Abstract: A torque transferring transmission-drive system includes a first friction surface. A second friction surface is directed toward the first friction surface. A reaction plate is positioned between the first friction surface and the second friction surface. A piston is actuated by a fluid pressure to displace the first friction surface toward the second friction surface, frictionally engaging the reaction plate between the first friction surface and the second friction surface. At least one strap spring in a clutch engaged condition elastically compresses to allow the reaction plate to be frictionally engaged between the first friction surface and the second friction surface, and in a clutch disengaged condition the at least one strap spring elastically expands to create a clearance between the reaction plate and each of the first friction surface and the second friction surface.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a torque converter includes a front cover and a drive plate connected to an outer surface of the front cover for coupling to the front cover to an engine crankshaft. The drive plate includes elastic preloading elements pressing against the outer surface of the front cover. A method of forming a cover assembly for a torque converter includes fixing a drive plate to an outer surface of a front cover of the torque converter such that elastic preloading elements of the drive plate press against the outer surface and are compressed.

Abstract: A piston apply ring for providing a more uniform load distribution from an apply piston to clutch plates in a clutch apply piston assembly, effectively increasing the lifetime of various components of the clutch apply piston assembly, is disclosed. An L-shaped cross-sectional shape of the piston apply ring helps locate the apply ring on the clutch apply piston and prevents torsional movement between the apply ring and the apply piston. Various alternative embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an input side and an output side, which are disposed rotatably. First frictional partners are non-rotatably connected with the input side and axially movable and second frictional partners are non-rotatably connected with the output side and axially movable. Furthermore, a compression device is provided to compress the frictional partners axially, in order to provide a torsional connection between the input side and the output side. Both sides are decoupled axially from the respective frictional partners with which they are engaged.

Abstract: A clutch adjuster to be used in a manually adjustable clutch is provided for compensating the effect of clutch wear. The clutch adjuster has a substantially flat top plate adapted to be secured to the clutch housing, a fastener, a rotary gear, a locking member and a resilient member. The fastener has a head and a shaft and being captured by an aperture in the substantially flat top plate. The rotary gear is connected to the shaft of the fastener. The locking member is configured below the substantially flat top plate and has at least one protrusion passing upward through the aperture of the substantially flat top plate and projecting therefrom. The protrusion is configured to be in a selective locking engagement with the head of the fastener. The resilient member is configured between the locking member and the rotary gear for resiliently biasing the locking member towards the substantially flat top plate.

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 multi-plate clutch includes a plurality of drive plates that are rotationally coupled to a concentric shell wherein keys radially extending from each drive plate are slidably received in axial channels formed in the interior surface of the shell. The enhancement of the wear resistance of the keys of single one of the drive plates serves to extend the service life of the entire clutch.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Clutch adjuster to be used in a manually adjustable clutch. The clutch adjuster having a substantially flat top plate adapted to be secured to the clutch housing, a fastener, a rotary gear, a locking member and a resilient member. The fastener has a head and a shaft and being captured by an aperture in the substantially flat top plate. The rotary gear is connected to the shaft of the fastener. The locking member is configured below the substantially flat top plate and has at least one protrusion passing upward through the aperture of the substantially flat top plate and projecting therefrom. The protrusion being configured to be in selective locking engagement with the head of the fastener. The resilient member is configured between the locking member and the rotary gear for resiliently biasing the locking member towards the substantially flat top plate.