Abstract: A drivetrain layout that includes a primary gear reduction, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a peak torque limiting (PTL) device and a range box is provided. The primary gear reduction is operationally engaged to an output of a motor. The CVT includes a primary pulley and a secondary pulley. The primary pulley of the CVT is operationally engaged to the primary gear reduction. The primary gear reduction reduces a rotational speed of the output of the motor that is coupled to the primary pulley of the CVT. The range box is operationally engaged with the secondary pulley of the CVT. The range box is configured to coupled torque between the CVT and wheels of a vehicle. The PTL device in operational engagement between the secondary pulley of the CVT and the range box, the PTL device configured to protect the drivetrain layout from torque transients.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for a vehicle comprises a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and a belt entrained around both pulleys in an opposite manner between the fixed and movable sheaves thereof. One pulley carries a selectively deployable stop that may be placed into position to mechanically limit the range of motion between the fixed and movable sheaves. This establishes an actual maximum transmission ratio that is larger than the nominal minimum transmission ratio but smaller than the nominal maximum transmission ratio achievable by the transmission during normal operation thereof. When such a transmission is used on a utility vehicle attached to a substance dispensing applicator operatively driven by the vehicle's engine, the application rate stays substantially constant despite changes in engine speed when the user keeps the transmission upshifted to the actual maximum transmission ratio set by the position of the deployed stop.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for a vehicle comprises a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and a belt entrained around both pulleys in an opposite manner between the fixed and movable sheaves thereof. One pulley carries a selectively deployable stop that may be placed into position to mechanically limit the range of motion between the fixed and movable sheaves. This establishes an actual maximum transmission ratio that is larger than the nominal minimum transmission ratio but smaller than the nominal maximum transmission ratio achievable by the transmission during normal operation thereof. When such a transmission is used on a utility vehicle attached to a substance dispensing applicator operatively driven by the vehicle's engine, the application rate stays substantially constant despite changes in engine speed when the user keeps the transmission upshifted to the actual maximum transmission ratio set by the position of the deployed stop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled electric mower. The self-propelled electric mower comprises a cutter arranged on the machine body (1), an electric motor for driving the cutter to operate, and road wheels (2) arranged on the machine body. A driving device (3) for driving the machine body to walk is arranged on the machine body and comprises a transmission system (4) for driving the road wheels to move and a power source (5) for driving the transmission system to work. The transmission system comprises belt transmissions (4-1) connected with the power source, external gear transmissions (4-2) connected with the belt transmissions, and internal gear transmissions (4-3) connected with the external gear transmissions and in meshing connection with the road wheels.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by a control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave and a second sheave moveable relative to the first sheave. An actuator may be positioned between the primary and secondary clutches.

Abstract: A transmission 20 includes an input shaft 12, an output shaft 13, a primary sheave 23 that rotates together with the input shaft 12, a secondary sheave 24 that rotates together with the output shaft 13, and a belt 25 wound around both the primary sheave 23 and the secondary sheave 24. The transmission 20 includes a motor 22 that shifts a transmission ratio by driving a movable sheave 23a of the primary sheave 23. A control device (ECU 5) of the transmission 20 includes a secondary sheave rotation speed sensor 28 that detects rotation of the belt 25, and a control portion 55 of the ECU 5 performs a sheave position control (normal control of the transmission ratio) after rotation of the belt 25 is detected after starting.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by a control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave and a second sheave moveable relative to the first sheave. An actuator may be positioned between the primary and secondary clutches.

Abstract: A power unit includes an engine, a belt transmission driven by the engine, and a second transmission driven by the belt transmission. The engine includes an engine output shaft having an end portion projecting outward from the engine. The second transmission includes a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft having respective end portions projecting outward from the second transmission. The belt transmission includes a drive pulley provided on the end portion of the engine output shaft, a driven pulley provided on the end portion of the transmission input shaft, and a belt looped over the drive and driven pulleys. The belt has first and second portions between the drive and driven pulleys. The first portion runs from the drive pulley to the driven pulley. The second portion runs from the driven pulley to the drive pulley.

Abstract: A power unit may include an engine, a belt transmission driven by the engine, a belt transmission chamber incorporating the belt transmission, a second transmission driven by the belt transmission, a second transmission chamber incorporating the second transmission, and a housing member constituting both a part of the belt transmission chamber and a part of the second transmission chamber.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes gears, torque-transmitting mechanisms, interconnecting members, an input member and an output member. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes data acquisition from the output shaft torque sensor, commanding a hydraulic fluid pressure pulse time and a pressure pulse value to engage a first torque-transmitting mechanism, calculating a rate-of-change of a first data output from the output shaft torque sensor, calculating a rate-of-change of a second data output from the output shaft torque sensor, comparing the results of the rate-of-change calculations and adjusting the hydraulic fluid pressure pulse time and a pressure pulse value if the rate of change of the second data output is not equal to the rate-of-change of the first data output.

Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission that prevents escape of noise generated by a resin block belt to the outside. The resin block belt is wound around a primary sheave and a secondary sheave. A transmission case defines a belt chamber accommodating the primary sheave, secondary sheave, and resin block belt. The transmission case includes an exhaust passage, intake passages, and a sound absorbing member. The sound absorbing member is attached to an inner wall of the exhaust passage in a position to collide with sound waves traveling through the exhaust passage. The sound absorbing member has a sound absorbing surface crossing an extending direction of the exhaust passage.

Abstract: An improved drive assembly is described which can apply a pure torque to a driven member while allowing for limited motion of the driven member in the radial direction. This drive assembly is particularly suitable for converting an Internal Combustion (IC) vehicle to an IC-electric hybrid vehicle comprising installation of one or two electric motors coupled to a drive shaft of the vehicle via the drive of this invention such that the electric motor can provide some or all of the mechanical power required to propel the vehicle while accepting some relative motion between the existing vehicle drive shaft and the motors. The improvement consists of interlocked idler rollers mounted so as to reduce dynamic loads on the drive at high speeds, thus reducing noise and vibration.

Abstract: To prevent engine speed from increasing during low-speed operation, a transmission includes a change-gear mechanism, a centrifugal clutch, a control unit and a secondary sheave rotation sensor. The change-gear mechanism has an input shaft, an output shaft and an actuator for changing a change-gear ratio between the input and output shafts. The centrifugal clutch is connected to the output shaft. The control unit controls the actuator. The secondary sheave rotation sensor detects and outputs a rotational speed of the output shaft to the control unit. The control unit controls the actuator based on a target change-gear ratio obtained by dividing a target rotational speed of the input shaft by the rotational speed of the output shaft.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a caliper bracket that moves with the movement of a rear axle by the rotation of an eccentric hub. The eccentric hub rotatably supports the rear axle in a position eccentric to the radial center of an axle supporting section. The caliper bracket includes a range specifying section or, specifically, a first engaging portion, which engages with the rear arm, for specifying the rotating range of the eccentric hub according to the position of engagement with the rear arm. The rear arm includes a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion.

Abstract: A power unit includes an engine, a belt transmission driven by the engine, and a second transmission driven by the belt transmission. The engine includes an engine output shaft having an end portion projecting outward from the engine. The second transmission includes a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft having respective end portions projecting outward from the second transmission. The belt transmission includes a drive pulley provided on the end portion of the engine output shaft, a driven pulley provided on the end portion of the transmission input shaft, and a belt looped over the drive and driven pulleys. The belt has first and second portions between the drive and driven pulleys. The first portion runs from the drive pulley to the driven pulley. The second portion runs from the driven pulley to the drive pulley.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention, an embodiment of hybrid-powered slow-speed vehicle (400) fundamentally comprising battery-electric slow-speed (BESS) vehicle (107) plus auxiliary-drive ICE-powertrain (200), hub-coaxial wheel positioner (269).

Abstract: A noise suppressor for a straddle-type vehicle provided with a belt type continuously variable transmission having a resin-block-type belt. A portion of an air passage for guiding air to a belt chamber is formed in a closed casing. The closed casing includes a dish-shaped first casing member and a dish-shaped second casing member. An inlet port and an exhaust port are formed in the second casing member. Partition walls in the form of curved plate pieces are formed in the first casing and second casing members. Air flow paths formed by the partition walls are U-shaped, thereby forming a serpentine flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle including a frame, a rear wheel, a swingarm coupling the rear wheel to the frame, and a pivot shaft assembly rotatably coupling the swingarm to the frame. The pivot shaft assembly includes a first shaft having a non-circular outer surface engageable with a corresponding non-circular aperture in the frame. The pivot shaft assembly also includes a second shaft threaded to one end of the first shaft. The second shaft pivotably supports one side of the swingarm with respect to the frame. The pivot shaft assembly further includes a third shaft threaded to the other end of the first shaft. The third shaft pivotably supports the other side of the swingarm with respect to the frame.

Abstract: The following steps are performed in the control method: determining a mode of operation from amongst a permanent mode and a transient mode, as a function of a set of variables comprising said estimated values; correcting the value of the speed of rotation of the outlet shaft in such a manner that: if the mode has been determined as being the permanent mode, then the moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) over a period (T) of a plurality of unit time intervals lies between a first threshold value (S1) that is negative and a second threshold value (S2) that is positive; and if the mode has been determined as being the transient mode, then said moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) lies outside the range of values defined by the first and second threshold value (S1, S2).

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a power unit. A fly wheel magnet on a left end side of a crank shaft, a transmission having plural gears, a transmission clutch and a shift shaft for connecting and disconnecting the transmission clutch and changing gears of the transmission are housed in a crank case of the power unit. A part of the shift shaft projects from the crank case. A projection part of the shift shaft and an output shaft of an actuator are connected outside the crank case by means of a connection body. A rod of a connection body extends vertically behind the fly wheel magnet.

Abstract: A transmission 20 includes an input shaft 12, an output shaft 13, a primary sheave 23 that rotates together with the input shaft 12, a secondary sheave 24 that rotates together with the output shaft 13, and a belt 25 wound around both the primary sheave 23 and the secondary sheave 24. The transmission 20 includes a motor 22 that shifts a transmission ratio by driving a movable sheave 23a of the primary sheave 23. A control device (ECU 5) of the transmission 20 includes a secondary sheave rotation speed sensor 28 that detects rotation of the belt 25, and a control portion 55 of the ECU 5 performs a sheave position control (normal control of the transmission ratio) after rotation of the belt 25 is detected after starting.

Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission that prevents escape of noise generated by a resin block belt to the outside. The resin block belt is wound around a primary sheave and a secondary sheave. A transmission case defines a belt chamber accommodating the primary sheave, secondary sheave, and resin block belt. The transmission case includes an exhaust passage, intake passages, and a sound absorbing member. The sound absorbing member is attached to an inner wall of the exhaust passage in a position to collide with sound waves traveling through the exhaust passage. The sound absorbing member has a sound absorbing surface crossing an extending direction of the exhaust passage.

Abstract: A power unit for a motorcycle includes an internal combustion engine having a crankcase rotatably supporting a crankshaft with an axis located on a split face between an upper case half body and a lower case half body and a continuously variable transmission having a belt. Two types of respective different oils for an internal combustion engine and for a continuously variable transmission are used while the rigidity of the crankcase is enhanced. A crankcase is provided with a partition wall that separates between a crank chamber housing a crankshaft and a continuously variable transmission chamber housing a continuously variable transmission. An axial line of the crankshaft and respective axial lines of the drive pulley and the driven pulley are each located at a corresponding one of apexes of an imaginary triangle on a view projected on a plane perpendicular to the axial line of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission reduces slips between a primary sheave and a V-belt when decelerating. A target value setting section sets a control target value for control by a control device. In the target value setting section, a normal mode, a kick down mode set to be in a Low gear range lower than in the normal mode, and a restriction value given in a throttle fully closed state are provided. The control device controls the continuously variable transmission based upon the kick down mode provided in the target value setting section, in response to an operation of a kick down operator. The control device controls a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission not to vary to a Low gear range lower than the restriction value provided in the target value setting section.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for controlling a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission of a motor vehicle, wherein the transmission has a variably adjustable transmission ratio. The hydraulic system includes a first valve arrangement to control a contact pressure in the belt-driven conical-pulley transmission, a second valve arrangement to control the transmission ratio of the belt-driven conical-pulley transmission, and a hydraulic energy source to supply the hydraulic system with hydraulic energy. In order to provide an improved hydraulic system, the system includes a third valve arrangement for controlling a forward clutch and a reverse clutch.

Abstract: A noise suppressor for a straddle-type vehicle provided with a belt type continuously variable transmission having a resin-block-type belt. A portion of an air passage for guiding air to a belt chamber is formed in a closed casing. The closed casing includes a dish-shaped first casing member and a dish-shaped second casing member. An inlet port and an exhaust port are formed in the second casing member. Partition walls in the form of curved plate pieces are formed in the first casing and second casing members. Air flow paths formed by the partition walls are U-shaped, thereby forming a serpentine flow.

Abstract: A belt type continuous variable transmission comprises a primary sheave, a secondary sheave, and a belt. The primary sheave comprises a first sheave body, a second sheave body that forms between it and the first sheave body a belt groove, about which a belt is entrained, a plurality of push bodies that slide the second sheave body according to centrifugal forces to change a width of the belt groove, and a plurality of stoppers that restrict movements of the push bodies by contacting with outer surfaces of the push bodies when the second sheave body reaches a position of minimum transmission gear ratio, in which the belt groove is made smallest in width. The stoppers are shaped to accelerate partial wear of the outer surfaces of the push bodies.

Abstract: A motorcycle having two drive chains. The gearbox output includes a left front sprocket and a right front sprocket. The rear wheel includes a left rear sprocket and a right rear sprocket. Left and right chains connect the respective front and rear sprockets. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel symmetrically. The swingarm is not subjected to asymmetric force that would twist it or pull it to one side, and can be made lighter. Swingarm flex can be better specified, making the swingarm a more useful suspension component, especially aiding the rear wheel while bent over in hard cornering over an irregular road surface.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle includes a frame supporting front and rear wheels, a seat supported above the frame, and an engine having an output shaft. The engine is supported by the frame below the seat. A transmission is coupled to the output shaft. The transmission includes gears. A shift assembly is operatively connected to the engine and is displaceable over a predetermined distance upon application of a predetermined amount of force by a vehicle operator. The selective displacement of the shift assembly shifts the gears. A parking gear assembly is selectively displaceable along with the shift assembly to selectively engage one of the gears to prevent movement of the output shaft.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a variable-speed V-belt drive disposed on one side of a crankcase of an engine, a V-belt drive cover covering the variable-speed V-belt drive, a gear transmission of transmitting a power of the engine in cooperation with the variable-speed V-belt drive, and a speed sensing device. The speed sensing device includes a speed sensor of measuring a rotating speed of a member which transmits the power of the engine to the wheels. The speed sensor is disposed right under the V-belt drive cover.

Abstract: A straddle type four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle includes: an engine mounted on a body frame and disposed between front wheels and rear wheels, having a crankcase; a variable-speed V-belt drive disposed on a side of the crankcase and covered with a V-belt drive cover, the V-belt drive cover having an upper wall provided with a cooling air discharge port opening upward; and a cooling air exhaust duct disposed within a right-and-left width of the body frame. The cooling air exhaust duct communicates with the cooling air discharge port and has an air outlet located in front of a seat so that a cooling air is discharged through the air outlet into a space under the seat. Cooling air is discharged through the air outlet of the cooling air exhaust duct into a space under the seat.

Abstract: A transmission device for a self-propelled wheeled machine, this device, driven by a belt from a drive shaft, includes a housing mounted floating relative to the chassis of the machine containing a mechanism for reducing and clutching between an input shaft and at least one output shaft. This device is characterized in that the housing is constituted by half casings of which one includes a molded-on tongue loaded by a spring so as to exert on the housing a couple for swinging the housing about the output shaft, this tongue including, adjacent its end, an abutment immobilizing a sheath of a control cable acting on a clutch control lever of the device.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for an offroad vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a frame, at least two wheels supporting the frame, and an internal combustion engine supported by the frame. The engine has at least one cylinder, a piston reciprocally mounted in the cylinder and driving a crankshaft of the engine, the crankshaft arranged to drive at least one of the wheels through the transmission. The vehicle has a longitudinal centerline, with the crankshaft of the engine extending along a first axis transverse to the centerline. The transmission includes a transmission chamber defined by a cover, a primary shaft positioned in the chamber and selectively driven by the crankshaft through a clutch, a main shaft positioned in the chamber and offset from the primary shaft, the main shaft driven by the primary shaft by a belt. The main shaft is arranged to drive the at least one wheel.

Abstract: A snowmobile design, including a modular front suspension system and a stabilizer assembly, a lightweight frame structure and a drive train that reduces the center of gravity of the snowmobile. The modular front suspension system for a snowmobile that is substantially self-contained and self-supporting. The present modular front suspension system is assembled around a primary support structure, such as an extrusion or other structural member. The primary support structure can be easily attached to, or detached from, the snowmobile frame. The modularity of the present suspension system decreases assembly costs. A stabilizer assembly extends through the center opening and is mechanically coupled to the ski spindle housings. The chassis for a snowmobile includes a plurality of front structural members defining a motor compartment.

Abstract: A carpet loading system for easily loading, transporting and unloading a roll of carpet without requiring significant physical exertion by an individual. The inventive device includes an elongated frame, a pair of rear wheels, a pair of front caster wheels, a plurality of support rollers rotatably attached within the frame, an endless belt surround the support rollers forming an inclined plane with respect to the ground, an elongated handle extending from the rear portion of the frame, a first motor driving the belt and a second motor driving the rear wheels. Preferably, a plurality of side rollers are positioned about the sides of the endless belt to prevent the carpet from rolling off of the cart during loading and transporting. The drive axle between the pair of rear wheels preferably has a differential to allow easy turning when a heavy carpet roll is placed thereupon.

Abstract: A directional drive transmission control system drivingly coupling a rotary output drive source of a powered vehicle with a pair of drive wheels thereof, includes right and left pairs of forward and reverse drive pulleys rotatably mounted on and rotatable relative to right and left transverse drive shafts and drivingly connected with the rotary output drive source so as to rotatably drive forward and reverse drive pulleys in opposite directions.

Abstract: A transmission and a continuously variable transmission are coaxially arranged to an engine. A front differential is perpendicularly suspended under the forward/reverse changeover apparatus. An axis of the differential crosses at a right angle of an axis of the speed reduction apparatus in an integral structure. The engine is longitudinally housed in a front portion of a toe board in an engine compartment of the motor vehicle. Thus, a compact structure is provided and the engine and the transmission can be arranged in an engine compartment without modifying a vehicle body structure. Further, a transfer apparatus is provided behind the speed reduction apparatus in an integral structure.

Abstract: A compact arrangement for a continuously variable transmission and power train system is provided to be used in rear wheel drive vehicles. In one arrangement, the input shaft is in-line with the output shaft. In this arrangement, the input shaft, having a hydraulic pump, is connected to an engine by a torque converter. A first transfer gear assembly transfers power from the input shaft to the adjustable input pulley of a continuously variable transmission assembly. The adjustable input pulley transfers power to an adjustable output pulley through a belt. A second transfer gear assembly transfers power from the adjustable output pulley to an output shaft in-line with the input shaft. A forward and reverse gear system having a compound planetary gear set and clutch on the output shaft provides forward, neutral, and reverse gears.

Abstract: A front wheel drive for use in motor vehicles has an engine which extends transversely of the direction of forward movement of the vehicle. The output element of the engine drives the input component of a continuously variable chain or belt transmission with adjustable sheaves which drives a differential with two coaxial output components serving to drive the front wheels. The axis of rotation of the output element of the engine is normal to the axes of rotation of primary and secondary cones of the infinitely variable gearing, and to the axes of rotation of the output components of the differential. The axes of rotation of the output components are parallel to axes of rotation of the primary and secondary cones.

Abstract: In a hybrid propulsion system for vehicles in which a first propulsion unit, of internal combustion type, transmits motion to at least one wheel of the vehicle via transmission members including at least one clutch, a second propulsion unit, of electrical type, is connected to the driven element of said clutch via means such that the motion generated by one of said propulsion units when the other is deactivated is transmitted only to the transmission members located downstream of said clutch.

Abstract: Several embodiments of snowmobiles driven by an engine and variable belt transmission mechanism wherein the variable belt transmission has its input shaft journaled for rotation in the crankcase of the engine and driven from the engine crankshaft through a gear reduction so that the transmission loads are not carried by the crankshaft and wherein the crankshaft torsional vibrations are not transmitted to the transmission input shaft.