Abstract: A serpentine belt drive system for an automotive vehicle comprising a drive assembly including an internal combustion engine having an output shaft with a driving pulley thereon rotatable about a driving pulley axis. A sequence of driven assemblies each has a driven pulley rotatable about an axis parallel with the driving pulley axis and a serpentine belt mounted in cooperating relation with the driving pulley and with the driven pulleys in a sequence which corresponds with the sequence of the driven assemblies when related to the direction of movement of the belt to cause said driven pulleys to rotate in response to the rotation of the driving pulley. The sequence of driven assemblies includes an alternator assembly including an alternator shaft mounted for rotation about a shaft axis. A hub structure is fixedly carried by the alternator shaft for rotation therewith about the shaft axis. A spring and one-way clutch mechanism couples the alternator pulley with the hub structure.

Abstract: In a resin-made stator comprising an annular plate portion (2) integrally formed toward an inner peripheral direction on an end of a cylindrical portion (1) in an axial direction or at an adjacent portion thereof, and an annular metal fitting (4) integrally held on the inner peripheral end of said cylinder portion (1) by an insert molding, a structure in which no crack is generated in the plate portion (2) even when the resin is shrunken and an excellent durability is given is provided, a desired number of notch portions (3) being provided on the inner peripheral end portion of said plate portion (2) close to the metal fitting end surface and a circumferential continuous end portion (6) having a predetermined inner diameter being provided on the inner peripheral end portion of the opposite end surface to the metal fitting of said plate portion (2) all around the periphery.

Abstract: A braking system for an automotive vehicle is provided which comprises, in combination, a wheel having a specifically-defined wheel rim for mounting a tire thereon, and a specifically-defined disc carrying the wheel rim for mounting the wheel upon a wheel support of the automotive vehicle. A cylindrical support is secured to the wheel. Radially-inwardly facing arcuate brake lining structures are secured to the cylindrical support. Brake shoes are mounted upon a non-rotatable part of the automotive vehicle in spaced positions around the rotational axis of the wheel support. A pressurized-fluid operating system of a specifically-defined structure is provided for moving the brake shoes in a braking action radially-outwardly from inactive positions towards, and frictionally-engaging, the brake lining structures, and for returning the brake shoes radially-inwardly to the inactive positions upon termination of said braking action.

Abstract: A centrifugal friction clutch which can transmit torque and rotation has an input shaft, which is rotatable about an axis, and an output member. A plurality of shoes are constrained to rotate with the input shaft and arranged to move in a radial plane perpendicular to the input shaft axis. The shoes have a tapered profile with a narrower portion and a wider portion, with the narrower portion located further away from the axis of the input shaft. The output member of the clutch has an annular drum surrounding the shoes, and the drum includes surfaces which define a tapered cavity adapted to receive the shoes. The frictional engagement of the clutch is improved by the tapered geometry of the shoes and drum. A restraining spring is coupled to the shoes and adapted to urge the shoes radially inwardly.

Abstract: A transmission band assembly (10) having a circular band (12) and a friction material liner (26). The liner (26) varies in density at predetermined locations along its length to modify the torque curve of the transmission to provide smooth shifting.

Abstract: A transmission band assembly including a circular strap member having exterior and interior surfaces extending between opposed first and second ends. At least one of the ends defining a bracket having a ridge including an upper gusset in mating engagement with a lower gusset. A friction material liner is positioned adjacent the interior surface of the strap member. The upper and lower gussets provide reinforcement of the ridge.

Abstract: A friction pad for use in a friction element used in a friction engagement device such as a brake or clutch, The friction element includes a carrier and a plurality of friction pads circumferentially spaced about the carrier, The pads may have a modular construction whereby pad portions are releasably secured to support portions. The pads may also be releasably secured to the carrier. Various friction pad constructions are contemplated including constructions in which the secondary support portion includes a membrane and the primary support portion includes a cylindrical member extending between the membrane and the friction pads. A continuous friction pad ring may be substituted for the discrete friction pads, The carrier may be provided with locator pins in the pad receiving bores to orient the pads properly. The carrier may have cuts and grooves formed therein to provide a flexible or even beam mounted support for the friction pads.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch, an outer ring has an internal portion whose hardness is substantially the same as that of its periphery, both hardnesses preferably being HRC 55 or more. When sprags interposed between the outer ring and inner ring are engaged with an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring and press the inner peripheral surface radially outwardly, the internal portion having the hardness of HRC 55 or more backs up the inner peripheral surface to prevent the inner peripheral surface from being deformed radially outwardly. Therefore, "roll-over" can be prevented and the maximum transmission torque is increased.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a centrifuge rotor includes at least one pair of complementary clutch elements each operatively associated with the rotor. Each element in the pair is preloaded into contact with the drive shaft. A torque applied to the shaft in either a first or second direction about an axis of rotation is transmitted from the drive shaft to the rotor through one of the clutch elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a one-piece band member (10) for use w transmissions. The band member (10) is integrally constructed having the end portions (16) of a strap member (12) being formed an apply member (18) and a reaction member (20) and then folded (22) back over the outer circumference of the strap member (12) to provide a unitary unit. A friction lining (14) is secured around the inner circumference of the strap member (12).

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch, for use in a percussion device activated by a fluid having a lubricant therein, includes a plurality of grooves in at least one of the friction engagement surfaces of the wrap spring clutch, to transmit a portion of the lubricant away from the friction zone of the clutch, to enhance the friction performance of the clutch. The grooves can be parallel and separate, or a single, continuous spiral groove.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring power includes a shaft, a pair of pawls, and an outer member. The shaft has a first end which is connected to an electric motor and a second end which is operatively associated with the pawls. As the shaft turns, the pawls are forced outwardly against a non-circular interior surface of the outer member. As the pawls contact the inner surface of the outer member, they transfer rotational energy from the rotating shaft to the outer member, causing it to also rotate. When power to the electric motor is shut off, the shaft stops turning. The pawls are spring biased inwardly toward the shaft. When the shaft stops turning, the pawls move inwardly toward the shaft and are not connected any longer to the interior surface of the outer member. The outer member is free to spin freely even though the motor is stopped.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch assembly is disclosed which is designed for use with a rotary element which is subjected to repeated intermittent rotary motion. The clutch assembly includes a first circular hub fixedly attached to the element for rotation therewith, a wrap spring mounted on the first hub and adapted to grip or release the hub depending on the direction of movement of a free tang of the wrap spring. A second, split hub acting as a resilient shock absorber is mounted on the rotary element and underlies a portion of the wrap spring so as to deflect inwardly when the wrap spring grips the first hub thereby permitting a small amount of additional rotation of the rotary element to provide a controlled deceleration of the rotary element, thereby absorbing the shock force of virtual instantaneous deceleration of the rotary element which otherwise occurs and tends to break the wrap spring at the juncture of the spring coils and the tang which is attached to the rotary element.

Abstract: An improved transmission brake band (10) and a method of forming the same s an improved reaction bracket (20) formed as an upraised dome (36) surrounding a reaction opening (32). An insert member (42), having a volcano-type body (44) integrally formed with a peripheral flange (46) is engaged with the dome (36) and opening (32) so that the body (44) is positioned in the opening (32) and the flange (46) is received by the dome (36).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle brake and hub comprising a ring braking member having braking surfaces both to the interior and exterior of the member in combination with a cast hub which includes centrally disposed aligned bearing ports for receiving bearings. The cast hub includes an outwardly exposed securing surface which cooperates with the ring braking member to effect securement of the braking member to the casting and in a manner to accommodate heat transfer therebetween. The cast hub includes intermediate the securing surface and the aligned ports, fan blades which cause during rotation of the hub an axial flow of air to move across the bearing ports and to extract heat from the fan blades and the securing surface. The fan blade collectively interconnect and structurally secure the securing surface and the bearing ports.

Abstract: A one-way ratcheting clutch having a primary annular driving member with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly extending lugs and a secondary annular member mounted on a common shaft has a plurality of resilient circumferentially spaced outwardly extending fingers for engaging the lugs configured to be compression loaded. At any relative rotational position at least one, and less than half, of the fingers is in the relaxed or undeflected state to minimize the effects of permanent set where both members are formed of plastic and exposed to service temperatures up to 85.degree. C.

Abstract: A jaw clutch coupling mechanism in which spline grooves serving as ball drop-in portions of the clutch are provided with a semi-spherical ball support recess to be engaged with a steel ball by way of linear or surface contact for enhancing the strength of the jaw clutch. A stopper is provided in the shift lever link mechanism to hold the shift lever securely in the forward, neutral or reverse position, and a shock absorber is provided in association with the shifter arm of the jaw clutch to dampen the shocks of engagement of the clutch, ensuring a better feeling in shift lever operations.

Abstract: A one-piece transmission brake band and the method of forming the same whin the band is an elongated strap with brackets at the opposite ends thereof, the brackets providing an apply end and a reaction end. Each end consists of an end portion of the strap that is folded over upon itself onto the exterior surface of the band and suitably fastened thereto, such as by clinch fastening or spot welding. The apply end of the band has the outer layer provided with a transverse upwardly folded or crimped ridge having a central depression to receive the end of an apply piston, and the reaction end has an outwardly extending radial opening formed by piercing through both layers of material after the end is folded over, with the layers being outwardly extruded in both the radial and circumferential directions. An alternative embodiment utilizes an insert having a cylindrical body with a circumferential base flange.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement incorporates a rotating disk and a split ring adapted to be closed to establish peripheral contact with the rotating disk. A lever applies a closing force to the split ring as the split ring is rotated in a direction of rotation of the rotating disk, and an initiating member is provided in the form of an air cylinder, for making initial closure of the split ring and thereby starting rotation of the lever.

Abstract: A double wrap brake band having three bands, friction facings fastened to each band and a connecting member connecting the outside bands of the three bands with the intermediate band of such bands. A first bracket member secured to both outside bands, and a second bracket member secured to the intermediate band. The three bands, the connecting member, and the first and second bracket members are made of sheet metal, respectively. Edges, receiving a piston, or an anchor, at their backsides, are integrally formed on the first and second bracket members, respectively. The connecting member and the first and second bracket members are secured to the three bands by rivets.

Abstract: In a brakeband, two side bands extend from a connecting portion in one circumferential direction and a middle band located axially between these side bands extends from it in the other circumferential direction. The band ends of the two side bands (located opposite the connecting portion) are widened in the direction of the middle band, while the middle band is narrowed at its circumferentially corresponding band region. This provides a larger cross-section for the welded joint between the respective widened band ends of the two side bands and a circumferentially adjacent thrust piece of the brake actuating device.

Abstract: A fluid operated coupling which includes an inflatable annular tube element of an elastomeric material moves a plurality of aligned friction shoes in a radial direction to effect a torque sustaining clutching or braking engagement. A thermal barrier is provided to retard the transfer of heat from the friction shoes to the annular tube element. The thermal barrier protects the tube element and adds mechanical strength thereto to prevent excessive elongation and extrusion of the tube element between the plurality of friction shoes when the tube element is expanded. The thermal barrier is at least partially imbedded in the exterior surface of the tube element.

Abstract: In a spring clutch arrangement for housing in the lower bracket of a bicycle in order to operate a bicycle brake, a conventional waisted pedal crankshaft is modified to provide a cylindrical surface which supports the clutch spring by application of a resin bonded material of high compressive strength and high coefficient of friction. A preferred material is an epoxy resin loaded with aluminum powder having a surface layer of alumina.

Abstract: A linearly extending metallic element includes at least one relatively hard arcuate surface formed by ion implantation. The elements are utilized in an overrunning clutch and can be rollers or sprags. The clutch roller has the entire arcuate surface treated while the clutch sprag has only the opposed arcuate ends treated. In addition, tracks on the inner and outer races of a clutch can have relatively hard surfaces formed by ion implantation for contacting the rollers and the sprags.

Abstract: A brake shoe for a drum brake assembly such as those used in bus and truck applications comprising a brake pad assembly having at least one pad element having a continuous external surface, a mechanism for positioning the pad element relative to the brake drum of the drum brake assembly, and a mechanism for securing the brake pad assembly to the positioning mechanism, the securing mechanism including an alignment mechanism to align the brake pad assembly and thereby the brake pad to the positioning assembly. An alternate embodiment of the securing mechanism includes a failure element that enables the forces utilized for securing the brake pad assembly to the positioning assembly to be automatically controlled and prohibits tampering with the resulting assembly.

Abstract: An "H" shaped retainer (60) is provided for retaining trunnions (42) of a brake cam follower roller (18) in open-sided bearing surfaces (20) at the end of spaced-apart webs (34) extending from a brake shoe (8). Retainer (60) features a bridging portion (26) adapted to be disposed intermediate webs (34) and has resilient arms (28) at opposite ends that respectively extend towards and around trunnions (42) and thence towards and past portions (26) and thence outwardly to releasably engage and releasably secure fastener (60) to webs (34) in which, in a preferred embodiment, the ends of the arms are shaped into helical coils (30) that are adapted to extend into openings (44) through each web (34).

Abstract: A coupling assembly which includes an inflatable annular tube, a plurality of friction shoes removably attached to the tube so that the shoes move radially as the tube is inflated and deflated. The shoes include a friction pad bonded to one side of a backing plate and a driving bar also made of friction material bonded to the other side of the backing plate and joined together in a unitary structure. The driving bars fit into grooves formed in the tube to improve torque transfer between the shoes and the tube.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a rotor for a centrifugal clutch of the type where the rotor resides inside a drum and engages the drum above a predetermined speed. The rotor comprises a plurality of randomly oriented similar rotor elements each capable of expanding ourwardly independently of one another to engage the drum. The rotor elements are preferably stamped from sheet metal.

Abstract: An armature assembly in an electromagnetically actuated braking mechanism and including a circular armature plate having a central opening defined by a circumaxial series of radially inwardly extending armature teeth. The inner ends of the armature teeth cooperate to define a coaxial crest circle. A plastic hub, molded in place on the armature plate, substantially encapsulates the armature teeth and has a coaxial central opening defined by a circumaxial series of spline teeth which define a root circle having a diameter greater than the diameter of the crest circle. Equiangularly spaced fan blades integrally connected to the central portion of the hub project radially outwardly therefrom adjacent one face of the armature plate.

Abstract: An improved double wrap brake band for an automatic transmission and the method of making the band wherein the band is lightweight and heat set round at the released open position with the utilization of thinner strap material at higher hardness ranges. The band is formed from a preslotted and preformed strap and a stamped one-piece bracket member secured to the strap. The band subassembly is heat treated and heat set, the interior surface is acid etched and a preslotted friction lining applied to the interior treated surface, the subassembly is sized, and the connecting ties for both the strap and bracket member are removed to provide the final band assembly.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism comprises a rotatable member made of synthetic resin and a rotating body mounted coaxially with the rotatable member and having a portion engaging the rotatable member. The rotating body has a plurality of teeth. The rotatable member having an annular peripheral wall and a plurality of U-shaped engagement arms. Each of the arms includes a proximal end portion integral with the annular peripheral wall, a first arm member extending along the annular peripheral wall, and a second arm member having on a free end thereof an engaging portion disposed in a path of angular movement of the teeth of the rotating body and the other end joined to the first arm member.

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: A frictional lining (2) for a wet clutch or brake includes a resin-free wood with an average raw density in the dried condition (.delta. o) of at least about 550 kilograms per cubic meter, the fibers of the wood running substantially parallel to the frictional direction of the clutch or brake. Elm wood is particularly suitable.

Abstract: An band brake mechanism for an automatic transmission of an automobile, wherein a size and form of a band hoop is determined so that the band hoop may occupy a position by the elasticity in which any portion of the band hoop is not in contact with a drum when the band hoop is in set position before braking.Projections formed in one body with a housing are arranged around the band hoop for supporting and locating the band hoop in the set position, so that the full length of the band hoop keeps the constant space to the peripheral surface of the drum.

Abstract: An end connection for a replacement transmission brake band enables the band to be inserted longitudinally into the space between transmission drum and housing. The end connection comprises a removable bracket which is made part of the modified replacement transmission brake band. The bracket is placed on the modified transmission brake band after insertion of the modified transmission brake band into the space between transmission housing and brake drum. The bracket replaces the former permanently mounted end connection of the modified transmission brake band. The invention includes a method for converting a conventional end connection to the replaceable end construction of the present invention.

Abstract: An electromechanical clutch for vehicle engine cooling fans includes a driving member mounted for rotation by the vehicle engine and a driven member carrying the engine fan and rotatably mounted on the driving member. The driven and driving members cooperate to define a circumferentially extending gap therebetween. The driving member carries an electrical coil, which is energized when the clutch is to be engaged. A band is disposed within the gap, includes an outer band member which carries a frictional material that is adapted to frictionally engage the driven member and an inner band member which is adapted to engage the driving member when the coil is actuated. The inner and outer members are connected at corresponding ends thereof. The inner member comprises arcuate segments of electromagnetic material and joining segments which interconnects the arcuate segments.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch for a vehicle engine cooling fan includes a driving member mounted for rotation by the vehicle engine and a driven member rotatably mounted on the driving member. The driven member carries the engine cooling fan. One end of a band is connected to the driven member, and wraps circumferentially around the driving member in the direction of the rotation of the latter. An electromagnetic coil comprising windings wound circumferentially around the driving member and rotatable therewith exert an electromagnetic force on the band when current is transmitted to the coil, drawing the band into engagement with the outer circumferential surface of the driving member, to thereby engage the clutch and cause the engine cooling fan to be rotated with the driving member.

Abstract: A clutch housing and pulley assembly is formed from a plurality of stamped metal components. A plurality of annular discs are mounted on a radially extending base of a V-grooved pulley member. A cup-shaped clutch housing having a radially extending base is mounted in abutting relationship with one of the outer discs on one side of the pulley base. A plurality of rivets extend through axially aligned holes formed in the pulley base, discs and housing base to assemble these components into a single unit. A ring bearing is telescopically mounted in the axially aligned central openings of the discs and pulley base for rotatably mounting the clutch housing and pulley assembly on a drive shaft which is adapted to extend through a central opening of the clutch housing base.The pulley member and discs are arranged in a stacked relationship on a plurality of guide pins extending through the rivet receiving holes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable motorized chain saw, comprising: a chain sprocket; clutch means positioned between the chain sprocket and the drive shaft of the motor for selectively coupling the chain sprocket with the drive shaft, the clutch means including a drum member; and a brake band positioned in contiguous relationship with the outer circumferential surface of the drum member and including one or more oil stripping openings therein.

Abstract: Brake band assembly for a wrap-around brake includes a metal band, a friction lining carried by the metal band, a support member for the metal band mountable on a device for actuating and supporting the brake band assembly, and at least one securing strap securing the support member to the metal band, the support member comprising a shell narrower than the end width of the metal band and being at least partly encircled collar-like by the securing strap.

Abstract: A clutch comprising a pair of spring loaded shoes and a drum, somewhat like brake shoes and a drum, applies and removes loads upon an automatic transmission. As the motor speed picks up, the shoes are flung outwardly under centrifugal force. When the speed is great enough, the shoes grip the drum and turn it. The drum drives the automatic transmission. Under runaway conditions, the drum is rotated by the load acting through the transmission. When the load drives the drum even faster than the motor rotates the shoes, slippage occurs in the clutch and the motor is relieved. This way the transmission may be shifted up or down at any speed. The clutch utilizes one or more shoes with a relative high coefficient of friction on one side and a lower coefficient of friction on the other side. A driving notch within the clutch directs the higher coefficient lining on the shoe to drive the drum and directs the other lower coefficient lining when the drum is rotating faster than the motor, such as in a runaway condition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a brake drum having a plurality of axially spaced, circumferentially extending ribs provided on the exterior surface thereof. The method includes casting molten grey iron into a mold cavity formed by a plurality of axially split external mold segments spaced radially outward from an internal mold member, spacing the radially inward portions of the interfacing lateral edge surfaces of the external mold segments to form a flash base free of white iron metal at the parting line between adjacent external mold segments and, after cooling the molten iron and removing the mold members, grinding away at least a portion of the flash metal formed between the interfacing lateral edge surfaces of the external mold segments radially outward of the flash base to provide an axially extending ridge free of white iron and traversing the axially spaced ribs.

Abstract: The invention concerns shoe drum brakes and provides for such brakes, a replaceable shoe lining component which is detachably secured to the shoe platform or backplate, the latter remaining permanently in position in the brake assembly. The lining component preferably comprises a thin carrier plate and a lining of friction material secured to the carrier plate; the shoe platform and the carrier plate having detachably inter-engageable means such as tongues and slots by which they are capable of being securely connected together in the brake assembly.

Abstract: A coupling assembly which includes an inflatable annular tube, a plurality of friction shoes removably attached to the tube so that the shoes move radially as the tube is inflated and deflated. The shoes include a friction pad bonded to one side of a backing plate and a driving bar also made of friction material bonded to the other side of the backing plate and joined together in a unitary structure. The driving bars fit into grooves formed in the tube to improve torque transfer between the shoes and the tube.