Abstract: A self-centering clutch release bearing comprises a drive element which acts on the release device of a clutch, connected to an actuating element which co-operates with a displacement control means. The connection between the two elements is a self-centering frictional connection controlled by a Belleville washer which bears with its inner or outer periphery against one of the elements. The washer is connected to the other of the elements by fastening claws which extend around its other periphery.

Abstract: The invention relates to friction discs of the progressive engagement type, especially for clutches of heavy automobile vehicles, the disc comprising two annular friction linings extending respectively on both sides of and in contact with a cut-out corrugated support, each lining being fixed individually by continuous glueing zones on this support, along parts of the corrugation of the support which are in contact with the lining. The surface area of the glueing zones should be between 5 and 35%, and preferably about 10% of the surface area of the lining. In a modification, each lining is fixed on the support, not only by the glueing zones but also by at least one rivet per zone arranged at right angles to each glueing zone. The riveting operation is preferably carried out after glueing and before the adhesive is polymerized or set.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to rotary hydraulic machines of the kind comprising, in a casing, a rotatably-mounted shaft and a plurality of cylinder-piston units mounted radially in star around the shaft and co-operating with eccentric means so arranged as to impart a relative movement to each of said units in turn, conjointly with the rotation of the shaft, and also with fluid-circulation means so arranged that each of the cylinder-piston units are supplied with fluid in turn. The eccentric means may comprise an eccentric bearing surface provided on said shaft and co-operating with the cylinder-piston units supplied with fluid through conduits formed in the shaft, under the control of a distribution ring engaged on the eccentric surface. The cylinders of the units are oscillatably mounted, and controlled retention means prevent any driving action on the distribution ring by the eccentric surface.

Abstract: Device for winding a cable on a drum in such manner as to form turns each comprising a circular portion extending over the major part of its circumference and connected to an adjacent turn by a short oblique portion, wherein the cable in the course of winding is guided by a cable guide member, means being provided to displace this member step-by-step along the drum in rotation, in such manner as to keep it stationary during the major part of each revolution of the drum and to displace it by one step over a distance equal to the diameter of the cable while the drum is completing its revolution.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint for coupling two shafts and for transmitting rotation between the shafts and enabling, independently, transmission of axial thrust between the shafts and/or slight angular displacements of the shafts relative to their axially aligned position. The constant velocity joint comprises two stub shafts adapted to be fixed to the shafts. One of the stub shafts having a cup-shaped end portion with an inwardly extending flange at its open end for mounting a socket member of a ball and socket joint whose toroidal ball member is mounted near the end of the other stub shaft. A first cylindrical sleeve is joined to the cup-shaped end portion of the flange and has an internally toothed gear at its free end meshing with radial clearance with an externally toothed gear at one end of a second cylindrical sleeve coaxial of the first cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A clutch assembly has a central driving plate fixed to a hub and a pair of interconnected lateral plates arranged on each side of the central plate, one of which carries friction linings. A number of corresponding windows are formed in the driving plate and in the lateral plates which receive coil springs which form a torsionally-resilient torque-transmitting connection between the central plate and the lateral plates, and the lateral plates are interconnected by integral feet formed on one or both of the plates from the material removed to form the windows therein.

Abstract: A safety belt assembly for a motor vehicle. The safety belt has a shoulder strap and a transverse strap and is anchored at at least one outer point on the adjacent door and an inner point on the vehicle body per se. A pneumatically or hydraulically operable variable length arm for lengthening and shortening the belt is responsive to movement of the door for applying the seat belt onto the occupant of the seat upon closing of the door and for freeing the occupant and the seat upon opening of the door.

Abstract: A device for a buckle type safety belt for a vehicle. The device comprises a belt strap winding and unwinding device, and combined in the same mechanical unit a buckle mechanism member such as a catch, said member and the winding and unwinding device being mounted movably relative to each other so that in one position the winding and unwinding device is locked and in the other position it is released.

Abstract: The present invention relates to torsion-damping devices for coupling two members together for rotation with an elastically-damped relative angular oscillation, one member comprising a central plate provided with passage means while the other member comprises a plurality of lateral plates disposed on each side of said central plate and coupled together by cross-braces adapted to pass through said passage means with an angular play which defines the amplitude of said oscillations in both directions of rotation, windows being formed opposite each other in said lateral plates so as to receive torsion-damping means such as springs for coupling the central and lateral plates together for rotation while offering an elastic resistance to said oscillations, said passage means being each provided with a circumferential extension sufficient to permit the corresponding cross-brace to penetrate, at least partially, into the overall contour of the nearest windows of said central plate, said overall contour being defined a

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disc-brake of the kind comprising a fixed support, a disc fast for rotation with a shaft to be braked, two brake-shoes each arranged respectively one on each side of the disc and movable perpendicularly to the plane of the disc and a hydraulic operating unit comprising a blind cylinder with a moving piston acting on a first brake-shoe, the cylinder being associated with the movement of the transfer member for acting on the second brake-shoe and subjected to springs urging the member radially towards the periphery of the disc, the fixed support being provided removably with locking and guiding pins ensuring the radial retention of the transfer member through the operating unit and in contact with which this unit is slidably mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a noise-reducing support for the friction lining of a braking member in which said lining is fixed to said support and is adapted to be clamped against a friction track by the effect of a force applied to said support, this friction track being incorporated for example in a disc or a ring or alternatively in a wheel-drum, especially of an automobile vehicle. According to the invention said support comprises a stack of a plurality of thin metallic sheets or strips, contiguous to each other over their whole surface and all assembled together by glueing, welding in zones, riveting insetting in a rim or flange, etc.

Abstract: An improved disc-brake, more particularly intended for automobile vehicles, having a reduced number of component parts, easier assembly and lower production cost. The brake is of the kind comprising a fixed support, a disc keyed on a rotatable shaft to be braked, two brake-shoes disposed on each side of the disc and movable perpendicularly to the plane of said disc, a transfer member movable perpendicularly to the plane of the disc, a hydraulic control unit adapted to act directly on a first brake-shoe and on the second brake-shoe through the intermediary of the transfer member, and an elastic device for urging the transfer member into abutment against retention stops formed on the fixed support. Two of the retention stops against which the transfer member is in abutment are constituted by brackets carried by the fixed support from which they project on each side of the transfer member, this transfer member further comprising laterally projecting lugs for co-operating with the brackets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanically-operated disc-brake of the kind comprising a disc fast for rotation with the member to be braked, a fixed support, two brake-shoes arranged one on each side of the disc and slidably mounted in housings formed in the fixed support, an operating lever co-operating with one of the brake-shoes through a cam surface, and a transfer member on which the operating lever is articulated, and which is movable with respect to the disc for transmission to the other brake-shoe of the braking action applied by the operating lever, the transfer member being pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed support against the action of elastic devices, and further comprising structure enabling the transfer member to pivot about an axis which is substantially diametral with respect to the disc, the articulation axis of the operating lever on the transfer member extending along a direction substantially parallel to the diametral axis.

Abstract: A disc-brake of the kind comprising a bracket-shaped fixed support, a rotating disc rigidly fixed to the member to be braked, two brake-shoes movably mounted perpendicular to the plane of the disc and on each side of this latter, an operating unit and a transfer member movable perpendicularly to the plane of the disc, the operating unit acting directly on a first of the brake-shoes and on the second brake-shoe through the intermediary of the transfer member, the fixed support comprising a side-plate parallel to the plane of the disc and a return member perpendicular to the plane of the disc and facing the edge of this latter.

Abstract: Brakes for automobile vehicles for example, of the kind comprising a fixed support, a braking member having a ring, two braking plates disposed on each side of the ring and a floating stirrup engaged on the plates and on the ring. The stirrup has operating means adapted to act directly on one of the plates and indirectly on the other, through the intermediary of the stirrup, so as to grip and brake the ring. The stirrup is mounted with a simultaneous sliding and pivoting action of the fixed support, so as to follow any possible conical deformation of the ring on which it is engaged, due to heat stresses for example. The rear transverse face of the stirrup is in simple supporting contact with a retaining member secured to the fixed support, and which permits the sliding and pivotal movements of the stirrup, an elastic spring being provided to urge the stirrup and the retaining member into contact with each other.