Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for robotic medical instrument system. The medical system can include an elongated shaft configured for insertion into a patient. The system can also include a pull wire extending along the elongated shaft. The pull wire can be actuatable to articulate the elongated shaft. The medical system can include a dynamic pulley coupled to the pull wire, the dynamic pulley configured to collapse during rotation in a first direction and to expand during rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for robotic medical instrument system. The medical system can include an elongated shaft configured for insertion into a patient. The system can also include a pull wire extending along the elongated shaft. The pull wire can be actuatable to articulate the elongated shaft. The medical system can include a dynamic pulley coupled to the pull wire, the dynamic pulley configured to collapse during rotation in a first direction and to expand during rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A gear system based on variably expandable gears, where input from either or both an operator or a computer processor may induce selective radial expansion and contraction of at least one gear in a gear set. The computer processor may be programmed to establish and maintain a desired gear ratio, regardless of the various variable forces which may be encountered, permitting gear setting and adjustment to control a desired parameter, such as speed, revolutions-per-minute, and watts with minimal effort by the operator.

Abstract: An electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT) system applicable to a motorcycle includes a first speed sensor, second speed sensor, continuously variable transmission (CVT) and control unit. The control unit receives a user control signal and accordingly controls a speed-changing state of the CVT. While the motorcycle is operating in a manual-operation mode, the control unit predicts, according to the user control signal, a first speed signal sent from the first speed sensor, and a second speed signal sent from the second speed sensor, whether the next gear indicated by the shift request signal will cause the motorcycle to move unsteadily. If so, the control unit ignores the shift request signal and refuses to perform gear shifting. If not, the control unit sends at least a shift control signal to the CVT so that the CVT performs gear shifting.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a first pulley, a second pulley, and an endless rotatable device operatively interconnecting the first and second pulleys. The endless rotatable device includes a device body and a plurality of device teeth protruding from the device body. Each of the first and second pulleys includes a first sheave, a second sheave, and a pulley axle operatively coupled between the first sheave and the second sheave. The pulley axle defines a pulley center. The first sheave is movable relative to the second sheave along the pulley axle. Each of the first and second sheaves includes a sheave body and a plurality of sheave teeth protruding from the sheave body. The sheave teeth are annularly arranged around the pulley center. The sheave teeth are shaped to mate with the device teeth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuously variable transmission which can simplify a structure and contribute to miniaturization of a device.

Abstract: A Contoured Radius Continuously Variable Transmission (CRCVT) varies the torque and speed of an output component relative to the torque and speed of the input component by forming the contour of a belt-like component so that the belt-like component's radial distance from the input and/or output axis is gradually altered from being uniform throughout its length to being varied for different periods along its length.

Abstract: A control device controls a hydrostatic transmission vehicle having a hydrostatic transmission including a variable displacement pump and a variable displacement hydraulic motor. The control device is configured to set a set vehicle speed based on a forward/rearward travel command and a gear stage command instructed by an operator, to set a torque limit usable for the hydrostatic transmission based on an engine speed, to set a vehicle speed limit based on a pressure in the hydraulic circuit and the torque limit, to select a lower one of the set vehicle speed and the vehicle speed limit, and to control respective displacements of the variable displacement pump and the variable displacement hydraulic motor based on the selected vehicle speed.

Abstract: Toothpaste compositions are disclosed. The toothpaste composition comprises a binder; a surface active agent; an abrasive; a humectant; and water, in which: (1) the abrasive is silica, the composition additionally comprises a silica thickener, and the composition comprises 1 to 7 wt % of the silica thickener, less than 15 wt % of the silica abrasive, 45 to 70 wt % water, 0.8 to 3.0 wt % of a surface active agent; 0.05 to 3.0 wt % the binder, or (2) the abrasive is silica, the composition additionally comprises a silica thickener, the composition comprises 2 to 22 wt % total silica, 0.8 to 3.0 wt % of a surface active agent; 0.05 to 3.0 wt % the binder, and the composition additionally comprises about 0.1 to 8.0 wt % of non-colloidal microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal microcrystalline cellulose, or a mixture thereof; or (3) the binder is a calcium based abrasive, the binder is a cellulose gum, and the composition comprises 25 to 55 wt % of the calcium based abrasive, 35 to 60 wt % water, 0.8 to 3.

Abstract: Example gear systems and methods for use are provided herein. An example gear system may include (a) an expandable gear that defines a plurality of circular sectors, (b) a hub disposed in the gear, where the hub includes an expandable portion, and (c) an expander, where the expandable gear has an expanded position when the expander is disposed within the hub and the expandable gear has an unexpanded position when the expander is disposed outside of the hub.

Abstract: A CVT transmission comprising a shaft journalled to a housing, a first sheave fixed to the shaft, a second sheave moveable parallel to an axis of rotation of the shaft, the second sheave locked in rotating relation with the first sheave by a first sheave member cooperatively engaged with a second sheave receiving member, the second sheave receiving member disposed at a helical angle (HA) with respect to the axis of rotation, a sprocket journalled to the housing, the sprocket threadably engaged with a movable member, a bearing disposed between the movable member and the second sheave, the movable member engaged with the housing whereby movement of the movable member is parallel with the axis of rotation, an electric actuator engaged with the sprocket, and the second sheave is axially movable upon a rotation of the sprocket.

Abstract: A variable speed alternator can include a shaft and adjustable pulley assembly coupled to the shaft. The adjustable pulley assembly can include a support member fixed to the shaft and an adjustable pulley moveably coupled to the support member. The adjustable pulley can have a plurality of individually moveable members each with an outer surface forming a portion of a belt engaging surface for receiving a flat belt to drive the adjustable pulley. Each moveable member can be selectively linearly moveable in a radial direction to vary an outer diameter of the adjustable pulley between a first position having a first outer diameter and a second position having a second outer diameter to selectively vary a driven speed of the alternator shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism for transmitting rotational power comprising: a link extending along a closed loop and continued by a succession of portions each having a longitudinal direction tangent to the closed loop; and temporary unification means comprising a plurality of self-locking means distributed at least along an active portion of a first drive circle, and comprising at least one rigid locking element simultaneously pressing against a first support surface of the first rotating element and a second support surface of a link portion facing the locking element. The first and second support surfaces are arranged so that one locking element of the first drive circle active portion is jammed between the support surfaces and is capable of self-unlocking when the corresponding self-locking means leaves the active portion. One of the support surfaces is a tangential gripping surface that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the link portion against which the locking element presses.

Abstract: A belt drive pulley system termed a “flip drive” is configured to provide at least two belt drive pulleys that are co-axially and integrally arranged and share common axle/bearing and mounting components. By being co-axially disposed, the belt drive pulleys will operate in separate and distinct planes. The flip drive is adapted for use in various applications so that power received on its first pulley from a first belt drive is transferred from its second pulley to a second belt drive (where the first and second belt drives are not co-planar).

Abstract: A variable speed alternator can include a shaft and adjustable pulley assembly coupled to the shaft. The adjustable pulley assembly can include a support member fixed to the shaft and an adjustable pulley moveably coupled to the support member. The adjustable pulley can have a plurality of individually moveable members each with an outer surface forming a portion of a belt engaging surface for receiving a flat belt to drive the adjustable pulley. Each moveable member can be selectively linearly moveable in a radial direction to vary an outer diameter of the adjustable pulley between a first position having a first outer diameter and a second position having a second outer diameter to selectively vary a driven speed of the alternator shaft.

Abstract: An IVT machine includes an input shaft, a drive wheel on the input shaft, an output shaft, a ratio changing device which is mounted on the output shaft, an endless belt which passes over the drive wheel and in an open loop on the ratio changing device, control elements for enlarging and reducing the belt loop dimension about the output shaft axis, belt guide elements providing a throat through which the belt enters and leaves its loop on the ratio changing device, and a drive arrangement on the ratio changing device for the transmission of drive power to the output shaft and is engaged with the belt in a portion of its loop on the device and engageable with the belt on both sides of the throat in its transition across the throat during rotation of the ratio changing device.

Abstract: An expandable pulley comprising a plurality of adjacent segments, each segment being radially moveable, each segment slidingly engaged with a pin member, each pin member having an engagement with each segment such that each segment is moveable in a direction substantially at an angle (?) to a radial along each pin member, a moveable guide member engaged with each segment for spatially locating each segment with respect to another segment, a counterweight cooperatively connected to each segment and cooperatively engageable with each pin member, each counterweight exerting a force opposing a segment centripetal force, and each pin member connected to a hub.

Abstract: A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to avoid unnecessary accumulation of a correction value during feedback control, even when a secondary pressure control valve enters a state of failure. A continuously variable transmission comprises a primary pulley supplied with a primary pressure that has been adjusted via a primary pressure control valve, a secondary pulley supplied with a secondary pressure that has been adjusted via the secondary pressure control valve, and a drive belt wound around the two pulleys. When a failure such as a disconnection occurs in the secondary pressure control valve, a lower limit value Imin of a target gear ratio is raised to a low side by a CVT control unit, and a setting region of the target gear ratio is set in a low region in which control is possible even during a failure. In so doing, divergence between the target gear ratio and an actual gear ratio can be avoided, and therefore unnecessary accumulation of the correction value during feedback control can be avoided.

Abstract: A variable drive transmission system is provided that includes at least one variable diameter gear coupled to a drive shaft at a hub of the variable diameter gear, the drive shaft provides a driving force that causes rotational movement in the first variable diameter gear. The variable diameter gear includes a spiral spring component that extends out of the hub of the first gear, coils spirally in a direction around the hub, and terminates openly on an outer surface of the variable diameter gear. The application of the driving force at the hub causes the spiral spring component to one of wind and unwind and as a result increase or decrease the diameter of the first variable diameter.

Abstract: A rotatable device, such as a pulley, includes an annular rotatable member having a bore extending therethrough and an outer surface disposed about the bore. A bearing is located in the bore. The bearing is operably connected to the annular rotatable member to form an axis of rotation about which the annular rotatable member can rotate relative to an inner race of the bearing. A combination dust cover and bearing retaining member spans the bore at a location spaced axially from the bearing. The cover includes a flange received by a groove extending outwardly from the bore in a direction toward the outer surface of the rotatable member to attach the combination dust cover and bearing retaining member to the rotatable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission using a belt which comprises: a driving portion including a main cylinder having a space in which oil can be filled and operating as a pulley, a plurality of subsidiary cylinders disposed at a circumferential surface of the main cylinder and expanding in the radial direction due to the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the driving shaft, the subsidiary cylinders each being formed with belt grooves at the distal end for seating belts thereon; a driven portion having a structure identical to that of the driving portion, and disposed at a position spaced apart from the driving portion by a predetermined distance; belts seated on the belt grooves formed at the subsidiary cylinders of the driving portion and the belt grooves formed at the subsidiary cylinders of the driven portion, for transmitting the power of the driving portion to the driven portion.

Abstract: In a method for estimating an entrance angle of a V-ribbed belt from a flat pulley to a V-ribbed pulley, the entrance angle is estimated easily at a stage of pulley layout design. The V-ribbed belt 10 forms a track which enters at an entrance angle of approximately zero degree (substantially perpendicular to a plane that includes an axis 3a of rotation) into the flat pulley 3, is wound along the outer peripheral face of the flat pulley 3 without deviating in the axial direction thereof, and extends substantially linearly from a winding end point c at the flat pulley 3 to a winding start point d at a drive pulley 1. The entrance angle ? of the V-ribbed belt 10 from the flat pulley 3 to the drive pulley 1 is obtained on the basis of the track of the V-ribbed belt by, for example, a three-dimensional CAD or the like.

Abstract: A variable transmission is described having a transmission mechanism and a phase adjustment mechanism. The transmission mechanism has supports that are movable toward or away from one another to vary the effective size of an effective cog. The phase adjustment mechanism has a differential type gear arrangement that creates a phase change to adjust the transmission mechanism. Another configuration is described which includes a subassembly with a phase adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pitch of propellers. Counter-rotating elements to control relative gear phase or pitch are provided externally, internally, distally or proximally relative to the source of mechanical torque in various configurations.

Abstract: A pulley has a hub and a rim. The hub is configured to be mountable on a driving shaft. A driving connection between the hub and rim is provided. In a first embodiment, a drive mechanism is operable to configure the rim between a circular profile and a non-circular profile. The non-circular profile produces a counteracting torque to offset load torques produced by the engine. The drive mechanism can be electrical, inertial, hydraulic or any combination thereof. In a second embodiment, the rim is fixed with a non-circular profile.

Abstract: An IVT machine includes an input shaft, a drive wheel on the input shaft, an output shaft, a ratio changing device which is mounted on the output shaft, an endless belt which passes over the drive wheel and in an open loop on the ratio changing device, control elements for enlarging and reducing the belt loop dimension about the output shaft axis, belt guide elements providing a throat through which the belt enters and leaves its loop on the ratio changing device, and a drive arrangement on the ratio changing device for the transmission of drive power to the output shaft and is engaged with the belt in a portion of its loop on the device and engageable with the belt on both sides of the throat in its transition across the throat during rotation of the ratio changing device.

Abstract: An IVT machine includes an input shaft, a drive wheel on the input shaft, an output shaft, a ratio changing device which is mounted on the output shaft, an endless belt which passes over the drive wheel and in an open loop on the ratio changing device, control elements for enlarging and reducing the belt loop dimension about the output shaft axis, belt guide elements providing a throat through which the belt enters and leaves its loop on the ratio changing device, and a drive arrangement on the ratio changing device for the transmission of drive power to the output shaft and is engaged with the belt in a portion of its loop on the device and engageable with the belt on both sides of the throat in its transition across the throat during rotation of the ratio changing device.

Abstract: An IVT machine includes an input shaft, a drive wheel on the input shaft, an output shaft, a ratio changing device which is mounted on the output shaft, an endless belt which passes over the drive wheel and in an open loop on the ratio changing device, control elements for enlarging and reducing the belt loop dimension about the output shaft axis, belt guide elements providing a throat through which the belt enters and leaves its loop on the ratio changing device, and a drive arrangement on the ratio changing device for the transmission of drive power to the output shaft and is engaged with the belt in a portion of its loop on the device and engageable with the belt on both sides of the throat in its transition across the throat during rotation of the ratio changing device.

Abstract: An expandable pulley comprising a plurality of adjacent segments, each segment being radially moveable, each segment slidingly engaged with a pin member, each pin member having an engagement with each segment such that each segment is moveable in a direction substantially at an angle (?) to a radial along each pin member, a moveable guide member engaged with each segment for spatially locating each segment with respect to another segment, a counterweight cooperatively connected to each segment and cooperatively engageable with each pin member, each counterweight exerting a force opposing a segment centripetal force, and each pin member connected to a hub.

Abstract: A variable diameter gear device for use in a variable ratio transmission system includes a gear tooth set deployed around an axle which defines an axis of rotation. The gear tooth set includes at least two displaceable gear tooth sequences, each including a multiple gear teeth spaced at a uniform pitch, and a diameter changer mechanically linked to the axle and to the gear tooth set. The diameter changer is deployed to transfer a turning moment between the axle and the gear tooth set, and to displace the gear tooth set so as to vary a degree of peripheral coextension between the gear tooth sequences. Specifically, the diameter changer transforms the gear device between at least two states in which the gear tooth set is deployed to provide an effective cylindrical gear with differing effective numbers of teeth. The gear device may be used either in direct engagement with another gear wheel or as part of a chain-based transmission system.

Abstract: A pulley has a hub and a rim. The hub is configured to be mountable on a driving shaft. A driving connection between the hub and rim is provided. In a first embodiment, a drive mechanism is operable to configure the rim between a circular profile and a non-circular profile. The non-circular profile produces a counteracting torque to offset load torques produced by the engine. The drive mechanism can be electrical, inertial, hydraulic or any combination thereof. In a second embodiment, the rim is fixed with a non-circular profile.

Abstract: A belt drive system employs variable diameter drive and driven pulleys interconnected by a flat belt and operative to vary the rotational speed of the driven pulley as in a variable speed transmission. Each pulley includes an internal fluid pressure chamber and diametrically aligned pairs of radially movable pistons or lift bars that support transverse lift rods at their outer ends. Axially spaced circular guide plates form end boundaries for the fluid pressure chamber and have radial through-slots that cooperate with arcuate slots in juxtaposed pairs of coaxial guide discs to receive opposite ends of the lift rods and effect synchronous radial movement of the lift rods in response to pressure changes within the fluid pressure chamber. An elongated flexible spring-like support member is attached at one end to a lift rod and extends in supported relation circumferentially over and about the lift rods to define a variable diameter belt support surface.

Abstract: A variable sprocket IVT machine has a sprocket wheel, on an input shaft, including a plurality of wheel bodies which are independently rotatable on the shaft, a sprocket slidably located in and projecting radially from a sleeve in each wheel body, connecting arrangements, connecting the wheel bodies in the composite wheel, which are adapted to vary the angular disposition between and the degree of radial projection of adjacent sprockets relatively to each other to ensure clean engagement of the sprockets with uniformly spaced apertures in a drive chain which partially surrounds the wheel in a radially movable zone of sprocket engagement, elements for engaging the wheel bodies of the sprockets in the zone with the input shaft and a control arrangement which supports the sprockets not in the zone and which is movable to vary the ratio of rotation of the input shaft relatively to a chain driven output shaft.

Abstract: An automatic stepless speed-changing mechanism mainly includes a pivotal shaft, a plurality of mounting discs mounted along the pivotal shaft and provided with radially extended guide rails, a plurality of axial rods separately axially extended through the guide rails to slide and rotate therein, a transmission gear, a restoring mechanism, and driving members mounted on the axial rods, and a transmission member wound around the driving members. The driving members are preferably gears, and the transmission member is preferably a chain. When the transmission member brings the driving members to move, the axial rods, which are connected to the driving members and the transmission gear and the restoring mechanism, are caused to slide within the guide rails, resulting in changes in a radius of turn of the driving members to provide the function of automatic stepless change of speed.

Abstract: An automatically and smoothly continuously variable transmission, particularly for a bicycle, for transmitting input mechanical energy from a crank to the drive wheel. A ratchet, having an oscillatory, alternating motion member and a continuous rotary motion member, connected to the driven wheel, has a drive spring drivingly linked between the ratchet alternating member and the crank for driving the ratchet alternating member in one direction of motion. A return spring is linked to the ratchet alternating member for applying a return force upon the ratchet alternating member to return the alternating member in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A drive wheel for pulling a chain has a diameter that can be changed continuously as the drive wheel rotates. The drive wheel has a drive shaft and there are at least 2 chain-engaging means (teeth or blades) positioned around the drive shaft for engaging a chain. The wheel has a number of modules that support the chain-engaging means and permit the chain-engaging means to move slightly in a circumferential direction a distance sufficient to engage the chain. Module locks prevent such movement when the chain is engaged, but permit it when the chain is not engaged. Extenders connect the modules to the drive shaft and can change the distance between the modules and the drive shaft while the drive shaft is rotating. Extender locks prevent the extenders from changing that distance when the chain is engaged but permit such change when the chain is not engaged. A transmission can be made by connecting the drive wheel to a sprocket wheel with a chain.

Abstract: A variable ratio sprocket assembly for providing improved transition between gears and eliminating derailing. The variable ratio sprocket assembly includes an axle, a bicycle wheel hub coupled to a rear wheel of the bicycle and designed to rotatably receive rotational force from a receiver, a receiver including a first diameter coupled to the bicycle wheel hub, a converter with a second diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the receiver slideably engages the receiver to provide a plurality of gear ratios with respect to the receiver, a driver includes a third diameter substantially greater than the second diameter of the converter and is slideably engaged by the converter such that rotating the driver in a first direction rotates the converter in a first direction which in turn rotates the receiver in a first direction which in turn rotates the rear bicycle wheel, and a sprocket coupled to an exterior surface of the driver designed for engaging a drive chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission capable of surely transmitting power even in a configuration in which the diameter of a rotating body is changed. When movable members of the rotating body are moved in the radial direction, the diameter of a winding member that is wound around the movable members increases or decreases, so that the speed reducing ratio with respect to the other rotating body changes. In this case, the circumferential length of the winding member that is wound around the movable members is changed by causing the other end side of the winding member to go in or out through between the movable members. At this time, since the circumferential length of the winding member changes stepwise by the predetermined number of the engagement portions of the winding member, the engagement portions of the transmitting member can always be engaged surely with the engagement portions of the winding member even if the speed is changed.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission that comprises an input shaft to which torque may be applied, an adjustable gearing mechanism, and a driven element. The adjustable gearing mechanism is attached to the input shaft and is configured to continuously vary the drive ratio in response to the applied torque transmitted through the input shaft. The adjustable gearing mechanism includes a hub operatively connected to said input shaft, resilient arms, and an engaging portion. The resilient arms are attached to the hub. In one embodiment of a continuously variable transmission, the hub and the plurality of resilient arms are integrally formed so as to form a one-piece member. The resilient arms are configured to continuously adjust the outer diameter formed by the resilient arms. The engaging portion is integral with each of the resilient arms and is configured to cooperate with an endless member such as a chain. The driven element is operably connected to said gearing mechanism by the endless member.

Abstract: The invention comprise a continuously variable transmission pulley. The pulley comprises at least one axially moveable sheave section which is coaxial with a second sheave section. Each sheave section has a series of radial grooves which are axially and radially aligned. The radial grooves are arranged in pairs between each sheave section. The belt blocks span between the sheave sections, each having opposing arcuate ends that slidingly engaging a pair of grooves. The belt blocks are arranged circumferentially about an axial sheave centerline. Each belt block also has a surface for receiving a multi-ribbed belt. At least one elastic member encircles the belt blocks so as to control their relative positions, keeping them in contact with the sheave grooves as the pulley rotates. As the movable sheave is moved axially, each belt block moves radially within its respective grooves so as to increase or decrease the effective diameter of the pulley.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission capable of surely transmitting power even in a configuration in which the diameter of a rotating body is changed. When movable members of the rotating body are moved in the radial direction, the diameter of a winding member that is wound around the movable members increases or decreases, so that the speed reducing ratio with respect to the other rotating body changes. In this case, the circumferential length of the winding member that is wound around the movable members is changed by causing the other end side of the winding member to go in or out through between the movable members. At this time, since the circumferential length of the winding member changes stepwise by the predetermined number of the engagement portions of the winding member, the engagement portions of the transmitting member can always be engaged surely with the engagement portions of the winding member even if the speed is changed.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive system including at least one variable diameter sprocket is described herein. The variable diameter sprocket includes a support and at least three radially movable sprocket portions mounted to the support. A diameter changing mechanism is provided to selectively move the sprocket portions.

Abstract: A driving roller with an outer working periphery having a changeable diameter has a first disk and a second disk arranged coaxially with one another and returnable relative to one another in any operational condition, the first disk being provided with a plurality of radial guides, the second disk being provided with at least one spiral-shaped guide, a plurality of supporting bodies which for abutment of segments provided for the drive belts have a first element cooperating with the radial drives and a second element cooperating with the at least one spiral shaped guide and are supported with these elements so that by a relative turning of the disks an increase or a reduction of the diameter of the working periphery is provided, the radial guides being formed by guiding slots extending through the first disk, the first element being composed of guiding members which are slidingly guided in the guiding slots, the guiding members at both sides of the first disk being provided with guiding webs which laterally e

Abstract: A drive mechanism of the type having a first pulley, a second pulley, and an endless flexible drive member extending therebetween for transmitting motion from the first pulley to the second pulley wherein at least one of the pulleys is a variable ratio pulley assembly. The variable ratio pulley assembly includes a planar and includes at least one circular row of apertures through the disk. At least one fixed magnet is affixed to the planar disk wherein the polar orientation of the fixed magnet is substantially transverse to the planar disk. A plurality of drive segments are positioned in the row of apertures and forms at least one circular row of drive segments wherein each of the segments is selectably translatable between a retracted position and an engaged position.

Abstract: The invention is a variable-ratio transmission comprising a base having an axis of rotation to which an object can be attached and a plurality of pulley assemblies slideably attached to the base along radials. Each pulley assembly comprises one or more pulleys, a pulley shaft, and a pulley transport. The pulleys of a pulley assembly are rotatably attached to the pulley shaft and are rotatable in only one direction about the pulley shaft. The pulley shaft is attached to the pulley transport. The pulley transport is slideably attached to the base along a radial. The pulley assemblies are so arranged that the plurality of pulleys can engage at least one encircling belt or chain. An actuating system applies radial forces to the plurality of pulley transports for the purpose of maintaining the pulley assemblies in fixed radial positions or moving the pulley assemblies to other radial positions. The actuating system is controlled by an external entity.

Abstract: A rotary power source and a continuously variable transmission are coupled together. The continuously variable transmission includes a first shaft, a first pulley coupled to rotate with the first shaft, a second shaft, a second pulley coupled to rotate with the second shaft, and an endless power transfer loop coupled about the first pulley and second pulley. The first pulley is of a variable diameter type to adjust turning ratio relative to the second pulley. This first pulley includes a pulley cage including a number of bars radially spaced apart from one another about the first shaft that are each inclined relative to a rotational axis of the first shaft and define a generally frustoconical shape. The first pulley also includes a disk defining a number of slots each receiving a corresponding one of the bars therethrough. A number of carriers are coupled to the disk to travel along a corresponding one of the slots and a corresponding one of the bars.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system for coupling between a rotating drive shaft and an output shaft employs a first drum rotated by the drive shaft and a second drum connected to the output shaft. At least one, and typically both, of the drums have a region of adjustable effective diameter. A closed cable encircling the first and the second drums is wrapped around each of the first and the second drums a plurality of times so as to provide effective tractional locking even at low clamping forces. In preferred embodiments, a mechanism is provided for preventing creep of the cable along the drum. The mechanism typically includes a number of elements each having a helical groove and deployed such that the cable engages a part of the groove, and a mechanism for rotating the elements so as to change the portion of the groove with which the cable engages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush with uniform diameter bristles containing a polishing agent with a particle size of from about 0.01 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m, wherein cleaning of the teeth is improved without any of the adverse side effects associated with over aggressive abrasion. An embodiment of the present invention includes a toothbrush including a handle associated with a head having at least one tuft securely affixed in or attached to the head, said tuft including a plurality of filaments comprised of (a) a thermoplastic filament base material and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of from about 0.1 .mu.m to about 10 .mu.m. Particles less than 0.1 .mu.m can be used if aggregation occurs such that the aggregate size on bristle is described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flavored silica abrasive dentifrice which delivers higher levels and intensity of flavor and exhibits less stringiness the dentifrice having incorporated therein a cellulose gel comprised of a coprocessed mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and a cellulose gum such as carboxymethylcellulose.

Abstract: An infinitely variable ratio drive mechanism consisting of at least one variable diameter pulley and a flexible drive belt. A plurality of pulley segments are connected via links to a hub, such that their concerted arcs of motion describe a variable pulley diameter, the segments being biased one to another by resilient force. When two pulleys operate together, the effective diameters of both are adjusted in like direction. The drive pulley diameter is the resultant of a balance between the drive belt force exerted on the individual segments and the opposing resilient force. The plurality of belt engaging members describing the driven pulley adjust opposite the first, their position being actuated in the direction of belt force and restricted by belt length.