Abstract: A variable transmission device and method are disclosed.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of an IVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a carrier member configured to have a number of radially offset slots. Various inventive carrier members and carrier drivers can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of an IVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In one embodiment, the carrier member is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a carrier member is operably coupled to a carrier driver. In some embodiments, the carrier member is configured to couple to a source of rotational power. Among other things, shift control interfaces for an IVT are disclosed.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for a refrigeration system having a compressor operably coupled to continuously variable accessory drive (CVAD). In one embodiment, the refrigerant is adapted to cool the CVAD. In another embodiment, the refrigerant is configured to actuate a change in operating condition of the CVAD. A change in operating condition of the CVAD can be based at least in part on the thermodynamic state, such as pressure or temperature, of the refrigerant. In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle (112) is adapted to receive a carrier assembly (101, 400, 600, 800) to facilitate the support of components in a CVT (100). In another embodiment, a carrier includes a stator support member (206, 304, 402, 502, 602, 802) and a stator interfacial member (208, 504). In some embodiments, the stator interfacial member is configured to interact with planet subassemblies of a CVT. Various inventive planet subassemblies (108, 406, 806) and idler assemblies (109, 700) can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs (244, 2444, 424, 810) configured to have a sliding interface with a carrier assembly.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input, a variator including an output and a ball carrier secured to the input, producing a variable speed ratio between the ball carrier and the output, a gearset including a component connected to the output, and second and third components, a first clutch releaseably connecting the input and the second component, and a second clutch releaseably connecting the component and the third component.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

Abstract: An control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes: a failure shift stage setting section configured to set, to the target shift stage, a shift stage which can be attained in a state in which the one of the solenoids judged that the failure is generated is not energized; and a failure neutral state through section configured to control the solenoids at a predetermined vehicle speed or over so that the automatic transmission is brought to a neutral state, when the target shift stage is a shift stage at which the vehicle speed is suddenly decreased when the solenoids are controlled so that the automatic transmission attains the target shift stage, and to control the solenoids below the predetermined vehicle speed so that the automatic transmission attains the target shift stage.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a rotatable input shaft arranged along a longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, the input shaft is adapted to supply a lubricant to the interior of the transmission. In some embodiments, a stator assembly is coupled to, and coaxial with, the input shaft. The IVT has a plurality of planets operably coupled to the stator assembly. The planets are arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, a traction ring is operably coupled to the planets. The IVT is provided with a housing that is operably coupled to the traction ring. The housing is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. The traction ring is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. In some embodiments, the IVT is provided with a lubricant manifold that is configured to supply a lubricant to the input shaft.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a rim and an energy recovery system. The energy recovery system includes a flywheel, a continuously variable planetary (CVP), a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set. The flywheel is substantially concentric with the rim and operable to rotate relative to the rim. The CVP is positioned within the flywheel and is operable to transmit rotational motion between the flywheel and the rim. The first planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to the rim and the CVP such that rotational motion transmitted between the CVP and the rim is transmitted through the first planetary gear set. The second planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to the CVP, the rim and the flywheel such that rotational motion transmitted between the CVP, the rim and the flywheel is transmitted through the second planetary gear set.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: To provide a control system for carrying out a speed change operation of a geared transmission mechanism continuously by controlling a continuously variable transmission mechanism. A continuously variable transmission mechanism configured to increase and decrease speeds of a first and a second output discs simultaneously, and a geared transmission mechanism configured to change a speed change ratio stepwise are connected in series. The output discs are connected individually with intermediate shafts. The control system is adapted to synchronize a rotational speed of a switching mechanism and a rotational speed of a member to be engaged with the switching mechanism, by tilting a rolling member when carrying out a speed change in the geared transmission mechanism thereby increasing a rotational speed of one of the intermediate shaft while decreasing a rotational speed of the other intermediate shaft (at steps S3, S4 and S5).

Abstract: A transmission includes an input, a variator including an output and a ball carrier secured to the input, producing a variable speed ratio between the ball carrier and the output, a gearset including a component connected to the output, and second and third components, a first clutch releaseably connecting the input and the second component, and a second clutch releaseably connecting the component and the third component.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a rim and an energy recovery system. The energy recovery system includes a flywheel, a continuously variable planetary (CVP), a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set. The flywheel is substantially concentric with the rim and operable to rotate relative to the rim. The CVP is positioned within the flywheel and is operable to transmit rotational motion between the flywheel and the rim. The first planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to the rim and the CVP such that rotational motion transmitted between the CVP and the rim is transmitted through the first planetary gear set. The second planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to the CVP, the rim and the flywheel such that rotational motion transmitted between the CVP, the rim and the flywheel is transmitted through the second planetary gear set.

Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.

Abstract: An adjusting device including a CVT planetary roller transmission having two axially-spaced sun wheels that are rotatable about a common axis of rotation and at different speeds of rotation. Planet wheels contact and ride against peripheral surfaces of each of the sun wheels, and an axially displaceable ring wheel lies radially outwardly of the sun wheels and engages a peripheral groove formed in the sun wheels. When the ring wheel is axially displaced relative to the sun wheels the axes of rotation of the planet wheels tilt relative to the sun wheel axis resulting in a difference in the rotational speed of the sun wheels changes. The device can be employed as an adjusting device for adjusting the rotational speed of connected units, and also as a drive line component having a variable transmission ratio and situated in a power train of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A gear stage (10), in particular of a vehicle seat (3), is embodied as a friction wheel gear stage. The gear stage (10) includes a housing (5), a drive (12), an output (14) that is set off from the drive (12) by an excentricity (e) and at least one sphere or another rolling body (15) for the transmission of force between the drive (12) and t he output (14). According to the invention, the position of the excentricity (e) relative to the housing (5) is arranged in a spatially fixed manner and the gear stage has at least two different direction-dependent and/or shiftable gear ratios.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) where power is transmitted from a group of balls to a shaft via an idler. In one application, the CVT couples to a gearbox and to a generator of a wind turbine. Traction elements of a CVT can be coated and/or textured, using various coating materials and textures, via disclosed coating and/or texturing methods. Methods and systems for shifting a CVT are disclosed. Certain components for a CVT are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a CVT includes a shaft having a spline and a shift flange. In another embodiment, a CVT includes a stator adapted to cooperate with shifter components. Disclosed is a CVT configured to produce a variable output speed that is always greater than an input speed. In one embodiment, a CVT produces a variable output speed that is always lower than an input speed.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device has planetary members (23) in rolling contact with radially inner and outer races (12, 14; 36, 37) each comprising axially spaced relatively axially movable parts, and control means (18) for determining the axial separation of the parts (12, 14) of one of the two races, in which the planetary members (23) are connected for drive transmission to an input or output member (30) of the transmission device by connection means which allows the radial position of the planets to vary in response to variation in the axial separation of the parts (12, 14) of the said one of the two races (37), and in which the generatrix of the curved surface (70, 71) of at least one of the races (37) and/or planetary members (23) is non-circular.

Abstract: There is provided a compact and highly durable variable-speed traction drive transmission device. A traction drive transmission device which uses the traction of rolling bodies K arranged between an input shaft Si and an output shaft So to change the number of revolutions of the input shaft Si into a desired transmission ratio and output from the output shaft So, has a rotation axis of the rolling bodies K arranged at an incline so that it is not orthogonal to the axis of the input shaft Si and the output shaft So, and there is provided: a load regulation cam 50 which automatically changes a preload applied to the rolling bodies K corresponding to a torque of the input shaft Si; and a differential type transmission ratio variation mechanism using a worm gear 55, which is connected to a retainer 40 serving as a traction input-output member of the rolling bodies K, and performs number of revolutions control of the retainer 40 to change the transmission ratio.

Abstract: A gear stage (14) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, has a driving shaft (16) and a driven shaft (18). The gear stage (14) reduces the rotational speed of the driving shaft (16) to a lower rotational speed of the driven shaft (18). The gear stage (14) comprises at least one row (24) of transmission balls upon which tangentially lie at least one, and in particular two driving surfaces (22) of the driving shaft (16), at least one driven surface (26) of the driven shaft (18) and at least one housing surface (28) of a housing (32).

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission features an inner ring and an outer ring. Each of the inner ring and the outer ring is split into a first portion and a second portion. At least two balls are positioned between the inner ring and the outer ring. The at least two balls also are positioned between the first and second portions of the inner and outer ring. The at least two balls rotate with rotation of the input shaft. As the distance between the first and second portions of the outer ring changes, the at least two balls move to a smaller radius of travel or a larger radius of travel. The rotation of the balls is transmitted to an output shaft. The input shaft and the output shaft are directly connectable through a one-way clutch to allow engine braking and/or push starting of the associated engine. A dedicated lubrication system also can be provided.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.

Abstract: The inventive ball-bearing planetary gear comprises three coaxial cylindrical ferrules (2,3,4), one of which is fixed. Working slots (5 and 6) and return slots (7,8) are embodied on the internal (4) and external (2) ferrules. Open slots (9) are embodied on the intermediate ferrule (3). The balls (10) are arranged in the open slots and interact with the slots of the ferrules (2 and 4). The first embodiment relates to the relation between the spiral working slots (5) and spiral return slots (7), which are embodied on the internal ferrule (4). The second embodiment relates to a multirow gear. The third embodiment relates to a gear provided with linings (23) in the saddles (24) of which the balls (10) are arranged.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device of the type having planetary members (25) in rolling contact with radially inner (23) and outer (26) races each comprising two axially spaced parts, with control means (30) for selectively varying the axial separation of the two parts of one race and thus the radial position of the planetary members (25) in rolling contact therewith, in which there are provided means sensitive to the torque applied to a drive-transmitting member of the transmission operable both to determine the compensating variation in the separation of the two parts of the other race and thus the transmission ratio of the device and to vary the forces exchanged between the planets (25) and the races (23, 26) normal to the interface between them.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.

Abstract: A driving hub for a vehicle, particularly a bicycle, comprising a hub axle, a hub sleeve enclosing the hub axle, a driver, a friction gear, a coupling arrangement as well as a control arrangement for infinitely variable adjustment of the transmission ratio of the friction gear, is provided with a ball friction gear comprising a driving ring and a driven ring, a plurality of friction balls frictionally connecting the rings to one another, a friction ball carrier rotationally rigidly connected to the hub axle and a control arrangement for jointly pivoting of the ball spindles, said driving ring and said driven ring being in frictional contact with the friction balls on the respective side of the friction balls which faces away from the axis. A driving hub of this kind is of simple design, can be produced inexpensively and exhibits a high degree of efficiency.

Abstract: A differential gear that includes a cage in which there is disposed first and second rotatable cylinders positioned adjacent to one another, each rotatable cylinder having an elliptically-shaped groove in its surface and a sphere in each groove in contact with the cage as the cylinders are rotated. The first and second rotatable cylinders are rotatable only in opposite directions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a variable speed transmission for small high speed motors. The transmission comprises an input and an output shaft (11 and 21) the output shaft (21) being surrounded by two concentric annular plates (15, 16) being supported for rotating motion on the output shaft (21). The plates (15, 16) are in engagement with rolling elements (18) applied in a holder (20) for the elements secured on the output shaft (21) the plates being driven from the input shaft (11) via a drive roller (12) placed between and abutting the two plates.