Abstract: A double-acting spring in a four-speed automatic transmission to locate and return a clutch apply piston in a non-applied position between a plurality of clutch assemblies.

Abstract: A roller-synchronized one-way clutch assembly includes a ring-shaped first retainer element, a ring-shaped second retainer element, a plurality of rollers and at least one spring extending between the first and second retainer elements. In the preferred embodiment, each of the first and second retainer elements is generally U-shaped and different in size and one of the first and second retainer elements is received in a U-shaped channel of the other. The first and second retainer elements are operatively coupled together such that they may move relative to each other in a circumferential direction over a predetermined angle. Alll of the rollers are movably supported by a retainer sub-assembly to provide a complete full phase function.

Abstract: A clutch is provided for transmitting power of an engine to either of the front or rear wheels of a motor vehicle. A brake switch is provided to be closed by depressing a brake pedal of the vehicle to produce a brake pedal, and a detector is provided for detecting operation of an anti-skid brake system and for producing an anti-skid signal. In response to the brake signal and to the anti-skid signal, the clutch is disengaged, thereby reducing engine braking effect.

Abstract: A brake booster for holding the braking action even if the brake pedal is released. The booster has a low pressure chamber and a variable pressure chamber with a diaphragm therebetween for moving the output shaft to the brake cylinder. A valve mechanism mechanically controlled by the brake pedal switches a communication passage between the low and variable pressure chambers and an atmospheric pressure passage from the variable pressure chamber to the exterior. A first solenoid valve can close the communication passage between the low and variable pressure chambers irrespective of the brake pedal position so as to hold the braking. A second solenoid valve can control a passage between the variable pressure chamber and the low pressure source so that the braking release can be gently effected.

Abstract: A torque converter and clutch assembly has a piezoelectric control portion. One piezoelectric device is subjected to the transient torques transmitted to the clutch, and generates a signal in response to the transient torque. Another piezoelectric device is electrically connected with the first piezoelectric device and is expandable in response to the electric signal to initiate clutch disengagement and provide clutch slip to thereby reduce the transmission of transient torque spikes.

Abstract: An improved structure for a clutch brake is disclosed. Powdered metal, such as powdered steel, is initially pressed into a preform having a desired configuration for each of a pair of opposed covers for the clutch brake. The configuration of the outer surface of each of the preforms includes a plurality of embossed segments, which alternate with non-raised areas, arranged in an annular array. The embossed segments of the covers are the portions thereof which are frictionally engaged during use. Each of the segments is defined by inner and outer circumferentially extending sides connected by a pair of generally radially extending ends. The intermediate portions of both of the ends can be curved circumferentially inwardly toward one another to form a concave region. The covers together form an internal cavity in which inner and outer brake washers are disposed.

Abstract: A push-pull clutch apply piston of a four-speed automatic transmission which utilizes a clutch apply piston with a single pressure plate being pushed by fluid pressure in one direction for applying a clutch assembly and being pulled in an opposite direction for applying an adjacent clutch assembly. The piston has an axially extending flange at an outer periphery thereof, and at least one pressure plate retained to the flange.

Abstract: A drive wheel control for a walk-behind self-propelled implement, such as a lawn mower. The control activates sequentially a transmission ball clutch and then a V-belt drive to provide positive and gradual drive wheel start up. Disengagement of the ball clutch allows the drive wheels to freewheel and permits the operator to easily move the mower backwardly as when trimming around hedges and bushes. The control includes a pair of links pivotally connected, with one link rigidly mounted to the transmission. Movement of a single control cable connected to one link initially activates the ball clutch and then causes rocking movement of the other link and the transmission to engage the V-belt drive.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an antilock brake system which is provided for preventing wheels from locking, and an automatic transmission of the vehicle has a one-way clutch for transmitting the output of an engine of the vehicle to wheels of the vehicle at acceleration of the engine, and a clutch for transmitting torque from the wheels to the engine, thereby effecting engine braking. A detector is provided for detecting operation of the antilock brake system and for producing a signal. In response to the signal, the clutch is released, thereby rendering the engine braking ineffective.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism for transmitting the rotating forces of an input rotating element adapted to rotate in a predetermined direction and in a direction opposite thereto to an output rotating element. According to one aspect, a first spring clutch mechanism and a second spring clutch mechanism are interposed between the input rotating element and the output rotating element, and the rotating force of the input rotating element in the predetermined direction is transmitted to the output rotating element by the contraction of a coil spring in the first spring clutch mechanism and the rotating force of the input rotating element in the opposite direction is transmitted to the output rotating element by the contraction of a coil spring in the second spring clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid shear coupling apparatus including a driving member comprising a rotor mounted to a shaft. A driven member including a bearing housing is mounted to the shaft. A complementary surface between the driven member and the driving member is provided between which a shear fluid provides variable coupling according to the proportion of fluid in the reservoir vis-a-vis the fluid shear chamber defined by the complementary surface. A temperature responsive valve is provided to modulate the shear fluid level. The valve may modulate an overlapping inlet having a constant area. An overlap inlet may be define by an arcuate slot or by a fixed size valve aperture. The valve may be pivotable on a valve axis which is eccentric to, and radially outward of, the common axis of the driving and driven members. Temperature responsive rotation of the valve member may be provided by coupling links or by gearing mechanism.

Abstract: A one-way clutch comprises a shaft and an outer race therearound. Plural rollers are circumferentially arranged around the shaft in contact therewith. A torque transmission control ring is interposed between the outer ring and the shaft. The control ring is locked with the outer race and includes grip roller locking spaces each having a shallower part and a deeper part in which spaces the rollers are respectfully received. In one directional rotation of the shaft, the rollers enter into gripping contact between the shaft and control ring to transmit torque and, in the opposite directional rotation, the rollers move out of gripping contact into an idling position. In the idling position, a surface of each control ring space contacts the associated roller to enable the roller to enter into gripping contact between the shaft and control ring substantially immediately upon rotation of the one-way clutch in a direction reverse from the idling direction.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling device especially is used for driving the cooling fan of engines and for controlling the rotation speed of the fan smoothly according to the temperature. The smooth change of torque transmission by the coupling device is performed by employing a specially shaped slot for fluid passageway. The increase rate of the opening area of the slot is smaller in a low temperature region than in a high temperature region.

Abstract: In a clutch toothing of a shift clutch, mutually confronting tooth ends of the clutch teeth of two clutch rings are equipped, for the axial insertion of the clutch teeth, with two angled unequal length sloping faces, which sloping faces have an equal length along the direction of the clutch axis and a common vertex. One clutch ring and a synchronizing ring mounted on the clutch rings so as to be rotatably and axially movable to a limited extent are equipped with matching blocking faces. The blocking faces of the respective rings likewise have the same axial extent along the axial direction of the clutch axis.

Abstract: A reversible clutch release bearing assembly (20) including a housing (32) forming by identical first and second parts (34) and (35) engaged by a shifting fork (33). First and second parts of the housing each include a bearing cavity portion (36) surrounded by a perimeter lip (38). An anti-friction bearing (39) is contained within a bearing cavity (37) defined by the bearing cavity portions (36). A pair of wear pads (48) are attached at spaced locations to the outer side of the perimeter lips (38). The perimeter lips (38) extend on one side of the first and second parts of the housing to form flanges (50). Planar fork guide surfaces (52) are secured to the flanges (50) by a U-shaped bracket (54).

Abstract: In a pneumatically operable clutch driven piston and cylinder compressor assembly a multiplate friction clutch comprises a drive member of the clutch carried on an input shaft which has internal bearings supporting the driven end of the compressor crankshaft and the drive shaft being rotatable in an island portion of the crankcase which carries a fluid pressure operable annular piston engageable with a shell of the clutch for release thereof, the arrangement permitting the clutch to be located at least in part within a projection of the cylinder of the compressor. A plurality of webs connecting the island portion with the crankcase are arranged to allow unrestricted communication between the compressor crankcase and a crankcase of an engine to which the compressor is mounted.

Abstract: An original, replacement, or aftermarket mechanism which responds to predetermined maximum torque levels to decouple a radiator fan from the rotation of a driving element, usually a water pump. The mechanism includes variable mounting adaptations which can accommodate water pumps and fans of different lengths, diameters and required physical location so that a large number of vehicular applications can be satisfied with a few different size fan clutch mechanisms. The mechanism includes a rotor case connected to the fan and a rotor connected to the water pump. The rotor is positioned in a cavity in the case and is immersed in nonlinear fluid such as silicon fluid.

Abstract: An overload clutch has a pair of clutch members relatively rotatable about an axis and each formed with an axially forwardly directed track and with a plurality of angularly spaced seats opening into the track, these seats being alignable to form axially forwardly open pockets in at least one relative angular position of the members. A bearing supports the members on each other for relative rotation about the clutch axis. Respective rollers engageable in the pockets are angularly displaceable in the tracks so that when they are in the pockets the two members are rotationally coupled such that one can drive the other and when the rollers are in the track the members are relatively rotatable.

Abstract: A process for controlling an automatic transmission wherein engine speed and output speed are measured and the slip conditions are derived therefrom. When conditions of downshift occur, as determined by excessively high slip and/or excessively low speed, the conditions existing at the moment of downshift are evaluated, and a comparative slip signal is derived and saved. This signal is employed as reference relating to the momentary slip conditions of the vehicle for use in determining the proper moment for a subsequent upshift. Thus, conditions for an upshift, following a particular downshift, are modified as a function of the circumstances requiring the downshift (e.g. normal deceleration, overtaking another vehicle, ascending a hill). Procedures are also included for enabling engagement of a friction clutch, for bypassing the torque converter of the transmission, under certain conditions in advance of an upshift.

Abstract: A torque converter has a converter cover secured to a crankshaft of an engine, an input shaft, a turbine secured to the input shaft, and a lockup clutch including a lockup piston. A pilot boss having an axial hollow therein is secured to the converter cover. An outer end of the pilot boss is engaged with a hole formed in the crankshaft, and an inner end of the pilot boss is rotatably mounted in a hub of the turbine, thereby rotatably supporting the turbine. An oil passage is formed in the input shaft and the pilot boss, for supplying release oil to a release side chamber formed between the converter cover and the lockup piston so as to disengage the lockup piston from the converter cover.