Abstract: A self-aligning driven clutch is provided that includes a self-aligning return system. The self-aligning return system includes a driven post sleeve and a driven sleeve biasing member. The driven post sleeve is slidably mounted on a driven post in an axially movable arrangement. The driven sleeve biasing member is positioned to exert a biasing force on the driven post sleeve relative to a driven post to a home belt alignment position. A driven fixed sheave is mounted on the driven post sleeve of the self-aligning return system in an axially fixed arrangement. A driven moveable sheave is slidably mounted on the driven post sleeve of the self-aligning return system in an axially movable arrangement. A driven moveable sheave actuation system moves the driven movable sheave in relation to the driven fixed sheave on the driven post sleeve based on at least a force experienced by the self-aligning driven clutch.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) clutch is provided that includes a CVT gearing control assembly that is configured to move a movable sheave of the CVT clutch axially on a post independent of movement caused by a reactive assembly of the CVT clutch. A slave cylinder housing of the CVT gearing control assembly forms an oil chamber that includes a plurality of slave push piston cylinders. A slave push piston is received in each slave push piston cylinder in the slave cylinder housing. Each slave push piston is in operational communication with an engaging member that is configured to selectively engage and move the movable sheave. An actuator assembly adjusts pressure to selectively move the slave push pistons.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) clutch is provided that includes a CVT gearing control assembly that is configured to move a movable sheave of the CVT clutch axially on a post independent of movement caused by a reactive assembly of the CVT clutch. A slave cylinder housing of the CVT gearing control assembly forms an oil chamber that includes a plurality of slave push piston cylinders. A slave push piston is received in each slave push piston cylinder in the slave cylinder housing. Each slave push piston is in operational communication with an engaging member that is configured to selectively engage and move the movable sheave. An actuator assembly adjusts pressure to selectively move the slave push pistons.

Abstract: A drive sheave assembly of a continuously variable transmission is provided that includes a post, a fixed sheave, a movable sheave assembly, a sleeve and an engine braking assembly. The engine braking assembly includes an axial activation member, a one-way engagement member and a flange. The axial activation member is statically mounted within a central recess of the fixed sheave. The axial activation member is movably connected with the one-way engagement member. A central passage of the one-way engagement member is configured to engage a portion of the sleeve. The flange is coupled to the one-way engagement member to selectively engage a side of an endlessly looped member with axial movement of the one-way engagement member during an engine braking condition.

Abstract: A drive sheave assembly of a continuously variable transmission is provided. A fixed sheave of the assembly includes a central recess. A plurality of sheave ramps are located within the central recess. A one-way engagement collar is configured to rotate freely on an end portion of a sleeve when the sleeve rotates in a first direction and lock onto rotation of the sleeve when the sleeve rotates in a second direction. The one-way engagement collar further has a plurality of ramp pockets. A ramp member is received within each ramp pocket of the plurality of ramp pockets in the one-way engagement collar. Each ramp member is configured to engage an associated sheave ramp of the plurality of sheave ramps in the central recess of the fixed sheave and move the one-way engagement collar axially to engage a side of a belt when the sleeve rotates in the second direction.

Abstract: A drive sheave assembly of a continuously variable transmission is provided that includes a post, a fixed sheave, a movable sheave assembly, a sleeve and an engine braking assembly. The engine braking assembly includes an axial activation member, a one-way engagement member and a flange. The axial activation member is statically mounted within a central recess of the fixed sheave. The axial activation member is movably connected with the one-way engagement member. A central passage of the one-way engagement member is configured to engage a portion of the sleeve. The flange is coupled to the one-way engagement member to selectively engage a side of an endlessly looped member with axial movement of the one-way engagement member during an engine braking condition.

Abstract: A drive sheave assembly of a continuously variable transmission is provided. A fixed sheave of the assembly includes a central recess. A plurality of sheave ramps are located within the central recess. A one-way engagement collar is configured to rotate freely on an end portion of a sleeve when the sleeve rotates in a first direction and lock onto rotation of the sleeve when the sleeve rotates in a second direction. The one-way engagement collar further has a plurality of ramp pockets. A ramp member is received within each ramp pocket of the plurality of ramp pockets in the one-way engagement collar. Each ramp member is configured to engage an associated sheave ramp of the plurality of sheave ramps in the central recess of the fixed sheave and move the one-way engagement collar axially to engage a side of a belt when the sleeve rotates in the second direction.

Abstract: A drive clutch having an engine braking feature for a continuously variable transmission is provided. The drive clutch includes a post that is coupled to an output of an engine. A fixed sheave, coupled to the post, has a fixed sheave belt engagement face. A movable sheave assembly that includes a movable sheave belt engaging face, is configured to move axially on the post to move the movable sheave belt engaging face in relation to the fixed sheave belt engaging face depending on a rotational speed of the drive clutch. An idler bearing is mounted on the post at least in part between the movable sheave belt engaging face and the fixed sheave belt engaging face. The idler bearing includes a one-way rotational assembly and has an outer belt engaging surface with outward extending cogs configured to engage teeth of a belt to prevent slippage during engine braking.

Abstract: A primary clutch of a continuously variable transmission with a launch mechanism is provided. The primary clutch includes a central post, a fixed sheave assembly, a movable sheave assembly and a locking mechanism. The central post is configured to receive rotational torque from a motor. The fixed sheave assembly is statically mounted on the central post. The movable sheave assembly is mounted on the central post. The movable sheave assembly includes a movable sheave system that is configured to move axially on the central post towards the fixed sheave assembly as RPM of the primary clutch increase. The locking mechanism is configured and arranged to selectively prevent movement of the movable sheave system independent of the RPM of the primary clutch.

Abstract: A drive clutch having an engine braking feature for a continuously variable transmission is provided. The drive clutch includes a post that is coupled to an output of an engine. A fixed sheave, coupled to the post, has a fixed sheave belt engagement face. A movable sheave assembly that includes a movable sheave belt engaging face, is configured to move axially on the post to move the movable sheave belt engaging face in relation to the fixed sheave belt engaging face depending on a rotational speed of the drive clutch. An idler bearing is mounted on the post at least in part between the movable sheave belt engaging face and the fixed sheave belt engaging face. The idler bearing includes a one-way rotational assembly and has an outer belt engaging surface with outward extending cogs configured to engage teeth of a belt to prevent slippage during engine braking.

Abstract: A primary clutch of a continuously variable transmission with a launch mechanism is provided. The primary clutch includes a central post, a fixed sheave assembly, a movable sheave assembly and a locking mechanism. The central post is configured to receive rotational torque from a motor. The fixed sheave assembly is statically mounted on the central post. The movable sheave assembly is mounted on the central post. The movable sheave assembly includes a movable sheave system that is configured to move axially on the central post towards the fixed sheave assembly as RPM of the primary clutch increase. The locking mechanism is configured and arranged to selectively prevent movement of the movable sheave system independent of the RPM of the primary clutch.

Abstract: A motorcycle transmission (100) utilizes a shift fork (45), a shift collar (30) including a plurality of engagement teeth (30c) and a collar rib (30a) and a gear (34) (or one of the other six gears). The engagement teeth (30c) drive the teeth (34a) of the gear (34). A trap door (49), in combination with a threaded retainer (55), reduces axial play in shafts (37) and (75).