Patent ID: 7771300

Claim:
An assist mechanism for a mechanically-actuated continuously variable transmission (CVT) having first and second pulleys interconnected by a belt, the first pulley connected to an engine shaft and having a first pulley portion and a second pulley portion axially movable with respect to the first pulley portion, said CVT including a centrifugal actuator configured to move said second pulley portion axially, said assist mechanism comprising: a first engagement means for connection to the second pulley portion, said first engagement means configured to cooperate with the centrifugal actuator; and an electric motor having a second engagement means for coaxially engaging said first engagement means and causing axial movement thereof when rotated, wherein rotation of said second engagement means with respect to said first engagement means axially moves said first engagement means, assisting the centrifugal actuator in moving the second pulley portion with respect to the first pulley portion to change an axial spacing therebetween, wherein said first engagement means is adapted for coaxial connection to the second pulley portion, wherein said electric motor is adapted for coaxial mounting with the first pulley, and wherein said second engagement means comprises a threaded shaft.