Abstract: A multiple working surface magnetic particle device for transferring torque between two rotatable members is disclosed. The magnetic particle device comprises relatively rotatable members defining a gap therebetween containing a magnetically reactive medium The magnetically reactive medium stiffens in the presence of a magnetic field interlocking the rotatable members. The multiple working surface design allows for a reduction in the size and weight of the magnetic field source resulting in a more compact, lighter weight device.

Abstract: A preventive ECU of a control unit for a vehicle provided with a power source and a continuously variable transmission controls an ECU for controlling an engine and an ECU for controlling a CVT to perform control of output torque of the engine, control of gear change of the CVT and control of a period for backlash preventive control. When the relationship of the portion including the engine and the CVT and a portion including wheels (the vehicle) is alternately changed from a driven state and a driving state, backlash which is present in the drive system and which causes vibrations in the longitudinal direction is canceled before acceleration control of the vehicle and control of backing or transient surge are performed. The control unit for a vehicle is able to sufficiently reduce vibrations of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction and prevent discomfort for a person in the vehicle by canceling the backlash of the drive system.

Abstract: A continuously variable hydro-mechanical transmission. The transmission includes a transmission housing and a hydrostatic power unit associated with the housing. The hydrostatic power unit includes a pump coupled to a motor with the hydrostatic power unit coupled to a first input shaft and a first output shaft. The hydrostatic power unit is selectively coupled to a synchronous lockup clutch with the first output shaft, wherein a hydrostatic input speed range is selected. A compound planetary gear unit is mounted in the housing with the compound planetary gear unit including a second input shaft, a third input shaft, a fourth input shaft and a second output shaft. The compound planetary gear unit is selectively coupled to the load, selectively coupled to the hydrostatic power unit and coupled to the power source.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a continuously variable traction drive unit, a two-mode planetary gear set, and transfer gearing between the continuously variable unit (CVU) and the planetary gear unit. The planetary gear unit is essentially a four-node linkage mechanism having two members of each gear set interconnected. One member of one of the gear sets is connected to the CVU through a low range clutch and one of the interconnected members is connectable with the CVU through a high range clutch and another member is continuously connected with a prime mover, such as an engine. The planetary gear unit is controlled to provide a low mode that is controllable through the ratio of the CVU to establish a reverse range, a neutral condition, and a forward range.

Abstract: A dual synchronization system of a manual transmission constructed in the dual set of a plurality of keys to be attached to the internal side of a synchronizer sleeve by a synchronizer ring, first and second key sets being positioned apart at a predetermined degree of angle along the circumferential direction of a synchronizer ring, wherein the first key set attaching the synchronizer ring close to a clutch gear at the initiation of synchronization and the second key set pushing the synchronizer ring close to the clutch gear after the completion of synchronization, thereby continuously maintaining the frictional force between the synchronizer ring and the clutch gear to achieve stable shifting feelings.

Abstract: An actuation device for a friction clutch which is arranged in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission arrangement includes a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement for actuating the friction clutch via a release member having a release bearing arrangement. A measuring arrangement detects an actual release state, i.e., an instantaneous position of the release member. A control/regulating valve arrangement is connected with a pressure medium source, a pressure compensation opening, and with the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement. The pressure medium force cylinder arrangement is actuated depending on the actual release state and on a desired release state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical individual wheel drive having several electromotors (1) whose input power is combined by a spur gear assembly (2) and one rear-mounted planetary gear (3) which adapts the input torque and the wheel speed. The wheel bearings (4) are mounted axially between the electromotors (1) and planetary gear (3). One brake (7) is a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated disc brake and acts as service, parking, emergency and auxiliary brake.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multiple-clutch device, such as a double-clutch device, for arranging in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission, wherein the clutch device has a first clutch arrangement associated with a first transmission input shaft of the transmission and a second clutch arrangement associated with a second transmission input shaft of the transmission for transmitting torque between the drive unit and the transmission. According to one aspect of the invention, it is suggested that plates in a plate stack of a clutch arrangement constructed as a plate clutch arrangement which have at least one friction facing can be brought into frictional engagement with plates having no friction facing, wherein at least one of the plates not having a friction facing is thicker in axial direction than friction facing carrying elements of adjacent plates having at least one friction facing.

Abstract: A bicycle hub basically includes a hub axle, a hub body, a sprocket support member and an engagement member. The hub axle has first and second portions releasably coupled together. The hub body has an outer tubular portion and an interior passageway. The first portion of the hub axle is rotatably supported in the interior passageway. The sprocket support member is mounted on the second portion of the hub axle. The engagement member non-rotatably couples the outer tubular portion to the sprocket support member in an engaged position and is axially movable by the hub axle between the engaged position and a disengaged position. The hub body can be separated from the sprocket support member when the engagement member is in the disengaged position and the first and second portions of the hub axle are released from each other.

Abstract: A constant lift device for a friction clutch s comprises a lever (80) pivotally connected to the pressure plate (13) of the clutch. An abutment (82) on the lever contacts the clutch cover (21) during disengagement to limit the lift of the pressure plate (13). The pivotal position of the lever (80) relative to the pressure plate is controlled to maintain the lift of the pressure plate (13) substantially constant over the life of the clutch. The means for controlling the pivotal position of the lever (80) includes a pin (51) mounted for sliding movement relative to the pressure plate (13). The pin (51) contacts the lever and is inhibited from sliding movement towards the flywheel to prevent pivotal movement of the lever towards the flywheel but is able to slide in a direction away from the flywheel as the clutch wears to adjust the angular position of the lever. Due to the lever ratio the pin (51) slides by an amount which is less than the amount of wear.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for arrangement in a clutch disk includes a hub element and a hub-disk arrangement arranged on the hub element. The hub-disk arrangement has a first transmission arrangement and a second transmission arrangement which is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the first transmission arrangement. A first damping arrangement acts between the first and the second transmission arrangement. A third transmission arrangement is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the hub element. A second damping arrangement acts between the third transmission arrangement and one of the first and second transmission arrangements and allows a relative rotation between the third transmission arrangement and the one of the first and second transmission arrangements. Furthermore, a first friction device acts between the third transmission arrangement and at least one of the first and second transmission arrangements.

Abstract: In a power transmission system for a four-wheel drive vehicle, a multiple disk clutch for distributing a proportion of the torque of the front wheels to the rear wheels is provided between a driving shaft which is connected to the front wheels which are main driven wheels and a driven shaft which is connected to the rear wheels which are auxiliary driven wheels. Between the driving shaft and the driven shaft a torque cam mechanism, a hydraulic pump and a bidirectional clutch mechanism are provided, in that order. When the rotational rate of the front wheels exceeds the rotational rate of the rear wheels, the bidirectional clutch mechanism is engaged, a first rotor of the hydraulic pump which is operatively connected to the front wheels and a second rotor which is operatively connected to the rear wheels rotate relative to each other, and a rotational load is generated by a hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A drive clutch for connecting a drive shaft (12) with an exchangeable cylinder (10) of a printing machine, such that, at one end of the cylinder (10), a locking part (24) is provided and that, in or on the drive shaft, a spanner (32) is disposed, which has a recess (38), which opens up radially and into which the locking part (24) can be introduced positively, and that the spanner (32) can be retracted axially, in order to pull the cylinder (10) with the help of the locking part (24) against the end of the drive shaft (12).

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling is disclosed for use in motor vehicle driveline applications to rotatively couple a pair of rotary members. The hydraulic coupling includes a multi-plate clutch assembly operatively connecting the two rotary members and an actuator assembly for actuating the clutch assembly in response to and as a function of speed differentiation between the two rotary members. The actuator assembly includes a hydraulic pump, a piston disposed in a piston chamber, and a fluid control system for controlling the fluid pressure supplied to the piston chamber by the hydraulic pump to control the clutch engagement force exerted by the piston on the clutch assembly. The fluid control system includes a pressure relief valve operable for limiting the fluid pressure in the piston chamber to a predetermined maximum pressure value.

Abstract: A actuating device for a friction clutch which is arranged in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle in a housing cover between an internal combustion engine and a transmission. The actuating device includes a release bearing arrangement and a positioning servo arrangement for the release bearing arrangement. The positioning servo arrangement has a pressure medium power cylinder arrangement and a control valve connected with a pressure medium source. The control valve includes a valve arrangement which is switchable between at least two control states depending on an actual quantity representing the axial position of the release bearing arrangement and on a control quantity representing a reference position of the release bearing arrangement.

Abstract: A structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) material adapted for clutch use. The entirety of the frictional components of a clutch mechanism or only particular components thereof can be made of the FRCMC material. One embodiment has integrally molded fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite clutch friction pads forming the friction surfaces of metal clutch parts. Clutch components exhibiting a higher temperature and wear-resistance than currently available clutch parts are described. These clutch components and pads exhibit improved performance at high temperatures and are highly wear-resistant in comparison to current clutch components.

Abstract: To prevent the generation of noise and/or vibration due to the backlash of the gear wheels in the cam device driven by a two mutually meshing gear wheels, a backlash reversal suppression means which suppresses an impulsive reversal of the backlash during transition from a rotational phase region in which the cam drives the cam follower to a rotational phase region in which the cam is driven by the cam follower is provided to operate only at a necessary portion.

Abstract: This invention includes an apparatus for calibrating fluid clutch fill times including a valve, a clutch connected to the valve, a fluid supply connected to the valve, a pressure transducer connected between the fluid supply and the valve, and a processor adapted to control the valve, read the pressure transducer, and calculate the time required to fill the clutch. The invention further includes a method for adaptively controlling clutch engagement and disengagement in a clutch control system including signalling a first clutch valve to fill a clutch, measuring the time required to fill the clutch, signalling a second clutch valve to empty a second clutch, and saving the time value.

Abstract: To allow a pivotal movement of a diaphragm spring when engaging and disengaging the clutch, a radially intermediate part of the diaphragm spring is supported by a J-shaped fulcrum support portions formed by lifting and curving a part of an inner peripheral part of an annular clutch cover. The fulcrum support portions are formed integrally with an annular disk formed along an inner periphery of an end plate of the clutch cover which is resiliently supported by a plurality of arcuate connecting pieces cut from the material of the clutch cover and extend circumferentially. As the wear of the facing progresses, the release load of the clutch increases due to the change in the operating point of the diaphragm spring. This increase in the release load causes the connecting pieces to deflect, and the fulcrum support portions to thereby move toward the clutch facing.

Abstract: An annular cross-sectioned clutch assembly for connecting a tool such as a paint gun to the end of a robotic arm is provided. A diaphragm-mounting plate connects on an outer side to the end of the robotic arm. An annular diaphragm is mounted to the diaphragm-mounting plate. The diaphragm has an inner surface, with the inner surface forming a pressure tight chamber with the diaphragm-mounting plate for connection to a programable source of air pressure. A clutch plate has an annular diaphragm-engagement surface engaged with a central portion of the diaphragm. Springs between the clutch plate and the diaphragm-mounting plate bias the clutch plate away from the diaphragm-mounting plate in conjunction with air pressure in the chamber. Structure is provided to establish a normal position of the clutch assembly. Additional structure is provided to establish physical limits of travel of the clutch plate with respect to the diaphragm-mounting plate.