Continuously variable transmission

Abstract

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a CVT.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the CVT of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a CVT.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the CVT of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 a is a side view of a splined input disc driver that can be used in a CVT.

FIG. 5 b is a front view of the disc driver of FIG. 5a.

FIG. 6 a is a side view of a splined input disc that can be used in a CVT.

FIG. 6 b is a front view of the splined input disc of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 7 is a cam roller disc that can be used with a CVT.

FIG. 8 is a stator that can be used with a CVT.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a scraping spacer that can be used with a CVT.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a shifter assembly that can be used in a CVT.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ball-leg assembly for use in a CVT.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cage that can be used in a ball-type CVT.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a CVT.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a bicycle hub using an embodiment of a CVT.

FIG. 15 is a top elevational view of various assemblies of an embodiment of a CVT incorporated in the bicycle hub of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a partially exploded, perspective view of certain assemblies of the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a top elevational view of certain assemblies of the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view along section A-A of the assemblies of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shift cam assembly that can be used with the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a top elevational view of the shift cam assembly of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view B-B of the shift cam assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is perspective view of a cage assembly that can be used with the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the cage assembly of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a right side elevational view of the cage assembly of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a partially exploded, front elevational view of certain axial force generation components for the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view along section C-C of the CVT components shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of a mating input shaft and torsion disc that can be used with the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the torsion disc of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a left side elevational view of the torsion disc of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of the torsion disc of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a right side elevational view of the torsion disc of FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view along section D-D of the torsion disc of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the input shaft of FIG. 27.

FIG. 34 is a left side elevational view of the input shaft of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a top side elevational view of the input shaft of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a load cam disc that can be used with the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 37 is a top side elevational view of a ball and axle assembly that can be used with the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view along section E-E of the ball and axle assembly of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a top elevational view of the bicycle hub of FIG. 14.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view along section F-F of the hub of FIG. 39 showing certain components of the bicycle hub of FIG. 14 and the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a main shaft that can be used with the CVT of FIG. 15.

FIG. 42 is a top side elevational view of the main shaft of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a section view along section G-G of the main shaft of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a top elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a CVT that can be used with the bicycle hub of FIG. 14.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view along section H-H of the CVT of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a sectional view of a CVT that can be used with the bicycle hub of FIG. 14.

FIG. 47 is a cross-section of yet another embodiment of a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

FIG. 48A is a detail view C, of the cross-section shown in FIG. 47, showing generally a variator subassembly.

FIG. 48B is a perspective view of certain components of the CVT, shown in FIG. 47, generally illustrating a cage subassembly of the variator subassembly.

FIG. 48C is a perspective, cross-sectional view of certain components of the variator subassembly shown in FIG. 48A.

FIG. 48D is a cross-section of one embodiment of an idler subassembly for the CVT shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 48E is a perspective, exploded view of the idler assembly of FIG. 48D.

FIG. 48F is a cross-section of one embodiment of the idler subassembly of FIG. 48D as implemented with other components of the CVT shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 48G is a perspective view of the CVT components shown in FIG. 48F.

FIG. 49A is a detail view D, of the cross-section shown in FIG. 47, generally illustrating a power input means subassembly.

FIG. 49B is a perspective, cross-sectional view of certain CVT components shown in FIG. 49A.

FIG. 49C is a cross-sectional view of certain components of the power input means subassembly shown in FIG. 49A.

FIG. 49D is a perspective, exploded view of the CVT components shown in FIG. 49C.

FIG. 49E is a perspective, exploded view of certain components of the power input means subassembly shown in FIG. 49A.

FIG. 50A is a detail view E, of the cross-section shown in FIG. 47, generally showing an input side axial force generation subassembly.

FIG. 50B is an exploded, perspective view of various components of the axial force generation subassembly of FIG. 50A.

FIG. 51 is a detail view F, of the cross-section shown in FIG. 47, generally showing an output side axial force generation subassembly.

FIG. 52A is a perspective view of a power roller-leg subassembly that may be used with the variator subassembly of FIG. 47.

FIG. 52B is a cross-sectional view of the power roller-leg subassembly shown in FIG. 52A.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of a power roller that may be used with the power roller-leg subassembly of FIG. 52A.

FIGS. 54A-54C show perspective, cross-sectional, and top views of a power roller axle that may be used with the power roller-leg subassembly of FIG. 52A.

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a power roller axle.

FIG. 56A is an exploded, perspective view of a leg subassembly that may be used with the power roller-leg subassembly of FIG. 52A.

FIG. 56B is a cross-sectional view of the leg subassembly of FIG. 56A.

FIG. 57A is a perspective view of the right side of a stator plate that can be used with the cage subassembly of FIG. 48B.

FIG. 57B is a perspective view of the left side of the stator plate of FIG. 57A.

FIG. 57C is a plan view of the left side of the stator plate of FIG. 57A.

FIG. 57D is a cross-sectional view, along the section line I-I, of the stator plate of FIG. 57C.

FIG. 57E is a detail view H, of the plan view shown in FIG. 57C, generally showing a stator plate slot offset.

FIG. 58A is a perspective view of the right side of an alternative stator plate.

FIG. 58B is a perspective view of the left side of the stator plate of FIG. 58A.

FIG. 58C is a plan view of the left side of the stator plate of FIG. 58A.

FIG. 58D is a cross-sectional view, along the section line J-J, of the stator plate of FIG. 58C.

FIG. 58E is a detail view I, of the plan view shown in FIG. 58C, generally showing a stator plate slot offset.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of a stator rod as may be used with the cage subassembly of FIG. 48B.

FIGS. 60A-60C are perspective, cross-sectional, and plan views of a shift rod nut as may be used with the variator subassembly of FIG. 48A.

FIGS. 61A-61B are perspective and plan views of a shift rod as may be used with the variator subassembly of FIG. 48A.

FIG. 62A is a perspective view of a traction ring as may be used with the variator subassembly of FIG. 48A.

FIG. 62B is a plan view of the left side of the traction ring shown in FIG. 62A.

FIG. 62C is a front side, plan view of the traction ring shown in FIG. 62A.

FIG. 62D is a cross-sectional view of the traction ring shown in FIG. 62A.

FIG. 62E is a detail, cross-sectional view, of the traction ring shown in FIG. 62A.

FIG. 63A is a plan view of the right side of a torsion spring that may be used with the axial force generation subassemblies of FIG. 50A or FIG. 51.

FIG. 63B is a plan view of the front of a torsion spring in its relaxed state.

FIG. 63C is a detail view J of the torsion spring of FIG. 63B.

FIG. 63D is a plan view of the front of a torsion spring in a partially wound state, as the torsion spring may be while housed in a traction ring and a roller cage.

FIG. 63E is a detail view K of the torsion spring of FIG. 63D.

FIG. 63F is a plan view of the front of a torsion spring in a substantially completely wound state, as the torsion spring may be while housed in a traction ring and a roller cage.

FIG. 64A is perspective view of a roller cage as may be used with the axial force generation subassemblies of FIG. 50A or FIG. 51.

FIG. 64B is a cross-sectional view of the roller cage of FIG. 64A.

FIG. 64C is a plan view of the roller cage of FIG. 64A.

FIG. 64D is a detail view L of the cross-section of the roller cage shown in FIG. 64B.

FIG. 64E is a plan view of a certain state of an axial force generation and/or preloading subassembly as may be used with the axial force generation subassemblies of FIG. 50A or FIG. 51.

FIG. 64F is a cross-sectional view, along section line K-K, of the subassembly shown in FIG. 64E.

FIG. 64G is a plan view of a different state of the axial force generation and/or preloading subassembly of FIG. 64E.

FIG. 64H is a cross-sectional view, along section line L-L, of the subassembly shown in FIG. 64G.

FIG. 65A is a detail view G, of the cross-section shown in FIG. 47, generally showing a shifter interface subassembly for a CVT.

FIG. 65B is a plan view of a shift rod retainer as may be used with the shifter interface subassembly of FIG. 65A.

FIG. 65C is as cross-sectional view of the shift rod retainer of FIG. 65B.

FIG. 65D is a plan view of the front side of an alternative shift rod retainer nut.

FIG. 65E is a plan view of the left side of the shift rod retainer nut of FIG. 65D.

FIG. 65F is a cross-sectional view of the shift rod retainer nut of FIG. 65D.

FIG. 65G is a plan view of the back side of the shift rod retainer nut of FIG. 65D.

FIG. 65H is a plan view of the front side of yet another alternative shift rod retainer nut.

FIG. 65J is a plan view of the left side of the shift rod retainer nut of FIG. 65H.

FIG. 65K is a cross-sectional view of the shift rod retainer nut of FIG. 65H.

FIG. 66A is a plan view of the front side of a main axle that can be used with the CVT shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 66B is a plan view of the top side of the main axle of FIG. 66A.

FIG. 66C is a cross-sectional view, along the section line M-M, of the main axle of FIG. 66B.

FIG. 66D is a detail view M of the main axle shown in FIG. 66A.

FIG. 67A is a perspective view of a power input driver that may be used with the CVT of FIG. 47.

FIG. 67B is a second perspective view of the input driver of FIG. 67A.

FIG. 67C is a plan view of the back side of the input driver of FIG. 67B.

FIG. 67D is a plan view of the right side of the input driver of FIG. 67B.

FIG. 67E is a cross-sectional view of the input driver of FIG. 67D.

FIG. 68A is a perspective view of a torsion plate that may be used with the CVT of FIG. 47.

FIG. 68B is a plan view of the torsion plate of FIG. 68A.

FIG. 69A is a perspective view of a power input means subassembly that includes a power input driver and a torsion plate.

FIG. 69B is a plan view of the power input means subassembly of FIG. 69A.

FIG. 69C is a cross-sectional view of the power input means subassembly of FIG. 69A.

FIG. 70A is a perspective view of a cam driver that may be used with the CVT of FIG. 47.

FIG. 70B is a plan view of the cam driver of FIG. 70A.

FIG. 70C is a cross-sectional view of the cam driver of FIG. 70B.

FIG. 71A is a perspective view of a freewheel that may be used with the CVT of FIG. 47.

FIG. 71B is a plan view of the front side of the freewheel of FIG. 71A.

FIG. 71C is a plan view of the top side of the freewheel of FIG. 71B.

FIG. 72A is a perspective view of a hub shell that can be used with the CVT of FIG. 47.

FIG. 72B is a cross-sectional view of the hub shell of FIG. 72A.

FIG. 72C is a detail view N of the hub shell of FIG. 72B.

FIG. 72D is a detail view P of the hub shell of FIG. 72B.

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of an alternative hub shell.

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of yet another hub shell.

FIG. 75A is a perspective view of a hub shell cover that can be used with the CVT of FIG. 47.

FIG. 75B is a second perspective view of the hub shell cover of FIG. 75A.

FIG. 75C is a plan view of the front side of the hub shell cover of FIG. 75A.

FIG. 75D is a cross-sectional view, along the section line N-N, of the hub shell cover of FIG. 75C.

FIG. 75E is detail view Q of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 75D.

FIG. 75F is a plan view of the left side of the hub shell cover of FIG. 75A.

FIG. 75G is a detail view R of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 75F.

FIG. 76A is a perspective view of an alternative hub shell cover that can be used with the CVT of FIG. 47.

FIG. 76B is a plan view of the front side of the hub shell cover of FIG. 76A.

FIG. 76C is a cross-sectional view, along the section line P-P, of the hub shell cover of FIG. 76B.

FIG. 76D is detail view S of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 76C.

FIG. 76E is a plan view of the left side of the hub shell cover of FIG. 76A.

FIG. 76F is a detail view T of the plan view shown in FIG. 76E.

FIG. 77 is a cross-section of one embodiment of an idler and shift cam assembly.

FIG. 78 is a cross-section of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 1 along with a ball-leg assembly.

FIG. 79A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an idler and shift cam assembly.

FIG. 79B is an exploded view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 79A.

FIG. 79C is a cross-sectional view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 79B.

FIG. 79D is a second cross-sectional view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 80A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an idler and shift cam assembly.

FIG. 80B is an exploded view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 80A.

FIG. 80C is a cross-sectional view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 80B.

FIG. 80D is a second cross-sectional view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 80B.

FIG. 81A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an idler and shift cam assembly.

FIG. 81B is an exploded view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 81A.

FIG. 81C is a cross-sectional view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 81B.

FIG. 81D is a second cross-sectional view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 81B.

FIG. 82A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an idler and shift cam assembly.

FIG. 82B is an exploded view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 82A.

FIG. 82C is a cross-sectional view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 82B.

FIG. 82D is a second cross-sectional view of the idler and shift cam assembly of FIG. 82B.

FIG. 83A is a perspective view of a shifter quick release subassembly that can be used with embodiments of the CVTs described here.

FIG. 83B is an exploded, perspective view of the shifter quick release subassembly of FIG. 83A.

FIG. 83C is a plan view of a backing plate as may be used with the shifter quick release subassembly of FIG. 83A.

FIG. 83D is a cross-sectional view, along the section line Q-Q, of the backing plate of FIG. 83C.

FIG. 84A is a cross-sectional view of a shifter interface subassembly that can be used with embodiments of the CVTs described here.

FIG. 84B is a plan view of a pulley that can be used with the shifter interface subassembly of FIG. 84A.

FIG. 84C is a cross-sectional view, along the section line R-R, of the pulley of FIG. 84B.

FIG. 84D is plan view of an indexing plate that can be used with the shifter interface subassembly of FIG. 84A.

FIG. 84E is a plan view of a shift rod nut that can be used with the shifter interface subassembly of FIG. 84A.

FIG. 85A is a perspective view of a power input means subassembly that can be used with embodiments of the CVTs described here.

FIG. 85B is a plan view of the power input means subassembly of FIG. 85A.

FIG. 85C is a perspective view of a torque transfer key that can be used with the power input means subassembly of FIG. 85A.

FIG. 85D is a plan view of the torque transfer key of FIG. 85C.

FIG. 85E is a perspective view of an input driver that can be used with the power input means subassembly of FIG. 85A.

FIG. 86 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a CVT.

FIG. 87 is an exploded, partial cut-away view of certain components and subassemblies of the CVT of FIG. 86.

FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view of an idler subassembly for a CVT.

FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a hub shell for a CVT.

FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional view of the hub shell of FIG. 89.

FIG. 91 is a sectional view of yet another embodiment of a hub shell.

FIG. 92 is an exploded view of a hub shell cover for a CVT.

FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view of the hub shell cover subassembly of FIG. 92.

FIG. 94 is a front side, elevational view of the hub shell cover of FIG. 92.

FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view along section line AA-AA of the hub shell cover of FIG. 94.

FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view along section line BB-BB of the hub shell cover of FIG. 94.

FIG. 97 is a detail view A1 of the hub shell cover of FIG. 95.

FIG. 98 is a detail view A2 of the hub shell cover of FIG. 94.

FIG. 99 is a second perspective view of the shell cover of FIG. 94.

FIG. 100 is a perspective view of an output drive ring that can be used with the hub shell cover of FIG. 99.

FIG. 101 is an elevational view of a hub shell and a hub shell cover for a CVT.

FIG. 102 is a perspective view of a locking tab that can be used with the hub shell and hub shell cover of FIG. 101.

FIG. 103 is an elevational, front side view of the locking tab of FIG. 102.

FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view along line CC-CC of the hub shell cover and hub shell of FIG. 101.

FIG. 105 is a perspective view of a CVT having a hub shell cover with a shield.

FIG. 106 is a perspective view of a CVT having a hub shell cover with a disc brake adapter.

FIG. 107 is a perspective view of a disc brake adapter kit for a CVT.

FIG. 108 is a front, elevational view of a disc brake adapter that can be used with the kit of FIG. 107.

FIG. 109 is a back, elevational view of the disc brake adapter of FIG. 108.

FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view along line DD-DD of the disc brake adapter of FIG. 109.

FIG. 111 is a perspective view of a shield that can be used with the kit of FIG. 107.

FIG. 112 is a side, elevational view of the shield of FIG. 111.

FIG. 113 is a cross-sectional view of the shield of FIG. 11.

FIG. 114 is a perspective view of a shield that can be used with the hub shell cover of FIG. 105.

FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of the shield of FIG. 114.

FIG. 116 is a perspective view of an idler bushing that can be used with the idler assembly of a CVT.

FIG. 117 is an elevational view of the idler bushing of FIG. 116.

FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of the idler busing of FIG. 117.

FIG. 119 is a perspective view of a shift rod nut that can be used with the idler assembly of a CVT.

FIG. 120 is an elevational view of the shift rod nut of FIG. 119.

FIG. 121 is a front, elevational view of a shift cam for a CVT.

FIG. 122 is a side, elevational view of the shift cam of FIG. 121.

FIG. 123 is a cross-sectional view along the line EE-EE of the shift cam of FIG. 21.

FIG. 124 is a detail view A3 of the shift cam of FIG. 121.

FIG. 125 is a table of values for a shift cam profile for the shift cam of FIG. 121.

FIG. 126 is a perspective view of a traction ring for a CVT.

FIG. 127 is a front side, elevational view of the ring of FIG. 126.

FIG. 128 is a side, elevational view of the ring of FIG. 126.

FIG. 129 is an exaggerated, detail view A4 of a ramp profile that can be used with the traction ring of FIG. 126.

FIG. 130 is a cross-sectional view of the traction ring of FIG. 126.

FIG. 131 is a view of an uncoiled torsion spring for use with a CVT.

FIG. 132 is a perspective view of the torsion spring of FIG. 131.

FIG. 133 is a detail view A5 of the torsion spring of FIG. 132.

FIG. 134 is a detail view A6 of the torsion spring of FIG. 132.

FIG. 135 is a perspective view of an input driver for use with a CVT.

FIG. 136 is a side view of the input driver of FIG. 135.

FIG. 137 is a cross-sectional view of the input driver of FIG. 135.

FIG. 138 is a second sectional view of the input driver of FIG. 135.

FIG. 139 is a perspective view of a torsion plate for use with a CVT.

FIG. 140 is a front view of the torsion plate of FIG. 139.

FIG. 141 is a detail view of the torsion plate of FIG. 140.

FIG. 142 is perspective view of an input assembly for a CVT.

FIG. 143 is a sectional view of the input assembly of FIG. 142.

FIG. 144 is a perspective view of a roller axle for use with a CVT.

FIG. 145 is an elevational view of the roller axle of FIG. 144.

FIG. 146 is a cross-sectional view of the roller axle of FIG. 145.

FIG. 147 is a perspective view of a freewheel for use with a CVT.

FIG. 148 is a front, elevational view of the freewheel of FIG. 147.

FIG. 149 is plan view of yet another torsion spring for use with a CVT.

FIG. 150 is a plan view of a torsion spring, in a roller cage retainer, without the conforming bends of the torsion spring of FIG. 149.

FIG. 151 is a plan view of the torsion spring of FIG. 149 in a roller cage retainer.

Claims

1-5. (canceled)

6. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising: a first traction ring;a second traction ring;a plurality of power rollers interposed between and in contact with the first and second traction rings, wherein the power rollers are configured to spin about a tiltable axis;a first torsion spring; andwherein the first traction ring includes a recess adapted to receive and partially house the first torsion spring.

7. The CVT of claim 6, wherein the first traction ring comprises a set of ramps.

8. The CVT of claim 6, further comprising a roller cage having an extension that facilitates the housing of the first torsion spring in the first traction ring.

9. The CVT of claim 6, further comprising a load cam driver operationally coupled to the first traction ring.

10. The CVT of claim 9, further comprising a second torsion spring and a second traction ring adapted to partially house the second torsion spring.

11-75. (canceled)

76. A shifting mechanism for a transmission, the shifting mechanism comprising: a shift rod having a threaded end, a middle portion, a splined end, and a flange;a shift rod nut having a first central bore adapted to engage the threaded end of the shift rod; andan axle having a second central bore adapted to receive the shift rod, wherein the axle comprises a counterbore adapted to engage the flange of the shift rod.

77. The shifting mechanism of claim 76, wherein the axle further comprises a slot for receiving the shift rod nut.

78. The shifting mechanism of claim 76, further comprising a shift rod retainer nut adapted to cooperate with the counterbore of the axle to constrain axially the shift rod.

79. The shifting mechanism of claim 78, wherein the shift rod further comprises a neck for supporting the shift rod retainer nut.

80. The shifting mechanism of claim 76, wherein the shift rod further comprises a piloting tip adapted to facilitate engagement of the shift rod with the shift rod nut.

81-217. (canceled)

218. A shifter interface for a transmission, the shifter interface comprising: a shifter actuator;a shift rod nut coupled to the shifter actuator;a backing plate adapted to mount on an axle, wherein the backing plate is coupled to the shifter actuator; andretaining means, located between the shifter actuator and the backing plate, for axially constraining the shifter actuator.

219. The shifter interface of claim 218, wherein the shifter actuator comprises a pulley.

220. The shifter interface of claim 218, further comprising a dowel pin for coupling the shifter actuator to the shift rod nut.

221. The shifter interface of claim 218, wherein the shifter actuator comprises a first recess for receiving the shift rod nut, and wherein the shifter actuator comprises a second recess for receiving the backing plate.

222. The shifter actuator of claim 218, wherein the retaining means comprises a retainer clip.

223. The shifter actuator of claim 221, further comprising an axle having a groove for receiving the retaining means.

224-286. (canceled)