Abstract: An engine starter drive clutch assembly which comprises a starter motor with an armature shaft, pinion gear for engaging and disengaging an engine drive gear, a spline for transmitting axial rotational movement to the pinion gear, and a clutch assembly for transmitting torque between the armature shaft and the pinion gear.

Abstract: An electric starter having an electric motor with a rotatable shaft, a pinion gear for driving a flywheel, and a friction clutch for transmitting torque which includes a drive plate connected to the shaft and a friction coupling for frictionally transmitting torque between the drive plate and pinion gear wherein the coupling is compressible and a stop limits compression to a predetermined maximum compression so as to set a predetermined slip torque or limit torque transfer to a predetermined maximum torque.

Abstract: An engine starter pinion drive and method for assembly which comprises a starter motor with an armature shaft, a clutch subassembly, a pinion gear for engaging and disengaging an engine drive gear, an anti-drift spring and a retainer sleeve locking the clutch subassembly in position on the armature shaft. The retainer sleeve is configured for axial push-on mounting to the armature shaft with a plurality of tabs for snap lock engagement with a groove in the armature shaft.

Abstract: A plurality of motors are arranged in a side-by-side array employing at least one common end cap or closure for the housings of the individual motors which are formed as to securely interfit with the respective housings and provide a base or reference frame member relative to which they are all supported. There may be a common end plate of this type at both ends of the array. The end plate also serves to provide bearing support for the shafts of the armatures and to provide support for gear coupling to a torque/speed conversion coupling member. Preferably, the end cap also provides support and a closure for gear means employed as well.The motors employed are advantageously of a type having flat generally parallel sides the dimension across whose sides is significantly smaller than the diameter of the housing containing the magnetic pole pieces. Such a configuration permits increased compactness if the flat sides are placed face to face in the array.

Abstract: An electrical machine including an armature rotatable within a housing comprised of a section of tubular ferrous material and methods for producing the housing. At least two alternate magnetic field pole pieces are secured within the housing and at least two intermediate induced pole pieces are formed by deforming the housing to provide inwardly projecting pole pieces intermediate the magnetic field pole pieces, each of the pole piece conforming to the shape of and closely embracing the armature.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine is provided with a frame structure consisting of at least two fabricated sheet metal pieces of identical shape and size. The sheet metal members are formed to provide cavities to accommodate an armature structure and bearings, and the opposed sheet metal pieces enclose and support the armature and bearing when fixed together. The sheet metal pieces also support preferably a ceramic magnet field by providing formed bosses and tabs for locating and holding the magnets in position. If additional low reluctance flux path is required, a tubular jacket may be placed over the sheet metal housing. The bearings are preferably spherical bearings, and the invention contemplates providing the sheet metal pieces with formed bearing retaining areas and having grooves to retain a fibrous lubricant containing material formed either in the retaining areas or the bearings or both.

Abstract: An electric starter assembly and, more specifically, an improved drive assembly that is responsive to inertia encountered during the fast acceleration of the starter armature and that also is responsive to the inertia encountered as a result of providing for a braking or rapid deceleration of the starter armature. The assembly also provides a positive engagement between the drive assembly of the starter motor and the engine member to be rotated during the cranking cycle. Engagement is maintained so long as the motor is energized, even if the engine is running.

Abstract: An electrical machine including an armature rotatable within a housing comprised of a section of tubular ferrous material and methods for producing the housing. At least two alternate magnetic field pole pieces are secured within the housing and at least two intermediate induced pole pieces are formed by deforming the housing to provide inwardly projecting pole pieces intermediate the magnetic field pole pieces, each of the pole pieces conforming to the shape of and closely embracing the armature.