Dana Corporation

Martin J Hermanns

Richard A Flotow

Wesley M Dick

William H Sink

An improved diaphragm spring clutch is disclosed. The clutch includes a generally annular cover having a shoulder formed thereabout on a forwardly facing surface. A flat, angled bearing surface is formed throughout an inner radial portion of the shoulder. A plurality of forwardly facing slots are also formed about the shoulder. The slots are spaced equidistantly and extend radially outwardly from the bearing surface through the shoulder. The clutch further includes a generally hollow cylindrical release retainer. The retainer terminates in a generally flat end surface which faces rearwardly. A plurality of rearwardly facing recessed areas are formed in the end surface of the retainer. An annular diaphragm spring is provided within the clutch. The diaphragm spring includes an outer peripheral surface, which engages the forwardly facing bearing surface of the cover, and an inner peripheral surface, which engages the rearwardly facing end surface of the retainer. The diaphragm spring pilots the retainer co-axially relative to the cover. The diaphragm spring further includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending tangs formed about the outer peripheral surface thereof and a plurality of radially inwardly extending tangs formed about the inner peripheral surface thereof. The outer tangs are provided to cooperate with the slots formed in the shoulder of the cover, while the inner tangs are provided to cooperate with the recessed areas formed in the end surface of the retainer.

Diaphragm spring clutch

The present invention is an improved torque transfer assembly for use in four-wheel drive vehicles. The assembly comprises the use of a gear located in communication with the auxiliary drive axle assembly which is designed to slip, upon application of an overload torque, to prevent excessive torque windup and shock-loading on the auxiliary drive axle assembly.

Torque limiting device

A vehicle suspension system is disclosed which has radius arms for connecting an axle assembly to a frame to accomodate the necessary relative movement therebetween. An improved connection is provided for rigidly securing the radius arms to the axle assembly. The connection consists of a cast wedge bracket adapted to be secured between an axle tube and wheel supporting yoke and mating wedge portions formed on the radius arm and associate clamp.

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Ft. Wayne, IN, United States of America

Martin J Hermanns