Abstract: In a pulley apparatus, belt supporting portions of belt support pieces, which support a belt from a radially inside thereof, are arranged along a circumferential direction of a power shaft and each have a predetermined circumferential length. In a pulley driven mode, the belt support pieces rotate about corresponding first supporting members in a direction making the belt supporting portions become closer to the power shaft with second supporting members being relatively moved in corresponding elongated holes toward radially outer ends thereof, causing the belt supporting portions to be reduced in radius. In a pulley driving mode, the belt support pieces rotate about the corresponding first supporting members in a direction making the belt supporting portions become further from the power shaft with the second supporting members being relatively moved in the corresponding elongated holes toward radially inner ends thereof, causing the belt supporting portions to be increased in radius.

Abstract: The transmission comprises a chainring (12) rotatable around an axis of rotation (x), at least one sprocket (13) and a chain (14) for transmitting to said at least one sprocket (13) the rotary motion of the chainring (12) around the axis of rotation (x). The chainring (12) comprises a disc (16) and a plurality of meshing devices (22; 122) which are mounted in radially movable manner on the disc (16) and are arranged to enable engagement of the disc (16) with the chain (14) for transmitting motion from the chainring (12) to the at least one sprocket (13) by means of the chain (14). The transmission further comprises shifting means (18, 60) for varying the radial position of the meshing devices (22; 122) in order to change the transmission ratio with which the chainring (12) transmits motion to the at least one sprocket (13).

Abstract: A transmission device includes a plurality of guide pins, a first plate having multiple first guide slots, a second plate having multiple second guide slots, and a third plate having multiple third guide slots. A projection of each of the first guide slots on the third plate is deviated from a respective one of the third guide slots in a first rotational direction. A projection of each of the second guide slots is deviated from a respective one of the third guide slots in a second rotational direction which is opposite to the first rotational direction. The guide pins are respectively and slidably disposed in the second guide slots. When the first plate rotates, the guide pins slide synchronously and are equidistant from an axis.

Abstract: A variable speed drive mechanism includes a fixed disk concentric with, attached to, and rotatable with a shaft about a central axis. A plurality of pulley segments are supported by the fixed disk, and are moveable relative to the fixed disk in a radial direction relative to the central axis. A moveable disk is concentric with the shaft, and is rotatably moveable about the shaft relative to the fixed disk. The moveable disk defines a spiral groove having a center concentric with the shaft. The pulley segments include a guided groove portion engaged with and moveable along the spiral groove. Rotation of the moveable disk relative to the fixed disk rotates the spiral groove about the central axis relative to the pulley segments, thereby moving the guided groove portions along the spiral groove to move the pulley segments radially relative to the central axis.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly has a rotational center axis and comprises a crank member, a sprocket member, a sliding mechanism, a first stopper member, a second stopper member and a damping member. The crank member rotatably is arranged around the rotational center axis. The sprocket member is integrally and rotatably attached to the crank member. The sliding mechanism movably coupling the sprocket member in an axial direction with respect to the crank member. The first stopper member is attached to the crank member. The second stopper member is attached to the sprocket member. The damping member is attached to at least one of the first stopper member and the second stopper member. The damping member is configured to contact the other of the first stopper member and the second stopper member while the sliding mechanism is in operation.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly having a rotational center axis is basically provided with a crank member and a sprocket member. The crank member includes a support portion that extends in the axial direction and an arm portion that is integrally rotatable around the rotational center axis with the support portion. The sprocket member includes a sliding portion that extends in the axial direction that is integrally rotatable with respect to the support portion and that is displaceable in the axial direction. The bicycle crank assembly is constructed to achieve high strength and to suppress the decrease in the efficiency of the rotation transmission from the crank member to the sprocket member in a crank assembly in which the sprocket member is movable in the axial direction.

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 variable diameter gear device for use in a variable ratio transmission system includes a gear tooth set deployed around an axle which defines an axis of rotation. The gear tooth set includes at least two displaceable gear tooth sequences, each including a multiple gear teeth spaced at a uniform pitch, and a diameter changer mechanically linked to the axle and to the gear tooth set. The diameter changer is deployed to transfer a turning moment between the axle and the gear tooth set, and to displace the gear tooth set so as to vary a degree of peripheral coextension between the gear tooth sequences. Specifically, the diameter changer transforms the gear device between at least two states in which the gear tooth set is deployed to provide an effective cylindrical gear with differing effective numbers of teeth. The gear device may be used either in direct engagement with another gear wheel or as part of a chain-based transmission system.

Abstract: A drive wheel for pulling a chain has a diameter that can be changed continuously as the drive wheel rotates. The drive wheel has a drive shaft and there are at least 2 chain-engaging means (teeth or blades) positioned around the drive shaft for engaging a chain. The wheel has a number of modules that support the chain-engaging means and permit the chain-engaging means to move slightly in a circumferential direction a distance sufficient to engage the chain. Module locks prevent such movement when the chain is engaged, but permit it when the chain is not engaged. Extenders connect the modules to the drive shaft and can change the distance between the modules and the drive shaft while the drive shaft is rotating. Extender locks prevent the extenders from changing that distance when the chain is engaged but permit such change when the chain is not engaged. A transmission can be made by connecting the drive wheel to a sprocket wheel with a chain.

Abstract: A drive wheel for pulling a chain has a diameter that can be changed continuously as the drive wheel rotates. The drive wheel has a drive shaft and there are at least 2 chain-engaging means (teeth or blades) positioned around the drive shaft for engaging a chain. The wheel has a number of modules that support the chain-engaging means and permit the chain-engaging means to move slightly in a circumferential direction a distance sufficient to engage the chain. Module locks prevent such movement when the chain is engaged, but permit it when the chain is not engaged. Extenders connect the modules to the drive shaft and can change the distance between the modules and the drive shaft while the drive shaft is rotating. Extender locks prevent the extenders from changing that distance when the chain is engaged but permit such change when the chain is not engaged. A transmission can be made by connecting the drive wheel to a sprocket wheel with a chain.

Abstract: An expandable pulley. The expandable pulley comprises a plurality of belt blocks arranged about an axis of rotation. Each belt block bears upon a radial surface extending normally to the axis of rotation. Another surface of each belt block bears upon a conical member surface which is moveable coaxially with the axis of rotation. A spring bears upon the conical member which urges the conical member in an axial direction, which in turn urges the belt blocks radially outward to compensate for a belt length change and to maintain a belt tension. An elastic member holds the belt blocks in contact with the conical member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission capable of surely transmitting power even in a configuration in which the diameter of a rotating body is changed. When movable members of the rotating body are moved in the radial direction, the diameter of a winding member that is wound around the movable members increases or decreases, so that the speed reducing ratio with respect to the other rotating body changes. In this case, the circumferential length of the winding member that is wound around the movable members is changed by causing the other end side of the winding member to go in or out through between the movable members. At this time, since the circumferential length of the winding member changes stepwise by the predetermined number of the engagement portions of the winding member, the engagement portions of the transmitting member can always be engaged surely with the engagement portions of the winding member even if the speed is changed.

Abstract: A rotary power source and a continuously variable transmission are coupled together. The continuously variable transmission includes a first shaft, a first pulley coupled to rotate with the first shaft, a second shaft, a second pulley coupled to rotate with the second shaft, and an endless power transfer loop coupled about the first pulley and second pulley. The first pulley is of a variable diameter type to adjust turning ratio relative to the second pulley. This first pulley includes a pulley cage including a number of bars radially spaced apart from one another about the first shaft that are each inclined relative to a rotational axis of the first shaft and define a generally frustoconical shape. The first pulley also includes a disk defining a number of slots each receiving a corresponding one of the bars therethrough. A number of carriers are coupled to the disk to travel along a corresponding one of the slots and a corresponding one of the bars.

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 belt drive for bicycles with a drive pulley rotated by the pedals of the bicycle and a driven pulley for driving the rear wheels of the bicycle. A V-belt connects the pulleys. Each pulley is made in sections with each section being an arc of a circle. These sections in collapsed position form a circle. The sections of each pulley may be moved outward to provide a larger diameter. A plate rotates in frictional contact with each pulley. To change the gear ratio a brake is applied against the friction plate to cause relative motion between the pulley and the complimentary friction plate.

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 segements are respectively mounted in a plurality of radially extending elongated tracks with 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 whe outside the predetermined arc of rotation.

Abstract: A drive transmission for work producing mechanism, such as a bicycle or other vehicle, in which a carrier member is mounted on a rotatable crank shaft and has a plurality of spaced, pivotally mounted segments, with each segment carrying a rotatable drive element, such as a chain-engageable sprocket. An endless, flexible member, such as a roller chain, is coupled with the sprocket, each segment being in mesh with a free-wheeling gear rotatably mounted on the crank shaft. A chain takeup damper is carried in spaced relationship to the crank shaft and applies tension to a part of the chain at all times. As torque requirements on the crank shaft increase, the other part of the chain increases in tension causing the sprockets to be rotated toward the crank shaft to increase the drive ratio of the transmission. A resilient endless flexible band biases the segments outwardly of the crank shaft and into a maximum drive ratio.

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 transmission is described which provides a continuously and infinitely variable number of ratios within a finite range of gear ratios. The transmission comprises two rotary disk assemblies, one of which is driven by an input shaft, and the other of which drives an output shaft to which varying loads may be applied. The two disk assemblies are connected by a coupling mechanism, such as a coupling ring, which rotates in response to the rotation of the input disk assembly, causing the output disk assembly to rotate in the same direction. The coupling ring rides on contact pads located within slots in each of the disk assemblies, which contact pads form two circles with continuously variable diameters with respect to the center of each disk assembly. The contact pads move along slots of differing angles on two disks within each disk assembly at a position determined by the intersection of the angled slots.

Abstract: An automatic bicycle transmission includes in combination a sprocket wheel assembly which is responsive to the input torque applied at the pedals, a chain takeup assembly to maintain the chain taut under all operative positions of the sprocket wheel assembly and a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to the takeup assembly by a control cable to apply hydraulic damping forces upon the sprocket wheel assembly to hydraulically smooth the transition between high gear ratio and low gear ratio positions. The sprocket wheel assembly includes a reference wheel that is rotated by the pedals and a pair of diametrically opposed chain gear sliders and a pair of diametrically opposed chain sliders. All of the sliders are simultaneously radially reciprocal along radial slots in the reference wheel in response to changes of input torque applied at the pedals.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for positioning a bearing surface relative to a track. The invention, in one embodiment, includes a rotatably mounted drive mechanism which is provided with a plurality of radially oriented tracks. The drive mechanism preferably comprises a pair of parallel drive disks with co-linear, radial tracks having tooth-like formations arranged therein. A movable sheave segment is mounted between each set of co-linear tracks. Each sheave segment comprises two pair of engagement blocks, one pair for each track and an independent multi-element cam lock. Tooth formations on the engagement blocks provide formations for locking each sheave segment into place in the toothed track. Each sheave segment's bearing surface is engaged by an endless 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 flat belt CVT is disclosed in which a geared control system is employed to establish and maintain the effective diameter of each pulley assembly by determining the mutual angular relationship between sets of inner and outer guideway disks provided with spirals oriented in the opposite sense and supporting belt engaging elements at their intersections. The sets of guideway disks are coupled through a planetary gear system which includes a component which can be externally manipulated to adjust the angular relationship between the sets of inner and outer guideway disks while rotating. The planetary gear system includes a first sun gear which meshes with star gears whose shafts are fixed in position with respect to the first sun gear. A second sun gear meshes with planet gears which may orbit around the second sun gear while rotating on a planet carrier.

Abstract: The described invention includes a rotatably mounted drive mechanism which is provided with a plurality of radially oriented tracks. The drive mechanism preferably comprises a pair of opposed drive disks with colinear radial tracks having tooth-like formations arranged therein. A movable sheave segment is mounted in each track. Each sheave segment is engaged by an endless 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. Toothed engagement blocks are associated with each sheave segment to provide a engagement blocks for locking the sheave segment into place in the track. A wedge cam is associatd with each sheave segment and is forced by belt pressure to rigidly bias the sheave segemnts' toothed engagement blocks against the tooth-like formations in the track.

Abstract: Drive mechanism, particularly for use with a bicycle, of the type having variable diameter drive and driven members connected by an endless belt which engages adjustable segments on the members. Through a control member the drive ratio can be adjusted to multiple, discrete settings. Belt wrap is maintained between the belt and the drive and driven members at all settings by two idlers which are independently supported for movement. A locking rail is used to release and secure the segments on the members and a split clutch is used with the driven member for easy rear wheel removal. The mechanism has a lost motion device to accommodate forward and rearward pedaling without harming the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is modular in contruction so it can be used with frames of varying sizes and the drive mechanism can be quickly removed from or assembled to the bicycle frame when replacement is desired.

Abstract: A variable transmission with an integral shifter, particularly suitable for a bicycle, having a variable-sprocket mounted on an axle having crank-arms. The variable-sprocket comprises a drive-flange and a indexing-flange, a pair of sprocket-segment-planets and at least a pair of idler-planets connected to the flanges, the planets adapted to expand and contract in response to a relative rotation of the flanges and thereby increase and decrease, respectively, the effective diameter of the variable-sprocket; and the sprocket-segment-planets are arranged along an imaginary line defined by the crank-arms.

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 fifteen speed bicycle transmissiion wholly located on the rear driving wheel except for a manual control mounted elsewhere, e.g. on the handle bar, and including two closely arranged circular co-axial plates on the hub, one plate being a drive plate with radial slots and the other plate being a cam plate with curved slots, and sprocket elements each located in a combined curved and straight slot for radial adjustment upon rotary motion between plates, and locking member including notches and pawls on the plates at the peripheries thereof and actuated to unlock the plates by the control.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for use on a bicycle is mounted on a bracket that is connected to the rear axle of the bicycle. A first chain connects the chain wheel with a sprocket fixed for rotation with the drive pulley of the transmission. A second chain transmits power from a sprocket fixed for rotation with the driven pulley to the rear wheel hub sprocket. A V-belt is used to transmit power between the driven and driven pulleys. Once a predetermined input torque is reached during pedalling, the transmission automatically changes the speed ratio between the chain wheel and the driven rear wheel of the bicycle. The gear ratio continues to change automatically and steplessly in response to increasing torque through the entire range of gear ratio change, which is approximately equal to the range provided by a standard ten speed bicycle. To selectively prevent the transmission from automatically changing the speed ratio, a hold system is provided.

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission includes an input and an output, having an expansible chainwheel. A first drive path is provided to rotate the chainwheel and a second drive path is provided to increase the diameter of the chainwheel upon application of a first input torque and to decrease the diameter of the chainwheel upon application of a second input torque of opposite sense to the first input torque. The first and second drive paths are connected to the input so that the second drive path has a mechanical advantage over the first to provide an increase in diameter of the chainwheel prior to its rotation.

Abstract: A speed control device for a bicycle having a positioning mechanism provided with a first positioning portion having engaging portions corresponding in number to the speed change stages, a second positioning portion having engaging portions larger in number than the engaging portions of the first positioning portion, and at least one engaging member engageable with the respective engaging portions of the first and second positioning portions, thereby enabling the number of speed change stages set by the positioning mechanism to be changed by selecting engagement with one of the first and second positioning portions.

Abstract: A variable ratio bicycle chain drive uses a variable radius sprocket assembly having a number of chain engagement elements mounted to worm gears for movement along radial channels. Radius changer gears, such as star wheels, are mounted on at least some worm gears to cause them to rotate upon contact with teeth of a switch. Drive gears are connected to each other by a center gear and connected to the worm gears to ensure that all worm gears rotate in unison.

Abstract: An incrementally variable transmission, particularly suitable for a bicycle, having a variable-sprocket mounted on an axle having crank-arms. The variable-sprocket comprises a drive-flange and a indexing-flange, a pair of sprocket-segment-planets and at least a pair of idler-planets connected to the flanges, the planets adapted to expand and contract in response to a relative rotation of the flanges and thereby increase and decrease, respectively, the effective diameter of the variable-sprocket, and the sprocket-segment-planets are arranged along an imaginary line defined by said crank-arms.

Abstract: A variable-speed drive unit for a chain drive comprising a drive wheel (12) which contains a series of radially mounted threaded rods (14) which pass through internally threaded blocks (22), upon which are selectively mounted free wheeling sprockets (28) and rigidly connected driving sprocket segments (30); the radially inner end portions of the threaded rods (14) being rotatably mounted into a hub (10) and rigidly attached to a primary bevel gear (34) which engages secondary bevel gears (36) (38) mounted on either side thereof; the secondary bevel gears (36) (38) being attached to actuator disks (40) (42) mounted on either side of the unit; the actuator disks (40) (42) being disposed for selective engagement by spring biased actuator arms (54) (56) whereby the associated bevel gears (34) (36) (38) will be rotated thus moving the blocks (22) selectively up or down the threaded rods (14) so as to effectively vary the diameter of a circle described by the chain sprockets (28) and sprocket segments (30) as they

Abstract: An incrementally variable transmission, particularly suitable for a bicycle, having a variable-sprocket which comprises: A drive-flange and an indexing-flange mounted on an axle with a pair of sprocket-segment-planets and at least a pair of idler-planets sandwiched between the flanges, the planets adapted to expand and contract in response to a relative rotation of the flanges and thereby increase and decrease, respectively, the effective diameter of the variable-sprocket.

Abstract: In an automatic variable speed transmission, expansible pulleys function to change the speed ratio between driving and driven shafts. The pulleys are constructed in segments or arms that are pivoted at one end to swing outwardly. Each arm includes a V-shaped groove for receiving a V-belt. At a minimum diameter, the arms form a composite solid body and at a maximum diameter, when each arm is fully extended, a segmented pulley is formed. Automatic speed ratio change is disclosed in both the forward and reverse direction of rotation by proper combination of the pulleys.

Abstract: An incrementally variable transmission, particularly suitable for a bicycle, having a variable sprocket which comprises: A drive flange and an indexing flange mounted on an axle with a pair of sprocket-segment-planets and at least a pair of idler-planets sandwiched between said flanges and forming a relatively rigid structure, the planets adapted to expand and contract in response to a relative rotation of the flanges and thereby increase and decrease, respectively, the effective diameter of the variable-sprocket.

Abstract: An automatic transmission comprises a first rotating assembly coupled via a bias member to a second rotating assembly. The second rotating assembly varies its effective diameter in response to the torque applied to the transmission. The bias member, e.g., a spring, holds the first and second rotating assemblies in a first relative position. However, as the applied torque increases the bias tension is overcome and relative rotation of the first and second assemblies occurs towards a second relative position; and simultaneously, the effective diameter of the second rotating assembly decreases.

Abstract: A pulley with a variable working diameter, including two coaxial disks which are rotatable relative to one another, of which the one has a radial and the other at least one spiral-shaped guide groove. A plurality of support members with a segmentlike form are positioned between the disks and can be clamped with their front sides between the disks in different radial positions so that their radially outer peripheral areas define a polygonal path which is similar to a circle. The support members having projections engaged in the guide grooves of both disks so that relative rotation of the disks moves the support members radially for changing the respective circle diameter. Each support member--viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation of the disks--has the shape of an asymmetrical segment, preferably a circular-ring segment, with a longer and a shorter diagonal.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises at least one driving shaft and at least one driven shaft. A first pulley is keyed to rotate with the driving shaft and has a cheek which is fixed in translation and a cheek which is movable in translation relative to the first cheek. A second pulley is keyed to rotate with the driven shaft and has a cheek which is fixed in translation and a cheek which is movable in translation relative to the fixed cheek. A device is provided for controlling the displacement of the movable cheek of the first pulley. A transmission device extends around the first pulley and the second pulley. Radial elements adapted to be engaged in corresponding recesses in the transmission device are keyed to rotate with the driving shaft and the driven shaft between the cheeks of the first pulley and second pulley.