Allis-chalmers Corporation

Robert E Schott

Gerardus M Ballendux

A rear wheel drive vehicle is converted to a four-wheel drive vehicle by operation of a hydraulically operated clutch which is controlled by a hydraulic valve. The hydraulic valve is spring biased to a clutch disengaged position and is hydraulically actuated to its clutch engaged position through operation of a pilot valve circuit which includes an electrically operated solenoid valve. The pilot valve circuit includes a flow restrictor providing modulated flow thereby affording a controlled pressure rise in the clutch whereby a smooth engagement of the front wheel drive is achieved.

Electrically controlled hydraulic clutch for a front wheel drive

A pressure responsive relief valve closing responsive to clutch actuating pressure and opening responsive to centrifugal forces and a spring force to relieve residual pressure in the hydraulic actuator of a rotating clutch to avoid clutch drag.

Growing community of inventors

New Berlin, WI, United States of America

Robert E Schott