Patent ID: 7481736

Claim:
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising: a longitudinal axis; a plurality of balls, each ball having a tillable axis of rotation, the plurality of balls arranged on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the plurality of balls arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis; an input disc in contact with the plurality of balls, wherein the input disc is arranged radially outward relative to a center of each of the balls, and wherein the input disc is coaxial with the longitudinal axis; an output disc in contact with the plurality of balls, wherein the output disc is arranged radially outward relative to a center of each of the balls, and wherein the output disc is coaxial with the longitudinal axis; a generally cylindrical idler in contact with the balls, the idler located radially inward of the balls and mounted coaxially about the longitudinal axis; a rotatable cage adapted to support the plurality of balls radially and angularly; a planetary gear set mounted coaxially about the longitudinal axis, the planetary gear set comprising: a ring gear; a plurality of planet gears; a plurality of planet axles that support the planet gears; a planet carrier configured to receive, support, and drive the planet axles; and a sun gear; wherein the planet axles are operably coupled to the input disc; and wherein the sun gear is operably coupled to the rotatable cage.