Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly comprises a clutch release bearing having an actuating element which defines an actuating nose, a coupling member carried by a connecting piece which is prefitted to the diaphragm or other declutching member of the clutch, and at least one resilient retaining ring for holding the coupling member permanently between a drive surface of the connecting piece and an actuating flank or thrust shoulder of a groove formed around the actuating nose. This groove is elongated away from the thrust shoulder, so that at least one axially acting resilient ring can be fitted into the groove in advance, with the thrust shoulder acting as an abutment for this ring.

Abstract: The clutch includes an input hub keyed to a drive shaft, a spacer telescoped into and keyed to the input hub, a bearing telescoped over and supported radially on the spacer, and an output member supported by the bearing. A bolt is threaded into the drive shaft and, when tightened, causes the bearing to be clamped axially between the spacer and the input hub. The spacer is formed with flats adapted to be engaged by a wrench in order to prevent the spacer, the input hub and the drive shaft from turning when the bolt is tightened.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a primary unit and a secondary unit, i.e. the engine and gearbox respectively. The clutch release bearing includes a sliding manoeuvring element carried by the secondary unit and carrying a ball bearing, the outer ring of which carries a housing which is so conformed as to define the actuating element of the clutch release bearing that engages with the clutch diaphragm, typically through a standard main coupling member carried by the diaphragm. The actuating element is formed with an engagement recess in which is fitted an intermediate coupling member coupling the actuating element to the main coupling member, while the manoeuvring element of the clutch release bearing is of generally tubular shape.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for an air conditioning compressor comprising a compound bearing assembly that is adapted to journal a drive pulley and electromagnetic clutch assembly wherein the bearing assembly is adapted to distribute loads on the rotor shaft for the compressor whereby the shaft loading on the rotor shaft and the radial forces acting on the drive pulley are transferred through common bearing structure to the fixed compressor housing, thereby simplifying the bearing construction and eliminating machining operation during manufacture.

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 bearing unit for a clutch release comprising a sleeve, a support plate, a ring, a bearing and a cover. The sleeve surrounds a motive power shaft and is movable along the shaft. The support plate extends from the sleeve outward in the radial direction of the shaft. The ring has a cylindrically-shaped holding portion fitted with a clutch release bearing and has an axis extending in the axial direction of the shaft and engagement portions with which a clutch releasing fork is engaged as the fork is swung toward the shaft. The bearing, at least the outer race of which is housed in the holding portion so as to have an axis in the axial direction of the shaft, is fitted on the inner circumferential surface of the holding portion so as to be movable in the radial direction of the shaft inside the holding portion. The outer race is pinched at both the end faces thereof between the holding portion and one side of the support plate along the axis of the shaft so that the ring, the bearing and the plate are assembled.

Abstract: A scroll-type fluid compressor including a main drive shaft and a clutch assembly. The scroll-type fluid compressor including an external shaft bearing assembly comprising a main drive shaft bearing and a clutch assembly bearing. The clutch assembly bearing includes an inner journal and the main drive shaft bearing mounts directly inside the inner journal such that the clutch assembly bearing forms a housing around the main drive shaft bearing.

Abstract: A clutch thrust bearing includes a rolling bearing (1) equipped with an inner and an outer ring, one of the rings (6) being in permanent contact with a clutch member; and a guide sleeve (12) with a radial flange (13) relative to which the rolling bearing (1) can be displaced radially. The guide sleeve is axially slidable with respect to a guide tube under the action of a control member (17) having end fingers (18) for moving a metal support plate (15) integral with the radial flange (13) of the guide sleeve. The improvement includes contact shoes (19) which receive the end fingers (18) of the control member and are located between the fingers and the metal support plate of the radial flange.

Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a driving clutch member and a driven bit holder connected by ball bearings retained by the clutch member which engages in pockets in the bit holder. The pockets include a specific ramp construction which insures that the threshold torque level of the tool in the forward direction is less than the threshold level in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device is provided of the type including an input coupling (11) and an output coupling assembly (13) including a case cover member (17) including a chimney portion (39) and chimney extension (81). The coupling includes a valve plate (31) defining a fluid port (45), and operation of the coupling is controlled in response to the rotational position of the valve arm (43), by means of a valve shaft (41). The position of the valve shaft (41) is controlled, in response to an electrical input signal by means of an actuator assembly (61), which includes an annular steel housing member (63). The housing member is stationary, and is mounted relative to the chimney extension (81) by means of a set of ball bearings (77) which comprise the only bearing support between the actuator assembly (61) and the rotating coupling.

Abstract: A self-aligning clutch release apparatus includes an axially slidable carrier sleeve, a thrust plate floatably carried on the sleeve, and an anti-friction bearing shiftably supported on the sleeve independently of the thrust plate. The thrust plate can reorient itself in accordance with forces imposed by a clutch actuating yoke. The anti-friction bearing can shift relative to the carrier sleeve so as to be in a centered position relative to an array of clutch release levers.

Abstract: A clutch control mechanism, for manoeuvring an actuating member such as a clutch release bearing, comprises a support member, a tubular driving member, a tubular driven member having a mounting means and, between the driving member and the driven member, camming means of the helical ramp type.The said mounting means comprises a first sleeve adapted to penetrate into the interior of the actuating member and to carry internally one of the cams, while the driving member penetrates into the interior of the sleeve and carries the other cam, the sleeve having an external radial flange, which acts as an abutment for the clutch release bearing and which is coupled in rotation to the support member.

Abstract: Clutch thrust bearing comprising a rolling bearing mounted on a guide bush equipped with a tubular part and with a radial flange which is engaged by the operating member which operates the thrust bearing. Snap-fastening members connect the operating member and the guide bush axially. The snap-fastening members include two metal retaining elements which are capable of being inserted and held by snap-fastening in a housing provided in the guide bush, each retaining element having a hook interacting with the operating member.

Abstract: A viscous coupling (11) is provided for use as a by-pass element in a torque converter (T). The coupling includes a body member (13) having a body hub portion (25) and a cover member (15) having a cover hub portion (35). The body and cover hub portions are journalled on the outer surfaces (53,57) of a clutch hub portion (41) by means of a pair of identical bushing (59). Each bushing defines on its outer surface a fluid passage (79) including a restricted flow orifice (81). The restricted orifice results in a substantial pressure drop from a high pressure chamber (73) to a seal chamber (70). The cover hub portion (35) defines a counterbore (85) which communicates with the fluid passage (79) to by-pass the restricted orifice (81), such that the seal chamber (70) is maintained at substantially the pressure of a downstream, low pressure chamber (71).

Abstract: Disclosed is a release bearing of clutch which comprises a case unit supported on a quill fixed on a housing, a bearing main body incorporated into the case unit, and a sleeve having the case unit slidably supported on the outer circumference of the quill, wherein a bush made of a softer material than the sleeve is interdisposed between the inside of the sleeve and the outside of the quill being fixed detachably on the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to the guidance of the hub (23) of a clutch disc (13) of a friction clutch (1), independently of the splining (27) of the gear shaft (29). The guidance of the clutch disc (13) takes place through a bearing (41) which supports itself for the one part on the hub (23) of the clutch disc (13) and for the other part on a component of the friction clutch (1). Due to this arrangement a satisfactory centering of the clutch disc (13) is guaranteed, the pilot bearing for the guidance of the gear shaft can be eliminated and the fitting of clutch and gear on the internal combustion engine is substantially facilitated.

Abstract: A release bearing mechanism of a clutch comprises release bearing including an inner race provided with axial extension, a lever plate fitted to the extension and fixed to a diaphragm spring, the lever plate provided with a ring escape groove, a tapered guide portion and a ring fitting portion, the extension being provided with a ring escape groove and a second ring fitting portion, an elastic connecting ring interposed between the lever plate and the extension, a ring pushing means for pushing the connecting ring from ring fitting portion to the other ring escape groove. The ring escape grooves have depth which permits axially relative movement between the lever plate and the extension when the connecting ring is accommodated therein. The fitting portions are adapted to fit to the connecting ring at radially opposite directions and axially opposite directions.

Abstract: A torsion damping apparatus between the crankshaft of the engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission of a motor vehicle has two flywheels one of which is driven by the crankshaft and the other of which drives the input shaft by way of a friction clutch which generates heat. In order to prevent the transfer of heat from the friction clutch to the antifriction bearing between the flywheels, which are rotatable relative to each other against the opposition of a damper, the bearing is at least partially surrounded by a thermal barrier of synthetic plastic, ceramic or metallic material which prolongs the useful life of the bearing and enhances the torsion damping action of the damper. The thermal barrier can constitute or form part of the damper.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing apparatus comprises a clutch release bearing and a holding mechanism therefor. At a location of the holding mechanism where a driving member applies a driving force for clutch releasing, a shift member shiftable in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the bearing is disposed.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly has a clutch cover adapted to be coupled to a flywheel of an engine, a pressure plate disposed inwardly of the clutch cover, a diaphragm spring having an outer edge engaged by the clutch cover for resiliently pressing the pressure plate, a bearing fixed to an inner edge of the diaphragm spring and having rotatable elements and an inner race supporting the rotatable elements, a bearing hub axially movably disposed in the bearing for being axially movably disposed on an input shaft of a transmission, a locking member disposed between the inner race and the bearing hub for locking the bearing hub against movement with respect to the bearing away from the engine, and a release fork engageable with the bearing hub for axially moving the bearing hub and the bearing away from the engine to release the pressure plate from the diaphragm spring.

Abstract: An inner bearing ring of a clutch release bearing for an automotive vehicle clutch equipped with diaphragm springs, whereby the clutch release bearing comprises a rolling bearing with two concentric bearing rings arranged on a sliding sleeve between which rings rolling elements roll, and whereby a washer is fixed on the side face of the rotating inner ring which faces the clutch and which during operation acts with the spring finger ends of the diaphragm spring, characterized in that the inner ring (6) is formed from a metal raceway element (9) and an annular element, whereby the annular element forms the circular washer (10) which with its side not facing the clutch is supported on the raceway element (9) and which has an axial extension (12) which is inserted clearance-free into the bore of the metal raceway element (9) and which on its end (13) opposite the washer (10) engages behind the end of the metal raceway element (9) so that the raceway element (9) is retained in a form-locking way on the annular el

Abstract: Upon fitting of a so-called pull-type clutch between engine and gearbox in vehicles, difficulties arise in achieving correct coupling between the declutching mechanism and the declutching bearing during bringing together of engine and gearbox. A bearing unit including a declutching bearing is freely rotatable in a pre-assembled condition and needs to be centered in a certain angular position for correct coupling to be obtained. In order to achieve this centering of the angular position of the bearing unit it is proposed according to the invention that the bearing unit is connected to a housing, which is fixed relative to the engine, via an extensible element by which the angular position may be fixed.

Abstract: A thrust washer has a protrusion which is formed with a projecting pawl. The rotating member is formed with a through hole, into which the protrusion of the thrust washer is inserted, such that the pawl is projected out on the opposed surface remote from the thrust washer of the rotating member, whereby the upstanding surface of the pawl is used as a stop means. Thus, the thrust washer is positively secured to the rotating member.

Abstract: A self-aligning clutch release bearing and carrier sleeve assembly includes a carrier sleeve which defines a first axis and a bearing adapted to be brought into engagement with rotating clutch fingers or the like of a clutch mechanism, which clutch fingers rotate about a second axis which may not be exactly coincidental with the first axis. The bearing and carrier sleeve assembly is adapted to adjust the rotation orientation of the bearing to coincide with the second axis of rotation of the clutch fingers. This bearing and carrier sleeve assembly comprises: a bearing including a generally annular thrust face for engagement with the clutch fingers and first and second annular raceways having a plurality of bearing elements disposed therebetween, one of the raceways rotating in unison with the thrust face and the other of the raceways being coupled with the carrier sleeve. A mounting arrangement is provided for grippingly engaging the second raceway for mounting the same to the carrier sleeve.

Abstract: A release bearing mechanism of a clutch comprises release bearing including an inner race provided with axial extension, a lever plate fitted to the extension and fixed to a diaphragm spring, the lever plate provided with a ring escape groove, a tapered guide portion and a ring fitting portion, the extension being provided with a ring escape groove and a second ring fitting portion, an elastic connecting ring interposed between the lever plate and the extension, a ring pushing means for pushing the connecting ring from ring fitting portion to the other ring escape groove. The ring escape grooves have depth which permits axially relative movement between the lever plate and the extension when the connecting ring is accommodated therein. The fitting portions are adapted to fit to the connecting ring at radially opposite directions and axially opposite directions.

Abstract: A release bearing unit comprises a release hub member for coupling a release fork of a clutch and a release bearing member. The release bearing is coupled to the circumference of the release hub member. The release hub member comprises a hub body and a fork receiving member. The hub body is provided with a sleeve made of synthetic resin. The fork receiving member receives the release fork of the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch control device, particularly for automotive vehicles, comprises a manoeuvring member which is coupled axially with a working element which engages the relevant part of the actuating member of the clutch itself. The manoeuvring member and working element are coupled together through a retaining shroud, using an assembly device which comprise a plurality of tabs or lugs projecting from a lateral wall of the retaining shroud and which are able to slide in corresponding axial grooves formed in the manoeuvring member until they leave the grooves on the face of the manoeuvring member opposite to that at which they were introduced. Relative rotation is then carried out between the retaining shroud and the manoeuvring member, so as to engage the tabs securely in radial recesses formed in the radial portion of the manoeuvring member, the recesses being offset by a predetermined angle from the axial grooves.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch actuator for a motor vehicle of the concentric type in which the actuator is mounted concentrically around the transmission input shaft of the vehicle within the housing of the clutch. The actuator includes a housing structure defining a central quill shaft surrounding the input shaft of the vehicle and slidably supporting the hub portion of the bearing carrier and further defines an annular piston bore spaced radially outwardly from the quill shaft to define an annular bore between the piston bore and the quill shaft into which the rear end of the hub portion of the bearing carrier may move during the operation of the actuator so as to provide overlap as between the annular piston and the bearing carrier and minimize the axial dimension of the actuator. The preload spring is also positioned in the annular bore between the quill shaft and the piston bore so as to further optimize the compact packaging of the actuator.

Abstract: A release bearing assembly for a push type motor vehicle clutch, one side of which is acted upon by a clutch lever via a housing of the release bearing and against the other side of which clutch disk springs are arranged whereby the housing is axially displaceable along a guiding tube characterized in that the housing is provided with an axially displaceable sleeve, a pressure spring acts between a contact surface of the housing and a collar of the sliding sleeve and in the engaged state of the clutch, the sliding sleeve abuts against a stop face which causes the pressure spring to press the release bearing via the housing concentrically against the clutch disk springs.

Abstract: A pulled-type motor vehicle clutch to be used between a combustion engine and a gear box comprises a clutch release ring, axial movement of which results in releasing or opening the clutch. A clutch release sleeve is insertable into the clutch release ring and is connectable to the clutch release ring by a wire clip. The wire clip has a circular basic wire ring and two end portions. The wire ring extends over nearly 360.degree.. A gap is defined between the ends of the circular basic wire ring. The end portions are adjoined to the ends of the circular basic wire ring. These end portions can be engaged by hand or by a tool for widening the circular basic wire ring. The end portions cross each other. The gripping faces are directed in opposite circumferential directions away from each other such that mutually approaching said gripping faces results in widening the circular basic wire ring.

Abstract: A guide device for a release bearing used in a pull type friction clutch in which a cylindrical shaft portion projecting out of a transmission case in inserted into, and fitted in the inner periphery of, a release bearing of a clutch unit assembled to the crank shaft of an engine, and a release fork assembled to the transmission case is engaged with engagement portions formed on one of the release bearing members. Projecting pieces are formed on the one of the release bearing members. Each projecting piece extends outwards in a diametrical direction. Guide grooves are formed on the transmission case receiving the projecting pieces inserted thereinto from the axially front side of the cylindrical shaft portion keeping the release bearing member properly aligned while the clutch is being assembled.

Abstract: A release bearing mechanism of a clutch comprises a release bearing connected to an operation mechanism for applying an operating force to the bearing in axially outward direction, and including an inner race which is provided with an axially inwardly extending cylindrical extension. A cylindrical wedge collar is disposed around the extension. A lever plate is connected to a diaphragm spring of the clutch and disposed around the wedge collar. The wedge collar and the lever plate are movable through predetermined axial section relatively to each other.

Abstract: A reversible clutch release bearing assembly (20) including a housing (32) forming by identical first and second parts (34) and (35) engaged by a shifting fork (33). First and second parts of the housing each include a bearing cavity portion (36) surrounded by a perimeter lip (38). An anti-friction bearing (39) is contained within a bearing cavity (37) defined by the bearing cavity portions (36). A pair of wear pads (48) are attached at spaced locations to the outer side of the perimeter lips (38). The perimeter lips (38) extend on one side of the first and second parts of the housing to form flanges (50). Planar fork guide surfaces (52) are secured to the flanges (50) by a U-shaped bracket (54).

Abstract: An original, replacement, or aftermarket mechanism which responds to predetermined maximum torque levels to decouple a radiator fan from the rotation of a driving element, usually a water pump. The mechanism includes variable mounting adaptations which can accommodate water pumps and fans of different lengths, diameters and required physical location so that a large number of vehicular applications can be satisfied with a few different size fan clutch mechanisms. The mechanism includes a rotor case connected to the fan and a rotor connected to the water pump. The rotor is positioned in a cavity in the case and is immersed in nonlinear fluid such as silicon fluid.

Abstract: A variable speed fan drive including a cantilevered support and axially spaced bearings for mounting an input drive member with a cylinder portion and an output fan hub assembly for rotational movement relative to each other and to the support. A modulatable wet type clutch assembly is operably effective to couple the input drive member to the fan hub assembly. The output speed of the fan hub is regulated by the axial compressive force a clutch engaging member applies against interleaved members of the clutch assembly. The clutch engaging member cooperates with the cylinder portion of the input drive member to define an expansible chamber so designed that all clutch clamping forces are confined within the drive member. As such, substantially no axial thrust load is exerted on the axially spaced bearings during clutch application. The drive unit may further include cooperative elements arranged on the drive member and the fan hub assembly for preventing belt cord debris from becoming entangled thereabout.

Abstract: A torque converter has a converter cover secured to a crankshaft of an engine, an input shaft, a turbine secured to the input shaft, and a lockup clutch including a lockup piston. A pilot boss having an axial hollow therein is secured to the converter cover. An outer end of the pilot boss is engaged with a hole formed in the crankshaft, and an inner end of the pilot boss is rotatably mounted in a hub of the turbine, thereby rotatably supporting the turbine. An oil passage is formed in the input shaft and the pilot boss, for supplying release oil to a release side chamber formed between the converter cover and the lockup piston so as to disengage the lockup piston from the converter cover.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control system of the kind employing a clutch release bearing which, in response to a control device is adapted to act axially in a positive manner, in one direction, on a clutch release diaphram controlling the clutch. In accordance with the invention, the clutch release which is a double-acting clutch release bearing, being adapted to act axially equally well in both directions in order to absorb excess torque transmitted through the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch release mechanism for absorbing misalignments might occur between an annular driven member such as a bearing carrier and a stationary guide element such as a quill over which the driven member axially slides. A resilient spacer member is arranged between inner and outer tubular sleeves forming parts of the driven member such that the outer sleeve can be misaligned with respect to the inner sleeve without adverse effect on performance of the driven member. By absorbing misalignment between the bearing carrier and quill, wear between these members is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly of the kind comprising an operating element and a drive element which, by a flanged edge, is axially applied against a flange of the operating element. For the corresponding axial application and retention of the assembly, an elastic washer bears on the drive element; this elastic washer is provided with at least one lug having a transverse shoulder by which it is engaged with the operating element.The lug of the elastic washer is prolonged beyond its transverse shoulder and at its end is provided with a right-angled flange. This facilitates the use of a tool which co-operates with the lugs during assembly of the release bearing. The arrangement is particularly applicable to self-centering clutch release bearings for automobile vehicles.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing for an automobile vehicle has an operating member controllable by the clutch release fork and a drive member adapted to act on the fingers of the clutch diaphragm. The drive member comprises a roller bearing having a non-rotatable race formed with a flange for engaging the operating member, a roller cage, and a rotatable race for contact with the diaphragm. The operating member and the drive member are held together by a spring washer which during assembly of the release bearing is engaged and flipped over into position by a fitting bearing which is formed on the roller cage between the rotatable race and the flange.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing device including a clutch release bearing abutted to a diaphragm spring of a clutch of a vehicle, and a holding arrangement for holding the bearing in a predetermined condition. The holding arrangement includes a sleeve of synthetic resin, a metal anvil extended radially outwardly therefrom to receive an operation force applied by a fork member, and a bearing case for connecting the clutch release bearing to the bearing holding arrangement. The sleeve, the anvil and the bearing case are coupled to each other by punching a portion of the bearing case axially to engage with the periphery of a through hole formed in the anvil and then molding the sleeve to the engaged portions of the anvil and bearing case.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing intended to act by traction. The clutch release bearing is fitted with a coupling device which is elastically deformable radially. The coupling device is attached through the intermediary of a coupling piece to a declutching device of the clutch. A bearing is provided to bear on the declutching device. The bearing has a bistable resilient washer which in a waiting position holds the coupling device in a retracted position, and through the intermediary of a ring frees the coupling device in the operating position. The clutch release bearing is particularly applicable to a self-centering clutch release bearing for automobiles.

Abstract: A pull-type friction clutch with a release bearing for a motor vehicle in which at least two locking elements spaced at the periphery of an axially displaceable thrust ring to allow it to engage axially with a rotating inner ring of the release bearing in a manner that these two elements get more firmly locked when pulled away from one another characterized in that the locking elements (15, 16, 17) have an angular cross-section and are mounted on the thrust ring (9) about an axle (18, 19, 20) so as to be able to swing into a locking position, whereby the edges of the locking elements (15, 16, 17) facing the inner ring (22) are shaped as hooks (21) which engage with a collar (24) formed on the inner ring (22) and the edges of the locking elements (15, 16, 17) away from the inner ring (22) have the shape of angle segments (31) whose surfaces (32) bear against the side of the pressure ring (9) facing away from the hooks (21 ).

Abstract: A brake or clutch has a pair of opposed, finned, heat dissipating discs between which are mounted back-to-back pistons for forcing generally kidney-shaped friction pads into engagement with inner surfaces of the discs. The friction pads are readily removable by loosening a thumbscrew which holds a torque post in locking position and rotating the torque post to an unlocked position. A fin arrangement for good heat dissipation and a novel hub arrangement are shown.

Abstract: A self-aligning clutch release bearing and carrier sleeve assembly includes a carrier sleeve which defines a first axis and a bearing adapted to be brought into engagement with rotating clutch fingers or the like of a clutch mechanism, which clutch fingers rotate about a second axis which may not be exactly coincidental with the first axis. The bearing and carrier sleeve assembly is adapted to adjust the rotation orientation of the bearing to coincide with the second axis of rotation of the clutch fingers. This bearing and carrier sleeve assembly comprises: a bearing including a generally annular thrust face for engagement with the clutch fingers and first and second annular raceways having a plurality of bearing elements disposed therebetween, one of the raceways rotating in unison with the thrust face and the other of the raceways being coupled with the carrier sleeve. A mounting arrangement is provided for grippingly engaging the second raceway for mounting the same to the carrier sleeve.

Abstract: An improvement to clutch release bearings which comprise an operating element and a drive element retained together and controlled by axially-acting elastic members formed by a limited number of separate elastic clamps. The elastic clamps are operable to apply a radial flange of the drive element against a radial flange of the operating element. Each elastic clamp comprises an axial part and a radial part. The axial part extends across the flange of the operating element through an opening in the flange. Two axial channels are provided in association with this opening to hold this elastic clamp radially in place. The invention is particularly applicable to self-centering clutch release bearings for automobiles wherein the bearings are capable of permanent self-centering.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing comprises a maneuvering member operated on by a control member, usually a clutch release yoke. A drive member in direct or indirect axial bearing engagement with the maneuvering member, when operated on by the latter, operates on the clutch release device of a clutch. An axially acting spring washer of the Belleville spring type urges the drive member against the maneuvering member and retains the drive membering relative to the maneuvering member in the axial direction. This spring washer is able to turn inside out selectively so as to assume one or other of two separate stable configurations. One of these is a concave configuration and the other is a convex configuration. One configuration is an inoperative configuration and the other is an operative one. One peripheral edge of the spring washer bears axially on the drive member when it is in the operative configuration. On its other peripheral edge is a set of lugs through which it bears on the maneuvering member.

Abstract: A clutch release sleeve for motor vehicles comprising a housing having at two opposite points of its circumference radially extending lugs against which two parallel arms of a clutch fork abut to embrace the housing within reach of two flat faces, characterized in that the lugs (2) have a radial extension (a) of at least 10% of the housing diameter (D) and a tangential extension (b) of at least 25% of the housing diameter (D) and are offset laterally in opposite directions in relation to a straight line running through the sleeve axis (9), on one hand, and through the points of contact (10) of the clutch fork (4) and the lugs (2) on the other hand so that they project over the straight line further in one direction than in the other direction wherein the flat faces are perpendicular to the straight line.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanism or system for use with a motor driven mechanism, such as a pump for pressurizing paint for spray painting purposes, which permits conversion of the power source therefor between an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, each of which being capable of directly driving the motor driven mechanism. The mechanism or system includes a commonly shared clutch mechanism which is controlled such that the clutch is engaged and the pump operated until the operating level is reached at which time the clutch is disengaged so that the electric motor or internal combustion engine is under no load. The clutch mechanism utilizes a magnetic clutch and the clutch driven plate is non-rotatably connected to the pump input shaft while the clutch drive plate in non-rotatably connected to the motor or engine output shaft.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve of a clutch of an automotive vehicle or the like, includes a radially adjustable anti-friction bearing. A cap supported on the sleeve extends around and is spaced from the bearing thereby defining a radial slot. A generally L-shaped spring ring has one leg which extends over the radial outside of the outer ring and is obliquely inclined outwardly so that its end engages the interior of a cap. The other leg of the spring ring extends radially inward past the axial outer end of the outer ring, is formed locked to the outer ring, and includes a sealing lip portion which extends into engagement with the surface of the inner ring for sealing the space between the outer and inner rings. The inner ring has a radially outward flange, and the sealing lip on the other leg of the spring ring engages the axially inward face of the radially projecting flange of the inner ring.