Abstract: A continuously variable transmission that comprises an input shaft to which torque may be applied, an adjustable gearing mechanism, and a driven element. The adjustable gearing mechanism is attached to the input shaft and is configured to continuously vary the drive ratio in response to the applied torque transmitted through the input shaft. The adjustable gearing mechanism includes a hub operatively connected to said input shaft, resilient arms, and an engaging portion. The resilient arms are attached to the hub. In one embodiment of a continuously variable transmission, the hub and the plurality of resilient arms are integrally formed so as to form a one-piece member. The resilient arms are configured to continuously adjust the outer diameter formed by the resilient arms. The engaging portion is integral with each of the resilient arms and is configured to cooperate with an endless member such as a chain. The driven element is operably connected to said gearing mechanism by the endless member.

Abstract: A chain drive transmission has a variable diameter sprocket. The sprocket has a number of sectors which can be moved radially relative to a hub of the sprocket. The sectors are biased outwardly but can be pulled inwardly by flexible members which wind around a spool. The spool is, in turn connected to an axially movable shifting member. The gear ratio of the transmission can be changed by either allowing the shifting member to move axially outwardly, in which case the effective diameter of the variable diameter sprocket increases, or by momentarily braking rotation of the shifting member, in which case the flexible members are wound onto the spool thereby reducing the effective diameter of the variable sprocket. Shifting between gear ratios may be done with a simple rugged mechanism. Shifting between gear ratios requires little force and can be controlled with an electromechanical actuator. Both driving and driven sprockets in a power transmission may be variable diameter sprockets.

Abstract: An infinitely variable ratio drive mechanism consisting of at least one variable diameter pulley and a flexible drive belt. A plurality of pulley segments are connected via links to a hub, such that their concerted arcs of motion describe a variable pulley diameter, the segments being biased one to another by resilient force. When two pulleys operate together, the effective diameters of both are adjusted in like direction. The drive pulley diameter is the resultant of a balance between the drive belt force exerted on the individual segments and the opposing resilient force. The plurality of belt engaging members describing the driven pulley adjust opposite the first, their position being actuated in the direction of belt force and restricted by belt length.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission system usable with the standard rear axle of most bicycles which utilizes a rotating chain sprocket engaging an endless chain for receiving an input torque and transmitting an output torque. A shifter device includes a stationary shifter ring, a moveable shifter plate, and an appropriate control mechanism for selectively displacing the shifter plate with respect to the shifter ring and sprocket. An appropriate apparatus means is utilized to selectively displace the longitudinal axis of the rear axle with respect to the axis of the shifter ring and axis of the sprocket to vary the torque transmission ratio.

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: A multi speed transmission mechanism for use on a bicycle, for example, wherein pressure on the pedal by the operator decreases or increases the diameter of the driver sprocket wheel to alter the gear ratio correspondingly. The sprocket is provided with opposed segments which are linked to both the sprocket wheel and an inner control disc. The segments move radially outwardly or inwardly in unison responsive to limited rotation of the control disc independently of rotation of the sprocket. Such rotation is foot controlled by the operator. Pressure on the foot pedal by the operator increases or decreases the working length of the bicycle sprocket chain by making the effective diameter of the sprocket smaller or larger. This alters the gear ratio correspondingly. The gear ratio may be maintained without change by a locking device on the sprocket wheel in contact with the control disc.

Abstract: A variable sprocket, particularly suitable for a bicycle transmission, comprising a drive flange and an indexing flange mounted on an axle with a pair of sprocket-segment-planets and at least two idler-planets sandwiched between said flanges forming a relatively rigid variable-sprocket, the planets adapted to expand and contract in response to a relative rotation of the flanges and thereby change 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 conveyor system which includes at least one drive sprocket and a plurality of idler sprockets to mesh with a continuous conveying member adapted to carry the work load. Support structure is provided for mounting the sprockets thereon in a predetermined arrangement in position to mesh with the conveying member to drive and guide the conveying member along a predetermined path. The sprockets are capable of variable pitch adjustment to accommodate for a pitch variation in the conveying member and adjust the sprockets to continue to mesh with the conveying member over a continuing period of use.

Abstract: A variable ratio, or adjustable ratio, mechanical drive mechanism employs a rotatable driving element the effective diameter of which may be changed. The driving element is segmented to permit effective diameter change by an alteration in the relative position of the segments.Alteration is effected by forcing a change in the separation of the axis of driving element and the point of engagement of the driving element with the driven element.