Importance

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Abstract

A power transmission adapted to be connected between a prime mover and a driven means which comprises a variable pulley drive comprising drive and driven pulleys connected by a belt, each having at least one flange axially movable with respect to the other. The pulleys continously rotate when the prime mover is operational. The output of the prime mover is directly connected to the pulley drive. The prime mover may be an automobile engine, the driven means may include the wheels of an automobile. A speed-responsive friction starting device with means to shift between neutral, forward and reverse is connected between the driven pulley and the driven means. Shifting of a dry, i.e, non-lubricated, belt on the pulleys when the speed ratio is changing is enhanced because of the continuous driving of the pulleys. Also, because the direction of the rotation of the pulleys is always the same, shifting between forward and reverse is enhanced, this being true for any type of belt. The drive ratio between the pulleys is controlled by a hydraulic control arrangement which is both engine speed and torque responsive and the drive to the vehicle wheels may be through a synchronizer or a planetary gear arrangement to a differential.

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First Claim