Abstract: A clutch with an axially-effective clutch pressure plate can be made particularly narrow if an actuating element for the clutch pressure plate features a device which is essentially radially driven. This design is for the application of an essentially axially driven force on the clutch pressure plate. Likewise, a motor vehicle clutch can be designed to be narrow if the disengagement unit of the motor vehicle clutch features a disk spring which acts on a clutch pressure plate, and a central disengagement element which is connected with the disk spring. In this case, the disk spring features an area bent in the axial direction, on which a plunger engages, capable of being actuated by the central disengagement element.

Abstract: A friction clutch with at least one flywheel mass and a clutch housing with which there is associated a pressing arrangement for a pressing plate which is provided for the action of pressure on one side of a clutch disk the opposite side of which is supported on a counter pressure surface. Furthermore, a disengager is provided by which, upon its movement, the pressing arrangement can be functionally connected with or separated from the clutch disk. The disengager is connected by a disengagement mechanism to the pressing plate by which the movement of the disengager can be transformed into an axial movement of the pressing plate.

Abstract: The pull-type clutch 1 basically includes a clutch disc assembly 4, a clutch cover assembly 5, a cylindrical or tubular member 21 and a release mechanism 6. The pull-type clutch 1 is designed to restrain the rotational engagement between the release mechanism 6 and the input shaft 3 of the transmission. The cylindrical member 21 is fixedly coupled to the front cover 7 of the transmission and extends around the input shaft 3 in the radial direction spaced apart. The release mechanism 6 is a mechanism for releasing the biasing force by the diaphragm spring 14 of the clutch cover assembly 5. The release mechanism 6 has a sleeve 23 and a bearing 24. The sleeve 23 is supported on an outer surface of the cylindrical member 21 for axial movement. The bearing 24 is disposed within the clutch cover 11 and is located between the sleeve 23 and the retainer 13.

Abstract: A lever support device for a clutch cover assembly is disclosed, and includes a lever support 16 having a threaded portion 16a at its end portion, a support nut 17 engaged with the threaded portion 16a of the lever support 16 and fitted with the clutch cover 11, a lock plate 18 having an engagement portion 18a engaged with the outer periphery of the support nut 17, at least one oblong mounting aperture 18b in the lock plate 18 which inhibits rotation of the support nut 17, and a fixing member 19 inserted into the mounting aperture 18b in the lock plate 18 with a space 30 for rotation of the lock plate therebetween.

Abstract: A torque transmitter has a plurality of friction plates alternately splined at the inner and outer peripheries. The plates are urged into frictional engagement by a piston and a lever spring to accommodate torque transmission between the splined components drivingly connected with the splined peripheries. The friction plates are disposed in radial alignment with the piston and the lever spring reacts against one of the friction plates. A fulcrum for the lever spring is disposed on one of the splined components.

Abstract: A clutch cover 25 is disposed opposite to a pressure surface 26a of a pressure plate 26 and is fixed to a flywheel. The pressure plate 26 has the pressure surface 26a facing a friction surface 15 of a clutch disk. An annular lever plate 28 is supported at its outer circumferential edge to a clutch cover 25 and is contacted at a radially intermediate portion to the pressure plate 26. The pressure plate 26 is biased to be disengaged from the friction surface 15 of the clutch disk. A release bearing 31 is in contact with an inner circumferential edge of the lever plate 28 on the transmission side. A hydraulic cylinder 32 serves to move the release bearing 31 in the axial direction.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch cover assembly for use in a clutch as a reaction surface in selective actuation of a pressure ring to clamp one or more discs mounted on a drive shaft for conjoint rotation therewith between the pressure ring and a flywheel of an engine thereby to selectively interconnect the drive shaft and the engine flywheel. The cover assembly includes a flat cover plate having a center and a central opening therein for receiving the drive shaft therethrough free of connection to the cover plate. Lever assemblies include levers pivotally mounted on the clutch plate at angularly spaced apart locations, and pressure members constructed and arranged for applying a force to the pressure ring for clamping the disc between the pressure ring and flywheel. The levers are disposed such that the pressure members apply more clamping force to the pressure ring the faster the flywheel and cover plate are rotating.

Abstract: The friction clutch unit described has two clutches, of which the second is normally disengaged. Each clutch comprises a clutch disc disposed coaxially between a pressure plate and a friction surface, the arrangement being such that the first and second pressure plates are both disposed between the clutch discs and a lever linkage for operating the second clutch acts on the corresponding pressure plate so as to move it away from the other pressure plate during the operative engagement of the respective clutch.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly 5 includes a clutch cover 14, a main pressure plate 15, a retaining collar 20, a diaphragm spring 21, a cone spring 16, and an intermediary lever 26. The diaphragm spring 21 presses the retaining collar 20 toward the flywheel 2. The cone spring 16 is placed between the main pressure plate 15 and the retaining collar 20 so as to be compressed axially. The intermadiary lever 26 multiplies the impelling force of the diaphragm spring 21 on the retaining collar 20 in transmitting the force to the main pressure plate 15, according to a predetermined lever ratio.

Abstract: A clutch engaging assembly includes a sleeve member positioned circumferentially about a drive shaft, wherein the sleeve member includes a radially outwardly extending circumferential flange. A spring collector is positioned circumferentially about the sleeve member by a plurality of radially extending and angled coil springs positioned between the spring collector and the clutch cover. The angled springs, along with a plurality of axially extending spring members, urge the spring collector towards the flange of the sleeve member. A clearance is maintained between the sleeve member and the spring collector. The spring collector is not fixed to any member of the clutch, and is permitted limited radial movement about the sleeve member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clutch mechanism for selective power transmission between starter means and an engine. More particularly, the invention discloses a dual clutch mechanism for use in selectively coupling a turbine driven starter assembly with a gas turbine engine to affect engine start up and disengage thereafter. The invention provides a clutch mechanism, comprised of two clutches in series, which can deliver positive torque transmission from a starter to an engine at any speed within an operating range and disengages at any speed greater than the operating range.

Abstract: A clutch control device comprises a rotatable driving member to which one end of a traction cable is circumferentially attached, the traction cable having a coupling piece at its other end. The control device also includes a sleeve member which is in telescopic engagement with the coupling piece, with releasable locking means arranged between the sleeve member and the coupling piece. The sleeve member is arranged for connection to a control linkage, leading for example to a clutch pedal; and the control device also has a spring which urges the sleeve member towards the coupling piece. Any wear occurring upstream of the device, for example in the associated clutch, is automatically taken up due to the provision of resilient preloading means which tend to maintain the traction cable under tension and which act between the fixed support or housing member of the assembly and the coupling piece, which is thereby biassed towards the sleeve member.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch (40) for u se in an automotive automatic transmission includes a clutch drum (41) having a hydraulic pressure chamber (43), a piston (42) movably fitted in the clutch drum (41) in covering relation to the hydraulic pressure chamber (43), a pressure plate (45) disposed in confronting relation to a surface of the piston (42) remotely from the hydraulic pressure chamber (43), and interleaved drive and driven plates (46, 47) disposed in confronting relation to a surface of the pressure plate (45) remotely from the piston (42). The drive and driven plates (46, 47) are engageable with each other by the pressure plate (45) pressed by the piston (42) moved in response to a hydraulic pressure supplied to the hydraulic pressure chamber (43). An assisting member (44) is disposed between the piston (42) and the pressure plate (45) and comprises an annular array of rigid assisting levers (44a) and a retaining plate (44b) holding the assisting levers (44a) together.

Abstract: To prevent torsion and bending forces from being applied to an operating ring disk system pressing together interdigited elements of a ring disk clutch, and to permit placement of ring disk portions close to each other for maximum engagement force being applied to the clutch, the ring disk system is formed of a plurality of parts (27, 34, 41 45) which are essentially sector-shaped, surround the clutch shaft, and are pivotable about a movable fulcrum (11, 20) which compresses the clutch disks (3, 5). The individually separate ring disk system parts or elements are in outer circumferential engagement to abut each other and to hold the parts in essentially clearance or play-free mutually engaged position, regardless of whether the rings disk system is flat or planar, or deflected into conical shape. Further, the parts are formed with an inner engagement arrangement to hold them in mutually aligned and supported radial position. The parts can, additionally, be held axially in position.

Abstract: Difficulty in achieving the disconnection of two relatively rotatable elements (14) and (30) is avoided in a simple manual connect-disconnect operator which includes a coupling shaft (42) for interconnecting the rotary members (14), (30) and a translatable carrier (38) which journals the coupling shaft (42) for rotation about an axis and further mounts the coupling shaft (42) for movement between connect and disconnect positions. A yoke (60) is mounted on a pivot (66), (100) and is connected to the carrier (38) to move the coupling shaft (42) upon pivotal movement of the yoke (60). The support shaft (108) is mounted for reciprocating movement along its longitudinal axis and a handle (132) is pivotally mounted on the support shaft (108).

Abstract: A friction clutch for a transmission is provided. The clutch includes release levers disposed between a release bearing and a diaphragm spring. The diaphragm spring provides pressure to a pressure plate which is required to hold a clutch disc against a flywheel. The outer end of each release lever is pivotably supported by a clutch cover and the inner end thereof engages with the release bearing. The pulling of the release bearing in the axial direction away from the flywheel causes the release lever to swing about the supported position thereof against the pressure exerted by the diaphragm spring, thereby causing the clutch to be released, or disengaged. The release lever is comprised of a lever body and a movable lever for engaging the release bearing. The insertion of the release bearing into the clutch allows secure engagement between it and the release lever. The release bearing is therefore removed from the clutch easily.

Abstract: An angled release clutch system provides a low bearing load at a relative constant pressure plate load throughout the life of either a pull-type or a push-type clutch. In a preferred form, the angled release clutch system includes an inverse Belleville spring compressed between a clutch cover and a plurality of levers for biasing the levers against the pressure plate for engagement of a friction disc secured to an input shaft. The spring includes an inner annular edge portion engageable with the levers, in an outer annular edge portion engageable with the cover, which is inverse to the normal Belleville spring clutch arrangement. The pressure plate in the preferred form includes an annular inclined surface portion for the cooperating with the levers, each lever having a pressure plate contacting portion for engaging the inclined surface portion of the pressure plate.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly includes a cover which is formed as a one piece casting. A plurality of engagement spring seats and a plurality of assister spring seats are provided on the cover. The engagement and assister spring seats are all formed integrally with the cover and includes portions having generally V-shaped cross sections. The assembly further includes a release sleeve which is also formed as a one piece casting. A plurality of engagement spring seats and a plurality of assister spring seats are also provided on the release sleeve. The engagement and assister spring seats are all formed integrally with the release sleeve and includes portions having generally V-shaped cross sections. The engagement spring seats on the cover and the release sleeve are provided to pivotably pilot engagement springs for the clutch, while the assister spring seats on the cover and the release sleeve are provided to pivotably pilot assister springs.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly, in which a radially inner side spring force action point (an inside projection 44, for example) of a lever 40 is provided at a position radially outer than wire rings 34 supporting a diaphragm spring 30, a radially outer side spring force action point (an outside projection 46) of the lever 40 is provided at a position to cause a distance B between a rotation center 01 of the lever 40 and the outer side spring force action point to be shorter than a distance A between the rotation center 01 and the inner side spring force action point, and the lever 40 is adapted to multiply a spring force P of the diaphragm spring 30.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly, in which a radially inner side spring force action point (an inside projection 44, for example) of a lever 40 is provided at a position radially inward from an outer peripheral edge 33 of a diaphragm spring 30. A radially outer side spring force action point (an outside projection 46) of the lever 40 is positioned at a distance B between a rotation center O1 of the lever 40 and the outer side spring force action point shorter than a distance A between the rotation center O1 and the inner side spring force action point. The lever 40 is adapted to multiply a spring force P of the diaghragm spring 30.The reaction force action point of the diaphragm spring 30 is shifted to an outer peripheral part of the clutch cover 16, so that a deflection of the clutch cover 16 is reduced and a release efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A pull-type clutch for connecting a flywheel to a transmission and having clutch discs spline fitted onto an input shaft of the transmission, a sleeve on the outer periphery of the input shaft, a release bearing fastened to the transmission end of the sleeve, a flange portion formed on the flywheel end of the sleeve and projecting toward the outer periphery, a load transmitting retainer on the sleeve pressed to the flange portion, a clutch cover connected to the flywheel and covering a pressure plate for pressing the clutch discs into engagement with the flywheel, a disc-formed spring member disposed between the clutch cover and the retainer, levers for transmitting spring force of the spring member disposed between the retainer and the pressure plate at plural circumferential locations and pins between the retainer and the clutch cover for sliding movement of the retainer relative to the clutch cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pull-type clutch carrying out a releasing operation by pulling a release bearing (26) away from a flywheel (10) by means of a release lever (27) interconnected to a clutch pedal, in which a spherical surface (30) is provided on a flanged portion (25) of a sleeve (24) and a spherical seat (33) is provided on a retainer (32).Accordingly, a deflection angle (.alpha.) can be absorbed by the spherical surface (30) and the spherical seat (33) so that the flanged portion (25) of the sleeve (24) can be made contact with the retainer (32) smoothly over the entire circumference.

Abstract: In a pulled-type clutch arrangement, for the release of the clutch, release levers are provided which are connected in their radially outer region with the clutch cover and in a radially middle region articulatedly with the thrust plate. On the abutment face facing the drive plate, in the region of the radially inner ends, the release levers lie against a release ring which is connectable with a traction force transmission part of a clutch release device. In some cases the clutch arrangement avoids the diaphragm springs usually used in pulled-type clutch arrangements, and nonetheless can be operated as pulled-type clutch. The main spring can be formed by a dished spring which is simpler in construction than a diaphragm spring and avoids disadvantages which arise with diaphragm springs for some purposes, especially in heavy-duty clutches. The dished springs can here be supported in a radially outer region on the clutch cover and can act in a radially inner region upon the thrust plate.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having an annular cover member attached to an engine flywheel, an annular pressure plate which is floatingly attached to the cover member by a plurality of drive straps, a friction drive assembly which is splined to a transmission shaft for rotation therewith and sliding movement therealong, and which is positioned between the pressure plate and the engine flywheel, a plurality of radially extending release levers, each of which is pivotably attached to the cover member at a location between the ends of such release lever, and a belleville spring trapped between the cover member and the release levers to normally bias the release levers so that the outer end of each of them imposes a load on the pressure plate which tends to urge the pressure plate against the friction drive assembly and the friction drive assembly against the flywheel, each of the drive straps having an outwardly projecting extension which is positioned between the pressure plate and the outer end of an adjacent release lev

Abstract: A pull-type clutch which is released by pulling a release bearing toward the transmission with a releasing lever connected to a clutch pedal, includes clutch discs which are spline fitted onto an input shaft of a transmission. A sleeve part of a releasing retainer is provided on an outer periphery of the input shaft with a release bearing fastened to the transmission and of the sleeve part. A retainer part is integrally formed into one piece with the sleeve part and is located at the flywheel end of the sleeve part. A spline is provided on the sleeve part and fits into a spline groove on the clutch cover for permitting axial sliding of the releasing retainer while preventing rotation of the releasing retainer relative to the clutch cover.

Abstract: In a pull-type clutch which performs release operation through a load transmission lever disposed between a load transmission retainer and a pressure plate, the load transmission lever comprising protrusions provided on its base end portion at which the lever is in engagement with an annular groove of the retainer and projecting toward abutment surfaces of the groove.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for varying the effective length of the levers which actute a collector ring in a clutch. Each of the levers includes a pair of noses which are angled toward the inner end of the levers and toward the collector ring to provide a point contact which moves along the surface of the nose as the levers are rotated by a throw-out bearing. Thus, the force required to actuate the throw-out bearing and/or the force applied to a pressure plate can be varied in accordance with the geometry selected for the noses and the collector ring.

Abstract: A shim cap device provides an apparatus for achieving clutch lever adjustment. In a preferred form, a plurality of shim caps are each selected for an appropriate thickness of a shim portion thereon. Each selected cap is interposed between one tail end of the several clutch release levers and a pressure plate boss normally directly engageable by that particular tail end. Each shim portion has a selective thickness for the purpose of establishing an initial adjustment of each associated clutch release lever. In a preferred form, the shim portion of each cap is disposed for planar contact with the radial surface of its associated boss, and is integral with a wall portion disposed orthogonally to the shim portion. The wall portion extends about the perimeter of the shim portion for press fit engagement of the sides of the associated boss.

Abstract: A friction clutch wherein the mechanical advantage or lever ratio can be varied without changing the construction of the release levers. This is achieved by changing the location of the pivot pins that connect the levers to the pressure plate, and by elongating the release lever holes through which the pivot pins pass. Changing the location of a pivot pin with respect to its supporting lugs on the pressure plate will cause a change in the location of the pin along the length of the elongated pivot pin holes in its corresponding release lever, and this in turn operates to change the mechanical advantage exerted by the lever on the pressure plate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting a plurality of release levers in a friction disc clutch. The method ensures that the inner or nose ends of the release levers lie in a common plane upon final clutch assembly. In a preferred form, rivets of varying head thicknesses are affixed to the nose ends of the release levers, one rivet per each lever, each selected according to an actually measured amount of axial deviation in the nose end to which it is to be affixed. Each rivet is preferably visually identifiable by color or other marking to indicate its specific head thickness, which corresponds to an expected deviation range. The invention therefore provides a mass production technique which ensures adjustment of inner nose ends of release levers during the assembly of a friction disc clutch, whereby the inner nose ends of the release levers thereof will lie in a common radially extending plane.

Abstract: A motor drive system comprising an electric motor having a first drive shaft moveable axially in response to commencement or cessation of operation of the motor and an oil shear clutch operably associated with said motor and having a second drive shaft extending therefrom, the clutch engaging the first and second drive shafts in response to axial movement of the first drive shaft at commencement of operation of the motor and disengaging the first and second drive shafts in response to axial movement of said first drive shaft at cessation of operation of said motor.

Abstract: A friction clutch constructed so that it can operate as either a push or a pull type clutch with only a minimal change in parts. The parts for the two types of clutches are interchangeable except for the release levers and release bearings. This simplifies the tooling and greatly reduces parts inventories.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing suitable for an automotive vehicle comprises a drive member adapted to operate a clutch release device in a clutch and an operating member adapted to be operated by a control member, coupled together in the axial direction but free to rotate relative to one another. The operating member comprises at least one radial arm and axial and radial supports for the control member. These supports are respectively constituted by a pad attached to the arm by a peg and a tangential flange of a plate. The plate further comprises a transverse flange perpendicular to the tangential flange and adapted to be clamped between the pad and the arm. It has a hole in it through which the peg can pass.

Abstract: A transfer case fork assembly for selectively shifting a vehicle powertrain clutch between two speed ranges. During the shifting to either speed range a momentary lock-up condition may result because of the applied torque to the transfer case output shaft. The invention uniquely arranges outer and inner nested spring biased brackets on the shift rail allowing subsequent lagging travel of the fork and clutch. The arrangement provides lost-motion travel of the manual shifting controls during the momentary clutch lock-up condition. Upon freeing of the clutch the spring biased brackets advance the fork thereby engaging the clutch in either its high or low speed range mode of operation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing and adjusting a plurality of release levers of a friction disc clutch. The method ensures that the inner or nose ends of the release levers lie in a common plane upon final clutch assembly. In a preferred embodiment, a rivet is secured to the nose end of each release lever. The resulting lever unit is heat treated in a manner wherein the attached rivet is hardened throughout its entirety, while the lever per se is case hardened to a specified depth.Next, a clutch cover, pressure plate, pressure means for urging the plate, and the plurality of heat treated lever units are installed together to form a clutch cover sub-assembly. Relative movement between the clutch cover and pressure plate is effected against the bias of the pressure means until the levers are in an extreme position relative to the clutch cover.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch mechanism comprising a central hub secured to the outer periphery of an axle for simultaneous rotation therebetween, a clutch plate secured to the hub member for rotation therewith, an annular plate journalled around the outer periphery of the hub member for independent rotation with respect thereto and operably connected with a power source for rotation thereby, annular friction disc members disposed on the opposite sides of the clutch plate, a plurality of circumferentially spaced segments secured to the annular plate and disposed outboard of the clutch plate, the segments being movable in directions toward and away from the clutch plate for selective rotation of the clutch plate with the annular plate, pivotal link members provided at the inner end of each segment, the link members having a normal radially inwardly directed position with respect to the axle and being responsive to centrifugal force for moving radially outwardly for urging the segments into a driving engagement with res

Abstract: A friction clutch wherein several changeover levers which are made of sheet metal are interposed between the housing on the one hand and the two pressure plates on the other hand. Each changeover lever has two arms with convex surfaces which can roll along flat surfaces of the respective pressure plates and a median portion which cooperates with a fulcrum on the housing. When one of the pressure plates is moved away from the associated friction disc, the changeover levers roll along the associated fulcra and cause the other pressure plate to move away from the respective friction disc. If the clutch is a dependent-operated friction clutch, the fulcra and the median portions of the respective changeover levers define adjustable clearances in engaged condition of the clutch.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved automotive clutch utilizing a clutch cover assembly having a conventional conical spring diaphragm which develops the axial force for loading of the pressure plate and which is modified in accordance with the invention to utilize centrifugal weights which increase the force applied to the pressure plate with increasing engine speed.

Abstract: In a friction clutch having a housing and levers mounted on the housing for actuating at least one pressure plate, the levers engaging the pressure plate through a connecting linkage, the levers being formed of at least two sheet metal members and at least two connecting members firmly linking the sheetmetal members to one another, the levers being disposed radially to the housing and carrying, in vicinity of the inner radial end thereof and between the sheetmetal members thereat, a run-up member responsive to the action of an actuating member for actuating the pressure plate.

Abstract: The brake application of a spreading disc brake is effected by moving pressure plates in opposite directions into engagement with friction discs. This can be achieved hydraulically by pressurization of a pressure space between an annular cylinder in the plate and an annular piston in the plate and which works in the cylinder. Also this can be achieved mechanically by a brake-applying pull rod which is connected to a cranked lever pivotally connected to the plate and acting on the plate. The lever may act directly on the plate or it may act on the plate through an automatic slack adjuster.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly is disclosed having an annular spring compressed between a clutch cover and a plurality of externally located release levers. The spring has tongues cooperating with indentations on the outside of the cover to centrally locate the spring and prevent it from rotating relative to the cover. An abutment may be formed on the cover for engagement by the spring to indicate when the clutch is in a fully worn position.

Abstract: A long lever clutch suitable for racing has a lever arm with the centers of the yoke pivot hole and the pressure plate billet pivot hole in a line parallel with the beam surface of the lever. An opening at the external end of the lever permits the addition of bob weights. This design permits control of the internal centrifugal force so that the excessive pressure is not applied to the pressure plate at high rpm. The clutch can also be modified from the 6-lever configuration to a 3-lever mode. Replaceable thrust and lever shims are used to reduce clutch wear.

Abstract: In a friction clutch having a housing and levers mounted on the housing for actuating at least one pressure plate, the levers engaging the pressure plate through a connecting linkage, the levers being formed of at least two sheet metal members and at least two connecting members firmly linking the sheetmetal members to one another, the levers being disposed radially to the housing and carrying, in vicinity of the inner radial end thereof and between the sheetmetal members thereat, a run-up member responsive to the action of an actuating member for actuating the pressure plate.

Abstract: Friction clutch includes a pressure plate, a lever for actuating the pressure plate, and linkage means connecting the lever to the pressure plate, the lever being formed of at least two stamped-out sheet-metal parts and at least two spacer members holding the sheet-metal mutually spaced at a fixed distance from one another.

Abstract: The invention provides a clutch release bearing assembly which incorporates guide means in the form of at least one, and preferably a plurality of guide passages which are laterally offset and parallel to the operating axis of the bearing; the guide passages engage over guide pins extending from the adjacent wall of the clutch casing.

Abstract: In a vehicle clutch construction, a flat plate ring is interposed between the clutch throw-out bearing and clutch release fingers and maintained concentric with the throw-out bearing by a flexible connection with the clutch release fingers.

Abstract: In a friction clutch having a housing and levers mounted on the housing for actuating at least one pressure plate, the levers engaging the pressure plate through a connecting linkage, the levers being formed of at least two sheet metal members and at least two connecting members firmly linking the sheetmetal members to one another, the levers being disposed radially to the housing and carrying, in vicinity of the inner radial end thereof and between the sheetmetal members thereat, a run-up member responsive to the action of an actuating member for actuating the pressure plate.

Abstract: A friction clutch is provided with an improved connection for the release levers including an opening in the lever provided with a longitudinally extending sharp knife-edge for cooperating with a longitudinally extending pivot axis formed on an integral support means associated with one of the elements of the clutch. The integral support means and lever openings are constructed in such a manner as to positively constrain the levers in both a radial and circumferential direction with respect to the associate clutch element.

Abstract: A rotatable friction clutch apparatus having improved retraction means including retraction levers and mounting means therefor arranged and constructed to permit individual adjustment of the lever ends in the axial direction such that several levers can be adjusted to a common plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and to avoid centrifugal displacement of the retracting levers during rotation of the clutch; each retracting lever is provided with a resilient retainer clip urging the lever into rocking engagement with a wire-like fulcrum and retaining the lever against radial inward displacement.

Abstract: An air-actuated disc brake develops the required force magnification to operate disc brakes from an air pressure chamber using push-pull rods driving a pair of cam levers applying normal force to one shoe plate of the disc brake. Clamp action is carried through to an opposing brake shoe plate by a caliper. The entire air applied disc brake is mounted as a unit to the axle flange. An automatic adjuster compensates for brake lining wear.