Abstract: A swirl-generating helical agitator for tubular heat-exchangers comprises a strip of material twisted into a helix and has a cross-section including opposed double inflections. The double inflections have lateral portions inclined at an angle of inclination with respect to and on either side of a central portion.

Abstract: A turbulence agitator placed, for example, in the tube of a heat exchanger, comprises at least one continuous helical thread. The section through the agitator in any plane passing through the axis of the helix has a central portion and teeth of the same shape and dimensions, spaced along the said axis. Each of these teeth is asymmetrical in relation to a line perpendicular to the axis of the helix.

Abstract: A reconditionable friction clutch is disclosed of the type comprising a cover member having integrally formed lugs along its inner peripheral zone for rockably mounting the diaphragm spring on the cover member. Since these original lugs cannot be reused to rockably mount the diaphragm spring once they are disengaged to gain access to the diaphragm spring, they are replaced after reconditioning the clutch. The radial portions of the lugs are removed, the lugs being severed so that their axial portions are long enough to be received in passages in the diaphragm spring or a new diaphragm spring to recenter the same. Apertures preferably in tabs alternating with the original lugs are formed to accommodate replacement assembly means which may be of the lug or clip type or of the pin type. Such apertures are formed in the cover member either during manufacture of the clutch or at the time of reconditioning it.

Abstract: A torsion damper which comprises two coaxial parts mounted for rotation relative to one another within the limits of a determined angular movement, and against the action of springs. There is also at least one intervening device which is sensitive to the angular movement between the parts and which is movable reversibly between a waiting position, in which it is inoperative, and, beyond a determined value of the movement, an operating position, in which the intervening device causes a modification of the operation characteristics of the torsion damper. The torsion damper is particularly usable in clutch plate assemblies for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A rotating electric machine stator, the casing of which is formed by the assembly of two elements made from a plastics material of from another non magnetizable material;it comprises a holding part made integrally from a magnetizable material for forming a closed circuit for the magnetic field flux generated by the inductive means said piece being mounted on the outer surface of the casing in order to maintain the two elements applied one against the other.

Abstract: This torsion damping device comprises two coaxial parts, namely a hub (10) and a hub disc (11), fitted mutually rotatably within the limits of a definite angular play and counter to springs (16). The torsion damping device also comprises at least one locking element (22, 40, 55, 66, 74) which is sensitive to centrifugal force and which is reversibly movable between a position for which, inoperative, the locking element permits freedom of action to the springs (16), and a position for which, producing an abutment of the hub disc (11) against the hub (10), the locking element renders the springs (16) inoperative. Application of the torsion damping device is especially to clutch friction plates for motor vehicles.

Abstract: This relates to a torsion damper device having two coaxial parts mounted for rotation relative to one another, within the limits of a determined angular movement, against the action of springs. The torsion damper device includes in addition at least one locking means which is sensitive to the angular movement between the two parts and which is movable reversibly between a position in which it is inoperative and gives full freedom of action to the springs and a position in which it effects the direct supporting of one part (A) on the part and puts these springs out of action. The torsion damper device is applicable in particular to clutch plate assemblies for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A torsion damping assembly comprises two coaxial parts mounted for relative angular movement within predetermined limits of angular displacement. Circumferentially acting springs are operative between the parts in a range of angular displacement. An intervening element is responsive to centrifugal force for movement from a standby position to an operative position above a predetermined structural speed and is urged back toward the standby position in the operative position. The intervening element directly or indirectly circumferentially bears against one of the coaxial parts to define a circumferential abutment for one of the resilient elements in the operative position to modify the operational characteristics of the assembly.

Abstract: A torsion damping assembly is disclosed in which there are provided two coaxial parts mounted for limited relative angular displacement, one being a web and the other a pair of guide plates flanking the web. Spacer members interconnect the guide plates within their outer periphery and extend axially through the guide plates and are crimped therebeyond. A connecting bar attaches at least two such spacer members in a group. Preferably four such groups of three spacer members are provided, each connecting bar being bent or arched. The torsion damping assembly may comprise the torsion damping center of a drive disc of a friction clutch.

Abstract: A speed change pulley is disclosed in which, for relative centering of the movable side plate with respect to the diaphragm, the diaphragm is provided with engagement members projecting therefrom and axially received in notches in the movable side plate. The engagement members also comprise weight members for enhanced sensitivity to centrifugal force.

Abstract: A brake having axially-expanding brake shoes, comprises an actuating block radially located in a peripheral annular groove formed in a rotating member. The actuating block possesses along its axis, a plurality of cylinders in which slide pistons which apply the brake shoes against the braking surfaces formed by the opposite radially-extending faces of the groove.According to the invention, the actuating block comprises a single, solid, center support plate, and the ends of the cylinders project axially over the transverse faces of this support plate.

Abstract: In a positioning device, first and second members are mounted for movement (e.g. rotation) relative to each other. At least one of the members (e.g. of plastic material) has at least one through slot defining an elastically deformable strip integral with its body portion. In a first embodiment deformable strips flank the sides of a polygonal opening or pivot on one of the members in engagement with a circular pivot or opening in the other member.

Abstract: A control device for an air conditioning installation of the passenger space in a motor vehicle comprising a single actuating member, such as a finger, displaceable between two end positions along a linear path and acting on transmission means for controlling means for distributing air through several air blowing vents, for controlling the switching on or off of the electrical motor of one ventilation fan and for adjusting a heater in such a way that for each position of said member correspond states of the distribution means, of the ventilating fan and of the heater which allow reaching comfort conditions in the vehicle passenger space. The transmission means are formed so as to act on a rotating switch allowing establishing and interrupting circuits for operating air distribution flaps and switching on or off the electrical motor of the ventilating fan, and on a hot water admission cock for setting the heating power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle transmission of the kind incorporating a hydraulic coupling device such as a torque converter and a lock-up clutch. The transmission comprises, between an input shaft and an output shaft, a hydraulic coupling having impeller and turbine wheels and a clutch which provides direct drive between the shafts when engaged. The clutch has a friction coupling element for frictionally engaging an input element integral in rotation with the input shaft, and a torsion damping assembly.According to the invention, a tab connection is used between the friction coupling element an output element rotatable with the output shaft.

Abstract: An industrial disc brake is disclosed having a fixed support with a bore facing a brake disc in which a brake shoe is axially slidably mounted for displacement toward the brake disc in response to the force exerted by a stack of Belleville washers and away from the brake disc in response to a hydraulic actuating unit. Swivel contact is provided between the brake shoe and the fixed support. Swivel contact is also provided between the actuating unit and the fixed support. The actuating unit is in simple axial bearing contact through its fixed member or cylinder with the fixed support.

Abstract: A method of providing an improved friction surface and a friction element having such an improved friction surface are disclosed. A surface of a metallic friction element, e.g. a brake pad or a brake disc or drum, is metal-sprayed with a metallic substance which defines asperities the average roughness Ra of which ranges between 3 and 60 microns. Preferably, at least some of the asperities have heights ranging between 20 and 40 microns for a base width between 0.5 and 1 mm.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle clutch cover assembly comprising a cover, a pressure plate rotatable with the cover but movable axially relative thereto, and axially-acting resilient means such as a diaphragm located between the cover and the pressure plate and operable to urge the pressure plate away from the cover, the invention provides one or more retaining shims adapted to limit the displacement of the pressure plate relative to the cover, and corresponding apertures in the cover which allow the retaining shims to be removed or inserted. The retaining shims are fitted either during removal of the cover assembly for servicing, or during replacement, and by restricting displacement of the pressure plate reduce the effective axial dimension of the cover assembly thereby facilitating removal or replacement of the assembly in a confined space.

Abstract: A device for mounting a motor-blower unit at the air inlet of a heating or air-conditioning installation of the passenger space of a motor vehicle, wherein a cylindrical cradle for receiving the motor cage comprises abutments cooperating with a lower edge of the cage, and hooking means formed by longitudinal fingers with resilient attachment, said fingers ending into hooks coming in engagement with an upper edge of the cage for fixing the latter against movement.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system, for at least one hydraulic braking circuit, comprising a control unit, a brake pedal, an assisting hydraulic pressure plant having a fluid pressure source and a reservoir, a distributor valve having a slide fitted movably in the control unit between a rest position, when the braking circuit connects with the reservoir, and an active position, when the braking circuit is pressurized. This slide is urged in one direction by the pedal and in the opposite direction by the pressure in the braking circuit. The slide moves only about a millimeter, and to give the driver a resonable pedal displacement, a first resilient device, in the form of either stepped parallel or in series helical springs or an elastomer block, is disposed between the pedal and slide.

Abstract: A mounting device for a heat exchanger in the housing of an air conditioning and/or ventilation apparatus.A heat exchanger element comprises means for its being hooked to the casing so that the simple introduction of the exchanger in the housing provides at the end of the movement the fixation of the exchanger which is hooked to the casing.The invention is particularly applicable to air conditioning apparatuses for the passenger space of a motor vehicle.