Patent ID: 7204166

Claim:
A dual friction clutch assembly for a multiple-ratio geared transmission in a powertrain for an engine driven vehicle, the clutch assembly comprising: a clutch housing driveably connected to the engine; a first clutch friction disk connected to a first torque input shaft and forming in part a first torque flow path through the transmission; a second clutch friction disk connected to a second torque input shaft and forming in part a second torque flow path through the transmission; first and second clutch plates connected to the clutch housing adjacent the first and second friction disks, respectively; a spring element disposed between the first and second clutch plates; the clutch housing having first and second friction surfaces adjacent the first and second friction disks, respectively; a first actuator lever pivotally connected to the clutch housing for applying a clutch assembly engaging force to the second clutch plate whereby the first friction disk is activated; and a second actuator lever pivotally connected to the clutch housing for applying a clutch assembly engaging force to the first clutch plate whereby the second friction disk is activated.