Patent ID: 8066602
Filing Date: 2011-11-29
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A sprocket comprising: a central axis of rotation and a plurality of teeth with sprocket engagement surfaces, the sprocket teeth and the sprocket engagement surfaces spaced about the periphery of the sprocket, the sprocket engagement surfaces disposed to engage surfaces of chain link teeth of a chain having a plurality of links interconnected at joints having a central pin axis; the sprocket engagement surfaces spaced a distance from the sprocket central axis to dispose the chain at a pitch radius defined by the distance between the sprocket central axis and the pin axis of the chain links engaged by the sprocket engagement surfaces; the sprocket engagement surfaces disposed to engage the chain to provide a sequence of a minimum pitch radius, a maximum pitch radius, and at least one intermediate pitch radii therebetween; and a pitch radii sequence including the minimum pitch radius, the maximum pitch radius and at least one intermediate pitch radius substantially repeating itself at least twice with each rotation of the sprocket for imparting tensions to the chain timed with respect to tension loads imparted to the system from other sources effective to reduce maximum chain tensions at one or more peak tension speeds relative to the maximum chain tensions at the peak tension speeds where the sprocket is a straight sprocket.