Continuously variable transmission

• US 6,551,210 B2
• Filed: 05/07/2002
• Issued: 04/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Enviolo BV
• Original Assignee: Motion Technology Incorporated
• Inventors: Miller, Donald C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wright, Dirk
• Application Number:
  US10/141,652
• Publication Number:
  US 20020170799A1
• Time in Patent Office: 350 Days
• Field of Search: 475/189, 475/195, 475/192, 476/37, 476/38
• US Class Current: 475/189
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 11/00 Transmissions characterised by the use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels with roller engaging the periphery of ground wheel B62M13/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 15/28 with external friction surface
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/664 Friction gearings

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.

Claims

1. A continuously variable transmission having a longitudinal axis, comprising:

a plurality of spherical power adjusters, wherein each power adjuster has at least one central bore that is centrally located within the power adjuster and that defines an axis of rotation of the power adjuster;

a drive disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a first point on each of the power adjusters and having a first side facing the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters;

a plurality of generally elongated spindles having two ends and a longitudinal axis, wherein each spindle is positioned in the bore of one of the power adjusters;

a plurality of spindle supports having a platform end and spindle end, wherein two spindle supports are provided for each spindle, and wherein the spindle end of each spindle support is operably engaged with one of the two ends of one of the plurality of spindles;

a support member providing a support surface that is in frictional contact with a second point on each of the power adjusters, wherein the support member rotates coaxially about the longitudinal axis, is centrally located between the power adjusters, and has two ends;

an output drive disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis that contacts a third point on the power adjusters;

a stationary case at least partially enclosing the transmission;

two platforms, one located axially adjacent to each end of the support member, for actuating axial movement of the support member and for actuating a shift in the axis of rotation of the power adjusters, wherein each platform provides a convex surface that is operably engaged with the platform ends of the plurality of spindle supports;

annular first and second stationary supports each having a first side facing the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters, each of the first and second stationary supports also having a concave surface on the first side, and wherein the first stationary support is located adjacent to the drive disc and the second stationary support is located adjacent to the output drive disc;

a plurality of spacers having a longitudinal axis and two ends, wherein the spacers are adapted to interconnect the stationary supports thereby maintaining an orientation of the first stationary support with respect to the second stationary support, and;

at least one generally annular spacer extension attached to at least one of the plurality of spacers and located between the first and second stationary supports.

2. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of flexible tension member guides, wherein at least one flexible tension member guide is positioned coaxially over each spindle and adapted to adjust the axis or rotation of the power adjusters.

3. The transmission of claim 2, further comprising at least one flexible tension member adapted to apply a force to at least one of the spindles to adjust the axes of rotation of at least one of the power adjusters.

4. The transmission of claim 3, wherein the at least one flexible tension member is guided by the at least one flexible tension member guide.

5. The transmission of claim 4, wherein the at least one flexible tension member terminates at an end outside of the stationary case.

6. The transmission of claim 4, wherein the at least one flexible tension member is guided by all of the flexible tension member guides that are positioned coaxially over the plurality of spindles.

7. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising at least one flexible tension member guide, wherein each of the at least one flexible tension member guide is positioned coaxially over one of the plurality of spindles and adapted to adjust the axis of the one spindle.

8. The transmission of claim 7, further comprising at least one flexible tension member, wherein each of the at least one flexible tension member is guided by one of the at least one flexible tension member guides.

9. The transmission of claim 1, wherein the at least one spacer extension is attached to a non-moving component and is positioned radially outward from the spacers.

10. The transmission of claim 9, wherein the at least one spacer extension is attached to the stationary case.

11. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a return spring, wherein the return spring is adapted to bias the shifting of the transmission toward a low transmission ratio.

12. The transmission of claim 11, wherein the return spring is positioned on a side of the power adjusters that faces the drive disc.

13. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a return spring, wherein the return spring adapted to bias the shifting of the transmission toward a high transmission ratio.

14. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising an annular case bearing wherein the case bearing is located between the stationary case and the output drive disc.

15. The transmission of claim 1, wherein each of the spacers is positioned such that the axis of each spacer is equidistant from the axes of rotation of at least two of the power adjusters.

16. The transmission of claim 1, wherein the at least one spacer extension is adapted to prevent the first and second stationary supports from rotating.

17. The transmission of claim 16, wherein the at least one spacer extension further substantially comprises an annular disc having an outer diameter larger than a diameter formed by the first points of contact of the power adjusters, and at least one having leg each of which extend radially inward between two adjacent power adjusters and rigidly attach to one of the spacers.

18. The transmission of claim 3, further comprising at least one flexible tension member guide positioned separate from the spindles adapted to guide the at least one flexible tension member to a termination point outside of the transmission.

19. The transmission of claim 7, further comprising at least one flexible tension member guide positioned separate from the spindles adapted to guide the at least one flexible tension member to a termination point outside of the transmission.

20. The transmission of claim 7, wherein the flexible tension member guides are located between the power adjusters and the rotatable output drive disc.

21. The transmission of claim 7, wherein the flexible tension member guides are located between the power adjusters and the rotatable driving member.

22. The transmission of claim 1, wherein the stationary case is operably attached to at least one stationary support.

23. The transmission of claim 7, wherein the plurality of spindles is operably connected to at least one flexible tension member extending radially away from the longitudinal axis and through the stationary case.

24. The transmission of claim 7, wherein movement of the at least one flexible tension member guide causes axially movement of the platforms.

25. The transmission of claim 24, wherein axial movement of the platforms causes axial movement of the support member.

26. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising:

an annular case bearing wherein the case bearing is located between the stationary case and the output drive disc;

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and positioned axially adjacent to the second side of the drive disc;

a set of ramps attached to the bearing disc adapted to produce an axial force that is transferred to the drive disc;

a set of generally annular ramp bearings contacting the ramps and positioned between the bearing disc and the drive disc, wherein the set of ramp bearings is adapted to transfer an axial force to the drive disc;

an annular hub cap adapted to engage the stationary case to at least partially enclose the transmission; and

an annular hub cap bearing located between the bearing disc and the hub cap adapted to allow for relative motion between the bearing disc and the hub cap.

27. The transmission of claim 26, wherein an axial force is generated that is adapted to prevent the power adjusters from slipping in at least one transmission ratio, wherein the axial force is applied to the drive disc and is supported by the stationary case via the hub cap bearing and the case bearing.

28. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a screw and a nut, wherein the screw and nut allow disengagement of the transmission.

29. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a screw attached to an inner bore of the drive disc and a nut, which is attached to an inner bore of the bearing disc and is adapted to engage the screw, wherein the screw and the nut provide axial force to the drive disc.

30. The transmission of claim 29, further comprising;

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and positioned axially adjacent to the second side of the drive disc;

a set of ramps attached to the bearing disc adapted to produce an axial force that is transferred to the drive disc; and

a set of generally annular ramp bearings contacting the ramps and positioned between the bearing disc and the drive disc, wherein the set of ramp bearings is adapted to transfer an axial force to the drive disc when the screw and nut are not providing axial force to the drive disc.

31. The transmission of claim 29, further comprising;

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and positioned axially adjacent to the second side of the drive disc;

a set of ramps attached to the bearing disc adapted to produce an axial force that is transferred to the drive disc; and

a set of generally annular ramp bearings contacting the ramps and positioned between the bearing disc and the drive disc, wherein the set of ramp bearings is adapted to transfer an axial force to the drive disc in conjunction with the screw and nut in order to vary the axial force to the drive disc.

32. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a screw attached to an inner bore of the drive disc and a nut, which is attached to an inner bore of the bearing disc and is adapted to engage the screw, wherein the screw and the nut have a left-hand thread if the screw and nut are rotated clockwise from a perspective looking from the bearing disc toward the power adjusters.

104. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of;

creating an axial force proportional to a torque of the input rotation; and

applying the axial force to the driving disc to prevent slipping between the drive disc and the power adjusters.

105. The method of claim 2, further comprising creating the axial force with two axial force generators.

106. The method of claim 2, further comprising disengaging the drive disc from the power adjusters when the input rotation ceases.

33. A continuously variable transmission having a longitudinal axis comprising:

a plurality of spherical power adjusters, wherein each power adjuster has at least one central bore that is centrally located within the power adjuster and that defines an axis of rotation of the power adjuster;

a drive disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a first point on each of the power adjusters and having a first side facing the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters;

a support member providing a support surface that is in frictional contact with a second point on each of the power adjusters, wherein the support member rotates coaxially about the longitudinal axis, is centrally located between the power adjusters and has two ends;

a plurality of generally elongated spindles having two ends and a longitudinal axis, wherein each spindle is positioned in the bore of one of the power adjusters;

a plurality of spindle supports having a platform end and spindle end, wherein two spindle supports are provided for each spindle, wherein the spindle end of each spindle support is operably engaged with one of the two ends of one of the plurality of spindles, and wherein each of the spindle supports adjusts the axis of rotation of a power adjuster in response to the axial movement of the support member.

two platforms, one located axially adjacent to each end of the support member, for actuating axial movement of the support member and for actuating a shift in the axis of rotation of the power adjusters, wherein each platform provides a convex surface that is operably engaged with the platform ends of the plurality of spindle supports;

first and second annular contact bearings, each positioned between a respective one of the first and second platform and a corresponding end of the support member;

annular first and second stationary supports each having a first side facing the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters, each of the first and second stationary supports also having a concave surface on the first side, and wherein the first stationary support is located adjacent to the drive disc and the second stationary support is located adjacent to the output drive disc; and

a plurality of spacers having a longitudinal axis and two ends, wherein the spacers are adapted to interconnect the stationary supports thereby maintaining an orientation of the first stationary support with respect to the second stationary support.

34. The transmission of claim 33, further comprising a tension member adapted to bias the shifting of the transmission toward a low transmission ratio.

35. The transmission of claim 34, wherein the tension member is positioned axially on a side of the power adjusters that is adjacent to the drive disc.

36. The transmission of claim 33, further comprising a tension member adapted to bias the shifting of the transmission toward a high transmission ratio.

37. The transmission of claim 33, each of the spacers is positioned such that the axis of each spacer is equidistant from the axes of rotation of at least two of the power adjusters.

38. The transmission of claim 33, wherein axial movement of the platforms causes axial movement of the support member.

39. The transmission of claim 33, further comprising:

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and positioned axially adjacent to the second side of the drive disc;

a set of ramps attached to the bearing disc adapted to produce an axial force that is transferred to the drive disc;

a set of generally annular ramp bearings contacting the ramps and positioned between the bearing disc and the drive disc, wherein the set of ramp bearings is adapted to transfer an axial force to the drive disc;

a hub shell adapted to at least partially enclose the transmission;

an annular hub cap adapted to engage the hub shell and adapted to at least partially enclose the transmission; and

an annular hub cap bearing located between the bearing disc and the hub cap adapted to allow for relative motion between the bearing disc and the hub cap.

40. The transmission of claim 39, wherein an axial force is generated that is adapted to prevent the power adjusters from slipping in at least one transmission ratio, wherein the axial force is applied to the drive disc and is supported by the hub shell via the hub cap and the hub cap bearing.

41. The transmission of claim 33, further comprising a screw attached to an inner bore of the drive disc and a nut, which is attached to an inner bore of the bearing disc and is adapted to engage the screw, wherein the screw and the nut are adapted to allow disengagement of the transmission.

42. The transmission of claim 33, further comprising a screw attached to an inner bore of the drive disc and a nut, which is attached to an inner bore of the bearing disc and is adapted to engage the screw, wherein the screw and the nut provide axial force to the drive disc.

43. The transmission of claim 42, further comprising:

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and positioned axially adjacent to the second side of the drive disc;

a set of ramps attached to the bearing disc adapted to produce an axial force that is transferred to the drive disc;

a set of generally annular ramp bearings contacting the ramps and positioned between the bearing disc and the drive disc, wherein the set of ramp bearings is adapted to transmit an axial force to the drive disc when the screw and nut are not providing an axial force to the drive disc.

44. The transmission of claim 42, further comprising;

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and positioned axially adjacent to the second side of the drive disc;

a set of ramps attached to the bearing disc adapted to produce an axial force that is transferred to the drive disc;

a set of generally annular ramp bearings contacting the ramps and positioned between the bearing disc and the drive disc, wherein the set of ramp bearings is adapted to transmit an axial force to the drive disc in conjunction with the screw and the nut in order to vary the axial force to the drive disc.

45. The transmission of claim 33, further comprising a screw attached to an inner bore of the drive disc and a nut, which is attached to an inner bore of the bearing disc and is adapted to engage the screw, wherein the screw and the nut have left-hand threads if the screw and nut are rotated clockwise, from a perspective looking from the bearing disc toward the power adjusters.

46. A continuously variable transmission having a longitudinal axis, comprising;

a plurality of power adjusters, wherein each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation, and each power adjuster is located radially outward from the longitudinal axis;

a generally annular drive disc rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a first point on each of the power adjusters, and having a first side contacting the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters;

a generally cylindrical support member coaxial with and rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a second point on each power adjuster;

a generally annular output drive disc coaxial with and rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a third point on each power adjuster;

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and positioned along the longitudinal axis near the second side of the drive disc; and

at least two axial force generators, wherein the axial force generators are located axially between the drive disc and the bearing disc, and wherein each axial force generator is adapted to apply a component of an axial force to the drive disc.

47. The transmission of claim 46, wherein the component of the axial force produced by each of the at least two axial force generators varies as the transmission is shifted.

48. The transmission of claim 46, wherein one of the at least two axial force generators is comprised of a screw attached to an inner bore of the drive disc and a nut that is attached to an inner bore of the bearing disc and is adapted to engage the screw.

49. The transmission of claim 48, wherein the threads on the screw and the nut have a gap to allow for axial movement with respect to one another without rotation.

50. The transmission of claim 46, wherein one of the at least two axial force generators is a set of ramps attached to the bearing disc, wherein the set of ramps is adapted to produce an axial force.

51. The transmission of claim 46, wherein the at least two axial force generators produce more axial force in a high transmission ratio than in a low transmission ratio for a corresponding change in transmission ratio.

52. The transmission of claim 46, wherein the at least two axial force generators produce more axial force in a low transmission ratio than in a high transmission ratio for a corresponding change in transmission ratio.

53. The transmission of claim 46, wherein the at least two axial force generators share production of axial force to the drive disc in a high transmission ratio.

54. The transmission of claim 46, wherein the at least two axial force generators produce axial force separately, and wherein one of the at least two axial force generators produces all of the axial force applied to the drive disc in a high transmission ratio, and another of the at least two axial force generators produces all of the axial force applied to the drive disc in a low transmission ratio.

55. The transmission of claim 48, wherein the screw provides all of the axial force to the drive disc in a low transmission ratio.

56. The transmission of claim 50, wherein the ramps produce all of the axial force to the drive disc in a high transmission ratio.

57. The transmission of claim 48, wherein the screw provides all of the axial force to the drive disc in a high transmission ratio.

58. The transmission of claim 50, wherein the ramps produce all of the axial force to the drive disc in a low transmission ratio.

59. A continuously variable transmission having a longitudinal axis, comprising;

a plurality of power adjusters, wherein each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation, and each power adjuster is located radially outward from the longitudinal axis;

a generally annular drive disc rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a first point on each of the power adjusters, and having a first side contacting the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters;

a generally cylindrical support member coaxial with and rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a second point on each power adjuster;

a generally annular output drive disc coaxial with and rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a third point on each power adjuster;

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and positioned along the longitudinal axis near the second side of the drive disc;

disengagement means positioned between the bearing disc and the drive disc and adapted to disconnect the drive disc from the power adjusters when an input rotational force is ceased.

60. The transmission of claim 59, wherein the disengagement means further comprises at least one toothed wheel and at least one pawl for preventing the drive disc from being rotated to contact the power adjusters until input rotational force is resumed.

61. The transmission of claim 60, wherein the disengagement means further comprises at least two pawls for preventing the drive disc from being rotated to contact the power adjusters until input rotational force is resumed.

62. The transmission of claim 59, wherein the disengagement means further comprises a screw attached to an inner bore of the drive disc and a nut that is attached to an inner bore of the bearing disc and is adapted to engage the screw, wherein the screw and the nut are adapted to disengage the drive disc from the power adjusters when the output drive disc is rotating and the input rotational force has ceased.

63. The transmission of claim 60, wherein the disengagement means further comprises a coiled spring adapted to bias the drive disc to contact the power adjusters.

64. The transmission of claim 63, wherein the coiled spring has a first end operably attached to the bearing disc and a second end operably attached to the drive disc.

65. The transmission of claim 64, wherein the at least one toothed wheel and at least one toothed pawl are adapted to prevent the drive disc from rotating when the input rotational force has ceased, and wherein the coiled spring is adapted to disengage the pawl and the toothed wheel upon resumption of input rotational force and further adapted to then bias the drive disc against the power adjusters.

66. The transmission of claim 65, wherein the coiled spring has a cross-section that is substantially rectangular.

67. The transmission of claim 66, wherein the coiled spring cross-section has four 90 degree corners.

68. The transmission of claim 59, further comprising a coiled spring, wherein an input rotation into the transmission causes the coiled spring to bias the drive disc to contact the power adjusters.

69. The transmission of claim 62, wherein the screw and the nut have left hand threads if the transmission is rotated clockwise, from a perspective looking toward the power adjusters from the bearing disc.

70. The transmission of claim 62, wherein the screw and the nut have right hand threads if the transmission is rotated counter-clockwise, from a perspective looking toward the power adjusters from the bearing disc.

71. The transmission of claim 62, wherein the screw is adapted to produce an axial force that is applied to the drive disc.

72. The transmission of claim 59, further comprising an input means for providing input rotational force into the transmission, and wherein resumed rotation by the input means causes the drive disc to contact the power adjusters.

73. The transmission of claim 62, wherein the nut is operably responsive to the power adjusters and is adapted to be rotated by the power adjusters to disengage the drive disc from the power adjusters.

74. The transmission of claim 73, wherein the nut moves axially away from the power adjusters when the drive disc disengages from the power adjusters.

75. The transmission of claim 73, wherein the nut is rotated clockwise by the power adjusters to disengage the drive disc from the power adjusters if the transmission input rotation is clockwise.

76. The transmission of claim 73, wherein the nut is rotated counter-clockwise by the power adjusters to disengage the drive disc from the power adjusters if the transmission input rotation is counter-clockwise.

77. A continuously variable transmission having a longitudinal axis, comprising;

a plurality of power adjusters, wherein each havs a tiltable axis of rotation, and each power adjuster is located radially outward from the longitudinal axis;

a generally annular drive disc rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a first point on each of the power adjusters, and having a first side contacting the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters;

a generally annular output drive disc coaxial with and rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a second point on each power adjuster;

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and positioned along the longitudinal axis near the second side of the drive disc;

a generally cylindrical support member annularly rotatable about and coaxial with the longitudinal axis and contacting a third point on each of the power adjusters, wherein the support member is adapted to pull toward the drive disc when it is rotating more slowly than the output drive disc and pull toward the output drive disc when it is rotating more slowly than the drive disc.

78. The transmission of claim 77, wherein the support member is adapted to pull toward a relatively higher transmission ratio when it is closer to a side of the power adjusters that faces the drive disc.

79. The transmission of claim 77, wherein the support member is adapted to pull toward a relatively lower transmission ratio when it is closer to a side of the power adjusters that faces the output drive disc.

80. The transmission of claim 77, wherein the support member is adapted to pull toward a relatively lower transmission ratio when it passes a 1:

1 transmission ratio and moves axially toward low.

81. The transmission of claim 77, wherein the support member is adapted to pull toward a relatively higher transmission ratio when it passes a 1:

1 transmission ratio and moves axially toward high.

82. A continuously variable transmission having a longitudinal axis, comprising;

a plurality of spherical power adjusters, wherein each has a tiltable axis of rotation and a bore through its center, and wherein each power adjuster is located radially outward from the longitudinal axis;

a generally annular drive disc rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a first point on each of the power adjusters;

a generally annular output drive disc rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a second point on each of the power adjusters;

a generally cylindrical support member annularly rotatable about and coaxial with the longitudinal axis and contacting a third point on each of the power adjusters;

a plurality of generally elongated spindles having two ends and a longitudinal axis, wherein each spindle is positioned in the bore of one of the power adjusters such that a movement of the axis of the spindle changes the axis of rotation of an associated power adjuster;

a plurality of spindle supports each having a platform end and a spindle end, wherein the spindle end of each spindle support is operably engaged with one of the two ends of one of the plurality of spindles, and wherein each of the spindle supports adjusts the axis of rotation of a power adjuster in response to the axial movement of the support member;

a plurality of stationary support wheels, wherein at least one stationary support wheel is operably attached to each spindle support, and wherein the stationary support wheels are adapted to guide the spindle support as the spindle support adjusts the axis of rotation of the poser adjusters; and

annular first and second stationary supports each having a first side facing the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters, each of the first and second stationary supports also having a concave surface on the first side, and wherein the first stationary support is located adjacent to the drive disc and the second stationary support is located adjacent to the output drive disc.

83. The transmission of claim 82, wherein the concave surfaces of the first and second stationary supports are concentric with the centers of all of the power adjusters.

84. The transmission of claim 82, further comprising a face positioned radially inward from the concave surface of each stationary support, wherein the face is adapted to limit the transmission ratio of the transmission.

85. The transmission of claim 82, further comprising radial grooves in the stationary supports, wherein one groove is provided on both concave surfaces for each power adjuster, and wherein each stationary support wheel contacts and rolls on the concave surface of the stationary supports adjacent to the groove corresponding to its associated power adjuster.

86. The transmission of claim 82, further comprising a plurality of spindle rollers, wherein each of the spindle rollers is positioned coaxially over the end of one of the spindles that extends past the spindle supports and into the grooves of a stationary support, and wherein the spindle rollers rollingly engage the grooves to guide the movement of the ends of the spindles as the transmission is shifted.

87. The transmission of claim 86, wherein each of the grooves further comprises first and second vertical sides, wherein each of the plurality of spindle rollers that is configured to rollingly engage an associated groove of the first stationary support engages the first vertical side of the grooves in relatively high transmission ratios and engages the second vertical side of the groove in relatively low transmission ratios.

88. The transmission of claim 86, wherein each of the grooves further comprises first and second vertical sides, wherein each of the plurality of spindle rollers that is configured to rollingly engage an associated groove of the second stationary support engages the second vertical side of the associated groove in relatively high transmission ratios, and engages the first vertical side of the associated groove in relatively low transmission ratios.

89. The transmission of claim 82, further comprising a plurality of spacers having a longitudinal axis and two ends, wherein the spacers are adapted to interconnect the stationary supports thereby maintaining an orientation of the first stationary support with respect to the second stationary support.

90. The transmission of claim 89, further comprising a plurality of holes in each of the stationary supports, wherein each of the holes is adapted to accept insertion of one of the two ends of the spacers.

91. The transmission of claim 90, wherein the holes are substantially curved and the spacers are adapted to be inserted into the holes.

92. The transmission of claim 89, wherein the spacers are positioned such that the axis of each spacer is equidistant from the axes of rotation of at least two power adjusters.

93. The transmission of claim 82, further comprising;

a plurality of platform wheels rotatably attached to the platform end of the spindle supports;

first and second platforms, which are generally annular discs coaxial with the longitudinal axis and positioned on either side of the support member, and each platform having a platform side facing away from the support member, wherein the platforms each have a convex surface on their platform side, and wherein each of the platform wheels is configured to rollingly engage one of the convex surfaces such that axial movement of the platforms causes a shift of the transmission.

94. The transmission of claim 93, wherein each wheel is affixed to the platform end of one of the plurality of spindle supports in a slot formed in the platform end of the spindle support that is adapted to house a platform wheel.

95. The transmission of claim 82, wherein each spindle support has at least three holes formed therethrough such that each spindle support is adapted to support one of the spindles, one of the stationary support wheels and one of the platform wheels.

96. A continuously variable transmission having a longitudinal axis, comprising;

a plurality of spherical power adjusters, wherein each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation and a bore through its center, and wherein each power adjuster is located radially outward from the longitudinal axis;

a drive disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a first point on each of the power adjusters, and having a first side facing the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters;

a generally annular output drive disc rotatable about the longitudinal axis and contacting a second point on each of the power adjusters;

a generally cylindrical support member annularly rotatable about and coaxial with the longitudinal axis and contacting a third point on each of the power adjusters;

a plurality of generally elongated spindles having two ends and a longitudinal axis, wherein each spindle is positioned in the bore of one of the power adjusters such that a movement of the axis of the spindle changes the axis of rotation of an associated power adjuster;

a plurality of spindle supports each having a platform end and a spindle end, wherein the spindle end of each spindle support is operably engaged with one of the two ends of one of the plurality of spindles, and wherein each of the spindle supports adjusts the axis of rotation of a power adjuster in response to the axial movement of the support member;

a plurality of stationary support wheels, wherein at least one stationary support wheel is operably attached to each spindle support, and wherein the stationary support wheels are adapted to guide the spindle support as the spindle support adjusts the axis of rotation of the poser adjusters;

a bearing disc annularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the transmission and positioned along the longitudinal axis near the second side of the drive disc;

annular first and second stationary supports each having a first side facing the power adjusters and a second side facing away from the power adjusters, each of the first and second stationary supports also having a concave surface on the first side, and wherein the first stationary support is located adjacent to the drive disc and the second stationary support is located adjacent to the output drive disc; and

a coiled spring positioned between the bearing disc and the drive disc adapted to bias the drive disc to contact with the power adjusters.

97. The transmission of claim 96, wherein the coiled spring has a cross-section with a radial length greater than its axial thickness.

98. The transmission of claim 96, wherein the coiled spring has a cross-section that is substantially rectangular.

99. The transmission of claim 96, further comprising;

a generally tubular hollow shaft coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the transmission and having an end, which extends out of the transmission and has a set of external threads;

a rod having first and second ends and located coaxially within the hollow shaft;

a rotatable shifter for changing a transmission ratio of the transmission attatched to the first end of the rod and having a set of internal threads, wherein when the rotatable shifter is rotated the rod is moved axially; and

a sleeve operably attached to the support member and the second end of the rod, and wherein axial movement of the rod causes the sleeve to move the support member, thereby shifting the transmission.

100. The transmission of claim 99, further comprising:

a shifter spring adapted to engage the rotatable shifter to bias the rotation of the rotatable shifter.

101. The transmission of claim 100, wherein the shifter spring has a first end and a second end and fits coaxially over the longitudinal axis of the transmission, and wherein the shifter spring is operably attached at its first end to the rod and is attached at the second end to a stationary object.

102. The transmission of claim 99, further comprising:

a generally tubular rotatable handlegrip;

a tether having a first end engaged with the handlegrip and a second end engaged with the rotatable shifter, wherein, the handlegrip is adapted to apply tension to the tether, and wherein the tether in turn actuates the rotatable shifter so as to axially align the support member, thereby shifting the transmission remotely.

103. A method of providing continuously variable transmission of an input rotation, the method comprising the steps of:

providing the input rotation from a driving disc;

applying the input rotation from the driving disc to one point on all of a plurality of spherical power adjusters and thereby rotating the power adjusters, wherein each power adjuster is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation;

contacting the power adjusters with an output drive disc, thereby converting the input rotation to an output rotation of the output drive disc, wherein a speed of the output rotation is dependent upon the axis of rotation of the power adjusters;

supporting each of the plurality of power adjusters in their radial positions with a support member;

aligning axially the position of the support member with adjustment platforms; and

adjusting the axis of rotation of the power adjusters by axially moving the support platforms.