Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (1) having the cams (9, 10, 11, 12) that are not circular as usual, but have the form of a spiral. The outer contours (15, 16, 7, 18) of the two cams (9, 10, 11, 12) are each situated in a plane which is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the respective cams (9, 10, 11, 12).

Abstract: Provided is a continuously variable transmission including a variable diameter first pulley assembly, a second pulley assembly, coupled with an endless power transfer element. The first pulley assembly includes: a first side member having a plurality of first guideways coupled to rotate on a first axle; a second side member having a plurality of a second guideways, separated from the first side member, coupled to rotate freely about the first axle; a plurality of pulley segments engaged with the endless power transfer element coupled with the first and second guideways arranged in the circle about the first axis of rotation; an actuator for rotating the first and second side member relative to each other about the first axis of rotation, producing radial displacement of the pulley segments and changing the effective diameter of the first pulley assembly; and a tensioner for tensioning the endless power transfer element.

Abstract: A belt type CVT, which has a variable drive pulley controlling a transmission gear ratio by varying a diameter and a variable driven pulley connected to the variable drive pulley by a belt and controlling a tension of the belt by varying a diameter in a manner opposite to that of the variable drive pulley, in which each of the variable drive and driven pulleys includes belt supports movably installed between a pair of pulley plates, and transmission plates mounted to outside surfaces of respective pulley plates and rotated in opposite directions, thereby moving the plurality of belt supports in the radial directions, and the inner surface of the belt is provided with ratchet gear parts engaged with the belt holding ratchet gear parts of the belt supports, so that the diameters of the variable drive pulley and the variable driven pulley can be more easily and efficiently varied.

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 continuously variable transmission device with a low shift transmission pulley train includes a unidirectional transmission device installed between the input shaft and output shaft of the continuously variable transmission device. During high load operation, when a rotating speed of the driving pulley of the low shift transmission pulley train is lower than that of the input shaft in the same rotating direction, the rotational kinetic energy of the input shaft is transmitted through the unidirectional transmission device and the low shift transmission pulley train to drive the output shaft and further to drive the load.

Abstract: A method of measuring and correcting the Young's Modulus inline to eliminate its impact on image length variation during print runtime. The method includes intentionally perturbing the nominal operating condition of the web printing system which is controlled by the double reflex printing controller. The perturbation creates misregistration in a control target printed image that is detectable by in-situ sensors, from which Young's Modulus is estimated. Specifically, the web tension before the print zone is set differently from the web tension in the print zone to create misregistration. The error is detected by the inline sensors, and it is used to calculate the actual Young's Modulus. The implementation of the method consists of measuring the Young's Modulus at various frequencies. The correct Young's Modulus in then incorporated into the double reflex printing algorithm.

Abstract: The invention is disclosed by that a high shift transmission pulley train is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of the continuous variable transmission device, and a clutching device is installed between the output shaft and the driven pulley of the high shift transmission pulley train as well as that a low shift transmission pulley train matching with an unidirectional transmission device is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of the continuous variable transmission device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. A system includes a renewable variable power generation module including a sensor, the sensor configured to determine an output power capability value for the renewable variable power generation module. The system also includes a load demand module including a response device, the response device configured to receive the output power capability value directly from the renewable variable power generation module and to determine an input power demand value based on the output power capability value.

Abstract: A multiple-ratio drive transmission comprises first and second spaced disc systems, each system of which is composed of three separate discs: (1) a retention disc located at an outermost side; a pin receiving disc located at an innermost side; and, (3) a pin holding disc sandwiched between. Each disc comprises concentric rings of proportionally spaced holes through which corresponding pins are maintained, inserted, retracted, or traversed. As the disc system rotates, each pin on a ring associated for a selected gear passes through a shifting zone in which a ramp mechanism is inserted. A plurality of selection cams rotates to urge a sequential outward deflection of cams. By rotating the selection cam, sequential deflection cams extend into the drive position; they urge a pivoting of a select deflection ramp. The ramp for the pre-selected gear ratio causes the ring to extend to the drive position. As the pins lift, the chain impinges and the gear ratio completely changes during one revolution.

Abstract: A pulley apparatus of a belt drive comprises a first and a second pulleys and a belt bearing. A first pulley is fixed coaxial to the power shaft and has a first pitch setting device. A second pulley is coaxially rotatable relative to the first and has a second pitch setting device. A belt bearing maintains a gross bearing surface to bear the belt at a pitch by a cooperation with the two pitch setting devices. Transmission of power loads the pulley apparatus wherein the two pulleys and the belt bearing all rotate together in the same direction at the same speed while the second pulley is induced by the loading to rotate relative to the first in the opposite direction. The load-induced relative rotation increases the pitch by adjustment in the cooperation until a fixed length of the belt allows no further relative movement between the two pulleys.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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 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: A method for positively feeding yarn to a circular knitting machine includes adjusting a variable drive mechanism to vary the rate at which yarn is positively fed from a plurality of positive feed units to a circular knitting machine while the machine is operating. Because the positive yarn feed rate is adjustable while the circular knitting machine is operating, the time and labor required to produce knitted products is reduced. The positive yarn feed rate and the yarn tension of a circular knitting machine can be adjusted while the machine is operating. A controller coupled to the variable drive mechanism and the central stitch cam adjustment adjusts the positive yarn feed rate and the yarn tension.

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: In a continuously variable transmission, a hydraulic actuator for axially moving a movable sheave has an outer cylinder which includes a radial portion extending radially from a boss on the stationary sheave. A bearing is disposed abutting the surface of the radial portion. The inner race of the bearing has a large diameter so that the inner race contacts at least a predetermined area of the surface of the radial portion, preferably, the entire area of that surface. One side of the inner race has a recess in which a nut for axially fixing the outer cylinder, the bearing and the like is disposed, thereby reducing the axial dimension of the continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: A chain drive transmission has a variable diameter sprocket. The sprocket has a number of sectors which can be moved radially relative to a hub of the sprocket. The sectors are biased outwardly but can be pulled inwardly by flexible members which wind around a spool. The spool is, in turn connected to an axially movable shifting member. The gear ratio of the transmission can be changed by either allowing the shifting member to move axially outwardly, in which case the effective diameter of the variable diameter sprocket increases, or by momentarily braking rotation of the shifting member, in which case the flexible members are wound onto the spool thereby reducing the effective diameter of the variable sprocket. Shifting between gear ratios may be done with a simple rugged mechanism. Shifting between gear ratios requires little force and can be controlled with an electromechanical actuator. Both driving and driven sprockets in a power transmission may be variable diameter sprockets.

Abstract: A continuously variable automatic drive has a front driving sprocket and a rear driven sprocket. Each of these sprockets has a housing and a plurality of involute-shaped toothed segments, each having a leading end and a trailing free end. The toothed segments are symmetrically spaced around their housings and pivotally attached to their housings about their leading ends. Each toothed segment is movable between a first position where the trailing free end is pivoted inwardly closest to the housing and the effective diameter of the sprocket is smallest and a second position where the trailing free end is pivoted outwardly farthest from the housing and the effective diameter of the sprocket is largest. The highest gear ratio is produced when the front driving sprocket is at the second position and the rear driven sprocket at the first position. The lowest gear ratio is produced when the front driving sprocket is at the first position and the rear driven sprocket is at the second position.

Abstract: A chain shifting apparatus senses bias of pre-set peak pedal force to incrementally move a derailleur cable in a first direction, and to store spring energy. A governor apparatus senses peak cadence to move the cable in a second direction. A cam action from a pedalled-sprocket communicates a timing instant for shifting under low chain transmitting force. A derailleur cable motion distributor communicates single cable up-shift and down-shift instruction from a finger shift and from spring-loaded automatic collet actions to route chains onto available front or rear sprocket sets.

Abstract: A governor drive pulley capable of having a wide variation in effective pulley radius and automatically performing predetermined mechanical control functions. The pulley includes sheave segments mounted on an energy-storing flexible chassis. Predetermined mechanical control is achieved by customizing the energy-storing component of the chassis.

Abstract: Continuous speed change gear, especially for two-wheeled vehicles, comprising two cog wheels, a cylindrical support for continuously varying, as desired, their center distances, accompanied by radial translation of the cogs of one of the two wheels, the wheels meshing practically with one cog at a time and at least with one cog of the wheel with translatable cogs, so that, with each variation of the center distance there will be continuous variation of the ratio of transmission between the axles of the two wheels.

Abstract: The present invention is an energy-storing bicycle sprocket drive system which includes a crank which rotates a shaft about the shaft's longitudinal axis. The crank moves through a point of minimum applied leverage and a point of maximum applied leverage in each rotational cycle. Journalled to the shaft is a drive plate having an outer surface with at least one opening. Each opening has an inner surface with at least one end wall. Facing the drive plate is a wheel which rotates freely on the shaft. At least one drive peg is mounted to the wheel such that it is in a position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The drive peg extends from the wheel and into the opening of the drive plate. A spring is mounted within the opening between the end wall and the drive peg. As the shaft rotates and the spring is in a compressed state, it stores energy while exerting a first force on the drive peg causing the wheel to revolve as the crank rotates 90 degrees from the point of maximum applied leverage.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system having a fixed variable diameter pulley connected by a drive belt to at least one other pulley. A tensioner pulley maintains the tension on the drive belt within predetermined limits as the effective diameter of the variable diameter pulley changes. The effective diameter of the variable diameter pulley is determined by a balance between a resilient force biasing a plurality of belt engaging members in a predetermined direction and a radial force acting on the plurality of belt engaging members in the opposite direction. In a first embodiment, the resilient force biases the plurality of belt engaging members outwardly and the radial forces are generated by displacing the tensioner pulley to increase the tension on the drive belt. In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of belt engaging members are biased inwardly by a resilient force and are displaced outwardly by centrifugal forces.

Abstract: A drive transmission for work producing mechanism, such as a bicycle or other vehicle, in which a carrier member is mounted on a rotatable crank shaft and has a plurality of spaced, pivotally mounted segments, with each segment carrying a rotatable drive element, such as a chain-engageable sprocket. An endless, flexible member, such as a roller chain, is coupled with the sprocket, each segment being in mesh with a free-wheeling gear rotatably mounted on the crank shaft. A chain takeup damper is carried in spaced relationship to the crank shaft and applies tension to a part of the chain at all times. As torque requirements on the crank shaft increase, the other part of the chain increases in tension causing the sprockets to be rotated toward the crank shaft to increase the drive ratio of the transmission. A resilient endless flexible band biases the segments outwardly of the crank shaft and into a maximum drive ratio.

Abstract: Pulley usable in single or double form.It comprises a guidance structure (3) for segments (4) displaceable in accordance with the setting of the rods (7), which are advantageously symmetrically extended with respect to a pivot (9) and carrying an opposite counterweight. The segments (4) are circular arcs in order to ensure a good adhesion of the belt. Advantageously the counterweights are segments (42), which makes it possible to obtain a double pulley formed from two coaxial pulleys, whose diameters vary in opposite directions. The centrifugal force on segments (4) can be balanced.Application to continuous speed variators.

Abstract: A variable speed adjuster for a bicycle includes: a driving disk secured to a bike hub or spokes having a plurality of radial slots formed in the driving disk, a collar secured with a chain wheel driven by a driving chain of a bike pedal having a plurality of sliding blocks slidably engaged in an annular groove formed in the collar each sliding block formed with a sliding roller protruding inwardly to slidably engage each radial slot in the driving disk and an eccentric plate rotatably secured with the collar and fixed on the axle of a bike wheel, wherein the eccentric plate is adjustably biased to allow the collar and the chain wheel to be eccentric to the axle, thereby resulting in a variation of drive ratio of running speed of a bike wheel.

Abstract: A rotable sprocket assembly transmits force from a chain into rotation of a bicycle wheel. Sprocket segments having peripheral teeth are mounted on a pair of sprocket housings so that the combined periphery of the sprocket segments is substantially circular. The housings are stationary relative to each other and each is oriented in a plane which is normal to a central rotational axis. The sprocket segments are slidable relative to the housing in a radial direction so as to vary the diameter of the combined sprocket segments. Each sprocket segment is formed from a plurality of hinged subsegments, with each subsegment having a single tooth. The sprocket segments of one housing overlap the adjacent sprocket segments on the other housing so that the pairs of overlapping teeth combine to effectively form a single tooth.

Abstract: A variable transmission with an integral shifter, particularly suitable for a bicycle, having a variable-sprocket mounted on an axle having crank-arms. The variable-sprocket comprises a drive-flange and a indexing-flange, a pair of sprocket-segment-planets and at least a pair of idler-planets connected to the flanges, the planets adapted to expand and contract in response to a relative rotation of the flanges and thereby increase and decrease, respectively, the effective diameter of the variable-sprocket; and the sprocket-segment-planets are arranged along an imaginary line defined by the crank-arms.

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission includes an input and an output, having an expansible chainwheel. A first drive path is provided to rotate the chainwheel and a second drive path is provided to increase the diameter of the chainwheel upon application of a first input torque and to decrease the diameter of the chainwheel upon application of a second input torque of opposite sense to the first input torque. The first and second drive paths are connected to the input so that the second drive path has a mechanical advantage over the first to provide an increase in diameter of the chainwheel prior to its rotation.

Abstract: In an automatic variable speed transmission, expansible pulleys function to change the speed ratio between driving and driven shafts. The pulleys are constructed in segments or arms that are pivoted at one end to swing outwardly. Each arm includes a V-shaped groove for receiving a V-belt. At a minimum diameter, the arms form a composite solid body and at a maximum diameter, when each arm is fully extended, a segmented pulley is formed. Automatic speed ratio change is disclosed in both the forward and reverse direction of rotation by proper combination of the pulleys.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a bicycle comprising a sprocket wheel of variable diameter, for receivably engaging a linked bicycle chain, drivingly connected to a bicycle wheel. The diameter of the sprocket wheel can be varied in relation to the angular speed of the bicycle wheel. Variation in the diameter of the sprocket in response to drive pressure applied by the linked bicycle chain is prevented by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A torque sensing variable diameter power transfer assembly is disclosed wherein the cam members are provided with an asymmetrical cam surface pattern having first and second cam surfaces meeting the base of the cam at different angles. The opposing first cam surfaces meet the corresponding base members at approximately 45.degree. and interengage to effectively transmit torque between the opposing cam members during normal operating conditions. The opposing second cam surfaces meet the corresponding case member at approximately 30.degree. and interengage to effectively transmit torque between the respective cam members during reverse power conditions, wherein the normally driven sheave temporarily becomes the drive sheave. The asymmetrical cam surfaces generally eliminate belt slippage during reverse power conditions and permit the engine to brake the power delivered by the normally driven sheave.

Abstract: A method of making the combination of a power transmission belt that is to be operated in an endless path and a tensioner for the belt is provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit fixed relatively to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a biasing unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit in a belt tensioning direction against the belt with a force to tension the belt, and a control unit operatively associated with the biasing unit to progressively decrease its urging force on the belt engaging unit as the speed of movement of the belt progressively increases from a certain low speed of movement thereof to a certain high speed of movement thereof.

Abstract: A combination of a power transmission belt that is to be operated in an endless path and a tensioner for the belt is provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit fixed relatively to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a biasing unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit in a belt tensioning direction against the belt with a force to tension the belt, and a control unit operatively associated with the biasing unit to progressively decrease its urging force on the belt engaging unit as the speed of movement of the belt progressively increases from a certain low speed of movement thereof to a certain high speed of movement thereof.

Abstract: A load-responsive variable diameter pulley in a drive system using a driving pulley and a driven pulley functionally connected by a belt. The basic pulley assembly includes two spaced apart parallel sideplates concentric to a hub. One plate is fixed to the hub while the other is movable angularly about the pulley axis relative to the fixed plate. Slots are provided in the surfaces of both plates and a plurality of arcuate belt-engaging segments located between the plates are provided with laterally extending pins that are received in the slots. In the basic pulley a spring normally urges the movable plate to bias it and belt-engaging segments to the position defining maximum pulley diameter. The slots in the fixed plates are in pairs and the individual slots are not parallel to each other. The slots are designed so that the chord of the effective arc of the arcuate segment guided in the slots is always perpendicular to a radius of the pulley.