Continuously variable transmission
First Claim
1. A spindle support and power adjuster assembly for a continuously variable transmission, the assembly comprising:
- a spherical power adjuster having a central bore;
a spindle positioned in the central bore, the spindle having first and second spindle ends and a longitudinal axis, wherein each of the spindle ends extends outside the power adjuster;
a first spindle support operationally attached to the first spindle end;
a second spindle support operationally attached to the second spindle end; and
wherein the spindle supports each comprise a rotatable wheel positioned at one end of the spindle support away from the point of attachment of the spindle support and the spindle end.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A spindle support and power adjuster assembly for a continuously variable transmission, the assembly comprising:
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a spherical power adjuster having a central bore; a spindle positioned in the central bore, the spindle having first and second spindle ends and a longitudinal axis, wherein each of the spindle ends extends outside the power adjuster; a first spindle support operationally attached to the first spindle end; a second spindle support operationally attached to the second spindle end; and wherein the spindle supports each comprise a rotatable wheel positioned at one end of the spindle support away from the point of attachment of the spindle support and the spindle end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A support member for a spindle of a traction roller in a continuously variable transmission, the support member comprising:
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a body having a first end and a second end; a bore at the first end of the body for receiving an end of the spindle, wherein the spindle has an axis of rotation; and a wheel attached to the second end. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of manufacturing a spindle support and power adjuster assembly for a continuously variable transmission, the method comprising:
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providing a spherical power adjuster having a central bore; positioning a spindle in the central bore, the spindle having first and second spindle ends, wherein each of the spindle ends extends outside the power adjuster; attaching a first spindle support to the first spindle end at a first point of attachment; attaching a second spindle support to the second spindle end at a second point of attachment; providing a plurality of rotatable wheels; and attaching the wheels to the spindle supports, one wheels for each spindle support, wherein attachment of the wheel to the spindle support is removed from the point of attachment of the spindle support and the spindle end. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification