Abstract: A system and method for simple transmission of a multi-speed bicycle is provided. A bicycle can have a transmission that can be toggled by a kickback shifting mechanism. A rear wheel hub can support a freewheel having a high speed gear sprocket and a low speed gear sprocket with dedicated chains to create dedicated gear-shifting. Rotating the pedal shaft in the non-drive direction approximately one-quarter rotation can toggle the transmission between the first gear ratio and the second gear ratio with a shifting surface that alternately allows driving engagement of the high speed gear sprocket with the rear wheel driver.

Abstract: A positioning system for a spherical object which adjusts orientation thereof in azimuth and elevation comprising first and second drive rods threadably engaged with respective first and second brackets secured to the surfaces of opposing left and right hemispheres the object The first and second drive rods include a first coupling configured for imparting co-rotation to the drive rods and a second coupling configured for imparting counter-rotation to the drive rods, and a clutch for selecting operation of either coupling.

Abstract: A transmission has a movable transmission part movably connected to a fixed transmission part via a shaft to undergo pivotal movement relative to the fixed transmission part about an axis of the shaft. Each of the transmission parts has a hollow cylindrical connecting portion through which the shaft extends. One of the connecting portion of the movable transmission part and the connecting portion of the fixed transmission part is received in the other of the connecting portions with a single seal member disposed therebetween so that an internal space of the fixed transmission part and an internal space of the movable transmission part communicate with each other to thereby form a single hermetically-sealed space for holding therein a lubricating oil.

Abstract: In pressing a slack-side span of a V-ribbed belt, entrained about a crank pulley variable in rotational speed, auxiliary pulleys and an idler pulley, with an auto tensioner, thereby automatically balancing tension of the belt, the damping coefficient DI of the auto tensioner is set in accordance with the modulus of longitudinal elasticity of the belt. For example, when the modulus of longitudinal elasticity of the belt is at least 9800 N/100% rib and less than 29400 N/100% rib, the damping coefficient DI of the auto tensioner is set at at least 20% and less than 100%. In this manner, even if the rate at which the auto tensioner absorbs elongation of the belt is as extremely small as 0.3 to 1.0 mm/deg, a rocking motion of the auto tensioner can be avoided thereby reducing the occurrence of a slip or a frictional sound of the belt and the occurrence of abrasion and frictional sounds of friction members, such as an insert bearing and a thrust washer, of the auto tensioner.

Abstract: The compactor includes a frame which carries a soil-compacting plate and a drive mechanism, such as a gasoline engine, is mounted on the frame and has a rotatable drive shaft. A pair of eccentrically weighted shafts are mounted for rotation on the frame and the weights are in the same phase relation on the shafts. A belt drive connects the drive shaft to at least one of the eccentric shafts, and a timing belt is connected between the eccentric shafts, so that both eccentric shafts rotate in the same direction to vibrate the compactor plate and affect travel of the compactor over the terrain.

Abstract: This is a belt drive arrangement in which two belts are used, the inside surface of one running in contact with the outside surface of the other for part of their lengths and both running within the width of one belt, with input and output shafts, and one or more idler pulleys providing forward or reverse rotation of the output shaft with the input shaft having a constant direction of rotation.

Abstract: A length of magnetic tape extending between a pair of reels within a cartridge is driven bidirectionally at high speeds with substantially constant tension by a transport having a pair of capstans engaging and movable to accommodate the constantly changing tape packs on the reels. Constant tape tension is achieved by a driving arrangement utilizing pairs of pulleys of slightly different diameter coupled via overriding unidirectional clutches to shafts which mount the capstans and are driven from a common motor by belts coupled to the different pairs of pulleys. The difference in pulley diameter causes the capstan engaging the takeup reel to be driven slightly faster than the capstan engaging the supply reel so as to maintain the constant tape tension. The tape cartridge has a single front door which is automatically raised upon insertion of the cartridge into the transport by opposite bosses on the transport which engage camming levers at the opposite ends of the front door.

Abstract: A combine (11) is provided with a feed reverser mechanism (81) to drive a pair of feeder conveyors (23, 24) and a header conveyor auger (46) in reverse when the operator detects a jammed condition in the feeder conveyors or auger. The reversing mechanism (81) includes a hydraulic drive motor (92), a wrap spring clutch (93) and a hydraulic actuator (142), which automatically increases the tension on a drive belt (68) when the conveyors (23, 24) and auger (46) are driven in a reverse direction by the hydraulic motor (92). A pump relief valve (191) prevents delivery of excessive torque to the conveyors (23, 24) and auger (46) during a feed reversing operation.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved garden tiller which, in addition to having power driven rotating tines on the front of the tiller transverse to the direction of travel, has a pair of free wheeling cultivator cylinders mounted to a stationary axle between the normal rear support wheels of the cultivator. The rear wheels can either be manually or power driven, and the forward motion of the machine turns the cylinders, on which radially extending vanes are mounted, to lift up the soil as they roll, and then release it, leaving little furrows in the soil which are good for planting and also keep the soil from drifting in the wind.

Abstract: A reversing transmission is comprised of a rotating input shaft, an output shaft rotatable in either direction, first and second rotating clutches, means operatively connected between the input shaft and the first and second clutches for causing rotation of an input drive portion thereof, first drive means responsive to engagement of the first clutch to cause rotation of the output shaft in one direction, second drive means responsive to engagement of the second clutch to cause rotation of the output shaft in the other direction, and control means responsive to a first operating condition for causing engagement of the first clutch and disengagement of the second clutch and responsive to a second operating condition for causing engagement of the second clutch and disengagement of the first clutch.