Abstract: A mechanism for steering the front and rear wheels of a four-wheel-steerable vehicle includes a front wheel steering device operatively coupled to a steering wheel and having at least a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism having a nonlinear gear ratio, a rear wheel steering device, a linkage shaft operatively connecting the front wheel steering device and the rear wheel steering device to each other, and at least one steering force assisting device disposed in a steering force transmitting path comprising the front wheel steering device, the rear wheel steering device, and the linkage shaft.

Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle includes a centering mechanism for establishing a neutral steering position. The steering system includes a steering wheel and a steering assembly for steering vehicle wheels in response to angular movement of the steering wheel. The centering mechanism is mounted on at least a portion of the steering assembly for establishing the neutral steering position of the steering assembly.

Abstract: A steering system for the front and rear wheels of an automotive vehicle comprises a front wheel steering mechanism having an output shaft, a rear wheel steering mechanism having an input shaft coupled to the output shaft, an output member for steering the rear wheels, and a motion converting mechanism for converting rotation of the input shaft to movement of the output member, a vehicle speed sensor, and a control unit connected to the vehicle speed sensor for controlling operation of the motion converting mechanism dependent on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle having a steering wheel, steerable front wheels and steerable rear wheels. The system comprises a linkage arrangement operatively interconnecting the steering wheel with the front and rear wheels for steering the front and rear wheels in response to operation of the steering wheel. The linkage arrangement includes a mechanical linkage mechanically connected with the steering wheel so as to transmit steering effort. The mechanical linkage is provided with a restoring mechanism for exerting restoring force to said mechanical linkage so as to urge the steering wheel toward a neutral position thereof. Favorable returnability of the steering system is achieved in this arrangement.

Abstract: A system for steering the front and rear wheels of an automotive vehicle includes a front wheel steering mechanism including an output pinion shaft, a rear wheel steering mechanism including an input shaft, and a shaft assembly mechanically interconnecting the output pinion shaft and the input shaft. The shaft assembly comprises a front cross joint coupled to the output pinion shaft, a rear cross joint coupled to the input shaft, and a linkage shaft connected between the front and rear cross joints. A phase adjusting assembly is disposed between one of the front and rear cross joints and the linkage shaft for allowing the output pinion shaft and the input shaft to rotate relatively to each other to secure them in a desired phase.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch in which a centrifugal weight is formed separately from two engaging members which are disposed for frictional engagement with each other, the centrifugal weight being displaceable in response to centrifugal force produced therein to cause one of the engaging members to engage with the other or disengage therefrom. When the centrifugal force of the centrifugal weight is smaller than a predetermined value, the two engaging members are kept in one state of engagement and disengagement, and instantly after the centrifugal force has reached the above determined value, the engaging members are shifted into the other state of engagement and disengagement. Further, the centrifugal clutch is provided with a hysteresis characteristic that the engaging rotational speed and the disengaging rotational speed are different from each other.

Abstract: A two speed transmission including a direct drive and a reduced speed ratio. The transmission is directly coupled to a variable speed engine crankshaft and includes pulleys thereon for the driving of auxiliary engine equipment. A first drive train includes planetary gearing and a one-way clutch while direct drive is provided by a wrap spring coupling cylindrical surfaces on the transmission input and transmission output axially adjacent and coterminous. The wrap spring includes an element having a flat side for engagement of the cylindrical surfaces. Two actuator mechanisms are illustrated employing centrifugal weights to result in advancement of one end of the wrap spring to tighten same into coupling engagements at low engine speeds. At higher engine speeds, the actuator mechanism releases the wrap spring from the cylindrical surfaces for drive through the planetary gearing.

Abstract: A lubrication system with a lubricant feeding device disposed in the housing of a speed change mechanism for auxiliary devices. The lubricant flows from a central lubricant reservoir within the speed change mechanism through the moving surfaces to the inner surface of the housing due to centrifugal force. Excess lubricant is returned to the lubricant reservoir by the lubricant return device. If a planetary gear mechanism is used, the lubricant return force is provided by the meshing action of the pinion gears with the primary power transmission gear and an outer ring gear. The lubricant flow is directed by lubricant guide walls which substantially enclose said meshing portions and direct the lubricant to lubricant return passages.