Abstract: The present invention discloses a clutch assembly which is comprised of (1) a cam plate which includes cams which are spaced about a central axis; (2) a rocker plate which includes at least one pocket, wherein the pocket includes a first rocker plate engagement surface and a second rocker plate engagement surface; and (3) at least one rocker which is pivotally situated within the pocket of the rocker plate, (4) a first solenoid, and (5) a second solenoid, wherein the solenoids can be activated or deactivated to allow for the clutch to be in a neutral position (to allow for free rotation in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions), to prevent rotation in a clockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a counterclockwise direction, or to prevent rotation in a counterclockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a clockwise direction.

Abstract: It has been found that duplex monolithic parts can be manufactured in high volume at low cost by using powder metal technology to mold and sinter an inner component of the part into an outer component of the part. This technique reduces the cost of manufacturing intricate metal products by taking advantage of the attributes of powder metal technology in making the inner component of the part. The outer component of the part can be wrought machined, stamped or forged, or made by double press double sinter or forging a powder metal component of the part. In any case, this technique can beneficially be used in making a wide variety of toroid parts, such as gears, clutches, sprags, bearing races, one-way diodes, and the like.

Abstract: By utilizing the technique of this invention, parts such as gears, bearing races, and one-way clutches, which could previously only be made via labor intensive machining procedures can be made utilizing power metal technology. The subject invention provides a method of manufacturing a high strength part which comprised (1) providing an external component having an external profile and an internal profile, wherein the external component is comprised of a forged powder metal or a wrought metal; (2) compacting a powder metal composition within the internal profile of the external component to produce a green internal component having a desired internal profile; and (3) sintering the green internal component within the confines of the external component to produce high strength part, and wherein the internal component is comprised of a powder metal which expands to a greater degree than does the forged power metal or the wrought metal during sintering.

Abstract: It has been found that duplex monolithic parts can be manufactured in high volume at low cost by using powder metal technology to mold and sinter an inner component of the part into an outer component of the part. This technique reduces the cost of manufacturing intricate metal products by taking advantage of the attributes of powder metal technology in making the inner component of the part. The outer component of the part can be wrought machined, stamped or forged, or made by double press double sinter or forging a powder metal component of the part. In any case, this technique can beneficially be used in making a wide variety of toroid parts, such as gears, clutches, sprags, bearing races, one-way diodes, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clutch assembly which is comprised of (1) a cam plate which includes cams which are spaced about a central axis; (2) a rocker plate which includes at least one pocket, wherein the pocket includes a first rocker plate engagement surface and a second rocker plate engagement surface; and (3) at least one rocker which is pivotally situated within the pocket of the rocker plate, (4) a first solenoid, and (5) a second solenoid, wherein the solenoids can be activated or deactivated to allow for the clutch to be in a neutral position (to allow for free rotation in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions), to prevent rotation in a clockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a counterclockwise direction, or to prevent rotation in a counterclockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a clockwise direction.

Abstract: It has been found that duplex monolithic parts can be manufactured in high volume at low cost by using powder metal technology to mold and sinter an inner component of the part into an outer component of the part. This technique reduces the cost of manufacturing intricate metal products by taking advantage of the attributes of powder metal technology in making the inner component of the part. The outer component of the part can be wrought machined, stamped or forged, or made by double press double sinter or forging a powder metal component of the part. In any case, this technique can beneficially be used in making a wide variety of toroid parts, such as gears, clutches, sprags, bearing races, one-way diodes, and the like.

Abstract: A drag block for retaining slips on a tool includes a body having a substantially annular outer surface and a substantially annular inner surface, and a plurality of drag block members resiliently mounted to the substantially annular outer surface. Each of the plurality of drag block members includes a support element and a block element. The support element has a first end fixedly mounted to the substantially annular outer surface and a second, cantilevered end. The drag block is mounted to the second cantilevered end.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clutch assembly which is comprised of (1) a cam plate which includes cams which are spaced about a central axis; (2) a rocker plate which includes at least one pocket, wherein the pocket includes a first rocker plate engagement surface and a second rocker plate engagement surface; and (3) at least one rocker which is pivotally situated within the pocket of the rocker plate, (4) a first solenoid, and (5) a second solenoid, wherein the solenoids can be activated or deactivated to allow for the clutch to be in a neutral position (to allow for free rotation in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions), to prevent rotation in a clockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a counterclockwise direction, or to prevent rotation in a counterclockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a clockwise direction.

Abstract: It has been found that metal parts having rough surfaces can be manufactured by (1) compacting a metal powder under high pressure in a mold to make a green part, wherein at least one face of the mold is roughened by electrical discharge machining to have an Ra of 10 to 200 micro-inches, as measured with a profilometer having a stylus tip, (2) heating the green metal part to a temperature of at least 1500° F. to sinter the green metal part to produce the metal part having at least one rough surface, wherein the rough surface has an Ra which is within the range of 10 to 200 micro-inches, as measured with a profilometer having a chisel tip, and (3) optionally, buffing, classifying, deburring and/or washing the metal part. This method can be beneficially used in manufacturing clutch plates, pressure plates, and cam shaft sprockets.

Abstract: A drag block for retaining slips on a tool includes a body having a substantially annular outer surface and a substantially annular inner surface, and a plurality of drag block members resiliently mounted to the substantially annular outer surface. Each of the plurality of drag block members includes a support element and a block element. The support element has a first end fixedly mounted to the substantially annular outer surface and a second, cantilevered end. The drag block is mounted to the second cantilevered end.

Abstract: An adjustable packing element assembly includes a tubular, and a packing element supported by the tubular. The packing element includes a first end portion and a second end portion. A backup ring is arranged at the first end portion. The backup ring includes a first section mounted to the tubular and a second section extending over the packing element. An expandable ring is mounted to the backup ring. The expandable ring includes a selectively expandable portion. An adjustable sleeve is mounted to the expandable ring. The adjustable sleeve is selectively arranged to constrain an amount of expansion of the selectively expandable portion.

Abstract: It has been found that metal parts having rough surfaces can be manufactured by (1) compacting a metal powder under high pressure in a mold to make a green part, wherein at least one face of the mold is roughened by electrical discharge machining to have an Ra of 10 to 200 micro-inches, as measured with a profilometer having a stylus tip, (2) heating the green metal part to a temperature of at least 1500° F. to sinter the green metal part to produce the metal part having at least one rough surface, wherein the rough surface has an Ra which is within the range of 10 to 200 micro-inches, as measured with a profilometer having a chisel tip, and (3) optionally, buffing, classifying, deburring and/or washing the metal part. This method can be beneficially used in manufacturing clutch plates, pressure plates, and cam shaft sprockets.

Abstract: An adjustable packing element assembly includes a tubular, and a packing element supported by the tubular. The packing element includes a first end portion and a second end portion. A backup ring is arranged at the first end portion. The backup ring includes a first section mounted to the tubular and a second section extending over the packing element. An expandable ring is mounted to the backup ring. The expandable ring includes a selectively expandable portion. An adjustable sleeve is mounted to the expandable ring. The adjustable sleeve is selectively arranged to constrain an amount of expansion of the selectively expandable portion.

Abstract: It has been found that metal parts having rough surfaces can be manufactured by (1) compacting a metal powder under high pressure in a mold to make a green part, wherein at least one face of the mold is roughened by electrical discharge machining to have an Ra of 10 to 200 micro-inches, as measured with a profilometer having a stylus tip, (2) heating the green metal part to a temperature of at least 1500° F. to sinter the green metal part to produce the metal part having at least one rough surface, wherein the rough surface has an Ra which is within the range of 10 to 200 micro-inches, as measured with a profilometer having a chisel tip, and (3) optionally, buffing, classifying, deburring and/or washing the metal part. This method can be beneficially used in manufacturing clutch plates, pressure plates, and cam shaft sprockets.

Abstract: It has been found that high density articles having improved strength, corrosion resistance, better durability, and decent magnetic characteristics can be manufactured from a ferritic stainless steel powder using a novel method. This technique is especially beneficial in manufacturing parts, such as, reluctor rings, tone wheels, trigger wheels, pump impeller blades, and EGR valves, in large quantities. This method involves (1) compacting the ferritic stainless steel powder in a mold into a green article, (2) sintering the green article at an elevated temperature under vacuum or a reducing atmosphere to produce a sintered article, and (3) forging the sintered article under a reducing or an inert gas atmosphere to a density of greater than 7.5 g/cc in the presence of a graphite free lubricant to produce the high density article.

Abstract: An extrusion ring is attached at a mandrel end to a gage ring as well as a softer ring that is disposed between the extrusion ring and the mandrel. The softer ring acts as an extrusion barrier along the mandrel. On setting the softer ring protects a free end of an extrusion ring from contact with the sealing element by extending axially at least as far as the extrusion ring and preferably further. The sealing element being softer than the adjacent softer ring allows the extrusion ring to push the softer ring out past the end of the extrusion ring and allows the softer ring to fill a void space adjacent the free end of the extrusion ring and to the sealing element. Relative motion between the rings at the attachment location is prevented.

Abstract: An articulated debris barrier folds on itself to extend radially to span a surrounding annular gap when the tool associated with it is set. The debris barrier can be used with a packer or bridge plug. The set position of the packer or plug is locked and another lock holds the extended position of the debris barrier. The debris barrier lock can be a snap ring that extends into a groove brought into alignment with it during the setting. Alternatively the lock for the debris barrier can be a body lock ring. In either case, release and retrieval of the packer or plug involves undermining of the locking feature for the debris barrier so that the debris barrier can extend while retracting from the borehole wall so that the barrier and the associated packer or plug can be removed together.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clutch assembly which is comprised of (1) a cam plate which includes cams which are spaced about a central axis; (2) a rocker plate which includes at least one pocket, wherein the pocket includes a first rocker plate engagement surface and a second rocker plate engagement surface; and (3) at least one rocker which is pivotally situated within the pocket of the rocker plate, (4) a first solenoid, and (5) a second solenoid, wherein the solenoids can be activated or deactivated to allow for the clutch to be in a neutral position (to allow for free rotation in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions), to prevent rotation in a clockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a counterclockwise direction, or to prevent rotation in a counterclockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a clockwise direction.