Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include bicycle chain rings for bicycles having specially shaped ramps, tapers and profiled teeth for improved shifting performance. The embodiments of bicycle chain rings of the present invention may be configured for large chain rings on double cranksets and large and middle chain rings on triple cranksets. The embodiments of bicycle chain rings of the present invention may also be retrofitted to existing bicycle cranksets by replacing original chain rings. The embodiments of bicycle chain rings of the present invention may further be configured for any standard crankset mounting bolt configuration and for any suitable number of teeth.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly is provided with at least a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a first axial spacer. The first sprocket includes an outermost peripheral portion defining a plurality of first teeth, and an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening that is free of any freewheel engaging splines. The first sprocket is larger than any other sprocket of the bicycle sprocket assembly. The second sprocket includes an outermost peripheral portion defining a plurality of second teeth, and an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening having a plurality of freewheel engaging splines. The first axial spacer is fixed to the first and second sprockets such that the first axial spacer is disposed between the first and second sprockets without any intervening sprockets disposed between the first and second sprockets. The first axial spacer includes an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening having a plurality of freewheel engaging splines.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly for a bicycle includes a sprocket body formed by a plurality of sprocket rings, and a collar mounted in the sprocket body. The sprocket body has a first side provided with a fitting portion and a second side provided with a mounting tube. The collar is received in the fitting portion of the sprocket body. The sprocket rings have different inner diameters so that the sprocket rings are arranged to have a stepped inner periphery, and have different outer diameters so that the sprocket rings are arranged to have a stepped outer periphery. Thus, the collar is separated from the sprocket body and is made independently so that the collar can be worked easily and quickly to fit shafts of different specifications and sizes and to fit the sprocket body of different specifications and sizes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include bicycle chain rings for bicycles having specially shaped ramps, tapers and profiled teeth for improved shifting performance. The embodiments of bicycle chain rings of the present invention may be configured for large chain rings on double cranksets and large and middle chain rings on triple cranksets. The embodiments of bicycle chain rings of the present invention may also be retrofitted to existing bicycle cranksets by replacing original chain rings. The embodiments of bicycle chain rings of the present invention may further be configured for any standard crankset mounting bolt configuration and for any suitable number of teeth.

Abstract: A bicycle chainwheel assembly includes at least one smaller chainwheel and at least one larger chainwheel, the chainwheels engageable by a chain. The larger chainwheel includes a first tooth and a second tooth disposed adjacent the first tooth opposite a drive rotation direction. The first tooth and the second tooth have a configuration that improves the shifting of a chain from a smaller chainwheel to the larger chainwheel. The first tooth has a lateral recess and the second tooth has a deflection chamfer. The second tooth may also have a recess. The first and second teeth have a configuration that prevents the first and second teeth from capturing the chain. An inner link plate of the chain includes a chamfer disposed on an outer side surface in a central region of the plate.

Abstract: A right crank arm assembly for a bicycle, comprises a right crank arm, a first annular element directly coupled with said crank arm at least one first coupling portion of said first annular element and at least one second annular element coupled with said crank arm and of a smaller size than said first annular element. The first annular element comprises a toothing that extends radially towards the outside along a primitive circumference having a predetermined diameter. Said at least one first coupling portion is entirely contained in a first area extending radially towards the outside starting from an ideal circumference having a diameter at least equal to ? of said predetermined diameter. Such an annular element constitutes the front sprocket of the crank arm assembly of the present invention and consists of a simple toothed band. Such a front sprocket is particularly light in weight.

Abstract: A spiral bicycle sprocket includes a first sprocket portion to rotate about a center axis and having a first number of teeth, a second sprocket portion to rotate about the center axis and having a second number of teeth, and a third sprocket portion positioned between the first and second sprocket portions and having a third number of teeth, wherein the third number of teeth form a conical and spiral thread that joins the first sprocket portion and the second sprocket portion.

Abstract: A multi-speed sprocket assembly configured to receive a bicycle chain including a plurality of pairs of inner link plates, a plurality of pairs of outer link plates and plurality of rollers connecting the pairs of inner and outer link plates. The multi-speed sprocket assembly generally includes a smaller diameter sprocket and a larger diameter sprocket rotated about a rotation axis in a driving direction. The smaller and larger diameter sprockets include first and second pluralities of teeth spaced about their peripheries, respectively. The larger diameter sprocket has an inboard side including first and second projections axially extending therefrom. The second projection is disposed circumferentially aft, opposite the driving direction, and radially outwardly of the first projection. The first and second projections simultaneously support one outer link plate as the bicycle chain shifts from the smaller diameter sprocket to the larger diameter sprocket.

Abstract: A drive hub for two-wheeled vehicles with a hub body and with a fixed axle and with a sprocket carrier on which a plurality of sprockets is provided. The sprocket carrier is rotatably supported on the axle by way of at least one bearing. The sprocket carrier includes a circumferentially closed sleeve device on which at least one sprocket is disposed radially outwardly and on which two axially spaced bearings are provided radially inwardly for rotatably supporting the sprocket carrier on the axle via the bearings.

Abstract: A bicycle chainwheel assembly that includes at least one smaller chainwheel and at least one larger chainwheel, the chainwheels engageable by a chain. The larger chainwheel includes a first tooth and a second tooth disposed adjacent the first tooth opposite a drive rotation direction. The first tooth and the second tooth have a configuration that improves the shifting of a chain from a smaller chainwheel to the larger chainwheel. The first tooth has a lateral recess and the second tooth has a deflection chamfer. The second tooth may also have a recess. The first and second teeth have a configuration that prevents the first and second teeth from capturing the chain. An inner link plate of the chain includes a chamfer disposed on an outer side surface in a central region of the plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include bicycle chain rings for bicycles having specially shaped ramps, tapers and profiled teeth for improved shifting performance. Additional embodiments of the bicycle chain rings of the present invention may be configured with one or more additional features formed within the chain rings including a transition slide, a tapered ramp face, a ramp bridge, a ramp lead, a trailing transition slide and a wear pin.

Abstract: In chain and sprocket systems with at least two resonance modes, two or more tension reducing sprockets are oriented to cancel each other at a first resonance mode and have no effect to increase tensions at such first resonance mode. The tension reduction sprockets, however, are oriented with each other so that tensions will be reduced at a second resonance mode. Hence, two or more tension reducing sprockets are used to reduce tensions at a second resonance mode from sources outside the chain and sprocket system while minimizing tension increases at first resonance mode.

Abstract: A driver for mounting a multiple sprocket arrangement to a bicycle rear axle arrangement. The multiple sprocket arrangement includes a sprocket assembly having a plurality of sprockets with different numbers of teeth and an adapter. The rear axle arrangement includes a hub. The driver includes an input torque transmitting profile for transmitting torque from between the sprocket assembly and the driver. A positioning section positions the sprocket assembly in the radial direction. External thread threadably receives the adapter and is disposed between the input torque transmitting profile and the positioning section. An output torque transmitting arrangement transmits torque between the driver and the hub.

Abstract: A structure of a freewheel and a hub contains a hub including a first ratchet having a pair of first teeth, a central shaft, a screw section, and a freewheel set; the hub including a first chainwheel disc assembly, a second chainwheel disc assembly, a plurality of chainwheel disks, and a screw; each chainwheel disc including a through hole, a first groove, and a second groove, a first single sprocket; the first chainwheel disc assembly includes an aperture, a recessed rim, a recess, a pair of notches, and a first double sprocket; wherein the second chainwheel disc assembly includes an opening, a second single sprocket, a raised fringe, a second ratchet and a pair of tooth, both of which are arranged on a front side of the raised fringe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple sprocket assembly with a plurality of sprockets with different numbers of teeth for assembly on a rear axle of a bicycle, comprising a base body, on which at least a part of the plurality of sprockets is provided, as well as a support ring that is connected to or can be connected to the base body in a torque-transmitting manner. It is further provided thereby that the base body and the support ring are configured on their radially inner region respectively with a radial inner bearing section for rotatable bearing on a rear axle of the bicycle and that the support ring has at least one torque transmission section configured separately from the bearing section for transmitting a torque from the multiple sprocket assembly to a hub body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-sprocket cassette mountable to a bicycle rear wheel for engaging a drive chain. The cassette includes a conical body formed as a single piece having a center axis that includes a plurality of sprocket portions, each of the plurality of sprocket portions including a plurality of teeth formed thereabout for engaging the drive chain and a plurality of connecting portions supporting each of the plurality of sprocket portions. One or more of the plurality of connecting portions includes a first wall thickness and one or more of the plurality of connecting portions includes a second wall thickness. The second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness. A plurality of openings is formed through each of the plurality of connecting portions having the first wall thickness.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly defining a sprocket assembly width. The assembly has at least eleven sprockets and the sprocket assembly mounts to a bicycle freewheel hub that rotates about a rotation axis which defines a predetermined axial distance on the hub between a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. At least one point of the attachment seats for spokes closest to the freewheel body and a plane is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and defined in the fastening portion to the frame. The sprocket assembly width is lower than or equal to the predetermined axial distance. A chain that engages the sprockets has a maximum thickness in the direction of the rotation axis between and including 4.6 mm and 5.8 mm.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly for a bicycle includes a sprocket body formed by a plurality of sprocket rings, and a collar mounted in the sprocket body. The sprocket body has a first side provided with a fitting portion and a second side provided with a mounting tube. The collar is received in the fitting portion of the sprocket body. The sprocket rings have different inner diameters so that the sprocket rings are arranged to have a stepped inner periphery, and have different outer diameters so that the sprocket rings are arranged to have a stepped outer periphery. Thus, the collar is separated from the sprocket body and is made independently so that the collar can be worked easily and quickly to fit shafts of different specifications and sizes and to fit the sprocket body of different specifications and sizes.

Abstract: A cogset, which is adapted to connect to a rotatable hub in a bicycle, comprises a cog assembly and a connective set installed to the cog assembly. The cog assembly includes at least one first cog, a second cog connected to the first cog, and a third cog connected to the first cog. Each of the first and second cogs are not directly connected to the rotatable hub.

Abstract: A cogset, which is adapted to connect to a rotatable hub in a bicycle, comprises a first cog, a second cog connected to the first cog, and a support element installed to the second cog. A limiting side of the support element is abutted against a side of the second cog. The support element is mounted by the first cog. Each of the first and second cogs is not directly connected to the rotatable hub.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly is provided with at least a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a first axial spacer. The first sprocket includes an outermost peripheral portion defining a plurality of first teeth, and an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening that is free of any freewheel engaging splines. The first sprocket is larger than any other sprocket of the bicycle sprocket assembly. The second sprocket includes an outermost peripheral portion defining a plurality of second teeth, and an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening having a plurality of freewheel engaging splines. The first axial spacer is fixed to the first and second sprockets such that the first axial spacer is disposed between the first and second sprockets without any intervening sprockets disposed between the first and second sprockets. The first axial spacer includes an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening having a plurality of freewheel engaging splines.

Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly comprises a shaft, a first load bearing adjacent said shaft, a hub main body surrounding said shaft, and a cogset. The cogset can define an inner surface, and the inner surface can define a seat configured to receive the first load bearing. Further, the inner surface can define an opening of variable size. The cogset can also define an inner end and an outer end, and the opening can generally increase in size from the outer end to the inner end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damping device on a multi-gear cassette for a rear wheel of a bicycle, wherein percussive forces produced by the chain members running from the slack span of the chain onto the sprocket are damped. This is achieved by damping the chain in the region of the chain run-in on the sprocket where no loads are borne. In one embodiment, a damping ring is provided for the purpose of supporting the chain link plates, and the tooth contour of the tooth flank which does not transmit load force is set back, and the tooth root space according to the invention is recessed toward the hub center. As such, when the chain is fed in to the sprocket, the chain link plate contacts the damping ring rather than the chain roller impacting the tooth flank or the tooth base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include bicycle chain rings for bicycles having specially shaped ramps, tapers and profiled teeth for improved shifting performance. Additional embodiments of the bicycle chain rings of the present invention may be configured with one or more additional features formed within the chain rings including a transition slide, a tapered ramp face, a ramp bridge, a ramp lead, a trailing transition slide and a wear pin.

Abstract: A multiple sprocket assembly for a bicycle includes a larger diametrical sprocket and a smaller diametrical sprocket. The larger diametrical sprocket includes at least one auxiliary guiding portion for facilitating a bicycle chain to shift from the smaller diametrical sprocket to the larger diametrical sprocket.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly is provided with at least a first sprocket and a first axial spacer. The first sprocket includes a first sprocket mounting portion, a plurality of first sprocket arms extending radially from the first sprocket mounting portion and a first chain engaging portion disposed on radial outer ends of the first sprocket arms. The first chain engaging portion includes a plurality of first teeth. The first axial spacer is disposed on a first sprocket side surface of the first sprocket. The first axial spacer has a first spacer mounting portion and a plurality of first spacer arms extending radially from the first spacer mounting portion. The first spacer arms are partially visible from an axial view of a second sprocket side surface that faces in an opposite direction from the first sprocket side surface.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket body having a first side surface and a second side surface, a plurality of sprocket teeth extending radially outwardly from a root portion of the sprocket body, and a shift assist recess formed in the root portion below a first sprocket tooth at the first side surface of the sprocket body. A radially outermost surface of a second sprocket tooth defines a reference tooth radius, and a radially outermost surface of a third sprocket tooth defines a shift assist tooth radius. The radially outermost surface of the third sprocket tooth has a convex shape, and the shift assist tooth radius is greater than the reference tooth radius.

Abstract: A debris venting cog particularly useful for belt driven bicycle power train systems. The cog includes an outer circumferential surface that is shaped to drivingly interact with a flexible drive member such as a belt. The cog includes a number of cavities that are each shaped to interact with a tooth of the belt. A vent fluidly connects at least one cavity to atmosphere and is shaped to direct debris that can accumulate in the cavity or the belt in a radially inward and lateral direction so as to maintain a desired driving interaction between the belt and the cog.

Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly comprises a shaft, a first load bearing adjacent said shaft, a hub main body surrounding said shaft, and a cogset. The cogset can define an inner surface, and the inner surface can define a seat configured to receive the first load bearing. Further, the inner surface can define an opening of variable size. The cogset can also define an inner end and an outer end, and the opening can generally increase in size from the outer end to the inner end.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket is provided with a sprocket body and a chain engagement structure. The chain engagement structure includes sprocket teeth defining chain rollers receiving troughs. At least two consecutive ones of the troughs include a driven-side surface and a non-driven-side surface. The driven-side surfaces each have a first chain roller contact points corresponding to a first radius of a first minimum contact circle when one of the chain rollers is positioned to fittingly contact the driven-side surface. The non-driven-side surfaces each have a second chain roller contact points disposed at a second position corresponding to a second radius of a second minimum contact circle when one of the chain rollers is positioned to fittingly contact the non-driven-side surface. The first radius is larger than the second radius. The driven-side surfaces have effective concavities that are equal to or less than the curvatures of the chain rollers.

Abstract: A sprocket for a chain drive using a roller or bushing chain has a plurality of different pitch angles, including both pitch angles larger than the standard pitch angle, and pitch angles smaller than the standard pitch angle. The number of pitch angles in the sprocket larger than the standard pitch angle is greater than the number of pitch angles in the sprocket smaller than the standard pitch angle. The sprocket teeth are integrally molded with the sprocket by sintering.

Abstract: A riveted sprocket assembly that includes a sprocket carrier having a plurality of carrier arms and a plurality of sprockets attached to the carrier arms by rivets. First and second rivet heads of the rivets are countersunk into the carrier arms on one face and into the sprocket on the other face. The second rivet head is formed on the sprocket on the front face of the sprocket carrier. To prevent the riveting tool from damaging the sprocket during the riveting process, the rivet holes of the sprockets include a clearance portion around the second rivet head. This results in the sprocket having three-stepped rivet holes: a small diameter for the rivet shaft, an intermediate diameter for the rivet head and a larger diameter for the riveting tool. To minimize weight, the carrier arms narrow in a central region between radially inner and radially outer rivet holes on the carrier arms.

Abstract: A sprocket comprises a sprocket body and a plurality of sprocket teeth extending radially outwardly from a root portion of the sprocket body. The sprocket body has a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein a root portion side surface of the root portion defines a root portion plane at the first side surface of the sprocket body. A shift assist recess is formed in the root portion below a first sprocket tooth at the first side surface of the sprocket body, and a second sprocket tooth has a projecting portion that extends laterally outwardly from the root portion plane at the first side surface of the sprocket body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include bicycle chain rings for bicycles having specially shaped ramps, tapers and profiled teeth for improved shifting performance. Additional embodiments of the bicycle chain rings of the present invention may be configured with one or more additional features formed within the chain rings including a transition slide, a tapered ramp face, a ramp bridge, a ramp lead, a trailing transition slide and a wear pin.

Abstract: In a timing chain driving system in which the speed of a driving sprocket fluctuates cyclically, the tooth pitch of a driven sprocket from which a tension span of the chain travels toward the driving sprocket varies cyclically around the circumference of the driven sprocket so that the tooth pitch at the point at which the timing chain disengages from the driven sprocket is at a minimum when the rotational speed of the driving sprocket is maximum, moderating fluctuations in chain tension. A similar effect can be achieved in the case of a driving sprocket having a cyclically varying tooth pitch by arranging the driving sprocket so that its tooth pitch is maximum at the point at which it is engaged by the chain when its rotational speed is maximum.

Abstract: A multi-speed sprocket assembly is provided for engaging a bicycle chain displaceable by a derailleur. The multi-speed sprocket assembly generally includes at least one smaller sprocket and at least one larger sprocket. The larger sprocket includes first and second transitional segments for alternatively receiving a shifting chain segment of the bicycle chain shifting from the smaller sprocket to the larger sprocket. The first transitional segment includes a first run-on ramp configured to receive an outer link plate of the shifting chain segment. The first run-on ramp has a first support point configured to bend the transferring bicycle chain at a first angle to position a first chain roller against a no-load tooth flank of the larger sprocket while a second chain roller rests against a load tooth flank of the smaller sprocket. The second transitional segment includes a second run-on ramp configured to receive the outer link plate of the shifting chain segment.

Abstract: A sprocket is provided having a plurality of teeth around its circumference. Adjacent teeth are separated by roots each having a root radius defined as the distance between the center of the sprocket and a point along the root closest to the sprocket center in a radial direction. In one aspect of the invention, the sprocket comprises at least two different root radii arranged in a pattern effective to redistribute tensions imparted to a chain by the sprocket at one or more predetermined sprocket orders.

Abstract: A power transmission device is used to distribute torque from a power source to an external device and an auxiliary device. The power transmission device is comprised of a first bearing and a second bearing both secured to a stationary member, a first sprocket rotatably supported by the first bearing, a second sprocket capable of being drivingly coupled with the auxiliary device, a chain coupling the first sprocket with the second sprocket, a rotary shaft rotatably supported by the second bearing, which is drivingly coupled with the power source and drivingly engageable with the external device to transmit a first part of the torque to the external device, and a joint drivingly linking the rotary shaft with the first sprocket to transmit a second part of the torque to the first sprocket.

Abstract: In a timing chain drive unit the tooth pitch of a driven sprocket from which a tension span of the chain travels toward a driving sprocket varies cyclically around the circumference of the driven sprocket and cyclically increases and decreases the length of the tension span in synchronism with load variations imparted to the driven sprocket by a valve-operating camshaft.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a sprocket support, a first sprocket coupled to the sprocket support at a plurality of circumferentially spaced first sprocket mounting locations, a second sprocket coupled to the sprocket support at a plurality of circumferentially spaced second sprocket mounting locations, and a reinforcement member other than the sprocket support. The reinforcement member is disposed between the first sprocket and the second sprocket between a pair of the first sprocket mounting locations and between a pair of the second sprocket mounting locations.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket is provided with a metallic sprocket ring part and a non-metallic inner ring part. The metallic sprocket ring part has a crank facing surface, an opposing surface, an inner periphery and an outer periphery with a plurality of sprocket teeth arranged thereon. The sprocket ring part includes at least one connecting portion integrally formed with the sprocket ring part as a one-piece, unitary member. The non-metallic inner ring part at least partially overlaps the inner periphery of the metallic sprocket ring part to at least partially non-movably couple the non-metallic inner ring part to the metallic sprocket ring part with at least one selected portion being absent of the non-metallic inner ring part to allow relative elastic deformation between the metallic sprocket ring part and the non-metallic inner ring in an axial direction.

Abstract: A bicycle multi-gear cassette mountable to a wheel hub that generally includes a truncated conical shell and a plurality of toothed sprockets having different numbers of teeth. The shell includes a plurality of coaxial annular cylinders of variable diameter extending along an axis of the shell and a plurality of coaxial annular discs of variable diameter extending radially of the axis. The cylinders and discs are alternatingly arranged in a stepped sequence. The toothed sprockets are disposed on the shell and extend radially of the shell axis. At least one of the toothed sprockets includes a recess on a side facing an adjacent toothed sprocket having a smaller number of teeth. The recess includes a first region having a first depth and a second region having a second depth. The first depth is greater than the second depth. The shell and the plurality of toothed sprockets embody a single piece.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a larger diameter sprocket and a smaller diameter sprocket, wherein the larger diameter sprocket has on its outer periphery a plurality of sprocket teeth, the smaller diameter sprocket has on its outer periphery a plurality of sprocket teeth, and a number of sprocket teeth on the smaller diameter sprocket is less than a number of sprocket teeth on the larger diameter sprocket. The larger diameter sprocket includes a tooth and a first chain receiving tooth disposed immediately behind the tooth in the driving rotation direction, wherein the tooth includes a control side surface and an inclined side surface.

Abstract: A multiple sprocket assembly engageable with a roller chain and mountable to a driver of a rear wheel of a bicycle. The multiple sprocket assembly includes a smaller sprocket and a larger sprocket. Each of the smaller and larger sprockets has a radially outer ring with a plurality of teeth for engaging the roller chain. The radially outer ring has a plurality of radially outer pin mounts including a hole. The radially outer pin mounts are aligned with the teeth. The sprockets have a plurality of radially inner pin mounts connected to the radially outer ring forming a single piece. The radially inner pin mounts includes a hole. The radially inner pin mounts are aligned with the plurality of outer pin mounts disposed on an adjacent smaller sprocket. A plurality of pins connects the smaller sprocket and the larger sprocket to each other. The pins are mounted in the holes in the outer pin mounts on the smaller sprocket and in the holes in the inner, pin mounts of the larger sprocket.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a sprocket mounting member, a first sprocket, and a second sprocket. The sprocket mounting member includes a hub mounting portion and a sprocket mounting portion, wherein the hub mounting portion is structured to be mounted to a rotating hub that rotates around a rotational axis. The sprocket mounting portion includes a first sprocket mounting surface that faces in a first direction and a second sprocket mounting surface that faces in an opposite second direction. The first sprocket is disposed at the first sprocket mounting surface, and the second sprocket is disposed at the second sprocket mounting surface. A fastener fastens the first sprocket to the first sprocket mounting surface, and a chain supporting structure extends from the fastener in the first direction and projects in the first direction away from a side surface of the first sprocket that faces in the first direction.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket is provided with a sprocket body and a plurality of sprocket teeth. The sprocket teeth extend radially outward from a root circle of the sprocket body with the sprocket teeth being circumferentially spaced around the outer periphery of the sprocket body. The sprocket teeth include at least one shift assist tooth that assists in a shifting operation from the bicycle sprocket to a smaller sprocket. The shift assist tooth has a maximum radial height as measured from the root circle of the sprocket body. The maximum radial height of the shift assist tooth is larger than a maximum radial height of a majority of remaining ones of the sprocket teeth as measured from the root circle of the sprocket body. The shift assist tooth has a radially inclined surface sloping toward the smaller sprocket as the radially inclined surface approaches radially toward the center rotational axis A.

Abstract: A limited slip differential transmission of the closed type in which a pressurized lubricant is fed to the rotating gears and a series of limited slip clutch plates. The clutch plates are engaged by pressurized control fluid. A valve assembly having a spool valve is responsive to engagement pressure to permit discharge of a portion of pressurized fluid from the clutch plates to a sump chamber and the transmission to purge debris that may have accumulated in the clutch plates. The spool valve is arranged so that fluid is passed only during an intermediate movement of the valve to minimize any pressure loss from the lubricating fluid for the transmission and limited slip clutches.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly of the present invention includes a first sprocket and a bigger second sprocket. The first sprocket has a small-diametered tooth having a beveled edge. The beveled edge is tapered from a first face to a second face along a transmission direction. The second sprocket has a big-diametered tooth, which is clockwise adjacent to the small-diametered tooth having the beveled edge, having a thinner section. The thinner section is stepped at an outer face of the second sprocket. A chain of a bicycle selectively surrounds the first sprocket or the second sprocket, and a travel path thereof shifts quickly and easily via the beveled edge and the thinner section.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket is provided with a sprocket body and a chain engagement structure. The chain engagement structure includes sprocket teeth defining chain rollers receiving troughs. At least two consecutive ones of the troughs include a driven-side surface and a non-driven-side surface. The driven-side surfaces each have a first chain roller contact points corresponding to a first radius of a first minimum contact circle when one of the chain rollers is positioned to fittingly contact the driven-side surface. The non-driven-side surfaces each have a second chain roller contact points disposed at a second position corresponding to a second radius of a second minimum contact circle when one of the chain rollers is positioned to fittingly contact the non-driven-side surface. The first radius is larger than the second radius. The driven-side surfaces have effective concavities that are equal to or less than the curvatures of the chain rollers.

Abstract: A sprocket for transferring a force between a chain and a drive element that includes a plurality of teeth and a plurality of openings proximate the teeth. Each tooth has a load-bearing flank and a non-load-bearing flank. One of the plurality of openings are arranged relative to one of the plurality of teeth, in one-to-one correspondence therebetween, such that the opening is asymmetrically divided by a radial centerline of the tooth, a first load strip is formed between the opening and the load-bearing flank of the tooth, and a second load strip is formed between the opening and the non-load-bearing flank of the tooth.