Patent ID: 7029408

Claim:
A method for using a variable speed transmission that includes a first pulley having a rotational axis, a first face and a second face, the first face being rotatable relative to the second face about the rotational axis and being movable along the rotational axis with respect to the second face, an actuator comprising a first plate and a second plate located adjacent the first pulley for moving the first face with respect to the second face, and a belt located adjacent the first face and the second face of the first pulley, comprising: driving one of the first face, the second face and the belt about the rotational axis of the first pulley; moving at least one of the first and second plates of the actuator to move the first face, which is rotatable relative to the second face about the rotational axis, along the rotational axis and relative to the second face, which is fixed in its position, such that a portion of each of the first face and the second face frictionally engages the belt to cause one of the first face, the second face and the belt to begin movement about the rotational axis of the first pulley; and moving the belt away from the rotational axis of the first pulley to cause the belt to move faster about the rotational axis of the first pulley.