Abstract: A power transmission endless belt formed by connecting in succession a plurality of metal blocks each having at least a through hole or a recess to an endless connecting band formed by connecting a plurality of link plates with pins. The endless connecting band is inserted through the through hole or the recess of the metal block and the metal block is connected to the link plates with a pin or is retained between two pins.

Abstract: A transmission chain comprising links and hinge pins extending through link apertures an intermediate member being received between each hinge pin and the opposite aperture sides of a plurality of adjacent links, the length of the intermediate member being equal to or somewhat less than the length of the hinge pin a limited displacement thereof in the longitudinal direction being possible.

Abstract: An endless power transmission belt construction and a transverse element therefor as well as a method of making the same are provided, the belt construction comprising an endless flexible carrier and a plurality of transverse belt elements assembled on the carrier. Each belt element has a recess therein defining an intermediate transverse shoulder for engaging the inside surface of the carrier and a pair of inwardly facing shoulders confining the carrier therebetween, each inwardly facing shoulder having an opening interrupting the same and being aligned with the opening in the other inwardly facing shoulder of its respective element. Each belt element has a pin provided with opposed ends respectively disposed in the openings of the inwardly facing shoulders thereof whereby the carrier is confined between the pin and the transverse shoulder of each belt element. The pin of each belt element has its opposed ends snap-fitted into the respective openings of the inwardly facing shoulders thereof.

Abstract: A push-type metal V-belt is formed from a single strip of sheet metal. The strip is formed and folded such that the lateral faces between the converging outer drive edges are tapered to have a reduced thickness at the inner fold. The formed strip also has lateral slots in which, after folding, continuous metal bands are disposed for maintaining the belt in a continuous loop configuration.

Abstract: A belt construction for a continuously variable transmission, a transverse belt element therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the belt construction comprising an endless flexible band unit, and a plurality of belt elements carried by the band unit in sliding relation therewith, each belt element having a slot arrangement receiving the band unit therein and having opposed faces disposed in compressed relation against adjacent faces of adjacent belt elements. Each belt element is formed substantially solely from a high performance polymeric material that has high heat resistance, high compressive modulus, high toughness and high strength.

Abstract: A tension-type belt/pulley system provides an improved concept for retaining the bands of the drive belt within the pulley cones while increasing the maximum operating pitch radius of the belt for a given pulley radius, thereby increasing the ratio range of the system. The pulley flanges are chamfered at their outer ends to provide smooth re-entry of the bands into the cones in the event the bands drift laterally during a half revolution of the belt.

Abstract: An integral link-and-pivot member for an endless power transmission chain comprising longitudinal spaced web portions joined to transversely oriented joint portions, each joint portion having an arcuate or curved surface, said surfaces facing one another and being adapted to engage a like surface of an interleaved member when assembled as an endless chain and a chain assembled from such members.

Abstract: A V-belt assembly for use in a V-belt transmission is provided. The V-belt assembly comprises an endless belt having a plurality of endless layers wherein the thickness of each of the layers is less than the thickness of the adjacent outer layer. The V-belt assembly also includes a plurality of V-shaped members, each V-shaped member having a belt engaging surface and a plurality of intermediate members disposed between adjacent V-shaped members.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission means having block members, each block member having longitudinal projections causing the rotating radius of the block members to be the same as the rotating radius of an endless carrier, the block members and endless carrier forming a belt which extends between a driving pulley and a driven pulley. When a portion of the belt is in a transition area between a straight extension between the pulleys and moving toward contacting a peripheral portion on one of the pulley, the sliding movement between adjacent block members and the carrier is obviated due to the rotating radius of the block members being equivalent to the radius of the carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt and pulley transmission which is preferably but not essentially an infinitely variable transmission. The belt is formed from a stack of individual blocks working in compression and supported on one or more support bands. According to the invention, the blocks are formed from sintered metal material, while the bands which support and compress the blocks are made from aramide fibres, such as KEVLAR. Every tenth block is of sintered bronze, to reduce the risk of seizing, the remaining blocks being of sintered iron.

Abstract: A V-belt assembly is provided which comprises an endless metallic belt and a plurality of V-shaped members disposed along the belt in the longitudinal direction of the belt. Each of the V-shaped members has a groove with a belt engaging surface at the bottom of the groove facing the belt. The V-shaped members also include pulley engaging surfaces for engaging the surfaces of pulleys in the transmission. A plurality of intermediate members are interposed between adjacent V-shaped members on the inside of the belt. The intermediate members are held between corresponding adjacent V-shaped members by intermediate member engaging surfaces of the V-shaped members. The intermediate members are movable towards and away from the belt along the intermediate member engaging surfaces. The side surfaces of the groove can be formed with a surface corresponding to the shape of the edge surface of the endless belt.

Abstract: A side-bar chain has chain links each formed of a stack of side bars and chain pins traversing aligned side bar openings in the side bars of each stack transversely to the chain length; and a plurality of chain braces each formed by opposite outermost side bars of at least some of the chain links and a transverse web joining the brace-forming side bars to one another and straddling the side bar stack transversely to the chain length. Each brace-forming side bar includes a longitudinal web extending parallel to the chain length between the side bar opening and the transverse web. The transverse web of each chain brace has an aperture for reducing a cross-sectional dimension of the transverse web measured parallel to the chain length at least adjacent the longitudinal web of each brace-forming side bar.

Abstract: A drive belt of trapezoidal cross-section is formed essentially of a nonextendible core, which is closed on itself and has a longitudinal groove, and of an assembly of independent riders which are substantially noncompressible in longitudinal direction and are mounted on the core and have a protuberance of corresponding shape housed permanently within the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: A side-bar chain for an infinitely variable cone pulley transmission which chain includes links composed of individual side bars and rocker pieces inserted through apertures in the side bars and connecting the links together. The rocker pieces have end faces extending laterally of the length of the chain for transmitting friction forces between associated friction pulley sheaves and the side-bar chain. Each of the side bars presents two end webs spaced apart in the running direction of the chain, extending transverse to the running direction and to the length of the rocker pieces, and each bounding a side-bar aperture. At least one of the end webs has a convex rocker surface projecting into the side-bar aperture.

Abstract: A composite load block for a power transmission belt constructed of at least one endless band and especially adaptable for use in a variable pulley transmission, comprising an assembly of first and second block members, the second block member embracing parts of the first block member and providing an elastically yielding component between the endless band and the first block member and having a lip portion received in a notch in the next adjacent composite load block, and the power transmission belt so constructed.

Abstract: A flexible continuous device is provided for transmitting torque between a driving pulley and a driven pulley. The device comprises a plurality of strut members arranged in aligned side-by-side relation with each member having a predetermined pitch radius relative to the pulley axes. Adjustably engaging a corresponding surface of each strut member is a continuous flexible band member. The engagement between the band member and each strut member surface is at a greater radius than the pitch radius when the strut member is in contact with the periphery of a pulley. A unit is mounted on each strut member and coacts therewith to retain the band member and strut members in assembled relation. Each unit has a portion thereof which protrudes longitudinally of and overlies the exterior of the band member. The protruding portion of each unit extends a predetermined distance beyond the strut member on which it is mounted. The protruding portions of adjacent units are disposed in substantially nested relation.

Abstract: A drive belt of trapezoidal cross-section is formed of a core comprising a longitudinal rib and of an assembly of independent riders which are substantially non-compressible in longitudinal direction, are mounted on the core and have a portion of a cutout corresponding to the rib of the core.

Abstract: A flexible drive belt is comprised of a plurality of drive blocks which are assembled in a continuous loop by a plurality of tension bands extending between adjacent blocks. Each drive block has a pair of linear drive surfaces for transmitting drive forces along the straight span of the loop while being maintained in compression loading and a pair of rotary drive surfaces which frictionally engage conical surfaces of pulley members for converting the linear drive force to a rotary drive force by traversing the curved portion of the loop. Adjacent drive blocks are maintained in contact by the tension bands which operate through convex surface blocks disposed in concave surfaces formed on the drive blocks. These cooperating surfaces allow relative movement between respective drive blocks and convex surface blocks to permit the drive blocks to remain in abutment while traversing the curved portion of the continuous loop.

Abstract: A transmission or conveyor chain composed of a plurality of interconnected identical links which are attachable and detachable without need for pivot pins or other separate connecting hardware. Each link is preferably molded as a unitary structure of plastic material.

Abstract: The drive belt has one or more continuous metal bands which slidably support a plurality of drive blocks. Each drive block has a transverse arcuate surface having a radius dimension substantially equal to or 1% less than a transverse radius formed in the metal band. Each drive block also has an opening which facilitates band assembly. The opening is outwardly diverging and terminates inwardly in a slot at the transverse arcuate surface. The opening permits flexing of the metal bands during assembly of the metal bands and the drive blocks without exceeding the yield stress of the metal bands. The inner slot provides a retaining mechanism for the metal bands after assembly.

Abstract: An endless power transmission belt construction having power transmitting contact faces and method of making the same are provided, the belt construction comprising an axial tensioning unit, a plurality of lateral stiffening units carried by the tensioning unit, and friction material carried by at least one of the tensioning unit and stiffening units, the tensioning unit and the stiffening units being formed of polymeric material that provides an axial and lateral stiffness in excess of that normally provided by polymeric friction material that normally forms the main body of a belt construction that is reinforced with such a tensioning unit and stiffening units. The stiffening means and the tensioning means are formed of the same material and comprise a one-piece construction.

Abstract: A torque transmission belt means comprises a metallic ring which extends around a driving pulley and a driven pulley and a plurality of blocks made of hard material, which are linked up by the ring so as to be shiftably engaged therewith. Each block is provided with a concave portion in the front surface or the rear surface in the moving direction of the ring and an elastic member is fixed to the front surface or the rear surface of a back plate portion of each block, which forms a bottom of the concave portion so that each elastic member is contacted with the back plate portion of the adjacent block. Since each block is contacted with the adjacent blocks through the elastic members, the torque transmission belt means silently operates.

Abstract: A torque converter comprises an input member and an output member that can be interconnected by a planetary gear arrangement. A planet carrier of the planetary gear arrangement can be driven by the input member and a sun wheel of the planetary gear arrangement can also be driven by the input member, but through an infinitely variable change-speed mechanism which includes an adjustable pulley chain-drive mechanism using a chain. A preferred construction for the chain includes links pivoted to one another by members that bear on one another with convex surfaces. The end faces of the link members are enlarged and substantially flat to engage the flanges of the adjustable pulley.

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission apparatus for converting an input torque at a first RPM to an output torque at a second RPM includes a pair of driving discs disposed on an input drive shaft and in spaced parallel relationship thereto, a pair of driven discs disposed on an output drive shaft and a continuous length of metal link chain extending around and in direct contact with each pair of discs so as to create a high frictional force at the discs and chain interface sufficient to transmit motion from the driving discs to the driven discs. The link chain is arranged as a continuously repeating pattern of link plates which are interconnected by pins and a plurality of U-shaped drive members assembled relative to the link plates and pins. The outwardly facing surfaces of each drive member are contoured so as to conform to the surface shape of the driving and driven discs such that the chain is able to move in and out according to disc spacing, thereby realizing different radii.

Abstract: A V-belt comprising an endless flexible carrier provided with a plurality of substantially non-deformable transverse elements which are arranged slidably on the endless carrier and a plurality of intermediate elements disposed between the flanks of the endless carrier and the transverse elements so that the flanks do not contact the transverse elements, said intermediate elements extending longitudinally along more than one transverse element.

Abstract: A power transmission belt especially adapted for use in variable pulley transmissions and comprising a continuous metal containing band with attached drive blocks. The drive blocks are formed from sheet metal stampings and formed by sheet metal bending procedures.

Abstract: A flexible power transmission belt especially adapted for transmitting power between pulleys such as variable pulleys in a transmission is constructed of a loop of material with closely adjacent lugs or teeth joined thereto, the lugs or teeth having a slot-like opening to receive the loop and having obliquely disposed wings which are deformed to join them to the loop. The wings are generally relatively soft whereas the toes or other parts of the teeth are generally hardened.

Abstract: A power transmission chain-belt as disclosed is especially adaptable to transmit power between the pulleys of a pulley transmission, the pulleys of which are each constructed of a pair of flanges. The chain-belt comprises a plurality of sets of interleaved links joined by pivot means, and a set of at least three generally V-shaped or trapezoidal load blocks located between each adjacent pair of pivot means. Each load block has a central opening permitting its assembly with the links, and edge surfaces to drivingly contact the pulley flanges. The central opening of the load blocks has a height greater than the height of the links, so as to define a space therebetween. Resilient means, such as a curved leaf spring, is positioned between each set of links in the space between the chain and the central opening of a set of load blocks to apply a force on the load blocks of each set.

Abstract: A continuous metal belt for a pulley drive system with V-grooved pulleys includes a flexible metal loop which acts as a guide for a plurality of drive-transmitting blocks slidable on the loop and retained thereon by respective recesses in the blocks. The recess of each block has two lateral guide walls having at their free ends respective retaining projections with active retaining surfaces which face the loop. A plurality of channel elements are arranged with their bottoms extending between the active surfaces and the loop, and their sides between the lateral guide walls and the edges of the loop, so as to reduce rotational movement of the blocks and prevent damaging contact between the blocks and the loop.

Abstract: A flexible power transmission belt, especially adapted for use with drive blocks and pulley transmissions comprising a composite structure of metal bands, cord-like tension members and elastomer material, the latter being cured and maintaining the integrity of the composite structure.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a transmission chain. The chain may be used in a transmission with conical disks (not shown). The chain comprises a number of links intercoupled by hinge pins extending through openings in the links. The interacting surfaces of each link are, on the one hand, one of the sides of each of the openings of the links coupled by a hinge pin and, on the other hand, one of the opposite curved side surfaces of a single hinge pin.

Abstract: A composite driving belt in the form of an endless flexible carrier on which is mounted a plurality of plate-like elements disposed transverse to the carrier. The carrier is formed by a plurality of endless metal bands arranged in overlying concentric relationship, at least one side of at least one of the bands having surface roughness produced, for example, by two series of fine grooves which cross each other.

Abstract: An elastomeric or plastomeric power transmission belt is reinforced with longitudinally extending wires or threads which are flexible and substantially inextensible. Longitudinally uniformly spaced rigid members which are embedded cross-wise in the belt with one surface adjacent to the longitudinally extending reinforcing members support the wires or threads during vulcanization or curing of the elastomer or plastomer and resist transversal deformation of the belt during use.

Abstract: A driving belt of substantially trapezium-shaped cross section for use with V-shaped pulleys, of the kind including an endless carrier and a plurality of plate-like elements disposed transverse to and slidably mounted on the carrier, each of said elements having an inner tapered end for engaging a V-shaped pulley groove, an outer end and opposite faces which abut the faces of the two adjacent elements, one of the faces at the inner end portion of each element being bevelled in a direction away from the adjacent element for enabling each element to tilt about a tilting line toward and away from said adjacent element whereby said belt can bend during use, one face of the outer end portion of each element having at least one projection which is releasably engaged in a corresponding recess in the face of the abutting element when the respective belt portion is straight, the improvement wherein said projections and recesses lie at a distance from the tilting line such that during bending of the belt and consequent

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission apparatus for converting an input torque at a first RPM to an output torque at a second RPM includes a pair of driving discs disposed on an input drive shaft and in spaced parallel ralationship thereto, a pair of driven discs disposed on an output drive shaft and a continuous length of metal link chain extending around and in direct contact with each pair of discs so as to create a high frictional force at the discs and chain interface sufficient to transmit motion from the driving discs to the driven discs. The link chain is arranged as a continuously repeating pattern wherein each pattern includes three generally triangular link plates of a clustered configuration which are interconnected by pins disposed in a first row and a plurality of U-shaped drive members connected to the link plates by pins disposed in a second row.

Abstract: In a driving belt for use with V-shaped pulleys, including an endless flexible carrier and a plurality of transverse elements abutting against each other in face-to-face contact and assembled on the carrier, said transverse elements being provided with coupling means comprising at least one projection at one face and at least one substantially corresponding coupling recess at the other face, the improvement wherein the thickness of the transverse elements at the location of the coupling means is smaller than the distance between the abutting faces of successive transverse elements.

Abstract: An improved ring molding apparatus for molding toothed V-belts is provided which comprises, in one embodiment, a ring mold having an outer circumferential surface which is grooved to provide a mating surface for a bladder having an inner surface having a plurality of tooth-forming projections and recesses. According to another embodiment, the bladder has a plurality of axially-running projections and recesses arranged in an annulus for each of the mold cavities. Also provided is a method for making molded V-belts which comprises curing the belt in the above molds.