Abstract: A transmission for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a multi-speed geartrain and power transfer mechanism incorporated into a common housing assembly. The multi-speed geartrain includes a input shaft, a mainshaft, and a plurality of constant-mesh gearsets arranged for selectively coupling the mainshaft to the input shaft for driven rotation at various speed ratios. The mainshaft can be selectively coupled to the power transfer mechanism for establishing two alternative power transmission routes. In particular, a range shift mechanism is provided for establishing a high-range power transmission route and a low-range power transmission route from the mainshaft to the input of an interaxle differential. The torque delivered to the interaxle differential is split between the front and rear drivelines to establish a full-time four-wheel drive mode. A transfer clutch is provided for automatically controlling slip and torque biasing between the outputs of the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A housing (2) includes first and second housing components (3A, 3B). The first and second components (3A, 3B) are fixed by bolts (6). Each bolt (6) extends through a central portion of a planet gear (72) of a planetary gear mechanism (7). The planet gear (72) is rotatably supported on the housing (3) through the bolts (6).

Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a planetary gear assembly which integrates a gear reduction unit and an interaxle differential into a common assembly. A synchronized range clutch is operably associated with the input to the planetary gear assembly and can be selectively shifted on-the-fly for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios. A synchronized mode clutch is operably associated with the output of the planetary gear assembly and can be selectively shifted on-the-fly for establishing two-wheel, full-time four-wheel and locked four-wheel drive modes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a riding lawn mower comprising: two pairs of ground engaging wheels 2, 2 and 3, 3 disposed at front and rear portions of a vehicle frame 5; a cutter blade 9 supported by the vehicle frame 5; a drive source 7 mounted on the vehicle frame 5 and having an output shaft 8 extending downwardly; a transmission 20 including i) a casing 21; ii) an input shaft 22 substantially vertically supported by the casing 21, and iii) a pair of axles 4, 4 extending substantially horizontally in opposite directions, the pair of axles supporting each one of the two pairs of ground engaging wheels, the transmission 20 being arranged below the drive source 7 and having the input shaft 22 coupled substantially coaxially with the output shaft 8 of the drive source 7 non-rotatably relative thereto; and power transmitting members 10 and 11 for the cutter blade 9, the power transmitting members 10 and 11 being provided to rotate with the output shaft 8.

Abstract: A novel drive train includes a motor, a differential gear unit, and a counter gear mechanism for transmitting the power of the motor to the differential gear unit. A universal joint for joining the differential gear unit to an axle shaft of a vehicle is arranged outward of one axial end of the motor to eliminate interference with the motor, and the differential gear unit is arranged adjacent the opposite axial end of the motor, radially overlapping the motor to the maximum, to thereby shorten the axial distance between the motor and the differential gear unit.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes a continually variable drive mechanism having one sheave assembly fixed to an intermediate shaft and the input sheave assembly supported on an input shaft, a planetary gearset driveably connected to the input shaft and an output shaft, a fixed ratio drive mechanism in the form of a chain drive providing a torque delivery path between the intermediate shaft and the carrier of the gearset, a transfer clutch for connecting and releasing the first sheave of the variable drive mechanism and input shaft, a low brake, a second speed brake, a reverse brake, and a clutch for selectively driveably connecting the output of the fixed drive mechanism and a front output shaft.

Abstract: A transfer case having a mechanically parallel overrunning clutch and centrifugal, speed proportional clutch provides improved handling characteristics especially in off-throttle driving conditions. The transfer case includes a one-way or overrunning clutch which provides drive from the rear driveline to the front driveline to rotate the front driveline and wheels at least as fast as the rear driveline and wheels. For example, the one-way clutch will be engaged when the rear drive wheels lose traction and attempt to overspeed the front drive wheels. The clutch overruns, however, if the front driveline and wheels are urged to overrun the rear driveline. The mechanically parallel speed responsive, i.e., centrifugal, clutch provides speed proportional engagement or coupling between the two drivelines and is particularly effective to reduce speed differences therebetween as its clutching and torque transfer effects are in direct proportion to the speed difference between the two drivelines.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for 4WD automobiles is disclosed. In the drive mechanism, the center differential (C/D) unit, used for distributing the drive power of an engine to front and rear wheels, is an epicyclic gear train. The C/D unit is operated by a differential drive (D/D) gear. The front differential (F/D) unit, used for transmitting the drive power from the C/D unit to the front wheels, is a bevel gear train. The viscous coupling is connected to the C/D unit, thus limiting the differential operation of the C/D unit. The middle shaft is positioned at a side of the transmission and is rotated by the C/D unit. The middle shaft has a spiral bevel gear for transmitting the drive power to the rear wheels. Due to such a middle shaft, the transfer case is easily installed without causing any interference between the transfer case and the cylinder block of an engine.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes a center differential which provides a direct output in two-wheel drive and a slightly reduced speed output in four-wheel drive. In two-wheel drive, the outputs of the center differential are locked together by a clutch collar and drive torque is provided to the primary drive line only. In four-wheel drive, the clutch collar unlocks the differential and couples the output from a sun gear to a chain drive sprocket in the secondary drive line. The center differential is driven through the carrier and operates as an open differential. The ring (outer) gear drives the primary drive line and the sun (center) gear drives the secondary drive line through cooperating chain sprockets and a chain. The chain drive sprockets are of unequal size and effect a speed reduction between the drive and driven sprockets. This speed reduction is nominally the same as the speed reduction from the input to the primary output achieved through the center differential.

Abstract: An adaptive torque control and distribution system for a motor vehicle having a transfer case, primary driveline and drive wheels and secondary driveline and drive wheels for operation in extreme off road conditions such as sand. The transfer case includes a modulating clutch and a lockup clutch disposed in parallel between its primary (rear) output and secondary (front) output. The system detects abnormally high magnitude and rapidly repeating wheel spin transients which are characteristic of operation in sand or similar highly randomly variable tractive conditions and overrides the on demand torque distribution program for a predetermined time interval. During this predetermined time interval, the transfer case lockup clutch is activated thereby coupling the primary and secondary drivelines and achieving a fifty-fifty torque split therebetween while the modulating clutch is inactive.

Abstract: An adapter for installation between a single-offset transfer case and a transmission unit. The adapter includes an adapter input shaft coupled to an output shaft of the transmission, an adapter output shaft coupled to an input shaft of the transfer case, and a drive mechanism connecting the adapter input and output shafts. The adapter input shaft is rotatably driven by the transmission output shaft about a first rotary axis. The adapter output shaft is rotatably driven by the adapter input shaft about a second rotary axis. The input shaft and a first output shaft of the transfer case are commonly aligned for rotation with adapter output shaft for rotation about the second rotary axis. The transfer case has a second output shaft supported for rotation about a third rotary axis.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a planetary gear assembly and a synchronized range clutch which can be selectively shifted on-the-move for establishing four-wheel high-range and low-range drive modes.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a planetary gear assembly which integrates a gear reduction unit and an interaxle differential into a common assembly. A synchronized range clutch is operably associated with the input to the planetary gear assembly and can be selectively shifted on-the-fly for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios. A synchronized mode clutch is operably associated with the output of the planetary gear assembly and can be selectively shifted on-the-fly for establishing two-wheel, full-time four-wheel and locked four-wheel drive modes.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes a continually variable drive mechanism having one sheave assembly fixed to an intermediate shaft and the input sheave assembly supported on an input shaft, a low speed gearset driveably connected to the input shaft and an output shaft, a fixed ratio drive mechanism in the form of a chain drive providing a torque delivery path between the intermediate shaft and the carrier of the gearset, a transfer clutch for connecting and releasing the first sheave of the variable drive mechanism and input shaft, a low brake, a reverse gearset, a reverse brake, and a clutch for selectively driveably connecting the output of the fixed drive mechanism and a front output shaft.

Abstract: A manual transmission for a four wheel drive vehicle having a driving force distributing apparatus is composed of a transmission gearing mechanism and a differential mechanism. The transmission gearing mechanism comprises an input shaft for transmitting driving force of an engine, an output shaft arranged on the same axis as the input shaft for outputting driving force of the transmission to the differential mechanism, a counter shaft arranged in parallel with the output shaft for transmitting driving force from the input shaft to the output shaft through transmission gears. The differential mechanism mounted at the rear end of the transmission mechanism on the same axis as the output shaft comprises a differential for distributing driving force of the transmission gearing mechanism into a front drive shaft and a rear drive shaft. Further, the differential mechanism includes a differential limiting mechanism for controlling a torque distribution ratio according to running conditions.

Abstract: A transmission for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a multi-speed geartrain and power transfer mechanism incorporated into a common housing assembly. The multi-speed geartrain includes a input shaft, a mainshaft, and a plurality of constant-mesh gearsets arranged for selectively coupling the mainshaft to the input shaft for driven rotation at various speed ratios. The mainshaft can be selectively coupled to the power transfer mechanism for establishing two alternative power transmission routes. In particular, a synchronized range shift mechanism is provided for establishing a high-range transmission route and a low-range transmission route from the mainshaft to the input of an interaxle differential. The torque delivered to the interaxle differential is split between the front and rear drivelines to establish a full-time four-wheel drive mode. As an option, a lock-out clutch can be provided for permitting the interaxle differential to be locked for establishing a locked four-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a planetary gear assembly which integrates a gear reduction unit and an interaxle differential into a common assembly. A synchronized range clutch is operably associated with the input to the planetary gear assembly and can be selectively shifted on-the-fly for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios. A biasing clutch is operably associated with the output of the planetary gear assembly to automatically limit speed differentiation and bias the torque distribution between the outputs of the planetary gear assembly in response to excessive wheel slip.

Abstract: A driving force distributing device is provided for distributing a driving force of an engine to the left and right wheels of a vehicle by bringing a pair of hydraulic clutches into and out of their engaged states. The distributing device includes a hydraulic pump mounted within a casing thereof and driven through gears by a half shaft connected to one of the wheels. An oil passage interconnects the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic clutches, the oil passage being defined in a casing. A valve block is coupled to an upper surface of the casing. Thus, the oil passages interconnecting the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic clutches of the driving force distributing device can be compactly formed.

Abstract: The transmission of the present invention includes a multi-speed geartrain comprised of an input shaft, a mainshaft, and a plurality of constant-mesh gearsets arranged for selectively coupling the mainshaft to the input shaft for driven rotation at various speed ratios. The mainshaft can be selectively coupled to the power transfer arrangement for establishing two alternative power transmission routes. In particular, the range shift mechanism is provided for establishing a high-range power transmission route and a low-range power transmission route from the mainshaft to a quill shaft which, in turn, drives the interaxle differential. The torque delivered by the quill shaft is split by the interaxle differential between the front and rear drivelines to establish the full-time four-wheel high-range and low-range drive modes.

Abstract: A transmission includes a multi-speed geartrain comprised of an input shaft, a mainshaft, and a plurality of constant-mesh gearsets arranged for selectively coupling the mainshaft to the input shaft for driven rotation at various speed ratios. The mainshaft can be selectively coupled to the power transfer arrangement for establishing two alternative power transmission routes. In particular, the range shift mechanism is provided for establishing a high-range power transmission route and a low-range power transmission route from the mainshaft to a quill shaft which, in turn, drives the interaxle differential. The torque delivered by the quill shaft is split by the interaxle differential between the front and rear drivelines to establish the full-time four-wheel high-range and low-range drive modes. Optionally, the torque transfer apparatus can be provided for controlling speed differentiation across the interaxle differential or in place of the interaxle differential for on-demand four-wheel drive operation.

Abstract: Power transmitting device wherein power received from drive source (22) through an input member (44) is distributed to two side gears (12, 14) engaging respective pinions (16, 18), so as to permit differential rotation of the side gears, through differential case (10) which houses the side gears and rotatably supports the pinions, and through a partition wall (42) which is interposed between the side gears so as to be rotated with the input member and the differential casing.

Abstract: A tandem rear axle assembly for vehicles including trucks comprises an interaxle differential and a differential lockout mechanism which includes a friction clutch or clutch pack comprising a multiplicity of parallel annular clutch disks arranged in interleaved first and second sets. The clutch pack may be concentric with an input shaft which transmits torque from a vehicle drive shaft to the interaxle differential. The first set of clutch disks may rotate with the input shaft. The second set of clutch disks is in driving engagement with an output gear of the interaxle differential, which drives a pinion shaft to transmit torque to a forward rear axle of the vehicle. The clutch is disengaged under normal driving conditions.

Abstract: A transfer case for use in a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer case has an input shaft supported for rotation about a first rotary axis, a first output shaft supported for rotation about a second rotary axis, a second output shaft supported for rotation about a third rotary axis, and a torque transfer arrangement for delivering drive torque from the input shaft to each of the first and second output shafts.

Abstract: A fluid-based torque transfer device modulates the amount of torque which is transmitted from an input shaft to an output shaft. The torque transfer device includes a first plate connected to the input shaft. A second plate is connected to the output shaft and spaced from the first plate. A magnetorheological fluid is provided between the first and second plates. A magnetic circuit, including a coil wound around a core material defining a gap, applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid to variably control the rotation of the second plate in response to the rotation of the first plate. A controller adjusts the current to the coil to vary the magnetic field. Sensors detect at least one of the rotational speed and the torque of the input shaft, the output shaft, vehicle speed, steering direction, throttle position, gear position and brake position. The controller varies the current provided to the coil based thereon.

Abstract: A continuously variable automatic transmission, including: a torque converter having a lockup damper, said torque converter being connected to an engine and operating a hydraulic pump; a first axle on which a fist pulley is mounted, said first axle being connected to an output shaft of said torque converter; a second axle on which a second pulley which is connected to the first pulley through a belt is mounted, said second axle is disposed parallel to the second axle; a third axle on which an output gear is meshed with a ring gear of a differential system, said third axle is disposed parallel to said second axle; a pair of pistons which are respectively mounted on rear ends of said first and second pulleys, said pistons being operated by hydraulic pressure; forward and reverse wet multi-plate clutches which are respectively connected to the pistons to transmit power; a pair of forward gears which are respectively mounted on said second and third axles and mesh with each other, said forward gears receiving pow

Abstract: A four-wheel motor vehicle drive transfer case with limited differentiation is designed to provide full time four-wheel drive and limit slip or differentiation between the rear and front wheels of a motor vehicle using a mechanical system. The torque transfer case allows differentiation between the front and the rear wheels of the motor vehicle up to a predetermined threshold and thereafter prevents differentiation so that the torque to the axle with the slipping wheels is redirected and transmitted to the axle with the non-slipping wheels. Preferably, an interaxle differential in the torque transfer case locks whenever the rear output shaft attempts to overrun the front output shaft.

Abstract: A power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle is having a part-time transfer case with its input angled relative to its outputs by means of a constant velocity (CV) universal joint. More specifically, the transfer case input includes a first rotary member adapted to be rotatably driven about the rotary axis of the transmission output shaft, a second rotary member supported for rotation about a second rotary axis that is angled relative to the first rotary axis, and a CV joint interconnecting the first and second rotary members. The transfer case outputs include a pair of rotary output members supported for relative rotation about a common third rotary axis that is offset from the second rotary axis. A torque transfer arrangement is provided for transferring torque from the transfer case input to its outputs. As such, the CV joint allows the transfer case to be angulated so that reduced departure angles are achieved with respect to the prop shaft connections.

Abstract: Drive for a four-wheel drive vehicle, comprising a transversely mounted in-line engine (1) and an automatic gearbox (8) placed parallel to the engine on one side thereof. The automatic gearbox has two output front wheel drive shafts (19,20) directed in opposite directions, and which are coupled to a differential (14-18) on the output side of the gearbox. One (19) of said drive shafts extends through the gearbox to its input side. Via a chain transmission (30) the differential gear carrier (14) drives an angle gear unit (36), which has an output shaft (39) connected to a propeller shaft (40) for the rear wheel differential (46).

Abstract: The transmission of the present invention includes a multi-speed geartrain comprised of an input shaft, a mainshaft, and a plurality of constant-mesh gearsets arranged for selectively coupling the mainshaft to the input shaft for driven rotation at various speed ratios. The mainshaft can be selectively coupled to the power transfer arrangement for establishing two alternative power transmission routes. In particular, the range shift mechanism is provided for establishing a high-range power transmission route and a low-range power transmission route from the mainshaft to a quill shaft which, in turn, drives the interaxle differential. The torque delivered by the quill shaft is split by the interaxle differential between the front and rear drivelines to establish the full-time four-wheel high-range and low-range drive modes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved power transfer system for use in four-wheel drive vehicles having a transfer case equipped with a torque transfer arrangement that is operable for automatically controlling the drive torque delivered to the front and rear drivelines of the vehicle and establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: The invention so-called torque transfer case in the housing of which there are provided a torque input shaft and, mounted at a level below, a differential gear with propeller shafts extending from opposite sides thereof in parallel relationship with the torque input shaft, the torque input shaft being drivingly connected to the differential gear assembly by a range transmission box, such as a planetary gear set, and a drive train, the drive train being connected to a sun gear of the planetary gear train, the carrier of which is connected to a differential case. A ring gear meshing with planet gears may be selectively moved into engagement with the housing or the planet carrier to shift the torque transfer case between road and range gear modes.

Abstract: A ring gear of a differential connected to an engine, and a sun gear and a planetary carrier are connected to left and right output shafts of the differential. A first pinion and a second pinion integrally formed and having different circle radii are carried on a carrier member which is rotatably fitted over the left output shaft. The first pinion is connected to the right output shaft, while the second pinion is connected to the left output shaft. When a hydraulic clutch is brought into an engaged state during clockwise turning of a vehicle, the carrier member is decelerated to accelerate a left front wheel, and a torque is transmitted to the left front wheel. When a hydraulic clutch is brought into an engaged state during counterclockwise turning of a vehicle, the carrier member is accelerated to accelerate a right front wheel, and a torque is transmitted to the right front wheel.

Abstract: The toroidal continuous variable transmission for four-wheel drive automobiles distributes a greater torque to the rear wheels than to the front wheels. The torque of the first driven gear is distributed 50% each to the first output shaft and the second output shaft. The torque of the second driven gear is transmitted 100% to the second output shaft. Hence, when the front wheels are connected to the first output shaft and the rear wheels to the second output shaft, the ratio between torques distributed to the front and rear wheels is about 1:3. In the event that only the front wheels should race reducing the transmitted torque, the torque transferred to the second side gear that is not racing also decreases. The rear wheels, however, are supplied with a torque from the second driven gear and therefore can secure at least 50% of the input shaft torque.

Abstract: A power transmission has coaxially aligned input and output shafts. The shafts are interconnected by a multi-speed transmission and the output shaft is connected to a final drive mechanism through a pair of meshing gear members. A planetary reversing gear arrangement is connected between the input and output shafts for reversing the rotational direction from the input shaft prior to delivery to the final drive mechanism.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a transfer case equipped with a single-planetary gear reduction unit and a synchronized range shift mechanism operable for permitting the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The transfer case is also equipped with an electronically-controlled slip limiting/torque biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A speed reduction and differential mechanism assembly includes an input shaft; first and second output shafts; a planetary gearset comprising a sun gear, ring gear, carrier and planet gears rotatably supported on the carrier and in continuous meshing engagement with the sun gear and ring gear: and means for shifting the gearset between positions spaced mutually along the input shaft, a first position where the input shaft driveably engages the sun gear, the first and second output shafts driveably engage the carrier and the ring gear is held against rotation; a second position where the input shaft driveably engages the carrier, the sun gear driveably engages the first output shaft, and the ring gear driveably engages the second output shaft.

Abstract: A drive device for a power working vehicle has a transmission case for a hydrostatic pressure type continuously variable transmission which includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, the case having a narrow portion and a wide portion with a step being formed on one side of the transmission case. The hydrostatic pressure type continuously variable transmission is mounted to the narrow portion, so that it is accommodated within the height of the step. A differential is provided at the wide portion for differentially operating left and right axles, and a reducing gear mechanism extends from the narrow portion to the wide portion for transmitting an output from the continuously variable transmission to the differential through a multi-stage reduction. Thus, the output from the continuously variable transmission can be transmitted to the left and right axles through a reduction at a plurality of stages, and the structure of the drive device for the power working vehicle may be made simpler and more compact.

Abstract: A power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a full-time transfer case with its input angled relative to its outputs by means of a constant velocity (CV) universal joint. More specifically, the transfer case input includes a first rotary member adapted to be rotatably driven about the rotary axis of the transmission output shaft, a second rotary member supported for rotation about a second rotary axis that is angled relative to the first rotary axis, and a CV joint interconnecting the first and second rotary members. The transfer case outputs include a pair of rotary output members supported for relative rotation about a common third rotary axis that is offset from the second rotary axis. A torque transfer arrangement is provided for transferring torque from the transfer case input to its outputs. The CV joint allows the transfer case to be angulated so that reduced departure angles are achieved with respect to the prop shaft connections.

Abstract: A power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle is disclosed having a part-time transfer case with its input angled relative to its outputs by means of a constant velocity (CV) universal joint. More specifically, the transfer case input includes a first rotary member adapted to be rotatably driven about the rotary axis of the transmission output shaft, a second rotary member supported for rotation about a second rotary axis that is angled relative to the first rotary axis, and a CV joint interconnecting the first and second rotary members. The transfer case outputs include a pair of rotary output members supported for relative rotation about a common third rotary axis that is offset from the second rotary axis. A torque transfer arrangement is provided for transferring torque from the transfer case input to its outputs. As such, the CV joint allows the transfer case to be angulated so that reduced departure angles are achieved with respect to the prop shaft connections.

Abstract: A constant-mesh manual/automatic transmission is disclosed. The transmission comprises a set of drive gears and a set of driven gears wherein each of drive gears constantly meshes with its counterpart of driven gears thereby enabling a plurality of the drive and driven gears to be packed within a reasonably small volume. The plurality of the drive and driven gears provides for a smooth power flow and decrease of energy loss.

Abstract: A planetary gear device including a first gear, a second gear, a carrier, and composite planetary gears each having a large- and a small-diameter pinion that are formed integrally with each other and arranged in the axial direction. The composite planetary gears are mounted rotatably on respective pinion shafts such that the composite planetary gears are axially movable over predetermined distances due to axial plays, and the pinion shafts are supported by the carrier such that the pinion shafts are disposed around an axis of the carrier. The pinions of the composite planetary gears mesh with the first and second gears, respectively. Each of the first and second gears and the pinions consists of a helical gear whose teeth have a helix angle with respect to the axis. The large-diameter and small-diameter pinions have the same direction of helix and the same amount of lead.

Abstract: A gear transmission which is enabled to set six forward gear stages by spraying a Ravigneaux planetary gear mechanism and a double-pinion planetary gear mechanism coaxially with an input shaft. The double-pinion planetary gear mechanism and its associated frictional engagement elements are arranged at the side of the input shaft across a partition protruded from the inner face of a casing, whereas tile Ravigneaux planetary gear mechanism is arranged at the opposite side to the double-pinion planetary gear mechanism. Moreover, the Ravigneaux planetary gear mechanism has a ring gear acting as an output element, and a counter gear is connected to the ring gear and arranged adjacent to the partition while being supported by the partition.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly for use in the driveline of a motor vehicle includes an hydrokinetic torque converter located on an engine axis, a planetary transfer drive gear unit coaxial with the torque converter and engine, a chain drive mechanism for transmitting torque from the engine axis to the axis of a multiple speed automatic transmission, first and second planetary gear units for producing multiple speed ratios, hydraulically actuated friction brakes and clutches for controlling engagement and release of the elements of the planetary gear units, a final drive planetary gearset, an axle differential, and axle shaft drivably connected to the differential side gears.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for five forward speeds equipped with a main transmission mechanism and an auxiliary transmission mechanism. The auxiliary transmission mechanism includes a multi-disc clutch and a hydraulic servo therefor arranged in a first planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set includes a first ring gear connected to an output unit of the main transmission mechanism and a first carrier connected to an output shaft and further to a first sun gear through a multi-disc clutch and a hydraulic servo for the former. The hydraulic servo for the multi-disc clutch is connected to an integral casing through a band brake and is arranged around the outer circumference of the hydraulic servo for the multi-disc clutch.

Abstract: A compact arrangement for a continuously variable transmission and power train system is provided to be used in rear wheel drive vehicles. In one arrangement, the input shaft is in-line with the output shaft. In this arrangement, the input shaft, having a hydraulic pump, is connected to an engine by a torque converter. A first transfer gear assembly transfers power from the input shaft to the adjustable input pulley of a continuously variable transmission assembly. The adjustable input pulley transfers power to an adjustable output pulley through a belt. A second transfer gear assembly transfers power from the adjustable output pulley to an output shaft in-line with the input shaft. A forward and reverse gear system having a compound planetary gear set and clutch on the output shaft provides forward, neutral, and reverse gears.

Abstract: A clutch actuating device for use in a vehicle drivetrain subassembly having a clutch and a rotatable drive member, comprising a first rotating member which is coupled to the drive member and a second rotating member which is free to rotate relative to the drive member. The first and second rotating members are differentially driven by a gear device and may include first and second ramp surfaces which engage one another so as to permit axial translation of the members relative to one another or alternatively, may comprise threaded screw members which engage one another so as to permit axial translation relative to one another. First and second pilot clutches comprising at least one rotatable plate are provided, with at least one of the pilot clutches being connected to the gear device.

Abstract: In a power transmission apparatus of four-wheel-drive vehicle, driving noise between the first bevel gear fixed on the transfer shaft and the second bevel gear fixed on the axle shaft is reduced in each bevel gear comprising the power transmission and restrictions are avoided when the deceleration ratio of the transfer shaft and the line are set. Power transmission having clutch for variably controlling driving torque division with respect to the wheels not being constantly driven, an axle shaft for constantly driving the axle shaft by obtaining the driving force from the output shaft of the transmission.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic powershifting vehicle transfer case comprising a housing supporting a rotatably driven input shaft, a first output shaft rotatably coupled to one of the front or rear axles of a vehicle, and a second output shaft rotatably coupled to the other of the front or rear axles. A first planetary gear set has a first high speed range operating position, where torque from the input shaft is transferred to one or both of the front or rear axles of the vehicle with no speed reduction from planetary operation. The first planetary gear set includes a sun gear connected to rotate with the input shaft, a ring gear, and pinion gears supported in a carrier, with the planetary gear set being drivingly coupled to at least one of the output shafts. A first clutch associated with the first planetary gear set provides a predetermined output drive ratio to one or both of the output shafts.

Abstract: A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Three or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein equal distribution of torque is required at three or more outputs. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto. Typical applications include powering three or more live axles on vehicles, providing rotary power for developing equal torques for simultaneously tightening multiple bolts, and generating equal forces on the gripper fingers of robotic hands. In addition, the outputs can be applied to leveling devices where three or more legs must apply equal pressures on a surface.

Abstract: A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Four or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement may be expanded to any number of outputs, and is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein a predetermined distribution of torque is required at four or more outputs, irrespective of their speeds. All the outputs are coupled as a series of all epicyclic differentiating mechanisms, or a series of epicyclic and bevel differentiating mechanisms. N outputs are achieved by introducing multiple epicyclic gear mechanisms. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto.