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Continuously variable transmission

  • US 6,676,559 B2
  • Filed: 10/30/2001
  • Issued: 01/13/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/02/1997
  • Status: Expired
First Claim
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1. A continuously variable transmission, comprising:

  • three or more spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a cylindrical hole extending through its center;

    three or more cylindrical spindles, each spindle positioned in the hole of one power adjuster;

    at least one stationary support with an aperture at its center;

    a rotatable support member having first and second sides, the rotatable support member located between the power adjusters and frictionally engaged with the plurality of power adjusters, wherein the rotatable support member has a substantially uniform outer diameter, wherein the rotatable support member is capable of axial movement, and wherein the rotatable support member has at least two areas that are bearing surfaces to control axial movement of the rotatable support member;

    a first annular bearing capable of axial movement, positioned on the first side of the support member;

    a second annular bearing capable of axial movement, positioned on the second side of the support member;

    a first planar platform capable of axial movement, positioned so that the first annular bearing is between the rotatable support member and the first planar platform;

    a second planar platform capable of axial movement, positioned so that the second annular bearing is between the rotatable support and the second planar platform; and

    a ratio changer operably connected to the cylindrical spindles, wherein an adjustment in the ratio changer causes the cylindrical spindles to change their axes of rotation.

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