In one example, a cone clutch assembly including an inner cone member rotationally coupled to a first shaft, the inner cone member defining a first friction surface; an outer cone member rotationally coupled to a second shaft, the outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface; and an independent friction member positioned between the inner and the outer cone member. The inner cone member and outer cone member are configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged from each other. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages one surface of the friction member, and the second friction surface of the outer cone member engages another surface of the friction member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner and outer cone member via the friction member.

A clutch assembly comprising: an axis of rotation; first and second spherical centers positioned along the axis of rotation; a first member having a first spherical surface including: a radius defining a first curvature; the first spherical center; and a first frictional surface; a second member having a second spherical surface including: said radius defining a second curvature about same or equal to the first curvature; the second spherical center; and a second frictional surface. A torque converter comprising a spherical clutch assembly is also disclosed.

A clutch assembly comprising: an axis of rotation; first and second spherical centers positioned along the axis of rotation; a first member having a first spherical surface including: a radius defining a first curvature; the first spherical center; and a first frictional surface; a second member having a second spherical surface including: said radius defining a second curvature about same or equal to the first curvature; the second spherical center; and a second frictional surface. A torque converter comprising a spherical clutch assembly is also disclosed.

Friction ring for a synchronization unit of a gear changing transmission. The friction ring, when in an uninstalled state, is circumferentially pre-loaded and includes an annular front side, an annular rear side, a conical inner friction surface, a conical outer installation surface, and a first separation surface facing and in contact with a second separation surface and defining a circumferential separation area in the friction ring. The friction ring is prevented from contracting radially and circumferentially by said contact and is capable of expanding radially and circumferentially while being circumferentially pre-loaded.

Friction ring for a synchronization unit of a gear changing transmission. The friction ring, when in an uninstalled state, is circumferentially pre-loaded and includes an annular front side, an annular rear side, a conical inner friction surface, a conical outer installation surface, and a first separation surface facing and in contact with a second separation surface and defining a circumferential separation area in the friction ring. The friction ring is prevented from contracting radially and circumferentially by said contact and is capable of expanding radially and circumferentially while being circumferentially pre-loaded.

A clutch includes a carrier defining an annular groove and a hub coaxial with the carrier and defining an outer surface. The hub is axially movable relative to the carrier between at least a first position and a second position. A wedge disk has a first edge disposed on the outer surface, a second edge disposed in the annular groove, and a face extending between the edges and defining an annular shoulder. The disk engages between the carrier and the hub when the hub is in the first position to lock the clutch, and the carrier and the hub are rotatable relative to each other when the hub is in the second position. An annular retainer is configured to prevent radial expansion of the disk when the hub is in the second position and to permit radial expansion of the disk when the hub is in the first position.

A clutch-brake device having an actuating disc, a braking disc, a shaft sleeve, a friction disc, a main coupling body, an intermediate disc, and a cutting tool seat. The coupling and dis-coupling between the main coupling body and a flange of the shaft sleeve is achieved by a cooperative motion between the intermediate disc and the adjacent main coupling body and the cutting tool seat. The clutch-brake device can be used for coupling of the engine and cutting blades of a lawn mower or other applications, and is reliable, of high load capability, stable and durable.

A clutch-brake device having an actuating disc, a braking disc, a shaft sleeve, a friction disc, a main coupling body, an intermediate disc, and a cutting tool seat. The coupling and dis-coupling between the main coupling body and a flange of the shaft sleeve is achieved by a cooperative motion between the intermediate disc and the adjacent main coupling body and the cutting tool seat. The clutch-brake device can be used for coupling of the engine and cutting blades of a lawn mower or other applications, and is reliable, of high load capability, stable and durable.

A wedge clutch imparts a wedging effect to selectively transfer power through powertrain components. The wedge clutch includes a hub configured to rotate about an axis and having a tapered hub surface. A rotatable member is configured to rotate about the axis. A plurality of wedge segments are arranged annularly about the axis and are disposed radially between the hub and the rotatable member. The wedge segments can collectively radially expand and contract to lock and unlock the clutch. Each wedge segment defines an aperture therethrough. A cage assembly includes a plurality of pins that each extend through a respective one of the apertures to control relative radial movement of the wedge segments.

A wedge clutch imparts a wedging effect to selectively transfer power through powertrain components. The wedge clutch includes a hub configured to rotate about an axis and having a tapered hub surface. A rotatable member is configured to rotate about the axis. A plurality of wedge segments are arranged annularly about the axis and are disposed radially between the hub and the rotatable member. The wedge segments can collectively radially expand and contract to lock and unlock the clutch. Each wedge segment defines an aperture therethrough. A cage assembly includes a plurality of pins that each extend through a respective one of the apertures to control relative radial movement of the wedge segments.