US Patent 12071200 Sectioned multiple-step pulley transmission

A pulley for a transmission system, including a central rotatable hub having a circumference; and a plurality of adjoining identical pulley segments rotatably mounted about the central hub circumference, wherein the adjoining pulley segments form an approximately circular stepped pulley shape and each of the pulley segments includes two sections providing two curved shelf surfaces for engaging a flexible drive member, each shelf having a different radius, forming higher and lower steps, and further wherein each of the pulley segments are independently rotatable about a radial axis with respect to the central hub.