Abstract: A drive line assembly and mounting arrangement for converting a front engine front wheel drive vehicle to an on-demand four wheel drive system. The vehicle rear axle is adapted to be selectively driven by means of a viscous fluid coupling positioned intermediate a forward angled universal-joint drive line assembly and a rear torque tube enclosed longitudinal propeller shaft assembly. An overrunning clutch is rigidly connected intermediate a forwardly extending neck portion of the rear axle drive housing and the torque tube defines a composite torque tube structure. The overrunning clutch is adapted to be locked for a transmission of torque during normal driving. The rear axle drive housing is sprung from the frame by a pair of transversely aligned isolation mounts while the composite torque tube is resiliently secured by a bracket support adjacent its forward end.

Abstract: A drive system for motor vehicles having driven front and rear axles comprises a liquid friction coupling, which is incorporated in the rear axle drive train, and a clutch, particularly an overrunning clutch, which is connected in series with said liquid friction coupling and arranged to be released in response to a front axle speed exceeding the rear axle speed. In order to avoid a requirement for stronger steering forces during a reverse travel and to avoid an operation of the liquid friction coupling with mixed friction, that second clutch is arranged to be automatically engaged in dependence on the liquid temperature in the liquid friction coupling or of other variables.

Abstract: This invention relates to a frame for two-wheeled vehicles, comprising two die-cast light metal semimonocoques adhesively joined at their adjoining edges which are longitudinally profiled. The edges are interengaged and semimonocoques are additionally held together by rivets, screws and/or pins inserted into abutting bosses integrally formed on the insides of the semimonocoques.

Abstract: A fork head for a motorcycle comprises an integral, pressure diecast body formed with two sockets for receiving respective fork blades, an upper and a lower cross-piece interconnecting the sockets, a centrally arranged bearing sleeve for receiving an upstanding pin carried by the frame of the motorcycle, lateral walls extending obliquely between the bearing sleeve and the sockets, and at least one bearing surface for conforming engagement by at least one accessory including a trim covering a front portion of the fork head above the bearing sleeve and the sockets.

Abstract: A gear comprises a hub and a gear ring mounted thereon, each formed with peripherally spaced apertures and interlocking elements extending peripherally between adjacent apertures to hold the hub and gear ring against axial movement relative to each other. The apertures of the hub and gear ring register. Torque is transmitted between the hub and gear ring by a plurality of first abutments on the hub which have radially outwardly facing surfaces adjoining respective apertures therein, a plurality of second abutments on the gear ring which have radially inwardly facing surfaces adjoining respective apertures therein and radially aligned with respective outwardly facing surfaces, and a plurality of prestressed elastomeric spring elements disposed in the registering apertures. Each spring element engages the radially aligned surfaces and is retained in the apertures by a retaining disc secured to the hub and engaging the spring element on one side of the gear.

Abstract: A drive for a road wheel mounted in the frame of a motor-assisted bicycle comprises a drive housing pivotal transversely to the plane of the wheel and connected to the frame by an interposed elastomeric sleeve deformable by the pivotal movement of the drive housing. An engine in the housing has a crankshaft and a drive shaft is non-rotatably connected to the crankshaft. A bevel wheel is non-rotatably mounted on the drive shaft and a pressure roller is aligned with the bevel wheel in the axial direction of the road wheel, the bevel wheel and pressure roller being engageable with the road wheel on opposite sides thereof. A spring arm secured to the housing and carrying the pressure roller normally urges the bevel wheel and pressure roller into engagement with the respective sides of the road wheel.

Abstract: The wheel comprises a hub having a periphery provided with peripherally spaced, radially projecting lugs. An integral wheel body comprises a central ring which surrounds the hub and is secured to the lugs, and spokes radiating from the ring. The hub and ring define air flow passages disposed radially between the hub and ring.