Abstract: A rocker joint for a power transmission chain is formed from a single pin d an associated link aperture. The pin has a substantially flat front surface and a convex back surface, with the back surface being defined by a plurality of radii. The pin is received in the aperture of the link such that the front surface of the pin engages and rocks on the curved surface of the link aperture. The back surface of the pin is movable in the aperture of the links as the surfaces move relative to one another when the chain articulates.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a continuously variable transmission utilizes a lationship between force ratio, speed ratio and the factor of safety to determine the force necessary on the secondary sheave to prevent belt slippage. The control system improves the efficiency of the transmission by reducing the excess clamping force between the CVT chain-belt and the secondary pulley sheave.

Abstract: A rocker joint is provided which is constructed from the pins and bushings f the links. The pin members have a working front surface and a convex back surface. The bushings have apertures therein which include an arcuate working surface. The pins are disposed in the apertures of the bushings such that the pin member working surface engages and rocks on the curved surface defined by the aperture of the bushing. The rocker joint has application to roller chain and silent bushing chain.

Abstract: A chain-belt that extends between driving and driven members such as the leys of a continuous variable transmission wherein the chain-belt is formed of a plurality of interleaved sets of links. The links define a passageway and a plurality of load blocks are positioned in the passageway. Several members for reducing the noise produced by such a chain-belt are disclosed whereby certain of the load blocks in the chain-belt engage the pulleys at a different location to alter and reduce the pattern of noise produced by the chain-belt. The chain-belt also has links with a particular configuration that allows the links to have a short pitch length while still maintaining strength in the links.

Abstract: A chain (10) with a plurality of links (13) positioned in substantially pllel relationship with respect to each other where the links (13) having an aperture (15) located at each end. An end region (14) of the links (13) extends from the aperture (15) to the end of the links (13). A plurality of connecting elements (19) connect together adjacent links (13). The links (13) are interconnected in a three-link arrangement in which similarly located end regions (14) of the links (13) are offset and the pattern repeats every three links. The connecting elements (19) pass through the aperture (15) on one end of one of the links (13) and the aperture (15) on the opposite end of the adjacent links (13). The end region (14) of the links (13) extends substantially to the adjacent connecting element (19) whereby the material in the end region (14) of the links (13) is increased and substantially increases the strength of the chain (10).

Abstract: An endless power transmission chain-belt (13) is disclosed that is especiy adapted for drivingly connecting the pulleys (2, 3) of a pulley transmission (1). The chain-belt (13) has a chain (10, 12) that is an assembly of a plurality of interleaved sets of links (16, 18, 20, 22). A pivot pin (24) extends through the chains (10, 12) to lace and pivotally interconnect adjacent sets of links (16, 18, 20, 22) to provide an endless chain-belt 13). A plurality of first load block (14, 34, 35) are connected to the chain-belt (13) by at least one projection (15) that engages adjacent pivot pins (24). The first load blocks (14, 34, 35) have a substantially flat first bearing surface (21, 41) that is positioned adjacent the links (16, 18, 20, 22). A plurality of second load blocks (14, 34, 35) are connected to the chain-belt (13) by at least one projection (15).

Abstract: A torque amplifying camshaft for operating a valve of each of a plurality valves of an internal combustion engine, the camshaft having an elongagte shaftlike portion and an engine valve operating cam for each of the valves, the valve operating cams being spaced apart from one another along the shaftlike portion. Each of the engine valve operating cams has an outwardly projecting portion, and the outwardly projecting portions are circumferentially offset from one another about the longitudinal central axis of the camshaft. The camshaft also carries a supplementary cam surface, either in the form of an outwardly facing surface of a separate supplementary cam or an inwardly facing surface of a portion of a drive sprocket which is keyed to the shaftlike portion.

Abstract: A chain-belt for engagement with the pulleys of a continuously variable transmission consists of interleaved sets of chain links joined for articulation by a joint which has a rocking action. The joint includes a pair of pins. A small camber is introduced into one or both of the pins to create a spring load between the pins and the links to retain the pins in the chain during handling and assembly. Each chain link includes a pair of spaced apertures adjacent the opposite ends; each aperture has a generally hour-glass shape with the enlarged ends receiving the pins. Also, each chain link has a pair of oppositely disposed tabs adjacent one end with the location of the tabs on the links alternating on adjacent links of each set. In addition the outermost two links of each set of links had a width substantially less than the width of the inner links in that same set.

Abstract: A power transmission (10) chain-belt (32) is disclosed that is especially aptable for connecting the pulleys (12, 14) of a pulley transmission (10). The chain-belt (32) has a plurality of interleaved sets (34) of links (36) and each set (34) has a plurality of transversely arranged links (36). Pivot member (40) join adjacent sets (34) of links (36) to form an endless loop. At least one toe (42A, 42B) extends from each link (36) in at least some sets (34) of links (36). At least the toes (42A, 42B) on adjacent links (36) are in opposed relationship and define a passageway 80. A plurality of load blocks (50) are connected to the links (36). The load blocks (50) are positioned in the passageway (80) defined by the toes (42A, 42B). Each load block (50) has edge surfaces (88) for contacting the pulleys (12, 14) of the transmission (10).

Abstract: A power transmission (10) chain-belt (32) is disclosed that is especially aptable for connecting the pulleys (12, 14) of a pulley transmission (10). The chain-belt (32) has a plurality of interleaved sets (34) of links (36) and each set (34) has a plurality of transversely arranged links (36). Pivot means (40) join adjacent sets (34) of links (36) to form an endless loop. At least one toe (42A, 42B) extends from each link (36) in at least some sets (34) of links (36). At least the toes (42A, 42B) on adjacent links (36) are in opposed relationship and define a passageway (80). A plurality of load blocks (50) are connected to the sets (34) of links (36). The load blocks (50) are positioned in the passageways (80) defined by the toes (42A, 42B). Each load block (50) has edge surfaces ( 88) for contacting the pulleys (12, 14) of the transmission (10). At least one spring link (131) positioned in said sets (34) of interleaved links (36).

Abstract: A chain-belt for engagement with the pulleys of a continuously variable transmission consists of interleaved sets of chain links joined for articulation by a joint which has a rocking action. The joint includes a pair of pins. A small camber is introduced into one or both of the pins to create a spring load between the pins and the links to retain the pins in the chain during handling and assembly. Each chain link includes a pair of spaced apertures adjacent the opposite ends; each aperture has a generally hour-glass shape with the enlarged ends receiving the pins. Also, each chain link has a pair of oppositely disposed tabs adjacent one end with the location of the tabs on the links alternating on adjacent links of each set. In addition the outermost two links of each set of links had a width substantially less than the width of the inner links in that same set.

Abstract: An endless power transmission chain-belt (13) especially adapted for drivingly connecting the pulleys (2 and 3) of a pulley transmission (1) having a chain (10, 12). The chain (10, 12) is an assembly of plurality of interleaved sets of links (16, 18, 20, 22). A pivot means (24) extends through the chain (10, 12) to lace and pivotally interconnect adjacent sets of links (16, 18, 20, 22) to provide an endless chain-belt (13). The sets of links (16, 18, 20, 22) of the chain (10, 12) are held together by the pivot means (24). A plurality of load blocks (14) are connected to the chain-belt (13). The load blocks (14) have at least one projection (15) that extends in a direction towards chain (10, 12). The projection (15) engages adjacent pivot means (24) to secure the load blocks (14) to the chain (10, 24). The load blocks (14) extend substantially across the width of the chain (10, 12).

Abstract: An endless power transmission chain-belt constructed of joined sets of links and blocks surrounding sets of links, the links in some sets having a pitch larger than links in other sets. Some blocks are of such width to engage pulley flanges of a pulley transmission while other blocks are of a lesser width to "skip" the flange engagement. The latter blocks can be omitted, if desired.

Abstract: A chain-belt for engagement with the pulleys of a continuously variable transmission consists of interleaved sets of chain links joined for articulation by a joint which has a rocking action. The joint includes a pair of pins. A small camber is introduced into one or both of the pins to create a spring load between the pins and the links to retain the pins in the chain during handling and assembly. Each chain link includes a pair of spaced apertures adjacent the opposite ends; each aperture has a generally hour-glass shape with the enlarged ends receiving the pins. Also, each chain link has a pair of oppositely disposed tabs adjacent one end with the location of the tabs on the links alternating on adjacent links of each set. In addition the outermost two links of each set of links has a width substantially less than the width of the inner links in that same set.

Abstract: A strap device for a pulley of a continuously variable transmission wherein a flexible strap has one end secured to the axially movable sheave of the pulley and the opposite strap end is secured to the cover encompassing the movable sheave, which cover is mounted on the rotary shaft for the pulley. To prevent buckling of the strap under reverse torques, a safety stop in the form of a pin is mounted in the cover to project into a slightly arcuate axial slot in the sheave hub and prevent undue relative rotation between the sheave and cover.

Abstract: Tension in the belt of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is sensed and utilized in the CVT control arrangement. Apparatus for sensing the centerline tension of the belt are taught; these sensors provide the required tension signal to a signal meter or the control arrangement.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated starting clutch adapted for a continuously variable transmission which is located at the output of the transmission to couple the vehicle wheels to the engine upon a signal from the throttle induced system oil pressure. The clutch includes a cover connected to the drive shaft through a hub forming a pressure chamber behind a piston, a Belleville spring acted upon by a pressure disc extending between the spring and the piston and urging a pressure plate against the clutch plate and an end plate secured in the cover, and retractor fingers on said pressure disc engaging said pressure plate. A cooling oil impeller is positioned between the end plate and a clutch plate hub and operatively connected to the end plate, and the clutch plate is operatively connected to a sleeve shaft to drive the differential for the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A power transmission chain extending between driving and driven means, such as pulleys or sprockets to transfer torque wherein the chain is formed of a plurality of links having a substantially constant pitch and a plurality of serially arranged contact surfaces engaging contact surfaces of the driving and driven means. The links are designed with longitudinally spaced apertures providing centers of action that are located with respect to a reference line of the link to vary the chordal action of at least some of the links to alter the contact timing and duration between the chain and the driving and driven means to change the generated noise pattern.

Abstract: The pulleys of a pulley transmission, such as a CVT, are constructed such that one flange is drivingly connected to a shaft by means of a flexible, pliable, spring-like straps or a pack of relatively thin straps. Because the pulley flange which can be axially movable with respect to the shaft, is radially supported by a hub encircling the shaft, only one strap or strap-pack need be provided.

Abstract: Step control apparatus for a fluid motor includes a plurality of devices each responsive to an external signal for initiating movement of the fluid motor. Also included is a mechanism for stopping movement of the fluid motor upon movement thereof a discrete step. Thus, a sequence of external signals applied to the devices effects movement of the fluid motor in a stepping mode. Optionally, an assembly may be provided for effecting movement of the fluid motor in a free-running mode.