Abstract:
The present invention broadly comprises a clutch housing with a housing wall disposed radially about a longitudinal axis for the housing and at least one opening in the housing wall operatively arranged to accept at least a portion of a clutch plate for a clutch assembly. The housing is substantially cylindrical and in some aspects the openings are slots substantially parallel to the axis. In some aspects, the housing wall further comprises an end and the at least one slot has an open end proximate the end or the housing wall further comprises a radial off-set proximate the end. In some aspects, the clutch housing is an inner housing or an outer housing for the clutch assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/775,622 filed Feb. 22, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/775,619 filed Feb. 22, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/775,620 filed Feb. 22, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/775,621 filed Feb. 22, 2006; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/775,623 filed Feb. 22, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to improvements in apparatus for transmitting force between a rotary driving unit (such as the engine of a motor vehicle) and a rotary driven unit (such as the variable-speed transmission in the motor vehicle). In particular, the invention relates to a clutch housing for transmitting torque from the driving unit to clutch plates in a clutch assembly. Specifically, the invention relates openings in the housing to engage the clutch plates. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Commonly assigned, and therefore, uncitable, United States Patent Application No. 2005/0139442 filed Dec. 23, 2004 and published Jun. 30, 2005, which application is incorporated herein by reference, shows an example of the use a clutch housing in a clutch assembly of a vehicle to transmit torque from the vehicle engine to clutch plates in the clutch assembly. The housing is connected in some manner to the crankshaft of the engine and the housing is configured to engage the clutch plates. For example, a drum-shaped housing with a substantially cylindrical portion having an inner surface (facing a longitudinal axis for the clutch assembly) can be used. Splines are formed on the inner surface to engage at least some of the clutch plates. The remaining clutch plates are typically connected to an output for the clutch assembly. Fluid pressure in the clutch assembly is manipulated to engage the clutch plates so that the plates on the splines engage the plates connected to the output. Thus, torque is transferred from the engine to the clutch plates. Roll forming is used to form the splines. Roll forming is a relatively costly tooling process, at least due to the requirement of additional stations in the process. Thus, a clutch assembly could be improved by using a less expensive method for producing the housing. 
         [0004]    Thus, there is a long-felt need for a clutch housing that can be quickly and inexpensively manufactured. Further, there is a long-felt need for a simplified means of assembling a clutch housing and clutch plates in a clutch assembly. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention broadly comprises a clutch housing with a substantially cylindrical housing wall and at least one opening in the housing wall operatively arranged to accept at least a portion of a clutch plate for a clutch assembly. In some aspects, the openings are slots substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis for the housing. In some aspects, the housing wall further comprises an end and the at least one opening is in communication with the end or the housing wall further comprises a radial off-set proximate the end. In some aspects, the clutch housing is an inner housing or an outer housing for the clutch assembly. In some aspects, the housing is stamped or machined. 
         [0006]    The present invention also broadly comprises a clutch assembly with a clutch housing having at least one opening and at least a portion of a clutch plate disposed in the at least one opening. The clutch housing further comprises a cylindrically-shaped housing wall, the at least one opening is disposed in the housing wall, and in some aspects, the at least one opening is at least one slot aligned substantially parallel to an axis for the housing. The housing wall comprises an edge proximate at least a portion of the at least one opening and the clutch housing is arranged so that the portion of the clutch plate contacts the edge when torque is applied to the clutch housing. In some aspects, the clutch housing is an inner housing or an outer housing for the clutch assembly. 
         [0007]    The present invention further broadly comprises a dual clutch assembly, including an outer clutch housing having at least one first opening and an inner clutch housing having at least one second opening. The inner housing is fastened to the outer housing and the at least one first and second openings are operatively arranged to accept at least a portion of first and second clutch plates, respectively, for a clutch assembly. 
         [0008]    The present invention also broadly comprises a method of transferring torque from a clutch housing to a clutch plate. 
         [0009]    It is a general object of the present invention to provide a clutch housing, a clutch assembly, and a dual clutch assembly minimizing the number of manufacturing steps involved in fabricating the housing, in particular, minimizing the number of die stations used. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a clutch housing, a clutch assembly, and a dual clutch assembly that can be manufactured without the use of roll forming. 
         [0011]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a clutch housing, a clutch assembly, and a dual clutch assembly that can be made of stamped components. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a clutch housing, a clutch assembly, and a dual clutch assembly that can be made of machined components. 
         [0013]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a present invention outer clutch housing; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a present invention inner clutch housing; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a dual clutch assembly with spring plates removed and including the clutch housings of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the outer housing and respective clutch plates of  FIG. 4  along line  5 , 7 - 5 , 7  in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the outer housing and respective clutch plates of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the inner housing of  FIG. 4  along line  5 , 7 - 5 , 7  in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an cross-sectional view of the inner housing and respective clutch plates of  FIG. 4  along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a present invention dual clutch assembly; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a present invention outer clutch housing; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a present invention inner clutch housing; 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a dual clutch assembly with spring plates removed and including the clutch housings of  FIGS. 14 and 15 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the assembly of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional view of the inner housing and respective clutch plates of  FIG. 15  along line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of a present invention dual clutch assembly; and, 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the assembly of  FIG. 17 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
         [0034]    Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0035]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of present invention outer clutch housing  10 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of present invention inner clutch housing  100 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of dual clutch assembly  200  with spring plates removed and including the clutch housings of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the outer housing and respective clutch plates of  FIG. 4  along line  5 , 7 - 5 , 7  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the outer housing and respective clutch plates of  FIG. 5 . The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 1 and 3  through  6 . In  FIG. 1 , clutch housing  10  includes housing wall  12 , slots  14  in wall  12 , and longitudinal axis  15 . Wall  12  is disposed radially about axis  15 . That is, in general, wall  12  is cylindrical in shape. However, it should be understood that wall  12  is not limited to the shape shown in the figures and that other shapes for wall  12  are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, wall  12  is not limited to a particular height  16  or diameter  18 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5 , and  6 , slots  14  are arranged to accept clutch plates  20  from a clutch assembly. That is, at least a portion of plates  20  are disposed within slots  14 . Slots  14  are not limited to the shape shown in the figures. Other shapes for slots  14  are possible and are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example depth  22  and width  24  of slots  14  can be varied. Also, housing  10  is not limited to the number of slots  14  shown. 
         [0043]    Slots  14  include openings  26  at end  28  of wall  12 . The openings are provided to enable plates  20  to be inserted into slots  14  without bending or distorting the plates. In some aspects, wall  12  includes radial offset  30 , which enables plates  20  to be inserted into the slots through openings  26 . 
         [0044]    End wall  32  is arranged so that plates  20  contact the wall. In some aspects, clutch plate stop  34  is formed in wall  32  to engage plates  20 . Stop  34  extends distance  36  above wall  32 , forming slot  38  between plates  20  and wall  32 . In some aspects, due to clearance and access requirements for the equipment forming slots  14 , stop  34  is only formed in those portions of wall  32  not in radial alignment with slots  14 . Wall  32  is shown as integral to wall  12 , however, it should be understood that other configurations of walls  12  and  32  are possible. Also, other cross-sectional shapes and configurations for wall  32  are possible. 
         [0045]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the inner housing of  FIG. 4  along line  5 , 7 - 5 , 7  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  is an cross-sectional view of the inner housing and respective clutch plates of  FIG. 4  along line  5 , 7 - 5 , 7  in  FIG. 4 . The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 1-8 . In  FIG. 2 , clutch housing  100  includes housing wall  112 , slots  114  in wall  112 , and a longitudinal axis  115 . Wall  112  is disposed radially about axis  115 . That is, in general, wall  112  is cylindrical in shape. However, it should be understood that wall  112  is not limited to the shape shown in the figures and that other shapes for wall  112  are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, wall  112  is not limited to a particular height  116  or diameter  118 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  7 , and  8 , slots  114  are arranged to accept clutch plates  120  from a clutch assembly. That is, at least a portion of plates  120  are disposed within slots  114 . Slots  114  are not limited to the shape shown in the figures. Other shapes for slots  114  are possible and are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, depth  122  and width  124  of slots  114  can be varied. Also, housing  100  is not limited to the number of slots  114  shown. 
         [0048]    Slots  114  include openings  126  at end  128  of wall  112 . The openings are provided to enable plates  120  to be inserted into slots  114  without bending or distorting the plates. In some aspects, wall  112  includes radial offset  130 , which enables plates  120  to be inserted into the slots through openings  126 . 
         [0049]    End wall  132  is arranged so that plates  120  contact the wall. In some aspects, clutch plate stop  134  is formed in wall  132  to engage plates  120 . Stop  134  extends a distance  136  above wall  132 , forming slot  138  between plates  120  and wall  132 . Wall  132  is shown as integral to wall  112 , however, it should be understood that other configurations of walls  112  and  132  are possible. Also, other cross-sectional shapes and configurations for wall  132  are possible. 
         [0050]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , in some aspects, housing  10  includes hub  40 . End wall  32  extends to hub  40  and in some aspects; end wall  32  is connected to the hub using extruded rivets  42 , a relatively cost-effective process. However, it should be understood that other methods, such as separate rivets or mechanical fasteners, or welding, can be used to secure end wall  32  to hub  40 . In some aspects, torque from a drive unit is transmitted to housing  10  via hub  40 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the stacking of plates  20  in housing  10 .  FIG. 5  is an exploded view showing outer clutch plate pack  44 , including alternating plates  20  and plates  46 . It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with any particular number of plates  20  and  46  or any particular configuration of pack  44 . Tabs  48  extend from the outer circumference of plates  20  and are received in slots  14 . In general, tabs  48  correspond in number, location, shape, and configuration to slots  14 . That is, each tab  48  corresponds to a respective slot  14 . However, it should be understood that other configurations of slots are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate the stacking of plates  120  in housing  100 .  FIG. 8  shows inner clutch plate pack  144  including alternating plates  120  and plates  146 . It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with any particular number of plates  120  and  146  or any particular configuration of pack  144 . Tabs  148  extend from the outer circumference of plates  120  and are received in slots  114 . In general, tabs  148  correspond in number, location, shape, and configuration to slots  114 . That is, each tab  148  corresponds to a respective slot  114 . However, it should be understood that other configurations of slots are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. 
         [0053]    The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 1 through 8 . Although in general, two or more slots  14  or  114  are preferred, any number of slots  14  or  114  is possible and such number of slots is included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Also, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration or spacing of slots  14  or  114 . In general, walls  12  and  112  and slots  14  and  114 , respectively are parallel to axis  15  and  115 , respectively. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with the number and configuration of plates  20 ,  46 ,  120 , or  146  shown in the figures. That is, other numbers and configurations of plates can be used with the present invention. 
         [0054]    Housings  10  and  100  are stamped, reducing fabricating cost and complexity. However, it should be understood that other fabrication methods can be used to form housings  10  or  100 . In some aspects, walls  12  and  112  are pierced after the forming process to create slots  14  and  114 , respectively, eliminating the need for roll forming, with its attendant complexities and costs. Also, since the slots are made after the forming process, potential deformation and dimensional variation are reduced. Housing  10  also is formed with lip  49 , which provides continuous support about edge  28  of housing  10 , in particular providing support to resist the hoop stresses to which housing  10  is subjected during use. In some aspects, due to clearance and access requirements for the equipment forming slots  14 , lip  49  is formed after slots  14  are pierced. 
         [0055]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of present invention dual clutch assembly  300 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the assembly of  FIG. 9 . The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 1 through 10 . To form assembly  300 , pack  44  is stacked in housing  10  and carrier ring  302  and fulcrum  303  are engaged to housing  10 . Pack  144  is stacked in housing  100  and flow dam  304  and carrier ring  306  are engaged to housing  100 . Housing  100  is engaged to housing  10 , plate spring  308  is installed to engage pack  144 , and plate spring  310  is installed to engage pack  44 . However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with the number, type, and configuration of components shown in  FIG. 10  and other number, type, and configuration of components can be used with the present invention. 
         [0057]    Springs  310  and  308  can be engaged with housing  10  and  100 , respectively, using any means known in the art. In addition, in some aspects, an arrangement of spring tabs and slots in the housing as described in the commonly assigned United States Provisional Patent Application titled “CLUTCH HOUSING WITH LEVER SPRING RETENTION SLOTS AND METHOD OF INSTALLING A LEVER SPRING,” inventors Todd Sturgin and Adam Uhler, filed on the same day as the present application, can be used. For example, tabs  320  of spring  310  engage openings  26  in housing  10 . 
         [0058]    It should be understood that any means known in the art, for example, complimentary splines and notches or welding, can be used to connect housing  10  to housing  100 . In addition, in some aspects, a tab and slot arrangement as described in the commonly assigned United States Provisional Patent Application titled “CLUTCH HOUSING WITH WIDE LEVER SPRING RETENTION SLOTS AND CLUTCH HOUSING WITH AXIALLY OFF-SET TABS,” inventor Adam Uhler, filed on the same day as the present application, can be used. For example, tabs  160  engage with openings  26  in housing  100  to rotationally lock clutch housing  10  with housing  100 . 
         [0059]    When torque is applied to hub  40  in direction  312 , housing  10  moves in direction  312  and housing  10 , in particular, wall  12 , engages plates  20 . Specifically, edges  50  of slots  14 , formed by a portion of wall  12 , engage edges  314  of tabs  48 , rotating plates  20  in direction  312 . The torque is transferred to housing  100 . In like manner, edges  150  of slots  114  engage tabs  148 , rotating plates  120  in direction  312 . In a neutral state (no external pressure is applied to springs  308  and  310 ), plates  20  and  46  and  120  and  146 , respectively, are not engaged. For example, plates  20  are free to rotate with minimal or no contact with plates  46 . When force is applied to spring  310 , plates  20  and  46  are brought into frictional contact and rotate together, transferring the torque to carrier ring  302 . When force is applied to spring  308 , plates  120  and  146  are brought into frictional contact and rotate together, transferring the torque to carrier ring  306 . In some aspects, additional slots in housings  10  and  100 , for example slots  52  and  152 , respectively, are included to provide passage of cooling fluids and to engage spring tabs. It should be understood that assembly  300  also can be moved in a direction opposite direction  312 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the assembly of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of present invention outer clutch housing  400 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of present invention inner clutch housing  500 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of dual clutch assembly  600  with spring plates removed and including the clutch housings of  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  FIGS. 12 through 14  show clutch housing and a clutch assembly similar in function to the housings and clutch assembly shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, whereas the housings in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are stamped, the housings in  FIGS. 12 and 13  are machined. 
         [0064]      FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional view of inner housing  500  and respective clutch plates of  FIG. 15  along line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of present invention dual clutch assembly  700 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the assembly of  FIG. 17 . The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 12 through 18 . In general, the descriptions of housings  10  and  100  are applicable to housings  400  and  500 , respectively. In particular, the descriptions of housing walls, slots, and slot heights and widths in the description of  FIGS. 1 through 11  are applicable to walls  402  and  502  and slots  404  and  504 , respectively in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . It should be understood that walls  402  and  502  are not limited to the shape shown in the figures and that other shapes for the walls are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. 
         [0068]    The arrangement of housings  400  and  500  with respect to clutch plate packs is similar to that described above for housings  10  and  100  and packs  44  and  144 , respectively. For example, slots  404  and  504  are arranged to accept clutch plates  702  and  506 , respectively, from a clutch assembly. That is, at least a portion of plates  506  and  702  are disposed within slots  504  and  404 , respectively. Slots  404  and  504  include openings  410  and  508 , respectively. The openings are provided to enable plates  506  and  702  to be inserted into slots  504  and  404 , respectively, without bending or distorting the plates. 
         [0069]    End wall or lip  510  of housing  500  is arranged so that plates  506  contact the wall. In some aspects, clutch plate stop  512  is formed in wall  510  to engage plates  506 . Stop  512  extends above wall  502 , forming slot  514  between plates  506  and wall  510 . Wall  510  is shown as integral to wall  502 , however, it should be understood that other configurations of walls  502  and  510  are possible. In some aspects, end wall  412  also is formed with a stop and forms a slot between plates  702  and the stop, similar in function to the stop and associated slot for housing  10 . Other cross-sectional shapes and configurations for walls  412  and  510  are possible. 
         [0070]    Although in general, two or more slots  404  or  504  are preferred, any number of slots  404  or  504  is possible and such number of slots is included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Also, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration or spacing of slots  404  or  504 . In general, walls  402  and  502  and slots  404  and  504 , respectively are parallel to axis  604 . The discussion of packs  44  and  144  in the descriptions of  FIGS. 1-11  is applicable to packs  706  and  708 , respectively. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with the number and configuration of plates shown for packs  706  and  708 . 
         [0071]    Returning to  FIG. 12 , in some aspects, housing  400  includes hub  414 . The discussion regarding hub  40  the descriptions of  FIGS. 1-11  is applicable to hub  414 . End wall  412  extends to hub  414  and is connected by welding, or any means known in the art, for example, rivets. In particular, laser welding can be used. 
         [0072]      FIG. 16  illustrates the stacking of pack  708  in housing  500 . In general, the description regarding clutch plates with respect to housing  100  is applicable to housing  500  and pack  708 . Tabs  710  extend from the outer circumference of plates  506  and are received in slots  504 . In general, tabs  710  correspond in number, location, shape, and configuration to slots  504 . That is, each tab  710  corresponds to a respective slot  504 . However, it should be understood that other configurations of slots are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. The discussion of clutch plates, slots, and stacking in the description of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is applicable to housing  400  and pack  706 . 
         [0073]    To form assembly  600 , pack  706  is stacked in housing  400  and carrier ring  712  and flow dam/fulcrum  714  are engaged in housing  400 . Pack  708  is stacked in housing  500  and flow dam/fulcrum  714 , carrier ring  716 , and pump driver/fulcrum  718  are inserted. Housing  500  is attached to housing  400 . Plate spring  720  is installed to engage pack  708  and plate spring  722  is installed to engage pack  706 . However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with the number, type, and configuration of components shown in  FIG. 17  and other number, type, and configuration of components can be used with the present invention. 
         [0074]    When torque is applied to hub  414  in direction  624 , housing  400  moves in direction  624  and plates  702  engage housing  400 , in particular, wall  402 . Specifically, edges  418  of slots  404 , formed by a portion of wall  402 , engage edges  724  of tabs  726 , rotating plates  702  in direction  624 . Torque is transferred to housing  500 . In like manner, edges  522  of slots  504  engage tabs  710 , rotating plates  506  in direction  624 . In a neutral state (no external pressure is applied to springs  720  and  722 ), plates  702  are not engaged with the remaining plates in pack  706  and plates  506  are not engaged with plates  524 . For example, plates  506  are free to rotate with minimal or no contact with plates  524 . When force is applied to spring  722 , the plates in pack  706  are brought into frictional contact and rotate together, transferring the torque to carrier ring  712 . When force is applied to spring  720 , plates  506  and  524  are brought into frictional contact and rotate together, transferring the torque to carrier ring  716 . In some aspects, additional openings in housings  400  and  500 , for example openings  420  and  526 , respectively, are included to provide passage of cooling fluids. It should be understood that assembly  600  also can be moved in a direction opposite direction  624 . 
         [0075]    Present invention clutch housings have been shown in a dual clutch assembly in  FIGS. 9 and 17 . However, it should be understood that present invention clutch housings are not limited to dual clutch assemblies. For example, a present invention clutch housing can be used in a single clutch arrangement (not shown), for example, in a launch clutch. 
         [0076]    It should be understood that any means known in the art can be used to adjust the clutch assemblies shown in the figures. In addition, in some aspects, the method described in the commonly assigned United States Provisional Patent Application titled “DUAL CLUTCH PACK DUAL OPERATING CLUTCH AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING SAME,” inventors Uhler et al., filed on the same day as the present application, can be used. 
         [0077]    Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.