Abstract: Apparatus for use in a dry cleaning plant having dry cleaning machines using a liquid solvent comprises a plurality of filter cartridge housings, an adsorber containing a bed of activated carbon pellets, a condenser and a solvent-water separator all mounted on a still housing. Valve-controlled conduits are provided for selectively circulating solvent through filter cartridge in said cartridge housings, draining the filter cartridges, connecting cartridge housings to the adsorber to desorb filter cartridges, supplying steam to cartridge housing to strip filter cartridges of solvent, passing air containing solvent vapor through the adsorber to remove the solvent vapor from the air, supplying steam to the adsorber to desorb the carbon bed and supplying steam to a heating coil in the still to distill solvent.

Abstract: A high security spring lock and an associated key for locking and unlocking the lock. The lock has a cylindrical barrel with an axial bore. A main compression spring and a secondary compression spring are coaxially mounted in the bore and bear against each other and against opposite ends of the bore. A pair of locking balls constrained for limited movement in radially extending passageways are held radially outward in a locking position by the main compression spring.The key has elongated outer expanding fingers and an inner coaxially arranged center pin. When the key is fully inserted into the lock and the key handle is operated, the expanding fingers are initially radially expanded to grip the inner surface of the main compression spring and are then longitudinally retracted to draw the main compression spring rearwardly.

Abstract: A barrel lock has a cylindrical barrel with an axial bore. A compression spring and a center pin are coaxially mounted in the bore. A pair of locking balls mounted for limited movement in radially extending passageways are held radially outward in a locking position by the compression spring. When a key for locking and unlocking the lock is fully inserted into the lock and the key handle is operated, the compression spring is drawn rearwardly and the locking balls are permitted to move radially inward to an unlocking position.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for double gates whereby one or both gates may be conveniently locked against opening. The arrangement uses an extended vertical bolt on one gate and a conventional type latching bar on the other. A latch plate is adapted to receive a projection at the top end of the bolt and the latching bar for the purpose of retaining both in a locked condition using a single lock or just the projection for retaining only the bolt in a locked condition. A lock mechanism on each side of the gates is adapted to actuate a mechanism for retaining the latching bar and/or projection in the latch plate. The arrangement allows one gate to be unlocked for pedestrian traffic while the other is locked to prevent passage of large articles through the gates.

Abstract: The method of combining automatic gauge control and strip profile control in a tandem rolling mill comprises detecting a signal representative of the actual roll separating force in a first tandem stand and utilizing that signal to maintain a constant roll force in that stand through interstand tension control within predetermined limits and where the tension limit would be exceeded utilizing the signal to simultaneously control the roll gap for gauge control and control the roll bending for strip profile control in the first stand. The interstand tension is controlled either through the speed control of the first stand and/or the gap control of a downstream stand or through a combined tension control loop which initially adjusts tension through an interstand looper and thereafter adjusts the interstand looper to a set point through speed control of the first stand.

Abstract: Methods of necking-in and flanging tubular can bodies having body walls of constant thickness. A pilot die initially inserted into the tubular can body reverses its direction during the necking-in operation with respect to the motion of a ring die member that contacts the exterior surface of the tubular can body member. This concurrent reverse movement of the two forming dies eliminates wrinkles in the necked-in region and produces a container body with increased columnar strength. Repetitive use of the method produces containers with two or three necked-in portions. A method is also disclosed for relubricating the necked-in area of the tubular can body between the successive necking stations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of forming tube, for example, muffler shells by the use of forming sheet over a mandrel by rolling a pair of symmetrical rollers from a point on the mandrel over an arcuate surface thereof to form the sheet thereof, the rolling being performed by roller means which are elongated to extend from the length of the mandrel and which are biased one towards the other with sufficient force to form the sheet as they are rolled over the surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: The watt loss of a grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet can be reduced by known methods in which serrations or scratches are locally formed on the steel sheet or a small ball or disc is rolled or rotated over the steel sheet. The known methods are disadvantageous in that the rate of production is low and in that the steel sheet has a marked unevenness.In the present invention, particles, e.g., steel shots, are projected onto substantially linear selected portions of a grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet, thereby producing strain in spot-formed regions. An apparatus according to the present invention comprises an endless conveyor and a means for projecting particles. Slits are formed in the endless conveyor, and particles are projected through these slits onto the substantially linear selected portions.

Abstract: A tube bulger for producing an enlarged ring-like bulge in the material around an end portion of a metal tube includes upper and lower die sections. When the upper and lower die sections are mated together, a cylindrical hole is formed. The end portion of the tube to be bulged extends into the hole. A ring-like, outwardly oriented enlargement of the cylindrical hole in the mated die sections forms a bulge cavity into which the bulge moves as it is being formed. An elongated mandrel extends through the opposite end of the cylindrical hole and into the open end of the tube. First and second sealing rings disposed about the mandrel on opposite sides of the bulge cavity prevent leakage of pressurized oil between the die and the mandrel. An oil conducting channel has an opening between the sealing rings.

Abstract: A modular unit for mounting in a mill, which unit has a housing containing a pinion fixed to a shaft with a drive gear extending from the housing. The housing partially encircles the periphery of the pinion and has an upper member for mounting a thrust bearing on one end of the shaft and a lower capsule plate element mounting another bearing opposite the thrust bearing, which plate is snugly received in an aperture in the mill through which the drive gear passes. The modular unit is secured to the mill along at least two planes in a manner to completely enclose the pinion and gear and to permit disassembly thereof through axial and radial movements of the unit relative to the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A cam actuated ejector is provided with a shell press having a crankshaft for reciprocating a slide to which die tooling is mounted and having a forming station in which the die tooling forms a part to be ejected. The ejector includes a kicker bar slidably received within a recess in the press and which is in close proximity to and substantially coplanar with a part to be ejected. The kicker bar is positively reciprocated by a cam assembly that is synchronously engaged with the crankshaft, which operates the press slide, such that an end of the kicker bar cyclically moves at a first rate of movement from a first position outside the forming station to an intermediate position wherein the end contacts a part to be ejected.

Abstract: The forming punch (18) comprises two planar surfaces (20, 22) interconnected by an edge (23), two portions of a cylinder which passes through the edge (23) and a curved surface centered on this edge. This punch (18) is inserted in the tube to the point of the tube to be deformed and then the tube is compressed between a V-shaped groove (34) in a die (36) and a curved groove (40) in a compression member (38). The punch (18) is thereafter withdrawn from the tube by axially sliding the punch out of the latter.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring workpieces progressively from station to station in a press by means of mechanical linkages actuated by the press ram. The linkages are uniquely configured and constructed to provide substantially unobstructed access to the stations. A clutch mechanism is provided that resiliently disconnects the linkages in the face of a predetermined resistance in order to prevent damage in the event of the jamming of a workpiece. At least one of the linkages is constructed as a unitized assembly for ease of installation. Brake means and lift and carry features may also be included in the transfer device.

Abstract: A system for measuring crush properties of a catalyst bed includes a catalyst bed container which includes at least one deformable wall around and adjacent to a catalyst bed. The catalyst bed container is enclosed within a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is coupled to a pressure gauge and to a pump which acts to introduce measured quantities of an incompressible fluid such as water into the pressure vessel around the catalyst container. A pressure gauge is provided for measuring the pressure of the fluid within the pressure vessel. Two conduits extend from spaced positions within the catalyst vessel to the exterior of the pressure vessel, in order to create an air flow across a portion of the catalyst bed. Two spaced pressure taps also extend from locations within the catalyst vessel outside of the pressure vessel, and are coupled to a pressure sensor such as a manometer, for measuring the differential pressure between these two pressure taps.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for indicating on a pressure differential gauge whether air leakage in a compressed air line is within a predetermined acceptable level, the gauge has pressure-responsive and manually shiftable pointers and is connectable in the air line across a first restriction in the line for indicating by the pressure-responsive pointer pressure differentials across the first restriction, and a second restriction temporarily insertable in the line downstream of the first restriction for passing air at a rate equal to the permissible air leakage from the line, and discharging air through the second restriction and indicating by the manually shiftable pointer the position of the pressure-responsive pointer during such discharge, the manually shiftable pointer after removal of the temporary restriction indicating by the relative position of the pressure-responsive pointer on charging of the line whether leakage therefrom is within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A method of testing a weld joint interconnecting two thermoplastic parts comprises forming a sealed cavity around the weld joining the parts and applying a predetermined test pressure to the cavity to determine if there is any leakage thereof. The device of the invention comprises an additional wall structure which defines a seal cavity around the weld joining two thermoplastic parts and which is advantageously made by an additional weld or welds which forms the test cavity surrounding the welded joint to be tested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for indicating the effectiveness of aviation fuel filters and separators wherein a small Teflon monitor is installed in conjunction with paper separator elements and is periodically removed to test the surfactant level within the aviation fuel filters and separators.

Abstract: A procedure for accurately determining size distribution of macroaggregate and colloidal particles in a solution wherein the solution is passed through a first capillary filter of selected pore diameter and then through a tortuous path provided by a fibrous filter composed of fibers having affinity for the colloidal substance.

Abstract: A moisture sensing element is provided and is constructed of a body having therein a first zone formed of porous material with a first range of pore size having a first mean pore size and a second zone formed of a porous material with a second range of pore size having a second mean pore size such that in use the body is located within a desired soil area under surveillance whereby both the first and second zones are placed in hydraulic conduction with the desired soil area. The first mean pore size is substantially greater than the second mean pore size such that the second zone will remain hydrated when the first zone is becoming dehydrated. Electrode elements are associated with each of the first and second zones in spaced relation and define therebetween respective electric current flow paths through each of the first and second zones for sensing an electrical property of each of the zones.

Abstract: A rotation detecting apparatus includes a first electromagnetic pickup of the electromagnetic coil type positioned to face a single signal rotor in the diametrical direction thereof and generate a first rotation signal, a permanent magnet received in a recess formed in the principal plane surface of the signal rotor, and a second electromagnetic pickup including a magnetoresistance effect element positined separately above the upper surface of the permanent magnet and operatively associated with the magnet to generate a second rotation signal.

Abstract: Method and device for attaining a gas flow in a wind tunnel whereby a flow medium, preferably air, is caused to flow from a pressure storage (4) via a turbine (8) to a wind tunnel (9). The turbine (8) is arranged to drive a fan (18) positioned in the wind tunnel (9), and a partial flow of the medium flowing in the wind tunnel (9) is deflected from the wind tunnel circuit, whereas the main part is recycled and mixed with the flow being successively fed from the turbine (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the swelling or shrinkage of a specimen in a fluid consists of a container in which the fluid can be accommodated and which has a lid with a suspension device for the specimen, and a transducer which is affixed to the specimen at a location spaced from the point of suspension, for affecting a sensor connected to a recording equipment. In measuring, the movement of the transducer caused by the swelling or shrinkage of the specimen in the fluid can be continuously recorded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the permeability, as well as the deliverability, of earth formations traversing a well bore, includes drawing one or more formation flow tests, usually of small volume, from a given formation interval after the region of the formation immediately surrounding the test area is purged of well bore invasion fluid. The purging, done by first drawing a large fluid sample from the formation interval to remove well bore invasion fluid from the immediate area and displace it with connate formation fluid, provides thereby for determining the formation flow properties which obtain with the actual connate formation fluids, as well as for estimating formation damage due to prior invasion of well bore fluid.

Abstract: An inspection system for detecting the presence of debris on ceramic green sheets prior to screening. The sheets are deposited on a planar stage using a pick-up head. The pick-up head carries a sensor to determine whether or not debris adhering to the head, the sheet or the stage is presenting a non-planar sheet surface.

Abstract: A method and device for use in connection with a dough divider machine which continuously uses mineral oil for lubrication. The method comprises capturing mineral oil, flour, and dough contaminants which becomes mixed as the dough divider operates and filtering the captured mixture so that substantially pure mineral oil is separated from the flour, dough and contaminates. The substantially pure mineral oil is then injected back into the dough divider machine for lubrication. By comparing lost mineral oil to the weight of bakery products produced during a predetermined period, the amount of mineral oil in the bakery products is determined. The filtration method and device utilize a gravity filtration diffuser coalesence and precipitation and a suction filtration. The device is portable for use with either one or more dough divider machines and for cleaning.

Abstract: A thermal air flow meter consists essentially of a hollow cylindrical support made of an insulating material, a heat-sensitive resistor formed on top of the support, and lead wires inserted into the hollow part of the support from either end and bonded thereto by glass. This flow meter measures the flow rate from changes in the resistance of the heat-sensitive resistor with temperature. The ratio of the inner diameter d.sub.2 of the support to the outer diameter d.sub.3 of the lead wires (d.sub.2 /d.sub.3) is at least 1.7. This arrangement can provide a thermal air flow meter with a quick response to changes in flow rate.

Abstract: A hot-wire level detecting apparatus includes a micro-processor which registers a look-up table of digital level values associated with digital values of a differential parameter representing the change in the voltage or current in the hot-wire probe. The micro-processor controls a switch for initiating the application of power to the probe. In one embodiment a constant voltage supply is connected across the emitter and collector of a transistor with the probe in the emitter circuit and a resistor in the collector circuit. The voltage across the resistor, measured at switch-on and after a period for stabilization, is fed to the micro-processor by an analog-digital converter.

Abstract: A display apparatus which will numerically indicate the quantity of fluids removed from any tank or tanks by accepting the output from a unit inserted in each tank which varies in resistance from minimum to maximum as the tank moves from a full to an empty condition respectively. The apparatus applies a constant current to the variable resistance and develops a current which changes from minimum to maximum as the tank is emptied. An amplifier accepts the variable current along with a comparison current and converts the differential current to an output current. The current is subsequently applied to an adjusting companion fixed voltage. The display reads the different voltage, and displays the difference, which represents the level or final quantity remaining in the tank. The circuit can also indicate the level of each of several tanks with adjustment in the calibration of the system for each tank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the vertical gradient of the vertical gravitational field by a single measurement, for example, adjacent an earth formation of interest, are provided.

Abstract: Asymmetries of rotatable members such as aircraft propellers can be balanced out by the careful addition of counterweights at proper positions on the members. An accelerometer coupled to the mounting of an unbalanced rotating member produces a signal containing a component indicative of the unbalance. This signal would be useful for helping in the balancing process but it may also contain noise components from which the useful component has to be extracted without too much alteration. A fixed frequency band-pass filter could be used but the results then have to be manually corrected if the actual frequency varies from that associated with the filter or a manually turnable filter could be used but then of course the filter has to be tuned for each test.

Abstract: A system for testing articles with random and harmonic vibrations comprises a multichannel random signal shaper, a tuneable rejection filter connected to the output of the shaper, a vibrator connected to the output of the filter through an adder and a power amplifier which are placed in series, first and second tuneable filters and a signal spectrum analyzer connected to the first tuneable filter. The system according to the invention includes a variable-frequency harmonic signal generator, the signal spectrum analyzer representing a harmonic signal analyzer and comprising a harmonic signal control loop and a random signal control loop coupled thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic test instrument, in which a receiver amplifier is controlled in dependence upon time by means of a depth compensation signal or else the ultrasonic signal amplified independently of the depth is evaluated by means of a time-dependent variable threshold signal. The depth compensation signals and the time-dependent threshold signals are derived from the same digital signal values stored in a main memory. The test instrument comprises a microprocessor by means of which the digital signal values for each material requiring testing are automatically measured by the instrument itself in conjunction with whichever test probe is used provided a corresponding test block of this material is available.

Abstract: A method of forming a desired vibration spectrum comprising the steps of preliminarily causing vibration of an article in a predetermined frequency range by the use of harmonic variable-frequency oscillations and using a multichannel signal shaper to produce specific values of spectral vibration acceleration density at each chosen check point on the article under test in each band of the predetermined frequency range, a random output signal level K in each channel being computed by solving a set of linear equations. A device for accomplishing the proposed method comprises the multichannel shaper connected to a vibrator mounting the article under test; vibration pick-ups secured at the chosen check points and connected through a switch to the input of a signal analyzer; a unit for setting parameters of a desired random vibration spectrum; and a control unit. The device forming the subject of the invention also comprises a variable-frequency harmonic oscillator and a memory unit connected thereto.

Abstract: A transducer housing consists of a first and a second section. The first section contains an internal hollow into which a transistor header is mounted. The header, as mounted in the first section, is firmly secured within the section by means of a locking ring or other arrangement. Located in the internal hollow of the first section is a printed circuit board which has a plurality of apertures on the surface thereof each of which communicates with an extending tubular post on the opposite surface. Leads from the header are directed through the apertures in the printed circuit board and extend into the tubular posts. The second housing section is emplaced on the first section and contains a series of hollow metal tubular connectors or posts.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter of the capacitively-coupled type includes low-input impedance detection circuitry which responds to a flow induced current signal that is related to the voltage induced at the electrodes by the intersection of the flowing fluid and a time varying magnetic field. An on-line measure of the electrode capacitance that is non-interactive with the flow induced current signal is accomplished by creating a voltage difference between the process fluid and the electrodes which causes a capacitance-related current to flow from the electrodes proportional to the value of the electrode capacitance as well as the rate of change of the magnetic field. In one embodiment the primary element and the detection circuitry are referenced to a different potential than that of the process fluid and the adjacent piping of the flow system.

Abstract: The instrument disclosed herein is designed for measuring flow rates and densities of moving fluid streams, including liquids, gases, slurries, and fluids which contain solid materials. Basic components of this instrument are a dynamic leg and a static leg, and flexible connections in each leg which allow for displacement caused by the force of the moving fluid. Each leg is defined by a conduit member having several bends therein, which are joined by straight sections. The legs are held in physical contact along one of the straight sections, and a displacement transducer unit is installed at this point. In operation, part of the incoming fluid to be measured for flow rate fills the static leg and remains in this leg. After the static leg is full, all of the incoming fluid moves through the dynamic leg, and fluid pressure is in equilibrium within the system.

Abstract: A torque detector for detecting a torque applied to a load from a driving shaft is disclosed. The torque detector comprises an elastic member which is interposed between a first shaft connected to the driving shaft and a second shaft connected to the load so as to be connected thereto, an angular phase difference detecting means for detecting an angular phase difference occurring between the first shaft and the second shaft when the torque is transmitted from the first shaft to the second shaft through the elastic member, and a data processing means for calculating the torque from the detected angular phase difference.

Abstract: A torque detector, for detecting a torque applied to a torque transmission shaft which is connected to a load of an automobile, comprises an elastic member which is interposed between a driving shaft and the torque transmission shaft so as to be connected thereto, rotating members, each of which is integrally provided with the shafts, have a plurality of teeth or notches in the outer periphery thereof so as to be positioned in each combustion stroke of each piston of an engine of the automobile, electromagnetic pickups for detecting the passing of the teeth or notches and a data processing circuit for calculating torque at a predetermined rotating angle from the angular phase difference between the above two shafts, the torque occurring due to the deformation of the elastic member caused by the increase or decrease of applied torque. The processing means adds the calculated torque in each combustion stroke of each piston and averages the added torque.

Abstract: A torque detector, for detecting a torque applied to a torque transmission shaft which is connected to a load such as a wheel of an automobile, comprises a first rotating member which is integrally connected to a driving shaft of an engine, a second rotating member which is integrally connected to a load so as to be opposed to the first rotating member, a plurality of elastic members for connecting the opposed surfaces of the first and second rotating members, an angular phase difference detecting circuit for detecting the angular phase difference between the first and second rotating members, a no load condition detecting circuit for detecting a no load condition of the engine, and a data processor for calculating torque from the angular phase difference between the first and second rotating members under the load condition and under the no load condition. An accurate value of applied torque is detected by subtracting the angular phase difference under the no load condition from the load condition.

Abstract: An actuator responsive to seismic or other shock forces includes a first swinging arm yieldingly urged pivotally in one direction and releasably retained against such swinging movement by shock responsive means acting to permit swinging movement of the arm in response to predetermined shock forces, a second arm for actuating a controlled element and which is swung through an angle shorter than the first arm by a mechanical advantage linkage including two links pivotally connected together at first ends and pivotally connected at second ends to a support structure and to the mentioned second arm, together with a third link operable to swing the first and second links from relatively angularly disposed positions toward aligned and preferably overcenter positions in response to the swinging movement of the first arm to cause the desired relatively smaller movement of the second arm with resultant increased force applicable to the controlled element.

Abstract: A mechanism for converting rotary motion in rectilinear to and fro comprising and hinged in the housing of a crosspiece by a prestressed rod and conical bearing. An even number of bearings stacked symmetrically on each side of the center and internal cages are fitted an intermediate bush with the interposition of spacing rings, the thicknesses of the rings being so determined that the pre-stressing force is distributed equally between the bearings and causes the complete take-up of play. The invention is particularly useful in multicylinder pump mechanisms distributed regularly around a shaft and with axial pistons.

Abstract: A dual input clutch transmission has four forward speed ratios. The first and second ratios are duplicated so that a third ratio to first ratio and a fourth ratio to second ratio downshift pattern can be utilized.

Abstract: An improved mounting bracket for a steering column mounted control stalk is disclosed. The bracket includes a generally flat base portion having an aperture formed therein for receiving a boss formed on the steering column. A hollow intermediate portion extends from the base portion and has an internal diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the base portion aperture. A slot is formed in the base and intermediate portions for receiving a key formed on the steering column boss. A hollow end portion extends from an end of the intermediate portion opposite the base portion and has an internal diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the intermediate portion. The end portion further includes means for releasably engaging the steering column mounted control stalk. Means are provided for securing the base portion to the steering column.

Abstract: A positive drive and an improved clutch actuating mechanism for use therein is disclosed. The positive drive has a housing (10) retaining a pair of spaced drive clutches (54 and 56) which lock a pair of axles (18 and 20), respectively, to housing (10) for one-to-one rotation. The clutches are moved from the disengaged to the engaged mode by axial movement of drive couplings (30 and 32) which include cam members (38 and 40) respectively. Input torque is transmitted from the housing to the cam members by means of a shaft (48) and the axial forces required to engage the clutches are transmitted from the shaft to the cam members through engagement of a shaft cam surface (49) and a ramp cam surface (51). In accordance with the invention, the engaging cam surfaces are defined by a common locus of generating lines (101-106) such that the cam surfaces are in surface-to-surface contact, rather than line contact or point contact, over the entire range of pivotal movement of the shaft, relative to the cam member.

Abstract: A change-speed transmission comprises: an input member; and output member; a hydrokinetic unit having a pump connected to the input member for simultaneous rotation therewith and a turbine; first and second clutches; a divider in the form of a planetary gear set; and a planetary gear train. The divider has a first, a second and a third rotary element, while, the planetary gear train also has a first, a second and a third rotary element. The first rotary element of the divider is connected to the first rotary element of the gear train for simultaneous rotation therewith, and the second rotary elements are connected to each other through the second clutch. The second or third rotary elements are connectable through a first or a torque split clutch to the input member. The turbine of the hydrokinetic unit is connectable to the other one of said second and third rotary elements. The output member is connected to the third rotary element of the gear train or divider.

Abstract: A differential gear for automotive vehicles comprising a washer interposed between the backs of pinions and the inner surface of a differential casing and fitted to a pinion shaft. The washer has at most a thickness of l tan.alpha. wherein l represents a displacement from an uncompressed condition of a spring washer to a compressed condition thereof exhibiting a predetermined pressure against the side gears. With this arrangement, the pinions may be installed into the differential casing without applying any pressure through the spring washers to the side gears, and after installation of the pinions into the differential casing, pressure between the meshed gear teeth of the side gears and the pinions may be desirably determined.

Abstract: A gearing transmission has two operatively different sets of planetary transmission apparatuses and is adapted to enable speed changing in six steps in the forward running travel and in two steps in the rearward running travel. The two operatively different sets of planetary transmission apparatuses have only one common internal-tooth gear and only one common spider.

Abstract: A high speed gearing assembly includes at least two interengaged composite gears having spur or single helical teeth. Each of the gears is formed of three annular gear parts which rotate about a common axis. The gear parts are juxtaposed in side by side relationship. The central part of each gear is offset relative to its adjacent end parts approximately one half a pitch length. Each end part is approximately one half the width of the central part. With a ratio of tooth engagement length to circular pitch length, i.e. the degree of overlap, of approximately 1.5, increased load capacity, steady running and reduced noise levels are attained.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a transmission of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The transmission includes a torque convertor, a coupling member, a gear-train, and an operation lever having a neutral position and at least three other positions. The torque convertor, the gear-train, and the coupling member are interposed in a system line for transmitting output torque of the engine to a driving wheel of the vehicle. The operation lever is arranged to operate the coupling member to connect the torque convertor to the gear-train by being moved from the neutral position to one of the other positions. The control mechanism includes a coupling-preventing mechanism operatively associated with the coupling member for preventing coupling when a throttle valve of the engine is in an idling position and the operation lever is moved from the neutral position to one of the other positions.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission for a vehicle comprising at least a first friction engaging unit engaged for attaining a low forward speed and a second friction engaging unit engaged together with the first friction engaging unit for attaining a high forward speed, the second friction engaging unit only being released for carrying out a shift from the high forward speed to the low forward speed, an apparatus for preventing creeping of the vehicle comprising an accelerator pedal switch turned on when the accelerator pedal is released, a rotation speed sensor sensing the halted state of the vehicle, valves and an electronic control unit provided for engaging the first and second friction engaging units in response to the output signals from the switch and sensor thereby attaining the high forward speed, and valves and an orifice provided for reducing the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the second friction engaging unit to a level lower than that of hydraulic fluid supplied to the first friction engaging un