Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter with a converter circuit having at least an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel with a turbine hub, and a stator wheel, which together enclose an inner torus. A torsional vibration damper arranged within the inner torus is operably connected with a control disk that is connected with a driven shaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it. The torque converter is further constructed with a lockup clutch by which can transmit a torque provided by a drive while bypassing the converter circuit. A controlling system for the torsional vibration damper is provided on the drive side of the turbine wheel and the control disk which has a driven-side controller for the torsional vibration damper, is arranged so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to the turbine hub but rotatable relative to the turbine wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for improving the operation of a transmission for an automotive vehicle, and in particular the transmission as installed by the original automobile manufacturer. The methods and systems of the present invention modify the original hydraulic fluid circuits of the automotive transmission provided by the automobile manufacturer to enable the transmission to select first gear at any time, and to enable the transmission to produce quick applies during upshifts and fast releases during downshifts for high performance operation with only minimum ratio sharing or overlap during gear changes.

Abstract: A handle extension device that is used to alter the position where a person pushes a wheeled item, such as a baby stroller or a lawn mower. This enables the ergonomics of the wheeled item to be optimized for individuals of differing stature. The handle extension device has at least two clamping mechanisms. Each clamping mechanism is adapted to engage one of the existing handle shafts of the wheeled item. Two arm elements extend from the clamping mechanisms. Each arm element extends from a clamping mechanism at a predetermined angle that can be selectively varied. A cross-element interconnects the two arm elements. The length of the cross-element can also be selectively varied so as to fit different sized wheeled items. The cross-element serves as the new push handle. By varying the angle and position of the cross-element and person can position the cross-element to an ergonomically correct orientation.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for disposition in a motor vehicle drive line includes an internal reaction force circuit. The clutch assembly includes a multiple disc friction clutch disposed adjacent an operator assembly which selectively applies force to the friction clutch to selectively transfer torque therethrough. The clutch components are disposed between a flange and a stop on an elongate member which functions as a reaction force member to self-contain the reaction force from the clutch operator. The clutch finds particular application in motor vehicle drive line components such as a rear (secondary) axle wherein it is disposed in pairs to independently control torque supplied to each axle and in applications where it is advantageous to contain or ground the reaction force generated by and associated with the clutch operator compactly within the clutch structure rather than its housing.

Abstract: An inner ring is shaped in its contour by a cold-shaping treatment and is hardened on its surface by a nitrosulphurizing treatment or a soft-nitriding treatment. As a result, the hardness of the surface of the inner ring is enhanced by the cold-shaping treatment and further by the subsequent hardening treatment. As a result, the inner ring is improved in its wear resistance and its seizure resistance. Moreover, the hardening treatment is effected by the nitrosulphurizing treatment or the soft-nitriding treatment so that it can be suppressed from straining in that treating procedure.

Abstract: A pushrod assembly for use in association with a vehicle clutch control system of the type including a slave cylinder having an output member adapted for control of the clutch mechanism of the vehicle, a master cylinder for supplying hydraulic fluid to the slave cylinder, and a clutch control pedal assembly for actuating the master cylinder via the pushrod assembly. The pushrod assembly is connected at a forward end thereof to the master cylinder piston and is adapted for connection at a rearward end thereof to the clutch pedal arm and includes an isolator member of resilient material carried by the pushrod and interposed between the rearward pushrod end and the clutch pedal in a position to be resiliently distorted in response to movement of the control pedal in a release direction relative to the pushrod.

Abstract: A oneway clutch comprises an inner member, an outer race member, torque transmitting members each provided between the inner member and the outer race member to be displaced between a torque transmitting position and a non torque transmitting position, biasing members each for biasing a corresponding torque transmitting member to the torque transmitting position until a predetermined torque is applied thereto, and a retainer for retaining the torque transmitting members and the biasing members. The retainer comprises a first annular side member, a second annular side member, and pole portions for connecting the first annular side member and the second annular side member in the axial direction, the pole portions, together with the first and second annular side members, defining the apertures for mounting the block bearings. Predetermined pole portions of the retainer are provided with at least two radially protruding portions for supporting the biasing members.

Abstract: A rotational control apparatus (10, 10a) for controlling the transmission of rotational forces between first and second relatively rotatable members (26, 120, 120a) includes a piston (76, 76a) interconnected for concurrent axial movement with the second member through a bearing unit (146) which enables relative rotation and concurrent axial shifting of the piston (76, 76a) and the second member (120, 120a). The pistons (76, 76a) is only interconnected to the first member (26) through the use of one or more springs (116) such that at least partial relative rotation between the piston (76, 76a) and the first member (26) is accommodated.

Abstract: A multiple-function mechanical coupling having inner and outer races, the outer race having an internal surface with peripherally spaced pockets defining ramp surfaces, the inner race having an outer surface with peripherally spaced pockets defining ramps that are situated adjacent corresponding ramp surfaces of the outer race. The inner race surrounds a circular torque transfer shaft. The inner race is split to permit radial expansion of the effective diameter of the inner race. A hydrostatic pressure actuator exerts a tangentially directed force on the adjacent ends of the inner race. A plurality of clutch rollers is received in the recesses in the inner surface of the outer race and the outer surface of the inner race whereby the races are locked together and the inner race establishes frictional engagement of the torque delivery.

Abstract: A transmission for changing a path to transmit a torque by changing the state of torque transmission to a rotary member, comprising: an active material for changing its state when fed with an electric signal; and a coupling mechanism for effecting or intercepting the torque transmission to the rotary member in accordance with the state change of the active material.

Abstract: A steering wheel and lock arrangement, which includes a steering wheel and a lock, the steering wheel being formed of an upper wheel half and a lower wheel half, the lower wheel half having a first oblong insertion hole and two second oblong insertion holes at a top side wall thereof and a respective coupling chamber respectively defined inside each oblong insertion hole, the upper wheel half having a downward rod with a transverse block pivotably coupled to the coupling chamber in the first oblong insertion hole, the lock being securely mounted in the upper wheel half and moved with the upper wheel half between the two second oblong insertion holes at the lower wheel half and operated to lock the steering wheel between the operative position and the non-operative position.

Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, hybrid transmission having an input member for receiving power from a prime mover power source and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. The transmission utilizes four planetary gear sub sets, three torque transfer devices as well as first and second supplemental power receiving/delivery units--either electric motor/generator units or hydrostatic pump/motor units. At least one of the gear members in the first and second planetary gear sub sets are connected to the first supplemental power receiving/delivery units, and at least one of said gear members in the second, third and fourth planetary gear sub sets are continuously connected to the second supplemental power receiving/delivery units. Torque transfer devices selectively connect the carriers associated with the first, second and fourth planetary gear sub sets to each other and to the output member.

Abstract: A mechanism of a simple structure, in which always stable and discretionary frictional resistance can be produced even when the speed of rotary movements or rectilinear movements of the subject structure changes and, moreover, the magnitude of the frictional force can be easily controlled by changing the magnitude of a load. Namely, when a rotary member 1 is rotated while a load toward the axial direction is being applied, numerous rollers 2 make rolling motions in contact with the rotary member 1 and a passive member 3. The rollers 2 make rolling motions along a track of rotation of the rotary member 1. The rollers 2 are restrained to roll toward a direction being inclined by a prescribed angle by a cage 4. This results in producing a frictional force in proportion to the magnitude of the load being applied to the axial direction between the rollers 2 and the rotary member 1 nd between the rollers 2 and the passive member 3.

Abstract: A hydro-mechanical transmission (2) with a simple construction and which can make full use of its advantages is provided. In a hydro-mechanical transmission in which a hydraulic power transmitting mechanism (10), having a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, and a mechanical power transmitting mechanism (20), using gears, are switchably provided; the speed of input rotation is changed, and the resultant rotation is generated; the mechanical power transmitting mechanism has at least one planetary gear mechanism, and an output shaft (24) of the mechanical power transmitting mechanism is provided so that its output can be generated directly to the outside. The hydraulic pump (11) and the hydraulic motor (12) of the hydraulic power transmitting mechanism are of a variable displacement type. A directly-coupled clutch (30) is interposed between a motor output shaft (14) of the hydraulic power transmitting mechanism and the output shaft of the mechanical power transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: An outer ring for a one-way clutch comprises a heat-treated portion a depth of which varies in a direction of a central axis of the outer ring. The heat-treated portion may be located at a raceway surface for torque transmitting members such as sprags.

Abstract: A torque converter comprises a converter housing having a converter cover and an impeller wheel. The converter housing is connectable to a driving unit. A turbine wheel arranged in the converter housing is rotatably mounted for rotating about an axis of rotation with respect to the converter housing. The turbine wheel has a turbine wheel shell and a turbine wheel hub. The turbine wheel hub is connectable to a converter driven shaft. The turbine wheel shell is selectively connectable to the turbine wheel hub for connection with respect to rotation via a first coupling arrangement.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a cover (8) with a base (80), a clutch thrust plate (3) with front friction surface (30) co-operating with a clutch friction (2), and, set between the clutch thrust plate (3) rear surface (36) and the cover (8) base (80), resilient clutch means with axial action (4, 6) axially stressing the clutch thrust plate (3) in a direction opposite to the cover (8) base (80) and a declutching device (7) to counter at will the action of said resilient clutch means (4, 6): the resilient clutch means (4, 6) comprise two Belleville washers (4, 6) series-mounted between the clutch thrust plate (3) and the cover (8), and one (4) of the Belleville washers (4, 6) is in contact at its outer periphery with the clutch thrust plate (3), while the other (6) rests at its outer periphery on the cover (8), said washers (4, 6) sloping inversely, means for transmitting the force (5) carried by the declutching device (7) being incorporated between the inner peripheral zones

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a leather wrapping on a steering wheel having a ring radially spaced and circumferentially extending about a central hub by providing a groove along the surface of the ring, preferably on the inwardly facing edge thereof, into which the edges of the leather wrapping may be inserted and secured and a bead which fits snugly within said groove to cover the groove and secure the edge of the leather therein.

Abstract: A planetary gear is described, with a compensating coupling (9), a housing (1) enclosing the gear (2) and the compensating coupling and a planet wheel carrier (3), which has a shaft journal (4) rotatably mounted in the housing. The compensating coupling is provided on the input side of the gear (2) and its gear-side coupling part (10) at the same time forms a component of the gear and is rotatably mounted in the housing. A second compensating coupling (14) is provided on the output side of the gear (2), its gear-side coupling part (15) having a projection (17) which engages in frictional and/or interlocking manner in a recess (13) in the shaftjournal (4). The housing (1) has a housing section (1c) on the output side of the gear (2) which is an integral component of the housing (1) and encloses the second compensating coupling (14). (FIG.

Abstract: A piston actuated wheel clutch includes the use of a clutch plate 26 to directly engage a driven member 14, where the driven member 14 may comprise the rim 94 of a wheel. The clutch plate 26 is divided into clutch portions 40 to 46 which expand outward when pushed by hydraulicly actuated pistons mounted within a drive shaft 20. When expanded, the clutch plate 26 engages the driven member 14.