Abstract: A simple stepless variable transmission in which rotation of an input shaft (10) is translated into circular motion of an input stage arm (16) which is then converted into periodic rotation of an intermediate linkage (20) around a center of rotation that is displaced from the center of circular motion of the input stage arm (16). The periodic rotation of the intermediate linkage (20) drives an output stage arm (30) into periodic circular motion about a center that is displaced from the center of rotation of the intermediate linkage (20). An overrunning clutch (36) then transmits the useful portion of the periodic circular motion to an output shaft (37). Simultaneously controllably varying the distances between the centers of motion for the input stage arm (16), the intermediate linkage (20) and the output stage arm (30) controllably varies the ratio of the transmission.

Abstract: A simple stepless variable transmission in which rotation of an input shaft is translated into circular motion of an input stage arm which is then converted into periodic rotation of an intermediate linkage around a center of rotation that is displaced from the center of circular motion of the input stage arm. The periodic rotation of the intermediate linkage drives an output stage arm into periodic circular motion about a center that is displaced from the center of rotation of the intermediate stage linkage. An overrunning clutch then transmits the useful portion of the periodic circular motion to an output shaft. Simultaneously controllably varying the distances between the centers of motion for the input stage arm, the intermediate linkage and the output stage arm controllably varies the ratio of the transmission.