Continuously variable transmission
AssigneeFallbrook Technologies Inc.
InventorDonald C. Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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 support frame for traction rollers of a continuously variable transmission, the frame comprising:
- two support disks;
- a plurality of spacers positioned between the support disks and rigidly attached to the support disks;
- and
- wherein the support disks comprise grooves, each groove having a concave surface.
A method of manufacturing a support frame for traction rollers of a continuously variable transmission, the method comprising:
- providing first and second disks, each disk having a thickness and two opposing sides;
- cutting grooves into a first side of each disk, the grooves running radially from a central part of the disk to its outer edge;
- and
- machining a concave surface in the first side.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.