Abstract: A system having a pair of axle shafts; an input shaft for transmitting torque; and a differential for transmitting motion from the input shaft to the axle shafts and in turn presenting a planet carrier angularly integral with the input shaft, and a pair of sun gears; the system also presenting a first clutch interposed between each axle shaft and a respective sun gear, a second clutch interposed between each axle shaft and the planet carrier; and a device for controlling the clutches and continuously varying distribution of the torque between the axle shafts.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling a motor vehicle drive unit, which system comprises a hydraulic actuating unit for actuating a control member controlling selection and engagement of the gears on the vehicle transmission; a hydraulic actuator for actuating a control member controlling the clutch; and an electronic control system for processing input signals relative to operating parameters of the drive unit and vehicle in general, and for controlling the actuators to varying degrees of automation. In particular, the control system produces variable control signals for respective porportional solenoid valves controlling the actuators, so as to vary hydraulic supply to the actuators and consequently the actuating force of the same, for simulating operation by a skilled driver; the aforementioned control system also providing, when shifting gear, for controlling the speed of the engine so as to minimize slippage of the clutch.

Abstract: An actuation device for activating a friction clutch of a motor vehicle including a cylinder for activating the clutch and control unit for supplying a pressurized fluid to the cylinder at a rate that is proportion to the force exerted on the clutch pedal.

Abstract: A mechanical steering device for the rear wheels of motor cars with four-wheel steering, including a front steering unit (4) and a rear steering unit (5) coupled for rotation with each other by a longitudinal transmission shaft (6), in which the rear steering unit (5) includes a transverse bar (11) connected to the rear wheels (2) by respective steering joints and tie rods (9, 10). The rotation of the longitudinal shaft (6) is transformed into translation of the transverse bar (11) by a positive cam (12).

Abstract: The clutch mechanism is servo-assisted, comprising means for engaging and disengaging drive with full engine torque in play, yet requiring a minimum of effort at the control. Applications include the type of forward-&-reverse drive gear as used in the transmissions of marine engine-and-screw propeller units.

Abstract: An epicyclic transmission with steplessly-variable speed control includes a set of three planet wheels (46) which are in the form of tapered rollers of dual conicity and are supported for rotation by a planet carrier (34) driven by a drive shaft (28). The tapered planet wheels have a larger frusto-conical portion (48) in rolling contact with a governing annulus (58) which is locked for rotation and is displaceable axially, and a smaller frusto-conical portion (50) associated with a driven annulus (92) which rotates a driven shaft (102). The tapered planet wheels also have two axially-spaced bearing surfaces (52,54) in rolling contact with two corresponding bearing surfaces (136,138) of a freely-rotatable sun wheel in the form of a sleeve (122) coaxial with the drive shaft (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission unit provided with an automatic variable ratio transmission mechanism and a supplementary fixed ratio transmission mechanism which transmits torque from an input shaft to an output shaft of the unit in conditions of low speed and high torque. A free wheel clutch allows the variable ratio transmission mechanism to take over the drive when the speed increases, this being accomplished by means of an automatic speed sensitive clutch which engages when the speed of the output shaft reaches a predetermined threshold valve. A torque converter or other progressive coupling device links the input shaft of the unit, via an isolating friction clutch, to the fixed ratio transmission mechanism.