The Simplicity Automobile & The Evansville Automobile Co.

The Simplicity Friction Transmission was known as the balanced double rolling traction (erroneously called friction) transmission. Two large discs are bolted to flanges forged on the engine shaft, which take the place of a balance wheel. Between these two discs are two driven wheels which operate two countershafts, on the ends of which are sprockets carrying chains to each rear wheel. By a slight movement of a lever these driven wheels are brought in contact with discs; transversely (each on opposite discs) the countershafts revolve, thus propelling the vehicle, and by sliding the driven wheels simultaneously from near the center of the discs to the periphery great speed is attained, while at or near the center great power and slow speed. Therefore any speed could be obtained highest to lowest. By merely reversing the direction of the lever the driven wheels are brought into contact at opposite points, giving the reverse direction of the vehicle the same advantageous features as above. This transmission can also be used in an emergency as a brake, if the driven wheels arc placed near the center of discs, by reversing the lever in the opposite direction from which the vehicle is moving. It was difficult to damage this transmission in any way.

1911 Peerless Touring Car