Abstract: A self-adjusting mechanism for a friction clutch is disclosed. The mechanism includes first and second hub members with mating ratchet teeth, and an adjustment arm having a non-slip connection with the first hub member for driving the first hub member in opposite rotational directions, and a worm gear which, when rotated, moves an adjustment ring of the clutch to adjust the friction surfaces to compensate for wear. The mechanism also includes a lost-motion connection located between the worm gear and the release mechanism of the clutch. The adjustment arm on the first hub member has a connection with the release mechanism of the clutch. The release mechanism is movable through an adjustment cycle during which the worm gear is rotated to move the adjustment ring of the clutch to adjust friction surfaces to compensate for wear.

Abstract: A self-adjusting mechanism for a friction clutch is disclosed. The mechanism includes first and second hub members with mating ratchet teeth, and an adjustment arm having a non-slip connection with the first hub member for driving the first hub member in opposite rotational directions, and a worm gear which, when rotated, moves an adjustment ring of the clutch to adjust the friction surfaces to compensate for wear. The mechanism also includes a lost-motion connection located between the worm gear and the release mechanism of the clutch. The adjustment arm on the first hub member has a connection with the release mechanism of the clutch. The release mechanism is movable through an adjustment cycle during which the worm gear is rotated to move the adjustment ring of the clutch to adjust friction surfaces to compensate for wear.

Abstract: A clutch brake for use in association with a braking mechanism for braking rotation of a shaft connecting an engine to a transmission. The clutch brake includes first and second clutch brake sections having first and second lock plates. The first and second clutch brake sections are selectively configurable in a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration. The clutch brake further comprises a fastening mechanism on the first and second lock plates for fastening the first and second clutch brake sections in the connected configuration. The fastening mechanism includes a first fastening component on the first lock plate and a second fastening component on the second lock plate. The first fastening component further includes a fastener body movably mounted in an opening in the first lock plate, and a fastening arm extending from the fastener body. The fastener body is movable from a fastening position, to a release position.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for rotating an adjusting ring on a clutch is disclosed. The adjustment mechanism includes a support bracket having an opening therein and a a rotation assembly rotatable about an axis relative to the support bracket. The rotation assembly includes a detent mechanism that is configured to cause both rotational and axial movement of the rotation assembly relative to the support bracket when only a rotational force is applied to the rotation assembly.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly connects driving and driven shafts and has a pressure plate axially moveable between an engaged position transmitting torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft and a disengaged position. The assembly includes levers and a plurality of centrifugal-assist weights on the levers adjacent outer ends of the levers. The centrifugal-assist weights are arranged to apply an increased force urging the pressure plate to its engaged position upon rotation of the cover and the levers. The centrifugal-assist weights are suitably configured to provided the desired amount of increased force.

Abstract: A clutch brake for use in association with a braking mechanism for braking rotation of a shaft connecting an engine to a transmission. The clutch brake includes first and second clutch brake sections having first and second lock plates. The first and second clutch brake sections are selectively configurable in a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration. The clutch brake further comprises a fastening mechanism on the first and second lock plates for fastening the first and second clutch brake sections in the connected configuration. The fastening mechanism includes a first fastening component on the first lock plate and a second fastening component on the second lock plate. The first fastening component further includes a fastener body movably mounted in an opening in the first lock plate, and a fastening arm extending from the fastener body. The fastener body is movable from a fastening position, to a release position.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for rotating an adjusting ring on a clutch is disclosed. The adjustment mechanism includes a support bracket having an opening therein and a a rotation assembly rotatable about an axis relative to the support bracket. The rotation assembly includes a detent mechanism that is configured to cause both rotational and axial movement of the rotation assembly relative to the support bracket when only a rotational force is applied to the rotation assembly.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly connects driving and driven shafts and has a pressure plate axially moveable between an engaged position transmitting torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft and a disengaged position. A cover is mounted on the flywheel and a spring is mounted on the cover. The spring urges the pressure plate into the engaged position and compression of the spring allows for movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one lever assembly includes a housing mounted on the cover and a lever pivotable in the housing to apply an axial force urging the pressure plate to the engaged position.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly comprises a cover mounted on a flywheel of a driving shaft. A pressure plate has a contact surface for receiving a driving force from the driving shaft that is axially moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A spring supported by the cover urges the pressure plate into the engaged position. Compression of the spring releases pressure on the pressure plate to permit movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one spacer attached to the cover and flywheel has an external surface that engages the pressure plate upon rotation of the flywheel. The external surface of the spacer conforms to the contact surface of the pressure plate so that torque is transmitted between the flywheel and the pressure plate over at least a line of engagement of the spacer external surface and the pressure plate contact surface upon rotation of the flywheel.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly connects driving and driven shafts and has a pressure plate axially moveable between an engaged position transmitting torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft and a disengaged position. A cover is mounted on the flywheel and a spring is mounted on the cover. The spring urges the pressure plate into the engaged position and compression of the spring allows for movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one lever assembly includes a housing mounted on the cover and a lever pivotable in the housing to apply an axial force urging the pressure plate to the engaged position.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly connects driving and driven shafts and has a pressure plate axially moveable between an engaged position transmitting torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft and a disengaged position. The assembly includes at least one primary lever which pivots relative to the cover and is configured for contact with the pressure plate. This primary lever is spring-biased to pivot in one direction to apply a generally axial primary force urging the pressure plate toward its engaged position, and is adapted to pivot upon release of the spring bias to pivot in an opposite direction thereby to permit movement of said pressure plate to its disengaged position. The assembly also includes at least one centrifugal-assist lever operable on rotation of the cover to pivot relative to the cover to apply a generally axial secondary force to the primary lever to assist in urging the pressure plate to its engaged position.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly connects driving and driven shafts and has a pressure plate axially moveable between an engaged position transmitting torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft and a disengaged position. A cover is mounted on the flywheel and a spring is mounted on the cover. The spring urges the pressure plate into the engaged position and compression of the spring allows for movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one lever assembly has a housing mounted on the cover, a lever pivotable in the housing to apply an axial force urging the pressure plate to the engaged position. A lever assembly spring is associated with the cartridge to bias against the pivoting movement of the lever and delay the pivoting movement of the lever until the clutch assembly reaches a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly comprises a cover mounted on a flywheel of a driving shaft. A pressure plate has a contact surface for receiving a driving force from the driving shaft that is axially moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A spring supported by the cover urges the pressure plate into the engaged position. Compression of the spring releases pressure on the pressure plate to permit movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one spacer attached to the cover and flywheel has an external surface that engages the pressure plate upon rotation of the flywheel. The external surface of the spacer conforms to the contact surface of the pressure plate so that torque is transmitted between the flywheel and the pressure plate over at least a line of engagement of the spacer external surface and the pressure plate contact surface upon rotation of the flywheel.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly connects driving and driven shafts and has a pressure plate axially moveable between an engaged position transmitting torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft and a disengaged position. A cover is mounted on the flywheel and a spring is mounted on the cover. The spring urges the pressure plate into the engaged position and compression of the spring allows for movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one lever assembly has a housing mounted on the cover, a lever pivotable in the housing to apply an axial force urging the pressure plate to the engaged position. A lever assembly spring is associated with the cartridge to bias against the pivoting movement of the lever and delay the pivoting movement of the lever until the clutch assembly reaches a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: A clutch disc spring for a land vehicle, such as an over-the-road truck or an automobile, which has an increased life. The spring, formed of ferrous material, is cooled by vaporizing low temperature nitrogen to slowly, cryogenically cool the spring to a temperature of about −300 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain the spring at that temperature for several hours. The cryogenic treatment converts retained austenite within the spring to martensite, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the spring. The spring is then tempered to temper the newly formed martensite, further improving the mechanical properties of the spring. These improved mechanical properties include better wear resistance, strength and resistance to fatigue.

Abstract: A flywheel for racing vehicles which has an increased life. The flywheel has reduced weight but resists deflection at high rpm to avoid plastic deformation and fatigue. The flywheel is formed to have more material lying in planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation while maintaining dimensions demanded by racing criteria.

Abstract: A friction clutch for connecting driving and driven shafts. The clutch includes a pressure plate adapted for operative attachment to the driven shaft for rotation therewith and for selectively clamping a friction disk in engagement against a flywheel of the driving shaft. An axially moveable retainer is operatively connected to a foot pedal and to the pressure plate by levers. At least one spring urges the retainer to move the pressure plate to the engaged position. Each lever has a pivot fulcrum, a first bearing surface engaging the retainer and a second bearing surface engaging a face on the pressure plate. The pivot fulcrum, first bearing surface, and second bearing surface are formed into the lever and arranged relative to each other such that a lever ratio of a first distance from the pivot fulcrum to the first bearing surface to a second distance from the pivot fulcrum to the second bearing surface is at least about 7.