Abstract: The braking force of a transmission and more especially the transmission of a motor vehicle, in which the torque converter component is used for braking by counter rotation of the turbine may be increased if the pump is not able to rotate freely during braking operation in the direction of rotation caused by the flow circuit in the circuit and is instead kept running at a preselectable speed or speed ratios between the turbine and the pump. In this respect a suitable member is preferably a torque converter with a turbine which is arranged on the radially inner part of the torque converter cross section and through which the flow is axial, its direction of rotation during traction operation being opposite to that of the pump.

Abstract: A remote control system for a watercraft having a remotely positioned control device and a plurality of control device for operating the engine speed, transmission control and starter. The means for transmitting the signal from the control device to the controlled devices includes a computer that is programmed for moving the throttle of the engine to neutral when a shift is being made and for limiting the speed of the engine in reverse. In addition, and emergency deceleration device is provided for rapidly closing the throttle and shifting the transmission into the opposite direction for emergency deceleration. An improved starter arrangement is incorporated wherein the transmission is moved to neutral upon initiation of a starting sequence and the started is cranked for only a predetermined time interval to prevent overheating.

Abstract: An infinitely variable steering transmission is constructed to utilize the unidirection, continuous outputs of a pair of traction drive units for accelerating and decelerating a track-laying vehicle through a first forward and reverse propulsion range and a plurality of higher forward propulsion ranges and for developing steering power in all ranges. The transmission includes a pair of interconnected output planetary gears sets and a single input planetary gear set for combining the traction drive unit outputs and the constant speed input from a suitable prime mover for first and third range propulsion and steering power. Second range propulsion and steering power is obtained exclusively from the traction drive units in a manner to also provide steer cancellation, a continuous drive unit stroking pattern, and synchronous range shifting.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle. A desired speed ratio of the CVT is defined as a substantially continuous function of a throttle position and a vehicle speed. The desired speed ratio is calculated in accordance with a detected throttle position and a detected vehicle speed. The CVT is controlled in such a way that an actual speed ratio equals the calculated desired speed ratio.

Abstract: A transmission having engagement mechanisms which employ an engagement inner having cam surfaces forming the race thereof, an engagement outer having a circular outer race and rollers therebetween. A cage mechanism angularly positions the rollers such that they may be wedged between the cam surfaces and the outer face so as to interlock the engagement inner and outer. Actuator mechanisms are employed which are axially movable to engage and angularly position the cages relative to the engagement inner for controlling the engagement mechanism. A plurality of control systems both electronic and mechanical control the operation of the engagement mechanism so as to require substantially synchronous movement between engaging elements.

Abstract: A gear-shift mechanism for motor-vehicle multi-step transmissions with interruption of traction is designed in the manner of a semi-automatic transmission. Manual control switched 80, 81 connected to a control unit 82 serve to actuate shift forks via servo systems 90. Sensors coact with rotating marks on the power take-off shaft and with marks on the speed gears which are driven by the drive shaft. The relative phase position .phi. between the speed gears and the gearshift sleeves driven by the power take-off shaft is determined by a phase detector 75. When a pre-determined phase position is reached, these elements are brought into engagement with each other.

Abstract: An electronic control valve system for an automatic, multiple-speed motor vehicle transmission having a torque converter with a lockup clutch and change-speed gearing adapted for four forward ratios and one reverse ratio, a converter lockup clutch control valve in conjunction with a lockup clutch shift valve adapted to control the lockup clutch, and electronic microprocessor control means for establishing ratio changes between the fourth ratio and the third ratio in accordance with separate upshift schedules and separate downshift schedules stored in the memory registers of the microprocessor, the separate registers being addressed in accordance with whether the lockup clutch is applied or released.

Abstract: A differential assembly for a motorized vehicle and method of construction are disclosed, the assembly including a lock ring secured around each of a pair of differential shafts for providing a spring lock permitting each shaft and road wheel to turn with a differential housing when driven by a ring gear, the lock ring structure and method of construction evenly distribute the acceleration torque to both differential shafts simultaneously for improving traction, the lock ring being circular and tapered, and including a straight, split separation orthogonal to the circumference of the circular lock ring for providing the spring-like lock, and a plurality of radial grooves for channeling lubrication.

Abstract: A drive sprocket for use with an elongate, endless saw chain, the sprocket being a substantially circular member having pockets spaced circumferentially thereabout for receiving drive tangs on the saw chain and edge margins adjacent the tang-receiving pockets against which surfaces of side links of the saw chain may rest. The pockets have enlarged portions, or bores, opening radially outwardly from the sprocket, which bores are wider than the side-to-side dimension of the side links on the chain to allow debris to clear radially from the pockets past the sides of the chain during operation. The sprocket also may have axial ports intersecting the radially disposed bores.

Abstract: A power transfer device for four-wheel drive includes a center differential of the bevel gear type arranged to split the driving power from a power transmission into two torque delivery paths respectively for front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, a front-drive differential of the bevel gear type arranged coaxially with the center differential at one side thereof to transfer the split driving power from a side gear of the center differential to front-wheel axles, and an output gear for rear-wheel drive arranged coaxially with the center differential at the other side thereof to transfer the split driving power from another side gear of the center differential to rear-wheel axles. In the power transfer device, a limited-slip differential in the form of a viscous coupling is assembled within a mounting case for the output gear to effect limited-slip torque proportional to the difference in rotational speed between the side gears.

Abstract: A differential for motor vehicles uses a crown or ring gear attached to a drive shaft to drive a single pinion gear attached to a first axle half shaft positioned at right angles to the drive shaft. In one embodiment, a second opposing axle half shaft is allowed to free wheel within the differential case. In a second embodiment, the opposing axle half shaft is slippably driven by the first axle half shaft by means of a clutch coupling the first and second axle half shafts.In a third embodiment, first and second axle half shafts are rigidly coupled to one another.

Abstract: Motor vehicle gearbox, comprising a housing with at least one input shaft and at least one intermediate shaft having a gear engaged with a gear on the output shaft. At least one gear of each pair of mutually engaging gears is releasable from its shaft. An over-running clutch is coupled between a releasable gear for a gear speed, preferably the releasable gear for the lowest gear speed, for driving forward and the housing and is arranged to prevent that gear from having substantial rotation in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation for driving forward. However, provision is made for a very limited rotation of that gear in that opposite direction. For this purpose, the over-running clutch has an outer ring, an inner ring fixed to the releasable gear for the gear speed in question for driving forward, and blocking members arranged between the rings which permit rotation of the inner ring only in the direction for driving forward.

Abstract: A system of combining any one of a plurality of driving modules (e.g., electric motors) with any one of a plurality of driven modules (e.g., speed reducers) is disclosed. Each of the driving modules has an output shaft and each of the driven modules has an input shaft. One of these shafts of the combined driving module and driven module combination has a tapered outer surface, and the other of these shafts has a tapered socket therein, with the tapered outer shaft being coaxially received within the tapered socket, and with the taper of the outer surface and the taper of the socket being substantially the same. A draw screw is provided for locking the shafts in coaxial coupled relation. Driving modules are directly connected to driven modules through frame mating surfaces and the aforementioned tapered shaft/socket connection. When the driven module is assigned a mechanical service factor of 1.0 or greater, an adapter is interposed between the driving and driven modules.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a 4 drive speed automatic transmission, comprising:(a) a hydraulic control system for a 3 drive speed automatic transmission, including two shift valves and two solenoid valves associated with said two shift valves, respectively; and(b) an additional shift valve actuated in response to a hydraulic relay signal or signals generated by said two shift valves.Further, to reduce an unpleasant shock generated when the transmission is kicked down from the 4th to the 2nd speed range, a passage is provided for connecting between a port of the 3-4 shift valve and a port of the 1-2 shift valve, to drain fluid supplied to the B.sub.1 brake via the 1-2 shift valve in communication with an oil supply passage connected to the C.sub.3 clutch via the 3-4 shift valve.

Abstract: The variable speed planetary drive of the present invention comprises a combination of a plurality of external gears of varying pitch diameters and a first power transfer gear coaxially affixed to each other and rotatably mounted on an eccentric section of a first shaft; a second power transfer gear coaxially affixed to a second shaft disposed in line with the first shaft wherein the first and second power transfer gears engage each other; and a combination of internal ring gears of varying pitch diameters coaxially affixed to each other and disposed coaxially to the first and second shaft in an axially shiftable arrangement wherein each shift engages only one of the external gears to only one of the internal ring gears. The combination of the internal ring gears includes means for restraining the internal ring gears from rotating, which means may be a permanent type or a type that can be activated and deactivated.

Abstract: An automatically compliant self-adjusting geared transmission mechanism is described that involves no controls of any kind and provides a range of stepless variation in the ratio of its output-torque to its input-torque together with the inversely corresponding variation in output to input rotary-speed ratio. The transmission mechanism comprises coaxial rotatably supported adjacent input and output shafts, each carrying a sun-gear fixedly mounted on its mutually proximate end. The sun-gears mesh with corresponding planetary gears of a planetary gear-spool rotatably mounted on a rotor which is itself freely rotatable about the sun-gears' axis. The proportions of the gear diameters are designed so as to develop a torque in the rotor that balances its torque reaction to the output-torque of the gear-train, while coincidentally providing essential variability to the output to input rotary-speed ratio.

Abstract: A power transfer mechanism comprises a planetary gear assembly incorporating double planet gears which are in mesh with each other and journalled on a carrier. Input member is drivingly connected to the ring gear and first output member is drivingly connected to carrier. The mechanism further includes means shiftable to one of a plurality of operating positions engaging sun gear with a second output member.

Abstract: A differential gear assembly has a friction clutch for restricting differential action. The clutch is actuated by an actuator which moves in a linear direction. The actuator is driven remotely in one embodiment by means of a rotating element, and in another embodiment by means of a spring biased pivotal element.

Abstract: A valve and closure assembly has a cover plate which attaches to a transmission housing to close the interior housing from atmosphere. A separator plate and a plurality of fluid valve assemblies are secured to the cover plate and disposed within the transmission housing. Fluid passages in the cover plate interconnect the valve assemblies. Passages in the separator plate direct fluid to passages in the transmission housing at the interface of the cover plate and transmission housing for distribution within the transmission housing to components disposed therein. Electrical wiring for the solenoids and an electrical connector are disposed on the cover plate so that a single electrical interconnection with the transmission can be utilized. Filters for both high pressure control fluid and low pressure cooling and lube fluid are secured on the cover plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a neutral state of a transmission gear of a vehicle detects an engine rotational speed, a vehicle speed, and a condition in which the engine output power is transmitted to the transmission gear through a clutch. The apparatus judges that the transmission gear is in the neutral state when a ratio between the engine rotational speed and the vehicle speed is in any one of predetermined ranges. The apparatus also judges that the transmission gear is in the neutral state when a variation of the ratio between the engine rotational speed and the vehicle speed within a predetermined time period is greater than a predetermined value.