Abstract: An electro-slip clutch may include a friction stack for receiving input rotation from an input shaft and a surrounding hub and for attaching to an output member. A bearing surface may be provided adjacent the friction stack and a solenoid may further be provided. The solenoid may include a plunger in a first position pressing against the bearing surface with a first degree of force and in a second position different than the first position relative to the bearing surface. Thus, torque transmitted through the friction stack is adjustable by the solenoid. A method of operating a clutch mechanism may include providing a solenoid adjacent a friction stack and providing a first current level to the solenoid, the first current level energizing a coil of the solenoid and pushing a plunger within the solenoid towards the friction stack with a first degree of force.

Abstract: A mechanism useful as a clutch or brake comprising a housing member having a wall defining a bore, a friction material disposed against said wall in said bore, a driver member having inner and outer ends at least partially within said bore, the driver and housing having a longitudinal axis, the driver member having a plurality of angularly spaced triangular slots defined therein from the inner end thereof at an angle to the longitudinal axis, the slots defined by opposite surfaces,a shoe of generally triangular form in each of said slots, the shoes hvaing surfaces mating with the surfaces of a slot whereby the shoes are slidable on the slot surfaces, the shoes having an outer peripheral surfaces defined on a portion of a cylinder,the shoe outer surfaces being in contact with the friction material, amd means for adjusting the position of the shoes in said slots whereby the outer peripheral surfaces of the shoes engage the friction material in predetermined frictional engagement.