Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission using a belt which comprises: a driving portion including a main cylinder having a space in which oil can be filled and operating as a pulley, a plurality of subsidiary cylinders disposed at a circumferential surface of the main cylinder and expanding in the radial direction due to the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the driving shaft, the subsidiary cylinders each being formed with belt grooves at the distal end for seating belts thereon; a driven portion having a structure identical to that of the driving portion, and disposed at a position spaced apart from the driving portion by a predetermined distance; belts seated on the belt grooves formed at the subsidiary cylinders of the driving portion and the belt grooves formed at the subsidiary cylinders of the driven portion, for transmitting the power of the driving portion to the driven portion.

Abstract: A pulley has a hub and a rim. The hub is configured to be mountable on a driving shaft. A driving connection between the hub and rim is provided. In a first embodiment, a drive mechanism is operable to configure the rim between a circular profile and a non-circular profile. The non-circular profile produces a counteracting torque to offset load torques produced by the engine. The drive mechanism can be electrical, inertial, hydraulic or any combination thereof. In a second embodiment, the rim is fixed with a non-circular profile.

Abstract: A belt drive system employs variable diameter drive and driven pulleys interconnected by a flat belt and operative to vary the rotational speed of the driven pulley as in a variable speed transmission. Each pulley includes an internal fluid pressure chamber and diametrically aligned pairs of radially movable pistons or lift bars that support transverse lift rods at their outer ends. Axially spaced circular guide plates form end boundaries for the fluid pressure chamber and have radial through-slots that cooperate with arcuate slots in juxtaposed pairs of coaxial guide discs to receive opposite ends of the lift rods and effect synchronous radial movement of the lift rods in response to pressure changes within the fluid pressure chamber. An elongated flexible spring-like support member is attached at one end to a lift rod and extends in supported relation circumferentially over and about the lift rods to define a variable diameter belt support surface.

Abstract: A transmission having at least one variable outer diameter pulley which includes a generally cylindrical pipe having four equally spaced penetrating holes radially disposed in its cylindrical wall, a sealing means having a diaphragm positioned adjacent each of the penetrating holes and fitted to the pipe support, and sliders forming a pulley peripheral face fitted into each penetrating hole to be able to slide smoothly. Each slider is moved by diaphragms in a direction so the pulley outer diameter expands by compressed air supplied through a fluid supply passage in a rotary axle which supports the pulley. Exhausting the compressed air causes the pulley outer diameter to decrease and restores the pulley to its original size by a tension coil spring around the pulley periphery.

Abstract: A sprocket wheel and control mechanism for a chain or belt drive transmission with a continuously adjustable mechanical advantage has diametrically opposed sprocket, spur and/or friction gears offset from the center of the sprocket wheel. Piston and cylinder assemblies are used to position the sprocket, spur and/or friction gears. There is a mechanism for equalizing the distance from the axis of the sprocket wheel of the sprocket, spur and/or friction gears, the equalizing mechanism using a collection of linear linkage guides such as telescoping sleeves and rods, or a series of intermeshed gears connecting toothed shafts in the manner of a rack and pinion. A valve regulates the hydraulic fluid to the piston and cylinder assemblies on the sprocket wheel.

Abstract: An aerial tramway system and method are disclosed in which pairs of haul ropes are mounted to vertically oriented bull wheels. The drive bull wheels are preferably mounted to a common drive shaft to help synchronize haul rope advancement. An adjustment assembly is provided on one of the pair of drive bull wheels to enable dynamic adjustment of the effective radius of the bull wheel without changing the bull wheel rotation rate. Adjustment is based upon sensor feedback to previsely synchronize the haul rope advancement. The aerial tramway system further includes a first pair of endless loop haul ropes operating in one direction and a second pair of endless loop haul ropes operating in an opposite direction. The passenger carrier units are demountably attached to the haul ropes and transferred along transfer paths between stations at the end of the haul ropes so as to provide a system in which the passenger carrier units can be continuously cycled around the loop formed by the two pairs of haul ropes.

Abstract: A continuously variable flat belt pulley transmission, using integral rotary actuators, is described together with controls to vary the transmission speed ratio upon demand and simultaneously operate an internal combustion engine or electric motor on a desired torque versus speed schedule.