Abstract: A variable pulley structure (10) arranged to be mounted to a shaft (17) with at least one of the sideplate elements (14) thereof movably mounted to the shaft for both axial and rotational movement. Disposition of the movable sideplate element (14) is controlled by a spring (26) extending between a spring retainer (22) fixed to the shaft (17) and a portion (24) of the sideplate element. The spring (26) is retained at its opposite ends to the retainer and sideplate element, respectively, suitably to be unwound as a result of increased torque developed in the movable sideplate element (14) by the drive system. The ends (29,30) of the spring (26) are releasably connected to the retainer and movable sideplate element as by reception in arcuate grooves (27,28) therein, by abutment with suitable stop shoulders (131,132) thereon, etc. Cross section of the spring, in one form, is round and in another form for use in transmitting high load torques, is rectangular.

Abstract: A variable speed pulley mounted to a torque transmission shaft having an idler structure arranged to maintain the power transmission belt centered between the pulley sheaves when the sheaves are spaced apart sufficiently to permit the belt to ride on the idler as in a stopped or idling condition of the pulley system. A tension roller may be utilized in the system for urging the belt against the outer surface of the idler, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is crowned. Structure is provided for affording facilitated adjustable movement of the adjustable sheave on the shaft, and in one embodiment, provision is made for providing lubrication therebetween.

Abstract: An automatic grease feeding system to provide for lubrication to variable pitch pulleys is disclosed having a stationary grease feeder providing pressurized grease lubrication through a stationary to rotating interface with the shaft carrying variable pitch pulley.

Abstract: A variable pulley transmission in which each pulley is constructed of a pair of flanges coupled to respective shafts, at least one flange of each pair being axially movable relative to the other flange of the same pair, the movable flange being coupled to its shaft by an external spline operative associated with the flange meshing with an internal spline on a drive member coupled to the shaft. The spline connection permits the flange to move axially while maintaining the drive coupling.

Abstract: A pulley construction and method of making the same are provided, the pulley construction having a pair of opposed flanges respectively provided with surfaces for engagement with a V-belt construction when the V-belt construction is disposed therebetween. The pulley construction has a speed responsive unit for moving one of the flanges axially relative to the other of the flanges, the speed responsive unit comprising a pair of opposed raceways respectively having surfaces and movable elements disposed against the surfaces of the raceways for movement in the raceways. The surfaces of the raceways comprise polymeric material that will be deflected by the movable elements and thereby will tend to dampen out vibrations and shock load motion as the movable elements move relative to the surfaces of the raceways.

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

Abstract: A variable ratio belt drive of the type in which each pulley has an axially movable pulley half for varying the effective drive diameter and speed ratio in a continuous, stepless manner. The drive includes a primary control assembly in one pulley having a threaded interconnection between the drive shaft and one of the pulley halves for effecting a change in the drive diameter upon application of a brake band to a collar mounting the pulley half. In one preferred embodiment, two collars and two brake bands are provided while in another, only a single band and collar is used. The other pulley is provided with a secondary control assembly which automatically responds to the primary control assembly and preferably includes cam means for precluding belt slippage.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively transmitting power between a rotating shaft and a belt including an integral brake member. The apparatus includes a pulley affixed to the shaft and which frictionally engages the belt. The pulley includes a pair of sheave halves which are reciprocable axially with respect to each other between belt engaged and disengaged positions. The integral brake member is mounted about the shaft between the sheave halves and affixed against rotation with the shaft. In the disengaged position the belt drops onto the brake member and is brought to a rapid stop.