Abstract: A transmission comprises a rotary input member, a rotary output member and a housing. Disposed in the housing is at least one rolling member such as a ball for transmitting a rotary movement between the rotary input and output member. The rolling member is arranged between at least first and second substantially circular tracks forming a gap that decreases in the peripheral direction. The rolling member is held in contact at a drive rolling radius with the one track and at a driven rolling radius with the other track, in the decreasing gap, by a positive-action guide.

Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission which is arranged such that a pair of toroidal transmission mechanisms are disposed around an input shaft connected to an engine. A forward-reverse switching device is located around the first shaft between the engine and the toroidal transmission mechanism. A control valve assembly is disposed around the forward-reverse switching device relative to the input shaft. Therefore, the needed space for the transmission is reduced, and the responsibility of controlled hydraulic pressure to each element is improved.

Abstract: A planetary friction roller drive (30, 66, 84, 26) adapted particularly for use in driving automotive accessories such as an alternator wherein provision is made for delivering engine torque to the ring roller element (26) of the planetary friction drive and for connecting drivably the sun roller element (30) of the friction drive to a driven accessory such as an alternator and wherein a torque flow path characterized by two speed ratios is effected by a compound planetary carrier assembly (50) as a preload at the friction drive contact locations between the planetary rollers (66, 84) and the ring roller element (30) and between the planetary rollers (66, 84) and the sun roller element (30) of the planetary assembly is established by a preload spring (134) actng in a tangential direction, the reaction torque for the planetary friction drive being established by a selectively engageable brake (136) acting on the sun roller element (30) thus effecting a ratio transition from unity.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has an input shaft rotatably mounted to a frame. Plural output wheels are located around the input shaft and are rotatably mounted to the frame. The output wheels have respective axes of rotation that lie in a plane, which plane is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the input shaft. Each output wheel has an arcuate circumferential surface. The output wheels are arranged around the input shaft so that the innermost portions of their circumferential surfaces form a traversing path around the input shaft. The input shaft has one or more drive rollers coupled thereto so that the drive rollers can both rotate and pivot independently of the input shaft. As the input shaft rotates, the drive rollers traverse the traversing path.

Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission has first coaxial toric input and output elements arranged opposite each other such that a first toric cavity is formed therebetween, and second coaxial toric input and output elements opposite each other such that a second toric cavity is formed therebetween. The first and second output discs are arranged between the first and second input discs. First traction rollers are disposed in the first toric cavity for the transmission of motion therebetween. Second traction rollers are disposed in the second toric cavity for the transmission of motion therebetween. Tensions sheets extend between and interconnect roller support structures for the first and second traction rollers. The tension sheets include a first tension sheet extending between and interconnecting the roller support structures for the first traction rollers, and a second tension sheet extending between and interconnecting the roller support structures for the second traction rollers.

Abstract: A transverse axis infinitely variable transmission of the traction type which uses a planetary reduction principle whereby the highest input/output speed ratio is achieved as the contact radii of the elements approach similarity. All the traction elements of the present invention operate at virtually the same high surface speed whereby the minimum relative tangential force, transmitted through the traction contacts, will generate the maximum torque through the transmission. The present invention includes a spider which rotates with the main shaft about the first axis of the transmission. Compound-plants are rotatably supported by spindles which radiate outwardly from the spider hub. The axis of rotation of the compound-planets is transverse to the first axis, thereby insuring that the maximum number of traction elements of the same approximate size are incorporated into the smallest possible envelope. A first surface of each of the compound-planets is engaged with a non-rotating reaction member.

Abstract: A continuously variable traction roller transmission. The transmission comprises a casing; input and output shafts passing through the interior of the casing; opposite paired input and output toroidal discs coaxially disposed about the input shaft; paired traction rollers disposed between and in engagement with the input and output discs. The transmission further comprises a first device for connecting the input shaft to the input disc to achieve a united rotation between them and biasing the input disc toward the output disc in accordance with a magnitude of torque applied to the input shaft; a second device disposed between the input shaft and the input disc for constantly biasing the input disc toward the output disc; and a third device for reducing a friction force which is produced between the input disc and the input shaft by the second device when a relative rotation therebetween takes place.