Abstract: The present invention is a method of adjusting backlash for a north-south transaxle. The method includes the steps of forming a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally and a cavity at one end of the second passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The method also includes disposing a transmission assembly in the first passageway and a transfer assembly in the second passageway and a differential assembly in the cavity and engaging the transfer assembly. The method further includes preloading the differential assembly, determining the amount of backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly, and adjusting the backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly.

Abstract: A low noise type reduction gear which assures that sound generated by collision of particles of a lubricant with a wall surface of a casing and sound attributable to resonance of the casing can substantially be attenuated by arranging laminated vibration damping steel sheets inside of the casing.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle is disclosed of the type including a hydrostatic transmission (11;221), a differential gear means (19;243), and first (21;213) and second (23;215) axle shafts. The hydrostatic transmission includes a transmission case (34;229,231) having a second case portion (31;231) including an output hub portion (97;235). The transaxle includes axle housing casing halves 133,135:209,211) joined together on a plane containing the axis of rotation of the axle shafts, and including an output portion (163,165;209,211) in tight engagement about the output hub portion. Another portion (173;229,231,249) of the transmission case cooperates with one of the axle casing halves to define a secondary mounting means and a torque reaction means which, together with the output hub portion, comprise the only portions of the transmission case operatively associated with the axle housing (131;208).

Abstract: A drive unit, for example for a windshield wiper, is of the type-including a casing containing a motor, a drive shaft extending through bearings and seal, the bearings and seal being mounted in a sleeve portion of the casing, and a speed reducing mechanism coupling the motor with the drive shaft. The anterior part of the sleeve portion includes a thickened portion having a bore of reduced radius, in which is formed the seat for the seal.

Abstract: The present invention is a transaxle with an offset shaft thereby having a reduced profile. The transaxle includes an upper housing and a lower housing defining a split line. A vertical input shaft and an axle shaft are rotatably disposed in the housing. A shift shaft is rotatably disposed within the housing and operably connected to the input shaft. Gears on the shift shaft mesh with gears on a counter shaft to transmit rotational motion from the one input shaft to the axle shaft. The axle shaft is disposed in a first generally horizontal plane and the shift shaft is disposed in a second generally horizontal plane below the first generally horizontal plane to reduce the profile of the transaxle.

Abstract: A two-piece, die cast transmission housing for a rototiller. The housing comprises two sections that are bolted together along their peripheral edges. A preformed gasket is seated within a recess in one section to form a tight seal between the two peripheral edges when the sections are secured together. The two-section design allows for easier maintenance, repair and replacement of transmission components without damaging bearings or seals. The two-section design also eliminates the need for alignment holes, potential sources of leaks, because the alignment can occur before the primary components are enclosed inside the housing. The housing sections include plural intersecting ribs which reinforce the housing and effectively dissipate heat.

Abstract: A gear transmission adapted for use in an engine-driven automotive vehicle includes a mainshaft and a countershaft, a transmission casing having axially spaced bearing support structures, meshing gear elements on the mainshaft and countershaft to establish torque flow paths, and a support having first and second bearing openings therein through which the mainshaft and countershaft extend whereby the mainshaft and countershaft are supported intermediate the ends of the mainshaft and countershaft so that center distance between the shafts is maintained as is the center distance of meshing gears notwithstanding gear tooth separating forces acting transversely with respect thereto.

Abstract: A radial piston hydrostatic machine disposed in a housing, a drive shaft supported in the housing and connecting through bevel pinion and gear to transmit rotation of the shaft to a cylinder barrel. The cylinder barrel provided with generally radial cylinder bores supporting pistons and mounted to rotate on a stationary ported pintle valve fixed to said housing. The cylinder barrel having an axially extending projection to support the bevel gear in spaced relationship with the end of said cylinder barrel, the bevel gear rotating with said cylinder barrel and drivingly connected to said bevel pinion. Fluid bearing means provided on the outer cylindrical surface of said pintle valve to provide a pressure field under said axially extending projection in order to counter any deflection of said bevel gear.

Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway and having a first shaft portion extending through the first passageway at one end thereof and a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and having a second shaft portion extending through the second passageway at one end thereof. The transaxle includes first and second bearings rotatably supporting the first and second shaft portions in the first and second passageways, and an assembly for retaining the first and second bearings and the first and second shaft portions in the first and second passageways.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a north-south transaxle includes a case having a passageway extending longitudinally and a cavity at one end of the passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The lubrication system also includes a transfer assembly disposed in the passageway and a differential assembly disposed in the cavity and engaging the transfer assembly. The lubrication system further includes means for delivering fluid in the cavity to the transfer assembly.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a differential carrier having a plurality of bearing supports on a banjo type axle housing is provided for minimizing the amount of deflection of such bearing supports during use. The axle housing has a rim plate attached thereto including an opening which receives the carrier and the differential. A plurality of tabs are formed about the circumference of the rim plate, each extending within the axle housing. When the carrier is assembled to the rim plate and the axle housing, the bearing supports thereof are inserted within the opening formed through the rim plate. As the carrier is inserted, the bearing supports formed thereon are guided by the tabs formed on the rim plate. When the carrier is secured to the rim plate and the axle housing, the rim plate tabs engage and support the bearing supports. As a result, torque loads generated by operation of the differential are transferred to the axle housing, and deflection of the bearing supports is minimized.

Abstract: A transmission is provided wherein selected configurational parameters of interacting spur gearing are modified to abate the vibration levels thereof due to the effects of differential thermal expansion of the gearbox housing. The chordal addenda of the gear teeth of the interacting spur gearing are extended by a predetermined amount, based upon the computed relative radial displacement of the centerlines thereof due to the differential thermal expansion effects, to provide modified interacting spur gearing having increased outside diameters. Such modified spur gearing provides an effective centerline spacing for the transmission such that the interacting spur gearing thereof has an operating contact ratio greater than the design contact ratio at engine start up.

Abstract: A vehicle differential unit including adjustable bearing assemblies has a differential carrier adapted to support a differential case assembly including differential case bearings associated therewith The differential case bearing assemblies rotatably support the differential case assembly within the carrier of the differential unit. Adjusting rings are provided and supported internally in a pair of axle tubes associated with the differential carrier. The adjusting rings are selectively biased against the bearing assemblies to impart the desired bearing preload and backlash within the differential unit. The adjusting rings replace the use of adjustment shims, and are accessible to permit adjustment if necessary without the need to remove the differential case assembly. The adjusting rings are threadably supported within the axle tubes to provide a rigid construction which simplifies constuction and adjustment of the differential unit.

Abstract: In an an automatic transmission, a low and reverse brake is arranged radially outward of a high clutch. The gripping plates of the low and reverse brake are arranged axially offset from the high clutch such that a diameter of the transmission is kept small. A piston of the low and reverse brake is associated with the gripping plates by way of arm members having cutout portions therein to allow a sensor, which penetrates the transmission casing in the vicinity of the low and reverse brake, access to a clutch drum of the high clutch so as to sense a rotation speed on an input shaft to which the high clutch is connected.

Abstract: A novel housing adapts a clutch for installation in series with a torque converter in modified rear- engined, air-cooled Volkswagen vehicles. The housing provides a rear partial chamber housing the clutch and flywheel, and is interposed between an automatic transmission bell housing and a manual transmission of the vehicle. The housing uses preexisting fasteners to bolt to both the bell housing and the transmission. The clutch and flywheel are driven by the torque converter, and a release bearing is retained within the housing. The housing also bolts to the manual transmission using preexisting fasteners. The manual transmission is modified to include an input shaft from an automatic transmission. The engine is displaced 2.5 inches to the rear. Accelerated wear to the clutch and constant velocity joints is mitigated, while driving characteristics of a manual transmission are retained.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly and subassembly for use in tandem driving axle arrangements has a removable drive pinion shaft subassembly. An input shaft is journalled in an axle housing and is coupled to an output shaft also journalled in the housing by an inter-axle differential for torque sharing of driveline power. An input gear receives power from the inter-axle differential and drives a countershaft gear mounted on the drive pinion shaft. The drive pinion shaft is journalled in primary and secondary bearings which straddle the countershaft gear and are mounted on a removable cage which substantially surrounds the countershaft gear. The drive pinion shaft with countershaft gear is assembled into the primary and secondary bearings on the cage and is shimmed between the bearings to form a pinion shaft and subassembly. A threaded nut is torqued over the end of the drive primary shaft to retain and preload the drive pinion shaft in the bearings.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a water or wastewater clarifier drive mechanism to permit access to or removal of the hoop gear assembly without draining the clarifier or disconnecting the drive cage from the pier that supports it. A torque transfer ring is provided to couple the drive cage support to the hoop gear. A plurality of support screws are employed to temporarily support the drive cage support on the drive housing during maintenance operations. With the drive cage support supported on the drive housing, the torque transfer ring may be removed, thereby providing unobstructed access to the hoop gear and bearings for maintenance or replacement. A maintenance platform is also described that is adapted to be temporarily supported by the drive cage support and to provide clearance for removal of the torque transfer ring and the hoop gear or bearing assembly.

Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally, a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally, and a cavity at one end of the second passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the second passageway. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway, a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and a structure interconnecting the transmission assembly and transfer assembly for transferring torque from the transmission assembly to the transfer assembly. The transaxle further includes a differential assembly disposed in the cavity and the transaxle is structured to thermally compensate preload on the differential assembly over a temperature operating range.

Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway and having a first shaft portion extending through the first passageway at one end thereof and a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and having a second shaft portion extending through the second passageway at one end thereof. The transaxle includes first and second sprocket wheels disposed about the first and second shaft portions, respectively, a chain disposed about the first and second sprocket wheels and a snubber located on tension side of the chain for a dampening vibrations or excursions in the chain.

Abstract: An improved rolling element bearing assembly is provided which is particularly applicable for use in gas turbine engine gearboxes. The rolling element bearing includes an inner ring mounted to a rotatable shaft and an outer ring mounted to a stationary structure. The inner and outer rings define a raceway for a plurality of rolling elements. The rolling element bearing assembly includes the bearing and a compliant anti-rotation ring compressed between the bearing outer ring and the stationary structure. The compliant ring provides improved frictional engagement and improved bearing damping between the bearing outer race and the stationary structure preventing outer ring rotation within the stationary housing.

Abstract: A closure or bottom pan for a transmission provides a reservoir in which excess system fluid is stored. The bottom pan has a waffle pattern bottom wall.

Abstract: A reduction mechanism for a tape recorder is disclosed, and the mechanism includes a lower gear box, an upper gear box and a main chassis. The lower gear box contains a plurality of reduction gears, and the upper gear box covers the lower gear box, with the upper gear box being secured to the lower gear box in an integral form by being microwave-welded. The lower and upper gear boxes constitute a reduction mechanism, and the reduction mechanism is secured to the main chassis by means of screw members. According to the present invention, the displacements of the components are prevented so as for the reducing function to become wholesome, and the productivity is improved.

Abstract: An engine unit includes an engine and a power train having a transmission and the engine unit is mounted sideways on a vehicle body with the power train positioned rearward of the engine. The engine and the power train are housed in a single engine housing and an oil pan common to the engine and the power train is mounted on the lower side of the engine housing below the engine and the power train. The length of the oil pan in the transverse direction of the vehicle body is smaller than the engine housing and auxiliary mechanisms are disposed in the space on one side of the oil pan and below the engine housing.

Abstract: A gear noise free toroidal continuously variable transmission is disclosed wherein in order to suppress occurrence of gear noise, a gear train is accommodated in a gear housing which includes a first housing part fixedly secured to a transmission casing and a second housing part fixedly secured to the first housing part to form a dual-walled structure.

Abstract: A transaxle driving apparatus for a self-propelled vehicle such as a grass-mowing lawn tractor, the transaxle comprising a two-piece housing structure forming an internal chamber for encapsulation of a hydrostatic machine and associated reduction gearing. The hydrostatic machine may comprise in one form a single hydrostatic pump driven by an input shaft rotatably supported in the housing, and fluidly coupled to two hydrostatic motors. In a modified form, the hydrostatic machine may comprise two hydrostatic motors fluidly coupled to a pumping source remotely mounted outside the transaxle.

Abstract: Intended for fitment to the electric motor of a motorized valve, the terminal box (1) is modular in design and can be utilized in different mounting positions to suit the direction from which power supply and control system wiring is routed to the valve.

Abstract: A mechanism casing for a hydraulic motor comprises a casing body having a face for application of a lid. The lid is applied tightly on the casing body face and fastened to the casing body by screws via screwheads thereof tightened against an outer face of the lid. The screws pass through the lid via screw passages with circumferential clearance between the screws and screw passages. An O-ring is interposed between the casing body and the lid. At least one of the screw passages are conduit screw passages which open out within a perimeter defined by the O-ring. The conduit screw passages open out into cavities formed in one of either the casing body or the lid, and through which cavities the conduit screw passages permanently communicate with the enclosure defined by the casing.

Abstract: In a motor-equipped reduction gear device with a pre-stage, two covers, which have been indispensable in the past, namely a joint cover and a pre-stage cover, are integrated into a one-body cover (130). Also, the diameter (D1) of the addendum circle of the pinion (110) mounted on the tip of the motor shaft 108 is designed to be smaller than the diameter (D2) of the portion of the motor shaft (108) which extends into the one-body cover (130). This allows the one-body cover (130) to be mounted with the pinion (110) already attached to the tip of the motor shaft (108). The one-body cover (130) can freely and easily be attached to the motor (102) and the gear box (106). As a result, the number of parts is reduced and light weight and compactness are achieved, and accuracy of the center distance and parallelism are improved because cumulative machining errors can be avoided. Furthermore, cost down and improved rigidity are achieved and the number of factors which may cause oil leakage is decreased.

Abstract: A cam shaft support device for an engine includes a cam carrier. A plurality of bearings are integrally formed with the cam carrier so as to rotatively support two cam shafts installed on a cylinder head. Each of the bearings are provided with a slit on a lower portion thereof so as to reduce the sliding resistance between the bearings and the cam shafts.

Abstract: An integrated hydrostatic transaxle having a common housing for a hydrostatic transmission and a pair of oppositely-extending differentially-connected axles to have the common housing provide a common sump therefor and with a specifically-shaped center section interconnecting the pair of hydraulic displacement units constituting the hydrostatic transmission. The center section is a unitary member separate from the common housing, with the exterior thereof exposed to the common sump. The center section has passages and arcuate ports which are interconnected by certain of said passages and which are located whereby the center section may be cast to minimize any machining required to finish the center section. Such casting can result in a porous center section with possible leakage from a passage having high pressure fluid.

Abstract: A motor output shaft positioning device for motors with worm reduction gears for outputting the output of a motor output shaft via a worm reduction gear, comprising a gear case having a hollow part for housing a worm fitted to a motor output shaft and a worm wheel meshing with the worm and receiving an end of the motor output shaft; the hollow part receiving a bearing of the motor output shaft and a steel ball; a bearing holder having projections projecting towards the bottom of the hollow part, and a filler that is injected into the hollow part through a filling hole formed on the hollow part.

Abstract: A gear case comprises three parts: upper and lower sections of heavy duty castings or fabricated steel, the lower section having an open bottom, and a light gauge sheet metal pan enclosing the bottom of the lower section. Alternatively, the upper and lower sections comprise a one piece rigid housing open at the bottom. The pan is wider than the upper and lower sections to afford extra lubricant capacity. A molded baffle resides in the pan to separate active from reserve volumes of lubricant. The heavy duty sections have machined openings to receive seals and afford dimensional stability. The sheet metal pan is collapsible to take the consequences of impact in case of minor derailment and is easily repaired or replaced.

Abstract: An adaptor (25) is disclosed for use in mounting a transmission clutch housing (21) to a flywheel housing (11') wherein the flywheel housing defines a first bolt circle pattern (R1), and the clutch housing defines a second, substantially smaller bolt circle pattern (R2). The adaptor includes a first portion (27) and a second portion (29), the portions defining pluralities of bolt holes (37 and 43). The first portion defines a forward surface (33) and the second portion defines a rearward surface (41), both surfaces coinciding with an imaginary transverse mounting plane MP. The forward surface of the first portion engages a mounting surface (62) of the flywheel housing, while the rearward surface of the second portion engages a forward surface (54) of the clutch housing, such that the use of the adaptor (25) does not change the relative axial position of the flywheel housing and clutch housing, which would require a change in the configuration or length of the transmission input shaft (19).

Abstract: A speed reducer, in particular for converting continuous rotary motion of a drive motor to alternating rotary motion of an output shaft for operating a wiper linkage, and a hollow casing, which is closed by a cover with, in the hollow interior of the casing, a toothed wheel carrying a crank pin which is eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the toothed wheel, the crank pin being freely rotatable and free to move axially, with the crank pin driving a crank and connecting rod system which converts the continuous rotary motion of the toothed wheel into the alternating motion of the output shaft. The cover has at least one flat sliding thickened portion, of a material having a low coefficient of friction, arranged on its inner face and directed into the hollow interior of the casing.

Abstract: An output shaft is a hollow shaft and passes through a gearbox. Holes for mounting also pass through the gearbox. The holes are located at the vertexes of a square or rectangle. And the output shaft, which is displaced (offset) relative to the square's (or rectangle's) center, is located on one diagonal of the square. This structure provides a variety of possibilities of assembling the gear device with a big motor, and the amount of projection of the faces of the gearbox from the output shaft can be kept as small as possible.

Abstract: A patient examination table, of the type used in an x-ray examination apparatus, has one end secured to a ceiling or floor stand via a tilt mechanism which permits the longitudinal axis of the table to be tilted upwardly or downwardly. The table can be tilted around an imaginary axis, the imaginary axis being movable roughly in the middle of the examination table. The tilt mechanism includes a driven element, which may be a part of the housing for the tilt mechanism, a first gear which is rigidly attached to the stand, a second gear which is rigidly attached to the examination table and a transmission linkage between the first and second gears which permits the second gear to be movable around the drive shaft of the first gear as the driven element is rotated. The second gear is rotated in an opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the driven element.

Abstract: An electric operator for a sliding door mounted for sliding movement along a track, comprising a motor having an iron cooling flywheel disposed on a drive shaft thereof, the flywheel being provided for imparting a predetermined amount of inertia for starting and stopping of the motor such that the operation of the motor is characterized by a soft start and stop. A worm gear reducer is connected to the drive shaft for effecting a predetermined reduction ratio of rotation. A limit switch is coupled to the reducer for limiting rotation of the drive shaft to a predetermined number of rotations, and apparatus is provided for coupling rotation of the drive shaft to the linear movement of the sliding door along the track.

Abstract: A friction drive unit for use within a transaxle driving assembly in self-propelled vehicles such as grass-mowing lawn tractors, the transaxle comprising a two-piece housing structure forming a number of internal chambers for the encapsulation of the friction drive unit, associated reduction gearing and a mechanical differential. The friction drive may comprise as input members, a pair of driver wheels operatable against a larger driven disc wheel acting as the output member, such that only one driver wheel can be engaged to the driven wheel at any one time, and where the direction of vehicle motion depends on which one of the two driver wheels is in contact with the driven wheel. Each of the driver wheels is subjected to continuous rotation from an input drive shaft and are operatively displaced along the shaft by means of respective sliding yoke means. The output from the driven wheel is connected to the transaxle output shafts by means of high ratio gear reduction means.

Abstract: A sealed transmission assembly coupling a first rotary shaft mounted in a first casing to a second rotary shaft substantially aligned with the first shaft and mounted in a second casing fixed to the first casing is disclosed which enables replacement of leaky seals or part of the transmission chain to be effected quickly and without disconnecting the second casing from the first casing.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator has a hub, an annular recessed groove on the inner peripheral surface of the hub and an oil chamber, from which a slanted oil channel is pierced to the bottom of the recessed groove. Accordingly, there is no need for the slanted oil channel to extend to the inner peripheral surface of the hub, by which the slanted oil channel can save its length. The oil is sent from the supply oil channel formed in the boss section to the annular recessed groove of the hub in slidable contact with the boss section, and to the oil chamber through the slanted oil channel.

Abstract: A transmission has alignment and assembly assisting structures for controlling the assembly of a valve body and separator plate with a transmission housing within a family of transmissions. The alignment and assembly assisting structures generally include tabs and locator surfaces, as well as pin locators which prevent a component or subassembly of one family member from being assembled with a different family member.

Abstract: An improved fluid-strainer is provided which makes provision for improved methods of converting the same between motorized and manual modes. Included in the fluid strainer is a gear motor housing for facilitating the conversion as well as inspection and removal means. Also provision is made for flushing of the fluid strainer so as to avoid cycle restart.

Abstract: A method for assembling and preloading shaft assemblies that are supported by bearings in reciprocating internal combustion engines and the resulting improved shaft assembly. The method is comprised of the steps of: placing a spring element (21) on one end of the shaft (10) wherein said spring element (21) is arranged and configured to fill any gap between the shaft (10) and the bearings (14, 15) that could arise from the accumulation of design tolerances in the shaft assembly components and arranged and configured to always exert a positive load on the shaft (10) to reduce the axial movement of the shaft (10); and securing the shaft (10) between the bearings (14, 15).

Abstract: This patent discloses a shield for an automatic transmission used in race cars radial that includes a strengthened fluid pan and a formed metal jacket shield that extends around the section of the housing of the transmission adjacent to the fluid pan from opposite sides of the fluid pan. The strengthened fluid pan is constructed to extend outwardly from the transmission housing to provide locations at which the jacket shield may be secured to the fluid pan and to increase the volume of the fluid pan as compared to conventional fluid pans. The jacket shield is secured directly to the fluid pan and in combination with the fluid pan provides a shield that continuously surrounds the transmission and resists perforation and separation due to impact of fragments propelled from the transmission after breakage of rotating components of the transmission.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission includes a fan and pulley, attached to the input drive shaft, the fan and pulley being connected by a coupling device and including aligned air flow holes for drawing the air into the fan. The fan has several types of blades for directing the inflowing air downwardly and outwardly and in cooperation with radially curved fins cast in the transmission casing directly below the fan such that the helical air flow pattern developed by the fan and pulley is helically drawn over the transmission to effect efficient cooling thereof with fresh cool air.

Abstract: A transmission gearbox noise control system is operative during normal operations of a transmission system to effectively null temperature variations among selected localized areas of the transmission gearbox housing by utilizing oil jets for cooling/heating thereof, thereby reducing or eliminating differential thermal expansion effects or minor manufacturing errors among such localized areas wherein transmission vibration levels (noise) emanating from the gearbox are abated. The system includes one or more metering valves, a spray rod mounted in combination with each metering valve, an oil reservoir, a fluid pathway for fluidically interconnecting each metering valve to the oil reservoir, at least one pump for circulating oil through the fluid pathway, and a regulating subsystem that is automatically or manually operative to initiate/terminate the operation of each metering valve, to regulate the rate of fluid flow therethrough, and/or to adjust the impingement pattern of the fluid jet discharged therefrom.

Abstract: An engine unit includes an engine and a power train which are disposed in parallel to each other. The power train includes a transmission and a differential. The engine and the power train are housed in one engine housing formed of upper and lower parts which are mated with each other along respective mated surfaces. Upper halves of bearings for the crankshaft and upper halves of bearings for a rotational shaft of the power train are formed in the mating surface of the upper part of the engine housing and lower halves of bearings for the crankshaft and lower halves of bearings for said rotational shaft of the power train are formed in the mating surface of the lower part of the engine housing. The upper part of the engine housing is formed integrally with the cylinder block of the engine.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle has a hydrostatic transmission, including a pump in fluid communication with a motor, the pump including a track ring for eccentrically varying radially displaceable pistons. A control mechanism for the pump is disposed adjacent to the axle assembly on the inboard side of the transmission. The pump track ring pivots about a pin disposed through one end of the pump track ring so as to be eccentrically adjustable about the pintle. The pin is located on the outboard side of the transmission or remote from the axle assembly, and is clampingly held between the portions of the transmission housing having casing bolts extending on either end therethrough.

Abstract: A modular transmission is provided having a variety of flexible modules. These include very basic speed gearbox and range gearbox modules to which other modules can be added. The other modules can include a front wheel drive module, a supplemental reduction module, and an intermediate module. The intermediate module can include additional ranges and/or a creeper gear. The entire structure is highly flexible, and allows ready construction of a transmission to meet a particular customer's needs out of standard components which can be produced in mass quantities.

Abstract: A bearing structure for an output shaft of an automatic transaxle employs a ball bearing, radial needle bearing and a thrust needle bearing in combination. The ball bearing and the radial needle bearing radially support the output shaft. On the other hand, the thrusting load to be exerted on the output shaft when it is driven by an output torque of the engine is received by the thrust needle bearing, and relatively small thrusting torque in reverse direction is received by the ball bearing. The ball bearing is provided on a side cover which is fixed to a transaxle casing. The radial thrust bearing is radially supported by the inner periphery of an output retainer. The thrust needle bearing is oriented at the opposite side to the ball bearing with respect to the output gear. A generally cylindrical retainer body having an axial end mating with a wall section of a transmission casing has a cylindrical projection extending from the axial end adjacent an inner circumferential edge.