Abstract: A sealing arrangement is provided between a clutch cover and adjusting ring wherein the clutch cover and adjusting ring are threadably engaged by an internal thread on the clutch cover and an external thread on the adjusting ring. The clutch cover has a smooth, cylindrical surface proximate the internal thread while the adjusting ring has a groove proximate the external thread with an "O" ring in the groove which is in sealing engagement with the smooth, cylindrical surface. The "O" ring retains a layer of grease between the threads substantially eliminating purging of the grease.

Abstract: An improved diaphragm spring clutch is disclosed. The clutch includes a generally annular cover having a shoulder formed thereabout on a forwardly facing surface. A flat, angled bearing surface is formed throughout an inner radial portion of the shoulder. A plurality of forwardly facing slots are also formed about the shoulder. The slots are spaced equidistantly and extend radially outwardly from the bearing surface through the shoulder. The clutch further includes a generally hollow cylindrical release retainer. The retainer terminates in a generally flat end surface which faces rearwardly. A plurality of rearwardly facing recessed areas are formed in the end surface of the retainer. An annular diaphragm spring is provided within the clutch. The diaphragm spring includes an outer peripheral surface, which engages the forwardly facing bearing surface of the cover, and an inner peripheral surface, which engages the rearwardly facing end surface of the retainer.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch brake 50 has an inner brake assembly 55 and an outer cover assembly 60 mounted for relative rotation on the brake assembly. The brake assembly 55 includes a brake washer 52 adapted to be driven by a shaft, and an intermediate plate 51 connected to the brake washer by a lost motion coupling. The cover assembly includes wave washers 62 frictionally engaged with the intermediate plate 51 for torque limiting characteristics.

Abstract: Liquid cooling system for a multiple plate friction clutch. The cooling system provides cooling liquid completely around the contact surfaces of the friction discs and driving members of the clutch at the time the clutch is disengaged or during engagement of the clutch and the driven members of the clutch are stationary or rotating only slowly.

Abstract: A self-centering anti-rattle spring for a clutch is disclosed. The resilient spring is positioned between the circumference of a pressure plate of the clutch and the circumference of a flywheel of the clutch. The resilient spring acts to arrest vibration and tumbling of the pressure plate to reduce wear and noise encountered during clutch operation. The resilient spring also functions to align a rotatable drive member connecting the plate to the flywheel.

Abstract: A clutch comprising a flywheel and one or more axially extending driving friction disks is provided. The pressure plate of the clutch is resiliently urged into engagement with at least one of the friction disks. A resilient driving means extends from the flywheel to drive a plate engaging means located adjacent the friction disks. The driving means engages the engaging plate means and acts as a vibration and tumbling arresting means to reduce wear and noise encountered during the operation of the clutch.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving a clutch plate includes a drive pin comprising a shank and a drive head rotatably mounted thereon. In a preferred embodiment, an intermediate clutch plate of a two-plate heavy duty clutch is axially but non-rotatably movable with respect to the clutch flywheel. The flywheel contains an axially extending annular flange from which the aforesaid shank fixedly extends radially inwardly. The drive head, rotatably mounted thereon, is disposed within a recess of the clutch plate for driving engagement of the plate. The apparatus provides a self-aligning clutch plate drive system which substantially minimizes the declutching failures experienced in conventional non-self-aligning drive systems. A friction member resiliently holds the drive head to the drive pin shank for ease of handling and installation of the apparatus. Typically, clutch plate drive recesses comprise slots having radially extending walls positioned parallel to the clutch plate axis of rotation.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a spring loaded friction type clutch is incorporated, as a sub-assembly, in the lever system of the clutch between an actuating collar and an axially movable adjusting ring so as to be operable to permit the manual advance of the adjusting ring as the friction surfaces of the clutch wear, lock the adjusting ring to compensate for the clutch wear. The improvement being a locking device having support means secured to the clutch cover and means to engage radially extending teeth of the adjusting ring to suitably lock the same against rotation after adjustment thereof to compensate for clutch wear.

Abstract: A clutch driven disc assembly is disclosed having coaxial damper springs between rotary elements of the disc assembly. Each element has spring receiving openings with the end walls which permit the springs to operate in two stages, thereby varying the deflection rate between the rotary elements.

Abstract: A friction clutch is provided with an improved connection for the release levers including an opening in the lever provided with a longitudinally extending sharp knife-edge for cooperating with a longitudinally extending pivot axis formed on an integral support means associated with one of the elements of the clutch. The integral support means and lever openings are constructed in such a manner as to positively constrain the levers in both a radial and circumferential direction with respect to the associate clutch element.

Abstract: A coupling device such as a clutch comprises a driving member and a driven member operatively connected by a plurality of flat, generally annular and stacked springs. Each spring has a radially extending slit and is therefore C-shaped, with one end portion connected to the drive member. End portions of adjacent springs are circumferentially staggered, with frictional damping forces, in addition to the spring damping forces, thereby created between next adjacent springs upon relative movement between the driving and driven members. Adjacent springs may be adapted to expand and contract, respectively.

Abstract: A system for rotating a control shaft which includes a lever arm attached to the control shaft and having arm members extending radially outwardly from the shaft. A motor having a piston and rod assembly reciprocatively mounted in an outer housing is resiliently mounted relative to the control shaft. The rod is universally coupled to one of the arm members, while the other of the arm members is coupled through strap means to the outer housing of the motor. When the motor is energized, the rod applies a pushing force to tend to rotate the control shaft and the housing applies a pulling force to aid in rotating the control shaft.

Abstract: A fluid actuated operator and linkage for a clutch. The linkage includes an operator link connected between the operator and a throwout bearing actuator arm. The operator includes an operator rod pivotally connected to the operator link and extending through an axial bore of a sleeve internal of the operator housing. The sleeve is connected for movement with the clutch pedal. The sleeve and operator rod form a valve for connecting a source of fluid under pressure to a pressure responsive means in the operator to generate a force to move the rod and disengage the clutch as the clutch pedal is depressed. As the clutch pedal is raised, the valve vents the fluid pressure responsive means to reduce the applied force which allows the clutch pressure springs to return the clutch to engagement. Embodiments are disclosed which have nonlinear characteristics which correspond to the force/displacement operating curves of certain types of clutches.

Abstract: A friction clutch is provided with an improved connection for the release levers including an opening in the lever provided with a longitudinally extending sharp knife-edge for cooperating with a longitudinally extending pivot axis formed on an integral support means associated with one of the elements of the clutch. The integral support means and lever openings are constructed in such a manner as to positively constrain the levers in both a radial and circumferential direction with respect to the associate clutch element.