Abstract: A direct-drive bicycle include a bicycle body, which extends to include a front fork. A front wheel is pivotally provided at a tube fixedly provided at the terminal end of the front fork. A shaft passes through the tube. A rotary disc is connected to the shaft. A pedal is provided at each end of the shaft through a connecting rod. A transmission assembly include a rotatable spline shaft provided, a friction wheel slidably provided at the spline shaft to press against a friction disc provided at a side of the front wheel, and a rotating wheel fixed to the spline shaft. The rotary disc is located between the spline shaft and the front wheel, and drives the rotating wheel to change the position where the friction wheel presses against the friction disc. Thus, the front wheel can be directly driven and provides continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: A multi-speed hub gear includes an axle, a planetary gear set, a clutch, a transmission member, a guide wheel, a compressed clutch spring, a shift mechanism and a torsional spring. While in switching a low gear to a high gear, the shift mechanism transforms a rotational motion into a linear motion for twisting the torsional spring. The compressed clutch spring pushes the clutch to displace from the transmission member toward the planetary gear set. While in switching the high gear to the low gear, the torsional spring drives the shift mechanism to transform the rotational motion into the linear motion, such that the clutch can displace from the planetary gear set toward the transmission member, and compress the compressed clutch spring.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission includes an axle, an input component, a power transmission mechanism, a shift mechanism and an output component. The input component receives manually applied rotational force. The output component is rotatably supported by the axle. The power transmission mechanism transmits the rotational force of the input component to the output component through one of a plurality of power transmission paths. The shift mechanism includes a shift input member, a shift control member, a first saver spring and a second saver spring. The shift input member is settable in a plurality of rotational positions. The shift control member rotates in conjunction with movement of the shift input member to select one of the power transmission paths. In the shift mechanism, as the shift input member rotates in the first direction, the shift control member receives the rotational force applied in a first direction through the first saver spring.

Abstract: A multi spool gas turbine engine with a differential having a selectively rotatable member which rotational speed determines a variable ratio between rotational speeds of driven and driving members of the differential. The driven member is engaged to the first spool and a rotatable shaft independent of the other spools (e.g. connected to a compressor rotor) is engaged to the driving member. First and second power transfer devices are engaged to the first spool and the selectively rotatable member, respectively. A circuit interconnects the power transfer devices and allows a power transfer therebetween, and a control unit controls the power being transferred between the power transfer devices. Power can thus be transferred between the first spool and the selectively rotatable member to change the speed ratio between the first spool and the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A compact hub-embedded multi-stage transmission is provided which is implemented to achieve multi-stage shifting by using a multi-stage planetary gear set having a one stage or two or more stages and a double one-way clutch in order to impart an overrunning function during inertial travel, and at the same time, to allow rapid shifting to be made even with a small force for manipulating a shift lever by means of use of a forced shift function even in a driven travel state. Accordingly, product marketability can be maximized, and rapid shifting can be made even with a small force for manipulating a shift lever by means of use of a forced shift function even in a driven travel state, thereby considerably improving shifting accuracy.

Abstract: A support assembly of a hub of an internal clutch with an external power input mechanism comprises a hub rotatably supported by a first lateral cover a second lateral cover; the first lateral cover being fixedly retained to a fixing shaft; the first lateral cover being formed with at least one through hole for installing a driving device; therefore, an external power can be transferred into the first lateral cover by passing through the driving device to drive an internal clutch therein. The driving device includes active gears and passive gears; the active gear for transferring external power is installed out of the first lateral cover. The passive gear is installed within the first lateral cover and the hub. The passive gear is engaged to the internal clutch. The active gear out of the first lateral cover is engaged to the passive gear and passes through the through hole.

Abstract: A supercharger drive device (1) for a combustion engine (E) includes a gear carrier shaft (6) operable to rotate in unison with a crankshaft (2) of the combustion engine (E), a high speed gear (8) and a low speed gear (10) provided in the gear carrier shaft (6), a drive shaft (14) of a supercharger (12) which is rotatable when coupled with either one of the high speed gear (8) and the low speed gear (10), a gear shifter (16) for selecting one of the high speed gear (8) and the low speed gear (10) for transmitting a motive force from the gear carrier shaft (6) to the drive shaft (14) through the selected one of the high and low speed gears (8) and (10), and a shifter drive unit (18) for actuating the gear shifter (16) in dependence on the rotational speed of the combustion engine (E).

Abstract: A speed changing apparatus includes a planet gear set having a sun gear, planet pinions, a planet pinion carrier and a ring gear mounted inside a rotary sleeve. The sun gear is driven by a D.C. motor to rotate in either of two opposed rotary directions. Clutch arrangements are operative to lock one of either the carrier arm or the ring gear to a rotationally fixed component and to drivingly couple the other of the carrier arm and the ring gear to the sleeve ring depending on the direction of rotation of the motor. Different gear ratios are selected by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor whilst the sleeve ring is always driven in same direction. The speed change apparatus may be part of a hub of an electric vehicle in which the sleeve ring is a hub shell and the apparatus is mounted about an axle.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of power tools with reversible, self-shifting transmissions are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a power tool may comprise a motor having a motor shaft, an output shaft configured to be coupled to a tool element to rotate a fastener, and a transmission coupled between the motor shaft and the output shaft to transmit rotation from the motor shaft to the output shaft in a low-speed, high-torque mode and in a high-speed, low-torque mode. The transmission may be configured to self-shift between the low-speed, high-torque mode and the high-speed, low-torque mode in response to a change in a torque required to rotate the output shaft in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: A continuously variable bicycle transmission mechanism includes a ring roller, at least one conical planetary roller, a sun roller and a carrier. The at least one conical planetary roller is frictionally engaged with the ring roller. The at least one conical planetary roller is rotatable about a rotational axis of a roller axle of the at least one conical planetary roller. The sun roller is frictionally engaged with the at least one conical planetary roller. The carrier rotatably supports both ends of the roller axle of the at least one conical planetary roller. The carrier is movable along an axis with the at least one conical planetary roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal gear hub for a bicycle includes a rotating cam which locates against a retractable cam follower within a multiple speed internal gear hub. The position of the cam determines which speed is selected. The cam is actuated by reversing the direction of the drive input (pedaling backwards) by a fixed or predetermined amount of rotation. The cam follower is retracted when the drive input is reversed and when the rotation is greater than that required to rotate the cam into the next position. When the cam follower retracts, the cam will return to a default position and will select a default speed.

Abstract: A transmission gearing arrangement includes four simple planetary gear sets arranged in two planes to reduce axial length. Six shift elements, including two input clutches, two output clutches, and two brakes, are engaged in combinations of three to establish nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The two output clutches may be assembled into a module suitable for testing before installation.

Abstract: Compared to derailleur bicycle chain transmissions, internal hub transmissions for bicycles have higher friction and a lower torque capacity. In addition, bicycle hub transmissions are generally incompatible with alternate drive arrangements such as direct-drive, or different mounting options such as mono-blade mounting. The present invention addresses these concerns by employing bevel gears with roller teeth in a planetary bicycle hub transmission. The bevel gear configuration allows larger planet gears, which gives sufficient circumferential space for roller teeth to reduce the meshing friction. The larger planet gears also increase the allowable torque. Furthermore, the bevel gear configuration facilitates the high ratios required for direct-drive, and results a hub structure highly compatible with mono-blade mounting. With this is view, the hub is designed for both chain-drive and direct-drive, and for both double-blade and mono-blade mounting.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes an input shaft, an output member, a first planetary gear system, a second planetary gear system, a third planetary gear system, a fourth planetary gear system, and an engagement mechanism. The input shaft is configured to be rotated with power of a driving source relative to the transmission case. The output member is to output rotation of the input shaft using multiple gear-shifting. The multiple gear-shifting is provided by setting at least three of first to third clutches and first to third brakes in a connection state.

Abstract: Provided is a forced speed changing apparatus of bicycle. The forced speed changing apparatus of bicycle is characterized in that a pressure member is disposed at the pawl controlling ring 15, and a spline groove 27, 27a and 27b is formed at an inner circumference of the carrier 20 so that the pressure member is moved by rotation of the carrier 20 so as to press the pawl 12, 13 and to release engagement between the pawl 12, 13 and the sun gear 23, 24. Therefore the function and operation of the forced speed changing apparatus of bicycle can be enhanced.

Abstract: [Object] A unidirectional clutch can reduce a backlash without increasing the number of components, and also can improve silence and durability. [Means of Solving Problem] In a planet gear member 4 including a planet gear 4a which meshes an internal gear 2b of an outer member 2, locking teeth 4b are provided coaxially and integrally relative to the planet gear through a flange 4c. In an inner member 3, U-shaped wall portions 3b receiving the locking teeth 4b are provided. In the U-shaped wall portion, an engaging portion 5 is provided so that teeth of one portion of the locking teeth can engage. A locked state is attained by the locking teeth, so that even if the planet gear receives a restriction of the number of teeth, the number of the teeth (pitch) of the locking teeth can be finely set arbitrarily.

Abstract: A clutch for a rotary drive device includes a rotary plate synchronously rotated with a sun gear of a planetary gear set, at least one pawl pivotally mounted onto the rotary plate, an engaging ring sleeved on the rotary plate and surrounding the at least one pawl, and a drive plate co-axially and rotatably mounted onto the rotary plate and abutting against the engaging ring. The planetary gear set is repeatedly operated and the pawls is automatically engaged to/disengaged from the drive plate for reducing noise during operating and lengthening the use life of the clutch for a rotary drive device.

Abstract: A speed change mechanism 1 includes first and second planetary gear sets 11, 12 enclosed within a sleeve ring 14. A first one-way clutch 141 transmits drive from an output 114 of the first gear set to the sleeve ring and second one-way clutch 142 transmits drive from an output 124 of the second gear set to the sleeve ring, both clutches operating in the same direction. A DC electric motor 2 is coupled to an input 111 of the first gear set to drive its output 114 in the opposite rotary direction to the input. The output 114 of the first gear set is coupled to an input 121 of the second gear set to drive an output 124 of the second gear set in the opposite rotary direction from the output 114 of the first gear set. Drive is transmitted to the sleeve ring 14 either through the first gear set 11 only or through a combination of the first and second gear sets 11, 12 depending on the direction of rotation of the power input to provide two different gear ratios.

Abstract: A transmission for operating an auxiliary assembly in a drivetrain of a hybrid vehicle, includes a first sun gear rotatable about a main axis on a drive input side of the transmission, a first planet gear in engagement with the first sun gear on the drive input side of the transmission, a second planet gear on a drive output side of the transmission and mounted with the first planet gear on a common shaft, and a second sun gear in engagement with the second planet gear on the drive output side of the transmission, for coupling to the auxiliary assembly. The first planet gear is connected to the shaft by a first freewheel, which generates a rotationally conjoint connection when the first planet gear overruns in a first direction of rotation, and generates a freewheeling connection when the first planet gear overruns in a second, opposite direction of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with the inner rocker arm type epicycle wheel system and combined with a one-way transmission to construct the inner rocker arm type epicycle wheel system capable of changing the driven direction of the input shaft while the output rotary direction of a cylindrical output shaft keeps constant, and characterized in that: through the inner rocker arm type epicycle wheel system being combined with the one-way transmission, the inner rocker arm type epicycle wheel system is equipped with a transmission operational function of bidirectional input and unidirectional output, thereby the inner rocker arm type epicycle wheel system with bidirectional input and unidirectional output of the present invention enables the transmission relation between the input shafts driven in two different rotary directions status and the one-way rotation cylindrical output shaft to have the same or different transmission speed ratios, when the input shafts are driven in the first rotary direction and i

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission module is provided that can passively and automatically upshift and downshift between two speed ratios, even if the speed of the output member does not decrease. The transmission module includes a planetary gear set. A torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to connect the two members of the planetary gear set for common rotation. A centripetal member is configured to apply a first axial force urging engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism. The first axial force increases as the speed of the output member increases. A torque-to-thrust actuator, such as a ball screw actuator, is connected for rotation with the input member and is configured to apply a second axial force opposing engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: An operating mechanism by which the linear movement of a gearshift cable is converted into a rotational movement of an operating sleeve and transmitted to the interior of a bicycle multispeed gear hub.

Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and an auxiliary power transmission mechanism. The driver is rotatably supported by the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported by the hub axle with the power transmission mechanism is operatively disposed therebetween to transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through power transmission paths. The shift mechanism is operatively coupled to the power transmission mechanism to select one of the power transmission paths. The auxiliary power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell to transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through an auxiliary power transmission path during shifting such that a load path of the power transmission mechanism for the power transmission path being shift to is placed in a substantially unloaded state with the auxiliary power transmission path carrying the load.

Abstract: For the coaxial epicyclic gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output, by way of the epicyclic gear train and the integrated one-way transmission to constitute the epicyclic gear train, in which the rotary direction driving the input shaft of the gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output is changed, and the rotary direction at the output shaft is constant.

Abstract: A passive mechanical torque converter includes an input member which is coupled to an input of a first centripetal clutch. The output of the first centripetal clutch is coupled to both one element of a planetary gear assembly and the input of a second, double sided centripetal clutch. Another element of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to one side of a one way (overrunning) clutch, the other side of which is grounded. The output of the double sided centripetal clutch and the third element of the planetary gear assembly are coupled to an output member.

Abstract: A transmission for use in an electrically-driven bicycle and/or a scooter is disclosed, in which the transmission coupled with a motor is embedded together with the motor in a hub of a rear or front wheel. According to the transmission and a transmission method, the power generated from the motor or a pedal is outputted through a transmission device to a hub shell of the wheel. The output of the motor or other output of the motor which is subject to a reduction unit is used as the input of the transmission device. The ring gear and the hub shell are connected to each other with an output pawl, so that the power cannot be reversely inputted when the hub shell is rotated with a higher speed than the ring gear.

Abstract: A multispeed transmission includes a sun gear, at least one high-speed planetary gear in constant mesh with the sun gear and a high-speed ring gear, where the high-speed planetary gear orbits around the sun gear. The multispeed transmission also includes at least one low-speed planetary gear coupled with the high-speed planetary gear and in constant mesh with a low-speed ring gear and a carrier rotationally engaged with the high-speed planetary gear and the low-speed planetary gear such that either the high-speed planetary gear or the low-speed planetary gear controls rotation of the carrier. The multispeed transmission further includes a transmission case that surrounds the high-speed ring gear and the low-speed ring gear and a clutch located proximate to the high-speed ring gear and the low-speed ring gear, where the clutch selectively couples the high-speed ring gear or the low-speed ring gear with the transmission case.

Abstract: A control mechanism for decoupling a drive ratchet on a bicycle hub makes it possible to push the bicycle backwards while the foot pedals of the pedal crank drive remain still. These functions can be applied to folding bicycles, in which pedal movements are harmful when in their folded up state. The control mechanism includes a controlling sleeve coupled to the drive ratchet, which is indirectly connected by means of a frictional device to the unmoving hub axle.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having a stationary member, an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and five torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The five torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first, second, and third members with another of the first, second, third members, and a stationary element. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. A first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch engageable to interconnect the third member of the fourth planetary gear set with the stationary member.

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, and first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. A plurality of interconnecting members continuously interconnect one of the first, second and third members of one of the planetary gear sets with one of the first, second and third members of another of the planetary gear sets. Five torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with the stationary member.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes a first power transmission module driven by an input shaft. A second power transmission module is driven by the first power transmission module. A third power transmission module is driven by the second power transmission module and drives an output shaft. Each power transmission module includes an actuation mechanism and a planetary gearset. Each actuation mechanism controls the output of its respective planetary gearset to one of a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. One of the actuation mechanisms includes a clutch and a spring biasing a member to rotate and cause a corresponding actuation of the clutch. The clutch causes two members of the respective planetary gearset to rotate at substantially the same speed and provide the first gear ratio. The actuation mechanism selectively restricts the member from rotating and prevent actuation of the clutch to provide the second gear ratio.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for transmitting a first torque between a first member and a second member includes a first clutch and a one-way clutch assembly. The first clutch has at least one first clutch element rotatably coupled to the first member and at least one second clutch element rotatably coupled to the second member. The one-way clutch assembly is disposed in parallel with the first clutch between the first member and the second member. When the one-way clutch assembly is actuated torque is transmitted between the first member and the second member in a first rotational direction and the one-way clutch assembly does not transmit torque between the first member and the second member in a second rotational direction. When the one-way clutch assembly is not actuated then the one-way clutch assembly does not transmit torque in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction.

Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and a shift mechanism. The driver and the hub shell are rotatably supported relative to the hub axle. The power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell to selectively transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through one a plurality of power transmission paths. The shift mechanism operatively couples the power transmission mechanism to select a power transmission path. The downstream planetary gear unit includes a planetary gear carrier that meshes with planetary gears of the upstream planetary gear unit or with a linking member coupled to the planetary gears of the upstream planetary gear unit. The planetary gear carrier of the downstream planetary gear unit is coupled with a brake unit to transmit a reverse rotational power from the driver to the brake unit.

Abstract: A multi-speed hub for cantilever mounting to a bicycle frame generally includes a planetary gear mechanism, a hub shaft, a hub shell, a spoke shell, a driver and a driven gear. The hub shell is cantilever-mounted to the bicycle frame and configured to enclose the planetary gear mechanism and the hub shaft. The spoke shell, driver and driven gear are rotatably supported by the hub shell. One end of the hub shaft is indirectly supported by the hub shell and the other end of the hub shaft is fixed to the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A gear train of an automatic transmission for vehicles realizes at least eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds by combining three simple planetary gear sets with four clutches and two brakes. In addition, two friction elements are operated at each shift-speed. Therefore, the gear train has advantages of simplifying structures of the automatic transmission and improving power delivery performance and fuel economy.

Abstract: A multiple speed automatic transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has a sun gear, a planet carrier with a plurality of planet gears and a ring gear. The torque transmitting devices include three clutches, a conventional first brake and a second brake comprising a parallel combination of an overrunning clutch and a light duty or coast clutch. Eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by selective engagement of the five torque transmitting devices.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and a first and a second compound planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set has a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth member. The second planetary gear set has a first, second, third, and fourth member. The first member of the first compound planetary gear set is continuously connected for common rotation with the input member. The first member of the second compound planetary gear set is continuously connected for common rotation with the output member. The second member of the second compound planetary gear set is continuously grounded to the stationary member. None of the members of the first planetary gear set are continuously connected for common rotation with any of the members of the second planetary gear set. Seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable to establish up to ten forward speed ratios.

Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism for a bicycle, and more particularly to a planetary gear mechanism comprising a first planetary mechanism connected coaxially in series to a second planetary mechanism, which second planetary mechanism is connected coaxially in series to a third planetary mechanism, the second planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the first planetary mechanism output, the third planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the second planetary mechanism output.

Abstract: A bicycle multi-speed internal gear hub including a hub axle, a hub shell rotatably mounted about the hub axle, a driver rotatably mounted about the hub axle and at least two gear stages providing at least two gear ratios. Each gear stage includes a planetary gear mechanism having at least one sun gear, a sun gear clutch connecting the sun gear and the hub axle to rotate together, a planet carrier and a ring gear. The at least two gear stages connected in series. One of the at least two gear stages is an overdrive gear stage with a greater speed at a gear stage output then at a gear stage input, the other of the at least two gear stages is an underdrive gear stage with a lower speed at the gear stage output than at the gear stage input. One of the at least two gear stages is coupled to the driver and the other of the at least two gear stages is coupled to the hub shell.

Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission basically includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a planetary gear mechanism and a clutch. The driver is rotatably supported relative to the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported relative to the driver. The planetary gear mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell for communicating rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through a plurality of power transmission paths. The clutch is arranged for actuating the planetary gear mechanism to select a different gear. The clutch includes at least one clutch plate which is non-rotatably supported by the hub axle and axially movable relative to the hub axle to selectively engage with and disengage from at least one sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism.

Abstract: A pulley assembly with an auto-selecting multi-speed transmission that can be operated in at least two modes depending on the manner in which rotary power is transmitted through the pulley assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a one way transmission for a motor, which has a structure for changing speed in the same direction as a motor normally rotate even when the motor rotates reversely. A one way transmission for a motor according to the present invention comprises a hub shell rotatably coupled to fixing shafts extending from both sides thereof; a built-in motor arranged in the hub shell and provided with a driving shaft; and a changing speed means mounted between the driving shaft and the hub shell to output driving rotation of the built-in motor to the hub shell in a one way with speed changed.

Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission basically includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and a shift mechanism. The driver is rotatably supported relative to the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported relative to the driver. The power transmission mechanism includes a downstream planetary gear unit and an upstream planetary gear unit disposed between the driver and the hub shell to selectively transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through one a plurality of power transmission paths. The shift mechanism is operatively coupled to the power transmission mechanism to select one of the power transmission paths. The downstream planetary gear unit includes at least a first sun gear, a second sun gear and a planetary gear carrier that meshes with planetary gears of the upstream planetary gear unit.

Abstract: An internally geared hub is provided with a hub axle, a hub shell, a driver, a planetary gear mechanism and a gear changing mechanism. The hub shell rotates freely about the hub axle. The driver rotates freely relative to both the hub axle and the hub shell. The planetary gear mechanism is operatively connected between the hub shell and the driver. The planetary gear mechanism includes a plurality of driver rotation transmission paths that transmits rotation of the driver in a prescribed operating direction to the hub shell, and a hub shell rotation transmission path that transmits rotation of the hub shell in the prescribed operating direction to the driver. The gear changing mechanism is operatively connected the planetary gear mechanism for selectively establishing one of the driver rotation transmission paths or the hub shell rotation transmission path.

Abstract: A multi-speed internal bicycle hub transmission assembly includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and a shift control mechanism. The driver and the hub shell are rotatably supported to the hub axle. The power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell for transmitting rotational power from the driver to the hub shell. The shift control mechanism includes a shift controller and a positioner. The shift controller is movable in rotational directions relative to the hub axle to a plurality of orientations. Each orientation of the shift controller corresponds to selection of a corresponding one of plurality of power transmission paths of the power transmission mechanism. The positioner is non-movable in the rotational direction relative to the hub axle and is biased into contact with the shift controller.

Abstract: An input brake assembly is provided for selectively grounding a transmission input member. The packaging location of the input brake assembly does not interfere with, and thus still allows the option of providing a bypass clutch for a flex plate-type flywheel connecting the engine with the transmission input member. The input brake assembly includes a flywheel, preferably a flex plate, for transferring rotary torque between the engine and the transmission input member and a ring gear secured to the outer periphery of the flex plate. A pinion gear is axially movable into and out of meshing engagement with the ring gear. A grounding device is operatively connected to the pinion gear and is operable to prevent rotation of the pinion gear, thereby braking the flex plate as well as the transmission input member operatively connected thereto when the pinion gear is in meshing engagement with the ring gear.

Abstract: An internal transmission hub assembly includes a shift control sleeve, a sleeve guide and a shifting key guide. The shift control sleeve is disposed for limited circumferential movement about the axis of rotation of a stationary hub shaft. The shift control sleeve includes a base sleeve and at least one pawl control arm, the base sleeve having a first end and a second end. The sleeve guide supports the first end of the base sleeve of the shift control sleeve about the stationary hub shaft. The first end of the base sleeve is welded to the sleeve guide. The shifting key guide supports the second end of the base sleeve of the shift control sleeve about the stationary hub shaft. The second end of the base sleeve is welded to the shifting key guide.

Abstract: A hub transmission for a bicycle comprises a hub axle; a driver rotatably supported to the hub axle; a hub shell rotatably supported to the hub axle; a power transmitting mechanism disposed between the driver and the hub shell for communicating rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through a plurality of power transmission paths; a shift mechanism for selecting the plurality of power transmission paths; a shift assist mechanism for communicating rotational power from the driver to the shift mechanism; and a power control mechanism disposed between the driver and the shift assist mechanism and coupling rotational power from the driver to the shift assist mechanism for communicating non-constant rotational power from the driver to the shift assist mechanism.

Abstract: A bicycle hub gearbox comprises a first planetary gear mechanism and a second planetary gear mechanism and a tubular linking member. The second planetary gear mechanism is operatively coupled with the first planetary gear mechanism. The tubular linking member include a first toothed ring part engaged with the first planetary gear mechanism at a first axial region and a second toothed ring part engaged with the second planetary gear mechanism at a second axial region such that a permanent synchronization between the at least two planetary gear mechanisms is achieved. The first and second toothed ring parts have different diameters and being axially spaced apart.

Abstract: A bicycle hub gearbox is provided for a multi-speed hub with a coaster brake mechanism. The bicycle hub gearbox basically has a first planetary gear mechanism, a second planetary gear mechanism, a braking mechanism and a clutch mechanism. The second planetary gear mechanism is operatively coupled with the first planetary gear mechanism. The braking mechanism is selectively coupled to the first planetary gear mechanism. The clutch mechanism selectively couples an output side of the first planetary gear mechanism to an input side of the second planetary gear mechanism to selectively transmit either a driving torque applied by a rider in a driving direction depending on a selected gear ratio or a braking torque applied by the rider in a braking direction to the braking mechanism independent of a selected gear ratio via one path such that a resulting braking effect is substantially equal independent of the selected gear ratio.