Abstract: A variator for a transmission of the toroidal-race rolling-traction type in which a multiplicity of input discs (1-4) and output discs (11-13) are arranged in coaxial sequence, all disc except the first (1) and last (4) in the sequence being formed with races (9, 10) on both of their faces. Drive is transmitted from the output discs to one (35) or several (45-47) output shafts, the output shaft or shafts preferably lying parallel to but displaced from the common axis (8) of the discs. Alternative ways of inter-relating the orientation of the torque-transmitting rollers (20), to produce single or multiple outputs of the transmission, are described. The invention offers the prospect of a variator of higher-than-normal traction-transmitting capacity but using discs of only normal size.

Abstract: In an infinitely variable traction roller transmission wherein two toric traction discs are rotatably supported opposite one another so as to define therebetween a toric cavity in which at least two motion transmitting traction rollers are disposed in engagement with the toric discs and supported by trunnions which are pivotally supported to permit changing the ratio of motion transmission between the toric discs, each pivot trunnion has a cylindrical cavity with a support piston disposed therein in axial alignment with the traction roller supported on the trunnion and a plurality of radial lever members are arranged around the axis of the support piston and rest on a fulcrum structure disposed around the cylindrical cavity and, at their inner end, on the support piston, and a bearing disc which carries the traction roller is supported on the radial lever members at a location inwardly from the fulcrum structure to force the traction roller into engagement with the toric discs with the piston force amplified

Abstract: A shift control system for a continuously variable traction roller transmission controls the feedback to a shift control valve so that a ratio b/a of a variation "b" mm of a feedback amount to the shift control valve for 1 mm of a displacement of a power roller to a variation "a" mm of the feedback amount to the shift control valve for 1 degree of an inclination of the power roller is in a range given by: 1.74R.sup.4/5 -3.90.ltoreq.b/a.ltoreq.3.09R.sup.5/9 +30.51.

Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission which is arranged such that a pair of toroidal transmission mechanisms are disposed around an input shaft connected to an engine. A forward-reverse switching device is located around the first shaft between the engine and the toroidal transmission mechanism. A control valve assembly is disposed around the forward-reverse switching device relative to the input shaft. Therefore, the needed space for the transmission is reduced, and the responsibility of controlled hydraulic pressure to each element is improved.

Abstract: A continuously-variable ratio transmission of the toroidal-race rolling-traction type, especially in and for an automobile vehicle. The ratio transmitted by the rollers (10) is determined by the position of a double-ended piston (15), the ends of which move in cylinders (17, 16) respectively connected to further cylinders (31, 36) the pistons (33, 38) of which are movable by the opposite limbs of a rocking pedal (42) controlled by the operator. Rocking of the pedal in one direction depresses one such piston (e.g. 33) and releases the other, thereby moving the double-ended piston (15) in one direction and so inducing ratio change in one sense, while rocking the pedal in the opposite direction has the opposite effect. The cylinders (31, 36) of the pedal-controlled pistons may be mounted in a fluid reservoir (34), and formed with ports through which the fluid lines are topped-up from the reservoir each time the pistons (33, 38) rise close to the tops of their strokes.

Abstract: In a shift control system for a continuously variable traction roller transmission, a shift control valve includes a stepper motor which is driven in response to a commanded speed ration. The stepper motor drives a pinion which engages a rack. The rack is connected to a spool disposed in a sleeve. The relative position between the spool and sleeve determines the hydraulic pressure applied to change the speed ratio of the transmission. The sleeve is moved by shift members while the spool is moved by the stepper motor. The force necessary to move the spool is less than in other designs, thereby allowing for the use of a smaller stepper motor.