Abstract: A variable gear system for various embodiments of continuously variable transmissions comprises a gear including a radius, an axis, and spherical teeth spaced from each other by a constant pitch. The spherical teeth of the gear engage a splined shaft comprising a radius that varies nonlinearly along a length of the splined shaft, an axis running the length of the splined shaft, and splines along the length of the splined shaft. Further, a portion of the length of the shaft across a seam of the splined shaft includes a non-constant pitch between the splines.

Abstract: A system includes a multisided key with three or more sides, where all the sides of the multisided key are identical. Further, the system includes a cylindrical lock with inner and outer cylinders and a locking vane residing radially outward in a void spanning the inner and outer cylinders. The locking vane includes an inner portion including a first protrusion and a second protrusion corresponding to two levels of the multisided key and an outer portion separated from the inner portion by a gap, wherein at least a part of the outer portion is disposed in the outer void. When the multisided key is inserted into the lock, the gap of the locking vane aligns with an interface between the inner and outer cylinders, allowing the inner cylinder to rotate within the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A system includes a multisided key with three or more sides, where all the sides of the multisided key are identical. Further, the system includes a cylindrical lock with inner and outer cylinders and a locking vane residing radially outward in a void spanning the inner and outer cylinders. The locking vane includes an inner portion including a first protrusion and a second protrusion corresponding to two levels of the multisided key and an outer portion separated from the inner portion by a gap, wherein at least a part of the outer portion is disposed in the outer void. When the multisided key is inserted into the lock, the gap of the locking vane aligns with an interface between the inner and outer cylinders, allowing the inner cylinder to rotate within the outer cylinder.