Abstract: A spring clutch which has multiple springs disposed between two coaxially mounted cylindrical elements. The springs are designed to slip so that all of the springs are required to support the maximum load. During the onset of rotation, tabs at the ends of the springs contact the load surfaces on one of the cylindrical elements sequentially, with some slippage occurring, so that impulse is reduced. In different embodiments, either releasing or reversing the clutch re-establishes offsets between spring tabs so that the sequential contact can again occur.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-stage torsion-damping hub for a clutch plate. The elastic members of the first damping stage are located between two guide elements which are rotatably integral with one of the coaxial parts forming the second damping stage. According to the invention, each guide element of the first damping stage comprises a plurality of individual guide plates, each of which is associated with an elastic member, and each guide plate extends circumferentially on both sides of the respective elastic member and at least partially covers said elastic member.

Abstract: A torsional damper suitable for use in a friction clutch plate for an automotive vehicle comprises a hub and a disk mounted so as to rotate relative to one another against the action of springs. An intermediate member responsive to centrifugal force moves reversibly between a standby position and an operative position, in order to modify the operating characteristics of the damper. The intermediate member modifies these characteristics in its standby position, and can occupy either of two operative positions, in one of which it has no effect on and in the other of which it also modifies the aforementioned operating characteristics.

Abstract: An automatic locking and adjustment assembly for securing a cable (28, 34) to a lever 16 includes a housing (36, 38). A cage (42) cooperates with the housing (36, 38) to carry gripping means (40) engageable with the cable (28, 34) and the housing (36, 38). The cage (42) cooperates with the gripping means (40) to provide for movement therebetween when the gripping means (40) is engageable with the housing (36, 38).

Abstract: The clutch contains a spring for pulling the arm of the control lever on the stop and an additional auxiliary spring connected with a roller. While the control lever strikes on the stop, the roller moves toward one lever arm so that in a further rotation of the parts, the roller (30) is lifted within a slot while additionally tensioning the auxiliary spring. While the tension of the main spring decreases, that of the auxiliary spring increases correspondingly, so that the control lever is held with sufficient tension on the stop and machine vibrations during the striking or operation can be made harmless or damped.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved automotive clutch utilizing a clutch cover assembly having a conventional conical spring diaphragm which develops the axial force for loading of the pressure plate and which is modified in accordance with the invention to utilize centrifugal weights which increase the force applied to the pressure plate with increasing engine speed.

Abstract: A clutch actuator assembly is provided which includes an adjuster mechanism carried with the clutch pedal for permitting adjusting movement of the clutch actuator cable during movement of the clutch to its engaged position.

Abstract: A damper assembly for cushioning the application of a torque delivery clutch in a torque converter transmission wherein the converter provides a complementary hydrokinetic torque delivery path, the damper assembly including a pair of cushioning springs acting in parallel and a third spring arranged in series relationship with respect to the paired cushioning springs, the spring rates being chosen to provide dampening forces that vary nonlinearly with the magnitude of the torque delivered through the damper.

Abstract: A disc clutch arrangement is disclosed within a gear drive. One of the clutch halves is formed on the end of a quill shaft which mounts a driven gear and a hydraulic cylinder. A piston operating within the cylinder is connected to a rod extending through the quill shaft and secured at its opposite end of a pinion shaft which mounts the other half of the disc clutch. The pinion shaft is mounted in bearings, such as straight roller bearings or sleeve bearings, which permit sliding of the pinion shaft axially within the bearings. The clutch is engaged by actuating the hydraulic cylinder thereby causing the rod to draw the pinion shaft and its clutch half towards the quill shaft and its clutch half.

Abstract: A clutch release mechanism for a pull type friction clutch for automobiles having a gearbox with a sleeve surrounding its input shaft. The mechanism comprises a release bearing assembly, a release fork and an automatically connectable and disconnectable coupling operably connecting the release fork to the bearing assembly. The coupling is caused to engage or disengage a shoulder on the bearing assembly depending upon the axial position of the gearbox sleeve relative to the coupling so that the coupling is automatically engaged or disengaged as the gearbox is respectively located in its operable position, or is withdrawn.