Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided that includes a flywheel. A clutch cover is secured to the flywheel. An intermediate plate is spaced from the flywheel, and a pressure plate is arranged between the clutch cover and the intermediate plate. The intermediate plate may be secured to the clutch cover by flexible straps or another similar device. The straps retract the pressure plate from an engaged position to a disengaged position. First and second friction discs are respectively arranged between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate and the intermediate plate and the flywheel. The pressure plate forces the intermediate plate and the friction discs toward the flywheel to couple and engine and transmission together. A separator moves the intermediate plate with the pressure plate from the engaged position to the disengaged position thereby permitting self-disengagement of the friction discs from the flywheel.

Abstract: In order to minimize an effect of centrifugal force on a release operation of a clutch piston, this invention provides a return apparatus including a spring support rotating at a same speed as the clutch piston, and a return spring abutted at an end against the spring support and exerting an elastic force on the clutch piston, the elastic force increasing as the clutch piston rotating speed increases.

Abstract: A toothed coupling for tracked vehicles is provided having a coupling sleeve with internal toothing in engagement with one externally toothed gear and capable of engagement with another externally toothed gear. The toothed coupling is axially displaceable and fixable at defined positions. The coupling sleeve includes a flange part of the coupling sleeve extending radially inward and a spindle connected to the flange part and arranged coaxially with the coupling sleeve for rotating the coupling sleeve about the axis of the coupling sleeve. A spindle nut is arranged on the spindle with a blocking part on one end of the spindle. A tool for engaging the blocking part is also provided where removal of the tool from the blocking part is possible only at defined axial positions of the spindle.

Abstract: A selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism has an apply piston, a plurality of first friction plates, a plurality of second friction plates, and a backing plate. The first friction plates are drivingly connected with one transmission member and the second friction plates are drivingly connected with another transmission member and alternately spaced with the first friction members. The friction plates are generally annular members having axial faces that are magnetized with opposite polarities. The magnetized faces of the first friction plates are disposed adjacent like polarity faces of the second friction plates to enforce separation thereof when the torque transmitting mechanism is in a disengaged state. The apply piston of the torque transmitting mechanism also has an annular face with a magnetic polarity disposed in opposition to an oppositely polarized surface on an adjacent member of the torque transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: A clutch operator arrangement for introducing an actuating force into a friction clutch includes a ball screw arrangement.

Abstract: A motion transmitting apparatus wherein an electric motor, an engine or another prime mover rotates an axially fixed first part relative to a coaxial axially movable non-rotatable second part. The structure which serves to move the second part axially in response to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the first part includes a follower borne by the first part and a helical spring having end convolutions affixed to the first part. The follower extends between two intermediate convolutions of the helical spring. If the apparatus is utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle, the axially movable part can serve to engage or disengage or change the extent of engagement of the friction clutch between the output element of the engine and the input element of the change-speed transmission.

Abstract: An operator (10) for moving in upward and downward directions a sectional door (D) having a counterbalancing system (30) including a drive tube (31) interconnected with the door including, a reversible motor (40), a drive shaft (50) selectively driven in two directions by the motor, a drive gear (61) freely rotatably mounted on the drive shaft, a driven gear (65) mounted on the drive tube and operatively engaging the drive gear, a disconnect assembly (70) having a spool (71) rotatable with the drive shaft and movable into and out of engagement with the drive gear for selectively connecting and disconnecting the motor and the drive tube, and an actuating mechanism (80) normally maintaining said spool in engagement with the drive gear and biasing the spool out of engagement with the drive gear when released to permit independent movement of the door.

Abstract: A friction clutch with at least one flywheel mass and a clutch housing with which there is associated a pressing arrangement for a pressing plate which is provided for the action of pressure on one side of a clutch disk the opposite side of which is supported on a counter pressure surface. Furthermore, a disengager is provided by which, upon its movement, the pressing arrangement can be functionally connected with or separated from the clutch disk. The disengager is connected by a disengagement mechanism to the pressing plate by which the movement of the disengager can be transformed into an axial movement of the pressing plate.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling axial movement of a driving shaft of a machine such as a drilling machine. The control mechanism consists of a clutch cooperating with a sleeve member which is operated by two pivotal handles such that when pivoted the driving shaft is lowered and is stopped when the handles are returned.

Abstract: Clutch mechanism for use in an automatic feed system includes a lockout device that prevents re-engagement of a disengaged clutch mechanism until such time as reset of the clutch is accomplished. When the clutch is first disengaged a mechanical flag cooperates with a specially configured shaft to prevent shaft rotation until such time when the flag has been urged out of blocking contact with the shaft.

Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed for intercepting the input of a system (23) of an internal combustion engine (12) normally provided to a solenoid valve (22) for actuating a fan clutch (20) when rotation of a fan (16) is desired. The input is received by terminals (42, 43) and is conditioned and passed on to a timer (96) and a controller (97). A vacuum switch (24) senses whether the fan (16) is rotating and provides a second input to the controller (97). In the event that an input is provided by the system (23) and the time delay signal has been provided by the timer (96) and also in the event that an input is provided by the system (23), the time delay has expired, and the second input is provided by the vacuum switch (24), the controller (97) provides an actuation output to terminals (71, 73) connected to the solenoid valve (22) by use of actuation provisions (98) to actuate the fan clutch (20).

Abstract: A system for sensing a malfunction of a drive train and initiating automatic braking of a vehicle comprises an ECU for receiving a signal from a brake pedal and a speed sensor and outputting a signal to a unlocking device, a hazard lamp and an automatic braking device. The unlocking device is mounted between the drive train and wheels of the vehicle to isolate the drive train from the wheels upon sensing of a malfunction of the drive train whereby the vehicle coasts, allowing the driver the opportunity to stop the vehicle, or initiating automatic braking of the vehicle if the driver fails to do so.

Abstract: A unit for controlling the retraction of a mobile structure such as a mirror used for calibrating an optical system on board a spacecraft, which includes a spring which permanently forces the mobile structure towards its retracted position and a memory material member, wherein a change of state of the memory material disconnects a connecting system placed in a transmission mechanism normally connecting a control motor to the mobile structure. The connecting system normally ensures the joining by friction of two parts of the transmission mechanism between which the spring acts. A heating system controls the change of state of the memory material member.

Abstract: A device includes a driven member arranged to be moved to adjusted positions by a driving member. The driving and driven members are arranged to rotate about a common axis of rotation. The driving member is axially movable between first and second axial positions. In its first axial position, the driving member transmits rotational movement to the driven member in both directions of rotation, and the driven member is locked against rotation relative to the driving member. When the driving member is in its second axial position, the driven member is able to rotate relative to the driving member in both directions of rotation. The driven member can be connected to a seat back of an automobile seat, and the driving member can comprise a hand wheel for effecting adjustment of the seat back when the hand wheel is in its first axial position. The seat back is freely movable relative to the hand wheel when the hand wheel is in its second axial position.

Abstract: A clutch assisted operation apparatus has a frame to one end of which are attached the bases of a pair of flat springs, with the free ends of the springs extending towards the other end of the frame being pivotally connected to one end of a pair of linking rods, the other end of each of which are supported by a clamp bracket clamped on a clutch cable that passes through the frame. When the clutch lever is not being operated, the free ends of the springs are pushed away from each other.

Abstract: A power assist system for imparting an driving force to an operation cable operating a vehicle clutch mechanism is connected to the operation cable to define driving and driven portions of the operating cable. The power assist system comprises an outer casing, a motor having a drive shaft extending into the outer casing, a rotor stably mounted to the drive shaft, and a reel member mounted to the rotor for winding the drive and driven portions of the operation cable. The driving portion of the operation cable is connected to a clutch operation member of the vehicle. An ON-OFF switch is connected to the clutch operation member to control starting and stopping of the driving of the motor. When an operation force is applied to the drive portion of the operation cable through the clutch operation member, the ON-OFF switch activates the motor to cause the rotor to frictionally engage the reel member to impart a driving force to the operation cable to perform a clutching operation.

Abstract: An internal shoe-drum type brake has a pair of shoes separable by an actuator into braking engagement with a brake drum. An automatic adjuster includes a two-part strut extending between the shoes, the first strut part being pivotally mounted on the second strut part and cooperating with the latter via teeth on the second part, such that the first strut part is separated from the teeth when excessive shoe separation occurs upon brake actuation and is moved angularly to a new position of adjustment upon brake release. The first strut part is provided with a number of peripheral projections engagable by an external tool to disengage the first part from the teeth of the second part when it is desired to de-adjust the adjuster in order to facilitate drum removal.

Abstract: A device (110) for protecting a clutch (C) against overheating from externally caused problems such as rapid cycling is disclosed including a heat conductive plug (120) sealed in an escape port (116) of a fitting (112) by fuse material (124) such as lead. The fitting (112) is threadably, sealably received in a bore (104) formed in the friction interface disc (12) of the clutch (C). The bore (104) is in fluid communication with the cylinder (30) of the clutch (10) which slideably mounts a piston (10) connected to the friction interface disc (12). Fluid pressure introduced into the cylinder (30) by conventional conduits (42) moves the piston (10) therein against the bias of a spring (56) when fluid flow from the cylinder (30) through the bore (104) is blocked by the overheating protection device (110).

Abstract: Multi-mode friction clutch having a plurality of interleaved clutch plates operable for establishing gear ratios in planetary and countershaft type automatic transmissions and operative to provide smooth and self-synchronized shifting without the use of one-way roller or sprag clutches. Gear thrust forces from associated helical gearing and opposing hydraulic pressure forces are used to regulate the hydraulic pressure of a piston chamber by shifting an annular control sleeve which controls fluid exhaust from the chamber to maintain a direct relationship between the torque capacity of the clutch and the variable torque it actually carries. Consequently, the clutch is automatically released when the transmitted torque diminishes to zero or reverses. The clutch is applied in a normal lock mode for predetermined gear ratios, set in one-way mode for shifting and totally released when the shift is completed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch, including a contact plate assembly, a rotor adapted for connection to a driven device, and first mounting assembly for mounting the contact plate assembly to a rotatable member associated with a driving device. The first mounting assembly includes compression springs for biasing the contact plate assembly away from the rotor. An electromagnetic assembly overcomes the bias of the compression springs when energized, causing the contact plate assembly to engage the rotor. The first mounting assembly includes resiliently mounted members which allow the contact plate assembly to oscillate circumferentially relative to the rotatable member, in response to torsional oscillations in the driving device. A second mounting assembly mounts each of the compression springs between the rotatable member and the contact plate assembly, isolating the compression springs from damage due to relative circumferential movement between the rotatable member and contact plate assembly.

Abstract: A lock-up device disposed between a front cover and a turbine coaxial with the front cover of a torque converter includes a piston elastically connected to the turbine, a plurality of friction discs provided between the piston and the front cover, and an elastic member for spacing the friction discs apart from one another when the device is disengaged. When this lock-up device is engaged, the piston presses the friction discs against the front cover, whereby torque is transmitted to the turbine through the friction discs and the piston. When the lock-up device is disengaged, the piston is moved away from the front cover, and the elastic member spaces the friction discs apart from one another so as not to transmit torque. The performance of the lock-up device is thus improved in order to decrease drag torque.

Abstract: In an engine-powered wheeled vehicle, having a clutch interposed the engine and the drive wheel, actuated through a clutch cable operated by a moveable engaging/disengaging clutch handle, a clutch oscillator assembly including a chassis for mounting on the vehicle intermediate the clutch and the clutch handle, a shaft supported on the chasis for powered rotation about a fixed axis, a switched for interrupting the power to the shaft to cause controlled rotation thereof, a cyclic drive in association with the shaft for alternately pulling and releasing the clutch cable as a function of rotation of the shaft and including a work plate pivotally mounted on the chassis arranged to be driven by the shaft and further including a lever pivotally mounted on the chassis having one end in releasable contact with the clutch cable, wherein the cyclic drive includes a post mounted on the work plate, spaced-apart from the pivotal mounting thereof, and adapted to move as the work plate is turned, to create rhythmic contact b

Abstract: Inoperability due to solenoid freeze-up, electrical malfunction or human error in a mechanical disconnect system for disconnecting first and second shafts includes a disconnect plunger, a first spring for urging the disconnect plunger toward the first shaft whereby the disconnect plunger causes the first shaft to disengage the second shaft when the disconnect plunger is in contact with the first shaft, a solenoid having an armature and windings and a solenoid plunger coupled to the solenoid armature. A second spring urges the solenoid plunger into engagement with the disconnect plunger to thereby prevent movement of the disconnect plunger into engagement with the first shaft. The solenoid windings are controllably energized to move the solenoid armature such that the solenoid plunger is retracted from the disconnect plunger.

Abstract: Difficulties in interrupting a mechanical power transmission path may be minimized in a manual connect-disconnect operator which includes a coupling shaft (38) and a translatable carrier (28) journalling the coupling shaft (38) for rotation about an axis and mounting the coupling shaft (38) for axial movement along the axis between connect and disconnect positions. A yoke (52) is mounted on a pivot (54) and is connected to the carrier (28) for translating the carrier (28) to move the coupling shaft (38) upon pivotal movement of the yoke (52). A manual actuator (78) is mounted for reciprocating movement and a detent mechanism (92), (94), (100), (102), (104), (106), (108) is operable to maintain the carrier (28) in either of the positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to internal concentric shaft disconnect mechanism for use in an integrated drive generator of the type employed onboard aircraft for power generation. The integrated drive generator employs a concentric input shaft/output shaft arrangement wherein it is desired to disconnect the inner input shaft from the outer output shaft. Accordingly, this invention provides a releasable coupling slidably mounted on and drivingly connected to the output shaft for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft, the releasable coupling having a retaining pin. An annular cam is slidably mounted on the integrated drive generator frame radially outwardly of the output and input shafts and has inner ramped surfaces thereon for engaging the retaining pin, the retaining pin releasing the releasable coupling to thereby decouple the input shaft from the output shaft when the cam is activated by sliding movement to thereby provide shaft disconnect internally of the concentrically mounted input and output shafts.

Abstract: In a clutch assembly, a driven member is driven by a driving member through an engaging or clutch member which is mounted on the driven member movably between a position to be engaged with the driving member and a position to be released from the driving member. The engaging or clutch member is thrust toward the engaged position by a first thrusting force. A releasing member is movable between an active position to abut at one end thereof against the engaging or clutch member and an inactive position to be apart from the engaging member, and is thrust toward the abutting end by a second thrusting force. When the releasing member abuts against the engaging member, the releasing member is first moved in the opposite direction to the second thrusting force direction by a driving force of the driving member to reach a stop position, and then the engaging member is moved in the direction to be disengaged from the driving member by the driving force of the driving member.

Abstract: A torque converter and clutch assembly has a piezoelectric control portion. One piezoelectric device is subjected to the transient torques transmitted to the clutch, and generates a signal in response to the transient torque. Another piezoelectric device is electrically connected with the first piezoelectric device and is expandable in response to the electric signal to initiate clutch disengagement and provide clutch slip to thereby reduce the transmission of transient torque spikes.

Abstract: A mechanical clutch is described having a spring loaded clutch ring with a drive pin extending through a hole in a hub of a wheel and into a notch of a drive shaft. When pressure is exerted on the outer portion of the drive wheel, the spring is compressed and the drive pin is removed from the notch of the drive shaft. This allows the drive shaft to turn freely within the wheel and hub.

Abstract: A single generally U-shaped wire spring has a partial loop formed in the center and fitting over an anchor for a leading-trailing shoe assembly. Each arm of the spring extends along the web of a shoe and terminates in a hook end which fits within a slot in the associated shoe web. The slots are so located in the web to obtain the desired distribution of spring loads on the adjuster/strut assembly and on the anchor plate. The spring will return the brake shoes to the adjuster/strut assembly after actuation of the wheel cylinder during service brake function; retain the lower ends of the shoes against the anchor plate; and hold the shoes against the backing plate by the force component of the spring wire acting against the bottom side of the cable support and against the top of the outer ramp of the anchor plate, resulting in a spring load directed onto the web of each shoe.

Abstract: A disc brake comprises a pair of brake pads (34) each associated with either side of a brake disc (10). At least one brake pad (34) comprises a backplate (36) having at least one projection (40) which is free of friction lining and by which it is guided on a guide pin (46) for displacement towards the brake disc (10). The guide pin (46) is fastened at a brake carrier member (12), extends through the corresponding projection (40) into a protective sleeve (56) fixed to the same, and has a free end (54) adjacent the brake disc (10). The protective sleeve (56) is designed to be elastic in longitudinal direction and has an end (60) remote from the corresponding projection (40) of the backplate (36). This end (60) is fixed tightly at the free end (54) of the corresponding guide pin (46). The fastening of the guide pin (46) at the carrier member (12) is releasable.

Abstract: A drive system for a self-propelled machine including a drive-side main body supporting a pressure contact disc, and a driven-side main body supporting a clutch disc. One of the drive-side main body and driven-side main body is secured to a machine body, and the other main body is connected to the machine body through springs while being movable in floating movement with respect to the machine body, whereby the two discs can be brought into and out of contact with each other.

Abstract: Positive retention of a power train coupling in either a coupled or decoupled position is achieved in a structure including first and second power train elements 12 and 14 mounted for movement relative to each other between a coupled power transmitting position and a decoupled non-transmitting position by the provision of a pair of fluid operated latches 34 and 36 engageable with a double acting piston 28 and cylinder 26 which is operable to move one of the elements 12,14 relative to the other. Each latch includes a moveable latch element 48 for latchingly engaging a groove 30, 32 in the rod 24 mounting the pistion 28, a second fluid cylinder 38 for moving the latch element 48, and a valve 52, 54 for establishing fluid communication between the second cylinder 36 and the double acting cylinder 26.

Abstract: A brake release attachment for a caliper type disc brake is disclosed where the brake includes a rotary brake disc and first and second brake friction pads on opposite sides of the disc. A caliper has a first end which presses a first backing plate toward the disc while the first end of the caliper moves away from the disc. The attachment comprises a pair of rigid rod members secured to the backing plate and extending generally perpendicularly away from the plate. Rigid tabs are connected to the caliper for movement therewith and mounted adjacent the rods. Springs are carried on the rods and disposed on the rods to compress as the tabs move with the caliper away from the disc. A pair of rigid stops are secured to the caliper for movement therewith with the stops aligned opposing free ends of the rods blocking the rods from moving more than a predetermined desired stroke away from the disc.

Abstract: The transferred torque is continuously measured at a predetermined machine portion. A torque-dependent comparison signal is generated and compared with a predetermined maximal torque limit value. When the limit value is reached or exceeded, a positioning signal is generated, and the switching element releases the clutch. The generation of the torque-dependent comparison signal is effected in accordance with the measurement function M=M(t)+dM/dt.multidot..DELTA.t. In addition to measuring the transferred torque M(t), the variation dM/dt of the torque M(t) is also detected as a function of time, and subsequently the torque obtained as a comparison signal from the variation dM/dt at the end of a predetermined time interval .DELTA.t following the particular time of measurement is used as a comparison signal. The clutch is preferably formed with end face teeth.

Abstract: A clutch comprises at least one friction disk and clutch plates adapted to clamp the friction disk(s). Elastic means act on at least one of the clutch plates and urge the clutch plates together to clamp the friction disk(s) and thereby engage the clutch. Clutch release control means comprising a pedal are adapted to unclamp the friction disk(s) and thereby release the clutch. Assistance means for the pedal cooperate with a combination comprising at least first and second mobile members each of which is adapted to move along a respective path at the same time as the other of the first and second mobile members, proportionately to movement of the movement transmission means interconnecting the first and second mobile members.

Abstract: The disengaging device for a double friction clutch, particularly the starting-up and gear shifting clutch as well as the power take-off clutch of an agricultural tractor vehicle comprises a housing in which, adapted to have hydraulic pressure applied to them, there are formed two coaxially interengaging annular cylindrical spaces. Axially displaceable independently of each other within the annular cylindrical spaces are annular pistons which carry mutually coaxial disengaging bearings. The housing preferably consists of three separate cylindrical tubes which carry radially outwardly projecting annular flanges at their ends which are axially remote from the disengaging bearings and are fixed to one another via these annular flanges. The disengaging device is compact both axially and also radially.

Abstract: A pushrod assembly including a carriage mounted on a shaft for movement therealong and carrying a pushrod engageable with a load to be moved. A magnet is mounted on a supporting bracket for movement along such shaft. Means are provided for adjustably spacing said magnet away from said carriage to obtain a selected magnetic attractive or coupling force therebetween. Movement of the supporting bracket and the magnet carried thereby pulls the carriage along with it until the selected magnetic force is exceeded by a resistance load acting on the carriage.

Abstract: A control device to remotely engage and disengage a clutch having a manually-operable lever, consisting of a link pivoted to the lever and to a sector plate. The latter is pivotally mounted on a base and is adapted for movement with a swing arm mounted on the same pivot and extending radially of the sector plate. The swing arm carries a slidable dog releasably engaged with the sector plate and is moved by a power-operated lifter. The sector plate is connected to the link and is adapted to move between a first declutched position, and a second clutched position, and a final operative position intermediate the two first-named positions, nearer the second position, thereby preventing undue stress on the bearings of the clutch actuation assembly when the clutch is operative.

Abstract: The clutch comprises a clutch plate which can be retracted by a release mechanism to release a driven plate. The release mechanism includes first and second members and an intermediate detent. The detent is located between the members by urging the first member in one direction relative to the second member. To separate the first and second members, the first member is initially urged further in said one direction to release the detent.

Abstract: A friction clutch device comprising a clutch spring capable of springing friction plates in a preset direction, a hydraulic device capable of generating oil pressure for likewise pressing said friction plates in said preset direction, and a release device which, when in inoperative conditions, permits the springing force of said clutch spring and the oil pressure of said hydraulic device to act as said pressing force with respect to said friction plates and which, when in operative conditions, effects the discharge of oil pressure from said hydraulic device and the release of the springing force of said clutch spring with respect to said friction plates.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly with a center guide backing plate, channeled web brake shoe assemblies slidably received on the center guide braking plate. A wheel cylinder assembly mounted in a notch on the center guide braking plate and engaged by a first set of adjacent brake shoe ends. A brake adjuster mounted between a second set of adjacent brake shoe ends, and retractor springs attached to the shoe assemblies and holding the shoe assemblies, wheel cylinder and brake adjuster in position on the center guide backing plate. The brake shoes are made of two identical shoe halves symmetrically formed about an axis so that the shoes also provide integral push rod-like which cylinder and adjuster engaging end.

Abstract: Vacuum-regulated system for automatic disengagement of a manual clutch in a vehicle for eliminating mechanical rattle from the vehicle gearbox during idling. A servo unit in the system is joined to the clutch releasing arm and is controlled by the gearbox shift lever for moving the release arm to disengaged position when the lever is in neutral position. The control cable of the clutch pedal is connected to the servo unit via springs, against the force of which the pedal can move in the disengaging direction when the servo unit is holding the clutch in disengaged position.

Abstract: A brake system for an off-highway vehicle which includes a fluid pressure actuated multi-disc brake and a fluid pressure control system. Engagement of the multi-disc brake is effected by a fluid operated piston having multiple effective pressure areas. Fluid pressure applied to a certain of the effective pressure areas urges the piston in a brake applying direction; fluid pressure applied to the other of the pressure areas urges the piston in a brake releasing direction. The fluid pressure control system controls the communication of pressurized fluid to the effective pressure areas to provide both the brake applying and brake releasing functions. Redundant fluid pressure circuits supply pressurized fluid to the brake applying effective pressure areas. In the event of failure, the control system is operative to interrupt fluid flow to the failed circuit.

Abstract: A clutch release yoke for a clutch release bearing comprises a region of articulation by means of which said yoke is adapted to be pivotally operated in an operating plane under the control of a control arm, and an active region by means of which it is adapted to act axially in another plane, on the clutch release bearing. In accordance with the invention, the active region of the clutch release yoke is laterally open and consequently has an overall C-shaped configuration, which allows it to be engaged onto the clutch release bearing by simple transverse swinging thereof in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the release bearing. The clutch release yoke of the invention is particularly applicable to "pulled" clutch release bearings which operate in traction.

Abstract: An idling device is able to bring into an idling condition a lever hoist including a change gear provided on driving member threadedly engaged on a driving shaft for driving a sheave winding-up thereabout a chain or rope for a load, an operating lever rockably driven by a hand, winding-up and winding-off driving pawls engageable with teeth of the change gear and changeable in response to the purpose of hoisting or lowering the load, and a braking assembly for preventing the change gear from being driven by a gravity of the load and adapted to be clamped and released by rotative movement of the driving member relative to said driving shaft.

Abstract: A braking device with two braking members for frictional engagement with a surface and a brake release linkage, a part of which is pivotable about two positions. A feature is provided to cause pivotal movement of the part in a first sense upon application of an initial brake release load upon the linkage part to reduce and then release the braking load applied by the first braking member. The application of an additional brake release load effects pivotal movement of the linkage part in a second sense to reduce and then release the braking load by the second braking member.

Abstract: An idling device is able to bring into an idling condition a lever hoist including a change gear provided on driving member threadedly engaged on a driving shaft for driving a sheave winding-up thereabout a chain or rope for a load, an operating lever rockably driven by a hand, winding-up and winding-off driving pawls engageable with teeth of the change gear and changeable in response to the purpose of hoisting or lowering the load, and a braking assembly for preventing the change gear from being driven by a gravity of the load and adapted to be clamped and released by rotative movement of the driving member relative to said driving shaft.

Abstract: The drum drive in a rotary shear includes a pair of driving and driven surge gears and a coupling of which the driving and driven companion members are drivingly connected with the driven surge gear and with one of the drums. The shear is adjustable for varying the length of stock cut on each revolution of the drums, and such adjustment also requires shear synchronization with the fed stock which is accomplished by disconnecting the coupling members and angularly adjusting the surge gears relative to the drums. The coupling of featured lock type has companion members with cylindrical surfaces which are normally in such an interference fit with each other as safely to transmit without slippage torque in excess of the maximum required for stock-cutting operation of the shear, yet these coupling members are disconnectible for shear synchronization by applying pressurized fluid to their cylindrical interface.

Abstract: A low drag air clutch for use in power transmission systems includes a rotating housing containing a clutch plate, a pair of spaced apart friction disks disposed on opposite faces of the clutch plate and a pneumatic operator assembly. One of the friction disks is fixedly retained in the housing. The other is coupled to the housing through arrays of helical splines which permit limited axial and rotational movement. The pneumatic operator assembly is disposed adjacent, engages and axially translates the movable friction disk. The clutch plate is coupled to a shaft member through arrays of helical splines. Activation of the pneumatic assembly engages the clutch elements. When deactivated, the rotation of the clutch elements and contact therebetween causes the helical spline arrays to urge the clutch plate and friction disks apart in order to eliminate partial mechanical coupling, i.e., drag, through the clutch.

Abstract: A disconnect member is spline-connected to one end of the connecting drive shaft of an engine and a driven accessory, and is axially translatable into and out of coupling engagement with the engine. The disconnect member has a spiraled, axially ramped cam surface formed thereon which cooperates with a rotatable cam follower selectively movable into engagement therewith to axially drive the rotating disconnect member relative to the cam follower, thereby uncoupling the engine from its driven accessory. When the cam follower is disengaged from the cam surface, a reset spring automatically recouples the disconnect member to the engine.