Abstract: A continuously variable transmission comprising a lay shaft that rotates in response to the input power from the engine. A crank on the lay shaft and a drive rod translate the rotation of the lay shaft into linear motion. An output rod rotatably mounted at a transmission shaft translates the linear motion of the drive rod into rotational motion. A one-way clutch interconnects the output rod with the transmission shaft so that rotational motion of the output rod in one direction is coupled to the transmission shaft to rotate it while rotational motion of the output rod in a second direction is not coupled to the transmission shaft. The distal end of the drive rod is linked to the output rod at a selectable location along the output rod to control the speed of the output rod and hence the transmission shaft. The controllable linkage position therefore also controls the ratio of the transmission from input power to output power.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission comprising a lay shaft that rotates in response to the input power from the engine. A crank on the lay shaft and a drive rod translate the rotation of the lay shaft into linear motion. An output rod rotatably mounted at a transmission shaft translates the linear motion of the drive rod into rotational motion. A one-way clutch interconnects the output rod with the transmission shaft so that rotational motion of the output rod in one direction is coupled to the transmission shaft to rotate it while rotational motion of the output rod in a second direction is not coupled to the transmission shaft. The distal end of the drive rod is linked to the output rod at a selectable location along the output rod to control the speed of the output rod and hence the transmission shaft. The controllable linkage position therefore also controls the ratio of the transmission from input power to output power.