Abstract: A suspension system for an automotive vehicle employs a active suspension control feature for actively controlling the suspension characteristics according to the vehicle driving condition. Active suspension control is performed by adjusting offset of a gravity center for adjusting load distribution at respective vehicular wheels. The load distribution is adjusted so that the suspension characteristics can be changed to over-steer characteristics when the vehicle speed demand is higher than a given level so as to allow drift of the vehicle at a corner. In order to assure driving stability, the suspension system is further adjusted to suppress vehicular rolling during drift of the vehicle.

Abstract: A four wheel drive system has an interaxle multiple disc friction clutch, an actuator for varying torque transmitted through the clutch to a front wheel drive shaft by varying a clutch pressure of the clutch, first and second sensors for sensing rotational speeds of the front wheel and rear wheel drive shafts, a third element for producing a third signal, and a control unit for controlling a driving torque distribution between the front and rear wheel drive shafts by sending a control signal to the actuator. The control means increases the torque transmitted through the clutch with increase in a speed difference between the front wheel and rear wheel drive shafts in accordance with one of characteristics selected in accordance with the third signal. The third element is designed to find a condition of the vehicle which can be controlled by a driver of the vehicle, and may take the form of an accelerator position sensor or a manually operated selector switch.

Abstract: A four wheel drive system of a vehicle has a transfer clutch capable of varying clutch torque transmitted therethrough from an engine to front wheels. The clutch torque is controlled by a driving force distribution control unit in accordance with a front and rear wheel speed difference determined from signals from front and rear wheel speed sensors. Preferably, the control unit controls a distribution ratio of a front wheel driving force to a rear wheel driving force by controlling the clutch torque of the transfer clutch in such a manner that the distribution ratio decreases as the wheel speed difference increases when the wheel speed difference is positive, that is the front wheel speed is higher than the rear wheel speed, and that the distribution ratio increases as the absolute value of the wheel speed difference increases when the wheel speed difference is negative.

Abstract: A four wheel drive system of a vehicle has a transfer clutch capable of varying torque transmitted therethrough from an engine to front wheels. This torque is controlled by a driving force distribution control unit in response to sensor signals of vehicle cornering behavior sensor such as a lateral acceleration sensor, vehicle speed sensor, transmission gear position sensor, and accelerator position sensor. The control unit determines a driving force distribution ratio between the front wheel driving force and the rear wheel driving force in accordance with the sensed lateral acceleration in such a manner that the share of the driving force apportioned to the front wheels is decreased with increase of the lateral acceleration.

Abstract: A limited-slip differential gear unit has end adjustable slip-limitation according to the operation mode of the adjustable suspension system. A control system for the limited-slip differential gear unit, which controls the slip-limitation is associated with a suspension control system to receive therefrom a suspension mode indicative signal to select one of a plurality of preset characteristics to derive a slip-limit control signal. The limited-slip differential gear unit includes a slip-limit adjusting mechanism which is responsive to the control signal for adjusting the slip-limitation to be generated by the limited-slip differential gear unit.

Abstract: A four wheel drive unit is provided with a friction clutch interposed between an input shaft and a front wheel output shaft. The clutch is urged toward engagement with an increasing force as output torque of a rear wheel output shaft increases for thereby increasing engine power transmitted from the input shaft to front road wheels while urged toward disengagement with an increasing force as steering effort on a steering wheel increases for thereby reducing engine power transmitted from the input shaft to the front road wheels.

Abstract: A limited slip differential comprises a pair of friction clutches interposed between a pair of pressure rings and a differential casing. The friction clutches are urged toward an engaged condition to reduce a differential action when a pinion mate shaft having a pair of cam portions rotate to urge the pressure rings to move away from each other. The friction clutches are also urged toward the engaged condition to reduce the differential action when supplied with fluid pressure from a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system controls supply and discharge of fluid pressure to and from said friction clutches in view of running conditions of the vehicle, such as for example accelerated conditions.

Abstract: A waste kinetic energy reclaiming system for an engine-driven vehicle includes a generator, and a variable torque-ratio coupling connecting the generator and the vehicle engine. The system also includes a clutch which selectably disconnects the coupling from the engine in response to whether or not braking of the vehicle is required so that the connection between the coupling and the engine is established only when braking is required.

Abstract: In an aerial transport system having an aerial track such as a cableway or tramway and one or more carriages travelling along the track, a structure for suspending the carriage from the track comprising a beam, both ends of which are pivotally connected to a plurality of frames supporting wheels, the frames being rotatable in a yaw direction about yaw axes with respect to the beam, and a hanger, the upper end of which is connected to the beam in a pivotable position in a pitch direction about a pitch axis with respect to the beam, the improvement comprising, in combination a plurality of separate beams being positioned apart from one another and linked to respective opposing ends by link members in alignment, a plurality of frames respectively connected to both ends of a respective beam in a pivotal position with respect to the beam about respective yaw axes, one wheel being mounted on each of the frames, and a plurality of hangers, the lower ends of which are connected to a carriage body in a pivotable posit