Abstract: In a belt-type continuously variable transmission having a primary pulley provided on a primary shaft, a belt wound and hung around the primary pulley, a carrier fitted to the primary pulley in a power transmissible manner, and a bearing supporting the primary pulley, a gap allowing the primary shaft and the carrier to intersect with each other is provided between outer and inner teeth for fitting the primary shaft and the carrier to each other.

Abstract: A pulling device transmission includes an stepless V-belt connection two pulleys wherein at least one of the pulleys is an adjusting pulley which is composed by two halves between which the belt runs through. The operative diameter of the adjusting pulley is adjustable relative to the belt plane where the belt runs thereon and the adjusting pulley halves are symmetrically pre-stressed with respect to the belt plane. A variator unit is designed for displacing the travel path of the belt in the respective to the adjusting pulley.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission, and particularly a control arrangement thereof and a method for reducing belt slippage in the transmission, are disclosed. A single source of constant hydraulic pressure is operatively connected for driving each of the hydraulically operated actuators for axially movable sheaves of primary and secondary pulleys of the transmission. A hydraulic pressure control loop controls the hydraulic pressure applied to the actuator of the secondary pulley as a function of the sensed load of the device being driven on the transmission and the pitch radius of the secondary pulley. An output speed control loop controls the output speed of the transmission driving the device to be driven. Preferably, the output speed control loop may be set to control the output speed at a constant value for driving an aircraft electric generator. The control arrangement and method are simpler and more robust than previous control arrangements and methods.

Abstract: A pedal crank drive for a bicycle, comprises a shaft (3) extending through a bearing housing (4), a chain wheel (8) having at least one gear rim (9), where the hub (7) of the chain wheel is rotatably mounted with respect to the shaft (3), and a power transmission spring (10) supported on the one hand on the shaft (3) and on the other hand on the hub (7) of the chain wheel (8) and disposed inside the bearing housing (4). The power transmission spring (10) consist of separate, individual spring elements (11) distributed around the periphery of the shaft (3) and each spring element is supported on the hub (7) of the chain wheel (8) and on the shaft (3).

Abstract: A protective plate for attachment to a bicycle frame for guiding a chain includes a plate body having a first side for facing laterally toward the bicycle frame, a second side for facing laterally away from the bicycle frame, a lower portion, and an upper portion. The lower portion of the first side of the plate body is structured to align with a bottom bracket of the bicycle, and a positioning abutment member is disposed on the upper portion of the first side of the support body. An upper surface of the positioning abutment member forms a positioning abutment for positioning a front derailleur to the bicycle frame. Additionally, a chain guiding abutment may be formed on the upper portion of the second side of the support body for guiding the chain as the chain shifts from a larger chainring to a smaller chainring.

Abstract: A transmission is constituted by drive and driven side movable pulleys (11 and 16), a metallic V belt (15) and drive and driven side cylinder chambers (14 and 19) for controlling the width of both pulleys. A hydraulic control system for the transmission, according to the present invention, is characterized as follow. The line pressure (PL) is set using first and second regulator valves (31, 32). First control oil pressure (PC1) supplied to the drive side cylinder chamber is controlled using a first linear solenoid valve (41) and a first pulley control valve (43). Second control oil pressure (PC2) supplied to the driven side cylinder chamber is set using a second linear solenoid valve (45) and a second pulley control valve (47). In addition, first and second regulator valves (31, 32) regulates the line pressure using control back pressure which is the higher of first and second control back pressure respectively set by the first and second linear solenoid valves (41, 45).

Abstract: A serpentine belt drive system for an automotive vehicle comprising a drive assembly including an internal combustion engine having an output shaft with a driving pulley thereon rotatable about a driving pulley axis. A sequence of driven assemblies each has a driven pulley rotatable about an axis parallel with the driving pulley axis and a serpentine belt mounted in cooperating relation with the driving pulley and with the driven pulleys in a sequence which corresponds with the sequence of the driven assemblies when related to the direction of movement of the belt to cause said driven pulleys to rotate in response to the rotation of the driving pulley. The sequence of driven assemblies includes an alternator assembly including an alternator shaft mounted for rotation about a shaft axis. A hub structure is fixedly carried by the alternator shaft for rotation therewith about the shaft axis. A spring and one-way clutch mechanism couples the alternator pulley with the hub structure.

Abstract: A two speed pulley assembly comprised of a sheave, a brake member, an output member, and a brake. The sheave receives a rotational input and also includes a series of carrier arms which cooperate to define a circle which is coaxially with the sheave. Rollers are rotatably supported on said carrier arms. A braking member is rotatably supported relative to said sheave and includes portions defining a first raceway in contact with the rollers. An output sleeve is also rotationally supported relative to the sheave. The output sleeve includes portions defining a second raceway in contact with the rollers. The brake inhibits rotation of the braking member when engaged while permitting rotation thereof when disengaged. Mounted between the sheave and the output sleeve is a one-way clutch bearing. The clutch bearing engages when rotation of the sheave attempts to or begins to overrun rotation of the sleeve.

Abstract: A spring-assist drive for a pedal-operated rider-propelled vehicle such as a bicycle which makes use of a wind-up coil spring mounted within the frame of the bicycle as auxiliary power. The spring is selectively wound by the rider operating the pedals to turn a spindle on which is mounted a sprocket wheel. A chain from the sprocket wheel drives a pivoting gear assembly comprising a ratcheting sprocket and attached drive gear. In a preferred embodiment, the tension on the chain will be adjustable by a chain tension adjustment mechanism. The drive gear releasably engages a power gear mounted on a common hub with the spring. A brake band and drum assembly holds the energy in the spring until the brake is released by the rider, whereupon the spring unwinds to drive a sprocket wheel mounted on the common hub, which sprocket wheel is connected to a sprocket wheel mounted on the spindle, turning the rear wheel drive sprocket wheel and the rear wheel.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the tension of a belt of a belt transmission provides a higher accuracy of the estimate of the engine torque, which is to be expected, and therefore a better proportioning of the tension is obtained. For this purpose, signals are made available from the engine control which controls the internal combustion engine. These signals make possible a precise estimation of the engine torque. In a first embodiment, this signal can, for example, be an estimated value for the engine torque to be expected. The estimated value is, for example, formed in the engine control. In a second embodiment, these signals can be the quantity of air mass inducted by the engine (that is, the signal derived therefrom) and the ignition angle of the engine. The tension of the belt can be reduced by the more accurate estimate of the engine torque so that an improved transmission efficiency results.

Abstract: A front derailleur for shifting gears on a chain driven bicycle, the chain having a drive run and a return run from a plurality of chainwheels, uses a chain supporting idler cog to vertically control the chainline of the chain drive run and to also move transversely to shift the chain from one of the chainwheels to another.

Abstract: A power transmission system used in connection with a vehicle power wheel of a bicycle or other vehicle which has a fixed axle and which utilizes a rotating chain sprocket engaging an endless chain for receiving an input torque and transmitting an output torque. The system includes a transmission ratio varying apparatus that is operably connected to the wheel by the endless chain. The transition ratio apparatus incorporates a drive collar fixedly secured to a sprocket and having one or more input and output drive rings. A drive body is displaceable with respect to the input and output drive rings and includes input and output pawls pivotally connected to the drive body and engageable with the input and output drive rings. A shifter housing is moveable with respect to the fixed axle cam to rotatably shift the drive body with respect to the drive ring and change the relationship between the input and output pawls and thereby vary the torque transmission ratio.

Abstract: A bicycle mechanism to permit a forward force to be applied to the bicycle's drive wheel by backward rotation of the bicycle's pedals in addition to permitting a forward force to be applied to the drive wheel by a forward rotation of said pedals. The bicycle mechanism preferably has pedal arms, having pedals mounted thereon, mounted on a pedal shaft to drive the pedal shaft in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and a driving means to cause the forward movement of the bicycle when the pedal shaft is driven in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: A variable speed mechanism for propelling an associated lawn mowing apparatus has a variable pitch pulley assembly, a belt which connects the variable pitch pulley assembly to a transmission, a control arm assembly for controlling the variable pitch pulley assembly, and a speed selector for selectively adjusting the control arm assembly. The speed selector is positioned corresponding to the desired lawn mowing apparatus ground speed. This creates tension in a cable which moves a control arm. When the control arm is moved, it rotates about a pivot shaft adjusting the position of a bearing cup which, in turn, adjusts the position of the moveable pulley half within variable pitch pulley assembly. Once the pulley assembly has been positioned, the effective belt diameter is set. If the effective belt diameter is increased, the speed supplied to the transmission is increased assuming a fixed pulley size on the transmission input.

Abstract: A bicycle mechanism to permit a forward force to be applied to the bicycle's drive wheel by backward rotation of the bicycle's pedals in addition to permitting a forward force to be applied to the drive wheel by a forward rotation of said pedals. The bicycle mechanism preferably has pedal arms, having pedals mounted thereon, mounted on a pedal shaft to drive the pedal shaft in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and a driving means to cause the forward movement of the bicycle when the pedal shaft is driven in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: In a system for adjusting the tension of an endless transmitting belt in an internal combustion engine, a control system automatically adjusts the tension to be applied from a tensioner to the endless transmitting belt. The control system includes a driving-side rotational state detecting device for detecting the rotational state of a driving wheel which drives the endless transmitting belt. A driven-side rotational state detecting device detects the rotational state of a driven wheel driven by the endless transmitting belt. A control unit calculates a difference in rotational phase between the driving and driven wheels from results of detection by both rotational state detecting devices and controls the operation of a tension changing device in accordance with the difference in rotational phase. Thus, it is possible to accurately and quickly accommodate a very small variation in tension of the transmitting belt without specially using a strain gauge.

Abstract: A system for powering various rotating vehicle accessories such as an alternator, a power steering pump, and an air-conditioning compressor from both a water pump and an engine's crankshaft. At relatively low engine crankshaft speeds, the accessories are driven by a clutch mounted on a water pump at a first speed ratio relative to the engine crankshaft speed; at relatively high engine crankshaft speeds, the accessories are driven by the crankshaft at a second speed ratio relative to the engine crankshaft speed.

Abstract: A transmission for reducing the pulley ratio between a drive shaft and a transmission shaft. The transmission is adapted to convert a higher speed rotary motion to a lower speed linear motion. The transmission has two pulleys rigidly mounted together on a shaft and the pulleys have a different number of teeth. A pair of belts are mounted on the drive shaft and a follower shaft, each one of the belts engages one of the transmission pulleys. One belt on the transmission shaft engages a pulley on the top of a first transmission pulley and another on the bottom of a second transmission pulley. When the drive shaft imparts motion to the belts, the belts move the transmission between the drive shaft and the follower shaft. By arresting the movement of one of the belts by a clutch/brake, the transmission can be converted into a two speed transmission. If the belts are independently driven, one each by two motors, the transmission becomes operable in an infinite number of pulley ratios.

Abstract: A cyclometer computer display unit for providing an on-board computer to display real-time instructions to the cyclist. The computer has a central display mounted on a handlebar bracket. Sensors mounted to the front wheel detect the current wheel rotation velocity of the bicycle. Stored data in the computer including the wheel diameter, and gear ratios, and a maximum and minimum effective cadence range are used to calculate theoretical cadences (pedal rpms) for each gear for the cyclist. Certain theoretical cadences are displayed along with various gear ratios to coach the cyclist on which gears would place the cyclist in a cadence within the desired cadence range. Optional shifter position sensors, derailleur position sensors, or crankarm rotation sensors can be used to determine and display the actual cadence and current gear.

Abstract: A chain shifting apparatus senses bias of pre-set peak pedal force to incrementally move a derailleur cable in a first direction, and to store spring energy. A governor apparatus senses peak cadence to move the cable in a second direction. A cam action from a pedalled-sprocket communicates a timing instant for shifting under low chain transmitting force. A derailleur cable motion distributor communicates single cable up-shift and down-shift instruction from a finger shift and from spring-loaded automatic collet actions to route chains onto available front or rear sprocket sets.

Abstract: A continuously variable hydrostatic transmission includes an input shaft connected to drive a hydraulic pump unit, a grounded hydraulic motor unit, and an output shaft. A wedge-shaped swashplate is pivotally mounted to the output shaft in driving connection to receive output torque resulting from the exchange of pressurized hydraulic fluid between the pump and motor units through specially configured ports in the swashplate. A hydraulically actuated ratio controller shifts the axial positions of spherical bearings mounting a pump cylinder block in the hydraulic pump unit and a motor cylinder block in the hydraulic motor unit to adjust the swashplate angle relative to the output shaft axis and thereby change transmission ratio.

Abstract: Device for management of two derailleurs for cycles. The device comprises actuating levers connected to two derailleur gears by transmission cables (C.sub.1, C.sub.2). It is characterized in that it comprises a cam (26, 81, 82) which is driven in rotation with respect to a second element (42, 64) by the action of actuating levers and which acts on an element of a fixed part (12, 60) of the device. The reaction of the fixed part induces a movement of a part (20, 71, 72) of the device carrying at least one of the elements and on which the transmission cables are integral. The movement occurs simultaneously with the rotation of the first element (26, 80), so that traction is exerted at the same time in the same direction on the transmission cables (C.sub.1. C.sub.2), one of which is caused to move. The device is particularly useful in the cycle industry.

Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission has a drive pulley coupled to an input shaft, a driven pulley coupled to an output shaft, a V-belt trained around the drive and driven pulleys, a drive-pulley cylinder for varying the pulley width of the drive pulley, and a driven-pulley cylinder for varying the pulley width of the driven pulley.

Abstract: Method of and device for power transmission using a circulating fluid under pressure delivered from a hydraulic pump in proportion to the number of revolutions of an engine output shaft. In order to intermittently transmit a rotational force of an engine output shaft to a gear box input shaft, the internal gear of the planetary gear drive is changed in its state between a rotatable state, a slip state and a fixed state in accordance with the number of revolutions of the engine output shaft.

Abstract: In a chain driving mechanism a chain runs around a wheel-side sprocket of a set of sprockets and around a pedal crank-side sprocket. The engaged sprocket is located between a sprocket of larger diameter and a sprocket of smaller diameter. The chain is in axial direction adjacent said neighbouring sprocket of larger diameter and projects in opposite direction beyond the neighbouring sprocket of smaller diameter.

Abstract: For bicyclists having one leg shorter than the other, a crank and pedal assembly is provided to more evenly distribute the forces exerted by both legs when pedaling a bicycle. The crank and pedal assembly includes a drive axle rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame, and a chainwheel eccentrically mounted on the axle. A pair of crank arms extend generally perpendicularly away from the drive axle in opposite directions from one another, and pedals are rotatably mounted to the free ends of each crank arm in a traditional manner. The pedals are so mounted, however, to position the bottoms of the balls of the rider's feet to be offset from the axis of rotation of the respective pedals by the same distance but in opposite directions when the crank arms are vertically disposed. More specifically, the pedals are mounted such that the balls of the rider's feet are each offset a distance equivalent to one-half of the difference in the lengths of the rider's legs.

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: A drive system for driving an engine auxiliary equipment has a first power transfer device for transferring an output torque of the crankshaft to an interim shaft at all time and a second power transfer device comprising a crank pulley mounted for relative rotation on the crankshaft, an interim pulley mounted for relative rotation on the interim shaft and an input pulley related to the auxiliary equipment all of which pulleys are operationally coupled by a belt so as to transfer an output torque of the crankshaft to the auxiliary equipment. A first clutch is disposed between the crankshaft and crank pulley so as to connect and disconnect a transfer of power between the crankshaft and crank pulley. A second clutch is disposed between the interim shaft and interim pulley so as to connect and disconnect a transfer of power between the interim shaft and interim pulley.

Abstract: A variable speed mechanism comprises a constant speed transmission set, a variable speed transmission set, a sun gear set comprising a first sun gear and a second sun gear, a locating member, two planetary gear sets, and a power source. The first sun gear is actuated to rotate at a constant speed by the constant speed transmission set. The rotating speed of the second sun gear 32 can be altered by adjusting the variable speed transmission set so as to cause the rotation of a power output shaft of the speed changing mechanism to accelerate, decelerate, reduce to zero, or reverse.

Abstract: A drive system for a conveyor belt drive assembly including a motor rotatably connected to the input shaft of a fluid coupling with the output shaft of the fluid coupling being rotatably connectable to the drive assembly. A motor speed controller controls the speed of the motor, so as to cause the drive shaft to maintain a desired torque.

Abstract: A toroidal-type power transmission device in which pivoting drive wheel assemblies (5 and 6), comprised each in part of a drive wheel (15) and frictional ring (18), transmit rotational power from a driving toroidal race (1) to a driven toroidal race (2). For each pivoting drive wheel assembly (5 and 6), a drive wheel (15) is rotatably attached to a holding frame (19), such that each drive wheel (15) is permitted substantially free rotation about a respective axle (17). One end of a holding frame (19) is rotatably attached with a control shaft (20) to a mounting structure (10). The opposite end of the holding frame (19) is rotatably attached with a control shaft (21) to a mounting structure (9). The drive wheel (15) and holding frame (19) can therefore pivot as a unit about an axis situated through control shaft (20) and control shaft (21). A driving toroidal race (1) is fixedly attached to a driving shaft (3). The driving shaft (3) is rotatably attached to a mounting structure (12).

Abstract: An exerciser driving mechanism generally comprising a driving wheel, a timing belt, a tension wheel, a free wheel, a flywheel, and a wool felt, with which the feeling of "inoperative pedaling" likely happened to the free wheel as experienced in the prior art exerciser upon instantaneously actuating the belt may be eliminated, the gear ratio of driving wheel to free wheel is increased, the contact area of the wool felt with the flywheel is reduced to enhance the speed of inertial rotation in regard to the flywheel, while maintaining the desired friction drag efficiency, thus resulting in an excellent smooth operation.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided that has a frame with a seat tube and a down tube aligned in the same plane, a chain stay rail, a free wheel mechanism and a crank hub. The bicycle is improved by having an enlarged crank sprocket rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to bike frame and able to provide a gear ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 with respect to the free wheel mechanism. The crank sprocket is stabilized to prevent it from wobbling and to maintain its rotation in a parallel plane. The crank sprocket is also extended away from the hub to allow the crank sprocket to rotate without coming in contact with the chain stay rail. Preferably, the crank sprocket can provide a gear ratio of 6.5 to 1 with respect to the free wheel mechanism and has a plane of rotation located at about the center of the axial width of the free wheel mechanism.

Abstract: In a pedal crank drive for a bicycle, comprising two pedal cranks (4a, 4b) which are non-rotatably interconnected by a pedal crank shaft (3), a chain sprocket (5), which has at least one gear ring (6) and is mounted to be rotatable relative to the pedal crank shaft (3), and at least one force-transmitting spring (10), which is disposed between the chain sprocket (5) and that pedal crank (4a) which is adjacent to the chain sprocket (5), and said spring (10) is adapted to be biased by a forward rotation of the pedal cranks (4a, 4b), it is proposed to improve the distribution of the torque during a revolution of the chain sprocket in that a damping spring (15), which is prestressed in a sense to bias the force-transmitting spring (10), is provided between the chain sprocket (5) and the adjacent pedal crank (4a).

Abstract: An infinitely variable cone disc transmission is disclosed in which the contact pressure forces are generated fully hydraulically and in which the contact pressure level is set either by way of a torque sensor that is disposed on the driven shaft and constitutes a pressure medium throttle that is adjustable as a function of the load and the transmission ratio, or by way of a pressurizing valve that is connected in series with this torque sensor and controlled as a function of the load.

Abstract: An infinitely variable cone disc transmission is disclosed in which the contact pressure forces are generated fully hydraulically and in which the contact pressure level is set either solely by way of a torque sensor that is disposed on the drive shaft and constitutes a pressure medium throttle that is adjustable as a function of the load, or in which a pressurizing valve preceding this torque sensor and controlled as a function of the transmission ratio is employed to additionally effect throttling as a function of the transmission ratio.

Abstract: A power regulating apparatus for controlling power to a cyclic load in which a pivotally-mounted constant speed motor has a fixed diameter pulley on the motor output shaft operatively connected to a variable speed pulley mounted on a driven shaft whereby motor reactive torque due to an increase in load on the motor causes the motor and its fixed diameter pulley to approach the variable speed pulley allowing the effective diameter of the variable speed pulley to increase for reducing the rate of rotation of the variable speed pulley and increasing the torque of the driven shaft.

Abstract: An industrial robot is provided with a body, a horizontal arm pivotally supported on the body, and a vertical arm mounted on the tip end portion of the horizontal arm for rotation about its own center axis. The robot includes a drive motor for rotatively driving the vertical arm, speed reduction means for speed-reducing and transmitting the drive force of the drive motor through a first output pulley to a second output pulley, and first and second detected portions mounted on the first and second output pulleys, respectively, with respective predetermined ranges of extension and indicating the original point position of the vertical arm by the difference between the respective phases.

Abstract: A control system for a continuously variable transmission reduces the noise generated as a result of the use of an articulated belt for connecting the first and second variable pulleys. The control system dithers the ratio set point in order to prevent a cyclic repetition of the forces between the belt and the pulleys. This reduces the amplitude of noise peaks generated at discrete frequencies by operation of the transmission resulting in a decrease in the level of perceived noise.

Abstract: A method and system for computer-controlled shifting of a bicycle is provided. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a computer system that detects speed, hub speed, and crank speed, determines the optimum bicycle gear selection to maintain a desired cadence, and shifts the bicycle to the optimum bicycle gear. The computer also inputs a shift up and shift down signals from the cyclist to override the computer-selected gear. When the cyclist indicates a shift up or down, the computer adjusts the desired cadence. The computer determines the gear selection to ensure a uniform transition from the current gear to the next gear. The computer ensures that when shifting from the current gear to the next gear, the bicycle does not transition through a gear that is not between the current and next gears.

Abstract: A continuously variable belt-drive transmission has a primary pulley operatively connected to an engine and a secondary pulley operatively connected to wheels of a motor vehicle, a primary cylinder and a secondary cylinder, and a hydraulic circuit having an oil pump. Primary pressure for the primary cylinder is generated by reducing secondary pressure. Steady flow rate in the primary system in a steady state is calculated, and transient flow rate in the primary system in a transient state is calculated. A primary pressure changing rate is determined to the value that the sum of secondary flow rate, the steady flow rate, and the transient flow rate becomes smaller than a discharge flow rate of the pump. In response to the primary pressure changing rate, a primary pressure control valve is operated so as to maintain balance of flow rate between the primary system and the secondary system.

Abstract: A power transmission device in which a drive wheel (1) and frictional ring (4) transmit rotational power from a driving arc-shaped cone (7) to a driven arc-shaped cone (5). The drive wheel (1) is rotatably attached to a holding frame (9), such that the drive wheel (1) is permitted substantially free rotation about an axle (3). One end of a holding frame (9) is rotatably attached with a control shaft (11) to a mounting structure (14). The other end of the holding frame (9) is rotatably attached with a control shaft (10) to a mounting structure (13). The drive wheel (1) and holding frame (9) can therefore pivot as a unit about an axis situated through control shaft (10) and control shaft (11). Driving arc-shaped cone (7) is fixedly attached to a driving shaft (8). The driving shaft (8) is rotatably attached to a mounting structure (15) and a second mounting structure (16). Driven arc-shaped cone (5) is fixedly attached to a driven shaft (6).

Abstract: A transmission system for vehicles. The transmission system has a pulley mounting a shaft extending from a mandrel of a power source, an automatic clutch for driving a wheel and a belt linking the pulley with the clutch. The pulley has a first section securely mounting the shaft, a second section axially moving along the shaft and a disk securely mounting the shaft. The first and second sections each have a belt-engaging side shaped as a truncated cone. The second section further has a slide-engaging side formed with a number of radial slopes. A corresponding number of slides contact the slopes and the disk.

Abstract: A transmission device for a bicycle is provided including a first transmission for obtaining a forward driving force. The first transmission drives a first free wheel in conformity with movement of a first drive unit when a crank shaft is forwardly rotated. A second transmission obtains a forward driving force by converting a direction of the rotating force produced in a rotational direction of a second drive unit. The rotational direction is supplied to a second free wheel under a reverse rotation of the crank shaft. A forward driving force is obtained regardless of the rotational direction of the crank shaft, thereby improving an exercise effect.

Abstract: A variable speed belt drive of the type having a pair of shiftable discs received on respective input and output shafts with a drive belt entrained thereabout further includes a cooperating housing backbone and support bracket. The housing backbone supports one axial end of the output shaft, and supports the support bracket, which extends through the loop of the drive belt to support the opposite end of the output shaft. The straddle support arrangement permits use of a nonload bearing housing cover and permits the performance of maintenance procedures for the drive belt and input shaft without disengaging alignment and support of the output shaft. One end of the input shaft is supported by the housing and the opposite end is supported with a thrust bearing which is received in a pivot mounted shifting yoke.

Abstract: A speed-variating means especially for a bike includes an eccentric wheel rotatably driven by a dringing wheel such as a chain wheel of a bike, the eccentric wheel having its first side portion coupled with a rotating disk rotatably mounted on an axle and connected with a hub and an output wheel such as a bike rear wheel and having a second side portion of the eccentric wheel rotatably held in a stationary disk secured to a retaining bowl fixed on the axle of the output wheel, and a variable speed adjusting device operatively moving the eccentric wheel to cling a center of the eccentric wheel with an axis of the axle, or eccentrically moving the eccentric wheel to and from the axis, so that a broader speed variation ratio can be effected by comparing a smaller eccentric radius of the eccentric wheel (wheel center) about the axle axis with a larger eccentric radius of the eccentric wheel about the axle axis.

Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission wherein an input member is driven by an engine through a torque sensor and the input member drives an output member at a selected RPM through a pair of adjustable sheaves and an endless belt or chain which is trained over the sheaves. Each sheave has a fixed flange and an axially movable flange. The movable flanges can be shifted by hydraulic motors, and the pressure of fluid in such motors is determined by torque which is detected by the sensor as well as by the selected ratio of the transmission. The device which controls the pressure of fluid in the motors in dependency on the magnitude of torque and in dependency on the selected transmission ratio employs a pressure regulating valve which is connected with the torque sensor and with the motors and which is adjustable in automatic response to variations of transmission ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined directional and infinitely variable speed transmission which, through a single continuous V-belt pulley drive mechanism, is capable of infinitely variable changing speeds and direction with a single control. It employs an axially adjustable non-rotatable drive inducing input pulley whose effective operaing diameter can be adjusted to vary its dimentional ratio with a rotatable, fixed diameter orbiting output pulley rotatable driven on its own axis by a walking motion of the connecting V-belt about the non-rotatable input pulley. Prior art transmission all require some type of forward-reverse directional change mechanism completely separate and apart from the speed section of the transmission. The present invention eliminates such separate directional devices by being able to manipulate the ratio between the effective operating diameters of the pulleys to change direction at the same time that such ratio is determining the output speed of the transmission.

Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission for use with a motor vehicle engine has a hydraulic actuator for effecting at least one of speed ratio control and clutch control. The belt-type continuously variable transmission is controlled by a control system including a solenoid-operated control valve for generating a controlling hydraulic pressure to be supplied to the hydraulic actuator, a hydraulic pressure generator for generating a hydraulic pressure corresponding to the rotational speed of the engine, a directional control valve for selectively connecting the solenoid-operated control valve and the hydraulic pressure generating means to the hydraulic actuator, and a solenoid-operated on-off valve for controlling the directional control valve.

Abstract: A power train for use in a motor vehicle has an infinitely variable transmission with two sheaves and a belt which is trained over the sheaves. The sheaves have fixed and axially movable flanges, and one of the sheaves is driven by the engine through a torque sensor. A first hydraulic circuit has a first pump which can supply pressurized oil to the hydraulic motors for the axially movable sheaves at a pressure determined by the torque sensor. A second hydraulic circuit has a second pump serving to supply pressurized oil to a further motor which varies the ratio of the transmission and to two friction clutches between the second sheave and an output member. The pressure of oil in the second circuit is determined by a pressure regulating valve which is adjustable by a control unit in dependency on one or more parameters of the engine.