Patent ID: 6148980
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A force transmitting assembly operable between a plurality of engaged conditions in which said force transmitting assembly is operable to transmit forces of different magnitudes and a disengaged condition in which said force transmitting assembly is ineffective to transmit force, said force transmitting assembly comprising a first member, a circular force transmitting disc connected with said first member, a second member, a circular reaction disc connected with said second member, said first member and said force transmitting disc being rotatable relative to said second member and said reaction disc when said force transmitting assembly is in the disengaged condition, and actuator means for operating said force transmitting assembly between the disengaged condition and the plurality of engaged conditions, said actuator means including a first piston area against which fluid pressure is applied when said force transmitting assembly is in a first engaged condition in which said force transmitting assembly is effective to transmit force of a first magnitude and a second piston area against which fluid pressure is applied when said force transmitting assembly is in a second engaged condition in which said force transmitting assembly is effective to transmit force of a second magnitude, said first and second piston areas being disposed in a first axial end portion of said force transmitting assembly at a location which is axially offset to a first side of said reaction and force transmitting discs.