Abstract: Multi-mode friction clutch having a plurality of interleaved clutch plates operable for establishing gear ratios in planetary and countershaft type automatic transmissions and operative to provide smooth and self-synchronized shifting without the use of one-way roller or sprag clutches. Gear thrust forces from associated helical gearing and opposing hydraulic pressure forces are used to regulate the hydraulic pressure of a piston chamber by shifting an annular control sleeve which controls fluid exhaust from the chamber to maintain a direct relationship between the torque capacity of the clutch and the variable torque it actually carries. Consequently, the clutch is automatically released when the transmitted torque diminishes to zero or reverses. The clutch is applied in a normal lock mode for predetermined gear ratios, set in one-way mode for shifting and totally released when the shift is completed.

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: An automatic transmission for a toy vehicle includes a pinion having a driving side and a driven side and being fixedly coupled to a shaft, a high speed gear coupled to the pinion through a first clutch, and a low speed gear coupled to the pinion through a second, uni-directional clutch, wherein the second clutch slips in response to the first clutch being engaged to rotate the pinion at a relatively high speed, and wherein the first clutch slips when a predetermined force is applied to the driven side of the pinion, whereby the second clutch is engaged to rotate the pinion at a relatively low speed.

Abstract: For centering of optic lenses in a mechanical mounting, in particular during edge cutting and bevelling, the invention includes a device with a housing (10), which is resistant to twisting and which supports centering spindles (18, 18') with clamping cups (20, 20') thereon, between which clamping cups a lens (L) can be aligned and clamped for a cutting operation. A motor drive (M, R) acts on a torque divider (50) having a guide member (52) between axially and radially supported plates (58, 58'). Their frictional connection through a ring of balls (54) with controllable contact pressure, which is introduced through a pressure piece (62), assures an absolute synchronous running of the split drive shaft (14, 14') which acts on the centering spindles (18, 18') through belt drives (46, 46').

Abstract: A vehicular transmission shift control system is provided for effecting automatic shifting between a group of sequentially related forward gear ratios provided by the transmission that includes a logic member (16) operative to receive and process an engine speed signal (22) and a gear ratio position signal (30) and to provide an output control signal (33) to a shift actuator (34) that is operative to enable automatic shifting between the sequentially related forward gear ratios whenever the lowest sequentially related forward gear ratios of the group is manually engaged by an operator of the vehicle. Fuel to the engine is controlled (26) to cause a torque reversal across an engaged jaw clutch (80-86, 82-88, 84-90) to assure disengagement thereof without requiring disengagement of the master clutch (8).

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism in a motor vehicle for hydraulically selecting the gears of an automatic transmission. The mechanism is a valve connected to a pressure source and having two sets of outlet ports, one set controlled by a manually operated linkage. The other set of outlet valves is controlled by a gear-shift mechanism responsive to reaction torque on an output shaft. The gear shift mechanism includes a planetary gear set connected between the output shaft and an input shaft leading from the transmission. The planetary gear set has a ring gear linked to a lever rotating an apertured ring in the housing. Rotating the ring selectively opens or blocks access to ports of the second set. The linkage between the planetary gear set and the valve has means to bias the planetary gear to a position corresponding to the "drive" mode of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A double-acting rotary drive for a control device having an end position fixed in the form of a stop, includes a motor, a torque-changing gear connected to the motor, a driver associated with the torque-changing gear for neutralizing a torque-increasing action of the torque-changing gear or switching on a torque-lowering action after the torque-changing gear rotates through a portion of a total given rotational path thereof, a return travel lock for locking the torque-changing gear in place being released before the driver becomes operative.

Abstract: An improved torsional limiting device and associated control system are incorporated in a large scale trencher between the power source and the cutting wheel to provide for protection of the equipment components in the event the cutting wheel encounters unforeseen obstructions. The control system provides for prompt and variable adjustment by the operator of the amount of torque transmitted to downstream components and also provides for the prompt and easy resumption of the trenching operation after an obstruction has been encountered.

Abstract: A hydraulic construction for a working vehicle comprising a transmission case housing a hydraulic clutch and defining a lateral opening, and hydraulic control device mounted on an inner face of a cover attached to the transmission case to close the opening, the hydraulic control device acting to control oil flows to the hydraulic clutch. The hydraulic control device is hydraulically connectable to oil passage device connected to the hydraulic clutch when the cover is attached to the transmission case.

Abstract: A transmission for a self-propelled working vehicle (100) including an engine (2), and a load source (5, 21) adapted to be driven with drive power from the engine (2), in which the transmission (6) is interposed between the engine (2) and the load source (5, 21) and adapted to transmit the drive power to the load source (5, 21) while shifting same into one of at least two speed modes.The transmission comprises at least two input gear members (37, 38) to which the drive power of the engine (2) is transmitted, at least two output gear members (48, 49) each respectively meshed with one of the input gear members (37, 38), a changeover mechanism (52, 11, 48a, 49a, 10) for selectively bringing any one of the output gear members (48, 49) into operative connection to the load source (5, 21), and a friction type power transmitting mechanism (9) interposed between the engine (2) and the input gear members (37, 38).

Abstract: An automatic transmission system in an automobile having an engine, a brake, a throttle valve, a shift lever, a clutch, and transmission gears associated with synchromesh systems. The automatic transmission system includes a throttle actuator for actuating the throttle valve, a clutch actuator for actuating the clutch, a gear selection actuator for selectively actuating the synchromesh systems to shift the transmission gears, a fluid-pressure control unit for applying working fluid pressures to the gear selection actuator, and an electronic control unit for issuing control signals to the throttle actuator, the clutch actuator, and the fluid-pressure control unit in response to detected signals indicative of a rotational speed of the engine, an operation of the brake, an operative position of the throttle valve, a selected position of the shift lever, a releasing position of the clutch, and a speed of travel of the automobile.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus which can be incorporated into a powered instrument that rotates a tool at varying rotational speeds and torques. The invention includes at least two drive plates, each of which rotates at a different speed and which exerts a different magnitude of torque. A movable member within the instrument selectively engages one of the two drive plates to couple that drive plate to the output shaft of the instrument. The apparatus can include a torque limiter which couples the input shaft to the output shaft only when the resistance to rotation offered by a drive plate is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a transmission that automatically shifts from high speed to low speed when a load is placed on the rear wheels, due to rough terrain or otherwise, in either the forward or reverse direction. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a second clutch mechanism that simultaneously engages and drives a second set of wheels when the transmission shifts from high to low speed.

Abstract: First and second clutch devices releasably and alternately connect respective transmission input shafts with an engine output shaft. The input shafts are connected through respective sets of transmission gears with a transmission output element. In a gear shift up operation, one of the clutch devices, which has not been in driving engagement, is brought into partial engagement with a first engaging speed for a first period of time, while the second clutch device remains in driving engagement, so that there is a certain period of time overlap wherein both clutch devices are in engagement simultaneously. After the second clutch device has been disengaged, the engagement speed of the first clutch device is decreased to a lower speed and then again increased to a higher speed.

Abstract: A new and unique automatic transmission mechanism to be preferably mounted on an automobile or the like is disclosed which contains two gear assemblies as essential components. The first gear assembly generally comprising four gear elements of a low gear, a second gear, a third gear and a top gear is arranged freely rotatable on an engine output shaft with a clutch holder axially displaceably disposed therebetween, whereas the second gear assembly comprising a single solid multi-stage driven gear is fixedly arranged on a driven shaft. The first gear assembly meshes with the second gear assembly in such a manner that a certain gear element of the former meshes with a corresponding gear section of the latter.

Abstract: A multiple clutch type transmission including a plurality of input shafts, a plurality of clutch devices for releasably and alternately connecting respective ones of the input shafts with an engine output shaft, each of said input shafts being associated with at least one set of transmission gears for connecting the input shaft associate therewith to an output element of the transmission, means for controlling the clutch devices so that selected one of the input shaft is connected through selected one of the clutch devices with the engine output shaft and through selected set of the transmission gears with the output element.

Abstract: A pneumatic power tool for tightening screw joints includes a primary motor 11 for the high speed running down sequence and a secondary motor 12 for the high torque final tightening sequence. The tool includes a coupling gearing 18 providing a high ratio gearing for the secondary motor 12, a gearing of a substantially lower ratio for the primary motor 11 and a one-way clutch 30 by which the secondary motor 12 is automatically engaged at decreasing tightening speed. An air supply valve 33 is employed to substantially reduce the air consumption of the tool by keeping the air supply to the secondary motor 12 shut off until a certain degree of tightness in the joint is obtained, after the valve 33 is opened and the secondary motor 12 is energized.A reduction gearing 19 is supported in a casing 90 which is rotatively connected to the tool housing 10 and provided with a laterally extending torque reaction bar 92.

Abstract: A rotational speed number controlling device for automatic transmissions for changing speeds by automatically changing a plurality of centrifugal clutches in response to the number of revolutions of the engine wherein a sliding piece is connected to a rotary shaft to which the rotation of a low speed side centrifugal clutch is to be transmitted so as to be able to transmit rotations and to be slidable in the axial direction in response to the driving torque so that the number of engaging rotations of a high speed side centrifugal clutch may be varied by the sliding of the above mentioned sliding piece caused in response to the driving torque. For example, in the case of a quick acceleration at the time of the second speed running in an automatic three-speed transmission, the high speed side centrifugal clutch may not be immediately engaged but the second speed state may be maintained until a sufficient acceleration and then the high speed side centrifugal clutch may be engaged.

Abstract: A rotary power transmission having a series of up to five gear trains and two clutches alternately engagable to provide drive paths through the gear trains in series sequence has control means including a fluid pressure source and three solenoid-operated valves to direct source fluid to two spool valves which provide discrete fluid pressure signals for engagement of gear trains two at a time in progressively over-lapping pairs, the gear trains being for eventual drive according to clutch engagement.

Abstract: In a processor of photosensitive material, a torque sensor actuates an alarm when a helical gear is subjected to torque in excess of a first predetermined value. The torque sensor includes a helical gear positioned on a shaft and biased against a stop. The gear is slidably attached to the shaft along the axis of the shaft and is fixedly attached to the shaft in an angular direction by a key. A shoulder of a flexible rubber boot movable with the gear along the shaft axis moves with the gear when the torque exceeds the first predetermined value and actuates a switch to warn the operator. In addition, as the torque increases, the gear slidably moves along the shaft past the key, thereby allowing the shaft to freely rotate in an angular direction within the gear.

Abstract: A novel mechanical power coupling means employable with a novel material compacting apparatus and utilizing either reciprocal or continuous drive inputs with the coupling means. In the preferred compacting apparatus embodiment a reciprocal drive is used such that the compactor is powered by both reciprocating movements of the input shaft. The compactor may be driven in a variety of speed/torque arrangements using the novel coupling means. The coupling means includes a wrapped spring clutch which automatically engages the highest speed mechanical arrangement capable of overcoming the load on the output shaft.

Abstract: A countershaft gear transmission is disclosed wherein a plurality of main gears including a first main gear and a second main gear rotatably mounted to a main or output shaft, a countershaft drivingly connected to an input shaft has counter gears in constant engagement with the plurality of main gears and wherein when a low gear ratio is established the first main gear transfers power from the countershaft to the main shaft and when a high gear ratio is established the second main gear transfers power. The first main gear is formed on an outer race of a one-way clutch whose inner race is free to rotate on the main shaft. A synchronizer is coupled with the main shaft for coupling the inner race of the one-way clutch with the main shaft in all of the forward gear ratios. A disc clutch is coupled with the main shaft for coupling said second main gear with said main shaft in the high gear ratio.

Abstract: A motor driven toy including a transmission mechanism having two output gears each engageable directly with a high speed transmission gear and a low speed transmission gear. One of the output gears is engaged with the high-speed transmission gear for the high-speed low-torque operation, whereas the other output gear is engaged with the low-speed transmission gear for low-speed high-torque operation. The change-over therebetween is well conducted by a tire load transmission cam having a synchronizing gear and a clutch mechanism provided between the synchronizing gear and the other output gear.

Abstract: The sun gear and the planet carrier of a planetary-gear train are connected with respective shafts, one of them driven and the other coupled with a load, while the ring gear is resiliently anchored to a surrounding housing so as to be rotatable with reference thereto in the event of an overload. Depending on the direction of relative rotation, a control member coupled with the ring gear actuates one of two switches or switch groups to generate an alarm signal or to take corrective action.

Abstract: A drive mechanism having drive and driven shafts for automatically providing increased torque when the loading on the driven shaft is increased beyond a predetermined limit, for example upon start-up of a loaded conveyor. The shafts are interconnected by a pair of sprockets and chain drive assemblies of differing ratios. Under normal loading the output shaft is driven through a friction clutch by the sprocket and chain drive assembly providing the highest output speed. Under heavy loading, the friction clutch begins slipping and a one-way clutch is activated to drive the output shaft through the lower speed sprocket and chain drive assembly.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a belt conveyor system having a driven pulley and a belt trained thereon, the mechanism including a speed reducer disposed in the pulley and having coaxial input and output shafts, the output shaft being a reaction shaft for the rotatable housing of the speed reducer. The housing of the speed reducer is in axial alignment with the pulley and is connected thereto for driving the pulley. A brake is provided for restraining the rotation of the output shaft, and may consist of a disc rotatable with the output shaft and a hydraulically operated head controlled by a system including a pump driven by the output shaft in response to the load on the belt of the conveyor. The drive for the pump senses the load on the conveyor belt by the reaction response of the output shaft, thereby varying the rate at which the pressure in the hydraulic system increases to control the friction head indirectly in response to the conveyor load.

Abstract: An automotive transmission with three or four stages corresponding to as many forward speeds, established by the activation of respective hydraulic coupling elements via associated electrical valve-operating switches, includes an individual delay network in the energizing circuit of each valve-operating switch for modifying its response time in dependence on load and on the direction of shift. By this modification an upshift under load or a downshift under pull proceeds with substantially immediate activation of one coupling element upon deactivation of another coupling element, whereas under other circumstances (downshift under load or upshift under pull) an appreciable hiatus occurs between deactivation and activation to take advantage of the intervening speed change.

Abstract: A housing accommodates a motor and a tool shaft which is to be driven by the same. A gear drive is interposed between the motor and the tool shaft and transmits power from the former to the latter. The gear drive has at least two gear sets providing different gear ratios, and an intermediate shaft. An axial safety coupling is associated with each of the gear sets and provided on the intermediate shaft to be rotatable with the same. Each safety coupling includes axially extending projections which are distributed about the axis of rotation of the intermediate shaft and which have circumferentially defined flanks. Each safety coupling has a diameter and a flank inclination at least one of which is accommodated to the torque generated by the gear ratio associated with the safety coupling. A biasing spring urges the projections of the safety couplings into engagement with one another.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism of the rocker-shift type has a carrier member interposed between and affixed to one of a rotatable driving and a rotatable driven member. The carrier member has circumferentially spaced rocker arms, having normally self-disengaging clutch portions, that are adapted to be rocked radially, on at least one end thereof, by means of a shift yoke and collar, for selective rocking engagement into coupling engagement with adjacent corresponding normally self-disengaging clutch portions on the other of the driving and driven members.

Abstract: Detecting and indicating the failure of the primary drive train of a flap actuator system that includes primary and secondary drive trains driven by a common power supply is disclosed. When the primary drive trains fails, a free motion zone formed between the common power supply and the secondary drive train is crossed. Crossing of the free motion zone causes the position of an electro-mechanical sensor (or sensors) to change. The change in position of the electro-mechanical sensor(s) creates or changes the value of an electrical signal or signals to provide an indication of the failure of the primary drive train.