Abstract: A safety interlock/latch assembly for use on a printing press having at least one safety latch (100) and one guard element (102). At least one lockable pivot device (106, 116) for allowing rotation of the guard element (102) is attached to a first end (104) of the guard element (102). A roller (112) for engaging the lockable pivot device (106, 116) is provided and has a cam (146) for switch actuation. A support device (132) for rotatably holding the roller (112) is provided and has an aperture (142) with a predetermined configuration for receiving the lockable pivot device (106, 116). The support device (132) is located at least between the lockable pivot device (106, 116) and the roller (112) and is attached to the printing press. A release latch (160) on the support device (132) holds the guard element (102) open and a spring latch (158) on the support device (132) holds the guard element (102 ) closed.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch, and a method of producing same, include driving inner runner on whose circumference a plurality of resilient clutch elements are arranged to move radially outwards with increasing speed and, at clutch speed, to bear against an inner surface of a drum-shaped outer runner for driving the outer runner. In order to assure low-wear operation even at high clutch speeds, the clutch elements are constructed integral with a rotating ring and form, together with the ring, an intermediate runner. Segments of the elements extend from the ring in the axial direction of the clutch.

Abstract: To prevent torsion and bending forces from being applied to an operating ring disk system pressing together interdigited elements of a ring disk clutch, and to permit placement of ring disk portions close to each other for maximum engagement force being applied to the clutch, the ring disk system is formed of a plurality of parts (27, 34, 41 45) which are essentially sector-shaped, surround the clutch shaft, and are pivotable about a movable fulcrum (11, 20) which compresses the clutch disks (3, 5). The individually separate ring disk system parts or elements are in outer circumferential engagement to abut each other and to hold the parts in essentially clearance or play-free mutually engaged position, regardless of whether the rings disk system is flat or planar, or deflected into conical shape. Further, the parts are formed with an inner engagement arrangement to hold them in mutually aligned and supported radial position. The parts can, additionally, be held axially in position.

Abstract: A power transmitting clutch has a transient torque damper with a floating ring and spring members disposed in torque transmitting relation between an input member and an output member. The floating ring has a pair of stop surfaces that are axially and radially aligned with stop surfaces on the input member and output member respectively. Cooperation between the stop members limits the amount of spring compression and the relative angular excursion between the input member and the ring and between the ring and the output member.

Abstract: An improved clutch control system in a continuously variable transmission driven vehicle monitors driver selection of forward or reverse and implements the specific parameters for each. The control logic provides a preselected time interval for sensing of a pressure drop associated with the transition from one operating mode to another, such as from neutral to forward. The system provides for sensing that pressure drop and providing a desired fluid flow rate for clutch actuation consistent with the desired performance. The system also monitors pressure in the fluid actuation system at the end of the predetermined interval to ascertain when the pressure reaches a desired higher level indicative of a control characteristic to provide desired vehicle response to driver demand. Fluid flow to the clutch is controlled at a corresponding rate to provide a desired operating characteristic and to facilitate transition into a subsequent vehicle operating mode.

Abstract: A bi-directional back stopping clutch having improved output pins connecting between brake shoes and an output member. During driving, the output pins transfer torque to the output member. When a sufficient back driving force is applied to the output member, the output pins skew to move the brake shoes into contact with a brake drum. The contact surfaces between the pins and the output member and between the pins and the brake shoes are rounded and the spacings between the contact surfaces are adjusted to provide a desired braking action. In one embodiment, the contact surface between each pin and the output member is of a smaller diameter than the contact surfaces between the pin and the brake shoes.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch comprising a clamping ring provided with clamping ramps and spring-loaded clamping rollers housed in pockets of a cage and associated with the clamping ramps, the clutch being switchable from a first indexing position into a second by rotation of the cage with respect to the clamping ring. The cage is characterized by either directly or with the help of an intermediate member on the one hand, and the clamping ring with projections and recesses on the other, engage in each other in such a way after the fashion of a screw thread that when the cage or the intermediate member, as the case may be, is axially displaced, the cage executes a movement of rotation with respect to the clamping ring.

Abstract: In an vehicle control apparatus having an automatic gear shift control system for a gear transmission and an automatic clutch control system for a clutch, the apparatus comprises a setting device for setting a desired feeling for vehicle drive-off, and characteristic curves for controlling the engagement of the clutch and the setting of the gear position in the gear transmission are determined simultaneously in response to the setting device.

Abstract: A coupling for a bicycle provided with a pedal operated brake actuator (8) which is separated from the drive chain, comprising a first freewheel coupling (8) which is associated with the pedal assembly for torque transfer to the brake actuator (8) at reverse rotation of the pedal crank, and a second freewheel coupling (43; 64; 143) for torque transfer to the drive wheel at forward rotation of the pedal crank, and a third freewheel coupling which is associated with the drive wheel and arranged to deactivate either of said first freewheel coupling or said second freewheel coupling (43; 64; 143) by means of a shifter (30; 65; 130) at reverse rotation of the drive wheel. A slip clutch (35, 36; 67, 69; 135, 136) is arranged to enable greater freedom of rotation as said third freewheel coupling is engaged.

Abstract: The engine output torque of a motor vehicle is a function of the extent to which the throttle valve is open, the further the valve is open, the greater the throttle angle and the greater the output torque. Microprocessor based clutch control is provided to measure the throttle angle, determine the output torque, and automatically engage and disengage the clutch with respect to time. The clutch control also allows manual gear operation and clutch slip control.

Abstract: A restraining strap for use with a clutch actuator of the type including a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, a conduit interconnecting the master cylinder and slave cylinder, and a piston in the slave cylinder moved reciprocally in the bore of the slave cylinder housing in response to operation of the vehicle clutch pedal. The clutch actuator is delivered in prefilled form without out output member of the slave cylinder, which is assembled by the motor vehicle manufacturer as a part of the clutch release lever assembly, and a restraining strap is provided to maintain the piston of the slave cylinder in a retracted position to maintain the prefilled system in a pressurized state and preclude the entry of air into the system during shipment, storage and installation of the system.

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 pressure-sensitive fluid check valves are provided in the pump plate to permit only one-way fluid flow from a pumping chamber to the reservoir. Each check valve includes an interior chamber having a pair of angled side walls which terminate at a normally-closed outlet. When a predetermined fluid pressure is achieved in the pumping chamber, the side walls are forced apart to open the outlet. The closing of the outlet is not dependent upon fluid pressure in the reservoir.

Abstract: A specially designed roller control car for a roller clutch retains a pair of rollers to the clutch prior to installation, and continually applies a substantially equal share of the force of a single spring to each of the pair of rollers after installation, so as to allow each roller to independently seek its own, unique ready position.

Abstract: A clutch disk assembly is provided with a continuously variable hysteresis mechanism which reduces noises or vibrations of the driving system. The continuously variable hysteresis mechanism includes a plate member, a spring member and a friction lining member operably disposed between the hub member and the disk member. The spring member is normally out of contact with said plate member to minimize wear. The spring member and plate member carry first and second projections, respectively, which come into contact after a certain amount of relative rotation occurs between those members, to produce the continuously variable hysteresis between the disk member and the hub member. The plate member is connected to the disk member in a manner preventing relative radial movement therebetween.

Abstract: A pin-type synchronizer assembly (58) having blocker pins (74) with secondary ramps (80) effective after synchronizing is achieved to minimize "notchiness" is provided.

Abstract: A drive train assembly (10) for an automotive fan (12) which includes a hydraulic coupler (22) that dynamically interconnects a fan blade shaft (24) to a driving shaft (18) within a range of radial offsets to permit reduction of clearance required between the fan blade (26) and a body mounted shroud (30). The hydraulic coupler (22) includes driving and driven turbines (48,50) that are drivingly interconnected by means of a fluid (64) operated upon by a plurality of vanes (56,58) located in cavities (52,54) formed in each of the turbines. An anti-friction bearing (28) journals the fan blade shaft (24) in the shroud (30). A universal joint (32) or elastomeric coupler, connects the driving shaft (18) to the fan blade shaft (24) dynamically in any one of a number of relative angular positions. A clutch (20) is included to limit speed of rotation of the fan blade (26) within operational limits.

Abstract: A fan clutch assembly for a vehicle includes a flexible, ferromagnetic valve plate for controlling fluid flow through a pump plate into a shear zone. When an electromagnetic coil is energized, the resulting flux deflects the valve plate away from the pump plate to open fluid gates in the pump plate. When the coil is de-energized, the valve plate returns to its original engagement position against the pump plate to close the fluid gates.

Abstract: An improved motorcycle slider clutch which utilizes several original equipment manufacturers components, also an aftermarket basket (34) and a housing gear assembly (44). A pressure plate (100) engages the nest of discs (32) when compressed by a number of fingers (114) configured to create linear force when subjected to centrifugal action. A flange (110) encloses the basket (34) and retains the fingers. A cast cover (128) contains a pneumatic cylinder with a piston (140) that restrains movement of the plate in the first stage of actuation and a second piston (156) in a chamber created by a hollow cap (154) providing similar restraint for a second stage. The operation is controlled pneumatically with solenoid valves (146) and a millisecond timer (168) allowing a multi-stage starting sequence at a timed interval.

Abstract: Braking of independently-movable pivotable members is carried out by independent one-way clutch mechanisms which provide minimal braking force to the pivotable members in the vicinity of the limit points of their pivotable movement, and provide optimal braking force in a middle range of pivotable movement. The braking mechanism provided may operate on one or both of the pivotable members at the same time, each of the independent clutch mechanisms providing suitable braking force to compensate for the mass of the respective pivotable members.

Abstract: A bidirectional clutch for a pulley drive has a rotary cam adapted to be mounted on an upright drive shaft of a motor, a pulley body having a drum portion coaxial with and spaced from the rotary cam, a plurality of rotary bodies positioned in the space between the drum portion and the rotary cam, and a guide member for rotatably supporting the rotary bodies for movement toward and away from the drum portion, a face of the rotary cam being opposed to the drum portion having a cam portion which, upon the cam being rotated relative to the rotary bodies and the drum portion through an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, moves the rotary bodies toward and pressed them into engagement with the drum portion to transmit the rotational force of the motor to the drum portion and the pulley body.