Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transfer system (15) includes a driving pulley assembly (20), a driven pulley assembly (22) and a V-shaped belt (24) engaged to transfer rotary power therebetween. The driven pulley assembly (22) can include a ratio adjustment mechanism (46) that adjusts the position of a rear sheave (40) relative to a forward sheave (42). The adjustment mechanism (46) includes a motor (170) and a worm gear mechanism (171, 172) that rotates an actuation screw (154). Rotation of the actuation screw (154) is reacted by a split nut (158) so that as the screw (154) rotates is translated along the axis (B) of the driven pulley assembly (22). Translation of the actuation screw (154) exerts pressure against the rear sheave (40) to push it toward the forward sheave (42), thereby altering the drive ratio of the pulley assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuously variable transmission in which when a shaft torque is secured by the belt friction force generated by externally pressing a pulley, the disablement of transmission caused by a belt rolling-in phenomenon within a pulley resulting from instability of the friction force or the friction coefficient as the pressing force is applied, or the deterioration of efficiency caused by the short or surplus of the friction force of input and output pulleys in a big ratio area are overcome, as a consequence of which the stable friction transmission with high efficiency can be achieved without depending on the kind of belts such as a tension type or a compression type.

Abstract: In a constant-horsepower transmission having a primary pulley, a secondary pulley and a belt extended between the primary and the secondary pulley, a predetermined frictional force acting between the pulley and the belt is secured by an external instruction, and the pulley is capable of automatic alignment and shock absorption to ensure stable power transmission from the belt to the pulley. A first compressing device compresses an elastic device in response to an external instruction, a first pressing device including the elastic device applies a pressure and an elastic force produced by the compressed elastic device to the belt through the pulley. A predetermined frictional force is secured by the pressure and stable power transmission is insured by the elastic force. A first pressure application controller executes a variable pressure application control operation to apply an optional pressure to the belt by displacing or not moving the movable disk of the pulley.

Abstract: The invention comprises a drive ring CVT belt. In a CVT transmission, each variable diameter pulley has a drive ring trained around the sheaves. Each drive ring may comprise any high modulus material such as plastic or metal. An endless flexible tensile member or belt is trained between the drive rings. Each drive ring further comprises a sleeve that is trained around an outer surface of each drive ring. Each sleeve slides in a bushing on its respective drive ring. The belt has a tensile load that presses each of the drive rings together on the sleeves. The relative arrangement of the axis of rotation of each drive ring is maintained by the contact between the sleeves and the drive rings. The effective diameter or radius of each pulley is adjusted by movement of each drive ring in each pulley. Movement of the pulley sheaves causes the axis of rotation of each drive ring to move eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the pulley.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly is provided for adjusting the overall speed of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a driver pulley including an outer drum, a movable flange, a chamber formed by the outer drum and movable flange, a first weight and a second weight each positioned to lie within the chamber, and a shaft extending into the chamber about which the first and second weights are positioned to lie for rotation. The assembly further comprises a pair of guideposts each having a first end fixedly coupled to a respective one of the first and second weights and a second end inserted in the other of the first and second weights and a stopper coupled to the second end of each guidepost to limit the radially outward movement of the first and second weights.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) system for use on snowmobiles, ATV's and similar vehicles. The CVT includes a rotatable drive clutch connected to an input shaft (the input shaft being connectable to an engine), and a roller clutch carried on the input shaft. The CVT also includes a rotatable driven clutch connected to an output shaft, the driven clutch having a laterally stationary sheave and a laterally movable sheave that is normally biased toward the stationary sheave. An endless flexible drive belt is disposed about the drive and driven clutches. The clutches and drive belt are configured so that when the engine is idling the belt firmly engages a drive surface of the roller clutch that is connected to the drive clutch.

Abstract: A variable diameter pulley comprises a pair of pulley main bodies (18, 19) connected to a rotating shaft (15), and a power transmission ring (20) interposed between the pulley main bodies. A belt (2) is passed around an outer periphery of the power transmission ring (20). The power transmission ring (20) is made eccentric relative to an axis (15a) of the rotating shaft (15) so as to be varied in its contact diameter (D). Both pulley main bodies (18, 19) are threadedly connected to the rotating shaft (15) by a torque cam mechanism (T) composed of a pair of thread connection mechanisms, which are inversely threaded to each other. Torque for effecting rotation of the respective pulley main bodies (18, 19) relative to the rotating shaft (15) is converted into a force, which causes both pulley main bodies (18, 19) to approach each other in equal amounts of stroke.

Abstract: A transmission wheel pressurizing apparatus for always supplying, in a continuously variable transmission of a constant HP transmission type, a pressurizing force and an elastic force to one out of two transmission wheels simultaneously and only a pressurizing force to the other. For securing the desired number of revolutions and axial torque by always applying a variable pressurizing force and an elastic force of the former, an indirect pressurizing system by way of an elastic member is employed. Upon giving pressurizing control to driven transmission wheel, an elastic device and a compression device are combined so that respective pressurizing forces are superposed in series one another, and the pressurizing force to the driven transmission wheel and the number of revolutions of the transmission wheel are made in inverse proportion to one another to realize pressurizing characteristics of negative inclination.

Abstract: A variable diameter pulley according to the present invention has a pair of pulley bodies each axially movably fitted around a rotation shaft. A power transmission ring is held between power transmission surfaces formed in a tapered shape on opposed surfaces of the pair of pulley bodies. A belt is engaged with the outer circumference of the power transmission ring. The power transmission ring is movable eccentrically with respect to an axis of the pulley bodies. The pulley bodies are biased toward each other by a belleville spring. The belleville spring couples the pulley bodies to each other for power transmission. A torque is transmitted between the belt and the rotation shaft through the power transmission ring, the pulley bodies, the belleville spring and a coupling member.

Abstract: A powered concrete finishing trowel comprises a variable ratio drive train to power one or more revolving rotors. One or more internal combustion motors power two or more downwardly projecting rotors comprising blades that frictionally contact the concrete surface. The rotors are shaft driven by reduction gear boxes. By tilting the rotors steering forces are developed. A variable gear drive unit comprises a variable ratio pulley driven by the motor. A second pulley drives the gear box input shaft, with a drive belt entrained between the pulleys. A linear actuator projecting outwardly from a stationary mounting plate terminates at a bracket assembly whose opposite end is pivoted to a rigid stabilizer that structurally compliments the linear actuator, establishing a fulcrum action applied to the bracket center. The linear actuator deflects the bracket assembly to axially displace portions of the variable ratio pulley to change the effective pulley diameter.

Abstract: A variable speed mechanism for propelling an associated lawn mowing apparatus has a variable pitch pulley assembly, a belt which connects the variable pitch pulley assembly to a transmission, a control arm assembly for controlling the variable pitch pulley assembly, and a speed selector for selectively adjusting the control arm assembly. The speed selector is positioned corresponding to the desired lawn mowing apparatus ground speed. This creates tension in a cable which moves a control arm. When the control arm is moved, it rotates about a pivot shaft adjusting the position of a bearing cup which, in turn, adjusts the position of the moveable pulley half within variable pitch pulley assembly. Once the pulley assembly has been positioned, the effective belt diameter is set. If the effective belt diameter is increased, the speed supplied to the transmission is increased assuming a fixed pulley size on the transmission input.

Abstract: A food mixer in which a variable speed facility is provided by a variable transmission ratio belt drive incorporated in the drive train between an electric motor and a whipping or mixing tool. The belt drive comprises a V-belt extending around first and second pulleys each comprising two discs one of which is movable towards and away from the other. In the first pulley, the upper disc can be forced towards the lower disc by downward pivoting of a lever operated by an actuator, while in the second pulley, the lower disc is urged by a spring upwardly towards the upper disc. The effective transmission ratio is sensed by a position sensor acting on the lever and which provides a corresponding signal to controller circuitry which compares the sensed ratio with a pre-set ratio and operates the actuator to bring the sensed ratio and pre-set ratio into correspondence.

Abstract: A drive clutch assembly having a fixed sheave and a movable sheave rotatable with the drive shaft of an engine comprising a variable rate biasing or resistance system for urging a movable sheave toward a retracted position, the biasing system initially applies a first predetermined resistance to the movable sheave as it moves toward the fixed sheave and applies a second predetermined resistance to the movable sheave when the movable sheave reaches a predetermined axial position.

Abstract: The driving pulley is used in a variable-speed belt drive, which includes, in particular, two radially converging ramps facing each other and coaxial to a shaft, one ramp being rigidly attached to a movable flange and the other ramp being rigidly attached to the shaft in spaced relationship with the movable flange. A plurality of sliding flyweights are symmetrically located around the shaft and radially movable between the ramps. The improvement in the driving pulley is that each ramp includes a contact surface on which the flyweights are in contact wherein at least one movable ramp contact surface is curved. Each flyweight also includes a lateral knob engaged with the curved contact surface for ensuring that the contact point of the sliding flyweights with a curved contact surface does not substantially change as the flyweights slide.

Abstract: In a pulley unit of belt-type continuously variable transmission, wherein a movable sheave on a pulley shaft is moved toward and away from a stationary sheave by means of a hydraulic servo device, and a movable cylinder secured to the movable sheave defines a hydraulic chamber between itself and a stationary plunger on the pulley shaft. The movable cylinder is of a ring-shape having an enlarged-diameter cylindrical portion, a reduced-diameter cylindrical portion, and a back wall portion integrally joining the two cylindrical portions radially. The reduced-diameter cylindrical portion is fitted on a hub of the movable sheave. A detachable cover member is provided around the cylinder and the plunger to define a hydraulic balance chamber. The movable sheave can be used commonly for different sizes of the movable cylinder, and the interior of the servo device can be exposed for maintenance by removing the cover member.

Abstract: The sliding transmission disk of a motorcycle automatic transmission is provided with a shaft sleeve having a spring seat. Located at the bottom of the spring seat is a receiving frame in which a compression spring and a turning and sliding member are disposed.The turning and slding member serves to prevent the compression spring from being acted on by a twisting force of the sliding transmission disk, thereby enabling the compression spring to rebound effectively to stabilize the decelerating action as well as the braking action of the motorcycle. The drive belt of the motorcycle is enabled to retrieve with precision so as to permit the motorcycle to be accelerated again after the decelerating and the braking actions.

Abstract: A supercharging device for an internal combustion engine includes a runner for compressing air, a driven pulley for rotating the runner, and a drive pulley for rotating the driven pulley. The drive pulley has a fixed sheave and a movable sheave movable in an axial direction with respect to the fixed sheave. A belt is wound around the driven pulley and the drive pulley. A control device is for moving the movable sheave in an axial direction so that the movable sheave is moved away from the fixed sheave under a low load condition and that said movable sheave is moved towards the fixed sheave under a high load condition.

Abstract: A variable diameter belt type power transfer assembly having a drive sheave and a driven sheave, both of which are adjustable and include a pair of opposing coaxial flanges, one of which is axially movable relative to the other, is disclosed wherein both flanges of the drive sheave are provided with first and second belt engaging surfaces flaring radially outwardly with respect to each other so as to define first and second variable diameter belt receiving grooves therebetween. A dual range of velocity ratios between the drive sheave and the driven sheave is obtainable by selectively positioning a drive belt in the respective variable diameter belt receiving grooves.

Abstract: This invention relates to a belt driven continuously variable transmission having a pressure regulating cam mechanism giving an axial force corresponding to the transmission torque to a pulley and preventing too much belt pressing force. A retainer is fixed on a boss section of a stationary sheave and a spring made of multiple disc springs is situated on the outer surface of a boss section of a movable sheave for contact the retainer. A spring apparatus is composed of the retainer and the spring. Accordingly, at the decelerating range with large shifting ratio, besides the axial force made by the pressure regulating cam mechanism, the spring apparatus generates pressing force by contacting the retainer and maintains the belt holding force. When the shifting ratio is small, the spring returns to its natural length and disengages from the retainer.

Abstract: A pulley having a spring loaded release mechanism is disclosed which provides a safety override under high torque conditions. The pulley is provided with a first flange which rotates in the conventional manner with a central hub. A second flange is rotatably mounted on the central hub relative to the first flange and a bushing is disposed between the two flanges and may rotate relative to both. A resilient member urges the three elements together under normal operating conditions. The resilient member is preset to allow a certain amount of force on the second flange, relative to its speed. When this torque is surpassed by a belt mounted between the two flanges, the second flange and the bushing separate from the first flange to allow the belt to continue to spin on the bushing and a second flange, relative to the first flange.

Abstract: A continually variable cone-pulley, belt-drive transmission includes a primary shaft having a cone-pulley arrangement actuated by a pressure servo, a secondary shaft driven by an endless belt having a cone-pulley, actuated by a second pressure servo. Spring assemblies located in the pressure servo preload compression springs. Each spring assembly includes a compression spring located in spring-receiving rings, a cup-shaped support ring, and a guide ring comprising a peg-shaped spring guide. Preload on the compression springs is released during the first complete movement of the cone-pulley assembly by loading a locking and unlocking pin.

Abstract: A variable speed power transmission belt drive apparatus wherein a pair of asymmetric cross section drive belts are utilized in conjunction with complementary sheaves, including a pair of axially adjustably spaced outer sheaves and an intermediate sheave. The outwardly facing side faces of the intermediate sheave are substantially planar and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft on which the pulley is mounted. The inwardly facing surfaces of the outer sheaves are conical and the side surfaces of the belts are complementary to the confronting faces of the sheaves. Fluid pressure structure is provided for applying substantially equal forces to the speed-adjusting sheaves in effecting the speed-adjusting operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the angled surfaces of the belts and outer sheaves extend at an angle in the range of approximately 5.degree. to 30.degree.

Abstract: The invention concerns variable speed drive pulleys comprising a hub and two annular flanges around the hub in axial face-to-face relationship to one another. At least one flange, the mobile flange, is movable relative to the hub in the axial direction. Elastic control means responsive to centrifugal force operate on the mobile flange so as to reduce the distance between the flanges when their rotation speed increases. A bearing surface on one flange and an elastic bearing member on the other, in axial face-to-face relationship to one another, are adapted by virtue of their mutual abutment to limit elastically the reduction in the axial distance between the flanges for increasing rotation speeds.

Abstract: The pulleys of a pulley transmission, such as a CVT, are constructed such that one flange is drivingly connected to a shaft by means of a flexible, pliable, spring-like straps or a pack of relatively thin straps. Because the pulley flange which can be axially movable with respect to the shaft, is radially supported by a hub encircling the shaft, only one strap or strap-pack need be provided.

Abstract: A belt-type torque control system wherein a power transmission belt is entrained about a pair of variable speed pulleys. One of the pulleys includes coaxially mounted pulley halves, one of which is fixed to a drive shaft and the other of which is axially and rotatively movably mounted thereto. A coil spring extends between the movably mounted coil half and a spring retainer fixed to the shaft urging the movable pulley half toward the fixed pulley half. The coil spring causes a variation in the spacing between the pulley halves as a function of the belt force applied thereto in operation of the drive.

Abstract: A variable pulley structure (10) arranged to be mounted to a shaft (17) with at least one of the sideplate elements (14) thereof movably mounted to the shaft for both axial and rotational movement. Disposition of the movable sideplate element (14) is controlled by a spring (26) extending between a spring retainer (22) fixed to the shaft (17) and a portion (24) of the sideplate element. The spring (26) is retained at its opposite ends to the retainer and sideplate element, respectively, suitably to be unwound as a result of increased torque developed in the movable sideplate element (14) by the drive system. The ends (29,30) of the spring (26) are releasably connected to the retainer and movable sideplate element as by reception in arcuate grooves (27,28) therein, by abutment with suitable stop shoulders (131,132) thereon, etc. Cross section of the spring, in one form, is round and in another form for use in transmitting high load torques, is rectangular.

Abstract: A speed variator pulley comprises a pair of annular plates mounted on a hub. One of the plates is axially movable relative to the other by means of a diaphragm which, by its peripheral portion forming a dished plate spring, axially bears to rock against the said movable plate. Axially interposed between the diaphragm and the movable plate in order to form a rocking axial support, is a spacer of elastic material, which on the one hand is fastened both axially and circumferentially to the diaphragm and which on the other hand is fastened at least axially to the movable plate.

Abstract: A variable speed belt drive transmission system with a driven pulley having a movable pulley half operated to move axially with generated axial forces that decrease from where the driven pulley is closed to where the driven pulley is open, the maximum generated force being from about 100 to about 120 percent of a required pulley axial force where theoretical belt slip could occur.A method for enhancing belt life by controlling belt tension with driven pulley axial force by establishing a required driven pulley axial force that decreases from where the driven pulley is closed to where the driven pulley is open, the generated force lines being from about 100 to about 120 percent of a determined pulley axial force line where theoretical belt slip impends.

Abstract: A pulley construction and method of making the same are provided, the pulley construction having a pair of opposed flanges respectively provided with surfaces for engagement with a V-belt construction when the V-belt construction is disposed therebetween. The pulley construction has structure for moving one of the flanges axially relative to the other of the flanges either in a direction toward the other flange or in a direction away from the other flange and has a fluid dampening unit separate from the structure for moving and being operatively associated with the one flange to dampen the axial movement of that one flange in either of the directions relative to the other flange with a restrictive force, the dampening unit comprising a flexible bladder having one part thereof operatively interconnected to that one flange.

Abstract: A method for shifting a transmission with a predominantly mechanical speed sensing actuator to within a 10 percent shifting zone around a chosen operating line on an engine rpm/torque map by matching the force balance of the driver pulley to a force balance on the driven pulley.A variable speed belt drive transmission system with a predominantly mechanical speed sensing driver pulley and a torque sensing driven pulley that responds to an operating line, monotonic in torque having a slope from about 0.004 lb-ft/rpm to about 0.060 lb-ft/rpm where the driver pulley has an actuator that controls speed for a chosen torque value. The actuator has at least one centrifugal weight connected to an end of a torque producing spring to wind the spring. A second end of the spring is operatively connected through an articulated linkage to a movable half of the pulley such that the generated axial force is not directly proportional to square of the speed.

Abstract: A pulley construction and method of making the same are provided, the pulley construction having a pair of opposed flanges respectively provided with surfaces for engagement with a V-belt construction when the V-belt construction is disposed therebetween. The pulley construction has a speed responsive unit for moving one of the flanges axially relative to the other of the flanges, the speed responsive unit comprising a pair of opposed raceways respectively having surfaces and movable elements disposed against the surfaces of the raceways for movement in the raceways. The surfaces of the raceways comprise polymeric material that will be deflected by the movable elements and thereby will tend to dampen out vibrations and shock load motion as the movable elements move relative to the surfaces of the raceways.

Abstract: A power transmission for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a variable-diameter drive pulley mechanism (2) mounted on a drive shaft (1) connected to an engine (E), a variable-diameter driven pulley mechanism (22) mounted on a driven shaft (18) operatively coupled with a driven wheel (W), and a clutch (36) mounted coaxially on the driven shaft (18) and operatively connected to the driven pulley mechanism (22). The drive and driven pulley mechanisms (2,22) are interconnected by a V-belt (7). The drive and driven pulley mechanisms (2,22) have axially movable members (5,24) located on opposite sides of the V-belt (7) adjacent to the engine (E) and the clutch (36) to allow parallel displacement of the V-belt (7) during the changing of the diameters of the pulley mechanisms (2,22), to prevent belt twisting or distortion and to prevent the belt (7) and pulley mechanisms (2,22) from being loaded while the vehicle is moved around with the engine (E) turned off.

Abstract: A variable speed device pulley is disclosed of the type comprising a fixed pulley half and movable pulley half facing each other and fixed for rotation with a rotatable shaft. An annular abutment is fixed for rotation with and bears axially against the rotatable shaft. A return spring, e.g., a diaphragm spring, bears axially against the abutment member to urge the movable pulley half toward the fixed pulley half. The annular abutment member comprises a bearing component and a contact component bearing axially against each other. The bearing component is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft and the bearing component is fixed relative to the return spring. The contact component is floatingly mounted on the bearing component for limited shifting movement transversely relative to the axis of the rotatable shaft. The floating mounting may comprise elastic bushes or rings, leaf springs or an intermediate component with sliders.

Abstract: The infinitely variable cone disk-wrapping vee belt drive comprises a pair of coaxial cone disks defining between them a vee-shaped groove and comprising an axially fixed, first cone disk and a second cone disk, which is axially displaceable relative to said first cone disk. A vee belt is trained around said first and second cone disks in said vee-shaped groove. First spring means urge said second cone disk axially toward said first cone disk. Locking means are provided, which are non-rotatably connected to one of said cone disks and movable to a locking position, in which said locking means hold said second cone disk against an axial displacement. Second spring means are provided, which urge said locking means to said locking position. Said locking means are arranged to unlock said second cone disk in response to a centrifugal force acting on said locking means and overcoming the force of said second spring means.

Abstract: A speed change pulley of the type having a fixed flange, a movable flange and an annular, diaphragm spring urging the movable flange toward the fixed flange. The diaphragm spring has an outer peripheral Belleville spring portion bearing against the rim of the movable flange and radial fingers bearing on a fulcrum element connected axially to the shaft of the pulley and fixed for rotation therewith. Lugs integral with the free ends of the radial fingers fulcrum on part cylindrical portions on the fulcrum element. Edges parallel to the axis of the shaft of the pulley and integral with the fulcrum element are in engagement with the lugs for rotationally coupling the diaphragm spring to the fulcrum element. The lugs may be fixed to the ends of the radial fingers or in one piece therewith. The edges may define surface contact or line contact.

Abstract: A cone pulley for a transmission with strand-like tensioning means includes at least two pulley parts which are axially displaceable relative to one another. The strand-like tensioning means is held by and between the two pulley parts. Biasing means is provided for biasing the two pulley parts to a closed position, that is toward one another, in axial direction. Furthermore, means is provided for reducing the biasing action of the biasing means and includes cooperating screw and nut members, operatively associated with the respective pulley parts.

Abstract: A speed change pulley is disclosed in which, for relative centering of the movable side plate with respect to the diaphragm, the diaphragm is provided with engagement members projecting therefrom and axially received in notches in the movable side plate. The engagement members also comprise weight members for enhanced sensitivity to centrifugal force.

Abstract: A torque converter with a clutch mechanism in combination wherein an axially movable sheave is movable toward and away from an opposed fixed sheave, the sheaves accomodating a belt therebetween, the movable sheave being movable in accordance with movement of a centrifugal speed responsive device adjacent the movable sheave to vary the effective pitch diameter of the pair of sheaves having their opposed faces engageable by the belt, and in which a clutch mechanism axially aligned with and mounted on the torque converter is actuatable to move the movable sheave from a non-driving position wherein the belt is not in driving engagement with the sheaves to a driving position wherein the belt is in driving engagement with the sheaves, the sheaves being resiliently biased axially apart and the clutch mechanism being resiliently biased away from the movable sheave.

Abstract: A torque transmission system has driving and driven pulley units drivingly connected by an endless V-belt. Each of the driving and driven pulley units includes a stationary pulley rotatable with a shaft and a movable pulley disposed to define with the stationary pulley a circumferential continuous groove for receiving the V-belt. The movable pulleys of the driving and driven pulley units are axially resiliently biased so that the radii of the circles along which the V-belt engages the driving and driven pulley units are varied to change the speed-change ratio of the transmission system. The movable pulley of the driven pulley unit is axially shifted by fly weights. The driving and driven pulley units are provided with cam mechanisms each comprising a cam member and a follower member. When the load on the driven pulley unit is suddenly varied, the cam mechanisms are operative to keep constant the rotational speed of the driven pulley unit irrespective of variations in the load on the driven pulley unit.

Abstract: A power transmission for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a variable-diameter drive pulley mechanism (2) mounted on a drive shaft (1) connected to an engine (E), a variable-diameter driven pulley mechanism (22) mounted on a driven shaft (18) operatively coupled with a driven wheel (W), and a clutch (36) mounted coaxially on the driven shaft (18) and operatively connected to the driven pulley mechanism (22). The drive and driven pulley mechanisms (2,22) are interconnected by a V-belt (7). The drive and driven pulley mechanisms (2,22) have axially movable members (5,24) located on opposite sides of the V-belt (7) adjacent to the engine (E) and the clutch (36) to allow parallel displacement of the V-belt (7) during the changing of the diameters of the pulley mechanisms (2,22), to prevent belt twisting or distortion and to prevent the belt (7) and pulley mechanisms (2,22) from being loaded while the vehicle is moved around with the engine (E) turned off.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises at least one driving pulley comprising of two parts which are each provided with one part of a cable groove, which groove has a relatively great output transmission capacity. The parts are pressed toward each other by pressing devices, which comprise spiral springs or leaf springs which rest on and are coupled for rotation with the driving pulley parts. Each driving pulley may cooperate with another (identical or conventional) driving pulley which rotates at the same speed, e.g., by means of two gears mounted on the peripheral edges of the driving pulleys.

Abstract: A belt drive clutch having a hexagonal sleeve splined on a power output shaft and carrying an outer sheave disc. A drive belt supporting annulus is freely rotatable on the sleeve and located between the outer sheave disc and an inner sheave disc. The inner sheave disc has a stud shaft extending inwardly and having a hexagonal bore matching the hexagonal external conformation on the sleeve. Ball bearings are assembled on the stud shaft and a clutch control ring is assembled on a peripheral race of the ball bearing. A camming arrangement shifts the clutch control ring axially to engage or disengage the belt by optionally constricting or expanding the space between the outer and inner sheave discs.

Abstract: A variable speed clutch drive for light vehicles, e.g. motor bikes, snowmobiles, etc., responds to both engine speed and torque. The drive includes a conical pulley system of driver and driven pulleys coupled by a continuous V-belt. The driven pulley includes torque responsive means which utilize fixed and movable discs, the fixed disc containing radially arcuate apertures circularly disposed about its center of rotation. The discs are biased together by a spring system which includes a spring cover containing at least one integral cam for sliding contact with at least one aperture in the fixed disc.

Abstract: An adjustable drive for auxiliary aggregates of internal combustion engines in which some auxiliary aggregates such as the fan are adapted to be driven from the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine by way of an adjustable V-belt drive automatically regulatable under the influence of the centrifugal force in such a manner that at smaller crankshaft rotational speeds, a transmission with a speed-up results whereas at higher crankshaft rotational speeds a transmission with a speed reduction results; the control range of the V-belt drive is thereby subdivided at least into two partial ranges by a corresponding matching of the lever arms of the flyweights and/or of the spring forces, respectively, of the spring forces themselves, between which lies a range with constant transmission ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunction variable speed drive. There is provided a drive pulley of variable effective diameter and a follower pulley of variable effective diameter, a flexible belt passing around both pulleys and means for applying adjustable forces to the drive pulley. A constant drive ratio between the pulleys is obtained when two opposing forces on the drive pulley are in equilibrium. The drive ratio between the pulleys falls with increasing load and vice versa.

Abstract: A V-pulley of variable pitch type for a drive acting through a tension medium strand includes two sheaves, at least one of which is displaceable in an axial direction relative to the other, each sheave having a running surface for a tension medium strand such as, for example, V-belts, at least one of the sheaves being mounted on a shaft-like member, at least two systems having means mutually connecting the sheaves to each other, the at least two systems being axially spaced from each other. Thus at least one system allows axial displacement of the one sheave linked thereto, and the other system is firmly linked to the other sheave. Two linked portions of the systems are located radially outside with respect to the running surfaces of the sheaves, thereby obtaining friction-free and wear-free entrainment and guidance of the movable sheave, and especially entrainment and guidance without the occurrence of fatigued corrosion to link means.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises at least one driving shaft and at least one driven shaft. A first pulley is keyed to rotate with the driving shaft and has a cheek which is fixed in translation and a cheek which is movable in translation relative to the first cheek. A second pulley is keyed to rotate with the driven shaft and has a cheek which is fixed in translation and a cheek which is movable in translation relative to the fixed cheek. A device is provided for controlling the displacement of the movable cheek of the first pulley. A transmission device extends around the first pulley and the second pulley. Radial elements adapted to be engaged in corresponding recesses in the transmission device are keyed to rotate with the driving shaft and the driven shaft between the cheeks of the first pulley and second pulley.

Abstract: A power transmission adapted to be connected between a prime mover and a driven means which comprises a variable pulley drive comprising drive and driven pulleys connected by a belt, each having at least one flange axially movable with respect to the other. The pulleys continuously rotate when the prime mover is operational. The output of the prime mover is directly connected to the pulley drive. The prime mover may be an automobile engine, the driven means may include the wheels of an automobile. A speed-responsive friction starting device with means to shift between neutral, forward and reverse is connected between the driven pulley and the driven means. Shifting of a dry, i.e, non-lubricated, belt on the pulleys when the speed ratio is changing is enhanced because of the continuous driving of the pulleys. Also, because the direction of the rotation of the pulleys is always the same, shifting between forward and reverse is enhanced, this being true for any type of belt.

Abstract: A drive system especially adapted for driving accessories associated with the engine of a vehicle and controlled essentially by the speed of the engine crankshaft. The drive system comprises a pair of variable pulleys interconnected by a flexible belt, one pulley being driven from the engine crankshaft and the other pulley being associated with one or more accessories.

Abstract: A variable speed mechanism for propelling an associated lawn mowing apparatus has a variable pitch pulley assembly, a belt which connects the variable pitch pulley assembly to a transmission, a control arm assembly for controlling the variable pitch pulley assembly, and a speed selector for selectively adjusting the control arm assembly. The speed selector is positioned corresponding to the desired lawn mowing apparatus ground speed. This creates tension in a cable which moves a control arm. When the control arm is moved, it rotates about a pivot shaft adjusting the position of a bearing cup which, in turn, adjusts the position of the moveable pulley half within variable pitch pulley assembly. Once the pulley assembly has been positioned, the effective belt diameter is set. If the effective belt diameter is increased, the speed supplied to the transmission is increased assuming a fixed pulley size on the transmission input.