Abstract: A control device for controlling a transmission ratio between a traction means and a sprocket set rotatable about an axle may include at least two sprockets alternatively wrapped around by the traction means. At least one of the sprockets may include several independently adjustable rim segments. Adjustment of the rim segments in relation to a fixed plane may be effected by a control device in a direction substantially transverse to the plane. The control device includes at least one electrically actuatable control element, e.g., a servomotor. The at least one control element is configured to rotate with the sprockets.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a transmission ratio between a traction means and a sprocket set rotatable about an axle may include at least two sprockets alternatively wrapped around by the traction means. At least one of the sprockets may include several independently adjustable rim segments. Adjustment of the rim segments in relation to a fixed plane may be effected by a control device in a direction substantially transverse to the plane. The control device includes at least one electrically actuatable control element, e.g., a servomotor. The at least one control element is configured to rotate with the sprockets.

Abstract: A non-prevalent order random sprocket for an internal combustion engine comprising a pattern of pitch radii, such that the radial variation of the pitch radii excite tensions at non-prevalent orders in a drive system of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a starter/generator in a vehicle drivetrain. In one example, a system may include an integrated starter/generator (ISG) rotationally coupled to an engine crankshaft via a belt drive system, the belt drive system including a first decoupler configured to engage a shaft of the ISG in a first torque transfer direction only and a second decoupler configured to engage the shaft of the ISG in a second torque transfer direction only, the second torque transfer direction opposite the first torque transfer direction. In this way, hubloads that occur while transitioning the ISG between driving the belt drive system and being driven by the belt drive system may be reduced while a response time of the transitioning may also be reduced.

Abstract: A segmented pulley transmission is provided. A pulley assembly is rotationally mounted on an axle. The pulley assembly includes a core pulley having a first set of mating features on a peripheral surface thereof. A pulley segment set comprises a number of pulley segments slidably mounted in the pulley assembly and arranged in a ring concentric with the core pulley. The pulley segments are individually actuatable out of the pulley assembly into an engaging position and into the pulley assembly into a non-engaging position. The pulley segments have a second set of mating features on an peripheral surface matching the first set of mating features. An endless drive member has corresponding mating features on an inside surface for engaging the first and second sets of mating features of the core pulley and the pulley segments in an engaging position. Contact between the endless drive member and a core pulley defines a contact zone.

Abstract: A moon gear assembly is provided that includes a moon arm assembly having a driving moon gear. A pivot pin is connected to the moon arm assembly, and an adjustment arm is connected to the moon arm assembly. The moon arm assembly may also include a body that defines a chamber, a worm gear disposed in the chamber and arranged to interact with the driving moon gear, and a motor disposed in the chamber and couple to the worm gear.

Abstract: A supercharger assembly includes a centrifugal blower for delivering pressurized air to an engine air manifold of an engine; a variable transmission for driving the blower; a motor for adjusting a gear ratio of the variable transmission; and a control system for controlling operation of the motor to provide user selectable and/or programmable levels of supercharger boost. The control system may include a user input device for selecting a performance level of the supercharger assembly; at least one engine sensor for sensing an operating parameter of the engine; at least one environmental sensor for sensing a characteristic of the inlet air; and a programmable controller for controlling operation of the motor in accordance with the user selected performance level and outputs of the engine sensor and the environmental sensor.

Abstract: A transmission 20 includes an input shaft 12, an output shaft 13, a primary sheave 23 that rotates together with the input shaft 12, a secondary sheave 24 that rotates together with the output shaft 13, and a belt 25 wound around both the primary sheave 23 and the secondary sheave 24. The transmission 20 includes a motor 22 that shifts a transmission ratio by driving a movable sheave 23a of the primary sheave 23. A control device (ECU 5) of the transmission 20 includes a secondary sheave rotation speed sensor 28 that detects rotation of the belt 25, and a control portion 55 of the ECU 5 performs a sheave position control (normal control of the transmission ratio) after rotation of the belt 25 is detected after starting.

Abstract: A versatile, variable gear ratio mechanical transmission system is providing having similar first and second spaced Disc Subsystems connected by a belt or chain. Each subsystem of which comprises three primary components: (1) a Shift Actuation Structure located at one outermost side; (2) a Receiving Disc located at the opposite side; and, (3) a Retention Disc sandwiched between. The Retention and Receiving Discs accommodate concentric rings of proportionally spaced holes in which corresponding smooth, contoured or toothed Headed Pins are maintained, engaged, or retracted. When the pins are engaged, they span the slot between the Receiving Disc and Retention Disc and interface with the conveyance transferring load from Driving Disc Subassembly to the Driven Disc Subassembly.

Abstract: A multiple-ratio drive transmission comprises first and second spaced disc systems, each system of which is composed of three separate discs: (1) a retention disc located at an outermost side; a pin receiving disc located at an innermost side; and, (3) a pin holding disc sandwiched between. Each disc comprises concentric rings of proportionally spaced holes through which corresponding pins are maintained, inserted, retracted, or traversed. As the disc system rotates, each pin on a ring associated for a selected gear passes through a shifting zone in which a ramp mechanism is inserted. A plurality of selection cams rotates to urge a sequential outward deflection of cams. By rotating the selection cam, sequential deflection cams extend into the drive position; they urge a pivoting of a select deflection ramp. The ramp for the pre-selected gear ratio causes the ring to extend to the drive position. As the pins lift, the chain impinges and the gear ratio completely changes during one revolution.

Abstract: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for use in applications where a transmission is desired to change the speed of the motor relative to the speed of the final drive. The CVT has a set of chains or belts that are mounted around a set of pins set in radially cut slots of a set of spindles so that the pattern of pins are able to expand and contract radially around the CVT axis via these slots. Sprockets that freely spin in either direction unless a chain or belt has fully seated on at least one tooth are arranged on the pins so that only one sprocket engages one chain or belt allowing for smooth ratio changes while the load in engaged. The spindles share a set of springs that act to return the transmission to a higher ratio at moments the load is overcome.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission of the continuously variable type. The transmission includes an input pulley having primary and secondary sheaves and an output pulley having primary and secondary sheaves. The primary and secondary sheaves of the input pulley are mounted on a first axle shaft carried by an actuator plate and the primary and secondary sheaves of the output pulley are carried on a second axle shaft carried by the actuator plate. The input shaft of the transmission carries pin mounted roller bearings which are received in skewed slots in an actuator sleeve so that the actuator sleeve is moved axially along the input shaft in response to variations in torque loading. The actuator plate is annular and includes a central circumferential groove receiving pin mounted roller bearings carried by the actuator sleeve so that the actuator plate, and the axle shafts carried thereby, undergoes the same axial movement as the actuator sleeve in response to variations in torque loading.

Abstract: A flexible apparatus for metering agricultural chemicals in a wet blade chemical distribution system consists of a modular peristaltic pump delivery apparatus (24) having an impeller (38) and a mounting bore (30) in a computer-controlled servomechanism that meters the correct amount of a wide variety of agricultural chemical regardless of equipment speed. It is especially well suited for easy field chemical change over and maintenance.

Abstract: A transmission using a flat gear and a grooved flat gear is provided. The transmission includes a flat gear having a speed stage constituted by a predetermined number of grooves formed in a circle on a circular plate or a grooved flat gear having a plurality of speed stages constituted by a predetermined number of grooves formed in concentric circles on a circular plate in a rotary direction and an open groove which is common to the plurality of speed stages. Accordingly, a single flat gear or grooved flat gear is perpendicularly coupled to at least one bevel gear disposed at a power shaft for power transmission and speed change, thereby solving the problems of contamination of a coating due to lubricant, derailment of a chain, or irregular transmission time occurring in a chain type transmission.

Abstract: A cone to which one or several torque transmitting member(s) are attached as to form at least one torque transmitting arc on the surface of the cone. The torque transmitting member(s) will be used for torque transmission between at least one rotational energy conveying device and the cone. The torque transmitting member(s) are attached in a manner such that significant circumferential sliding that occurs between the torque transmitting surface(s) of the torque transmitting member(s) and the torque transmitting surface(s) of the rotational energy conveying device(s) when the pitch diameter of the torque transmitting member(s) is changed can be eliminated, such that wear and frictional energy losses are significantly reduced, and positive engagement devices, such as teeth, can be used for torque transmission between the torque transmitting member(s) and the rotational energy conveying device(s).

Abstract: This invention replaces the crank-and-chain drive system of the conventional bicycle. A flexible drive line is pulled directly away from the hip by a stirrup located at the “ball” of the foot and drives the rear-wheel hub by means of a cone-shaped spool with a spiral groove. Routing pulleys mounted to a sliding shifter provide drive-ratio variability by adding line to or removing line from the spools, thus utilizing spool segments of varying diameter. A tensioned rewind system enables each spool, when driving the hub, to rewind the other. Benefits of this system as compared to prior art include: (1) the fact that the machine itself, as opposed to the operator's leg, changes the leg's naturally linear motion to rotary; and (2) a smoother, more efficient means of drive-ratio variation with the added advantage of infinite variability within limits.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes one or more cone shaped members which each have a cone shaft centrally positioned therethrough. The cone shaped member also includes fixed spiraled grooved shaft therein with a respective spiral groove that spirals in a direction 180 degrees from the direction of each spiral groove in a second fixed spiral grooved shaft. A sliding alignment guide moves laterally within each cone shaped member. Moreover, the alignment guide has a first end interacting with a keyed sprocket, having engagement teeth and an internal nib. The alignment guide has a second end interacting with a second keyed sprocket, also having engagement teeth and an internal nib.

Abstract: A cone to which one/several torque transmitting flexible segment(s) is/are attached. The flexible segment(s) have teeth, which will be used to transmit torque between a coupling member and the cone with out the need of friction. The flexible segment(s) is/are attached so that it/they can slide in the axial direction of the cone. When slid in the axial direction, the pitch of the teeth of the flexible segment(s) remain constant so that one coupling member can engage with the teeth of the flexible segment(s) regardless of the axial location of the flexible segment(s) relative to the cone to which it is attached. The cone with torque transmitting flexible segment(s) can be used to construct various Continuous Variable Transmissions.

Abstract: A cable drive assembly 102 for a motor vehicle locking system is described. A lock mechanism 104 is mounted on a first carrier 108. The first carrier is connected to a second carrier 110 by a cable, such that turning of an appropriate key in the lock causes the first carrier to rotate. In turn this causes the second carrier to rotate. Rotation of the second carrier causes a latch mechanism remote from the locking system to be actuated. The first carrier is held in a first position within a housing prior to insertion of the lock mechanism. Insertion of the lock mechanism during assembly of the locking system frees the carrier and allows it to rotate in response to turning of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive system including at least one variable diameter sprocket is described herein. The variable diameter sprocket includes a support and at least three radially movable sprocket portions mounted to the support. A diameter changing mechanism is provided to selectively move the sprocket portions.

Abstract: A continuously variable automatic drive has a front driving sprocket and a rear driven sprocket. Each of these sprockets has a housing and a plurality of involute-shaped toothed segments, each having a leading end and a trailing free end. The toothed segments are symmetrically spaced around their housings and pivotally attached to their housings about their leading ends. Each toothed segment is movable between a first position where the trailing free end is pivoted inwardly closest to the housing and the effective diameter of the sprocket is smallest and a second position where the trailing free end is pivoted outwardly farthest from the housing and the effective diameter of the sprocket is largest. The highest gear ratio is produced when the front driving sprocket is at the second position and the rear driven sprocket at the first position. The lowest gear ratio is produced when the front driving sprocket is at the first position and the rear driven sprocket is at the second position.

Abstract: A variable ratio chain-belt transmission for use in a vehicle, includes a pair of variable ratio pulleys having a plurality of pins which are lined in a plurality of circles, a chain-belt engaging with both variable ratio pulleys. Different sized pulleys are formed by pushing and pulling the pins in and out of engagement with the chain-belt by activating various solenoids, whereby various pulley ratios are formed when the plurality of pins form different relative sized pulleys. A clutch mechanism for use with the variable ratio chain-belt transmission includes distinct forward and reverse clutch assemblies.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive mechanism which operates to adjust the path of an endless drive belt in response to a remotely located control input. A plurality of circumferentially spaced sheave segments are respectively mounted in a plurality of radially extending elongated tracks with pairs of opposed tooth-like formations therein. Each sheave segment includes cam/bearing means with multiple camming surfaces and opposed engagement blocks intermediate the cam/bearing means and the tooth-like formations. The engagement blocks are mutually slidably engaged but spring-biased into engagement with the tooth-like formations to thereby detent the sheave segment against radial movement. Each sheave segment has a bearing surface which is engaged by the drive belt when the drive mechanism traverses through a predetermined arc of rotation but is disengaged from the drive belt when outside the predetermined arc of rotation.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission having a variable diameter pulley assembly. The variable diameter pulley assembly has an array of belt engaging elements arranged in a circular pattern having a diameter variable as a function of the relative rotational orientation of supporting inner disk members and outer disk members. A hub connected to the outer disk members has a plurality of helical slots concentric with the axis of rotation. A concentric disk drive member has a plurality of helical slots which rotate in the opposite direction of the helical slots in the hub. Each helical slot in the disk drive member crosses one of the helical slots in the hub to form a plurality of through apertures. An actuator pin disposed in each through aperture locks the disk member to the hub for rotation. An axially displaceable pin cage displaces the actuator pins along the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A chain driven and receiving, continuously infinite variable speed transmission system comprising a pair of cones positioned in the same plane with the smaller diameter of each cone in proximity with the larger diameter of the other and encircled by a continuous flexible chain having pins extending therefrom for engagement and disengagement with spiral gears on the cones positioned in grooves parallel to the longitudinal axes of the cones. Either of the cones may be driven and the chain transmits the power to the other cone at a speed determined by the position of the chain relative to the cones. The system employs a planetary gear system for zero and reverse rotation of the variable speed output from the driven cone.

Abstract: A continuously variable belt-drive transmission of the type having spaced apart sheaves each provided with a plurality of sheave segments which may be moved radially inwardly and outwardly. A novel control is provided for selectively moving the segments inwardly or outwardly while the sheaves are rotating, the control including a motor carried by the body of each of the sheaves, the motor being operatively interconnected with the associated sheave segments. Power is transmitted to the motor by electrical wires, slip rings and brushes.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission employing a flat belt extending between driving and driven pulley assemblies, each having a circumferential array of radially adjustable belt engaging elements, is disclosed in conjunction with a control system. The radial positions of the belt engaging elements of each pulley assembly depend upon the angular relationship between inner and outer guideway disk structures carrying logarithmic spiral guideways oriented in the opposite sense. Each pulley assembly includes a power consuming or producing element, such as an oil pump/motor, which is coupled through harmonic drive differential gearing to the guideway disks. When the load on the hydraulic unit operated as a pump is changed by changing the output pressure against which it pumps, the angular relationship between the inner and outer guideway disk structures changes to correspondingly change the positions of the guideway intersections.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission of the type employing a flat belt extending between driving and driven pulley assemblies, each having a circumferential array of radially adjustable belt engaging elements, is disclosed in conjunction with a self-energized control system for establishing the instantaneous radial position of the belt engaging elements. The radial positions of the belt engaging elements of each pulley assembly depend upon the angular relationship between inner and outer guideway disk structures carrying logarithmic spiral guideways oriented in the opposite sense, the resulting intersections of the spiral guideways supporting bearing regions at the ends of the belt engaging elements. Each pulley assembly includes a power consuming element, such as an oil pump, which is coupled through differential gearing, such as a harmonic drive, to the inner and outer guideway disks and to the power consuming element.

Abstract: In a continuously variable belt transmission system utilizing a drive pulley and a driven pulley having logarithmic spiral guideways in the pulley disks, the balance actuator torque is reduced significantly by having the logarithmic spiral guideways connected directly to the shaft of the driving pulley in a sense opposite to that of the direction of belt movement and in the case of the driven pulley having the sense of the logarithmic spiral guideways connected directly to the shaft the same as that of the driving belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device having stepless torque adjustment, especially for cycles. The drive device comprises a drive shaft (13), a first adjusting disc (1) arranged coaxially with the drive shaft (13), into which first adjusting disc (1) a spiral-like cutout (3) is incorporated at least partially about the center of the first adjusting disc (1), a second coaxially arranged adjusting disc (5) into which through slots (6) are incorporated which run outwards from the center of the second adjusting disc (5), and a coaxial segmented ring (27) consisting of individual segments (28) onto the outer periphery of which segmented ring (27) can be placed an endless drive element (30). The segments (28) each have extensions (43) which engage both in the spiral-like cutout (3) and in an allocated through slot (6). One of the said adjusting discs can be driven by the drive shaft (13), whereas the other non-driven adjusting disc can be blocked by means of a blocking device (10a and 10b).

Abstract: In a variable radius pulley drive system wherein a flat drive belt engages the central shanks of drive elements supported by the side pulley sheaves and the radial location of the drive elements is determined by the intersection of logarithmic spiral grooves in the pulley disks of the pulley sheaves whereof the stresses on the bearing members of the drive elements can be substantially reduced by disposing the belt element driving line toward or on the center line or axis of the bearing members of the drive elements.

Abstract: Adjustable-drive-ratio multiple-step transmission wherein a multiple-v belt passes around driving and driven pulleys each including movable sheave elements individually shiftable in discrete steps along respective trackways away from or toward the pulley axis for changing effective diameters for changing driving ratio (rotational speed relationship) between the two pulleys. In the appropriate rotation direction, either pulley can be driving or driven. Advantageously, the individual sheave elements are one-piece belt-load-locked units engaged with saw-toothed shaped steps along their respective individual trackways by action of belt force applied off-set to torque each sheave element in the plane of the pulley forcing its saw-toothed shaped gripping teeth into engagement with steps along one side of the trackway automatically retaining each sheave element in its shifted position when under belt loading.

Abstract: A transmission ratio varying arrangement involves establishing transmission between a drive shaft and a driven shaft by two orbital systems, one for each shaft, and including gear wheels which move concentric to the respective shafts thereof. One orbital system is joined to the other by simple or composite conventional transmission elements, the radius of each orbit being variable simultaneously, maintaining the sum thereof constant. Each of the shafts is provided with an identical truncated thickening which is in direct position and which, acting as a wedge, contacts radial supports which are guided in holes made in a sleeve which is equally spaced from the holes and which is provided at its outer part with peripheral wings perpendicular to the shaft. The wings are provided with radial notches in which there are guided the shafts on which there rest the gear wheels which move when the thickened shaft and the sleeve turn in unison joined by keys.

Abstract: A transmission ratio variator establishes transmission between a drive shaft and a driven shaft between two orbital systems comprising gear wheels which move concentrically to their respective shafts and where the radii of each orbit are simultaneously variable. The gear wheels are mounted on shafts which are radially displaced in notches made in peripheric wings of sleeves joined to the control elements of the orbits. Each of the shafts of the gear wheels has a truncated thickening contained in a housing provided in each gear wheel. The shafts are axially displaced while blocked in and unblocked from the wheels depending on the direction of the displacement thereof which is controlled by a disc emerging from a ring which is displaced along the sleeve controlled by a double fork whose movement is controlled at will and is produced by conventional means.

Abstract: This invention provides novel transmission means for interconnecting a rotary output shaft of drive means to a rotary input shaft of means to be driven by the drive means. Basically, the novel transmission means of the present invention comprises gear means mounted on base means for rotary movement relative thereto, with those gear means comprising first, second, third and fourth gears and each of those four gears including a hollow, fluid-receiving, radially inner hub portion that is rotatably mounted to the base means and a radially outer portion that is divided into plural segments, each having a radially outer end that is provided with teeth and a radially inner end comprising an arm mounted within the hollow hub portion for slidable movement relative thereto both towards and away from the radial center of the hub portion.

Abstract: A variable speed rotary power transmission comprises a planetary gear train having a cage with at least one planet gear meshed between a ring gear and a sun gear for orbital motion about an axis common to the ring gear and the sun gear. A driven output is connected to one of the planetary gear train elements and a driving input rotatably drives another of the planetary gear train elements. A variable speed drive assembly varies the relative rotational speed of the remaining planetary gear train element such that the driven output is rotatably driven at a speed which is continuously variable throughout a predetermined speed range without varying the speed of the driving input. In one preferred embodiment, the driving input is connected to the cage and the variable speed drive assembly rotatably drives the ring gear in the same rotational direction as the cage.

Abstract: A load-responsive variable diameter pulley in a drive system using a driving pulley and a driven pulley functionally connected by a belt. The basic pulley assembly includes two spaced apart parallel sideplates concentric to a hub. One plate is fixed to the hub while the other is movable angularly about the pulley axis relative to the fixed plate. Slots are provided in the surfaces of both plates and a plurality of arcuate belt-engaging segments located between the plates are provided with laterally extending pins that are received in the slots. In the basic pulley a spring normally urges the movable plate to bias it and belt-engaging segments to the position defining maximum pulley diameter. The slots in the fixed plates are in pairs and the individual slots are not parallel to each other. The slots are designed so that the chord of the effective arc of the arcuate segment guided in the slots is always perpendicular to a radius of the pulley.

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.