Patent ID: 7217204

Claim:
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 said source of rotary motion for rotation about a drive axis (A); a driven member ( 22 ) connectable to said 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 a 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); a weight arm assembly ( 100 ) pivotally mounted to said rotating shaft ( 55 ) to pivot centrifugally outward relative to said drive axis (A); at least one force transmitting member disposed between said weight arm assembly ( 100 ) and said second sheave ( 28 ) to apply force to said second sheave ( 28 ) as a function of the centrifugally outward pivoting of said weight arm assembly ( 100 ); at least one spring ( 80 ) disposed between said rotating shaft ( 55 ) and said second sheave ( 28 ) to apply force to said second sheave ( 28 ) so as to help maintain tension in said belt ( 24 ); and a lever system pivotally mounted between said rotating shaft ( 55 ) and said second sheave ( 28 ) to apply force to said second sheave ( 28 ) so as to also help maintain tension in said belt ( 24 ).