Abstract: A mechanism of a simple structure, in which always stable and discretionary frictional resistance can be produced even when the speed of rotary movements or rectilinear movements of the subject structure changes and, moreover, the magnitude of the frictional force can be easily controlled by changing the magnitude of a load. Namely, when a rotary member 1 is rotated while a load toward the axial direction is being applied, numerous rollers 2 make rolling motions in contact with the rotary member 1 and a passive member 3. The rollers 2 make rolling motions along a track of rotation of the rotary member 1. The rollers 2 are restrained to roll toward a direction being inclined by a prescribed angle by a cage 4. This results in producing a frictional force in proportion to the magnitude of the load being applied to the axial direction between the rollers 2 and the rotary member 1 nd between the rollers 2 and the passive member 3.

Abstract: A component (17) made of an aluminum silicon cast alloy whose surface is at least partly subjected to an anodic treatment to produce an oxide layer, which component comprises, prior to the anodic treatment, a surface-proximate deformation zone (4) configured as a homogeneous zone in which the silicon is uniformly distributed in the .alpha.-mixed crystal (1) and due to this homogeneous mixing of aluminum and silicon, the differing electric conductivities of the original structural constituents (.alpha.-mixed crystal, eutectic) are replaced by a uniform electric conductivity so that uniform oxide layers can grow during the anodizing process.

Abstract: A braking component such as a brake pad, brake rotor, brake drum or clutch disk is comprised of a metal substrate having a friction material laminated on at least a portion of at least one face of the metal substrate, the friction material being a ceramic-metal composite comprised of a metal phase and a ceramic phase dispersed within each other, wherein the ceramic phase is present in an amount of at least about 20% by volume of the ceramic-metal composite. In particular, the braking component is a metal substrate, such as aluminum, having laminated thereto a ceramic-metal composite of a dense boron carbide-aluminum composite having high specific heat and low density.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical instrument which prevents backlash due to reduction of applied force on the handle or trigger of the surgical instrument. The instrument includes a clutch system that is adapted to maintain the position of the portion of the driver that is in mechanical communication with the forming tool upon reduction of the applied force.

Abstract: An organopolysiloxane composition comprising (1) a polydiorganosiloxane, (2) an organosiloxane having at least one silicon-bonded group selected from anilinophenoxy and naphthylaminophenoxy groups and (3) a siloxy metal compound wherein the metal is Ti, Zr or Hf, or a zirconium salt of a monocarboxylic acid.The compositions are stabilized against high temperature oxidative degeneration and are useful inter alia as viscous coupling fluids for automobile fan clutches.

Abstract: A mechanical clutch which is selectively engageable and disengageable. Interposed between an input member and an output member are a plurality of clutch rollers. In disengaged mode they rotate freely, relative to the members. In engaged mode they bunch together, thereby locking together and to the members, all of which then move together as a unit. A control member is applied to the clutch rollers to either engage or disengage the clutch. The movement of the members may be rotary or linear.

Abstract: The coupling of driving shaft with a driven shaft is accomplished at high torques and high speeds of rotation using a piezoelectric shack, a passive clutch system, and a hydraulic clutch activation system. The piezoelectric stack is housed in the rotating driving shaft, and extends along the axis of the shaft when it receives an engagement signal. This extension of the piezoelectric stack depresses a disk spring into the hydraulic cavity of the housing of the hydraulic clutch activation system. The pressure thereby generated in the hydraulic fluid compresses a compression ring onto a control disk and translates any rotation of the compression ring into the control disk. A torsion rod in the center axis of the control disk is rotated and, in turn, rotates a plug connected to a sprag clutch. This rotation serves to rotate the sprags into a locking position so that the sprag clutch engages the driving shaft with the driven shaft.

Abstract: A torque converter including a distortable rotatable center disc disposed between a pair of freely rotatable plate members. Roller elements are disposed between the center disc and the plate members. The roller elements are radially movable under the influence of centrifugal force for variably distorting the center disc in a wave-like fashion between deactuated and actuated conditions to rotate the plate members at a speed relative to the center disc in proportion to the amount of the distortion of the center disc.

Abstract: A variable speed ratio transmission wherein conventional pneumatic tires caused to orbit around an annular track to transmit motive forces from the input mechanism to the output mechanism. The tire planes are adjustable relative to the track plane to provide varying roll-skid engagement relationships, and different speed ratios.