Gear ratio multiplier

The present invention relates generally to machine elements or mechanisms and, in particular, to gearing systems having directly cooperating gears with intersecting axes of rotation so as to provide an alternative power transfer arrangement. In a first embodiment of the invention, a gear ratio multiplier has directly cooperating gears which serve to rotatably connect an input shaft to an output shaft through an intermediate shaft. The input and output shafts have parallel axes of rotation and extend, respectively, from seals in opposite sides of a housing. The inner ends of the input and output shafts are spaced from one another and are each provided with a pinion gear. The intermediate shaft is rotatably carried between the pinion gears and has an axis of rotation positioned at right angles to the axes of rotation of the input and output shafts. A pair of differently sized ring gears having different numbers of teeth are affixed on the intermediate shaft. The pinion gear on the input shaft engages the ring gear on the intermediate shaft whereas the pinion gear on the output shaft engages the ring gear on the intermediate shaft. The diameter pitch is a matter of advise per application as is the tooth size and tooth number. In this first illustrated embodiment, the gear ratio multiplier is utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle and positioned between the transmission and propeller shaft to modify the gear ratio between the and one or more drive axles. Other embodiments of the invention utilize other gear assembly arrangements such as, but not limited to, sun and planetary gear arrangements and ring and pinion gear arrangements. While a motor vehicle is shown, this use of a gear ratio multipliers is applicable to other devices or machines such as, but not limited to, water vehicles, helicopters, construction machinery or any other engine or motor driven device.