Abstract: A differential gear includes a rotatable housing, a first output shaft connected to a first gear element and a second output shaft connected to a second gear element of a differential planet gear train disposed within the housing and having further gear elements attached to the housing. A planet gear train is disposed within the housing and has a ring gear attached to the housing, a planet wheel connected to the ring gear and a sun wheel connected to the planet wheel. The sun wheel is connected to a hollow shaft having the second output shaft disposed therein. A fluid pump having a first member rotatable with the hollow shaft and a second member rotatable relative to the first member is disposed between the housing and the hollow shaft for braking relative rotation between the housing and the hollow shaft in response to a difference in rotational speed between the first and the second output shaft.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly includes an output shaft which drives a differential assembly. The differential assembly includes a first gear comprised of a spur gear which is adapted to be driven by the output shaft, a sun gear movable with the first gear, a non-movable ring gear, a plurality of planet gears adapted to be drivingly connected to the ring gear and to be driven by the sun gear orbitally thereabout, a planet gear carrier for rotatably supporting the plurality of planet gears and movable therewith, and a differential carried by the planet gear carrier. The differential is adapted to drive an axle on which two wheels are mounted.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a transfer case equipped with a dual-planetary gear reduction unit and a synchronized range shift mechanism operable for permitting the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The transfer case is also equipped with an electronically-controlled slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a dual-planetary gear reduction unit that is operable for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios, and a synchronized range shift mechanism that is adapted to permit the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes an slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A drive mechanism provided with a forward and reverse input and a forward and reverse drive whereby a single output-member is caused to produce forward drive from forward-rotation, reverse-rotation and oscillatory-rotation applied to a single input-member whereby the reverse-rotation applied to the input-member is mechanically converted to usable forward drive through an arrangement of gears and one-way clutches and thereby doubling the efficiency of the input and drive while the single output-member can also be caused to produce reverse drive from forward-rotation, reverse-rotation and oscillatory-rotation applied to the input-member whereby the forward-rotation applied to the input is mechanically converted to usable reverse drive through an arrangement of gears and one-way clutches with forward drive being achieved by an identical pair of geared and spring-loaded pivotable selector mechanisms at the input and output end of the device pivotting into simultaneous engagement with the geared input member and a

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a transfer case equipped with a dual-planetary gear reduction unit and a synchronized range shift mechanism operable for permitting the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The transfer case is also equipped with an electronically-controlled slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator has two motors which normally operate at the same speed and combine (sum) to move a load via a rotary actuator output member. If the motors begin to operate at different speeds, this indicates that the system has failed, and the output member is automatically decoupled from the remainder of the actuator. This leaves the output member free to rotate relative to the remainder of the actuator. The speeds of the motors are monitored by a differential mechanism which produces a rotary output proportional to the average of the two motor speeds. This average is normally the same as the speed of the output member. Decoupling of the output member occurs when this average deviates from the output member speed.

Abstract: The speed reducing mechanism employing a planetary gear train can be interposed between a ring (36), engaged with an output gear (13) of the gearbox, and the case (16) which constitutes the input element of the differential. In this speed reducing mechanism, the ring is rotatively guided on two smooth journals and the reducing mechanism can be locked by means of a shifting sleeve (46). Such a simple, small and inexpensive arrangement permits improving the motricity of vehicles having two or four driving wheels, for example of the type capable of travelling over all types of roads and tracks.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a four wheel drive vehicle has, in the region of the front axle, a distributor assembly 5 which includes the distributor differential 13 for distributing the driving torque between the front axle and rear axle and two viscous couplings 39, 51 for at least partially locking the two differentials 13, 15. The two viscous couplings 39, 51 are arranged side by side, but coaxially relative to the rotational axis X--X. They are accommodated in a separate housing 14c which is removably connected to the housing 14c accommodating the front axle differential. A compact assembly is provided which, furthermore, by means of plug-in connections 40, 52, 59, enables an easy connection and association with the distributor differential 13 and the front axle differential 15, so that in a simple way, merely by exchanging a small number of parts, for instance the plug-in shaft 36, it is possible to provide a four wheel drive in a modular design, with and without locking means for the differentials.

Abstract: A planetary gear device including a first gear, a second gear, a carrier, and composite planetary gears each having a large- and a small-diameter pinion that are formed integrally with each other and arranged in the axial direction. The composite planetary gears are mounted rotatably on respective pinion shafts such that the composite planetary gears are axially movable over predetermined distances due to axial plays, and the pinion shafts are supported by the carrier such that the pinion shafts are disposed around an axis of the carrier. The pinions of the composite planetary gears mesh with the first and second gears, respectively. Each of the first and second gears and the pinions consists of a helical gear whose teeth have a helix angle with respect to the axis. The large-diameter and small-diameter pinions have the same direction of helix and the same amount of lead.

Abstract: An automatic four-wheel-drive vehicle having a multiple-ratio transmission with a torque output shaft connected drivably to a rear driving axle and a transfer gear box having a front drive shaft connected drivably to a front axle, the transfer case providing a four-wheel low-drive mode, a neutral mode and a two-wheel-drive/automatic four-wheel drive mode, an electric motor adapted to shift the transfer case from one mode to another mode and an electronic controller responsive to predetermined driving conditions for effecting an automatic shift of the transfer case from either a forward drive mode or a reverse drive mode to the neutral drive mode whereby the vehicle is conditioned for towing by interrupting the torque flow path from the rear drive wheels of the vehicle to the transmission mechanism and transfer case.

Abstract: A multiple rotation materials processor for trituration or mixing of materials comprises a first and second coupled differential gear assemblies rotatingly positioned on a mount, and an outer container rotatingly coupled to a first differential gear assembly containing an inner container in which processants to be triturated or mixed are stored. A first motor fixed to the mount rotates the coupled gear assemblies about a first axis wherein the outer container revolves thereabout. A second motor fixed to an opposite side of the mount, and cylinder container mounted on the rotating second gear assembly and effected by a second axis perpendicular to the coupled rotation of the gear assemblies. A gas conduit leads into a space within the outer container surrounding the inner container whereby the ambient temperature and pressure of the processant can be controlled.

Abstract: A two speed transfer case includes a spring biased dog clutch connecting a shift sleeve to a main input shaft and an electromagnetic friction clutch for transferring torque from the shift sleeve to one of the outputs. This arrangement allows dynamic upshifts and downshifts and modulation of the torque split between the outputs.

Abstract: A stepless automatic variable transmission with gears in a state of constant meshing which is operational without the need for disengaging or changing the gears such that the rotational output power can be varied to effect a neutral, low speed, medium speed, high speed, overdrive or reverse rotation by selecting a stepless automatic speed change method or a manual speed change method, and which includes a speed change system, an overdrive system and a speed change controlling system.The assembly of speed change system, the overdrive system and the speed change controlling system can vary with each of the systems combined to result in numerous stepless automatic variable transmissions. To effect speed changes low speed, medium speed, overdrive, and reverse rotation brake devices are used. Also, either the manual speed change method or the automatic speed change method can be elected.

Abstract: A torque split control apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle including an engine for producing a drive. The automotive vehicle is supported on a pair of primary drive wheels and a pair of secondary drive wheels. The drive is transmitted from the engine to the primary drive wheels and to the secondary drive wheels through a torque distributing clutch capable of varying a torque transmitted to the secondary drive wheels. A control torque is calculated based upon a difference between the primary and secondary drive wheel rotational speeds. The control torque is transmitted through the torque distributing clutch to provide a desired turning characteristic to the vehicle. At least one vehicle condition dependent torque, which is dependent on a specified vehicle operating condition, is calculated. Vehicle operating conditions are monitored to produce a command signal when a 4WD control is demanded.

Abstract: A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Three or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein equal distribution of torque is required at three or more outputs. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto. Typical applications include powering three or more live axles on vehicles, providing rotary power for developing equal torques for simultaneously tightening multiple bolts, and generating equal forces on the gripper fingers of robotic hands. In addition, the outputs can be applied to leveling devices where three or more legs must apply equal pressures on a surface.

Abstract: A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Four or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement may be expanded to any number of outputs, and is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein a predetermined distribution of torque is required at four or more outputs, irrespective of their speeds. All the outputs are coupled as a series of all epicyclic differentiating mechanisms, or a series of epicyclic and bevel differentiating mechanisms. N outputs are achieved by introducing multiple epicyclic gear mechanisms. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto.

Abstract: Differential gearing is provided between an input shaft and an output shaft. The gearing comprises a pair of similar gear sets mounted in confronting, coaxial relation, and may comprise known differential gearing such, for example, as planetary gearing or harmonic drive gearing. A control effects differential speeds between the input and output shafts. A spring loaded friction clutch acts between the input and output shafts, and parallel with the differential gear sets, to reduce the loading on the gear sets, and to provide an essentially zero backlash torque connection between the input and output shafts. The friction clutch may be used to provide loading or drag to a gear set at the end of a series of gears.

Abstract: A dual drum drive unit, in particular for a ropeway, with at least one motor includes a transmission unit for dividing the motor power to the drums in order to attain a high efficiency. The transmission unit includes a first gearing which is operatively connected to the motor and has an output, and a second gearing which is operatively connected to the first gearing and has two outputs which are respectively connected to the drums, with the output of the first gearing being selectively connectable with the two outputs of the second gearing.

Abstract: A torque distributing differential for distributing torque from an input element to two output elements and including a first planetary carrier connected to one of the two output elements of the differential and a sun gear coupled to the other of the two output elements. A second planetary carrier of a planetary gear type torque distributing mechanism coupled to the other of the two output elements. An external tooth gear of a ring gear of the torque distributing mechanism and an external tooth gear of the first planetary carrier being operatively connected to each other with a predetermined reduction ration through a pair of spur gears, so that the sun gear is rotatably driven by a motor.

Abstract: A power transfer device adapted for use in combination with a primary transmission for an automotive vehicle, including a housing, a first output shaft rotatably mounted on the housing and having an input end for drive connection to an output shaft of the power transmission and an output end for drive connection to a first set of road wheels, a second output shaft rotatably mounted within the housing in parallel with the first output shaft and having an output end for drive connection to a second set of road wheels, a drive member rotatably mounted on the first output shaft, a driven member mounted on the second output shaft for rotation therewith and being drivingly connected to the drive member, a center differential in the form of a planetary gear unit mounted on the first output shaft and having a first output element in drive connection to the first output shaft and a second output element for drive connection to the drive member, and a changeover mechanism arranged between the planetary gear unit and th

Abstract: The present invention provides a motor vehicle traction control system for providing on-demand four-wheel drive under certain tractive and operational conditions. The present invention is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into the four-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motor vehicle traction control system for providing on-demand four-wheel drive under certain tractive and operational conditions. The traction control system permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in the conventional two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive mode or the "on-demand" four-wheel drive mode. Moreover, the traction control system is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into either of the two-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive modes.

Abstract: A power transmission device for converting a four wheel drive vehicle is disclosed. The device utilizes the existing highway gear ratios available on standard front wheel drive vehicles. By incorporating an additional gear ratio for both the front and rear wheels, the lower gear ratios desired by off-road users are provided.

Abstract: A complex central differential is provided for distributing the output of an automatic transmission to front and rear wheels of a motor vehicle. The complex central differential comprises a planetary gear device including a first sun gear operatively connected to an output shaft of the transmission, a carrier, first and second planetary pinions integral with each other and rotatably supported on the carrier, and a second sun gear, and a ring gear. The first planetary pinion is engaged with the first sun gear and with the ring gear, the second planetary pinion is engaged with the second sun gear. The carrier is operatively connected to either of the front wheels or the rear wheels and the second sun gear is operatively connected to the rear wheels. A brake is provided to prevent the ring gear from rotating when output speed of the transmission exceeds a predetermined speed in a first speed range of the transmission, thereby providing the lowest speed.

Abstract: A central differential is provided for distributing the output of an automatic transmission to front and rear wheels of a motor vehicle. The central differential comprises a planetary gear device including a first sun gear operatively connected to an output shaft of the transmission, a carrier, first and second planetary pinions integral with each other and rotatably supported on the carrier, and a second sun gear. The first planetary pinion is engaged with the first sun gear, and the second planetary pinion is engaged with the second sun gear. The carrier is operatively connected to either the front wheels or rear wheels and the second sun gear is operatively connected to the other wheels. A brake is provided to prevent the second sun gear from rotating when output speed of the transmission exceeds a predetermined speed in the highest speed range of the transmission thereby providing an overdrive speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle four wheel drive torque transfer case having a friction clutch which is selectively engaged when it is desired to place the transfer case in a four wheel drive operating mode. The transfer case includes an input shaft which is connected to supply torque to a rear output shaft. A multi-disc friction clutch is connected between the input shaft and a front output shaft for supplying torque to the front output shaft. A planetary gear assembly includes a sun gear, a carrier a planet carrier connected to the input shaft, and a ring gear coupled to drive the front output shaft. The multi-disc clutch is interposed between the sun gear and the ring gear and is engaged to inhibit any rotation of the planet carrier relative to the ring gear and thereby transfer torque to the front output shaft. The planetary gear assembly functions as a .sctn.'torque multipler" and this reduces the torque capacity requirements for the clutch.

Abstract: A planetary gear device as a central differential is provided. The planetary gear device has a first sun gear connected to an output shaft of a transmission, a carrier, first and second planetary pinions rotatably supported on the carrier through a shaft, and a second sun gear. The first planetary pinion is engaged with the first sun gear, and the second planetary pinion is engaged with the second sun gear. Each of the sun gears and the planetary pinions is arranged such that resultant force produced by a separative load and a tangential load at a contact point of the pinion and the sun gear is exerted on a bearing on the shaft, so that friction at the bearing produces a differential operation restricting torque.

Abstract: A power train includes a transmission disposed in a transverse direction of a vehicle, in which an engine crankshaft extends. The power train has a wheel drive shaft, disposed in alignment with a transmission shaft, a front differential, having differential output shafts aligned with the transmission shaft, and a speed reduction gear, disposed between the transmission shaft and differential input shaft. The speed reduction gear has an input gear, having an axis of rotation placed parallel to the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft is one of input shaft and output shaft, having axes of rotation which are placed parallel to the engine crankshaft. The wheel drive shaft and differential output shaft are aligned with the one of the transmission input and output shafts. The speed reduction gear, connected to the one of the transmission input and output shafts, is preferably parallel to both of the transmission input and output shafts.

Abstract: A differential gear has a housing which is rotatably driven and which contains the shafts of differential planet wheels for rotation with the housing. The planet wheels are freely rotatable per se and are associated with meshing side wheels rotatably journalled relative to the housing and rotatably connected with a respective shaft which is rotatable relative to the housing.

Abstract: A full time four wheel drive system has a housing in the vicinity of an engine and a transmission, a central differential gear assembly and a viscous coupling assembly containing a front differential gear assembly. The central differential gear, front wheel differential gear, and viscous coupling assemblies are disposed in parallel relationship within the housing for uniformly distributing the load of axle and drive shafts according to the road conditions. The system has a simple structure and economically uses the space in the engine compartment.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive powertrain for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine mounted transversely with respect to the fore-and-aft vehicle center plane and a gearing mechanism having a principal axis forming a cross-axis configuration with respect to the axis of the crankshaft of the engine, and a rearward controlled-slip differential adapted to transfer driving torque from the gearing mechanism to rearward traction wheels.

Abstract: In a gear apparatus including first and second axles arranged perpendicular to each other within a gear housing; a spur gear is fixed to the first axle; and first and second bevel gears are fixed to the first and second axles, respectively in mesh with each other, the first bevel gear is fixed to the first axle near a first bearing; the spur gear is fixed to the first axle between the first bevel gear and a second bearing; the second bevel gear is fixed to the second axle; and the first bearing for supporting the first axle is located in the vicinity of a small-diameter side surface of the second bevel gear. Therefore, the axial length of the first axle can be shortened, load applied to the spur gear can be supported uniformly on both the ends of the first axle, and the first bearing can be sufficiently lubricated by the rotating bevel gears, thus decreasing the apparatus size and increasing the apparatus life time.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus on a four-wheel-drive motor vehicle can distribute and transmit drive power from a power unit to front and rear drive road wheels such that the rotational speeds of the front and rear drive road wheels can differ from each other.

Abstract: A driveline is provided for vehicles with two or more driving wheels in which power is carried between the transmission and each wheel through a parallel shaft differential with two internal gear pairs. A traction balance, connecting the differentials, counterbalances reactive torque. Relative wheel traction is varied by change gears within the traction balance or by control torque applied to traction balance components.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for driving four wheels of a car at all times. In this device, a differential is provided between the left front wheel shaft and right rear wheel shaft and likewise a differential is also provided between the right front wheel shaft and left rear wheel shaft so that said two differentials can be driven by the same driving source.

Abstract: A central differential comprising a planetary gear device is parallel to front axles of a motor vehicle, and coaxially to a transfer shaft of a transfer device. The planetary gear device comprises a first sun gear connected to an output shaft of a transmission, a carrier, first and second planetary pinions integral with each other and rotatably supported on the carrier, and a second sun gear. The first planetary pinion is engaged with the first sun gear, and the second planetary pinion is engaged with the second sun gear. A fluid operated multiple-disk clutch is disposed coaxial to the central differential so as to restrict the differential operation of the planetary gear device.

Abstract: To provide symmetrically wide inner spaces near two front or rear wheels of an automotive vehicle in which an engine and a transmission are arranged in series in the vehicle transversal direction, a first large-sized viscous coupling is disposed near a small-sized front or rear differential gear to limit the differential motion thereof; and a second small-sized viscous coupling is disposed near a large-sized center differential gear to limit the differential motion thereof. The center differential gear is disposed on the transmission side to differentially distribute engine power to front and rear wheels, and the front or rear differential gear is disposed on the engine side to further differentially distribute engine power distributed by the center differential gear to right and left wheels.

Abstract: A central differential for splitting output torque of a transmission is formed by a complex planetary device. The planetary device comprises an input sun gear operatively connected with an output shaft of the transmission, a plurality of output sun gears, a carrier, and a pinion member comprising a plurality of planetary pinions integral with each other and rotatably supported on the carrier. Fluid operated friction clutches are provided for selectively connecting one of the output sun gears to an output member of the central differential.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four wheel drive vehicle providing a central shaft defining a first output concentrically surrounded by a forward high/low drive range gear set and an aft dual planetary inter-axle differential gear set. A range clutch collar is disposed between the gear sets for selectively providing four wheel drive low range, neutral, and full-time four wheel drive high range. Likewise, a mode sleeve is disposed between the gear sets for selectively locking the differential gear set when the vehicle is shifted into its four wheel low range. Inner and outer relatively rotational drum housings surrounded the aft dual planetary differential gear set for defining an annular viscous fluid coupling chamber therebetween.

Abstract: A central differential comprising a planetary gear device is coaxially mounted on one of the axles of a motor vehicle. The planetary gear device comprises a first sun gear connected to an output shaft of a transmission, a carrier, first and second planetary pinions integral with each other and rotatably supported on the carrier, and a second sun gear. The first planetary pinion is engaged with the first sun gear, and the second planetary pinion is engaged with the second sun gear. A fluid-operated multiple-disk clutch is disposed so as to restrict the differential operation of the planetary gear device.

Abstract: A differential mechanism is provided with two output shafts 202 and 204 coaxially arranged and extending to wheels 203 and 205 of a vehicle. The differential is provided with a pair of connected discs 221, 209, the disc 209 being rotated about the common axis of the shafts 204, 202 by a drive shaft 206 and a pinion. An intermediate shaft 211 is eccentrically positioned between the two discs 209, 221 and is formed with a circumferentially extending spiral tooth 241. The tooth 241 engages a driving gear 217 fixed to the shaft 202 at one end-portion and the other end-portion of the member 240 provides a member in mesh with the second member 216 fixed to the shaft 204. The teeth of the members 216 and 240 are shaped and positioned so that drive between them is inefficient but they will translate over one another if the member 216 is rotated in the same direction and at the same speed as the member 240.

Abstract: A transfer case operation mode shifting apparatus used on a vehicle equipped with part-time four-wheel drive which having a center-differential shiftable between a differential-locked and differental-free drive mode of operation and between a two-wheel and a four-wheel drive mode of operation and a transfer shiftable between a high-speed range and a low-speed range drive mode of operation. The transfer case is shifted in its drive mode of operation by an operation mode selecting member for selecting a desired drive mode of operation. A power drive operation mode shifting device is provided in cooperation with the drive mode selecting member and a controller to actually shift the transfer case from one drive mode of operation to another. The controller is adapted to detect that the center-differential gear assembly of the transfer case is in a differential-locked four-wheel drive mode of operation so as to inhibit a transition of the center-differential to a two-wheel drive mode of operation.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four wheel drive vehicle providing a drive range planetary gear set selectively positionable at a low speed output position, a high speed output position and a neutral position; having a dual planetary inter-axle differential gear set axially spaced from the range planetary gear set. The differential gear set is selectively positionable to provide a two-wheel drive mode to a first output and a full-time four-wheel drive mode with differential action between the first output and a second output. A viscous fluid clutch is selectively connected between the first and second outputs for modifying torque division therebetween whereby the viscous clutch is disconnected upon shifting into the two-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: A two-stage final drive selectively provides two gear ratios between a transmission output member and the final drive or differential in a vehicle driveline. The two-stage final drive utilizes a planetary gear arrangement having a plurality of stepped pinion gears meshing with an input sun gear and two selectively brakeable ring gears. The planet carrier is connected with the input to a differential gear arrangement. The stepped pinion planetary gear arrangement provides two underdrive ratios and has operatively connected to one of the reacting ring gears, a dual mode roller clutch which is selectively controlled to provide a path to ground in two directions when the transmission is conditioned for Park, Reverse or Neutral, and a path to ground in one direction during the operation of the transmission in the forward direction. The dual mode device will permit forward rotation of the low speed ring gear when the high speed ring gear is selected as the reaction member.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle including an engine of which output shaft extends transversely, a transmission connected with one side of the engine transversely through a clutch or a torque converter, an inter-axle differential machanism constituted by a planetary gear machanism, a first inter-wheel differential mechanism of a bevel gear type for transmitting a driving force to first wheels which are located closer to the engine than second wheels longitudinally, second inter-wheel differential mechanism for transmitting the driving force the second wheels through transfer gear mechanism, propeller shaft mechanism, and inter-axle differential restricting mechanism for restricting a differential operation. The inter-axle differential mechanism, input gear means of the transfer gear mechanism and the first inter-wheel differential mechanism are coaxially disposed on an axle of the first wheels.

Abstract: A differential device having a central differential coaxially provided with an axle and a differential provided on the axle. The central differential has a differential case, a pair of pinion shafts, a pair of pinions rotatably mounted on the pinion shafts respectively, and first and second side gears engaged with the pinions. The pinion shafts are operatively connected to an output member of a transmission. The differential has a differential case operatively connected to the first side gear of the central differential, a pinion and a pair of side gears engaged with the pinion and secured to the axle, respectively. The second side gear of the central differential is operatively connected to the axle of the vehicle.

Abstract: A "Z" type power transmission including a steerable housing having a propeller shaft exiting therefrom. The steerable housing is mounted to a drive housing in a manner which allows rotational motion relative to the drive housing. The drive housing receives the drive shaft and steering control from the vessel and is arranged for selective vertical pivotal movement about the axis of the drive shaft to elevate the transmission. Drive force transmission between the steerable and drive housings is accomplished by use of coaxial shafts. Steering torque is provided to the drive housing along the same axis as the drive shaft so as to maintain both drive and steering torque during elevation of the unit.

Abstract: A gear box for locking two or four-wheel drive mechanism consists of several planetary gearing systems having sun gears and a plurality of pinions connected to carriers. Sun gears and pinions are connected inside ring gears. Systems are connected to an input shaft and give outputs to wheels. Systems are also connected to four worm gears which are driven by differential gearing units.

Abstract: An automobile has a final reduction gear unit including an orthogonal converter gear train, a speed reducer gear train, and a differential gear train which are mounted on one side of the engine of the automobile. The orthogonal converter gear unit includes a drive bevel gear coupled to a first rotatable shaft for rotation about the axis thereof, and a driven bevel gear mounted on a second rotatable shaft normal to the first rotatable shaft and rotatable about the axis of the second rotatable shaft. The speed reducer gear train includes a drive cylindrical gear mounted on the second rotatable shaft, and a driven cylindrical gear held in mesh with the drive cylindrical gear and mounted on a third shaft for rotation thereabout, the third rotatable shaft lying parallel to the second rotatable shaft.