Abstract: A drive train system for human powered vehicles whereby the pedals move in a linear or slightly curved path, providing a superior ergonomic ride. Power is transmitted from the pedals by a flexible drive tension transmitting component to two one way locking continuous variable radius helicoids mounted on a shaft by means of a one way locking mechanism. The pedals move alternatively back and forth pulling the cables and unwinding (active phase) their corresponding helicoids and thus transferring spinning motion to the shaft. The helicoids act as a set of sprockets of continuous variable radius optimizing the ergonomic delivery of leg power to the shaft. A step-less shifting system alters the length of cable wound in the helicoids and can manually select the “zone” of the helicoids utilized for optimal power transmission. This gearing system can manually adjust the power-speed ratio according to the environment demands, akin to a gear system.

Abstract: A drive system is provided comprising two rotatable drive members which have different effective mechanical advantages. The rotatable drive members are directionally linked or indexed in a one to one relationship. A drive link, such as a chain, band or belt, is connected to each of the drive members. The drive link is also linked to a source of potential energy, such as a drive weight or a drive spring. The drive members rotate upon movement of the drive link in reaction to the energy source. While the drive members rotate similarly through the one to one link, the drive link moves in relation to the difference in mechanical advantage between the rotatable drive members. The differential drive system can be used to provide a driving force for a connected device, such as a clock. In some embodiments, a secondary bias force, such as a bias weight, spring, or dampener, is used to take up slack and/or to provide tension for the drive link.

Abstract: A system for the transmission of motion to a winch for sailboats, in particular for racing and/or cruising sailboats, comprises first belt transmission means housed inside a pedestal and second belt transmission means between the pedestal and a winch. The transmission system comprises in particular a drive pulley housed in the pedestal, a driven pulley intended to be coaxially mounted onto the primary rotational shaft of the winch, a single belt between the drive pulley and the driven pulley and a pair of motion deviation pulleys between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The transmission system thus provide for the use of a single belt and a plurality of pulleys; this allows to remarkably reduce the manufacturing costs of the system and simplify its assembly operations onto the boat.

Abstract: A drive, preferably a gate drive with a belt transmission encompassing a drive pulley and an output pulley. According to the invention the drive pulley consists of at least one cylinder with inwardly tapering flanges at its ends. A round belt, rope or similar serves as a drive agent, which is wound a number of times around the cylinder. The return strand of the round belt, rope or similar can be held continuously under tension.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism is provided in which a driving member rotatingly transmitting power and a driven member receiving the transmitted power are arranged concentrically for rotation relative to each other. A torsion member is accommodated between the driving member and the driven member. A first hysteresis mechanism including at least one friction member is provided on the inner peripheral side of a spacing accommodating the torsion mechanism. The friction member of the first hysteresis mechanism may be split into a plurality of portions each passing through, with clearance, a respective hole or cut-out in the driven member. A second hysteresis mechanism including at least one friction member is arranged outside the space accommodating the torsion mechanism. The second hysteresis mechanism generates hysteresis separate from that generated by the first hysteresis mechanism. The torsion member may be plural torsion springs with differing spring constants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the tractive force between the wire hoist ropes and the drive sheave of a traction elevator system which includes an elevator car and a counterweight. The drive sheave is disposed between first and second idler or secondary sheaves, and the car and counterweight are roped via successive first and second 180 degree wraps about the drive sheave, with the first 180 degree wrap including the drive sheave and one of the idler sheaves, and the second 180 degree wrap including the drive sheave and the remaining idler sheave. The drive sheave is thus roped with a wrap of approximately 360 degrees, which remains constant regardless of the spacing between the elevator car and counterweight.