Abstract: A continuously variable transmission incorporating a variator having first and second sheaves of adjustable effective diameter by moving one pulley half axially with respect to another to vary the effective diameter of each sheave for engagement with a flexible drive band has a fixed pulley half of one sheave facing the moveable pulley half of the other sheave to maintain alignment of the drive band in the usual way. Both adjustable pulley halves are operated from adjustment means on the same side of the drive band, one adjustment means being connected through the center of the fixed pulley half to the moveable pulley half and that fixed pulley half being mounted by its outer periphery.

Abstract: An infinitely variable cone-pulley transmission of the type including two pairs of cone pulley sheaves, each mounted on a respective shaft, a transmission member circulating between the pairs of pulley sheaves, a pressure cylinder at least partly defined by one pulley sheave of each pair and including a piston, a control valve supplying hydraulic pressure medium to each cylinder chamber, with the pressure being distributed between the two cylinder chambers in order to control the transmission ratio between the pulley sheave pairs, and a torque sensor associated with one of the shafts and active to control the hydraulic pressure in one of the chambers as a function of the torque on that one of the shafts, is supplemented by a two-part presser device which responds to the torque on one of the shafts in order to press one of the pulley sheaves on that shaft against the transmission member with a force which is a function of that torque.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a continuously variable transmission mechanism which incorporates a variator and an epicyclic gearset. Several brakes and/or clutches are arranged for selectively coupling together or holding stationary various parts of the mechanism to provide forward and reverse transmission ranges within which the overall transmission ratio can be varied by the variator. In a first mode of operation the drive is through the variator, the epicyclic gearset acting as a reduction gearing and a further reduction gearing to an output co-axial with the input. In a second mode, the gearset is locked up to provide direct drive from the variator output to the reduction drive. The ratio of the reduction drive corresponds to the maximum step-up ratio of the variator so that in the second mode, with maximum variator step up ratio the overall transmission ratio is 1:1 in a third mode the input is coupled directly to the output to bypass the variator and provide direct drive.

Abstract: In a thrust piece forming a component of a chain for use in a friction pulley transmission in which the chain extends around, and circulates between, pairs of pulleys mounted on associated shafts, with one pulley of each pair being a cone pulley having a conical friction face and the other pulley of each pair being a friction pulley having a friction face which is flatter than that of the associated cone pulley, the thrust piece extending substantially transversely of the length of the chain and presenting opposed end faces via which the thrust piece bears against the friction faces of a pulley pair to effect friction force transmission between the pulley pair and the chain, one end face of the thrust piece, which contacts the friction pulley of a pulley pair, is formed to present an area of contact with the friction pulley which is reduced in relation to the area of contact between the other end face of the thrust piece and the cone pulley of the pulley pair.

Abstract: An infinitely variable cone-pulley transmission arrangement which includes an input shaft, a drive output shaft and at least a pair of cone-pulleys arranged on each shaft with a transmission element circulating between the respective pairs of pulleys. At least one cone-pulley on each shaft is mounted for axial displacement relative thereto in response to the movement of a transmission ratio setting member. A rotary connection is provided at at least one of the cone-pulleys for generating a torque-dependent and ratio-dependent pressing forces between the cone-pulleys and the transmission element. The rotary connection includes a presser device having a plurality of pairs of spaced oblique faces of variable gradient which lie peripherally opposite one another with rolling elements being interposed between each of the pair of oblique faces. An axially mounted support ring is arranged on the shaft with the rolling means being supported at least indirectly against an adjacent cone-pulley and the support rings.

Abstract: A cone pulley transmission has a shaft, a first and a second pulley disc mounted on the shaft and axially displaceable thereon with respect to one another. An axial anti-friction bearing mounted on the shaft is in engagement with the first pulley disc and a bearing disc of radial orientation also mounted on the shaft. The shaft further carries an axially secured support disc adjacent that side of the bearing disc which is oriented away from the anti-friction bearing. The bearing disc is movable with respect to the support disc. Between the bearing disc and the support disc there is disposed a deformable intermediate layer which is enclosed on all sides and which is in engagement with the bearing disc and the support disc.