Abstract: An orthodontic wire retainer is applied to a dental arch following an orthodontic treatment. A first metal wire extends along the posterior surface of the dental arch, a second metal wire extends along the anterior surface, and a third wire fits between a bicuspid and premolar or between the premolar and a molar. The first, second and third wires are adjoined to provide an annular bridge supporting the dental arch. A wire clasp laid along the buccal surface of the premolar attaches to the first metal wire to sustain strength of the wire retainer by attaching a wire rest on the premolar or molar to prevent sinking of the wire retainer.

Abstract: A torque transmitting and torsion damping apparatus includes a torsion damper and a friction clutch between a first inertia body and a second inertia body that is supported by said first inertia body for relative rotation. The friction clutch includes a friction plate and a pressure plate that is pressed against the friction disc due to the action of a Belleville spring. The pressure plate has bent-free (straight) projections radially outwardly extending into cutout grooves of the first inertia body. This arrangement allows relative axial movement of the pressure plate to the first inertia body.

Abstract: A torque transmitting and torsion damping apparatus includes a torsion damper and a friction clutch between a first inertia body and a second inertia body that is supported by said first inertia body for relative rotation. The torsion damper include a drive plate assembly for rotation with the first inertia body, a damper hub for rotation with the second inertia body and spring assembly disposed between the drive plate assembly and the damper hub. At radially inward rivet pins and radially outer projections, the drive plate assembly is fixedly attached to the first inertia body, thereby providing split torque transmission from the first inertia body to the drive plate assembly.

Abstract: A driver disc has a series of pockets spaced along a circle about an axis of rotation thereof and inertia weights positioned and arranged to roll in the respective pockets. The driver disc is secured to the engine crankshaft for rotation therewith. A flywheel is secured to the driver disc for rotation therewith. A clutch has a friction pad assembly in engagement with the flywheel. The driver disc is resilient and possesses a first rigidity, within a plane normal to the axis of rotation, high enough to transmit torque between the engine crankshaft and the flywheel and a second rigidity, within a plane including said axis, which is lower than the first rigidity. With this system, transmission of heat generated due to frictional engagement between the flywheel and friction pad assembly to the pockets has been reduced.

Abstract: A fluid coupling of a cooling fan is for an internal combustion engine in an automotive vehicle and comprises labyrinth grooves defined by circular projections formed on a drive disc and a driven member, respectively. Rotating energy transmission from the engine to the cooling fan is carried out through the labyrinth grooves at which rotating energy is transmitted through an operating fluid. A plurality of passages are radially formed on the driven member to smoothly change the transmission ratio of the rotating energy by supplying the operating fluid to the outside portion of the labyrinth grooves.

Abstract: A fan drive clutch is provided which includes a fluid coupling for coupling a drive shaft and a clutch housing on which a fan for blowing air to a radiator is disposed. This clutch has a pump plate for defining a fluid reservoir chamber and a working chamber. The pump plate includes a valve opening through which working fluid passes from the reservoir chamber into the working chamber. The fan drive clutch further includes a valve arm which has a valve plate for opening and closing the valve opening. The valve arm includes an elastically transformable section at a connecting portion between it and the valve plate. This section is operable to absorb movement of the valve arm which may be caused due to a clearance between the shaft for supporting the valve arm and the bearing hole for rotatably supporting the shaft.

Abstract: An orthodontic wire retainer for application to the dental arch following an orthodontic treatment, which includes a first metal wire laid along the posterior surface of a dental arch, a second metal wire laid along the anterior surface of the dental arch, and a third metal wire configured to fit between a canine and a premolar or between a premolar and a molar. The first and second metal wires are brazed to the third metal wire to provide an annular bridge resiliently supporting the dental arch. The third metal wire is configured to provide additional support with the second metal wire on the anterior surface of a tooth at one end of the dental arch and to retain an adjacent tooth external of the bridge.