US angle-spring clutches for UK
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• The Transmission Division of Turner Manufacturing Co Ltd, Stafford Road, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, is to manufacture Spicer angle-spring clutches under licence from the Dana Corporation of America. Three models of the clutch are being imported complete at the moment but it is the company's intention progressively to increase its own content of the clutch until it eventually becomes entirely UK built.
The models of clutch available are 14.0 in. diameter singleand twin-plate designs and 15.5in. diameter twin-plate design.
Particular applications of these clutches have to be approved by Turner but they have the following approximate capacities: the AS1401 (single-plate 14.0in.) 200 bhp and 500 lb ft torque; the AS1402 (twin-plate 14.0in.) 300 bhp and 900 lb ft torque: and the AS1552 (twin-plate 15.5in.) 450 bhp 1250 lb ft.
All the clutches have their pressure plate springs set at approximately 45 degrees to the axis instead of parallel with it and hence the name "angle-spring". This spring arrangement has the characteristic of reducing pedal effort, thus eliminating the need for power assistance and giving a constant plate load throughout the wear-life of the facing material.
Lining wear is taken by rotating the whole clutch within its housing. A peg held by a bolt (see illustration) locates in segments on the clutch plate assembly and locks it and the housing together. By undoing the peg and advancing the inner assembly, clutch lining wear is taken up. Each segment advanced is equivalent to 0.020in. take-up.
The clutches can be rated on spring strength and are available with organic or ceramic hinges.