Torotrak (Development) Limited

Kk Equos Research

Konica Minolta, Inc.

Allison Transmission, Inc.

Yasuhiro Ishihara

Masahiko Ando

Brian Joseph Dutson

Toshiaki Tanaka

A variator () having a pair of semi-toroidally recessed races () mounted to a housing () for rotation about a common variator axis. A roller () is mounted between the races to transfer drive between them at a variable drive ratio. A sun gear () is mounted between the races, as is a ring (gear). The ring gear is radially outboard of the sun gear. Mounted between the sun and ring and meshing with both is a carrier gear () upon which the roller is mounted in a manner which enables it to both spin about its own axis, when turned by the races, and also to tilt relative to the races to vary the drive ratio. A control pinion () is also arranged between the sun and ring gears meshing with both. The control pinion is able to rotate about its own axis freely, but the pinion axis is fixed with respect to the housing.

Growing community of inventors

Tokyo, Japan

Yasuhiro Ishihara