Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission mechanism of an automotive vehicle.The mechanism comprises a drive shaft, an input shaft, a coupling, a reversing gear, means for applying a brake to the input shaft and means for selecting the operating condition of the reversing gear. The brake actuating means comprise a hydraulic circuit, incorporating a solenoid valve, the energizing circuit of which comprises a normally open switch and a normally closed switch. Means for closing the switch comprise a self-hold relay of which an energizing circuit incorporates contact pairs operated by the selection means.

Abstract: A circular discoid member is secured in a cylindrical member by means of a resilient split ring received in an annular groove formed in the internal surface of the cylindrical member. The resilient ring projects radially inwardly into engagement with an abutment zone of a peripheral surface of the circular member to retain the circular member against a biasing force applied thereto in one axial direction, while permitting displacement of the circular member in the other axial direction. A peripheral surface portion of the circular member on the opposite side of the resilient ring to the abutment zone has a diameter less than the internal diameter of the resilient ring when received in the groove and at least equal to the internal diameter of the ring when compressed for introduction into the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An improved inertia switch having a variable threshold and operating time comprises a flywheel, a driving member, electrical contact elements carried respectively by the driving member and the flywheel and return means coupled between the driving member and the flywheel. The contact element carried by the flywheel comprises on the one hand a contact terminal integral with a support coupled by friction to the flywheel, the contact terminal co-operating with a part of the contact carried by the driving member, and on the other hand, a contact surface integral with the flywheel co-operating with a second contact part carried by the driving member. The switch is particularly applicable for detecting imminent locking of a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transmission mechanism for automobile vehicle, which comprises a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a coupling device, a reversing device, means for actuating a brake of the driven shaft and means for selecting the positions of engagement of the reversing device, the actuating means being constituted by a hydraulic circuit in which is disposed an electrovalve whose excitation circuit comprises a switch which is normally open and a switch which is normally closed, means for closing said first switch and means for opening said second switch being provided respectively between them and the selection means. The invention finds advantageous application in the field of the automobile.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder having a horizontal axis, one end of the cylinder being formed as a combustion chamber and the other end opening into a crankcase receiving a lubricating atmosphere. A piston slidable in the cylinder has a space therein communicating with the crankcase. The piston is formed with grooves of rectangular cross-section with a base and a pair of transverse surfaces. A scraper groove furthest from the combustion chamber receives a scraper ring and has orifices in its base communicating with the piston space, the other sealing grooves receiving piston rings, annular gaps between the piston and cylinder being left on each side of the piston and scraper rings. The annular gaps are placed in continuous communication with the groove bases by at least one recess on each transverse surface of a sealing groove and by at least one recess on that transverse surface of the scraper groove which is nearest the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a heat generator comprises means for spraying fuel into an air inlet tube, which means are branched off a fuel supply line supplied by a pump having a fuel delivery greater than the fuel comsumption rate of the generator. The fuel line extends to a constant-level chamber by way of a variable-opening throttle element controlled in dependence upon the air flow through the inlet tube, the pump intake being connected to the constant-level chamber. A bypass circuit is adapted to connect the fuel pump output to a fuel reservoir and is closed by a calibrated valve which opens in response to a predetermined fuel pump delivery rate so that the fuel in the constant-level chamber is renewed when the rate of generator fuel comsumption is low.

Abstract: Hydraulic height-adjustment vehicle suspension system includes an arrangment for blocking up the suspension and adapted to prevent the collapsing thereof when the vehicle is kept stationary for a prolonged time period. The blocking arrangement includes a buffer member retractable and engageable in the fashion of a chock or the like, between a movable member of the suspension system and a fixed portion of the body or chassis of the vehicle. Preferably, a control for each buffer member includes a hydraulic receiver operating against the force of a return spring urging the buffer member to its retracted position, and a hydraulic chamber is provided which communicates with the receivers and is urged to its hydraulic fluid delivering condition by the actuation of the hand brake control of the vehicle to its brake applying position.

Abstract: A transmission device for a vehicle comprises a common linearly movable selector rod for selecting the drive mode of the transmission and for actuating a parking brake. The driving mode is determined by a rack formed on the rod and engageable with a pinion, and the parking brake is actuated by means of a lever controlled by a cam carried by the rod.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises an external cup-like element, and a part spherical head located in the element. Three balls are interposed between opposing surfaces of the head and the element and are engaged in pairs of grooves in the head and in the element. The balls are retained in slots in a cage. An auxiliary groove is formed in the external element adjacent one of the ball-receiving grooves and is spaced therefrom by a surface having a width less than that of the slots in the cage whereby this surface can be located in one of the slots during assembly of the joint to permit insertion of the cage into the external element.

Abstract: A safety brake pedal for power-assisted brake systems of motor vehicles of the type having a source of fluid under pressure includes a member adapted to transmit the brake control effort and associated with and normally locked to the brake pedal by an assembly responsive to the fluid from the source. The interlocking action is removed in case of accidental drop or failure in the fluid pressure, the extra free stroke of the brake pedal thus permitted being utilized for actuating a safety brake.

Abstract: A ground-protecting screen for an exhaust duct of a motor vehicle comprises a metallic grid carrying a metallic fabric. Preferably the fabric faces towards the duct.

Abstract: An inertia switch for detecting impending locking of a rotaty member, such as a vehicle wheel, and having a variable deceleration detection threshold has a flywheel rotatable on a shaft adapted to be driven by the rotary member, a flywheel drive element on the shaft and biased by a spring into engagement with a stop on the flywheel, the flywheel and drive element carrying respective contacts of a pair of closable contacts which are open when the drive element is engaged with the stop, and a weighted lever pivoted on the flywheel eccentrically of the shaft, and co-operable with the drive element to apply a force dependent upon the rotational speed of the flywheel to oppose closing of the contacts. A rigid link on the spring may connect a free end of the lever with the drive element, and the lever may be a bell crank having one weighted limb and a second limb which abuts against the drive element and to which the spring can be attached.