Abstract: A power transmission chain-belt, especially adapted to provide a drive and transmit power between the pulleys of a pulley transmission, such as a variable ratio pulley transmission. The chain-belt is constructed of a plurality of ranks or sets of interleaved links, each rank being joined to the next adjacent rank by pivot means, such as round pins, or a pin and rocker, to permit articulation of the belt. Generally trapezoidal load blocks are located between the pivot means of each rank or set of links, which blocks have opposite edge surfaces to contact the flanges of the pulleys. At least one load block has a differently dimensioned or arranged contact area than the other load blocks. This changes the generated noise pattern produced when the chain-belt engages the pulley flanges.

Abstract: A power transmission chain-belt, especially adapted to transmit power between the pulleys of a pulley transmission, such as a variable ratio pulley transmission. The chain-belt is constructed of a plurality of ranks or sets of interleaved links, each rank being joined to the next adjacent rank by pivot means, such as round pins, or a pin and rocker, to permit articulation of the belt. Trapezoidal load blocks carried by the chain have angled edge surfaces to drivingly contact the flanges of the pulleys. In one embodiment of the invention, a block is located between each adjacent pair of pivot means and at least one block has a different width than the other load blocks, so that its edges are free of contact with the flanges of the pulleys and thus do not drivingly engage the flanges.Substantially the same effect is achieved by "skipping" one or more load blocks in the assembly, i.e. by eliminating one or more load blocks in the chain-belt.

Abstract: A precise pressure regulator includes a housing defining a bore having pressure and relief zones, a pressure port communicating with the pressure zone, a relief port communicating with the relief zone, and a control port. A follower is slidable and a spool is rotatable in the bore. The spool defines a first passage for communicating the pressure zone with the control port and a second passage for communicating the control port with the relief zone. A spring biases the follower in one direction tending to block the first passage. Pressure in the pressure zone biases the follower in the opposite direction tending to block the second passage. A step motor rotates the spool in discrete steps to precisely control its position, which position determines the level at which pressure is regulated.

Abstract: A variable pulley transmission in which each pulley is constructed of a pair of flanges coupled to respective shafts, at least one flange of each pair being axially movable relative to the other flange of the same pair, the movable flange being coupled to its shaft by an external spline operative associated with the flange meshing with an internal spline on a drive member coupled to the shaft. The spline connection permits the flange to move axially while maintaining the drive coupling.

Abstract: A deflection limiting stop for a diaphragm spring clutch which is positioned in the clutch cover to be engaged by the outer periphery of the diaphragm spring as it pivots from the engaged to the disengaged position of the clutch. The use of the stop prevents an overstressed condition for the spring, and thus improves the fatigue life thereof.