Abstract: A utility machine including a frame, a prime mover supported by the frame, a pair of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, a drive disk coupled to the prime mover to be driven by the prime mover, and a friction disk assembly. The friction disk assembly includes a friction disk in engagement with the drive disk for transmitting rotation of the drive disk to the pair of wheels, and a carrier disk coupled to the friction disk for rotation therewith. The utility machine also includes a shifter mechanism including a bearing disposed directly between the friction disk and the carrier disk. The shifter mechanism is operable to move the friction disk assembly with respect to the drive disk to selectively vary a drive speed of the pair of wheels.

Abstract: A toroidal variator having an input surface and an output surface coaxially mounted for rotation on a shaft defining a variator axis and two rollers in driving engagement with the input and output surfaces, a take-off drive operatively engaged with the output surface and disposed radially of the variator axis whereby a radial contact force perpendicular to and intersecting the variator axis is generated and wherein the rollers are located such that the points of contact of the rollers with the input and output surfaces at one particular ratio within the operating range of the variator lie generally in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the radial contact force. This plane lies on or close to the neutral axis of bending of the variator structure whereby both normal contact loads between the discs and the two rollers will be generally the same.

Abstract: A motor-generator system for a vehicle, in which power transmission between a crankshaft of an engine and a motor-generator is performed by a V-belt wound around pulleys thereof, includes a speed controller controlling the rotational speed of the V-belt within a predetermined range and provided on a crankshaft pulley mounted on the crankshaft. The motor-generator system, among others, can maintain the power transmission force of the V-belt at a high level.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system configured with an input shaft and a friction type continuously variable transmission (CVT) device. The CVT includes an input member drivingly connected to the input shaft, and an output member. Rotation of the input member is steplessly changed in speed and transmitted to the output member by a shear force of an oil film interposed at the contact position. The drive system includes an electric motor having a dedicated output shaft, a differential device, and a gear transmission device that is structured from a meshing rotary transmission mechanism. A case includes at least a first space filled with traction oil and accommodating the CVT device, and a second space filled with lubricant oil and accommodating the gear transmission device.

Abstract: An infinitely variable-speed mechanic drive apparatus is capable of providing a positive non-slip drive and includes a support; a driving shaft mounted rotatably on the support; a driven gear mounted axially and rotatably on the driving shaft; an intermediate transmission member disposed in a transverse direction to and mounted rotatably on the driving shaft. The intermediate transmission member includes an intermediate shaft, a driving wheel mounted rotatably on and shiftable in an axial direction of the intermediate shaft, the driving wheel being in frictional contact with the support, a biasing member biasing the driving wheel towards the axis of the driving shaft, and a driven transmission shaft rotatable around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the intermediate shaft. The driven transmission shaft has a worm member which meshes with the driven gear, and a first drive member transmitting the rotating force of the driving wheel to the driven transmission shaft.