Abstract: A manual speed selector of an automatic vehicle transmission in which a line pressure is supplied from a manual valve capable of being changed over by a shift lever to control a plurality of solenoid valves so as to selectively supply hydraulic pressure to frictional engagement devices by shift valves. The shift lever can be moved between an automatic shift mode position and a manual shift mode position, and a transitive position is provided between these two mode positions. At the transitive position, the manual valve is set in a position such as to supply hydraulic pressure to set a neutral state based on the control of the solenoid valves. The shift lever can be immediately moved from this position to directly select any speed in the automatic shift mode or the manual shift mode. The above solenoid valves, a hydraulic control solenoid valve and a lock-up clutch engaging solenoid valve are controlled to enable rapid shifting in the manual shift mode as well as smooth shifting in the automatic shift mode.

Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission having a belt drive continuously variable speed transmission in which a belt is wrapped around primary and secondary pulleys each supported on a shaft and each consisting of a pair of sheaves capable of relatively moving axially, and a forward/reverse rotation changeover mechanism. The belt drive continuously variable speed transmission is provided with a pressure adjusting cam mechanism for applying an axial force corresponding to a transmitted torque to at least one of the pulleys, ball screw mechanisms for axially moving the movable sheaves of the pulleys. A fluid torque converter is disposed on the transmission upstream side of the primary pulley. In the belt drive continuously variable speed transmission, the pressure adjusting cam mechanism produces and axial force corresponding to the transmitted torque to clamp the belt, and the power is transmitted by the effect of this clamping force without belt slip.

Abstract: A transmission provided in a power transmitting system and having at least a transmission mechanism and a forward/reverse rotation changeover mechanism controlled on the basis of signals from a control section. The transmission includes a plurality of mechanical actuators (e.g., ball screw mechanisms) capable of converting torques into thrust forces to operate the transmission operation mechanisms by the thrust forces, a motor (e.g., an electric motor) serving as a common torque generation source for the mechanical actuators, a divergence mechanism for distributing and transmitting a torque from the motor to the mechanical actuators, and a changeover mechanism for transmitting the torque distributed from the divergence mechanism to at least one of the mechanical actuators.

Abstract: An actuator for frictional engaging devices is controlled by electric signals from a control device and is disposed in a power transmission device. The actuator includes a torque generating mechanism and has at least two movably mounted frictional engaging devices having respective initial positions. The actuator includes a torque-thrust conversion mechanism which converts torque generated from the torque generating mechanism into an augmented thrust force for moving the frictional engaging devices from the respective initial positions to different positions respectively.

Abstract: A stepless transmission in which travel in two different shift regions is made possible by a main transmission unit constituting a stepless transmission mechanism and an auxiliary transmission unit coupled to the stepless transmission mechanism, and in which torque ratio is capable of being varied steplessly in response to signals indicative of detected vehicle traveling conditions. The transmission is equipped with a function which improves the feeling of a speed reduction, makes possible a smooth start and provides excellent accelerability, a function which assures that the vehicle will start moving forward reliably, a function which enhances brake durability, and a function enhances safety in the event of motor malfunction.

Abstract: A starting device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a hydraulic coupling disposed between the output shaft of the engine and the input shaft of the automatic transmission. A lock-up clutch connects the output shafts of the engine and the output side of the hydraulic coupling, the output side of the hydraulic coupling being connected to the input shaft of the automatic transmission. A slip clutch is connected in series with the lock-up clutch, is disposed between the output shaft of the engine and the output side of the hydraulic coupling, and includes a plurality of friction plates and a biasing device for applying a predetermined biasing force to the plurality of friction plates to urge the friction plates together.

Abstract: Novel substances exhibiting antimicrobial activity and antitumor activity, a process for producing them by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptomyces and capable of producing them and derivatives of such substances.

Abstract: An endless belt 1 for transmission is provided with a number of blocks 2, 3 which frictionally engage input and output pulleys, and vibration-absorbing members 6, 7 are interposed between mutually adjacent ones of the blocks 2, 3. The vibration-absorbing members 6, 7 are constituted by a first retainer 6 which clamps one block 2 of the mutually adjacent blocks 2, 3, and a second retainer 7 which clamps the other block 3, these retainers being intervening between the mutually adjacent blocks 2, 3. Accordingly, neighboring blocks 2, 3 are reliably prevented by the vibration-absorbing members 6, 7 from directly colliding with each other, as a result of which noise can be effectively reduced. In addition, vibration produced by the block 2 itself is absorbed by the first retainer 6 constituting the vibration-absorbing member. Likewise, vibration produced by the other block 3 itself is absorbed by the second retainer 7.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator for a friction engagement device of the type adapted to allow power transmission between two shafts by releasing engagement of the friction engagement device concerned. The actuator comprises a torque/thrust conversion device composed of two elements and adapted to effect and release the engagment of the friction engagement device, a pair of gears respectively connected to the two elements, and a torque generating mechanism gear which is engaged with the pair of gears, the gear ratio between the torque generating mechanism gear and one of the pair of gears being slightly different from that between the torque generating mechanism gear and the other of the pair of gears. In this arrangement, the motor torque is directly converted into the power for effecting and releasing the engagement of the friction engagement device, whereby the control method is simplified and the response to the control signal expedited.

Abstract: A continuously variable belt transmission of the type comprising: primary and secondary pulleys, each of which comprises a pair of axially opposed sheaves supported on a shaft, one of the sheaves being movable and the other being fixed; a belt wound around these pulleys; a pressure adjusting mechanism for imparting to at least one of these pulleys an axial force which corresponds to torque transmitted; and mechanical actuators for axially shifting the movable sheaves of these pulleys, wherein: first thrust bearings are respectively interposed between the backsides of the movable sheaves and one ends of the mechanical actuators; a first automatic aligning mechanism is provided for supporting at least one of the races of each the first thrust bearing; and axial forces occurring at the pulleys are carried by the shafts directly, or via the first thrust bearings, the first automatic aligning mechanisms and the mechanical actuators, or via the pressure adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a belt driven continuously variable transmission having a pressure regulating cam mechanism giving a pulley an axial force which corresponds to transmission torque and eliminates torque transmission by friction between a pressure regulating cam and a fixed race. The stationary sheave, whose outer surface is supported, with rotation free at a case, by a bearing and whose inner side encloses the pressure regulating cam mechanism, has a circular hub elongating axially to the back side of the stationary sheave. Therefore, torque from the engine is transmitted to the fixed race of the regulating cam mechanism through an input member, and further transmitted to the stationary sheave through a roller and a movable race of the regulating cam mechanism. Consequently, the stationary sheave is supported at the case by the bearing and the radial load does not work on the pressure regulating cam mechanism.

Abstract: An endless transmission belt for use in continuously variable transmissions of the chain type with a number of link plates interconnected in an endless manner. The belt has blocks arranged paired pins arranged longitudinally around its length and engaging with the blocks, link plates arranged transverse to the length of the belt and engaging the pins, and pin engagement grooves formed in the blocks and engaging the pins, wherein one or a plurality of sets of the link plates are interconnected by mutual pins in an endless manner. The pin engagement grooves are formed with recesses capable of compensating for the canting of the paired pins as they rotate about their longitudinal axes in passage around a pulley.

Abstract: One of bolt section or a nut section on a ball screw devices, or nut sections (for example) are connected to gear sections axially movable, while the bolt sections are connected to a stationary element, so that relative rotation is given to the bolt section and the nut section to adjust movable sheaves. Between another of the bolt section or the nut section on the ball screw devices, or the bolt sections (for example) and the stationary element, adjustable retainers are installed without axial move being allowed, and holding apparatus to hold the retainers at required position is installed with the retainers. Due to the above, initial tension and position of the belt are adjusted and determined by varying the nut sections in axial direction for the bolt sections. It is possible to perform this adjustment after the assembly is completed.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for motor vehicles, including a first shaft rotatably supported by the automatic transmission case and consisting of an input shaft coupled with the engine output shaft through a joint like a fluid joint or a friction clutch and an output shaft disposed in series and coaxially with the input shaft and mounting an output gear; a second shaft consisting of a long shaft rotatably supported by the transmission case parallel with the first shaft and a short shaft rotatably mounted on the long shaft, one of the long and short shafts having an input gear connected to the output gear of the first shaft by direct meshing engagement therewith or through a chain or an idler gear while the other one having an output gear mounted thereon; a differential having a large drive gear connected to the output gear of the second shaft by direct meshing engagement therewith or through a chain or an idler gear; a first speed-changing planetary gear mechanism provided between the input and output shafts of

Abstract: An endless transmission belt for use in continuously variable transmissions of the chain type with a number of link plates interconnected in an endless manner. The belt has blocks spaced along the length of the belt, pins spaced along the length of the belt and engaging the blocks, and link plates arranged in sets and pins, each of the link plates having a single opening formed therein. A plurality of sets of the link plates are interconnected by the pins in an endless manner. Each link plate has horizontal portions formed in such a manner as to continue with the side end faces, thereby defining the opening, via rounded portions for contacting the pins, and first and second notches are respectively formed in the upper and lower interior edges of the horizontal portions partially defining the opening. By virtue of this arrangement, stress received by the end faces of the rounded portions of each link plate is dispersed, thereby reducing the concentration of stress in any particular portions of the link plate.

Abstract: An actuator for a four wheel drive transfer mechanism which is laid in a power transmission device and is controlled by an electrical signal sent from a controlling unit comprises a torque generating mechanism which converts electrical energy into a torque, and a torque-thrust conversion mechanism which converts the torque generated by the torque generating mechanism into a thrust force. The thrust force generated from the torque-thrust conversion mechanism is applied to the frictional engaging device to control torque distribution between front and rear vehicle wheels.

Abstract: An endless transmission belt of the invention includes a plurality of sets of link plates and a plurality of pin pairs, each pair of pins linking one end of one set of link plates to an adjacent end of another set of link plates. A plurality of blocks are mounted on the link plates and extend around the circumference of the belt. Each of the blocks has a pin engagement groove defined by a circumferential contact surface for engaging a pin in the running direction of the belt, an opening and a pair of side walls each extending from the circumferential contact surface to the opening. One of side walls provides a radial contact surface for a pin. Each of the pins has a transverse cross-section defined in part by (1) a rocking surface for contact with its paired pin, (2) a first curved surface for radial contact with a sidewall of the pin engagement groove and (3) a second curved surface for contacting the circumferential surface of a block and the link plates.

Abstract: A belt driven continuously variable transmission unit which converts the rotation of the input member by continuously variable ratios, and a gear unit such as a planetary gear unit to which the output torque from said continuously variable transmission unit and torque from said input member transmitted through a transfer unit is fed and delivered to the output member, are provided. A clutch and arresting member, such as a brake and one-way clutch are provided on the input path to said gear unit from said transfer unit. When the arresting member is actuated to low speed mode, the gear unit functions as a reduction mechanism, whereas when the arresting member is engaged to high speed mode, the gear unit functions as a split-drive mechanism which combines the output torque from said continuously variable transmission unit with the torque transmitted through said transfer unit.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for F.F. (front engine-front drive) type motor vehicles, in which a hydraulic torque converter and an auxiliary transmission mechanism are successively coupled with an output shaft of a transversely mounted internal combustion engine with its rotational axis disposed widthwise of the vehicle, and the rotational axis of a main transmission mechanism is disposed parallel with the rotational axis of the auxiliary transmission mechanism, the input shaft of the main transmission mechanism being rotationally coupled with the output shaft of the auxiliary transmission mechanism. The output shaft of the main transmission mechanism is rotationally coupled with a differential gear device which has its output shafts rotationally coupled with front wheel axle shafts. The auxiliary transmission gear mechanism constitutes an overdrive or an underdrive (reducing) mechanism.

Abstract: An endless transmission belt is formed of a plurality of symmetrical V blocks. Each V block comprises upper and lower portions disposed approximately parallel to each other, and two pillar portions connecting the upper and lower portions. The block includes side openings on both sides, and a center opening between the pillar portions. The upper and lower portions have wavy configurations, so that the upper and lower portions have flexibility against the force applied from sheaves to the V block.