Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible link drive apparatus. The flexible link drive apparatus comprises a housing that supports an input shaft and an output shaft. An eccentric is located on the input shaft, and a clutch is located on the output shaft. The present disclosure further comprises an adjustable flexible member that has a fixed end coupled to the housing through an adjustable flexible member wherein the eccentric on the input shaft deflects the adjustable flexible member to alter a degree of rotation of the clutch located on the output shaft. The present disclosure additionally relates to a method of providing variable speed power transmission by a flexible link drive apparatus. The method comprises the steps of providing a housing that supports an input shaft and an output shaft. Further, the method comprises the steps of deflecting an adjustable flexible member by an eccentric located on the input shaft which alters a degree of rotation of a clutch located on the output shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible link drive apparatus having a housing rotationally supporting an eccentric input shaft and an output shaft. An eccentric roller assembly is coupled to the eccentric input shaft, and the eccentric roller assembly comprising at least one input roller. Additionally, a clutch member is coupled to the output shaft. The present disclosure further relates to a flexible connection member that has a fixed end coupled to the housing through a flexible connection member anchor, and a free end coupled to the housing through a biasing member. The input roller intermittently contacts the flexible connection member and rotates the clutch member and the output shaft. The coupling of the free end of the flexible connection member to the housing by the biasing member causes a greater angle of travel for the clutch member and produces a greater output shaft rotation.

Abstract: A flexible disc-like coupling element is provided for use in a flexible coupling which joins a driving shaft to a driven shaft of a drive train apparatus. The disc-like coupling element includes a hub portion at least a first and a second substantially linear member which are joined at a junction and which diverge from the junction to define an aperture. Each substantially linear member is configured to carry a columnar load. The disc-like coupling element also includes a plurality of lobes spaced from the hub portion and connector portions corresponding to each lobe for connecting at equally spaced increments the corresponding lobe to the hub portion. Each lobe has a pair of substantially arcuate shaped arms joined together adjacent a corresponding connector portion. The arms extend away from one another in substantially opposite directions and terminate in free ends.

Abstract: A flexible disc-like coupling element is provided for use in a flexible coupling which joins a driving shaft to a driven shaft of a drive train apparatus. The disc-like coupling element includes a substantially arcuate shaped hub portion at least partially defining and at least partially surrounding a central aperture. The hub portion has a radial dimension as defined from the central aperture of the disc-like coupling element. The hub portion includes a structure for flexing across the radial dimension within the plane of the disc-like coupling element. The disc-like coupling element also includes a plurality of lobes spaced from the hub portion and connector portions corresponding to each lobe for connecting the corresponding lobe to the hub portion. Each lobe has a pair of substantially arcuate shaped arms joined together adjacent a corresponding connector portion. The arms extend away from one another in substantially opposite directions and terminate in free ends.