Abstract: The invention discloses a mechanical torque converter (100) having a casing (6), an input shaft (2) entering casing (6) and rotatable within the casing (6). An output shaft (5) exits casing (6) and is rotatable within casing (6). A gearbox (1) is located within casing (6) and coupled to input shaft (2). An escapement device (3) is within casing (6) and coupled to gearbox (1) to brake gearbox (1) under low speed and a clutch (4) co-operates with output shaft (5) and gearbox (1).

Abstract: An automatic transmission including an input shaft connected to an output shaft of an engine. A first clutch of a first planetary gear unit is positioned between the input and first output shafts while a third clutch of a third planetary gear unit is interposed between the second and third output shafts. Each of the first and third clutches are engaged by the action of flyweights operated by centrifugal force and disengaged by thrust exerted on helical gears of the planetary gear units. A second planetary gear unit includes a second clutch interposed between the first and the second output shafts. Control means control the second clutch so as to engage the first and the second output shaft or disengage the first and the second output shafts from each other and provide smooth shockless upshifting and downshifting of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting the smooth engagement of a gear ratio shift wherein a planetary train (7) is engaged in direct gear by the action of centrifugal counter-weights (29) locking a clutch (18). The clutch release can be derived either from a hydraulic actuator (18) or from axial reactive forces of the ring helical toothing, reaction which is transmitted by an axial stop (B2). In order to prevent the clutch (18) from being suddenly locked by the action of the counter-weights (29) in particular when the torque to be transmitted quickly disappears, a control unit (453) detects the instantaneous ratio (VE/VS), and generates measured back pressure in the actuator (45) while the counter-weights (29) are locking the clutch (18). The invention is useful for adjusting the smooth engagement of gear ratio shifts.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle comprises: an input shaft (2) connected to the output shaft of an engine; a first planetary gear unit (10) including a helical sun gear (12), helical planet pinions (13) supported for rotation on a planet carrier (14), and a helical ring gear (11); a first clutch (17) interposed between the input shaft (2) and the first output shaft (15) and capable of being engaged by an action of flyweights operated by centrifugal force and of being disengaged by thrust exerted on the helical gears; a second planetary gear unit (20) including a helical sun gear (22), helical planet pinions (23) supported for rotation on a planet carrier (24), and a helical ring gear (21); a second clutch (27) interposed between the first output shaft (15) and the second output shaft (25) and capable of being engaged by the action of flyweights operated by centrifugal force and of being disengaged by thrust exerted on the helical gears; and a two-speed transmission unit (30) including a first high-spee

Abstract: A variable speed gearing system includes two clutch units 30, 50 placed side by side in the axial direction and provides a plurality of transmission gear ratios in response to the state of engagement of clutches 31, 51 of the two clutch units 30, 50. Axially movable members 26a, 48a of the two clutch units 30, 50 are arranged in such a manner as to confront each other. A damper mechanism 60 is constituted by the combination of a piston member 62 provided on one of the confronting axially movable members 26a, 48a and a cylinder member 61 provided on the other thereof.

Abstract: The transmission apparatus comprises serially mounted two-speeds modules. Each module is responsive to speed and torque for shifting up when speed is relatively high and/or torque relatively low, and for shifting down in the contrary case. Speed sensitivity is provided by flyweights tending to engage a direct drive clutch. Torque sensitivity for shifting down is provided by the clutch having a limited torque capability, depending upon the force produced by the flyweights. Torque sensitivity for shifting up is provided by the helical gear teeth inducing an axial thrust which is able, or not, to oppose engagement of the clutch by the flyweights. Such a transmission apparatus can dispense with a centralized control.

Abstract: A transmission device including a planetary gear train with a ring gear connected to the input, and a sun wheel counter-rotationally locked by a free-wheel. A planet carrier is connected to the output shaft. The ring gear and the planet pinion carrier my be coupled via a clutch which is compression-actuated by fly-weights to ensure direct drive. When the clutch is released by an axial thrust caused by the helical gearing and countering that of the fly-weights, the sun-wheel is immobilized by the free-wheel and the device operates as a reducing mechanism. The planetary gear train is arranged as an oil pump delivering through a duct and through the stack of clutch discs. When the clutch is actuated by the fly-weights, the delivery path is closed off, and the meshing motion between the gears forming the oil pump tends to be eliminated as a result. Therefore, the frictional process of the discs need only immobilize the gears to achieve direct drive.

Abstract: A multi-speed mechanical automatic transmission has two planetary gear trains, each including a sun gear, planet gears mounted in a planet carrier, and a ring gear. The first planetary gear train provides low gear and direct drive; the second train modifies low gear operation of the first train to provide an intermediate gear operation. The first sun gear is fixed to an input shaft, and the first planet carrier drives an output shaft. The second planet carrier is coupled to rotate the first ring gear in one direction, and free wheels or selectively actuated friction brakes prevent rotation of the first and second ring gears in the opposite direction. The first planetary train has helical gears, and a direct drive clutch selectively couples the first ring gear to the first planet carrier.

Abstract: A fully automatic transmission system for a vehicle eliminates the use of hydraulic or electromagnetic valves to control speed change, and instead utilizes clutches to change shift and disconnect power transmission, to minimize power consumption during idle shift, and to prevent slipping of the vehicle during climb on an upgrade, respectively, when no power is transmitted to the vehicle wheels, and without the need to brake the vehicle. When the revolving speed of the vehicle engine is slower that that of the transmission shaft, idle rotation of the system's clutch lining connector is automatically prevented.