Abstract: A continuously-variable ratio automotive transmission, especially of the toroidal race rolling-traction type, in which mechanism comprising a clutch, a brake and two epicyclics--a reversing train and a mixing train--is interposed between the ratio-varying unit and the output member of the transmission as a whole. By operation of the clutch and the brake the elements within the mechanism may be arranged in two different combinations whereby the transmission may operate in first and second "regimes", one or other of which will offer efficient transmission throughout the entire operating range of the source of automotive power. The invention lies in a particular choice of the two different combinations resulting firstly in a transmission notably short in axial length.

Abstract: A transmission of the two-regime, toroidal race rolling traction type. The output disc of the variator is supported by a rotary thrust bearing including rollers mounted in a rotatable cage. In the second regime, which is in action during the higher-speed ranges of forward drive, the output disc is connected to the final drive through an epicyclic. In the first regime, in action during the whole of reverse drive and the lower-speed ranges of forward drive, the cage of the thrust bearing is connected to the final drive by way of a one-way clutch and a lock arranged in parallel: in the reverse part of the regime the lock is engaged to prevent the clutch overriding, and in the remaining forward part of the regime the lock is open and the clutch operates directly because of the reversal of direction. The cage may contain an array of single rollers symmetrically arranged, each rotatable about an axis which intersects the axis of the cage itself obliquely.

Abstract: A continuously-variable-ratio automotive transmission, typically of the toroidal-race rolling traction type, in which mechanism comprising a clutch, a brake and two epicyclic combinations--a reversing train and a mixing train--is interposed between the ratio-varying unit and the output of the transmission as a whole. By operation of the clutch and the brake the elements within the mechanism may be arranged in two different combinations whereby the transmission may operate in first and second "regimes", one or other of which will offer efficient transmission throughout the entire operating range of the source of the automotive power.

Abstract: A device for damping both radial and axial motions of one mechanical part relative to another. The two parts may, for instance, be the fixed structure of a toroidal race variable-ratio transmission unit and the control sleeve of the unit. A flexible fluid-filled envelope fills the annular gap between one of these parts and the other, and the interior of the envelope is in the form of two volumes, one at each axial end and joined by a constriction in the middle. Relative radial motion between the two parts is damped by distortion of the envelope and consequent rotary movement of the fluid within. Relative axial motion is damped because the relative sizes of the two volumes change, and fluid moves from one volume to the other through the constriction.