Abstract: An internal combustion engine may be driven in the suction mode as well as the supercharging mode. Switchover from the suction to the supercharging mode takes place with the accelerator pedal in a switchover position, and switchback to the suction mode is effected in the return switching position of the accelerator pedal. The switchover and switchback positions are offset with respect to each other with the accelerator pedal in a central position between its initial position and its final position. The arrangement is such that the switchover position is reached at the end of the suction mode at fully open throttle flap (full power position). Upon switchover the throttling of the supercharging flow (throttling begin position) is increased as compared to the end of the suction mode. This throttling of the supercharging is diminished by further actuation of the accelerator pedal in the direction of the final position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine may be driven in the suction mode as well as the supercharging mode. Switchover from the suction to the supercharging mode takes place with the accelerator pedal in a switchover position, and switchback to the suction mode is effected in the return switching position of the accelerator pedal. The switchover and switchback positions are offset with respect to each other with the accelerator pedal in a central position between its initial position and its final position. The arrangement is such that the switchover position is reached at the end of the suction mode at fully open throttle flap (full power position). Upon switchover the throttling of the supercharging flow (throttling begin position) is increased as compared to the end of the suction mode. This throttling of the supercharging is diminshed by further actuation of the accelerator pedal in the direction of the final position.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive assembly for use with a vehicle having a drive shaft and a driven shaft. The auxiliary drive assembly includes a flywheel as a source of energy. First and second hydraulic pump/motor units are hydraulically coupled to each other. Summation gearing is provided having a first input connected to the flywheel and to the first motor/pump unit, a second input connected to the second motor/pump unit, and an output from which power can be released. The summation gearing output can be connected to the drive shaft, by means of a releasable coupling, for driving the drive shaft or charging the flywheel. The second motor/pump unit has a brake so that the flywheel can be charged very rapidly by the drive shaft. The drive shaft and driven shaft can be separated to further increase the speed of charging the flywheel.

Abstract: A drive assembly including a prime mover, a primary energy accumulator, such as a flywheel, and an output shaft. Power distribution means, such as a differential gear arrangement, is provided for connecting the output shaft to both the energy accumulator and the prime mover. A clutch is provided for connecting the prime mover directly to the output shaft. A hydrostatic torque converter is operatively connected between the prime mover and the power distribution means, the torque converter including a hydraulic pump operated by the prime mover, a hydraulic unit in hydraulic circuit with the pump operable as both a pump and a motor, and a buffer energy accumulator connected to the unit. The prime mover may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, or the assembly may include both an engine and a motor alternatively connectable to the torque converter and to the output shaft.