Abstract: A brake disk defines an annular shape having a radially inner side and a radially outer side. The brake disk includes: a radially outer braking surface, the braking surface having a maximum operating temperature; a fusible material section radially inward from and connected to the braking surface. The fusible material has a maximum operating temperature, the fusible material section suitable for transmitting torque between the braking surface and a shaft. The maximum operating temperature of the braking surface is higher than the maximum operating temperature of the fusible material section. When the temperature of the fusible material section raises above the maximum operating temperature of the fusible material section, the fusible material section is configured to no longer transmit torque between the braking surface and the shaft.

Abstract: In a multiple plate clutch having a main spring which is provided between a clutch center fixed in an axial direction and a pressure plate displaceable in the axial direction and presses plural clutch plates in a clutch engagement direction, and a lifter plate for lifting the pressure plate in a clutch release direction, a sub spring for urging the pressure plate in the clutch engagement direction through the lifter plate is provided between the clutch center and the lifter plate, and the lifter plate is lifted by a predetermined amount or more to cut off the urging force of the sub spring to the pressure plate.

Abstract: A yaw drive (1) for a yawing system for a wind turbine, the yaw drive (1) comprising a motor (2), a gear assembly (3) operationally connected to the motor (2), and a torque limiter (5). The torque limiter (5) is arranged detachably between the motor (2) and the gear assembly (3), in such a manner that the torque limiter (5) is capable of transferring torque between the motor (2) and the gear assembly (3), and the torque limiter (5) being capable of limiting torque transfer between the motor (2) and the gear assembly (3) when the torque applied to the torque limiter (5) exceeds a threshold value. A torque transferring part of the torque limiter (5) comprises a first set of discs connected to a rotating output shaft of the motor (2) and a second set of discs connected to a rotating input shaft of the gear assembly (3), the discs (8) of the first set of discs being arranged interleaved with the discs (9) of the second set of discs, thereby forming a stack of discs.

Abstract: A transmission comprises a housing, a transmission gear mechanism disposed in the housing, an output shaft for transmitting power outputted from the transmission gear mechanism to a front wheel and a rear wheel in a vehicle, a torque limiter for the front wheel, and another torque limiter for the rear wheel. The output shaft is provided with both of the torque limiters in the housing. The transmission is protected from respective peak loads applied on the front wheel and the rear wheel.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission device for transmitting a threshold force, comprising first and second elements rotatably mounted relative to each other about an axis of rotation, and having a transmitter member interposed between them to constrain the two elements to rotate together when a torque is imparted to one up to a threshold torque beyond which the two elements become movable in rotation. The transmitter member has a first friction disk constrained to rotate with the first element, and a second friction disk facing the first disk. It also has a bearing member that is axially movable to press the disks together and against a bearing turntable of the first element under drive from a presser member. Finally, it has a rotary drive, interposed between the bearing member and the second element, which are arranged to cause the bearing member to move axially against the presser member during rotation.

Abstract: A drive system for each arm of a mobile robot, each drive system including a drive motor and an adjustable clutch system interconnected between its associated arm and the drive motor and having a high friction locked position for enabling direct drive of the arm by the drive motor and a reduced friction slip position for enabling manual movement of the associated arm without back-driving the drive motor.

Abstract: A device for limiting torque between a first rotatable component and a second rotatable component is provided including a first portion connected to the first component. The first portion has a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. A second portion includes at least one biasing mechanism configured to provide a biasing force. The second portion is coupled to the second component and is arranged adjacent opposing surfaces of the flange. The second portion is configured to apply the biasing force to the flange to selectively coupled the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A hand-held machine tool includes a gear unit and a torque clutch that has a torque-limiting coupling allocated to the gear unit and that is assigned at least one spring element which is clamped between a limit-transfer element and a spring-holding element, and which is designed to apply a predefined spring force to the limit-transfer element axially in the direction of the torque-limiting coupling. The spring-holding element includes at least one opening, through which the at least one spring element reaches, at least sectionally.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controllable composite clutch having limited torque while being in a released state, in which a clutch capable of being controlled for performing engaging/releasing function and a physical limited torque device having relatively smaller torque being axially installed between an input/output shaft and an output shaft, or being radially installed between an input shaft and a cylindrical outputting rotation part; so when the clutch is controlled to be in an engaged state, the rotary kinetic energy between the input shaft and the output shaft is transferred through the clutch; when the clutch is controlled to be in a released state, the physical limited torque device performs limited torque coupling, such that the rotary kinetic energy between the input shaft and the output shaft can continue to be transferred and the slip rotational speed differential is generated due to over-torque can be carried out by smaller set torque.

Abstract: A wind turbine, including a transmission, a transmission shaft acting as transmission output, a generator, a generator shaft acting as generator drive and a coupling connecting the transmission shaft and the generator shaft to one another, is characterized in that the generator shaft is designed as a hollow shaft, the coupling is disposed such that the coupling is connected to the generator shaft on the side of the generator facing away from the transmission, and the transmission shaft passes through the generator shaft and is connected to the coupling.

Abstract: A wiper device for a vehicle may include a lower pivot shaft integrally coupled at a lower end thereof to a link lever that may be rotated by a force transmitted from a wiper motor, thus enabling the lower pivot shaft to rotate, wherein the lower pivot shaft includes a coupling protrusion protruding integrally from an upper end of the lower pivot shaft, an upper pivot shaft seated on an upper surface of the lower pivot shaft, the upper pivot shaft having a coupling recess integrally formed on a lower surface thereof to selectively fit the coupling protrusion therein, wherein an arm head may be integrally coupled to an upper end of the upper pivot shaft that protrudes above a cowl top panel, and a shaft holder secured to the cowl top panel while engaging therein a coupled portion between the lower pivot shaft and the upper pivot shaft.

Abstract: A pressure plate is movable in an axial direction to cause multiple driving friction plates and driven friction plates to come in pressure contact with each other. The pressure plate is biased by a clutch spring in a direction to bring the driving friction plates and the driven friction plates in pressure contact with each other. When acceleration torque is changed, an assist mechanism increases the pressure-contact force of the pressure plate. A pressure plate and a clutch inner are connected together and are capable of being separated from each other in an axial direction. When an assist mechanism increases a pressure-contact force of the pressure plate, the pressure plate is moved in a direction to bring driving and driven friction plates into pressure contact with each other, while the clutch inner is moved relative to the pressure plate in the same direction so as to be detached from the pressure plate.

Abstract: A multi-plate clutch system includes: a pressure plate which is biased by a clutch spring in a direction in which driving friction plates and driven friction plates are brought into pressure contact with each other; and at least one of assist device configured to increase a pressure contact force when torque is changed for acceleration and the slipper device configured to decrease the pressure contact force when the torque is changed for deceleration. A ring member whose inner peripheral surface is put in sliding contact with an outer peripheral surface of one cam plate out of paired cam plates, which are included in at least one of the assist device and the slipper device, is fixed to a clutch inner, and oil discharging passages for guiding oil to a sliding contact portion between the one cam plate and the ring member are provided in outer peripheral edge portions of concave cams formed in the one cam plate.

Abstract: A torque limiter for use in an actuating drive stem of a subsea wellhead having a collar with an axial bore and a slot through its side. The slot includes a projection directed towards a lower end of the collar and has an edge oriented oblique to the collar axis. A driven shaft inserts in the bore, and a pin mounted in the driven shaft engages the slot. A spring assembly coupled to the driven shaft pushes the collar to retain the pin in the end of the projection. A driveshaft with a drive pin inserts into the bore on an upper side of the collar. The upper end of the collar includes a shoulder that contacts the drive pin when the collar rotates. The spring compresses when excessive torque is in the driven shaft moving the pin up the projection and disengaging the drive pin and shoulder.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with insertable four-wheel drive, including an engine having a crankshaft, a pair of main driving wheels constantly connected to the crankshaft by interposition of a gearbox provided with a first clutch, and a pair of secondary driving wheels, which may be connected to the crankshaft by an insertable transmission system. The insertable transmission system presents a second clutch, which is connected on one end with a fixed transmission ratio to the crankshaft upstream of the gearbox and on the other end with a fixed transmission ratio to the secondary driving wheels. A percentage of motive torque to be transmitted to the secondary driving wheels by the second clutch is determined according to dynamic parameters of the motor vehicle detected by respective sensors.

Abstract: The striper has a solid direct drive axle 12 powered either by chain, belt, gears, hydraulics, etc. 14. Two wheels 16 are attached to a solid axle 12 by means of adjustable friction devices 18 that transfer torque—stacked hardened thrust washers 20 with spring washers 22 to maintain a constant drive torque with ability to have limited slip at a specific load range. The spring washers 22 allow consistent load over long periods of wear. When each tire 24 is properly loaded “equally” the striper 26 will have natural ability to travel in a straight forward motion over bumpy surfaces specifically grass (turf), not common with standard type differentials that power only the least resistant wheel 16. When cornering the inside wheel 16 will slip as necessary based on the turning radius. When the wheels 16 are overloaded, wheels will slip, preventing damage to the drive mechanism (transmission) 28.

Abstract: A driveline component with a first drive member, which is rotatable about an axis, a second drive member and a clutch. The second drive member has a hub, which is supported on the first drive member for rotation about the axis, and a transmission portion. The transmission portion, which is configured to engage a flexible power transmitting member, is disposed about the hub and aligned to a transmission axis that is generally perpendicular to the axis. The clutch has a spring and a set of interleaved clutch plates having portions that are coupled for rotation with a respective one of the first drive member and the second drive member. The spring generates a force that is transmitted through the hub such that the clutch plates frictionally engage one another. The location of the transmission portion relative to the transmission axis is unaffected by wearing of the set of clutch plates.

Abstract: A multi-plate clutch includes a clutch inner member, having a cylindrical portion and a pressure-applying plate portion, and a pressure-receiving plate opposite the pressure-applying plate portion with plural driving and driven friction plates interposed therebetween. The multi-plate clutch also includes a center cam having a disc portion, an assist cam and a slipper cam disposed on the disc portion. The assist and slipper cams include identical material, and have substantially identical shapes. An outer circumference of the assist cam is splined to an inner circumference of the cylindrical portion of the clutch inner member, so the assist cam can move in the axial direction relative to the clutch inner member. An outer circumference of the slipper cam is splined to the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion, so that axial motion of the slipper cam, relative to the clutch inner member away from the disc portion, is limited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure mounting slip coupling, wherein it is possible to transmit power in spite of an eccentricity or a declination generated in the axial direction, block a torque overload, flexibly correspond to the change of the distance between shafts, and improve durability and operation stability with an insulation function. The pressure mounting slip coupling (1) has one side flange (11) coupled with a brake disc (2), which is connected to the output shaft (O) of a motor, and another side flange (12) coupled with a flange (3), which is connected to the input shaft (I) of an object to be driven, so that the output shaft (O) of the motor and the input shaft (I) of the object to be driven are connected to each other.

Abstract: A transmission comprises a housing, a transmission gear mechanism disposed in the housing, an output shaft for transmitting power outputted from the transmission gear mechanism to a front wheel and a rear wheel in a vehicle, a torque limiter for the front wheel, and another torque limiter for the rear wheel. The output shaft is provided with both of the torque limiters in the housing. The transmission is protected from respective peak loads applied on the front wheel and the rear wheel.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement that includes a clutch member and a follower member. The clutch member is coupled to a member of the transmission assembly that is proximate the torsional input of the transmission assembly and which must be in a non-rotating position to permit the transmission assembly to perform a torque multiplication operation. The follower member is biased into engagement with the clutch member to inhibit relative rotation therebetween. As the clutch member and the transmission member are coupled to one another, the transmission assembly is able to perform a torque multiplication operation. When, however, the torsion that is exerted onto the clutch member is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the follower and clutch members, the clutch member, and the transmission member, rotate, thereby inhibiting the capability of the transmission to continue to perform the torque multiplication operation.

Abstract: A wiper motor has an output shaft that outputs a to-and-fro rotation to swing a wiper pivotally. A transmission mechanism transmits the rotational force from the motor body. A clutch mechanism lets the transmission mechanism run idle not to transmit the rotational force from the transmission mechanism to the output shaft when the output shaft is subjected to a torque larger than an engagement releasing torque. The engagement releasing torque is specified to a value larger than a maximum wiping torque to which the torque applied by the wiper onto the output shaft is estimated to reach during a normal wiping operation of the wiper.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device limits peak torque and shock loads applied to the drive train components of an all-terrain vehicle. The energy absorbing device may be installed in the differential or drive housing, inboard of the variable shaft or half-shaft or outboard of the constant shaft or half-shaft, and in the interconnecting shaft itself. The energy absorbing device allows excessive drive train energy to be dissipated by friction between components of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: Providing a torque limiting device by which a high torque limitation can be set without spoiling the superior stability and wear-resistance. A torque limiting device, including, but not limited to: a clutch disc clamp plate 17 that has a surface area 13 where the surface and the outer area surface of the flywheel press or come in contact with each other, and is provided with an opening 16 at the center middle part of the clutch disc clamp plate 17 so that a concave space 14 is formed between the clutch disc clamp plate 17 and the fly wheel 2 when the clutch disc clamp plate 17 is fastened to the fly wheel 2; a clutch disc 18 that is fitted in the concave space, and connected to the driven apparatus; a clutch pressing plate 22 that is fitted between the clutch disc 18 and the fly wheel 2; and, at least one pressing means that is fitted to and in the flywheel 2 and presses the clutch pressing plate 22 in a surface contact condition.

Abstract: A pump coupling or hydraulic actuator controlling one or more limited slip couplings of a distribution system for distribution torque between front and rear axles in all wheel drive vehicles and/or distribution of torque between left and right wheels in two or four wheel drive vehicles. The hydraulic actuator includes an electric motor, a hydraulic pump, driven by a drive shaft of the electric motor, and the one or more limited slip couplings. Each limited slip coupling includes a disc package and a piston acting on the disc package, which piston is actuated by a hydraulic pump. A centrifugal regulator is connected to a rotating part of the electric motor or the hydraulic pump, which centrifugal regulator controls a pressure overflow valve, connected to the oil outlet of the hydraulic pump. The pressure is controlled by current to the electric motor or by control of the motor speed.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a first race, a second race, and a biasing member. The torque transmitting device selectively transmits a torque in a rotational direction between a first member and a second member. The second member includes a surface that defines an annular bore having a decreasing diameter in an axial direction. The second race opposes the first race and includes a surface that opposes the second member and has the decreasing diameter in the axial direction. The first race and the second race define a predetermined torque limit. The biasing element biases the second race against the second member with a predetermined force that contributes to a predetermined holding torque between the surface of the second race and the surface of the second member that is less than the predetermined torque limit.

Abstract: A compact disc spring torque limiting clutch has an input hub and an output hub having a friction pack that is removable from the input hub as an entire unit to facilitate servicing and repair. The force actuator of the torque limiting clutch is a Belleville spring or machined disc spring that is operatively interposed between the input hub and the friction pack. The deflection of the Belleville spring during the useful life of the friction pack is within the flat portion of the force vs. deflection curve and establishes a characteristic breakaway torque for the torque limiting clutch. The use of a Belleville spring significantly reduces the axial dimension of the torque limiting clutch, adapting it for use in applications where space is at a premium.

Abstract: A torque overload clutch for an electrical power tool, such as a percussion hammer drill, is provided. The clutch is accommodated in a cavity in a gear cog. Spring washers are used to urge ball bearings into indentations formed in the base of the cavity. The ball bearings are accommodated in cavities formed in a drive plate which engages with the spindle drive of the power tool. The spring washers are held in position by a circlip or a threaded plate. The threaded plate arrangement provides means for compressing the spring washers with a consistent force across a manufactured batch. A method of manufacturing the clutch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A generator system is disclosed. The generator system includes an input gear, a gear train coupled to the input gear, and a clutch associated with the input gear, wherein the clutch is exposed to the gear train.

Abstract: A gear mechanism with torque limiter includes a felt member 14 that is held between a first gear 13 and a second gear 15 coaxially arranged first gear 13 and second gear 15, for transmitting drive power between the gears, such that coupling of drive power between the gears is restricted by slippage of the felt member 14 when an excessive load is applied thereto, wherein multiple protrusions 19a are provided concentrically on the surface of one of the gears 13 (15) in contact with the felt member 14, and concentric grooves 20a corresponding to the protrusions are provided on the surface of the other gear (13) 15.

Abstract: A drive device includes a first fastening device (5), for connection to a stationary base part, especially a vehicle body, or to a movable part, especially a vehicle (hinged) lid or door; a second fastening device (24), for connection to the movable part or to the stationary base part; a spindle drive (17), which includes a threaded spindle (16) and a spindle nut (19) mounted on the threaded spindle (16) and capable of moving the first and the second fastening devices (5, 24) axially relative to each other; and a rotary drive (9), which rotates the spindle drive (17) by way of an overload safety device, wherein the nonrotatable connection between the two components can be released when a certain torque is exceeded, and wherein the overload safety device is formed by a clutch device (15), which comprises an inner part (32) connected to the rotary drive (9), which inner part rotates an intermediate part (34) by way of a damping element (33) and, by way of the intermediate part (34), rotates an outer part (36) c

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus can comprise a clutch housing, a plurality of driving clutch plates, a plurality of driven clutch plates movable for carrying out the pressure-contact or release relative to the driving clutch plates, a clutch member, a pressure member, pressure-contact assisting cam, back-torque limiting cam characterized in that one set of cam surfaces of the pressure-contact assisting cam or the back-torque limiting cam are arranged so that they extend along a circumferential edge of the clutch member. A crowning can be formed on one set of cam surfaces in their extending direction and/or their width direction.

Abstract: A driveline component with a first drive member, which is rotatable about an axis, a second drive member and a clutch. The second drive member has a hub, which is supported on the first drive member for rotation about the axis, and a transmission portion. The transmission portion, which is configured to engage a flexible power transmitting member, is disposed about the hub and aligned to a transmission axis that is generally perpendicular to the axis. The clutch has a spring and a set of interleaved clutch plates having portions that are coupled for rotation with a respective one of the first drive member and the second drive member. The spring generates a force that is transmitted through the hub such that the clutch plates frictionally engage one another. The location of the transmission portion relative to the transmission axis is unaffected by wearing of the set of clutch plates.

Abstract: Friction plates (53, 67) have a friction surface which contacts a friction surface on reaction plates (54, 68) to limit the torque transferred in a drive train, after the engine, in a snowmobile, while still allowing torque transmission at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A rotary-torque adjuster that adjusts rotary torque of a rotational member includes a rotary shaft, the rotational member secured to the rotary shaft and rotating integrally with the rotary shaft, a plurality of clutch disks rotatably attached to the rotary shaft, a driver that drives the clutch disks, a plurality of presser components attached to the rotary shaft and rotating integrally with the rotary shaft, the presser components sandwiching opposite surfaces of the clutch disks by a predetermined pressure, and a drive transmission unit that makes a selection from among the plurality of clutch disks so as to transmit a driving force from the driver to the selected one or more clutch disks. The drive transmission unit changes the selection of the clutch disks to which the driving force from the driver is to be transmitted so as to change the rotary torque of the rotational member.

Abstract: A brake application device for vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, which comprises a wear adjuster that is configured as a brake actuator with a screw drive, having a threaded spindle and a nut that can be screwed onto said spindle as the screw parts. At least one of the screw parts is electrically actuated for wear adjustment.

Abstract: A torque limiting includes first and second rotational plates, first and second springs, and a slip device. The first rotational plate is coupled to a torque input device. The second rotational plate is coupled to a drive shaft, and is configured to be movable along an axial direction thereof. The first spring has a first free length, and exerts a first spring force against the second rotational plate toward the first rotational plate. The second spring has a second free length, smaller than the first free length, and selectively exerts a second spring force against the second rotational plate toward the first rotational plate. The slip device, disposed at least partially within or between the first and second rotational plates, causes relative motion between the first and second rotational plates when torque overcomes the combined first and second spring forces exerted against the second rotational plate.

Abstract: A back-torque limiting slipper clutch. An engine including such a slipper clutch separate from its conventional gearbox clutch. A motor vehicle including such an engine having separate slipper clutch and gearbox clutch. A motorcycle having separate slipper clutch and gearbox clutch. The slipper clutch friction stack tension can be altered statically or dynamically. The slipper clutch may include a secondary output shaft which moves the final output to a point not coaxial with the slipper clutch, such as to move the final output to a different vertical height with respect to a swingarm pivot of the motorcycle.

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 wiper system for wiping a movable window (2), in particular of a motor vehicle, having a rotationally drivable first coupling part (10) for connection to a rotationally drivable drive shaft (9) disposed downstream of a stationary motor-gear unit (6), a second coupling part (15), which is connected to a wiper shaft (14) for driving a wiper (5), is movable in common with the window (2), and can be brought in centering fashion, relative to the drive shaft (9), with the first coupling part (10) in a torque-transmitting way along with the wiper shaft (14), and an overload-prevention means for limiting the torque that can be transmitted between the first coupling part (10) and the second coupling part (15), which prevention means is embodied in one piece with the first coupling part (10) and/or the second coupling part (15).

Abstract: A control apparatus for a power train including a continuously variable transmission and a clutch arranged in series with the continuously variable transmission is provided in which an engaging pressure of the clutch is first reduced until a slip occurs, and is then increased after detection of the slip so as to re-engage the clutch, and an engaging pressure of the clutch to be established is calculated by giving an excess pressure to the engaging pressure at which the clutch is re-engaged, such that an excess amount of the transmitted torque of the clutch is set smaller than that of the continuously variable transmission. The control apparatus is adapted to determine a learned value as a correction value of the engaging pressure that is set in advance in accordance with an input torque applied to the clutch, based on the engaging pressure calculated by giving the excess pressure to the engaging pressure at which the clutch is re-engaged.

Abstract: A planetary gear reduction device with a torque limiter function includes a housing, an input shaft rotatably supported by one end of the housing and connected to a power source so as to input a torque from the power source, an output shaft rotatably supported by the other end of the housing so as to output the torque from the power source, a reduction gear train provided between the input shaft and the output shaft and constituted of a plurality of gears meshing with one another, and a torque limiting mechanism mounted in the reduction gear train. In this device, when an excessive torque is generated in the output shaft, torque transmission from the input shaft to the output shaft is disconnected by the action of the torque limiting mechanism.

Abstract: An external surface of a spindle is formed with tapering grooves which become narrower in a direction towards the forward end of the spindle. A slider sleeve is provided with splines which also taper in a forward direction. In this way, the slider sleeve is prevented from rotating relative to the spindle, but can slide axially. A rearward end of the slider sleeve includes a recess containing an elastomeric O-ring. When the drive torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, inclined surfaces of the mutually engaging teeth on the spindle drive gear and slider sleeve slide over each other, as a result of which the drive gear slides forwardly along the slider sleeve against the action of a spring. The spindle drive gear can then rotate relative to the slider sleeve and the cooperating sets of teeth ratchet over each other, preventing spindle drive gear being from rotating the spindle.

Abstract: The invention provides a clutch mechanism (200) having a driven pulley (32) and a drive pulley (34) to which a load is applied, the clutch mechanism (200) having an engaged position in which torque applied in use to the driven pulley (32) is transmitted to the drive pulley (34), and a disengaged position in which torque applied in use to the driven pulley (32) is not transmitted to the drive pulley (34), wherein the clutch mechanism (200) also has override means (238, 242) by which at least a proportion of the torque applied to the driven pulley (32) is absorbed when the load applied to the drive pulley (34) exceeds a predetermined value. The override means comprising a pair of detent plates (238, 242), and at least one ball-bearing (248) being held captive between the detent plates (248, 242).

Abstract: A chain sprocket assembly for use in a motor vehicle transfer case having an inter-axle differential includes a torque limiting clutch which limits the torque provided to a secondary drive line. The chain sprocket assembly includes a chain receiving hub having a splined interconnection which drives an outer bell housing having internal splines which drive a first set of friction clutch plates. A second set of friction clutch plates are interleaved with the first set of clutch plates and are splined to and drive a stub shaft. The stub shaft also freely rotatably receives the chain hub and functions as the secondary output to drive a secondary drive line. A biasing spring engages the clutch plates and compresses them and achieves a desired maximum torque throughput from the chain to the secondary output shaft.

Abstract: A yaw damper for a front wheel drive vehicle provides torque transfer between the two non-driven wheels and generates a damping yaw moment in opposition to the current vehicle yaw condition. The yaw damper is passive and includes a mechanical clutch or fluid connection between the two non-driven wheels which transfer yaw correcting torque. The mechanical clutch includes first and second pluralities of interleaved friction disks which are coupled by shafts to respective non-driven wheels. A spring compresses the clutch pack and limits torque transfer between the shafts and wheels to a pre-selected maximum torque. In another embodiment, positive displacement pumps driven by each of the non-driven wheels are connected in series and transmit torque in proportion to the speed difference. In another embodiment, nested shafts include centrifugal clutches which transfer torque in proportion to vehicle speed and difference.

Abstract: A chain sprocket assembly for use in a motor vehicle transfer case includes a torque limiting clutch which limits the torque provided to a secondary drive line. The chain sprocket assembly includes a chain receiving collar having an inwardly extending annular member which is received between two friction clutch packs. The friction clutch packs are operably disposed between the chain receiving collar and a circular housing which is splined to a secondary output shaft of the transfer case. A spring biasing mechanism which engages outer faces of the clutch packs and compresses them against the annular member of the chain receiving collar may be adjusted to provide a desired compressive force to achieve a desired maximum torque throughput from the chain to the secondary output shaft.

Abstract: A torque-limiting accessory drive assembly comprising a pulley to transfer torque to an accessory drive system, a torque limiting device adapted to limit the maximum amount of transferred torque, and a one-way clutch assembly adapted to both selectively transfer torque and selectively interrupt torque transfer at predetermined times to the vehicle accessory drive.

Abstract: A yaw damper for a front wheel drive vehicle provides torque transfer between the two non-driven wheels and generates a damping yaw moment in opposition to the current vehicle yaw condition. The yaw damper is passive and includes a mechanical clutch or fluid connection between the two non-driven wheels which transfer yaw correcting torque. The mechanical clutch includes first and second pluralities of interleaved friction disks which are coupled by shafts to respective non-driven wheels. A spring compresses the clutch pack and limits torque transfer between the shafts and wheels to a pre-selected maximum torque. In another embodiment, positive displacement pumps driven by each of the non-driven wheels are connected in series and transmit torque in proportion to the speed difference. A pressure relief valve limits the maximum pressure in the fluid lines and thus the maximum torque transfer.

Abstract: A chain sprocket assembly for use in a motor vehicle transfer case includes a torque limiting clutch which limits the torque provided to a secondary drive line. The chain sprocket assembly includes a chain receiving collar having an inwardly extending annular member which is received between two friction clutch packs. The friction clutch packs are operably disposed between the chain receiving collar and a circular housing which is splined to a secondary output shaft of the transfer case. A spring biasing mechanism which engages outer faces of the clutch packs and compresses them against the annular member of the chain receiving collar may be adjusted to provide a desired compressive force to achieve a desired maximum torque throughput from the chain to the secondary output shaft.