Abstract: A continuously variable transmission including a driving shaft connected to an engine output member and a driven shaft. The shafts are interconnected by a stepless variable coupling. A bidirectional gear drive mechanism connects the driven shaft to a differential mechanism having two output shafts extending therefrom. The drive mechanism includes a two gear forward and a three gear reverse drive path, each of which is controlled by a fluid-actuated starting clutch mechanism. Each gear path is adapted to drive a transfer gear which continually intermeshes with a ring gear of the differential defining another gear mesh. By such construction, the output shafts and the engine output memeber may rotate in the same direction during a forward drive mode of operation.

Abstract: A fluid control system for a continuously variable transmission utilizing a first valve which is manually operable, and a second valve operable by a fluid motor which fluid motor also provides engagement and disengagement of two gear ratios. The first valve directs fluid flow from a fluid source to the fluid motor and to the second valve for communication to a fluid actuated starting clutch. Fluid for the clutch and fluid motor are only provided when the first valve is selectively engaged to the first or second operable gear ratios thereby directing fluid from the fluid source to the fluid actuated motor. The fluid motor is operable to move a gear engaging means and simultaneously move the second valve to an aligned port position permitting fluid flow to the starting clutch.

Abstract: A compact transmission drive line arrangement incorporating a planetary mechanism comprised of three simple planetary gear sets interconnected having associated therewith two clutches and four brake mechanisms to provide four forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The clutches and the planetary mechanism are on opposite sides of the final drive gear which is connected to drive a parallel arranged differential and output shaft assembly. The planetary transmission is arranged such that all of the brake mechanisms are disposed radially of the planetary mechanism on the same side of the final drive.