From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Proposal from an Italian inventor for an automatic change speed gear system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 136\2\ scan0145 | |
| Date | 29th November 1939 | |
| Eligio Mirone Torino (Italy) Via Le Chiuse, 25 bis Telefono: 71.144 TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT Turin, 29th November 1939 ROLLS-ROYCE LTD. 14-15 Conduit Street LONDON W.1 Dear Sirs, I beg to inform you that I have developed and ready for testing an automatic change speed gear invented by me, which is fitted on a modern car of standard type. This change speed gear has the following characteristics: Automatic speed change determined by the load torque on the transmission shaft, that is to say by the total resistance to be overcome. Change from top gear to third second and first gear and viceversa with the accelerator in any position, without any operation. Continuous transmission of power also when changing from one to another speed, this change taking place smoothly. Complete absence of noise also during changes of speed. The lower gears are not thrown in when the car is running at a very high speed, to avoid racing of engine. Luminous signalling of gear thrown in. Working completely independent of the other mechanisms or parts of the car. Friction clutch to be used only when starting or stopping Semi-automatic throw-out of gear when the car stops and semi-automatic throw-in when starting. Low cost - Highest efficiency. The car may be fitted, in combination with the automatic change speed gear, with a braking device which gives an actual economy in petrol and reduces wear of brake shoes. This change speed gear possesses other interesting characteristics which will appear during testing or from the drawings that you may examine. It is patented in the principal industrial countries. If you are interested in this matter please inform me so that we can make arrangements for a practical test of the machine and an accurate examination of the drawings and report. This report | ||