Continuously variable ratio transmission

A continuously variable ratio transmission (CVT) system for controlling a transmission ratio between an input means and an output means over a continuously variable range comprising:

• a planetary gear set having three rotary elements including a sun gear, a ring gear, and a planet carrier having at least two planet gears carried thereon, each of said rotary elements being adaptable to function as said input means, said output means or a control means;
• said control means comprising a servogenerator capable of generating electric power, an electric output of said servogenerator connected to at least one auxiliary field coil in a main generator driven by said output means to influence a power output level and the transmission ratio to influence the alternating current (AC) power frequency of said main generator, said at least one auxiliary field coil being capable of being powered by electric power generated by said servogenerator and constituting a load to said servogenerator, the speed of said servogenerator being capable of being controlled by said load, and said load being controllable by a computerized controller;
• and
• means for controlling an electrical current to said at least one auxiliary field coil from said servogenerator;
• said servogenerator of said control means being coupled to one of said sun gear, said ring gear, and said planet carrier, such that said servogenerator is capable of being driven by a rotation of that element, to produce electrical power and to affect the transmission ratio.