Abstract: A hydrostatic/mechanical transmission system for motor vehicles having an engine coupled with a multi-speed mechanical transmission and a hydrostatic transmission including an accessory drive connectable to activate a variable displacement hydropump that is hydraulically connected with hydromotor; wherein, in one mode of operation, the hydrostatic transmission is operated, with the mechanical transmission in neutral, and the hydromotor drives the vehicle by way of a stepdown gear, wherein the stepdown gear drive is a multistep power transmission and wherein when in the one mode, the hydromotor drives a secondary gear shaft of the multi-speed transmission, the connection of this one mode being possible only in the neutral position of the multi-speed transmission.

Abstract: A change spur gear of reducer unit design features two paths of force. The first path of force comprises a unit which provides gearing to high speed, a hydrodynamic torque converter and, following it, a multiple shift gear. The second path of force comprises as well a unit which provides gearing to high speed, on the high speed shaft of which there is a hydrodynamic servoclutch arranged. The secondary vane wheel connects through appropriate reducers with the transmission output. In shifting from one gear to another, the servoclutch is filled first, then the respective shift detent is disengaged under no load, the servoclutch is adjusted to the slip corresponding with the next gear thereby enabling a no-load shifting of the detent of the next gear. Upon emptying of the servoclutch, the engine moment is again assumed by the first path of force without any interruption of the traction force.

Abstract: A ship gear train arrangement includes a differential gearing between a main input shaft and output shaft and a parallel shaft with a hydrodynamic coupling (50). The parallel shaft connects a point (at 60) of the main input shaft on the input side (30) of the differential gearing with a reaction element (16) of the differential gearing. The coupling effect and thus also the speed of output shaft (32) of the ship gear train arrangement can be changed smoothly down to zero speed by variation of the liquid level in the hydrodynamic coupling. The ship propeller can therefore be driven at a speed far lower than the lowest speed of the ship main drive motor.

Abstract: Vehicle steering differential have heretofore had a number of assembly, disassembly and serviceability disadvantages or have not been compact enough. The instant differential drive assembly overcomes these deficiencies by including a differential steering mechanism having first and second input gears and a plurality of cooperatively associated planetary gear elements driven thereby, and a mounting structure for rotatably supporting the input gears and the planetary gear elements along a central axis and for modularly positioning the differential steering mechanism in a protected location within the opening of a vehicle case. The mounting structure includes a one-piece carrier body defining a mounting face that is adapted to engage another mounting face of the case.

Abstract: Two clutches are disposed between a driving shaft and a driven shaft, in particular a first synchronous clutch which automatically engages when the driven shaft overtakes the driving shaft and a second synchronous clutch which automatically engages when the driving shaft overtakes the driven shaft. As long as there is no external intervention the two clutches mutually protect one another against unintentional engagement. The clutch arrangement can only be put into a ready or enabled position by the action of an external force. From the ready position, the paired synchronous clutches can effect a torque transmitting connection between a driving shaft and a driven shaft when their rotational speeds are synchronous.

Abstract: A power supplying member supplies rotational power in a certain rotational direction to a first member of the transmission, and a power receiving member takes out power from a second member. Several power transmission systems are provided between the first and the second member, which are selectively engagable so as to provide various speed stages between them. Each power transmission system has a clutching mechanism which either can be disconnected so as to freewheel in both rotational directions, or can be connected to transmit rotational power at least in the one rotational direction which is required for transmission of power through that power transmission system from the first member to the second member. A fluid torque converter is provided in the rotational power transmission path of only one of the power transmission systems which provides the lowest gearing ratio between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A change-speed transmission comprises: an input member; and output member; a hydrokinetic unit having a pump connected to the input member for simultaneous rotation therewith and a turbine; first and second clutches; a divider in the form of a planetary gear set; and a planetary gear train. The divider has a first, a second and a third rotary element, while, the planetary gear train also has a first, a second and a third rotary element. The first rotary element of the divider is connected to the first rotary element of the gear train for simultaneous rotation therewith, and the second rotary elements are connected to each other through the second clutch. The second or third rotary elements are connectable through a first or a torque split clutch to the input member. The turbine of the hydrokinetic unit is connectable to the other one of said second and third rotary elements. The output member is connected to the third rotary element of the gear train or divider.

Abstract: A simplified range change mechanism for an infinitely variable, split output, synchronously shifting hydromechanical steering transmission having integral steering and at least three forward ranges having progressively lower torque and higher speed propulsion ratios in successively higher ranges while maintaining positive steer with a constant steering torque ratio in all ranges.

Abstract: A power transmission for motor vehicles including two parallel mutually cooperative and inner acting power input drive trains connected between a motor vehicle power source and the vehicle drive shaft and a reversely directed torque compensating drive train operatively connected between the parallel power input drive trains, which transmission includes a first mechanical drive train which is connected to the motor vehicle power source and the vehicle drive shaft by differential torque transfer gearing which transmits torque in a reverse but parallel direction with respect to the drive shaft to a fluid torque converter having a turbine connected to a secondary hollow drive shaft.

Abstract: A propulsion transmission for a ship having a reversibly driven propeller shaft with a fixed pitch propeller and a torque converter of the single stage and fixed housing type for driving the propeller in the reverse direction. A planetary gear system is provided for driving the ship in a forward direction and a disengageable friction plate type brake is connected between the transmission housing and the planetary gear system and for forward drive. The brake is engaged to anchor a portion of the planetary gear system to drive said propeller shaft in a forward direction. The brake is disengaged when the torque converter is driving the propeller shaft in the reverse direction.One embodiment of the invention also includes a friction plate type clutch connected between the planetary gear system and the propeller shaft for transmitting power to the propeller shaft in a forward direction when the brake is disengaged.

Abstract: Continuously driven vehicle steering differentials have heretofore been too complex and have undesirably incorporated a second cross shaft for counter-rotating a pair of oppositely located planetary elements. The planetary steering differential (10) overcomes these deficiencies by including first, second and third interconnected planetary mechanisms (12,14,16) for rotating a pair of output members (48,52) in the same direction and at the same speed in response to rotation solely of a first input member (57) and holding a second input member (63) stationary, and for rotating the output members (48,52) in opposite directions at the same speed in response to rotation solely of the second input member (63) and holding the first input member (57) stationary. The first input member (57) is driven by a transmission (58), and the second output member (63) is driven by a reversible steering motor (66).

Abstract: A coupling for operatively connecting a rotary turbine having a hub carrying a plurality of wires with a driven shaft. An external sun gear is formed on the turbine hub and a planetary gear carrier is mounted on the shaft for rotation with the shaft. The planetary gear carrier supports a plurality of planetary gears mounted for individual rotation which mesh with the sun gear on the hub. A ring gear carrier is mounted for rotation about the shaft and is formed with an internal ring gear which meshes with the planetary gears. A brake band surrounds the external periphery of the ring gear carrier and may be tightened to embrace the external surface of the ring gear carrier to lock it. When the internal ring gear is locked by the brake band, rotation of the planetary gears rotates the planetary gear carrier which rotates the shaft. When the brake band is loose, the ring gear carrier is rotated about the shaft by the planetary gears which are rotated by the sun gear on the shaft.

Abstract: Power transmission apparatus having a torque convertor with an input shaft, an impeller connected to the input shaft, an output turbine, a first uni-directional detent, a reactor connected to a fixed part on which to react by means of the first uni-directional detent which is arranged to prevent rotation of the reactor in a reverse direction, a circulatory turbine, a first gearing connecting the circulatory turbine to the input shaft, a second gearing connecting the first gearing to an output shaft, a second uni-directional detent, and a brake arranged to act between part of the second gearing and a stationary part. The apparatus also includes a ring gear and a holding device acting on the ring gear, both being included in the second gearing, so that when the ring gear is held stationary by the holding device, the output shaft is driven in reverse.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic transmission mechanism for an automotive vehicle driveline including a hydrokinetic torque converter and multiple ratio planetary gearing in combination with a torque splitter gear unit located within the converter housing, the multiple ratio gearing having two separate torque input shafts and the splitter unit being adapted to distribute torque to each of the input shafts, one torque delivery path being fully mechanical and the other being hydrokinetic, the torque splitter unit including a simple planetary gear unit with a pocketed carrier, the planetary gear elements of the torque splitter gear unit being journalled on their peripheries in the carrier thus eliminating the need for a separate torque splitter pinion shafts and bearings.

Abstract: A hydro-mechanical change speed mechanism of the type useful in road sweeping vehicles and the like in which the vehicle is required to travel from place to place at normal road speed but also requires the ability to travel at a relatively reduced speed while carrying out its main function such as road sweeping. The change speed mechanism herein disclosed is inserted into the normal drive train so that the input shaft 11 for the mechanism mates with the output shaft from a vehicle gear box and the output drive shaft from the mechanism 12 drives the driven wheels of the vehicle via a cardan shaft. A selector mechanism 41, 42, 43 enables the input and output shafts 11 and 12 to be mechanically directly connected together, or via respective first and second gear trains 15 and 16, to a vehicle drive pump 13 and a hydraulic motor 17 respectively. A hydraulic connection between the vehicle pump and the hydraulic motor results in an alternative hydraulic coupling between the input and output shafts 11 and 12.

Abstract: A propulsion transmission for driving a fixed pitch propeller of a ship, the transmission including a prime mover, that is a power source, such as a gas turbine engine, or a diesel engine for example, and also having a disengageable clutch between the prime mover and the propeller and for transmitting power to the propeller for driving it in a forward direction. The transmission also includes a hydraulic torque converter of the single stage, fixed housing type and which is connected between the prime mover and the propeller for driving the propeller in the reverse direction when the disengageable clutch is inoperative.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power shift transmission having torque converter, an input shaft driven by the torque converter, a countershaft in continuous driving relation with the input shaft, an output shaft having first, second, and third speed ratios journaled thereon and driven via the countershaft, a reverse speed ratio gear splined to the output shaft and driven via a gear on an idler shaft driven by the countershaft, a first friction clutch mechanism for connecting the first speed ratio gear to the output shaft, a second friction clutch mechanism for connecting the output shaft directly to the input shaft, a blocker-clutch assembly for coupling the second and third speed ratio gears to the output shaft, and an actuator assembly for shifting the blocker-clutch assembly into and out of coupling engagement. The friction clutches are momentarily engageable to relieve driving and coast mode torque on the blocker-clutch and to synchronize the blocker-clutch.

Abstract: A power train with an auxiliary creeper drive system is disclosed which includes an engine, a primary transmission having an output shaft selectively driven by the engine, an auxiliary transmission selectively driven by the engine and operatively associated with the output shaft for driving the output shaft at a creeping rate of speed, and a clutch control arrangement for automatically disconnecting the engine from driving engagement with the output shaft when the auxiliary transmission is drivingly coupled thereto. Such auxiliary creeper drive system is particularly adaptable to the transmission of a fork lift truck.

Abstract: A control system for a stepless variable speed transmission of power splitting type for use in a vehicle in which the power from an engine is transmitted with a controllable speed and wherein part of the power is converted into hydraulic power by means of hydraulic pump motor.

Abstract: In a bidirectional driving mechanism comprising a rack, two pinions meshing with the rack, and gear trains through which power is transmitted respectively to the pinions from a common driving source, at least one gear of the gear train is formed as a ring gear and a plurality of variable volume oil chambers containing pressurized oil are formed between the ring gear and the shaft thereof so that driving torque is transmitted from the ring gear to the gear shaft through the oil chambers.

Abstract: A stepless variable speed gearbox employing a parallel combination of a hydrodynamic drive and a variable speed drive, with a coupling arrangement including an overrunning or disconnecting clutch to disconnect the hydrodynamic drive when the variable speed drive comes up to a given speed.

Abstract: A compact power transmission utilizing a torque converter and particularly adapted for motorcycles, employs an idler shaft driven by the engine crankshaft, an input shaft driven by the torque converter, and an output shaft, the torque converter overlapping the ends of the idler shaft and the output shaft, the input and output shafts each carrying a clutch, the two clutches being disposed in compact axially offset and radially overlapping relation and providing dual drive connections to the output shaft forming a low gear drive and a top gear drive.

Abstract: The invention provides a power transmission apparatus especially for automobiles. It consists of a fluid torque converter coupled with gearing. The gearing includes a first gearing connecting the circulatory turbine to the input shaft and a second gearing connecting the first gearing to the output shaft and to a stationary part. Two unidirectional detents are provided, the first of which acts between the second gearing and a stationary part and the second of which acts between the torque converter reactor and the second gearing. The two detents are in series. Forwards rotation of part of the second gearing drives the reactor in a forwards direction and negative torque on the reactor or said part of the second gearing can act on said stationary part.

Abstract: A hydromechanical vehicle transmission system for an engine most efficiently operated at a single speed is disclosed providing an infinitely variable reduction ratio for a given constant input speed requiring minimum operator skill in operation of the vehicle speed control and the engine torque control in both full and part load operation. The transmission consists of a multi-speed hydrostatic mechanical arrangement using a variable displacement hydrostatic pump-motor in conjunction with a fixed displacement hydrostatic pump-motor providing two power paths through the transmission, one hydrostatic and one mechanical. The preferred embodiment discloses four gear ranges although three gear ranges are sufficient to fulfill the objects of the invention.

Abstract: The combination of a hydraulic torque converter and planetary gear system in a wheel hub characterized in that the selective speed control of an individual wheel is achieved through the hydraulic torque converter, thereby obviating the need of gear shifting as in the anterior combinations.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism adapted especially for agricultural and industrial tractors and for heavy construction vehicles comprising a pair of hydrostatic pump-and-motor units arranged in a closed hydrostatic fluid flow circuit, a planetary gear unit and geared connections between separate elements of the gear unit and the rotor for each hydrostatic unit, each geared connection having its characteristic speed ratio thereby defining multiple speed ranges within which an infinite torque ratio variation is achieved.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism for starting a load which is either of high inertia or of high starting torque and which is to be driven at a high speed through a high reduction ratio. The load has a main power source and also an axuiliary power source which initially turns over the load from a zero speed condition. After the load has been turned over by the auxiliary starting means and through a high reduction ratio, the main power source acts to slip the overrunning clutch and bring the load up to speed. The auxiliary power source has a hydraulic coupling retarder which acts to retard the auxiliary power source during its initial operation and thereby reduces its kinetic energy during its initial operation and decreases the large torque pulses which would otherwise occur in the mechanism during the start-up. The mechanism includes hydraulic control means for controlling the sequencing of the fluid fill of the hydraulic coupling retarder.