Shipper Saddles Patents (Class 192/98)
  • Patent number: 4524855
    Abstract: A hydraulic release arrangement, especially for vehicle clutches, consisting of a housing (1,2,3) with a pressure space (6) sealed by a rolling bellows (7), in which the release bearing (4) is arranged to be displaceable in the housing (1,2,3) in the axial direction.In order to produce a compact hydraulic release arrangement and inhibit the bending in of the rolling bellows (7) in the low pressure range, a spacing element (27) is provided in the space defined by the rolling bellows (7) between the release bearing (4) and the housing (1,2,3), the spacing element being arranged to abut the inside of the bellows wall with axial prestress with an annular projection in at least one turned-back region (30) of the rolling bellows (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Brandenstein
  • Patent number: 4520910
    Abstract: There is provided a control apparatus for stopping a large grinding mill driven by two synchronous motors coupled to the mill through respective air clutches. The control includes a clutch actuator control which applies a predetermined amount of pressure of predetermined duration to the clutches sufficient to at least partially close the clutches but insufficient to fully close and lock-up the clutches. The control apparatus further includes an enable control which periodically enables the clutch actuator control to apply the predetermined amount of pressure. The enable control enables the clutch actuator control for a predetermined time duration sufficient to stop motion of the mill and synchronous motors. The present invention provides a system for bringing a mill to a stop relatively quickly without adding significant costs to the mill controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Canadian General Electric Company Limited
    Inventors: Peter deHertel Eastcott, Ronald C. Trussler
  • Patent number: 4519488
    Abstract: In a clutch release bearing, on the surface of a bearing flange (14) of an operating member (10) is a wear-resistant plate (30) linked axially to the bearing flange (14) by at least one snap-fastener lug (34). The length of the snap-fastener lug (34) is greater than the thickness of the wear-resistant plate (30). Associated with the latter are indexing means (42) which are separate from the snap-fastener lug (34) and which project axially from the same side as the latter. They extend axially beyond at least that part of the snap-fastener lug (34) on which the wear-resistant plate (30) first bears during its engagement with the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Pierre Renaud
  • Patent number: 4509629
    Abstract: Clutch mechanism, particularly for looms. The mechanism has a housing, in which a pair of opposed electromagnets are stationarily mounted, between which there is arranged a friction disc mounted axially displaceably on a driven shaft. A rotor, fixedly connected to a control shaft disposed coaxially of the driven shaft, is disposed between one electromagnet and the friction disc for selective driving engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: ZVS Vyzkumnevyvojovy Ustav, koncernova ucelova organizace
    Inventors: Jan Pajgrt, Jan Bezdicek, Jiri Novak
  • Patent number: 4506774
    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. A resilient retainer sleeve is interposed between a bearing and a tubular bearing carrier, and the bearing is constructed to provide a predetermined radial clearance between an inner race member of the bearing and the retainer sleeve. The retainer sleeve serves to hold the bearing in an assembled relationship with the bearing carrier, as well as to prevent the rotation of the inner race member with respect to the bearing carrier. The predetermined radial clearance permits the bearing to shift radially with respect to the bearing carrier, such that the bearing axis can be aligned with a clutch input axis under a dynamic force exerted by the rotating clutch release levers on the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis A. Block
  • Patent number: 4505369
    Abstract: In a clutch throwout, particularly for automotive clutches, a self-centering clutch bearing is arranged on or in a sliding sleeve. The stationary bearing ring of the clutch bearing is connected with the sliding sleeve via an intermediate element, which features guides for the radial sliding, in two mutually crossing radial directions, of the clutch bearing in relation to the sliding sleeve.To enable the clutch bearing to slide in any radial direction and to position itself precisely centered in relation to the tongue ends of the clutch diaphragm spring, without great constraining forces, while, regardless of position, damping the relative movements of clutch bearing in relation to sliding sleeve, intermediate element is radially interlocked with the stationary bearing ring and with the sliding sleeve, in two mutually crossing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Leo Muller, Walter Koder, Manfred Brandenstein, Lothar Walter, Ludwig Edelmann, Roland Bonengel, Roland Haas
  • Patent number: 4502583
    Abstract: A drive unit comprises a motor with a motor casing, a gear box with a gear box casing, and a pulled-type clutch for torque transmission between the motor and the gear box. The gear box casing is to be fixed to the motor casing. The clutch comprises a clutch release system for transmitting a clutch release force from an actuating pedal to a diaphragm spring of the clutch. In this clutch release system there is provided a snap connection which is closed by approaching the motor casing and the gear box casing towards the relative operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Limbacher
  • Patent number: 4498565
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch release bearing assembly having an operating element which is acted upon by a control member such as a disengaging fork, a tubular actuator forming an extension-piece, which, under the action of the operating element is adapted to act on the disengagement mechanism of the clutch and a bearing element located between the operating element and the actuator and which is movable transversely in every direction relative to the operating element. According to the invention, the assembly is designed such that the bearing element is also movable transversely in every direction relative to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Pierre Renaud
  • Patent number: 4498566
    Abstract: A clutch release bearing of the type comprising an actuator fork 13, acting on an operating member 10, two axial guide flats 32A, 32B formed in diametrically opposite positions, and two radial arms 34A, 34B.With respect to the axial plane P of the assembly which is substantially perpendicular to the guide flats the axial guide flats 32A, 32B are entirely positioned, one on the first side of this median axial plane P, the other on the other side of this median axial plane P, so that a bayonet or quarter-turn type assembly procedure on the actuator fork 13 is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Pierre Renaud
  • Patent number: 4482040
    Abstract: The invention relates to an hydraulic release arrangement for vehicle clutches or the like and consisting of an annular cylinder axially expanding in the application of the clutch and a release bearing that is affixed to the annular cylinder without special guidance. The annular cylinder is constructed of coaxially arranged tube-shaped spring metal bellows with lateral self-sealing connection rings. Alternatively, a spring metal bellows with a U-shaped profile is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Brandenstein, Rudiger Hans
  • Patent number: 4482041
    Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly is described in which a lubrication reservoir is provided between the bearing and the bearing carrier. The lubricant in this reservoir is communicable through a plurality of passageways in the bearing carrier to lubricate the reciprocable movement of the bearing carrier with respect to a guide member connected with the transmission. The bearing assembly is formed to provide a predetermined radial clearance between the bearing and bearing carrier which permits the bearing to shift radially with respect to the bearing carrier, so that the bearing may coaxially align itself with a clutch input shaft axis, said shifting being operative to transfer lubricant from the reservoir to the area between the bearing carrier and guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventor: Eli M. Ladin
  • Patent number: 4478325
    Abstract: A clutch throwout bearing assembly comprises a bearing, a carrier plate, and a carrier sleeve upon which the carrier plate and bearing are mounted. The mounting arrangement permits the bearing to be radially shifted, axially shifted, or tilted to adapt the plane of the bearing to the plane of the clutch fingers in situations involving misalignment of the bearing and clutch fingers due to tolerance build up between the clutch fingers and the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Aetna Bearing Company
    Inventor: Richard T. Dagiel
  • Patent number: 4478109
    Abstract: A twin lever control assembly for controlling two inter-related functions, such as a clutch/gearbox unit and a throttle of a marine power unit, has an interlock to permit movement of one lever only if the remaining lever is in a particular position. The assembly has an interlocking shaft fitted for movement between two connecting members which rotate with rotation of the respective lever. The shaft has a length greater than spacing between opposed faces of the connecting members, and is spring-urged towards the first connecting member. The connecting members have sockets to receive adjacent ends of the interlocking shaft to prevent movement of the receiving connecting member, the shaft being forced into the socket by either the spring force, or by a camming effect between the first member and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Inventor: Jacob Kobelt
  • Patent number: 4470493
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch release bearing assembly using an operating element which, in order to be acted upon by a control member such as a disengaging fork, is carried by a support member mounted for axial movement. A tubular actuator forms an extension-piece, which, under the effect of the operating element is adapted to act on the disengagement mechanism of the clutch, and a bearing element is located between the operating element and the actuator. This bearing element comprises two coaxial rings mounted so as to be rotatable relative to each other. According to the invention the actuator is mounted to slide axially on a support guide, and swivel means are provided between this actuator and the support guide. This compensates for any defect in parallelism between the operating element support means and the support guide and prevents the actuator becoming jammed on the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Pierre Renaud
  • Patent number: 4467904
    Abstract: There is disclosed a clutch release bearing comprising a plastic operating member having an axial sleeve and a transverse flange, and a drive or thrust member comprising a ball bearing. One of the races, here the outer, is adapted to bear against a washer bearing member through an annular holding member disposed on one side of the transverse flange. Passageways are formed in the flange to provide access for an associated actuating member to the bearing member from the other side of the flange. The holding member for the bearing member preferably comprises a washer portion, a slotted annular rim divided into segments with radially outwardly extending annular lip on the free end of the rim bearing against a transverse shoulder formed on a radially inwardly extending bead at the free end of an axial rim on the operating member. Alternatively, the annular holding member may consist of a washer, or an axially extending rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Pierre Renaud
  • Patent number: 4466527
    Abstract: A clutch release bearing is disclosed comprising a plastic operating member with an axial sleeve and a transverse flange, and a ball bearing defining a drive or thrust member. One of the races of the ball bearing is applied directly or indirectly against a bearing member which comprises a simple flat metal washer. The arms of the associated actuating fork bear against the other side of the bearing member through passages therein. For guiding the arms of the actuating member there are raised edges or projections bordered the passages, possibly with a right angle portion parallel to the flange for engaging each arm of the fork. An axial rim is provided at the outer periphery of the flange extending to the drive or thrust member side and has hooks engageable with a resilient clip for coupling the drive or thrust member to the operating member and if desired self-centering operation. Various arrangements are disclosed to positively hold the bearing member against axial movement in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Rene Billet
  • Patent number: 4458794
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Force Control Industries
    Inventor: Jerry L. Yater
  • Patent number: 4456111
    Abstract: A hydraulically controlled release system for a friction clutch particularly for a motor vehicle including an annular cylinder supported at a transmission housing and having an annular piston operatively engaged therein, the piston being connected with a diaphragm spring control member of the clutch. The end of the piston facing the clutch extends axially into the annular cylinder and the opposite end of the piston which faces the transmission rests against a radially outwardly bent edge of a bearing flange operatively mounted radially within the annular piston and cylinder. The bearing flange is guided with its outer side on the inner side of the annular cylinder and carries a release bearing which is operatively interposed between the diaphragm control spring of the clutch and the release bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Limbacher
  • Patent number: 4448294
    Abstract: A clutch has a bearing adapted to be axially movable by means of an actuating member, so that the bearing can move into and out of engagement with a clutch lever, such as a diaphragm spring or cup-spring. A ring of vibration damping material is mounted on either the bearing ring or clutch lever to damp the passage of vibration therebetween, and a layer of wear resistant material may be provided on the ring of damping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Brandenstein, Lothar Walter, Armin Olschewski, Wolfgang Huber, Wolfgang Friedrich
  • Patent number: 4445600
    Abstract: A self adjusting release mechanism for disengaging a heavy duty friction clutch that is equipped with a clutch brake. As wear occurs on the facing of the clutch disc, portions of the clutch release mechanism are repositioned to compensate for wear without adversely affecting the operation of either the clutch or the clutch brake. The mechanism includes a sleeve that slidably supports a release bearing housing upon the drive shaft and a spider threaded onto the sleeve which is operatively connected to the pressure plate of the clutch via a plurality of release arms. Rearward movement of the bearing housing first disengages the clutch and then causes the housing to physically contact the clutch brake to retard the motion of the shaft. An adjusting mechanism senses wear on the clutch disc and automatically repositions the spider on the sleeve to compensate therefor without affecting the axial alignment between the release bearing housing and the clutch brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Lipe Rollway Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick C. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4437556
    Abstract: In a throw-out bearing for a clutch, a movable element, which may be comprised of a sliding sleeve, is slidably supported on a guide element by flexible conical projections extending inwardly from the movable part to the guide element. The projections may be on the end of and the unitary part of the sliding sleeve, or they may be a part of a sleeve inserted within the sliding sleeve, or they may form a part of the fixed ring of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Brandenstein, Leo Muller
  • Patent number: 4434882
    Abstract: A clutch release bearing has a sliding sleeve of a vibration damping and noise insulating material. The sliding sleeve has a flange axially engaging a bearing outer ring, the outer ring being separated from a bearing inner ring by rolling elements. The sliding sleeve has a radially inner sliding surface with axially extending recesses, the recesses extending radially through the end faces of the sliding sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Olschewski, Lothar Walter, Manfred Brandenstein, Leo Muller
  • Patent number: 4433769
    Abstract: A grinding mill such as an autogenous mill or ball mill, having a large driving gear driven by two motors, wherein a soft start capability is provided by a clutch or clutches, is "finger-printed" in relation to the reduction gear system in order to identify optimum conditions for locking up the drive to achieve substantially equal loading between the drive motors, and to diminish cyclic variations in loading between the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering Works Limited
    Inventors: Serge L. Scuccato, Marvin B. Shaver
  • Patent number: 4433768
    Abstract: A clutch throw-out having a damping ring in the bore for centering and wherein motions of the clutch thrust bearing are softly dampened in a circumferential and radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Olschewski, Manfred Brandenstein, Lothar Walter, Heinrich Kunkel
  • Patent number: 4428472
    Abstract: A sliding sleeve for a clutch throw-out wherein the clutch lever pressure plate is axially and circumferentially fixed on the hub element on one side by a plurality of protrusions formed on that side of the plate and engageable on the hub element, and on the other side by a shoulder machined in the hub element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Olschewski, Manfred Brandenstein, Lothar Walter
  • Patent number: 4421217
    Abstract: A clutch is arranged to drivingly connect and disconnect the crankshaft members of two internal combustion engines. One engine which is preferably the smaller of the two engines is operated to propel a vehicle by delivering torque through a transmission to a differential and then to the wheels. When to meet the demand for increased power requirements, the clutch is engaged to form a tandem arrangement of engines. Torque is supplied by both engines with the second and larger engine transmitting torque through the crankshaft of the first engine. Clutch members are moved into and out of engagement according to one embodiment and according to a second embodiment, the second and larger engine is moved to force a clutch member into a driving relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Inventor: Ernest Vagias
  • Patent number: 4411171
    Abstract: A vehicle having an internal combustion engine and flywheel includes a first clutch arranged between the flywheel and the vehicle drive shaft and a second clutch arranged between the flywheel and engine for selectively disconnecting the engine from the vehicle drive. A motor-generator is connected to the flywheel by a planetary gear train which includes a planetary gear carrier rigidly connected with the output drive shaft. during a first driving stage, the clutch between the flywheel and vehicle drive shaft is disconnected, such that the flywheel is coupled to the drive shaft through the planetary gear train. In a second driving stage, the clutch between the flywheel and vehicle output shaft is engaged to effect a direct connection between the flywheel and output shaft. In both driving stages, the vehicle can be driven by the engine, or by the motor-generator, or by the engine and motor-generator combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ernest Fiala
  • Patent number: 4405041
    Abstract: A clutch release mechanism for a pull type friction clutch for automobiles having a gearbox with a sleeve surrounding its input shaft. The mechanism comprises a release bearing assembly, a release fork and an automatically connectable and disconnectable coupling operably connecting the release fork to the bearing assembly. The coupling is caused to engage or disengage a shoulder on the bearing assembly depending upon the axial position of the gearbox sleeve relative to the coupling so that the coupling is automatically engaged or disengaged as the gearbox is respectively located in its operable position, or is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: Automotive Products Limited
    Inventor: George T. Broadbent
  • Patent number: 4403685
    Abstract: A clutch release bearing is disclosed comprising an operating element having a transverse annular flange, a bearing plate lining one side of the annular flange and clips being provided for a relative elastic snap-fit engagement on the associated clutch fork. The clips are independent, generally U-shaped parts having a bight portion which is interposed between the bearing plate and the transverse annular flange of the operating element under a radial lug of the bearing plate. Alternatively, the bight portion extends on the side of the transverse annular flange remote from the bearing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Assignee: Valeo Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Carlo Beccaris
  • Patent number: 4400997
    Abstract: A drive for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor drivingly connected to a manual transmission with a clutch is provided. The transmission has a shift lever, a shift gate, a lane associated with the lowest gear of the transmission, and an input shaft. A control lever is longitudinally displaceable when the shift lever is in a neutral position, and is supported by the shift lever when the shift lever is in the neutral position. The shift gate supports the control lever when the shift lever is positioned out of the neutral position. A first switch is positioned in the transmission and is actuated by the control lever. A spring normally biases the control lever into contact with the first switch. A first motor circuit includes an accelerator pedal coupled to a regulator to control the speed of the electric motor. A second motor circuit includes the accelerator pedal coupled to a power regulator to control the speed of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ernst Fiala
  • Patent number: 4399899
    Abstract: A clutch release bearing for attachment to a diaphragm spring declutching member, the bearing comprising an outer race and an inner race, an annular series of rolling elements which roll on the raceway of each race to transmit thrust therebetween, one bearing race having a radially extending shoulder for engagement with a diaphragm spring declutching member and a sleeve attached to that race for rotation therewith about the axis of the clutch, which sleeve extends axially for connection with the side of the diaphragm spring declutching member remote from the bearing, the other bearing race having a radially extending shoulder on which a clutch operating member can act to move the bearing axially to engage and disengage the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: SKF Industrial Trading and Development Co. B.V.
    Inventors: Michael J. Breward, Andrew M. F. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 4393968
    Abstract: A release bearing assembly for a pull type clutch and which includes a stem attached to the stationary race of its bearing and which is accommodated between two arms of a release fork. The stem has a flange against which the arms abut during release of the clutch. The stem has a polygonal cross section, preferably hexagonal, providing pairs of diametrically opposed flats engagable with the fork arms, and the flange is also polygonal in shape, preferably hexagonal, and is angularly offset relative to the stem so that engagement of the arms with any pair of flats on the stem causes the stem to rotate on the bearing and thereby align the corners of the polygonal flange with the fork arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Automotive Products Limited
    Inventor: Christopher P. Dee
  • Patent number: 4382490
    Abstract: A drive train includes a rotating shaft driven element of a materials handling device with two drive motors separately coupled to the drive shaft to provide a slow and fast traverse speed and thereby increase the throughput of the machine. A brake mounted on the rotating drive shaft allows exact positioning of the element. The drive shaft drives a gearbox with an automatic oiler to provide a measured application of oil to a bearing not lubricated by the oil bath of the gearbox reservoir. The automatic oiler includes a single action cylinder which sumps oil from the reservoir of the gearbox and which is connected in a slave relationship to any other repetitive function in the materials handling device. A counterweight attached to the piston rod automatically resets the cylinder after each operation. A method within the operation is recited for moving a rotated shaft driven element from a first position to a home position with the drive train apparatus disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: Ouellette Machinery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Ouellette
  • Patent number: 4378867
    Abstract: An antigrab clutch assembly for motorcycles and the like comprising drive shaft means, clutch hub means associated with the drive shaft means, throw out assembly means associated with the clutch hub means, a clutch housing, friction clutch disc means, engageable clutch disc means, the friction clutch means mounted on clutch hub means, the engageable clutch disc means mounted on the clutch housing and cooperating with the friction clutch means, means for securing the clutch housing to the drive shaft means, whereby grab is prevented by maintaining the clutch housing from moving with the disc means axially of the drive shaft means when the clutch hub means is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Inventor: Luciano Pasqualucci
  • Patent number: 4377222
    Abstract: A drive system particularly suited for use in conjunction with a grinding mill is disclosed herein with a hydraulically actuated clutch of the oil shear type for transmission of driving forces to the grinding mill. A control system is also provided for selectively controlling the drive system and is operative to automatically accelerate the grinding mill up to full operating speed, to establish and maintain synchronization between multiple drive trains, and to provide a variety of operational modes including an inching capability, reduced speed operation, pendulum damping capability, and overload protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: Sommer Co.
    Inventor: Gordon M. Sommer
  • Patent number: 4374556
    Abstract: In a clutch release bearing assembly for a motor vehicle, the outer ring of a clutch thrust bearing has a flange engaging a radially extending flange of a housing part affixed to a sliding sleeve. This engagement permits play. An elastic ring is held fixed with respect to the outer bearing ring, and has projections extending axially from its internal circumference to engage circular surfaces of recesses of the housing. The circular surfaces of the recesses are joined by straight sections on the housing, whereby the tendency of the sliding sleeve to rotate with respect to the bearing ring effects the radial bending of the tongues, to damp such movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1983
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Olschewski, Manfred Brandenstein, Lothar Walter, Horst M. Ernst
  • Patent number: 4371068
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch release bearing, particularly for motor vehicles, of the kind comprising an operating element, which is acted on by a clutch fork, a drive element, which, under the action of the operating element, acts on the disengaging mechanism of the clutch, and axially acting elastic means, which are supported by the operating element and bear on the drive element in order to hold the latter against a bearing plate which is axially fast with the operating element. According to the invention, the circumference along which these axially acting elastic means bear on the drive element has a diameter which is approximately equal to the diameter of the circumference along which the drive element is capable of bearing on the disengaging mechanism of the clutch. As a result, the axially acting elastic means are not able to cause a rocking torque on the drive element, which is thus maintained in axial alignment with the operating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: VALEO Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Rene Billet
  • Patent number: 4368798
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission coupled with a gear transmission for operating a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine has its accelerator pedal connected to the throttle valve of the engine and to the servovalve of the stepless hydrostatic transmission via an engine characteristic storage which modulates the accelerator travel signal applied to the servovalve to optimize the fuel consumption. The servovalve also receives input from an electric signal comparator which compares the engine speed with an output signal from the output unit of the hydrostatic transmission or the output shaft of the gear transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Meyerle, Friedrich Ehrlinger
  • Patent number: 4362229
    Abstract: This relates to a clutch release bearing of the kind comprising an operating element, a drive element having a rotatable part for contact with the clutch release mechanism, and a connecting cap fastening the drive element axially to the operating element. The connecting cap is provided with a plurality of axial lugs by which it is attached to the operating element. Each of these lugs is formed with an enlarged and preferably T-shaped end portion and is located in an axial groove provided in the operating element. The T-shaped end of the lug locks the lug in position beyond the groove. The device is particularly applicable to self-centering clutch release bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Gino Villata
  • Patent number: 4356900
    Abstract: An improved heavy duty motor clutch drive system is disclosed which includes a motor adapted to be drivingly connected to apparatus to be driven by means of a clutch unit of the oil shear type which may be selectively actuated by application of fluid pressure. Improved electrically actuated control valve means are provided for controlling the application of actuating fluid pressure to the clutch unit and includes associated control circuitry for operating the control valve so as to accelerate the driven apparatus in a predetermined manner. Additionally, in some applications a plurality of such drive systems may be utilized to drive a common apparatus in which case the clutch actuating controls may be interconnected so as to provide progressive predetermined delay actuation of the various clutch units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Sommer Co.
    Inventor: Gordon M. Sommer
  • Patent number: 4357058
    Abstract: A self-centering thrust bearing assembly, in which the bearing comprises one ring intended to cooperate with a driving unit of the clutch assembly, whereas its other ring is mounted on an axial movable support driven for the clutching operation, said mounting being provided with a certain radial clearance and a resilient pinching action in axial sliding rest on said support. The pinching action is substantially carried out by first fastening means exerting a pinching stress localized from the ring to the support so that it constitutes for the ring the center of a pivoting movement which is superposed to the radial sliding clearance for the self-centering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Societe Nouvelle de Roulements
    Inventor: Claude Sonnerat
  • Patent number: 4352419
    Abstract: A self centering clutch thrust bearing has a damping ring between one bearing ring and the sliding sleeve of a housing. The damping ring has resilient projections positioned to engage recesses in the housing with play, to damp small turning motions, and larger projections positioned to engage other recesses in the housing with play, to damp larger turning forces. The resilient projections are mounted to be operative in damping the forces prior to the larger projections.This invention relates to self centering clutch thrust bearings, and more in particular to the provision of damping means in such bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1982
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Olschewski, Manfred Brandenstein, Lothar Walter
  • Patent number: 4351427
    Abstract: A clutch release bearing assembly provided with a self-centering mechanism has a clutch releasing bearing device and bearing device holding means movable axially of a clutch by clutch operating means and holding the bearing device for self-centering. The bearing device holding means has a metallic portion and a synthetic resin portion formed integrally with the metallic portion. The metallic portion constitutes a drum-like base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Miyahara
  • Patent number: 4344517
    Abstract: A clutch release device comprises, in addition to a known clutch mechanism, a clutch release mechanism and holding means for the clutch release mechanism, a self-aligning mechanism capable of self-aligning the clutch mechanism and the clutch release mechanism during clutch release in a case where the clutch mechanism and the clutch release mechanism are eccentric with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Akihiko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4340135
    Abstract: A clutch release device has a pressure plate mounted on a sliding sleeve, and a stationary ring of a bearing abut one side of the pressure plate. A clutch lever abuts the other side of the pressure plate, and is held from axial removal by a ring having a flexible outer rim. The holding ring is held to the pressure plate by a flange on the sliding sleeve. The clutch lever has a central aperture fitted over a central conical portion of the pressure plate, the aperture having a pair of inwardly directed projections. The outer diameter of the holding ring is greater than the distance between the facing ends of the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Olschewski, Manfred Brandenstein, Lothar Walter, Heinrich Kunkel
  • Patent number: 4327823
    Abstract: In a clutch release bearing, wherein a pressure plate is affixed to a sliding sleeve, the pressure plate has a cylindrical portion affixed to the sleeve, a radial flange adapted to abut the bearing of the device, and an intermediate conical section. The conical section has four recesses distributed thereabout, two of which are adapted to engage projections of a clutch lever. A holding ring is held on the cylindrical portion of the pressure plate, and has projections entering the other two recesses of the pressure plate. Recesses in the holding ring aligned with the first mentioned recesses have tongues adapted to resiliently hold the projections of the clutch lever in the respective recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Leo Muller, Walter Koder
  • Patent number: 4319662
    Abstract: A storage/retrieval machine (10) is provided with equipment to adapt the machine for use in fighting fires in a warehouse in which the machine is installed. A plurality of platforms (26, 30) and access ladders (28, 32) are provided along the length of the machine mast (14). A standpipe (34) having a connection (36) to a central fire extinguisher fluid source extends along the mast, and hose and nozzle assemblies (38) are provided at each platform. To provide power to the machine to move it to the location of the fire, an auxiliary drive motor (61) is mounted on the storage/retrieval machine, and an auxiliary power supply (46) mounted in a waterproof housing (48) and supported on its own wheels (50, 52), is engageable with the storage/retrieval machine for movement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Novell D. Liston
  • Patent number: 4315439
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement for a rotating unit designed to be driven by a main motor or an auxiliary motor. A shift clutch is provided for arresting an overriding clutch in both directions of rotation. In this way the torques emanating from the rotating unit can be held or suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: Krupp Polysius AG
    Inventor: Heinz Grachtrup
  • Patent number: 4306640
    Abstract: A multi-speed hydrostatic drive is disclosed. The drive comprises the combination of a drive unit having at least one output connectable to a motive member and at least first and second inputs. A clutch unit is connected to the first drive unit input, and a first fixed displacement hydraulic motor is connected to the clutch unit so as to drive the drive unit first input through the clutch when the clutch is engaged. A brake unit is connected to the second drive unit input. A second fixed displacement hydraulic motor is connected to the brake unit so as to drive the drive unit second input when the brake is disengaged. A variable displacement hydraulic pump is also provided. A hydraulic circuit delivers the pressurized fluid to the first and to the second hydraulic motors to provide a relatively low speed, high torque drive. Alternatively, the hydraulic circuit can be set to deliver pressurized fluid to the second motor only to provide a relatively high speed, low torque drive to the motive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Lambert Brake Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Morgan
  • Patent number: 4306641
    Abstract: In a noise reducing disengagement device for motor vehicle clutches having rolling elements and adapted to be radially displaceable with respect to a sliding sleeve, the bearing includes an apertured fixed race having a radially directed flange on a plate fixedly mounted with respect to the sleeve. The fixed race has a damping ring coupled thereto and contacting the flange on the side toward the rolling elements, and at least three damping members distributed on the circumference of the plate. The plate includes a plurality of recesses, the damping members passing through the apertures in the fixed race and entering the recesses in the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Olschewski, Manfred Brandenstein, Lothar Walter, Horst M. Ernst