Clutch-release linkage automatic axial-acting slack adjuster

Claim 1

Clutch-release apparatus with an automatic axially-acting slack adjuster of the kind comprising a nut rotatable on a screwthreaded rod part which is axially movable for transmitting clutch-release force comprising in combination, an axiallyimmovable housing containing said adjuster, a clutch, a linkage connected for transmitting force to release said clutch having said slack adjuster incorporated therein to transmit the force, force-responsive means in said adjuster including a clutching mechanism having an operation threshold which responds to the force from said force-input part to permit rotation of said nut only when the adjuster is transmitting force of a magnitude sufficient to release the clutch, and travel-responsive means in said adjuster including a further clutching mechanism which in response to the axial travels of said rod part and said forceinput part more than a predetermined distance relative to said axially-immovable housing prevents rotation of said nut to adjust the slack, the foregoing arrangement being so interconnected that said force responsive means when the adjuster transmits force sufficient to release the clutch prior to the axial travels more than said predetermined distance indicated by said travel responsive means causes rotation of said nut to thereby telescopically displace said rod part relative to said forceinput part and thereby increase the slack in the linkage.