Abstract: An automatic gearbox for a vehicle with at least one hydraulically actuated shifting element made as a transmission brake or transmission clutch. The shifting element has an inner disk carrier and an outer disk carrier where inner disks and outer disks are arranged rotationally fixed but axially displaceably. The disks are arranged in alternating sequence one after the otherto form a disk pack which can be acted upon by an actuator with an axial actuation force to engage the shifting element, and in which one disk carrier is connected to one of a non-rotating or a rotating gearbox component and the other disk carrier can be connected, via a synchronization device, to a rotating gearbox component. To reduce the shifting time that can be achieved with such a gearbox when carrying out a transmission ratio change process, a synchronization device is actuated by way of a second actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet multi-plate clutch of mechanical coupling type in which friction engaging elements and mechanical coupling elements are operated by a single piston and wherein the friction engaging elements are operated by an urging force of the single piston smaller than a predetermined load, and the friction engaging elements and mechanical coupling elements are operated by an urging force of the single piston greater than the predetermined load.

Abstract: An indexing and braking mechanism for a manual transmission having a shifting mechanism and at least one rotatable drive shaft is disclosed. The mechanism includes an indexing mechanism for controlling movement of the shifting mechanism between at least a first position and a neutral position. The indexing mechanism has a plate having a plurality of notches formed thereon, wherein one notch corresponds to the first position and another notch corresponds to the neutral position. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively limiting movement of one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft. The locking mechanism is adapted to selectively engage the plurality of notches to selectively maintain the indexing mechanism in one of the first position and the neutral position. The locking mechanism includes an indexing lever having a contact surface for contacting the rotatable drive shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine that powers a wheel through a drive train. The drive train includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and toothed gearing disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A release clutch is also disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A controller controls the release clutch so as to disengage the clutch when the engine is not running and engage the clutch when the engine is running. The controller includes a hydraulic cylinder that fluidly connects to the engine's oil system so that engine-generated oil pressure engages the release clutch. Disengagement of the release clutch makes it easier to push the vehicle when the engine is not running, for example, when the engine breaks down.

Abstract: The control of a shifting component (1) of a stepped automatic transmission is designed with one frictionally engaged element (2) and one form-locking element (3). When this shifting component (1) is engaged, a transmitting capacity of the frictionally engaged element (2) is first adjusted and when a synchronous state of the form-locking element (3) exists, the form-locking element (3) is closed. When the form-locking element (3) is closed, a transmitting capacity of the frictionally engaged element (3) is reduced. In case of a demand for disengaging the shifting component (1) before opening under load, the form-locking element (3) and the transmitting capacity of the frictionally engaged element (2) is increased so that a power flow, which is conveyed via the closed form-locking element (3) of the shifting component (1), can be conveyed via the frictionally engaged element when the form-locking element (3) is open.

Abstract: A friction clutch pack utilizes permanent magnets and induction rings to actuate a ball ramp actuator which come in turn, engages the friction clutch pack to transfer torque between drive and driven members in, for example, a motor vehicle transfer case. The permanent magnets and induction rings may also be utilized as a synchronizer to urge the speeds of two rotating members into synchronism to facilitate engagement of a direct coupling i.e., a dog clutch.

Abstract: Autopilot control of an aircraft is accomplished using a servo wherein the input shaft and output shaft are collinear. In one embodiment, the output shaft is supported, in part, by the input shaft. In further embodiments an engage clutch mechanism is provided to allow decoupling of the motor from the output shaft, and a slip clutch mechanism is provided to limit the torque output of the servo to enhance the safety of operation. The collinear shaft arrangement enables the engage clutch mechanism and slip clutch mechanism to synergistically utilize components for multiple functions.

Abstract: A drive member (1) for a water pump of the cooling-water circuit of an internal combustion engine, with a drive wheel (7) and a shaft (4) which is coupled to the water pump, is proposed. According to the invention, for the transmission of torque between the drive wheel (7) and the shaft (4), an electromagnetically actuable friction-disk clutch (9, 10, 11, 12) and a second clutch device in the form of an eddy-current clutch (14) are provided, the latter taking up the shaft (4) when the friction-disk clutch is out of engagement. Moreover, a frictional shift clutch for a drive member of this type is proposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable viscous coupling for generating a locking effect between two coupling parts rotatable relative to one another around a common longitudinal axis, more particularly for the driveline of a motor vehicle. The viscous coupling comprises a first coupling part, a second coupling part, wherein the first and the second coupling part form a sealed annular chamber. First plates are connected to the first coupling part in a rotationally fast way and second plates are connectable to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way, as well as controllable connecting means to allow switching between an open position in which the second plates are freely rotatable relative to the second coupling part, and a closed position in which the second plates are connected to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way.

Abstract: A power transmission includes a rotary input member adapted to receive drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member and a torque transmitting mechanism selectively operable to transfer drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transmitting member includes a selectively operable one-way clutch including a rotatable member for switching the one-way clutch between a released mode and a locked mode. The torque transmitting mechanism also includes a friction clutch and an actuator. The friction clutch is operable to transmit torque to the rotatable member and control the mode of operation of the one-way clutch. The actuator is operable to apply a clutch and brake engagement force to the friction clutch.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame on which are mounted a front wheel, a rear wheel, an engine, a battery-powered motor, and a transmission connecting the rear wheel with the engine and the motor. The motor can be used as a generator so as to transform motive energy produced via the engine into electric energy for storage in the battery. The engine may include a crankshaft, a pulley connected with the transmissions, and a first clutch arranged between the crankshaft and the pulley which does not transmit power therebetween until its angular speed reaches a pre-determined value. The engine includes an automatic starter connected therewith. A second clutch arranged between the automatic starter and the motor switches between a neutral position and an active position whereby the automatic starter is selectively engaged for and disengaged from operation responsive to the motor.

Abstract: A reversible implement including an engine, an axle driven by the engine, a pair of ground engaging wheels with a wheel located at each axle end, a pair of input hubs rotatably fixed to the axle, a pair of wheel hubs with a wheel hub located at each axle end and attached to a ground engaging wheel, and a wrap spring surrounding a portion of each input hub and each wheel hub. Each wrap spring has a relaxed state, wherein the wrap spring is in one of a first position in which the wrap spring is disengaged from the wheel hub, and the input and wheel hubs are not rotatively coupled and a second position in which the wrap spring is engaged with the wheel hub, and the input and wheel hubs are rotatively coupled, and a contracted state, wherein the wrap spring is in the other position.

Abstract: A ball ramp mechanism is used to apply an axial force in the same regardless of the direction of the flow of torque whenever there is relative rotation between an input shaft and an output hub using unidirectional grooves in both a control ring and an activation ring where a first index plate limits the rotation of the activation ring and a second index plate limits the rotation of the control ring relative to the input shaft. An electrical coil is used to induce a magnetic field in a coil pole to magnetically couple a coil armature to an intermediate plate and the intermediate plate to an activation plate to energize the ball ramp mechanism.

Abstract: A drive member (1) for a water pump of the cooling-water circuit of an internal combustion engine, with a drive wheel (7) and a shaft (4) which is coupled to the water pump, is proposed. According to the invention, for the transmission of torque between the drive wheel (7) and the shaft (4), an electromagnetically actuable friction-disk clutch (9, 10, 11, 12) and a second clutch device in the form of an eddy-current clutch (14) are provided, the latter taking up the shaft (4) when the friction-disk clutch is out of engagement. Moreover, a frictional shift clutch for a drive member of this type is proposed.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch comprises a driving wheel, an operative disc connected to the driving wheel to move therewith, a transmission disc mounted to an outer periphery of the operative disc, a follower shaft, a friction mechanism, and a coupling device for releasable coupling with a gear train of a gearbox. The follower shaft extends through the driving wheel, the operative disc, and the transmission disc. The friction mechanism is fixed to the transmission disc and in frictional engagement with a friction portion of the driving wheel. When the driving wheel turns at an idling speed, the friction portion drives the friction mechanism, the transmission disc, and the follower shaft to turn slowly with a constant torque, thereby allowing easy gear shifting through the coupling device.

Abstract: A belt tensioner having a pivot arm biased toward a belt by a torsion spring. The tensioner also comprises a one-way clutch coupled with a friction clutch. The pivot arm of the tensioner is connected to a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch is cooperatively connected to a friction clutch having a predetermined friction torque caused by frictionally engaged radially extending surfaces. The pivot arm may move relatively freely toward a belt by operation of the one-way clutch. At the limit of arm movement the one-way clutch engages, preventing travel away from the belt in an opposite direction. The arm may only travel away from the belt when a belt tension torque exceeds the spring force plus a friction torque of the friction clutch.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for an offroad vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a frame, at least two wheels supporting the frame, and an internal combustion engine supported by the frame. The engine has at least one cylinder, a piston reciprocally mounted in the cylinder and driving a crankshaft of the engine, the crankshaft arranged to drive at least one of the wheels through the transmission. The vehicle has a longitudinal centerline, with the crankshaft of the engine extending along a first axis transverse to the centerline. The transmission includes a transmission chamber defined by a cover, a primary shaft positioned in the chamber and selectively driven by the crankshaft through a clutch, a main shaft positioned in the chamber and offset from the primary shaft, the main shaft driven by the primary shaft by a belt. The main shaft is arranged to drive the at least one wheel.

Abstract: The epicyclic train is able to operate as a speed reducing gear when sun-wheel (5) is stuck by a one-way clutch (8), and in direct drive when clutch (10) is engaged. The whole coupling and control structure for the ratio change is essentially grouped on the sun-wheel element (5) which is slidingly movable and integral with an inverter control means (111) which engages brake (9) when disengaging clutch (10), and conversely. The brake (9) is mounted mechanically in parallel with a one way clutch (8), and allows speed reducing operation when the torque applied to the input shaft (31) is a retarding torque. The one-way clutch is mounted in parallel with an axially unslidable bearing (54) between a stator shaft (21) and a support (51) coupled for common rotation with and mutual slidability with respect to the sun-wheel element (5). For actuation of the control member (111) there is provide an hydraulic actuator (116), spring (114), and involvement of the helical teeth axial thrust (F1, F2).

Abstract: A vent system for use in a driveline component of an automotive vehicle. The driveline component includes a housing and a bi-directional clutch rotatably supported within the housing. The driveline component includes a vent system which has a vent that is secured to the housing and an orifice within a top portion of the housing. The vent system also includes a recessed pocket formed on an inner surface of the housing at or near the vent. The vent system also includes a grounding element that is arranged within the recessed pocket adjacent to the orifice in the housing of the rear driveline module. The vent system is used to allow for venting of high pressures developed during high speed rotation of driveline modules within a drivetrain system of a automotive vehicle without allowing the expulsion of a lubricating fluid from the oil housing.

Abstract: A vent system for use in a driveline component of an automotive vehicle. The driveline component includes a housing and a bi-directional clutch rotatably supported within the housing. The driveline component includes a vent system which has a vent that is secured to the housing and an orifice within a top portion of the housing. The vent system also includes a recessed pocket formed on an inner surface of the housing at or near the vent. The vent system also includes a grounding element that is arranged within the recessed pocket adjacent to the orifice in the housing of the rear driveline module. The vent system is used to allow for venting of high pressures developed during high speed rotation of driveline modules within a drivetrain system of a automotive vehicle without allowing the expulsion of a lubricating fluid from the oil housing.

Abstract: A two-way clutch for allowing limited torque to be transferred until a roller clutch mechanism is forced to an engaged position. The present invention includes a roller clutch, with a torque generating device mounted thereon, including an actuator for producing an axial force onto a clutch pack. A torque transfer device is disposed between the torque generating device and the roller clutch. The torque transfer device is adapted to receive torque from the torque generating device and to transfer torque to the roller clutch. When a predetermined level of torque is produced by the torque generating device, the torque transfer device moves the roller clutch into an engaged position.

Abstract: A transmission system for vehicle transmission mechanism (B) having a low speed hydraulic clutch (CL) and a high speed hydraulic clutch (CH) as a wet multi-disk clutch for transmission, wherein both the low speed hydraulic clutch (CL) and the high speed hydraulic clutch (CH) are disengaged so as to disconnect a transmission of an engine power to the transmission system, namely, so as to bring a main clutch into off condition, a dry clutch device (A) is installed on the upstream side of transmission of the transmission mechanism as a corotation prevention mechanism, only the low speed hydraulic clutch (CL) of large capacity is used as an inching clutch to bring the main clutch into a partial engaged condition when the main clutch is moved to on or off in the transmission mechanism (B) and, when the main clutch is operated from off to on with a shift lever (91) set at a high speed position, hydraulic pressure control is performed so that the high speed hydraulic clutch (CH) is brought into off condition and the

Abstract: A viscous coupling having two rotatable parts in the form of a hub and a housing for the transmission of torque between the rotatable parts caused by a positive speed differential between the rotatable parts, which are supported inside one another, which are rotatable relative to one another around a common longitudinal axis, and which form an annular chamber which is filled with a highly viscous fluid and in which first coupling plates non-rotatably connected to the first one of the two rotatable parts, e.g. the hub, and second coupling plates non-rotatably connected to the second one of the rotatable parts, e.g. the housing, are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A coupling for controllably transmitting torque, having a first coupling member and a second coupling member—especially a shaft and a coupling housing—which are supported so as to be rotatable relative to one another; the coupling comprises a friction coupling and a viscous coupling switched in parallel; the friction coupling comprises two sets of friction plates and the viscous coupling comprises two VC plate carriers; the sets of friction plates of the friction coupling are each connected in a rotationally fast way to the first and the second coupling member and axially loadable by an adjusting device, and a first VC plate carrier of the viscous coupling is permanently connected in a rotationally fast way to the first one of the coupling members, and a second VC plate carrier of the viscous coupling is disconnectably connected to the second coupling member, with an axial adjusting device connecting and disconnecting the second VC plate carrier of the viscous coupling in a friction locking way an

Abstract: In a power transmission system for a four-wheel drive vehicle, a multiple disk clutch for distributing a proportion of the torque of the front wheels to the rear wheels is provided between a driving shaft which is connected to the front wheels which are main driven wheels and a driven shaft which is connected to the rear wheels which are auxiliary driven wheels. Between the driving shaft and the driven shaft a torque cam mechanism, a hydraulic pump and a bidirectional clutch mechanism are provided, in that order. When the rotational rate of the front wheels exceeds the rotational rate of the rear wheels, the bidirectional clutch mechanism is engaged, a first rotor of the hydraulic pump which is operatively connected to the front wheels and a second rotor which is operatively connected to the rear wheels rotate relative to each other, and a rotational load is generated by a hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A multiple plate clutch 11 is provided between a drive shaft 5 continuously extending to front wheels which are main wheels and a driven shaft continuously extending to rear wheels. which are sub-drive wheels for distributing a part of the torque on the front wheels to the rear wheels. A tow-way clutch mechanism in which the drive shaft 5 is connected to a single hydraulic pump 26 via a clutch outer 17 and a sleeve 31 locks when the rotation speed of the drive shaft 5 exceeds the rotation speed of the driven shaft 6 beyond a predetermined rate to thereby drive the hydraulic pump 26 so as to put the vehicle in a four-wheel drive condition, irrespective of the straight-ahead or straight-backward running operation of the vehicle, i.e., irrespective of the rotating direction of the drive shaft 5.

Abstract: A circular saw includes a clutch assembly to surround the rotating blade shaft of the saw. The blade shaft is rotated by a shaft having a gear at one end. The clutch assembly includes a clutch gear to engage with the rotating pinion. The clutch gear is held to the blade shaft by a shaft washer that has a frictional material laminated to one end. The shaft washer is pressed to the clutch gear by spring washers.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated friction coupling comprising a multiple friction disc assembly having a single piston actuator and having first and second springs operatively configured and arranged in response to pressurization of the piston actuator to selectively engage first and second sets plates and friction components for varying the gain of the coupling.