Abstract: An inertia brake assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, the inertia brake includes a rotor hub subassembly and an inertia brake subassembly. The inertia brake subassembly includes a first reaction plate arranged opposite a first side of the rotor hub assembly, a second reaction plate arranged opposite a second side of the rotor hub assembly, and one or more connector subassemblies connecting the first reaction plate to the second reaction plate. The one or more connector subassemblies include at least one or more resilient straps, and a spacer disposed between the one or more resilient straps and one of the first and second reaction plates. The spacer is arranged about a diameter of the rotor hub subassembly. In an embodiment, the inertia brake assembly includes a sleeve. An inertia brake subassembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling an activation load applied to a clutch pedal. A first load is applied to the clutch pedal that has a first reaction force in a first phase of pedal movement. A switch is activated at the end of the first phase. When the switch is activated, a second load that is greater than the first load is applied to the pedal that provides a second reaction force in a second phase of pedal movement.

Abstract: A method of controlling an activation load applied to a clutch pedal. A first load is applied to the clutch pedal that has a first reaction force in a first phase of pedal movement. A switch is activated at the end of the first phase. When the switch is activated, a second load that is greater than the first load is applied to the pedal that provides a second reaction force in a second phase of pedal movement.

Abstract: An external activation clutch brake that is controlled by a switch is actuated when a clutch pedal is depressed. A compression spring, torsion spring or hydraulic valve may be used to simulate engagement of a standard clutch brake in which clutch brake squeeze is sensed by the driver. The clutch pedal has first and second phases of movement with the load required to compress the clutch pedal in a first phase being less than the load required to further compress the clutch pedal in a second phase.

Abstract: An inertia brake assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, the inertia brake includes a rotor hub subassembly and an inertia brake subassembly. The inertia brake subassembly includes a first reaction plate arranged opposite a first side of the rotor hub assembly, a second reaction plate arranged opposite a second side of the rotor hub assembly, and one or more connector subassemblies connecting the first reaction plate to the second reaction plate. The one or more connector subassemblies include at least one or more resilient straps, and a spacer disposed between the one or more resilient straps and one of the first and second reaction plates. The spacer is arranged about a diameter of the rotor hub subassembly. In an embodiment, the inertia brake assembly includes a sleeve. An inertia brake subassembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An input shaft brake and disconnect apparatus is provided in a housing between an engine and a transmission. The disconnect apparatus has a first cavity that receives pressurized fluid causing a piston to shift and disconnect an input shaft from a clutch. Pressurized fluid is provided to a second cavity to shift a piston that is associated with a single brake disk or double brake disk that are disposed on one or both sides of an input shaft rotor that is retained on an input shaft. The disconnect apparatus and brake allow for quicker shifting.

Abstract: A manual adjustment mechanism for a clutch is provided wherein an adjusting gear rotates an adjusting ring relative to a pressure plate that are interconnected by means of inclined surfaces or threaded surfaces. The adjustment gear is disposed inboard of a diaphragm spring and is rotated manually with access being provided through the diaphragm spring. The adjusting gear and inclined surfaces may be protected by contamination baffles. The adjusting gear may be locked in place between service operations by means of interlocking elements.

Abstract: An input shaft brake is provided for a transmission. The input shaft brake may have a hydraulically or pneumatically actuated piston and may have a single brake disk or double brake disk that are disposed on one or both sides of an input shaft rotor is retained on an input shaft. The brake may alternatively be comprised of a rotor made with friction material and at least one member mounted for axial movement that engage one or both sides of the rotor when force is applied by a piston. Braking force is applied to the input shaft disk to allow for quicker shifting and synchronizer engagement.

Abstract: A dual mass flywheel and clutch system for minimizing torsional vibration levels during engine start-up and during low speed engine operation where the rotational moment of inertia of a clutch input assembly is minimized to raise the torsional natural frequency of the dual mass clutch system above the engine firing frequency when the clutch is disengaged to reduce the level of torsional vibration during engine start-up. After engine start-up, the dual mass clutch system is engaged and the torsional natural frequency of the clutch system returns to a lower frequency due to the rotation of the clutch output assembly thereby effectively reducing the torsional vibration levels in the vehicle driveline in a normal manner.

Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly includes a hub, an annular spring plate, an annular disc assembly, a plurality of drive springs, and a disc assembly. The hub has an axis of rotation. The annular spring plate rotatably is fixed to the hub. The annular disc assembly is mounted concentric with the axis of rotation for rotation relative to the spring plate. The plurality of drive springs is operably disposed between the spring plate and the disc assembly. The disc assembly has a reinforcing plate with spring pockets which receive the drive springs. The reinforcing plate has oppositely facing faces. The annular disc has a friction element fixed thereto and also has a plurality of attachment apertures passing therethrough. The weld bead is disposed in each of the attachment apertures and fixes the annular disc to one of the reinforcing plate faces.

Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.

Abstract: A compact torsion spring assembly is functionally disposed between a first member and a second member. The first member is rotatable relative to the second member and has a first spring engagement notch therein. A bracket fixed relative to the second member has a second notch therein. A tension spring is formed as a continuous coil of steel wire, defining an enlarged diameter first catch plate portion at a first end and a second catch plate portion at a second end. The spring is disposed between the first member and the second member, with the first catch plate portion engaging the notch in the first member and the second catch plate portion engaging the notch in the bracket, wherein the spring rotatively biases the first member relative to the the second member.

Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.

Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.

Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.

Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.

Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly includes a ventilated support plate and friction element to reduce the build up of heat during use. The support plate includes a plurality of radially extending paddles. A pair of friction elements are secured to the opposed sides of each of the paddles. Each paddle has a plurality of generally parallel slots formed therethrough. The slots may extend generally radially or generally circumferentially relative to the paddle. Each of the friction elements includes a corrugated backing plate having a friction facing secured thereto. The corrugations define a plurality of raised channels in the backing plate. The raised channels are formed such that they are aligned with the slots formed through the support plate when the friction elements are secured to the paddle. Such alignment provides a plurality of channels for the passage of air therethrough as the driven disc assembly rotates during use.