Bar-band variable circumference adjustable-drive pulley mechanism
OwnerJames A. Grahaminventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A variable inverted pulley circumference mechanism supported by an external mechanism that locates the pulley halves. Power transfer takes place via either a combination of a variable pulley located inside the variable inverted pulley, working together with fixed planet wheels, or with innovative variable span planet mechanisms working together with a traditional sun wheel or a variable pulley in place of a traditional sun, wherein the variable circumference mechanism consist of one or more surfaces, so that part of the surface is used as needed to form the circumference, and unused parts of the surface is stored opposite of a contact surface of the circumference.
Claims5
A surface system for a variable circumference mechanism, comprising:
- a splined, rotatably supported, hollow, axle member having at least one longitudinally extending opening;
- a variable diameter traction element carried by said axle member, wherein said traction element includes a pair of outwardly biased frusto-conical pulley members capable of relative axial movement along said axle member;
- at least one flexible engaging element for positively contacting power transfer means riding upon said traction assembly;
- and tensioning means operatively connected to said engaging element, whereby stress exerted upon said tensioning means causes said engaging element to retract into said axle member through said longitudinal opening, so that said flexible engaging element is tightly carried by said traction element through every degree of variation, said frusto-conical pulley halves having at least one slot to allow storage of unused portions of said engaging element;
- and wherein said variable circumference mechanism consist of one or more surfaces, wherein part of the surfaces are used as needed to for the circumference, and unused parts of the surface are stored opposite a contact surface of the circumference.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.