Abstract: To suppress flexure of an input shaft of a four-joint link type continuously variable transmission. The four-joint link type variable transmission is equipped with a hollow input shaft, an output shaft, an eccentric mechanism, a swing link, a one-way rotation preventing mechanism, a connecting rod, and a pinion shaft inserted into the input shaft. The connecting rod has, at one end portion, a large-diameter annular portion externally fitted to the eccentric mechanism so as to be capable of rotating freely, and the other end coupled to a swing end portion of the swing link. To the pinion shaft, a roller bearing for pinion supporting the input shaft is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, governed by an inertia mechanism that provides an additional degree of freedom, conferring dynamic properties on the transmission. The complete system includes three distinct subsystems. The first subsystem transforms the rotating movement from the drive system into a movement with oscillating angular speed and regulates the amplitude of said movement. The oscillating rotation at the output of the first subsystem is used to drive the second subsystem, which acts as a regulating element by means of the inertia mechanism. In this manner, the second subsystem acts as a torque-regulating element, providing a signal representing the oscillating angular speed at the output shaft thereof. The oscillating rotation at the output of the second subsystem is rectified in the third subsystem, thereby providing a signal representing angular speed in a single direction of rotation at the output shaft.

Abstract: An output-side swing arm is adapted to be swung about a swing axis thereof when the output-side swing arm is urged by a corresponding part of an input-side swing arm, which is driven by a force transmitted from an input shaft. An adjusting mechanism adjusts an amount of swing of the output-side swing arm by changing a location of a point of action of the input-side swing arm relative to the output-side swing arm in a radial direction of the swing axis of the input-side swing arm.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for bicycles having a transmission mechanism including a plurality of link units for converting rotary motion of an input shaft rotated by a pedal-operated crankshaft into swinging motion, and a one-way clutch for converting the swinging motion into rotary motion of an output shaft. The link units have drive links pivotally mounted on an eccentric ring which rotates in unison with the input shaft. The continuously variable transmission is disposed between a front wheel and a rear wheel of a bicycle in the longitudinal direction thereof and disposed either upwardly of a hypothetical plane which contains the axes of rotation of the front wheel and the rear wheel or upwardly of a position below and near the hypothetical plane. The transmission so configured provides better bicycle maneuverability, lower cost, while suffering almost no danger of contacting the ground.

Abstract: A variable ratio bicycle drive mechanism has particular advantages for use in the drive train of an off-road bicycle but has application in human powered vehicles generally. The mechanism provides a mechanical advantage which varies with the position of the pedals. The angle between the left and right pedals is not fixed at 180.degree. but varies as the pedals rotate so that one pedal enters the most efficient part of its cycle before the other pedal has finished the most efficient pad of its cycle. The mechanism can help to improve the balance of a rider and even out the delivery of power by the rider to the bicycle. The mechanism has a driving axle rotatably mounted in a frame and a pair of pedal axles, one for each foot, mounted parallel to and spaced apart from the driving axle. The pedal axles are driven by the rider by means of linkages, which may be conventional pedals mounted at the ends of crank arms connected to the outer ends of the pedal axles.

Abstract: A mechanism for transmitting rotational motion from an input shaft to an output shaft includes a link which is constrained to move about an orbital path, the input shaft being coupled to the link so that rotation thereof will drive the link about its orbital path, and the output shaft being coupled to the link so that orbital motion of the link will cause the output shaft to rotate.

Abstract: The multipath filling machine or unit for metering, filling and packing pastry products, especially soup pastes, in two or more product rows has a feed mechanism, which has a conveying device, and a following metering mechanism. The conveying device has a plurality of conveyor screws extending in pairs to a pressing chamber of the metering mechanism. These conveyor screws are associated with a common entrance funnel for all rows of products so that a uniform product distribution, is attained in the narrowest space and thus an exact metering over.