A speed increaser is disclosed that translates slow rotating,
high torque motion to high rotation, low torque motion and is suitable for use in a device like a wind
turbine. The speed increaser has certain advantages, such as reduced weight and / or size compared to other units having the same performance characteristics. The speed increaser employs an externally toothed
spur gear orbiting in a non-rotating manner inside an internally toothed ring gear. The input drives the ring gear and the orbiting
spur gear drives an eccentric on the output shaft. In one embodiment, cross guide projections on the
spur gear and cross guide projections on the housing engage slots in a
swash plate. In another embodiment, cross guide projections on one side of a
swash plate engage slots in the housing and cross guide projections on the opposite side of the
swash plate engage slots in the orbiting spur gear; and, hardened wear plates and
lubricant passages are provided on the swash plate cross guide projections. In another embodiment, the speed increaser housing includes an
electric generator with the rotor driven by the speed
reducer output shaft. In another version, the speed increaser and generator are housed within the hub of a fluid
turbine impeller. In another version of the speed
reducer, multiple output shafts are driven by the orbiting spur gear.