Via Ball Patents (Class 474/15)
  • Patent number: 11754151
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for a vehicle includes: a variator including; a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and an endless annular member wound around the primary pulley and the secondary pulley, the secondary pulley being provided with an urging member configured to generate an urging force in a direction in which a groove width of the secondary pulley is decreased, and a transmission gear ratio of the variator being brought to a high side of a lowest transmission gear ratio by a centrifugal hydraulic operation of an oil stored in a pulley pressure receiving chamber of the primary pulley when a vehicle speed becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined vehicle speed when the vehicle is towed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kuroki
  • Patent number: 11339866
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian George Eck, Jeffrey Paul Reddick, Allen Lloyd Olson, Shane Clair Okeson
  • Patent number: 11208175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission (1000, 8000) for a bicycle comprising: input means (1100, 2100, 3100), output means (1300, 2300, 3300, 4300, 300, 6300), and transmission means (1200) connecting the input means to the output means, wherein the output means comprise output controlling means (1340, 2340, 3340, 4340, 5340, 6340) controlling a gear ratio of the output means, wherein the continuously variable transmission is a V-belt type continuously variable trans mission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventor: Simon James Faneco
  • Patent number: 11143285
    Abstract: A primary clutch of a continuously variable transmission with a launch mechanism is provided. The primary clutch includes a central post, a fixed sheave assembly, a movable sheave assembly and a locking mechanism. The central post is configured to receive rotational torque from a motor. The fixed sheave assembly is statically mounted on the central post. The movable sheave assembly is mounted on the central post. The movable sheave assembly includes a movable sheave system that is configured to move axially on the central post towards the fixed sheave assembly as RPM of the primary clutch increase. The locking mechanism is configured and arranged to selectively prevent movement of the movable sheave system independent of the RPM of the primary clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian George Eck, Brandon R. Bonham
  • Patent number: 10744994
    Abstract: A primary clutch assembly for a continuously variable transmission is provided. The primary clutch assembly includes a fixed sheave and a movable sheave centered on a post for joint rotation therewith. A rotational unit disposed on the post generates centrifugal forces during rotation of the post that are translated axially to urge the movable sheave along the post towards the fixed sheave. The primary clutch utilizes an actuator assembly that is configured to establish a locked condition that prevents axial movement of the movable sheave as the rotational unit builds-up centrifugal force and an unlocked condition to allow sudden axial movement of the movable sheave towards the fixed sheave. The actuator assembly includes a bearing unit that extends through a hole in the post to contact the movable sheave in the locked condition and is housed within the hole and spaced from the movable sheave in the unlocked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SUPREME TOOL & MACHINE, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Beyer
  • Patent number: 9181928
    Abstract: Drive device for a wind mill comprising a large pulley (21) disposed on a main shaft (22) and at least one belt (27) or chain adapted to transfer rotation from the pulley (21) to a generator (30, 31). The pulley (21) is rotationally coupled to at least two secondary shafts (23, 24), which are disposed parallel to the main shaft (22). One or more belts (27), which transfer the rotation, extend over the pulley (21) and the secondary shafts (23, 24). The secondary shafts (23, 24) are in turn rotationally coupled to at least one, preferably two, electric generators (30, 31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vestas Wind System A/S
    Inventor: Gaute Tjensvoll
  • Publication number: 20150122557
    Abstract: A driver pulley assembly for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes a roller weight guide, having an inner and outer periphery, adapted to be mounted on the main shaft of the CVT. A plurality of ramp windows extend radially along the roller weight guide. A pair of guide rails extend along opposite edges of each ramp window. A plurality of roller weights, mounted on the pair of guide rails, is adapted to move along the pair of guide rails in a radial direction of the roller weight guide. A ramp structure, coinciding with the ramp window, extends in the radial direction of the roller weight guide and abuts the plurality of roller weights. The roller weighs are adapted to move radially outwards along the ramp structure with increasing rotational speed of the roller weight guide. The ramp structures have ramp profiles. CVT systems and vehicles including the driver pulley assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan James Fairhead, Steve Micacchi
  • Patent number: 8500580
    Abstract: A torque sensor for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. A first ramp surface is rigidly connected to a shaft of a conical disk pair, and a second ramp surface is rigidly connected to a sensing piston surrounding the shaft and axially and rotatably movable relative to the shaft. Balls are positioned between and in contact with the ramp surfaces and with a guide surface rigidly connected with an axially movable disk. The guide surface is so configured that the contact points of a particular ball with the ramp surfaces, the contact point of that ball with the guide surface, and the center point of that ball lie in a radially oriented plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gantner, Andreas Götz, Eugen Kremer
  • Publication number: 20120172162
    Abstract: A CVT of radio-controlled car includes a drive assembly operatively connected to an electric motor and comprising a fixed disc and a co-axial moveable disc; an idler assembly operatively connected to the main shaft and comprising a fixed inner disc and a co-axial moveable outer disc; a belt rotatably mounted around the drive assembly and the idler assembly; a convex disc mounted besides the drive assembly distal the fixed disc; a main spring biased between the convex disc and the moveable disc wherein an internal space defined by the convex disc and the moveable disc is substantially closed; a rotatable steel ball engaged with the main spring; a receptacle disposed externally of the idler assembly; and a spring member biased between the receptacle and a central portion of the outer disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Shu-Mei Tseng
  • Patent number: 8105190
    Abstract: A pulley assembly for a continuously variable transmission in a vehicle, comprising a shaft having an axis, a supporting element rotatable about said axis, a first half pulley rigidly and rotationally connected to said supporting element, a second half pulley facing said first half pulley for defining a seat adapted to accommodate a belt of the transmission, at least one of the first and second half pulleys being longitudinally mobile with respect to the supporting element, and a clutch comprising a second supporting element connected to the shaft, a drum connected to the supporting element and accommodating the second supporting element, and a plurality of friction elements hinged to the second supporting element about respective hinge axes to selectively cooperate with the drum. In particular, the respective centres of gravity of said friction elements are located before the respective hinge axes with respect to a direction of rotation of the shaft which defines a forward running condition of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alessio Galletti, Paolo Seta
  • Patent number: 7892121
    Abstract: In a motorcycle having a V-belt type continuously variable transmission, a resin washer made of a nylon resin is interposed between a boss fixed to a moving sheave half of a secondary sheave and a spring bearing member. The boss contacts the spring bearing member through the resin washer, whereby the moving sheave half is restricted to a Top position, in which a spacing between it and a stationary sheave half becomes maximum. In this manner, the maximum speed is not changed by exchange of the V-belt, the V-belt does not slip or become considerably abraded or deteriorated, and noise generation is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akifumi Oishi, Yousuke Ishida, Takuji Murayama
  • Patent number: 7803074
    Abstract: A belt type continuous variable transmission comprises a primary sheave, a secondary sheave, and a belt. The primary sheave comprises a first sheave body, a second sheave body that forms between it and the first sheave body a belt groove, about which a belt is entrained, a plurality of push bodies that slide the second sheave body according to centrifugal forces to change a width of the belt groove, and a plurality of stoppers that restrict movements of the push bodies by contacting with outer surfaces of the push bodies when the second sheave body reaches a position of minimum transmission gear ratio, in which the belt groove is made smallest in width. The stoppers are shaped to accelerate partial wear of the outer surfaces of the push bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 7771299
    Abstract: A V-belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a straddle-type vehicle includes a measurement plate for a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a primary sheave shaft to control a speed change ratio. The measurement plate is disposed on an opposite end of the primary sheave shaft, to one end of which a driving force of an engine is input, with respect to a primary sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigehiro Mochizuki, Kazuhiko Izumi
  • Publication number: 20090054181
    Abstract: A clutch includes a clutch inner and a clutch outer that houses the clutch inner and that transmits or interrupts torque between itself and the clutch inner. The clutch outer has a thick portion that has a larger thickness than the other portions of the clutch outer. A position-of-center-of-gravity adjusting portion for bringing the center of gravity of the clutch close to the axial center of a driven shaft is formed at a position separate from the axial center of the driven shaft of the thick portion. Efficiency of manufacture work of bringing the position of the center of gravity close to the center of rotation is thereby enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sadao NOGI
  • Patent number: 7128671
    Abstract: A hybrid power system, comprising a first power unit, a secondary shaft, a first transmission device, an auxiliary power unit, and a second transmission device. The first power unit has a primary shaft. The secondary shaft is driven by the primary shaft in a rotational movement. The first transmission device is placed between the primary shaft and the secondary shaft, having a transmission belt, transmitting torque from the primary shaft to the secondary shaft. The auxiliary power unit has an electric motor with a driving shaft, which is parallel to the primary shaft. The second transmission device is placed between the primary shaft and the driving shaft, transmitting torque from the electric motor to the primary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Huan-Lung Gu, Chin-Tai Wu, Pan-Hsiang Hsieh, Wen-Bin Lee, Chun-Hsien Lu
  • Publication number: 20040248679
    Abstract: A torque limiting device for a wheeled vehicle includes a fixed boss, a plurality of rolling balls, a roller retainer, a roller seat, several disk springs, and a driven housing. Thus, when the wheeled vehicle is suddenly braked under the emergency condition or when the rear tires are subjected to a larger resistance and excessive torque, the driven shaft disengages from the fixed boss, and the rotation of fixed boss cannot drive and rotate the driven shaft, such that the driven shaft stops rotating temporarily, thereby preventing the transmission parts of the CVT and reducing speed system of the wheeled vehicle from being broken or worn out by the excessive torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Yu-Wen Hsu, Yan-Min Su, Kun-Che Lee
  • Patent number: 6786844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contact pressure system, that can be utilized particularly for continuously variable transmissions, with a torque sensor system as well as a continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Anton Fritzer, Wolfgang Reik, Andreas Deimel, Ulrich Mair
  • Publication number: 20040171449
    Abstract: An engine having an engine case on one side of which a V-belt type of continuously variable transmission is provided, the CVT being placed in a transmission case and constituted that a V-belt is routed around a drive pulley and a driven pulley, the drive pulley being attached to one end of a crankshaft, the driven pulley being attached to one end of a transmission shaft parallel to the crankshaft, characterized in that
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Akifumi Oishi, Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 6682450
    Abstract: A V-belt-type automatic transmission for a vehicle is provided with a drive pulley and a driven pulley, wherein a plurality of centrifugal weights are arranged between a movable pulley piece of the drive pulley and a cam plate. The centrifugal weights are moved in a radial direction by centrifugal force. A wrapping radius of a V-belt wound around the drive pulley and the driven pulley is changed depending on a maximum gear ratio in a low-speed rotation range and a minimum gear ratio in a high-speed rotation range that are set. The movement in a radial direction of the centrifugal weight beyond a predetermined radial distance prevented by a stopper surface at the rotational speed in a middle-speed rotation range, and at least one middle gear ratio is thereby set. This arrangement provides a V-belt automatic transmission providing noise reduction, reduction of machinery wear and facilitates smooth power transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuaki Mukai, Hirokazu Komura
  • Patent number: 6663524
    Abstract: A hybrid power system, comprising a first power unit, a secondary shaft, a speed converter, a clutch, and an electric motor. The first power unit has a primary shaft. The secondary shaft is driven by the primary shaft in a rotational movement. The speed converter is placed between the primary shaft and the secondary shaft, having a transmission belt, transmitting torque from the primary shaft to the secondary shaft. The clutch is set on the primary shaft or on the secondary shaft, allowing or interrupting transmission of torque from the first power unit to the secondary shaft. The electric motor is connected with the secondary shaft, either driving the secondary shaft or being driven by the secondary shaft to generate electricity or running idle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Huan-Lung Gu, Chin-Taz Wu, Pan-Hsiang Hsieh, Wen-Bin Lee, Chun-Hsien Lu
  • Publication number: 20030199346
    Abstract: A variable speed transmission includes an actuator mechanism that can be remotely activated to cause engagement of a drive unit and to subsequently vary the speed of the drive unit using the same activation mechanism. The variable speed transmission can include a first pulley that has a first and second face that are movable relative to each other by activation of the actuator mechanism. When the first and second faces of the first pulley are located in a first position, a belt located on the first pulley remains motionless. The first and second faces can be moved by the actuator mechanism into a second position where the first and second plates engage the belt with enough frictional force to cause the belt to start moving about the first pulley. The first and second faces of the first pulley can also be moved between the second position and a third position such that the space between the faces becomes smaller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Wians
  • Patent number: 6270436
    Abstract: A continuously variable drive mechanism has a variator with two conical disks, at least one of the conical disks being axially movable, a belt running at a variable running radius axially between the conical disks, and a disk-tightening device pushing the axially movable conical disk against the other of the two conical disks, thereby applying axial pressure to the flexible torque-transmitting device. The disk-tightening device works with guiding means converting a rotational displacement into an axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Reik, Ruben Schmitt, Wolfgang Haas, Friedrich Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 6109127
    Abstract: A power transmission system includes a motor connected to a variable pulley device via a uni-directional device and an engine connected to a clutch device via a uni-directional device. A pulley device is disengagably connected to the clutch device and connected to the variable pulley device by a belt. A pulley device is connected to the variable pulley device by another belt and the pulley device is connected to a gear box. The variable pulley device includes two disks and a threaded axle connected therebetween. A movable member having two inclined surfaces is movably mounted to the threaded axle so that the two belts are separated by the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignees: Bai Guang Liau, Boahsin Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bai Guang Liau
  • Patent number: 5361744
    Abstract: A supercharging device for an internal combustion engine includes a runner for compressing air, a driven pulley for rotating the runner, and a drive pulley for rotating the driven pulley. The drive pulley has a fixed sheave and a movable sheave movable in an axial direction with respect to the fixed sheave. A belt is wound around the driven pulley and the drive pulley. A control device is for moving the movable sheave in an axial direction so that the movable sheave is moved away from the fixed sheave under a low load condition and that said movable sheave is moved towards the fixed sheave under a high load condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Tochigifujisangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masao Teraoka
  • Patent number: 5139846
    Abstract: The sealing strip has a main part (1') with a first sealing lip (6) for making sealing contact with a pane (7) or a filling element. The pane (7) is placed against the sealing lip (6) during assembly and rests on the top (10) of a lip (9'). A recess (13') is provided in a bridge (4') in the body of the sealing strip. The foot or base (16') is a second part (2'), which carries a second sealing lip (15') in contact with the other side of the pan (7'), fits into the recess. When the foot (16') is inserted into the recess (13'), the two sealing lips (6'15') are elastically deformed and pressed against the pane (7'). The inserted foot has a groove (19, 22) at one end in which a rib (14') engages. The foot (16') and hence the part ( 2') are thus firmly anchored in the main part (1').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Datwyler AG Schweizerische Kabel Gummi-und Kunststoffwerke
    Inventors: Norbert Herwegh, Max Eigenheer
  • Patent number: 5052981
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Powerbloc Ibc Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean Robert
  • Patent number: 4634405
    Abstract: A pulley construction and method of making the same are provided, the pulley construction having a pair of opposed flanges respectively provided with surfaces for engagement with a V-belt construction when the V-belt construction is disposed therebetween. The pulley construction has structure for moving one of the flanges axially relative to the other of the flanges and has a fluid dampening unit operatively associated with the one flange to dampen the axial movement of that one flange relative to the other flange with a restrictive force, the dampening unit comprising a flexible bladder having a part thereof operatively interconnected to that one flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Dayco Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence R. Quick, Joseph P. Miranti, Jr., Randy C. Foster
  • Patent number: 4496335
    Abstract: A pulley construction and method of making the same are provided, the pulley construction having a pair of opposed flanges respectively provided with surfaces for engagement with a V-belt construction when the V-belt construction is disposed therebetween. The pulley construction has structure for moving one of the flanges axially relative to the other of the flanges either in a direction toward the other flange or in a direction away from the other flange and has a fluid dampening unit separate from the structure for moving and being operatively associated with the one flange to dampen the axial movement of that one flange in either of the directions relative to the other flange with a restrictive force, the dampening unit comprising a flexible bladder having one part thereof operatively interconnected to that one flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Dayco Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence R. Quick, Joseph P. Miranti, Jr., Randy C. Foster
  • Patent number: 4487595
    Abstract: A pulley construction and method of making the same are provided, the pulley construction having a pair of opposed flanges respectively provided with surfaces for engagement with a V-belt construction when the V-belt construction is disposed therebetween. The pulley construction has a speed responsive unit for moving one of the flanges axially relative to the other of the flanges, the speed responsive unit comprising a pair of opposed raceways respectively having surfaces and movable elements disposed against the surfaces of the raceways for movement in the raceways. The surfaces of the raceways comprise polymeric material that will be deflected by the movable elements and thereby will tend to dampen out vibrations and shock load motion as the movable elements move relative to the surfaces of the raceways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Dayco Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence R. Quick, Larry R. Oliver
  • Patent number: 4360353
    Abstract: A torque transmission system has driving and driven pulley units drivingly connected by an endless V-belt. Each of the driving and driven pulley units includes a stationary pulley rotatable with a shaft and a movable pulley disposed to define with the stationary pulley a circumferential continuous groove for receiving the V-belt. The movable pulleys of the driving and driven pulley units are axially resiliently biased so that the radii of the circles along which the V-belt engages the driving and driven pulley units are varied to change the speed-change ratio of the transmission system. The movable pulley of the driven pulley unit is axially shifted by fly weights. The driving and driven pulley units are provided with cam mechanisms each comprising a cam member and a follower member. When the load on the driven pulley unit is suddenly varied, the cam mechanisms are operative to keep constant the rotational speed of the driven pulley unit irrespective of variations in the load on the driven pulley unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Hattori, Kazuma Matsui, Hiroji Kinbara
  • Patent number: 4304150
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission unit provided with an automatic variable ratio transmission mechanism and a supplementary fixed ratio transmission mechanism which transmits torque from an input shaft to an output shaft of the unit in conditions of low speed and high torque. A free wheel clutch allows the variable ratio transmission mechanism to take over the drive when the speed increases, this being accomplished by means of an automatic speed sensitive clutch which engages when the speed of the output shaft reaches a predetermined threshold valve. A torque converter or other progressive coupling device links the input shaft of the unit, via an isolating friction clutch, to the fixed ratio transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: Fiat Auto, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Lupo, Pier G. Castelli