Abstract: A friction clutch constructed so that it can operate as either a push or a pull type clutch with only a minimal change in parts. The parts for the two types of clutches are interchangeable except for the release levers and release bearings. This simplifies the tooling and greatly reduces parts inventories.

Abstract: A torsion damping device for an automotive clutch plate assembly comprising two rotary parts, i.e. a hub with a hub disc and a pair of guide washers fixed to a friction disc. First and second spring stages are operatively circumferentially interposed between the rotary parts, the first stage spring(s) having relative low stiffness and being operative during small relatively angular displacements of the rotary parts and the second stage spring(s) having relatively high stiffness and being operative during larger relative angular displacements of the rotary parts. A friction washer in frictional engagement between the rotary parts and producing most of the frictional torque is freely angularly mounted and has a position in the rest position of the torsion damping device independent of the springs.

Abstract: A drive assembly including first and second shafts, the shafts being normally aligned axially in an end to end relationship, a connector portion operatively connecting adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, the connector portion including a resilient section extending between the adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, a first end section extending from one end of the resilient section, the first end section including an axial opening, the adjacent end of the first shaft engaging and being affixed within the first end section opening, a second end section extending from the opposite end of the resilient section, the second end section including an axial opening, the adjacent end of the second shaft engaging and being affixed within the second end section opening; whereby the connector portion provides a flexible positive drive connection between the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A fluid coupling (11) is attached to a pulley (25) attached to an input shaft (35) and a hub (33) having a cylindrical opening. The coupling has an output member (11) and an input member rotatably disposed within a viscous fluid chamber to transmit torque from the input member to the output member in response to relative rotation therebetween. The input member includes a shaft (17) having a boss (47) adjacent the rear surface of the output member. The boss defines a cylindrical extension (49) located within the hub opening. A locking "V" groove (51) is located within the hub opening on the extension. Threaded openings (57) are radially disposed within the hub and have center lines off-set with respect to the center line of the "V" groove when the components are assembled. A set screw (59) in each opening has a frusto-conical surface (61) engaged with an angled surface (63) of the "V" groove to draw the coupling and input shafts together.

Abstract: An overload clutch which is prevented from unintentionally switching into the freewheeling position when rotational vibrations occur includes torque-transmitting members held in apertures of a first clutch member and adapted to be engaged in first recesses of a second clutch member for bringing the clutch into torque-transmitting engagement. A switching ring includes second recesses adapted to align with the apertures in the first clutch member when an overload condition occurs. A circumferentially acting spring tends to hold the switching ring in the torque-transmitting position and a securing pin is mounted in the first clutch member for engagement in a detent in the switching ring to hold the switching ring in torque-transmitting position. The securing pin is held in engagement with the detent by a spring but is arranged so as to extend into the detent a distance which will permit disengagement of the securing pin when a predetermined nominal torque of the clutch is exceeded.

Abstract: A multiple-disc friction clutch wherein two axially movable pressure plates are disposed between two clutch plates and flank a diaphragm spring whose circumferentially complete outer marginal portion engages one of the pressure plates and which has a second portion located radially inwardly of the marginal portion and engaging the other pressure plate. The second portion of the diaphragm spring has a circumferentially complete tension spring which stores energy in addition to that stored in the outer marginal portion. The tension spring is located radially inwardly of the regions where the second portion engages the other pressure plate.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing is disclosed comprising an operating member controlled by an actuating member, e.g., a release fork, a drive member attached axially to the operating member and responsive to the operating member for coacting with a clutch release mechanism, e.g., a clutch diaphragm spring. The operating member has a metal axial sleeve which is received on a guide member and a metal transverse flange bearing on one side against the actuating member and on the other side against the drive member. A spacer member of synthetic material is interposed axially between the flange and the drive member and detents or elastically deformable pawls are operably disposed between the spacer member and the sleeve for fixing the spacer member in axial position thereon. The detents or pawls may be formed between axial slots in the inner wall of the spacer member. The outer wall has an annular transverse land against which the drive member, for example, the outer race of a ball bearing, may bear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shift fork in a transmission for an automobile having a fork body made of steel plate and a pawl member made of resin fixed to the free ends of the fork body and adapted to engage an annular groove defined on the outer circumference of a hub sleeve included in a clutch mechanism for the transmission.The pawl member has a stepped portion formed at the opposed portion to the outer peripheral edge of the annular groove so as not to abut against the outer peripheral edge during a shift operation.

Abstract: A cooling oil cut-off valve is disclosed for use in a clutch having a rotatable drum fixed to a drive member and a rotatable hub fixed to a driven member. The hub is arranged within the drum so as to form a clutch chamber in which is positioned a clutch pack. The clutch pack is radially attached to both the drum and the hub and is axially engageable by a hydraulically actuated piston. Fluid flow to the piston is provided by means of a first fluid passage while the flow of cooling oil to the clutch chamber is provided by a second fluid passage. The clutch drum also contains a bore formed therein which intersects the first and second passages and which contains a cooling oil cut-off valve. The cooling oil cut-off valve is movable by fluid pressure to a first position when the clutch is engaged to permit cooling oil to flow to the clutch pack.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool has a handle mounted on a ratchet housing. The ratchet housing has a blind axial bore formed therein. A driven shank has a rearward portion nested partially in the bore, and a ratchet is formed externally on the rearward portion of the shank. A cam is seated in the bore, rearwardly of the ratchet, and is pivotable substantially about the axis of the bore. The cam has a bore formed therein, and a thrust ball is seated in the cam bore axially between the bottom of the blind axial bore in the ratchet housing and the rearward portion of the shank, thereby accommodating axial thrust loads on the tool. A selector pin is carried by the cam and extends radially therefrom through an arcuate slot in the ratchet housing. A pair of L-shaped pawls are alternately actuated by the cam. The pawls have respective leg portions extending forwardly to engage the ratchet, thereby alternately keying the ratchet to the ratchet housing.

Abstract: A reciprocating sensing shield for use in connection with a power press such as a press break or bending machine is operatively mounted on the press ram for relative vertical movement and is controlled to be positioned to guard the "pinch point" of the dies and furthermore to stop downward movement of the ram should an operator's fingers or hands be in the proximity to the "pinch point" just prior to the movable die arriving thereat. The ram and shield descend as a unit until the ram reaches the "pinch point" at which time the shield is positioned to cover the break thereby to prevent an operator from inserting his hands or fingers into the break. As the ram reaches the "pinch point", the sensing shield immediately raises clear of the break. As the work piece is formed by continued descent of the ram, the ram reverses (rises) and the sensing shield is carried upwardly with it.

Abstract: A variable speed drive unit having a clutch disc stack including input and output shafts, a first series of drive plates located in a fluid reservoir and supported for rotation by a rotatable housing of the unit rotated by one of said shafts, a second series of driven discs interleaved with the drive plates and supported for rotation with the other of said shafts, a piston slideably movable in a piston chamber located at one end of the interleaved plates and discs and adapted to compressively engage the interleaved plates and discs, and a control for the piston providing a gradually increasing rated profile without the need for electronic back-up or extraneous controls. The control includes a two position input flow control and a fixed output flow control, comprising a series of plugs, which output control can be selectively varied between operations of the unit to provide alternate rate profiles for engagement and disengagement of the input and output shafts of the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clutch mechanism suitable for use in an electronic lock. The clutch mechanism requires minimal electronic current draw for operation by utilizing, in part, mechanical power applied to operate the lock to engage the clutch mechanism. A unique camming device in combination with a solenoid released interference shutter accomplishes the object of the invention.

Abstract: A clutch plate for use in friction clutches has a hub with a mounting flange which is flanked by two discs one of which carries the friction coatings and which are rotatable, within limits, with reference to the hub and/or vice versa. A first coil spring resists a first stage of rotation of the hub and/or discs from a neutral angular position, a second coil spring cooperates with a load friction generating unit to resist the first portion of a second stage of rotation of the discs and/or hub from the neutral position, and several coil springs cooperate with the friction generating unit to oppose the second portion of such second stage of rotation of the discs and/or hub from neutral position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an axially adjustable connection between a clutch shaft and an armature assembly to enable axial adjusting movement of the armature plate relative the inner body magnetic pole face to precisely set the air gap spacing through which an electromagnetic coil attracts the armature plate into frictional driving engagement with the inner body pole face. The hub of the armature assembly is placed upon the clutch shaft and a feeler gage is positioned between the pole face and the armature plate to establish the desired air gap spacing. An adjusting nut is threadedly advanced along a thread of the clutch shaft for progressive axial advance in the direction toward the inner body and engages the hub to maintain the armature assembly against air gap increasing movement away from the pole face.

Abstract: An actuator with a positive centrifugal clutch has a clutch drum loosely rotated relative to a rotary drive shaft and is provided with large inner diameter portions and engaging protuberances inwardly projecting from the large inner diameter portions; a clutch body loosely fitted within the clutch drum and driven by the rotary drive shaft, and provided with a retaining hole opening radially from the center thereof toward the inner wall of the clutch drum; and an engaging permanent magnet loosely movably retained in the retaining hole of the clutch body. When the clutch body is in a standstill state, the engaging permanent magnet provides a magnetic attraction between itself and the rotary drive shaft and thereby is accommodated within the retaining hole. When the clutch body continues its rotation, centrifugal force is generated.

Abstract: A clutch disc arrangement for use in friction clutches of automotive vehicles has a hub which carries two ring-shaped guides flanking a ring-shaped partition secured to a radially extending flange of the hub. A clutch disc, which carries the friction coatings, is installed between one of the guides and the partition, together with a first friction generating unit cooperating with one or more coil springs acting between the guides and the clutch disc to oppose rotation of the clutch disc from a neutral angular position relative to the hub. A friction disc and a second friction generating unit are installed between the partition and the other guide, and the friction disc cooperates with additional coil springs, acting between the friction disc and one or both guides, to oppose certain advanced stages of rotation of the clutch disc relative to the hub.

Abstract: A clutch disc assembly for use in friction clutches of automotive vehicles has a hub with two spaced-apart annular guides and a mounting flange between the guides. A clutch disc is rotatable relative to the hub from a neutral position and surrounds the flange. The initial stage or stages of rotation of the clutch disc relative to the hub are opposed by one or more friction pads which are interposed between the clutch disc and one of the guides and/or between the clutch disc and the flange. Further rotation of the clutch disc relative to the hub is opposed by a friction disc which is adjacent to the outer side of and is biased against the other guide with the interposition of one or more friction pads.

Abstract: This auxiliary control device for manually and rotatably driving, for example in case of failure of the current supply system, a motor and reduction gear unit kinematically connected for example to a winding door or grille, a sectional door, or the like, comprises a pulley adapted when rotated to cause the axial movement of a sliding member through the medium of a cam device disposed across the pulley and the sliding member. This sliding member comprises on the one hand a set of dogs of a first half-coupling which are adapted to engage the dogs of another set rigid with the main driven shaft, and on the other hand noses adapted to engage guiding projections formed on a rotary braking member disposed coaxially to the pulley. When the dogs of the two sets engage each other the noses are fully disengaged from the guiding projections and thus the rotary braking member does not exert any antagonistic torque likely to counteract the actuation of the auxiliary control device.

Abstract: An adjustable hydraulic speed drive for controllably maintaining output torque and variable output speed is disclosed. The drive utilizes a rotating group of pistons in radially arranged bores in a portion of an input shaft. A supply of controlled fluid is provided to the bores by way of passageways in an output shaft communicating with said bores. A portion of the output shaft supports a cam ring in spaced relation to said bores and roller ends on said pistons engage said cam ring by centrifugal force upon rotation of the input shaft so that the pistons move responsive to the cam ring contours, said impart movement to the cam ring and output shaft by controlling the pressure level and/or flow rate of the fluid exiting from said bores.