Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (22 or 200) is provided for transmitting steering movement to a rear wheel steering assembly (16) in response to steering movement of a front wheel steering assembly (14). The front wheel steering assembly is controlled by a steering wheel (18) and a power steering assembly (20). The closed hydraulic system (22) includes a pump assembly (50) and an actuator assembly (52) connected together by conduits to define closed fluid flow branches (104,106) for moving a piston (90) in the actuator assembly in response to movement of a piston (72) in the pump assembly. In one embodiment (22) movement of the actuator piston is transmitted to the rear wheel steering assembly via a cam assembly which effects same direction rear wheel steering for rather small front wheel steering angles and which effects opposite direction rear wheel steering for greater front wheel steering angles. In another embodiment (200), the actuator piston (214) is connected directly to the rear wheel steering assembly.

Abstract: An electroviscous fan clutch (10) is employed as an accessory drive mechanism within a truck or automobile. A shaft (36), either driven by the engine or drivig a load (31), carries a clutch member (14) arranged for fluid engagement with a body member (12) for the transmission of torque therebetween when electroviscous fluid is disposed in an operating chamber (45) defined by complimentary shear surfaces (40 and 44) in the clutch and body members. The clutch and body members are electrodes, connected to a source of high voltage potential (86), which establish an electrostatic field within the operating chamber to selectively vary the characteristic viscosity of fliud flowing therethrough.

Abstract: An electroviscous fan clutch (10) is employed as an accessory drive mechanism within a truck or automobile. A shaft (36), either driven by the engine or driving a load (31), carries a clutch member (14) arranged for fluid engagement with a body member (12) for the transmission of torque therebetween when electroviscous fluid is disposed in an operating chamber (45) defined by complimentary shear surfaces (40 and 44) in the clutch and body members. The clutch and body members are electrodes, connected to a source of high voltage potential (86), which establish an electrostatic field within the operating chamber to selectively vary the characteristic viscosity of fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus (22) selectively provides passive rear wheel steering in response to lateral forces acting on the rear wheels during turning maneuvers initiated by a front wheel steering assembly (14). A control assembly (24) includes a logic (104) responsive to signals from a front wheel steer angle sensor (102) and a vehicle speed sensor (100), and provides signals to latches (70,72) of apparatus (22) for effecting same and opposite direction rear wheel steering angles relative to the front wheels. The logic prevents opposite direction steering in response to vehicle speeds above predetermined amount.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (22 or 200) is provided for transmitting steering movement to a rear wheel steering assembly (16) in response to steering movment of a front wheel steering assembly (14). The front wheel steering assembly is controlled by a steering wheel (18) and a power steering assembly (20). The closed hydraulic system (22) includes a pump assembly (50) and an actuator assembly (52) connected together by conduits to define closed fluid flow branches (104,106) for moving a piston (90) in the actuator assembly in response to movement of a piston (72) in the pump assembly. In one embodiment (22) movement of the actuator piston is transmitted to the rear wheel steering assembly via a cam assembly which effects same direction rear wheel steering for rather small front wheel steering angles and which effects opposite direction rear wheel steering for greater front wheel steering angles. In another embodiment (200), the actuator piston (214) is connected directly to the rear wheel steering assembly.

Abstract: A torsional damping mechanism (22) adapted to be disposed between an engine (10) and a transmission (12) operative to drive ground wheels (16) of a vehicle. The mechanism inclues a viscous damping device (30), an idle rattle assembly (32), a torque transmitting torsion spring bar (28) disposed in series with the idle rattle assembly and in parallel with the viscous damping device, and a mechanical friction assembly for connecting the mechanism to the engine. Mechanism (22) is structurally configured to have a low inertia. The viscous damping device includes lost motion means (48k, 50c) which allows attenuation of low amplitude torsionals without damping.

Abstract: An assembly (19) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. Assembly (19) includes a spring assembly (20) and a vane damper assembly (22) disposed in parallel and immersed in automatic transmission fluid of a torque converter housing (24). The spring assembly (20) isolates driveline torsionals and the damper assembly dissipates the torsionals. The damper assembly (22) includes first and second relatively rotatable housing members (66,68) respectively connected to the spring assembly output (62b) and input (62a). Members (66,68) are also frictionally interconnected by surfaces (68a,74a). Housing members (66,68) define chambers (78a,78b) containing the transmission fluid and which vary inversely in volume in response to flexing of the spring assembly (20) by the driveline torsionals. As the chambers vary in volume, energy from the torsionals is converted to fluid pressure in the chambers decreasing in volume.

Abstract: An assembly (19) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. Assembly (19) includes a spring assembly (20) and a vane damper assembly (22) disposed in parallel and immersed in automatic transmission fluid of a torque converter housing (24). The spring assembly (20) isolates driveline torsionals and the damper assembly dissipates the torsionals. The damper assembly (22) includes first and second relatively rotatable housing members (66,68) respectively connected to the spring assembly output (62b) and input (62a). Members (66,68) are also frictionally interconnected by surfaces (68a,74a). Housing members (66,68) define chambers (78a,78b) containing the transmission fluid and which vary inversely in volume in response to flexing of the spring assembly (20) by the driveline torsionals. As the chambers vary in volume, energy from the torsionals is converted to fluid pressure in the chambers decreasing in volume.

Abstract: A gear shift control mechanism for a manual transmission having multiple shift rails slideably mounted on the transmission casing and carrying shift forks for moving synchronizer clutches into engagement with the gears of the various speed ratios of the transmission includes a shift lever supported pivotally for movement both parallel to the axis of the shift rods and perpendicular to the axis of the shift rods. Pivotal movement to the shift rods brings interlock flanges into engagement with the shift forks that are not selected for engagement by the vehicle operator and prevent these shift forks from moving. When certain selected shift forks are engaged, spring arms resiliently bias the shift assembly toward the three-four shift plane. Pivotal movement of the assembly in one angular direction is limited in one plane by bearing contact between the shift lever and the interlock flanges and in the other plane by contact between the interlock flanges and the outer surface of the shift forks.

Abstract: A fifth forward speed pinion is mounted by a bearing on the end of a countershaft that provides a space into which the bearing is fitted. A roller bearing mounted in the transmission casing supports the fifth speed pinion at the opposite end from that of the countershaft. The countershaft carries a reverse drive sprocket that is selectively connected to the countershaft by movement of a synchronizer clutch in accordance with control exercised by the vehicle operator. A reverse driven sprocket is drivably connected to the output shaft and torque is transmitted between the sprockets by a flexible, endless chain or belt.

Abstract: A multiple speed ratio power transmission mechanism for an automotive vehicle adapted to be mounted in a transverse position with respect to the fore-and-aft centerline of the vehicle includes a torque input shaft having input gearing fixed thereto. A first countershaft has gearing journalled thereon meshing with the torque input gearing, and synchronizer clutches adapted to be moved selectively to produce a driving connection between the input shaft and the countershaft. A second countershaft has a fifth forward speed gear in meshing engagement with a gear on the input shaft and a synchronizer clutch that can be moved to produce a driving connection between the input shaft and the second countershaft. A differential gear establishes a driving connection between both countershafts and each of two drive wheel axle shafts. First and second shift fork rails are adapted for axial and rotary movement to produce engagement and release of the synchronizer clutches.