Abstract: A plurality of elastic elements are mounted to at least one of a plurality of interleaved input and output plates of a clutch stack such that, when the clutch stack is moved to a disengaged position, the plurality of elastic elements maintain separation in an axial direction between the plurality of interleaved input and output plates. Clutch flutter is avoided, reducing the drag between clutch plates.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a surface treatment appliance includes an input clutch member, an output clutch member driven by the input clutch member, a motorized mechanism for effecting relative movement between the input clutch member and the output clutch member from an engaged position, in which torque is transmitted by the output clutch member to an output, to a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output, and a control system for actuating the motorized mechanism.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a plurality of reaction plates separated by one or more separator springs to maintain a distance between the reaction plates when the clutch is not activated.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for coupling two shafts for rotating in the prolongation of one another with respect to a casing. A dog clutch ensures that the two shafts are coupled. The device comprises a clutch release uncouple the dog clutch. The clutch release comprises a screw secured to one of the shafts, a nut secured to a flywheel and cooperating with the screw. The screw and nut have an axis coinciding substantially with the axis of rotation of the shafts, and a brake for braking the rotation of the flywheel with respect to the casing, and, in the clutch engagement position, the braking of the flywheel slackens the nut of the screw and drives one of the shafts in translational motion along said axis, so as to uncouple the dog clutch. The structure of the clutch release makes it possible to uncouple the shafts when these are in rotation.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for selectively transmitting and interrupting power between an input shaft and an output shaft arranged in coaxial relation in which a rotary member is coupled to one of the shafts to provide first and second states therebetween and wherein in the first state the rotary member is free to rotate and rotation is transmitted between the input and output shafts, whereas in the second state the input shaft can rotate relative to the output shaft and transmission of rotation is interrupted. The rotary member and the one shaft are angularly rotated relative to one another between first and second relative positions in the first and second states, and rotation of the rotary member is halted by a disc brake in the second state.

Abstract: A belt or chain-operated clutch and brake apparatus for lawnmowers which is mounted above the blade shroud or housing, and includes a shaft with a cooperating split drum assembly having a hub keyed to the shaft and oppositely-disposed, spring-loaded brake shoes bolted to opposed drum segments and pivoted to the hub plate attached to the hub. At least one drive pulley is freely rotatable on the shaft above the split drum assembly and carries a pulley drum which is shaped to define a round, downwardly extending drum flange located between the brake shoes and the drum segments in the split drum assembly. The brake shoes are biased into contact with the drum flange of the pulley drum in order to effect rotation of the split drum assembly and the shaft when the pulley is driven by a V-belt. A brake band encircles the drum segments in the split drum assembly and is secured to a fixed post at one end and a movable post at the opposite end for selectively tightening on the drum segments.