Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.

Abstract: Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission having a variator (5) comprising input discs (2) coupled to an input shaft (12) and an output disc (3) providing a rotary variator output. The input and output discs are mounted for rotation about a common axis and at last one roller (4) is arranged between the discs to transfer drive from one to the other at a continuously variable variator drive ratio. The roller is mounted in a carrier (30) in a manner which permits it to spin about its own axis and to tilt relative to the disks to vary the variator drive ratio. A hydraulic actuator (22) is arranged to apply to the carrier (30) a reaction force determined by a hydraulic pressure difference acting on the actuator. The reaction force opposes a traction force applied to the roller (4) by the action of the discs (2, 3).

Abstract: A traction-drive type driving-force transmission mechanism includes a sun roller having a first central axis about which the sun roller is rotatable. Shafts are provided and each has a second central axis aligned parallel to the first central axis. Planetary rollers are arranged rotatably along an outer peripheral surface of the sun roller and are supported respectively by the shafts. A guide member guides each shaft displaceably in a radial direction of the sun roller while maintaining the parallel relationship between the first and second central axes. A pressing member presses each planetary roller against the outer peripheral surface of the sun roller so that a driving force can be transmitted by a traction force between the sun roller and each of the planetary rollers.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle may include a rim and an energy recovery system. The energy recovery system may include a flywheel and an infinitely variable transmission (IVT). The flywheel may be concentric with the rim and operable to rotate relative to the rim. The IVT may be positioned within the flywheel and couple the rim to the flywheel. When the vehicle is decelerating and an angular velocity of the rim is greater than an angular velocity of the flywheel, kinetic energy of the rim may be imparted to the flywheel and stored as mechanical potential energy thereby providing a braking force to the vehicle. Alternatively, when the vehicle is accelerating and the angular velocity of the rim is less than the angular velocity of the flywheel, the mechanical potential energy of the flywheel may be imparted to the wheel thereby providing an accelerating force to the vehicle.

Abstract: A mid-turbine frame is connected to at least one mount of a gas turbine engine for transferring a first load from a first bearing and a second load from a second bearing to the mount. The mid-turbine frame includes a first load structure, a second load structure, and a plurality of struts. The first load structure combines the first load and the second load into a combined load. The second load structure transfers the combined load to the mount. The struts are connected between the first load structure and the second load structure and transfers the combined load from the first load structure to the second load structure.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.

Abstract: A planetary transmission having a continuously variable transmission ratio. The transmission includes two sun wheels having sun wheel circumferential surfaces, and that are axially spaced and rotatable independently of each other around the same axis of rotation. A ring wheel is situated on the same axis as the sun wheels and has an internal circumferential surface. Planet wheels are provided having planet wheel circumferential surfaces that are in frictional contact with the internal circumferential surface of the ring wheel and the sun wheel circumferential surfaces. A web element is also provided, and the planet wheels are each rotatable about an associated planet wheel axle, which is guided in the web element so that it is movable in the radial direction relative to the transmission longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Lining for driving or return drums or pulleys for conveyor belt. A lining for driving or return drums or pulleys for conveyor belts and all surfaces subjected to wear by friction includes an elastic material 2 incorporated in which are porous ceramic elements 4 projecting from the surface of the lining.

Abstract: The present invention provides four NADH dehydrogenase subunits (designated individually as NDS-1, NDS-2, NDS-3, and NDS-4 and collectively as NDS) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NDS. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding NDS and a method for producing NDS. The invention also provides for use of NDS and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding NDS, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of NDS. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding NDS for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of NDS. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding NDS.

Abstract: Motion is transmitted by means of a kinematic chain, comprising four members--a driving, driven, intermediate and support members. The driving, driven and supporting members rotate about a common axis. The intermediate member, by virtue of its operative linkages with the driving, driven and supporting members, rotates about the common axis and translates either parallel or, according to another version, perpendicular to the common axis. The supporting member is stopped during motion transmission. The intermediate member moves with respect to the driving, driven and supporting members during motion transmission. The directions of these motions define angles with the direction of motion of the driving member in the plane parallel or perpendicular, respectively, to the common axis. Changing the at least one of the angles can change the ratio of the speeds of the driving and driven member.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission in which a transmission unit provides a variable speed ratio between an input member (2) and an output member (3). The output member drives an output transmission member (11) by way of a power recirculation system (7-10) in a first regime of the transmission, through a selectable transmission path (30-34) providing a fixed ratio drive from the input member to the output transmission member, and having a selectable regime which provides a transmission path (19-23) from the output member to the output transmission member. The transmission is arranged so that only a clutching operation is required to effect a synchronous changeover between regimes.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has a variable transmission unit which provides a variable speed ratio between an input member (2) and an output member (3). The output member drives an output transmission member (11) through a simple drive connection (19-23) in a first regime of the transmission, and by way of a power recirculation system (7-10) in a second regime. The transmission is arranged so that only a clutching operation is required to effect a synchronous changeover between regimes.

Abstract: A transverse axis infinitely variable transmission of the traction type which uses a planetary reduction principle whereby the highest input/output speed ratio is achieved as the contact radii of the elements approach similarity. All the traction elements of the present invention operate at virtually the same high surface speed whereby the minimum relative tangential force, transmitted through the traction contacts, will generate the maximum torque through the transmission. The present invention includes a spider which rotates with the main shaft about the first axis of the transmission. Compound-plants are rotatably supported by spindles which radiate outwardly from the spider hub. The axis of rotation of the compound-planets is transverse to the first axis, thereby insuring that the maximum number of traction elements of the same approximate size are incorporated into the smallest possible envelope. A first surface of each of the compound-planets is engaged with a non-rotating reaction member.

Abstract: A hydraulically, vacuumatically controlled infinitely variable speed drive transmission connecting an input shaft to an output shaft, comprising a plurality of sets of adhesion rollers mounted radially of the input and output shafts in diammetrically opposed relation to one another. The adhesion rollers are movable radially of input and output shafts under centrifugal force imparted thereto by the rotation of the aforesaid shafts. A pair of self-adjusting, floating disks are mounted to either side of said adhesion rollers and are engageable with said rollers at varying radial distances of the rollers from the axis of the input and output shafts whereby to vary the rate of rotation of said disks. The transmission further includes a planetary gear arrangement for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft and which is responsive to variations in the rate of rotation of the disks to cause the speed ratio between the input and output shafts to correspondingly vary.