Abstract: A clutch-Brake device, comprising a drive shaft as a driving member, a ring having an inner periphery provided with a surface tapered in an axial direction and coaxially mounted on the drive shaft as a driven member, a plurality of wedges disposed around the drive shaft, each wedge being pivotally mounted on a fulcrum block installed on the inner periphery of the ring, the fulcrum blocks having a tapered surface slidably engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the ring and capable of causing the wedges to move radially toward and away from the drive shaft when the ring is moved axially in one direction or the other. The wedges are adapted to grip the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotating in one direction and the wedges are moved to come into contact with the drive shaft, so that the ring is driven to rotate with the drive shaft, and to disengage the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction, or when the wedges are moved apart from the drive shaft.

Abstract: A self adjusting release mechanism for disengaging a heavy duty friction clutch that is equipped with a clutch brake. As wear occurs on the facing of the clutch disc, portions of the clutch release mechanism are repositioned to compensate for wear without adversely affecting the operation of either the clutch or the clutch brake. The mechanism includes a sleeve that slidably supports a release bearing housing upon the drive shaft and a spider threaded onto the sleeve which is operatively connected to the pressure plate of the clutch via a plurality of release arms. Rearward movement of the bearing housing first disengages the clutch and then causes the housing to physically contact the clutch brake to retard the motion of the shaft. An adjusting mechanism senses wear on the clutch disc and automatically repositions the spider on the sleeve to compensate therefor without affecting the axial alignment between the release bearing housing and the clutch brake.

Abstract: A clutch and brake device for presses, punches, or the like, wherein a drive shaft of the presses or punches may be connected selectively to a flywheel by way of a friction clutch and may be braked with respect to a frame of the press or punch by a friction brake. A bearing for the flywheel is provided at the frame on a tubular extension, with an end section of the drive shaft extending through the tubular extension. The friction clutch and friction brake are arranged on the end section of the drive shaft on a side facing away from the frame at a position beyond the bearing for the flywheel. The friction clutch engages at the flywheel by way of an annular support extending over the friction brake and attached to the flywheel. The friction brake is supported by way of a hollow support extended through the flywheel and encompassing the drive shaft.

Abstract: A clutch-brake assembly adaptable for use in a lawn mower having a rotary blade. The assembly is fully enclosed by a housing (34) secured to the engine. Drive shaft (14) of the engine rotates the input member (20) via keys (22). A conical annular ring (74) has an annular surface (106) engageable with surface (110) of member (20) to rotate output member (28) and the attached blade (90). Self-energizing camming surfaces (80, 82) are employed to insure one-to-one drive between the input and output members. Springs (84) are used to bias ring (74) into engagement with member (20). An axially movable braking ring (54) with limited rotational movement relative to housing (34) is engageable with an annular surface (108) of ring (74). Movement of ring (54) is caused by springs (70) and ramping surfaces similar to those of (80, 82). The assembly employs the same oil used in the reservoir of the engine. Unique connecting means ( 36) are employed to reduce nonrotatable loads on shaft (14).

Abstract: In a clutch-brake mechanism wherein an input member rotates first in one direction and then in the other, an axially shiftable output member, spline-connected to an output shaft, is clutched to the input member while it rotates in one direction and is declutched and braked while the input member rotates in the opposite direction. The output member has a driven clutch element facing in one axial direction for cooperation with a driving clutch element on the input member and has an oppositely facing braking element cooperating with a relatively stationary braking element which, however, is adjustingly rotatable. All said elements have axially projecting circumferentially spaced teeth for slipless torque transmission. A barrel cam rotating in synchronism with the input member control shifting of the output member through a lever that has a fulcrum, a connection with the output member spaced from the fulcrum, and a cam follower portion engaging the cam.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch brake for farm work machinery or other apparatus is provided comprising a member attached rotatably to an output shaft extending from a member fixed to an engine mounting, a clutch plate disposed between a drum rotatably together with said output shaft and the fixed member, a disc plate mounted on the clutch plate in face-to-face relation to the fixed member, a brake plate disposed between the disc plate and the clutch plate toward the fixed plate, a clutch spring provided for biasing the clutch plate toward the drum, and a fly-weight mounted on the clutch plate. The fly-weight is adapted to be expanded by a centrifugal force until it is placed in engagement with the drum. With such an arrangement, when a push is given to the brake plate against the pressure spring, the disc plate is spaced away from the fixed member with subsequent disengagement of the brake plate out of the disc plate, thereby urging the fly-weight upon the drum .

Abstract: A transmission for an automotive vehicle, including an auxiliary speed change device of a planetary gear mechanism type, which provides two speed stages and is automatically shifted between the two speed stages by a hydraulic fluid control system according to the operational conditions of the vehicle, and a main speed change device which is connected in series to the auxiliary speed change device, and which includes a gear transmission mechanism, which is manually shiftable between several speed stages.

Abstract: A helical spring clutch-brake unit in which the spring is prevented from wrapping down and momentarily engaging the clutch if the output member of the clutch is manually turned while the clutch is disengaged.

Abstract: An axially displaceable brake element is arranged in facing relation to an operating element which is pivotable through a predetermined circumferential angle, with clutch balls engaged in grooves having slanted bottoms and formed in mutually facing side surfaces of the brake element and the operating element. Pivoting of the operating element causes displacement of the brake element relative to the operating element. A friction plate is spline-fitted on an output hub so as to be displaced only in the axial directions and arranged selectively for frictional contact with the brake element or the operating element. Displacement of the brake element toward the operating element causes frictional engagement of the friction plate with an input hub to obtain engagement of the clutch, while displacement of the brake element away from the operating element causes frictional engagement of the friction plate with the brake element to obtain disengagement of the clutch and braking of the output hub.

Abstract: A clutch/brake mechanism designed to reduce the possibility of its clutch and brake components being engaged simultaneously that includes axially fixed clutch and brake members (80 and 33) spaced from one another relative to the drive shaft (21) of a power source, and an axially movable carrier (65) arranged about the drive shaft. The carrier has wall surfaces defining a movable brake element (75) and a movable clutch element (76), the former being engageable with the fixed brake member (33) when the carrier is in one position and the latter being engageable with the clutch member (80 ) when the carrier is moved to another position.

Abstract: An apparatus which automatically prevents the rotation of a rotary blade or the like when a power plant is operating at idling speed and which drivingly engages the rotary blade when the power plant is driven at a predetermined speed which is greater than idling speed. The apparatus includes a housing having a generally frusto-conical portion and a brake shoe which engages a fixed brake band under spring pressure when the power plant is at idling speed and a plurality of weights which move outwardly by centrifugal action into engagement with the housing to move the housing away from the brake shoe and provide a drive connection to a rotary blade when the speed of rotation of the power plant is increased a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A brake and clutch mechanism for a rotary type lawn mower or the like in which first friction element (25) carried by a rotor member (24) is rotatable with the working element or blade (14) and is resiliently urged by springs (26) into clutching engagement with a clutch member (27) rotated by the driving shaft (13) of the mower, and in which second friction elements (32) are resiliently urged radially outward by springs (36) into braking engagement with a braking surface (24A) of said rotor member (24).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combined clutch and brake comprising a drive assembly including a driving member rotatable about an axis and a driving disk fixedly extending on the driving member for common rotation therewith and against axial movement therebetween, a driven assembly mounted on the drive assembly for relative rotation therebetween and against axial movement of the driven assembly, a ring member located in encircling relation to the driving member between the disk and the driven assembly and including an upper surface having an annular friction pad including a radially inner portion in facing relation to the disk and a radially outer portion, a spring biasing the ring axially towards the disk for driving engagement by the disk with the inner portion of the friction pad, a brake member fixed against rotary movement and movable axially between a retracted position and a braking position engaged with the outer portion of the friction pad so as to disengage the ring from the disk against the action of the s

Abstract: An assembly for effecting driving or braking of a rotatable working element hich tube may be operatively connected to the powered rotary shaft, and passes through a central bore in the adaptor plate and has a collar that is dimensioned so that it cannot pass through the central bore. A spring biases the adaptor plate and drive plate apart. When the adaptor plate is connected to a working element, such as a rotary lawn mower blade, and the adaptor tube and drive plate are connected to the rotary shaft, by moving the adaptor plate with respect to the drive plate and a stationary housing portion in a direction parallel to the rotary shaft, braking or clutching is provided by engagement of a friction ring with the housing portion or drive plate, respectively. The adaptor tube, actuation plate, adaptor plate, and drive plate comprise a subassembly for ease of construction and mounting.

Abstract: An over-the-road type vehicle for transport and powering of a seismic hydraulic vibrator which is adapted to operate in either one of two modes of operation. A first mode is the conventional mode wherein the vehicle is operated over large distances at varying road speeds, obtained by use of multiple gear ratios, and varying engine speeds. The second mode of operation is in a single value of road speed, with engine under control of a governor, to operate at constant high speed, and the movement of the vehicle is by successive short traverses at constant speed. In this second mode of operation the single engine alternately powers the hydraulic vibrator, and with the engine still at high speed, then moves the vehicle to a new vibration point a short distance away. A high energy efficiency is provided by the use of a mechanical, rather than hydraulic drive system, and a high time efficiency is provided by a novel style of clutch that can start the vehicle from rest with the engine at maximum speed.

Abstract: A clutch and brake mechanism for a rotary type lawn mower or the like in which a brake plate (28) is movable away and toward friction elements (27) to engage the same, which friction elements (27) are also engageable by a clutch plate (16), the surfaces of the friction elements (27) being arranged to provide that braking and clutching may occur alternately.

Abstract: Pilot torque is transmitted from the input member to the output member of a clutch when a shoe is pressed axially against the input member. When initially turned by the input member, the shoe causes a helical spring to wrap down on angularly spaced shoe segments and to contract the shoe segments into radial gripping engagement with the input member. The shoe segments engage angularly spaced drive lugs on the output member to transmit torque to the output member.

Abstract: The invention includes a combined clutch and brake mechanism for use in lawn mowers and other machines having a cutting means driven by a rotatably driven drive shaft. The combined clutch and brake mechanism includes a clutch member driven by the drive shaft. A brake member is spaced from the clutch member and is fixedly connected to the housing. A drive member is disposed between the clutch member and the brake member and is movable between a drive position wherein the drive member frictionally engages the clutch member and is rotatably driven by the clutch member and a brake position wherein the drive member frictionally engages the brake member and is restrained against movement. A linkage is provided for selectively moving the drive member between the drive position and the brake position.

Abstract: A combination blade clutching and braking mechanism for insuring the safer operation of rotary lawn mowers. The clutching and braking safety mechanism automatically disengages a power clutch while the brake is being engaged. Conversely, when the mower is to be operated, the mechanism automatically disengages the brake and engages the clutch. There is a provision for a dead man control wherein the brake engages automatically and the clutch is disengaged automatically should the operator accidentally lose control of the mower.

Abstract: A drive arrangement is disclosed for producing oscillation of a washing machine agitator and rotation of the basket for the spin cycle. The arrangement consists of a DC motor having an oscillating mode and a unidirectional rotation mode, the motor driving a mechanically shifted transmission, including a planetary gear set driving the washing machine agitator during the oscillation mode of the motor. A gear case is clutched to the washing machine basket during the spin cycle to produce direct drive of the basket during unidirectional rotation of the motor. The transmission shifter arrangement is operated by an incremental rotation of the drive motor which causes a cam follower-shifter member to be axially displaced from a neutral position to produce either a spin or agitate drive condition of the transmission.

Abstract: A clutch-brake device for cutting machines disclosed herein has a first cover secured to the bottom of the engine case and a second cover rotatably fitted over an output shaft which is connected to an engine and projects from the first cover. A cutting blade is secured to the bottom of the second cover. A brake plate and a clutch plate are provided immediately above and below a disk mounted on the output shaft for rotation therewith, and are connected together at their peripheries. The clutch plate is urged by a spring toward the disk. One of the clutch plate and the brake plate has a plurality of guide pieces projecting from the outer periphery thereof and slidably fitted into a plurality of axial recesses formed in the second cover. A brake lever is provided on the first cover immediately above the brake plate for rotation and axial sliding movement.

Abstract: Device for connecting a driving element to a driven element so as to be locked against mutual rotation, and for separating the same, including a friction disc having two friction surfaces, the disc being fixed against radial movement and shiftable in axial direction, a device for stopping the axial shift of the disc in direction away from the driving element, the driven element being in the form of axially shiftable friction parts being coaxial and engageable with the friction disc and rotatable relative thereto, each of the friction parts having a counter-friction surface disposed thereon, a connecting device for transmitting torque between the friction parts, the connecting device being elastic in axial direction and stiff in direction of rotation of the friction parts, and a device for disengaging one of the friction parts from the friction disc.

Abstract: A rotary mower having a drive assembly which provides automatic de-clutching and prompt braking of the mower blade to a stop when the device is left unattended, while the engine keeps running. A blade carrier is mounted on an anti-friction bearing at the lower end of the drive shaft. A driving hub is secured to the drive shaft at a level above the anti-friction bearing. A shiftable shell of upwardly facing bowl shape surrounds the drive hub and defines a clutch space. Mounted on the hub in the clutch space is a stack of clutch discs made up of a set of driving discs keyed to the hub and an interposed set of driven discs keyed to the interior of the shell. The blade holder is keyed to the lower surface of the shell. A set of springs on the blade holder urges the shell upwardly in a direction to apply clutching pressure to the discs for driving of the blade. The shell has an annular lip or flange around its upper edge having a friction surface thereon.

Abstract: Shift control apparatus for a multiple speed, sliding gear manual transmission is characterized by the provision of a main shift rail which is rotatable for crossover selection and axially slidable for engaging the selected gear. A synchronizing clutch/brake mechanism is axially slidable in one direction for engaging a forward speed ratio and in another direction for braking and releasing the transmission countershaft. A reverse idler gear is axially slidable in said one direction for engaging a reverse speed ratio. Linkage is provided for sliding the mechanism in said one direction upon axial sliding movement of the main shift rail in a first direction, and for sliding the mechanism in said other direction and the reverse idler gear in said one direction upon axial sliding movement of the main shift rail in a second direction.

Abstract: Torque is transmitted from the input member of a clutch to a primary shoe when the primary shoe is pressed into frictional engagement with the input member by compression springs. When initially turned by the input member, the primary shoe moves a series of balls angularly along inclined ramps to cause a secondary shoe to shift into frictional engagement with the input member and transmit torque to the output member of the clutch. A brake acts through the shoes to retard the output member when the clutch is disengaged.

Abstract: A clutch and brake apparatus (2) includes a drive member (8) and a driven member (14) axially fixed to drive member (8). An array (50) of friction discs (52 and 54) is axially movable in a clutch chamber (22) in driven member (14). Friction discs (52) continuously engage drive member (8). Springs (48) force array (50) into engagement with thrust surface (60) on driven member (14) to couple driven member (14) to drive member (8). The driving connection is broken by a movable shell (66) which engages against the lowermost friction disc (54) through pins (74) to selectively move array (50) downwardly against the force of the springs (48). Shell (66) is moved downwardly by fingers (86) which also engage against a brake pad (76) on shell (66) to stop rotation of driven member (14).

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed for providing drive to a washing machine agitator and basket to produce slow speed agitator oscillation and relatively high speed rotation of the basket for spin extraction. The transmission input shaft is driven by a drive motor and operated for either reversing or unidirectional rotation to produce the agitator oscillation and basket spin, respectively. The input shaft is drivingly connected to an agitator power shaft through reduction gearing carried in a gear case, while the gear case is secured to the washing machine basket. A clutch-brake arrangement alternatively causes braking of the gear case to the transmission housing or couples the gear case to the input shaft to produce the high speed drive of the basket through the gear case, or alternatively producing a low speed oscillation of the agitator by drive through the reduction gearing.

Abstract: A combination blade clutching and braking mechanism for insuring the safer operation of rotary lawn mowers. The clutching and braking safety mechanism automatically disengages a power clutch while the brake is being engaged. Conversely, when the mower is to be operated, the mechanism automatically disengages the brake and engages the clutch. There is a provision for a dead man control wherein the brake engages automatically and the clutch is disengaged automatically should the operator accidentally lose control of the mower.

Abstract: An overdrive for motor vehicles is disclosed which comprises a planetary carrier joined to an input shaft, a ring gear with internal teeth, said ring gear engaging planet pinions carried on the planet carrier and being joined to an output shaft, and a sun pinion engaging the planet pinions. A one-way clutch is disposed between the housing of the overdrive and the sun pinion and is arranged to lock the sun pinion to the housing when driving torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft. A second clutch is disposed to lock the sun pinion to the ring gear when engaged, the one-way clutch having a control which cooperates with an operator for the second clutch to suspend the blocking function of the one-way clutch before the second clutch is engaged.

Abstract: The blades of a rotary lawn mower are driven by a constantly rotating shaft through a clutch-brake assembly which, when the operator leaves the operating station of the mower such as the mower handles, automatically disengages the blades from the shaft and brakes the blades while permitting the shaft to continue to rotate. The clutch-brake assembly is self-energizing and normally is engaged but is held in the disengaged condition by an actuator which also is self-energized and which initially is energized by a spring. The latter is effective to disengage the clutch and actuate the brake thereby to prevent the blades from rotating until the operator moves a manual member at the operating station to overcome the spring which initially energizes the actuator. This de-energizes the actuator so that the brake is disengaged and the clutch is engaged whereby the shaft rotates the blades.

Abstract: A power transmission device for a power-operated lawn mowing machine, in which a rotational shaft for a prime mover and a rotational shaft for a cutting blade are interlocked with a friction clutch to be engaged and disengaged each other by an operating lever, and a disc brake to apply braking action to the cutting blade at the time of the clutch disengagement is provided between the movable engaging member of the clutch and a fixed member at the side of the prime mover.

Abstract: A combined clutch and brake mechanism for use in such applications as power lawnmowers. During actuation of a manual control the brake is released and power is transmitted from the engine to the blade carrier. If the manual control is released, power transmission is disabled and braking is initiated, the braking being maximized by the very motion of the member being braked. The invention is also shown in a form adaptable for use in general power transmission applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combined brake and clutch comprising a drive member, a driven member mounted for coaxial rotation relative to the drive member, interengageable friction disks extending from each of the drive members and the driven member, a spring biasing the driven member to drivingly engage the friction disks, and a brake member engageable with the driven member for displacing the driven member against the action of the spring to permit disengagement of the friction disks and for braking rotation of the driven member.

Abstract: A method for the slip-free hauling of a rope, or similar, flexible force transmitting element, comprises guiding, moving, and controlling the rope over and/or by ways of a clamping roller or pulley resulting in a looping angle of less than 360.degree.. The rope may be moved and controlled either directly by hand or with a control device. A slip-free hauling apparatus comprises a housing, a clamping pulley, a relative and/or an absolute arresting system, in an operating or control device, a gearing system and a brake clutch. The gearing system is used to step down the force of the rope. The control device is used to modify the slippage of the rope. An auxiliary device initiates and controls the braking, releasing, and arresting of the rope.

Abstract: A control unit comprises a frame member, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the frame member, a lever member slidably mounted on the drive shaft, a shift rod secured to the lever member, locking means fitting around the drive shaft, a drive member turnably supported by the drive shaft and having a toothed portion and a circular outer peripheral edge, a clutch actuating member having a toothed portion meshable with the toothed portion of the drive member and inwardly curved locking edges, a clutch rod pivoted to the clutch actuating member, a driven member secured to the drive shaft, a drive pin mounted on the driven member, a throttle operating member turnably supported by the frame member and having a cam aperture slidably receiving the drive pin therein, and a throttle rod pivoted to the throttle operating member. The control unit operates the clutch and throttle mainly of a marine engine by a single lever and has an improved waterproof structure.

Abstract: This knob assembly comprises a knob housing slidable on a body contained therein, and fixed to a centrally located control shaft. The body has means controlled by springs, to frictionally engage a disc non-rotatably keyed to a panel for said control shaft. Normally the knob housing can be freely spun, but when it is pushed in, it is lockingly engaged with the body whereby rotation of the pushed in knob housing will rotate the shaft with friction drag imposed on rotation of the shaft to thereby prevent inadvertent rotation of the shaft after setting of the angular position of the shaft. A spring causes the knob housing to pull out to disengage the knob housing from the body, to allow the knob housing to substantially spin freely again. The springs which cause friction between the body and the keyed disc, are stronger than the spring which pulls the knob housing out or returns it to normal when the knob housing is released.

Abstract: A power transfer mechanism incorporates a planetary or epicyclic gear set which may be shifted between high and low-range conditions to establish direct drive and reduction ratio drive modes. The ring and planet gears are unloaded in high, thus avoiding vibration and wear commonly experienced when running locked up. The carrier defines an output member within which the planetary assembly is nested, thereby providing a shortened installation length for this type of unit. A shifting sleeve under the ring gear bearing support further shortens installation length. The sleeve includes a floating shift collar which does not disengage from the ring gear, thus eliminating one set of mesh points commonly encountered in this type of range selection.

Abstract: A sealed oil-contaning clutch having a novel release mechanism. Instead of having the usual externally located bearing, the release mechanism employs a thrust bearing located inside the sealed clutch enclosure. This results in a saving in space and cost, and since the bearing is exposed to the oil, its life expectancy is increased. The clutch also has but a single cover member which serves as both a structural and a sealing member.

Abstract: A clutch assembly is disclosed in which an annular floater plate is mounted between a pair of pressure plates adapted to be engaged and disengaged with the floater plate to connect an engine-driven flywheel with a drive shaft. A plurality of shock canister units are mounted about the circumference of the floater plate and each canister unit includes an annular shock pad of a resilient material contained within a rigid cylindrical shell which in turn is mounted for axial sliding movement within arcuate sockets formed in the floater plate rim. The spindle of a drive bolt is mounted within each of the shock pads and the bolts in turn are threadably mounted on the flywheel so that upon engagement of the clutch assembly shock forces are absorbed by the canister units. The inner radius of the floater plate is isolated from the drive shaft for minimizing wobble which could otherwise occur due to misalignment of the elements, and thereby minimize friction and heat build-up.

Abstract: This specification discloses a transmission clutch brake for use in a torque delivery gear system. A rotatable clutch disc driven by an input shaft and selectively engageable by a pressure plate carries a pair of plates. The plates embrace a brake plate carrying friction material on opposite faces thereof. Upon disengagement of the pressure disc from the clutch plate one of said plates of said pair is moved axially relative to the other thereof in a clamping manner to grip the brake plate against rotation. The latter brake plate is connected to a stationary splined hub utilizing a snap ring. The ring acts as a torsion spring and permits limited slight rotation of the brake plate and clutch disc clamped thereto as well as the input shaft to facilitate meshing of gears of the transmission.