Abstract: An extrusion process is described where a reinforcing element is fed into an extrusion matrix while the reinforcing element is under sufficient tension to elastically elongate the reinforcing element. When the extruded matrix is hardened (e.g., by cooling after extrusion), the reinforcing element remains inserted within the body of the extruded article in a pre-stressed form. A reinforced extruded article according to the present invention includes the extruded material and at least one embedded element under elongated tension. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the embedded element has a higher tensile than that of the extruded material. The reinforcing member is able to elastically stretch or lengthen under a load. A preferred embodiment of the invention uses wire rope (twined, braided, cabled, woven, non-woven, or mixtures thereof) with different, varying or larger angles (as with larger helix angles) to give the extruded material a larger surface area with which to grip the extrusion.

Abstract: A transmission includes a ring member, a sun member, a number of planetary sheaves and a serpentine drive member which wraps around the sun member, and the planetary sheaves. The planetary sheaves are attached to a planet carrier at a distance from the sun member. When the serpentine drive member is wrapped around the sun member and the planetary sheaves, the serpentine drive member forms a C-shape. The transmission can be used in a device that has an input shaft that must be rotated at a first speed and an output shaft that must be rotated at a second speed. The transmission can even be used as a reverser. The serpentine drive member can be any type of drive member, including a timing belt with teeth, a flat belt, a cable chain, or a link chain.