Abstract: An automatic transmission comprises a transmission casing that houses therein a speed change mechanism and a parking mechanism, the speed change mechanism including a plurality of rotating members; an air breather chamber provided by the transmission casing, the breather chamber being communicated with the outside air; and a breather chamber opening through which an interior of the transmission casing and the air breather chamber are fluidly communicated with each other, the breather chamber opening being exposed to the interior of the transmission casing. The transmission casing has a predetermined housing space to which the breather chamber opening as well as the rotating members are exposed, and the parking mechanism is projected into the predetermined housing space at a position between the breather chamber opening and each of the rotating members.

Abstract: A ceramic valve supporting structure for use in an internal combustion engine comprising: a ceramic valve having an integral stem, an upper portion of which is provided with a circular groove therearound; a frusto-conical shaped cotter comprising a pair of semi-cylindrical pieces, each inner surface of which has a lock projection located within said groove when secured to an outer surface of said stem; an annular retainer secured to an outer surface of said cotter to support said valve through said cotter, said retainer having an inner surface tapered to engage the outer surface of said cotter by wedging action due to a spring force acting upon to said retainer to bring said cotter into tight engagement with said stem; and an elastic layer provided between an inner surface of said cotter and the outer surface of said stem to absorb stress when said cotter engages said stem.