Warning, Indicating, And Signal Devices Patents (Class 192/30W)
  • Patent number: 6142276
    Abstract: A housing for a multiplate clutch includes a toothed ring having a plurality of multiplate driver teeth arranged on an inner peripheral surface thereof distributed in the peripheral direction, and extending in a ring longitudinal direction. A flywheel disk is connected to the toothed ring at a first end of the same for common rotation. A cover is connected to the toothed ring at a second end of the same for common rotation. In this case, the toothed ring is connected to the flywheel disk by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Sachs Race Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Pinschmidt, Thomas Rudolf, Werner Selzam, Horst Friedrich, Claus Orth, Klaus Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6137401
    Abstract: An engine brake indicator system is provided for use with a vehicular accessory power source and a pair of brake lights mounted on a rear of a vehicle. Included is an engine brake having a plurality of engine brake coils, a stage switch, and an engine brake master switch with a first orientation upon the engine brake being unemployed and a second orientation upon the engine brake being employed. In use, the engine brake master switch is connected between the power source and the brake lights for actuating the brake lights only upon being in the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin L. Barrows
  • Patent number: 6116396
    Abstract: A pressure plate sub assembly for urging a clutch disk against a flywheel in a friction clutch with automatic wear compensation includes a housing having a radially outer area connectable to the flywheel for rotating with the flywheel about an axis of rotation a pressure plate assembly mounted in the housing for rotation about the axis rotation and axial displacement with respect to the housing, a force accumulator mounted between the housing and the pressure plate for urging the pressure plate against the clutch disk, a wear readjusting device arranged between the accumulator and the pressure plate for compensating for wear of the clutch disk, and a clearance transmitter including a ring element with a wear registering device for registering wear of the friction clutch, a retaining arrrangement for retaining the ring element on the pressure plate sub assembly, and a readjusting arrangement for cooperating with the wear readjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Manfred Mischler
  • Patent number: 6098774
    Abstract: A friction clutch arrangement for motor vehicles to control a clutch friction disk rotationally mounted on a transmission shaft which can be locked between two components has a clutch actuating device which includes a slave device adjacent to the clutch, a master device remote from the clutch and a force transmission system between the two devices. The slave device has an annular housing having an axial extension with a radially outer part and a radially inner part which are arranged concentrically to form an annular space containing a movable piston which is engagable with the clutch friction disk. A piston sensor in the radially inner part of the axial housing extension makes it possible to determine the position of the piston in the slave cylinder independently of external influences such as vibrations or dirt or of the influence of neighboring components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Herzig, Jurgen Osterlanger, Kark-Ludwig Grell, Ernst Strian, Rainer Miersch
  • Patent number: 6090009
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic clutch for an engine-transmission unit in a vehicle with random gear changing. A sensor technology is used for determining the parameters to be taken into account for the automated clutch control. The sensing device includes a speed or driving notch display, so that, when normally changing the gear or driving notch, the transition over the neutral gear or idle is not displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Franz Kosik, Thomas Grass
  • Patent number: 6085884
    Abstract: An actuating element for a clutch includes a stop which is adjustable by an automatic adjusting device for ensuring that the actuating stroke of a piston increases in the releasing direction of the clutch and that the actuating stroke is displaced away from the clutch in response to wear of the clutch linings when the clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Robert Seufert, Thomas John
  • Patent number: 6085885
    Abstract: A friction clutch arrangement for motor vehicles to control a clutch friction disk rotationally mounted on a transmission shaft which can be locked between two components has a clutch actuating device which includes a slave device adjacent to the clutch, a master device remote from the clutch and a force transmission system between the two devices. The slave device includes a fixed cylinder containing nonferromagnetic conductive material, a movable piston and a variable inductance travel sensor extending substantially parallel to the path of the piston which makes it possible to determine the position of the piston in the slave cylinder independently of external influences such as vibrations or dirt or of the influence of neighboring components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Herzig, Jurgen Osterlanger, Kark-Ludwig Grell, Ernst Strian
  • Patent number: 6062366
    Abstract: A friction clutch arrangement for motor vehicles to control a clutch friction disk rotationally mounted on a transmission shaft which can be locked between two components has a clutch actuating device includes a slave device adjacent to the clutch, a master device remote from the clutch and a force transmission system between the two devices. The slave device has an annular housing having an axial extension with a radially outer part and a radially inner part which are arranged concentrically to form an annular space containing a movable piston which is engagable with the clutch friction disk. A piston sensor sealed in the radially outer part of the axial housing extension makes it possible to determine the position of the piston in the slave cylinder independently of external influences such as vibrations or dirt or of the influence of neighboring components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Herzig, Jurgen Osterlanger, Rainer Miersch
  • Patent number: 6062365
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a frictional clutch includes a pressure plate, a first annular cam member, a second annular cam member, a cam spring and an adjustment limiting mechanism. The pressure plate includes an axis of rotation and an engagement surface substantially normal to the axis of rotation. The first annular cam member is concentric with the axis of rotation and has a plurality of first ramped cam surfaces. The first annular cam member is rotatably fixed with respect to the pressure plate. The second annular cam member is rotatable relative to the first annular cam member and has a plurality of second ramped cam surfaces in engagement with the first ramped cam surfaces. The second annular cam member, together with the first annular cam member defines an effective pressure plate thickness relative to the engagement surface. The cam spring is connected with the cam member and rotatably biases the cam members toward an increased cam height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel V. Gochenour
  • Patent number: 6035984
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automatically controlled clutch in a motor vehicle drive train. Rotational speed differences between the clutch input and the clutch output are determined by a computer from rotational speeds of the vehicle engine, on the one hand, and rotational speeds of the vehicle drive wheels, on the other hand. Variations of a frequency which is characteristic of resonant frequencies in the drive train when the clutch is closed are not taken into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Franz Kosik, Thomas Grass
  • Patent number: 6026945
    Abstract: An automatic operating apparatus for a friction clutch is disclosed which apparatus performs the disconnection of the clutch of a transmission by the assistance of the accumulated load in a load accumulator which can perform the accumulation and the release of the load by a simple mechanism. In the automatic clutch operating apparatus having a reducer 9, 13 to reduce the forward rotating force of a motor 1 and a movement converter 10, 12 to make a piston rod 4a of a hydraulic master cylinder 2 move in the axial direction so as to disconnect the friction clutch, a link mechanism is constructed for accumulating the loads due to the rotating force of the motor 1 and the repulsive force of the clutch spring in the load accumulator 16, 18 when the motor 1 is rotated backward to connect the friction clutch and for releasing the accumulated loads when the motor 1 is rotated forward to disconnect the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Imao, Eiji Takeyama
  • Patent number: 5967272
    Abstract: A transmission bearing cover for limiting wear of a rotatable braking mechanism in a vehicle powertrain having a clutch for releasably coupling an engine to a transmission input shaft includes an annular non-rotatable member disposable about the input shaft and having an annular projection engageable with a non-rotatable clutch release bearing assembly. When the rotatable braking mechanism is substantially worn and the clutch is sufficiently disengaged, the clutch release bearing assembly axially translates to a clutch-braking position and engages the projection rather than the worn braking mechanism to prevent substantial damage to the bearing cover or bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5947246
    Abstract: A detector plate for an overload clutch, the detector plate having at its peripheral edge a flat metal spiral retaining ring for providing improved detection by an adjacent proximity switch device. The spiral retaining ring provides an appropriate metal motion detection surface, for the customary plastic detector plate, any movement of which can be detected by the proximity switch. As an alternate embodiment, a metal surface coating can be formed onto the plastic detector plate to permit proximity switch detection of any movement of the detector plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventor: Frank H. Koller
  • Patent number: 5927458
    Abstract: A pressure plate arrangement 10 including a housing 12 that is fixedly connected to a flywheel 14 and rotatable therewith about an axle. A pressure plate 16 is arranged in the housing 12 so as to be adjustable in the axial direction. The pressure plate 16 may be prestressed in the direction of the flywheel 14 by an energy storage device 18. Interposed between the energy storage device 18 and the pressure plate 16 is a wear compensation device 26. The pressure plate arrangement 10 also includes at least one clearance indicator 31 which is supported on the pressure plate 16 by a friction clamping seat. The clearance indicator 31 detects wear that has occurred during operation by means of relative movement between the pressure plate 16 and a further component of the pressure plate arrangement 10 and brings about an axial repositioning corresponding to the wear using the wear compensation device 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Michael Weiss, Reinhold Weidinger
  • Patent number: 5921365
    Abstract: A pressure plate assembly comprises a housing and a pressure plate that is axially movably arranged therein. A diaphragm spring is positioned between the housing and the pressure plate and rests on the pressure plate via a wear compensation device. A clearance indicator with a wear detection section is inserted through an opening in the pressure plate. The clearance indicator also includes an activating lever section 30 that interacts with the wear compensation device to compensate for wear that has occurred on friction linings during operation. The clearance indicator is biased by a spring part in a friction clamp seat in the opening or a clamping seat section. The spring part produces a force substantially orthogonal relative to a rotational axis A in a radially outward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Josef Bayer
  • Patent number: 5908097
    Abstract: A wear indicator for a friction clutch which is located in the drive train in a housing between an engine and a transmission. The wear indicator includes a marking which is stationary relative to the housing during operation of the friction clutch, and a marking which is movable during the engagement and/or disengagement movement of the clutch during operation. When observed in a pre-determined limit position, in particular when the clutch is engaged or released as far as possible, the two markings move closer to one another as clutch wear increases. A distance between the two markings which has been essentially reduced to zero indicates that the clutch has reached its maximum allowable wear. It thus becomes possible to easily and unambiguously check the wear of the clutch, even in situations were access to the clutch is difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs
    Inventors: Wolfgang Grosspietsch, Gunter Neugebauer
  • Patent number: 5902211
    Abstract: A clutch control system for the automatic control of a motor vehicle clutch which connects an engine with a gearbox under the control of a driver operated gear ratio selector lever. The control system controls both initial clutch take-up on starting of the vehicle, clutch re-engagement following each ratio change, clutch disengagement on movement of the gear selector lever to change the operative ratio of the gearbox, and clutch disengagement on the coming to rest of the vehicle. The clutch control system also warns the driver if he attempts to drive away in a designated non take-up gear or in any gear in a predetermined abusive manner and may be arranged to promote rapid engagement or disengagement of the clutch in certain abusive conditions to reduce energy generation in the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Automotive Products, plc
    Inventors: Charles John Jones, Ian Duncan Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5868233
    Abstract: Generally trapezoid-shaped friction material pads can be used in conjunction with piston assemblies having torque collars with upstanding torque posts and with torque collars that have torque legs with inclined inner faces or shoulders to embrace side faces or shoulders of the pads. A retainer clip cooperates with the torque legs to prevent unwanted radial movement of the pad. A back plate of the pad has one or more tabs projecting beyond a wider base of the pad for facilitating pad removal. Tabs on the pad for indicating that a worn friction pad is due for replacement are located beyond the wider base of the pad or within the friction material pad. The friction pads are adapted for installation on module bases which include air ports on side surfaces and are constructed for interconnection that provides for air transfer between adjacent modules via the air ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Montalvo Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin J. Montalvo, Philip R. Metcalf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5813507
    Abstract: A cover plate for a diaphragm clutch mechanism including at its inner periphery fastening lugs (12) alternating with abutment lugs (22) having an overall transverse orientation for cooperation with the diaphragm. At least one stop lug (122) has a through notch which is particularly arranged to distinguish different cover plates having abutment lugs of different lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Claude Brazier, Raymond Hagnere
  • Patent number: 5795263
    Abstract: An actuation system particularly for a vehicle clutch, in which a source of pressurized fluid is interconnected with a slave cylinder (11) via a displacement means (12). The displacement means (12) includes a component which is displaced by the pressurized fluid from the source to provide a displacement proportional to the actuating movement of the slave cylinder (11) caused by the pressurized fluid, and a sensing means is provided which is operable to measure the displacement to indicate the actuating movement of the slave cylinder. Various displacement means in the form of valves are disclosed together with a mechanism for interconnecting the operation of a vehicle clutch and throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Kongsberg Techmatic UK Limited
    Inventor: David Anthony Harries
  • Patent number: 5758758
    Abstract: An actuator cylinder for the engagement and release of the friction clutch of a motor vehicle is described. The actuator has a device to indicate clutch engagement position, which is located outside the cylinder. A piston is disposed within the actuator cylinder. The piston has an actuator rod which extends through a cylinder end to operate a clutch. The device to detect the engagement position of the clutch is designed to adjust to the range of movement of the piston, which range of movement changes with clutch wear. The detection device is a displacement transducer. A housing, in which the transducer is mounted, moves as the range of motion of the piston changes with clutch wear. A rod or sensor mounted on the piston both interacts with the transducer to indicate the clutch engagement position and moves the housing of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Erich Friedrich
  • Patent number: 5743368
    Abstract: An automatic transmission control system includes a frictional engagement element formed of alternating radially inner and outer thin plates for selectively transmitting a torque. The control system further includes a hydraulic servo having a piston which selectively engages/disengages the frictional engagement element responsive to an oil pressure. An electric characteristic detector detects (monitors) an electric characteristic which changes with change in the apply force of the frictional engagement element; and an apply force control unit controls the apply force of the frictional engagement element. The electric characteristic detector includes a signal generator for generating an electric signal in accordance with the relative positions of two electrically conductive members, which move as the frictional engagement element is engaged/disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank de Schepper, Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5732810
    Abstract: A friction clutch has an inertia mass attachable to a drive, a housing that serves to accommodate a pressure spring as well as a pressure plate, and a ring that encompasses the rotational axis of the inertia mass and housing and acts, in connection with a signal receiver, as a pulse generator. This ring, because it is not very thick in the radial direction, can be deformed by even small radial forces, so that its inner diameter can be adapted by enlargement or shrinking to the outer diameter of a component intended for its accommodation, such as an inertia mass or housing, in order to establish a friction locking connection between the ring and the outer diameter of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Heiko Schulz-Andres
  • Patent number: 5730268
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch having a device for indicating wear in the friction liners of the clutch. A wear indicating member (44) is coupled to the actuating piston (26, 34) for axial straight line movement. The wear indicating member (44) projects outside the clutch casing (10) to mechanically transmit information relating to the displacement of the actuating piston (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Gino Villata
  • Patent number: 5697472
    Abstract: This invention relates to an indicating apparatus to determine the amount of wear that has occurred in the friction material of a brake assembly or other friction coupling. The apparatus utilizes a pin member that is positioned in a sealed bore in the housing of the friction coupling. A first end portion of the pin member is positioned for contact and movement of an actuating piston when the piston is in an engaged position. The distance between the a second end portion of the pin member, housed within the bore, and an outer surface of the housing may be determined by a depth gage. Measurements may be taken to determine movement of the pin member within the bore and thereby establish the amount of wear of the friction material in the friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Walker, Ronald E. Wintermute, Richard J. Gibes, Robert D. Carlson, Neal L Woessner, Charles T. Haymond
  • Patent number: 5692992
    Abstract: A shift assist apparatus for a marine drive includes a tube having a pair of biased springs, between which a sleeve at the end of a transmission cable is movably retained. A remote control cable is fixedly attached to the tube. High transmission cable shift forces associated with resistance to shifting cause the sleeve to move against the bias of one of the springs. A sensor detects this movement and sends an electrical signal to interrupt the engine ignition circuit, thereby preventing the firing of one or more cylinders of the engine. The interruption of the engine ignition reduces the torque on the shift mechanism, in turn reducing the shift forces in the transmission cable and enabling the operator to shift the transmission. When the shift operation is completed, the engine resumes normal firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Volva Penta of the Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Lennart Arvidsson, Jan Grundberg
  • Patent number: 5662192
    Abstract: A disk brake comprising a disk (1) which carries on each side a secondary friction layer (7) to which a primary friction layer (6) is affixed, wherein the friction layers (6, 7) are actuable by brake shoes (4, 5), wherein when at least one of the primary friction layers (6) is worn away contact between the secondary friction layer (7) and respective brake shoes (4, 5) will give rise to an indicating sound, and wherein cooling grooves (9) are provided in the primary friction layer (6), wherein each cooling groove (9) extends at least through the full thickness of the primary friction layer (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Volvo Wheel Loaders AB
    Inventors: Tim Kingston, Tord Dahlen
  • Patent number: 5642793
    Abstract: An indicator device for signalling that the wear limit has been reached for servo-operated clutches, particularly for motor vehicles. A servo housing comprises a servo piston, which can be moved forward and backward therein for disengaging and engaging the clutch respectively, and the servo piston's rest position, i.e. the position in which it is located when the clutch is engaged, in the event of an increase in clutch wear is gradually moved towards the rear end wall of the housing. The servo housing further comprises a control valve which controls the supply of pressurized fluid to a cylinder space which is located between the servo piston and the rear end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AS
    Inventor: Knut Tore Lj.o slashed.sne
  • Patent number: 5601172
    Abstract: A power take off (PTO) clutch control system for an agricultural tractor is disclosed herein. The PTO clutch is a hydraulic clutch which is operated by a proportional valve capable of pressurizing the clutch with hydraulic fluid at a pressure related to the pulse width of a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal applied to the valve. The PWM signal is produced by a controller which monitors the output shaft speed and movement to determine the time at which the shaft begins movement. Prior to shaft movement, the PWM signals control the proportional valve to prevent clutch engagement when the hydraulic fluid in the system is cold, clutch engagement has not occurred in a timely fashion and the operator has left the seat of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Satish L. Kale, William L. Schubert, Robert M. Peceny
  • Patent number: 5593012
    Abstract: A limited fixed torque slip coupling for connecting rotatable shafts. In one embodiment, a first rotatable member is coupled to a second rotatable member to enable rotation of the first and second rotatable members without substantial relative movement of the members during normal operation when the torque experienced does not exceed a predetermined break-away torque. The coupling of the present invention also enables detection and comparison of the rotational rates of the rotatable members to permit a user to avoid damage to equipment in the event torque greater than that experienced under normal operating conditions is encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: MileMarker, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Aho
  • Patent number: 5560462
    Abstract: A modular speed sensor for sensing the speed of a rotating body is disclosed. The sensor includes a sensor housing comprising an elongate tube and a sensor housing body. A hall effect sensor is installed in the elongate tube and wires connected to the hall effect sensor extend through the tube and connect to a wire interconnect board installed within the sensor housing body. A compression grommet is provided to hold the wire interconnect board within the sensor housing body. Preferably, a second set of wires extend through holes in the compression grommet and connect to the wire interconnect board. The second set of wires can then be connected to a control circuit or other device to read a speed signal from the modular speed sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. Gustin
  • Patent number: 5538118
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated clutch having an integrated sensor activated control circuit for selectively engaging and disengaging the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Reell Precision Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Kempf, Anthony M. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5531308
    Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Gochenour, Barry T. Adams, Martin E. Kummer, Christopher M. Davis, Steven D. Lepard, Michael L. Bassett, Kevin F. Schlosser
  • Patent number: 5518100
    Abstract: A composite flywheel having coaxial primary and secondary flywheels, which can turn relative to each other against the opposition of one or more friction generating devices and/or dampers, employs a substantially cup-shaped carrier with one or more signal generators in the form of notches, recesses, grooves, holes, projections or the like. The carrier includes a radially inwardly extending washer-like portion and a sleeve-like portion, which sleeve-like portion is in one piece with the radially outermost part of the washer-like portion. The signal generator(s) is (are) provided in or on that part of the sleeve-like portion which projects outwardly beyond a sleeve-like part of the radially outer end portion of the primary flywheel. The sleeve-like part of the end portion of the primary flywheel surrounds and confines the washer-like portion and is welded to the sleeve-like portion of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Birk, Johann Jackel
  • Patent number: 5421436
    Abstract: A brake assembly (10) for selectively starting and stopping rotation of a shaft (12) journaled in a frame (14) of a motor comprises an end plate (16) mounted to the motor frame, the end plate (16) being formed with mounting slots (40) formed axially therein. Friction discs (26, 26a) are secured to the shaft (12) for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis of the shaft (12) and pressure plates (36, 36a, 36b) are non-rotatably mounted in the mounting slots (40) of the end plates (16) and axially movable toward and away from the friction discs (26, 26a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard J. Lindner, Harold Lorenz, Jerry L. Hamberger, Walter G. Stelzer
  • Patent number: 5419415
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an elevator brake includes at least one sensor and a monitoring circuit. The elevator brake has a rotating brake drum upon which a pair of brake shoes are pressed during braking. The sensor is embedded in a carrier which is mounted on the brake shoe and extends into a brake lining on the shoe. The sensor has a pair of connecting wires each formed into a generally U-shaped loop extending toward the brake drum. The sensor can be a temperature dependent resistor wherein the temperatures in the brake lining, caused by excessive braking processes, can be detected electrically. The thickness of the brake lining decreases due to wear until the brake drum connects the loops upon braking, whereby the sensor is short-circuited which condition can be detected electrically. In the case of brake lining breaks, an infinite resistance occurs between the connecting wires which can likewise be detected electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Miles P. Lamb, Matthew Martin
  • Patent number: 5339928
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a friction member comprising a support plate (26, 30) and a friction element (22, 24) arranged on one side of the support plate 26, 30), the friction element (22, 24) being adapted to engage one face of a rotating member (12), and at least one wear indicator (32) associated with the support plate (26, 30) so as to generate an audible signal when the friction element (22, 24) possesses, on account of its wear, a predetermined thickness (L). According to the invention, the wear indicator (32) is formed by a spring comprising an intermediate part (34) for fixing of the wear indicator (32) onto the support plate (26, 30) on the side of the latter which bears the friction element (22, 24), a first end part (36) for emission of the audible signal and a second end part (40, 50, 36') for locking of the wear indicator (32) in rotation with respect to the support plate (26, 30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Bendix Europe Services Techniques
    Inventors: Gerard L. Deit, Jean L. Gerard
  • Patent number: 5330039
    Abstract: In fluid pressure or electromagnetically operated clutches, the transmitted torque is measured by strain gauges incorporated in rotating clutch members. The strain gauges are energized and the signal from them conveyed to stationary control equipment by way of co-operating rotating and fixed coils of which one, in the case of the electromagnetically actuated clutch, can be energized to operate the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: TI Matrix Engineering Limited
    Inventor: David J. Baker
  • Patent number: 5299663
    Abstract: The disk brake includes a caliper having a plurality of claw portions. A carrier supports the caliper for sliding movement in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the disk. A pair of pads are disposed on opposite sides of the disk for sliding in the axial direction of the disk. A wear alarm member is attached to one of the pads, which is pressed by the claw portions of the caliper, at a position inbetween the claw portions. The wear alarm member has a mounting portion attached to the pad and a vibrating piece extending from the mounting portion in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the disk. The distal end portion of the vibrating piece is bent toward the disk at the periphery of the pad to form a contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinzo Kobayashi, Shinichi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 5295909
    Abstract: A compact torque limiting clutch provides spring cup bolt assemblies for interengaging a pressure plate and input flange on opposite sides of a friction flange of an output hub. The spring cup assemblies include bolts employed for securing the clutch elements together, such bolts being restricted from rotating during the assembly process by engagement with noncircular apertures passing through the retainer plate. The torque limiting clutch is of a pancake design, contained between axially displaced planar surfaces defined by an input flange on one side and a pressure plate on the other. In another embodiment of the invention, a keeper plate is coaxially secured to an output hub, with a friction disc fixedly secured therebetween. An input drive flange is rotatably mounted on the keeper plate. A separator disc extends the full diameter of the clutch assembly and has cup-shaped shields extending therefrom, serving as seals and heat dissipating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Power Transmission Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Heidenreich
  • Patent number: 5269201
    Abstract: In an an automatic transmission, a low and reverse brake is arranged radially outward of a high clutch. The gripping plates of the low and reverse brake are arranged axially offset from the high clutch such that a diameter of the transmission is kept small. A piston of the low and reverse brake is associated with the gripping plates by way of arm members having cutout portions therein to allow a sensor, which penetrates the transmission casing in the vicinity of the low and reverse brake, access to a clutch drum of the high clutch so as to sense a rotation speed on an input shaft to which the high clutch is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: JATCO Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Uematsu
  • Patent number: 5261508
    Abstract: A clip-type wear indicator suitable for use with a disk brake. The disk brake includes a rotor, a pair of slidable friction pads located on opposite sides of the rotor, the friction pads including a lining and a backing plate attached thereto and extending radially therefrom, a stationary support member radially spaced from the rotor and having a mating guide, and a caliper adjacent to the backing plates for urging the linings against the rotor. The clip is secured to the stationary support member when the upper, lower, left and right suppressing pieces are brought into elastic engagement with the mating guide on the stationary support member. The upper suppressing piece has a notch that is positioned so that when the caliper urges the lining against the rotor and edge of at least one of the backing plates is aligned with the notch when the lining is worn to such an extent that the friction pads should be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kingo Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 5255760
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and signaling the function and the status of an electronically actuated two-circuit safety disk brake for elevators includes an axially moveable spring centering bolt and a sliding block attached to each of a pair of brake shoes for actuating position sensors. A force imbalance due to breakage of a brake pressure spring displaces the spring centering bolt from its neutral position and actuates a microswitch of a first position sensor by way of sliding block attached to the bolt to generate a signal to a monitoring circuit. A double switching arm formed on the sliding blocks attached to the brake shoes signals not only the normal closure and opening movements of the brake, but causes, on exceeding an admissible wear of the brake lining for the first time, an alarm switching cycle of a microswitch of a second position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Miles P. Lamb, Herbert Bachmann
  • Patent number: 5253735
    Abstract: Three adjacent disks carried by an "S" cam shaft of a truck brake system sense motion of system components beyond predetermined limits to indicate need for adjustment and parts replacement and annunciate such information at a distance from the brake system. A first outer disk journaled on the "S" cam shaft is interconnected to the slack adjuster arm to rotate responsive to motion of the slack adjuster arm. A second medial disk journaled on the "S" cam shaft is supported by external structure to remain stationary relative to that shaft. A third outer disk is irrotatably carried by the "S" cam shaft to rotate with it. The second medial disk carries two Hall effect switches to sense the rotary position of magnets carried in the first and third adjacent outer disks to determine motion of the slack adjuster arm and the "S" cam shaft beyond predetermined limits to indicate need for brake adjustment and brake shoe replacement. Sensed data is transmitted to an annunciator at a distance from the braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventors: Reese G. Larson, John V. Boes
  • Patent number: 5238093
    Abstract: The position of an adjusting ring used in a clutch adjustable for wear is monitored by an indicator comprised of a pin having a first end biased into engagement with the adjusting ring and a second end which is visible from outside of the clutch housing. As the adjusting ring is turned to compensate for clutch wear, the adjusting ring moves axially with respect to the clutch housing and the pin moves progressively into the clutch housing. When the end of the pin is no longer projecting from the housing, the mechanic knows that clutch wear can no longer be compensated for by axially advancing the adjusting ring. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the indicator pin is made of nylon and is retained in a nylon sleeve while being biased by a coil spring. The assembly is initially held together by abutment between a rib projecting from the pin and an end surface of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Steve C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5207306
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch operating device for use in vehicles for pushing out the clutch disengaging members (5) of a dry disk clutch (1) which is disposed between a flywheel (2) mounted on the output shaft of an engine and a propeller shaft (3) rotatably supported by a support wall (10) of a transmission case, the device being characterized in that the device comprises an annular cylinder chamber (A) provided on the support wall (10) concentrically with the propeller shaft (3), an annular piston (17) axially slidably fitted in the cylinder chamber (A), a release bearing (16) mounted on the forward end of the piston (17) and engageable with the clutch disengaging members (5) by contact therewith, and structure (23) for supplying a pressure oil to the cylinder chamber (A) by depressing a clutch pedal (20) to push out the piston (17) toward the clutch disengaging members (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kubota
    Inventors: Kenichi Sato, Eisaku Shinohara, Takeshi Imamura, Masaru Nakata
  • Patent number: 5186284
    Abstract: A fail safe self-adjusting brake is disclosed in which a service piston selectively actuates brake discs to contact shaft discs and apply braking to the shaft. The service piston is hydraulically actuated. Should there be a system failure an emergency piston forces the service piston to brake shaft rotation. The service and emergency pistons are uniquely mounted such that they are properly guided within the brake housing. In a further feature of the present invention, the location of the brake discs relative to the shaft discs is adjustable to vary the amount of movement necessary to cause braking. This adjustment allows the brake discs to move relative to the housing to accommodate wear on the brake or shaft discs. A gage is mounted within the housing to monitor the amount of adjustment of the brake discs, and thus to give an indication of the wear on those discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Lamela, Thomas F. Christensen, David T. Rach
  • Patent number: 5181593
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically sensing when the friction elements of a clutch are excessively worn and for generating a signal in response thereto is disclosed. The clutch includes a bearing housing which is adapted to be moved between engaged and disengaged positions. A shift assembly is provided for moving the bearing housing to the disengaged position. The shift assembly includes a pair of fingers which are normally spaced apart from the bearing housing when the clutch is engaged and the friction elements are not worn. However, when the friction elements become worn, the bearing housing engages the fingers of the shift assembly when the clutch is in the engaged position. A sensor is mounted in the bearing housing for generating a signal when the fingers are in contact therewith. The signal may be an electrical signal which is fed to a control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Flotow, J. Michael Lewis
  • Patent number: 5148901
    Abstract: A hub clutch for locking or unlocking a wheel drive shaft to or form a hub clutch housing, comprises: a drive gear fixed to the wheel drive shaft; a slide gear slidably engaged or disengaged with or from the drive gear to lock or unlock the wheel drive shaft to or form the hub clutch housing; an elastic member for urging the slide gear into engagement or disengagement with or from the slide gear; a pressure source for supplying pressure into a pressure chamber formed between the wheel drive shaft and the hub clutch housing to shift the slide gear against an elastic force of the elastic member; and in particular a pressure supplementing switch for supplementing pressure supplied from the pressure source into the pressure chamber, whenever pressure within the pressure chamber drops below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Tochigifujisangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sakuo Kurihara, Kazuhiro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5139114
    Abstract: A brake block for automotive drum brake systems having a visible wear indicator indicating the remaining usable thickness of the brake block. The wear indicator may be molded or machined into the side of the brake block and also may indicate where the tops of the fasteners for the brake block are located when fasteners are used to affix the brake block to a backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Abex Corporation
    Inventors: Roger C. Rodriguez, Donald P. Johnson