Abstract: A vehicle output shaft includes a torque transmission shaft, a drive-side end which is connected to a differential by way of a differential-side joint, and an output-side end which is connected to a driven wheel of the motor vehicle by way of a wheel-side joint, as well as at least one torsional vibration damper. The torsional vibration damper is arranged in a series circuit between the torque transmission shaft and at least one of the joints.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a front cover arranged to receive a torque. The torque converter further includes a lock-up clutch engaged with the front cover and including a clutch plate. The torque converter further includes a damper assembly engageable with the lock-up clutch. The damper assembly includes a cover plate defining a spring retainer extending about an axis. The damper assembly further includes a spring disposed in the spring retainer. The damper assembly further includes a spring support plate fixed to the cover plate. The spring support plate includes inner tabs and outer tabs disposed radially outside of the inner tabs. The outer tabs are configured to radially constrain the spring in the spring retainer. The inner tabs are configured to position the clutch plate relative to the axis.

Abstract: A torque fluctuation inhibiting device is disclosed. The torque fluctuation inhibiting device includes an input member, an elastic member, a mass body and a centrifugal element. The input member includes a pair of input plates disposed in axial alignment. The input member is disposed to be rotatable. The elastic member is held by the pair of input plates. The mass body is disposed to be rotated with the input member and be rotatable relative to the input member. The centrifugal element is disposed to be radially movable by a centrifugal force acting thereon in rotation of the input member. The centrifugal element is disposed between the pair of input plates.

Abstract: An axle system is provided herein. In one example, the axle system includes a gearbox housing at least partially enclosing a gearbox and a planetary gearset that is rotationally coupled to an output of the gearbox and positioned co-axial with a rotational axis of an axle shaft in a differential. The planetary gearset includes a ring gear grounded by a planetary support that is attached to the gearbox housing.

Abstract: A torque converter including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller; a stator assembly; a lock-up clutch including an axially displaceable piston plate; a vibration damper including an output flange, a retainer plate, and a spring directly engaged with the output flange and retainer plate; a first combination component having a first single unified structure including a first section forming a pilot hub located radially inward of the cover and non-rotatably connected to the cover, and a second section forming a seal plate of the lock-up clutch; and a second combination component having a second single unified structure including a third section forming a shell of the turbine, and a fourth section forming a cover plate of the vibration damper, the fourth section directly engaged with the spring and non-rotatably connected to the retainer plate.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper, including: an output flange supported for rotation around an axis of rotation and including a first drive surface and a second drive surface; an intermediate flange including a first drive tab aligned in series with the first drive surface in a circumferential direction around the axis of rotation and a second drive tab aligned in series with the second drive surface in the circumferential direction; a first spring including a first end directly engaged with the first drive surface and a second end directly engaged with the first drive tab; and a second spring including a first end directly engaged with the second drive tab and a second end directly engaged with the second drive surface. In an example embodiment, the intermediate flange includes a centering tab in contact with the output flange and arranged to center the intermediate flange with respect to the output flange.

Abstract: A torque converter comprises a cover arranged to receive torque, an impeller including an impeller shell fixed to the cover, and a turbine fluidly coupled to the impeller. A lock-up clutch is provided that includes a dam plate non-rotatably connected to the cover, and a piston plate disposed, at least partially, between the cover and the dam plate. A fluid diversion plate is disposed between the dam plate and the turbine, wherein the dam plate is connected to the piston plate on a first axial side and connected to the fluid diversion plate on a second axial side, opposite the first axial side.

Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission device includes a front cover, a torque converter main body, a lock-up device, and a dynamic damper. The dynamic damper has a base plate, inertia rings and lid members that configure an inertial body, viscosity attenuation portions, and an elastic coupling portion. The base plate is fixed to an output plate. The inertial body can move in the rotation direction relative to the base plate. The viscosity attenuation portions can generate a variable hysteresis torque according to the relative speed difference between the base plate and the inertial body.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a collection of photovoltaic modules, a base supporting the collection of photovoltaic modules, and a damper coupled between the collection of photovoltaic modules and the base. The damper resists movement of the photovoltaic modules relative to the base. The damper has a first damping ratio when the collection of photovoltaic modules moves at a first rate relative to the base and a second damping ratio when the collection of photovoltaic modules moves at a second rate relative to the base, and the damper passively transitions from the first damping ratio to the second damping ratio.

Abstract: A dynamic vibration absorber is configured to be attached to a rotary member. The dynamic vibration absorber includes a base member, a mass body, and a torque limiting part. The base member is rotatably disposed. The mass body is attached to the base member so as to be rotatable relatively thereto. The torque limiting part limits transmission of a torque to be inputted into the base member from the rotary member.

Abstract: A decoupler assembly comprises a torque equalizer and a one-way clutch bearing. The torque equalizer comprises an inner member having a rotational axis, an outer member disposed concentrically and surrounding the inner member, and two arcuate spring elements arranged between the inner member and the outer member, and configured to transmit torque between the inner and outer members. The inner member is rotationally displaceable relative to the outer member at least 30 degrees upon compression of the two arcuate spring elements. The one-way clutch bearing is located in the same radial plane as torque equalizer and rotationally connected to the inner member or the outer member. The one-way clutch bearing comprises an outer race, an inner race, and a plurality of individual wedging locking elements that are disposed between the inner and outer races. The decoupler assembly may comprise a single spiral spring element or a rubber-based spring element.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a collection of photovoltaic modules, a base supporting the collection of photovoltaic modules, and a damper coupled between the collection of photovoltaic modules and the base. The damper resists movement of the photovoltaic modules relative to the base. The damper has a first damping ratio when the collection of photovoltaic modules moves at a first rate relative to the base and a second damping ratio when the collection of photovoltaic modules moves at a second rate relative to the base, and the damper passively transitions from the first damping ratio to the second damping ratio.

Abstract: A rotary tilling apparatus separates a power transmission system starting from a flywheel to a passive movement device through an elastic coupler from another power transmission system starting from the flywheel to a rotor of a motor generator, and thereby reduces a load applied to the rotor and prevents the power transmission system of the passive movement device from providing a negative effect to an engine and the rotor. A parallel hybrid power transmission mechanism includes an engine, a crank shaft disposed on the engine, a motor generator, a passive movement device configured to receive a motive power of the motor generator, an input shaft disposed on the passive movement device, a flywheel coupled to the crank shaft, an elastic coupler configured to couple the flywheel to the input shaft, and a rotor disposed on the motor generator and coupled to the fly wheel.

Abstract: A clutch portion is disposed between a front cover and a turbine. A piston is movable in an axial direction and turns the clutch portion into a torque transmission state. A sleeve supports an inner peripheral surface of the piston such that the piston is movable in the axial direction. An oil chamber is supplied a hydraulic oil for activating the piston to turn the clutch portion into the torque transmission state. The sleeve includes an inner peripheral side oil channel and an outer peripheral side oil channel. The inner peripheral side oil channel leads the hydraulic oil residing on an inner peripheral side of the sleeve to an outer peripheral side. The outer peripheral side oil channel leads the hydraulic oil led thereto through the inner peripheral side oil channel to the oil chamber.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a front cover, an output shaft member, a piston, a clutch, an impeller, and a turbine. The piston is supported by the output shaft member. The piston slides on the output shaft member in an axial direction. The piston extends in a radial direction. The clutch is disposed between the front cover and the piston. The impeller includes an impeller shell and an impeller blade. The impeller shell is fixed to the front cover. The impeller blade is attached to the impeller shell. The turbine includes a turbine shell, a turbine blade and a connecting portion. The turbine shell is disposed in opposition to the impeller. The turbine blade is attached to the turbine shell. The connecting portion connects the piston and the turbine shell so as to make the piston and the turbine shell unitarily rotatable.

Abstract: An active damping system for a driveline includes a prop shaft configured to transmit engine power from an engine to a load, a sealed damper housing, and an active damping fluid contained within the sealed damper housing. A viscosity of the active damping fluid is changeable based on a torsional vibration of the prop shaft. The active damping system further includes a piston fixed to a side of the prop shaft and in communication with the active damping fluid. The piston is configured to rotate about an axis of the prop shaft. The system further includes a viscosity changing unit in communication with the active damping fluid, and a controller operatively connected to the viscosity changing unit. The controller is configured to cause the viscosity changing unit to change a viscosity of the active damping fluid. The viscosity of the active damping fluid changes the torsional vibration.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a pump assembly coupled to a nose hub, a turbine assembly coupled to a turbine hub, a damper assembly coupled to the turbine hub, a backing plate assembly coupled to the nose hub, and a clutch assembly capable of transmitting torsional loads between the backing plate assembly and the damper assembly. The clutch assembly has an engaged position and a disengaged position. When the clutch assembly is engaged, the pump assembly is mechanically coupled to the turbine assembly and when the clutch assembly is disengaged, the pump assembly is not mechanically coupled to the turbine assembly.

Abstract: A torque transmission device, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises a torque input element (15, 17) and a torque output element (8) configured to pivot about an axis (X) with respect to one another, at least one elastic leaf (22), rotationally coupled to the torque output element (8) or to the torque input element (15, 17) respectively. The at least one elastic leaf (22) is configured to elastically and radially engage a supporting member (18) carried by the torque input element (15, 17) or the torque output element (8) respectively. The at least one elastic leaf (22) is configured to bend upon rotation of the torque input element (15, 17) with respect to the torque input element (8).

Abstract: A torsional vibration reduction device that is provided inside of a fluid power transmitting device that has a driving side member that generates a fluid flow, and a driven side member that is driven by the fluid flow, includes a rolling element configured to move in a reciprocating manner according to a variation in torque; a retaining member that has a rolling chamber configured to house the rolling element in a manner that enables the rolling element to move in a reciprocating manner; and a housing configured to shield the rolling element and the rolling chamber from fluid inside of the fluid power transmitting device. The retaining member is enclosed and fixed inside the housing, and the housing is fixed to the driven side member.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque coupling device features a casing including a casing shell and an impeller casing shell, an impeller including the impeller shell, a turbine-piston including a turbine-piston shell, and a restriction element. The turbine-piston shell includes a turbine-piston flange and partitions the interior volume of the casing into two chambers. The turbine-piston flange has an engagement surface movable axially toward and away from an engagement surface of a piston engagement portion of the impeller shell to position the hydrokinetic torque coupling device into and out of a lockup mode. The restriction element is configured to restrict fluid flow and create a pressure drop between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping of a flywheel, which is configured so that a second mass may rotate in a direction for offsetting torsional vibration of an engine transmitted to a first mass through a damping spring. The apparatus includes: guides disposed between damping springs and guiding the damping springs extending/contracting in a rotational direction by a damping operation; and a third mass arranged coaxially with the second mass, with one end connected to the guide, and relatively rotating in a direction for offsetting torsional vibration of the engine transmitted to the second mass.

Abstract: A tuned damper for a torque converter includes a piston plate with a pivot ring, an inertia ring at least partially rotatable in a circumferential direction relative to the piston plate, and a resilient element fixed to the inertia ring and frictionally engaged with the piston plate pivot ring. In some example embodiments, the pivot ring includes a pair of radially extending tabs, the resilient element includes a radially-extending leaf spring fixed to a slide roll, and an outer circumference of the slide roll is clamped by the pivot ring tabs. In an example embodiment, the pivot ring tabs each include respective distal bent segments extending toward one another to limit radial displacement of the slide roll. In an example embodiment, an inertia of the inertia ring and a torsional spring rate of the resilient element are selected so that a natural frequency of the inertia ring is less than a shudder frequency.

Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorber includes a center plate rotatably arranged, a side plate arranged coaxially with and rotatably relative to the center plate, an elastic member accommodated in a space surrounded by the side plate and absorbing torque fluctuations generated between the side plate and the center plate, a cover member separating the space and an outside space from each other by covering a clearance between the center plate and the side plate, and a vent portion arranged inwardly in a radial direction of the side plate relative to the cover member and providing a ventilation between the space and the outside space.

Abstract: A method controls a friction clutch disposed between an internal combustion engine and a change speed transmission. The friction clutch is controlled in such a way that it transmits an average coupling torque of the internal combustion engine and does not transmit periodically occurring peak values of the coupling torque. In addition, a control unit is programmed to carry out the method.

Abstract: A torsional damper includes a torque limiter and a damper. The torque limiter includes at least two friction members, allows transmission of torque, and prohibits transmission of excessive torque. The damper absorbs torsional vibration through resilient deformation of a spring. The torque limiter is a wet torque limiter in which the friction members are arranged in an oil chamber filled with lubricating oil. The damper is a dry damper in which the spring is not immersed in the lubricating oil.

Abstract: A device for damping vibrations, in particular a torsion vibration damper with a primary component and a secondary component, coupled together through a torque transfer device and a damping coupling device. The torque coupling device includes a ramp mechanism for converting a rotation of one of the two elements, primary component or secondary component, into an axial force proportional to the input moment, which acts upon the other element. A device for compensating the resulting axial forces for generating an opposing force, opposing the resulting axial force, wherein the input moment is designed for a mean input torque. A conversion device is also provided, which directly converts an occurring force difference between the resulting axial force and the opposite force into a control variable for operating an actuation device in the device for damping vibrations, whereby an adaptation of the opposite force is performed.

Abstract: An airtight damper, an input axis, and a flywheel are mounted to the input axis with a bolt. A torque transmitter, a torque transmitter attachment unit of the flywheel, and a support plate are united with each other using a bolt. The torque transmitter includes a spline unit. A pressure plate engaged with the spline unit is pressed by a pressure spring so as to press a friction plate and a torque transmitter plate against the support plate. Since the torque transmitter plate is fixed to a drive plate by a rivet, the torque from the input axis can be transmitted to the drive plate. Although the torque from the engine is larger than an allowable value, a friction member can slip at a constant torque depending on the pressure of the pressure spring, thereby protecting the damper against an excess load.

Abstract: An impeller hub assembly including a first portion connected to a rotor for an electric motor, a second portion connected to an impeller shell of a torque converter, and a rotary shaft seal for hydraulically sealing at least one of the first and second portions of the impeller hub assembly to a housing for the torque converter. The assembly may further include a dynamic seal, a hydraulic chamber at least partially enclosed by the rotary shaft seal and the dynamic seal, and a hydraulic channel in fluid communication with the chamber. In some example embodiments of the invention, the hydraulic channel is for lowering pressure in the chamber by providing a discharge path for fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper has two mutually pivoted masses and a friction device that is active between the masses. This friction device can include a first friction device that is a spring friction device and an auxiliary friction device comprising at least one entraining wedge. The entraining wedge can function as a dual wedge having at least two frictional surfaces for contacting at least one of the two mutually pivoted masses. There can also be at least one additional entraining wedge disposed parallel to the at least one entraining wedge inside of a chamber formed between the two mutually pivoted masses. The friction device and the auxiliary friction device frictionally couple the two mutually pivoted masses together.

Abstract: A belt type continuously variable transmission including a primary pulley; a secondary pulley; a belt which is looped over the primary pulley and the secondary pulley; a reduction gear unit that transmits torque, which has been output from an internal combustion engine and then transmitted to a secondary shaft, to a final reduction gear unit that is provided so as to be coaxial with the secondary shaft of the secondary pulley; and a damper oil chamber which is provided between the secondary shaft and an input shaft of the reduction gear unit. A thrust force generated in the reduction gear unit due to an input of a driving force is transmitted to a hydraulic fluid in a damper oil chamber, and then absorbed. Therefore, a displacement of a relative position between the primary pulley and the secondary pulley is suppressed.

Abstract: A variable torsional damper rotatably supported for translating torque between a prime mover and the input of a transmission. The variable torsional damper includes a torque input member operatively connected for rotation with the power take off of a prime mover, an output member operatively connected for rotation with the input to a transmission and a plurality of damping members interposed between the input member and the output member. The damping members act to translate torque between the input member and the output member to dampen torsional forces generated between the prime mover and the transmission. A magneto-rheological damper assembly is disposed in parallel with the damping members and is adapted to operatively vary the hysteresis between the input member and the output member of the variable torsional damper.

Abstract: A divided flywheel having two flywheel masses which can be rotated in relation to each other, counter the action of a damping device, preferable in order to dampen the torsional vibrations of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starting unit for use in drive systems, especially of motor vehicles, which comprises a hydrodynamic speed/torque converter including at least one pump wheel, one turbine wheel and one stator, and comprises a torque converter lockup clutch. The output ends of the torque converter lockup clutch and of the speed/torque converter are interconnected in a rotationally fixed manner. In addition, a device for damping vibrations is provided which comprises at least one torsional vibration damper with hydraulic damping.

Abstract: A variable inertia flywheel and clutch assembly having a primary flywheel mass rotationally fixed to an engine crankshaft and a secondary flywheel mass selectively engageable with a clutch disc, which is rotationally fixed to a transmission input shaft. A radial spring assembly is coupled between the primary mass and the secondary mass, as well as a latching assembly that can latch to selectively prevent relative rotation between the primary mass and the secondary mass. Preferably, the latching assembly is also employed as a variable damper between the primary mass and the secondary mass when the latching assembly is not latched.

Abstract: A variable inertia flywheel and clutch assembly having a primary flywheel mass rotationally fixed to an engine crankshaft and a secondary flywheel mass selectively engageable with a clutch disc, which is rotationally fixed to a transmission input shaft. A radial spring assembly is coupled between the primary mass and the secondary mass, as well as a latching assembly that can latch to selectively prevent relative rotation between the primary mass and the secondary mass. Preferably, the latching assembly is also employed as a variable damper between the primary mass and the secondary mass when the latching assembly is not latched.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmission of torque in the power train of a motor vehicle has coaxial rotary first and second torque transmitting devices, each of which can constitute a simple or a composite flywheel, and a torsional vibration damper operating between the two devices. The damper is installed in an annular chamber which is sealed at its periphery and is flanked by two sidewalls of the first torque transmitting device. The damper includes a washer-like partition which is affixed to the second torque transmitting device and has arms extending radially outwardly into the chamber. The radially inner part of the annular chamber is sealed by annular seals having annular carriers borne by the sidewalls at opposite sides of the partition, and deformable annular lips secured to the carriers and bearing upon the respective sides of the partition. The carriers and the lips consist of different materials and the seals serve to prevent penetration of impurities into and/or the escape of lubricant from the chamber.

Abstract: A damper for damping movement of a shaft, the damper including a housing having an inner surface defining a chamber and a rotor rotatably mounted in the chamber. The chamber is filled with magnetorheological fluid such that when the rotor is moved in the chamber the magnetorheological fluid damps the movement of the rotor. The rotor has an outer surface adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner surface. The damper further comprises shaft coupled to the rotor and an outer magnet adjacent the space between the outer surface and the inner surface for restricting the flow of the magnetorheological fluid in the space between the outer surface and the inner surface.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper or torsionally elastic coupling comprises an inner portion, an outer portion, and radial leaf spring assemblies extending between the inner and outer portions. Each leaf spring assembly is clamped in a clamping area between adapters at one end of the leaf spring assembly and includes two leaf springs fixed to the outer portion at the one end and having their opposite ends engage in axial grooves of the inner portion. The two leaf springs protrude radially inwards from the clamping area up to the opposite ends engaged in the axial grooves and, to reduce wear phenomena and to improve the load-bearing capacity of the leaf springs for torque transmission, they define a free clearance of movement from the clamping area to the axial grooves.

Abstract: A disk-type flexible coupling, specifically for installation into the drive train of a motor vehicle between a combustion engine and a transmission, has a first coupling half. The first coupling half, by use of two side disks which are connected for torsional strength on the outer circumference, encloses a second clutch half which is formed by at least one center disk which is assigned to one hub. The coupling halves are interconnected through flexible coupling elements and have limited torsion relative to each other. The side disks border a liquid-tight inside chamber which is filled with a damping medium and which receives the center disk. In the inside chamber, a floating damping ring is provided which has limited torsion relative to the two coupling halves. The damping ring, together with the first coupling half, forms a first displacement chamber. The damping ring, together with the second coupling half, forms at least one second displacement chamber. The volume of both displacement chambers is variable.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper has primary and secondary masses rotatable with and relative to each other about a common axis, and a torsionally elastic damper which opposes rotation of the masses relative to each other and operates in series with a torque limiting device. The latter comprises a pair of ring-shaped lateral members flanking a ring-shaped intermediate member which can stress the energy storing elements of the torsionally elastic damper. One of the lateral members is a prestressed diaphragm spring which is riveted to the other lateral member. The maximum torque which can be transmitted by the torque limiting device is greater than the maximum torque which can be transmitted by a friction clutch between the secondary mass and the transmission of a motor vehicle. The primary mass can receive torque from the engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: A friction clutch for a motor vehicle is embodied with a centrifugal mass device, which has at least one mass-bearing compensating system. At least one component of the centrifugal mass device is equipped, to form the compensating system, with at least one chamber that holds, to a predetermined degree of fullness, a fluid medium, whose position in the chamber changes when a torsional vibration occurs. The effect resulting from this position change depends on the density and viscosity of the medium, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, on the arrangement of the chamber, which determines the vibrational behavior of the medium, the shape of the chamber, which determines the movement resistance, and its degree of fullness.

Abstract: A torque converter having a fluid vibration damping arrangement (70) for damping torsional vibrations which lead to relative torsion between an input and an output side of the torsional vibration damper by means of fluid contained in the interior (24) of the casing (12). The fluid vibration damping arrangement is implemented by at least one first blade-like projection, which is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to a turbine impeller shell (28) of the turbine impeller (26), and extends substantially axially away from said shell and toward the clutch element (44), and at least one second blade-like projection, which is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the clutch element (44), preferably attached to the latter, and extends substantially axially away from the latter and toward the turbine impeller (26). The at least one first blade-like projection (74) and the at least one second blade-like projection (72) overlapping in the axial direction in certain regions.

Abstract: A power coupling mechanism having fluid dampening device with interfitting members which assist in the absorption and transmittance of stress due to torsion and thrust loads, thus reducing the size of a bearing supporting relatively rotatable parts.

Abstract: A centrifugal mass device having at least two centrifugal masses which are rotatable relative to each other against the effect of elastic elements of a torsional damping device. The output-side centrifugal mass, which is more distant from a drive, e.g., the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, is run radially as well as axially relative to the drive-side centrifugal mass via a support. The support has an axial slide bearing that borders a grease chamber containing a viscous medium, which grease chamber accommodates, at least partially, the torsional damping device. To form a seal for the grease chamber, the axial slide bearing is radially encompassed along at least a portion of its axial extension by at least one axial projection provided on at least one of the centrifugal masses, whereby the axial projection is close to but separated by a gap from an associated region of the other centrifugal mass.

Abstract: A torque transmission system includes a torsional vibration damper with a centrifugal valve separating first chamber and second chambers filled with fluid. At low engine speeds, the centrifugal valve is spring biased in a substantially closed position so that there is minimal fluid flow between the chambers, thus resulting in high stiffness and high damping for reducing resonance vibrations. As the engine speed increases, centrifugal force eventually overcomes the spring force due to increased engine speeds. Thus, at high engine speeds the centrifugal valve is open, allowing a greater amount of fluid to flow from the first chamber to the second resulting in decreased stiffness and transmissibility for more effectively reducing vibrations.

Abstract: A flywheel device has a drive-side centrifugal mass and a second centrifugal mass, which is rotatable relative to the first centrifugal mass and is connected to the first centrifugal mass via a torsional damping device. At least one of the centrifugal masses has a grease chamber containing a viscous medium for accommodating, at least partially, the torsional damping device. A seal is associate with the grease chamber to hold back the viscous medium in the grease chamber. The seal is accommodated on one of the centrifugal masses and engages into the radial extension region of the other centrifugal mass. The seal extends into the grease chamber, and the side of the seal accessible to the viscous medium has an axial offset relative to the side facing the grease chamber of the wall that interacts with the seal of the centrifugal mass having the grease chamber. The axial offset is limited to the gap width, at least at the sealing point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a damping flywheel having two coaxial masses one of which is designed to be rotationally integral with a drive shaft such as the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, while the other coaxial mass is designed to be connected with a driven shaft such as the input shaft of a gear box. The first mass includes a chamber that may be at least partially filled with a pasty or viscous agent and houses a circumferentially acting resilient member disposed between the two coaxial masses. The agent is deposited at the outer periphery of the first mass before the chamber is closed.

Abstract: In a clutch apparatus, a clutch cover assembly can be reused after replacement of a clutch disk assembly. The clutch apparatus includes an input flywheel and a clutch cover assembly. The input flywheel is provided at its outer peripheral surface with a plurality of engagement portions which are circumferentially spaced from each other and project radially outwardly. The clutch cover assembly has a clutch cover, a fixing member, a pressure plate and a biasing member. The clutch cover is provided at its outer periphery with a bent engagement portion which is circumferentially engageable with the engagement portion of the flywheel for preventing axial movement relative to the flywheel. The fixing member is removable, and fixes the flywheel and the clutch cover for integral rotation. The pressure plate is disposed between the clutch cover and the flywheel. The biasing member is supported by the inner peripheral portion of the clutch cover, and biases the pressure plate toward the flywheel.

Abstract: A clutch device separates a non-changing component and a changing component of power generated by a driving source, and transmits the non-changing component and the changing component of power so separated to separate driven bodies, respectively. Power generated by a driving source is preferably subjected to form conversion by a power form converter and is then separated into a non-changing component and a changing component by a power separator. The non-changing component of power so separated is transmitted to a first driven body by a non-changing component transmitter while the changing component of power so separated is transmitted to a second driven body by a changing component transmitter. A fluid pump can be used as the power form transmitter, and an outlet flow rate regulating valve of the fluid pump can be used as the power separator. Control of the second driven body can be made easily by smoothing the changing component of power separated by using a smoother.

Abstract: A clutch disc assembly interposed between an input side rotary member and an output side member has a hub, disc-like plates, a friction member, an elastic member and a viscous damper mechanism. The hub is connectable for co-rotation with the output side member. The hub has a flange on its outer circumference. The disc-like plates are rotatably mounted on the hub. The friction member is connected to said disc-like plates, for frictional engagement with the input side rotary member. The elastic member is for elastically connecting the flange and the disc-like plates whereby the flange and the disc-like plates are rotatable with respect to each other. The viscous damper mechanism includes a fluid medium, for displacing the fluid medium through restrictions in response to angular movements of the disc-like plates and the flange with respect to each other.