Patent attributes
A variable speed ratio transmission including a drive element having a spherical frictional engagement surface centered on a primary axis, a carrier having a roller axle orbiting the primary transmission axis spaced from the spherical surface by a predetermined distance, and a roller rotatably and slidably mounted on the roller axle. The roller axle is angled with respect to a tangent of the spherical engagement surface so the roller tends to slide axially along the roller axle toward the frictional engagement surface to frictionally engage the engagement surface when a relative motion between the drive element and the carrier is in an engaging drive direction and to slide axially along the roller axle away from the frictional engagement surface of the drive element to disengage the engagement surface when the relative motion between the drive element and the carrier is in a disengaging drive direction opposite the engaging direction.
