Patent ID: 6406390
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A variable ratio drive system (15) connectable between a source of rotary motion and a driven device, said system comprising:a driving member (20) having a rotating shaft (55) connectable to the source of rotary motion for rotation about a drive axis (A); a driven member (22) connectable to the driven device; and a belt (24) connected between said driving member (20) and said driven member (22) and operable to transmit rotary motion therebetween, wherein said driving member (20) includes; a first sheave (30) and a second sheave (28), each having an conical surface (31, 29) configured for frictional engagement with the belt (24); means (57, 60) for connecting said first sheave (30) to said rotating shaft (55) for rotation therewith; means for connecting said second sheave (28) to said rotating shaft (55) for rotation therewith while permitting translation relative thereto along said drive axis; a weight arm assembly (100) having an arm (101), said arm having a first end and an opposite second end, said first end pivotally mounted to said rotating shaft (55) to pivot said arm centrifugally outward relative to said drive axis (A); and a force transmitting member disposed between said arm (101) and said second sheave (28) and configured to contact said arm between said first end and said second end to apply a force to said second sheave as a function of the centrifugally outward pivoting of said weight arm assembly.