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Continuously variable planetary gear set

  • US 7,214,159 B2
  • Filed: 02/03/2005
  • Issued: 05/08/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A speed ratio range amplifier comprising:

  • a continuously variable transmission comprising;

    a plurality of traction rollers distributed radially about a longitudinal axis of the transmission, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates;

    an input disc in contact with the rollers;

    an output disc in contact with the rollers, wherein the output disc is fixed and does not rotate; and

    an idler coaxial with and rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the idler in contact with the rollers;

    a planetary gear set comprising;

    a sun gear;

    a plurality of planet gears engaged with and adapted to orbit the sun gear, wherein each planet gear rotates about a planet shaft of its own;

    a ring gear engaging each planet gear; and

    a planet carrier that retains and positions each of the planet shafts;

    an input shaft coupled to both the transmission and the planetary gear set;

    wherein the sun gear, ring gear, planet carrier, or at least one of the planets gears is coupled to an output shaft of the transmission; and

    wherein the sun gear, ring gear, planet carrier, or at least one of the planets gears is coupled to an output member that sums torque inputs from one of more power paths of the planetary gear set and the transmission; and

    an output shaft adapted to transmit torque from the output member out from the amplifier.

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