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 sleeve mounted coaxially with the longitudinal axis;
- and
- wherein the shift rod is coupled to the sleeve to cause an axial translation of the sleeve.
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising:
- an elongated shift rod positioned along a longitudinal axis of the CVT;
- a sleeve mounted coaxially with the longitudinal axis;
- and
- wherein the shift rod is operationally coupled to the sleeve such that an actuation of the shift rod causes an axial translation of the sleeve.
A method of facilitating an adjustment of a speed ratio in a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the method comprising:
- actuating a shift rod that is operationally coupled to a sleeve;
- and
- wherein the actuating of the shift rod causes an axial translation of the sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.