GB284377A - Improvements relating to the transmission mechanism of automobiles - Google Patents

Abstract

284,377. Currin, S. A., and Clayton Wagons, Ltd. Oct.. 21, 1926. Automatic power control; controlling different functions by same lever; pneumatic transmission apparatus. Comprises automatic transmission control mechanism operable by suction derived from the induction pipe of the engine, wherein means, such as a tap, independent both of the engine throttle and of the brake mechanism, are provided for putting the automatic control mechanism out of action when desired. In the construction shown, an auxiliary friction clutch c is provided between the gear box a and the propeller shaft b, and its control lever d is connected to a suction device e normally in communication with the induction pipe so that whenever the throttle is closed the device e is energized sufficiently to act on the lever d and disengage the auxiliary clutch. At the same time the main clutch s is also disengaged through a link h having a lostmotion connection k. A manually-operated tap is provided between the engine and the device e so that when desired the automatic disengagement and subsequent engagement of the clutches does not take place. A further tap may be operated by the accelerator pedal so that, immediately the latter is actuated and before the throttle actually opens, the vacuum connection to the device e is cut off and is only re-established when the accelerator pedal is released altogether. The auxiliary clutch may be dispensed with, the suction device acting only on the main clutch. According to the Provisional Specification, (1) a free-wheel clutch may be used as the auxiliary clutch, and (2) governors may be provided on the engine and propeller shafts so interconnected that when the latter shaft over-runs the former a valve is operated to disengage the auxiliary clutch.