Patent ID: 7951041
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A continuously variable ratio device comprising: first and second races mounted for rotation about a variator axis, the variator axis being a common axis for both the first and second races; at least one roller coupled to a carrier for rotation about a roller axis defined relative to the carrier, and which runs upon both races to transmit drive between them at a variable drive ratio; and concentrically arranged sun and ring gears, wherein the carrier includes gear teeth through which it engages with the sun and ring gears, and the coupling between the roller and its carrier permitting the roller to precess about a precession axis defined with respect to the carrier and which is non-parallel to the precession axis, so that relative rotation of the sun and ring gears causes the carrier to turn about a carrier axis which is non-parallel with the roller and the precession axes, causing precession of the roller and a consequent change in the drive ratio.