Salerni Transmission in T.S.M. Express Chassis
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CI NE of the exhibits of T.S. Motors, Ltd. Maidstone, at ,1 the forthcoming' show in Glasgow, will be a revised edition of the porular Express chassis with four-cylindered petrol engine, incorporating the Salami transmission, which, whilst giving what may be described as a foolproof gear change, permits the fitting of the modified Express gearbox, which is giving such a high degree of satisfaction in chassis made by this company. In introducing this new transmission, T.S. Motors, Ltd., claims a degree of flexibility comparable to that obtained in the petrol-electric vehicles which were such a successful product of the Maidstone works.
An hydraulic coupling is located between the engine and gearbox, and consists of a driving and driven member, in each of which is formed a series of cells. The two members comprise a closed vessel, filled with oil, and the two series of cells form annular paths in which the oil is caused to circulate on account of the slight difference in motion of the driving over the driven member.
There is a ring valve operated by what is normally the
clutch pedal, and the purpose of this is to form an obstruction in the path of the oil, so eliminating the drive when the vehicle is required to remain stationary with the engine idling. The withdrawal of this valve and the acceleration of the engine causes a decrease in slip of the hydraulic transtnis.sion, until at normal engine speed the speed difference between driving and driven members does not exceed 2 per cent.
Behind the gearbox is a Salerni coupling, taking the form of a dog clutch, which is automatically disengaged by the pedal which operates the ring valve. In effect, whilst gear changes are being made the gearbox is isolated from both the engine and the propeller shaft, and on the pedal being released a free-wheeling action follows until the engine is accelerated to correspond with the road speed of the vehicle.
Automatic replenishment of oil to the hydraulic flywheel is effected from a small container fitted to the dashboard, this needing to be refilled with engine oil about once in
10,000 miles of running. 1331