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: 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.