Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a powertrain assembly having an engine and a steel belt continuously variable transmission. Portions of the powertrain assembly are supported at a rear portion of the vehicle and are positioned relative to other components of the vehicle also supported at the rear portion of the vehicle. The vehicle also is configured for various operating modes.

Abstract: An element of a transmission including: a rocking edge portion with a convex surface formed on one of a front face and a rear face, so that the rocking edge portion extends over a pillar portion at least partially, the rocking edge portion having a contact line where the adjacent elements contact each other serves as a fulcrum of rotation of the adjacent elements; and a recessed non-contact portion extends along the saddle surface, to avoid contact with the adjacent element, and that divides the rocking edge portion in the width direction at least partially. A depth of the non-contact portion is set so that an end portion of the non-contact portion is positioned on an inner peripheral side of the transmission belt relative to the contact line when a winding radius is minimized, and the end portion does not reach the trunk portion on the inner peripheral side.

Abstract: An element of a transmission belt includes a pair of rocking edge portions with a convex surface, these are formed on one of a front face and a rear face to extend a part of the rocking edge portion over a pillar portion, and the rocking edge portions are spaced away from each other in a width direction; and a non-contact portion extended along a saddle surface in the width direction between the rocking edge portions, in non-contact with an adjacent element. S/A?3.5 is satisfied, when a sum of widths of end portions of the rocking edge portions on an outer peripheral side of the transmission belt is set as “A”. A sum of surface areas of parts of the pillar portions on the outer peripheral side of the transmission belt is set as “S”.

Abstract: A variable transmission may include a segmented pulley and a nested pulley located at least partially within the segmented pulley. The spacing between the components of the first segmented pulley may be varied to alter the transmission ratio of the variable transmission by altering the effective diameter of the segmented pulley. The nested pulley may also be a segmented pulley. In some embodiments, one of the pulleys may be rotationally fixed, and the variable transmission may comprise a compact infinitely variable transmission. The eccentricity of the compact infinitely variable transmission may be significantly less than the eccentricity of other infinitely variable transmission designs. In other embodiments, a nested pulley structure may be used to provide a compact continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: Each steel element for a V-belt of a continuously variable transmission has a flank (4a) that comprises a plurality of equally spaced raised portions (41) each being placed between two fine grooves (42). A flat flatness ratio (FR) given by the equation (1) is set to the highest one of values that are capable of practically machining the flank (4a) of the steel element (4) and capable of causing the flank (4a) to exhibit a given and satisfied lubrication oil discharging effect, and a groove pitch (GP) that is a distance between the two fine grooves (42) is set to a value that is capable of practically machining the flank of the steel element and capable of causing the flank to exhibit a given and satisfied lubrication oil discharging effect. The groove pitch thus set is a value that is permitted by the higher value of the flatness ratio thus set. FR (%)=WRP/(WRP+WG)×100??(1) wherein: FR: Flatness ratio WRP: Width of the raised portion (41) WG: Width of the groove (42).

Abstract: With a view to suppressing fretting in a power transmission chain, when a chain straight-line area is seen from a chain widthwise direction W, a flat portion 18 of a first pin 3 of the chain extends in an inclination direction D. A point of intersection P0 is formed by an imaginary line L1 which passes through a center position of an overall height h of the first pin 3 along the inclination direction D intersecting the flat portion. A point of intersection P2 is formed by an imaginary line L2 which passes through a contact portion A0 and which extends in a chain advancing direction X intersecting the flat portion 18 between the point of intersection P0 and one end P1 of the flat portion. When assuming that a distance between the point of intersection P0 and the point of intersection P2 is referred to as h1 and a distance between the point of intersection P2 and the one end P1 of the flat portion 18 is referred to as h2, 0.1·h1?h2.

Abstract: A power transmission chain including a plurality of links each having front and rear insertion through holes through which pins are inserted, and a plurality of first pins and a plurality of second pins which are arranged in a line for connecting together the links which are arranged in a chain width direction. The links are made up of links of small pitch length and links of large pitch length. The links of large pitch length corresponding to the first pin or the second pin that is clamped by the pulley are arranged such that the links of large pitch length are always included in one to one-half in total when a winding contact diameter of the pulley is a minimum operation radius.

Abstract: Transverse element (32) for a drive belt with an endless carrier and with a number of such transverse elements (32) with a longitudinally protruding conical hole (41) and with a longitudinally protruding conical stud (40) provided on respective main faces (38, 39) of the transverse element (32). Both the conical stud (40) and the conical hole (41) are designed with a cone angle of at least 20 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention aims at improving the shock resistance of a block without lowering the power transmission property or the wear resistance of a belt while suppressing the separation of the contact portion off of the reinforcing member. A high-load drive V-belt B includes: at least one tension band 10 extending in an endless loop; and a plurality of blocks 20 engaged and secured to the tension band 10 at a predetermined pitch in a belt length direction of the tension band 10, wherein the plurality of blocks 20 are each formed by a reinforcing member 27 and a resin on both sides of the reinforcing member 27 in a belt width direction, and each include a contact portion 28 having a contact surface 30 to be in contact with a pulley, and a thickness w of the contact portion 28 in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 30 is set to 1.0 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less.

Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission includes a primary sheave including a pair of first clamp surfaces, a secondary sheave including a pair of second clamp surfaces, and a belt endlessly wound between both of the primary and secondary sheaves. The belt includes contact surfaces clamped between the first clamp surfaces and between the second clamp surfaces. Powder having infusibility as a friction enhancing material is held on at least one of the first clamp surfaces of the primary sheave, the second clamp surfaces of the secondary sheave, and the contact surfaces of the belt.

Abstract: A transmission belt for driving and/or supporting an elevator car has a longitudinally extending body including an area tensile layer reinforced by chemical fibers. The belt can have a flat friction layer or a friction layer including alternating longitudinally extending wedge-shaped ribs and grooves. Transverse grooves can be formed across the width of the longitudinally grooved friction layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a belt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in which multiple V blocks of a plurality of types having different thicknesses are attached to an endless body. The method includes forming a plurality of V block groups respectively having a different ratio of different types of V blocks; and forming a series of V blocks by attaching a plurality of V blocks to the endless belt to provide said plurality of V block groups. The V block groups have different ratios of the plurality of types of V blocks to provide a belt whose noise level is low and dispersed.

Abstract: A belt for a continuously variable transmission and elements used in the belt. The elements include a stopper portion formed integrally with a neck portion erected upwardly from a saddle face to hold a width end portion of the ring. The elements are juxtaposed annularly in a same orientation and fastened by rings disposed on a saddle face of the element thereby forming a belt for a continuously variable transmission. A recessed portion is formed by depressing the saddle face at a corner between a side face of the neck portion and the saddle face; and an inner face of the recessed portion includes a first inner face extending smoothly into the side face of the neck portion and having a relatively larger curvature radius, and a second inner face extending smoothly into the first inner face and having a relatively smaller curvature radius.

Abstract: A transverse element for a drive belt, includes a recess on either side for at least partially accommodating a ring assembly of the drive belt. The transverse element includes a base part lying radially inside the recesses, a connecting piece lying between the recesses, and a head part lying radially outside the recesses, the base part on either side of the connecting piece being provided with a radially outwardly directed saddle surface for contact with a ring assembly, and between a saddle surface and the connecting piece a notch being provided, in which notch a convexly curved part connects to the respective saddle surface, and in which notch a concavely curved part connects to a respective substantially axially directed side face of the connecting piece. The concavely curved part on either side of a radially most inward lying part thereof has a mutually differing degree of curvature.

Abstract: A transmission belt is formed by annularly arranging elements including a plate-shaped first element and a plate-shaped second element, and annularly connecting the elements using a ring. The first element includes a first edge surface on which a burr is formed when the first element is formed by a press operation. The second element includes a second edge surface on which a burr is formed when the second element is formed by the press operation. The first and second edge surfaces face in directions opposite to each other in a direction in which the elements are arranged. The first edge surface includes a first rocking edge that contacts the element adjacent to the first element when the elements are arranged in an arc. The second edge surface includes a second rocking edge that contacts the element adjacent to the second element when the elements are arranged in the arc.

Abstract: The present invention aims at improving the shock resistance of a block without lowering the power transmission property or the wear resistance of a belt while suppressing the separation of the contact portion off of the reinforcing member. A high-load drive V-belt B includes: at least one tension band 10 extending in an endless loop; and a plurality of blocks 20 engaged and secured to the tension band 10 at a predetermined pitch in a belt length direction of the tension band 10, wherein the plurality of blocks 20 are each formed by a reinforcing member 27 and a resin on both sides of the reinforcing member 27 in a belt width direction, and each include a contact portion 28 having a contact surface 30 to be in contact with a pulley, and a thickness w of the contact portion 28 in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 30 is set to 1.0 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less.

Abstract: The double-sided sliding button comprises two spaced-apart sliding button halves configured and disposed with reference to a curved medial axis. Each half has a front side, provided with a contact surface, and a rear side. Both contact surfaces are mutually opposite and both sides of each half intersect the curved medial axis. A bridge member allows to rigidly connect the rear side of the two halves. With this configuration, each sliding button can be easily installed and secured in a clamp attached to a part of the driven pulley. Each double-sided sliding button is capable of working in both directions, thereby reducing the number of individual sliding buttons to be installed by 50%.

Abstract: A V-belt transmits rotational movements between at least two belt pulleys and includes at least one endless load carrier and a plurality of transverse blocks mounted thereon. The load carrier is fitted into slots which extend from at least one inclined lateral surface of a block toward the center region thereof. The load carrier has a contact surface which faces a boundary surface of the slot in the block. The contact surface and the boundary surface are provided with convex and/or concave sections. To minimize losses and increase efficiency, the pressing force is reduced where the slide movement occurs. A contact region is assumed between the stretched state of the V-belt up to the state corresponding to the smallest running radius. In the entire contact region, a continuously changeable curvature or a composite of at least three sections of constant curvature is realized in such a manner that the curvature from the center of the contact region to the outer region increases.

Abstract: A chain-belt for a CVT having a plurality of links, each link comprising a plurality of parallel tensile link plates, each link plate having connection apertures located substantially towards the ends thereof, each link being connected to an adjacent link by a pin having two ends passing through overlapping connection apertures in adjacent link plates. Wear pads are positioned on said outer link plates. A bushing, at least as long as the thickness of the tensile link plates, coaxially surrounds the chain's pins, passing through oversized holes in the link plates. Compressive force is transmitted between the wear pads by the bushing, so that the compressive force exerted by the sheaves does not deform the pin or squeeze the link plates together. The wear pads are centered on the centerline of the chain, and taper to match the taper of the pulley sheaves. The wear pads are also designed so the centerline of the wear pads intersects the center axis of the pulley when the chain is in use.

Abstract: An endless metal belt (15) is formed by layering thin metal rings (30) in thicknesses to form tow layered ring structures (31) and fitting the two layered ring structures in slots (32a) formed in opposite side parts of each of metal blocks (32), extending on the opposite sides of a neck part (32e) of the metal block. The endless metal belt is extended between drive and driven pulleys (6, 11) respectively having variable effective diameters to change speed change ratio.

Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle. The transmission has two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. The rocker members extend outwardly beyond the plate links and are retained in position by retaining members that engage particular rocker members. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed before the chain is put to use.

Abstract: Drive belt (10) for a continuously variable transmission, as for use in motor vehicles, having transverse elements (20) and at least one endless carrier. The transverse elements (20) are each provided with a recess (21), which extends between a first and a second main face (22 and 23, respectively) of a transverse element (20), which main faces are oriented transversely to the intended direction of movement (C) of the drive belt (10). The recess (21) offers accommodation for the carrier (30) and at least is bounded by an abutting face (24), intended to come into contact with a main face (30′) of the carrier (30), and a boundary face (25), which is oriented transversely thereto and restricts the freedom of movement of the carrier (30) in the axial direction. The boundary face (25) merges into the first main face (22) and into the second main face (23) via transition edges (27, 27′), characterised in that the radius of curvature (R) of at least one transition edge (27) is less than 0.2 mm.

Abstract: A belt for a continuously variable transmission includes a metal element 32 having a rocking edge 40 between a main surface 38 and a slope 41 on the front side of the metal element in the advancing direction and a ring slot 35, into which a metal ring assembly 31 is fitted, between an element body 34 and an ear portion 36. The position of the center of gravity G of the metal element 32 is regulated to the outside of the rocking edge 40 and to the inside of a radially outer end 351 of the ring slot 35.

Abstract: The invention comprises a plurality of clips arranged about a tensile member or core belt. The tensile member comprises a multi-ribbed belt. The multi-ribbed belt may comprise any standard multi-ribbed belt readily available in the art. The clips are generally u-shaped and have opposing inclined sides that cooperate with the sides of a CVT pulley. The opposing inclined sides of each clip can have a thermoset, thermoplastic or phenolic coating to provide a predetermined coefficient of friction. Each clip has a multi-ribbed profile bearing surface that cooperates with the multi-ribbed portion of the core belt. The clips are held in proper orientation to the multi-ribbed belt by elastomeric bands. The elastomeric bands are routed through a slot in each clip which then compresses the clips together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive belt (1) for a transmission realizing a continuously adjustable transmission ratio comprising at least one continuous band (20) having a part, which, when in a longitudinally stretched state (cross section A-A), shows a curvature in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the drive belt (1), said curvature being of a generally arc-like shape having a stretched band radius RSB, associated with a number of cross elements (30), each having a contact face (31) for interacting with a principle face (24) of the continuous band (20) and provided with a transverse convex curvature of a generally arc-like shape having a face radius RS. The inverse value (1/RS) of the face radius RS minus the inverse value (1/RSB) of the stretched band radius RSB is notionally larger than -5 [m−1], preferably larger than −3.5 [m−1].

Abstract: A drive belt for use in a continuously variable transmission includes a plurality of transverse elements carried by at least one endless carrier with at least one endless band, received in a receiving shot provided for the band in the element, the slot allowing relative axial play Pa between the element and the band relative to the predominant longitudinal direction of the belt, wherein the axial play is of a value between 0.2 and 0.95 times the maximum amount of misalignment defined for the belt, indicated in maximum amount of lateral displacement.

Abstract: The relation of the length h1 of the V surface of each metal element to the saddle primary thickness h2 is determined such that the strength of the metal element for the Hertz's pressure generated on the V surface 2 from the normal force P which acts on the V surface 2 when the element engages in the V-shaped groove of a pulley and the strength for the bending moment which is produced by the normal force P on the saddles 1 of the metal element are made substantially equal to each other. Also, the relation of the length of the V surface to the saddle primary thickness is determined such that the fatigue life by the Hertz's pressure which acts on the V surface and the fatigue life by the bending moment which acts on the saddles are made substantially equal to each other. The length h1 of the V surface, which is determined in the above mentioned ways, can be about 0.26-1.0 of the saddle primary thickness h2.

Abstract: A low noise belt for a continuously variable transmission includes a plurality of stacked strip members and a plurality of blocks each having head and body parts and a middle portion where the head and body parts are divided. The middle portion is provided with notches into which the stacked strip members are inserted, wherein each block is bent at its middle portion at a fixed angle in order to improve torque transmission efficiency and minimize the generation of noise and increasing the contact surface with pulleys.

Abstract: A heavy-duty power transmission V-belt is so designed that respective upward projections each having an arcuate cross section of respective blocks are fixedly engaged with respective bottom-surface grooves each having an arcuate cross section of a tension member. The radius of curvature R2 of each bottom-surface groove is set larger than the radius of curvature R1 of the upward projection of the block (R2>R1) in the state that the tension member is put strait. Thereby, when the V-belt bends around a pulley, it can be avoided that a large local strain occurs at the bottom-surface groove. This allows a firmly fixed state of each block by the tension member to be maintained for a long time.

Abstract: A readily adjustable belt and a link construction wherein a plurality of links of similar construction are detachably connected in end to end relationship to define an endless torque transmitting belt. Each link is formed of an injection molded plastic part having a female end portion and a male end portion arranged such that the male portion of one link can be readily snap-fitted to the female portion of the next adjacent link. The respective links are identical in structure and are provided in complementary interlocking structure to facilitate attachment and to insure positive interlocking engagement of adjacent links, and yet render the links readily detachably connected so as to facilitate rendering a belt readily adjustable. The respective links are also provided with transversely extending indentations formed in the upper and lower surfaces thereof to impart flexibility thereto. Tapering side surfaces are provided with a non-slip textured surface.

Abstract: A readily adjustable belt and a link construction wherein a plurality of links of similar construction are detachably connected in end to end relationship to define an endless torque transmitting belt. Each link is formed of an injection molded plastic part having a female end portion and a male end portion arranged such that the male portion of one link can be readily snap-fitted to the female portion of the next adjacent link. The respective links are identical in structure and are provided in complementary interlocking structure to facilitate attachment and to insure positive interlocking engagement of adjacent links, and yet render the links readily detachably connected so as to facilitate rendering a belt readily adjustable. The respective links are also provided with transversely extending indentations formed in the upper and lower surfaces thereof to impart flexibility thereto. Tapering side surfaces are provided with a non-slip textured surface.

Abstract: A frictional transmission chain drive for use between V-groove pulleys comprises a series of C-shaped chain struts and friction force struts superposed along the length of an endless transmission chain. The chain struts are fitted in grooves located across link plates of the chain, with their open ends alternately located on opposite sides of the transmission chain. The friction force struts are provided with recesses which grip the chain to prevent sideways movement of the struts relative to the chain. The friction force struts on opposite sides of a chain strut can have their open ends on the same said of the chain as the open end of the chain strut, or, alternatively, can have their open ends on the side of the chain opposite the side on which the open end of the chain strut is located.

Abstract: A metallic V belt for use in a V-belt-type continuously variable transmission has an endless metallic belt strap and a plurality of metallic blocks each having a strap insertion slot defined therein and opening outwardly of the V belt at one side of the metallic block, the metallic blocks being mounted on that belt strap with the belt strap positioned in the strap insertion slots in the metallic blocks. A retaining belt strap or retainer is disposed in engagement with portions of the metallic blocks in covering relation to the endless belt strap in the strap insertion slots for retaining the metallic blocks against dislodgment from the belt strap. The retainer is in the form of an endless web having a flat transverse cross section and having at least one hole defined in the endless web. The hole in the endless web may be a slot, a narrow slit, or an elliptical hole.

Abstract: A power transmission (10) chain-belt (32) is disclosed that is especially aptable for connecting the pulleys (12, 14) of a pulley transmission (10). The chain-belt (32) has a plurality of interleaved sets (34) of links (36) and each set (34) has a plurality of transversely arranged links (36). Pivot member (40) join adjacent sets (34) of links (36) to form an endless loop. At least one toe (42A, 42B) extends from each link (36) in at least some sets (34) of links (36). At least the toes (42A, 42B) on adjacent links (36) are in opposed relationship and define a passageway 80. A plurality of load blocks (50) are connected to the links (36). The load blocks (50) are positioned in the passageway (80) defined by the toes (42A, 42B). Each load block (50) has edge surfaces (88) for contacting the pulleys (12, 14) of the transmission (10).

Abstract: A power transmission belt having longitudinally spaced pairs of blocks on the opposite surfaces of a neutral belt portion thereof. The blocks are formed of hard synthetic resin materials having fibers distributed therein. The fibers may be provided in the form of distributed short fibers, fabrics, and one or more different types of fibers may be utilized in the respective blocks. The fibers include carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and silicon carbide fibers. The neutral belt is provided with longitudinally spaced projections on the upper and lower surfaces thereof and the blocks are provided with complementary recesses receiving the projections. The recesses are preferably deeper than the height of the projections, whereby the distal surfaces of the blocks may be urged with high frictional engagement against the flat surfaces of the neutral belt.

Abstract: An improved friction drive chain especially for a continuously variable transmission has a plurality of friction plates, each of the friction plates being substantially I-shaped in lateral section. The friction plates are arranged adjacent one another and connected by connecting link elements received in recesses formed in both lateral sides of the friction plates between upper and lower beam members of said friction plates. The connecting link elements are laterally grooved to bear longitudinally against the friction plates. The outer surfaces of the lower beam members of the plates define friction drive surfaces for contact with driving and/or driven pulleys. The friction plates are heat treated to increase strength, for example by quenching and annealing. The friction drive surfaces are formed with hardened layers by surface hardening treatment such as by electron beam or laser.

Abstract: An endless belt comprising a longitudinal reinforcement formed by a tension resistant member or a plurality of such members, such as cables, made more particularly from metal, glass fibers or any other synthetic material having high tensile resistance, transverse elements of a general trapezoidal form having a base and two lateral fins inclined with respect to the base which is made from metal or any other material having good compression resistance, with an elastomer mass which joins said transverse elements solidly together and with the longitudinal reinforcement, wherein the transverse elements are formed such that, during operation, the resultant of the bearing reaction forces of the cheeks of the pulley on said transverse elements is very close to the mean force transmission line of the longitudinal reinforcement which forms substantially the neutral axis of the belt.

Abstract: A power transmission belt structure including a flexible neutral belt portion, a plurality of blocks secured to the flexible belt portion seriatim longitudinally thereof, and heat conducting structure disposed between the flexible belt and blocks for conducting away from the flexible belt heat generated as a result of power transmission operation of the belt structure. A number of different embodiments utilizing the heat conducting structure are disclosed. In certain of the embodiments, the heat conducting structure extends partially about the blocks and, in certain of the embodiments, the heat conducting structure extends fully thereabout. In certain embodiments, the reduced midportion of the block is provided with the heat conducting structure recessed therein. In one form, a protective outer coating is provided on the heat conducting structure.

Abstract: A power transmission belt for transmitting high loads having an elastomeric looped flat belt portion having a longitudinally extending tensile cord and defining an outer surface and an inner surface, and a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced blocks mounted to the outer and inner surfaces respectively of the flat belt portion. Each block is formed of a core and a fabric wrapped around the core. In one embodiment, the block is secured to the flat belt portion by bolts extending therethrough. The fabric of the blocks may be treated with different materials, such as rubber, synthetic resins, and the like. The core may be formed of an elastomeric material. The flat belt portion may be provided with one or more layers of fabric.

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 the units, the tensioning unit and the stiffening units being formed of 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.

Abstract: A V-belt assembly for transmitting power, which includes a V-belt assembly trained over a V-belt wheel; a flexible endless belt; a plurality of suspension members slidably mounted on the endless belt in a longitudinal direction thereof and which includes a pin member and a U-shaped member connected to said pin, and a plurality of U-shaped transmission pieces separated from the U-shaped member, having side surfaces corresponding to side walls of a V-shaped groove of the V-belt wheel and supported swingably by the suspension members, respectively.

Abstract: An endless power transmission belt and a transverse belt element therefor as well as methods 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 having a peripheral face and a medial slot passing therethrough and receiving part of the carrier therein. Each belt element has a slit in the peripheral face thereof that leads to the slot thereof and a hinge spaced from the slit thereof that permits the belt element to have the slit thereof opened sufficiently to permit at least part of the carrier to be received therethrough for subsequent positioning in the slot thereof and thereafter be moved to a closed position to prevent at least that part of the carrier from escaping through the slit.

Abstract: A belt and reinforcement for a V-block of a V-block belt is provided. The reinforcement has a generally U-shaped member with a lower beam member that interconnects diverging diagonal side members that each form a cantilevered portion. A means is provided in the cantilevered portion for retaining an upper beam member. The means is in the form of deformable sides that define a slot for receiving end portions of the upper beam member.

Abstract: An endless power transmission belt construction and a transverse belt element therefor as well as a method of making the same are provided, the belt construction comprising an endless flexible carrier that has a longitudinal axis and a plurality of transverse belt elements assembled on the carrier. Each belt element comprises a plurality of parts secured together to define an opening passing transversely therethrough and receiving the carrier therein. One of the parts of each belt element comprise a generally C-shaped clip that in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the carrier snaps over and substantially encircles and holds the remaining parts of the respective belt element in their assembled relation.

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: 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 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 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: An endless power transmission belt construction and 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 having a peripheral face and a medial slot passing therethrough and receiving part of the carrier therein. Each belt element has a slit in the peripheral face thereof that leads to the slot thereof and a hinge spaced from the slit thereof that permits the belt element to have the slit thereof opened sufficiently to permit at least part of the carrier to be received therethrough for subsequent positioning in the slot thereof and thereafter be moved to a closed position to prevent at least that part of the carrier from escaping through the slit. Each belt element has two adjacent surfaces defining the slit thereof therebetween.

Abstract: V-belts and conical sheaves have long been used in variable ratio friction drive systems. In higher power applications the belts are replaced by metal chains carrying pins which lock to the sheaves. The latter systems are generally 90% efficient. The main loss is associated with the engagement and disengagement of the pins with the sheaves. Each pin slides radially along the sheave as it wedges into place. The loss is considerable because contact is along a line from which lubricant is extruded rather than over an area on which lubricant is present. To avoid this loss the present invention provides a shoe appended to the end of each pin. Coupling between shoe and pin is such that the shoe is permitted to slide relative to the pin in a direction radial to the sheave. It is prevented from sliding relative to the pin in a direction circumferential to the sheave.