Abstract: A system for actuating a clutch by axial movement of an actuating member which is rotatable about a clutch axis with the axial movement for actuating occurring via engagement of the actuating member with a clutch release bearing, the system including a fluid actuated clutch release bearing assembly actuable along a central axis which is generally in line with the clutch axis, and with the clutch release bearing assembly including alignment means separate from the clutch release bearing for moving the axis of rotation of the clutch release bearing substantially into alignment with the clutch axis and with the clutch release bearing assembly including a housing member having an annular, axially extending cylinder portion having a cylinder cavity adapted to receive a piston for reciprocation therein, the cylinder portion being integral with the remainder of the cylinder housing whereby the need for a seal between the cylinder portion and the connecting portions of the cylinder housing is obviated and with the sy

Abstract: The gripping piece (16) used, which allows the clutch release bearing (10) to be coupled to the diaphragm (11), comprises, in one piece, an annular collar (16), by means of which it bears on the diaphragm (11), and retaining lugs (20) which pass axially through the diaphragm (11) and which, to retain it axially on the said diaphragm (11), each carry circumferentially, beyond the latter, a retaining finger (21).According to the invention, the retaining finger (21) which a retaining lug (20) carries extends directly, starting from the axial end of such a retaining lug (20), so that the unit as a whole possesses only one bending elbow (42).The invention is used, in particular, for diaphragm clutches of motor vehicles.

Abstract: The operating member of a clutch release bearing suitable for an automotive vehicle is associated with a generally annular bush. This is constrained to move in the axial direction with the operating member, at least in the axial direction in which a corresponding control member is operative. The bush has at least one integral radial arm for the control member to act on. On the rear side of the or each arm relative to the direction in which the control member is operative, the bush comprises at least one integral reinforcing rib. On the front side of the or each arm there is disposed a protective member adapted to have the control member act on it.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing suitable for automotive vehicles adapted to operate in traction on a clutch release device to be operated has radial arms for the corresponding clutch release yoke to operate on. With each arm there is associated an axial surface to prevent it rotating on the clutch release yoke. The axial surface thus associated with each radial arm is extended beyond the radial arm by means of a plate. The edge of the plate nearest the radial arm is formed with a chamfer in order to facilitate engagement of the clutch release yoke.

Abstract: In a pressed-type clutch for a motor vehicle the clutch disc with its friction linings is located axially between a pressure plate which is nearer to the driving disc and an anti-pressure plate which is more remote from the driving disc. The pressure plate is axially movable with respect to the driving disc and connected therewith for common rotation. The anti-pressure plate is stationary with respect to the driving disc. A spring force transmitting structure is fixed to the pressure plate and has a bottom on the side of the anti-pressure plate which is remote from the driving disc. A diaphragm spring is located between the anti-pressure plate and the bottom of the spring force transmitting structure. The clutch release bearing is moved into engagement with the tongues of the diaphragm spring and towards the driving disc in view of clutch disengagement.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle transmission comprising a clutch disposed in a bell housing and a gearbox having an input shaft driven through the clutch, the bell housing having a mounting face attached upon a corresponding mounting face on the gearbox, an annular hydraulic slave cylinder disposed concentric with the gearbox input shaft operable to release the clutch, the slave cylinder has a radially outward projecting portion provided with a passageway connected to a line in turn connected to a master cylinder. The radially outward projecting portion of the slave cylinder is sandwiched between the mounting face of the bell housing and the gearbox housing, preferably in a groove formed in the inner face of the bell housing. Such a structure permits to assemble the whole hydraulic system and fill the system with hydraulic fluid prior to installation on a motor vehicle.

Abstract: In a clutch release bearing an axially acting annular spring bears on a maneuvering member and on a radial rim on a drive member, so as to urge the latter towards a flange on the maneuvering member. The annular spring is adapted to turn inside out during assembly of the clutch release bearing and due only to the drive member acting on it, changing from a first configuration in which it is generally concave to a second configuration in which it is generally convex.

Abstract: An oil shear clutch-brake unit includes a housing rotatably supporting an input shaft and an output shaft in axial alignment, and the housing encloses a set of interfitting clutch plates and discs for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft and a set of interfitting brake plates and discs for braking the output shaft. A non-rotating actuating member or piston is also enclosed within the housing and is actuated from a neutral position by springs and/or fluid for either clamping the clutch plates and discs or clamping the brake plates and discs. A cooling and lubricating oil is circulated within the housing and between the plates and discs, and the pressure of the fluid for actuating the piston is adjustable for selecting the torque transmitted through the clutch and brake.

Abstract: A hydraulically operating clutch release includes a housing having a pressure chamber sealed by a roll membrane. A clutch bearing is axially displaceable in the housing. A support body abuts the roll membrane in the chamber, and resiliently engages the bottom surface of the pressure chamber in the axial direction, to prevent damage to the roll membrane.

Abstract: A hydraulic release mechanism of the bellows type provides for a constant volume of hydraulic fluid, thereby allowing a bellows of minimum size to be used. A housing is slidably supported on a transmission mounted guiding member for movement between the transmission and the fingers of diaphragm spring. A piston also slidably supported on the guiding member is receivable within the housing, with a housing attached flexible bellows engaged therebetween. A coil spring continually biases the housing and piston together and toward the spring fingers. The continual bias keeps the piston lightly engaged with the spring fingers, and keeps the housing at an operative position on the guiding member where the bellows is maintained in a constant volume unexpanded state. A flexible collet is flexed into the guiding member when the bellows begins to expand, anchoring the housing at its operative position.

Abstract: A clutch release, in particular for automobile clutches, comprises a sliding sleeve having a radially outwardly directed flange and an annular groove, a clutch release bearing having an outer ring with a flange that slidably abuts the sliding sleeve flange, and a generally oval-shaped spring ring having a pair of mutually parallel guiding surfaces. The spring ring is arranged between the outer ring and the annular groove at points mutually displaced in the axial direction. The bearing is arranged to rotate relative to the sliding sleeve in the circumferential direction within predetermined limits and to move in a radial direction along the guiding surfaces by overcoming a radially acting frictional force between the slidably abutting flanges. The spring ring has a substantially bow-shaped profile and is slotted. The inner ring of the bearing has a radially outwardly directed pressure flange for abutting with the diaphragm spring of a clutch.

Abstract: A friction clutch, particularly suitable for automotive vehicles, comprises a clutch release bearing disposed in axial face-to-face relationship with a diaphragm spring. The spring is mounted inside a clutch cover assembly and has a plurality of centripetal radial fingers around a central hole. The release bearing is adapted to act in traction on these fingers by means of a transverse annular flange disposed inside the cover assembly. The fingers of the diaphragm spring are formed so as to provide a penetration passage through the diaphragm spring for the transverse annular flange, along a penetration direction which is at an acute angle to the median plane of the fingers of the diaphragm spring. A pull type release bearing is obtained by adding a bush forming the transverse annular flange to the drive member of a push type release bearing.

Abstract: A system for actuating a clutch by axial movement of an actuating member which is rotatable about a clutch axis with the axial movement for actuating occurring via engagement of the actuating member with a clutch release bearing, the system including a fluid actuated clutch release bearing assembly actuable along a central axis which is generally in line with the clutch axis, and with the clutch release bearing assembly including alignment means separate from the clutch release bearing for moving the axis of rotation of the clutch release bearing substantially into alignment with the clutch axis and with the clutch release bearing assembly including a housing member having an annular, axially extending cylinder portion having a cylinder cavity adapted to receive a piston for reciprocation therein, and with the system including a seal located in the cylinder cavity and operative with the piston to hold the inner end of the piston in a radially spaced relationship with the confronting walls of the cylinder cavi

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly includes a noise suppression device for a constant running bearing fixed to the transmission input shaft of the clutch assembly. The friction clutch system includes a plurality of rotatable clutch release levers, and in a preferred form the noise suppression device is defined by cylindrical members affixed to drive pins extending axially of the release bearing for engagement with the inner end of the levers. The resilient nature of the cylindrical members operates to suppress the noise which otherwise normally occurs by virtue of direct contact of the metallic lever ends with the metallic drive pins.

Abstract: An idle restart clutch system adopted to mechanically engage the crankshaft of an engine for use in restarting same comprising a spool body adapted to engage the crankshaft for rotating therewith; a momentum wheel mounted relative to the crankshaft for storing rotational energy; a drive for transferring rotational energy from the spool body to the momentum wheel during interval as determined by the rotational speed differential therebetween; and a torque limiting clutch mounted to and rotatable with the momentum wheel for controlling slippage motion between the momentum wheel and engine in response to control signals to enable the energy of the momentum wheel to be transferred to the spool body and thereafter to the crankshaft of the engine to enable rotation of same.

Abstract: A rotary clutch assembly is provided with a clutch release group. The clutch release group comprises a stator surrounding a torque transmission shaft in driving connection with one of the rotors of the rotary clutch assembly. A first bearing ring surrounds the torque transmission shaft. A toroidal membrane member is fixed with respect to the stator and acts onto the first bearing ring so as to axially displace the first bearing ring in response to pressure variation within the membrane. A second bearing ring is mounted for common axial movement with the first bearing ring and rotatable with respect thereto. The second bearing ring acts onto a clutch disengagement member rotating around the torque transmission shaft.

Abstract: In a clutch release bearing assembly, coupling means operative in traction are disposed between a drive member of the clutch release bearing and a coupling member attached to the clutch release device. These coupling means comprise a coupling ring engaged in a retaining groove formed in one of the members and a driving bearing surface formed on the other member. The coupling member comprises at least one peg, and for preference two pegs, each having an oblique ejection surface.

Abstract: A dust cover for a concentric slave cylinder installed in a motor vehicle transmission train surrounding the input shaft from a friction clutch to the gearbox. The dust cover is in the form of a cylindrical or tubular member, preferably made of plastic, having a flanged lip in sliding engagement with the peripheral surface of the concentric cylinder outer wall and attached at its other end to the clutch throw-out bearing reciprocated by the slave cylinder piston. The outermost concentric tubular member forming the peripheral wall of the slave cylinder is provided with a pair of outwardly projecting diametrically disposed lugs limiting the outward travel of the throw-out bearing after assembly of the slave cylinder under the action of a pre-load spring as a result of engagement of the dust cover lip with the lugs.

Abstract: A slave cylinder disposed concentric to a shaft connecting a motor vehicle friction clutch to the input of the motor vehicle gearbox or transmission and comprising an annular cylinder disposed concentric to the shaft, the cylinder walls being formed by a pair of tubular members spaced apart and disposed concentric to each other. The inner tubular member projects beyond the end of the outer tubular member and slidably support the clutch throw-out bearing. An annular piston is disposed in the cylinder and actuates through a throw-out bearing carrier which is formed as a sleeve in sliding engagement with the periphery of the inner tubular member. The carrier is made of plastic and has at its end directed toward the throw-out bearing a flexible lip urged constantly at its tip in engagement with the peripheral surface of the inner tubular member such as to wipe the surface clean of dirt and prevent the introduction of dirt beyond the lip.

Abstract: A hydraulic control mechanism for the friction clutch of a motor vehicle. The mechanism comprises a master cylinder, actuated by the motor vehicle clutch pedal, connected by a flexible line to a slave cylinder actuating the throw-out bearing of the clutch. The slave cylinder is mounted between the clutch bell housing and the transmission shaft concentric to the transmission input shaft. The slave cylinder casing is made of a single piece casting having a radially outwardly projecting portion or lug sandwiched between the mounting face of the bell housing and the mounting face of the transmission casing in a groove or channel formed in the face of the bell housing, and the concentric outer and inner cylinder walls are cast integrally rather than being made of two separate joined tubular members. The clutch hydraulic control mechanism is filled with hydraulic fluid after assembly and prior to shipment to a motor vehicle manufacturer for installation on a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A shipping and installation restraining strap for the output member of a clutch operating hydraulic slave cylinder disposed concentric to an input shaft driving a motor vehicle gearbox from a friction clutch. The output member takes the form of the clutch throw-out bearing, and the restraining strap comprises a generally annular portion attached to the throw-out bearing and a pair of integrally formed strips having a portion of reduced strength terminating in a lug engaged in a T-slot in the slave cylinder casing. The slave cylinder, the conduit connecting the slave cylinder to a master cylinder operated by a clutch mechanical control, and the master cylinder are prefilled with hydraulic fluid prior to shipment to a motor vehicle manufacturer for installation on a motor vehicle. Upon first actuation of the slave cylinder, the strips are broken at their portion of reduced strength such as to permit normal operation of the slave cylinder for actuation of the throw-out bearing.

Abstract: In a drive unit for a motor vehicle a brake is provided for braking down the r.p.m. of the input shaft interconnecting the clutch with the gear box. The brake is actuated by an actuating ring serving also for disengaging the clutch. The actuating ring is connected to a diaphragm spring of the clutch release bearing and an axially extending sleeve. If the clutch linings are worn, the clutch engagement position of the diaphragm spring and the actuating ring is shifted in axial direction. In view of compensating for this axial shift, the sleeve is composed of two sleeve members, one of them being connected to the diaphragm spring and the other of them being connected to the actuating ring through the clutch release bearing and both of them being interconnected by thread means.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing comprises an operating member cooperating with a throw-out fork and a drive member coacting with the release members of an associated clutch. The operating member comprises a sleeve mounted on a guide member and having relatively rigid projections running along the bore of the sleeve for sliding engagement with the guide member. Channels for accommodating solid grease are provided between the projections and are open at one end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A first input shaft and an output shaft are supported in axial alignment by a housing which contains oil and also supports an annular second input shaft coaxial with the output shaft. The input shafts may be selectively coupled to the output shaft by compressing corresponding clutch sets of interfitting annular plates and discs, and the output shaft may be quickly stopped by compressing a brake set of interfitting annular plates and discs. The brake set is disposed between the two clutch sets, and a pair of non-rotating fluid actuated pistons are arranged between the corresponding clutch sets and the brake set. The output shaft has fluid impeller hub portions for recirculating oil outwardly between the sets of plates and discs and the input shafts are driven by corresponding electric motors or by a single double-ended electric motor.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve for a clutch shifter particularly for automobile clutches comprising an elongated hub body made of a plastic material, a thrust collar which protrudes radially outwardly from the hub body and includes contact surfaces for the shift lever of the clutch and for the shift bearing, at least two lugs secured in the hub body and directed radially inwardly adjacent the bore of the thrust collar, each lug being of generally U-shaped cross section to define a groove for the shift lever extending in an axial direction and a thin plastic layer overlying the side surfaces of the groove receiving the projections of the shift lever in the hub body and the adjacent surfaces of the ends of the lugs directed radially outwardly and running parallel to the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A control system for a booster type belt conveyor having one or more booster belts spaced at intervals along a conveyor belt with the upper, driving run of each booster belt frictionally engaging the underside of the conveyor belt carrying run. Each belt has a driving pulley connected to a driving unit including one or more electric motors, engageable and disengageable fluid couplings, and a gear box. The conveyor is for heavy duty service, in long lengths of several miles. There is an electrical control assembly for each drum or pulley driving unit. These automatically start the motors in sequence while the couplings are disengaged, each being started in response to a signal from a previously started motor that it has reached running speed. An electrical loop interconnects all the control assemblies and contains relays which, when the loop is energized to actuate the relays, cause the fluid couplings to engage.

Abstract: In an antifriction-bearing throwout, particularly for automotive clutches, a clutch bearing with a non-rotating bearing-ring abuts in a radially slidable manner against a thrust plate of a sliding sleeve and is held in the centered position.To facilitate centering of the clutch bearing in relation to the tongue ends of the clutch diaphragm-spring, and to prevent slip-through of the clutch bearing in the case of shock as by hard road-bumps, the non-rotating bearing-ring is arranged in a manner such that, overcoming a radially-acting friction force in relation to sliding sleeve, it can tilt in a circumferential direction, within certain limits, and can slide in a radial direction along two guide-surfaces that run parallel to one another.

Abstract: An improved selector mechanism is described for use in a sheet feeder that has a plurality of bins and a feedout roller shaft associated with each bin, for selecting which of the feedout rollers to rotate, the selection being made by determining the angles at which rotation of a drive member is reversed. Each selector includes a cam assembly connected to the feedout roller shaft by a one-way clutch, and a driven driver which is freely rotatable on the shaft. The driver carries a pivotally mounted arm. The cam assembly has a deflector which moves the arm to a deflected position when the arm rotates in a nonfeed direction, and also carries an arm engager which engages the deflected arm when the driver reverses rotation after the arm is deflected, so the driver rotates the cam and, therefore, the feedout roller shaft in a feed direction. The cam also carries an undeflector which moves the arm back to its undeflected position if the driver rotates too far beyond the point of its encounter with the deflector.

Abstract: Coupling release assembly comprising a sliding sleeve and a coupling bearing having a fixed bearing ring connected with a radially oriented flange of the sliding sleeve and a rotating bearing ring having a contact surface for a coupling lever, a socket of generally U-shaped cross section consisting of two half moon-shaped shells secured to the outer periphery of a flange of the sliding sleeve and the fixed bearing ring and biasing member urging the fixed bearing ring and flange of the sliding sleeve in prestressed contact with the opposing radially inwardly directly sides of the socket member.

Abstract: A clutch release, in particular for an automobile clutch, comprising a sliding sleeve, a clutch release bearing, and a spring ring for enabling self-centering of the bearing. The thrust plate of the sliding sleeve is provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed flexible projections of L-shaped profile which engage the contact flange of the nonrotating bearing ring such that the nonrotating bearing ring radially slidably abuts the thrust plate. The thrust plate is provided with throughholes arranged underneath the respective projections in order to facilitate the elastic yielding of the projections during the operation of snapping them on the contact flange. The flexible projections fix the axially position of the nonrotating bearing ring while allowing radial play.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing and bearing carrier assembly comprising a support flange proximate an end of the carrier member, and a pair of resiliently flexible lugs on the bearing housing face in engagement with the carrier flange disposed each in a pocket formed in the peripheral surface of the carrier proximate the flange such as to retain the bearing in assembly with the carrier while permitting limited radial motion of the bearing relative to the carrier for self-alignment, and preventing rotational motion of the bearing housing relative to the carrier. An elastomeric cushion is preferably disposed on the surface of the carrier flange for permitting limited angular axial alignment of the bearing with the axis of rotation of the clutch.

Abstract: For the operation of a diaphragm by a clutch release bearing, there is attached on the diaphragm an operating member comprising in the form of a single piece, an annular collar intended to act by means of a support face on the ends of the fingers of the diaphragm and at least two retaining shoulders adapted to secure it axially on the diaphragm. The retaining shoulders are turned axially in the direction of the support face of the collar. The support face, being curved, accommodates the bending of the fingers of the diaphragm. Advantageously the operating member is fitted onto the diaphragm without stressing any of the fingers thereof.

Abstract: A self-aligning type clutch release apparatus includes a clutch release bearing, bearing holding means for holding and guiding the clutch release bearing and a self-aligning coupling intermediate the bearing and bearing holding means. The coupling includes an aligning auxiliary member interposed between the clutch release bearing and the bearing holding means, first means for rendering the aligning auxiliary member rockable in all directions about a first point relative to the bearing holding means, second means for rendering the clutch release bearing rockable in all directions about a different point relative to the aligning auxiliary member, and third means for damping the rocking movement of the aligning auxiliary member relative to the bearing holding means and the rocking movement of the clutch release bearing relative to the aligning auxiliary member. Following alignment of the apparatus, the auxiliary member and the clutch release bearing are maintained in dynamically stable positions.

Abstract: A friction clutch constructed so that it can operate as either a push or a pull type clutch with only a minimal change in parts. The parts for the two types of clutches are interchangeable except for the release levers and release bearings. This simplifies the tooling and greatly reduces parts inventories.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing device including a clutch release bearing and bearing retainer comprising a cylindrical portion made of synthetic resin fitted to the fixed guide of a clutch, and a radially extending portion made of a metal extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical portion and having the inner side edge thereof embedded in the cylindrical portion and retaining the clutch release bearing for self-aligning and engageable with a clutch operating fork member.

Abstract: An hydraulically actuated clutch release, in particular for automobile clutches, comprising a housing having a cylindrical portion and a flange in which a port for the intake of a pressure medium is incorporated, a cylindrical sleeve, an annular piston having a flange and slidably arranged between the cylindrical sleeve and the cylindrical portion of the housing, thereby forming a pressure medium-admitting chamber, a clutch release bearing having a non-rotating bearing ring, an outer cylindrical sleeve, and a compression ring. The outer cylindrical sleeve comprises two portions of different inner diameter and a bead connecting the portions. One portion fixedly contacts the non-rotating bearing ring and the end face of the annular piston flange, and the other portion covers a portion of the outer sliding surface of the annular piston. The compression spring is arranged between the bead of the outer cylindrical sleeve and the flange of the housing.

Abstract: A clutch release yoke for a clutch release bearing comprises a region of articulation by means of which said yoke is adapted to be pivotally operated in an operating plane under the control of a control arm, and an active region by means of which it is adapted to act axially in another plane, on the clutch release bearing. In accordance with the invention, the active region of the clutch release yoke is laterally open and consequently has an overall C-shaped configuration, which allows it to be engaged onto the clutch release bearing by simple transverse swinging thereof in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the release bearing. The clutch release yoke of the invention is particularly applicable to "pulled" clutch release bearings which operate in traction.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing mounting assembly attaches a release bearing to the diaphragm spring of a pull-type clutch. An actuating component has a radial engagement flange which coacts with a disengaging member such as a diaphragm spring on the side of the diaphragm spring remote from the release bearing. A resilient coupling member axially connects the actuating member to the release bearing in the clutch release direction, that is, away from the clutch. Retaining fingers are arranged on the other side of the diaphragm spring, adjacent the release bearing, and cooperate with the engagement flange for axially maintaining the actuating component on the diaphragm spring. An annular biasing spring is also located on the other side of the diaphragm spring for urging the engagement flange against the diaphragm spring. The annular biasing spring is separate from the retaining fingers and bears against the clutch release bearing and against the diaphragm spring radially outwardly of the retaining fingers.

Abstract: An improved self-centering bearing assembly for clutch release mechanism includes a radial bearing with a rotatable inner and non-rotatable outer race. The outer race is resiliently held for radial self-centering movement by an attachment member which mounts the bearing assembly to a plastic carrier of the clutch release mechanism. The resilient element that allows self-centering is compressed between a radial flange of the attachment and a face of the outer race. When removed from the carrier, the resilient element expands sufficiently to bias the radial flange into a radially extending portion of a declutching finger contacting member rigid to the inner race. This retains the attachment member to the bearing as a separately handled, rattle-free unit.

Abstract: There is discussed a bearing assembly adapted for engagement by a plurality of clutch fingers rotating about a clutch finger axis of rotation. The bearing assembly comprises a rotational thrust face member with a cone raceway member affixed thereto, a cup raceway member rotatable relative to the cone raceway member, with a plurality of bearing elements disposed between the raceway members. A shell housing member for the bearing assembly is provided, which is located adjacent the cup raceway member, and is adapted to be engaged upon a cylindrical carrier sleeve. The carrier sleeve defines a second axis which is not necessarily coincident with the clutch finger axis of rotation. The respective bearing components are sized such that only the shell housing is engaged upon the carrier sleeve, with the remaining rotatable components, viz.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing suitable for an automotive vehicle comprises a drive member adapted to operate a clutch release device in a clutch and an operating member adapted to be operated by a control member, coupled together in the axial direction but free to rotate relative to one another. The operating member comprises at least one radial arm and axial and radial supports for the control member. These supports are respectively constituted by a pad attached to the arm by a peg and a tangential flange of a plate. The plate further comprises a transverse flange perpendicular to the tangential flange and adapted to be clamped between the pad and the arm. It has a hole in it through which the peg can pass.

Abstract: A system for precise positioning of a fluid control valve including a reciprocating piston at each end of a worm shaft, each to rotate the worm shaft in one direction only, through a scotch yoke and a rotary drive transmission. Selection of a valve determines which rotary drive is operated and a hydraulic piston clutch is engaged each time a particular drive is activated and remains engaged to hold a selected position.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing is disclosed comprising an operating member controlled by an actuating member, e.g., a release fork, a drive member attached axially to the operating member and responsive to the operating member for coacting with a clutch release mechanism, e.g., a clutch diaphragm spring. The operating member has a metal axial sleeve which is received on a guide member and a metal transverse flange bearing on one side against the actuating member and on the other side against the drive member. A spacer member of synthetic material is interposed axially between the flange and the drive member and detents or elastically deformable pawls are operably disposed between the spacer member and the sleeve for fixing the spacer member in axial position thereon. The detents or pawls may be formed between axial slots in the inner wall of the spacer member. The outer wall has an annular transverse land against which the drive member, for example, the outer race of a ball bearing, may bear.

Abstract: A self-aligning clutch release bearing assembly is described which is particularly well suited for use in a rotatable friction clutch of the type where the clutch release levers constantly engage the rotatable race member of the bearing. The bearing is formed to provide a predetermined radial clearance between the bearing and the bearing carrier for permitting the bearing to shift radially with respect to the bearing carrier, so that the bearing may coaxially align itself with the clutch input shaft axis under a force imparted to the bearing by the rotating clutch release levers.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing comprises an actuator member whereby it is adapted to act on a clutch release device of a clutch mechanism and an operating member whereby it is adapted to be acted on by a control member. The actuator member is axially coupled to the operating member by a cover. Snap-action engagement means between the cover and the operating member comprise at least one elastically deformable lug on the operating member and at least one retaining shoulder on the cover adapted to cooperate with the elastically deformable lug on the operating member. The clutch release bearing is suitable for "traction" type applications, in particular in automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A pull-type clutch release bearing comprises a drive member acting in traction on an associated clutch release mechanism and an operating member having a sleeve with a transverse flange against which the drive member is adapted to bear. A so-called bearing member has a tubular portion and a radially inwardly directed collar at the end thereof remote from the flange for cooperation with the actuating member. The tubular portion may also have the usual radially outwardly directed collar at the end adjacent the flange for cooperation therewith. In an embodiment an extension on the bearing member for attaching the drive member to the operating member protrudes axially beyond the flange and a detent cooperates with a retaining notch between the flange and the bearing member to define a unitary subassembly between the bearing member and the operating member and/or relieve pressure on an axially acting spring in a self-centering arrangement during clutch disengagement.

Abstract: In a hydraulically operable release arrangement for clutches, especially for vehicle clutches, the release force is transmitted to the plate spring or the like of the clutch by way of a piston, a fixed bearing ring, a multiplicity of rolling bodies, and a rotating bearing ring. The piston is movably arranged in a housing and is biased by a helical spring arranged in a pressure space formed between the piston and the housing. The piston and the housing are each provided with an axial projection. In order to secure the piston against rotation and to damp vibrations in the piston without additional machining or special parts, the helical spring is arranged with its spring ends abutting the axial projections such that rotation of the piston in the direction of rotation of the rotating bearing ring is prevented.

Abstract: A drive mechanism (26) momentarily reduces the speed of engine-driven accessories in response to vehicle acceleration or increased power demands to improve fuel economy and to provide additional horsepower for the vehicle. The drive mechanism includes an electromagnetic clutch (48) operative, when engaged, to drive the accessories at constant speeds relative to speeds of an engine (10) and a viscous coupling (60) operative, when first engaged, in response to disengagement of the clutch, to first drive the accessories at a minimum speed and then to increase the accessory speeds to minimize shift shocks when the clutch is reengaged. The coupling includes a housing (58) defining an annular compartment (108) containing an annular clutch member (92) and a viscous liquid. A working chamber (113) within the compartment, defined by confronting surfaces of the housing and clutch member, transmits torque from the housing to the clutch member via viscous shear in response to relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A clutch disengaging apparatus wherein an annular cylinder defines an annular cylinder chamber receiving a reciprocable annular piston with an annular outer clearance surrounding the outer skirt of the piston and an annular inner clearance surrounding the inner skirt of the piston. A membrane overlies the bottom wall of the piston and its marginal portions are clamped between the sections of the cylinder so that the membrane forms an outer corrugation in the outer clearance and an inner corrugation in the inner clearance. A throw-out bearing is radially movably mounted in the piston and is biased against the prongs of the diaphragm spring in a clutch by a coil spring which is surrounded by an inner wall of the cylinder, which surrounds an outer wall of the cylinder, or which is installed in the cylinder chamber between the bottom walls of the piston and the cylinder.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing control mechanism comprises a shaft and a yoke pivotally mounted on the shaft. A control arm rotates the yoke on the shaft. The yoke has an operative section in two separate parts, at least one of which is adjustable in position parallel to the axis of the shaft. Each part has on it a respective bearing area adapted to act axially on a respective area on a clutch release bearing. The areas on the clutch release bearing are at positions which are substantially diametrically opposed.