Abstract: A heat generator comprises a casing in which are mechanical friction members. A shaft driven by a motor rotates the friction members. A modulator device responsive to the speed of the shaft applies to the friction members a clamping force conditioned by the shaft speed. The heat generator further comprises a system for interfacing a heat-exchange fluid to the casing.

Abstract: A heat generator suitable for heating the cab or passenger compartment of a motorized automobile vehicle comprises an enclosure inside which are mechanical friction means adapted to be driven by the motor of the vehicle. These friction means are operable with a variable clamping force. A heat transfer liquid is circulated through this enclosure. The clamping force of the friction means is varied in inverse proportion to the speed at which friction means are driven by the motor. Thus the clamping force on the friction means is reduced as the motor speed increases, so that the quantity of heat produced is largely independent of the rotation speed of the motor.

Abstract: A clutch comprises at least one friction disk and clutch plates adapted to clamp the friction disk(s). Elastic means act on at least one of the clutch plates and urge the clutch plates together to clamp the friction disk(s) and thereby engage the clutch. Clutch release control means comprising a pedal are adapted to unclamp the friction disk(s) and thereby release the clutch. Assistance means for the pedal cooperate with a combination comprising at least first and second mobile members each of which is adapted to move along a respective path at the same time as the other of the first and second mobile members, proportionately to movement of the movement transmission means interconnecting the first and second mobile members.

Abstract: A clutch comprises a casing to which is attached an intermediate member on which is mounted a rotary motor. The outside surface of an axial cartridge on the intermediate member supports and guides an axially mobile actuator. Inside a housing in the cartridge is a screw-and-nut transmission of which either the screw or the nut rotates with the motor while the other is coupled axially to the actuator.

Abstract: A brake shoe having a support and a friction lining fixed to one face of the support. The support has, in its marginal region adjacent each side of the support abutting a lateral thrust shoulder, a protuberance projecting beyond the other face of the support. The protuberance is provided on only a portion of the extent of the marginal region and is devoid of friction lining, whereas the remainder of the extent of the marginal region is devoid of protuberance and is at least partly covered with friction lining.

Abstract: A twin-disc brake comprises a fixed support, extending over an angular sector of about 180.degree., and common to two calipers associated each with a respective disc. The calipers are mounted so as to slide axially along guides in the support and have hydraulic cylinders arranged on only one side of the associated disc, each caliper presents a reaction face for the pads on the other side of the associated disc. The brake is axially compact.

Abstract: A multi-disc brake which has a frame, a yoke fixed to the frame housing pistons for applying friction linings to at least two spaced and axially fixed rotary discs. The fixed yoke is formed of two one-piece or split blocks arranged relative to the rotary discs in an angular sector of approximately 180.degree..

Abstract: A rotatable brake member comprises a plurality of substantially radial ventilation channels, each of which is divided longitudinally into at least two portions which are generally coaxial with a mean longitudinal line of the channel and which have substantially constant cross-sections, these portions having an abrupt discontinuity of cross-section relative to one another, the or each channel defining a single, empty radial passage, the side wall of the or each of these portions being smooth and continuous, and the abrupt discontinuity of cross-section between the portions being provided by a peripheral transverse annular step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake of the kind having a rotary member to be braked, at least one brake shoe, a control member for applying the brake shoe to the rotary member, and a heat shield for minimizing the transmission of heat to the control member. According to the invention, the heat shield is carried by the control member and comprises a heat reflector interposed between the control member and the rotary member.This arrangement significantly reduces heat transmission to the control member during operation. The invention is especially suitable for motor vehicle brakes in which the rotary member comprises parallel twin discs.