A NASA Reference Publication discusses gear technology from mathematical and historical perspectives. Following a preface containing historical and philosophical observations, the first of three chapters presents mathematical details of the theory of gearing, including recent developments attributable to the author and others. The second chapter discusses the development of gear geometry and technology, with emphasis on modifications of gear geometries to improve conditions of meshing. The third chapter presents biographies of inventors, scientists, and founders of gear companies in order to credit the contributions made by previous innovators and to combine the separate pieces of the history of gear technology and the theory of gearing.

This work was done by Faydor L. Litvin of the University of Illinois at Chicago for Glenn Research Center.

Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention should be addressed to

NASA Glenn Research Center
Commercial Technology Office
Attn: Steve Fedor
Mail Stop 4 8
21000 Brookpark Road
Cleveland
Ohio 44135

Refer to LEW-16702