Abstract: A vehicle has a motor with a shaft extending from each end to drive a pair of opposed wheel axles connected to a pair of wheels. Each wheel axle extends into an axle housing. There is a control cylinder in each housing connected to rotate the wheel axle. The control cylinder acts as a driven clutch and is engaged by a pressure plate. A ring gear in each housing is journaled to the wheel axle. The ring gear has a cam face that engages a cam face located on the pressure plate which has a clutch face and a cam face. The pressure plate is journaled to the wheel shaft. A cam on the face of the ring gear and the clutch plate moves the ring gear and the clutch plate axially apart and this action forces the faces of the pressure plate and the driven clutch together.

Abstract: Brake pressure is increased when the brake pedal is operated and the vehicle falls short of a very slow reference speed v.sub.x, which value is variable and increases as the vehicle deceleration increases. The pressure is maintained until the throttle is applied.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for automotive vehicle four-wheel drives either in association with an axle disconnect or wheel hub incorporates a power shift mechanism which can be remotely activated either when the vehicle is static, in motion and during either forward or reverse direction of movement to positively drive the clutch members into and out of engagement with one another. The power shift mechanism includes sealed envelopes in the form of expandable and contractable compartments which in response to a remote control valve will positively shift the clutch members into and out of engagement, and the members will remain in the shifted position without the continued application of force until positively shifted away from that position by the power shift mechanism. In the alternative, a spool-like shifter may be utilized with positive locking elements which will lock the clutch members in the engaged and disengaged position at the end of travel of the shift mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the distribution of drive power in a motor vehicle includes a pair of pressure regulating valves, a pair of regulated pressure passages interconnecting the pressure regulating valves, respectively, and torque transmission clutches which transmit drive power to a pair of drive wheels, and a shut-off valve mechanism disposed between the regulated pressure passages for selectively bringing the regulated pressure passages into and out of each other.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for automotive vehicle four-wheel drives either in association with an axle disconnect or wheel hub incorporates a power shift mechanism which can be remotely activated either when the vehicle is static, in motion and during either forward or reverse direction of movement to positively drive the clutch members into and out of engagement with one another. The power shift mechanism includes sealed envelopes in the form of expandable and contractable compartments which in response to a remote control valve will positively shift the clutch members into and out of engagement, and the members will remain in the shifted position without the continued application of force until positively shifted away from that position by the power shift mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the use of two clutches, one associated with each wheel of a two wheel snowblower, selectively operated by a pivoting control on the handle so as to allow for power steering of the snowblower.

Abstract: A brake booster for holding the braking action even if the brake pedal is released. The booster has a low pressure chamber and a variable pressure chamber with a diaphragm therebetween for moving the output shaft to the brake cylinder. A valve mechanism mechanically controlled by the brake pedal switches a communication passage between the low and variable pressure chambers and an atmospheric pressure passage from the variable pressure chamber to the exterior. A first solenoid valve can close the communication passage between the low and variable pressure chambers irrespective of the brake pedal position so as to hold the braking. A second solenoid valve can control a passage between the variable pressure chamber and the low pressure source so that the braking release can be gently effected.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for selectively transmitting and interrupting power between an input shaft and an output shaft arranged in coaxial relation in which a rotary member is coupled to one of the shafts to provide first and second states therebetween and wherein in the first state the rotary member is free to rotate and rotation is transmitted between the input and output shafts, whereas in the second state the input shaft can rotate relative to the output shaft and transmission of rotation is interrupted. The rotary member and the one shaft are angularly rotated relative to one another between first and second relative positions in the first and second states, and rotation of the rotary member is halted by a disc brake in the second state.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly comprises a spindle including a shank having a first longitudinal spline, a threaded portion and a mount flange adapted for connection to a vehicle drive train. A cylindrical wheel hub adapted to mount a wheel is coaxial of and surrounds the spindle. Bearings are interposed between the spindle and wheel hub supportably and retainingly engaging the hub. A fastener upon the threaded portion retainingly engages the bearings, retaining the hub against endwise movement. A second spline upon the interior of the hub is spaced from the first spline, and a drive key having inner and outer longitudinal splines thereon is interlocked with the first and second splines respectively, whereby the spindle the hub rotate in unison. The key is adapted to transmit a drive torque from the spindle to the hub. On removal of the drive key, the hub is journaled upon the spindle for free rotation independently of the spindle.

Abstract: A brake booster (10, 210) connected to a control circuit (120) provides a system for the continued braking of a vehicle when the vehicle is situated on an incline and the brake pedal (92) is released by the operator. Continued brake application is accomplished by utilizing a control circuit (120) responsive to vehicular attitude, clutch pedal position, and vehicular direction. The control circuit (120) is connected to the combination of a check valve and two-way solenoid valve (100, 200) connected to a movable wall brake booster (10, 210). The combination valve (100) is connected to a flexible hose (110) disposed interiorily of the booster (10), and the other end of the flexible hose (110) connected to the input opening (32) of a three-way poppet valve (70) located at the central hub (30) of the booster (10).

Abstract: A viscous fluid rear axle coupling apparatus for a front engine vehicle having a front transaxle drivingly interconnected to its front pair of wheels. The viscous coupling apparatus includes power transfer means adapted to convert the rotation of the vehicle's longitudinal propeller shaft into rotation of an outer drum of the apparatus about a transverse axis. The outer drum concentrically surrounds a pair of coaxial right and left inner drums enclosed in a housing chamber filled with viscous fluid. Each inner drum is drivingly connected to respective right and left rear wheel output shafts extending transversely outboard therefrom. Each inner drum has a set of inner plates interleaved with a single set of outer plates of the outer drum. The apparatus functions as an interaxle and limited slip differential during four wheel drive as well as a conventional differential allowing the rear wheels to rotate different amounts during its two wheel and on-demand four wheel drive modes.

Abstract: A power change-over mechanism of a vehicle for industrial machinery, in which a power change-over spool is divided into an outer peripheral side member and an inner peripheral side member, the both members are spline connected each other freely movably in the axial direction. An interlocking stopper mechanism defining said axial movement and an urging means are provided, which urges the outer peripheral side member toward the direction of operation at the time when the outer peripheral side member is operated.

Abstract: Brake holding apparatus for use in a vehicle having a fluid pressure operated braking system including a master cylinder and at least one brake cylinder. The apparatus includes a trapping valve movable to an open position allowing fluid communication between the master and brake cylinders, and to a closed position blocking this fluid communication so as to trap fluid pressure in the brake cylinder. The trapping valve is biased for movement to its open position. Means are provided for moving the trapping valve to its closed position. A bypass valve allows fluid communication from the master cylinder to the brake cylinder, but blocks fluid communication in the opposite direction. The trapping valve is fluid pressure balanced such that fluid pressure trapped in the brake cylinder has no effect on the position of the valve.

Abstract: A drive system for a tractor. The output from a hydrostatic transmission is connected to the rotatable input member of a differential, while the output shafts of the differential are each connected to a drive wheel of the tractor. A clutch interconnects one output shaft of the differential with the input member, and when the clutch is engaged, the output shafts will rotate at the same speed, acting as a solid axle. The steering column of the tractor is connected to a steerable wheel, and when the steering column is rotated through a predetermined arc of about 15.degree., a linkage interconnecting the steering column and the clutch act to disengage the clutch, so that the drive wheels are permitted to rotate at different speeds. Rotation of the steering column through a greater arc of about 80.degree. will automatically operate a brake associated with the inside wheel in the turn.

Abstract: A lawn mower including an engine having an output shaft, an air impeller, a plurality of cutter blades, and a driven shaft having the air impeller and the cutter blades connected thereto. The driven shaft is connected to the output shaft of the engine through a centrifugal clutch having a drum, and a brake band is located in a path of air drawn by suction by the air impeller for clamping against the outer periphery of the drum of the centrifugal clutch to interrupt rotation of the driven shaft.

Abstract: An automatic locking gear is adapted to drivingly connect a drive axle and wheel hub automatically in response to application of torque to the drive axle which has a stationary housing in which said drive axle is journaled, a drive gear keyed for rotation with the drive axle while being slidable in an axial direction independently of the drive axle, and a driven gear is keyed for rotation with the wheel hub while being slidable in an axial direction independently of the wheel hub. The locking member is mounted on the stationary housing, and the cam follower mounted on the drive gear.

Abstract: This invention is a new and unique snow removing apparatus to be fastened upon automotive vehicles, particularly relatively light weight vehicles such as pickup trucks and the like. The invention is characterized by a unique rotary snow pickup mechanism and throwing device together with a non clogging unique design discharge arrangement and wherein the apparatus is powered independently from the vehicle. Instantly removable attachment means and easily controllable height adjustment means are provided in cooperative relationship.

Abstract: A brake control device for preventing backward movement of a vehicle on an uphill road during operation of the clutch pedal after release of the brake pedal, the device including a cylinder body having oil passages for connection between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinders of the vehicle. A spring biased hollow plunger is reciprocably received within the cylinder body to provide flow communication between the oil passages in a first position thereof when the brake pedal is actuated, and to prevent the oil from returning from the wheel cylinders in a second position thereof when the clutch pedal is actuated upon release of the brake pedal. An electromagnetic switch-activated system moves the hollow plunger from the first position to the second position when the clutch pedal is actuated.

Abstract: A continuously variable belt driven pulley system drives a torque converter followed by a planetary reversing speed reduction gearset another speed reduction unit and the differential, which distributes power to the drive wheels of the vehicle. The drive system of a motor vehicle according to a second aspect of the invention includes a continuously variable flexible belt-pulley system driving a reversing bevel or planetary gear set and a tandem fluid coupling, which functions as a limited slip differential and distributes power to the drivewheels of the vehicle through two speed reduction gearsets driven from two output shafts of the fluid coupling.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved automatic four-wheel drive clutch of the type forming the subject matter of my copending application U.S. Ser. No. 180,699, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,369,868, but differing therefrom in that instead of employing axially-spaced toothed cam surfaces with toothed cam followers forming an operative connection therebetween effective upon relative rotation to move a drive member into and out of driving engagement with a driven element, circumferentially-spaced coaxial cam rings carrying opposed pairs of overlapped oppositely opening generally V-shaped track-forming grooves operatively interconnected by a single ball between each pair is used to shift the drive element axially between its engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly of the live spindle type is rendered driven or free wheeling by a torque responsive hub clutch. The hub clutch operates in response to the presence or absence of relative rotary motion between a driveable axle and a passive or stationary member in the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A drive unit for a vehicle having two juxtaposed drive wheels comprises an engine, an axle for supporting on its ends the drive wheels, a final output gear operatively coupled with the engine and mounted on the axle adjacent to one of the drive wheels, and a power transmitting assembly mounted on the axle adjacent to the other drive wheel, the engine being located between the final output gear and the power transmitting assembly. A crankshaft extends parallel to the axle and supports on one end a flywheel for a generator and on the other end a clutch including a speed changing device. The drive unit is unitized, compact in size, simple in structure, and requires a minimum number of parts.

Abstract: An automatic two-speed drive system for a vehicle having two drive wheels. A first drive wheel is connected to the drive source through a low-speed hub which is disengaged when the wheel reaches a pre-determined rotational speed. The second drive wheel is connectable to the drive source through a high-speed hub which becomes engaged when the drive source reaches a pre-determined rotational speed.

Abstract: An improved clutch of the type having concentric and spaced apart driving and driven members with a clutch ring in engagement with one of the members and urgeable into a simultaneous engagement with the other member is provided. A fixed cam member is provided nonrotational with respect to the driving and driven members. A second cam member is slidably movable around the first cam member whenever the clutch ring is in simultaneous engagement with the driving and driven members. A cam follower is in a cammed engagement with the first cam member and is movable axially apart from the first cam member into cammed engagement with the second cam member. The cam follower further urges the clutch ring into a simultaneous engagement with the driving and driven member whenever the driving member rotates with respect to the driven member.

Abstract: A remotely controlled manual hub clutch assembly includes an axle and a wheel hub rotatably mounted on a vehicle housing. A pair of relatively movable coupling portions provide an engageable and disengageable driving connection between the axle and the wheel hub. The vehicle operator may engage and disengage the coupling members by moving a linkage connected to a movable one of the coupling members. A synchronizer prevents engagement of the coupling members until the rotation speeds of the wheel hub and the axle are substantially equalized so that the hub clutch can be engaged or disengaged while the vehicle is in motion. A non-rotating sleeve surrounds the axle and acts as a linkage to operate the coupling members.

Abstract: A clutch for engaging a driving member with a driven member automatically upon application of torque to rotate the driving member in either direction, for maintaining engagement in either the drive or coast mode of operation and during the transition between drive and coast, for maintaining engagement in either forward or reverse operation and during the transition between forward and reverse, and for disengaging automatically upon interruption of the torque and slight rotation of the driving member in the opposite direction. The clutch includes a mechanism for developing high frictional drag upon initial rotation of the driving member to effect clutch engagement, and low frictional drag thereafter to conserve power.

Abstract: A clutch for engaging a driving member with a driven member automatically upon application of torque to rotate the driving member in either direction, for maintaining engagement in either the drive or coast mode of operation and during the transition between drive and coast, for maintaining engagement in either forward or reverse operation and during the transition between forward and reverse, and for disengaging automatically upon interruption of the torque and slight relative rotation of the members. The clutch includes a mechanism for developing high frictional drag upon initial rotation of the driving member to effect engagement, and low frictional drag thereafter to conserve power. The clutch also includes a preloading mechanism so that if engagement should be blocked, it will be completed automatically when the blockage is relieved. The clutch further includes a mechanism tending to resist initial rotation of the driving member so that a false torque signal does not cause engagement.

Abstract: A clutch for engaging a driving member with a driven member automatically upon application of torque to rotate the driving member in either direction, for maintaining engagement in either the drive or coast mode of operation and during the transition between drive and coast, for maintaining engagement in either forward or reverse operation and during the transition between forward and reverse, and for disengaging automatically upon interruption of the torque and slight rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A control device for a braking system of a vehicle including a stationary ferromagnetic plate, a lever pivotally mounted on the plate and operationally connected to a brake pedal to rotate in accordance with the movement of the brake pedal, an electromagnet mounted on the lever and electrical control circuit for the electromagnet whereby when energized the electromagnet is fixed on the plate by attractive force so that the brake pedal is retained at the position. An electric coil of the electromagnet is connected in series to a circuit including in parallel a first switch associated to an accelerator pedal and a second switch associated to a clutch pedal so that the electromagnet is deenergized when both accelerator pedal and clutch pedal are actuated, thereby releasing the brake.

Abstract: A braking control apparatus for a vehicle which locks and holds the brake pedal of the vehicle in a given depressed position. The apparatus is rendered inoperative when the vehicle is in such a condition that the locking and holding of the brake pedal is undesirable. When starting the vehicle, an accelerator pedal switch operatively connected to the accelerator pedal deenergizes an electromagnet for locking the brake pedal. With the brake pedal locked in any given depressed position, any further depression of the brake pedal results in deenergization of the electromagnet by the brake pedal switch operatively connected to the brake pedal. With the vehicle at rest, when the door is opened, the electromagnet is deenergized by a door switch. Also, during rapid braking of the vehicle, another brake pedal switch which is operatively connected to the brake pedal actuates a latching relay to deenergize the braking control apparatus.