Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power can be transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. A continuously variable transmission is provided with a ball variator assembly, a dual pinion planetary gearset coupled thereto and an arrangement of rotatable shafts with multiple gears and clutches that extend the ratio range of the variator. In some embodiments, a launch gear CVP bypass enables is provided.

Abstract: An electronic controller is described herein that enables electronic control over a variable ratio transmission comprising a continuously variable ratio portion, such as a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), or variator. The electronic controller is configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with a prime mover or an engine coupled to the transmission. The parameters include throttle position sensor values, vehicle speed, gear selector position, user selectable mode configurations, and the like, or some combination thereof. The electronic controller also receives one or more control inputs. The electronic controller determines an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs.

Abstract: A control system for a multiple-mode continuously variable transmission is described as having a ball planetary variator operably coupled to multiple-mode gearing. The control system has a transmission control module configured to receive a plurality of electronic input signals, and to determine a mode of operation from a plurality of control ranges based at least in part on the plurality of electronic input signals. In some embodiments, the system also has a ratio schedule module configured to store at least one shift schedule map, and configured to determine a desired speed ratio of the variator based at least in part on the mode of operation; a variator control module configured to receive the desired speed ratio and configured to determine an actuator setpoint signal based at least in part on the mode of operation; and a torque reversal module.

Abstract: Provided herein is a control system for a multiple-mode continuously variable transmission having a ball planetary variator operably coupled to multiple-mode gearing. The control system has a transmission control module configured to receive a plurality of electronic input signals, and to determine a mode of operation from a plurality of control ranges based at least in part on the plurality of electronic input signals. The system also has a ratio shift schedule module configured to store at least one shift schedule map, and configured to determine a desired speed ratio of the variator based at least in part on the mode of operation.