Automotive Products, Inc.

Automotive Products France, Sa

Patrick Muller

Laurent Compain

A hydraulic damper ( ) for damping vibrations in the fluid flow path between a hydraulic pressure source and an associated hydraulic consumer comprises a cylinder ( ) having a bore ( ). A piston ( ) is sidably received in the bore and has a sealing means ( ) in contact with the bore to define on one side of the sealing means a first chamber ( ) for connection with the hydraulic pressure source and on the other side of the sealing means a second chamber ( ) for connection with the associated hydraulic consumer. The cylinder has a sealing zone ( ) which in a first operative state of the damper is contacted by the sealing means. The piston ( ) is capable in response to an increase in hydraulic pressure in the first chamber ( ) of moving in the bore to reduce the volume of the second chamber ( ) such that eventually the sealing means ( ) moves out of the sealing zone to open fluid flow means ( ) through which hydraulic fluid can flow from the first chamber to the second chamber. The piston is also being capable in response to an increase in hydraulic pressure in the second chamber ( ) of moving in the bore to reduce the volume of the first chamber ( ) such that eventually the sealing means moves out of the sealing zone to open fluid flow means ( ) through which hydraulic fluid can flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Hydraulic damper

A release mechanism for use with a clutch release bearing of a pull type clutch comprises an element on which there is a transverse circular groove, and locking members comprising a flexible ring coaxial with a diaphragm and bearing on the circumference of a central aperture therein, and a washer with flexible lugs applied against the face of the diaphragm and coaxial with this latter so that the flexible lugs engage around the ring to render it rigid with the diaphragm. The ring is adapted to snap into the groove in the actuating element at the moment of engagement.

Friction clutch release mechanism

The mechanism includes a release member including a driving element in which is formed a circular groove. A washer which in use is coaxial with a diaphragm of the clutch is provided with clips which pass through a release ring. A flexible retaining ring is gripped resiliently between the release ring and the washer for location in the groove during coupling of the driving element to the clutch. The load derived from the resilient engagement of the retaining ring against the washer and release ring is insufficient to overcome a resilient grip between the clips and the release ring.

Clutch release mechanism

A friction clutch cover assembly comprises a cover and a pressure plate connected to the cover by flexible straps. An outer flange of the cover is deformed adjacent to each flexible strap to provide a respective abutment surface which in the event of excessive pressure plate movement away from the cover each flexible strap will contact to limit said movement.

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Sevran, France

Patrick Muller