CLUTCHLESS GEAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19783, 5 March 1927, Page 10

CLUTCHLESS GEAR

WITHOUT A GEAR BOX CONSTANTINESCO’S IDEA A motor-car without clutch or gearbox was th sensation of tho Paris Show. It is the work of a Rumanian engineer, George Constantinesco, who, during the war, invented the synchronising device which enabled airmen to tire their machine-guns through the propeller. The gear ratio alterations are due to a four dimensional system that is as unique as it. is difficult to understand. A pendulum operated by the crank-shaft of the engine and articulated at tho top and at about one-sixth of its length is the basis of the idea. The drive to the back axle is taken between tho two articulations. Thus, the greater resistance of the back wheels, the slower the movement of the pendulum must be, and therefore, the lower the gear and the greater tho power of tho engine. Although the engine is only of five horse-power, it will pull a four-passen-ger sedan at a speed of 45 miles an hour on tho level, and on hills will easily beat machines of four times its motive power. It is, moreover, said to be very economical to operate.