THE TERM “automatic transmission” is defined as meaning an automatically shifting sliding-gear or sliding-dog-clutch transmission with certain fixed gear-trains, or any type of mechanism which will produce automatically an infinite number of ratios between engine speeds and driving-wheel speeds.
Various types of drive are considered, as well as typical automatic gearshifts, emphasis being given to the operation of the Tyler transmission clutch and to the Mono-Drive transmission. Other subjects are the reactions of operators to automatic gearshifting and the future of automatic transmission.
The desirable features of an automatic transmission are stated as being reliability; quiet operation; reasonable cost, weight, simplicity and efficiency; and correct functioning, which means that it must do the right thing at the right time. The author believes that automatic transmissions will come into use before streamlining, and that they will constitute the next important sales feature on automobiles.