Abstract: A clutch-actuated piston structure is provided for engaging and releasing a clutch engaging member 23 of a power disconnecting clutch 9. The clutch-actuated piston structure is especially useful in a torque converter. The clutch-actuated piston structure is powered by hydraulic oil from the torque converter or other device. The hydraulic oil is discharged from the torque converter through one or more oil paths 47. The clutch-actuated piston structure has a piston 25 movably coupled to a hydraulic chamber structural member 26. The piston 25 and the hydraulic chamber structural member 26 form therebetween a first hydraulic chamber A and a second hydraulic chamber B. The first hydraulic chamber A receives the hydraulic oil from the torque converter or other device. The second hydraulic chamber B is connected to the first hydraulic chamber A via a diaphragm D, which restricts the flow of hydraulic oil from the first hydraulic chamber A to the second hydraulic chamber B.

Abstract: A fluid operating clutch has an apply chamber and a centrifugal balance chamber. The balance chamber is disposed radially outward of the apply chamber. The area of the chambers is varied inversely with the effective radius such that the balance chamber has less area than the apply chamber. When the clutch is engaged, the balance chamber is filled prior to the apply chamber to prevent premature "drift on" of the clutch. The balance chamber does not effect normal operation of the clutch, but does continue to provide centrifugal balance throughout the operating range of the clutch.

Abstract: A rotation clutch device rotates on an axis of an automatic transmission. The rotation clutch device comprises a clutch piston which slides around the axis of the automatic transmission for the engagement of the clutch device. First and second chamber are formed to slide the clutch piston in the direction of the engagement by receiving hydraulic pressure respectively. A cancel chamber is formed opposite to the first and second chambers through the clutch piston to cancel the centrifugal pressure generated in the first and second chambers. A selector valve selectively supplies hydraulic pressure to the first and second chambers according to a selected shift position of the automatic transmission to adapt to a different required engagement capacity in each shift position.

Abstract: The proposal is for a clutch arrangement consisting of at least one first clutch (4) and at least one second clutch (5). The first clutch (4) is arranged radially around the second clutch (5). Both clutches have balancing chambers (19, 20).

Abstract: A hydraulic engagement apparatus for automatic transmissions includes a high clutch and a reverse clutch disposed adjacent to each other so as not to axially overlap with each other, each clutch including drive plates engaged with an inner surface of a clutch drum. When engaged, the high clutch and the reverse clutch serve to transmit rotation of an input shaft to a high-clutch hub and a reverse-clutch hub, respectively. A high-clutch piston and a reverse-clutch piston are arranged to axially spaced relative to each other, and to be movable with respect to the drive plates of the high clutch and the reverse clutch.

Abstract: A clutch device for automatic transmission comprises a rotatable high clutch drum, a ring-like piston movably fit in the high clutch drum in the axial direction, and a drift-on ball which is inserted in a staged through-hole penetrating the piston in its axial direction and is able to interrupt and communicate with the through-hole by movements thereof in the axial direction. An oil supplying and discharging port which is able to supply oil into an oil chamber partitioned by the high clutch drum and piston is formed at inner circumference of the high clutch drum. A groove which causes the oil supplying and discharging port of the high clutch drum and the through-hole to communicate with each other through a space between each inner circumference of the piston and the high clutch drum is formed at the oil chamber side of the piston.

Abstract: Frictional engagement elements of a first hydraulic clutch and frictional engagement elements of a second hydraulic clutch are supported on a common clutch drum on opposite sides of a snap ring. Openings are defined respectively in the clutch drum and an urging member which is formed integrally with a clutch piston of the second hydraulic clutch for urging the frictional engagement elements toward the snap ring. An urging member for urging the frictional engage elements toward the snap ring is connected to a clutch piston of the first hydraulic clutch and extends through the openings to the outside of the clutch drum. Thus, the pair of hydraulic clutches disposed in a tandem fashion can be operated stably without interference from each other.

Abstract: A clutch assembly structure for a multiple disk clutch is provided which includes a first clutch assembly and a second clutch assembly which are coaxially arranged in parallel with each other, such that the first clutch assembly is located radially outwardly of the second clutch assembly. The second clutch assembly includes a second drum, a second piston slidably received in the second drum, and a second oil chamber formed between the second drum and the second piston. A canceling oil chamber for canceling the centrifugal oil pressure in the second oil chamber is formed within the second piston. In the canceling oil chamber is provided a canceling piston for canceling the centrifugal oil pressure in the second oil chamber. A second return spring consisting of a wave spring is provided between the second piston and the canceling piston. The axial length of the clutch assembly is reduced, thereby rendering the whole multiple disk clutch small-sized.

Abstract: A support shaft is fixed to a casing of a transmission. A main shaft is relatively rotatably fitted to an inner periphery of the support shaft with a needle bearing interposed therebetween, and a clutch hub is relatively rotatably fitted to an outer periphery of the support shaft. An annular groove is defined around the outer periphery of the support shaft and divided into an oil discharge groove and an oil supply groove by a pair of weirs. An oil supplied from an oil passage is supplied to a canceller oil chamber through the oil supply groove and oil holes in the clutch hub. The oil in the canceller oil chamber is discharged through the oil holes, the oil discharge groove, oil passages in the support shaft, the needle bearing and oil passages in the main shaft.

Abstract: Transmission unit for motor vehicles of the type which is provided with a continuously variable transmission (3), a reversing unit (2) and a number of clutches (16-18) to engage the reversing unit (2) in one or the other sense of rotation. At least one of these clutches (16-18) is controlled by a hydraulic pressure unit (25), with a piston (27) which can be moved in a cylinder (28), whereby the seal between the piston (27) and the cylinder (28) is an elastic sealing ring (32), The piston (27) is provided with at least one passage to let hydraulic medium escape under the influence of the centrifugal force, whereby the at least one passage (43) is located in the above-mentioned sealing ring (32).

Abstract: A clutch assembly for selectively transferring rotary power between axially aligned drive and driven members arranged about a transmission shaft of off-highway equipment such as a tractor or the like. The clutch assembly includes an actuator assembly arranged in operable combination with a clutch pack of interleaved annular clutch plates. The actuator assembly includes a clutch piston arranged in operable combination with and establishing an expandable fluid receiving pocket with the drive member. The clutch assembly further includes an annular ring disposed in sealing engagement with and between the clutch piston and the drive member. As long as the clutch piston is in a released position, the annular ring operably divides the piston cavity into inner and outer annular cavities disposed at different radial distances from the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: An hydraulically-actuated friction brake or clutch for an automatic transmission includes an hydraulic cylinder (38), a piston (44, 44') displaceable within the cylinder, a rotating shaft (28) on which the piston is supported and sealed, passages (28, 30) supplying actuating pressure to the cylinder, and a Belleville spring (62) fixed against displacement at one end and resiliently displaceable in response to movement of the piston. The piston, shaft, and spring define a sealed space (64), which is filled with hydraulic fluid to produce a centrifugal pressure force on the piston that opposes and balances centrifugal pressure developed within the cylinder.

Abstract: An automatic transmission is provided with at least one friction element and a piston. The engagement of the friction element is proceeded in a manner that operating pressure is applied to an apply chamber to stroke the piston. The disengagement of the friction element is proceeded in a manner that operating pressure is applied to a cancel chamber to stroke the piston. The cancel chamber is disposed opposite to the apply chamber with respect to the piston and formed such that an outer diameter of a pressure receiving surface of said cancel chamber is generally the same as that of said apply chamber. Therefore, piston pushing force due to centrifugal force in the apply chamber is balanced with a piston reversely pushing force due to the centrifugal force in the cancel chamber. This prevents the friction element from being dragged during friction element disengaged condition.

Abstract: A clutch of an automatic transmission having a clutch drum having a fluid chamber defined therein clutch hub coaxially disposed within the clutch drum; a clutch plate pack operatively interposed between the clutch drum and the clutch hub; and a piston slidably disposed in the fluid chamber in such a manner that a movement of the piston in a given direction due to feeding of operating fluid into the fluid chamber presses the clutch plate pack. In the invention, there is provided in the clutch a fine passage which connects the fluid chamber to an open air. The fine passage is exposed to a radially inner portion of the fluid chamber, so that under rotation of the clutch drum, any remaining air is forced to move toward the fine passage by the operating fluid in the fluid chamber. The fine passage is sized to permit passing of air therethrough while blocking passing of the operating fluid.

Abstract: A friction clutch (10) for an automatic transmission includes a hydraulic cylinder (36), a clutch piston (40) movable within the cylinder, sets of friction discs (18, 54), one set drivably connected to the clutch cylinder and a second set drivable connected to another clutch member, a pressure plate (60), hydraulic passages (28, 30, 32, 34) connecting a fluid pressure source and the cylinder, a ball check valve (64) carried on the piston, and a filter screen (80) supported on a check valve cartridge (68) between the cylinder and clutch discs.

Abstract: An oil pressure control system for an automatic transmission which is equipped with a clutch including: an oil chamber; a piston adapted to be moved forward by pressure oil fed to the oil chamber; a plurality of friction discs adapted to engage when thrust by the piston; and a check valve assembly adapted to be opened by a centrifugal force, to release the pressure oil from the oil chamber. The control system comprises: an oil passage for feeding and releasing the pressure oil to and from the oil chamber; a limiter for limiting the inflow of the pressure oil into the oil chamber via the oil passage; an idle revolution detector for detecting that the clutch is idly revolving, to output an output signal when it detects the idle revolution; and a command unit made responsive to the output signal of the detector for limiting the inflow of the pressure oil into the clutch via the oil passage.

Abstract: A clutch assembly has a hub and a piston interlaced to provide an operating chamber for the piston. A plurality of friction plates are in alternate drive connection with the hub and a housing surrounding the hub, and are engaged by the piston when the chamber is pressurized to establish a friction torque transmitting connection between the hub and the housing.

Abstract: A centrifugal hydraulic cancel mechanism for the rotating clutch in which a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body whose diameter is smaller than the first cylindrical body are set on a same central axis, frictional plates are attached to an inner surface of the first cylindrical body and an outer surface of the second cylindrical body, which transmit torque with their friction, a piston is arranged to move forward and backward to the frictional plates, a fluid chamber is formed on the opposite side of the piston in respect to the frictional plates, and a cancel chamber is formed at an opposite side to the fluid chamber in respect to the piston, where oil pressure can be supplied and discharged, comprises an auxiliary oil chamber formed closer to the central axis than the cancel chamber, and a fluid passageway connecting the cancel chamber and the auxiliary oil chamber.

Abstract: A casing is provided in a power train of a four-wheel drive motor vehicle and supported on a body of the vehicle. A fluid-operated multiple-disk friction clutch is disposed in the casing. The clutch has a drive drum operatively connected to an input member of the power train and a driven drum operatively connected to an output member of the power train, and a piston slidably mounted in a piston chamber and operated by oil supplied to the piston chamber for engaging the drive drum with the driven drum. A hydraulic circuit having an oil pump is provided for exclusively supplying oil to the piston chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a filter assembly for filtering contaminants from first and second fluid sources. The filter assembly includes front and rear portions having front and rear apertures, respectively, extending therethrough. The filter assembly also includes a web portion for spacing longitudinally the front and rear portions and having a filter orifice extending therethrough for allowing fluid flow between the front and rear apertures. The front and rear portions include means forming a filter disposed in each of the front and rear apertures for filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the front and rear apertures.

Abstract: A power transmitting device of a bevel gear differential provided coaxially with axles. The differential has a differential case, a pair of pinions rotatably supported in the differential case, a pair of side gears meshed with the pinions and secured to respective axles of the vehicle, and a final reduction gear secured to the differential case. A fluid-operated clutch controls the differential operation of the limited slip differential. The clutch has an outer drum integral with the differential case, an inner drum connected to one of the side gears, a plurality of outer disks secured to the outer drum, a plurality of inner disks secured to the inner drum, a piston slidably mounted in a piston chamber and operated by oil supplied to the piston chamber for engaging the outer drum with the inner drum, the outer disks and inner disks being disposed alternately with each other. Sealing members separate oil supplied to the piston chamber from oil for lubricating the final reduction gear.

Abstract: In a microprocessor controlled power shift transmission system having hydraulically actuated clutches, compensation is provided to offset the effects of centrifugal force on the fluid in the clutch piston cavity, these effects causing a variation in the response of a clutch to a clutch actuation signal. A table of compensation values is provided for each clutch which may be inched. Engine or input speed and vehicle or output speed are sensed to derive an address for addressing the table of an active clutch. The compensation value read from a table is used to modify a modulation value and the modulation value is then used to generate an actuation signal which is applied to the active clutch. If the piston cavity of a clutch is mounted on a member which is in direct drive connection with the input or output shaft of the transmission then the table is addressed by an address derived from the input speed or the output speed, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid friction coupling (1) with a housing (2) and a hub (4) rotatably received within the housing. The interior (11) of the housing is divided into a main chamber (22) and a receiving chamber (23). Only the main chamber (22) is occupied by inner plates (8) and outer plates (6) of the coupling. The two chambers (22, 23) are separated by separating plates (18, 19). However, the separating plates (18, 19) comprise closable apertures (24) each of which is associated with a slide (25). The closing slides (25) open the apertures (24), thereby providing a passage between the two chambers (22, 23) when a certain rotational speed is exceeded. As a result, the possibility of a transfer of the coupling (1) into the hump mode is reduced at high rotation speeds.

Abstract: Bleeder ball check valves in a four-speed automatic transmission to fill the clutch apply cavity between the clutch apply piston and an adjacent member which will maintain a minimum pressure balance on the clutch apply piston whenever it rotates.

Abstract: Pressure balanced pistons in a four-speed automatic transmission which prevent the centrifugal force acting on the rotating fluid in the clutch cavity from causing the piston to remain in the clutch applied position even though the fluid apply line is vented.

Abstract: A centrifugal hydraulic pressure cancel chamber is arranged at the back of a second piston member of a second hydraulic actuator for the second clutch. A first piston member of a first hydraulic actuator for a first clutch is situated behind the second piston. A centrifugal hydraulic pressure cancel plate is set at an inner periphery on a rotating member to prohibit axial movement and set at an outside periphery in a inside of the piston member oil-tightly. The inside surface of the second piston member and the cancel plate compose the centrifugal hydraulic pressure cancel chamber. A spring is placed between the second piston member and the cancel plate, and the centrifugal hydraulic cancel chamber and the spring work correspondingly to the first and the second piston members.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch assembly having a hydraulic circuit that is filled with oil even when the clutch is deactivated. The piston of the clutch is provided with a sealing assembly which bifrucates the cylinder into a filled an unfilled portion. The sealing assembly is located so that the centrifugal head attributable to the hydraulic fluid does not exceed the spring force of the biasing springs of the clutch piston. The sealing assembly comprises a circular land that is machined into the piston face.

Abstract: In a fluid-friction clutch with a disc stack actuable by an adjusting piston and having resilient spacer parts, the viscous fluid escapes from the shearing gaps between adjacent discs of the stack into a compensating chamber located radially on the outside in relation to the disc stack, in order to ensure a completely torque-free lifting position of the clutch when the adjusting piston is not actuated.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device which has a check valve controlling hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic actuator. Hydraulic pressure is selectively supplied to one of plural oil passages having different capacity orifices by a switching valve which switches high speed rotation mode and low speed rotation mode. A hydraulic power source and plural oil passages having different capacity orifices are connected to the switching valve which is controlled by hydraulic pressure varying according to vehicle speed. When rotation of the input shaft is low, the switching valve is connected to the oil passage having small capacity orifice, then hydraulic pressure is supplied to the hydraulic actuator through the orifice of small capacity. At this stage, as centrifugal force working on the ball in the check valve is low, the check valve is closed by even small amount of oil supply through the small capacity orifice, and raises hydraulic pressure in the actuator, so the clutch is engaged smoothly.

Abstract: A lock-up device for a torque converter, in which a piston actuated by hydraulic force and a lock-up damper are disposed between a front cover and a turbine wheel of the torque converter, a pressing force of the piston causes both friction surfaces of a friction plate of the lock-up damper to press on a friction plate of the front cover, and plural hydraulic chambers are provided by forming a pressure surface of the piston into a multiple-stage structure. A hydraulic chamber located at the most inner peripheral side is connected to a passage of hydraulic oil. The plural hydraulic chambers are connected with each other through fine clearances. A pressure area of the piston in the most inner peripheral side hydraulic chamber is set to a size which does not permit the piston to press on the front cover side friction plate under a state where the hydraulic oil is filled only in the most inner hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: A ball drain valve (2), for the piston space (33) of a rotary clutch disc (3) for releasing the clutch disc piston (32) from pressure generated by rotation of pressurized oil remaining in the piston space when it is bled, including an opening (220), at least two ball spaces (25, 26) and a ball valve (23) actuated by rotation and control pressure. The ball drain valve (2) has two stages coordinated with the engaged and the disengaged positions of the clutch and the two ball spaces (25, 26) have outer diameters (D1, D2) of different sizes so that the ball valve (23), when the multi-disc clutch (3) is engaged, is in ball space (25) of large diameter (D1) and, when the clutch is disengaged, the ball valve is in ball space (26) of small diameter (D2). This arrangement achieves a quick drainage of the piston space (33) past a large gap (250) when the clutch is disengaged and prevents very little pressurized oil from escaping past a small gap (260) when the clutch (3) is engaged.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for distributing the output of a transmission to front wheels and rear-wheels through a front power train and a rear power train. The output shaft of the transmission is operatively connected to the rear power train. The transfer device has a drive gear rotatably mounted on the output shaft of the transmission and engaged with a driven gear in the front power train, a fluid operated multiple-disk friction clutch having a drive drum and a driven drum. The driven drum is secured to the drive gear and the drive drum is secured to the output shaft. A piston is slidably mounted in a piston chamber and operated by oil supplied to the piston chamber for engaging the drive drum with the driven drum. A centifugal force oil chamber is formed in the fluid operated clutch opposite to the piston chamber, interposing the piston. The oil chamber is supplied with oil through an oil supply passage.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated starting clutch utilized in a continuously variable transmission which includes a rotating shaft havng a housing rotating therewith, a pressure chamber in the housing receiving a piston, a pressure plate and an end plate in the housing to rotate therewith, at least one clutch plate between the pressure and end plates and operatively connected to a sleeve shaft encompassing the rotating shaft, and a diaphragm spring between the piston and pressure plate. Where there are two clutch plates, a separator formed of a pair of generally parallel plates is interposed between the clutch plates, one separator plate having an annular fulcrum ridge, which may be slotted, contacting the other plate to equilize loading on the clutch plates.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for hydraulically actuating a clutch mechanism to selectively engage a clutch drum and a planetary gear unit of an automatic transmission is disclosed, which comprises a chamber defined by the clutch drum; a piston operatively disposed in the chamber to form a fluid work chamber; a drain valve including a drain bore formed in the piston having one end exposed to the fluid work chamber and a valve ball movably disposed in the drain bore in such a manner that when the fluid work chamber is filled with a pressurized fluid, the ball closes the drain bore; and a flow straightening structure exposed to the fluid work chamber and formed on at least one of the piston and a bottom of the fluid work chamber in order to suppress formation of vortex flow near a mouth of the drain bore.

Abstract: A fluid operated multiple-disk friction clutch has a drive drum, a driven drum co-axial with the drive drum, a hydraulic piston provided in an oil chamber. The piston is moved by oil pressure to engage disks so as to engage the clutch. A pair of annular cam plates are provided to form an annular space adjacent the piston. One of the annular cam plates has a tapered surface. A plurality of fall weights are provided in the space. The tapered surface acts to provide an axial component from centrifugal force in the weights, so as to push the piston in the clutch disengagement direction.

Abstract: In a mechanism for driving motor vehicles having a synchromesh gearbox with a friction clutch for each of two power branches with at least four power shiftable speeds and consecutive speeds are alternatively present on each one of the two power branches. Each friction clutch is a wet disc clutch with its inner discs having continuous radial grooves for a cooling oil flow supplied from a bore in a shaft. A switch piston shuts off the flow of cooling oil when the friction clutch is disengaged or almost completely disengaged. A prestressed cup spring in a compensating cylinder serves as a strong return spring thereby accelerating disengagement or delaying engagement of the friction clutch. Corrugated spring rings, axially situated between the inner discs and radially within the outer discs, serve as additional return springs. The wet clutch operates as a dry clutch and only has a low torque when it is disengaged.

Abstract: A fluid operated friction torque transmitting device has an apply piston disposed in a housing. An apply chamber having a predetermined area is formed on one side of the piston, and an opposing or compensating chamber of lesser area is formed on the other side of the piston. A torque transmitting shaft and an inner hub portion of the housing cooperate to form a rotary valve member which is operable to connect the apply chamber to high fluid pressure and the opposing chamber to low fluid pressure, when torque is transmitted from the input side of the transmitter to the output side of the transmitter; and to connect both the apply chamber and the opposing chamber to high fluid pressure when torque is being transmitted from the output side of the transmitter to the input side of the transmitter.

Abstract: In a pressure medium adjusting element for actuating a disk clutch; a cylinder is fixedly mounted to a disk carrier and with a shaft segment portion provided with a radial shaft bore for supplying lubricating oil for the clutch; wherein an axial piston operating in the cylinder is connected with a lubricating valve to release a stream of lubricating oil from a large oil retaining baffle chamber, connected with the radial shaft bore, to the disk stack, when the clutch is engaged; and wherein the piston abuts the shaft segment portion and is biased by return springs; and wherein the lubricating valve being structurally disposed in a wall of the baffle and operably connected between the baffle chamber and the clutch chamber containing the disk stack.

Abstract: A clutch assembly has two pistons each having an apply chamber for independently controlling engagement of respective friction plates. An axially fixed wall is disposed adjacent the pistons opposite to the apply chambers. Fluid is admitted between the wall and the pistons such that during rotation of the clutch assembly, centrifugal pressure generated in the fluid in the apply chambers is counteracted by centrifugal pressure generated in the fluid between the wall and the pistons.

Abstract: A power transmission includes two piston-type actuators for selectively engaging and releasing their associated clutches. Each of the actuators is designed in such a way that in order to compensate a centrifugal hydraulic pressure to be developed in a working fluid chamber by a remaining hydraulic fluid upon release of the clutch, a centrifugal hydraulic pressure chamber is formed on the side opposite to the working fluid chamber relative to a piston and a centrifugal hydraulic pressure equal to the centrifugal hydraulic pressure in the working fluid chamber is produced in the centrifugal hydraulic pressure chamber. A partition forming the centrifugal hydraulic pressure chamber also serves as a cylinder forming the working fluid chamber of the other actuator.

Abstract: A belt type continuously valiable transmission (CVT) comprises a pair of input pulleys, a pair of output pulleys and a belt trained over input and output pulleys to transmit power. Each pair of the pulleys has a hydraulic cylinder for pressing the pulleys against the belt. A line pressure used in one cylinder is controlled by adjusting an electric pressure regulating valve. A correction value is calculated which corresponds to the square of the rotational speed of the hydraulic cylinder to which line pressure is supplied. The value of control signal of the pressure regulating valve is corrected in accordance with the correction value, so that the error of the line pressure due to a centrifugal force is compensated for.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated starting clutch, and more particularly a starting clutch for a continuously variable transmission which is located at the output of the transmission to couple the vehicle wheels to the engine upon a signal from a throttle-induced system oil pressure. The clutch includes a housing connected to the drive shaft through a hub and forming a pressure chamber behind an annular piston, a Belleville spring connecting the driving shaft hub and a pressure plate together for simultaneous rotation; the piston urging the pressure plate against a clutch plate and an end plate secured in the housing. The piston includes a plurality of axial projections thereon contacting the surface of the pressure plate opposite to the clutch plate, and the clutch plate is operatively connected to a driven concentric sleeve shaft to drive the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated starting clutch adapted for a continuously variable transmission which is located at the output of the transmission to couple the vehicle wheels to the engine upon a signal from the throttle induced system oil pressure. The clutch includes a cover connected to the drive shaft through a hub forming a pressure chamber behind a piston, a Belleville spring acted upon by a pressure disc extending between the spring and the piston and urging a pressure plate against the clutch plate and an end plate secured in the cover, and retractor fingers on said pressure disc engaging said pressure plate. A cooling oil impeller is positioned between the end plate and a clutch plate hub and operatively connected to the end plate, and the clutch plate is operatively connected to a sleeve shaft to drive the differential for the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A multi-plate friction torque transmitting device has a plurality of friction plates which are controlled between engaged and disengaged conditions by a fluid-operated piston. The piston is comprised of an apply piston portion and a take-up piston portion. The take-up piston portion responds rapidly when pressurized to remove the disengaged clearance between the friction plates and initiates the engagement condition. The apply piston is operable to provide the high forces necessary for a complete engagement. These high forces are transmitted through a fluid medium disposed between the apply piston and the take-up piston. A centrifugal mechanism is operable on the take-up piston to counteract the centrifugal forces applied thereto during the disengaged condition.

Abstract: An improved disk clutch structure in which a hydraulic piston provides the force to cause frictional contact between clutch plates. The invention resides in the use of a drain conduit and pressure responsive drain valve in combination with a vent conduit and a pressure responsive vent valve to remove hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder on inactivation of the clutch with the location of conduits being such that removal of the fluid from the cylinder is assisted by centrifugal forces created by moving clutch parts and such that only the hydraulic cylinder is evacuated.

Abstract: An oil cooled and hydraulically operated clutch assembly (10) in which the cooling oil is contained within the clutch housing (18) after cooling and is scavenged by scavenger means including a pitot-like tube (94) during rotation of the clutch housing (18). An output shaft (20) passes through an aperture in the rear of the housing (18), the forward end of which is secured to an engine flywheel (12). Sealing means (52, 84) provide an oil seal between the periphery of the output shaft and the aperture. An annular piston (56) is disposed within the housing and is caused to be moved between disengaged and engaged positions and is operable when in the engaged position to cause clutch disks (26) to be held between the piston (56), a reaction surface (76) on the clutch housing and steel plates (28) for rotation therewith. A non-rotatable annular member (24) extends between the lip (50) which forms the aperture and the output shaft (20) and provides various passageways.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated starting clutch and more particularly a starting clutch for a continuously variable transmission which is located at the output of the transmission to couple the vehicle wheels to the engine upon a signal from the throttle induced system oil pressure. The clutch includes a cover connected to the drive shaft through a hub forming a pressure chamber behind a piston, a Belleville spring acted upon by the piston and urging a pressure plate against the clutch plate and an end plate secured in the cover. Weights are mounted on the Belleville spring to compensate for the centrifugal effect of the oil in the pressure chamber. The clutch plate is operatively connected to a sleeve shaft to drive the differential for the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic centrifugal clutch comprises an input shaft; an output shaft; a hydraulic servomechanism including a fixed cylinder fixed to said input shaft, an axially movable piston mounted on said input shaft and forming a first cylindrical chamber in combination with said fixed cylinder, and a fixed piston fixedly mounted on said input shaft and fitted in a cylindrical flange portion of said movable piston for forming a second cylindrical chamber in combination with said movable piston. A friction clutch mechanism is formed between said output shaft and said fixed cylinder, and a diaphragm spring is disposed within said second cylindrical chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated wet clutch assembly which is responsive to torque or speed and is adapted to be utilized as a starting clutch for a continuously variable transmission or similar item. This clutch connects the continuously varying means to the driving gears when the engine speed is increased from idle rpm. The clutch will engage as the fluid pressure increases from idle rpm through a pressure responsive valve or directly with a piston area defined between a piston and a cylinder, with the cylinder and attached pressure plate being movable under pressure relative to the piston to engage a clutch plate located between the piston and movable pressure plate.

Abstract: A continuously variable V-belt transmission comprises a V-belt running over drive and driven pulleys, each having an axially fixed conical disc, axially movable conical disc and a cylinder chamber for moving the axially movable conical disc. At least one of the pulleys has a compensation chamber which is separated from the cylinder chamber by a partition wall member. The compensation chamber is enclosed by the partition wall member, cylinder wall and trough including an annular disc like portion directed inwardly of the cylinder wall. The trough has a tubular portion directed axially from the disc like portion. A passage is formed and is so directed that flow of fluid from an outlet port of a torque converter is guided by the tubular portion toward the compensation chamber.