Abstract: An electrically assisted, power steering system for motor vehicles having an input shaft (6) connected to a pinion shaft (2) by a torsionally elastic member (5) is supported in a steering housing (1) by a rolling bearing. The rolling bearing is formed as an elastic, flexible roller bearing (13), whose cylinder rollers (13.5, 13.6) have at least at one peripheral position an elastically deformable cylinder roller (13.6), having a diameter that is slightly greater than a diameter of the other cylinder rollers (13.5). In this way, an exact guidance of the input shaft (6) is achieved, so that the applied steering torque can be used accurately by an evaluation unit (15) for controlling the servo motor (7).

Abstract: A steering control device of a vehicle, equipped with power steering system, provides information of a turning limit during an initial phase of understeer condition for a driver, with a temporal reduction of torque for rotating a steering wheel by increasing steering assist torque. If the understeer condition is advanced after the information is generated, steering torque is increased in the direction of turning the vehicle by decreasing the steering assist torque, discouraging the driver from rotating the steering wheel in the turning direction. As an angular speed of rotating the steering wheel increases, steering torque is modulated to be higher, in order to limit the increase of steering angle of steered wheels due to the rotation of the steering wheel as small as possible. At a low vehicle speed, the modification of steering assist torque may not be executed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for attenuating waves in a bore hole, and seismic surveying systems incorporating the same. In one embodiment, an attenuating device includes a soft compliant bladder coupled to a pressurized gas source. A pressure regulating system reduces the pressure of the gas from the gas source prior to entering the bladder and operates in conjunction with the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in a bore hole to maintain the pressure of the bladder at a specified pressure relative to the surrounding bore hole pressure. Once the hydrostatic pressure of the bore hole fluid exceeds that of the gas source, bore hole fluid may be admitted into a vessel of the gas source to further compress and displace the gas contained therein. In another embodiment, a water-reactive material may be used to provide gas to the bladder wherein the amount of gas generated by the water-reactive material may depend on the hydrostatic pressure of the bore hole fluid.

Abstract: A diaphragm (1) of a light sound converter which has a high performance, is suitable for mass-production and has a slit (1s) formed therein. A light emitting element and a light receiving element are disposed at positions opposed to a reflective part (1a) of the diaphragm (1) having a pressure receiving surface part (1d) and the reflective part (1a), and light is radiated from the light emitting element to the reflective part (1a) of the diaphragm (1) and the reflected light from the reflective part (1a) is received by the light receiving element, whereby the position of the diaphragm (1) can be detected.

Abstract: A sound reproducing apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a body, such as a housing, a driver for reproducing a desired sound and an acoustic passageway through which the reproduced sound is output. The acoustic passageway having an internal portion, such as a horn, located within the body of the apparatus and an external portion defined by at least one of the exterior surfaces of the body and/or a boundary of the environment within which the apparatus is placed. In one form, the external portion of the acoustic path is defined by an exterior surface or surfaces of the body and a wall, floor or ceiling. In another form, the external portion of the acoustic path is defined by an exterior surface or surfaces of the body and another acoustic reproducing apparatus. In yet another form, the external portion of the acoustic path is defined by an exterior surface or surfaces of the body, by a wall, floor or ceiling, and by another acoustic reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: Damping and muffling structure for EL cell includes a transparent substrate, a front electrode layer, a lighting layer, an inducing layer and an insulating layer that are sequentially overlaid on the substrate. A back electrode layer and a conductive member are laid on the inducing layer. The conductive member is adjacent to the back electrode layer without contacting therewith. The conductive member is laid on both the inducing layer and the front electrode layer to electrically connect the inducing layer with the front electrode layer. The front electrode layer is connected to a grounding electrode of the driving circuit, whereby the conductive member can quickly remove the charge accumulating on the inducing layer so as to minify or even eliminate the vibration and noise of the EL cell.

Abstract: A noise elimination device for a table height adjustment includes a base, a tabletop, an engaging member, and a noise eliminating plate. The base has a lower pipe extending from one end upwardly, and the tabletop has an upper pipe extending downward from one end. The engaging member is mounted in the lower end of the upper pipe, which then is inserted into the lower pipe of the base. The engaging member has a hole with a fixed plate underneath. The noise eliminating plate is made of soft material and secured on the top of the fixed plate with a scratching end at one end thereof to engage with the inner wall of the lower pipe when moving the upper pipe of the tabletop within the lower pipe in a silent way.

Abstract: Duct units for delivery of air to an air supply fan and for connecting this fan to an air heater unit are disclosed. The duct unit for delivering air in one version has a narrow first section, a second, transition-type section and a wide sound attenuating, third section with these three sections extending generally vertically. Spaced apart splitters containing sound attenuating material and having side walls of perforated metal are mounted in the third section. The splitters include a central splitter and outer splitters with the latter converging inwardly towards a central axis of the third section. This duct unit also has an elbow-shaped duct section connected to the third section at its upstream end and connectible to the fan at its downstream end. In another version, the duct unit has a single, elongate splitter that extends longitudinally along at least a major portion of a second duct section and that bends through a smooth curve.

Abstract: A discharge muffler is provided with a torturous flow path for the exhaust gas. A Helmholtz resonator communicating with the torturous path has two distinct Helmholtz throats and Helmholtz resonator volumes in series with each other. The use of the two distinct Helmholtz resonator volumes and throats provides a combined Helmholtz resonator system that will dampen two distinct frequencies.

Abstract: A muffler includes a housing having a side wall defining a chamber. The housing includes a first section and a removable second section. A selectively removable insert is received in the chamber of the housing. A coupling is provided for selectively attaching the housing first section to the housing second section.

Abstract: A muffler for equipment powered by compressed air, the muffler comprising a flexible muffler body formed from a sufficiently resilient material to resiliently deform under the influence of an exhaust air stream from an air motor, the body having an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of flexible baffles located within said body to muffle the sound of the air powered equipment; and an oil mist remover extending at least partially through said body, said oil mist remover being sized and shaped to prevent trapped oil from being re-misted by said exhaust air stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound absorber consisting of two interconnected non-woven fabrics (1,2) bonded through thermoplastic and/or thermoset materials, wherein the non-woven fabric (1) facing towards the sound-emitting source has a layer thickness within a range of from 2 to 15 mm, a density within a range of from 50 to 500 kg/m3, a weight per surface area within a range of from 0.1 to 5 kg/m2, and a flow resistance within a range of from 50 to 1000 kNs/m4, and the non-woven fabric (2) facing away from the sound-emitting source has a layer thickness within a range of from 10 to 100 mm, a density within a range of from 20 to 100 kg/m3, a weight per surface area within a range of from 0.5 to 1 kg/m2, and a flow resistance within a range of from 10 to 40 kNs/m4, with a total thickness of the sound absorber within a range of from 12 to 30 mm and a total weight per surface area of the sound absorber within a range of from 0.5 to 3 kg/m2.

Abstract: A heat shield includes an inner portion, an outer portion, first and second insulating portions, and a deflecting portion. The inner portion includes a reflective material to reflect thermal energy that radiates from a heat/acoustic source. The outer portion includes a rigid material to provide structural support for the heat shield. The first and second insulating portions are intermediately positioned between the inner and outer portions. The deflecting portion is intermediately positioned between the first and second insulating portions to deflect acoustics from the heat/acoustic source. A method for manufacturing the heat shield is also disclosed.

Abstract: A Mobile Auto-Belay Apparatus is provided consisting of a Rail (10), Rolling Trolley (14), Motion Limiting Device (16), and Auto-Belay Device (18). Unlike the prior art, this invention allows an Auto-Belay Device (18) to service many climbing routes without the need for time consuming removal and reinstallation. The invention also allows the Auto-Belay Device (18) to be used on climbing routes that meander significantly in lateral directions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a scaffold and a utility tray. The utility tray is mounted to the scaffold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tree stand and/or climbing device of multiple designs preferably using industrial machinery style belts to provide maximum strength and gripping power. The belts are preferably made of tough rubber compounds and inlaid with various high strength fibers and other materials. The belts preferably have a uniform teeth pattern, which provide flexibility and allow the belt to conform to uneven surfaces on a tree. The teeth and flexible nature of the industrial belts provide a means for securing the belts and adjusting the length for a wide-range of tree diameters. Dual or multiple belt or fastening device designs allow individuals to climb past limbs or other obstacles and maneuver around forks in trees. The invention also relates to climbing steps to serve as hand grips and/or foot rests during climbing. The invention also concerns a slip-lock locking device.

Abstract: A scaffold includes a platform, a pivotable leg unit, and a leg lock. The leg lock is used to lock the leg unit in an extended position for use of the scaffold.

Abstract: This invention is an electro-hydraulic system to automatically lubricate railroad switches and enhance their performance. The lubrication covers switch plates, switch rods, switch points, the base of stock rail adjacent to switch rail and the top of both switch and stock rails. Wear and tear of the switch rail and lateral creep force impact are thus reduced and the switch operates smoothly. Switch related derailments, rail fractures and maintenance labor will be reduced significantly. A pressurized tank with a microprocessor controller, placed on the wayside, supplies an environmentally acceptable smooth-flowing lubricant via hoses or pipes to two nozzle holders with check valves mounted with special brackets a short distance from the switch point on both rails. Lubricant is sprayed with one or more nozzles on each rail switch to cover all or part of the switch length. One or two solenoid valves in the flow lines control the quantity of lubricant applied in each shot and the frequency of application.

Abstract: An improved lubricant stick for utilization with a constant force spring style stick lubricant applicator for rail wheel flanges. The lubricant stick defining therein a channel for receiving a portion of the constant force spring therein, thereby reducing wear and tear on the constant force spring and providing for a more consistent application of lubricant to the wheel flange.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and an axle assembly coupled to the frame. The axle assembly includes a first axle shaft and a first axle housing, with the first axle shaft disposed substantially within the first axle housing; a first wheel coupled to the first axle assembly; an axle lubricating fluid disposed within the first axle housing; and a first axle cooling device disposed within the first axle housing, in contact with at least a portion of the lubricating fluid, and including a first coil. Also disclosed is a method of cooling an axle assembly of a work vehicle. The method includes steps of removing heat from the lubricating fluid by placing the lubricating fluid in contact with the outer surface of a coil, and removing the heat from the inner surface of the coil by circulating the cooling fluid through the passage.

Abstract: This unit consist of a spiral unit like a(1) spring,(2) metal balls or bearings, a large (3)wheel or pulley. A pulley (4)belt with cups or holders. A generator with(6) belt. A small(7) motor to turn the(1)spiral or spring. A ball .(8)bearing bottom of spring or spiral. A ball(9) bearing at the top of the spring or spiral to support spring or spiral. A trough (10)or gutter to guide the balls, to the right area at the bottom and a trough (11)or gutter at the top of spring or spiral, to induce the balls to the pulley belt. Also a (12)shaft or rod in and through the spring or spiral to help turn and support the spring or spiral. Also the main(13) stand to hold the(3) large wheel and spring or spiral conveyor. The pulley belt can also be made of chain, the chain can be aluminum, or nylon. It is a very important part of the patent that the pulley belt or chain will hold the balls or bearings.

Abstract: A fall prevention assembly for vertical lift systems for storage and in particular for parking motor vehicles, the lift system comprising a frame extending upward from a base and at least one platform that is raised vertically within that frame responsive to a lift mechanism upon which a vehicle is parked, the fall prevention assembly comprising a series of metal bars of sufficient size and strength to resist bending attached to the base of the unit and extending upward through a series of bushings mounted strategically on each platform usually at the corners. These bushings can be designed with ridges or teeth inside. As long as the platform or platforms remain level and in proper alignment with the lifting system and within the frame the bushings simply move up and down along the metal bars. In the case of the failure of a lifting means the platform or platforms would become unlevel or tilt and the bushings would bind upon the metal bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide along a staircase, along which a carriage of for instance, a stair walking aid or a stair lift is displaceable. This can herein comprise at least one elongate tube and engaging means for the carriage, wherein the tube comprises a stationary segment and at least one tiltable segment which are connected by means of a tilting mechanism in order to tilt the tiltable segment selectively away from and to a position lying in the line of the stationary segment, wherein the tilting mechanism is situated substantially in the interior of at least one of the tiltable segment and the stationary segment.

Abstract: A double deck elevator comprises a winding machine which lifts up/down a cage frame loaded with two cages in a vertical direction, a cage driving unit which changes a relative distance between upper and lower cages, and a cage position controller which starts an inter-cage distance adjustment operation of the cage driving unit almost at the same time when the winding machine is shifted from an acceleration operation to a constant velocity operation, and changes an operating velocity of the inter-cage distance adjustment operation corresponding to a destination floor almost at the same time when the winding machine changes from the constant velocity operation to a deceleration operation after the destination floor is determined, whereby completing the inter-cage distance adjustment operation almost at the same time when the winding machine stops.

Abstract: A safety system for restraining movement of an elevator car employing a bi-directional safety and an associated car mounted governor with a linkage, between the governor and the elevator car door, including a brake cable and clutch, wherein the governor would operate normally when the elevator car door is closed to set the safety in the event overspeed in either direction. When the door is open more than two (2) inches, for example, the governor would set the safety in the event the car moved more than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A safety system for an elevator car which will prevent movement of the elevator car should the car drift beyond a predetermined distance from the hoistway sill with the car door in an open position.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a new automatic braking system for large airline baggage/mail carts and incorporates the use of a self-adjusting mechanism to provide positive ‘stop’ and non-rolling movement while the cart is intended to be in a static stationary condition for use by airline ground crew members and does not require any additional cart operator movement or action or directed effort to activate or deactivate the braking system.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a braking system constituted by a central sprag, connected and perpendicular to the handlebar, projecting towards the front side of the cycle. At the end of the sprag, a terminal is inserted, free in rotation and equipped with two side holes in the lower part through which the flexible metal cable is inserted, which will be connected outside to the common levers activating the front and rear brakes of the vehicle. At the opposite end, on the contrary, the two lugs of the cable will be directly connected to the ends of the knobs of the handlebar. With the adjustment in length of the flexible cable connected to it, relating both to the front and rear braking devices, we'll obtain that, activating by traction one of the two cables placed in the front of the knobs of the handlebar, the complementary cable will be similarly pulled by the rotation and consequent draw of the mobile central body, so getting a braking action also on the opposite wheel.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a disc brake for vehicles, which disc brake comprises a box for receiving a brake mechanism and a caliper. The caliper is detachably fixed to the box. The disc brake is formed of different modules. The box could be said to be a mounting fixture for the other modules. By the modular form the disc brake consists of a number of smaller units facilitating handling during production, repair, maintenance etc.

Abstract: A disk brake (10) comprises a caliper body (14) and at least one pad-support pin (16) provided at least with ends (20, 22) which can be housed in seats (24, 26) of the caliper body (14). A resilient ring (30) can be fitted on the pin the resilient ring (30) is formed by a wire the ends of which are joined together and which is wound in a spiral forming the resilient ring (30). The spiral has dimensions such as to be housed in a portion (58) of one of the seats of the caliper body in a manner such as to exert a resilient reaction to a force to remove the pin from the seat of the caliper body. The pin comprises an annular seat (32) for housing the resilient ring (30).

Abstract: A disk brake having a first friction brake lining, which for braking can be pressed against a brake disk by pivoting of a support lever. A brake caliper is embodied as a floating caliper and an adjusting device is provided with which a second friction brake lining is adjustable transversely to the brake disk. In this way, a support angle (&agr;) and thus a magnitude of the self-boosting of the disk brake can be varied.

Abstract: A backing plate for a friction assembly includes a body having a first surface and a second surface and a thickness defined therebetween. One or more retention members are provided on the first surface for engaging a friction material mounted thereon. Each retention member has an extruded protrusion and an groove. The extruded protrusion has a generally constant width and a free curved distal end. The groove has a bottom wall having an inclined section and a flat section.

Abstract: The protective device can be associated with a caliper body of a disc-brake caliper having a median plane of the caliper body which can be superimposed on a median plane of the disc arranged perpendicularly relative to an axis of rotation of the disc, the caliper body being arranged with a central portion astride the brake disc so that side walls thereof are arranged on opposite sides of the disc, the side walls of the central portion being connected to side portions so that the side portions are at least partially at the sides of the disc, each of the side portions comprising an opening of a hydraulic brake-fluid circuit defining an opening centre, the openings being in fluid communication with one another by means of a brake-fluid pipe arranged astride the central portion, the pipe supplying brake fluid between the side portions, the protective device comprising a shell for protecting the brake-fluid pipe and fixing means for fixing the shell to the caliper body, wherein the fixing means comprise at least o

Abstract: In a brake shoe, in particular for a disk brake of motor vehicles, comprising a support plate (2) to which a friction lining (6) is fastened, the carrier plate (2) is formed by a plurality of interconnected or separate plate portions (8,10;12, 14), wherein at least one plate portion (8) carries the friction lining (6) which, relative to the at least one further plate portion (10;12,14), is elastically or viscoelastically supported to prevent friction oscillations from occurring during the braking process.

Abstract: A brake caliper mounting assembly and an adjustable torsion arm are retrofitted or designed into the construction of a motorcycle or other vehicle in order to provide multiple functions related to the braking and suspension of the vehicle. The caliper housing assembly and torsion arm are attached to the axle and frame of the motorcycle in one embodiment in order to provide a simultaneous combination of lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and safer braking and control while the motorcycle is in forward motion as the rear brakes or the rear and front brakes are applied together.

Abstract: A parking brake monitor and adjustment control system controls parking brake operation of an electromechanically actuated brake system which applies a parking brake force to a wheel. The system includes a monitor circuit for producing an output signal which intermittently causes the brake system to readjust the parking brake force applied to the wheel.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid brake utilizing a positive displacement fluid pump adapted to pump a magnetorheological fluid through a viscosity regulator. The viscosity regulator is adapted to controllably vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid, altering the pumping restriction against the fluid pump, resulting in variable resistance to pump shaft rotation relative to the pump housing. An electronic steering system for a work vehicle utilizing the illustrated magnetorheological brake as a resistance device to provide tactile feedback as a function of steering shaft rotational position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accelerated emptying of an operating substance from the working chamber of a hydrodynamic retarder is provided which uses a gaseous medium that is introduced into the working chamber to induce volume displacement.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a braking buffer and a turning balance device for motorcar. The brake buffer device mainly made of a weighty drum with a fixed mass and a recover spring, to fix it on the left and right sides of the body base of a car longitudinally. When the car is braking, the momentum of the sudden push will transfer to the weighting such that will decrease the braking distance and forward pushing of the driver and the persons on the car. The turning balance device is fixed on the rear of the body base under the trunk of a car horizontally, and keep the distance from the axis of the front wheel as long as possible. When the car is turning, the momentum caused by the outward centrifugal force will transfer to the weighting such that turning radius will decrease and the turning will become more balance. These increases stability and safety.

Abstract: A combination backpack with detachable wheeled frame, the backpack attaching to the frame by joining an attachment on the upper and lower portion of the frame to a mate on the upper and lower portion of the backpack, and having a flap which can be wrapped around the wheeled frame and fastened to the backpack to secure the backpack to the wheeled frame.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for transporting wheeled luggage using a handle which adapts to the natural position of a user's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow, decreasing strain on a user pushing or pulling the wheeled luggage. In an embodiment, a ball joint mechanism allows rotation and pivot movement of the adaptable handle. The ball joint mechanism permits the handle to rotate or pivot using a ball joint. In another embodiment, a cross bar mechanism allows rotation and pivot movement of the handle. The cross bar mechanism permits the handle to rotate using a ball encased in a cross bar. The cross bar mechanism permits the handle to pivot using a plurality of end caps which are connected to the cross bar. Alternatively, the crossbar mechanism permits the handle to rotate using a fitted plug which locks the handle to the crossbar.

Abstract: A vehicular transmission system is disclosed that includes an engine, a transmission having an input shaft, a master friction clutch for drivingly connecting the engine to the transmission, an inertia brake for selectively controlling rotation of the input shaft, and at least one control unit. The control unit includes logic rules that selectively disable operation of the inertia brake in response to a system operating condition during at least one mode of operation of the vehicular transmission system. The system also includes at least one input corresponding to a system operating condition and at least one output corresponding to a command to log a fault or disable operation of the inertia brake in response to the system operating condition during the at least one mode of operation. A control system and method for operating the vehicular transmission system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly of the present invention is provided that comprises an inner race, an outer race, and an engagement mechanism disposed between said inner race and said outer race. The engagement mechanism is operable to move between a disengaged position wherein the inner and outer races may freely rotate relative to one another and an engaged position wherein the inner and outer races are locked so as to translate torque therebetween. The present invention also includes at least one actuator that is operatively connected to the engagement mechanism and responsive to a first momentary control force to selectively move the engagement mechanism to the engaged position and to hold the engagement mechanism in the engaged position after the first control force has been terminated.

Abstract: A multiple clutch system, particularly a double clutch system, includes a housing arrangement connectable to a drive element and rotatable therewith about an axis of rotation. The clutch system include a first coupling area and a second coupling area. The first coupling area includes a first pressure plate for pressing a friction area of a first clutch disc against an abutment area, the first pressure plate being rotatable with the housing arrangement, and first actuator device for activating the first coupling area to execute controlling operations. The second coupling area includes a second pressing plate for pressing a friction area of a second clutch disc against an abutment area, the second pressure plate being rotatable with the housing arrangement, and a second actuator device for activating the second coupling area to execute controlling operations.

Abstract: A drive apparatus is provided to transmit force from a source of power to a driven assembly, such as a pump, in an aircraft. The drive apparatus can be operated from a disengaged condition back to an engaged condition when the aircraft is on the ground. The drive apparatus includes a first annular array of teeth which is connected with an input member and a second annular array of teeth which is connected with an output member. A plurality of disengagement levers extend outward from the output member. A retaining member is connected with outer end portions of the disengagement levers. An actuator member or yoke is movable to move the retaining member and the outer ends of the engagement levers to disengage the drive apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc-packet unit (1) comprising a pre-tensioned disc packet (2) for mounting on guide elements in a transmission component. Said packet comprises at least two adjacent elements (4.1) that form frictional surfaces, which can be intercoupled in a frictional engagement by means of an intermediate element (5.1) that forms a frictional surface and comprises an auxiliary mounting device (3). Said packet comprises at least one spring device (6.1) located between at least two adjacent elements that form frictional surfaces. The auxiliary mounting device comprises at least one sleeve element (7) and a tensioning device (9). The elements (4) that form frictional surfaces are carried on the sleeve element (7) and the latter comprises a stop (8). The tensioning device (9) can be detachably connected to the sleeve element (7) and produces a force for pre-tensioning the disc packet, in such a way that friction is generated between the elements that form frictional surfaces (4.

Abstract: A friction clutch includes a housing arrangement having an axis of rotation and an intermediate plate arrangement coupled to the housing arrangement for joint rotation therewith about an axis of rotation. The intermediate plate arrangement is arranged to transmit a pressure force and is preferably arranged between two frictional output members. The intermediate plate arrangement has two intermediate plate elements and an elastic prestressing arrangement therebetween. The two intermediate plate elements being displaceable with respect to one another counter to the action of the elastic prestressing arrangement.

Abstract: A device for setting the torque transmitted by a friction clutch (12), having an actuator chain which comprises an electric motor (45), a step-down gear (42) and a mechanism for converting the rotational movement into a displacement of a pressure plate (29) of the clutch (12), so as to enable the torque which is transmitted to be set precisely and rapidly even given high friction. For this purpose, the electric motor (45) and/or step-down gear (42) is/are affected by friction, the conversion mechanism (31, 32, 35, 36, 40) and/or the friction clutch (12) itself is/are affected by elasticity, and, to set the torque (Md) of the friction clutch (12), a position regulator (47) which is operatively connected to the electric motor (45) and a sensor (46; 46′) which determines the position of one of the links of the actuator chain (45, 42, 41, 40, 36, 35, 32, 31, 29) are provided, the sensor being present at a location upstream of a substantial part of the elasticity in the force-flow direction.

Abstract: A clutch system, especially for a motor vehicle, includes a housing that is or can be filled with a fluid, at least one first friction element that is linked with the housing to rotate with the same, and at least one second friction element that is or can be linked with a drive shaft to rotate with the same. The clutch system is radially mounted relative components of a drive system in at least two radial bearing zones that are spaced apart from each other in the direction of a rotational axis.

Abstract: The friction clutch between the prime mover and the change-speed transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is actuatable by a slave cylinder cooperating with a master cylinder wherein the piston is movable by a clutch pedal or by an electric actuator. The casing of the slave cylinder is made, at least in part, of a plastic material and defines a plenum chamber arranged to receive pressurized fluid from the master cylinder by way of a conduit extending through a bell which contains the clutch and the slave cylinder. The annular piston of the slave cylinder surrounds the input shaft of the transmission. The plastic material of the casing of the slave cylinder can contain one or more additives which enhance its strength and/or influence its frictional engagement with the adjacent surfaces of the piston or of a lip seal which reciprocates with the piston.