Abstract: A method where the spin factor is looked up in a table; the slip factor is measured and the clamping pressure is adjusted to achieve a slip/spin ratio provided in a desired range is described herein. According to another aspect, an active mechanical clamping mechanism using a longitudinally movable contact point is also described.

Abstract: A roller position control mechanism including a steering element, positioned inside the bearing of each roller and provided with a skew shaft and a steering shaft defining an angle therebetween. A spider element fixes the steering element to a longitudinal shaft of the CVT and a control ring element interconnects the steering elements of the various rollers. Movement of the control ring element with respect to the spider element translates to a tilting movement of the rollers, thanks to the angle between the skew and steering shafts.

Abstract: Generally stated, various embodiments described herein concern a toroidal CVT provided with parking zones where the rollers are brought when the CVT is powered down. More specifically, a portion of the toroidal surfaces of the disks is reserved as a parking zone therefore preventing premature wear and/or damages to the working portion of the disks.

Abstract: A roller position control mechanism including a steering element, positioned inside the bearing of each roller and provided with a skew shaft and a steering shaft defining an angle therebetween. A spider element fixes the steering element to a longitudinal shaft of the CVT and a control ring element interconnects the steering elements of the various rollers. Movement of the control ring element with respect to the spider element translates to a tilting movement of the rollers, thanks to the angle between the skew and steering shafts.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for transmitting power from a power source to an electrical generator. The transmission arrangement comprises a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an alternative transmission that is more efficient at transmitting power than the CVT. The transmission arrangement further comprises a power mixing mechanism for combining power from the CVT and the alternative transmission into a combined power output to be provided to the electrical generator. The percentage of CVT power within the combined power output decreases as the power supplied by the power source increases.

Abstract: Generally stated, various embodiments described herein concern a toroidal CVT provided with parking zones where the rollers are brought when the CVT is powered down. More specifically, a portion of the toroidal surfaces of the disks is reserved as a parking zone therefore preventing premature wear and/or damages to the working portion of the disks.

Abstract: A method where the spin factor is looked up in a table; the slip factor is measured and the clamping pressure is adjusted to achieve a slip/spin ratio provided in a desired range is described herein. According to another aspect, an active mechanical clamping mechanism using a longitudinally movable contact point is also described.

Abstract: A drivetrain provided with a CVT that can be used in both CVT and Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) configurations and that includes a high-low gear selection assembly and a power mixer is described herein. The drivetrain includes a high-low gear selection mechanism that provides, in combination with the CVT, high and low ranges of gear ratios. The drivetrain further includes a power-mixer that allows the IVT configuration for transitions between high and low configurations that are seamless to the operator.

Abstract: A pressure applying mechanism for a toric-drive Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that comprises two opposed elements each with internal V-shaped ramp surfaces and at least three ball bearings interposed between the elements wherein rotation of one element causes the mechanism to expand in the longitudinal direction and thus generate an appropriate pressure between a drive disk and a driven disk. The invention further includes a pre-load mechanism comprising a washer for adjusting the pre-load on the pressure applying mechanism.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for transmitting power from a power source to an electrical generator. The transmission arrangement comprises a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an alternative transmission that is more efficient at transmitting power than the CVT. The transmission arrangement further comprises a power mixing mechanism for combining power from the CVT and the alternative transmission into a combined power output to be provided to the electrical generator. The percentage of CVT power within the combined power output decreases as the power supplied by the power source increases.

Abstract: A dual-cavity toroidal Continuously Variable Transmission provided with co-axial input/output arrangement where a drum assembly is used to transfer torque from a central driven disk of the CVT to the output shaft of the CVT and including at least one embedded resilient member to reduce torque fluctuations present in the CVT.

Abstract: An earth working vehicle which has an internal combustion engine and a driveline for establishing a driving relationship between the internal combustion engine and wheels of the earth working vehicle. The driveline includes a mechanical CVT. The earth working vehicle also has a control for manual operation by a driver of the earth working vehicle, the control operable by the driver to select among at least two modes of operation, namely a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the selection of the first mode of operation corresponding to a command to cause the vehicle to move forward, the selection of the second mode of operation corresponding to a command to cause the vehicle to move backwards. The earth moving vehicle also has an electronic controller.

Abstract: A system (1) for transforming a variable output into an input having a desired speed value, including a transmission (30) receiving the output having a first speed (Ve) and producing the input having a second speed (Vgen), first, second and third sensors (12,10,7) producing data (39,32,37) corresponding to the first speed (Ve), second speed (Vgen) and a power demand (Pdem) for the input, a ratio set point controller (34), a ratio controller (36) and a speed controller (4). The ratio set point controller (34) receives the data (39,32,37) and calculates an available power (Pav), a stability level of the system (S,U1,U2), a desired value for the first speed (Ve), and a desired value and rate of change for the transmission ratio. The ratio controller (36) interfaces the ratio set point controller (34) and actuates the transmission (30) to change the transmission ratio to the desired value following the desired rate of change.