Abstract: A friction clutch wherein the clutch spring is shiftable axially toward the pressure plate during disengagement of the clutch to compensate for wear at least upon the friction linings of the clutch disc. Disengagement of the clutch is facilitated by several springs which act upon the clutch spring and upon the pressure plate and render it possible to disengage the clutch in response to the application of a relatively small force to the tips of the radially inwardly extending prongs of the clutch spring. Moreover, the magnitude of the disengaging force remains at least substantially constant during the entire useful life of the clutch.

Abstract: An actuator for a clutch ring has a pivotally movable fork that engages and moves the clutch ring axially. The fork is coupled to a nut mounted on a screw. The screw is reversibly driven by a drive motor to move the nut between its limit of travel. A flange on the nut contacts the switch to interrupt power to the motor to control its travel limit. Leaf springs mounted on the fork engage a flange of the clutch ring to urge the clutch ring to move axially as the fork is pivotally moved. The clutch ring surrounds drive and driven component and is axially movable in one direction to be engaged with only one of the drive and driven components to uncouple the drive component from the driven component. The clutch ring is axially movable in the other direction to be engaged with both the drive and driven components to couple the drive component with the driven component.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a cover (8) with a base (80), a clutch thrust plate (3) with front friction surface (30) co-operating with a clutch friction (2), and, set between the clutch thrust plate (3) rear surface (36) and the cover (8) base (80), resilient clutch means with axial action (4, 6) axially stressing the clutch thrust plate (3) in a direction opposite to the cover (8) base (80) and a declutching device (7) to counter at will the action of said resilient clutch means (4, 6): the resilient clutch means (4, 6) comprise two Belleville washers (4, 6) series-mounted between the clutch thrust plate (3) and the cover (8), and one (4) of the Belleville washers (4, 6) is in contact at its outer periphery with the clutch thrust plate (3), while the other (6) rests at its outer periphery on the cover (8), said washers (4, 6) sloping inversely, means for transmitting the force (5) carried by the declutching device (7) being incorporated between the inner peripheral zones

Abstract: A multi-plate clutch 1 of a boss driving type is provided with structure to make it easy to replace a boss, and to limit the number of parts. The clutch 1 basically includes a flywheel 2, a boss 9, a clutch cover assembly 3, and input-output friction members such as clutch disks 42 and 43, an intermediate plate 44, and a pressure plate 17. The boss 9 is detachably coupled to the flywheel 2. The boss 9 includes an annular portion 10 and a plurality of columnar portions 11, which are formed integrally with the annular portion 10. The columnar portions 11 extend in an axial direction from the annular portion 10. Each of the columnar portions 11 is disposed circumferentially next to one another in a circular pattern with a radial pass-through space formed therebetween. The clutch cover assembly 3 includes a clutch cover 16 which is detachably coupled to the boss 9, a pressure plate 17, and a diaphragm spring assembly 18.

Abstract: The clutch mechanism comprises a cover plate (8) with a base (80), a resilient device (9) for coupling the pressure plate (3) in rotation with the cover plate (8), and, interposed between the dorsal surface of the pressure plate (3) and the base (80) of the cover plate (8), firstly a declutching member (7), and secondly two Belleville rings (4, 6) which are mounted in series between the dorsal surface (36) of the pressure plate (3) and the declutching member (7), which is pivoted at its outer periphery on a primary abutment (71) carried by the base (80) of the cover plate (8) radially outside the manoeuvring abutment (73), which is itself located radially outside a secondary abutment carried by the base (80) of the cover plate (8), for contact with the declutching member (7) and so as to define a reference position for the latter.

Abstract: An actuator for a power transmitting friction clutch having a rotatable power input, a backplate rotatable with the power input, a pressure plate between the power input and the backplate, and an output connected friction cushion between the pressure plate and the power input. The actuator includes a diaphragm having an outer annulus defining a negative Belleville spring, and a plurality of radial control fingers extending inwardly from the outer annulus, the outer annulus having an outer periphery engageable with the pressure plate and an inner fulcrum edge. A positive spring unit is arranged in series with the negative Belleville spring between the inner fulcrum edge and the backplate. The diaphragm and the positive spring unit are supported in radial alignment on the backplate in a manner to provide unobstructed movement of the inner fulcrum edge of the diaphragm to load and unload the positive spring unit during actuation of the clutch.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch is made up of alternatively arranged discs and driven plates in a clutch drum which is actuated by a hydraulic piston and a wave spring for reducing a shock made of a strip formed into a ring and having pawls at both ends thereof extending in an axial or radial direction of the ring. The pawls engage with grooves in the hydraulic piston or the spline for mounting the driven plates, thereby preventing the wave spring from rotating with the clutch plates and the piston surface from wear or abrasion.

Abstract: A friction clutch with a flywheel and a clutch housing has the flywheel and clutch housing connected to one another by means of a preferably cylindrical wall located in the radially outer portion of the clutch housing. The cylindrical wall can extend in a ring-shaped manner around the axis of rotation of the flywheel. The clutch housing encloses a clutch plate with friction linings in the radially outer area, and an application plate or pressure plate can be pressed toward the clutch plate by means of an application spring. The friction linings can be guided or extended radially outwardly up to directly next to the cylindrical wall, to make possible, with a specified friction surface, a minimum ratio of outside diameter to inside diameter on the friction linings. The friction linings can be connected to the clutch disc without the interposition of a lining spring system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-plate clutch mechanism that includes a pressure plate mechanism is fixed to a first cylindrical portion with friction plates disposed between the pressure plate mechanism and a flywheel connected to the first cylindrical portion. The pressure plate mechanism includes a clutch cover supported on the first cylindrical portion. A pressure plate is disposed between the clutch cover and first and second friction plates and a diaphragm spring is disposed between the clutch cover and the pressure plate. A solid annular ring is disposed between the diaphragm spring and the pressure plate.

Abstract: An automotive starting clutch having an input, including a pressure plate and a back plate, and an output disk releasably clamped by the pressure plate for rotation with the input. A control diaphragm provides a control force to vary the clamping force of the pressure plate between zero and maximum values and includes radial fingers movable axially to vary the control force. The control force of the diaphragm is counterbalanced by a Belleville spring in proportion with actuating travel of the radial fingers. By adding a single Belleville spring to an otherwise conventional clutch, it is possible to reduce considerably the control force of a conventional starting friction clutch, allowing the use of inexpensive electronically controlled actuators.

Abstract: A multi-plate clutch 1 includes a flywheel ring 2, a hub flange 6, drive plates 7 driven plates 8, clutch cover assembly 10, and a conical spring 90. The driven plates 8 are contactable with the drive plates 7. The clutch cover assembly 10 presses the plates 7 and 8 so as to be pressed into contact with each other and releases the pressure therebetween. The conical spring 90 has spring reaction force smaller than the pressure load of the diaphragm spring and absorbs the axial deformation of each of the members due to thermal expansion.

Abstract: A friction clutch which is provided with a system to compensate for wear upon the friction linings of the clutch disc and, if necessary, for wear upon certain other parts employs one or more diaphragm springs or other energy storing elements which assist in the disengagement of the clutch so that the disengaging force is relatively low and/or that such force fluctuates within a relatively narrow range. The energy storing element or elements can operate in parallel with the clutch spring and can be installed between the housing of the friction clutch and the clutch spring. The disengaging force of the energy storing element or elements can be assisted by the bias of resilient segments between the friction linings of the clutch disc.

Abstract: The clutch cover assembly comprises a clutch cover, a pressure plate, a washer-type spring and a lever member. The clutch cover is fixed to a flywheel. The pressure plate is located within said clutch cover and is fashioned with a pressing surface for clamping facings against the flywheel. The washer-type spring engages the pressure plate to the flywheel. The lever member, supported by the clutch cover, is for engaging the pressure plate in combination with the washer-type spring to the flywheel and for releasing engaging loads of the washer-type spring from the pressure plate.

Abstract: A transmission shifting system for a gear change transmission where an actuator responding to a control signal is used to axially displace a secondary shift rail thereby preloading a spring acting upon a primary shift rail where a coupling element permits relative motion between the secondary shift rail and the primary shift rail until gear synchronization or a torque break occurs allowing the desired gear shift to occur. The relative motion which results in a spring preload force to be generated on the primary shift rail continues until the secondary shift rail contacts the portion of the coupler adjacent to a primary flange formed as part of the primary shift rail whereupon the actuator is solidly linked to the shift rail and a shift fork.

Abstract: A diaphragm spring clutch assembly has a self adjusting mechanism operable in use to compensate for wear of the clutch friction lining. The mechanism comprises a pressure plate having a pressure plate body, a separate, generally annular, fulcrum member which is axially moveable with respect to the pressure plate body, and a control member adapted to control relative axial movement between the fulcrum member and the pressure plate body and being itself axially displaceable with respect to the pressure plate body and the fulcrum member on wear of the friction linings, thereby to permit a corresponding movement of the fulcrum member away from the friction surface. the fulcrum member is moved axially away from the friction surface during declutching, and a one way connection is provided between the fulcrum member and the pressure plate body operable to prevent return movement of the fulcrum member when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly 3 having a disk-shaped clutch cover 4, an annular pressure plate 5, a cone spring 6, and a diaphragm spring 7. The pressure plate 5 is disposed in the clutch cover 4 and has a pressing surface 5a. The cone spring 6 is disposed on the opposite side of the pressure plate 5 in the clutch cover 4, and has its radial inner end supported on the clutch cover and its radial outer end biasing the pressure plate 5. Within the clutch cover, a hardened support member coupled to the cover is provided to engage at least one inner portion of the cone spring 6 in order to minimize wear associated with engagement with the spring 6 as it moves in response to movement of the pressure plate 5. The hardened support member is provided in the present invention is a number of forms. In one embodiment the hardened support member is integrally formed with the clutch cover 4.

Abstract: A transmission shifting system for axially displacing a shift fork in response to an electrical signal using a ball ramp actuator to load a spring disposed between the ball ramp actuator and the shift fork where an electrical coil is energized to induce an electromagnetic field in a drive flange connected to a rotating driveshaft which causes the ball ramp actuator to axially expand thereby preloading the spring and causing a jaw clutch to be axially displaced by the shift fork to rotationally engage a transmission gear.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch includes a pair of clutch shoes and a rotor. The rotor includes rotor arms extending into pockets formed in the clutch shoes. Sound-deadening buffer members are positioned in the pockets to lie between each rotor arm and clutch shoe to deaden sound produced by movement of a rotor arm in its clutch shoe pocket.

Abstract: The clutch cover assembly comprises a clutch cover, a pressure plate, a washer-type spring and a lever member. The clutch cover is fixed to a flywheel. The pressure plate is located within said clutch cover and is fashioned with a pressing surface for clamping facings against the flywheel. The washer-type spring engages the pressure plate to the flywheel. The lever member, supported by the clutch cover, is for engaging the pressure plate in combination with the washer-type spring to the flywheel and for releasing engaging loads of the washer-type spring from the pressure plate.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly comprising, in addition to a clutch cover containing a pressure plate and a diaphragm spring, a spring washer in location and retainment such that it provides cushioning against clutch engagement shock. In a recess in the pressure plate adjacent the diaphragm spring, the spring washer is supported on opposite corresponding sides on annular fulcra, which in clutch disengagement are staggered laterally of the spring washer and remote from each other. During clutch engagement, the spring washer deforms elastically as it transmits the impelling force of the diaphragm spring in tandem therewith, flexing on the fulcra and therein cushioning the clutch-engaging force of the diaphragm spring. One of the annular fulcra is along a curved bottom surface of the clutch pressure plate recess, and as the load from the diaphragm spring on the spring washer increases, the fulcrum locus of contact thus shifts along the washer, approaching the other annular fulcrum.

Abstract: An X-Y shifting mechanism (25) is disclosed for controlling the shifting of a shift rail (17) in a first (Y-Y) transverse direction. The mechanism includes a shift finger assembly (39) including a shift finger (23). A lever member (57) is pivotable about the axis (A) of rotation. When the lever member (57) is pivoted, the movement is transmitted through a spring (91) to rotate a spring seat member (73), thus causing pivotal movement of the shift finger (23). During a non-synchronous engagement, kick-out movement causes pivotal movement of the shift finger in the opposite direction, compressing the spring (91) rather than damaging the shifting mechanism. The disclosed mechanism also enables preselection of neutral, compressing the appropriate one of the springs (91), such that the preloaded spring will move the shift finger and shift rail to the neutral position as soon as a torque break occurs.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly comprising, in addition to a clutch cover containing a pressure plate and a diaphragm spring, a disc spring in location and retainment such that it provides cushioning against clutch engagement shock. The disc spring is installed in a receptacle on the pressure plate, adjacent the diaphragm spring, permitting its elastic deformation as it transmits the impelling force of the diaphragm spring in tandem therewith during clutch engagement. The thereby cushioned force of the diaphragm spring presses the pressure plate pressure surface against the friction facing of a clutch disc and sandwiches the clutch disc between the pressure plate and an engine flywheel.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly having an annular bearing plate 27 located between a pressure plate 13 and a diaphragm spring 14 in coaxial relation to them. The bearing plate 27 integrally has a releasing fulcrum point 30 which is disposed in a clearance S between the pressure plate 13 and a back face of a projection 25. The releasing fulcrum point 30 is distorted in axial direction to elastically supports an outer peripheral part of the diaphragm spring 14. The releasing fulcrum point 30 and the loading fulcrum point 26 are arranged on the same circumference.

Abstract: A pressure-medium actuated friction disk clutch or -brake is provided having a piston/cylinder actuation unit (1,2) and a disk spring (3) arranged between the piston (1) and a pressure plate (4) of the friction disk clutch, whereby the binding surfaces (11, 41) for the disk spring (3) are generally perpendicular to the axis (A) of the friction disk clutch. In order to influence a characteristic force curve (K1, K2) at the closing of the friction disk clutch (4, 5, 6, 7), at least one of the binding surfaces (11, 41), has a definitely shaped, radially extending contour (R1, R2, R4, 13) deviating from the right angle. Due to the modified angle of attack and the rolling off of the contact point of the disk spring on the binding surface and the therewith connected shortening of the lever arm (H), any desired pressure characteristic can be achieved with a normally built disk spring. Placing a contour at the binding surface of the piston (1) and/or the pressure plate (4) is simple and cost-effective.

Abstract: A power transfer assembly with a one-piece retainer ring includes a housing, a plurality of alternating rotatable and non-rotatable friction discs, a power actuated piston, a spring washer, a cushion spring between the piston and the friction discs, and a retaining ring for retaining the spring washer in place. The one-piece retainer ring includes a first retainer portion positioned within a recessed groove in the housing and a second portion in contact with the spring washer. Prior art clutch and brake assemblies utilize several types of retaining rings and reaction type wear members to retain and react against a spring element. These prior art devices required two or more members to provide the retention and reaction functions. The subject combination retainer and wear ring is a one-piece member.

Abstract: A marine propulsion forward, neutral, reverse transmission incorporating a single spring for yieldably cushioning the shifting into either forward or reverse. Various embodiments of detent mechanisms and spring locations are illustrated as is an arrangement for providing a different spring loading in one direction from the opposite direction.

Abstract: It has been proposed to employ a constant mesh gearbox of the kind having pairs of gears on parallel shafts in constant mesh with each other, together with a clutch, in an automatic vehicle transmission. A microprocessor controls actuators for the clutch and throttle and hydraulic actuators for moving the selector rod of the gearbox, in order to give automatic operation of the gearbox.In accordance with the invention, a constant mesh gearbox of the kind referred is provided with actuating means for moving the selector shaft and, in at least one direction of travel of the selector rod, the actuating means acts via resilient means which is arranged to store the energy of the actuating means when the actuating means is operated but the selector rod is not free to move, the rod being moved by the energized resilient means when the selector rod becomes free.

Abstract: The vehicle drive transmitting mechanism for a track laying vehicle has a coupling between the transmission output shaft and the final drive input. This coupling is disengageable from the transmission output shaft to permit vehicle towing or transmission removal. The coupling is movable from the drive connecting position to two other positions so that during towing, a neutral condition is attained and during transmission removal, a locking arrangement at the final drive is attained.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having an annular cover member attached to an engine flywheel, an annular pressure plate which is floatingly attached to the cover member by a plurality of drive straps, a friction drive assembly which is splined to a transmission shaft for rotation therewith and sliding movement therealong, and which is positioned between the pressure plate and the engine flywheel, a plurality of radially extending release levers, each of which is pivotably attached to the cover member at a location between the ends of such release lever, and a belleville spring trapped between the cover member and the release levers to normally bias the release levers so that the outer end of each of them imposes a load on the pressure plate which tends to urge the pressure plate against the friction drive assembly and the friction drive assembly against the flywheel, each of the drive straps having an outwardly projecting extension which is positioned between the pressure plate and the outer end of an adjacent release lev

Abstract: A device which brakes a drive motor having a rotor adapted to be axially displaced when the motor winding is de-energized. A braking member moves with the rotor so that when the motor winding is deenergized, the circumferential surface of the braking member engages the stationary member to frictionally stop the rotation of the rotor. When the braking member engages the stationary member, the exterior circumferential surface thereof pivots to position substantially the entire surface of the exterior circumferential surface in contact with the stationary member. Energization of the motor moves the braking member with the rotor away from the stationary member and the exterior surface of the braking member pivots to disengage from the stationary member enabling the rotor to rotate.

Abstract: A friction clutch is provided with a pressure plate arranged to reduce axial shock. According to the invention, the pressure plate has an inner part (25) and an outer annular part (26), the inner part engaging axially in the outer part and inclined tongues (40) being provided coupling the inner part to the cover (13), these tongues being disposed in internal recesses formed in the outer part and particularly in the annular support collar of this part.

Abstract: A spring-assisted transfer case fork assembly for shifting a synchronizer clutch sleeve from its neutral position to complete lockup of its internal splines with external splines on a transmission shaft speed-change gear. The invention uniquely arranges a dual spring biased bracket on the fork shift rail allowing subsequent lagging travel of the shifting mechanism. The shift fork assembly is affixed to a tube member with forward and aft tube portions adapted to slide on the rail for reciprocal travel between its neutral and complete lock-up positions. A first compression spring operates to constantly bias the bracket's one flange in predetermined space relation with the tube member's opposed end. A second weaker compression spring biases the bracket aft flange forwardly into abutment with the tube member's other end.

Abstract: In a diaphragm spring clutch, a clutch driven plate is clampable against a rotatably driven counter - pressure plate by a pressure plate urged by a diaphragm spring. To cushion clutch re-engagements the pressure plate has an annular array of spaced lands facing the diaphragm spring and supporting a resilient fulcrum ring having spanning portions spanning the spaces between the lands, the spanning portions of the fulcrum ring being in contact with respective radial ribs on a face of the diaphragm spring. As the diaphragm spring increasingly urges the pressure plate during a clutch re-engagement, the spanning portions of the fulcrum ring are resiliently deformed by the ribs into the spaces between lands to axially cushion the re-engagement.

Abstract: A spring apparatus for a positive engagement clutch in which a sliding sleeve is forced into and out of locked engagement with a drive shaft by a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a shift fork containing sliding blocks which engages with a peripheral groove on the sliding sleeve, a prestressing lever, and a spring guide. The spring guide interconnects the shift fork and the prestressing lever. The prestressing lever is capable of being locked in an engaged position in which the spring is compressed until the sliding sleeve engages with the drive shaft, and a disengaged position in which the spring is relaxed and a rigid connection occurs.

Abstract: The power train between the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission in a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels and a two-stage slip clutch between the flywheels. The magnitude of torque which is transmitted by the slip clutch is variable in response to changes in centrifugal force acting upon a diaphragm spring for one stage of the slip clutch. The slip clutch damps and absorbs those peaks of fluctuations of angular displacement of one of the flywheels relative to the other flywheel which are attributable to fluctuations of torque transmitted by the engine.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly includes a diaphragm spring acting on a pressure plate through a fulcrum ring which encircles the clutch axis and is disposed in a groove in the pressure plate. The fulcrum ring is a resilient tube. During clutch re-engagements, the cross-section of the tube is resiliently deformed by the load of the diaphragm spring to provide cushioning. The resilient tube can have a slot in its outer periphery. In a first stage of cushioning the tube is deformed so as to close the slot. Thereafter, further deformation of the tube is harder and creates a second stage of harder cushioning.

Abstract: A clutch cover includes a diaphragm spring arranged between a pressure plate and a cover core and in coaxial relation with the pressure plate for urging the same, and a strap connecting an outer peripheral portion of the pressure plate to an outer peripheral portion of the cover core. The cover core has first and second wall portions, the first wall portion being located at the periphery of the connection between the strap and the cover core and disposed closer to the central axis of the clutch cover than the second wall portion. The first wall portion is provided with a cut-out at a location corresponding to the outer edge of the diaphragm spring so that the outer edge of the diaphragm spring will not contact the second wall portion.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly comprises a generally annular cover by which it is attached to a flywheel. A generally annular pressure plate is axially movable relative to the cover but constrained to rotate with it. An engagement device urges the pressure plate in the axial direction away from the cover. It is formed at least in part by an axially acting spring arrangement comprising at least two Belleville washers. These are disposed radially one inside the other with the larger diameter edge of one Belleville washer lying on a circumference of smaller diameter than the circumference on which lies the smaller diameter edge of the other Belleville washer.

Abstract: A diaphragm spring clutch cover assembly having a cover to be secured to a driven plate or flywheel and a pressure plate attached to the cover and urged by a diaphragm spring to press a driven plate against the driving plate in an assembled clutch. The diaphragm spring acts between a first fulcrum arrangement on the pressure plate and a second fulcrum arrangement on the cover. The first fulcrum arrangement comprises arcuate spaced lands in a circle on the pressure plate, a resilient wire fulcrum ring engaged by the lands and spanning the spaces between the lands, and U-shaped saddles straddling the ring at those spaces. The saddles are pressed axially of the clutch by the diaphragm spring so that during clutch re-engagement the axial deformation of the spanning portions of the ring in a first axial direction creates a first stage of cushioning.

Abstract: The diaphragm spring of a clutch is connected in traction to the release bearing thereof by means of a gripping device comprising a collar held against the diaphragm spring by means of an annular resilient washer. By virtue of the contorted cross-sectional shape of the washer it provides the necessary elastic action whilst allowing a reduction in bulk.

Abstract: In a pressed-type clutch for a motor vehicle the clutch disc with its friction linings is located axially between a pressure plate which is nearer to the driving disc and an anti-pressure plate which is more remote from the driving disc. The pressure plate is axially movable with respect to the driving disc and connected therewith for common rotation. The anti-pressure plate is stationary with respect to the driving disc. A spring force transmitting structure is fixed to the pressure plate and has a bottom on the side of the anti-pressure plate which is remote from the driving disc. A diaphragm spring is located between the anti-pressure plate and the bottom of the spring force transmitting structure. The clutch release bearing is moved into engagement with the tongues of the diaphragm spring and towards the driving disc in view of clutch disengagement.

Abstract: A clutch disc positional between a driving flywheel and a pressure plate characterized in that the clutch disc is composed of a central disc-shaped disc section perpendicular to the driving axis of the flywheel and an outer peripheral cone-shaped disc section. Power transmission is commenced at the disc-shaped disc section when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: An improved shifting mechanism for the outboard drive unit of a marine propulsion device. The unit includes a torsion bar actuator that resiliently deflects until a detent on the shifting sleeve is released. Upon release of the detent, the torsional loading on the torsion bar is released so as to slap the clutch elements into engagement.

Abstract: In an electrically controlled shift actuator (110, 120, 130) and a control system (140) therefor of the type utilizing a cam or scotch yoke flywheel adapted to move a shift member (28, 96) to a preselected one of at least two spaced-apart shift positions. In one embodiment the shift member is in a preloaded condition provided by coiled spring (84) associated with the actuator. The control system employs a circuit having a control switch (100), a first switch (108), and a second switch (112) interconnectable in such a manner that a cam (70) responsive to the rotational position of the motor is able to change the condition of the first and second switching in a prescribed manner to move the shift member. The control system preferably includes energy dissipating resistor (120) for dynamically braking the motor and speed indicator (124) when the actuator is used as a shift actuator for a vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a cone clutch comprising an axially unslidable rotation shaft; a cone body connected to the rotation shaft through a helical spline, adapted to be axially shifted by a shifter or the like, and provided at the outer periphery with a pair of conical faces for frictional engagement; a pair of cone cups disposed at both sides of the cone body, carried rotatably and axially slidably on the rotation shaft, and provided with a pair of conical faces operable to frictionally engage with the faces of the cone body respectively; rotation force transmitting mechanism for transmitting rotation forces in respectively opposite directions to the cone cups; and spring mechanism disposed between the rear sides of the cone cups for forcing the rear faces of the cone cups toward the cone body, respectively.

Abstract: A transfer case fork assembly for selectively shifting a vehicle powertrain clutch between two speed ranges. During the shifting to either speed range a momentary lock-up condition may result because of the applied torque to the transfer case output shaft. The invention uniquely arranges outer and inner nested spring biased brackets on the shift rail allowing subsequent lagging travel of the fork and clutch. The arrangement provides lost-motion travel of the manual shifting controls during the momentary clutch lock-up condition. Upon freeing of the clutch the spring biased brackets advance the fork thereby engaging the clutch in either its high or low speed range mode of operation.

Abstract: A variable mechanical advantage/variable effective length shifting mechanism (30) is provided, preferably for shifting a synchronized positive clutch transmission. A compound mechanism comprises a first member (34) in the form of a variable mechanical advantage/variable effective length first class lever having a first lever portion (34), a second lever portion (42) and a fixed pivot axis (38), and a second member (44) in the form of a second class lever pivotably mounted about a pivot axis (70) extending substantially parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis. A pivot pin (48) extending substantially parallel to the first and second pivot axis is slidably received in axially extending slots (46 and 84) provided in the first and second members, respectively. A resilient biasing member (58) is provided for resiliently biasing the pivot pin axially away from the first pivot axis and axially toward the second pivot axis.

Abstract: A shift mechanism (66, 68, 70, 72) for shifting a member (22, 22A', 22B, 27C) for performing an operation at a preselected one of at least two spaced-apart operating positions. The mechanism comprises a threaded screw (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) that is rotated about its central longitudinal rotational axis ("C") by a motor (14, 14A, 14B, 14C) to move a drive nut (12, 12A, 12B, 12C) in opposite axial directions therealong relative the particular direction the shaft is rotating and causes the drive nut to compress a resilient biasing means (20, 20', 20A, 20A', 20B, 20B', 20C, 20C') which is adapted to urge the member (22, 22A', 22B, 27C) to the particular position in a preloaded condition such that the operation is able to be performed by overcoming any resistance incurred in performing the operation or upon removal of the resistance upon the occurance of an event enabling the operation to occur.

Abstract: A variable mechanical advantage/effective length shift lever assembly (12) of the first class lever type for a synchronized transmission (10) is provided. The shift lever assembly comprises a relatively solid section (56 and 68) and a resiliently deflectable section (70). The shift lever assembly (12) defines a second portion (62) having a first effective length (72) when the deflectable section (70) is in the nondeflected position thereof and a second shorter effective length (80) upon deflection of the resiliently deflectable section (70).

Abstract: A four speed, constant mesh transmission includes an input and an output shaft with four pairs of driver and driven gears respectively spaced on the two shafts. A pair of gear couplings are slidably disposed on the output shaft and splined for rotation therewith. Each gear coupling is selectively moved along the shaft for engagement with one of the driven gears by means of a pair of shift forks respectively engaged with the gear couplings. The two shift forks are slidably disposed on a guide rail which extends parallel to the input and output shafts of the transmission. Each shift fork includes a solenoid lock which may be selectively engaged with the guide rail for preventing sliding movement of the shift fork with respect thereto.