Abstract: The driven pulley is part of a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The driven pulley comprises two coaxially-disposed sheaves defining between them a belt-receiving groove. It also has at least two axisymmetric ramp surfaces attached to one of the sheaves and at least two axisymmetric followers attached to the other sheave, each ramp surface being engageable by a corresponding one of the followers. At least some of the ramp surfaces are provided on corresponding ramp holders that are independent from the sheaves. A method of modifying the settings of a driven pulley and a method of assembling a driven pulley also disclosed.

Abstract: The driven pulley (10) comprises a first sheave (12) and a second sheave (40) coaxially mounted around a main shaft. The first sheave (12) is fixed with reference to the main shaft while the other sheave (40) is allowed to slide and rotate with reference to the main shaft. The driven pulley (10) is designed with a roller mounting unit (74) facilitating the assembling or the replacement of the rollers (70).

Abstract: The driven pulley is part of a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The driven pulley comprises two coaxially-disposed sheaves defining between them a belt-receiving groove. It also has at least two axisymmetric ramp surfaces attached to one of the sheaves and at least two axisymmetric followers attached to the other sheave, each ramp surface being engageable by a corresponding one of the followers. At least some of the ramp surfaces are provided on corresponding ramp holders that are independent from the sheaves. A method of modifying the settings of a driven pulley and a method of assembling a driven pulley also disclosed.

Abstract: The driven pulley (10) comprises a first sheave (12) and a second sheave (40) coaxially mounted around a main shaft. The driven pulley (10) comprises an inverted cam plate (100) connected to the first sheave (12). The inverted cam plate (100) comprises ramps (104), each having a notch (108) to be engaged by projecting portions (106b) of corresponding followers (106). These parts are configured and disposed to prevent the driven pulley (10) from upshifting in a reverse mode.

Abstract: The driven pulley (10) comprises two conical sheaves (12, 14), both mounted to a shaft, and at least two symmetrically-disposed cam surfaces (30), each corresponding to cam followers (32) provided for engaging the respective cam surfaces (30). The cam followers (32) are maintained in position by respective supports (38). A noise damper (48) is disposed between at least one of the cam followers (32) and its respective support (38) to dampen the vibrations, thereby reducing noise.

Abstract: A group machine time slot reservation and management system and process including (a) a machine time slot reservation subsystem having a storage device for storing time slot reservation information, calendar and time clock information, time slot status information, intended user ID code information, and machine control information, for a user operated group machine; (b) receiving and analyzing wares for receiving and analyzing machine operation information including order quantity information for the UOGM; (c) capability for checking a status of any time slot corresponding with a current clock time; (d) a first programmed application for operating the UOGM to run the received order quantity when the current clock time shows no reserved time slots for the UOGM; (e) user ID verifier for receiving and processing an actual user ID code against the intended user ID code, when the current clock time corresponds to a reserved time slot; and (f) a second programmed application for enabling operation of the UOGM to ru

Abstract: The double-sided sliding button comprises two spaced-apart sliding button halves configured and disposed with reference to a curved medial axis. Each half has a front side, provided with a contact surface, and a rear side. Both contact surfaces are mutually opposite and both sides of each half intersect the curved medial axis. A bridge member allows to rigidly connect the rear side of the two halves. With this configuration, each sliding button can be easily installed and secured in a clamp attached to a part of the driven pulley. Each double-sided sliding button is capable of working in both directions, thereby reducing the number of individual sliding buttons to be installed by 50%.

Abstract: The driven pulley comprises a first sheave and a second sheave coaxially mounted around a main shaft. The first sheave is fixed with reference to the main shaft while the other is allowed to slide and rotate with reference to the main shaft. The driven pulley is designed so that a portion of the second sheave can enter inside the first sheave. The return spring is also provided inside the driven pulley. This driven pulley can be designed as a reversible driven pulley by adding a second set of ramps and followers. The design of the driven pulley allows it to be constructed in a very compact manner and consequently, with a smaller weight compared to an equivalent conventional driven pulley.

Abstract: The double-sided sliding button comprises two spaced-apart sliding button halves configured and disposed with reference to a curved medial axis. Each half has a front side, provided with a contact surface, and a rear side. Both contact surfaces are mutually opposite and both sides of each half intersect the curved medial axis. A bridge member allows to rigidly connect the rear side of the two halves. With this configuration, each sliding button can be easily installed and secured in a clamp attached to a part of the driven pulley. Each double-sided sliding button is capable of working in both directions, thereby reducing the number of individual sliding buttons to be installed by 50%.

Abstract: The driven pulley comprises a first sheave and a second sheave coaxially mounted around a main shaft. The first sheave is fixed with reference to the main shaft while the other is allowed to slide and rotate with reference to the main shaft. The driven pulley is designed so that a portion of the second sheave can enter inside the first sheave. The return spring is also provided inside the driven pulley. This driven pulley can be designed as a reversible driven pulley by adding a second set of ramps and followers. The design of the driven pulley allows it to be constructed in a very compact manner and consequently, with a smaller weight compared to an equivalent conventional driven pulley.

Abstract: A group machine time slot reservation and management system and process including (a) a machine time slot reservation subsystem having a storage device for storing time slot reservation information, calendar and time clock information, time slot status information, intended user ID code information, and machine control information, for a user operated group machine; (b) receiving and analyzing wares for receiving and analyzing machine operation information including order quantity information for the UOGM; (c) capability for checking a status of any time slot corresponding with a current clock time; (d) a first programmed application for operating the UOGM to run the received order quantity when the current clock time shows no reserved time slots for the UOGM; (e) user ID verifier for receiving and processing an actual user ID code against the intended user ID code, when the current clock time corresponds to a reserved time slot; and (f) a second programmed application for enabling operation of the UOGM to ru