Abstract: In combination with a power transmission, a power transfer device comprises a first shaft rotatably mounted within a housing and having an input end for connection to an output shaft of the transmission and an output end for drive connection to a pair of rear-wheel axles, a second shaft rotatably mounted within the housing in parallel with the first shaft for drive connection to a pair of front-wheel axles, a drive gear rotatably mounted on the first shaft and connectable to the first shaft, a driven gear rotatably mounted on the second shaft and connectable to the second shaft, the driven gear being drivingly connected to the drive gear, and a pair of sleeves each mounted on the first and second shafts and shiftable between a first position where both the clutch sleeves are retained to connect the drive and driven gears to the first and second shafts and a second position where both the clutch sleeves are retained to disconnect the drive and driven gears from the first and second shafts, whereby both the dri

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle has an engine clutch for transmitting the output of an engine to a transmission having two driving ranges, main drive wheels operatively connected to an output shaft of the transmission, auxiliary drive wheels, and a transfer clutch for transmitting the output of the transmission to the auxiliary drive wheels. A control system is provided with a first detector for detecting whether the engine clutch is in partial engagement state or entire engagement state and for producing a clutch condition signal representing a clutch condition, and a second detector for producing a driving condition signal. The control system responds to the clutch condition signal and to the driving condition signal for controlling torque capacity of the transfer clutch so as to cause the transfer to slip clutch in dependency on the clutch condition.

Abstract: A transmission control device in accordance with the present invention for controlling a transmission system which is composed of a main transmission and a sub transmission, has a first rotational speed detector which is disposed on the input side of the sub transmission and a second rotational speed detector which is disposed on the output side of the sub transmission, and is characterized in that one rotational speed detector is employed while the sub transmission is in a speed changing state and the other rotational speed detector is employed while the sub transmission is not in a speed changing state, thereby performing system control.

Abstract: A four wheel drive for a wheeled vehicle wherein the driver of the vehicle has the option of establishing a front wheel drive, a rear wheel drive, four wheel drive and four wheel lockup drive including multiple ratio gearing, a main geared differential and an interaxle geared differential.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle has an main clutch for transmitting the output of an engine to a transmission, main drive wheels operatively connected to an output shaft of the transmission, auxiliary drive wheels, and a transfer clutch for transmitting the output of the transmission to the auxiliary drive wheels. A control system is provided with a detector for detecting whether the main clutch is in partial engagement state or entire engagement state and for producing a clutch condition signal representing a clutch condition. The control system responds to the clutch condition signal for controlling torque capacity of the transfer clutch so as to slip the transfer clutch.

Abstract: A tranfer system for vehicles including front wheel and rear wheel output shafts coupled to the output side of a transmission of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The shift mechanism of the transfer system working to transmit and interrupt the transmission of power to the respective output shafts is operated by means of a single shift lever which is moved within a small range so as to draw a circular arc, thereby causing a shift cam to rotate with an appropriate angle for each shift. By means of this shift cam, two shift forks are moved interrelatedly in order to carry out power shifting. Also, an oil diffusion plate is provided in this vehicle transfer system.

Abstract: An output shaft is disposed in parallel relation to an engine crank shaft. The output shaft is formed with a gear portion. A first drive shaft is formed with another gear portion which is meshed with the gear portion formed on the output shaft, and disposed in the longitudinal direction intersecting the output shaft at right angle. The first shaft is adapted to transmit power to either ones of front and rear wheels. The output shaft and the first drive shaft are supported on a case. The case is detachably attached to an internal combustion engine. A second drive shaft is supported on an extension of the first drive shaft, and connected to the first drive shaft. The second drive shaft is adapted to transmit power to the remaining wheels of the front and the rear wheels. Due to the foregoing arrangement, both the front and rear wheels are simultaneously driven by one engine output shaft.

Abstract: A control system for automatically operating the clutch in a single clutch split axle mechanism responsive to an operational mode of a transfer case in a part-time four-wheel drive vehicle comprises an electro-thermal linear actuator mounted on the split axle mechanism for actuating the clutch and an electric switch mounted on the transfer case for controlling the electro-thermal linear actuator responsive to the operational mode of the transfer case. The electro-thermal linear actuator includes a time delay means so that four-wheel drive can be selected while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A hydraulic controller for transmission includes a brake and a clutch each of which corresponds to a different transmission ratio. An orifice control is provided in the conduit structure of the hydraulic circuit for actuating the clutch and brake such that a working oil quantity is varied in response to the engine throttle valve opening.

Abstract: A transmission system of the present invention which has a main transmission and a sub transmission includes a first output shaft speed detecting means for detecting the rotational speed of the output shaft of the main transmission and a second output shaft speed detecting means for detecting the rotational speed of the sub transmission. The thus arranged transmission system of this invention makes it possible to accurately detect the state of the main transmission by providing the first output shaft speed detecting means for detecting the rotational speed of the output shaft of the main transmission as well as the second output shaft speed detecting means for detecting the rotational speed of the output shaft of the sub transmission.

Abstract: A transmission control device for controlling the operation of a transmission which is composed of a main transmission portion and a sub transmission portion which is capable of manual change-over is disclosed. The control device inhibits the shifting operation of one transmission while the other transmission is in operation.This structure of the control device avoids the occurrence of synchronization of the shifts made by means of the main transmission portion and the sub transmission portion, and thereby eliminates the amplification of transmission shock caused by the synchronization of the shifts of the main transmission portion and the sub transmission portion, whereby optimum shifting characteristics are obtained.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission that has a main multi-speed gear change mechanism is provided with a sub speed gear change mechanism particularly useful for four wheel drive vehicles. The main gear change mechanism has parallel input and output shafts with the various gears and the sub speed gear change mechanism has an intermediate shaft and counter shaft parallel to the input and output shafts. An input gear on the intermediate shaft continually meshes with a gear on the input shaft and an output gear continually meshes with a gear on the output shaft. A gear reduction train and synchronizing mechanism selectively connects the input and output gears to establish that sub speed gear. The intermediate and counter shafts do not extend beyond the input and output shafts therefore minimizing the length of the transmission. The gear selecting mechanism allows selection of the sub speed only when the vehicle is in four wheel drive.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic engagement and disengagement of the drive components of a motor vehicle, particularly of the drive of at least one additional axle and/or of locks for auxiliary gear and/or differential gear. The apparatus has sensors for sensing the rotary speeds of the wheels and the steering angle of the vehicle and a control unit which activates the drive components individually, simultaneously or in a given sequence as a function of: The travelling speed; the vehicle acceleration; the slip of the wheels; and the movement condition of the vehicle as a function of the steering angle. The apparatus also has an adaptively operating matching electronic system for accounting for the rotary speeds of the wheels and for the steering angle. An advantage of this apparatus is the engaging of required drive components automatically with narrow limit values and tolerances in necessary situations.

Abstract: A power change-over mechanism of a vehicle for industrial machinery including a spool divided into two members: an outer peripheral side member having splines freely meshed with splines of high-speed and low-speed gears and an inner peripheral side member having a spline freely meshed with splines of first and second driving shafts, an inner peripheral sub-spline constantly meshing with the first driving shaft being further formed on the outer peripheral side member, the outer peripheral side member being clearance fitted onto an outer periphery of the inner peripheral side member, and the inner and outer peripheral side members being connected relatively movable with respect to each other in the axial direction through a damper means.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive system for use in a vehicle includes mechanisms for preventing disengagement of the engagement sleeves of a transfer gear shift mechanism while permitting limited displacement of the engagement sleeves, shift forks and fork shafts to prevent a large amount of friction between grooves in the engagement sleeves and engagement fingers of the shift forks. Disengagement of the engagement sleeves is prevented by formation of chamfers and tapered surfaces on corresponding portions of the engagement sleeves, splines and sprockets. Limited displacement of the engagement sleeves, shift forks and fork shafts is accomplished by means of notches in the fork shafts which are larger than corresponding locking pins, so that the fork shafts, shift forks and engagement sleeves are displaceable within a distance corresponding to the difference in size between the notches and locking pins.

Abstract: A four wheel drive motor vehicle is equipped with a change-over unit for selecting a four wheel drive mode or a two wheel drive mode, a road surface condition sensing sonar system, and an actuator for actuating the change-over unit to change the drive system to the four wheel drive mode when the road surface condition sensing system determines that the road surface is slippery. The road surface condition sensing means has ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, and a control unit such as a microcomputer for determining whether the intensity of waves reflected from the road surface is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A control system for a 4-wheel drive transmission including a main transmission and an auxiliary transmission shiftable by operation of a hydraulic clutch for switching the mode of operation either to 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive including a manual changeover valve mechanically connected to a shift lever in a passenger's room of a vehicle for operating the hydraulic clutch according to the mode selected by the shift lever.

Abstract: An improved four wheel drive system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a first carrier assembly connected to a power generation system of the vehicle and adapted to transmit power to a first pair of drive wheels. A second carrier assembly having an input member and an output member connected to a second pair of drive wheels is also provided. The second carrier assembly is adapted to transmit power from the input member to the output member. A mechanism is provided for selectively connecting the first carrier assembly to the input member of the second carrier assembly for transmitting power thereto. A biasing structure is further provided for moving one of the input and output members relative to the other of the input and output members prior to connecting the first carrier assembly to the input member of the second carrier assembly.

Abstract: A control system for a four-wheel drive transmission comprising a primary transmission and a transfer unit capable of establishing a high-speed four-wheel drive mode, a low-speed four-wheel drive mode and a two-wheel drive mode by the agency of friction coupling devices which are controlled selectively for engagement and disengagement by the corresponding hydraulic servomechanisms.

Abstract: A shift actuator for a vehicle transfer case includes a bidirectional electric motor for positioning gearing in the transfer case. An indicator mechanism associated with the drive train between the motor and the transfer case provides electrical signals indicative of the actual position in, and thus operating state, of the gearing in the transfer case. A selector switch provides electrical signals indicative of a desired operating state of the transfer case gearing. An electronic control is responsive to an input from the selector switch and to the indicator mechanism for effecting rotation of the motor in a predetermined one or other direction to attain the desired operating state. The indicator mechanism includes a contact plate, which rotates with the drive train, and a set of stationary contacts. A conductive pattern on the contact plate identifies the positioning of the operating states of the transfer case gearing.

Abstract: A selecting device for four-wheel transmission for four-wheel drive motor vehicle comprising a sub-transmission to transmit the power of the engine to a main transmission, a transfer clutch device for transmitting the power to auxiliary drive wheels, a cylindrical shaft for shifting a clutch in the sub-transmission, an actuating rail, a fixed rail, a shift fork slidably mounted on the actuating rail and on the fixed rail and engaged with the transfer clutch device, and an arm slidably mounted on the actuating rail and integral with the cylindrical shaft. The actuating rail is slidably engaged with the cylindrical shaft. A select lever is operatively connected to the actuating rail and disposed in alignment with the actuating rail.

Abstract: A vehicular transmission having multiple gear trains including an ultra-low speed for all-wheel operation. A gear train selecting and shifting mechanism includes a select shaft and a shift shaft rotatably mounted perpendicular to each other. A shift piece slidably mounted on another shaft for engaging the shift forks for establishing the selected gear train. An arm is mounted on the select shaft for pivoting thereby and engages the shift piece for selecting the desired shift fork. Another arm is mounted on the shift shaft for pivoting thereby and engages the shift piece for causing shifting of the gear trains. Push-pull wires are provided from the driver's position for causing rotation of the select and shift shafts through external levers. An interlock plate prevents selection of the shift fork for the ultra-low speed unless a transfer gear clutch is engaged for all-wheel vehicle operation.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive automotive vehicle comprises an engine having a crank shaft extending in a transverse direction of a vehicle body, a transmission having a speed change mechanism between an input shaft and an output shaft arranged so as to extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle body within a transaxle case, a final reduction gear arranged substantially in a coaxial relationship to either a front shaft or a rear shaft within the transaxle case and driven by the output shaft of the transmission, a differential device for front and rear wheels, having a pair of side gears arranged substantially in a coaxial relationship to either the front shaft or the rear shaft and at least two pinion gears driven by the final reduction gear and provided within the housing connected to the transaxle case, the pinion gears engaging the side gears, a differential device for either the front shaft or the rear shaft having at least two pinion gears connected to one of the pair of side gears of the differential device fo

Abstract: An automobile differential gear system capable of establishing an appropriate differential motion between the right and left driving axles of an automobile so that the automobile is able to run smoothly along a curve where the right and left driving axles are required to be driven at different revolving rates respectively. The system comprises a differential gear, a steering angle detecting unit for detecting a steering angle, a driving speed detecting unit for detecting the speed of the differential gear case, a pinion speed control unit which provides a control signal for controlling the differential motion of the right and left driving axles of the automobile, and a pinion driving unit for rotating the pinions to control the respective revolving rates of the right and left driving axles according to the control signal so that correct and quick response of the movement of the automobile to steering operation is achieved.

Abstract: The transfer case of a vehicle that can be driven in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive includes a range speed transmission driveably connected to the output of a multiple speed ratio transmission and adapted to drive the transfer case output shaft. A drive sprocket journalled on the output case is driveably connected by a chain belt to a driven sprocket that is connected to the front driveshaft. The front axle has a differential that transmits power from the front driveshaft to left and right axleshafts when four-wheel drive is selected. Automatic locking hubs driveably connect the front axleshafts to the front wheel assemblies and are adapted to automatically disengage when the front wheels rotate opposite the direction that produced engagement of the locking hubs. The drive sprocket is accelerated from rest to the speed of the output shaft of the transfer case through operation of a magnetic clutch or hydraulic coupling.

Abstract: A transmission has an output shaft, an end portion of which extends out of from a transmission case. A transfer device is provided for transmitting the output of the transmission to auxiliary drive wheels of the vehicle through a rear drive shaft. The transfer device has a transfer drive gear secured to the extended portion of the output shaft and a transfer driven gear mounted on the rear drive shaft and engaged with the transfer drive gear. The extended portion of the output shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing in the transfer case at the outside of the transfer drive gear.

Abstract: A system for controlling a power transmission of a four-wheel drive vehicle powered by an engine has a transmission for transmitting the power of the engine to main driving wheels of the four-wheel drive vehicle, a hydraulically operated clutch for transmitting the power to auxiliary driving wheels, a hydraulic circuit for operating the clutch in accordance with driving conditions. The system comprises a sensor for detecting the inclination of roads and for producing an output signal dependent on the inclination, and a control circuit responsive to the output signal from the sensor for engaging the clutch when the output signal exceeds a predetermined value, thereby establishing the four-wheel drive.

Abstract: An overdrive system for a four-wheel drive vehicle has an automatic transmission the output of which is transmitted to front wheels and to rear wheels through a drive gear and a driven gear and a hydraulically operated four-wheel drive clutch. The system comprises an overdrive clutch for coupling an oil pump drive shaft of the automatic transmission to the driven gear. When the overdrive clutch is engaged, the rotation of the oil pump drive shaft is transmitted to the front wheels through the clutch and driven gear and drive gear for overdriving the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a four wheel drive vehicle wherein the front wheels (or rear wheels in a conventional front wheel drive set up) are automatically engaged and disengaged from the vehicle drive train at both the transfer case and at the front wheel hubs. The engagement and disengagement at the transfer case is accomplished with conventional controls. The engagement and disengagement between the axles and wheel hubs is accomplished by providing concentric gear teeth portions in overlaping sections of the axle and wheel hub. A clutch ring with corresponding gear teeth is moved into and out of simultaneous engagement with the wheel hub and axle to lock them together. A pressure chamber having a movable wall associated with the clutch ring, is connected by an air line and control valve to the intake manifold of the vehicle's engine.

Abstract: The automatic free wheeling hub assembly includes a housing or body secured to the vehicle's wheel hub. The vehicle's drive axle extends into and is mounted in the body and wheel hub. The free wheeling hub assembly includes a cylindrical axle hub located in the interior of the body and spline connected to the splined end of the drive axle. The axle hub is provided with an external toothed section or series of circumferentially spaced teeth. A tubular clutch ring is mounted in the body for axial movement and is provided with internal teeth for engagement with the disengagement from the series of teeth provided on the axle hub. Fluid actuating means are provided in the body including a movable member in the form of a diaphragm or piston connected to the clutch ring for axially moving same relative to said axle hub in response to the pressure or pressure differential from a fluid source such as vacuum to effect the engagement and disengagement of the matching teeth of the axle hub and clutch ring.

Abstract: A split axle drive mechanism for a part-time four-wheel drive vehicle comprises a first axle shaft connected to one side gear of a differential, a first output member arranged to be connected to the first axle shaft, a second axle shaft axially slidably connected to the other side gear of the differential, a second output member arranged to be connected to the second axle shaft, a clutch mechanism disengageable for disconnecting the first axle shaft from the first output member when the vehicle is in a two wheel drive mode and engageable for connecting the first axle shaft to the first output member when the vehicle is in a four wheel drive mode, a connecting rod axially slidably disposed in the axle shafts and operatively connected at its one end with the clutch mechanism and at its other end with one end of the second axle shaft to be maintained in a first position for disconnecting the second axle shaft from the second output member in response to disengagement of the clutch mechanism and to be moved from

Abstract: A control system for a four wheel drive vehicle is disclosed which either prevents the transmitting of the power of an internal combustion engine incorrectly or gives a warning signal indicative of incorrect operation. The control system includes two sensors for separately detecting the rotational frequency of front and rear propeller shafts, a control circuit for determining the rotational frequency difference between the front and rear propeller shafts and for generating control signals relative to a predetermined set point. A contact or a switch is operated by the control circuit. In one embodiment, an alarm buzzer and an alarm lamp are also provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling power transmission of a four-wheel drive vehicle powered by an engine. The vehicle is provided with a transmission for transmitting a power of the engine to main wheels and a clutch for selectively transmitting the power to auxiliary wheels. In order to detect sudden braking of the vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor and a control circuit for detecting deceleration of the vehicle greater than a predetermined value are provided, the control circuit producing an output signal. A switch is provided responsive to the output signal for engaging the clutch, whereby the four-wheel driving power transmission is established.

Abstract: A control system for automatically selecting a two wheel drive mode or a four wheel drive mode has a rainfall sensor for measuring the amount of precipitation such as rain, an acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle, a control unit connected with the sensors for generating a 2WD or 4WD command signal, and an actuator for changing the drive system of the vehicle between the two wheel drive mode and four wheel drive mode in response to the command signal of the control unit. The control unit such as a microcomputer determines a reference acceleration and a reference deceleration each of which is a function of the rainfall measured by the rainfall sensor, and generates the 2WD command signal if the actual acceleration or deceleration is smaller than the reference acceleration or deceleration, and the 4WD command signal if the actual acceleration or deceleration is greater than the reference acceleration or deceleration.

Abstract: A part-time type four-wheel drive system has a 2WD-4WD changeover means capable of changing the drive system from a four-wheel drive mode to a two-wheel drive mode and vice versa. The four-wheel drive system is equipped with a control system for automatically changing the drive system from the four-wheel drive mode to the two-wheel drive mode by commanding the changeover means when a steering angle of the vehicle becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined angle. The control system may has a vehicle speed sensor. In this case, the control system changes the drive system from the four-wheel drive mode to the two-wheel drive mode only when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A vehicle generally consisting of a body of monocoque construction, front and rear axle assemblies provided with brakes, wheels and tires, suspension systems mounted on the axle assemblies for supporting the body on the axle assemblies, a steering system, an engine mounted in the body between the axle assemblies and adjacent both a side of the body and the rear axle assembly, a transmission mounted on the body rearwardly of the engine, a chain assembly for transmitting drive from the transmission downwardly and laterally, means for transmitting drive from a lower end of the chain assembly forwardly to the rear axle assembly, a cooling system for the engine mounted in the body and control means mounted on the body for operating the engine and transmission.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle has a main transmission system which can be set to any one of a plurality of speed stages, and a transfer transmission system which receives power from the main transmission system and can be selectively set either to a two wheel drive operational mode or a four wheel drive operational mode.

Abstract: A dog clutch construction is provided for selectively rotationally connecting or disconnecting two coaxially arranged shafts. The dog clutch includes teeth on each shaft which are axially juxtaposed to each other. A toothed sleeve is engaged over the teeth. The sleeve is axially movable from a first position located on only one set of teeth to a second position located on both sets of teeth. A new meshing process is provided for meshing the teeth of the sleeve with the other two sets of teeth. A means for axially driving the sleeve from the first position to the second position is also provided, including an annular power piston positioned coaxially with the sleeve and a mechanism for transmitting the driving movement of the piston to the sleeve.

Abstract: A control system for a two-wheel/four-wheel drive vehicle having a rear axle which can be operated in a high speed mode or a low speed mode and a front axle which can be drivingly coupled to the engine power train to place or maintain the rear axle in the low speed mode when the front axle is sensed to be engaged. The control system includes several switches. A first switch is provided for sensing when the front axle is drivingly coupled to the power train. A second switch is associated with a speed selection control system of the vehicle for causing the power train to be driven in a low speed mode or a high speed mode. A third switch is coupled to the first switch and is responsive to sensing of the front axle being drivingly coupled to the power train for preventing the second switch from causing the rear axle to be driven in the high speed mode and for forcing the rear axle to be driven in the low speed mode so long as the front axle is drivingly coupled to the power train.

Abstract: A system for controlling a power transmission of a four-wheel drive vehicle powered by an engine has a transmission for transmitting the power of the engine to main driving wheels of the four-wheel drive vehicle, and a clutch for transmitting the power to auxiliary driving wheels. A hydraulic circuit and a solenoid operated valve are provided for operating the clutch.First sensors are provided for detecting the speed of the main and auxiliary driving wheels, respectively, and second sensors are provided for detecting depression of an accelerator pedal and depression of a brake pedal of the vehicle respectively. When a large difference between the speed of the wheels is detected, the clutch is engaged, and when a large acceleration and large deceleration dependent on the output of the first sensors are detected, the clutch is engaged for establishing the four-wheel drive.

Abstract: A power change-over mechanism of a vehicle for industrial machinery, in which a power change-over spool is divided into an outer peripheral side member and an inner peripheral side member, the both members are spline connected each other freely movably in the axial direction. An interlocking stopper mechanism defining said axial movement and an urging means are provided, which urges the outer peripheral side member toward the direction of operation at the time when the outer peripheral side member is operated.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive system of a part-time type having a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode is provided with an automatic control system for automatically changing the condition of the drive system from the two-wheel drive mode to the four-wheel drive mode when the braking force of the vehicle becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The control system may have means for determining a coefficient of friction between the tire and road surface to change the drive system to the four-wheel drive mode at a low braking force level when the sensed coefficient of friction is low.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive system has a center differential between front and rear wheels, and means of restraining or locking the center differential. The four-wheel drive system is equipped with a control system for automatically unlocking the center differential when the steering angle becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined angle. The control system may further have a vehicle speed sensor. In this case, the control system unlocks the center differential only when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain (16) disclosed includes a viscous clutch (30) that is driven by an auxiliary output (52) of a transaxle (28) to provide four-wheel driving when needed while providing two-wheel driving at other times. A selector (54) is preferably incorporated to selectively (a) disconnect the auxiliary output (52) of the transaxle from the pair of wheels not normally driven thereby, (b) connect the auxiliary output (52) of the transaxle to the second pair of wheels through the viscous clutch (30), or (c) connect the auxiliary output (52) of the transaxle to an output (60) of the viscous clutch (30) in a bypassed relationship to the clutch. The drivetrain (16) has particular utility when utilized with a transversely mounted front engine and can be utilized with a transaxle (28) of either the automatic or manual shifting type.

Abstract: Magnetically synchronized clutch apparatus includes a jaw clutch and an electromagnetic synchronizer. The jaw clutch has a rotatable sleeve member and a rotatable shift assembly with a shift member. A spring biases the shift member for engagement with the sleeve member. The shift assembly is slidable to a position in which the members remain disengaged when not rotating in approximate synchronism. The electromagnetic synchronizer brings the members into approximate synchronism upon sliding of the shift assembly.

Abstract: A gear transfer unit for selectively shifting an engine driven vehicle to either a two-wheel or four-wheel drive mode while in motion which unit includes a gear system of constant mesh gears, a synchronizer and means for activating the synchronizer for selective high and low speed coupling of the input drive to the front and rear output shafts of the unit.

Abstract: A part-time type four-wheel drive vehicle has automatic locking clutches which are automatically engaged to connect the front wheels with their axle shafts when the vehicle is moved in the four-wheel drive mode, and can be disengaged by rotating the axle shafts in the reverse direction in the two-wheel drive mode. The vehicle is further provided with a rotation sensor for sensing a rotation of the front propeller shaft or other member for driving the front wheels, and an indicator for informing the driver of the engagement of the automatic locking clutches if the front propeller shaft is rotating. The vehicle may be further provided with a vehicle movement sensor.

Abstract: A power change-over mechanism of a vehicle for industrial machinery, in which a power change-over spool is divided into an outer peripheral side member and an inner peripheral side member, splines freely meshing with splines of a high-speed gear and a low-speed gear are formed on the outer peripheral side member, a spline freely meshing with splines of a first driving shaft and a second driving shaft is formed on the inner peripheral side member, and the both members are connected each other so as to integrally rotate in the rotational direction and to relatively slide through a damper means in the axial direction.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for four-wheel drive automotive vehicles comprising a torque converter, an automatic transmission connected to a turbine shaft of the torque converter for transmitting the output of the engine to the front-wheel, a fluid operated clutch for transmitting the output to the rear-wheel, and a pressure oil control for operating the automatic transmission. The pressure oil control includes a pressure regulator valve to produce a line pressure according to the operational condition of the engine and a changeover valve for operating the clutch. The pressure oil control is so arranged that the line pressure is raised with increase of load of the engine, and the changeover valve is adapted to be manually operated actuated to operate the clutch by the raised line pressure and such that the automatic transmission is automatically changed to the four-wheel drive in accordance with the driving condition.

Abstract: A part-time four-wheel drive system for a motor vehicle includes a first set of wheels on a rear axleshaft driven from a transfer case through an axle differential, a front driveshaft driven from the transfer case, which transmits power to front axleshafts through a front axle differential. Integrally formed with the front differential mechanism is an automatic center disconnect which selectively connects and disconnects the front driveshaft from one of the front axleshafts. A cam mechanism within the differential mechanism moves a cam follower outward thereby producing a splined connection between the differential output and the selectively engaged front axleshaft so that the second wheel set is driven from the transfer case.