Condition Responsive (e.g., Responsive To Speed, Load, Etc.) Patents (Class 474/70)
  • Patent number: 7972231
    Abstract: A pulley assembly having first and second members. The first member is capable of cooperating with a power transmission belt to drive/be driven by the belt. The first member is movable guidingly relative to the second member around a first axis. A coil spring has a length and a circumference and a first portion attached to the first member and a second portion attached to the second member so that a force tending to move the first/second member around the first axis is transmitted through the coil spring to the second/first member. At least one of the first and second members has a groove bounded by a surface into which the respective portion of the coil spring is fit. The respective portion of the coil spring is clamp fit within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kawamoto, Takeo Shimizu, Tomokazu Ishida
  • Patent number: 7955204
    Abstract: In a stepping motor cooling apparatus for a belt-type continuously variable transmission, a pair of primary and secondary pulleys are disposed inside a transmission case, and a forward/backward switching unit is disposed coaxially to the primary pulley, furthermore, a stepping motor is disposed below the forward/backward switching unit. An inner case originating from the transmission case surrounds a circumference of the forward/backward switching unit. Through the inner case, a dripping hole is formed at an inner case's portion directly above the stepping motor so that working fluid drained from the forward/backward switching unit can drip on the stepping motor. In order to further improve the cooling effect of the stepping motor, a recess portion is formed immediately below the stepping motor at an upper surface of a valve body disposed under the stepping motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Nobufumi Yamane, Yoshihide Shinso, Hiroyuki Yada
  • Patent number: 7953538
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including an electric differential portion and a mechanical power transmitting portion which are disposed in series in a power transmitting path between an engine and a drive wheel of a vehicle, the control apparatus being configured to limit an output of the engine according to a difference between an actual rotating speed of an input rotary member of the mechanical power transmitting portion, and a theoretical rotating speed calculated from an actual vehicle speed and a presently established speed ratio of the mechanical power transmitting portion, whereby reduction of torque capacity of an input clutch provided in the mechanical power transmitting portion does not cause an excessive rise of the rotating speed of a rotary member which is located on one side of the input clutch nearer to the engine, and an excessive rise of the rotating speed of an electric motor connected to the input rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Koichiro Muta, Masakazu Kaifuku, Hidenori Katoh, Tomokazu Nomura
  • Publication number: 20110124450
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stepless variable transmission device with parallel low gear wheel group, which is the first case that a low gear transmission wheel group equipped with a one-way transmission unit, which transmits with fixed speed ratio in same rotary direction, is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of a stepless variable transmission device; and which is installed with the clutch device 212 with angular displacement difference and/or the clutch device 222 for eliminating the vibration produced by the hetero-shaft type stepless variable transmission device 100 and the low gear transmission wheel group 102, the both do not operate with fully same speed ratio, for overloaded transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 7942767
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide, wherein the movable member is coupled to the base member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member for moving a chain among a plurality of sprockets; an intermediate member that mounts the base member to a bicycle frame; a first adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the intermediate member relative to the bicycle frame; and a second adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the base member relative to the intermediate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Souta Yamaguchi, Hideki Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 7931552
    Abstract: A pulley assembly for use in an automobile accessory drive system includes a shaft engaging member including a bore for receiving an accessory input shaft for engagement therewith. A pulley member includes a bore receiving an axially extending shaft of the shaft engaging member. The pulley member includes a first coupling surface and a peripheral belt-engaging surface. A shaft extension member transfers torque between the pulley member and the shaft engaging member. The shaft extension member includes a second coupling surface facing the first coupling surface. The first and second coupling surfaces couple together when torque applied to the shaft extension member is in a first direction such that the shaft extension member and the shaft engaging member rotate with the pulley member. The first and second coupling surfaces decouple when torque applied to the shaft extension member is in a second direction opposite the first direction such that the shaft engaging member rotates relative to the pulley member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Pendergrass, Anthony E. Lannutti
  • Patent number: 7922611
    Abstract: A power transmission system including an integrally molded hub and elastic member, where stress is inhibited from concentrating at the gate marks remaining after integral molding. In a pulley driven by a belt, a plastic pulley side relief section 1a provided at a pocket section of the pulley and a plastic hub side relief section provided on an iron outer ring of the hub engaged at the pocket section whereby power is transmitted from the pulley to the shaft. The hub side relief section and outer ring forming parts of the hub, the iron inner hub to be fastened to the shaft, and the plastic cylindrical part are integrally molded so that the gate mark for plastic injection is formed near to or further to the outer circumference of the outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiki Tada, Michiyasu Nosaka, Yasuo Tabuchi, Takushi Kamiya, Takayuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7900946
    Abstract: A bicycle shifting control apparatus is provided with a gear selection signal receiving section, a gearshift determination section and a gearshift output section. The gear selection signal receiving section selectively receives a first gear selection signal and a first/second gear selection signal. The gearshift determination section determines a first rider shift intention for first gear shifting when the first gear selection signal is received, which meets a first signal criteria, and determines a second rider shift intention for performing second gear shifting in addition to the first shifting when the first/second gear selection signal is received by, which meets a second (different) signal criteria. The gearshift output section outputs a first gearshift signal upon determining the first rider shift intention or the second rider shift intention exists and outputs a second gearshift signal upon determining that the second rider shift intention exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Toshikuni Suzuki, Kazuhiro Takeda
  • Publication number: 20110053718
    Abstract: An inertia torque input into the continuously variable speed change mechanism from the subtransmission mechanism is estimated during the shift in the subtransmission mechanism. During the shift in the subtransmission mechanism, a required oil pressure, which is an oil pressure required to maintain a contact frictional force between the respective pulleys and the wrapped member, is calculated on the basis of an input torque into the continuously variable speed change mechanism and the inertia torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Ryousuke NONOMURA, Takashi Eguchi, Tomohiro Utagawa, Keita Okudaira
  • Patent number: 7899651
    Abstract: In a method for estimating an entrance angle of a V-ribbed belt from a flat pulley to a V-ribbed pulley, the entrance angle is estimated easily at a stage of pulley layout design. The V-ribbed belt 10 forms a track which enters at an entrance angle of approximately zero degree (substantially perpendicular to a plane that includes an axis 3a of rotation) into the flat pulley 3, is wound along the outer peripheral face of the flat pulley 3 without deviating in the axial direction thereof, and extends substantially linearly from a winding end point c at the flat pulley 3 to a winding start point d at a drive pulley 1. The entrance angle ? of the V-ribbed belt 10 from the flat pulley 3 to the drive pulley 1 is obtained on the basis of the track of the V-ribbed belt by, for example, a three-dimensional CAD or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Takahashi, Eijiro Nakashima, Hideaki Kawahara
  • Patent number: 7891475
    Abstract: An isolator decoupler comprising a first tapered portion for connecting to a driving shaft, a second tapered portion cooperatively engaging the first tapered portion, the second tapered portion having a frictional engagement with a pulley, and an elastomeric member operatingly disposed between the second tapered portion and the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Lin Zhu, Marc R. Cadarette, Yahya Hodjat
  • Patent number: 7892124
    Abstract: A decoupling isolator comprising a pulley, a hub member comprising a stop, a flat wire spiral spring having an end fixedly connected to the pulley, the flat wire spiral spring having another end engageable with the stop to limit a rotation of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Yahya Hodjat, Marc R. Cadarette, Lin Zhu
  • Publication number: 20110039645
    Abstract: An incrementally variable transmission machine with an input drive and an output drive which are linked by a drive chain, and which includes an oscillating cam arrangement which, at each of two limiting positions, can act on an actuating mechanism to vary the speed of the output drive by an increment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: VARIBOX IP (PTY) LIMITED
    Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Naude
  • Patent number: 7862459
    Abstract: To prevent engine speed from increasing during low-speed operation, a transmission includes a change-gear mechanism, a centrifugal clutch, a control unit and a secondary sheave rotation sensor. The change-gear mechanism has an input shaft, an output shaft and an actuator for changing a change-gear ratio between the input and output shafts. The centrifugal clutch is connected to the output shaft. The control unit controls the actuator. The secondary sheave rotation sensor detects and outputs a rotational speed of the output shaft to the control unit. The control unit controls the actuator based on a target change-gear ratio obtained by dividing a target rotational speed of the input shaft by the rotational speed of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Ishioka
  • Patent number: 7850558
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a compressor used in an air conditioner for a vehicle including a damper mounted to one side of a pulley rotated by a driving power transmitted from an engine wherein the damper and an elastic portion is formed between an outer ring and an inner ring, and wherein a mounting flange of the outer ring is coupled to the pulley and a mounting flange of the inner ring is coupled to a limiter. The limiter has a plate shape and comprises: a middle portion in a ring shape, an outside portion in a ring shape around the edge of the middle portion, and a neck portion connecting the middle portion and the outside portion, whereby upon overload, the neck portion is broken. The middle portion of the limiter is coupled to a hub, and the hub penetrates the center of the inner ring and is coupled to the limiter between the damper and the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventor: Seong Taek Oh
  • Patent number: 7850556
    Abstract: In a bicycle equipped with front derailleur and rear derailleur controlled each by a corresponding electrical actuator, there is provided an intermediate connecting unit, mounted underneath the crank case of the bicycle, having an input and two outputs connected to the two electrical actuators of the derailleurs. The connections can be permanent or detachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 7803056
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes: a pulley 1 rotatably attached to a casing 9; a hub 2 connected to the pulley 1 by an engagement of protrusions with recesses; and a power shutoff member 3 interposed between the hub 2 and a rotary shaft 4. The power shutoff member and the rotary shaft 4 are joined to each other by means of screwing. When a water intrusion path formed between a hub side seating face of the hub and a shaft side seating face 44 of the rotary shaft is formed into a labyrinth structure, water is prevented from entering the seating face. An engagement portion 35 on the power shutoff member side is engaged with a hub side engagement portion 21a so that it can be accommodated in the hub side engagement portion 21a, and the power shutoff member can be rotated together when the hub is rotated. An engagement gap formed between a power shutoff member side engagement portion and a hub side engagement portion in the radial direction perpendicular to an axis of the rotary shaft is in a range from 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michiyasu Nosaka, Yasuo Tabuchi, Motohiko Ueda, Yoshiki Tada
  • Patent number: 7798928
    Abstract: A dual ratio belt drive system comprising a clutch unit mounted directly to a driver rotating shaft, a one-way clutch mounted directly to the driver rotating shaft, a plurality of rotating accessories rotatably connected to the clutch unit and rotatably connected to the driver rotating shaft through the one-way clutch such that the accessories are driven by the clutch unit at a first speed ratio and driven directly by the driver rotating shaft through said one-way clutch at a second speed ratio, with the clutch unit operating at a predetermined value of an engine operating condition thereby defining the transition between the first and second speed ratios, and the clutch unit being engaged at engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Serkh
  • Patent number: 7779724
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle shift control assembly is provided that includes at least one electrical bicycle shift control device. The shift control device includes a handlebar mounting portion configured to be clamped onto a handlebar and an electrical shift control switch portion. The electrical switch portion has an operating member arranged to move relative to the handlebar mounting portion between a neutral position and an actuating position. Preferably, the electrical switch portion is detachably coupled to the handlebar mounting portion via a mating mounting structure to be removable from the handlebar mounting portion without removing the handlebar mounting portion from the handlebar. Preferably, a bicycle computer unit including a display screen is supported by the handlebar mounting portion. The operating member can include a dial-shaped element or a lever-shaped element that is configured to rotate about an operating axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 7713153
    Abstract: An IVT machine includes an input shaft, a drive wheel on the input shaft, an output shaft, a ratio changing device which is mounted on the output shaft, an endless belt which passes over the drive wheel and in an open loop on the ratio changing device, control elements for enlarging and reducing the belt loop dimension about the output shaft axis, belt guide elements providing a throat through which the belt enters and leaves its loop on the ratio changing device, and a drive arrangement on the ratio changing device for the transmission of drive power to the output shaft and is engaged with the belt in a portion of its loop on the device and engageable with the belt on both sides of the throat in its transition across the throat during rotation of the ratio changing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Varibox IP (Pty) Limited
    Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Naude
  • Patent number: 7708661
    Abstract: The decoupler for a drive wheel arrangement for an auxiliary unit of an internal combustion engine has a belt pulley connected to a flexible drive element and a shaft. A damping device is arranged between the shaft and the belt pulley and includes a spring. The belt pulley is connected to a damper cage, which is connected via at least one spring to a damper cage which is positioned such that it can rotate on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Rainer Pflug, Steffen Lehmann, Christian Hauck, Christian Fechler, Dimitri Sieber
  • Patent number: 7686715
    Abstract: A hybrid clamping mechanism for a belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) is disclosed. A pulley having adjustable belt-engagement surfaces allow for a variable effective diameter of the belt when about the pulley. A clamping spring disposed to bias the belt-engagement surfaces closer together exert a clamping force on the belt. A first hydraulic drive is disposed to assist the clamping force of the clamping spring, and a second hydraulic drive is disposed to oppose the clamping force of the clamping spring. The total clamping force at the belt results from the clamping spring, the first hydraulic drive, the second hydraulic drive, or any combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Carlson, Burak A. Gecim
  • Patent number: 7674197
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission driven-pulley cam having a third cam surface which decreases the travel distance of the roller preventing the drive belt from dropping to a lower radius, thus preventing the transmission from going into a higher gear ratio upon inversion of torque transmitted to the driven pulley. The cam further includes a locking surface which prevents the roller from travelling axially to the cam, thus prevents the inner sheave from moving away from the outer sheave when the driven pulley is operating in the reverse direction. A continuously variable transmission driven-pulley cam roller assembly includes an inner roller and an outer roller wherein the diameters of the inner and outer rollers are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Xavier-Pierre Aitcin
  • Publication number: 20100029421
    Abstract: A crankshaft reversal detection system includes a sensor module and a control module that communicates with the sensor module. The sensor module detects position of a belt tensioner that communicates with a crankshaft driven accessory drive belt. The control module determines a rotational direction of the crankshaft pulley based on the position of the belt tensioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mike M. Mc Donald, William C. Albertson
  • Patent number: 7643925
    Abstract: A method for determining when in the course of a shift event an on-coming clutch gains torque capacity is provided. The method includes closed-loop controlling an off-going clutch to maintain a predetermined slip threshold by generating an off-going clutch pressure command, causing the on-coming clutch to engage during the closed loop control of the off-going clutch, generating a first derivative with respect to time of the off-going clutch pressure command, and using the first derivative to determine when the on-coming clutch gained torque capacity. A neural network method is preferably employed in analyzing the first derivative to locate a transition in the rate of commanded pressure indicative of off-going clutch release. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew D. Whitton
  • Patent number: 7618337
    Abstract: A decoupler assembly for transferring torque between a shaft and an endless power transmitting element. The decoupler assembly includes a clutch spring that is formed only of wire for transmitting rotary power between a carrier and a pulley. The decoupler assembly further includes a hub, that is configured to be coupled to a driven shaft, and a torsion spring that transmits rotary power between the carrier and the hub. A lubricant is disposed on the coils of the clutch spring. The pulley and the hub cooperate to define an annular cavity in which the torsion spring and the clutch spring are disposed. The torsion spring and the clutch spring are disposed axially between the carrier and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Litens Automotove Partnership
    Inventors: Christian Jansen, John Antchak
  • Patent number: 7617899
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention facilitate shifting by reducing forces on certain shifting components and includes a snowmobile comprising a chassis, an engine supported by the chassis, a drive train operatively connected to the engine, the drive train comprising a reverse sprocket assembly functionally coupled to an upper sprocket assembly, a jackshaft rotatable within the upper sprocket assembly, and a pinion operatively connected to the jackshaft and selectively positionable axially along the jackshaft to a first position that engages the upper sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a forward direction or to a second position that engages the reverse sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ty Warner, Todd Zinda
  • Patent number: 7614971
    Abstract: A derailleur control apparatus comprises a control unit that receives shift control signals. The control unit provides a first signal to operate the derailleur a first distance from a first sprocket to a second sprocket in response to a first shift control signal received while operating in a riding mode, and the control unit provides a second signal to operate the derailleur a second distance less than the first distance in response to a second shift control signal received while operating in the riding mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujii, Ryuichiro Takamoto, Tadashi Ichida
  • Patent number: 7591357
    Abstract: A decoupler (22) is provided for transferring rotary movement between an engine driven crankshaft (16) and a serpentine belt (20). The decoupler (22) has a rotary driving member (18, 36) and a rotary driven member (36, 18) coaxially mounted with the driving member for relative rotary movement therewith. A decoupling assembly (19) extends between the driving member (18, 36) and the driven member (36, 18). The decoupling assembly (19) selectively couples the driving and driven members (18, 36) when the driving member rotates relative to the driven member in a first coupling sense. The decoupling assembly (19) uncouples the driving member from the driven member when the driving member rotates relative to the driven member in a second sense opposite the first sense. A torsional vibration damper (80) is mounted for rotation with one of the driving and driven members (18, 36) to cancel some of the vibrations generated by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventors: John Antchak, James W. Dell, Bert Mevissen
  • Patent number: 7584040
    Abstract: The following steps are performed in the control method: determining a mode of operation from amongst a permanent mode and a transient mode, as a function of a set of variables comprising said estimated values; correcting the value of the speed of rotation of the outlet shaft in such a manner that: if the mode has been determined as being the permanent mode, then the moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) over a period (T) of a plurality of unit time intervals lies between a first threshold value (S1) that is negative and a second threshold value (S2) that is positive; and if the mode has been determined as being the transient mode, then said moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) lies outside the range of values defined by the first and second threshold value (S1, S2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventor: Stéphane Rimaux
  • Publication number: 20090191994
    Abstract: A derailleur includes a motor that drives a drive member, a driven member driven by the drive member, and a clutch having a first element that disengages from a second element when substantial resistance exists in a power transmission path between the drive member and the driven member. An apparatus for controlling the derailleur comprises a re-engage command receiving circuit and a re-engagement circuit, wherein the re-engage command receiving circuit receives a re-engage command signal to re-engage the first element with the second element when the first element is disengaged from the second element, and the re-engagement circuit re-engages the first element with the second element in response to the re-engage command signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: RYUICHIROU TAKAMOTO, KAZUHIRO FUJII, MASAHIKO FUKUDA
  • Patent number: 7563185
    Abstract: An IVT machine includes an input shaft, a drive wheel on the input shaft, an output shaft, a ratio changing device which is mounted on the output shaft, an endless belt which passes over the drive wheel and in an open loop on the ratio changing device, control elements for enlarging and reducing the belt loop dimension about the output shaft axis, belt guide elements providing a throat through which the belt enters and leaves its loop on the ratio changing device, and a drive arrangement on the ratio changing device for the transmission of drive power to the output shaft and is engaged with the belt in a portion of its loop on the device and engageable with the belt on both sides of the throat in its transition across the throat during rotation of the ratio changing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Varibox (Pty) Limited
    Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Naude
  • Patent number: 7563186
    Abstract: A gearshift control device for a chain and sprocket transmission system including a gearshift member that is movable along a transverse direction relative to the plane defined by the chain, a shaft, a first driving element having a drive member that is non-centered or non-concentric with respect to the axis of the shaft, a second positioning element of the derailleur with an indexing device, a third control element mounted to rotate freely about the shaft with a blocking device, and a transmission element having a member for connection with the first driving element, the second positioning element and the third control element, the transmission element being operably between the first driving element, the second positioning element, and the third control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Bertrand Cauvin
  • Patent number: 7559384
    Abstract: A driving system of a motor vehicle for providing vehicle propulsion power and accessory power includes an engine having an accessory belt providing power to at least one accessory machine and a motor/generator operatively connected to the accessory belt for alternately driving and being driven by the accessory belt. A one-way clutch vibration damper includes an engine input member and a belt interface. The input member is concentrically disposed with respect to the belt interface and is attached to an engine crankshaft for transmitting torque in a pre-determined direction. The belt interface rotates freely when torque applied by the motor/generator through the accessory belt is greater than the torque applied by the input member. The belt interface rotates at the same rotational speed as the input member when torque transmitted through the accessory belt is less than or in the opposite direction as the rotation of the input member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: James Palladino
  • Patent number: 7553247
    Abstract: A method for electronically servo-assisting a bicycle gearshift, including the steps of: a) driving an actuator of a bicycle gearshift to displace a chain of the gearshift in an axial direction with respect to a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; b) receiving information on the desired alignment between the chain and a predetermined sprocket of the gearshift group; and c) setting a biunique correspondence between the physical position of the actuator at step b) and a logic value associated with the gear ratio relative to the predetermined sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Guderzo, Giuseppe Dal Pra′
  • Patent number: 7547263
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a position of a bicycle control device comprises a memory that stores a plurality of operating position values corresponding to a plurality of operating positions, a manually operated adjustment value providing unit that provides an adjustment value, and an updating unit. The updating unit provides a first updated operating position value from a first operating position value from the plurality of operating position values based on the adjustment value, and the updating unit provides a second updated operating position value from a different second operating position value from the plurality of operating position values based on the adjustment value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiko Fukuda, Kazuhiro Fujii, Ryuichiro Takamoto
  • Patent number: 7522033
    Abstract: A bicycle signal generating apparatus comprises an input unit and a signal generating unit. The input unit receives a first input signal and a second input signal, wherein the first input signal corresponds to a first operation of a bicycle device and the second input signal corresponds to a second operation of the bicycle device. The signal generating unit generates a first output signal having a first pattern from the first input signal, and the signal generating unit generates a second output signal having a second pattern from the second input signal. The first pattern is different from the second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryuichiro Takamoto, Satoshi Kitamura, Toshikuni Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7503863
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur motor unit assembly is provided that includes a motorized front derailleur mounting member and a motor unit. The front derailleur mounting member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame. The front derailleur mounting member includes a front derailleur mounting portion configured to be coupled to a linkage of a front derailleur and a motor unit mounting portion. The motor unit includes a motor unit housing configured to be removably coupled to the motor unit mounting portion and an output shaft configured to rotate about a rotation axis relative to the motor unit housing in first and second opposite rotational directions. The motor unit mounting portion and the motor unit housing include first and second fastener-less mating structures configured to resist rotational movement of the motor unit housing relative to the front derailleur mounting member due to a torque produced by the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 7467697
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a plurality of accessories associated with a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having the accessories coupled to an engine crankshaft by an electromagnetic coupling device with a flowable magnetic material disposed between a driving member and a driven member include selectively supplying power to the electromagnetic coupling device in response to at least one operating condition to simultaneously engage or disengage the plurality of engine accessories. Embodiments include a magnetic particle clutch or magnetorheological fluid clutch connected to an engine crankshaft and a plurality of engine accessories that may include an air conditioning compressor, water pump, power steering pump, alternator, and/or supercharger, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry D. Elie, John M. Ginder, Clay W. Maranville, Luis Pugliese, Wallace E. Beaber
  • Patent number: 7448972
    Abstract: The system includes at least one transmission belt for coupling the shafts of auxiliary devices to a pulley which can be coupled for operation to the shaft of the combustion engine, and an electromagnetically operated clutch between this pulley and the shaft of the engine. An overrunning clutch is interposed between the pulley and the shaft of the engine. The clutch is normally disengaged and de-energized. The pulley has a hub fitted on an extension of the shaft of the engine with the interposition of the overrunning clutch, and has a channel-shaped cross section with a concavity facing the internal combustion engine. The electromagnetically operated clutch comprises a winding which is fixed to the engine and which extends into the concavity of the pulley, and a ferromagnetic ring carried in an axially translatable way by a support element fixed with respect to rotation to the extension of the shaft of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: CRF Societa Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Garabello, Domenico Mesiti, Dario Caenazzo
  • Patent number: 7448806
    Abstract: A rotation support device for a compressor pulley, wherein a three-point contact radial ball bearing (14b) is used as a rolling bearing for supporting a driven pulley, the cross sectional shape of an inner ring raceway track (19b) coming into contact, at one point, with the rolling contact surface of each ball (17a) is formed in a composite arc by smoothly and continuously connecting arcs with different radii of curvature R1 and R2 to each other, and the radius of curvature R1 on a center side in the width direction is made smaller and the radii of curvature R2 on the both end sides in the width direction are made larger (R1<R2) whereby the durability of the rolling bearing for supporting the driven pulley can be assured while reducing the size of the rolling bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishiguro, Nobuhiko Miyake, Yukihiro Akabane
  • Patent number: 7442137
    Abstract: An eccentric adjustment and mounting system is useful for belt engaging engine components such as alternators or water pumps. The system includes a housing fixed to the engine, a socket rotatable in pawl-and-ratchet fashion within the housing, and a socket aperture eccentrically disposed relative to the socket's axis. The aperture receives the belt engaging component, whereby rotation of the socket moves the component to adjust belt tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David N. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080242459
    Abstract: To prevent engine speed from increasing during low-speed operation, a transmission includes a change-gear mechanism, a centrifugal clutch, a control unit and a secondary sheave rotation sensor. The change-gear mechanism has an input shaft, an output shaft and an actuator for changing a change-gear ratio between the input and output shafts. The centrifugal clutch is connected to the output shaft. The control unit controls the actuator. The secondary sheave rotation sensor detects and outputs a rotational speed of the output shaft to the control unit. The control unit controls the actuator based on a target change-gear ratio obtained by dividing a target rotational speed of the input shaft by the rotational speed of the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazutoshi ISHIOKA
  • Publication number: 20080240802
    Abstract: A belt device includes a belt member, a detecting unit, and a preventing member. The belt member is stretched over a plurality of rollers and moves in a predetermined moving direction. The detecting unit detects deviation of the belt member in a belt width direction of the belt member. The preventing member is arranged near the detecting unit and prevents deviation of the belt member in a direction other than the moving direction and the belt width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Makoto Nakura
  • Patent number: 7425784
    Abstract: An alternator for use in an automobile is driven by an internal combustion engine. The alternator includes a pulley that is coupled to a rotating shaft of the engine via a driving belt such as a poly-V belt. Plural pulley grooves to be engaged with the driving belt are formed on the pulley between a front flange and a rear flange. A projected surface of a front frame is located around the outer periphery of the rear flange, so that the driving belt is correctly positioned between the front and the rear flanges, guided by the projected surface. Two overlaps in the axial direction between the pulley and the front frame are formed to reduce an amount of water entering into the alternator through a gap between the pulley and the front frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Nakano
  • Publication number: 20080214340
    Abstract: A belt type continuously variable transmission for a vehicle such as a motorcycle includes a primary sheave and a secondary sheave each having a pair of flanges axially movable relative to each other. A belt is wound around the sheaves. An actuator controlled by a control device moves the flanges. The control device includes a determination section for determining whether the actual gear ratio of the belt type continuously variable transmission has become a predetermined gear ratio for TOP or LOW, and a first correction section for correcting an operation amount of the actuator based on the determination made by the determination section. Control accuracy in a region where the gear ratio is TOP or LOW is thereby improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaya SAKAUE
  • Publication number: 20080170884
    Abstract: A belt driving controller is disclosed. The belt driving controller controls driving of a belt that is wound around plural sustaining rollers by controlling a driving sustaining roller that transmits a driving force to the belt. In two sustaining rollers, a calculating method for recognizing a PLD (pitch line distance) of the belt is used. In the calculating method, the delay period during which the belt moves a distance from a driven sustaining roller having a large diameter to a driven sustaining roller having a small diameter is determined to be shorter than before in the belt moving direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Hiromichi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7399244
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a gear shift device comprises a gear shift controller that operates the gear shift device from a first gear position to a second gear position during a gear shift operation, a movement sensor that detects movement of the gear shift device, a timer, and a gear shift stopping unit that provides a signal to the gear shift controller to stop the gear shift operation when the timer measures a first time interval during which the movement sensor does not sense movement of the gear shift device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Haruyuki Takebayashi, Koji Uno, Tadashi Ichida, Ryuichiro Takamoto
  • Publication number: 20080161142
    Abstract: A power unit includes an engine having a crankshaft, and a continuously variable transmission having a drive pulley operatively connected with the crankshaft, a driven pulley, and a belt extended between and wrapped around the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The power unit further includes a transmission input clutch, which allows or interrupts the transmission of a rotational drive force of the crankshaft to the drive pulley, mounted on a drive pulley shaft; and a starter clutch, which allows or interrupts the transmission of a rotational drive force of the driven pulley to the drive wheel, mounted on a driven pulley shaft. The transmission input clutch and the starter clutch are arranged such that a continuously variable transmission is sandwiched therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoo Shiozaki, Toshimasa Mitsubori, Erika Hara
  • Publication number: 20080153636
    Abstract: When a vehicle decelerates rapidly, a lower limit secondary pulley pressure (Plmt) is calculated on the basis of a primary pulley rotation speed (Npri) detected by a primary pulley rotation sensor. When a deceleration speed (Gdata) is greater than a predetermined deceleration speed (G1) and a secondary pulley pressure (Psec) detected by a secondary pulley pressure sensor is lower than the lower limit secondary pulley pressure (Plmt), it is determined that slippage is about to occur in a V-belt 4 on a primary pulley side in particular, and therefore speed ratio fixing control is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Takuichiro Inoue, Hiroki Iwasa, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Yoshihisa Kodama