Abstract: A transmission system includes a shaft and a first disk is fixedly mounted to the shaft and a second disk is movably mounted to the shaft. Each of the first disk and the second disk includes an inclined surface which face with each other. The second disk has a third inclined surface located in opposite to the second inclined surface. A cap is fixedly mounted to the shaft and a plurality of pushing members are pivotably connected to the cap. The pushing members each have a distal end so as to push the third inclined surface of the second disk toward the first disk when the shaft is rotated. A belt reeves around the shaft and is movably clamped between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

Abstract: A variable-speed V-belt drive includes: a drive pulley; a driven pulley including a fixed sheave with a cylindrical shaft and a movable sheave mounted on the cylindrical shaft so that the movable sheave can rotate and axially move; a V belt extended between the drive and driven pulleys; and a pressure mechanism of applying pressure to the movable sheave of the driven pulley. The pressure mechanism includes a helical cam groove formed in one of the cylindrical shaft and the movable sheave of the driven pulley, and a roller mounted on other of the cylindrical shaft and the movable sheave of the driven pulley so that the roller engages with the cam groove. The cam groove has opposite first and second working surfaces. The second working surface has a retaining surface of retaining the roller thereon when the vehicle travels in the engine-braking mode. The variable-speed V-belt drive can maintain the effect of engine brake at a high level even when traveling down a steep hill.

Abstract: A continuously-variable-ratio drive, having an input shaft; a flywheel integral with the input shaft; a drive pulley idle with respect to the input shaft and defined by two half-pulleys defining a groove of variable size for a V belt; and a centrifugal control assembly. The control assembly has a centrifugal actuating device which intervenes above a first threshold value of the angular speed of the input shaft to connect the drive pulley angularly to the flywheel by means of a friction clutch; and a speed adjusting device which is active over a second threshold value of the angular speed of the input shaft to adjust the size of the groove of the drive pulley and therefore the work diameter of the belt.

Abstract: The invention provides for a guide system (10) for tensioning a belt. The guide system (10) comprises an endless belt (12); at least two guides (14, 16) for guiding the belt (12); and tensioning means (18) for tensioning the belt (12) between the guides (14, 16), the tensioning means (18) being movable between a tensioned and a substantially non-tensioned position such that in the tensioned position it is biased to the non-tensioned position to compensate for a loss in belt tension. The guide system (10) also comprises self-adjusting regulating means that is operatively associated with the tensioning means (18) and that is adapted for moving the tensioning means (18) towards its tensioned position upon occurrence of belt slacking for effecting substantially immediate tensioning of the belt (12) while the belt (12) is running and without the necessity of manual intervention.

Abstract: A pulley system for use in a constant variable transmission includes a pair of pulley sheaves or flanges mechanically linked by a belt so that the outer surfaces of the belt interact with the inner surfaces of the flanges. At least one of the pulley flanges has an inclined inner surface disposed at an angle that changes progressively based on a curve have a variable radius. For example, the sheave angle can change progressively from 9 degrees to 12 degrees or from 12 degrees to 14 degrees, with no sharp or stepped edges. The belt can have a complementary angled surface also. The progressively variable angle allows the flange surface to more closely match the side surface of the belt, which can increase the belt life be reducing stress experienced by the belt. The pulley system is useable in a transmission for a vehicle, for example a snowmobile or an all terrain vehicle.

Abstract: The driving pulley (12) is used in a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comprises two flanges (22,24) around which a drivebelt (20) is partially wound. The first flange (22) is fixed in translation with reference to the drive shaft (16) while the second flange (24) is movable, with reference to the first flange (22), between a distal position and a proximal position. The driving pulley (12) is provided with an arrangement which allows the return force on the second flange (24) to be maximum when the second flange (24) is at the distal position, and minimum when the second flange (24) is at the proximal position. The driving pulley (12) is also capable of being disengaged from the drivebelt (20) at a low rotation speed. This driving pulley (12) is particularly well adapted for use on a scooter.

Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transfer system (15) includes a driving pulley assembly (20), a driven pulley assembly (22) and a V-shaped belt (24) engaged to transfer rotary power therebetween. The driven pulley assembly (22) can include a ratio adjustment mechanism (46) that adjusts the position of a rear sheave (40) relative to a forward sheave (42). The adjustment mechanism (46) includes a motor (170) and a worm gear mechanism (171, 172) that rotates an actuation screw (154). Rotation of the actuation screw (154) is reacted by a split nut (158) so that as the screw (154) rotates is translated along the axis (B) of the driven pulley assembly (22). Translation of the actuation screw (154) exerts pressure against the rear sheave (40) to push it toward the forward sheave (42), thereby altering the drive ratio of the pulley assembly.

Abstract: A continuously variable drive element (100) has its torque transmission separate from its belt-squeezing function. The torque transmission is provided by only a first and second torque transmission tower and the belt-squeezing function is provided only by first and second belt-squeezing features. The preload of a compression spring is remotely adjustable without the need of disassembling the drive element.

Abstract: A variable-speed V-belt drive includes: a drive pulley; a driven pulley including a fixed sheave with a cylindrical shaft and a movable sheave mounted on the cylindrical shaft so that the movable sheave can rotate and axially move; a V belt extended between the drive and driven pulleys; and a pressure mechanism of applying pressure to the movable sheave of the driven pulley. The pressure mechanism includes a helical cam groove formed in one of the cylindrical shaft and the movable sheave of the driven pulley, and a roller mounted on other of the cylindrical shaft and the movable sheave of the driven pulley so that the roller engages with the cam groove. The cam groove has opposite first and second working surfaces. The second working surface has a retaining surface of retaining the roller thereon when the vehicle travels in the engine-braking mode. The variable-speed V-belt drive can maintain the effect of engine brake at a high level even when traveling down a steep hill.

Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transfer system (15) includes a driving pulley assembly (20), a driven pulley assembly (22) and a V-shaped belt (24) engaged to transfer rotary power therebetween. The driven pulley assembly (22) can include a ratio adjustment mechanism (46) that adjusts the position of a rear sheave (40) relative to a forward sheave (42). The adjustment mechanism (46) includes a motor (170) and a worm gear mechanism (171, 172) that rotates an actuation screw (154). Rotation of the actuation screw (154) is reacted by a split nut (158) so that as the screw (154) rotates is translated along the axis (B) of the driven pulley assembly (22). Translation of the actuation screw (154) exerts pressure against the rear sheave (40) to push it toward the forward sheave (42), thereby altering the drive ratio of the pulley assembly.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has dual driving connections extending between a first shaft and a second shaft. The driving connections generally include a drive pulley, a driven pulley and a belt. The pulleys each comprise a fixed portion and an axially moveable portion. Movement between the two portions changes an effective diameter of the pulley. The moveable portions of the drive pulley are positioned next to one another on the first shaft and the moveable portions are interposed between the fixed portions of the drive pulleys. The fixed portions of the driven pulleys, on the other hand, are interposed between the moveable portions. The driven pulleys are free to rotate relative to the second shaft. A differential is positioned between the fixed portions of the driven pulleys, connects the two fixed portions and transfers the torque from the driven pulleys to the second shaft.

Abstract: A pulley system for use in a constant variable transmission includes a pair of pulley sheaves or flanges mechanically linked by a belt so that the outer surfaces of the belt interact with the inner surfaces of the flanges. At least one of the pulley flanges has an inclined inner surface disposed at an angle that changes progressively based on a curve have a variable radius. For example, the sheave angle can change progressively from 9 degrees to 12 degrees or from 12 degrees to 14 degrees, with no sharp or stepped edges. The belt can have a complementary angled surface also. The progressively variable angle allows the flange surface to more closely match the side surface of the belt, which can increase the belt life be reducing stress experienced by the belt. The pulley system is useable in a transmission for a vehicle, for example a snowmobile or an all terrain vehicle.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) is disclosed. The CVT includes a drive pulley adapted to connect to a crankshaft of an engine. The drive pulley has inner and outer halves with belt engagement surfaces to engage the sides of the belt. The drive pulley of the CVT also includes a slide sleeve disposed on the shaft adapted to engage an inner side of a belt. The inner and outer halves of the drive pulley are biased apart from one another by a spring. The slide sleeve engages the belt when the belt is stationary or traveling at low speeds. The driven pulley includes inner and outer halves with belt engagement surfaces. The two halves are biased into contact with one another. A connector connects the inner half to the outer half. In addition, a pneumatically-actuated driven pulley is described together with a CVT incorporating same.

Abstract: A rocker joint silent chain includes rocker joints articulately connecting together multiple interleaved link plates and guide plates located outside the interleaved link plates in the widthwise direction of the chain. Each of the rocker joints is composed of a longer pin firmly fitted at opposite ends thereof in a pair of aligned pin-accommodation holes of two opposed guide plates, and a shorter pin having opposite ends projecting from opposite outer surfaces of the interleaved link plates. The ends of the shorter pin are in slight contact with inner surfaces of the guide plates. High-frequency noise and abrasive wear of the rocker joints and link plates, which may occur due to free movement of the shorter pin in the widthwise direction of the chain, can be avoided.

Abstract: Continuously variable speed drives (CVT) have improved performance over all shift ratios using an improved flyweight (camweight) that enhances power transfer for higher shift ratios (slower vehicle speeds) without compromising efficiency or performance at smaller shift ratios. Prior art CVTs characteristically have some belt slippage, and attendant power waste and excess wear, when operating with higher shift ratios. The prior art deficiency is due to a tendency of the prior art flyweights not to cause sufficient side forces (axial forces) on the belt at higher shift ratios. The present invention preferably supplements conventional flyweights with a massive shoulder that is a supplemental mass concentration placed near the flyweight's center of rotation, and at an obtuse angle from the center-of-mass (COM) of a conventional flyweight, such that the resultant centrifugal forces effect a desirable axial force. Embodiments are disclosed that allow adjusting the degree of improvement.

Abstract: In a V belt type automatic transmission, circumferential gaps between the movable sheave part of a driving sheave and a spider is maintained constant so that the backlash between the movable sheave part and the spider is substantially zero to prevent the generation of hammering noise or to reduce the abrasion of bushings, and to maintain the ability of the movable sheave part to move axially. Guide shoes (40, 45) for guiding the movable sheave part (11) for axial sliding movement are placed in circumferential gaps between the circumference side surfaces 36 and 37 of each of the arms of a spider (15) and the guiding surfaces (32a, 32b) of each of the guiding projections (32) of the movable sheave part (11). At least one guide shoe (45) among the guide shoes (40, 45) has the shape of a wedge. The wedge-shaped guide shoe (45) is turned radially outward by centrifugal force to reduce the circumferential gap substantially to a naught.

Abstract: A device for use in a centrifugal clutch assembly in which the clutch assembly comprises a shaft which carries a first sheave axially moveable on the shaft and a second sheave axially fixed on the shaft, a drive belt between the first sheave and the second sheave and a return spring operating on the first sheave. A roller is fixed relative to the first sheave and a pivot pin is fixed on and moveable with the first sheave. The device further comprises a body having an arcuate outer surface constructed so as to provide a cam surface relative to the roller. An aperture is provided in the body and is constructed so as to mate with the pivot pin to allow the device to pivot relative to the pivot pin. A hollow chamber is positioned internally within the body and moveable weighting means are positioned within the chamber.

Abstract: A relay pulley (1) for endless power transmission between a drive pulley (2) and a driven pulley (3). The relay pulley (1) comprises a rotatable hub (6) carrying, between two external fixed plates (7A, 7B), at least one member (8) movable axially on the hub (6) to delimit with the fixed plates (7A, 7B) two parallel grooves (9A, 9B) of variable dimension adapted to receive respectively a belt (4, 5) of a first (T1) or second (T2) endless belt transmission. The movable member (8) comprises at least two hollow plates (8A, 8B) mounted on the hub (6), which include facing bearing surfaces (10A, 10B) in sliding contact. The bearing surfaces (10A, 10B) are arranged to permit the approach or respectively the movement apart of the movable plates (8A, 8B).

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) system for use on snowmobiles, ATV's and similar vehicles. The CVT includes a rotatable drive clutch connected to an input shaft (the input shaft being connectable to an engine), and a roller clutch carried on the input shaft. The CVT also includes a rotatable driven clutch connected to an output shaft, the driven clutch having a laterally stationary sheave and a laterally movable sheave that is normally biased toward the stationary sheave. An endless flexible drive belt is disposed about the drive and driven clutches. The clutches and drive belt are configured so that when the engine is idling the belt firmly engages a drive surface of the roller clutch that is connected to the drive clutch.

Abstract: The invention is a secondary, or driven, element suitable for use as one element of a three-element continuously variable transmission comprising a primary drive sheave, a V-belt, and the secondary drive sheave. Both sheaves have variable pitch diameters. The pitch diameter of the primary split sheave increases with increasing rotation rate, and the pitch diameter of the secondary split sheave increases as the torque applied to the load increases. The moveable portion of the driven sheave is fitted with a cam in the form of a helix in a hollow cylinder. A roller-type cam follower is mounted perpendicular to the sheave rotational axis on a stub shaft, or spider, that extends radially from the post, an axial extension of the fixed sheave portion. A spring biases the driven sheave portions toward maximum pitch diameter. Increased torque tends to rotate the moveable sheave portion with respect to the shaft and fixed sheave.

Abstract: An engine brake for a vehicle having a frame rollably supported by at least one wheel, an engine supported by the frame and having an output shaft, the output shaft arranged to drive at least one wheel supporting the vehicle through a transmission, is disclosed. The transmission has a drive pulley driven by the output shaft and a driven pulley driven by the drive pulley. The drive pulley comprises a fixed sheave and a moveable sheave moveable relative to the fixed sheave. The moveable sheave in a first position relative to the fixed sheave causes the drive pulley to drive the driven pulley in a high speed position and the moveable sheave in a second position relative to the fixed sheave causing the drive pulley to drive the driven pulley in a low speed position. The engine brake comprises an air chamber defined in part by the moveable sheave and a vacuum apparatus removing air from the chamber and moving the moveable sheave to its second position when a speed of the engine is reduced.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed transmission in which the transmission ratio results from the equilibrium of the total contact pressure force on the one V-belt pulley and the contact pressure force on the other V-belt pulley determined by a V-belt. The total contact pressure force having a torque-dependent proportion and a proportion which is a function of at least one outside operating parameter.

Abstract: An adjustable-slope torque bracket which includes an annular ramp support for holding multiple triangularly shaped camming ramps. The annular support includes a squared "U" shaped annular recess which opens in the direction of the axis of rotation of the annular support. Each of the triangular shaped camming ramps has a base portion which is shaped to fit within the annular recess. The base portion is raised slightly from the bottom of the recess and pinned between the inner and outer walls of the recess by an axle positioned adjacent one end of the base. The other end of the base is free to move relative to the bottom wall of the annular recess when the camming ramp pivots about the axle. An adjusting bolt is threadably inserted through the free end of the camming ramp and is of sufficient length to abut the bottom wall of the annular recess to raise or lower the free end of the base portion relative to the bottom wall of the annular recess.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive pulley of the type employed in snowmobiles to transmit a drive from the snowmobile engine to a variable ratio belt drive transmission has a fixed flange and an opposed movable flange which cooperate to drive the belt. The drive pulley is coupled to rotate with the engine crankshaft and the movable flange incorporates a centrifugal means that operates to advance it towards the fixed flange, with a force that increases with speed of rotation, to grip the transmission belt between the flanges and apply a driving torque thereto, this torque being applied by both the flanges. To reduce the effects of engine induced vibrations on the centrifugal means and on the movable flange, a damping structure is incorporated in the torque path between the engine crankshaft and the centrifugal means and movable flange.

Abstract: An adjustable mass cam arm for use in a rotary speed regulation device such as a belt drive torque converter is described. The cam arm has a base region and an elongated centrifugal mass region extending therefrom, the centrifugal mass region terminating in a proximal end which is attached to the base region. The cam arm has an internal cavity which in turn has a cavity opening which is located in the proximal end of the centrifugal mass region, and is readily accessible when the cam arm is installed in the torque converter. Mass can be installed in the internal cavity to add mass to the cam arm, thereby allowing for changing the moment of inertia of the cam arm. In a preferred embodiment, the internal cavity is elongated, and one or more weights are provided, having different masses and/or densities, for selective installation into the elongated cavity. In another further preferred embodiment, the elongated cavity and the one or more weights are threaded.

Abstract: A variable speed belt drive having adjustable mass and moment of inertia camweights is shown for use primarily in conjunction with snowmobile, golf cart, all terrain vehicle and small automobile engines. In one version, the camweight includes a series of perforations or score lines surrounding a cross section of the camweight arm. The perforations define a volume that may be snapped or cut off of the arm with a suitable tool. Also, a series of bores are formed through the arm. In order to increase the mass of the arm, a molten metal or similar flowable material may be poured into one or more of the bores and allowed to cure. In another version of the invention, a reduced cross section arm serves as a base onto which shims are added or reoriented in order to achieve the desired mass and moment of inertia characteristics.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive pulley of the type employed in snowmobiles to transmit a drive from the snowmobile engine to a variable ratio belt drive transmission has a fixed flange and an opposed movable flange which cooperate to drive the belt. The drive pulley is coupled to rotate with the engine crankshaft and the movable flange incorporates centrifugal weights that operate to advance it towards the fixed flange, with a force that increases with speed of rotation to grip the transmission belt between the flanges and apply a driving torque thereto, this torque being applied by both the flanges. To reduce the effects of engine induced vibrations on the centrifugal weights and on the movable flange, a damping structure is incorporated in the torque path between the engine crankshaft and the centrifugal weights and movable flange.

Abstract: A centrifugal actuator is provided for a centrifugal clutch having an axially fixed base and an axially movable pulley flange. The actuator includes a drive arm having a camming surface and a bottom that is pivotably attached to the movable pulley flange, a mounting pin coupled to the fixed base, and an improved roller that rotates about the mounting pin. The roller includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve coupled to the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is made of metal and has an outer surface that frictionally engages the camming surface of the drive arm. The inner sleeve is made of a plastics material and has an inner load-bearing surface that engages the mounting pin. The roller rotates about the mounting pin as the drive arm swings outwardly and inwardly.

Abstract: A centrifugal actuator is provided for a centrifugal clutch. The centrifugal clutch includes a drive spider having a cam lever-following roller and a moveable clutch housing. The centrifugal actuator includes two bosses, each boss having a mechanism for coupling to the clutch housing. Each boss is formed to include a pin-receiving opening. The bosses are arranged in spaced-apart relation on the clutch housing to form a central slot therebetween. A cam lever having an interior wall arranged to define a D-shaped pin-receiving opening is positioned to lie in the central slot and is arranged to pivot to maintain engagement of the cam lever and the cam lever-following roller. A pivot pin is rotatably received in the pin-receiving openings of the two bosses and the D-shaped pin-receiving opening of the cam lever. The pivot pin includes an elongated flat exterior wall and an elongated curved exterior wall arranged so that a transverse cross section of the pivot pin is D-shaped.

Abstract: A variable speed belt drive (1) having adjustable mass and moment of inertia camweights (40, 56) is shown for use primarily in conjunction with snowmobile, golf cart, all terrain vehicle and small automobile engines. In one version, the camweight (40) includes a series of perforations or score lines (47, 48, 49) surrounding a cross section of the camweight arm (45). The perforations define a volume that may be snapped or cut off of the arm (45) with a suitable tool. Also, a series of bores (52, 53, 54) are formed through the arm (45). In order to increase the mass of the arm (45), a molten metal or similar flowable material may be poured into one or more of the bores (52, 53) and allowed to cure. In another version of the invention, a reduced cross section arm (59) serves as a base onto which shims (64, 65, 66) are added or reoriented in order to achieve the desired mass and moment of inertia characteristics.

Abstract: In a driven pulley used in a variable speed transmission adapted to receive a trapezoidal belt by which power is transmitted from a driving pulley to the driven pulley having a fixed flange, a movable flange and an internal helicoidal spring, there is provided a set of flyweights forced by torsion springs on an annular-conical surface located at the rear of the movable flange. At the minimum rotation speed, the driven pulley generates a high gripping force but as the rotation speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the flyweights lowers the force exerted by the trapezoidal belt. At a given high rotation speed, the flyweights leave the annular-conical surface and no longer contribute to counterbalancing the radial force exerted by the trapezoidal belt, the helicoidal spring and the internal resultant forces acting alone. The improved driven pulley generates a high initial gripping force while having a reasonably low gripping force at high speed for good efficiency.

Abstract: A variable speed drive system for use with a self-propelled device is coupled by a belt to an engine which is mounted to the device. The variable speed drive system includes a variable pitch pulley held in spaced-apart relation to the drive shaft by a fixture and rotates about the drive shaft between a first position proximal to the engine and a second position distal to the engine. In the first position, the drive system is disengaged from the engine and the speed of the self-propelled device is zero, the belt being slack and providing no drive force to the drive system. In the second position, the drive system is moved a maximum amount about the drive shaft and is positioned to achieve a maximum speed. The drive system can also assume any intermediate position between the first and second positions, with the speed of the self-propelled device being determined by the amount of movement about the drive shaft toward the second position.

Abstract: In a driven pulley used in a variable speed transmission adapted to receive a trapezoidal belt by which power is transmitted from a driving pulley to the driven pulley having a fixed flange, a movable flange and an internal helicoidal spring, there is provided a set of flyweights forced by torsion springs on an annular-conical surface located at the rear of the movable flange. At the minimum rotation speed, the driven pulley generates a high gripping force but as the rotation speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the flyweights lowers the force exerted by the trapezoidal belt. At a given high rotation speed, the flyweights leave the annular-conical surface and no longer contribute to counterbalancing the radial force exerted by the trapezoidal belt, the helicoidal spring and the internal resultant forces acting alone. The improved driven pulley generates a high initial gripping force while having a reasonably low gripping force at high speed for good efficiency.

Abstract: In order to provide for advantageous adjustment possibilities for an infinitely variable drive pulley for a belt drive transmission with two flanges arranged on a shaft and which accommodate a V-belt. One flange is fixed axially on the shaft and the other is moveable in the axial direction against the force of at least one return spring by centrifugal weights in the form of adjusting levers. The adjusting levers each acts on an abutment cam surface, and is supported so as to be able to pivot out about a pin that extends transversely to the shaft, spaced radially therefrom. The adjusting levers can be moved relative to their pivot pins through an adjustment eccentric.

Abstract: A V-drive clutch assembly for a V-belt driven vehicle is described. The V-drive clutch assembly includes a fixed sheave plate for mounting on the drive shaft of the vehicle, a movable sheave plate assembly, a cam follower assembly, a neutral retainer coil spring under tension and a bearing plate. The weight arms of the cam follower assembly are disposed radially relative to the axis of the drive shaft. The clutch is characterized by cool running and light weight.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive pulley designed for use in a belt drive transmission of a snowmobile includes fixed and movable flanges, the movable flange being controlled by centrifugally responsive thrust means employing pivoted weighted levers cooperating with shaped cam surfaces. The dynamic response of the pulley can be adjusted in a simple manner by abutment means supporting the ramps on which the cam surfaces are provided, these abutment means being accessible for adjustment from the exterior of the pulley.

Abstract: In a variable speed transmission of the pulley type, one of the pulley cheeks is movable axially with respect to the other which is stationary. The movable cheek faces a reaction cup which is solid with the stationary cheek. The cup and the movable cheek are formed with converging cam surfaces which define between them a chamber into which are disposed centrifugal weights having ends sliding on the cam surfaces. When the pulley and reaction cup rotate, the weights are thrown outward and force the movable cheek toward the stationary one. According to the invention, the cam surface of the reaction cup is concave, having a radius of curvature of predetermined length. On the other hand, the end edges of the centrifugal weights slidable on the cam surface of the reaction cup are convex and have a radius of curvature shorter than said predetermined length so that the ends of the weights bear only on a limited part of the cam surface of the reaction cup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch and a pulley assembly which provides a unique arrangement for mounting a clutch mechanism, a fixed pulley, and a variable speed pulley about a common mounting hub. More specifically, the invention includes an axially extending mounting hub adapted to be coupled to a rotatable drive shaft. A fixed speed pulley is rotatably mounted on the hub and is adapted to be coupled to a first belt for driving a first external device. A variable speed pulley is rotatably mounted on the hub and it is adapted to be coupled to a second belt for driving a second external device. The fixed and variable speed pulleys are coupled together to prevent rotation of the pulleys relative to one another. A clutch mechanism is mounted on the hub for selectively locking the hub to the fixed and variable speed pulleys.

Abstract: A continuously variable power transmission including a driving pulley and a driven pulley that each include a fixed face and a movable face, the movable face being movable in a direction toward and away from the fixed face to vary the effective driving radius of the respective pulleys and thereby vary the drive ratio. The movable face of the driving pulley is actuated by a centrifugal weight assembly including a primary weight and a secondary weight each mounted on a common pivot axis. The primary and secondary weights are adapted to rotate together during a low speed range of operation of the driving pulley and the primary weight operates alone have a predetermined driving pulley speed, in order to permit rapid response to increased torque requirements at high driving pulley speeds.

Abstract: A variable speed drive system comprises a driving pulley, a driven pulley and a drive belt passing around the two pulleys. Each pulley comprises a hub and two annular flanges on the hub between which the drive belt passes. One flange is movable axially relative to the hub so that the belt is able to assume different radial positions relative to the hub. An annular diaphragm spring acts on the movable flange in the axial direction. A central part of this diaphragm spring is in axial rocking bearing engagement against an annular abutment member fastened to the hub. Flyweights constrained to rotate with the diaphragm are arranged to deform it, by virtue of the centrifugal force developed as a result of such rotation, in the direction which tends to move the movable flange towards the other flange. The diaphragm has a force/axial deformation characteristic which features a neutral point at which the force changes direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in devices for controlling the transmission ratio variation in continuous variators disposed between a vehicle engine and its wheels. The improvement comprises a supplementary control which modifies that action on the device which is dependent on the engine feed, in particular to obtain effective engine braking action during vehicle deceleration.

Abstract: A speed change device comprises a hub, two annular pulley sides disposed around the hub and facing each other, one of the pulley sides being mounted for axial movement on the hub against the bias of a diaphragm spring and an additional coil spring. The diaphragm spring has a peripheral portion rockably axially bearing against the one pulley side and a central portion having a plurality of radial fingers separated by slots, rockably axially bearing against an abutment member fixed axially relative to the hub. The additional coil spring is disposed around the hub, and bears against a shoulder fixed axially relative to the movable pulley side and against the abutment member through a central portion of the diaphragm spring. An elastic spacer is axially interposed between the coil spring and the diaphragm spring. Another spacer of elastic material is axially interposed between the diaphragm spring and the abutment member.

Abstract: A centrifugally operated variable speed drive pulley comprises a hub aligned with a rotation axis. Two annular flanges around the hub in face-to-face relationship receive a transmission belt. At least one of these flanges is able to slide along the hub. A transverse bearing member is mounted on the hub and a diaphragm spring is disposed between the mobile flange and the transverse bearing member. The diaphragm spring is able to flex in such a way as to control sliding movement of the mobile flange along the hub. A plurality of flyweights are carried by the diaphragm spring. The flyweights are at least partially embedded in a mass of molded material applied to the diaphragm spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a variable ratio transmission system suitable for vehicles in which the speed regulator is mounted on the transmission driven shaft, and the relationship governing its response to the speed variation of the driven shaft is such as to induce a transmission ratio variation to predetermine the speed of the system input shaft, which is intended for connection to the drive shaft. Means are also provided for connection to engine regulator means, in order to determine the constant speed of the system input shaft as a function of the torque applied to the transmission input shaft.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive pulley, of the type employed in snowmobiles to transmit a drive from the snowmobile engine via a belt transmission to the snowmobile track, has a fixed flanged and an opposed movable flange which co-operate to drive the belt. The movable flange is spring loaded away from the fixed flange and centrifugal means are included to overcome the spring force and urge the movable flange towards the fixed flange with a force that increases with the speed of rotation. The centrifugal means comprises a number of pivoted levers each having a roller cooperating with a ramp, and the pulley includes means whereby the position of the ramp can be rapidly adjusted without disassembly of the drive pulley, to vary the response of the drive pulley to different operating conditions.

Abstract: A pulley comprises two flanges. One is a fixed flange and the other is movable axially between two extreme positions, an advanced position and a retracted position. Between the two flanges is a variable transmission device such as a belt, for example. This is in contact with both flanges and is mounted so as to be movable radially relative to the flanges. With the movable flange are associated disengagable retaining means able to hold it temporarily and in a controlled manner in its retracted position. Also associated with the movable flange are control means adapted to release it. The disengagable retaining means are on the side of the extreme position of the movable flange opposite the position it occupies in the unoperated configuration. The pulley assembly is applicable to variable transmission drive systems, and in particular to variable transmission drive systems for automobile vehicles.

Abstract: A speed variator pulley comprises a pair of annular plates mounted on a hub. One of the plates is axially movable relative to the other by means of a diaphragm which, by its peripheral portion forming a dished plate spring, axially bears to rock against the said movable plate. Axially interposed between the diaphragm and the movable plate in order to form a rocking axial support, is a spacer of elastic material, which on the one hand is fastened both axially and circumferentially to the diaphragm and which on the other hand is fastened at least axially to the movable plate.

Abstract: A method for shifting a transmission with a predominantly mechanical speed sensing actuator to within a 10 percent shifting zone around a chosen operating line on an engine rpm/torque map by matching the force balance of the driver pulley to a force balance on the driven pulley.A variable speed belt drive transmission system with a predominantly mechanical speed sensing driver pulley and a torque sensing driven pulley that responds to an operating line, monotonic in torque having a slope from about 0.004 lb-ft/rpm to about 0.060 lb-ft/rpm where the driver pulley has an actuator that controls speed for a chosen torque value. The actuator has at least one centrifugal weight connected to an end of a torque producing spring to wind the spring. A second end of the spring is operatively connected through an articulated linkage to a movable half of the pulley such that the generated axial force is not directly proportional to square of the speed.

Abstract: A variable speed V-belt transmission in which the axially movable pulley half has fixed to it a cap that defines an internal cavity in which the speed responsive mechanism is incorporated for axially moving this pulley half. The cap is formed with a plurality of apertures that pass a portion of the transmission when the axially movable pulley half is in one of its extreme positions for cooling the transmission.

Abstract: A V-belt type continuous speed change mechanism including a stationary disc secured to the driving shaft and a movable disc axially slidable with respect to the shaft. The discs define a circumferential groove of a V-shaped configuration with which a V-belt is engaged. The movable disc is formed at its back side with slider accommodating recesses of a circular cross-section extending in parallel with the shaft. A slider is received in the recess for rotation about an axis parallel with the driving shaft and has a groove extending in parallel with the driving shaft. A spider secured to the driving shaft has radial arms each of which is fitted at an end to the long groove in the slider.