Abstract: An assembly for a motor-vehicle friction clutch, in which a pressure plate and a pressure spring are preassembled in a clutch casing. The pressure plate can move in the axial direction with respect to the clutch casing and is connected to the clutch casing in a rotationally fixed manner by means of leaf springs. A releasable transport securing device prevents the pressure plate from moving in the axial direction toward the open side of the clutch casing. The securing device acts between a stop area, which limits the axial displacement of the pressure plate or is formed by said pressure plate, and a corresponding opposing stop area on the clutch casing. The transport securing device is a locking element which is held between the stop area and the opposing stop area by frictional force or a form fit, and can be disengaged by spring force when the clutch is fitted or when the clutch is first actuated.

Abstract: A disengagement mechanism for a friction clutch which is to be arranged between an internal combustion engine and a transmission flanged to the internal combustion engine by a casing includes a guide pipe fastenable in the casing. A release bearing element is guided radially at the outer circumference of the guide pipe so as to be axially movable thereon. The disengagement mechanism also includes a clutch lever which is to be articulated at the casing for transmitting clutch actuating forces to the release bearing element. At least the guide pipe, the release bearing, and the clutch lever are held together to form a constructional unit prior to their arrangement between the internal combustion engine and the transmission by movement limiting device, thereby facilitating the assembly of the disengagement mechanism. In the operation-ready, installed state, the movement limiting devices influences the movability of the disengagement mechanism.

Abstract: A friction clutch wherein an adjusting device serves to compensate for wear at least upon the friction linings of the clutch disc between the driven counterpressure plate and the axially movable pressure plate. The purpose of the adjusting device is to ensure that the bias of the clutch spring upon the pressure plate remains at least substantially unchanged. The adjusting device satisfies such requirement due to the provision of a device which compensates for departures of the actual position of the clutch actuating unit from an optimum position or which compensates for the departures of those portions of the actuating unit relative to a clutch disengaging member from an optimum position which are acted upon by the actuating unit.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly 3 is formed to improve the workability of installation of the clutch cover assembly 3 in which a pressure plate 17 is not fixed to a clutch cover 16. The clutch cover assembly 3 is disposed such that clutch disks 42 and 43 are disposed between a flywheel 2 and the clutch cover assembly 3. The clutch cover assembly 3 selectively urges the clutch disks 42 and 43 against the flywheel 2 via the pressure plate 17. The clutch cover assembly 3 basically includes a clutch cover 16, a diaphragm spring assembly 18, and a snap ring 21. First and second diaphragm springs 29 and 30 are disposed adjacent to the clutch cover 16 on a side closer to the flywheel 2. The first and second diaphragm springs 29 and 30 include first and second disk-shaped elastic portions 31 and 32 and pluralities of first and second lever portions 33 and 34. The disk-shaped elastic portions 31 and 32 are supported by the clutch cover 16 at an outer peripheral portion.

Abstract: A friction clutch, in particular multidisk friction clutch, includes a wear compensation device arranged in the pressure force path of a diaphragm spring which forms the principal clutch spring. The wear compensation device is arranged between the diaphragm spring and a pressure plate which is rotatably fixed and axially movably arranged in a clutch housing. The wear compensation device has at least one pair of compensation elements that are axially expandable under the urgency of a spring element. The diaphragm spring is arranged so that it is liftable off of the compensation elements. The pressure plate is prestressed in the release direction by a ventilating spring system having a prestrssing force that is greater than the axial spreading force of the wear compensation device. A ventilating distance-limiting device is active between the pressure plate and the clutch housing and automatically readjusts to a predetermined fixed ventilating distance clearance when wear occurs in the clutch.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic coupling device includes a piston (9) displaceable in an axial direction along a guide ring (6) mounted on a transversal wall (2). Stops (50) are provided on the wall (2) to limit the displacement of the piston (9).

Abstract: A bridge coupling on a hydrodynamic torque converter is embodied with an axially movable piston arranged on a radial bearing. In one operating position, the piston can be brought into active connection with a support surface of a radial flange of the converter housing via at least one friction lining. The piston executes its axial movement under the influence of an axially elastic element integrated in the radial bearing and having an elastomer substantially deformable in the axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a friction clutch in which an axial play is provided between an inner disk and a hub of a clutch disk. The axial play can be influenced by a device during assembly of the friction clutch in an engine and transmission of a motor vehicle drivetrain such that the hub is displaced, within the axial play, into the position in the axial play which lies closest to a flywheel of the friction clutch.

Abstract: The pressure plate for use in a friction clutch is characterized in that the first plate 11 and second plate 12 thereof are respectively composed of divided plates, fins 12b are respectively formed in the second plates 12 such that they are integral with their respective plates 12, and the second plates 12 are disposed on the first plates 11 in such a manner that gaps between the first plates are not aligned with gaps between the second plates.

Abstract: A disengaging mechanism for a friction clutch which is arranged in a motor vehicle between an internal combustion engine and a transmission flanged to the internal combustion engine by a casing. The disengaging mechanism includes a guide pipe which is fastenable in the casing. A release bearing element is guided radially at the outer circumference of the guide pipe so as to be axially movable. The disengaging mechanism also includes a clutch lever which is to be articulated at the casing for transmitting clutch actuating forces. At least the guide pipe and the clutch lever are held together to form a constructional unit prior to installation in the motor vehicle. In the operation-ready state, the movement limiting components influence the movability of the disengaging mechanism. Assembly is facilitated by constructing the disengaging mechanism as a constructional unit, which can also contain the release bearing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-plate clutch mechanism that includes a pressure plate mechanism is fixed to a first cylindrical portion with first and second friction plates disposed between the pressure plate mechanism and a flywheel connected to the first cylindrical portion. The pressure plate mechanism includes a clutch covbr supported on the first cylindrical portion. The first friction plates contact the first cylindrical portion for rotation therewith and the second friction plates contact a hub flange for rotation therewith. At least one of the second friction plates is formed with a radially inwardly extending protrusion that contacts a corresponding recess formed in the hub flange thus restricting axial movement of the hub flange.

Abstract: A brake assembly (30) has a plurality of brake fluid actuated pistons. The brake assembly includes a brake inlet port (46) for receiving brake fluid from a fluid reservoir. The brake assembly includes a plurality of cylinders (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44) for actuating a corresponding plurality of pistons. The plurality of cylinders includes at least a first cylinder (32), a second cylinder (44), and a third cylinder (38) for actuating corresponding pistons. The first, second, and third pistons actuate at first, second, and third time intervals. A fluid distribution manifold (48) is connected in fluid communication with the brake inlet port.

Abstract: A one-way sprag clutch is disclosed. The clutch includes coaxial inner and outer races. A plurality of sprags arranged in a group is located within a cage between the races. The sprags are engageable with the inner surface and the outer surface by rotating in a first peripheral direction relative of the surfaces to transmit a torque between the two races. A plurality of bolts is located adjacent to the sprag group. The number of sprags in the group is greater than the number of bolts. In particular, one of the bolts limits rotation of the sprags in a first direction beyond an engaged position and a second bolt limits rotation of the sprags in a second direction to a lift-off position.

Abstract: A friction clutch has device compensating for wear in the clutch friction wheel and, to a lesser extent, in the pressure plate and reaction plate of the clutch. The wear compensating device is of the type comprising a compensating device arranged between the thrust band and the pressure plate of the clutch, and the thrust band includes an abutment member cooperating with the cover plate for stabilising the position of the diaphragm when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A spacer system for a differential lock assembly having a fixed clutch and a sliding clutch with a sliding-clutch collar. The spacer system comprises a shift fork member and a bearing adjuster which contact when the sliding clutch and fixed clutch are engaged so as to prevent the shift fork member from binding within the sliding-clutch collar, without requiring a manual adjustment to account for tolerance stackups or gear or bearing positional adjustments.

Abstract: A pressure plate subassembly for a motor vehicle friction clutch, which subassembly comprises an application plate or pressure plate which, when assembled in a motor vehicle friction clutch, is connected to a flywheel to rotate jointly around an axis and can be axially displaced with respect to the flywheel. The pressure plate has a friction surface which faces the flywheel, and at least one clearance sensor is provided on the pressure plate. The clearance sensor has an operation lever segment that cooperates with a wear adjustment device, and an axial stop segment which cooperates with the flywheel. The pressure plate subassembly comprises the displacement contrivances, which displacement contrivances prevent a displacement of the clearance sensor, of which there is at least one, with respect to the pressure plate prior to the assembly of the pressure plate subassembly to the flywheel.

Abstract: In a hydraulically actuated friction clutch or brake for an automatic transmission, contact between a pressure plate and retaining ring, each drivably engaged with an axially spline, is located at radialy outer position on the retaining ring, either because the adjacent surface of the pressure plate is relieved to produce contact at that location or because the retaining ring has a lateral surface that is relieved locally or tapered away from the surface of the retaining ring. Bending through the thickness of the component in which the spline teeth engage the pressure plate and retaining ring is reduced because the reaction force is applied to that component closer to the neutral axis than if contact between the pressure plate and retaining ring were distributed over a greater radial dimension of the retaining ring.

Abstract: To reduce dispersion in an engagement stroke amount caused by error in manufacturing parts and to reduce the stroke amount in a stationary cylinder type clutch device, the clutch device includes a hub, a drum, friction coupling elements connecting thereto such that rotational power can be transmitted, a pressing member and a reaction force member arranged at opposite ends of the clutch device in the axial direction, and a hydraulic servo for engaging and disengaging the friction coupling elements where the hydraulic servo is installed to a fixed member, a servo force is transmitted to the friction coupling elements via the pressing member and the reaction force caused by the engagement is supported by the fixed member via the reaction force member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic clutch comprising a field member with an exciting coil member disposed therein; a shaft extending through the field member and the exciting coil member; a rotor member fixedly disposed on the shaft at a position opposing to the filed member; a drive mechanism rotatably provided on the shaft; a contact member provided on the drive mechanism on the side facing the rotor member; an elastic member disposed on the drive mechanism for biasing the contact member to the drive mechanism. The contact member is positioned to form a clearance of a first dimension G1 along the shaft between the surfaces of the contact member and the rotor member and the first dimension G1 is set to be smaller than a limit dimension G3. A deformation of the elastic member by the limit dimension along the axial direction results in the elastic limit.

Abstract: A freewheel device of the type comprising a plurality of wedging cams 5 mounted in at least one holding cage 8, a plurality of rolling bodies 15 mounted in an additional cage 18, an outer race 1 equipped on its bore with a track 6 along which the cams 5 can slide and with a raceway 16 along which the rolling bodies 15 can roll, an inner race 2 equipped on its cylindrical outer surface with a track 7 along with the cams 5 can slide and with a raceway 17 along which the rolling bodies can roll, to allow the one-way coupling between the outer race 1 and inner race 2. The freewheel device comprises, on one side, an end plate 12 secured to one of the races, adjacent to the holding cage 8 and axially retaining said cage in one direction, and the additional cage 18 for holding the rolling bodies 15 comprises means of axial retention, at least in the other direction, with respect to the race supporting the end plate.

Abstract: First and second sets of friction discs for a clutch or brake of an automatic transmission are arranged alternately on a member, on which one of the sets is drivably engaged with a spline. A Belleville spring having a discontinuous annular outer band is located with a slight radial interference within a groove such that the band is stabilized and held in position to prevent inadvertent dislocation of the friction discs from the clutch member to which they are assembled. A clutch cylinder supports a piston moveable toward the friction discs to engage the clutch and is urged by the Belleville spring out of contact with the friction disc when hydraulic pressure is removed from the cylinder.

Abstract: A multiple-disk friction clutch, especially for motor vehicles, with a hub which has an internal toothing and can be placed on a gear shaft so as to be rotationally fixed relative thereto. At least two clutch disks are connected with the hub so as to be rotationally fixed relative thereto and project radially beyond the hub. A stop which guides the hub axially relative to the clutch disks is provided between the clutch disks. The hub is formed of two parts and includes a hub body having an outer toothing and a hub ring which has the same outer toothing and sits on a radial shoulder of the hub body. The outer toothing of the hub ring is offset by one tooth relative to the toothing of the hub body to form the stop for the clutch disks. The hub body and the hub ring are connected with one another so as to be rotationally fixed relative to one another.

Abstract: A clutch actuator for a motor vehicle friction clutch has a drive, a gear unit which converts the movement of the drive into a substantially translatory movement of an output member, the excursion of this gear unit being definable with respect to every working direction by at least one stop, and a clutch position detector. A damping device is associated with each stop. In a position of the gear unit in which the gear unit, in a movement directed toward the stop, has reached an exactly defined reference position relative to this stop, this reference position being situated prior to the stop, the damping device can be activated in order to retard the gear unit until the latter comes into contact with the stop.

Abstract: A friction clutch wherein the pressure plate is movable axially of and relative to the clutch housing to engage or disengage the clutch by bearing against or by becoming disengaged from the friction linings of the clutch disc. The wear upon the friction linings is compensated for by an adjusting unit which is designed to shift a seat for the titable diaphragm spring relative to the housing and toward the pressure plate. A resilient component, which can form part of or can be borne by the diaphragm spring or which is carried by the housing, acts upon the diaphragm spring to ensure that the magnitude of the force to be exerted upon and by the diaphragm spring during and immediately after disengagement of the clutch varies within a narrow range. The resilient component does not affect the operation of the adjusting unit.

Abstract: A quiet, smoothly operating, one-way clutch assembly for use in an exercise device is provided. The clutch assembly includes a drive member, a drive clutch member operably coupled to the drive member for movement therewith, and a driven member engagable with the drive member. When rotated in a first direction, the drive member engages the driven member to transfer torque therebetween. When rotated in a second direction, the drive member disengages the driven member to permit relative rotation therebetween. The drive clutch member is moveable relative to the drive member to provide a relatively flat surface upon which the driven member may rotate relative to the drive member.

Abstract: A multiple plate friction clutch with a hub which has external gearing and a peripheral groove. A ring or a ring segment is placed in this groove and is used to fix the hub in place axially with respect to the clutch plates, which are non-rotationally engaged by means of internal gearing with the external gearing of the hub.

Abstract: A clutch cover for use in a diaphragm spring type clutch assembly and adapted to be disposed between a flywheel fixed to a motor vehicle engine crankshaft and a transmission input shaft includes a body portion, an engagement portion, an arcuate spring retention member, and an arcuate travel stop. The body portion is spaced from and extends across the flywheel and has a central aperture adapted to receive the input shaft. A first side of the body portion is directed toward the flywheel and a second side of the body portion is directed opposite the flywheel. The engagement portion extends downward from the body portion toward the flywheel for engagement therewith. The engagement portion defines a gap between the body portion and the flywheel. The arcuate spring retention member is located proximate to an outer periphery of the body portion at a first diameter at least as large in diameter as the diaphragm spring.

Abstract: An actuator is provided with a drive system and a crank mechanism which converts the motion of the drive system into an essentially translational motion of an output element. The crank mechanism is designed as a worm gear pair with a worm gear which sits on the output shaft and is engaged with a segment worm gear which is rotationally mounted in a housing, whereby engaged with the segment worm gear, in addition to the output element, there is an energy storing device, preferably a spring device, mounted so that it can pivot in a bearing, which energy storing device can move relative to the segment worm gear.

Abstract: An actuator for a motor vehicle friction clutch comprises a drive system, a transmission which converts its motion into an essentially translational motion of an output element, whereby the travel of the transmission can be limited by at least one stop, and a clutch position regulating system.

Abstract: A control method/system for controlling the operation of a pneumatically actuated vehicular master clutch (20) is provided. A position sensor (76) senses the position of an actuating piston (82) in a cylinder (80), and the piston is controlled to move to and remain at an axial position (DOP, EOP) offset stop members (88, 90) in at least one of the fully disengaged and engaged positions of the clutch.

Abstract: A spacer system for a differential lock assembly having a fixed clutch and a sliding clutch with a sliding-clutch collar. The spacer system comprises a shift fork member and a bearing adjuster which contact when the sliding clutch and fixed clutch are engaged so as to prevent the shift fork member from binding within the sliding-clutch collar, without requiring a manual adjustment to account for tolerance stackups or gear or bearing positional adjustments.

Abstract: The clutch mechanism includes a cover (1), a diaphragm (2), a pressure plate (3) coupled to the cover (1) by tongues (8) and return hooks (5) coupling the diaphragm (2) to the pressure plate (3). At least some of the hooks (5) are extended outwards in order to form a stop (7) suitable for coming into abutment against a counter-stop (6) formed by one of the edges of a mounting hole (9) in the cover (1).

Abstract: The clutch mechanism has a cover (2), a thrust plate (1), elastic member with axial action (3) for acting on the thrust plate (1), circumferential tongues (5) attached at their ends by fixing devices (6, 8) each respectively to an area (53) on the cover (2) and to a lug (11) on the thrust plate (1), and at least one device (8) for limiting the axial travel of the thrust plate (1), which for this purpose passes through an opening (93) formed in a stop zone (91) on a limitation area (54) of the cover and having a continuous shoulder (81), larger in size than the opening (93), suitable for coming to bear against the stop zone (91). This zone (91) is delimited on the inside by a slot (9) affecting the connecting area (23) and partly extends radially below the limitation area (54), as well as the limitation device (8).

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly 10 is used with clutch friction disks of a dry multi-disk clutch 1, and is provided with a diaphragm spring 30, a clutch cover 28 and a support structure 31. The outer periphery portion of the diaphragm spring 30 loads the clutch friction disks. The support structure 31 includes a first annular disk-like annular ring member 35 possessing a first ring main body 38 which contacts a portion of the diaphragm spring 30 from the clutch cover 28 side and a seating portion 40 which extends from the first ring main body 38 and seats against the clutch cover 28, a second annular disk-like annular ring member 36 possessing a second ring main body which contacts the diaphragm spring 30 on the side opposite the first annular disk-like annular ring member 35, and bolts 37 for fixing the first and second annular disk-like annular disk-like annular ring members 35 and 36 to the clutch cover 28. One purpose of the invention is to suppress clutch cover wear caused by annular disk-like wire rings.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in washing paint brushes, including a cylindrical casing, an inner retainer, an outer retainer, an inner tube, a rectangular transmission plate, a cap, a driving rod, a driven gear, and a coupling block, wherein: the driving rod as a stop arm for securing to the cap as the apparatus is used to drive a paint mixing tool; the coupling block has a coupling hole for holding the handle of the paint mixing tool used.

Abstract: A one-way clutch which is constructed such that there are formed between an external rotary member and an internal rotary member a plurality of clutch member spaces which are defined by cam surfaces of the external rotary member and a cam surface of the internal rotary member and which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the two rotary members. Each of the plurality of clutch member spaces is equipped with clutch rolling members to be switched between a transmission ON state, in which the clutch rolling members bite into the two cam surfaces to couple the two rotary members in an integrally rotatable manner, and a transmission OFF state in which the aforementioned bites are released to allow relative rotation of the two rotary members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch assembly having an axial series of friction plates for selectively transmitting torque and rotation between drive and driven assemblies. Specifically, a clutch assembly is provided that, in accordance with the present invention, transmits torque between friction plates and annular portions of rotational members having interengaging, polygonal cross-sectional configurations. The clutch also includes plastically deformable tabs for retaining the axial series of friction plates within a clutch housing. As constructed and arranged, the clutch of the present invention is suitable for high stresses and maximizes clutch efficiency.

Abstract: A centrifugally-assisted diaphragm clutch having a centrifugal weight pivotally mounted to the pressure plate which contacts the diaphragm spring. During rotation of the clutch, the centrifugal weight contacts and bears against the diaphragm spring exerting upward force on the diaphragm spring and downward force on the pressure plate, thereby increasing clutch pressure. The centrifugal weight also serves to distribute pressure over the pressure plate by directing force through its pivot point and by reducing the pressure applied to the pressure plate by the periphery of the diaphragm spring. The pressure plate includes a stop which limits the rotation of the centrifugal weight to prevent the clutch from locking in the engaged position.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch includes a rotatable drum having a circularly cylindrical inside surface; a plurality of shoes, each shoe having an external engagement surface for frictionally contacting the inside surface of the drum, each shoe being coupled to a rotatable hub for rotation therewith when the hub rotates concentrically with the drum, movement being permitted of each shoe radially inwardly and outwardly relative to the drum; a rigid shoe member of each shoe having a radially inwardly projecting first lock portion and a radially outwardly projecting second lock portion circumferentially spaced from the first lock portion; and a plurality of compression springs, at least one of the compression springs being positioned for compression between the first and second lock portions of adjacent ones of the shoes for biasing the shoes in a direction radially inwardly from the inside surface of the drum, the combination of the springs and the lock portions locking the shoes from moving radially outwardly more than

Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (18) with friction clutches (20,32 and 22,34), jaw clutches (24,14b and 26,16b) and self-energizing ramps. The ramps act between a shaft (12) and a shift flange (28) which is rotatable relative to the shaft and jaw clutch members (24,26). Flange (28) includes radially inwardly extending teeth (48) defining self-energizing ramps (48a,48b,48c,48d) which act against ramps (50a,50b,50c,50d) defined by a post-like portion (50) formed from shaft splines (12b). Three circumferentially spaced pins (36) include blocker shoulders for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches and pre-energizer surfaces which each cooperate with a pre-energizer assembly (38). Friction members (20,22) of the friction clutches are slidably splined to gears to prevent relative rotation therebetween and abut surfaces (14d,16d) defined by gears (14,16) to limit axial movement away from mating friction rings (32,34), respectively.

Abstract: A base unit for driving a press is disclosed. The unit uses two hydraulic actuated oil shear brake/clutch units which are in coaxial nested relationship. The basic unit provides a core assembly which can easily be modified or adapted to be mated with any type of press drive. The unit provides the normal start-stop function of a press drive using the two brake/clutch units as well as a flywheel braking function utilizing the same two brake/clutch units.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for an automatic transmission comprises a side cover housing defining one part of an annular hollow space, a rotary member arranged inside of the annular hollow space defined by the side cover housing, at least one clutch plate axially movably engaged with the side cover housing, at least one second clutch plate axially movably engaged with the rotary member, and a piston arranged in the annular hollow space for thrusting the first and second clutch plates in the axial direction. A cover member is arranged adjacent to the side cover housing while defining the other part of the annular hollow space, and a part of the side surface of the cover member comes in contact with either one of the first and second clutch plates so as to restrict the axial displacement of the same therewith.

Abstract: A clutch for an automobile vehicle air conditioning compressor (8) adapted to be driven by a vehicle engine crankshaft through a drive rotor (52). The drive rotor includes an end plate (50) having a friction surface (48) adjacent to and spaced from a corresponding friction surface (46) of an armature plate (38). The armature plate (38) is mounted to and biased toward a clutch hub backplate (30) by leaf springs (34), with meltable stoppers (36) limiting movement in the biased direction. The rotor end plate (50) and the armature plate (38) include a plurality of sets of banana slots (44 and 54) for directing a magnetic flux path (78) emanating from a coil assembly (60) mounted within the rotor (52). Segments of low curie point material (76) are strategically placed along the flux path (78) and significantly increase in reluctance above a predetermined temperature in order to prevent damage to the clutch and compressor during a clutch slip condition.

Abstract: A thrust washer and retainer ring combination is provided for a vehicular transmission (100) of the type having adjacent mainshaft gears (12) and (18) floating about a mainshaft (2) that have respective flanges (40) and (42) extending radially inwardly theretowards. A thrust washer (32) is disposed in a groove (38) between flanges (40) and (42) and a pair of retainer rings (28) and (30) are respectively disposed in grooves (34) and (36) adjacent a side of flanges (40) and (42) facing away from each other to prevent gears (12) and (18) from moving axially away from each other. Retainer rings (28) and (30) have an axial width "X" that is greater than the axial width "Y" of thrust washer (32) such that thrust washer (32) cannot be inadvertently received into retainer ring grooves (34) and (36) and the radial height of thrust washer (32) is preferably high enough to prevent it from being received into retainer ring grooves (34) and (36).

Abstract: The need for readjustment of clamps due to wear and tear is overcome by the provision of clamping means comprising a first member (16) movable relative to a housing (10) to effect clamping; torque limiting drive means (30,44) rotatable to effect that movement; and lost motion stop means (50,60) rotatable by the drive means into a first stop position in which continued rotation of the drive means is prevented and, through reverse rotation of the drive means, into a second stop position in which continued reverse rotation of the drive means is prevented. This clamping means can be used in particular to clamp telescoping legs, for instance on camera tripods.

Abstract: A slip clutch has a first clutch element rotatable about a clutch axis and having a planar surface centered on the axis and formed with at least one axially backwardly open recess and a second clutch element also rotatable about the axis and formed with at least one axially forwardly open window alignable with the recess and having a pair of sides spaced angularly apart by a predetermined distance. A coupling body in the window is axially forwardly engageable in the recess and has an angular dimension substantially smaller than the distance. A pusher body in the window axially backward of the coupling body bears axially forwardly against the coupling body and angularly against one of the sides of the window. A spring unit bears axially forwardly on the pusher body, pressing the pusher body axially forward toward the first element and angularly against the one side of the window, and pressing the coupling body with the pusher body axially forward toward the first element.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch having a hydraulic control arrangement which is particularly applicable to motor vehicle clutches comprising two elements in a piston and cylinder relationship with respect to each other, the outer element of which acts on the diaphragm of the clutch. A spacer element is associated with the inner element of the hydraulic control arrangement, such that the inner element is coupled in axial force transmitting relationship to the reaction plate of the clutch through the spacer element.

Abstract: A lost motion drive assembly has a base mounting upper and lower levers which connect to the louvers of an air plenum, such as in an automobile's ventilation system. A user turns a knob between a plurality of selections, causing a gear-operated actuator to rotate. A clutch mechanism operable between the actuator and levers engages the lower lever to drive it one way in response to rotation of the knob. Upon continued rotation of the knob, a drive lug on the actuator engages the upper lever to drive it the same way while the clutch disengages from the actuator and holds the lower lever fixed. Reverse motion is obtained when the clutch engages the actuator and upper lever, after which it releases the actuator and a second drive lug engages the lower lever to return it to its starting position.

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

Abstract: An improved elongate key (92) is provided for securing thrust washers to a mainshaft (48) of a transmission (100). Key (92) has a substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration having rounded intersections between adjacent surfaces rendering it easily insertable axially through keyways defined between external axially extending grooves (66) in mainshaft (48) and aligned internal grooves (86) in the thrust washer which itself is preferably provided with rounded corners (90) to enhance the strength thereof.