Abstract: On a frictional engage surface of one of inner and outer clutch plates constructing a wet-type multi-disk clutch, a plurality of convex ridges are formed at an infinitesimal predetermined interval distance. Lubricating oil is kept between the convex ridges, so that the wedge operation in oil can be reduced, whereby the torque transfer characteristic can be improved. Further, a height of the convex ridge is set equal to or more than 1 .mu.m and the interval distance of the convex ridge is set equal to or less than 600 .mu.m, preferably.In the configuration of the clutch plate, it is made of steel as a substrate. Further, a nitrogen diffusion layer, a nitrided layer and an oxidation tunic is formed on said nitrided layer are formed on the substrate in its order therefrom.

Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly includes a hub and an annular spring plate fixed to the hub. A friction disc assembly is mounted concentric with an axis of rotation of the hub and is rotatably relative to the spring plate. A plurality of drive springs are operably disposed between the spring plate and the friction disc assembly. The friction disc assembly further includes a reinforcing plate and a substantially annular disc fixed to the reinforcing plate. A friction material button is fixed to the substantially annular disc. Friction material button has a metallic friction material cookie with at least three apertures. A backer plate is fixed to the friction material. The backer plate covers the apertures in the friction material cookie. At least three spot welds are within three corresponding apertures in the cookie. At least one of the welds are offset from a line joining two others of the welds.

Abstract: In order to suppress the creation of a heat spot and extend the service life of an apparatus, a separator plate disposed between frictional plates is formed of a steel material in which microstructure is ferrite and pearlite structure and ferrite crystal grain size numbers are Nos. 9 and 10.

Abstract: A friction liner having a flat, annular general form, for a friction device designed to operate in a liquid medium, consists in particular of a clutch friction wheel or a brake disc, especially for an automatic gearbox or associated with such a gearbox, or a synchronising ring or cone for a manual gearbox. Such friction devices are intended in particular for motor vehicles. The liner is made of a friction material consisting of a mat of fibers impregnated with a thermosetting resin. After a final curing step while the liner is being moulded under pressure, this material has a porous structure with intercommunicating cells. The liner includes zones having different controlled porosities.

Abstract: A disc pack for a wet disc brake assembly includes a plurality of rotating discs. The rotating discs adjacent the axial end of the disc pack are formed of a lower co-efficient of friction material than more centrally located discs. In this way, the wear across the disc pack is more uniform, and a greater load can be carried. In addition, in this way the centrally located discs provide greater braking work than they would if they had the same co-efficient of friction as the axially outermost discs. Applicant has determined that the axially outermost discs see greater force from the braking components, and thus would perform more work than the central discs given equal co-efficients of friction. In this way, the useful life of the disc pack is increased since more work is done by the central discs and wear is more uniform.

Abstract: A brake rotor in which deformation against thermal stress is reduced, thereby preventing a surface layer from being cracked or peeled upon operation of the brake rotor at a high temperature. A titanium alloy is heat-treated at a .beta. phase transformation temperature and is quenched, so that grains of the alloy are equiaxed up to sizes ranging from 300 .mu.m to 4 mm, whereby deformation against thermal stress is significantly improved.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a material for an element of a power transmission-absorption assembly and the method of making such material is disclosed. The material has a pre-selected channel configuration to permit flow of a cooling medium thereacross or therethrough. Another embodiment of the invention discloses a material and method for slotting the material and situating the material on a blocker ring to facilitate providing a plurality of spaced grooves having an open end which is substantially larger than a closed end. The material may comprises a raised rib or chamfer which facilitates controlling the fluid at an area of engagement between the material and a mating frictional member (not shown).

Abstract: A friction liner, for a dry friction device such as a clutch friction wheel, or a disk brake for a motor vehicle gearbox, is of flat, annular general form. It comprises a flat annular body of friction material having a cylindrical inner surface and a cylindrical outer surface. At least one annular reinforcing zone is incorporated in the body of the liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of high temperature composites made by the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition of a binding matrix within a porous structure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure, apparatus for carrying out those processes, and the resulting products. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction element designed for frictional contact with a body and for use, in particular, in brakes or clutches. The friction element has at least one freely accessible surface formed by a carbon-fiber-reinforced porous carbon block, at least some pores of which are filled with silicon and silicon carbide. In order to provide a friction element of this kind, as well as a method of manufacturing the friction element, which gives the advantages associated with C/C--SiC materials and which can be manufactured inexpensively, thus making it suitable, from the cost point of view, for general use particularly in the automobile-construction industry, the friction element is made up of at least one core element and at least one friction block securely bonded to it, the friction block being bonded to the core element on the side remote from its friction surface and the two elements being joined to each other by a high-temperature-resistant bonding layer.

Abstract: The coupling device, such as a clutch, comprises an alternation of first discs (22) made from hardened steel and having teeth (25) for rotational coupling with a first member of the clutch, and second disc (19) having teeth (15) for rotational coupling with a second member of the clutch. The second discs (19) are made of carbon fibers embedded in a carbon base material, with no support inside the disc. The stable and progressive operation of the clutch and the life time of the discs are improved. Costs and space-requirement are reduced over all-carbon devices.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a bridging clutch having an annular friction liner for engaging axially against a reaction surface of the clutch. The liner is in the form of an annular ring having a friction surface, an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, with a network of grooves formed in the friction surface to enable a liquid to flow between the liner and the reaction surface. The network of grooves is not open radially in the outer perimeter of the liner.

Abstract: An advantage of the present invention is the provision of a friction material having a porous structure and a large static coefficient of friction, that is made to have a porous structure so as to improve heat resistance but which does not exhibit time-varying characteristics in friction at the beginning of engagement.A friction material 120 is provided on the surface thereof with small holes 160 each of which is 0.02 mm.sup.2 to 0.2 mm.sup.2 in size and whose area ratio to the whole surface area of the friction material 120 is not less than 5% and whose ratio of depth to the thickness of the friction material 120 is not less than 20% and holds oil in the small holes 160.

Abstract: This invention relates to a double-synchronizer ring and its manufacturing method. More particularly, this invention relates further to a novel type of the double-structure synchronizer ring and its manufacturing method using raw material powder which is press molded and sintered for the embodiment of the synchronizer ring thereof. The synchronizer ring according to this invention is constructed in such a manner to separate an inter-diameter indentation portion comprising copper powder sintering agent and an external ring body portion comprising sintering metal and then, to indent the inter-diameter indentation portion into an inter-diameter of the external ring body portion, so as to embody an integrated form of the synchronizer ring. Thus, the synchronizer ring according to this invention has a better friction force and cost-saving benefits than the conventional one.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a friction-in-oil device having a plurality of coaxial disks comprising metal rotor or driving disks, metal stator or driven disks, and loose disks of carbon/carbon ("C/C") composite material, each loose C/C disk lying between a metal rotor or driving disk and a metal stator or driven disk. Each loose C/C disk is centered by a bearing surface formed in an adjacent metal rotor or stator disk, which bearing surface has passages for feeding oil to the interface between the loose C/C disk and the metal rotor or stator disk.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a material for an element of a power transmission-absorption assembly and the method of making such material is disclosed. The material has a pre-selected channel configuration to permit flow of a cooling medium thereacross or therethrough.

Abstract: A fibrous friction material in a sheet form having a top surface and a bottom surface with at least one surface containing a mixture of from about 10 to 65% cellulose fibers, about 5 to 50% carbon fibers, about 5 to 50% activated carbon, about 1 to 20% novoloid fibers, up to 65% diatomatious earth particles, and latex in an amount sufficient to increase the strength of the said sheet, with said percentages being based on the total weight of said sheet. The material is impregnated with a thermosetting resin prior to use.

Abstract: A clutch disk made of a C/C composite for a wet multi-plate clutch is comprised of a disk body, and a pair of friction layers integral with and on opposite sides of the disk body for sliding contact with clutch plates. A relationship of V.sub.2 >V.sub.1 is established between the porosity V.sub.1 of the disk body and the porosity V.sub.2 of the friction layer, and the porosity V.sub.2 of the friction layer 4 is set in a range of 20%.ltoreq.V.sub.2 .ltoreq.60%, which provides a clutch disk with sufficient strength and excellent sliding characteristics.

Abstract: A wrap spring operating mechanism for use in a random start/stop clutch, brake, or combined clutch/brake assembly limits the rate of acceleration or deceleration of the second member relative to the first member when the assembly is engaged. The assembly includes a first member, a second member, and a helical spring wrapped about adjacent portions of the first and second members. An annular control collar is disposed circumferentially about portions of the first and second members. The wrap spring has a first end that is connected to the first member and a second end that is connected to the control collar. An annular armature is connected to the control collar for rotational movement therewith and for relative axial movement. An annular rotor is disposed circumferentially about and connected to the second member. An annular friction ring is disposed within a recess formed in the rotor. The friction ring is formed from a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, preferably about 0.

Abstract: A friction material for a synchronizer ring which exhibits good heat resistance, wear resistance and scorching resistance properties has 30 to 70% by weight of a carbon material, 10 to 40% by weight of a thermosetting resin, 5 to 30% by weight of metal fibers or metal particles and 5 to 40% by weight of inorganic fibers or inorganic particles, and having a porosity of 10 to 50%. The carbon is porous graphite particles of a size distribution in which not less than 50% of the entire number of said graphite particles have a particle diameter from 44 to 250 .mu.m. The thermosetting resin is a novolac type phenol resin, epoxy modified phenol resin, melamine modified phenol resin, cashew modified phenol resin, hydrocarbon resin modified phenol resin or cresol modified phenol resin.

Abstract: A wet type friction contact device comprises a non-driving member; a driving member which drives to the non-driving member; and fluid which is intervened between the non-driving member and driving member; wherein the coefficient of dynamic friction of the contact area between the non-driving member and the driving member is not less than 0.2. Therefore, the present invention provides a wet type friction contact device which secures a large amount of torque capacity compared with that of the conventional wet type contact device without bringing about large-size unit thereof and also without requiring disassembly and exchange thereof.

Abstract: A braking component such as a brake pad, brake rotor, brake drum or clutch disk is comprised of a metal substrate having a friction material laminated on at least a portion of at least one face of the metal substrate, the friction material being a ceramic-metal composite comprised of a metal phase and a ceramic phase dispersed within each other, wherein the ceramic phase is present in an amount of at least about 20% by volume of the ceramic-metal composite. In particular, the braking component is a metal substrate, such as aluminum, having laminated thereto a ceramic-metal composite of a dense boron carbide-aluminum composite having high specific heat and low density.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a friction engagement portion 3 of clutch disk assembly includes a driven plate 20 fixed to a clutch plate 5, a cushioning plate 21, first and second sintered alloy pads 22 and 23, and rivets 32. The cushioning plate 21 has a corrugated form allowing elastic deformation. The first sintered alloy pad 22 is arranged at the cushioning plate 21. The second sintered alloy pad 23 is fixed to the driven plate 20 having an outer peripheral edge bent for fixing the second sintered alloy pad 23. The rivet 32 has an end engaged with the second sintered alloy pad 23, is axially movable, and has the other end for fixing the cushioning plate 21 and the first sintered alloy pad 22. In a second embodiment, a pair of first and second cushioning plates 120 and 121 are opposed to each other at an outer peripheral portion of the clutch disk assembly. Sintered alloy pads 122 and 123 fixed at outer surfaces of the first and second cushioning plates 120 and 121.

Abstract: A friction clutch having a friction plate and a pressure plate located within the friction clutch housing. The friction clutch has a backing plate that is positioned between the friction plate and the pressure plate with the backing plate being made from a harder material, such as steel, than the pressure plate which is made from a softer material, such as aluminum.

Abstract: Brake rotors each having a brake ring, first and second opposing braking surfaces, and inner and outer peripheral surfaces connecting the braking surfaces. A plurality of apertures may be disposed through the brake ring, extending between the two braking surfaces. A ceramic coating, for providing thermal insulation, is disposed at least on the two braking surfaces. In one preferred embodiment, the brake ring is formed from a composition comprising a substantial proportion of titanium.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of high temperature composites made by the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition of a binding matrix within a porous structure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure, apparatus for carrying out those processes, and the resulting products. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: In an aspect of the present invention, a synchronizer ring, made of Fe-based sintered alloy, having an internal circumferential surface 101, is provided, the internal circumferential surface 101 being adapted to detachably engage in synchronized sliding with a rotating counterpart member thereof. At least the internal circumferential surface 101 is applied with aqueous vapor treatment to form iron oxide film thereon. In another aspect of the present invention, the iron oxide film has surface roughness not less than 20 .mu.mRz but not more than 55 .mu.mRz. In a further aspect of the present invention, the iron oxide film has a surface roughness not less than 25 .mu.mRz but not more than 35 .mu.mRz. In another aspect of the present invention, the iron oxide film has a thickness not less than 0.05 .mu.m but not more than 5 .mu.m. In a further aspect of the present invention, the major component of the iron oxide film is Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4.

Abstract: This invention provides: (1) a hinder composition for friction materials, characterized in that it comprises a thermosetting resin and a specific organic silicon compound having phenyl groups, and (2) a friction material having as a binder composition shown in the above item (1). When used for manufacturing friction materials in the brakes and clutches for various kinds of vehicles such as automobiles, it can remarkably improve the facing and abrasion resistances of the friction material.

Abstract: A structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) material adapted for clutch use. The entirety of the frictional components of a clutch mechanism or only particular components thereof can be made of the FRCMC material. One embodiment has integrally molded fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite clutch friction pads forming the friction surfaces of metal clutch parts. Clutch components exhibiting a higher temperature and wear-resistance than currently available clutch parts are described. These clutch components and pads exhibit improved performance at high temperatures and are highly wear-resistant in comparison to current clutch components.

Abstract: The coupling device, such as a clutch, comprises an alternation of first discs (22) made from hardened steel and having teeth (25) for rotational coupling with a first member of the clutch, and second discs (19) having teeth (15) for rotational coupling with a second member of the clutch.The discs (19) are made of carbon fibres embedded in a carbon former, with no support inside the disc.Use for improving the stability and progressive nature of the functioning of the clutch, and the longevity of the discs.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a friction engagement portion 3 of clutch disk assembly includes a driven plate 20 fixed to a clutch plate 5, a cushioning plate 21, first and second sintered alloy pads 22 and 23, and rivets 32. The cushioning plate 21 has a corrugated form allowing elastic deformation. The first sintered alloy pad 22 is arranged at the cushioning plate 21. The second sintered alloy pad 23 is fixed to the driven plate 20 having an outer peripheral edge bent for fixing the second sintered alloy pad 23. The rivet 32 has an end engaged with the second sintered alloy pad 23, is axially movable, and has the other end for fixing the cushioning plate 21 and the first sintered alloy pad 22. In a second embodiment, a pair of first and second cushioning plates 120 and 121 are opposed to each other at an outer peripheral portion of the clutch disk assembly. Sintered alloy pads 122 and 123 fixed at outer surfaces of the first and second cushioning plates 120 and 121.

Abstract: A structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) material adapted for clutch use. The entirety of the frictional components of a clutch mechanism or only particular components thereof can be made of the FRCMC material. One embodiment has integrally molded fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite clutch friction pads forming the friction surfaces of metal clutch parts. Clutch components exhibiting a higher temperature and wear-resistance than currently available clutch parts are described. These clutch components and pads exhibit improved performance at high temperatures and are highly wear-resistant in comparison to current clutch components.

Abstract: Grooved friction materials (12 or 14) each include a single-layer pyrolytic-carbon fabric material formed of woven or nonwoven yarn strands (20 and 22). The pyrolytic-carbon fabric material (12 or 14) has a top surface (16) and a bottom surface (18), the top surface (16) having molded grooves (28) therein. The yarn strands (20 and 22) at the grooves (28) exhibit superior integrity because they are generally whole, undamaged yarn strands. Wet friction members for friction engaging mechanisms include a support member (54, 56, or 58) and at least one piece (48, 50, or 52) of grooved friction material (14) adhered to a surface of the support member. The bulk grooved friction material (14), from which the individual pieces (48, 50, or 52) are cut, is a single-layer pyrolytic-carbon fabric material formed of yarn strands (20 and 22) and has a top surface (16) with grooves (28) therein. The yarn strands (20 and 22) at the grooves (28) are generally whole and undamaged.

Abstract: To provide a synchronizer ring having both the characteristic of quickly synchronizing two gears and the characteristic of no burning, a wood ceramics layer of a friction member 12 is formed on a tapered inner circumferential surface of a ring-like structure 11 of a synchronizer ring 10. Since the friction member 12 of the synchronizer ring 10 according to the present invention is formed of wood ceramics, the synchronizer ring 10 can attain porosity, wear resistance, heat resistance, and seizure resistance. Owing to the porosity of the wood ceramics, the formation of an oil film at a friction interface can be suppressed to thereby enlarge the coefficient of dynamic friction. Accordingly, two gears can be quickly synchronized with no seizure owing to the heat resistance and the seizure resistance.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a material for an element of a power transmission-absorption assembly and the method of making such material is disclosed. The material has a pre-selected channel configuration to permit flow of a cooling medium thereacross or therethrough.

Abstract: A wet frictional engagement plate comprising a core metal having a surface and a wet frictional material containing a fiber component, a filler, a friction adjustment agent and a thermosetting resin, the wet frictional material being fixed onto a surface of the core metal. Before or after the wet frictional material is fixed onto the surface of the core metal, the surface of the wet frictional material is subjected to a surface treatment process comprising pressing a smooth-faced hot plate of a temperature in a range of from 350.degree. C. to 550.degree. C., which temperature is selected so that it does not carbonize the thermosetting resin, against the surface of the wet frictional material for a time in a range of from 1 to 5 seconds. The wet frictional engagement plate has a friction coefficient which does not change and remains stable from initial use, and also has a long endurance life.

Abstract: A structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material adapted for high temperature brake use is disclosed as used for the entirety of components of a brake system and as brake pads which can be used in the normal manner for brake pads. Also disclosed is a method of integrally molding the brake pads to the surfaces of metal brake parts.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly for a drum brake of a vehicle is improved by the addition of a moisture-impervious coating material applied to the brake shoe, and especially the brake shoe table upon which a friction liner will be removably secured. This coating material is effectively bonded to at least the portion of the outer surface of the brake shoe table which will be covered by the friction liner before the friction liner is removably secured. The moisture-impervious coating material is substantially non-adhesively bonded to said friction liner and is preferably a cross-linkable polymeric material, especially an epoxy-based adhesive.

Abstract: The multiplate clutch for an automatic transmission includes a composite separator plate that reduces chatter and the frequency of vibrations transmitted through the separator plate. The separator plate includes a first rigid steel member, a second rigid steel member, and a layer of a viscoelastic material bonded between the two rigid members. The separator plate has projections extending from the first and second rigid members and the viscoelastic layer to engage a rotating drum or a splined shaft. Each of the rigid members has a thickness of between 0.010 to 0.090 inches, and the viscoelastic layer has a thickness of between 0.001 to 0.005 inches.

Abstract: A lockup clutch for torque converter which prevents engaging and disengaging shock when a transmission torque suddenly changes, includes a lockup clutch assembly, a lockup clutch piston operating the lockup clutch assembly, and a damper device disposed between the lockup clutch piston and an output member for absorbing changes of transmission torque occurring in association with the operation of the lockup clutch assembly. The lockup clutch piston is made of steel and has a thermally treated portion placed at a surface in contact with springs of the damper device wherein the thermally treated portion is hardened by rapid local melting with high density energy radiation such as electron beam followed by rapid cooling.

Abstract: A friction clutch, preferably a multi-plate clutch, in which the pressure plate is made of carbon material and has a wear-resistant surface coating and/or an inserted wire ring in the contact area for the diaphragm spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-ply fibrous base material comprising a primary layer having elastic and oil absorbent characteristics bonded to a secondary layer having high temperature resistance and high strength characteristics. The two-ply fibrous base material, when impregnated with a suitable resin, provides a friction material exhibiting good friction and wear characteristics and is especially useful in high energy end use applications.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated friction clutch includes a rotatably driven input gear. A rotatable armature is connected to the input gear and includes a friction face and nitrocarburized outer surfaces. A pole piece has a pole face for engaging the friction face of the armature and nitrocarburized outer surfaces. An electromagnet generates an electromagnetic field to shift the armature from a disengaged position to an engaged position wherein the friction face of the armature and the pole face of the pole piece are frictionally engaged. An output shaft is driven by the input gear when the armature is in the engaged position. The nitrocarburized outer surfaces of the armature and the pole piece resist wear, while interior portions of the armature and pole piece direct magnetic flux flow along a desired path.

Abstract: An engaging and disengaging clutch includes a clutch disk having friction linings on each of two sides thereof, the friction linings being made from an organically bound friction material; a counterrotating member and a pressure plate both disposed adjacent the clutch disk; and a friction element disposed on at least one of the counterrotating member and the pressure plate and defining a friction surface being made from a sintered metal material. The sintered metal material contains therein any heavy components adapted for use in the friction linings of the clutch disk and in the friction element for achieving an optimum friction pairing therebetween, the organically bound friction material thereby being free of the heavy components.

Abstract: Reversing gears for boats, comprising an angle gear with two gears (4,5) which are rotatably mounted on a secondary shaft (8) and are alternately lockable to the shaft by means of a clutch sleeve (11). The clutch sleeve has exterior clutch cones (12,13), which are coated with a surface coating of chemical nickel which has been impregnated and coated with a fluoroplastic layer and then been heat-treated. The rotatably mounted gears (4,5) have interior clutch cones (14, 15) of tempered steel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronizer for automobile transmissions. The invention provides a synchronizer in which the stroke of the shift lever is shorter for the same synchronizing time and the shift lever is operated by a smaller operating force to give convenient operation. By forming a friction surface at the outer circumference of the sleeve, the friction is located at the farthest position from the center line of the synchronizer so that the friction force is increased. At the same time, the pitch circle diameter of the power transmission spline is the largest so that the width of the synchronizer is reduced and the time required for synchronizing reduced. Also, the torque required in operating and the operating stroke are reduced remarkably whereby the enhanced performance synchronizer for automobile transmission provided.

Abstract: Reversing gears for boats, comprising an angle gearing with two gears (4,5) rotatably mounted on a secondary shaft (8) and alternately lockable to the shaft by means of a clutch sleeve (11). The clutch sleeve consists of aluminum and has exterior coupling cones with surfaces (12,13), which are oxidized and impregnated with a fluoroplastic and are heat-treated. The rotatably mounted gears (4,5) have interior coupling cones (14,15) of tempered steel.

Abstract: Method for increasing the torque generating capabilities of a clutch are disclosed including the application of a film lubricant composition onto the engagement surfaces of a clutch. The composition imparts anti-galling properties to engaging surfaces of metallic pieces such as brakes or clutches.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved automotive clutch having a pressure ring, preferably formed of aluminum, with a heat shield that includes a thin outer metallic ring, preferably of steel, which is laminated to a layer of an adhesive resin that contains metallic elements which are in substantially direct heat exchange between the outer steel ring and the aluminum pressure ring. For this purpose, copper screen of suitable mesh, from 10 to about 20 U.S. Standard, is embedded in the adhesive resin layer, reinforcing the adhesive layer and providing a controlled degree of direct heat transmission from the steel ring to the aluminum ring. In preferred embodiments, the attachment of the steel ring to the pressure ring is enhanced by a plurality of countersunk, flush head fasteners which are spaced about the periphery of the ring in a regular geometric array.

Abstract: A friction clutch in which carbon input disks are coupled to a flywheel by radial slots in their peripheries. Carbon input disks are coupled to a drive shaft by means of inner, radial slots and a metallic hub which contains slot-matching fingers. The input and output disks as well as the hub are axially free standing when the clutch is disengaged. The design distributes load more uniformly over the carbon plates than previous devices and allows greater service life of the clutch.