Abstract: A friction material and carrier assembly for a clutch driven plate, the assembly being intended for rotation about an axis and comprising a carrier (4), first and second arrays of friction material (20, 22) disposed on opposite sides of the carrier (4) each array of friction material being disposed about a respective locus substantially centered on the axis. The first and second arrays of friction material are secured to the carrier by means of first and second adhesive bonds, respectively. The second adhesive bond (24) is of elastomeric material providing resilient cushioning relative to the carrier (4) (in an axial direction of the assembly) for the second array of friction material (22), and the first adhesive bond (23) is substantially non resilient providing no or substantially no cushioning relative to the carrier (4) (in an axial direction of the assembly) for the first array of friction material (20) than is provided by the second adhesive bond for the second array of friction material.

Abstract: A torque transmission device coaxially arranged between a pair of rotary shafts transmits rotational torque in response to relative rotation therebetween. This device includes an outer cylindrical housing coupled to one of the rotary shafts for rotation therewith, wherein the outer cylindrical housing receives an inner sleeve shaft coupled to the other of the rotary shafts for rotation therewith, and multiple friction disc clutch which transmits rotational torque between the inner sleeve shaft and the outer cylindrical housing. In the torque transmission device, there are also an actuation piston making the multiple friction disc clutch be in engagement and a pressure generating mechanism generating a pressure according to the relative rotation between the outer cylindrical housing and the inner sleeve shaft to make the actuation piston move toward the clutch.

Abstract: A lock-up clutch control during a gear shifting is disclosed. A ratio of an input revolution speed of an automatic transmission to an output revolution speed thereof is used to determine whether the gear shifting is in progress. If this is the case, the lock-up clutch is released. A timer is provided which starts measuring time after occurrence of a command for such gear shifting. If the length of time becomes greater than a predetermined value, the lock-up clutch is released.

Abstract: A power train includes a transmission disposed in a transverse direction of a vehicle, in which an engine crankshaft extends. The power train has a wheel drive shaft, disposed in alignment with a transmission shaft, a front differential, having differential output shafts aligned with the transmission shaft, and a speed reduction gear, disposed between the transmission shaft and differential input shaft. The speed reduction gear has an input gear, having an axis of rotation placed parallel to the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft is one of input shaft and output shaft, having axes of rotation which are placed parallel to the engine crankshaft. The wheel drive shaft and differential output shaft are aligned with the one of the transmission input and output shafts. The speed reduction gear, connected to the one of the transmission input and output shafts, is preferably parallel to both of the transmission input and output shafts.

Abstract: A one way clutch comprises an inner clutch member (12) and an outer clutch member (10). The outer clutch member carries a set of ratchet teeth (18) and the inner clutch member carries two sets of sloping faced projections (20, 22) around its periphery. An arcuate resiliently flexible member (14) is arranged between the inner and outer clutch members and has a set of ratchet teeth (26) engageable with the outer member ratchet teeth and a set of sloping faced projections (37) at intervals along its length. A tail end of the member carries a pawl (32). On relative rotation of the inner and outer members in a non-driving direction, the pawl ratchets over the outer clutch member ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A handlebar shock absorber for bicycles and the like comprises two pivotably coupled support members, one of which attaches to the bicycle handlebars while the other attaches to the steering fork. An offset link is pivotably mounted to one of the members so as to slidably engage the other member. A compression spring extends along the link and urges the handlebar support member to an upper, rest position. Shocks transmitted along the front fork of the bicycle are resiliently absorbed by rotation of the handlebar mounting member against the compression spring. The degree of compression of the spring may be changed for different riding courses. A hydraulic piston/cylinder combination coupled to the offset link adds to the shock absorbing capability of the device. A metering rod is adjustable in a piston orifice to enable a rider to adjust the shock absorber stiffness without dismounting.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a vehicular clutch and brake control system, well suited for use on a crawler tractor. The system is of the type having a pair of primary pedals each controlling both clutch and brake operation for one track. The improvement includes an auxiliary pedal moving a hinge-mounted clevis to which a swinging link is pivotably mounted. In one operating mode (using only one or both primary pedals), either or both tractor tracks are de-clutched prior to brake application. In another mode, depression of the auxiliary pedal simultaneously depresses both primary pedals and track de-clutching is prevented even though both track brakes are applied. The operator is thereby better able to maintain control of the tractor in operating environments such as steep hills, embankments, foundation back-filling and the like.

Abstract: A damper disc comprising an annularly extending retainer plate assembly for holding in position a damper spring circumferentially connecting an annular input plate and an output plate, the retainer plate assembly having a stationary portion fixed to the input plate, a connector portion connected to the spring, and a support portion for supporting the outer periphery of the spring, the input plate being formed on its outer periphery with a cylindrical portion fitted on the outer periphery of the cylindrical support portion, the retainer plate assembly being comprised of a plurality of arcuate retainer plates arranged in annular patter, each of the retainer plates having the stationary portion, connector portion, and support portion, the stationary portion being fixed by rivets to the input plate, the stationary portion being formed with a rivet insertion hole in the form of a radially elongate hole through which the rivets are inserted into position.

Abstract: An improved torque converter clutch (TCC) engagement control method utilizing a combination of pressure control and flow control methodologies to ensure consistently smooth and timely TCC engagement. The engagement is initiated with a pressure control methodology in which the duty cycle of a PWM actuator is selected to produce a desired pressure differential across the TCC clutch plate. However, if the flow conditions are such that the pressure control methodology fails to promptly initiate engagement of the TCC, as detected in relation to the speed difference across the torque converter, a flow control methodology is substituted for the pressure control to initiate clutch engagement. In this case, the duty cycle of the actuator is adjusted to a value which provides full or near-full fluid flow. This control is maintained for a predetermined period, or until the speed difference across the torque converter indicates initiation of TCC engagement.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for operatively connecting an operating rod to a parking brake latch release lever when a vehicle instrument panel is installed to a vehicle support structure. A handle is mounted on one end of the operating rod that is pre-installed in the instrument panel prior to panel installation. The other end of the rod is provided with an elongated fitting having a series of spaced annular ridges comprising leading camming surfaces and trailing locking surfaces. The latch lever mounts a receptor fitting having an entry funnel that enters a central bore. A spring clip includes fingers which enter the bore through slots. The operating rod is initially pulled out to release position. When the instrument panel is later installed, the projector rod is guided into the receptor bore by the funnel. As the rod fitting is inserted, the spring fingers are cammed over the ridges by the camming surfaces until the rod fitting is fully inserted.

Abstract: A release mechanism for a pull-type clutch which is disengaged by pulling an inner peripheral part of a diaphragm spring (6) to an axial backside of the clutch. A release bearing assembly (10) is connected to the inner peripheral part of the diaphragm spring (6). A cylinder assembly (11) is mounted to a housing (12) of the clutch at an axial backside of the release bearing assembly (10). The release bearing assembly (10) is connected to the cylinder assembly (11) through means of a connecting ring (60) and a stopper (70).

Abstract: A speed reducer has an input member, an output member provided coaxially with the input member and a cage disposed between opposite surfaces of the input member and the output member. The cage is formed with a plurality of pockets arranged circumferentially at equal intervals. A rolling element is received in each pocket. The output member is formed with recesses arranged circumferentially at equal intervals, the number of which is unequal to the number of the rolling elements. The input member is provided with a contact surface for pressing the rolling elements against the bottoms of the recesses when the input member rotates. In another arrangement, a cylindrical output member is provided around a disk-shaped input member. Disks are rotatably mounted in the input member and having part of their outer periphery protruding from the outer periphery of the input member.

Abstract: An hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission includes a plurality of controlling valves connected to related friction engaging elements. A plurality of solenoid valves are connected to the controlling valves for supplying hydraulic pressure thereto. A checking device determines whether an upshift of the transmission is performed or not. A detector determines a detected value of either a RPM count of an engine of the vehicle or a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. A fail-safe device prevents the upshift based on a comparison of the detected value with a predetermined value.

Abstract: The shift lever interlock system combines a shift lever position signal, interlock actuator extend and retract signals and vehicle system input signals (e.g., representing the service brake, ignition key-in, ignition circuit and vehicle battery voltage level) in a logic control circuit to lock the shift lever in the "Park" position, except if the ignition key is not in the "Lock" position and the service brake is depressed (applied) or the voltage of the battery is too low. The interlock system is not actuated to lock the shift lever in position when the shift lever is in positions other than as retained in the "Park" position by the detent mechanism.

Abstract: A control for a torque converter transmission having a pressure-operated torque input clutch that establishes and disestablishes a torque flow path between an engine and torque input elements of a multiple-ratio transmission comprising a solenoid-operated clutch control and an electronic controller and clutch control valve structure whereby the clutch pressure is regulated in a closed loop manner as the controller responds to turbine speed changes to effect a controlled pressure buildup in the clutch when clutch engagement is desired so that the rate of engagement corresponds to an optimum calibrated rate to eliminate harshness in clutch engagement and also to prevent an undesirable transient engine speed increase during start-up.

Abstract: A bearing structure for an output shaft of an automatic transaxle employs a ball bearing, radial needle bearing and a thrust needle bearing in combination. The ball bearing and the radial needle bearing radially support the output shaft. On the other hand, the thrusting load to be exerted on the output shaft when it is driven by an output torque of the engine is received by the thrust needle bearing, and relatively small thrusting torque in reverse direction is received by the ball bearing. The ball bearing is provided on a side cover which is fixed to a transaxle casing. The radial thrust bearing is radially supported by the inner periphery of an output retainer. The thrust needle bearing is oriented at the opposite side to the ball bearing with respect to the output gear. A generally cylindrical retainer body having an axial end mating with a wall section of a transmission casing has a cylindrical projection extending from the axial end adjacent an inner circumferential edge.

Abstract: A display device for use on a multi-speed (multi-gear) bicycle, which indicates the currently selected bicycle gear. The device interfaces directly with a gear changing cable. In one embodiment, a toothed rack is attached to a section of cable running along the bicycle frame. A pinion, attached to a cylindrical indicator meshes with the rack. In an embodiment for remote mounting, a slave cable is attached to the gear changing cable to transmit the motion of the gear changing cable to the remote location.

Abstract: A rotary ball actuator has a piston mounted within a body consisting of a first portion and a second portion. The piston has helical ramps which cooperate by means of first balls with helical ramps formed within the first portion, and rectilinear ramps which cooperate by means of second balls with rectilinear ramps formed within the second portion. The first balls and second balls are held respectively within first and second ball cages interposed between the piston and the body and controlled in dependence on the movement of the piston by means of a device comprising a stud and helical ramp. The two cages can be combined into one.

Abstract: A rotary coupling for torque transmission is arranged between two relatively rotatable shafts to transmit a rotational torque in response to a rotational speed difference therebetween. The device includes a housing connected to the first shaft for rotation therewith, a clutch means for transmitting rotational torque between two shafts, and a piston which thrusts the clutch means in the axial direction. The rotary coupling also includes a rotor received in a cylindrical space, in which a high viscous fluid is filled to be compulsorily moved by the rotor. Each side surface of the rotor is provided with plural depressions at regular interval in the circumferential direction. The depressions have inclining surfaces inclining in the rotational direction of the rotor. When a rotational speed difference occurs between the two shafts, wedge effects occur between the inclined surfaces and the housing and between the inclined surface and the piston so that a high pressure is generated in the space section quickly.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. The brake assembly includes an annular piston which is formed as one piece with a base member. An annular cylinder chamber is formed as one piece with a second member and telescopically receives the annular piston. Force transmitting surfaces on the two members engage opposite sides of a friction disk. The annular piston and cylinder extend around the outside of the friction disk to at least partially block a flow of contaminants in a radially inward direction toward the friction disk. Passages are formed in a lower portion of the annular piston to accommodate a flow of cooling fluid and to enable any contaminants which enter the brake assembly to flow out of the brake assembly. The brake assembly is advantageously urged to an engaged condition by spring assemblies which include posts and spring elements which extend into a space between the clutch assembly and a flange portion of a flywheel.