Actuator system and segmented pulley transmission including the same

An actuator system for moving a plurality of pulley segments of a segmented pulley, the actuator system comprising:

• a deflector having a body that is rotatable between a first position and a second position, about a generally radial axis of rotation;
• and
• a plurality of followers coupled to the plurality of pulley segments such that each of the followers is coupled to a respective one of the pulley segments to move the respective one of the pulley segments between an engaged region and a disengaged region during rotational operation of the segmented pulley,
• wherein, in the first position, the deflector is aligned to engage the plurality of followers and direct each of the followers from a disengaged position to an engaged position during rotational operation of the segmented pulley, to move the plurality of pulley segments from the disengaged region to the engaged region,
• wherein, in the second position, the deflector is aligned to engage the plurality of followers and direct each of the followers from the engaged position to the disengaged position during rotational operation of the segmented pulley, to move the plurality of pulley segments from the engaged region to the disengaged region, and
• wherein each of the followers disengages the deflector at or before passing the axis of rotation of the deflector when moving the respective one of the pulley segments between the engaged region and the disengaged region during rotation operation of the segmented pulley.