Abstract: The control device of a disc clutch consists of a cylinder (2) and of a piston (1). An orifice (3) makes it possible to feed under pressure into a chamber (17) formed between the cylinder and the piston fluid which comes from the master cylinder actuated by the clutch pedal. Under the pressure of the fluid, the piston (1) moves away from the cylinder (2) and controls the opening of the clutch. The device is arranged directly on the tube (8) surrounding the driveshaft, without any other fastening means. O-ring gaskets (11) make it possible to hold the device on the tube and ensure the damping of possible vibrations.The clutch bearing is incorporated in the free end of the piston (1) in the form of a thrust ring (20) held by a ball-bearing fitting.

Abstract: The coupling has a hub (2) rotatable in a housing (3) at least partially filled with viscous fluid. Two sets of plates (7, 10) are non-rotatably attached to the hub and the housing and alternate in the housing in an overlapping relationship. One set of plates (7) of the coupling (1) comprises segments (14) which are uniformly inclined in one direction and which contact corresponding plates (10) of the other set.

Abstract: A single-action freewheel with an open diameter greater than 50 mm and with an inner and outer ring. The object is to provide an open central diameter of more than 500 mm while allowing high torques in a freewheel that can be made without consuming much material. The invention is charaterized by two or more rows (3 & 4) of shoes or jaws between the inner ring (1) and the outer ring (2) with normal clutching forces tht act more or less on one plane (13) or diameter, by one or more revolving webs (6) connected to the rings and extending between the rows, and by an activating mechanism (9) that approximately simultaneously tightens and loosens the shoes.

Abstract: A control system for a torque converter lock-up clutch operates in a hydraulic circuit having line pressure applied to a lock-up clutch control valve and supplied selectively to a clutch-apply pressure chamber or a clutch-release pressure chamber. The control valve includes a valve spool, four control lands and a valve spring urging the control body to a starting position where the valve directs line pressure to the release pressure chamber and connects the apply pressure chamber to a cooler. When control pressure is applied, the valve spool moves to a shift-up position, supplies line pressure to the apply pressure chamber and connects the release-pressure chamber to an outlet line. A pulse-width modulated solenoid valve varies pressure in the release-pressure chamber by means of a throttle opening in the clutch plate, whereby control pressure is modulated so that force between the friction surfaces of the clutch is reduced to allow clutch slippage.

Abstract: A fluid control circuit for controlling the disengagement of first and second drive mechanisms and the engagement of first and second brake mechanisms for a track-type vehicle has a fluid pump and first and second foot operated fluid control valves in fluid communication with the pump. Shifting of either control valve individually disengages the associated drive mechanism and engages the associated brake mechanism. Shifting of both control valves concurrently, engages both first and second brake mechanisms while the first and second drive mechanisms remain engaged. Conventional track-type vehicles use two pedals to sequentially control the disengagement of first and second drive mechanisms and the engagement of associated brake mechanisms. A third pedal controls engagement of both brake mechanisms without disengaging the drive mechanisms. The three pedals complicate the control system and create a crowded operator's station.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a freewheel clutch which transmits torque in two directions of rotation and controls the blocking pawls by control rings which are held back by friction rings ounter to the rotary motion and by guide extensions and pivot journals of blocking pawls guided in radial slots in guide extensions which move the blocking pawls out of or into engagement with the assigned support recesses of the inner part into a disengaged or engaged position. While, for instance, the one blocking pawl is moved into the torque transmitting position, simultaneously, the other blocking pawl is moved out of the position permitting torque transmittal. This assures a short response travel and with it a rapid switchover from the one driving direction to the other without interfering with the freewheeling motion.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly for passenger car or the like comprising a pressure plate (10, 113) having a series of projections (11, 125) and a damper member (20,127) for a gradual engagement. According to the first aspect of the invention, the damper member is in the form of a series of wave wires forming into a bow-shaped wire rod alonging in the circumferential direction and having projections rising in an axial direction for preventing a partial abrasion of the projections (11, 125) or the like. According to the second aspect of the invention, fulcrum portions (128) are formed on the projection (125) for pivotting the outer periphery of the diaphragm spring (114) while the clutch is being engaged so as to prevent the entire compression of the damper member (127) and as to precise the positioning of distance (L2) between the fulcrums (P1) and (P2).

Abstract: A safety device for a drive unit adapted for manual and powered driven movement of a drive shaft. The safety device includes a brake operably associated with the drive shaft for preventing manual and powered driven movement of the drive shaft. It also includes a manual input for releasing the brake and effecting manual driven movement of the drive shaft and a powered input for releasing the brake and effecting powered driven movement of the drive shaft. With this arrangement, the safety device is such that the powered input is operable to disengage the manual input before effecting powered driven movement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An adapter clip which can be attached to the cover of an older style multiple plate friction clutch to quickly and easily permit the use of intermediate plate positioner pins is disclosed. The clip includes a central web portion having a circular recessed area formed therein. The web portion is further formed having first and second flange portions which extend in opposite directions from the sides of the web portion. First and second leg portions extend from the opposed ends of the web portion. The first leg portion extends a relatively long distance and terminates in a hooked end portion, while the second leg portion extends a relatively short distance. The adapter clip can be quickly and easily attached in a slot formed in a leg portion of an older style cover to permit the use of intermediate plate positioner pins.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle includes a pump coupled to a service brake through a brake pedal valve and to a parking brake by a four-way solenoid valve which also couples the pump to a transmission disconnect valve. Activation of the solenoid valve couples the parking brake to the pump for placing the parking brake in an off mode and actuates the transmission disconnect valve to couple a transmission pump to a transmission valve. Deactivation of the solenoid valve disconnects the parking brake and operates the transmission disconnect valve to disconnect the transmission so that the vehicle cannot be driven when the parking brake is on. A check valve connects the parking brake to the brake pedal valve so that the service brake can be operated when the pump is deactivated.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a fixed field shell with a multiple turn coil, a rotor rotatable with and slidable along a splined input shaft, and a rotatable armature disposed in axially opposing relation with the rotor. An internally splined locking ring is coupled to rotate with the armature and is supported to rotate with and slide along a splined output shaft. When the coil is first energized, the armature is drawn into engagement with the rotor by magnetic flux and acts through the locking ring to cause the output shaft to rotate at substantially the same speed as the input shaft. Thereafter, the magnetic flux causes the rotor and the armature to move axially as a unit toward the field shell so as to shift the locking ring into meshing engagement with the input shaft and thereby couple the output shaft for rotation with the input shaft via the splined coupling.

Abstract: A torque converter drive unit in which an input shaft driven by a mechanically powered torque converter is frictionally coupled with an output shaft such that rotation of the input shaft in one direction only will cause corresponding rotation of the output shaft, rotation of the output shaft being prevented by operation of an electric solenoid controlled braking mechanism on the output shaft, thereby permitting instantaneous coupling of the input shaft and output shaft for operation of a racing vehicle from a starting line.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch apparatus includes an annular adapter assembly adapted for colinear connection with a rotatable driving member, an independent pulley member connected with a colinearly arranged driven member having an annular portion extending toward the adapter assembly, and centrifugal weight members connected with the adapter assembly for engagement with the inner surface of the annular portion when the rotational velocity of the driving member exceeds a given value, the adapter assembly including at least one vibration dampening device including an annular resilient member connected between annular inner and outer concentrically-arranged portions of the adapter assembly for isolating the centrifugal weight members from the driving member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for damping the effects of cyclic engine speed variations on the splines of a driving hub and the mating splines of a shaft driven by the hub. A caliper-like retaining mechanism includes a retaining nut threadedly engaging the distal end of the shaft, which distal end is journaled through a splined bore of the driving hub. A shoulder washer is disposed about the shaft proximate the hub shoulder, which shoulder washer is secured to the shaft by the retaining nut. A disc spring urges the shoulder washer into frictional engagement with the hub, which disc spring is retained in a circular groove within the hub. A predetermined preload is exerted by the disc spring on the shoulder washer, which preload is sufficient to overcome the forces which tend to induce rattle between the splines of the shaft and the corresponding splines of the hub.

Abstract: A clutch is disclosed which includes an electromagnetic drive mechanism. A hub is frictionally secured on a drive shaft and has a flange portion radially extending from its outer peripheral surface. An annular armature plate is coupled to the flange and spaced from an axial end surface of the rotor. A plurality of threaded holes are formed in the flange portion of the hub to permit the use of a tool which detachs the hub from the drive shaft. An annular plate is disposed at an inner surface of the flange portion of the hub to cover the plurality of holes so that water from the outside of the electromagnetic clutch is prevented from entering through the holes. Thus, corrosion of internal parts is prevented and clutch life and performance are enhanced.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for automotive vehicle four-wheel drives either in association with an axle disconnect or wheel hub incorporates a power shift mechanism which can be remotely activated either when the vehicle is static, in motion and during either forward or reverse direction of movement to positively drive the clutch members into and out of engagement with one another. The power shift mechanism includes sealed envelopes in the form of expandable and contractable compartments which in response to a remote control valve will positively shift the clutch members into and out of engagement, and the members will remain in the shifted position without the continued application of force until positively shifted away from that position by the power shift mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid friction coupling having a housing, with outer plates being non-rotatingly associated therewith and further outer plates being associated therewith so as to be non-rotating in one direction only. The outer plates which are designed to be non-rotating in one direction of rotation only, have resilient tongues which are axially deflected from the plane face of the plate and which are laterally supported on faces of the webs with slots inserted into the housing. With their outer circumference, the plates are guided in the slots of the webs. In the direction of torque transmission, the movement of the housing is transferred via the side faces of the webs on to the resilient tongues and thus with the plates. The plates are driven by the housing. In the other direction of rotation, the housing may overtake the plates in that the webs slide with their slots over the resilient tongues.

Abstract: An actuation device for activating a friction clutch of a motor vehicle including a cylinder for activating the clutch and control unit for supplying a pressurized fluid to the cylinder at a rate that is proportion to the force exerted on the clutch pedal.

Abstract: A viscous clutch assembly adapted for installation in a torque transmission system for effecting a drive connection between a pair of rotary members coaxially arranged for relative rotation. The viscous clutch assembly includes a viscous coupling arranged for generating a viscous resistance force in response to relative rotation between the rotary members, a first cam mechanism cooperable with the viscous coupling for converting the viscous resistance force into a thrust force, a friction disc clutch arranged to be brought into engagement when applied the thrust force from the first cam mechanism for establishing the drive connection between the rotary members, and a second cam mechanism cooperable with the viscous coupling for increasing and decreasing the viscous resistance force in response to a difference in torque between the rotary members.

Abstract: The clutch includes inner and outer rotation members which respectively have the inner and outer raceways of mono-hyperboloids of revolution or cylindrical surfaces about the same axis line facing each other to form combined raceways, a plurality of intermediate rotation members of cylindrical shapes disposed slantly at an angle with the axis of the inner and outer rotation members with the raceways so that the surface thereof is in line contact with the raceways, and an energizing member which energizes either the inner rotation member or the outer rotation member in a direction to clutch both the members. Depending on rotational direction, the clutch functions as a free rotating rolling-contact bearing or clutch.