Abstract: An amphibious vehicle (32) having a transverse mid- or rear-mounted engine (12) arranged to drive rear road wheels (30) and/or through an axial transmission (37), a marine propulsion unit (38), in which the engine (12) is so mounted in relation to the transmission (37) to the marine propulsion unit (38) that the bottom (8) of the engine is below the axis (37) of the transmission. This ensures an advantageous metacentric height which is preferably between 370 and 180 mm.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (40, FIG. 7) comprises engine (2) with its crankshaft aligned with front and rear axis (X) of the vehicle; transmission (3); and differential (4) offset from the transmission. The differential has front and rear outputs (21, 16), whose axes are parallel to axis (X). These outputs drive at least one retractable front road wheel (42, FIG. 7) ahead of the front passenger seats, and corresponding retractable rear road wheel(s) (48, FIG. 7) behind the rear passenger seats. The marine drive power take off (PTO) may be taken from the engine timing end (7), as a sandwich PTO between engine and transmissions (28, FIG. 5), or from the transmission (38, FIG. 6). Front and rear differentials (22 and 17) may be provided. Decouplers may be provided in front and rear road wheel outputs, and in the marine drive (10). The engine may be mounted to the rear of the passenger seat(s).

Abstract: A power train for an amphibious vehicle includes an engine and transaxle arranged North-South, driving front, rear, or all four road wheels. A power take off with optional decoupler and constant velocity joint drives marine drive means. The power take off may be taken from the input shaft of the transmission, and may use a synchronizer. The transaxle includes a differential. The rear wheels may be set back from the differential outputs, with intermediate drives by chains or belts. A sandwich type power take off may also be used. In the four wheel drive embodiment, a power take off is required from the rear differential. Decouplers may be provided in at least one wheel drive shaft on each driven axle.

Abstract: A PTO (power take off) sprocket 65 driving belt or chain 80 is attached to input shaft 42 of a transversely mounted vehicle gearbox 40. The driving face of sprocket 65 is outside casting 52; its driven part 58 is attached to sprocket 46 by bolts 59, running in bearing 64 in flanged spigot 55. Shaft 42 is driven through sprocket 46 by belt or chain 48. Decouplers may be fitted to wheel drive shafts, and to the PTO drive at 76. FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 show automatic and manual gearboxes mounted alongside engines; FIG. 5 also shows marine jet drive 88, bevel gears 84, and Cardan shaft 82. FIG. 7 shows in-line transmission 240. FIG. 8 shows a sandwich PTO 365 with manual gearbox 341 and clutch assembly 336; or automatic gearbox 341 and torque converter 336. Applications are disclosed to semi-automatic, sequential shit automated manual, and CVT gearboxes.

Abstract: Power train for amphibious vehicle has an engine aligned with longitudinal vehicle axis, transmission, and power take off mounted between engine and transmission. At least one marine propulsion unit mounted at the rear of the vehicle, is driven by shaft, which runs alongside the transmission. Either transmission is offset to axis, and marine propulsion unit is on axis; or transmission is on axis, and the marine propulsion unit(s) are offset to axis. The driven road wheels may be the front wheels, the rear wheels, or all four. The engine may be at the front of the vehicle and the transmission at the back. Alternatively, the transmission may drive forward to a differential mounted adjacent to the engine sump, with wheel drive shaft passing through said pump.

Abstract: Power train (20) or an amphibious vehicle comprises engine (8), transmission (9), and transfer case (13) position in-line with longitudinal vehicle axis (A), (FIG. 2), towards the rear of the vehicle, with transmission output (11) facing the front of the vehicle. The transfer drive drives the rear wheels via propeller shaft (15), which extends adjacent the engine to rear differential (6). A marine drive PTO (power take off) may be taken from a shaft from the transfer case (37), (FIGS. 6 to 10), from the propeller shaft (15) (FIG. 4), or from engine crankshaft pulley (2). Marine drive shaft (3) (FIGS. 6 to 10) may run below the engine, or alongside it, on the opposite side of the engine from propeller shaft (15). Decouplers (4, 24, 26; 38, 40, 41) may be provided to the PTO drive, to at least one rear wheel, and on the optional front axle propeller shaft (16).

Abstract: A hydraulic suspension strut (30) has a first on-off valve (58) connecting the first and second chambers (42 and 44), and a second on-off valve (62) connected to chamber (42) only. Suspension arm (3) of wheel (1) can be retracted beyond normal road travel, or protracted to road travel mode, by use of pump (9) and valves (58 and 62). The space in the strut above port (56) may be used as a hydraulic bump stop. An accumulator (50) may be included, as a hydraulic spring. Alternatively, strut (70) (FIG. 6; note alternative accumulator position) allows suspension to be raised above normal road travel. Strut (100) (FIG. 8) may be operated in roadgoing raised, or retracted mode. These struts may be applied to reconfigurable suspensions; particularly for amphibious vehicles, which may require wheels to be withdrawn above the hull water line to reduce drag on water, particularly during cornering.

Abstract: A PTO (power take off) sprocket 65 driving belt or chain 80 is attached to input shaft 42 of a transversely mounted vehicle gearbox 40. The driving face of sprocket 65 is outside casting 52; its driven part 58 is attached to sprocket 46 by bolts 59, running in bearing 64 in flanged spigot 55. Shaft 42 is driven through sprocket 46 by belt or chain 48. Decouplers may be fitted to wheel drive shafts, and to the PTO drive at 76. FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 show automatic and manual gearboxes mounted alongside engines; FIG. 5 also shows marine jet drive 88, bevel gears 84, and Cardan shaft 82. FIG. 7 shows in-line transmission 240. FIG. 8 shows a sandwich PTO 365 with manual gearbox 341 and clutch assembly 336; or automatic gearbox 341 and torque converter 336. Applications are disclosed to semi-automatic, sequential shit automated manual, and CVT gearboxes.