Abstract: A method for synchronizing a first drive element rotatable about an axis of rotation with a second drive element rotating about the axis of rotation at a target speed, of a powertrain of a motor vehicle, in which a synchronizing force is exerted on a synchronizing unit by an actuator. A speed, at which the first drive element rotates about the axis of rotation is adapted by the synchronizing unit to the target speed. The synchronizing force is increased during a first time span, so that the speed approaches the target speed. The synchronizing force is continuously reduced during a second time span following the first time span, before the speed corresponds to the target speed.

Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: a first hub; a second hub; an outer ring located radially outward of the first and second hubs; a first wedge plate radially disposed between the first hub and the outer ring; a second wedge plate radially disposed between the second hub and the outer ring; and a displacement element disposed between the first and second hubs and arranged to for a connect mode, in which the first and second hubs are non-rotatably connected to the outer ring, block axial displacement of the first and second hubs with respect to each other, and for a disconnect mode, axially displace the first and second hubs with respect to each other to enable rotation between the outer ring and the first and second hubs.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller and including a turbine shell; a stator at least partially located between the impeller and the turbine; and including a body portion with at least one stator blade and a first frusto-conical surface; a stator cone clutch including the first frusto-conical surface and a flange including a second frusto-conical surface; and a first thrust bearing axially disposed between the stator cone clutch and the impeller shell. In a stator locked mode: the body portion and the flange are non-rotatably connected; and the stator cone clutch is arranged to urge the first thrust bearing against the impeller shell in a first axial direction.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch assembly. The clutch assembly has a cover adapted for connecting to a driving member extending along a central axis and a pressure plate coaxially mounted on the cover for axial movement relative to the cover. The assembly includes a friction disc adapted for connection to a driven member coaxially mounted adjacent the pressure plate. The assembly has a lever support mounted on and having a hardness greater than the pressure plate. The clutch assembly includes a lever pivotally mounted on the lever support and reacting against the cover to move the pressure plate into and out of engagement with the friction disc. The lever is shaped to apply more clamping force to the pressure plate as the clutch assembly turns faster about the central axis.

Abstract: The invention proposes a friction coupling, in particular for use in motor vehicles, e.g. for controlling an air compressor, in which coupling at least two friction surfaces can be brought into frictional connection. According to the invention, two conical friction surface pairs are provided.

Abstract: A motor with a braking mechanism for an actuator includes a main body, a rotating shaft and a braking mechanism. The rotating shaft is disposed through the center of the main body. The braking mechanism includes a friction element and a torsion spring, the friction element is arranged on the external periphery of the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring is elastically clamped at an outer edge of the friction element and an end of the torsion spring is fixed to main body. When the rotating shaft rotates in one direction, the torsion spring abuts the friction element to brake and decelerate the rotating shaft. With small wear and tear of the torsion spring, the service life can be extended. With a large contact area between the friction element and the rotating shaft, a good braking effect can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frictional device (6) comprising at least one friction plate (2), which has a plate-side toothing system (14), and a plate carrier (4), which has a carrier-side toothing system (70) and a predefined fitting end (66) for fitting the friction plate (2), the contours (62, 72) of the toothing systems (14, 70) corresponding to one another in such a way that the friction plate (2) can be brought into engagement with the plate carrier (4), forming a rotational drive connection. The friction plate (2) here has a first axial direction (16) and an opposing second axial direction (18). According to the invention the contours (62, 72) of the toothing systems (14, 70) are formed in such a way that only in the first axial direction (16) can the friction plate (2) be brought into engagement with the plate carrier (4) via the predefined fitting end (66) of the plate carrier (4).

Abstract: Device for mounting a forced-air burner 2 to a combustion chamber housing 4, having an attaching section to attach the device to a combustion chamber housing 4 demarcating a combustion chamber or to a unit 5 located on a combustion chamber housing 4 and a seating section to absorb forces and/or moments caused by a forced-air burner 2 located on the device.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for utilization with an engine of a motorcycle is disclosed herein. The centrifugal clutch includes a clutch basket, a cover plate, a hub, first clutch plates, second clutch plates and a dynamic expansion ring assembly having cam members. The dynamic expansion ring assembly imparts substantially equal expansion forces in opposite directions. A gap is present when the engine is at an idle speed and cam members are positioned radially inward, and the gap is not present when the engine is operating faster than idle and the cam members are positioned radially outward by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A compact power unit for a vehicle having a clutch actuator is provided. The power unit includes a clutch actuator and a drive force transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive force of the clutch actuator to the clutch. The clutch actuator and the drive force transmission mechanism are arranged within a casing of the power unit. A drive shaft of the clutch actuator extends in the vertical direction. The drive force transmission mechanism includes a worm shaft coupled to the drive shaft of the clutch actuator, a first solid of revolution including a worm wheel portion which engages the worm shaft, a second solid of revolution which engages a gear portion of the first solid of revolution, and a ball cam. The ball cam converts torque from the second solid of revolution into a force which acts in the axial direction of a slide shaft of the clutch.

Abstract: An overrunning torque transmitting device that employs a plurality of cone clutches and an overload mechanism for limiting the torque transmitted through the device in a predetermined rotational direction. A method for transmitting torque is also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch for utilization with an engine of a motorcycle is disclosed herein. The hydraulic clutch includes a hydraulic clutch adjuster assembly, a clutch basket, a cover plate, first clutch plates, second clutch plates and a dynamic expansion ring assembly having cam members. The dynamic expansion ring assembly imparts substantially equal expansion forces in opposite directions. A gap is present when the engine is at an idle speed and cam members are positioned radially inward, and the gap is not present when the engine is operating faster than idle and the cam members are positioned radially outward by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for utilization with an engine of a motorcycle is disclosed herein. The centrifugal clutch includes a clutch basket, a cover plate, a hub, first clutch plates, second clutch plates and a dynamic expansion ring assembly having cam members. The dynamic expansion ring assembly imparts substantially equal expansion forces in opposite directions. A gap is present when the engine is at an idle speed and cam members are positioned radially inward, and the gap is not present when the engine is operating faster than idle and the cam members are positioned radially outward by centrifugal force.

Abstract: Ball member is provided between a ball retaining member provided integrally with a driving rotational member and opposed axial end portions of left and right drive shafts, and a selection can be made as necessary between a non-differential operation mode where the drive shafts rotate substantially equally and a differential operation mode where the drive shafts rotate differentially. The retaining member has a through-hole portion to receive part of the ball member. Shift member is slidably fitted over the retaining member and includes a ball-restricting portion of an inner diameter generally equal to an outer diameter of the retaining member and a ball-releasing portion having a greater inner diameter than the restricting portion. Power-transmitting portions are provided on the opposed axial ends with which the ball member is engageable to transmit the driving power.

Abstract: A clutch drum is formed from a single piece of material. The clutch drum includes an inner surface having a plurality of spline portions interspersed with inner wall spaces. Each spline portion includes at least one slot to form at least one snap ring groove within the clutch drum. The outer surface of the clutch drum is smooth and continuous and adapted to receive a brake band. The clutch drum does not include any perforations or breaks through the single piece of material forming the cylindrical portion of the clutch drum.

Abstract: A heavy-duty open-center anti-friction bearing (1), especially for mounting on generator sheds in wind-powered electricity-generating plants. It comprises two races (2 and 3) with friction-reducing structures (4) rolling between them and with a brake that suppresses rotations on the part of the bearing. The brake consists of at least one braking surface (19) secured to one bearing ring (3) and of a brake lining (16) secured non-rotating to the other bearing ring (2) and forced against the braking surface by a pressure-application mechanism (21). The mechanism can be adjusted from the outside. The object is to free the bearing of normal forces deriving from the brake.

Abstract: A tension brake or clutch having a quick release torque post providing in a first position, to which it is resiliently biased, torque transmission between a brake or clutch pad and an actuator plate and providing in a second position, to which the post is easily and quickly slid against the resilient bias, disengagement from the brake pad to permit the pad's quick and easy removal and replacement. A latch pin is optionally provided to latch the torque post in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement includes a hub connected by identical stacks of lamellae to a plate and counter-plate with friction pads which plates are urged by a pneumatic system into engagement on clutch surfaces of flanges of the other shaft. The hub has a polygonal shaped periphery of two or more rounded corners connected by concave sides and each of the plates has an aperture of the same configuration receiving the hub with a cylindrical support for receiving the end of a stack of lamellae disposed midway between each pair of corners. Thus, the plates can be easily moved axially relative to the hub but are rigidly connected to the hub for transferring rotary motion therebetween.

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: In a housing (2) inner guide surfaces (3, 4, 5) and at least one first and one second stop (40, 41) fixed with respect to the housing are formed. A first and a second thrust plate (10, 11) are guided rotatably and axially displaceably at the guide surfaces (3, 4, 5) of the housing (2). Lugs (12, 13) on the thrust plates (10, 11) limit the rotation thereof in one direction of rotation by striking the first and second stop (40, 41). A first and a second set of brake discs (20, 24; 21, 25) are arranged adjacent the first and second thrust plate (10, 11). A first and a second intermediate disc (22, 23) are arranged between the brake discs (20, 24; 21, 25). Between the two thrust plates (10; 11), spreading members (46) are arranged which spread the thrust plates (10; 11) thereby initiating a braking with servo effect. Torque-transmitting connections between the thrust plates (10; 11) and the intermediate discs (22, 23) increase the servo effect.

Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake of the spreading type is applied by a pair of oppositely acting hydraulic pistons which work in a common bore in the housing of the brake. One piston acts directly on an adjacent lug on a pressure plate and the other piston acts on a lug on a pressure plate through a transmission member which extends through the piston and may be coupled at its outer end to a hand-brake or similar lever.

Abstract: A disc brake of the spreading type is actuated by means of a "Bowden" cable (20) which acts between radial lugs (25, 29) on the pressure plates (6, 7). The cable (20) is angled with respect to the plane of the plates (6, 7), preferably substantially to complement the helix motion of the balls or rollers (13) co-operating with the ramps in the recesses (14).

Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake of the spreading type is adapted to be applied by a cable assembly. The cable assembly acts through a lever which is disposed in a plane lying between a pair of pressure plates in order to move the plates angularly in opposite directions.

Abstract: In a disc brake of the spreading type, angular movement of the pressure plates to apply the brake is effected by a brake-applying member which co-operates with at least one of the balls comprising a rolling actuator body and located in complementary opposed recess in the two plates. The member may comprise a wedge disposed between a pair of balls and radially displaceable to separate the balls. Alternatively the balls may be received in openings in the inner ends of a pair of toggle links, or in a fitting or other member which can be withdrawn from the brake in a radial direction. In another construction a ball is received in an opening in a bell-crank lever of which one arm reacts against one of the pressure plates.

Abstract: A brake actuating mechanism includes a housing defining a cylinder and a tubular piston, slidingly sealed within the cylinder. A pull-rod passes through the piston and is provided at one end with member for connection to a brake linkage mechanism. The other end of pull-rod is provided with abutment member which engages one end of a guide spool, the other end of the guide spool engaging the end of the piston. A pivot member is provided between the guide spool and the piston to permit rocking of the guide spool and pull-rod relative to the piston. A lever mechanism may act on the guide spool to provide for mechanical actuation of the brake.

Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake of the spreading type is provided with an actuator unit incorporating an hydraulically-operable mechanism and a mechanically-operable mechanism. The unit comprises a member which is detachably secured to the housing of the brake and provides a mounting for both mechanisms which extend into the housing through a common opening. The hydraulically-operable mechanism comprises a cylinder in which work opposed pistons acting to separate lugs on the pressure plates and the mechanically-operable mechanism may take any convenient form. The cylinder is tangentially arranged with respect to the plates.

Abstract: A pneumatic clutch/brake comprising an input shaft having a structure defining a pneumatic conduit. A pair of pistons having opposed faces is drivably connected with the input shaft and is axially movable along and with respect to the input shaft. A totally enclosed housing is rotatably carried and supported by the input shaft. A method of clutching/braking in a clutch/brake zone from a rotating power shaft while simultaneously preventing any matter including contaminants from entering or leaving the clutch/brake zone. The method comprises the steps of securing a shaft having a pneumatic passageway to the power shaft, and mounting a pair of opposed pistons on the shaft in the clutch/brake zone so that the pistons can be rotated by the shaft and axially movable thereon.

Abstract: An inclined disc brake assembly has a rotor 12 comprising two halves 32 and 34 clamped together. The rotor 12 has inclined braking surfaces 22 and 24 opposing each other forming a wedged channel 26 therebetween. A brake housing 16 is anchored to an axle housing 18 and has two torque receiving sections 60 with opposing spaced walls 62. Brake shoes 62 and 66 having inclined lining surfaces and inclined backing plates 76 and 78. The plates are mounted within horizontal grooves 82 in the anchored section 60 for horizontal movement. An actuating wedge 84 is moved downwardly by an actuator assembly 20 to spread the brake shoes apart and into engagement with the braking surfaces 22 and 24 of the rotor.

Abstract: A friction coupling apparatus contains a plurality of fluid motor actuators circumferentially fixed about a relatively rotatable shaft. Each of the actuators is positioned between a spaced pair of friction rotors fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith. The actuators each contain an annular axially distensible elastomeric air tube, which upon pressurization operates to force pairs of friction members against the rotors for establishing frictional communication between the shaft and a relatively fixed support member. In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric air tube contains a pair of axially spaced apertures. Each aperture defines a circumferential sealing edge by which one of a pair of air pistons is supported. Each piston contains a circumferential groove which sealingly mates with one of the edges, the pistons positioned to bear directly against the friction members.

Abstract: A multiple biscuit clutch or brake apparatus comprising an annular disc operably secured to a rotatable shaft and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced bores provided therein, a pair of complementary pistons slidably disposed in each bore in back-to-back relation and responsive to the application and withdrawal of pressure therebetween for reciprocation within the bore, an annular flange disposed on each side of the disc and outboard of the pistons for frictional engagement thereby upon axially outward movement of the pistons within the respective bores, the frictional engagement between the pistons and the flanges providing either a braking or clutching operation, and a housing encasing the disc and flanges to provide a chamber therearound, the housing being provided with inlet and outlet ports whereby a coolant may be introduced into the chamber and circulated around the disc and pistons and flanges for dissipating the heat generated by the frictional engagement of the pistons and flanges, the cool

Abstract: A double-acting, floating, frictional coupling mechanism including an air-operated diaphragm-type piston with integral rack guided for axial movement in meshed engagement with a rotatably connected pinion. A cam on the pinion shaft cooperates with a second piston and intensifies the force transmitted through the rack and pinion by the air-operated piston.

Abstract: A double-acting, floating, frictional coupling mechanism including an air-operated diaphragm-type piston having a piston rod in meshed engagement with a set of different gears. The differential gearing intensifies the force transmitted through the piston rod by the air-operated piston.

Abstract: A device for shaft alignment in a clutch or brake assembly is shown according to the teachings of the present invention. A quick demount bushing for receipt upon the shaft is provided having an outer tapered surface for receipt in an inner tapered bore formed in the assembly. The present invention further includes a shaft mount for receipt upon the shaft and into an axial bore of the assembly for holding the shaft in axial alignment with the assembly during placement of the quick demount bushing in the assembly whereby the friction surfaces are parallely disposed and normal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft mount according to the teachings of the present invention is formed of a one piece bushing have a fixed thickness in the radial direction and also in the axial direction.

Abstract: A brake actuator comprises a piston working in a cylinder with a seal carried by the piston for engagement with the outermost wall of the cylinder and a seal housed in the innermost wall of the cylinder for engagement with the piston. Each seal is of triangular outline and is received in a seal-receiving groove which has first and second relatively inclined end walls with which faces on the seal are in full facial engagement, and a sealing region for engagement with the wall of the cylinder or the piston is defined by and between the third remaining face and the adjacent face of the seal. A space is provided between the second end wall and the third face to accommodate any deformation of the material of the seal which is otherwise confined between the piston and the cylinder.

Abstract: An inexpensive frictional coupling mechanism, useful in smaller brakes and clutches includes an air operated piston and cylinder assembly for single or double-acting use in either a dual disc, single disc or caliper type frictional brake or clutch arrangement.

Abstract: The brake application of a spreading disc brake is effected by moving pressure plates in opposite directions into engagement with friction discs. This can be achieved hydraulically by pressurization of a pressure space between an annular cylinder in the plate and an annular piston in the plate and which works in the cylinder. Also this can be achieved mechanically by a brake-applying pull rod which is connected to a cranked lever pivotally connected to the plate and acting on the plate. The lever may act directly on the plate or it may act on the plate through an automatic slack adjuster.

Abstract: A fully lined disk brake has a brake housing rotatably mounted on a wheel and segmented arcuate shaped brake shoes supported in the brake housing by a fixed mounting on the wheel assembly which extends over the radially outward open end of the housing to support the brake shoes and is movable from over the open end of the housing to permit access thereto for replacing the brake shoes without dismantling the brake actuating mechanism. The invention provides brake shoes having a device for association with the mounting to support the brake shoes and brake shoe actuating mechanism which automatically adjusts the brakes for optimum operation.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus for rotatably coupling an input shaft to an output shaft includes an outer assembly having a pair of inner conic friction surfaces mounted for rotation with the input shaft, a pair of opposed annular piston members located within the outer assembly defining a space between them, each of the annular piston members being connected to the output shaft and one of a pair of friction elements having outer conic friction surfaces. A pressurized fluid is directed into the space between the annular piston members to move the same away from each other against the force of respective cup-shaped springs whereby the outer friction surfaces of the friction elements engage the inner friction surfaces of the outer assembly to engage the coupling. A pin-fork arrangement is utilized to interconnect the output shaft with each of the annular piston members in a manner such that the output shaft, which is mounted in a bearing housed within the outer assembly, can be centered with respect to the outer assembly.

Abstract: In a disc brake of the spreading type an automatic adjuster is located within the housing of the brake. The adjuster comprises an extensible strut which acts between radial lugs on pressure plates to maintain the pressure plates in relative angular positions in which the braking clearances are maintained within the predetermined limits. In the construction described the strut is coupled at each end to a respective plate through a lever which is urged into a neutral position by a spring. The load in the spring is chosen to permit the lever to move angularly about a pivotal connection with its respective plate and prevent the effective length of the strut from being increased further as a result of loads which are transmitted through the strut as a consequence of structural deflection of the housing. The adjuster is therefore said to be "load-insensitive" for both directions of disc rotation.

Abstract: A disc brake, especially for motor vehicles, which preferably has two pressure discs which by means of antifriction or sliding bodies arranged in recesses provided with inclined or crowned surfaces rest against each other. When turning the pressure discs in counter-current direction with regard to each other, the anti-friction or sliding bodies move onto the surfaces of the recesses, spread apart the pressure discs against the thrust of return springs, and press the brake discs, which are axially displaceable on a shaft to be braked, against associated braking surfaces. The pressure discs are guided in a housing by means of at least three guiding elements distributed over the circumference of the housing. Each pressure disc has associated therewith an abutment for limiting the turning movement of the pressure discs. The guiding members, which respectively resist a tilting of the pressure discs about the pertaining abutments, are radially adjustable.

Abstract: The disc brake comprises a stack of reaction discs interspersed between a stack of friction discs all mounted within a housing. Brake actuation is provided by either hydraulically or manually rotating an actuating plate which, through a roller/ramp structure, moves a piston structure, causing braking engagement of the reaction discs and friction discs.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly for a vehicle comprises a first inboard and a second outboard rotatable disc which are both relatively fixed and spaced axially. Superimposed friction pads for engagement with opposite faces of the discs are guided in a common drag-taking member which takes the drag on the pads when the brake is applied. A mechanical expander mechanism is housed between and acts directly upon the oppositely directed inner friction pads for engagement with the adjacent faces of the discs to apply the said oppositely directed pads to the discs, and a clamp assembly extending over the peripheral edge of both discs comprises coupled beams. The clamp assembly incorporates an actuator acting between one of the beams and one of the remaining friction pads to apply that friction pad to the inboard face of the inboard disc, and the other beam acting on the other remaining pad to apply thereto a reaction force in turn to apply that pad to the outboard face of the outboard disc.

Abstract: A fully lined disk brake adapted for use to advantage with a wheel of a light-weight passenger car has a radially outwardly open brake housing secured to a hub of the wheel by circumferentially spaced radial arms. The brake housing has a radially inward wall provided with spaced openings which communicate with openings between the radial arms which support the housing. A stepped ring responsive to fluid under pressure is disposed between the brake disks in the brake housing for actuation of the brakes. The stepped rings which form the brake actuating member are provided with axial projections having spaces therebetween which contact the brake shoes. Air for ventilating the brakes is drawn through the openings between the arms and in the inner wall of the housing and passes between the projection members on the stepped rings to ventilate the brake disk.

Abstract: In a disc brake in which the brake applying mechanism is actuated by movement of a first pull rod, the hydraulic actuator which effects movement of the pull rod comprises an assembly of piston and cylinder members of which one is rigidly fixed with respect to a housing and the other is movable relative thereto and acts on the first pull rod. A second pull rod is coupled to the first pull rod and is used for parking or emergency braking.

Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake is operated by an actuator which moves spreading pressure plates angularly in opposite directions to apply rotatable friction discs to radial surfaces in a stationary housing, and the actuator comprises a wedge for separating lugs on the plates, a spring for urging the wedge in a direction to separate the lugs, and a piston working in a cylinder bore for urging the wedge in the opposite direction when the cylinder is pressurized.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated fully lined disc brake assembly for braking a wheel of a motor vehicle has a brake housing which is provided with a gap which is open on its radially exterior side. Brake discs which fully line the brake housing are disposed in the gap and are supported on a removable bracket which is fixed against rotation. The brake discs are fixed against rotation with the wheel but are free to move axially. A hydraulic actuating mechanism is disposed in the gap between the brake discs and is designed to apply pressure against the discs at their radial center point to actuate the brake discs at their most efficient radii. The brake housing is supported on the wheel and can be removed for replacement of the brake discs after the wheel has been removed without disassembly of the brake actuating mechanism.

Abstract: In a spreading disc brake recesses for co-operation with balls located between pressure plates comprise straight grooves of progressively varying depth in inserts mounted in the pressure plates for angular movement about axes normal to the planes of the plates.

Abstract: A fully lined disk brake has a brake housing rotatably mounted on a wheel and segmented arcuate shaped brake shoes supported in the brake housing by a fixed mounting on the wheel assembly which extends over the radially outward open end of the housing to support the brake shoes and is movable from over the open end of the housing to permit access thereto for replacing the brake shoes without dismantling the brake actuating mechanism. The invention provides brake shoes having structure associated with the mounting to support the brake shoes and brake shoe actuating mechanism which automatically adjusts the brakes for optimum operation.

Abstract: A brake assembly having a brake housing which has an annular member enclosing an annular gap of channel-like cross-section open at its radially exterior side is provided with at least one pair of segmental brake shoes. Annular actuating rings are disposed in the gap between the brake shoes and hydraulically actuated members are associated with the actuating rings to move them against the brake shoes and press the brake shoes against the braking surface. The hydraulic actuating members may be L-shaped slidable members which enclose the sealed annular space into which hydraulic fluid is introduced into the groove, a pair of hydraulic cylinders having pistons which move actuating rings associated with the brake shoes or a ring cylinder and ring piston assembly.