Abstract: A CVT clutch is provided. A fixed sheave of the CVT clutch is statically mounted on an end of the post. A movable sheave assembly is dynamically mounted on the post. The movable sheave includes a recess cavity that is defined by a movable sheave housing. A spider is statically mounted on the post within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. At least one interchangeable ramp is positioned within the recess cavity so that at least one space is provided between the at least one interchangeable ramp and a sheave face of the movable sheave housing. An engagement member is positioned to engage an associated interchangeable ramp and the spider. A main bias member is configured to assert a bias force on the spider and cover to position each engagement member at a select location on the associated interchangeable ramp when a countering force is not present.

Abstract: A CVT clutch is provided. A fixed sheave of the CVT clutch is statically mounted on an end of the post. A movable sheave assembly is dynamically mounted on the post. The movable sheave includes a recess cavity that is defined by a movable sheave housing. A spider is statically mounted on the post within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. At least one interchangeable ramp is positioned within the recess cavity so that at least one space is provided between the at least one interchangeable ramp and a sheave face of the movable sheave housing. An engagement member is positioned to engage an associated interchangeable ramp and the spider. A main bias member is configured to assert a bias force on the spider and cover to position each engagement member at a select location on the associated interchangeable ramp when a countering force is not present.

Abstract: A uniform clamp actuated shift infinitely variable transmission system is provided that includes a drive clutch and a driven clutch. Both the drive clutch and the driven clutch include torque sensitive assemblies. In particular, the drive clutch includes a drive torque sensitive assembly that is in operational communication with a movable drive sheave member of the drive clutch. The drive torque sensitive assembly is configured to move the movable drive sheave member in relation to a fixed drive sheave member based at least on torque applied to the drive torque sensitive assembly. The driven clutch includes a driven torque sensitive assembly that is in operational communication with a movable driven sheave member of the driven clutch. The driven torque sensitive assembly is configured to move the movable driven sheave member in relation to a fixed driven sheave member based at least on torque applied to the driven torque sensitive assembly.

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 uniform clamp actuated shift infinitely variable transmission system is provided that includes a drive clutch and a driven clutch. Both the drive clutch and the driven clutch include torque sensitive assemblies. In particular, the drive clutch includes a drive torque sensitive assembly that is in operational communication with a movable drive sheave member of the drive clutch. The drive torque sensitive assembly is configured to move the movable drive sheave member in relation to a fixed drive sheave member based at least on torque applied to the drive torque sensitive assembly. The driven clutch includes a driven torque sensitive assembly that is in operational communication with a movable driven sheave member of the driven clutch. The driven torque sensitive assembly is configured to move the movable driven sheave member in relation to a fixed driven sheave member based at least on torque applied to the driven torque sensitive assembly.

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: An all-terrain or utility vehicle having various combinations of left and right front wheels, left and right rear wheels, a differential rotationally variably coupling the left and right front wheels together with a variable coupling torque and a source of motive power being selectively coupled to the left and right rear wheels in one configuration and coupled to the left and right front wheels as well as to the left and right rear wheels in a second configuration. The coupling torque is relatively stronger when a speed of the vehicle is relatively slower and is relatively weaker when the speed of the vehicle is relatively faster.