Abstract: A control device and a transmission system are configured to improve riding comfort of a human-powered vehicle. The control device includes an electronic controller that is configured to control a transmission device of a human-powered vehicle so that a transmission ratio at which the vehicle is started becomes equal to a designated transmission ratio. The electronic controller is configured to set the designated transmission ratio based on reference information that excludes information related to a gradient of a road surface, information related to manual operation of the transmission device, and information related to propulsion assistance of the human-powered vehicle.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a pipeline plug includes an actuator plate that includes at least two actuator wedges, a bowl that includes at least two bowl wedges, circumferential wedge sets, and gripper units. Each circumferential wedge set and gripper unit is positioned between the actuator plate and the bowl. Each circumferential wedge set includes a first circumferential wedge and a second circumferential wedge. Each circumferential wedge set is positioned such that an actuator wedge and a bowl wedge engage between the first and second circumferential wedges. Each gripper unit includes a gripper body positioned between and abutting a first circumferential wedge of a first circumferential wedge set and a second circumferential wedge of a second circumferential wedge set. Linear compression between the actuator plate and bowl causes circumferential movement of the circumferential wedges, which in turn causes radial expansion of the gripper units.

Abstract: In one variation, a pulley arrangement includes a base pulley portion rotatable within a driving plane, an adjustable pulley portion coupled to the base pulley portion wherein the adjustable pulley portion is rotatable relative to the base pulley portion within the driving plane, and a driving member including an end coupled to the adjustable pulley portion wherein at least a portion of the driving member is wrapped at least partially around the adjustable pulley portion. In another variation, a pulley arrangement includes a base pulley portion rotatable around an axis, an adjustable pulley portion coupled to the base pulley portion and movable in a first direction parallel to the axis, and a sliding block engaged with the adjustable pulley portion, wherein the sliding block moves in a second direction different from the first direction, in response to compression of the adjustable pulley portion against the base pulley portion.

Abstract: An improvement to continuously variable transmissions whereby power is transmitted from a driver axle to a driven axle through a variable transmission mechanism. A plurality of unidirectional sprocket wheels positioned radially around a driver axle within a set of frustoconical members is provided so that the distance from the driver axle can be adjusted. The unidirectional sprocket wheels are connected by a chain to a similar driven axle portion. This low vibration, high torque capable transmission is superior to variable transmissions that rely on friction-based power transmissions that can slip during operation.

Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller configured to control an electric component of a human-powered vehicle including a crank and a drive wheel. The electronic controller is configured to control the electric component so as to change at least one of a first ratio of a rotational speed of the drive wheel to a rotational speed of the crank and a second ratio of a drive force assisting propulsion of the human-powered vehicle to the human drive force upon determining a human drive force input to the crank shifts from a first range to outside the first range. The electronic controller is configured to change the first range in accordance with at least one of a state of a rider and a running state of the human-powered vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission comprising two circulating elements and a transmission element, such as a toothed belt. At least one circulating element comprises a number of contact elements for contact with the transmission element which determine a running radius of the transmission element, a radial guide for the contact elements, along which the latter are radially displaceable, displacement means for displacing the contact elements in the radial direction, wherein the transmission element has engagement elements such as teeth. Each of the contact elements comprises a base part which is in contact with the radial guide and with the displacement means, and an engagement member which is connected to the base part and is radially movable with respect to the base part, wherein the engagement member of at least one of the number of contact elements of the respective circulating element is in positive-locking contact with the transmission element.

Abstract: A flexibly engaged continuously variable transmission gearbox includes the following components connected sequentially in a transmission: a power input shaft conical roller, a sectional input flexible sprocket, a tooth-shaped chain, a sectional output flexible sprocket, a power output shaft conical roller. When the power input shaft conical roller rotates, it drives five sectional input flexible sprocket members that are slidably matched in five equidistant T-shaped grooves on the conical roller to rotate. The sectional input flexible sprocket drives the tooth-shaped chain engaged therewith to transmit, and thus drives the five sectional output flexible sprocket members that are slidably matched in the five equidistant T-shaped grooves on the output shaft conical roller to rotate. The five sectional output flexible sprocket members are connected to the output shaft conical roller through the five equidistant slidable T-shaped grooves.

Abstract: A printer includes a platen roller, a first pulley connected to the shaft of the platen roller, a motor, a second pulley connected to the shaft of the motor, and a belt wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley. At least one of the first pulley and the second pulley has a variable diameter.

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 variable-speed belt drive pulley assembly includes a plurality of pulley segments, a plurality of sliders, and a rotatable hub. Each segment is adapted to engage a drive belt and is mounted to an outer end of a corresponding slider which is slidably received by the hub. Each slider may be a pair of rods extending from the body in parallel relationship to each other. The hub has a plurality of bores. Each bore slidably receives a corresponding one of the rods. An actuator device moves the segments radially inwardly and outwardly with respect to the hub. A coil spring is mounted on each the rods, and is biased to urge one of the segments radially outwardly.

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: Tensioning roller device including a non-rotating part about which there is rotationally mounted a pulley-forming rotating assembly designed to collaborate with a belt or a chain and a rolling bearing positioned between the non-rotating part and the pulley and including a rotating ring, a non-rotating ring and rolling elements, the pulley including a rigid rim including a first part fixed to the rotating ring of the bearing and a second part that can move with respect to the first part under the action of an elastic element, and an expandable sleeve of annular overall shape designed to be in contact with the belt or the chain, the diameter of the expandable sleeve varying according to how hard it is pressed by the second part.

Abstract: An expandable pulley. The expandable pulley comprises a plurality of belt blocks arranged about an axis of rotation. Each belt block bears upon a radial surface extending normally to the axis of rotation. Another surface of each belt block bears upon a conical member surface which is moveable coaxially with the axis of rotation. A spring bears upon the conical member which urges the conical member in an axial direction, which in turn urges the belt blocks radially outward to compensate for a belt length change and to maintain a belt tension. An elastic member holds the belt blocks in contact with the conical member.

Abstract: A system for transmitting power from a driving, or input, shaft to a driven, or output, shaft by way of an elastomeric belt nipped between opposing surfaces associated with the driving and driven shafts utilizes opposing surfaces which define a plurality of indentations disposed thereacross. Each indentation of the surfaces includes a cavity for accepting a portion of the elastomeric belt as the belt passes between the opposing surfaces and as edge which borders the cavity at the corresponding surface. As power is transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft, significant shear and normal forces are applied between the edges of the indentations and the portions of the belt accepted by the indentations.

Abstract: An expandable pulley. The expandable pulley comprises a plurality of belt blocks arranged about an axis of rotation. Each belt block bears upon a radial surface extending normally to the axis of rotation. Another surface of each belt block bears upon a conical member surface which is moveable coaxially with the axis of rotation. A spring bears upon the conical member which urges the conical member in an axial direction, which in turn urges the belt blocks radially outward to compensate for a belt length change and to maintain a belt tension. An elastic member holds the belt blocks in contact with the conical member.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes one or more cone shaped members which each have a cone shaft centrally positioned therethrough. The cone shaped member also includes a pair of fixed spiraled grooved shafts, including a first shaft therein with a respective spiral groove that spirals in a direction 180 degrees from the direction of each spiral groove in a second fixed spiral grooved shaft. A sliding alignment guide moves laterally within each cone shaped member. Moreover, the alignment guide has a first end interacting with a keyed sprocket, having engagement teeth and an internal nib. The alignment guide has a second end interacting with a second keyed sprocket, also having engagement teeth and an internal nib.

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: An electronic, automatic bicycle transmission that compensates gear ratios according to changes in pedaling pressure and pedaling speed.A drive belt rides upon smooth, cone shaped surfaces at the pedals and rear wheel. Placement of the belt upon the cones is controlled by two roller guides. Speed and pressure sensors located in the front roller guide monitor tension and movement of the drive belt.The belt speed and pressure information is inputed to a central processing unit. If the values of these parameters fall outside predetermined limits, the central processing unit activates reversible electric motors to move the two roller guides. This changes the location of the belt on the cones, thus altering the apparent diameters and resulting in a more desirable gear ratio. The parameters of pedaling pressure and pedaling speed are then restored to within their predetermined comfort ranges.

Abstract: A variable speed pulley adapted to be mounted on a shaft has a resilient member with an exterior surface adapted to support a belt thereon. The compression of the resilient member is controlled to adjust the location of the exterior surface of the resilient member. The effective diameter of the pulley increases or decreases as a function of the location of the exterior surface of the resilient member.

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 work advancing mechanism for a sewing machine which includes a driven circulatory belt for positively advancing the work beneath the presser foot of the machine. The belt is entrained about and driven by a wheel assembly having an adjustable operative circumference for modulating the lineal advancement rate of the belt.

Abstract: An adjustable diameter pulley, particularly suitable for the belt tension adjustment in belt transmission system such as those used in serial printers, utilizing a central core having a tapered portion, a threaded cylindrical portion and also a plastic ring having external cylindrical surface and a central tapered opening. The opening receives the conical portion of the core and is provided with deep slits which allow its expansion. A second ring, screwed on the cylindrical portion of the core, causes the expansion of the plastic ring to vary.

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 variable diameter pulley assembly for use with a power transmission belt and adapted to be connected to a shaft comprising opposed sets of axial and radial movable generally triangular or trapezoidal-shaped flange members, the sides of opposed sets being in substantial engagement to provide at all pulley diameters a generally cylindrical and continuous surface for belt engagement. A pair of axially movable hubs supports the flange members, and each hub has guides for guiding the flange members in their axial and radial movements. A central cam member with conical cam surfaces may be provided which cooperates with cam follower surfaces of the flange members whereby axial movement of the flange members causes radial movement thereof.