Continuously variable transmission
AssigneeFallbrook Technologies Inc.
InventorDonald Miller
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.
Claims20
A mechanism for facilitating the adjustment of a speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the mechanism comprising:
- a shift rod positioned along a longitudinal axis of the CVT;
- a cable operationally coupled to the shift rod;
- and
- a handle grip operationally coupled to the cable.
A method of adjusting a speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the method comprising:
- rotating a handle grip;
- and
- wherein rotating the handle grip causes:
- an actuation of a cable;
- and
- an actuation of a shift rod operationally coupled to the cable.
An apparatus comprising:
- a handle grip;
- a cable coupled to the handle grip;
- and
- a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the cable, the CVT a shift rod operationally coupled to the cable, said shift rod positioned along a longitudinal axis of the CVT.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.