Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a diaphragm spring to bias a retainer assembly toward an engaged position. The retainer assembly actuates a lever to force a pressure plate into torque transmitting contact with a friction disc and a flywheel. Clutch straps bias the pressure plates toward a disengaged position. An adjusting ring shifts toward the flywheel to accommodate for wear of the friction disc. A resilient plate is attached to the adjusting ring and exerts a biasing force against the diaphragm spring. As the adjuster ring shifts toward the flywheel, the biasing force of the clutch straps increases and the biasing force of the resilient plate decreases to provide a substantially uniform clamp load throughout the life of the friction disc.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a diaphragm spring to bias a retainer assembly toward an engaged position. The retainer assembly actuates a lever to force a pressure plate into torque transmitting contact with a friction disc and a flywheel. Clutch straps bias the pressure plates toward a disengaged position. An adjusting ring shifts toward the flywheel to accommodate for wear of the friction disc. A resilient plate is attached to the adjusting ring and exerts a biasing force against the diaphragm spring. As the adjuster ring shifts toward the flywheel, the biasing force of the clutch straps increases and the biasing force of the resilient plate decreases to provide a substantially uniform clamp load throughout the life of the friction disc.

Abstract: A sailing vessel is disclosed having a segmented winged keel made up of a pair of L-shaped keel members which are independently swingable toward and away from one another. When in their normal, side by side, closed positions, the keel members define an inverted-T. Each keel member is swingable through an arc of approximately 90.degree. to decrease the overall draft of the vessel, or alternately to thwart a tendency for the vessel to heel in a crosswind. Mechanism is connected to the keel members to permit selective independent swinging thereof from the cabin or cockpit of the vessel. The rudder of the vessel may similarly be raised to a level such that it also does not extend below the normal longitudinally extending main keel of the vessel.