Abstract: A hydrostatic-mechanical infinitely variable transmission for a vehicle includes a hydrostatic unit and a mechanical unit. The mechanical unit is a planetary drum and includes a planetary summation gearing and further planetary transmission gearings. The planetary drum has an input shaft and an output shaft which are concentric to the engine output shaft. The axis of the hydrostatic unit is parallel to and lower than the axis of the planetary drum so that the rotating parts of the planetary drum are above the level of oil in the transmission sump. The sealed hydrostatic unit is immersed in the oil of the sump and cooled thereby The output shaft of the transmission is parallel to the axis of the planetary drum. The output of the planetary drum is coupled to the transmission output shaft by a gear train. This makes it possible to adjust the spacing and the transmission ratio between the planetary drum output and the transmission output shaft as desired.

Abstract: A hydrostatic/mechanical branch power split transmission for power vehicles is disclosed. The transmission includes an infinitely variable hydrostatic converter having a first hydrostatic unit of adjustable volume and a second hydrostatic unit. The transmission also includes a power distribution system whereby the driving power is split into a hydraulic and a mechanical branch and is summed again before the transmission output. The transmission permits various driving strategies or driving programs which can be conveniently adjusted and accessed. There is also a hydrostatic connection which can be switched at several gear ratio points. The braking capacity of the engine and maximum braking effect through the continuous hydrostatic converter can be utilized and easily controlled. A further variant also enables braking energy to be recuperated with the hydrostatic converter. The continuous converter can be precisely adjusted to optimize gear shift range selection.

Abstract: A split torque transmission includes a hydrostatic transmission and a mechanical transmission both being driven by an engine. The output of the hydrostatic transmission and the mechanical transmission are both selectively coupled to a machine through a final output shaft. The mechanical transmission incudes a full range high forward and reverse mechanism selectively coupled to a planetary arrangement. The planetary arrangement sums the speed of the hydrostatic transmission with the full range high forward and reverse mechanism. This arrangement provides a smooth and continuous change in the speed of the machine in both the forward and reverse directions throughout its entire speed range which is identical in both directions of travel.

Abstract: A continuous-variable ratio transmission comprising a ratio-varying unit ("variator"), and an epicyclic unit having three outputs arranged concentrically. Two of those outputs are connected respectively in fixed ratio to opposite ends of the variator, so that as the variator ratio changes, the speed of one of these outputs always rises and that of the other falls. These two outputs are also connected by appropriate gearing and clutches to the CVT output shaft. Successive regimes of operation, so extending the overall ratio range of the CVT, are obtained by alternatively connecting each of the two epicyclic outputs to the CVT output. Ratios and other parameters are chosen so that regime changes are synchronous.

Abstract: A drive unit having a housing, a motor and a planetary gear coaxial with the motor. The planetary gear is located within the housing downstream of the motor and is operatively connected to the motor. A final output drive shaft having a longitudinal passage is rotationally mounted in the housing coaxial with the motor and the planetary gear. The motor is non-rotationally mounted inside of the longitudinal passage in the final output drive shaft to decrease the radial dimension of the drive unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the shift points in a continuously variable transmission having a closed loop control wherein the output of the continuously variable transmission is generated by a hydrostatic transmission or by a combination of the hydrostatic transmission and a mechanical transmission having a summing planetary and high and low speed clutches.

Abstract: An apparatus for torque-converter clutch transmission includes a final output planetary gear, at lease a braking pump, a compound planetary gear train, an oil path system, and a centrifugal pump. The final output planetary gear includes a sun gear mounted on an engine crankshaft, a planetary carrier mounted on an output shaft, and a ring gear. The compound planetary gear train includes first and second planetary gears which together share a common ring gear. The first planetary gear further includes a sun gear mounted to the engine crankshaft and a planetary carrier connected to a rotor shaft of the braking pump, and a ring gear, while the second planetary gear further includes a sun gear connected to the ring gear of the final output planetary gear and a planetary carrier fixedly mounted to an inner wall of a gear box.

Abstract: An integrated hydro-mechanical transmission having the capability of achieving continuous variability from zero to maximum in both the forward and reverse vehicle directions and having the additional capability of automatically locking up for direct mechanical drive in at least one operator selectable drive range corresponding to typical city, suburban and highway driving. Intended for use in all types of highway vehicles.

Abstract: An infinitely variable hydrostatic torque-routing transmission with at least two operating ranges shiftable via switching elements includes a first, mechanical part, including a planetary differential gear, and a second, hydrostatic part, including two adjustable hydrounits. The hydrounits are coupled to each other energetically, are operable in both directions as pump or motor, and are coupled to the mechanical part. The ring gear is coupled, in the various operating ranges, for control of the direction of rotation and speed of rotation of the transmission output shaft, to a first hydrounit, and with the second hydrounit being in the first operating range in drive connection with the transmission output shaft via an alternating switching element, while the first hydrounit, connected to the ring gear, operates as a pump and the second hydrounit as a motor.

Abstract: An integrated power transmitting system includes a hydrostatic transmission and a mechanical transmission both being driven by an engine. The output of the hydrostatic transmission and the mechanical transmission are both selectively coupled to a work system through a final output shaft. A sensing arrangement senses the transmission input speed, the output of the hydrostatic transmission and the speed of the final output shaft and delivers the signals to the microprocessor. The microprocessor processes the received signals on a continuous basis and delivers a first set of command signals to control operation of the hydrostatic transmission and a second set of control signals to selectively control forward and reverse direction and high and low clutches within the mechanical transmission. A planetary arrangement within the mechanical transmission sums the speed of the hydrostatic transmission with a full range forward and reverse gear mechanism.

Abstract: This invention describes an integrated hydro-mechanical transmission having continuous, through zero, variability from maximum forward to maximum reverse and is intended for use in passenger cars and lighter-duty trucks. The integrated hydro-mechanical transmission is capable of achieving high levels of efficiency and lower product cost. The unit is hydrostatically based and is automatically responsive to ratio upshifting as engine speed increases and to downshifting in response to applied load. In addition, the unit is responsive to operator selected inputs for ratio change to accommodate either temporary or extended heavy-load situations.

Abstract: A drive system includes two reversible hydraulic motors connected in parallel to a variable displacement pump and controlled by respective 4-port, 2-position valves. The motors, at least one of which is a variable flow, variable speed motor, are coupled to a single output shaft via an intermediate gear section. The hydraulic motors are positioned on one side of the intermediate gear section and their respective drive shafts are arranged parallel relative to one another. A clutch, which is concentrically disposed within an axial bore of a gear member, is operable to couple the drive shaft of a first of the motors to the output shaft. A second gear member, which is driven by the output shaft of a second of the motors, is adapted to mesh with the first gear member. If both motors are of variable speed construction, it is possible to operate the drive in three speed ranges, i.e.

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission for an engine. The transmission comprises a planetary gear system having a planet ring with a plurality of planet gears rotatably connected thereto. The planetary gear system also comprises an outer drum gear and an inner sun gear. There is also a mechanism for providing a variable force against the drum gear so that the sun gear is driven by the engine with a variable ratio. The planet ring acts as an input driven by the engine and the sun gear acts as an output, such as to wheels. It should be appreciated that the input, output and providing mechanism, against the remaining gear, can be interchanged in a variety of ways to achieve the intended result of a variable transmission. Preferably, the providing mechanism provides a continuous variable force against the drum gear so that the transmission can provide a continuous variable ratio output. Thus the transmission can have an infinite number of gears ratios.

Abstract: A load shift transmission with stepless hydrostatic gearing comprising: a hydrostatic transmission having a displacement machine with an adjustable volume and a displacement machine with a constant volume; a five-shaft planetary gear transmission having: a coupling shaft for the constant volume displacement machine, the coupling shaft formed by a first planet gear section which meshes with a first sun gear and a first ring gear; a start up coupling shaft formed by a second planet gear section which meshes with a second sun gear; a slow running coupling shaft formed by a third planet gear section which meshes with a third sun gear; a fast running coupling shaft formed by the ring gear of the first planet gear section; an input shaft formed by a planet gear carrier on which the first, second and third planet gear sections are mounted; and an output shaft, wherein the coupling shafts alternately transfer the requisite power through subsequent gear shifting steps to the output shaft.

Abstract: A drive mechanism, in particular for motor vehicles having a combustion engine including at least one compressor of the displacement type integrated by way of members of a planetary gear drive into the transmission train, and which by means of valves can be regulated infinitely variably and which on the suction side serves for cooling the installation and on the motor side for supplying charging air and on the power take-off side serves to increase the rate of rotation. The reaction force of the compressor is transmitted to the planetary wheels of a gear assembly driven with down gearing and there counteracts the deviation movement, i.e. the pivoting of the planetary gears when under load. A differential gear mechanism between the gear assembly on the one hand and the compressor respectively gear casing on the other hand including two planetary gear members connected to permit a gear ratio range from idling up to 1:1.

Abstract: A mechanical - hydraulic transmission for a crawler-type vehicle is provided having a reduced dimension in a widthwise direction perpendicular to input/output shafts and capable of ready installation on an existent crawler steering device. The transmission is arranged such that a power input shaft (1), directly connected to a prime mover, an intermediate shaft (9) and an output shaft (19), are concentrically related and arranged in a longitudinal column. Normal- and reverse-rotation planetary gear devices (5, 6), having respective clutches (7, 8) thereof, are mounted on a periphery of the power input shaft (1), and the power input shaft (1) is connected to a variable displacement hydraulic pump (2).

Abstract: A torque distributing differential for distributing torque from an input element to two output elements and including a first planetary carrier connected to one of the two output elements of the differential and a sun gear coupled to the other of the two output elements. A second planetary carrier of a planetary gear type torque distributing mechanism coupled to the other of the two output elements. An external tooth gear of a ring gear of the torque distributing mechanism and an external tooth gear of the first planetary carrier being operatively connected to each other with a predetermined reduction ratio through a pair of spur gears, so that the sun gear is rotatably driven by a motor.

Abstract: The gearbox includes a multi-shaft toothed-wheel planetary gearing and a continuously adjustable hydrostatic transmission having toothed-wheel auxiliary transmission stages and gear-changing clutches. The hydrostatic transmission is associated with a displacement-type machine with constant displacement volume. In the planetary gearing, one shaft forms the input shaft to which the adjustable displacement-type machine is connected. A second shaft of the planetary gearing is connected to the constant-volume displacement-type machine. Third and fourth shafts of the planetary gearing represent coupling shafts. The coupling shafts alternately act via at least two auxiliary transmission stages, also called gears, on the output shaft. The coupling shafts change their speeds in such a manner that one coupling shaft becomes steadily faster and the other one becomes steadily slower. They behave in such a manner that they exhibit equal speeds in one extreme position.

Abstract: A hydromechanical drive system having a swash-plate type hydrostatic axial piston engine and a mechanical transmission including a connection plate having a control surface. The axial piston engine includes an outer housing and a cylindrical drum with working cylinders located within the outer housing. Hydraulic-medium channels are formed in the connection plate which open onto the control surface and the working cylinders are periodically connected with the hydraulic-medium channels during rotation of the cylindrical drum. A gear element is located on the connection plate.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for use in a vehicle which enables smooth starting of the vehicle with a good response. The transmission is intended to eliminate a particular phenomenon in both low-speed and high-speed vehicles provided with the transmission at the time of starting, that is, delay in response and subsequent abrupt rushing out of the vehicles. To this end, the transmission is provided with a variable speed hydraulic transmitting system connected to a hydraulic pump/motor of a variable displacement type acting as a pump and a hydraulic pump/motor of a variable displacement type acting as a motor, and to change the displacement of the hydraulic pump/motor acting as a pump, there are additionally provided a control cylinder, a servo valve, a circuit for detecting the differential pressure of the hydraulic transmitting system, a potentiometer and the like, and a duty control valve.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus utilizing either a dual viscous clutch transmission means or a hydro torque converter transmission means. In one embodiment, a hydro torque converter transmission means is connected to an input shaft and interconnected to 1) a hydro torque converter and splitter means; 2) a planetary torque means; and 3) an output shaft. The hydro torque converter and splitter means is operable through a torque converter clutch assembly in order to connect a power splitter means and a torque converter assembly to the output drive shaft in a pre-selected mode. A second embodiment is a variable output transmission means operable to selectively interconnect a power splitter means, a torque converter clutch assembly, and a torque converter assembly to an output drive shaft so as to achieve a desired output in a pre-selected mode.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission has two shafts parallel to one another. At least one of the shafts is formed of two partial shafts which are in alignment and axially spaced apart. A torsion shaft then connects the two for rotation with each other, but prevents transmission of bending moments between the partial shafts. This structure is particularly useful in a hydrostatic-mechanical power distributing transmission, in which the torsion shaft is radially aligned with the planetary gearsets of the power distributing transmission. The torsion shaft can be considerably thinner than the comparable portion of a conventional shaft, so the overall transmission can be more compact radially. The transmission also is provided with unequal gear ratios, while the planetary gearsets are the same size, allowing a particularly compact structure. Preferably, one of the gear ratios with a small control ratio is used as the primary working range for the transmission to maximize efficiency.

Abstract: A transaxle driving apparatus for a self-propelled vehicle such as a grass-mowing lawn tractor, the transaxle comprising a two-piece housing structure forming an internal chamber for encapsulation of a hydrostatic machine and associated reduction gearing. The hydrostatic machine may comprise in one form a single hydrostatic pump driven by an input shaft rotatably supported in the housing, and fluidly coupled to two hydrostatic motors. In a modified form, the hydrostatic machine may comprise two hydrostatic motors fluidly coupled to a pumping source remotely mounted outside the transaxle.

Abstract: Acontinuous gear change mechanism which includes an input shaft, an output shaft, interlocking cogged wheels, a hydrostatic transmission and a epicycloidal gear.The hydrostatic transmission includes both a hydraulic pump and a motor being at least one of these components of the hydrostatic transmission in gear with one of the epicycloidal gear components.Two other components of this epicycloidal gear interlock with separate and independent portions of the input shaft.At least, in addition, the pump is of variable-flow type and is reversible in its operation.

Abstract: A process for controlling a hydrostatic adjustment gear (HG) of a hydrostatic-mechanical, continuous, split-output torque shift transmission, where a displacement volume (V.sub.new) is controlled following the engagement of a clutch (K2, K3) of a new gear, taking into consideration a leakage volume (DV.sub.old) in respect to a theoretical displacement volume (V.sub.th), after which the clutch (K2, K3) of the respective previously operating gear, which is still turning, is disengaged, where each new displacement volume (V.sub.new) is determined from the prior leakage volume (DV.sub.old) in accordance with different hydraulic pressure conditions in the adjustment gear (HG) prior to and following the shifting operation, where the setting of the new displacement volume (V.sub.new), which is determined in accordance with the hydraulic pressure conditions from the prior leakage volume (DV.sub.old), takes place in respect to the theoretical displacement volume (V.sub.th) in accordance with a new leakage volume (DV.

Abstract: An integrated hydromechanical transmission capable of achieving continuous variability from maximum forward, through zero, to full reverse, and vice versa. The unit will achieve significantly higher rates of efficiency than current hydrostatic transmissions and, as well, has many other desirable characteristics. Intended for use in heavy-duty drive-wheel-steered and tracked vehicle applications such as hay windrowers, grain swathers, crawler tractors, military armoured vehicles, etc.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission (1) is disclosed which has a torque converter (6) at the input of both a fixed transmission (4) which is used for low vehicle speeds and a variable transmission (5) which is used for medium and high vehicle speeds. The variable transmission (5) has a variator (11) which may be of the belt and pulley, hydraulic or electric types. The variable transmission (5) is more efficient than heretofore because power is split within the variable transmission (5) by a power split differential (9) between the variator (11) and a main power output shaft (3). Thus, the variator (11) is only called upon to handle a portion of the power when the variable transmission (5) is in operation. Thus, power losses in the variator (11) are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A mechanical-hydraulic transmission gear system for use in construction vehicles or construction equipment and a method of controlling power transmission using the system arranged such that when a prime mover is rotating at high speeds, power transmission is effected only through a mechanical transmission gear to thereby reduce the power loss due to fluid pressure substantially to zero, while when the prime mover is rotating at low speeds power transmission is effected only through a hydraulic transmission gear so as to facilitate control of the speed of the vehicle and control of changing forward running over to reversing and vice versa.

Abstract: A continuously variable automotive transmission (10, 30, 110, and 130) uses an orbital drive having an engine input to an orbit shaft (21, 41) orbiting a cluster gear (25, 45) around a control gear (27, 47) and an output gear (26, 46) meshed with the cluster gear on a common axis. Holding the control gear still produces an orbit drive reduction from engine to output; rotating the control gear forward, which can be done with a hydraulic pump (17) and motor (18), diminishes the reduction for higher speed and lower torque; and reversing the control gear reverses the output drive. A pair of clutches (60, 65 and 67, 70) are available for connecting the orbit drive between the engine and the output for a low range and for connecting the engine directly with the output for a direct drive in high range. The transmission is disclosed in four different preferred embodiments, with an underdrive unit which can be used with any of the embodiments to provide a low-low transmission for use in heavy trucks.

Abstract: A compact integrated transaxle has a two-piece transaxle casing for rotatably mounting a pair of oppositely extending axles along a peripheral seam formed between an upper casing part and a lower casing part. A hydrostatic transmission is also mounted in the transaxle casing and has a center section positionable in the transaxle casing with a pair of perpendicular faces each mounting a hydraulic displacement unit. One of the center section faces defines a hydraulic pump mounting surface and is offset from the plane defined by the peripheral seam. A counter-rotating intermediate shaft is interposed between an output shaft on one of the hydraulic units and the axles and is journalled within the transaxle casing offset from the plane defined by the peripheral seam.

Abstract: An integrated variable speed compressor drive system for driving a compressor which compresses air from an air source and outputs compressed air. The integrated variable speed compressor drive system includes a hydrostatic transmission coupled to a drive shaft for converting a varying rotational speed of the drive shaft into a first rotational speed. A differential coupled to the hydrostatic transmission and the drive shaft is included in the invention for outputting in response to the varying rotational speed of the drive shaft and the first rotational speed of the hydrostatic transmission, a second rotational speed. The differential is coupled to the compressor and drives the compressor using the second rotational speed. The second rotational speed is related to the first rotational speed output by the hydrostatic transmission.

Abstract: A hydraulic and gear transmission includes a body having journaled therein axially aligned input and output shafts each having inner ends journaled relative one another. A carrier mounted on the output shaft supports a plurality of planet gears in engagement with a sun gear mounted on the input shaft inner end. Input motion as directed through the sun and planet gears, reacts with an outer most ring gear engaging the planet gears while the movement of this ring gear is controlled by the application of or absence of torque as applied to a variator gear also engaging the ring gear. Torque to the variator gear is regulated by a turbine gear attached thereto and which is activated by a pump gear driven by the input shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clutch changeover circuit suitably used for a multi-stage stationary non-stage transmission. Valve bodies of pressure regulating valves (211, 221, 231, 241) are respectively provided with throttle passages (311, 321, 331, 341) communicating therewith in such a manner that hydraulic oil flows to the clutch sides when they are closed, since the sliding of the clutches or damage thereto can occur if pressure regulating valves having good override characteristics are used. Accordingly, at the time of changing over the clutch, since hydraulic oil flows at least by a portion corresponding to the rate of flow of leaking oil, it is possible to prevent the clutches from sliding or becoming damaged while using regulating valves having good override characteristics.

Abstract: A hydromechanical transmission includes a first shaft having a drive source end and a transmission end which receives torque from a drive source, a planet gear mounting structure joined to the transmission end of the first shaft, at least one planet gear rotatably mounted on the planet gear mounting structure, a ring gear surrounding and meshing with the at least one planet gear and joined by a connecting structure to a second shaft to which the transmission delivers torque, an annular sun gear slidably surrounding the transmission end of the first shaft and meshing with the at least one planet gear, a first pump having a pump operating shaft, the pump operating shaft being joined to the sun gear through gears, fluid to pump through the first pump, a valve for controlling the flow of fluid out of the first pump. A second pump and second planet gear assembly provide reverse drive, and provision is also made for neutral and park modes.

Abstract: A power recovery speed control apparatus for use in a system driven by a substantially constant-speed power source driving a turbine type water pump. The system includes a hydromechanical trimmer device controlled by pump output pressure to modify the turbine pump speed over a relatively small range as a function of pump output pressure. In series between the power source output shaft and the turbine pump drive shaft is a mechanical differential gear assembly having input, output and differential (speed difference) shafts. A fixed displacement hydrostatic transmission unit (pump) extracts a fraction of the source power at the differential shaft and applies it through hydraulic feed lines to a variable displacement hydrostatic transmission unit operated as a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor unit has its displacement controlled by a pump output pressure sensor and its output torque is introduced into the power train at the power source output or alternatively, at the turbine pump input shaft.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle is disclosed of the type having a central manifold (13) and right and left motor axle assemblies (15, 17). Each motor axle assembly includes a fluid motor (35) and a speed reduction gear set (51). The manifold defines a pair of aligned openings (81R, 81L) and disposed therein is a pair of elongated brake actuation members (83R, 83L), each member being axially moveable in its opening away from a central reference plane (RP). A cam means (95) defines right and left cam surfaces (107R, 107L) engaging the brake actuation members. Movement of the cam means forces the actuation members axially outward, until each engages friction pad (109), providing braking of a reaction plate (115) between the friction pad and a back up plate (119). The disclosed braking arrangement is simple and inexpensive, and achieves braking upstream of the reduction gear set, thus requiring less braking torque than would be required in the case of a conventional wheel brake. Also disclosed is an embodiment (FIG.

Abstract: A hydrostatic-mechanical power-distribution transmission with infinitely variable gear ratio in the hydrostatic branch and several ratios in the mechanical branch, which downstream of the coupling gear has shiftable planetary reduction gears for the purpose of reducing the power contribution of the hydrostatic branch in the starting range.

Abstract: The gearing consists of a four-shaft toothed-gear planetary (epicyclic) transmission and a parallel, infinitely variable hydrostatic transmission, as well as additional gear wheels; toothed clutches achieve the various gears (speeds), whereas the hydrostatic transmission effectuates the infinitely variable adjustment of the infinitely variable transmission of the entire gearing; the gear shifting takes place at a synchronous speed of rotation, load-free, and without interrupting the tractive force. The special characteristic consists in the design of the toothed clutches and the control that has been provided for the shifting action, the effect being that the shifting into a new gear and out of the previous one is completely smooth and free of jolts. Apart from provding this comfortable and easy shifting action, the gearing also possesses an extensive range, overall, of transmission adjustment capability, as well as a good efficiency factor. Thus, it is very suitable for application in motor vehicles.

Abstract: To increase the top speed of a multi-speed range hydromechanical steering transmission for tracklaying vehicles, the displacements of the hydraulic motors in the two hydrostatic drive units are abruptly destroked from 100% displacement to 80% displacement at the moment the infinitely variable displacements of their respective hydraulic pumps achieve zero displacement during acceleration through the highest forward speed range of the transmission.

Abstract: A power transmission has a gear portion, a hydrostatic portion and a flywheel which can be selectively interconnected for transmitting power from an engine to an output shaft. The flywheel can be accelerated by the engine to a predetermined speed to store energy which is used in cooperation with the engine to provide driving power for acceleration of the vehicle. The power transmission has three ranges of operation with the engine in selective combination with the flywheel, gearing and hydrostatic portion. A fourth range is available through the gearing only.

Abstract: The problem of providing a dual redundant load path which is not vulnerable to a single point failure at the output of a motor shaft is solved by a dual redundant load path motor system, particularly for use in aircraft actuation systems. A motor (22) has a rotor (34) extending entirely therethrough to define first and second output drives (38 and 40) at opposite ends (34a and 34b) of the rotor. First and second output shafts (46 and 48) are coupled to the opposite ends of the rotor. The output shafts are located at a common end of the motor, and one of the output shafts (48) is coupled through a connecting shaft (68) to the end of the rotor at the opposite end of the motor. The connecting shaft runs generally parallel to the rotor.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed hydromechanical steering transmission includes a range-changing mechanism flanked by a pair of hydrostatic units which are commonly driven by a mechanical input to produce respective mechanical and hydrostatic outputs. These outputs are combined in left and right output planetary gear sets which are interconnected by a cross-shaft extending centrally through the range-changing mechanism and hydrostatic units. The range-changing mechanism includes a plurality of clutches and brakes that are selectively engaged in pairs to incrementally change the mechanical output speed on the cross-shaft and thus to operate the transmission in a plurality of forward and reverse speed ranges. Each range change is accomplished by a step change in the hydrostatic outputs.

Abstract: A device for providing a variable retarding torque upon a rotating shaft includes an aerodynamic rotor and control means which is responsive to independent and external signals to continuously vary the ratio of the speed of the aerodynamic rotor as compared to the speed of the rotating shaft. The control means includes a multiple disc, dynamic, torque limiting friction clutch which is operable to vary the torque transferred between the rotating shaft and the rotor. Modulation of the dynamic clutch may be done at any time during active operation of the device.

Abstract: The variable-speed power transmission device comprises an input gearing for dividing the power into two fractions having different and variable speeds. The first of these two fractions is transmitted directly to an output gearing, while the second is transmitted to a hydrostatic pump-motor assembly which varies its speed and then to the above mentioned output gearing which recombines it with the first fraction.

Abstract: The automatic transmission casing includes a first case portion in which a torque converter is housed, a second case portion in which a transmission gear mechanism is housed being arranged in a series with the first case portion, and a third case portion in which a differential mechanism is housed being disposed extending in a transverse direction against the first and second case portions. The automatic transmission casing is further provided with a partition or wall member being disposed between the first and second case portions and with an reinforcement rib connecting the third case portion to the first or second case portion. Switching or shifting of power transmission pathways of the transmission gear mechanism is effected by operation of hydraulic actuators, and a plurality of accumulators to be used for prevention against a transmission shock are connected to the actuators and arranged separately in the partition member and the reinforcement rib.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter transaxle having a hydrokinetic torque converter, two simple planetary gear units and a clutch-and-brake system situated concentrically with respect to the axis of a vehicle engine wherein the torque output member of the planetary gear units is located in midposition between the planetary gear units and the hydrokinetic converter. A drive chain forms a torque transfer drive from the axis of the converter to a parallel axis coinciding with the axis of a geared differential, a pair of half shafts being connected to side gears of the differential for powering traction wheels wherein the clutch-and-brake system and the planetary gear units as well as the drive chain are integrated one with respect to the other to provide a minimum axial dimension with respect to the axis of the engine crankshaft thereby facilitating the packaging of the transaxle in a limited space within the vehicle.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission to provide a plurality of forward speed stages for a vehicle having a transversely mounted engine, a counter drive gear serving as a power output member of the speed change gear device to drive a counter shaft is positioned between a planetary gear mechanism of the speed change gear device and the torque converter, and the forward clutch which is engaged to provide a plurality of forward speed stages is positioned between the torque converter and the counter drive gear.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission assembly comprises a variator (3) connected between main power input and output shafts (1 and 4), a power split differential gear assembly (2) splits power from the input between the output and the variator and the variator output is connected to a ratio spread differential (5), one output of which is connected to the main power output shaft, the other output also feeding the variator input, so that the variator handles less than one half of the total power and, the variator input runs at a speed which is inversely proportional to the output speed. In this way, the variator is better able to handle its power throughput.

Abstract: A segregated fluid management system and method is provided for a SDG or IDG system. There is a full case hydraulics (24), a gear case section (19) and a generator section (25). The full case hydraulics section (24) operates completely full of oil. A charge pump (34) draws from the full case (33) inside this section (24) and discharges oil from the case (33) to the pump and motor (26), the servo valve (29), the control piston (30) and the charge relief valve (31). The gear case section (19) is operated as a dry sump by a scavenge pump (17) which keeps the gear case cavity from accumulating an appreciable amount of oil. The scavenge pump (17) removes oil from the gear case section (19) and routes it through a filter (35) to the full case hydaulics section (24). The generator section (25) is conduction cooled and has a pitot pump (40) arranged in an air gap (39 ) between the generator rotor (37) and the stator (38).