In a traditional automated transmission, the gears are virtually gears -- interlocking, toothed wheels that aid transmit and modify rotary movement and torque. A combination of planetary gears results in all of the various equipment ratios that the transmission can make, normally 4 forward gears and a person reverse equipment. https://marcorutqm.thezenweb.com/gearbox-cvt-for-dummies-72196915