Patent ID: 7713154

Claim:
A continuously variable transmission driven by an engine or motor and capable of continually transmitting power while allowing shifting of a ratio of said continuously variable transmission, comprising: a plurality of chains or belts, wherein each of said plurality of chains or belts defines a separate and parallel pitch line; a first mechanism rotatable about a first axis and comprising a plurality of first sprockets arranged radially about said first axis and engaging said plurality of chains or belts; wherein each of said plurality of first sprockets engage only one pitch line and a corresponding chain or belt; and wherein each of said plurality of chains or belts engages only one of said plurality of first sprockets; and wherein each of said plurality of first sprockets actuating closer or further away from said first axis; a second mechanism allowing each of said plurality of first sprockets to rotate freely when said corresponding chain or belt is not fully seated in at least one tooth of said first sprocket and lock against rotation around a first sprocket axis when corresponding chain or belt is seated in at least one tooth of said first sprocket.