Abstract: The present invention is a drive unit for an adjustable bed, comprising motor means and a clutch assembly comprising a toothed gear jack drive coupling, a toothed gear drive coupling and means for engaging and disengaging the jack drive coupling and the drive coupling, wherein the drive coupling is driven by the motor means and wherein the jack drive coupling, when engaged with the drive coupling by the clutch assembly, drives a controller shaft of the adjustable bed to raise or lower a section of the bed.

Abstract: A pressure medium actuated friction clutch with axially movable friction discs is engaged by at least one engagement spring and by an engagement actuator, and can be disengaged by a disengagement actuator In the steady-state engaged condition, only the spring force is effective.

Abstract: A control system for the control of a fluid pressure-operated clutch (12) is provided. It includes a fluid pressure-operated clutch actuator (14) and a source of pressurized fluid (15). A fluid flow control valve (18) controls the flow of pressurized fluid to and exhaust of fluid from the actuator. A manually operable clutch control member (19) (e.g. a pedal) is connected via a linkage (20) to the valve (18) to enable engagement/disengagement of the clutch by operation of the control member. An electrical actuator (33) is also provided for operation of the valve, and hence clutch, independently of the manually operable clutch control member. The system further includes a sensor (19a) for sensing the position of the clutch control member and an electrical control circuit (21) for independent control of the valve in response to predetermined vehicle operating criteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device related to motor driven vehicles such as tractors for semi-automatic engagement and disengagement of the drive. According to the invention an actuating cylinder (12) is arranged to act on the clutch of the vehicle, which actuating cylinder (12) is hydraulically connected to a control device (1) with a control device (2), which from a first position is arranged to be transferred to a second position in connection with the disengagement of the drive of the vehicle and to be rapidly transferred back to the first position corresponding to the beginning of engagement, whereafter the return flow as the actuating cylinder is arranged to control the return movement of the actuating cylinder (12) at a lower rate from the position of beginning engagement to complete engagement of the drive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic clutch mounted between a power source and an output shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for engaging, disengaging and otherwise regulating the operation of an automated friction clutch in a motor vehicle has a pedal which can be depressed in the same way as the clutch pedal in a vehicle without an automated clutch. The speed of movement and/or the position of the pedal is monitored by a sensor which transmits appropriate signals to a circuit serving to engage, disengage and/or otherwise operate the clutch by way of a hydraulic system by taking into consideration one or more additional parameters, such as the RPM of the engine, the RPM of the input shaft of the variable-speed transmission and/or others. If the circuit and/or the hydraulic system is out of commission, the clutch is operated by a bypass power train which is independent of the circuit. Depression of the pedal is resisted by a biasing element in imitation of resistance which is encountered by the clutch pedal in a vehicle not embodying an automated friction clutch.

Abstract: A force transmission linkage for an automotive vehicle couples a control member with a maneuvering member of a declutching device for a clutch, and is of the kind comprising a mechanical part with application points carried by a fixed part of the vehicle.In accordance with the invention, one of the application points of the linkage is movable in both directions along a course of travel which is defined between two limit positions and under the action of an irreversible control device driven by a motor. At least one position sensor is associated with the control member and with the movable application point, respectively. A computer is provided, for receiving the information signals from the position sensors so as to control the motor of the control device.

Abstract: A force transmission linkage for an automotive vehicle couples a control member with a manoeuvring member of a declutching device for a clutch, and is of the kind comprising a mechanical part with application points carried by a fixed part of the vehicle.In accordance with the invention, one of the said application points of the linkage is movable under the action of a control device comprising a motor and a transmission acting between the said motor and the said movable application point. A sensor for detecting a supplementary strain in the linkage, is provided together with a computer, with the computer receiving information signals from the strain sensor for control of the motor.

Abstract: In an engine-powered wheeled vehicle, having a clutch interposed the engine and the drive wheel, actuated through a clutch cable operated by a moveable engaging/disengaging clutch handle, a clutch oscillator assembly including a chassis for mounting on the vehicle intermediate the clutch and the clutch handle, a shaft supported on the chasis for powered rotation about a fixed axis, a switched for interrupting the power to the shaft to cause controlled rotation thereof, a cyclic drive in association with the shaft for alternately pulling and releasing the clutch cable as a function of rotation of the shaft and including a work plate pivotally mounted on the chassis arranged to be driven by the shaft and further including a lever pivotally mounted on the chassis having one end in releasable contact with the clutch cable, wherein the cyclic drive includes a post mounted on the work plate, spaced-apart from the pivotal mounting thereof, and adapted to move as the work plate is turned, to create rhythmic contact b

Abstract: A force transmission linkage for an automative vehicle couples a control member with a manoeuvring member of a declutching device for a clutch, and is of the kind comprising a mechanical part with application points carried by a fixed part of the vehicle.In accordance with the invention, one of the application points of the linkage is movable in both directions along a course of travel which is defined between two limit positions and under the action of irreversible control device, which comprises a motor together with a transmission interposed between the motor and the movable application point. A position sensor is associated with the control member for detecting its free position when the latter is not actuated by the driver. Driving devices, comprising a computer and a detector, are provided.

Abstract: The apparatus substantially comprises a manually operated lever for a gearbox that oscillates on one plane and can be set in a first position and in a second angular position in each of which the driving devices of the apparatus are activated, respectively, in a first and in a second configuration in which they control the manoeuvres for selecting and engaging, respectively, a higher or lower gear, and that may also be set into a third and a fourth angular position corresponding to a greater angle than that reached in the previous positions and in each of which said driving devices are activated respectively in a third and in a fourth configuration in which they control the manoeuvres for selecting and engaging a higher or lower gear, the manoeuvers being performed with a greater activating force than that with which the same manoeuvres are performed with the lever in the first or second position; the apparatus also comprises a resistance device adapted to generate a resistant torque of a preset value for mov

Abstract: A master cylinder assembly and a motor vehicle power assist actuator utilizing the master cylinder assembly. In one form of the invention, a clutch actuator is provided in which the clutch may be actuated in the usual manner by depression of the clutch pedal to move the piston in the master cylinder assembly under the urging of the push rod or, in a power mode of the actuator, movement of the gear shift lever of the vehicle is sensed by a logic module whereupon the electric motor of the master cylinder assembly is energized in a sense to move the ball screw to apply a power assist force to the annular outer periphery of the rear end of the piston and thereby effect disengagement of the clutch. In another embodiment of the invention, the signal to the logic module to enable energization of the motor is generated by a switch connected to the clutch pedal so that the force for disengaging the clutch includes a manual force applied by the push rod and a power force applied by a ball screw.

Abstract: In a power shift transmission system, two tables of values are established for modulating a clutch actuation, signal. When a clutch pedal is depressed below a limit position, both tables are accessed to obtain a pair of values, and the value which will result in the lower clutch pressure is used to modulate the actuation signal. One table is accessed in accordance with clutch pedal position and the other table is accessed in accordance with the selected gear speed ratio and engine speed. The arrangement prevents overheating of the clutch by the energy applied to it as a result of stalling the engine immediately after clutch inching.

Abstract: A hydraulic device for operating a clutch in an industrial vehicle having a transmission comprising shift changeable gears and manually operated shift levers. Gear actuating hydraulic boosters are provided for hydraulically actuating the shift changeable gears, and the clutch is actuated by a clutch cylinder. The hydraulic device comprises a clutch circuit extending between a hydraulic pump and the clutch cylinder, and a booster circuit extending between the hydraulic pump and the boosters. A gate valve is arranged in the clutch circuit and is movable in response to pressure of hydraulic oil in the booster circuit, so that the normally closed gate valve is opened when the manually operable shift levers are operated. Also, a pressure control circuit is branched from the clutch circuit and again branched into parallel third and fourth hydraulic circuits. A forward and reverse gate valve and a speed change gate valve are arranged in the third and fourth hydraulic circuits, respectively.

Abstract: A servo-assisted device for operating a parking brake of a moto vehicle is described, consisting of a control lever for a brake cable or rod, mounted rotatably on a pivot, a ratchet mechanism adapted to permit rotation of the lever in a predetermined direction and a push button for disengaging the ratchet mechanism; the principal characteristic of the invention consists in the fact that the brake cable or rod is connected to the control lever through an actuator pivoted beneath the control lever and to a movable element of which the said brake cable is fixed.

Abstract: An improved motorcycle slider clutch which utilizes several original equipment manufacturers components, also an aftermarket basket (34), housing gear assembly (44) and a pressure plate (74). The pressure plate engages the nest of discs (32) when compressed by a number of fingers (82) configured to create linear force when subjected to centrifugal action. An enclosure (100) surrounds the basket (34) and retains the fingers. This action defines the first or mechanical stage of operation. A number of counterbalanced fingers (120) are also rotatably contained in the enclosure (100) but are held from engagement with a restraining hub (142) connected to a fluid pressurized cylinder (136). The second, or pressurized fluid actuated stage, is engaged electrically in a timed sequence relieving the pressure allowing the counterbalanced fingers to exert pressure on the clutch discs and plates at the optimum moment.

Abstract: Manual override apparatus (38) for use in a vehicle having an automated mechanical transmission (10) or similar transmission, that enables limited driving of the vehicle in the event of a malfunction of the transmission's automatic electronic control system (30). The override apparatus includes a semi-manual arrangement (42, 44, 50, 58) for putting the transmission (10) in gear (46), disabling the electronic logic circuits (48), and actuating the clutch operator (22) from a manual lever-controlled valve (56, 40) in the cab. Another manual device (58) in the cab selectively enables and prevents manual control by the lever-controlled valve of the clutch operator (22).

Abstract: In an electrically powered combination screwdriver/drill opposing halves of a ratchet type torque tranmsitting clutch are normally biased axially apart by a compression spring. The output half of the clutch is fixed on the output spindle of the tool which is free to move axially within limits. For screwdriving operation, operator bias of the tool against the workpiece overcomes the spring, retracting the output spindle and bringing the clutch halves into engagement. An adjustable stop in the nose of the tool limits axially rearward movement of the output spindle and hence depth of engagement of the clutch teeth, thus providing a variable limit on torque transmitted. For the drilling mode, the rearward half of the clutch is cammed forward so that the clutch is firmly engaged for continuous rotation of the output spindle without specific torque limitation. An operator may switch from drilling mode to screwdriving mode and back without disturbing the torque limit adjustment of the screwdriving mode.

Abstract: A clutch adjustment and lockup system is disclosed. The system is adapted for use with a centrifugally actuated friction clutch of the type wherein clutch plates and clutch disks are engageable with each other. The conventional friction clutch includes a weight support member having apertures concentric with the plates and disks and is interlocked with the plate for rotation therewith. The conventional support member includes a plurality of pivotable weights causing the plate to frictionally engage the disk upon rotation of the support member. Springs are provided to counteract the weights, thereby resisting frictional engagement of the plates and disks until a predetermined speed is achieved. The improved adjusting system allows remote setting of the speed at which the plates frictionally engage the disk while the vehicle is moving and a lockup system provides increased frictional engagement of the clutch plate and disks.

Abstract: A dual mode clutch control system for a motor vehicle in which the operator has the choice of operating the clutch manually or having the clutch operated in a power mode in response to movement of the gear shift lever. Two embodiments are disclosed. In both embodiments, a mode selector switch is provided which is movable between a manual mode and a power mode. In one embodiment, the power mode is provided by a master cylinder assembly in which the piston of the master cylinder is normally moved by an input rod connected to the clutch pedal but in which an annular pressure chamber is provided in communication with the piston to which pressurized fluid may be delivered from a pressure source when the mode selector switch is positioned in the power mode. The source of pressurized fluid may comprise a motor driving a pump and an accumulator for storing pressurized fluid from the pump.

Abstract: The actuator (10) of a brake, such as a disc brake, is controlled by an electric motor (34) which drives a pump (38, 50, 62) ensuring that the pressure of the brake fluid in a control chamber (44) rises. A crankshaft (38) driven by the electric motor (34) imparts a to-and-fro movement to a plunger piston (50) in a pumping chamber (62). This chamber (62) communicates with a brake-fluid reservoir via an intake duct (74) controlled by way of a valve (76, 78) and with the chamber (44) via a delivery duct controlled by way of a valve (58, 60). Furthermore, the control chamber (44) communicates with the reservoir via a recycling duct (80) controlled by way of a solenoid valve (82). The entire hydraulic circuit so formed is accommodated in the body (12) of the actuator.

Abstract: The actuator includes a power-assisted main mechanical linkage connecting the clutch pedal lever to the clutch plate lever. The power-assisting assembly is supplied high pressure air and is actuatable by pedal-driven movement of the main linkage. A manually operable piston and cylinder device operates to vary the movement of the linkage and therefore alter the action of the applied force to the main linkage for a reduced pedal stroke mode of operation. The actuator is operable in one of two modes: a power-assisted mechanical mode wherein mechanical force applied to the linkage is dominant; and a selectable power-assisted/mechanical mode with a reduced pedal stroke length wherein the power-assist is the dominant operating force. In either mode, the main mechanical linkage is always operatively connected between the pedal lever and plate lever to provide for purely mechanical operation in the event of air pressure failure.

Abstract: A torque converter and clutch assembly has a piezoelectric control portion. One piezoelectric device is subjected to the transient torques transmitted to the clutch, and generates a signal in response to the transient torque. Another piezoelectric device is electrically connected with the first piezoelectric device and is expandable in response to the electric signal to initiate clutch disengagement and provide clutch slip to thereby reduce the transmission of transient torque spikes.

Abstract: A free wheel hub clutch for a drive shaft includes an outer casing, an inner sleeve in the casing for connection to the drive shaft, a slidable clutch in the casing for movement between a lock position wherein the clutch is connected therewith, and a free position wherein the clutch is disconnected from the inner sleeve for free rotation with respect thereto. The slidable clutch selectively and alternatively moves the clutch between the lock position and the free position, either mannually or remotely.

Abstract: An automotive type internal combustion engine driven accessory is connected to the engine crankshaft by a thermal and centrifugally responsive clutch mechanism that includes a centrifugally responsive ring responsive to higher engine speeds to provide slippage between the clutch parts to maintain the accessory drive at a predetermined maximum RPM, that speed level being increased in response to an excessive generation of heat due to the slippage to effect a greater engagement of the clutch and less slippage and therefore a reduction in the amount of heat generated.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch for driving a cooling fan 18 from the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine includes an outer rotary casing 11, 12 connected to the fan and an inner rotary member 10 connected to the crankshaft coupling 9. The clearance gap between these two members is normally occupied by a viscous fluid and the drive is automatically adjusted by varying the quantity of fluid in the gap. A scoop pump 22 continuously pumps fluid from the gap inwards along passage 24 to a reservoir 20 via control valve 50, and the fluid returns to the clearance gap from the reservoir via a port 26. The valve 50 includes a piston 61, which is subject on one side of the pressure of the fluid supplied by the scoop pump 22, and hence to the relative speed of rotation between the crankshaft and the fan. In the other direction the piston 61 is subject to the fluid servo pressure in a conduit 48 derived from the sensed temperature of the engine coolant in duct 40.

Abstract: A motor vehicle clutch is particularly suited for a mechanical multiple-speed automatic transmission. The clutch comprises a pair of alternatingly engageable clutch discs (5,7) mounted on a pair of concentric shafts (8,10). In addition to a centrifugal arrangement (29,30) for engagement when starting, the clutch comprises a hydraulic control system with a piston cylinder device (20) and two three-way magnetic valves (51,52), one (51) of which is capable of presure regulation and the other (52) has merely an on-off function.

Abstract: A hub clutch is operable as an automatic hub clutch and as a manual hub clutch, and includes a hollow housing secured to a wheel hub, the inner circumference of which is provided with a spline, and on the outside end surface of which an opening is defined; a manually operable knob rotatably mounted in the opening of the housing and provided with a boss section having an inclined cam surface; a drive gear fixed to a drive shaft at the extreme end thereof, and provided with a spline and a gear section; a ring clutch supported in an axially transferable manual on the spline and which is engaged with the gear section on the circumference of the drive gear when displaced outwardly in the axial direction; a retainer rotating integrally with the housing and engageable with the cam surface of the knob; a return spring extending between either the retainer and the drive gear or the retainer and the housing for urging the retainer and the ring clutch inwardly in the axial direction; a shift spring extending between the

Abstract: A hub clutch used for a four-wheel driving free-wheel device in which, when a knob for manual operation and mounted on a casing is set to an automatic position, a pawl portion of a retainer becomes disengaged with a cam surface defined by a boss portion of the knob so that the device operates in the automatic condition, while when the knob is rotated in a manual lock direction, the pawl portion is engaged by the cam surface of the knob and is cammed to a lock position. When the pawl portion is in the lock position, the device assumes a manually locked state so that a drive gear and a clutch ring are maintained in an engaged condition with each other and stationary system members are separated from rotating system members. Accordingly, no contact force is applied to stationary system members when in the manually locked state.

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 clutch having a starter clutch mechanism and a manual clutch mechanism combined on a driven shaft. The starter clutch mechanism is positioned within a clutch outer of the manual clutch and operates through a cam to transmit relative rotational motion into axial motion for actuating the main clutch. The relative rotational motion is experienced when the starter clutch mechanism reaches the appropriate speed for engagement. A throw-out linkage is provided outwardly of the main clutch and actuates the thrust plate through the center of the main clutch inner. Thus, the starter clutch mechanism, the cam shaft and the thrust plate may be located inwardly of the main clutch mechanism within a cylindrical clutch outer closed at one end.

Abstract: A clutch operating cylinder for a pressure-medium operated clutch which is arranged in the power train of a vehicle, is operable either by the clutch pedal or via a electronically controlled system, for example an anti-slip regulating system, has a housing divided into two chambers. In these chambers there are, apart from the release piston, two further pistons and a spring having a clutch characteristic, such that the electronic control is never able to clutch further than is specified by the clutch pedal, the clutch pedal bites when it is operated subsequent to electronically controlled engagement, and it is possible to use both the clutch pedal and the electronic control to declutch further when the clutch has only been partially declutched.

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 rotary compressor comprises an input shaft, a compressor component and a clutch component movable between an engaged position where the compressor component is connected to the input shaft to allow a torque to be transmitted from the input shaft to the compressor component and a disengaged position where the compressor component is disconnected from the input shaft to prevent the torque from being transmitted from the input shaft to the compressor component. A hydraulic pump is drivingly connected to the input shaft to discharge a pressurized working fluid upon the rotation of the input shaft. The clutch component includes a clutch member disposed within a clutch cylinder and cooperating therewith to define a pressure chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle clutch, particularly for a mechanical, multiple-speed automatic transmission. The clutch comprises in a conventional manner, a clutch disc which is non-rotatably joined to an input shaft to the transmission, said disc being pressable against an engine flywheel by a displaceable drive plate. According to the invention the clutch is provided with a second clutch disc, which is non-rotatably joined to a hollow shaft, which is concentrically mounted on the input shaft and can be pressed by the first drive plate against the second drive plate solidly joined to the flywheel.

Abstract: Provided is an improved fluid operated clutch control system (80) of the normally disengaged type and control system (100) of the normally engaged type that both employ a control valve (22) operative to selectively provide a fluid signal from a fluid pressure supply source (24) to a first fluid operated actuator preferably in the form of a piston (9) operative in the case of system (80) to overcome a reslient biasing device (26) and move the clutch to the engaged condition upon receipt by the control valve of an actuating signal normally provided either by depression of a clutch pedal (50) for a standard transmission or by a sensor (52, 53) for an automatic transmission and in the form of a piston (9A) for system (100) operative to overcome a resilient biasing device (26A) and move the clutch to the disengaged condition.

Abstract: A control device to remotely engage and disengage a clutch having a manually-operable lever, consisting of a link pivoted to the lever and to a sector plate. The latter is pivotally mounted on a base and is adapted for movement with a swing arm mounted on the same pivot and extending radially of the sector plate. The swing arm carries a slidable dog releasably engaged with the sector plate and is moved by a power-operated lifter. The sector plate is connected to the link and is adapted to move between a first declutched position, and a second clutched position, and a final operative position intermediate the two first-named positions, nearer the second position, thereby preventing undue stress on the bearings of the clutch actuation assembly when the clutch is operative.

Abstract: A disc brake unit comprises a disc assembly of interleaved rotor discs and stator discs that are normally spring in one direction biased to a brake engaged condition. A hydraulically operated first piston engages a stator disc at one end of the unit to move it axially in opposition to the spring bias to release the pressure between the discs and thus release the brake. A non-rotatable stop adapted to contact only one intermediate stator disc is provided to prevent movement of the intermediate disc in a direction opposite to the one direction. A second piston engages a stator disc at the opposite end of the unit for moving the rotor and stator discs on one side of a stop into engagement with each other and applies a modulated force to said rotor and stator discs while the first power piston is in position to oppose the spring bias, to thereby apply slip braking torque to the output shaft.

Abstract: A clutch device for working vehicles including a pressure member integrally rotatable with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle, a centrifugal weight supported by the pressure member, the centrifugal weight being centrifugally movable in a higher revolution region than a predetermined number of revolutions of the crankshaft, a clutch outer member driven to be rotated by the pressure member, a plurality of drive friction plates integrally supported by the clutch outer member, the drive friction plates being axially movable, a clutch inner member fixedly provided with a plurality of driven friction plates frictionally engageable with the drive friction plates and having an output portion connected to a working implement of the vehicle, and a member for resiliently biassing the drive friction plates and the driven friction plates in their engagement direction.

Abstract: A brake system for an off-highway vehicle which includes a fluid pressure actuated multi-disc brake and a fluid pressure control system. Engagement of the multi-disc brake is effected by a fluid operated piston having multiple effective pressure areas. Fluid pressure applied to a certain of the effective pressure areas urges the piston in a brake applying direction; fluid pressure applied to the other of the pressure areas urges the piston in a brake releasing direction. The fluid pressure control system controls the communication of pressurized fluid to the effective pressure areas to provide both the brake applying and brake releasing functions. Redundant fluid pressure circuits supply pressurized fluid to the brake applying effective pressure areas. In the event of failure, the control system is operative to interrupt fluid flow to the failed circuit.

Abstract: An annular multi-piston brake apparatus (8) for selective holding engagement against a rotatable element (34). The annular multi-piston brake apparatus (8) advantageously includes first and second brake pistons (40,46) radially overlapping to allow the pistons to individually contact the rotatable element and stop rotation. Compact packaging of the brake apparatus is featured.

Abstract: In a moving vehicle such as an automobile, compressed air is used for powering the vehicle, for minimizing friction in the wheel bearings so as to maintain the vehicle's momentum and decrease the amount of energy required for maintaining the vehicle at a predetermined desired speed, and for braking the vehicle. The present invention can be used instead of a conventional internal combustion engine, or as an auxiliary means for decreasing the amount of energy that is consumed by an internal combustion engine to increase the speed of a vehicle and maintain a vehicle at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: An actuator for a shoe drum brake has a body containing a tappet engaging one of a pair of brake shoes, and a split tappet of which the outermost piston engages the other brake shoe. A mechanical wedge actuator acts between the tappets for emergency and parking operation. The piston cooperates with an automatic adjuster of which a component normally engages an abutment member which bears against a shoulder within the body to isolate the adjuster from the piston of the split tappet and thereby from the other tappet.

Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle comprises an input shaft connected to the crank shaft of an engine, an output shaft connected to a driving wheel, a V-belt stepless variable speed gear provided between the input and output shafts for providing different gear ratios of the input and output shafts on a stepless basis, and an interlocking transmission gear provided between the input and output shafts parallel to the stepless variable speed gear which, when operated, provides a constant gear ratio of the input and output shafts. A hydraulically operated first clutch of a normally-closed type is provided on the input shaft for operating the stepless variable speed gear when it is connected, and a hydraulically operated second clutch of a normally open type is provided on the output shaft for operating the interlocking transmission gear when it is connected.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for manual control of a clutch in a motor vehicle having a manual gear shift control. The normal foot-pedal operation of the clutch is not impaired, and may be employed concurrently with the manual control system. Manual control is obtained by electrically switching a hydraulic pump, which in turn drives a cylinder and piston mechanically linked to the conventional clutch pedal. Additional switches are provided for disconnecting the pump when the clutch reaches its engaged or disengaged positions, and indicator lights are further provided to signal the driver when these positions are attained.

Abstract: A manually disengageable centrifugal clutch for motor vehicles has a clutch cover fixed to a flywheel, a pressure plate axially movable relative to the flywheel, and an intermediate disc. An intermediate plate defines, together with the pressure plate, a plurality of outwardly narrowing spaces for radially movable centrifugal weights and is spring biased towards the pressure plate. The intermediate plate is suspended on disengagement arms and is movable thereby away from the pressure plate. In one position at a certain distance from the pressure plate, the spaces for the centrifugal weights are widened so much that the weights cannot exert any pressure on the pressure plate. The clutch is thereby disengaged regardless of rotational speed, the disengaging force only depending on the spring force on the intermediate plate.

Abstract: Speed and temperature responsive drive apparatus includes a friction clutch which may be interposed between a vehicle engine and its associated cooling system fan. The clutch is biased toward engagement by a conventional spring and also by a thermal spring. A bladder develops a centrifugal pressure upon rotation of the apparatus, which pressure relieves the biasing forces of both springs.

Abstract: A fan clutch for a vehicle engine connects the engine cooling fan with the engine when the cooling effect of the engine fan is necessary and disconnects the fan when its cooling effect is not necessary. The clutch includes a driven member and a driving member and a belt carried by the driving member and rotatable therewith which is adapted to engage the driven member when the clutch is to be engaged. The driven member comprises a pair of relatively rotatable, axially extensible portions, so that when the belt is in driving engagement with the driven member, relative rotation between the portionsextends the same so that engagement surfaces on one of the portions and on the driving member are brought into engagement, thus connecting the driven and driving members.

Abstract: This invention relates to a brake assembly having a brake housing and wheel shaft rotatable in the housing. There is provided an armature plate in the housing secured to and rotatable with the shaft. Also provided is a movable actuator in the housing movable rotatably from an inoperative position to an operative position closer to the armature plate. An electromagnet is provided either directly mounted to the movable actuator or indirectly via a mechanical linkage. When the electromagnet is energized it causes the actuator to rotate with the armature plate and thereby move to an operative position where it forces a stationary brake disc and rotatable brake disc into engagement to achieve a braking action. This engagement is released upon de-energization of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A brake and wheel assembly for vehicles having small diameter wheels and heavy axle loading requiring high capacity braking is disclosed. An axle extension shaft cantilevered transversely on a vehicle frame mounts rotatably a dual wheel hub which also serves as a brake rotor in coaction with a pair of wide brake shoes. A mounting unit for brake mechanism including a rigid backbone member is cantilevered from the vehicle frame across the axis of the axle extension shaft and brake rotor. The backbone member locates and supports front and rear brake cylinder bodies and associated anchor pins for the brake shoes and also supports a brake shoe upper guide. Brake shoe hold-down bases and other components are attached to a back plate of the brake mechanism mounting unit which also includes a side cover. A mechanical parking and emergency brake is included in the assembly along with required brake adjustment features.