Abstract: A segmented friction member for use in a clutch assembly. The friction member is circular and constructed from a paper-like friction layer. An oil groove extends completely through each friction member segment defining inner and outer segments joined by first and second bridges positioned adjacent the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous base material comprising a primary layer of less fibrillated aramid fibers, synthetic graphite and at least one filler material, and a secondary layer of carbon particles on at least one surface of the fibrous base material for use in a non-asbestos friction material. In certain embodiments, the fibrous base material is impregnated with a phenolic or phenolic-based resin material, including, for example, a mixture of a phenolic resin and a silicone resin to form a friction material having good "break-in" and durability characteristics.

Abstract: A disc assembly for use in, for example, an automatic transmission is disclosed. The disc assembly includes a pair of spaced core members (15-16, 25-26, 36-37, 56-57). A friction facing (17-18, 27-28, 42-43, 62, 77-78) is positioned on the outer side of at least one of said core members. A grooved cooling layer (20, 30, 45, 61) is positioned between the pair of spaced core members and is in fluid communication with a cooling fluid. The disc assembly is used with other disc assemblies and other power elements (12, 48, 65, 83) to form a clutch assembly for the transmission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a friction material comprising a fibrous base material primary layer of less fibrillated aramid fibers, synthetic graphite and at least one filler material, and a secondary layer of a mixture of carbon particles and at least one retention aid coated on at least one surface of the primary layer. In certain embodiments, the fibrous base material is impregnated with a phenolic or phenolic-based resin material, including, for example, a mixture of a phenolic resin and a silicone resin to form a friction material having high heat resistance and high friction durability characteristics.

Abstract: A method of shaping a friction facing or lining is disclosed. A lining blank is positioned on a core member and a template having the desired groove patterns and periphery is mounted on the blank. Particles are directed against the template and the blank to form the lining grooves and peripheries. The particles also remove hanging fibers. In another embodiment, a template is placed over a friction facing or lining which has grooves formed by other methods. The particles remove any undesired material or hanging fibers from either the grooves or periphery or both.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous base material comprising less fibrillated aramid fibers, synthetic graphite and at least one filler material, and a non-asbestos friction material produced therefrom. In certain embodiments, the fibrous base material is impregnated with a phenolic or phenolic-base resin material, including, for example, a mixture of a phenolic resin and a silicone resin.

Abstract: A friction disc assembly (10) for use in clutch packs is disclosed. The friction disc assembly (10) includes a pair of annular friction facings (12-30) and an annular core plate (11) positioned between the friction facings (12-30). Each of the friction facings (12-30) includes a plurality of adjoining facing segments (14-31). Each segment (14-31) includes a notch (15-33) at one end and a tab (16-32) at the other end. Each notch (15-33) receives an adjoining tab (16-32) and defines a reservoir (21-35) adjacent the tab (16-32). The reservoir (21-35) receives unwanted stray fibers and cooling fluid. Another embodiment for wide core plates includes a pair of tabs (43-44) received in a pair of notches (45-46). Reservoirs (47-48) are defined adjacent the ends of the tabs (43-44).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous base material comprising less fibrillated aramid fibers, synthetic graphite and at least one filler material, and a non-asbestos friction material produced therefrom. In certain embodiments, the fibrous base material is impregnated with a phenolic or phenolic-base resin material, including, for example, a mixture of a phenolic resin and a silicone resin.

Abstract: A sprag and roller one-way clutch assembly (10) including an outer cage (12), an inner cage (14) and a ribbon spring (16) for use with a clutch having outer and inner races (70, 72). The outer and inner cages (12, 14) each defines a plurality of corresponding sprag and roller openings (20, 30, 22, 32). The ribbon spring (16) defines a plurality of corresponding sprag and roller windows (40, 42). A plurality of spaced sprags (50) extends between and through the corresponding sprag openings (20, 30) defined by the outer and inner cages (12, 14) and through the corresponding sprag windows (40, 42) defined by the ribbon spring (16). A plurality of spaced rollers (60) extends between the corresponding roller openings (22, 32) defined by the outer and inner cages (12, 14) and through the corresponding roller windows (42) defined by the ribbon spring (16). Each of the rollers (60) has a substantially cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous base material comprising fibrillated aramid fibers, cellulose fibers, and at least one type of filler material and a non-asbestos friction material produced therefrom by impregnating the fibrous base material with a phenolic or modified phenolic resin. The friction material exhibits good anti-shuddering properties and is especially useful in continuous slip clutch applications.

Abstract: A cage segment for use in a clutch having a cam race and a pathway race. The cage segment has at least one engaging member which engages a receiving member on an adjacent cage segment. The cage segment is secured to the adjacent cage segment in the radial, axial and circumferential directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a friction material comprising a silicone resin, a phenolic resin, and, in certain embodiments, silicon nitride particles, incorporated into an aqueous paper formulation which is then formed into a friction material. The friction material is prepared by mixing the silicone resin, the phenolic resin (and, in certain embodiments, silicon nitride particles) into a raw paper formulation, forming a porous friction material, and heating the friction material to cure the phenolic resin and silicone resin.

Abstract: A cage segment for use in a clutch having a cam race and a pathway race. The cage segment has at least one engaging means which matingly engages a retaining means on the cam race. The cage segment is secured to the cam race in the radial, axial and circumferential directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process of making a non-asbestos friction material comprising a phenolic or phenolic-modified resin (and in certain embodiments, silicon nitride particles) incorporated into a fibrous base material which is then impregnated with a silicone resin. The friction material is prepared by mixing the phenolic or phenolic-modified resin (and, in certain embodiments, silicon nitride particles) into an aqueous paper formulation, forming a porous fibrous base material, impregnating the fibrous base material with a silicone resin, and heating the impregnated material to cure the phenolic resin and the silicone resin.

Abstract: The invention provides a double wrap brake band consisting of three band segments which are held together by tie members designed to break-away under shear forces applied by the apply pin and reaction or anchor member during operation of the transmission assembly. The break-away tie members hold the three band segments together to form a structurally sound cylindrical band during assembly of the transmission. The tie segments are then sheared the first time the band is actuated by the apply and reaction pins.

Abstract: A wet-type friction clutch having universally shaped friction segments manufactured from a nearly scrapless process. Relative juxtaposition of the segments will achieved desired amounts of cooling fluid flow into and out of the friction discs with corresponding desired levels of hydrostatic pressure buildup between the discs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-asbestos friction material comprising a phenolic or phenolic-modified resin (and in certain embodiments, silicon nitride particles) incorporated into a fibrous base material which is then impregnated with a silicone resin. The friction material is prepared by mixing the phenolic or phenolic-modified resin (and, in certain embodiments, silicon nitride particles) into an aqueous paper formulation, forming a porous fibrous base material, impregnating the fibrous base material with a silicone resin, and heating the impregnated material to cure the phenolic resin and the silicone resin.

Abstract: A transmission brake band (10) for use in automatic transmissions includes strap member (12) with an apply bracket (18) located at one end and a reaction bracket (20) located at the opposed end. The reaction bracket (20) is formed from the strap material as an up-raised dome (36) surrounding the reaction opening (32). The surface of the dome (36) immediately surrounding the reaction opening (32) is substantially planar and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the reaction opening (32).

Abstract: A chain-belt that extends between driving and driven members such as the pulleys of a continuous variable transmission wherein the chain-belt is formed of a plurality of interleaved sets of links. The links define a passageway and a plurality of load blocks are positioned in the passageway. Several members for reducing the noise produced by such a chain-belt are disclosed whereby certain of the load blocks in the chain-belt engage the pulleys at a different location to alter and reduce the pattern of noise produced by the chain-belt. The chain-belt also has links with a particular configuration that allows the links to have a short pitch length while still maintaining strength in the links.