Abstract: A large-torque chain-guide type constant ratio/continuously variable transmission is disclosed. The transmission comprises transmission rollers (A, B), an endless transmission chain or belt (C) and two chain guiders (D, E) respectively arranged beside the two transmission rollers. Each chain guider comprises n groups of grooved-pulleys, and each group comprises m grooved-pulleys. Each grooved-pulley rotates freely around a grooved-pulley axis, and an angle ? is formed between the axis of at least one grooved-pulley in each group of grooved-pulleys and a roller axis of the transmission roller matched with the same grooved-pulley. The angle ? enables the chain entering the chain guider and the chain leaving the chain guider to move a certain axial distance, i.e. a chain distance, on the transmission rollers, wherein the chain distance is required to be larger than the width of the chain or the belt.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the performance of CVT's (Continuous Variable Transmissions) that utilize a cone with one torque transmitting member, a cone with two opposite torque transmitting members, cone with one tooth (single tooth cone), and a cone with two opposite teeth. Said methods and devices include but are not limited to: a mechanism for changing the axial position of a cone quickly and accurately (see FIG. 15); and a method for substantially increasing the duration at which the axial position of a cone can be changed (see FIGS. 27 to 30), and flat belt with teeth transmission belt (see FIGS. 40 to 42).

Abstract: A method for substantially increasing the duration at which the transmission ratio for a “CVT comprising of two cones mounted on separate shafts that are coupled by a means for coupling” can be changed, by changing the axial position of said cones independent of each other, and by utilizing a means for tensioning that can provide and/or remove slack in said means for coupling as needed as to allow the axial positions of said cones to be changed independent of each other.

Abstract: Cones or cone assemblies with one or two oppositely positioned torque transmitting devices, such as torque transmitting arcs of constant pitch (formed by torque transmitting members) or teeth. The torque transmitting devices will be used for torque transmission between at least one means for coupling, such as transmission belt or chain, and a cone or cone assembly. The cones or cone assemblies can be used to construct CVT's for which significant circumferential sliding between the torque transmitting surfaces of the torque transmitting devices and the torque transmitting surfaces of the means for coupling engaged to them due to change in pitch diameter can be eliminated, as to reduce wear and frictional energy loses typical in similar devices of prior art and allow the usage of positive engagement devices, such as teeth, in coupling the torque transmitting devices with their means for coupling.

Abstract: A CVT 5 that comprises of: a) two CVT 4's; b) a clutching system that can engage either one of said CVT 4's for torque transmission from an input to said CVT 5 to an output of said CVT 5; and c) a transmission. A CVT 5 is arranged so that when the transmission ratio of one CVT 4 is increased then the transmission ratio of the other CVT 4 decreases, and vice versa. Here by increasing the transmission ratio of one CVT 4 until it cannot be increased anymore, and then switching to the other CVT 4 to transmit torque through said clutching system and using said transmission to provide a smooth transmission ratio transition during switching from one CVT 4 to other CVT 4, the transmission ratio of the a CVT 5 can be continuously increased. And in the same manner continuously decreased.

Abstract: The “Forced Way” method is a unique method of generating variable ratio outputs from a given input of constant rotational speed by forcing one end of a drive shaft to follow a continuous path (way) around a given circle at a constant speed that can then be deformed into curves of varying radiuses that would range from the radius of the given circle to that of the various radiuses (arcs) of various ovals to a final shape of an oblong. Forcing the end of the drive shaft to follow these shapes would result in the drive shaft rotating at different rotational speeds as it transverses the shape. By sampling only the rotational output while moving over the desired portion of the shape one can control the output's rotational speed which will be some ratio of the input. The “Forced Way” method is the only method of continuously varying an output that is robust enough to be used in any vehicle with NO possibility of slipping.

Abstract: A bicycle structure is provided with a crankset and a front derailleur. The crankset includes a plurality of chain rings, with a largest chain ring of the plurality of chain rings having a plurality of teeth with teeth bottoms interposed between adjacent ones of the teeth. The front derailleur includes a chain guide having a chain guide slot partially defined by a first chain engagement surface with a protruding part that protrudes outwardly from the first chain engagement surface into the chain guide slot. The protruding part is located away from the teeth bottoms of the largest chain ring in a radial outside direction of the largest chain ring by a prescribed distance in a range from eight millimeters to sixteen millimeters.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the performance of CVT's (Continuous Variable Transmissions) that utilize a cone with one torque transmitting member, a cone with two opposite torque transmitting members, cone with one tooth (single tooth cone), and a cone with two opposite teeth. Said methods and devices include but are not limited to: a mechanism for changing the axial position of a cone quickly and accurately (see FIG. 15); and a method for substantially increasing the duration at which the axial position of a cone can be changed (see FIGS. 27 to 30), and flat belt with teeth transmission belt (see FIGS. 40 to 42).

Abstract: A large-torque chain-guide type constant ratio/continuously variable transmission is disclosed. The transmission comprises transmission rollers (A, B), an endless transmission chain or belt (C) and two chain guiders (D, E) respectively arranged beside the two transmission rollers. Each chain guider comprises n groups of grooved-pulleys, and each group comprises m grooved-pulleys. Each grooved-pulley rotates freely around a grooved-pulley axis, and an angle ? is formed between the axis of at least one grooved-pulley in each group of grooved-pulleys and a roller axis of the transmission roller matched with the same grooved-pulley. The angle ? enables the chain entering the chain guider and the chain leaving the chain guider to move a certain axial distance, i.e. a chain distance, on the transmission rollers, wherein the chain distance is required to be larger than the width of the chain or the belt.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the performance of CVT's (Continuous Variable Transmissions) that utilize a cone with one torque transmitting member, a cone with two opposite torque transmitting members, cone with one tooth (single tooth cone), and a cone with two opposite teeth. Said methods and devices include but are not limited to: a mechanism for changing the axial position of a cone quickly and accurately (see FIG. 15); and a method for substantially increasing the duration at which the axial position of a cone can be changed (see FIGS. 27 to 30), and flat belt with teeth transmission belt (see FIGS. 40 to 42).

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide including a pulley that rotates around a pulley axis, wherein the pulley has a pulley plane; and a linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The base member has a chain receiving space therein.

Abstract: An actuator device for a bicycle gearshift is provided. The actuator device having an articulated quadrilateral mechanism intended to be integrally fixed to a bicycle frame and to a derailleur of the gearshift, a motor member that acts on the articulated quadrilateral mechanism to deform the articulated quadrilateral, and displaces the derailleur and a support element for the motor member associated with the articulated quadrilateral. According to the invention, one of the motor member and the support element comprises at least one jutting element and the other of the motor member and the support element comprises at least one seat adapted to receive said jutting element. Thus, the motor member is associated with the support element so as to prevent mutual translations in the axial direction in any operating or climatic condition.

Abstract: A constant torque input infinitely variable automatic transmission preferably includes a transmission base, a first cone member, a second cone member, a cone drive member and a biasing member. The transmission base preferably includes a drive base, a first cone yoke and a second cone yoke. The first cone yoke is pivotally retained by the drive base and the first cone member is rotatably retained by the first cone yoke. The second cone yoke extends from the drive base and the second cone yoke rotatably retains the second cone member. A small diameter end of the first cone member is positioned adjacent to a large diameter end of the second cone member. The bias member causes an axis of the first cone member to move toward an axis of the second cone member. The cone drive member is received by an outer perimeter of the first and second cone members.

Abstract: Cones or cone assemblies with one or two oppositely positioned torque transmitting devices, such as torque transmitting arcs of constant pitch (formed by torque transmitting members) or teeth. The torque transmitting devices will be used for torque transmission between at least one means for coupling, such as transmission belt or chain, and a cone or cone assembly. The cones or cone assemblies can be used to construct CVT's for which significant circumferential sliding between the torque transmitting surfaces of the torque transmitting devices and the torque transmitting surfaces of the means for coupling engaged to them due to change in pitch diameter can be eliminated, as to reduce wear and frictional energy loses typical in similar devices of prior art and allow the usage of positive engagement devices, such as teeth, in coupling the torque transmitting devices with their means for coupling.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base portion, a coupling mechanism, a moveable member, a pivot shaft, a tension plate, a biasing spring and a guide plate. The base portion attaches to a bicycle frame. The coupling mechanism has first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the base portion and the second end is movable relative to the base portion. The movable member is coupled to the second end and the pivot shaft is coupled to the movable member. The tension plate is pivotally coupled to the movable member by the pivot shaft and supports a chain tensioning pulley. The biasing spring is operatively coupled to the movable member and the tension plate for biasing the tension plate in a chain tensioning direction. The guide plate is pivotally coupled to the pivot shaft in a non-biased manner and supports a chain guiding pulley.

Abstract: A transmission including an input cog assembly mounted to an input shaft and an output cog assembly mounted to an output shaft. The input and output cog assemblies include a plurality of varying diameter input and output cogs, respectively, arranged sequentially. A chain links a pair of input and output cogs for transmitting power from the input cog assembly to the output cog assembly. The chain, in operation, has a high-tension side and a low-tension side. A derailleur is engageable with the low-tension side of the chain to laterally urge the chain from a current output cog to a destination output cog.

Abstract: A variable speed drive for RPM control of a revolvable device, preferably a progressing cavity pump, is proposed. It comprises parallel driving and driven shafts, coupled respectively to a first and second substantially identical cone-shaped rotors, situated in inverse positions to each other; an elastic belt, stretchably placed around the rotors, forming a left branch, a right branch, and curved sections frictionally coupled with the rotors; and a speed control means, capable to displace the left branch upward or alternatively to displace the right branch downward, causing corresponding displacements of the belt, changing the transmission ratio, thereby controlling the RPM of the rotatable device, in some embodiments—automatically. Known materials, parts, and inexpensive technologies can be utilized in the drive, and can be manufactured, e.g., by establishments in the oil equipment and machinery industry, and thus can be efficient, cheap, reliable, and convenient for producers and users.

Abstract: In a transmission having two revolving transmission elements, each of which has at least one running surface for a revolving coupling element, at least one running surface having at least two running paths for the coupling element having different running radii and the two transmission elements being braced, while incorporating the coupling element, via a bracing device which presses the two transmission elements against the coupling element with a variable pressure, the bracing device comprises a pressure device connected in series with a spring element.

Abstract: Rotational position adjuster systems that can increase the performance of CVTs that suffer from either or both transition flexing and a limited duration at which the transmission ratio can be changed by providing proper rotational adjustment.

Abstract: An improvement relating to an infinitely variable ratio transmission having a pair of oppositely oriented variable diameter torque input and output pulleys is disclosed wherein the conical surfaces of the pulleys include a multiplicity of axially and circumferentially movable sprocket bars to accommodate the fixed length of an inextensible drive belt or chain wrapping about the pulleys.

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 adjusting mechanism is provided for a bicycle derailleur, which can adjust a position of a chain guide in an axial direction. The derailleur basically has a base member, a movable member with the chain guide and a linkage assembly. The adjustment mechanism is preferably operatively coupled between the movable member and the chain guide, or between the base member and the frame. The adjusting mechanism includes a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion, a biasing member and an adjustment member. The second tubular portion is arranged around the first tubular portion to move axially relative to the first tubular portion via the adjustment member. The biasing member is arranged to apply an urging force on the tubular portions. One of the tubular portions has a rigid non-compressible support projection arranged to selectively contact the other tubular portion when the tubular portions move relative to each.

Abstract: Front bicycle derailleur comprising an electrical motor controlling an actuating arm, consisting of an extension of an articulated arm of the derailleur, by means of a geared reduction transmission, comprising a worm screw and a sector gear, or a bevel pair.

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: A cone to which one or several torque transmitting member(s) are attached as to form at least one torque transmitting arc on the surface of the cone. The torque transmitting member(s) will be used for torque transmission between at least one rotational energy conveying device and the cone. The torque transmitting member(s) are attached in a manner such that significant circumferential sliding that occurs between the torque transmitting surface(s) of the torque transmitting member(s) and the torque transmitting surface(s) of the rotational energy conveying device(s) when the pitch diameter of the torque transmitting member(s) is changed can be eliminated, such that wear and frictional energy losses are significantly reduced, and positive engagement devices, such as teeth, can be used for torque transmission between the torque transmitting member(s) and the rotational energy conveying device(s).

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: This invention replaces the crank-and-chain drive system of the conventional bicycle. A flexible drive line is pulled directly away from the hip by a stirrup located at the “ball” of the foot and drives the rear-wheel hub by means of a cone-shaped spool with a spiral groove. Routing pulleys mounted to a sliding shifter provide drive-ratio variability by adding line to or removing line from the spools, thus utilizing spool segments of varying diameter. A tensioned rewind system enables each spool, when driving the hub, to rewind the other. Benefits of this system as compared to prior art include: (1) the fact that the machine itself, as opposed to the operator's leg, changes the leg's naturally linear motion to rotary; and (2) a smoother, more efficient means of drive-ratio variation with the added advantage of infinite variability within limits.

Abstract: An infinitely variable ratio transmission having a pair of oppositely oriented conical torque input and output members wherein the conical members include multi-angled conical surfaces. Further the conical members include longitudinal floating sprocket bars which combined with the multi angled conical surfaces compensate for the effect of an inextensible drive belt as the drive belt is axially moved along the longitudinal length of the torque input and output members.

Abstract: An improvement relating to an infinitely variable ratio transmission having a pair of oppositely oriented conical torque input and output members is disclosed wherein the conical members include multi-angled conical surfaces. Further the conical members include longitudinal floating sprocket bars which combined with the multi angled conical surfaces compensate for the effect of an inextensible drive belt as the drive belt is axially moved along the longitudinal length of the torque input and output members.

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 fixed spiraled grooved 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 cone to which one/several torque transmitting flexible segment(s) is/are attached. The flexible segment(s) have teeth, which will be used to transmit torque between a coupling member and the cone with out the need of friction. The flexible segment(s) is/are attached so that it/they can slide in the axial direction of the cone. When slid in the axial direction, the pitch of the teeth of the flexible segment(s) remain constant so that one coupling member can engage with the teeth of the flexible segment(s) regardless of the axial location of the flexible segment(s) relative to the cone to which it is attached. The cone with torque transmitting flexible segment(s) can be used to construct various Continuous Variable Transmissions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear ratio variable type steering device which includes a variable gear mechanism between a steering wheel and a gear box for varying a gear ratio based on the speed of a vehicle. The variable gear mechanism includes an input shaft for receiving a rotational force of the steering wheel, an output shaft for transferring a rotational force to the gear box, a variable pulley installed in the outer portions of the input shaft and the output shaft and moved in the axial direction, a belt for connecting the variable pulley, and a motor for varying a gear ratio by moving the variable pulley in the axial direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing bicycle gear ratios comprising pedals (1) to the shaft (3) of which a group of coaxial overdrive gears is fixed, with at least an overdrive gear (20) of larger diameter and at least an overdrive gear (2) of smaller diameter; a plurality of sprockets (4) of different diameter, pack-like disposed close to each other and mounted on the shaft (40) of the rear wheel; a roller chain for the transmission of motion from one of the overdrive gears (2; 20) to one of the sprockets (4); a mechanism for shifting the chain (5) from one to another of said sprockets (4), with a cyclist-operated lever-and-wire driving mechanism; and a mechanism for guiding the deviation of the chain (5) from one to the other of the overdrive gears (2; 20) in cooperation with the mechanism for shifting the chain (5) over the sprockets (4) of the rear wheel. The teeth of each overdrive gear exhibiting, in correspondence of a respective sector (M, N), reduced height and thickness with respect to the other teeth.

Abstract: A cable support member includes a base member having an opening for receiving a fastener for fastening the base member to the bicycle. First and second spaced apart cable guides are integrally formed with and extend from the base member. The first and/or second cable guides may be formed as panels, each of which may have an opening for receiving a derailleur cable therethrough A rib may be provided which extends from the first cable guide toward the second cable guide to help reinforce the first and second cable guides.

Abstract: A set of interlocking sheaves having fan-shaped protruding curved surfaces of different conical angles and capable of varying their degree of interlock is used in conjunction with a drive line to provide a variable drive transmission system having a positive gear-like gripping action between the drive line and the sheaves, the improvement allowing increased drive line traction and noise reduction.

Abstract: A belt tensioning assembly that simultaneously controls belt tension and belt drive speed is provided. A pivotable bracket is pivotably attached to a lawn mower or other light duty, belt driven equipment. A variable speed pulley for holding a pair of rotatable belts is attached to a slide bracket and the slide bracket is slidably attached to the pivotable bracket. A spring or other biasing mechanism can be used to connect the slide bracket to the pivotable bracket to maintain substantially constant belt tension.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission having first and second rotating conical members; oriented to have parallel longitudinal axis with the smaller diameter end of one adjacent the larger diameter end of the other; a plurality of longitudinal channels disposed in the surface of each conical member; a first device encircling both of the first and second members; a second device disposed in each of the plurality of channels adjacent the first device capable of gripping the first device to transmit rotation of one of the first and second members to the other of the first and second members; a third device disposed adjacent both of the first and second members to control the time when each device grips to effect transmission of the rotation; fourth means coupled to one of the first and second members acting as a drive member to change the longitudinal location of the second device in the plurality of channels of the drive member; and fifth means coupled to the other of the first and second members acting as a dri

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission in which a chain is capable of changing width in order to be accommodated on fixed conical pulley surfaces at desired varying radii on the pulleys, commensurate with desired gear ratio. The chain is comprised of individual links whose widths can be varied and locked at different widths. The links are locked into position when the chain is bent in one direction and become unlocked when the chain is bent in the other direction. Idle gears are provided to introduce the chain to the pulleys tangential to arcs about the pulley and at desired radius from the pulley center. The idler gears bend the chain in appropriate directions to unlock or lock the chain links at desired widths depending upon the location where the links engage the pulleys.

Abstract: A torque transmission apparatus having an infinitely variable gear ratio particularly suited for use as a bicycle transmission. The apparatus may be mounted on conventional bicycles and replaces the usual derailleur mechanism. A novel means is used to effect the gear changes which requires less force than previous devices. All force transmitting components of the apparatus are mechanically engaged without relying on friction which eliminates any possibility of slippage within the transmission.

Abstract: A variable speed drive of the type having opposed, and parallel-arranged, frusto-conical shaped rollers over which a flat endless belt is trained. The belt is shiftable axially along the length of the rollers to produce an infinitely variable drive between the input and output shafts. The drive mechanism is enclosed in a case and the drive is adjusted from the outside of the case. The belt is properly assembled during assembly by utilizing a belt of known size and arranging for the location of the tapered roller shafts in the case in the precise manner so that the belt is brought to its final proper tension when the second roller is assembled in its preselected openings in the case.