Abstract: This application relates to a hybrid power supply apparatus comprising a fuel cell and an energy storage device for use in off-road electric vehicles, such as lift trucks. The apparatus is a substitute for conventional lead acid batteries and is sized to fit within a conventional lift truck battery receptacle tray. The fuel cell and fuel processor systems are designed to meet the average load requirements of the vehicle, while the batteries and power control hardware are capable of responding to very high instantaneous load demands. The invention has a similar electrical interface as conventional battery systems and does not require vehicle modification. The apparatus is air-cooled to ensure that the hybrid power components operate within a preferred temperature range and to maintain the external surfaces of the apparatus and exhaust gases within safe temperature limits.

Abstract: A method for controlling the speed of a vehicle (1) is proposed, where, in the vehicle (1) to be controlled, the yaw rate or rotation rate is measured, in particular to determine the curvature (k) of the vehicle's own travel trajectory, and where, using a proximity sensor or position sensor (6), at least one vehicle (5,8) traveling ahead or at least some other object within a sensor's sensing range (7) is detected, particularly with regard to an offset from the travel course of the vehicle to be controlled. By delaying the travel-course offset (yc) of a vehicle (5) driving ahead, determined in preset measuring cycles, by a predefined time span (thist), and by using the then instantaneous curvature (k) of the travel trajectory, a historical travel-course offset (ychist) is ascertained, one is able to simply and rapidly predict the travel course of the vehicle (1) to be controlled.

Abstract: The guidance assembly includes a diode device (30, 130, 230) for emitting a vertical line of laser light (32). The assembly is characterized by an alignment mechanism for maintaining the vertical line of laser light (32) in parallel alignment with gravity to compensate for misalignment of the upright axis of the carriage (12) from vertical to maintain the vertical line of laser light (32) aligned with gravity as the carriage (12) moves over an uneven plot. In the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 5, the alignment mechanism includes a rotary motor (38 and 138), for rotating the diode device (30, 130) for rotating the vertical line (32) relative to the upright axis of the carriage (12). The third embodiment of FIGS.

Abstract: An electronically controlled compression ignition engine is connected with an advanced cruise control system. The advanced cruise control system is capable of measuring distance to a vehicle or other object in front of equipment that is power by the compression ignition engine. Signals produced by the advanced cruise control system, at least in part, are used to determine the power output of the engine. In the event that the electronically controlled engine receives no signals from the advanced cruise control system, the electronic control may disengage or disable the advanced cruise control.

Abstract: A cooling extrusion for a vehicle such as a snowmobile having a liquid-cooled engine includes an elongate tube made from a single piece of material having at least one end comprising an integrally formed fitting. The elongate tube also may include at least one integrally formed bend. The bend may be located in close proximity to an end of the elongate tube. The cooling extrusion may be secured to a running board of a snowmobile.

Abstract: A method of loading a two-wheeled vehicle onto a vehicle, e.g., within a trunk space of the accommodating vehicle. The required trunk space can be minimized without relying upon folding of the two-wheeled vehicle. A seat post of the two-wheeled vehicle loaded onto and rearward of a rearmost seat of a four-wheeled vehicle is pulled up forward around a predetermined shaft of pivotal motion. A seat of the two-wheeled vehicle functions integrally as a backrest of a rear seat of the four-wheeled vehicle and a seat back of the two-wheeled vehicle integrally functions as a headrest of the seat of the four-wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: An articulated forklift truck for use in narrow aisles comprises a front chassis section 10 having a first pair of ground-engaging wheels 20 and a rear chassis section 12 having a second pair of ground-engaging wheels 22. The front chassis section 10 carries a mast 16 and lift forks 18 and is pivoted to the rear chassis section 12 about a substantially vertical axis 14 to allow the truck to be steered. All four wheels 20, 22 are driven individually by respective hydrostatic motors 24, 26.

Abstract: A torque-biasing system (10) includes a torque-biasing device (12) and a control unit (14) for use in a motor vehicle. The torque-biasing system is preferably installed in a vehicle having a first front wheel (18) with a first rotational speed and second wheel (20) with a rear rotational speed and an engine (22) with a torque output. The control unit (14) functions to determined when and how to bias the torque output of the front and rear wheels, and to control the torque-biasing device (12) based on this determination.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is located close to a cabin in at least one of a front compartment and a rear compartment of a vehicle, with the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell stack oriented transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The fuel cell stack is located closer to the cabin than an energy absorbing portion of a vehicle side member. A vehicle cross member is disposed farther from the cabin than the fuel cell stack. A cover covering the fuel cell stack is provided. The fuel cell stack is mounted via a mount having a force limiter to the vehicle side member. A bumper is provided for stopping the fuel cell stack at an end of the movement of the fuel cell stack permitted by the force limiter.

Abstract: The present invention includes a control system for, or methods of controlling a wheeled work machine to accommodate desired travel control. Acceleration and deceleration inputs are provided, as is a controller for controlling hydrostatic motors to achieve desired acceleration and deceleration profiles.

Abstract: A frame for a battery-operated industrial truck includes a forward frame segment, a middle frame segment, and a rear frame segment. The middle frame segment is designed to hold a battery block and is provided with a frame top opening and a frame side opening through which the battery block can be inserted in the frame and removed again. To make it possible to easily replace the battery block using different battery replacement systems, the invention teaches that the frame side opening is connected without interruption to a frame bottom opening of the middle frame segment. To increase stability, the middle frame segment has at least one deflection-proof and torsion-proof longitudinal beam that connects the forward frame segment with the rear frame segment, and is preferably realized in the form of a hollow profile.

Abstract: A wheeled work machine in accordance with the invention includes a rigid frame assembly and front and rear wheel assemblies joined to the frame assembly. An engine is mounted to the frame assembly and an operator seat is supported by the frame assembly at least partially between the front wheel assembly and the engine. A cargo support is supported by the frame assembly behind the operator seat and over at least a portion of the engine. A radiator assembly is supported by the frame at least partially behind the operator seat for cooling the engine. The radiator assembly includes a radiator oriented in a generally flat position relative to the ground to facilitate a compact design of the wheeled work machine.

Abstract: A forklift truck with reduced turning radius is equipped with: a frame (2); two front drive wheels (3a, 3b) that turn about a common axis of rotation (A) transversal to a longitudinal central plane (M) of the forklift truck (1) itself; a rear axle (14) supporting two back wheel mounting forks (10) which rotate about respective second axes (12) substantially parallel to the central plane (M) and mounting in turn two steerable back wheels (4a, 4b); a steering device (26) designed to coordinate the rotation of the mounting forks (10) about the respective second axes (12) in such a way that the centre at full lock is positioned at the point where the first axis (A) intersects the central plane (M); and a rear counterweight (35).

Abstract: A steering system comprises a steering wheel and a feedback mechanism in communication with the steering wheel. A control unit communicates with a sensor and controls the feedback mechanism based on the signal from the sensor. The feedback mechanism may cause tactile feedback in the steering wheel. The feedback mechanism is most preferably incorporated by controlling a solenoid valve in a power steering circuit for the vehicle. By repeatedly actuating the solenoid valve, vibration can be caused in the steering wheel.

Abstract: A power steering system for automotive vehicles has a construction for reducing noise generated due to pressure change of hydraulic fluid in the power steering system. In the power steering system, an orifice tube is disposed in a joint portion between the first return tube and the second return tube. The orifice tube includes an orifice tube body and a flange, the orifice tube body has an outer diameter equal to an inner diameter of the first return tube so that the orifice tube body can be inserted in the first return tube. The flange has an outer diameter equal to an inner diameter of the second return tube so that the flange can be inserted in the second return tube.

Abstract: A dual counterbalance valve is added in the hydraulic lines between the steering unit and the steering cylinders on an implement to maintain pressure in the steering lines by metering hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinders under pressure so that the steered wheels stay in phase. Since the steering system is kept under constant pressure, the wheels can only be steered by the steering unit and not by tractive soil forces so toe in and toe out problems are eliminated without need for a mechanical tie rod connecting the steered wheels. The valve is added in-line to the system so that current machines can be easily retrofitted.

Abstract: There is provided a worm speed change apparatus comprising a worm shaft and a worm wheel meshed therewith. Rolling elements are rotatably disposed between a raceway groove formed directly in at least one of end portions of the worm shaft, and a bearing outer ring held by a housing. The worm shaft is directly supported by the rolling elements.

Abstract: A variable control steering actuator for mechanically adjusting an angle of the steerable wheel of a motor vehicle includes a controller, a braking device in operable communication with the controller, and a clutch device associated with the braking device. The clutch device is disposed on an input pinion of the steering shaft. The input pinion is in operable mechanical communication with the steerable wheel through both the clutch device and the braking device. A method for mechanically adjusting the angle of the steerable wheel of the vehicle in order to control the vehicle includes disengaging the clutch device and rotating the steering shaft independently of an input from an operator of the vehicle. The rotation of the steering shaft may be effectuated through a motor disposed in operable communication with the steering shaft.

Abstract: A support pad for use in a hearing device of the type comprising a casing having an inner surface defining a cavity; and a sound receiving, amplification and transmitting system within the cavity in the casing, which system includes a transducer. The support pad includes a layer of conformable metal having first and second opposite major surfaces, and a layer of viscoelastic material along its first major surface. The support pad has an attachment portion with the layer of viscoelastic material along the attachment portion being adapted to be adhered to a side surface of the transducer, and has at least one tab portion adapted to project away from the transducer adjacent an end of the transducer.

Abstract: A cone suspension is for mounting a speaker cone to a housing. The cone suspension has an inner periphery supporting the speaker cone, an outer periphery mounted to the housing, and a resilient central portion extending between the inner periphery and the outer periphery. In cross section, the resilient central portion is separated from a base plane extending between the inner periphery and the outer periphery, and has a central apex spaced from the inner periphery and the outer periphery and spaced from the base plane by a selected height. The inner periphery and the outer periphery are separated by a selected width. The selected height is substantially greater than ½ of the selected width.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound attenuator for pneumatic exhaust that includes a body having an open end and an inner cavity defined by an inner wall, an inlet port provided in the body adapted to establish fluid communication between a source of pneumatic exhaust and the inner cavity, a cap releasably connected to the body to cover the open end, at least one exit port in fluid communication with the inner cavity, a plurality of baffles arranged within the inner cavity so as to define a series of sequential closed chambers between the inlet port and the exit port, and a deflector proximal to the exit port, the deflector redirecting the flow of pneumatic exhaust at least 90° and cooperating with an exterior surface of the body to define an expansion zone. Each of the baffles has a periphery in contact with the inner wall and is adapted to flex under a predetermined pneumatic pressure load to permit the pneumatic exhaust to flow between the periphery and the inner wall of the body.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide includes a feature for propelling disembarking passengers onto their feet at the toe end of the slide. In one embodiment, the slide comprises a fabric sliding surface stretched between two lateral side rail tubes. The lateral side rail tubes are supported by plurality of transverse tubes and transverse trusses such that the side rail tubes maintain the sliding surface in a taut condition suitable for use as a slide. The foot end of the tube includes a transverse tube having a reduced diameter and a lower surface that is suspended above the ground or other surface on which the foot end of the evacuation slide is resting. The suspended toe end transverse tube has a lower spring rate than a full-diameter transverse toe end tube. Therefore, the suspended toe end transverse tube provides the appropriate springiness for catapulting a sliding passenger onto his or her feet at the foot end of the slide notwithstanding the higher inflation pressure.

Abstract: A rescue method and apparatus for rescuing occupants from high rise buildings includes a frame adjacent an escape portion of the building; a dynamic resistance device mounted to the frame; and a removable and replaceable cable cartridge, having a pre-roller cable, which is removably and non-rotatably coupled to a rotatable portion of the dynamic resistance device. The cable is connectable to a person to be rescued. When the person to be rescued goes out from the escape portion of the building, his falling motion causes the cable to move with the same speed as the falling speed, thus causing the rotatable portion of the dynamic resistance device to rotate and to create resistance to the falling speed, until the falling speed of the person reaches a substantially constant value. After a first person is rescued, a new cable cartridge is mounted and the cable thereof is connected to a next person to be rescued.

Abstract: A rescue method and apparatus for rescuing or evacuating occupants from high rise buildings or other high structures includes a frame adjacent an escape portion of the high structure; a dynamic resistance device such as an air fan mounted to the frame; and a removable and replaceable cable cartridge, having a pre-wound cable, which is removably and non-rotatably coupled to a rotatable portion of the dynamic resistance device. The cable is connectable to a person to be evacuated. When the person to be evacuated goes out from the escape portion of the high structure, his descending motion causes the cable to unwind with the same linear speed as the descending speed of the person, thus causing the rotatable portion of the dynamic resistance device to rotate and to create resistance to the descending speed of the person, until the descending speed of the person reaches a substantially equilibrium value.

Abstract: A system adapted for use in evacuating a building includes a track assembly mounted to an exterior wall of the building. More particularly, the track assembly extends vertically along the exterior wall so as to be accessible by a user from the building. The track assembly is designed to permit the user to descend along the track assembly at a predetermined speed when the user is engaged to the track assembly through an engaging mechanism.

Abstract: An articulating step assembly comprising: a side member which includes a guide slot having a first end and a second end; a drop linkage, wherein a portion of the drop linkage is slidably positioned within the guide slot; a pivot linkage, wherein the pivot linkage includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the pivot linkage is pivotally coupled to the side member and the second end of the pivot linkage is pivotally coupled to the drop linkage; and a step associated with the drop linkage, whereupon articulation of the step from a retracted position to an extended position slidably displaces the portion of the drop linkage positioned within the guide slot from the first end toward the second end thereof and pivots the pivot linkage relative to each of the side member and the drop linkage.

Abstract: A new type of plug incorporating a normally closed valve for draining oil from an oil pan of a car engine, wherein the normally closed valve is incorporated in a through hole provided as an oil draining path in a bolt type member fixed to the oil pan, an oil draining dedicated jig is assembled to the plug so as to open the normally closed valve in order to drain the oil contained in the oil pan by sucking it with a negative pressure, a movable valve disc member installed in the through hole is installed so that it is engaged with a valve seat provided near the outer end part of the through hole by a coiled spring so as to form the normally closed valve, and the tip end of the plug is made flush generally with the internal surface of the oil pan so as to prevent any structure from projecting toward the inside.

Abstract: A lubrication device for an automatic transmission adapted to change the lubrication of both taper roller bearings rotatably supporting the output shaft of the automatic transmission between the automatic transmission case and torque converter housing. The disclosed device promotes a smooth lubrication in relation to both taper roller bearings even when the operation oil temperature is low and thus improves the durability of the taper roller bearings.

Abstract: Refrigerant gas at a few psi higher than suction is supplied via labyrinth or annular groove type seals located between the suction side bearings and suction and between the suction side motor bearing and the motor. The buffer gas flow divides with part going to suction and part to a drain along the oil flowing from the bearings.

Abstract: An electric fluid pump for a transmission, transfer case or an oil reservoir. The pump is contained within the transmission, transfer case or engine oil reservoir and has an open housing which allows fluid into the motor for cooling and lubrication.

Abstract: A chain with links made of plates (11,12,111,112) connected with hollow pins (13,113) containing a reserve of lubricant connected with the chain parts (16,116) to be lubricated. The lubricant reserve is contained in replaceable cartridges (20,120,220) inserted removably in said pins through an appropriate end passage (19,119). The cartridge can be made with an enlarged section (23) to constitute a plug of the pin in which it is received.

Abstract: A hoisting machine includes a stationary part having a shank and a stationary frame integrally formed with the shank, and a motor stator provided to the stationary frame. A rotary part includes a rotary frame rotatably supported to the shank through a bearing and facing the stationary frame, a sheave integrally formed with the rotary frame on the side opposite to the stationary frame, a motor rotator arranged at the outer periphery of the rotary frame and facing the motor stator, and a brake wheel integrally formed with the rotary frame and having a larger diameter than that of the sheave. A braking device is mounted to the stationary frame and coming in contact with the brake wheel for braking operation.

Abstract: A door locking system for retrofit installation on an automatic sliding two-panel door of an elevator car prohibits opening and closing of the door from the interior of the car when between two floors. The door locking system includes a hook retainer mounted on one side of the door opening. A locking pawl is mounted to a panel of the door on the opposite side of the opening for selectably engaging the hook retainer. A cable is coupled to a drive mechanism and to the locking pawl for disengaging the locking pawl from the hook retainer when at a floor stop. A flexible cable housing slidably retains the cable and defines a path length between the drive mechanism and the locking pawl. A path length adjuster mechanism is connected between two sections of the cable housing for manually adjusting the path length. A hold-down is mounted to the door to retain the cable housing in close proximity to the door while permitting movement parallel with the door in response to adjustment of the path length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved elevator selector system. One embodiment incorporates all of the operational and A17 code required car position sensing functions into a single car mounted enclosure, without any external mechanical roller switches, by incorporating directional limits, normal terminal slow down and emergency terminal speed limiting functions into a tape selector. All operational and sensing functions may be implemented using a standard 3-inch wide tape by disposing of magnetic signalers on the opposite side of the tape from the side used for leveling and floor identification. An alignment tool facilitates placement of magnets. Tape guides permit the selector to run smoothly along the tape. Optical rather than magnetic sensors may be used for quadrature hole counting to detect relative speed and location without interfering with other magnetic functions. All selector components may be tethered to the selector enclosure to prevent accidental loss down the hoistway.

Abstract: An electric brake actuator for actuating a brake arrangement. The actuator includes an electric drive unit (15, 15′) and a load multiplier (17). The electric drive unit (15, 15′) is in cable connection through a first cable means (16, 16′) with the load multiplier and the load multiplier (17) is arranged for cable connection through a second cable means (19) with the brake arrangement. Whereby the electric drive unit (15, 15′) is operable to apply a load to the load multiplier (17) through the first cable means (16, 16′) and the load multiplier (17) is operable to multiply the load for application to the brake arrangement through the second cable means (19).

Abstract: An electrical vehicle parking brake device capable of reducing the size towards a cable shaft and improving the degree of freedom of mounting in a vehicle is provided for the electrical vehicle parking brake device of controlling the braking force to a wheel due to the driving power of a motor which is transmitted by way of a cable at the time of parking the vehicle.

Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling a road wheel and a brake rotor to the suspension system of an automotive vehicle includes a hub which rotates relative to a suspension system member on a bearing. The hub includes a spindle which extends into the bearing and a flange which is formed integral with the spindle. The flange has a front face that perpendicular to the axis and a back face that is slightly oblique to the axis as well as circumferential rib at its periphery. The back face is interrupted by lands, and here threaded studs extend through the flange and beyond the front face. Lug nuts, which are threaded over the studs, secure the rotor and the wheel to the flange. The circumferential flange reduces distortion of the front face of the flange under the forces exerted by the studs and also under inertial forces transferred to the road wheel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a brake caliper comprising at least two opposite pistons (4 and 5) mounted in a housing (1-2) with fittings for mounting, in two parallel planes, two friction pads (7) and (8) secured to said pistons to act at least on a disc (9). The invention is characterized in that the fittings for mounting the friction pads (7 and 8) consist of means (10 and 11) adapted to pick up the tangent effort of said fiction pads so as to avoid any movement of the latter during braking; the means (10 and 11) adapted to pick up the tangent effort of the fiction pads (7 and 8) are arranged in one or more zones of the housing (1-2) where there is no deformation.

Abstract: A control process can be carried out during parking braking by way of a parking brake arrangement. The brake is applied by way of a service brake cylinder, and a position of a piston rod is fixed by rotation of a self-locking rotating spindle and application of the rotating spindle to the piston rod or an element connected in front of the piston rod. By additionally rotating the rotating spindle during parking braking, compensation can be made for shrinkages, particularly of a brake disk and/or brake linings, which occur during brake cooling.

Abstract: An improved control mechanism for use in a magnetically operated wheel mainly is made up of an outer cover, an inner housing, a pair of compression springs, two small supporting wheels, two linkage pieces, an externally connected pull cord control mount, a sensor, a signal transmitter mount and an internal or external transmission set. In adjustment, only a motor is activated to make a main transmission device, a secondary transmission device, a driven gear, a restraint unit and a driving wheel rotate in synchronism. Besides, when the driving wheel rotates, a lower gear and the linkage rack of the two pivotal linkage pieces equipped with a plurality of magnets and housed in a flywheel are in mesh engagement with each other to vary the distance between the magnets and the flywheel so as to make the adjustment of braking resistance of the flywheel in a stageless manner.

Abstract: An adjuster strut (10) for use in a drum brake assembly. The adjuster strut (10) has an adjustable elongate extent with first and second engagement means (17,37) disposed at opposite ends thereof for engaging opposed braking members (11,12,35) of a brake assembly. The first engagement means (17) is arranged for receipt and support within an inwardly opening slot (19,20) formed in one of the braking members (11,12,35) and includes an end face (18) for abutting engagement with the inner end wall (19a,20a) of the slot opening (19,20). The first engagement means (17) further includes a first channel (21) extending rearwardly from the face (18), for receiving therein an edge or wall portion (hereinafter an “edge portion”) defining the slot opening (19,20). The braking members can include opposed cross-sectionally T-shaped brake shoes and a parking brake lever disposed adjacent the inwardly extending web of one of the brake shoes.

Abstract: A molded brake disc having a central hub portion and an annular disc portion extending from the hub portion in a radial outward direction for frictional engagement with brake pads, wherein the disc portion is formed of metal matrix composite having a reinforcing material added to a metal matrix, and the hub portion is formed of metal which is inexpensive as compared to the metal matrix composition. Due to a limited use of the expensive metal matrix composite, the molded brake disc as a whole is inexpensive as compared to a conventional molded brake disc entirely formed of metal matrix composite.

Abstract: A temperature compensation method for controlling a damping force of a magnetorheological (MR) damper is disclosed. First, a base operating current as a function of a desired force level of a damping force of the MR damper is determined, and a temperature compensation as a function of an operating temperature of the MR damper is determined. Finally, the temperature compensation is applied to the base operating current to generate a compensated operating current as a function of the desired force level of the damping force and the operating temperature of the MR damper. To refine the compensated operating current, the temperature compensation can be determined as both a function of the operating temperature of the MR damper and a relative velocity of the MR damper.

Abstract: A hydraulic dashpot with a piston rod that travels back and forth into and out of a cylinder (4), which it is sealed off from and aligned with by a sheet-metal subassembly. The sealing-and alignment assembly consists of a support with a collar that can accommodate a piston-rod centering sleeve (5) and of a seal (6) reinforced by a sheet-metal disc and whereby the support and/or the disc (7) are in one or more components. To further simplify the sealing-and-alignment assembly and to simplify the assembly's structure not only as such but in conjunction with the dashpot, at least one component of the support (1) is form fit or substance fit to at least one component of the sheet-metal disc 7.

Abstract: A single-sided crash attenuation cushion system having an impact head and three stage energy absorption mechanism. The energy absorbing mechanism has a mandrel for deforming thin-walled tubes in a controlled collapse to absorb impact forces from a colliding vehicle. The third stage of the absorption mechanism includes an additional deformable compressible tube between the fixed-object hazard and the thin walled tubes.

Abstract: A portable crash attenuation system having a trailer frame and an energy absorption mechanism attached thereto. The absorption mechanism has a first stage pivotably connected to a second stage and the second stage is pivotably connected to the frame. By pivoting the stages about hinges the attenuation system may be folded from an extended, deployed position or mode to a shortened transit mode for easy relocation of the entire attenuation system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to “wet” friction clutch packs used in land motor vehicle's transmissions. The clutch pack comprises a multitude of friction plates and steel plates, which are stacked one upon the other. The clutch pack further comprises a multitude of splines attached to the outer portions of the steel plates. The steel splines have rubber inserts attached to them. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the clutch pack it is compressed engaging the friction and steel plates and allowing the clutch pack to rotate, however, when the pressure is released the friction plates stay static, whereas the steel plates rotate. The rubber inserts facilitate a rapid release when the clutch pack is disengaged. When pressure is applied to the clutch pack, the rubber inserts do not interfere with the proper operation of the clutch pack.

Abstract: A clutch disk arrangement for a multi-disk clutch includes a hub element connectable to a shaft for rotation with the shaft about an axis of rotation. A carrier arrangement has a first carrier element and a second carrier element. The first carrier element is connected to the hub so that the first carrier element rotates with the hub. The second carrier element is connected to the first carrier element such that it is foxed with respect to rotation and axially movable relative to the first carrier element. The clutch disk arrangement further comprises at least two friction lining units. On of the friction lining units is firmly connected to the first carrier element and a second one of the friction elements is firmly connected to the second carrier element. Accordingly, the friction lining units are fixed with respect to rotation and axially movable relative to the hub element via the carrier arrangement.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly includes a bearing carrier with a central axis. A bearing assembly, supported on the bearing carrier, includes a stationary race, a rotatable race and a plurality of anti-friction elements disposed therebetween. An aligning ring having a radial outer diameter and a front face is mounted to the rotatable race and is adapted for engagement with a spring plate of a clutch assembly. The bearing assembly is mounted to the bearing carrier to allow limited radial shifting of the bearing with respect to the bearing carrier. The front face of the aligning ring defines a plane that is normal to the axis of the bearing carrier, and the aligning ring and the bearing are mounted to the bearing carrier to allow limited angular displacement of the front face away from normal relative to the central axis of the bearing carrier.

Abstract: A clutch of a friction type between an internal-combustion engine and a transmission is installed in a motor vehicle, for example, of the high-performance class, and comprises drive friction disks and transmission friction disks. For increasing the stressing capacity of the drive friction disks and of the transmission friction disks, at least the drive friction disks consist of a material of a high resistance to wear and a high rotational speed stability.