A laminated sprocket assembly is provided formed of a plurality of layers that are connected together. Each of the layers is a stamped sheet metal layer having a plurality of spaced apart teeth located around a periphery thereof. The teeth in the plurality of connected layers are aligned. At least one of voids, channels, openings, or recesses are located in or between at least some of the layers for receiving and holding lubricating oil. This reduces noise and wear.

A laminated sprocket assembly is provided formed of a plurality of layers that are connected together. Each of the layers is a stamped sheet metal layer having a plurality of spaced apart teeth located around a periphery thereof. The teeth in the plurality of connected layers are aligned. At least one of voids, channels, openings, or recesses are located in or between at least some of the layers for receiving and holding lubricating oil. This reduces noise and wear.

A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis and is movable relative to the base member in an axial direction parallel to the first rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis and is stationary relative to the base member in the axial direction. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage which is variable in accordance with at least one positional relationship among the first transmission member, the second transmission member, and the first coupling member in the axial direction.

A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis and is movable relative to the base member in an axial direction parallel to the first rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis and is stationary relative to the base member in the axial direction. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage which is variable in accordance with at least one positional relationship among the first transmission member, the second transmission member, and the first coupling member in the axial direction.

A chain guide and tensioning apparatus (10) for reducing friction and heat generated by said chain guide and tensioning apparatus (10) engaging a driven chain (16). A guide body (12) has an engagement surface (26) and a first aperture (54) extending through the guide body (12) and opening into the engagement surface (26). A guide face (14) at least partially overlays the engagement surface (26) and has a contact surface (44) configured to guide and tension the driven chain (16). A first recessed groove (46) is formed on the contact surface (44) and is in communication with at least one second aperture (48) extending through the guide face (14). The first aperture (54) is adaptable to receive and communicate oil from an oil source to the second aperture (48) and the first recessed groove (46) for reducing friction and heat from guiding and tensioning the driven chain (16).

A chain guide and tensioning apparatus (10) for reducing friction and heat generated by said chain guide and tensioning apparatus (10) engaging a driven chain (16). A guide body (12) has an engagement surface (26) and a first aperture (54) extending through the guide body (12) and opening into the engagement surface (26). A guide face (14) at least partially overlays the engagement surface (26) and has a contact surface (44) configured to guide and tension the driven chain (16). A first recessed groove (46) is formed on the contact surface (44) and is in communication with at least one second aperture (48) extending through the guide face (14). The first aperture (54) is adaptable to receive and communicate oil from an oil source to the second aperture (48) and the first recessed groove (46) for reducing friction and heat from guiding and tensioning the driven chain (16).

A high speed ratio drive system is formed of planet rollers, each having varying diameter, an outer fixed ring in contact with one diameter of the planet rollers, and an outer drive ring in contact with another diameter of the planet rollers. An inner drive element is provided by a sun drive roller in contact with the planet rollers or by a planet carrier. Preferably the system has an axial reflective symmetry minimizing twisting forces on the planet rollers.

Transmission having a housing composed of at least one first and second component for accommodating transmission components, wherein one of the components has at least one bore for the supply of oil, wherein one component has a bore, and a second component has a guide device for oil, which both open in the direction of a sealing surface between the first and second components, wherein the guide device engages axially around a sleeve which is under spring preload, or a sleeve which is under spring preload engages axially around the guide device.

A case for an endless transmission member includes a first case member attached to a vehicle-mounted internal combustion engine and a second case member attached to the first case member. The first and second case members define an accommodation chamber that accommodates an endless transmission member looped over rotating bodies of the engine. The first case member includes a communication hole that connects the accommodation chamber to the inside of the engine. The first or second case member includes a guide rib that guides lubricant from the accommodation chamber to the inside of the engine. In an orientation of the case when the engine is installed in a vehicle, the guide rib is provided along part of the lower side of the opening edge of the communication hole including the lower end of the opening edge.

A case for an endless transmission member includes a first case member attached to a vehicle-mounted internal combustion engine and a second case member attached to the first case member. The first and second case members define an accommodation chamber that accommodates an endless transmission member looped over rotating bodies of the engine. The first case member includes a communication hole that connects the accommodation chamber to the inside of the engine. The first or second case member includes a guide rib that guides lubricant from the accommodation chamber to the inside of the engine. In an orientation of the case when the engine is installed in a vehicle, the guide rib is provided along part of the lower side of the opening edge of the communication hole including the lower end of the opening edge.