Abstract: A continuously variable transmission in which a transmission unit provides a variable speed ratio between an input member (2) and an output member (3). The output member drives an output transmission member (11) by way of a power recirculation system (7-10) in a first regime of the transmission, through a selectable transmission path (30-34) providing a fixed ratio drive from the input member to the output transmission member, and having a selectable regime which provides a transmission path (19-23) from the output member to the output transmission member. The transmission is arranged so that only a clutching operation is required to effect a synchronous changeover between regimes.

Abstract: A toroidal race rolling traction transmission unit has a plurality of rocker arms (10) which are connected by means of a sliding pivot (5) one to each first end of a respective roller carriage (3) and by means of a spherical ball joint (6) including a ball on the rocker and a race at a second end of a respective carriage. The carriage is rotatable about an axis defined by the pivot and the ball joint, whereby movement of the rocker arm causes a change in the transmission ratio.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a toroidal race rolling traction unit (5) which is connectable in distinct regimes to an output rotary member (18) by way of an epicyclic gear stage (19-21). Devices are provided for interrupting or inhibiting the action of the epicyclic gear stage so as to provide at least one fixed transmission ratio of low loss within the range of continuously variable transmission ratios that the rolling race unit can provide.