Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to an engine including a cylindrical cassette that converts linear into rotational motion. The linear motion is provided by a normal cylinder and valve mechanism driving pistons in a reciprocating motion, and the rotational motion is transmitted to an output shaft. Further embodiments relate to methods of converting linear motion to rotational motion by using a cylindrical cassette.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy. A power distributing mechanism 16, which is provided with a differential-state switching device in the form of a switching clutch C0 and a switching brake B0, is switchable by the switching device between a differential state (continuously-variable shifting state) in which the mechanism is operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a fixed-speed-ratio shifting state in which the mechanism is operable as a transmission having a fixed speed ratio or ratios. The power distributing mechanism 16 is placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-speed running of the vehicle or a high-speed operation of engine 8, so that the output of the engine 8 is transmitted to drive wheels 38 primarily through a mechanical power transmitting path, whereby fuel economy of the vehicle is improved owing to reduction of a loss of conversion of a mechanical energy into an electric energy.

Abstract: A device for conversion of a rotational movement into a movement of each of two working levers defining a truncated cone and a self-rotating movement of each of the two working levers and vice versa comprises a lever bearing element which is rotatable around a rotation axis. The two working levers are each self-rotatably positioned around a self-rotation axis in the lever bearing element. A planetary wheel is arranged in a non-rotatable manner on each working lever. The planetary wheels are each coupled to a sun wheel, which is able to be blocked from turning, via a transmission wheel, the sun wheel being arranged around the rotation axis. This device for conversion of movement is utilisable for a great variety of uses and has a simple mechanical construction.

Abstract: A hybrid-vehicle drive method and system includes an internal combustion engine that includes an output shaft, a first electric motor/generator connected to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine via a power distribution mechanism, a wheel drive shaft connected to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine via the power distribution mechanism, a second electric motor/generator connected to the wheel drive shaft, and a transmission located on at least one of the wheel drive shaft and a connecting portion of the second electric motor/generator with the wheel drive shaft.

Abstract: In a center of a sun gear an inner cylindrical portion is provided. The inner cylindrical portion is rotatably fitted to a fixed shaft. On the sun gear a circular groove is formed around the inner cylindrical portion. At a center of a planet lever an outer cylindrical portion is formed. The outer cylindrical portion fits to the inner cylindrical portion in the groove. On the inner cylindrical portion plural arms are formed, and an end of each arm contacts to a wall of the groove with an adequate pressure. When the sun gear rotates, a frictional force is generated by contact of between the wall and the arm and has an effect on the planet lever to swing with the sun gear. The planet gear attached to the planet lever revolts about the sun gear.

Abstract: An actuator system comprising a rotary actuator having an input member, a first output and a second output, the first and second outputs being arranged to move at substantially the same regular speed upon rotation of the input member, a drive shaft coupled to the input, and first and second output shafts coupled, respectively, to the first and second outputs. The invention also relates to a rotary actuator for use in the actuator system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism comprises a cam element which moves upon modification of an engaging position, a cam follower abutted against a cam surface of the cam element, a detecting element for detecting a position of the cam follower, and a section to be detected provided on the cam follower, for giving at least three different kinds of output values to the detecting element.

Abstract: A transmission unit mounted on the machine base of an office automation machine and covered with a cover and controlled to turn a first roller and a second roller, including a gear transmission mechanism, a first roller transmission mechanism driven and a second roller transmission mechanism respectively driven by the gear transmission mechanism to turn the rollers, wherein the gear transmission mechanism includes a motor, a rounded seat raised from the machine base, a drive gear mounted on the rounded seat and coupled to the motor, an annular gear holder revolvably mounted around the rounded seat and having an upright gear shaft, an upright axle raised from the machine base adjacent to the rounded seat, a crank having a pivot hole at one end coupled to the upright axle and a gear shaft at an opposite end, a first planet gear revolvably mounted around the gear shaft of the crank and driven by the drive gear to turn the first roller transmission mechanism, a second planet gear revolvably mounted around the gea