direction about the stationary gear 1 13 since the axle 106 and the movable gear 1 12 are secured together. Rotation of the movable gear 1 12 in the clockwise direction engages the connecting arm 104 and the axle 106 in rotation in the clockwise direction about the stationary gear 1 13 since the distal end of the connecting arm 104 is engaged with axle 106. Rotation of the connecting arm 104 and the axle 106 in the clockwise direction engages the connecting arm 102 in rotation in the clockwise direction since the connecting arm 102 is also engaged with the axle 106. Finally, rotation of the connecting arm 102 in the clockwise direction engages the rotary actuator arm 132A and the body 136 of the rotary actuator 132 in rotation in the clockwise direction since the actuator arm 132A is secured to the proximal end of the connecting arm 102 and the body 136 of the rotary actuator 132 is secured to its actuator arm 132A. Thus, the body 136 of the rotary actuator 132 rotates in the same direction that its drive shaft 103. The rotation speed, measured in RPM (rotation per minute), of the drive shaft 103 is thus increased by the simultaneous rotation of the rotary actuator 132. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the proximal end of the connecting arm 104 is secured to the secondary drive shaft 1 14 and as mentioned above the connecting arm 104 is engaged in rotation by the rotation of the movable gear 1 12 about the stationary gear 1 13, thus, the secondary drive shaft 1 14 also rotates in the clockwise direction upon rotation of the connecting arm 104 in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the drive shaft 103 engages the secondary drive shaft 1 14 in rotation in the same direction.

[00122] If the gear ratio for all gears is 1 and, if, for instance, the rotary actuator 132 drives the drive shaft 103 in a rotation at 1 RPM; the body 136 of the rotary actuator 132 also rotates at 1 RPM due to the connecting members 102 and 104. Thus, the rotation speed of the drive shaft 103 is increased to 2 RPM, i.e. 1 RPM due to the actuation of the rotary actuator 132 and 1 RPM due to the rotation of the body 136 of the rotary actuator 132. Consequently, the gears 109, 1 10, 1 1 1 , and 1 12 also rotate at 2 RPM about their rotation axis since they are driven in rotation by the drive shaft 103. The movable gear 1 12 performs two full rotations, i.e. 720°, about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear 1 13. Thus, as the driving shaft 103, due to the power provided by the rotary actuator 132, performs a half-turn, i.e. 180°, the movable gear 1 12 performs a full rotation, i.e. 360°, about its rotation axis due to the body 136 of the rotary actuator 132, which rotates simultaneously. Upon actuation of the rotary actuator 132, the movable gear 1 12 carries out two full rotations, i.e. 720°, to complete a rotation around the stationary gear 1 13. The connecting member 104, which follows the movable gear 1 12, rotates at 1 RPM and the secondary drive shaft 1 14, secured to the connecting member 104, also rotates at 1 RPM.

[00123] When the actuator 132 is actuated, the driving shaft 103 engages indirectly the movable gear 1 12 in rotation, which is spaced-apart from the secondary driving shaft 1 14, thereby acting as a lever. The torque obtained on the secondary driving shaft 1 14 is increased and, in an embodiment, is twice the torque provided by the actuator 132 on the driving shaft 103. The above-described power transmission assembly 120 is thus a power multiplier by increasing and, in an embodiment, doubling the torque obtained on the secondary driving shaft 1 14 in comparison to the torque provided by the actuator 132 on the driving shaft 103. As mentioned above, the rotation speed and the rotation direction of the secondary driving shaft 1 14 is the same than the rotation speed and the rotation direction of the driving shaft 103.

[00124] Even in the embodiments described above, the movable gear and the stationary gear have a unitary gear ratio, the gear ratio can be different from 1. In the embodiment shown, the diameter of the movable gear 1 12 and the stationary gear 1 13 is larger than the diameter of the gears 109, 1 10, 1 1 1 of the secondary gear assembly 124. Furthermore, the number of tooth and/or the diameter of the movable gear 12, 1 12 and the stationary gear 13, 1 13 can be different.

[00125] In the embodiment shown in Figs 4 to 8, the rotation axes of the drive shaft 3 and the stationary drive shafts 14 are aligned. However, in alternative embodiment, they can be misaligned.

[00126] Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the power transmission assembly 20 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 200 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment. In the power transmission 220, the gear assembly 222 comprises a stationary gear 213 and a movable gear 212 which are connected together through a chain 260. A rotation reversing device is secured to the drive shaft 203 and to the movable gear 212 while the drive shaft 203 is engaged with the movable gear 212 through a free rolling assembly 208. Thus, upon actuation of the rotary actuator 232, the drive shaft 203 rotates, for instance, in a clockwise direction. The rotation reversing device 290 is engaged with the drive shaft 203 with the movable gear 212. Thus, upon rotation of the drive shaft 203, the movable gear 212 rotates about its own axis in the opposed direction, for instance in the counter clockwise direction. The chain 260 engages the movable gear 212 to rotate in the clockwise direction around the stationary gear 213 and, more particularly, outwardly around the stationary gear 213. Rotation of the movable gear 212 around the stationary gear 213 engages the connecting member 204 in rotation in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the connecting member 204 engages the secondary drive shaft 214 in rotation in the clockwise direction. Finally, since the rotary actuator 232 and, more particularly, the actuator arm 232A is secured to the connecting member 204, the rotary actuator 232 further rotates in the clockwise direction. Thus, the body 236 of the rotary actuator 232 rotates in the same direction that its drive shaft 203. The rotation speed, measured in RPM (rotation per minute), of the drive shaft 203 is thus increased by the simultaneous rotation of the rotary actuator 232.

[00127] The rotation reversing device 290 can be any suitable rotation reversing device that engages the movable gear 212 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the drive shaft 203 and can differ from the embodiment shown. Free rolling assemblies 208 are provided between various components to allow free rotation of components engaged together. In the embodiment shown, the rotation reversing device 290 includes an arm 291 extending between the drive shaft 203 and the secondary drive shaft 214. More particularly, the arm 291 includes two through holes with free rolling assemblies 208 mounted therein in which the drive shaft 203 and the secondary drive shaft 214 extend. Thus, the drive shaft 203 and the secondary drive shaft 214 freely rotates with respect to the arm 291 and the arm 291 can rotate around the secondary drive shaft 214. [00128] Rotation reversing devices can be used in alternative embodiments of the power transmission assembly to rotate the rotary actuator in the same rotation direction than its drive shaft.

[00129] Referring now to Figs. 1 1 to 13, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the power transmission assembly 220 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 300 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment. The power transmission 320 is a combination of the power transmission assemblies 120 and 220 described above, wherein the stationary gear 313 and a movable gear 312 which are connected together through a chain 360 and further comprising a second gear assembly 324 to engage in rotation the movable gear 312. The second gear assembly 324 includes a driving gear 31 1 secured to the driving shaft 303 and a driven gear 309 operatively engaged with the driving gear 31 1 . In other words, the peripheral tooth of the driving gear 31 1 mesh with the peripheral tooth of the driven gear 309. The driving shaft 303 and the driving gear 31 1 rotate in the same direction while the driven gear 309 rotates in the opposite direction. For instance, if the driving shaft 303 and the driving gear 31 1 rotate in the clockwise (CW) direction, the driven gear 309 rotates in the counter-clockwise (CCW) direction.

[00130] In summary, upon actuation of the rotary actuator 332, the drive shaft 303 is engaged in rotation. Rotation of the drive shaft 303, for instance in a clockwise direction, engages the driving gear 31 1 in rotation also in the clockwise direction since the drive shaft 303 and the driving gear 31 1 are secured together. Rotation of the driving gear 31 1 in the clockwise direction engages the driven gear 309 in rotation in the counter clockwise direction since the peripheral tooth of the driving gear 31 1 and the driven gear 309 mesh together. Rotation of the driven gear 309 in the counter clockwise direction engages the axle 306 in rotation in the counter clockwise direction since the driven gear 309 and the axle 306 are secured together. Rotation of the axle 306 in the counter clockwise direction engages the movable gear 312 in rotation in the counter clockwise direction about the stationary gear 313 since the axle 306 and the movable gear 312 are secured together. The chain 360 engages the movable gear 312 in rotation in the clockwise direction around the stationary gear 313. Rotation of the movable gear 312 around the stationary gear 313 engages the connecting member 304 in rotation in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the connecting member 304 engages the secondary drive shaft 314 in rotation in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the connecting arm 304 in the clockwise direction engages the connecting arm 302 in rotation in the clockwise direction since both connecting arms 302, 304 are engaged together through sleeve 362. Finally, rotation of the connecting arm 302 in the clockwise direction engages the rotary actuator arm 332A and the body 336 of the rotary actuator 332 in rotation in the clockwise direction since the actuator arm 332A is secured to the proximal end of the connecting arm 302 and the body 336 of the rotary actuator 332 is secured to its actuator arm 332A. Thus, the body 336 of the rotary actuator 332 rotates in the same direction that its drive shaft 303. The rotation speed, measured in RPM (rotation per minute), of the drive shaft 303 is thus increased by the simultaneous rotation of the rotary actuator 332. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the proximal end of the connecting arm 304 is secured to the secondary drive shaft 314 and as mentioned above the connecting arm 304 is engaged in rotation by the rotation of the movable gear 312 about the stationary gear 313, thus, the secondary drive shaft

314 also rotates in the clockwise direction upon rotation of the connecting arm 304 in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the drive shaft 303 engages the secondary drive shaft 314 in rotation in the same direction.

[00131] Referring now to Figs. 14 to 18, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the power transmission assemblies 20, 120, 220, 320 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 400 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment. In the power transmission 420, the stationary gear 413 is an annulus gear having its gear tooth formed on an inner surface thereof.

[00132] The power transmission assembly 420 includes a rotary actuator 432 operatively connected to a first gear assembly 422, operatively connected to the secondary drive shaft 414, and a second gear assembly 424, operatively connected to the engine drive shaft 403.

[00133] The frame 426 is similar to the frame 126 and will not be described in further details. [00134] As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the second gear assembly 424 is operatively connected to the driving shaft 403, which is extends outwardly of the actuator arm 432A and rotates therein upon actuation of the rotary actuator 432. The second gear assembly 424 includes a proximal driving gear 41 1 secured to the driving shaft 403 and a driven gear 409 operatively engaged with the driving gear 41 1 . In other words, the peripheral tooth of the driving gear 41 1 mesh with the peripheral tooth of the driven gear 409. The driving shaft 403 and the driving gear

41 1 rotate in the same direction while the driven gear 409 rotates in the opposite direction. For instance, if the driving shaft 403 and the driving gear 41 1 rotate in the clockwise (CW) direction, the driven gear 409 rotates in the counter-clockwise (CCW) direction.

[00135] As shown in Figs. 16 and 18, the first gear assembly 422 includes the movable gear 412 and the annular stationary gear 413, operatively engaged together. The tooth of the movable gear 412 mesh with the tooth of the stationary gear 413. More particularly, the movable gear 412 rotates around the stationary gear 413 and, more particularly, inwardly around the stationary gear 413. The stationary gear 413 is secured to a frame (not shown).

[00136] The axle 406 extends between the first gear assembly 422 and the second gear assembly 424 and operatively connected both gear assemblies 422, 424 together. The axle 406 is aligned with the rotation center of the movable gear

412 and the driven gear 409. The axle 406 is secured to the movable gear 412 and the driven gear 409. Therefore, upon rotation of the driven gear 409, the movable gear 412 also rotates. Thus, the driven gear 409 and the movable gear 412 rotate in the same direction. The axle 406 defines the rotation axis of the driven gear 409 and the movable gear 412.

[00137] The second gear assembly 424 includes a connecting member 402, in the shape of a connecting arm, connecting together the driving shaft 403 and the driven gear 409. The axle 406 extends through a through hole defined at a distal end of the connecting arm 402 and rotates therein. The driving shaft 403 extends through a through hole defined at a proximal end of the connecting arm 402 and rotates therein. The connecting arm 402, close to a proximal end thereof, is secured to the actuator arm 432A of the rotary actuator 432. Thus, rotation of the connecting arm 402 engages the actuator arm 432A and the actuator body 436 in rotation, as will be described in more details below.

[00138] As the second gear assembly 424, the first gear assembly 422 further comprises a connecting member 404, in the shape of a connecting arm. The connecting arm 404 has a first distal end engaged with the axle 406 and a second proximal end secured to the secondary drive shaft 414. More particularly, the connecting arm 404 has one through hole defined at each end thereof. The axle 406 is inserted in the through hole defined at the distal end and the secondary drive shaft 414 is inserted in the through hole defined at the proximal end. The axle 406 rotates in the distal end through hole while the secondary drive shaft 414 is secured to the connecting arm 404. Thus, the rotation of the movable gear 412 about the stationary gear 413 engages the connecting arm 404 in rotation. Rotation of the connecting arm 404 engages the secondary drive shaft 414 in rotation. The rotation axis of the connecting arm 404 is aligned with the secondary drive shaft 414.

[00139] As mentioned above, rotation of the movable gear 412 about the stationary gear 413 engages the connecting arm 404 in rotation. Since both connecting arms 402, 404 are connected together through the axle 406, rotation of the connecting arm 404 engages the connecting arm 402 in rotation about the drive shaft 403. The rotation axis of the connecting arm 402 is aligned with the drive shaft 403. Since the actuator arm 432A of the rotary actuator 432 is secured to the proximal end of the connecting arm 402, rotation of the connecting arm 402 engages the actuator arm 432A and the body 436 of the rotary actuator 432 in rotation. The rotation axis of the actuator arm 432A and the body 436 of the rotary actuator 432 is aligned with the drive shaft 403.

[00140] In summary, upon actuation of the rotary actuator 432, the drive shaft 403 is engaged in rotation. Rotation of the drive shaft 403, for instance in a clockwise direction, engages the driving gear 41 1 in rotation also in the clockwise direction since the drive shaft 403 and the driving gear 41 1 are secured together. Rotation of the driving gear 41 1 in the clockwise direction engages the driven gear 409 in rotation in the counter clockwise direction since the peripheral tooth of the driving gear 41 1 and the driven gear 409 mesh together. Rotation of the driven gear 409 in the counter clockwise direction engages the axle 406 in rotation in the counter clockwise direction since the driven gear 409 and the axle 406 are secured together. Rotation of the axle 406 in the counter clockwise direction engages the movable gear 412 in rotation in the counter clockwise direction about the stationary gear 413 since the axle 406 and the movable gear 412 are secured together. Rotation of the movable gear 412 in the counter clockwise direction about its own axis engages the movable gear 412 to rotate in the clockwise direction around the stationary gear 413. Rotation of the movable gear 412 in the clockwise direction about the stationary gear 413 engages the connecting arm 404 in rotation in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the connecting member 404 engages the secondary drive shaft 414 in rotation in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the connecting arm 404 in the clockwise direction engages the connecting arm 402 in rotation in the clockwise direction since both connecting arms 402, 404 are engaged together through axle 406. Finally, rotation of the connecting arm 402 in the clockwise direction engages the rotary actuator arm 432A and the body 436 of the rotary actuator 432 in rotation in the clockwise direction since the actuator arm 432A is secured to the proximal end of the connecting arm 402 and the body 436 of the rotary actuator 432 is secured to its actuator arm 432A. Thus, the body 436 of the rotary actuator 432 rotates in the same direction that its drive shaft 403. The rotation speed, measured in RPM (rotation per minute), of the drive shaft 403 is thus increased by the simultaneous rotation of the rotary actuator 432. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the proximal end of the connecting arm 404 is secured to the secondary drive shaft 414 and as mentioned above the connecting arm 404 is engaged in rotation by the rotation of the movable gear 412 about the stationary gear 413, thus, the secondary drive shaft 414 also rotates in the clockwise direction upon rotation of the connecting arm 404 in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the drive shaft 403 engages the secondary drive shaft 414 in rotation in the same direction.

[00141] As the above-described power transmission assemblies, the power transmission assembly 420 also comprises a plurality of rolling assemblies 408 to allow rotation of the components with respect to one another. The number and the configuration of the rolling assemblies 408 can vary from the embodiment shown. [00142] As the above-described power transmission assemblies, the secondary driving shaft 414 can be operatively connected to any device or apparatus 440 that converts mechanical energy to other types of energy or use the mechanical energy.

[00143] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 14 to 18, the rotation axes of the drive shaft 3 and the stationary drive shafts 14 are aligned. However, in alternative embodiment, they can be misaligned.

[00144] Referring now to Figs. 19 to 23, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the power transmission assembly 420 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 500 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment. In the power transmission assembly 520, the stationary gear 513 is an annulus gear having its gear tooth formed on an inner surface thereof and the second gear assembly 524 comprises four operatively connected gears with two operatively engaged intermediate driven gears 510.

[00145] The operation of the power transmission assembly 520 is similar to the operation of the power transmission assembly 420 described above and will not be described in further details. The driven gear 509 rotates in the direction opposed to the rotation direction of the driving gear 51 1 but the driving shaft 503 rotates in the same rotation direction than the secondary driving shaft 514 and the body 536 of the rotary actuator 532.

[00146] Referring now to Figs. 24 and 25, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the power transmission assembly 120 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 600 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment. In the power transmission 620, the drive shaft 603 and the secondary drive shaft 614 are connected together. In other words, the power transmission 620 comprises a single drive shaft which extends continuously between the rotary actuator 632 and the mechanical energy converter 640. Thus, upon actuation of the rotary actuator 632, the drive shaft 603, 614 rotates. The first and second gear assemblies 622, 624 are configured to engage in rotation the body 636 of the rotary actuator 632. [00147] In the embodiments described above, the power transmission assemblies 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 can be provided with a counterweight assembly, configured opposed to the rotary actuator 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632.

[00148] Several embodiments of energy distribution networks will be described below. As mentioned above, the rotary actuator 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632 can be either an electrical power actuator, such as an electric motor, or a fluid power actuator, such as hydraulic power or pneumatic power actuators. For instance, the hydraulic power actuator can include an hydraulic pump. Thus, the energy distribution networks including the rotary actuator 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632 can either be an electric network, a pneumatic network, an hydraulic network, or the like. In accordance, the lines connecting together the various components are either electric conductors or fluid conductors, i.e. pipes through which circulate a fluid such air, gas, oil, etc.

[00149] Referring now to Fig. 26, there is shown a schematic view of an electric network 750 including a power transmission assembly 720, which can any one of the power transmission assemblies described above or an alternative embodiment thereof. The features are numbered with reference numerals in the 700 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiments.

[00150] The power transmission assemblies of the above-described embodiments can be entirely contained in a single housing or a plurality of housings. Furthermore, the gear assemblies can be contained in one or several housings.

[00151] More particularly, Fig. 26 shows how the power transmission assembly 720 can be used to supply in energy either to a cottage, a house, a plant, a store, a village or a town, for instance, as an electric energy consuming unit 741 .

[00152] The network 750 shown in Fig. 26 is an electric network comprising the power transmission assembly 720 operatively connected to an electric generator 740. The electric energy converted by the electric generator 740 is used to feed the rotary actuator 732 of the power transmission assembly 720, which in the present embodiment is an electric motor, and feed an electric energy consuming unit 741 , as will be described in more details below.

[00153] The network 750 is operatively connected to a computer 700 which controls the various components, as it will be described in more details. Energy must be provided to the start the power transmission assembly 720. In the embodiment shown, a battery 742 supplies the electric energy to start the power transmission assembly 720, as will be described in more details below. Once the power transmission assembly 720 is started and the electric generator 740 produces electric energy, part of the electric energy produced can be used to feed the power transmission assembly 720 and the battery 742 can be disconnected, as will be described in more details below.

[00154] More particularly, the network 750 comprises an electronic control unit 743 which powers on or turns off a starter system 744 based on signals sent by the computer 700. The starter system 744 is operatively connected to the battery 742, or any other electric power supply. When powered on, the starter system 744 allows electric current to flow therethrough in electric conductors L4 and L3. Power from the battery 742 is then supplied to the rotary actuator 732. When actuated, the rotary actuator 732 engages in rotation its driving shaft (not shown), which, in turn engages in rotation the secondary driving shaft 714. The actuator driving shaft and the secondary driving shaft 714 are operatively connected together through the power transmission assembly 720. As mentioned above, the power transmission assembly 720 engages the secondary driving shaft 714 in rotation at the same rotation speed than the actuator driving shaft but increase its torque. The generator 740 is operatively connected to the distal end of the secondary driving shaft 714. Upon rotation of the secondary driving shaft 714, the generator 740 rotates and converts mechanical energy into electric energy and, more particularly, electric current.

[00155] The electric energy converted by the generator 740 is greater than the electric energy supplied to the rotary actuator 732, as detailed above. The electric energy converted by the generator 740 is transferred to an electric box 739 through electric conductor L1 . The electric box 739 includes an electronic control system 738 which is operatively connected to the electronic control unit 743 and the starter system 744 through connector L2. The electronic control unit 743 and the starter system 744 can thus evaluate the amount of energy that must be supplied to the rotary actuator 732 from the electric box 739. Thus, if the power transmission assembly 720 doubles the energy supplied to the rotary actuator 732, approximately half of the energy converted by the generator 740 is returned to the starter system 744, through electric conductor L2, to be supplied to the rotary actuator 732 through electric conductor L3. When sufficient energy is returned to the starter system 744 to be supplied to the rotary actuator 732, the electronic control system 738 sends a signal to the electronic control unit 743 and the starter system 744, which turn off the battery 742. Thereby, all energy fed to the rotary actuator 732 is supplied by the electric box 739. The energy remaining in the electric box 739, once part of the energy is returned to the rotary actuator 732, is directed to energy consuming units 741 such as but without being limitative, houses, plants, villages, towns, electric cars, boats, trains, and the like, through electric connectors L5. To turn off the power transmission assembly 720, the computer 700 sends a signal to the electronic control unit 743 and the starter system 744, which, in turn, prevent energy supplied by the generator 740 to reach the rotary actuator 732. Temporarily, all the energy converted by the generator 740 is supplied to energy consuming units 741 .

[00156] The controller 700 can be configured to control the energy returned to the rotary actuator 732 and, thereby, the rotation speed thereof.

[00157] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the energy to start the rotary actuator 732 can be provided by any other energy supply instead of the battery 742. The alternative energy supply is operatively connected to the electronic control unit 743, the starter system 744, and the computer 700 to control same.

[00158] Referring now to Fig. 27, there is shown a schematic view of the electric network 750 including the power transmission assembly 720 wherein the electric network 750 is used recharge a rechargeable battery system 762 with the electric energy produced by the generator 740 through a battery charger 760. For instance, the battery charger 760 can operatively connected to the electronic control system 738 and the electric box 739 through electric connectors L90 and to the rechargeable battery system 762 through electric connectors L91 . The computer 700 can be operatively connected thereto to manage the energy and the battery system power charge. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 27, the energy accumulated in the rechargeable battery system 762 is used to start the power transmission assembly 720, as described above in reference to Fig. 26.

[00159] Referring to Fig. 28, there is shown a schematic view of a hydraulic network 850 including the power transmission assembly 820, wherein the network 850 includes an hydraulic pump 864.

[00160] As the above-described embodiment, the network 850 includes a starting power source 845 to supply power to the power transmission assembly 820 to start the later. Once the power transmission assembly 820 is started, energy stored in the starting power source 845 can be prevented to reach the power transmission assembly 820 and the power transmission assembly 820 can be solely fed with part of its energy output.

[00161] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 28, the starting power source 845 is a pressurized fluid supply, for instance a pressurized liquid supply, such as a pressurized oil tank. The pressurized fluid supply 845 is operatively connected to the rotary actuator 832 of the the power transmission assembly 820 through hydraulic connectors and, more particularly, pipes L3 and L4. Valves are operatively connected to the pipes L3 and L4 to control the fluid flow therein.

[00162] In the embodiment shown, the rotary actuator 832 is a hydraulic motor which converts hydraulic pressure and flow into torque and angular displacement, i.e. rotation. It is appreciated that in alternative embodiment, the hydraulic motor can be replaced by a suitable hydraulic pump configured to convert hydraulic pressure and flow into torque and angular displacement.

[00163] The hydraulic network is also provided with a fluid accumulation tank 852. The fluid accumulation tank 852 is fluid communication with the rotary actuator 832 and the hydraulic pump 864 through pipes L5, L6, and L7, as will be described in more details below.

[00164] When discharged from the rotary actuator 832, the fluid is transferred to the fluid accumulation tank 852 into pipe L5 where it is accumulated. It is then pumped into pipe L6 by the hydraulic pump 864, which is actuated by rotary shaft 863 and pressurized and returned to the rotary actuator 832 into pipe L2.

[00165] As for the above-described network, the network 850 is controlled by a computer 800. The computer 800 is operatively connected to a control unit 843 including a valve 846, such a one-way valve. The control unit 843 controls, amongst others, the configuration of the valve 846. When the valve 846 is subject to oil pressure from pipe L2, in the direction of arrows, the valve 846 is configured in an open configuration to allow oil to flow therethrough and actuate the rotary actuator 832.

[00166] To start the power transmission assembly 820, the initial energy is supplied by a pressurized fluid reservoir 845 which is in fluid communication with the rotary actuator 832 through pipes L3 and L4. Thus, when a signal is received from the controller 800, the control unit 843 configures the valves 841 , 843 in the open configuration. Since the valve 846 is a one-way valve, the pressurized fluid contained in the pressurized fluid reservoir 845 flows through pipes L3 and L4 towards the rotary actuator 832 and actuates same. Upon actuation by the pressurized fluid, the rotary actuator 832 rotates and through the power transmission assembly 820, the secondary drive shaft 814 rotates simultaneously.

[00167] The secondary drive shaft 814 can be operatively connected a generator or any other energy consuming unit such as a car, a truck, a boat, and the like.

[00168] A transmission assembly 860 is operatively connected to the secondary drive shaft 814. It includes a first gear 861 mounted to the secondary drive shaft 814 and which rotates simultaneously therewith and a second gear 862 operatively engaged with the first gear 861 . The second gear 862 is driven in rotation by the first gear 861 . The drive shaft 863 is secured to the second gear 862 and rotates simultaneously. The drive shaft 863 is operatively connected to the hydraulic pump 864 and actuates same. As mentioned above, upon actuation, the hydraulic pump 864 pumps fluid contained in the fluid accumulation tank 852 towards the rotary actuator 832 into pipes L6, L1 , L2, and L3. [00169] In pipe L6, fluid pumped by the hydraulic pump 864 flows through control box 848 and valve 847, which is configured in the open configuration by a signal received from controller 800. Valve 848, which is controlled by control box 848, is typically configured in the closed configuration or a partially open configuration when the power transmission assembly 820 is in an operative state.

[00170] In pipe L2, fluid flows through the one-way valve 846. When sufficient fluid flows through the one-way valve 846, the control box 843 configures the valve 841 in the closed configuration.

[00171] Some of the fluid flowing in pipe L2 can be directed to the pressurized fluid reservoir 845 to refill same by flowing through one-way valve 842.

[00172] In the embodiment shown, a fluid tank 851 is in fluid communication with pipe L2. The fluid tank 851 includes a bag 851 B and a valve 851 A, the purpose of which will be described in more details below. In the operative configuration of the power transmission assembly 820, fluid is contained in the bag 851 B housed in the fluid tank 851.

[00173] To turn off the hydraulic network, the controller 800 sends the appropriate signal to control box 848 which, in turn, configures the valve 847 in the close configuration and valve 866 in the open configuration. Thus, fluid pumped by the hydraulic pump 864 flows through valve 866 in pipe L7 and returns to the fluid accumulation tank 852. Thus, no pressurized fluid is supplied to the rotary actuator 832 to actuate same. Fluid contained in the pipes L2 and L3 is suctioned from pipe L2 and reservoir 851 . Valve 851 A allows air to flow in the reservoir 851 when pipe L2 is filled with fluid. As mentioned above, fluid is contained in a bag 851 B, housed in reservoir 851 , and the bag size is variable.

[00174] When the power transmission assembly 820 is re-started, the bag 851 B contained in the reservoir 851 fills with fluid and air is expelled through valve 851A.

[00175] The hydraulic network can include one or more fluid reservoir such as reservoirs 852 and 851 which are designed to accumulate fluid. [00176] In an embodiment, the fluid accumulation tank 852 can include heat exchanger 870 in which heat exchange between the fluid contained in the fluid accumulation tank 852 and a fluid circulating in the heat exchanger 870. Heat contained in the fluid contained in the fluid accumulation tank 852 is absorbed by the fluid circulating in the heat exchanger 870. In an alternative embodiment, the heat exchanger 870 can also be used to heat the fluid contained in the fluid accumulation tank 852.

[00177] In an embodiment, the capacity of the hydraulic pump 864 is higher than the capacity of the rotary actuator 832, actuated by a fluid.

[00178] Valves 866 and/or 847 can be operatively connected to and controlled by the computer 800 to control the fluid flowrate and pressure directed to the fluid accumulation tank 852 and/or the rotary actuator 832.

[00179] In an embodiment, the transmission assembly 860 can include additional gear(s) and shaft(s). The additional shaft(s) can be operatively connected to other energy consuming unit(s) such as and without being limitative compressor(s) for air-conditioning, alternator(s) for battery charging, and the like.

[00180] In an embodiment, the starter system can either be an AC or DC electric motor or an internal combustion engine combined with a hydraulic pump. The motors or pumps can be operatively connected to a battery or any other power supply.

[00181] In an embodiment, the secondary drive shaft of the power transmission assembly can be operatively connected to an oil pump with one or several oil output ports. The oil output ports can be in fluid communication with a hydraulically actuated apparatus, such as and without being limitative an excavator.

[00182] Several alternative embodiments can be foreseen. For instance, in an embodiment, the rotary actuator can be an electric rotary actuator operatively connected to a hydraulic actuator. To start the power transmission assembly, the electric rotary actuator can be engaged in rotation by one or more hydraulic actuator(s), such as hydraulic pumps, for instance. The hydraulic actuator(s) can be supplied in pressurized fluid to actuate same. A generator can be operatively connected to the secondary drive shaft of the power transmission assembly and convert mechanical energy into electric energy. Part of the electric energy converted by the generator can be returned to electric rotary actuator to actuate same.

[00183] The computer 700, 800 can be operatively connected, either directly or indirectly, to all control units, valves, and devices of the network. Remote controls can be provided to control the control units, valves, and devices of the network. The control unit can be either mechanical and/or electrical control units

[00184] The components of the above-described energy distribution networks can be interchanged, with or without particular adaptation. Furthermore, the configuration of the components within a network can be modified as one skilled in the art will appreciate.

[00185] Furthermore, several power transmission assemblies can be mounted in series or in parallel. For instance, the secondary driving shaft of a first power transmission assembly can be the input driving shaft of a second power transmission assembly. Furthermore, the rotary power of the secondary driving shaft of a first power transmission assembly can be used to actuate two power transmission assemblies mounted in parallel, downstream of the first power transmission assembly. One of the two power transmission assemblies can be operatively connected to the secondary driving shaft of a first power transmission assembly through a transmission assembly such as the transmission assembly 860 shown in Fig. 26.

[00186] Moreover, although the embodiments of the power transmission assembly and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the power transmission assembly according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "above", "below", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[00187] It will be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order.

[00188] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A power transmission assembly comprising:

a rotary actuator including an actuator body and a rotatable actuator driving shaft; and

a first gear assembly including a movable gear operatively connected to the actuator driving shaft, a stationary gear, a connecting member, and a secondary driving shaft; the connecting member being operatively connected to the actuator body and secured to the secondary drive shaft; the movable gear rotating around the stationary gear; and the connecting member, the secondary driving shaft, and the actuator body being engaged in rotation upon actuation of the rotatable actuator driving shaft.

2. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis for each rotation of the actuator driving shaft.

3. The power transmission assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear.

4. The power transmission assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the movable gear carries out two rotations about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear.

5. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the secondary driving shaft has a rotation axis aligned with a center of the stationary gear.

6. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a frame and the actuator body is rotatably mounted to the frame.

7. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the frame comprises a housing through which the secondary driving shaft is rotatably inserted.

8. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

7, wherein the rotatable actuator driving shaft is secured to the movable gear and aligned with its rotation axis.

9. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

8, wherein the movable gear rotates outwardly around the stationary gear.

10. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

9, wherein the stationary gear and the movable gear comprises a plurality of peripheral tooth and a gear ratio of 1.

1 1. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

10, wherein the actuator driving shaft is inserted in a through hole defined in the connecting member and rotates therein.

12. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

1 1 , wherein a rotation axis of the connecting member is aligned with a rotation axis of the secondary driving shaft.

13. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

12, wherein the secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the actuator body rotate in a same rotation direction.

14. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

13, wherein the secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the actuator body rotate at a same rotation speed.

15. The power transmission assembly as claimed in one of claims 13 and

14, wherein the secondary driving shaft and the actuator driving shaft are engaged together.

16. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the secondary driving shaft and the actuator driving shaft are a single continuous shaft.

17. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

16, wherein the movable gear and the stationary gear comprise peripheral tooth and the peripheral tooth of the movable gear are engaged in the peripheral tooth of the stationary gear.

18. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

17, comprising a second gear assembly operatively connected to the actuator driving shaft and the first gear assembly.

19. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second gear assembly comprises a driving gear operatively connected to the actuator driving shaft and a driven gear operatively connected to the movable gear and the driving gear, the driving gear and the driven gear being engaged in rotation upon actuation of the rotatable actuator driving shaft.

20. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the driving gear and the driven gear rotate in a same rotation direction.

21. The power transmission assembly as claimed in one of claims 19 and 20, wherein the driving gear and the driven gear are operatively connected to one another through at least one intermediate driven gear.

22. The power transmission assembly as claimed in one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the driven gear and the movable gear are connected together through an axle secured to both the driven gear and the movable gear.

23. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the connecting member comprises a first connecting member and a second connecting member, the first connecting member being secured to the secondary driving shaft and rotating about a rotation axis aligned with the secondary driving shaft upon rotation of the movable gear around the stationary gear, the second connecting member being engaged with the actuator body and operatively connected to the first connecting member and rotating upon rotation of the first connecting member.

24. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected together through an axle secured to both the driven gear and the movable gear.

25. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member comprises a through hole through which the axle is rotatably inserted.

26. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 23 to

25, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate in a same rotation direction at a same rotation speed.

27. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

26, wherein the rotary actuator comprises at least one of an electric motor, a pneumatic actuator, and a hydraulic pump.

28. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

27, further comprising a mechanical energy converter operatively connected to the secondary driving shaft.

29. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 28, wherein the mechanical energy converter comprises a generator.

30. A power transmission assembly comprising:

a rotary actuator engaged with a driving gear for rotating same in a first rotation direction;

a driven gear operatively connected to the driving gear and rotating upon actuation of the rotary actuator;

a stationary gear;

a movable gear operatively connected to the driven gear and rotating around the stationary gear upon actuation of the rotary actuator; a secondary driving shaft rotating upon actuation of the rotary actuator; and

a first connecting member secured to the secondary driving shaft and operatively connected to the movable gear and rotating about a rotation axis aligned with the secondary driving shaft upon rotation of the movable gear around the stationary gear.

31 . The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 30, wherein the driven gear rotates in the first rotation direction upon actuation of the rotary actuator.

32. The power transmission assembly as claimed in one of claims 30 and

31 , wherein the first connecting member is operatively connected to the rotary actuator and the rotary actuator rotates upon rotation of the first connecting member.

33. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

32, further comprising a frame and a second connecting member, the rotary actuator being rotatably mounted to the frame and the second connecting member being engaged with the rotary actuator and operatively connected to the first connecting member, rotating upon rotation of the first connecting member, and engaging the rotary actuator in rotation.

34. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

33, wherein the secondary driving shaft has a rotation axis aligned with a center of the stationary gear.

35. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

34, wherein the rotary actuator comprises an actuator body and a rotatable actuator driving shaft secured to the driving gear.

36. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

35, wherein the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis for each rotation of the driving gear.

37. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

36, wherein the stationary gear and the movable gear comprises a plurality of peripheral tooth and a gear ratio of 1.

38. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

37, wherein the movable gear performs more than one rotation about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear.

39. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein the movable gear performs two rotations about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear.

40. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 31 to

39, wherein the movable gear rotates outwardly around the stationary gear.

41. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

40, wherein the secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the rotary actuator rotate in the first rotation direction.

42. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

41 , wherein the secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the rotary actuator rotate at a same rotation speed.

43. The power transmission assembly as claimed in one of claims 41 and

42, wherein the secondary driving shaft and the actuator driving shaft are engaged together.

44. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 43, wherein the secondary driving shaft and the actuator driving shaft define a single continuous shaft.

45. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

44, wherein the movable gear and the stationary gear comprise peripheral tooth and the peripheral tooth of the movable gear are engaged in the peripheral tooth of the stationary gear.

46. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

45, wherein the driven gear and the movable gear are connected together through an axle secured to both the driven gear and the movable gear.

47. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 42, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected together through an axle secured to both the driven gear and the movable gear.

48. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 31 to

47, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate in the first rotation direction at a same rotation speed.

49. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

48, wherein the secondary driving shaft extends in a through hole defined in the stationary gear and rotates therein.

50. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

49, wherein the rotary actuator comprises at least one of an electric motor, a pneumatic actuator, and a hydraulic pump.

51. The power transmission assembly as claimed in any one of claims 30 to

50, further comprising a mechanical energy converter operatively connected to the secondary driving shaft.

52. The power transmission assembly as claimed in claim 51 , wherein the mechanical energy converter comprises a generator.

53. A method for transmitting a rotation from an actuator driving shaft to a secondary driving shaft, the method comprising:

Driving an actuator driving shaft in rotation in a first rotation direction, the actuator driving shaft being operatively connected to a movable gear;

Engaging the movable gear in rotation around a stationary gear;

Engaging the secondary driving shaft in rotation, the secondary driving shaft being operatively connected to the movable gear; and

Converting a rotation movement of the secondary driving shaft in energy.

54. The method as claimed in claim 53, wherein the movable gear is engaged in rotation around the stationary gear in the first rotation direction.

55. The method as claimed in one of claims 53 and 54, wherein the secondary driving shaft is engaged in rotation in the first rotation direction.

56. The method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 55, further comprising engaging in rotation a rotary actuator associated to the actuator driving shaft upon rotation of the actuator driving shaft.

57. The method as claimed in claim 56, wherein the rotary actuator rotates in the first rotation direction.

58. The method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein the movable gear is engaged in rotation outwardly around the stationary gear.

59. The method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 58, wherein the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis for each rotation of the actuator driving shaft.

60. The method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 59, wherein the movable gear carries out more than one rotation about its rotation axis to rotate around the stationary gear.

61. The method as claimed in one of claims 56 and 57, wherein the secondary driving shaft, the actuator driving shaft, and the rotary actuator rotate at a same rotation speed.

62. The method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 61 , wherein the energy is one of electric energy, pneumatic energy, and hydraulic energy.

63. The method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 62, further comprising returning part of the converted energy to engage in rotation the actuator driving shaft.

64. A method for operating an energy network, the method comprising: receiving a signal to start a power transmission assembly converting energy into mechanical energy;

feeding the power transmission assembly with energy from a first power supply;

converting the mechanical energy into another energy form; feeding the power transmission assembly with a first part of the converted energy; and

feeding at least one energy consuming unit with a second part of the converted energy.

65. The method as claimed in claim 64, further comprising preventing energy from the first power supply to reach the power transmission assembly when the power transmission assembly is fed with the first part of the converted energy.

66. The method as claimed in one of claims 64 and 65, further comprising recharging the first power supply with part of the converted energy when the power transmission assembly is fed with the first part of the converted energy.

67. The method as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 66, wherein the power transmission assembly comprises the power transmission assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 to 52.

68. The method as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein the energy supplied by the first power supply is electric energy.

69. The method as claimed in claim 68, wherein the first power supply comprises at least one battery.

70. The method as claimed in claim 69, wherein the at least one battery is a rechargeable battery.

71. The method as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 70, wherein the other energy form is electric energy.

72. The method as claimed in any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein the energy supplied by the first power supply is hydraulic energy.

73. The method as claimed in claim 72, wherein the first power supply comprises at least one pressurized hydraulic reservoir.

74. The method as claimed in one of claims 72 and 73, wherein the other energy form is hydraulic energy.

75. An energy network comprising:

a power transmission assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 to 52; a first power supply operatively connected to the power transmission assembly for supplying the power transmission assembly with energy;

a mechanical energy converter operatively connected to the power transmission assembly for converting mechanical energy output by the power transmission into another energy form; and a controller operatively connected to the first power supply.

76. The energy network as claimed in claim 75, wherein the mechanical energy converter is operatively connected to the power transmission assembly for energetically supplying the power transmission assembly with part of the converted energy.

77. The energy network as claimed in one of claims 75 and 76, further comprising at least one energy consuming unit operatively connected to the mechanical energy converter and energetically supplied with part of the converted energy.

78. The energy network as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 77, the first power supply comprises an electric energy supply.

79. The energy network as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 77, wherein the first power supply comprises at least one battery.

80. The energy network as claimed in claim 79, wherein the at least one battery is a rechargeable battery.

81. The energy network as claimed in any one of claims 78 to 80, wherein the other energy form is electric energy.

82. The energy network as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 77, wherein the first power supply is hydraulic energy.

83. The energy network as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 77, wherein the first power supply comprises at least one pressurized hydraulic reservoir.

The energy network as claimed in one of claims 82 and 83, wherein the other energy form is hydraulic energy.