Abstract: The present invention is installed with a unidirectional transmission device at the active side, so when a transmission belt is tightened while the active pulley driving a passive pulley in periodically varied speed ratios, an auxiliary pulley (312) is linked simultaneously so as to form a prestressed force for storing energy, when the force applied by the active pulley to the passive pulley through the transmission belt is zero or relatively smaller, the auxiliary pulley (312) is enabled to release energy for recovering so as to apply force to the transmission belt, because the transmission belt is coupled to the active pulley and/or one end of the active wheel shaft combined with the active pulley is restrained by the unidirectional transmission device, the transmission belt is enabled to link the passive pulley to operate in the original revolving direction for feeding back the kinetic energy.

Abstract: The present invention is to install a transmission belt between two noncircular synchronous transmission pulleys, thereby providing a non-sliding synchronous transmission feature between the belt and the pulleys, when the noncircular active pulley is driven to synchronously link the noncircular passive pulley to rotate through the transmission belt, a noncircular synchronous transmission pulley set having periodically varying speed ratio and circumference compensating function is formed, through the two pulleys being formed with certain noncircular wheel shapes, during the synchronous transmission, the circumferences of the two wheel shapes can be mutually compensated.

Abstract: In the present invention, one or both of an active wheel or a passive wheel is composed of an eccentric transmission wheel and is combined with a synchronous transmission belt for forming an eccentric wheel transmission wheel series, so that when the feet input forces at different angles from the treadle shafts of the treadles to an active wheel shaft combined on the active wheel through cranks, the active wheel forms different transmission speed ratios relative to the passive wheel according to the treadle angle, and random inward packing is performed to the transmission belt (100) of the engage end of the eccentric passive wheel (413) during the transmission for stabling the operation.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a multi-speed drive for controlling the speed of a load that is driven from a crankshaft of an engine. The multi-speed drive permits the speed of the load to be adjusted based on one or more parameters, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, battery charge level (e.g. when the load is an alternator), coolant temperature (e.g. when the load is a cooling fan), engine power demand from the vehicle driver, water level in which the vehicle is driving (e.g. when the load is a cooling fan whose blades could be damaged or could cause damage to other vehicle components if they impact water during use). The speeds provided by the multi-speed drive may include two or more non-zero rotational speeds, or two or more non-zero rotational speeds and a zero speed, or one non-zero rotational speed and a zero speed.

Abstract: The present invention is structured by using one or both of an active wheel and a passive wheel being composed of an eccentric transmission wheel and being combined with a synchronous transmission belt for forming an eccentric wheel transmission wheel series, so that in the reciprocal treadle performed by the human's feet, when the feet input forces at different angles from the treadle shafts of the treadles to an active wheel shaft combined on the active wheel through cranks, the active wheel forms different transmission speed ratios relative to the passive wheel according to the treadle angle.

Abstract: The present invention is structured by using one or both of an active wheel and a passive wheel being composed of an eccentric transmission wheel and being combined with a synchronous transmission belt for forming an eccentric wheel transmission wheel series, so that in the reciprocal treadle performed by the human's feet, when the feet input forces at different angles from the treadle shafts of the treadles to an active wheel shaft combined on the active wheel through cranks, the active wheel forms different transmission speed ratios relative to the passive wheel according to the treadle angle.

Abstract: The present invention is structured by using one or both of an active wheel and a passive wheel to be constituted by a bimodal elliptical wheel, so that in the reciprocal treadle performed by the human's feet, when the feet input forces at different angles to an active wheel shaft combined on the active wheel through cranks and treadle shafts of the treadles, the active wheel forms different transmission speed ratios relative to the passive wheel according to the treadle angle.

Abstract: A gearshift control device for a chain and sprocket transmission system including a gearshift member that is movable along a transverse direction relative to the plane defined by the chain, a shaft, a first driving element having a drive member that is non-centered or non-concentric with respect to the axis of the shaft, a second positioning element of the derailleur with an indexing device, a third control element mounted to rotate freely about the shaft with a blocking device, and a transmission element having a member for connection with the first driving element, the second positioning element and the third control element, the transmission element being operably between the first driving element, the second positioning element, and the third control element.

Abstract: A method for electronically servo-assisting a bicycle gearshift to allow compensation for misalignments between the chain of a bicycle gearshift and one or more sprockets of the gearshift, the method including the steps of: driving an actuator of a bicycle gearshift to displace a chain of the gearshift in an axial direction with respect to a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; receiving information on the desired alignment between the chain and a predetermined sprocket of the gearshift group; and setting an adjustment variable, of a logic value associated with the gear ratio relative to the predetermined sprocket, to a value corresponding to the displacement carried out in the step of driving the actuator.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic shifting bicycle transmission comprises a control unit that communicates with a memory location. The memory location stores a plurality of shift tables. The control system uses the information in the shift tables to shift gears with a powered shifting device. The powered shifting device can be manipulated using shift switches in a manual operating mode. The shift switches also are used to switch between the plurality of shift tables.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission and a drive train having a continuously variable transmission. The transmission is provided with a drive pulley and a driven pulley, each having at least one axially displaceable disc in order to be able to pinch an endless transmission element between the discs of a pulley, the transmission being controlled, at least during full movement of the pulleys, in such a way that the pinching force of the drive pulley is dependent on the pinching force applied to the transmission element via the secondary pulley, and the pinching force applied being determined, at least in part, as a function of a torque which is to be transmitted. The transmission is adapted in such a manner that, at least while the pulleys are at a standstill or during the initial revolutions of the driven pulley, prior to the abovementioned method of control during full movement, the transmission is controlled in a different way which effects the presence of pinching force in the primary pulley.

Abstract: A power transmission system used in connection with a vehicle power wheel of a bicycle or other vehicle which has a fixed axle and which utilizes a rotating chain sprocket engaging an endless chain for receiving an input torque and transmitting an output torque. The system includes a transmission ratio varying apparatus that is operably connected to the wheel by the endless chain. The transition ratio apparatus incorporates a drive collar fixedly secured to a sprocket and having one or more input and output drive rings. A drive body is displaceable with respect to the input and output drive rings and includes input and output pawls pivotally connected to the drive body and engageable with the input and output drive rings. A shifter housing is moveable with respect to the fixed axle cam to rotatably shift the drive body with respect to the drive ring and change the relationship between the input and output pawls and thereby vary the torque transmission ratio.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical system for shifting gears on a multi-gear bicycle or other human-powered vehicle includes a closed loop derailleur position control system using circuitry for measuring derailleur position. Shifting gears is accomplished automatically based on rider cadence or manually using signals supplied by hand operated switches. The system calculates gear ratios based on bicycle speed and cadence and then sorts the gear ratios in order from lowest to highest. During automatic operation, the system calculates a cadence from bicycle speed and gear ratio, determines if the calculated cadence is within predetermined limits set by the rider, and it changes the gear ratio if the calculated cadence is not within the predetermined limits.

Abstract: A control device for controlling at least one adjustment member, in particular an electrical chain transfer of a bicycle, is proposed. The control device comprises a signal transmitter which is disposed at a location distant from the at least one adjustment member and which can be set by a user into a plurality of shift settings, in particular gears, for setting the at least one adjustment member into a plurality of operational positions, and at least one signal line for transmitting signals between the signal transmitter and the respective adjustment member.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical system for shifting gears on a multi-gear bicycle or other human-powered vehicle includes a closed loop derailleur position control system using circuitry for measuring derailleur position. Shifting gears is accomplished automatically based on rider cadence or manually using signals supplied by hand operated switches. The system calculates gear ratios based on bicycle speed and cadence and then sorts the gear ratios in order from lowest to highest. During automatic operation, the system calculates a cadence from bicycle speed and gear ratio, determines if the calculated cadence is within predetermined limits set by the rider, and it changes the gear ratio if the calculated cadence is not within the predetermined limits.

Abstract: A gear shifting system for use on a derailleur equipped bicycle having automatic and manual modes of operation. A microcontroller is mounted to the bicycle frame. Sensors are also mounted to the frame to allow the microcontroller to determine the most efficient gear ratio based on the bicycle velocity and the user pedaling rate in the automatic mode of operation. Servomotors mounted to the bicycle frame are responsive to the outputs to drive the bicycle derailleur and provide the most efficient gear ratio. A control panel mounted to the bicycle handlebars allows the user to select either the automatic or manual operating mode, the latter allowing manual activation of the gear shifters through the microcontroller and servomotors. The microcontroller has at least two input capture functions responsive to bicycle velocity and the cadence, in the automatic mode, and two output compare functions which adjust the derailleurs accordingly.

Abstract: A variable ratio power transmission comprising a variator and a geared drive operable in parallel along respective loading paths which unite at at least one gearset. In a first embodiment, the variator is rewindable between its ratio extremities of operation to begin a successive variable mode, while full power drive is maintained through an associated geartrain at substantially the same overall transmission ratio, thereby facilitating substantially stepless transition between successive modes. In a second embodiment, the input to a variator is switchable between its drivable elements at the ratio extremities of operation thereof to begin a successive variable mode, while full power drive is maintained through an associated geartrain at substantially the same overall transmission ratio, again facilitating substantially stepless transition between successive modes.

Abstract: This crank-gear includes cranks centered on a first axis and respectively mounted on shafts journalled into one another in the bicycle crank-gear case. Each shaft bears a guide cooperating with sliders which are fixed to rotate with the sprocket plates actuating the chain with an orbital movement around a second axis. In view of the offset between the first and second axes and the relative arrangement of the cranks and guides the cranks are aligned with one another only when horizontal. Furthermore, when one of the cranks is at bottom dead center the other crank is forwardly offset by a certain distance relative to top dead center. An improved pedalling efficiency is thereby obtained.

Abstract: In an arrangement embracing an internal combustion engine and transmission, intended in particular for use in motor vehicles, the crankshaft is split on the side of the flywheel (6) facing the engine and the crankshaft sections are interconnected via a torsionally elastic intermediate member (9). The crankshaft section (5) carrying the flywheel (6) may be seated in a bearing (4) disposed in an intermediate flange rigidly connected with the transmission housing (1). Further, the housings (1, 2) of the engine and the transmission may also be connected via elastic elements (31).

Abstract: Transmission systems in which a driven sprocket is driven by way of a chain by a driving sprocket which is driven by drive means at a constant speed of rotation, are provided with oscillating or reciprocating idler sprockets for superimposing on the constant speed of rotation drive a periodic, cyclic motion changing the speed of rotation of the driven sprocket, which periodic cyclic motion increases the length of the portion of said chain extending between the exit side of said driven sprocket and the entrant side of said driving sprocket while shortening by a corresponding amount the length of the portion of said chain extending between the exit side of said driving member and the entrant side of said driven member during one-half cycle of said cyclic motion and vice versa during the other half cycle of said cyclic motion.

Abstract: An electrically operated transmission gear system for a bicycle includes a plurality of transmission gears selectively drivable by an endless chain trained around a pedal-driven crank gear, a reversible motor, a takeup reel drivable thereby, and a wire connected at one end to the takeup reel and at the other end to a chain guide for shifting the endless chain into driving mesh with one of the transmission gears at a time. The transmission gear system also includes means for measuring the speed of travel of the bicycle and/or the speed of rotation of the crank gear, means for detecting a transmission ear with which the endless chain is in driving mesh, and an arithmetic unit for deriving a proper speed range from one of the measuring and detecting means and for comparing an output from the other means with the proper speed range as derived to determine whether the transmission gear held in mesh wish the endless chain is proper or not, whereby gear-shifting for the bicycle can properly controlled.

Abstract: An input-output force correlated drive system for driving any driven device such as the rear wheel of a bicycle, a flywheel, or the like comprising: input force applying apparatus for transmitting input force to and causing operation of the drive system; rotatable output force transfer apparatus operable by the input force applying apparatus for transferring output force to the driven device; and input-output force correlation apparatus being continuously operatively connectable to and operable by the input force applying apparatus and being continuously operatively connectable to and operating the output force transfer apparatus for variably changing the rotational speed and circumferential location of the output force transfer apparatus relative to the input force applying apparatus during each revolution in accordance with predetermined input-output force correlation characteristics to be provided by the drive system.

Abstract: An input-output force correlated drive system for driving a driven device such as the rear wheel of a bicycle or the like comprising: input force applying apparatus for transmitting input force to and causing operation of the drive system; rotatable output force transfer apparatus operable by the input force applying apparatus for transferring output force to the driven device; and input-output force correlation apparatus being continuously operatively connected to and operable by the input force applying apparatus and being continuously operatively connected to and operating the output force transfer apparatus for variably changing the rotational speed and circumferential location of the output force transfer apparatus relative to the input force applying apparatus during each revolution in accordance with predetermined input-output force correlation characteristics to be provided by the drive system.