Abstract: A clutch disc including a pad-type ceramic metal friction member fixed by a plurality of rivets to the surface of a driven plate which functions as an inputside member of the clugch disc, and an axially elastically deformable cushioning plate interposed between the friction member and the driven plate, wherein the rivets are disposed in corresponding holes opening through the surface of the friction member.

Abstract: An improved rotor for a disk brake is disclosed having a multi-piece construction. The rotor has a central web extending around a driving drum portion such that the web defines several generally radially extending cooling passages. The central web is mounted on the driving drum portion so as to be capable of sliding laterally, but may not rotate relative to the driving drum. Friction elements, completely separate from the central web, are located on either side of the central web and are mounted on the driving drum so as to be also capable of lateral movement. The friction elements are also prevented from rotating relative to the driving drum portion of the rotor.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a carrier disc for clutch friction pads comprising a central portion and radial blades. Each blade is joined individually to the central portion by a generally radial blade foot, and is cantilevered asymmetrically from either side of this foot. Each blade is divided into zones by transverse shoulders. For a given diameter, the terminal zone of that portion of the blade that is cantilevered to the greatest extent with respect to the blade foot, and which is intersected by the endmost shoulder, is joined to the central zone by a second foot.

Abstract: A clutch disc including a disc-like annular facing members arrange to front on each other and a cushioning plate corrugated in circumferential direction. Stiffening plates which are disc-like annular bodies having inside and outside diameters approximately identical with those of facing members and on which slotted holes extending nearly in radial direction are made at plural places in circumferential direction, are glued to fronting surfaces of the facing members. The cushioning plate is disposed between the fronting stiffening plates to make convex portions on its both surfaces contact with portions located between the slotted holes of the stiffening plates, and is fastened by rivets to the contacting portions.

Abstract: A damping mechanism for clutch disc for use in an automobile clutch, including an axially compressible cushioning plate supporting a facing in between a flywheel and a pressure plate. In order for minimizing "resonance sound" of the cushioning plate due to axial vibration, a damping member for controlling the axial vibration of the cushioning plate is installed between the cushioning plate and the clutch plate.

Abstract: The clutch disc for a motor vehicle friction clutch comprises a hub (1) with a lining carrier disc (9) held thereon and several friction lining plates (15), arranged in the region of the external circumference of the lining carrier disc and offset in the circumferential direction in relation to one another, axially on both sides of the lining carrier disc (9). The friction lining plates (15) arranged on at least one axial side of the lining carrier disc (9) are secured through axially resilient spring segments (23) on the lining carrier disc (9). The spring segments are radially domed and are held on the lining carrier disc (9) both in the circumferential direction on both sides laterally of the friction lining plate (15) by first rivets (35) and radially towards the hub (1) laterally of the friction lining plate (15) by second rivets (33).

Abstract: A method of forming an integral fastener such as a rivet on a sheet metal component such as part of a clutch plate assembly. The method involves placing the metal sheet between a pair of dies so that portion of the sheet overlies a cavity in one die. The other die has an annular working face which surrounds the cavity in immediately adjacent relationship. A biased plunger is arranged for movement relative to both dies and is receivable in the die cavity with clearance. That plunger is engaged with the sheet portion on the side thereof opposite the cavity so as to apply a bias force to that portion which acts in the direction of the cavity. The annular working face is then applied to the metal sheet so as to compress an annular zone of that sheet. The combined effect of the bias force and the compression then causes material to yield in the annular zone and to be displaced from that zone to flow into the die cavity to form a hollow fastener in the clearance between the cavity and the plunger.

Abstract: A clutch disc having an organic facing for a light load and a cerametallic facing for a heavy load which are arranged adjacently in a circumferential direction of a driven plate. The organic facing is mounted on a reinforcing plate. A cushion is provided behind the organic facing for mounting such organic facing on the driven plate. A reinforcing plate is provided between the cerametallic facing and the driven plate and the cerametallic facing is fixed to such reinforcing plate with an adhesive.

Abstract: The clutch plate of a friction clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle has a hub which can transmit torque to the input shaft of a variable-speed transmission, a carrier of two annuli of friction linings which are clamped between the flywheel and the pressure plate of the engaged friction clutch, a primary damper which damps vibrations of the clutch plate when the engine which drives the flywheel is idling, and a main damper which is interposed between the primary damper and the hub. The primary damper has an input element which is clamped between the friction linings when the clutch is engaged, and such input element can turn relative to the carrier during an advantaged stage of rotation of the carrier relative to the hub from a neutral position in the traction direction. The primary damper further has coil springs which operate between the input element and the hub, and the main damper has two sets of additional coil springs.

Abstract: A braking member for a brake of the liquid cooled type is provided on at least one side with an annular reservoir for cooling liquid, and passages are arranged to control the release of liquid from the reservoir to braking surfaces in response to centrifugal force.

Abstract: A driven clutch disk assembly adapted for use in a friction clutch includes a system for controlling clutch engagement friction, whereby an increasing surface contact friction area is presented in order to limit clutching capacity over an initial clutch engagment period. The result is a substantial reduction of the chatter which tends to occur in clutch systems which utilize metallic friction elements. In a preferred form, the clutch disk assembly incorporates a pair of circumferentially extending cantilevered spring beams, both positioned intermediately of a pair of backing plates, each spring beam loaded against one of the pair. An associated friction element secured to the backing plate will thereby have a crowned surface for initial clutch engagement. The surface will collapse during engagement to ultimately present a full flattened friction surface area. The invention thereby tends to obviate the chatter problem.

Abstract: An annular support of a clutch disc made of a plate member having connecting apertures and radial slits. Friction material facings are die pressed into engagement with the plate member with dies which force the friction material through the apertures and slits to integrally connect the facings to the plate member and to each other. Each facing is provided at its surface with hollows positioned over the slits and having circumferential widths wider than the slits. The hollows overlap the edge portions of the slits at the opposite sides of the slits. The hollows in the facings are formed by projections on the faces of the dies in the forming operation.

Abstract: A clutch disk for use in a dry friction clutch includes a cushioned friction element assembly. The assembly includes a novel support system, wherein as part of a pair of identical friction laminates welded or otherwise secured to one another, opposing pairs of integral sliding wedge supports are adapted to jointly clasp the disk at radial boundaries of openings in the disk. In a preferred form, each laminate incorporates a backing plate, and each friction assembly includes a central cushion region between back plates. The sliding wedge supports retain each assembly over a disk opening, and are adapted to accommodate significant lateral deflection of the assembly during transitional engagement of the clutch disk.

Abstract: A clutch disc having a pair of side plates connected together by a stop pin and a cushioning plate inclined in relation to one side plate. A stepped coined section is formed on a stop pin fitting part of the side plate to which the cushioning plate is fastened. The stop pin does not interfere with the press work and the outer peripheral part of the side plate can be formed into a conical shape.

Abstract: A friction disk assembly includes a driven annular member having a plurality of radially extending torque transmitting support segments circumferentially spaced, each support segment defining an opening and supporting a friction laminate member across the opening. Each laminate includes a single backing plate which incorporates a pair of friction pads bonded to each of the opposed sides of the single backing plate. In a preferred form, the backing plate includes an offset portion which extends into the opening of an associated support segment, wherein an interference fit with the opening is established with respect to the offset portion in order to avoid relative movement between the laminate and the support segment under circumferential friction loads.

Abstract: In an electric motor regulating and control drive, especially for industrial sewing machines, a clutch-brake disk is mounted for co-rotation on an output shaft and has a clutch facing which can be brought into engagement with a clutch surface of a flywheel of the corresponding motor, and has a brake facing which can be brought into engagement with a brake surface of a brake-bearing plate. In order to achieve by simple means an effective suppression of impact noises when a braking action is initiated, at least the brake facing is mounted with damping with respect to the armature ring of the clutch-brake disk. It is preferably thrust against the armature ring by means of at least one annular spring.

Abstract: A friction material and carrier assembly (which is to be used in the construction of a driven plate of a dry friction clutch) comprises a circular carrier plate having at its periphery radially extending spokes or paddles which are elastically pliable axially of the carrier plate. Two annular friction facings which are resilient and capable of flexing are bonded by respective layers of silicone rubber to opposite sides of the paddles. Each rubber layer can be formed by a plurality of strips or beads of rubber. The paddles arrangement is capable of sinuous flexing circumferentially of the assembly, and when the assembly is in a driven plate in a clutch applying the clamp load specified for the clutch, the overall axial thickness of the combination formed by the paddles and rubber layers and the friction facings is reduced by between 0.05 mm and 2.00 mm.

Abstract: A clutch brake (A) having a brake assembly (B) connectable to a rotatable shaft (3) with driving action accompanied and a cover assembly (C) providing external friction surfaces (29) and (30) and supported rotatably relatively to a brake assembly (B); characterized by that rivets (26) are provided which slidingly connect approximately disc-like, facing-each-other two cover elements (19) and (24) composing a cover assembly (C) with a specified axial clearance (L) left therebetween, an approximately disc-like spring member (31) for pressing the brake assembly (B) is interposed between the cover assembly (C) and the brake assembly (B), the clearance (L) between the cover elements (19) and (24) being so set that a spring force of the spring member (31) is not transmitted to the brake assembly (B) in an initial state where the cover assembly (C) is not pressed and the spring force of the spring member (31) is transmitted to the brake assembly (B) in an engaged state where the cover assembly (C) is pressed.

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

Abstract: A friction component for a clutch or brake including a facing of friction material and at least one metal section of plate-like form embedded in a rear surface of that facing and having an integral rivet or other fastener projecting outwardly from the facing rear surface. The metal section extends across a relatively small part of the facing rear surface and if there is a plurality of such sections they may be interconnected through integral bands. In the case of an annular friction component the metal sections are spaced circumferentially around the friction facing and if connecting bands are used they are preferably adjacent the inner periphery of the facing.

Abstract: An asbestos-free clutch plate assembly has a reduced break-in phase and a facing which is substantially uniformly supported by the clutch plate. The assembly comprises a clutch plate defining a first surface and having a plurality of cambered portions. A substantially rigid, wear resistant, asbestos-free facing is attached to the first surface. The clutch facing has a plurality of grooves formed therein with each groove located substantially along the peak of one of the cambered portions thereby reducing the amount of material to be worn away during the break-in phase. The grooves further enable the clutch facing to conform to the contour of the surface so as to be substantially uniformly supported thereby.

Abstract: A friction disk comprises circumferentially distributed support vanes and two annular friction facing members at its periphery, one on each side of the support vanes. Each friction facing member is axially fastened to the support vanes but axially mobile relative to the other friction facing member. Each support vane comprises a sheet metal member which is bent in an inoperative configuration with the friction facing members moved apart from one another. This sheet metal member features a circumferential succession of bends delimiting a circumferential succession of bearing surfaces alternately for one of the friction facing members and for the other. The friction facing members comprise bearing areas which cooperate with these bearing surfaces and recesses between these bearing areas axially recessed relative to the bearing areas.

Abstract: A clutch disk comprises an annular plane support member at the periphery of which are elastically deformable parts adapted to deform when the disk is subjected to axial compression. Two friction facing members are disposed one on each side of the support member and locally attached to the deformable parts. Thus the portion of the disk comprising the friction facing members is elastically compressible between an expanded inoperative configuration and a flattened operative configuration. The deformable parts are substantially plane in the inoperative configuration. The friction facing members have inside surfaces on which are bosses alternating with recesses and the friction facing members are attached to the deformable parts by means of these bosses. The bosses on each friction facing member are aligned with the recesses on the other member.

Abstract: A friction facing assembly disposed at a radially outer portion of a clutch disk, comprises a cushioning plate structure of which radially inner portion is fixed to a side plate of the clutch disk and is elastically compressible in an axial direction of the clutch disk; a pair of friction facings fixed to respective surfaces of the cushioning plate structure; and an elastic means arranged between the cushioning plate structure and at least one of the friction facings; said elastic means being adapted to generate hysteresis in axial elastical deformation characteristics of the friction facing assembly.

Abstract: A clutch brake for use with non-synchronized vehicle transmissions includes noise suppression components. The clutch brake comprises a pair of housing members secured together which receive components of a torque limiting assembly. The assembly includes an inner ring member adapted to rotationally engage the transmission drive shaft and which is coupled to a concentric, outer ring member through a lost motion coupling. The outer ring, in turn, is frictionally coupled to the housing by an adjacent wave spring which includes inwardly directed tabs. The tabs exert a biasing force against the inner ring member, inhibiting wholly unrestricted motion which might generate undesirable vibration and noise.

Abstract: A split disc for a brake or clutch in which a separator disc member is positioned for frictional engagement with adjacent disc members that form an integral disc. The separator disc member is thin relative to adjacent spaced disc members suppressing noise and vibration to enhance dissipation of heat.

Abstract: A friction clutch disc comprises an annular support plate and annular friction facings on the respective sides of the support plate. Bores in the friction facings are generally in axial alignment with openings in said support plate, and rivets secure the respective friction facings to the support plate through pairs of aligned bores and openings. Each rivet comprises a shank, a first head at one end of the shank bearing against a transverse, and preferably flared, shoulder adjacent the axially inner end of the associated bore and a second head at the other end of the shank bearing against the support plate around the margin defining the associated opening therein. An annular protrusion coaxial with each of the bores in at least one of the friction facings is axially in alignment with and inwardly of the associated shoulder and is at least partly received in the associated opening in the support plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cushioning plate assembly of a clutch disc comprising a plurality of cushioning plates adapted to be disposed between a flywheel and a pressure plate and fixed to an outer peripheral portion of a clutch plate of a clutch disc; a front facing to be pressed to the flywheel and fixed to portions of the cushioning plates; and a rear facing to be pressed to the pressure plate and fixed to another portions of the cushioning plates; said cushioning plates having elastically deformable portions which deform so that substantially full surfaces of the facings may be pressed against the flywheel and the pressure plate respectively in engaged condition of the clutch.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a facing assembly of a friction clutch disc comprising facing fixing plate having plural apertures and arranged at radially outer portion of the clutch disc; and a pair of facings disposed on both faces of the fixing plate, said facings having connecting portions entered into the apertures and integrally connecting both facings together so that the facings may be fixed to the plate. A total sectional area of the connecting portions in radially outer portions of the facings is preferably larger than a total sectional area of the connecting portions in radially inner portions of the facings.

Abstract: A wearing dry friction material element is mounted on a support member by a cured rubber adhesive in a spaced pattern. The cured adhesive has a tensile strength adequate to retain the frictional element to the substrate, and also serves to cushion the shock at engagement between the frictional element and a contacting surface. The cured adhesive is generally of the room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) rubber type. Also described is a method for the production of a dry friction material assembly.

Abstract: A clutch friction disc or plate wherein a circular flange carries a set of equidistant blades each extending radially outwardly beyond its periphery and each having a pair of overlapping, elastic plates whose inner end portions are riveted to the flange. A friction lining is connected with the outer side of each plate by two rivets whose heads extend into complementary circular openings provided in the other plate of the respective pair. At least one opening of each plate communicates with at least one slot end of which communicates with the respective opening and the other end of which is closed, open by extending to the marginal portion of the respective plate, or communicates with the other opening in the respective plate. The slots reduce the likelihood of distortion of plates as a result of development of unequal stresses owing to unequal heating of all regions of the plates when the disc is engaged between a pair of torque-transmitting or torque-receiving elements of the clutch.

Abstract: A progressive engagement friction disc, particularly for a clutch, comprises a hub, an annular washer coupled to the hub, and a circular series of blades fixed to the hub carrying friction linings on both surfaces. The blades comprise plane areas extending at two slightly different levels connected by ramps. One of the ramps is divided in the direction of its level lines into at least two parts which are inclined in the same direction and which are offset relative to one another in a transverse direction relative to their extension, thus making it possible to increase the useful surface of the area to which the corresponding lining is riveted.

Abstract: A clutch driven plate assembly utilizing cushion springs secured to a clutch plate and having the annular friction facings bonded directly thereto without the use of rivets. Each cushion spring has an offset portion that substantially overlaps the next adjacent cushion spring with a substantial flat area available for bonding of the friction facings thereto, and the cushion springs will function to provide cushioned clutch engagement.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a variable pulley transmission assembly operable between a prime mover and a driven means. The assembly includes input and output pulleys each with a movable sheave, where the pulleys are connected by a flexible belt, a fluid-actuated and fluid cooled starting clutch, a forward-reverse-neutral gear arrangement and a differential drive system connected to the driver means. The system also includes a control system to control the fluid actuated clutch and the movable sheaves. The clutch includes a deeply grooved pattern to provide adequate cooling with low pressure oil before its return to sump. This assembly provides a slippable clutch that acts analogously to a fuse under certain conditions to avoid excess loads to the belt means and also to provide lower operating pressure limits on the movable sheave maintaining belt tension. The clutch further provides a low end lugging limit slip to thereby avoid "torsionals" being transmitted past the clutch.

Abstract: In a multiple disk clutch, a first clutch disk is located between a flywheel which forms a counter-pressure plate and an intermediate plate and a second clutch disk is located between the intermediate plate, on the opposite side from the first clutch disk, and a pressure-plate. The two clutch disks are attached to an output shaft so that they rotate with but are axially slidable relative to the shaft. The intermediate plate has balance edges each supporting a two-arm lever approximately at its center. The two-arm levers are disposed in planes approximately parallel to the clutch disks and they are arranged to pivot on the intermediate plate about an axis extending radially of the axis of rotation of the clutch. One arm of each lever is connected by a swivel joint to the clutch housing and the other arm is connected by a swivel joint to the pressure plate. A lifting spring prestresses the intermediate plate toward the pressure plate.

Abstract: In a clutch disk, particularly for a motor vehicle clutch, the annular friction linings are mounted on a carrier disk by a plurality of pairs of leaf spring elements which are distributed along a peripheral zone of the carrier disk. The leaf spring elements comprise fixing portions. The fixing portions of the leaf spring elements of respective pairs of leaf spring elements rest against each other and are commonly fixed to the peripheral zone. Further the leaf spring elements comprise lining carrying portions, which are fixed to the friction linings. The lining carrying portions of the leaf spring elements of respective pairs of leaf spring elements have an uneven configuration such that only first partial areas of the lining carrying portions abut each other, whereas second partial areas of the lining carrying portions are spaced from each other in axial direction when in the unloaded condition.

Abstract: Fail safe electromagnetic clutch (10) includes a driving member (12) and a driven member (16). Engagement structure (30) cushions engagement between the driving member (12) and driven member (16) when the clutch is engaged. The engagement structure (30) includes a pair of elements (36, 34) and a resilient wave washer (42) located therebetween. The waver washer (42) biases the element (36) into driving engagement with the driving member (12) and biases the element (34) into driving engagement with the driven member (16). When the clutch is disengaged, a magnetic coil (22) forces the element (34) away from the driven member (16), thereby collapsing the wave washer (42). When the clutch is to be re-engaged, the coil (22) is de-energized, thereby permitting the wave washer (42) to drive the element (34) back into driving engagement with the driven member (16).

Abstract: A clutch driven plate assembly for an automotive vehicle wherein the clutch plate has radially extending lobes carrying friction pads of a suitable material, with the pad being mounted on cushioning means so as to present a variable surface contact area to the engaging surfaces of the clutch assembly to decrease the clutching capacity at initial engagement to reduce chatter. As torque demand increases and clutch engagement continues, the clutch capacity is increased by the deforming of the cushioning means to allow the friction pads to flatten against the engaging surfaces and provide a larger contact area.

Abstract: A clutch driven plate assembly for an automotive vehicle wherein the clutch plate has radially extending lobes carrying friction pads of a suitable material, with the pads being mounted on cushioning means so as to present a yieldable friction surface to the engaging surfaces of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A device for clamping or forceful engagement. Top and bottom casing members are maintained in restricted movable engagement with each other. Received within the casing members are a plurality of balls, arranged in layers. Certain of the balls are spring-biased to urge the top and bottom casing members away from each other. In one embodiment of the invention, certain of the balls protrude through the top casing member and adapt to clamp objects of varying geometrical configurations. As forceful engagement is attained, the balls of the device compress and interlock with each other. In another embodiment of the invention, the top casing is without holes and the apparatus may then be used to achieve forceful engagement with an angled surface such as in a clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A friction clutch driven plate has an annular friction facing with a back surface in contact with an opposed surface of a friction facing carrier.Circumferentially spaced recesses are provided in the back face of the facing so as to relieve the back surface of the facing to allow portions of the friction surface of the facing to yield under axial load on engagement of the driven plate against a drive member.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle clutch cover assembly comprising a cover, a pressure plate rotatable with the cover but movable axially relative thereto, and axially-acting resilient means such as a diaphragm located between the cover and the pressure plate and operable to urge the pressure plate away from the cover, the invention provides one or more retaining shims adapted to limit the displacement of the pressure plate relative to the cover, and corresponding apertures in the cover which allow the retaining shims to be removed or inserted. The retaining shims are fitted either during removal of the cover assembly for servicing, or during replacement, and by restricting displacement of the pressure plate reduce the effective axial dimension of the cover assembly thereby facilitating removal or replacement of the assembly in a confined space.

Abstract: A plurality of friction buttons in a standardized clutch disc assembly, wherein the friction buttons are arranged to be secured by rivets or the like to marcel springs in a manner which permits the full cushioning function of the marcel springs to be maintained, and permits the friction buttons on one face of the disc to back up those of the other face to achieve substantially uniform pressure loading on the friction buttons.

Abstract: The invention concerns a friction disc for a clutch, of the kind comprising a central hub having a plurality of radial blades carrying the friction linings on each outer face. The friction disc is provided with axial resiliency or "give" by forming each radial blade from two axially displaceable plates which are urged apart elastically, and coupling means are provided between the plates to limit the degree of axial displacement thereof. According to the invention, the coupling means comprise a lug integral with one plate which engages in a simple recess formed in the lateral edge of the other plate. Preferably a lug and a recess are formed in each plate, and the plates are identical.The construction simplifies the assembly of the friction disc and provides significant cost savings in manufacture.

Abstract: A clutch brake unit suitable for use in conjunction with a heavy duty clutch assembly for retarding the motion of the driven clutch shaft. The unit is actuated by the clutch release mechanism which causes the unit to be compressed between a movable member and a stationary member as the clutch is being released. A pair of discs, adapted to positively engage the shaft in sliding relationship therewith, are initially engaged by the members in friction driving contact and forced together against the biasing pressure of a wave washer mounted therebetween. The discs are independently mounted for compression within a relatively rigid housing. When the discs are compressed to a predetermined depth, the two members engage the housing thereby preventing further loading of the shaft.

Abstract: A clutch of the single-plate dry-disc type is structured to include annular friction facings secured to opposite surfaces of a supporting plate of a clutch plate and a plurality of recesses or shallow grooves are defined in the surface of one of the annular friction facings. The shallow grooves extend from the inner periphery of the one annular friction facing and terminate short of the outer periphery thereof.Accelerated air streams are introduced from the exterior through the fly wheel into the plurality of grooves so as to aid in separation of the friction facing of the clutch plate from the engaging surface of a fly wheel as a result of a hydrodynamic force created by the air streams. Furthermore, slots are defined in the surface of the friction facing in addition to the grooves so as to provide discharge passages for powder which has been produced due to wear or attrition of the friction facings.

Abstract: A driven plate for a friction clutch of a vehicle and which includes a pair of annular friction facings carried on an inner portion of the driven plate by a plurality of resilient cushioning elements, attached to and disposed in a circumferential array around the inner portion of the driven plate. The friction facings are secured one on each side of the resilient cushioning elements so that the friction facings are held generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to friction discs of the progressive engagement type, especially for clutches of heavy automobile vehicles, the disc comprising two annular friction linings extending respectively on both sides of and in contact with a cut-out corrugated support, each lining being fixed individually by continuous glueing zones on this support, along parts of the corrugations of the support which are in contact with the lining. The surface area of the glueing zones should be between 5 and 35%, and preferably about 10% of the surface area of the lining. In a modification, each lining is fixed on the support, not only by the glueing zones but also by at least one rivet per zone arranged at right angles to each glueing zone. The riveting operation is preferably carried out after glueing and before the adhesive is polymerized or set.

Abstract: A coupling for controlling or limiting the angular velocity or angular acceleration between first and second rotatable members. The coupling has an enclosure containing viscous liquid in which first and second sets of interleaved elements and third and fourth sets of interleaved elements are arranged for rotation about a common axis. The first and third sets of elements have driving connections with the first rotatable member and the second and fourth sets of elements have driving connections with the second rotatable member. Spacing means are provided to space apart the facing surfaces of adjacent elements of at least one of said first and second sets and also at least one of said third and fourth sets so that the facing surfaces of adjacent elements of each spaced set are spaced apart by distances greater than the thicknesses of the portions of the elements of the other set interleaved between said facing surfaces. The spacing means provided for one or both of the third and fourth sets are resilient.

Abstract: The invention relates to friction discs of the progressive engagement type, especially for clutches of heavy automobile vehicles, the disc comprising two annular friction linings extending respectively on both sides of and in contact with a cut-out corrugated support, each lining being fixed individually by continuous glueing zones on this support, along parts of the corrugation of the support which are in contact with the lining. The surface area of the glueing zones should be between 5 and 35%, and preferably about 10% of the surface area of the lining. In a modification, each lining is fixed on the support, not only by the glueing zones but also by at least one rivet per zone arranged at right angles to each glueing zone. The riveting operation is preferably carried out after glueing and before the adhesive is polymerized or set.