Abstract: First and second sets of grooves define first and second sets of elongate projections which are respectively subject to compression and elongation when the shaft in which they are defined, is subject to torque. Two yoked coils which are excited with an alternating current, are each disposed close to a set of projections. The compression and elongation of the projections changes the amount of magnetic flux which flows along the projections and therefore the inductance of the coils. The coils form part of a bridge circuit which is sensitive to the change in inductance in a manner which enables the amount of torque to be measured.

Abstract: A torque sensor for use in automotive transmissions includes first and second sets of grooves define first and second sets of elongate projections which are respectively subject to compression and elongation when the shaft in which they are defined, is subject to torque. Two yoked coils which are excited with an alternating current, are each disposed close to a set of projections. The compression and elongation of the projections changes the amount of magnetic flux which flows along the projections and therefore the inductance of the coils. The coils form part of a bridge circuit which is sensitive to the change in inductance in a manner which enables the amount of torque to be measured.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system comprises a distributor valve including a valve body formed with a first port communicating with a pressure regulator and a second inlet port. The valve body is also formed with a plurality of outlet ports communicating with corresponding frictional elements, respectively. A solenoid operated relief valve is fluidly disposed between the pressure regulator and the second inlet port of the valve body. The distributor valve includes a rotary valve element operatively connected with a stepping motor. The rotary valve element is rotatably disposed within a bore of the valve body and has a plurality of angular positions for connecting the outlet ports to the first inlet port, second inlet port and drainage, selectively. The solenoid of the relief valve is of the proportioning type and is controlled by a control unit. The stepping motor is also controlled by the control unit.

Abstract: In order to prevent sudden fluctuations in the supply of hydraulic fluid fed to a power steering or like servo mechanism and to enable the downshifting of a transmission used to drive the pump and an ancillary device such as an alternator, at speeds suited to the specifications of the alternator, a "flow-down" valve induces first and second flow reductions which are separated by an engine speed range which enables the higher downshift speed to be selected at an engine speed suited to the specifications of the alternator. The first flow reduction or flow-down occurs within a relatively narrow engine speed range. This facilitates the above mentioned selection and additionally enables a change from a high power steering assist at low speed to an intermediate one. The second "flow-down" enables a more gradual change from the intermediate assist to a low level one suitable for high speed driving.