Abstract: A power transmission comprising a drive shaft and a driven shaft connected to each other to be relatively rotatable within a predetermined range. The connection between the two shafts includes a cam member axially slidable on the driven shaft. The driven shaft carries a brake device interlocked with the cam member. When an accelerating force is transmitted from ground wheels to the driven shaft, the cam member slides axially of the driven shaft. This sliding movement causes the brake device to brake the driven shaft.

Abstract: Difficulties in interrupting a mechanical power transmission path may be minimized in a manual connect-disconnect operator which includes a coupling shaft (38) and a translatable carrier (28) journalling the coupling shaft (38) for rotation about an axis and mounting the coupling shaft (38) for axial movement along the axis between connect and disconnect positions. A yoke (52) is mounted on a pivot (54) and is connected to the carrier (28) for translating the carrier (28) to move the coupling shaft (38) upon pivotal movement of the yoke (52). A manual actuator (78) is mounted for reciprocating movement and a detent mechanism (92), (94), (100), (102), (104), (106), (108) is operable to maintain the carrier (28) in either of the positions.

Abstract: A friction clutch primarily useful on a motorcycle utilizes a variable pressure plate system. The variable pressure plate system comprises a stationary pressure plate and a movable pressure plate which are mounted on the clutch to be in operable association with the clutch's drive plates and driven plates. The two pressure plates together form a chamber to hold a pressurized gas. The pressurized gas is capable of evenly exerting a force on the movable pressure plate which in turn evenly contacts the plates to engage the system. The movable pressure plate responds to a release mechanism to move it out of engagement with the drive and driven plates.

Abstract: An armature assembly for an electromagnetic clutch includes a plastic spider having a central sleeve which is joined to a central driven hub by insert molding. A circular web is molded integrally with and extends radially from the sleeve and carries an annular armature disc which is adapted to coact with the electromagnetic rotor of the clutch. When the clutch is energized, the web flexes adjacent the sleeve in the manner of a living hinge to enable the armature disc to move axially into engagement with the rotor. Upon de-energization of the clutch, the resilient memory of the plastic retracts the armature disc from the rotor. In addition to eliminating the need for separate springs and other components, the plastic spider provides torsional and acoustical dampening.

Abstract: An improved motorcycle slider clutch which utilizes several original equipment manufacturers components, also an aftermarket basket (34), housing gear assembly (44) and a pressure plate (74). The pressure plate engages the nest of discs (32) when compressed by a number of fingers (82) configured to create linear force when subjected to centrifugal action. An enclosure (100) surrounds the basket (34) and retains the fingers. This action defines the first or mechanical stage of operation. A number of counterbalanced fingers (120) are also rotatably contained in the enclosure (100) but are held from engagement with a restraining hub (142) connected to a fluid pressurized cylinder (136). The second, or pressurized fluid actuated stage, is engaged electrically in a timed sequence relieving the pressure allowing the counterbalanced fingers to exert pressure on the clutch discs and plates at the optimum moment.

Abstract: A blocker-clutch assembly (10) includes an openly porous, pyrolytic carbon composite friction material (74) configured for optimum performance and, therefore, prevention or substantial prevention of nonsynchronous engagement of positive clutch members (12,14) due to premature unblocking of blocker tooth ramps (48-54). The composite friction material is formed to be resilient in direction normal to its friction surface (76b), is cut into segments (76), is bonded to a frustoconical surface (62) in a manner preseving the resiliency and with the segments circumferentially spaced apart, and is configured to control engagement force thereon in a range of 150-300 pounds per square inch (10-20 Kg/cm.sup.2).

Abstract: A differential includes a planet gear through which two shafts coupled to laterally spaced road wheels of a motor vehicle are interconnected. The planet gear has a rotatable shaft with a brake mechanism coupled thereto. A braking force produced by the brake mechanism is transmitted through the differential to the road wheels depending on the rotational speeds of the road wheels. The brake mechanism may include either a turbine for producing a resistive force upon rotation thereof or a hydraulic damper comprising a hydraulic pump and a variable restriction.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism including a rotating output member, a rotating input member, an armature assembly, an electromagnetic coil assembly and a coil spring. The coil spring is fitted astride both the output boss of the rotating output member and the input boss of the rotating input member. One end of the coil spring is anchored at the rotating input member, and the other is anchored to the armature assembly. The rotor of the rotating output member, the armature assembly, and the electromagnetic coil assembly are arranged in this sequence in the axial direction. The electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic coil assembly is positioned radially outwardly of the coil spring. The electromagnetic coil assembly includes a casing, and this casing covers the rotor of the rotating output member, the armature assembly, the electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic coil assembly and the coil spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synchronous coupling with a straight-toothed coupling hub, a coupling star which is axially displaceable in relation thereto and is in engagement therewith. A synchronizing sleeve is held axially in the coupling star and is in engagement with it through ratchet teeth. The sleeve is in engagement with an output shaft for axial displacement thereon through a course thread wherein locking teeth on a locking sleeve can be brought into engagement with corresponding locking teeth on the coupling star. Screw-in teeth are provided at the driving shaft side and at the coupling star side. For the transmission of torque without problems in both directions of rotation, the locking sleeve is provided in engagement with the output shaft for axial adjustment thereon via adjusting teeth through a predetermined axial stroke relative to the driving shaft for interlocking the locking teeth together.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism includes a rotating output member, a rotating input member, a coil spring fitted astride the outer peripheral portions of these two members, an armature assembly disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the coil spring, and an electromagnetic coil assembly. When the electromagnetic coil is deenergized, the coil spring contracts in a tightening direction so that the output and input members are drivingly coupled together. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, rotation of the armature assembly is hampered, and the coil spring expands so that the output and input members are decoupled.

Abstract: Difficulties in positively engaging and disengaging helical spring clutch mechanisms are avoided in a construction including a driven shaft (10) with a gear (18) rotatably mounted on the shaft (10). A helical spring (40) is disposed about part (24) of the gear (18) and the driving shaft (12) and a reaction collar (28) is located adjacent to the spring (40) and is splined to the driving shaft (12). A friction collar (52) is engagable with the helical spring (28) and is carried by the driving shaft (10). Ball actuators (62, 64) are provided for selectively engaging the friction collar (52) with the helical spring (40) thereby causing the spring (40) to engage the reaction collar (28) and rotate with the driving shaft (12) to drive the gear (18).

Abstract: A clutch separator plate (24) utilized in a clutch or brake pack (10) for an automotive transmission for vehicles, with the plates being internally or externally splined to be operatively connected to the rotatable and/or stationary members (12, 14) in a torsional coupling, wherein the separator plate surfaces (44) are treated by a suitable surface treatment, such as lapping, and the sputter coated with titanium nitride or a similar material (46) to provide a surface texture which enhances the frictional characteristics of the plate but does not substantially increase the wear of the lining of interleaved clutch plates (16).

Abstract: A brake/shift interlock assembly is mounted on the steering column in operational cooperation with a column mounted shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission. The brake/shift interlock assembly includes a pivotal latch for selectively locking the detent bar of the shift control mechanism in the park position, a solenoid assembly with an actuator rod for magnetically holding the latch in the locking position, a return spring for normally biasing the actuator rod and latch in the locking position, a spring lever for selectively moving the latch to an unlock position and an electrical control circuit for energizing the solenoid when the ignition system is on and the foot brake switch is open.

Abstract: A tightening device of the invention comprises a transmission device comprising a first transmission member, a second transmission member mounted coaxially with the first transmission member between an abutment and a thrust member, at least one torque limiter member disposed between the second transmission member and the abutment or the thrust member, a first adjustable resilient member acting on the thrust member, and a second adjustable resilient member acting on the thrust member independently of the first resilient member and in the same direction as the first resilient member.

Abstract: A clutch for a tire lift/carrier winch includes a drive plate and a driven plate having a plurality of elongate springs thereon. The driven plate includes circumferentially spaced driven end portions which are positioned in driving engagement with circumferentially spaced drive portions of the drive plate to permit rotation of the driven plate upon rotation of the drive plate when the load on the cable winding spool is within a prescribed limit. However, when the load on the cable winding spool exceeds the prescribed limit, the elongate springs on the driven plate function as cantilevered spring segments deflectable about respective fulcrums in such a manner as to prevent rotation of the driven plate upon rotation of the drive plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic spring clutch. A conventional field core is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, so manufacturing such a field core is troublesome and uneconomical. When a through-hole through which shafts are inserted is provided in one or both of vertical walls of a U-shaped plate, a field core is provided simply and inexpensively.

Abstract: A propelling drive control apparatus for a working vehicle comprising hydraulically operable friction clutches, a first clutch control valve for selecting between the friction clutches, and a second clutch control valve connected in series to the first clutch control valve. The second clutch control valve is manually switchable to a declutching position for disengaging the friction clutches, a first clutch engaging position for engaging one of the friction clutches, and a second clutch engaging position intermediate between the declutching position the first clutch engaging position. In this second clutch engaging position one of the friction clutches is operable under a lower hydraulic pressure than in the first clutch engaging position.

Abstract: A viscous fluid fan clutch assembly for a vehicle includes an internally-mounted pump plate for separating a working chamber from a reservoir. A plurality of discharge orifices are provided in the pump plate to permit the return of fluid from a pumping chamber to the reservoir. A fluid discharge channel is provided for each discharge orifice to receive fluid exiting the pumping chamber and to direct the fluid to an inner portion of the reservoir. A check valve is provided at the discharge channel to prevent the flowback of fluid from the reservoir to the discharge channel, particularly when the clutch assembly is not in operation.

Abstract: A double synchronizer for two gear pinions (14A, 14B) freely mounted on each side of a hub (12) fixed to a shaft (10) and on which is axially slidably mounted a control sleeve (22) for the purpose of occupying a plurality of axial positions defined by locking means (26A, 40A) comprising a plurality of radial push means (26A) having balls (32A), each of the balls (32A) of the radial push means being elastically biased outwardly so as to cooperate with an inner notched axial track (40A) on the sleeve. According to the invention, the push means comprise two series of push means (26A) evenly and alternately spaced about the axis X--X of the hub (12), each of the two series being associated with a synchronizer of one of the two gear pinions.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly for enabling an improvement in durability and an elongation of service life of facings (5) by maintaining cushioning function in axial direction and giving a sufficient thickness to the facings. In order to accomplish the above object, a driven plate (3) onto which the facings (5) are secured is formed into a flat-shape, a diaphragm spring (15) is made contact with a pressure plate (11) in such a manner as separable therefrom in axial direction, a cushioning conned disc spring (20) is compressively installed between the diaphragm spring (15) and the pressure plate (11), and the conned disc spring (20) exerts a pressing force on the pressure plate (11) during a prescribed cushioning movement of the diaphragm spring (15) from when it begins to leave the pressure plate (11) at time of releasing operation.