Abstract: A novel dual-mode two-way clutch is provided which is capable of locking two relatively rotatable members from being rotated in any one of first and second directions opposite to each other, but which when an external force is applied, the clutch is in position to allow the rotatable members to rotate relative to each other in any one of the first and second directions. This dual-mode two-way clutch includes generally V-shaped cam faces 6 defined in an outer peripheral surface of an inner race 1 and a circumferentially extending raceway 2a defined in an inner peripheral surface of an outer race 2. A plurality of rolling elements 3 are interposed between the cam faces 6 and the raceway 2a in frictional engagement therewith for locking the relative rotation of the inner and outer races 1 and 2. When each of the rolling elements 3 is held in the corresponding cam face 6 at a location intermediate thereof, gaps are formed between the rolling elements 3 and the outer race 2 or cam faces 6 in a radial direction.

Abstract: A one-way clutch having a lock-up function, comprises an outer race, an inner race radially spaced apart from the outer race and disposed within the outer race concentrically for relative rotation, a cam surface provided on an inner peripheral surface of the outer race or an outer peipheral surface of the inner race, a track surface provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner race or the inner peripheral surface of the outer race in a confronting relationship to the cam surface, a plurality of roller members disposed between the outer race and the inner race and adapted to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race, springs for biasing the roller members toward one circumferential direction, a side plate for holding the roller members and the springs with predetermined intervals along a circumferential direction, and a control member for acting on the roller members to effect lock-up control, and wherein the control member controls the one-way clutch to lock up the one-way clutch in b

Abstract: A rotation transmission device including a clutch having an inner member, an outer ring, and engaging elements provided between the inner member and the outer ring for selective transmission and shutoff of rotation power between the inner member and the outer ring, and an electromagnetic clutch having an electromagnetic coil for locking and disengaging the clutch. When the clutch is not engaged, a current of a lower level than required to lock the clutch is supplied to the electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic clutch to shorten the response time. In another method, when DIRECT-CONNECT 4WD mode is selected, a current is intermittently supplied to an electromagnetic coil to reduce power consumption and heat buildup.

Abstract: A bi-directional one-way clutch mechanism with a compliant cage member. The clutch mechanism has a plurality of roller members positioned between inner and outer race members. A compliant cage member is also positioned between the race members and acts to hold the roller members in place and also to reduce the magnitude of loads applied to the roller members when the clutch mechanism is engaged. The roller members are positioned in windows in the cage members and integral spring-like leaf segments are positioned in each of the windows on either side of the roller members. One or two spring-like members, together with one or more recesses between each of the windows and roller members provide resiliency for the cage mechanism. The compliant cage device reduces the magnitude of the loads applied to the clutch mechanism and prevent fatigue fracture and premature failure of the cage device.

Abstract: A gear mechanism containing a clutch assembly made of an outer member and an inner member wherein the rotation of the inner member is less than one revolution. The inner member has a chord surface, and when inserted in the outer member a wedge shaped space is created. Rolling elements are mounted in the wedge shaped space such that when there is rotation of one of the members, the rolling elements are driven into one of the corners of the wedge shaped space causing the inner member to rotate with the outer member. A protrusion at a fixed location is used to dislodge the rollers. With the rollers dislodged, the inner member ceases rotation. Four embodiments are disclosed. In the first embodiment, two magnetic rollers are used to provide an engagement mechanism between the rollers and the corner of the wedge shape. The second embodiment discloses a single magnetized roller. The third embodiment discloses a spring separator positioned perpendicular to the chord to position two non-magnetic rollers.

Abstract: A novel dual-mode two-way clutch is provided which is capable of locking two relatively rotatable members from being rotated in any one of first and second directions opposite to each other, but which when an external force is applied, the clutch is in position to allow the rotatable members to rotate relative to each other in any one of the first and second directions. This dual-mode two-way clutch includes generally V-shaped cam faces 6 defined in an outer peripheral surface of an inner race 1 and a circumferentially extending raceway 2a defined in an inner peripheral surface of an outer race 2. A plurality of rolling elements 3 are interposed between the cam faces 6 and the raceway 2a in frictional engagement therewith for locking the relative rotation of the inner and outer races 1 and 2. When each of the rolling elements 3 is held in the corresponding cam face 6 at a location intermediate thereof, gaps are formed between the rolling elements 3 and the outer race 2 or cam faces 6 in a radial direction.

Abstract: An acceleration sensitive double overrunning clutch is directionally preset by a change in speed, i.e., acceleration, rather than relative rotation. The clutch is especially adapted for use in power transmission devices such as motor vehicle transfer cases. The clutch includes a plurality of rollers disposed in a like plurality of spaces having symmetrically arranged oblique walls formed by adjacent portions of an inner member and a concentric outer member. The rollers are arranged within a spacing cage which is coupled to an annular weight. A speed change, i.e., acceleration or deceleration, shifts the weight and presets the cage and rollers to function in their engaged or overrunning modes in one direction or the other depending upon the direction of such acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spring energized cage centering device for a bi-directional overrunning clutch. The clutch includes an inner race, an outer race, and a cage disposed between them. A biasing member is disposed between a cavity formed in the outer periphery of the inner race and a pocket formed in the inner periphery of the cage which permits rotational movement between the inner race and the cage, but rotationally biases the cage with respect to the inner race toward a neutral position. In one preferred embodiment, the cavity extends through the centerpoint of the inner race to form two openings in the inner race, the biasing member extending through the cavity and radially outwardly from the openings to engage the cage at two different circumferential locations.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch is disclosed for controlling torque transmission between a secondary drive shaft and secondary driven shafts. The overrunning clutch includes a pinion input shaft in a differential housing that engages with a clutch housing rotatably disposed within the differential housing. At least one race is located adjacent to the clutch housing and is engaged with an output shaft. A cage is located between the race and the clutch housing. The cage is movable with respect to the clutch housing. A first coil is mounted within the differential housing adjacent to the cage and is adapted to produce an electromagnetic field when energized which causes the cage to drag with respect to the clutch housing. The dragging of the cage with respect to the clutch housing positions the cage to engage the clutch housing with the race when wheels on a primary drive shaft lose traction. A second coil is mounted within the differential housing adjacent adjacent to the cage.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having driving and driven members with concentric cylindrical surfaces and which are independently rotatable about a common axis. A plurality of recesses are formed in the cylindrical surface of the driving member. The recesses include ramp surfaces which extend to the cylindrical surface. Roller elements are positioned in each of the recesses and a retainer, which is also independently rotatable about the axis, circumferentially interconnects the roller elements together. The retainer causes the rollers to move substantially in unison with one another and a biasing member individually biases each roller element into its respective recesses. During relative acceleration of the driving member relative to the driven member, the roller elements move along and up the ramp surfaces to a position where they become wedged between the driving and driven members. When wedged, torque can be transferred through the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an inner rotatable member 1, an outer rotatable member 2 serving as an output shaft, a plurality of rollers 3 serving as torque transmission members disposed between the Inner and outer rotatable members, and a retainer 4 serving as an Input shaft. The retainer 4 Is connected to a motor 7, which serves as an input source, through a wore and wormwheel mechanism 6. A viscous fluid, e.g., a highly viscous fluid 10 such as silicone oil, is sealed In a clearance between the Inner rotatable member 1 and a shaft member 8, and a centring spring 12 is interposed between the inner rotatable member 1 and the retainer 4.

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle having two output shafts, a gear reduction assembly, a coupling mechanism and an overrunning roller clutch for selectively producing driving of one shaft only or both shafts concurrently. The coupling mechanism selectively couples one output shaft to either (1) an input shaft, (2) the gear reduction assembly, or (3) a neutral position. The overrunning clutch has an inner race, an outer race, and rollers located between the races. Drag shoes are positioned to frictionally slide on a drag surface of a selectively grounded member to retard the rollers. A resilient band urges the drag shoes against the drag surface. When the drag shoes rotate at a sufficient speed they disengage from the drag surface so as to provide no force to retard the rollers. When the ground member is grounded it provides the drag surface for the drag shoes. When the ground member is ungrounded it is free to rotate and the drag shoes do not provide a drag force to bias the rollers.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus transmits an auxiliary torque from an electric motor to a steering system via a mechanical clutch composed of a plurality of sets of friction clutch mechanisms. At least one of the plural clutch mechanism sets is disengageable in advance to the remaining clutch mechanism set. This means that only a part of the clutch mechanisms can be brought to the disengaged state at an advanced timing. When the selected part of the clutch mechanisms is disengaged, the remaining clutch mechanisms are subjected to an unbalanced force tending to disengage the remaining clutch mechanisms. By the effect of the unbalance force, frictional forces acting in the remaining clutch mechanisms are considerably reduced, so that the remaining clutch mechanisms can be disengaged by a small clutch-disengaging force. Thus, the mechanical clutch as a whole can be disengaged by a smaller manual effort or force than as required when all the clutch mechanisms are disengaged at one time.

Abstract: An automotive power transmission device which can change over the driving mode between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive mode. The device when combined with a differential as an integral unit can be assembled easily. This device includes an axle made up of axially separated first and second portions, a differential coupled to one end of the first portion of the axle and having a differential cover, and a clutch device coupled to the other end of the first portion of the axle which is enclosed in the differential cover. The clutch includes an inner ring connected to the differential, an outer ring connected to a vehicle wheel and rotatably mounted around the inner ring, sprags and cages mounted between the inner and outer rings, a biasing member for biasing and rotating the cages relative to the inner ring, and a locking system for detachably coupling the cage and the outer ring together. While the transfer is set in the two-wheel drive mode, the outer ring is allowed to free-run.

Abstract: A rolling bearing clutch including an inner ring, an outer ring and a plurality of rollers interposed between the track surfaces formed on the inner and outer rings, said rollers are inclined with a predetermined twist angle (.beta.

Abstract: A free-wheeling coupling sensitive to the direction of rotation for a motor vehicle comprises a first ring which constitutes a driving element in a towing mode of the motor vehicle, a second ring which constitutes a driven element in the towing mode, clamping elements which act between the first and second rings to transfer torque in both directions of torque flow, a cage in which the clamping elements are disposed, a fixed friction ring, and a friction element actively connecting the cage to the fixed friction ring. The friction element comprises a plurality of friction segments disposed between the cage and the fixed friction ring, the friction segments being slaved to rotate in the circumferential direction with the cage and being lifted away from the fixed friction ring by centrifugal force when they are caused to rotate at a rotational speed which is greater than a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: A free-wheeling coupling sensitive to the direction of rotation for a motor vehicle comprises a first ring which constitutes a driven element in a towing mode of the vehicle, a second ring which constitutes a driven element in the towing mode, clamping elements (e.g., rollers) which act between the first and second rings to transfer torque between them in both directions of torque flow, a cage in which the clamping elements are disposed, and a friction element acting between the cage and the second ring. The free-wheeling coupling further comprises a fixed switching ring, a cam rotatably mounted on the cage or the first ring, the cam including a control lever, and a spring which urges the control lever into engagement with the fixed switching ring until there is sufficient centrifugal force to lift the control lever out of engagement with the fixed switching ring.

Abstract: A device includes a driven member arranged to be moved to adjusted positions by a driving member. The driving and driven members are arranged to rotate about a common axis of rotation. The driving member is axially movable between first and second axial positions. In its first axial position, the driving member transmits rotational movement to the driven member in both directions of rotation, and the driven member is locked against rotation relative to the driving member. When the driving member is in its second axial position, the driven member is able to rotate relative to the driving member in both directions of rotation. The driven member can be connected to a seat back of an automobile seat, and the driving member can comprise a hand wheel for effecting adjustment of the seat back when the hand wheel is in its first axial position. The seat back is freely movable relative to the hand wheel when the hand wheel is in its second axial position.

Abstract: A clutch for a gearbox comprises an input shaft (2) and an output shaft (3) on each of which pairs of gearwheels (4-9, 13-16) are mounted. The shaft (2, 3) or a clamping roller support (43) mounted on and entrained by the latter has clamping surfaces (17) around its periphery. Clamping rollers (10) are arranged between the clamping surfaces (17) and the inner surfaces (18) of the gearwheels (8, 9, 13-16). Shifter rods (20) arranged on a gear shifting plate (21) project into the spaces between the clamping rollers (10). The gear shifting plate (21) is entrained by first springs (35) on the associated shaft (2, 3) into a first relative position with respect to the shaft and can be displaced against the force of the springs (35) by a sliding piece (39 or 44) into a second relative position with respect to the shaft (2, 3). The sliding pieces (39, 44) are disposed on a synchronizer sleeve (37) mounted on a synchronizing assembly (27, 27', 27") on the shaft (2, 3).

Abstract: A mechanical device to be mounted on a four-wheel drive vehicle capable of transmitting driving force to the rear wheels while the vehicle is being accelerated and cutting off the transmission of driving force to the rear wheels while being braked. This device has an inner member to be coupled in series with a differential or a limited slip differential device, and an outer ring. On the opposite surfaces of the inner member and the outer ring are formed a cylindrical surface and a plurality of cam surfaces, between which are defined wedge-shaped spaces. A retainer is provided between the inner member and the outer ring. It is formed with pockets to receive rollers as engaging elements. A turning effort imparting device is coupled to the retainer through a one-way clutch. A torsion coil spring for producing turning effort is mounted between the retainer and the inner member.

Abstract: A large-diameter retainer and a small-diameter retainer for retaining sprags are mounted between the inner member as the driving member and the outer ring as the driven member. The large-diameter retainer is coupled with the inner member with a play in the direction of rotation. A switch spring is attached to one end of both of the retainers. To the other end, a turning effort imparting mechanism is coupled through a one-way clutch. The outer ring is coupled with the output shaft with a play in the direction of rotation which is set to be larger than the abovesaid play. When the inner member rotates, the large-diameter retainer will rotate first to tilt the sprags. After the play in the direction of rotation has disappeared, the coupling member between the outer ring and the output shaft will rotate. Thus, the sprags are always brought to correct ready-to-engage positions.

Abstract: A relatively light duty cone type clutch suitable for use in window blind or shade mechanisms is disclosed. As contrasted with conventional cone type clutches, the disclosed embodiment includes a plurality of radially arranged conically shaped rollers which are maintained in position by a spider forming part of a motion input pulley. The rollers are urged into engaged condition between a fixed clutch body and a polygonally shaped motion output core. The clutch is maintained in engaged condition by residual torque upon the output core provided by the weight of the unwound portion of the shade or blind. Upon the occurrence of rotary motion imparted to the pulley in either direction, the movement of the spider dislodges the rollers in an axial direction from engagement with the clutch body, following which motion is transmitted through the spider and rollers directly to the output core. When motion ceases, the rollers are returned to static position by a pressure washer carried by the spider.

Abstract: A rotation transmitting device has an input shaft coupled to the transmission of the engine of a four-wheel drive vehicle and an output shaft coupled to the rear wheel differential. The input and output shafts are mounted rotatably and concentrically relative to each other. An outer ring is rotatably mounted around the input shaft and a cage is rotatably mounted between the opposed surfaces of the input shaft and the outer rink and formed with a plurality of pockets. Engaging elements are mounted in the pockets and adapted to engage the opposed surfaces when the cage and the input shaft rotate relative to each other. Resilient members are mounted in the pockets to keep the engaging elements out of engagement with the opposed surfaces. The cage and the output shaft are coupled to the input shaft with a gap left therebetween in the direction of rotation so as to be rotatable to,ether. The input and output shafts are kept in a neutral position of the above gap by a retaining member.

Abstract: A torque transmission device has an outer ring and an input shaft rotatably mounted in the outer ring. The outer ring and the input shaft are formed with engaging surfaces so as to be opposite to each other. A cage is rotatably mounted between the engaging surfaces and provided with pockets. The engaging elements are mounted in the pockets and adapted to engage the engaging surfaces when the input shaft and the cage rotate either in a normal or reverse direction relative to each other. Elastic members are mounted in the pockets to hold the engaging elements in a position where they are not engaged. A control shaft is mounted coaxially and rotatably with respect to the input shaft. The cage and the input shaft are coupled together through the control shaft so that a turning torque can be transmitted therebtween. A gap is provided in the direction of rotation at a coupling portion between the input shaft and the control shaft.

Abstract: A two-way free-wheeling clutch is formed between a drive shaft and a driven shaft concentric with and encircling at least a portion of the drive shaft that is formed by axially extending substantially chord forming portions. The chord forming portions cooperate with circular bearings interposed between the portions and a circumferential surface of the encircling portion of the driven shaft to drive the driven shaft from the drive shaft. Drive of the driven shaft by the drive shaft is obtained by relatively positioning the bearings and the portions so the bearings are toward the radial extremities of their respective chord portions a driving wedge is formed with the inner circumferential surface of the driven shaft. When the portions and the bearings are shifted to relatively position the bearings closer to the centre of the chord forming portions i.e. minimum radial position on the chord free rotation of the driven shaft freewheeling of the driven shaft is permitted.

Abstract: A driving force transmission device for a vehicle has a homokinetic joint having an outer ring and a clutch device having an outer ring coupled to the outer ring of the homokinetic joint. An input shaft is rotatably inserted in the outer rings. A cage is rotatably mounted between opposed surfaces of the outer rings and the input shaft. The cage has pockets. Engaging elements are mounted in the pockets. They are adapted to engage the opposed surfaces when the input shaft and the cage rotate relative to each other either clockwise or counterclockwise. Elastic members are mounted in the pockets to keep the engaging elements in a not-engaged position. The cage and the input shaft are coupled together with a gap extending in the direction of rotation formed therebetween so as to be rotatable together. A differential member are mounted on the cage or the input shaft to produce a difference in rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A retainer retaining a plurality of rollers therein so as to permit their slight movement in a radial direction is disposed between cam grooves provided on the outer periphery of an inner cam secured to a rotary shaft and a roller abutment surface formed on the inner periphery of a gear relatively rotatably carried on the rotary shaft, and a dowel-admission groove is defined in a side of the retainer. A dowel provided in a sleeve can enter the dowel-admission groove. The groove is defined between the adjacent rollers retained in the retainer, or at least part of the inner cam, the rollers and the retainer are disposed in a recess made in the gear, thereby achieving a reduction in axial dimension of a roller synchro mechanism.

Abstract: A clutch having an outer ring, an inner shaft mounted in the outer member, a cage interposed between the outer ring and the inner shaft and cam members movably mounted in pockets formed in the cage. A torque-setting elastic member is provided between the cage and one of the outer ring and the inner shaft so that while the torque on the elastic member is smaller than a preset value, they will rotate in unison with some clearance left therebetween in the direction of rotation. When the torque on the elastic member gets larger than the preset value, the elastic member deforms to allow the cage to turn relative to the member engaged therewith. Now, the cam elements are pushed by the cage into engagement with both cam surfaces formed on the inner periphery of the outer member and the other periphery of the inner member, thus bringing the two members into engagement. This input shaft is rotatably mounted in the outer ring by means of two bearings so as to extend through the outer ring.

Abstract: A transmission having engagement mechanisms which employ an engagement inner having cam surfaces forming the race thereof, an engagement outer having a circular outer race and rollers therebetween. A cage mechanism angularly positions the rollers such that they may be wedged between the cam surfaces and the outer race so as to interlock the engagement inner and outer. Actuator mechanisms are employed which are axially movable to engage and angularly position the cages relative to the engagement inner for controlling the engagement mechanism. A plurality of control systems both electronic and mechanical control the operation of the engagement mechanism so as to require substantially synchronous movement between engaging elements. Alternately, nonsynchronous shifting may be accomplished under power for power or rapid shifting. Clutch inhibit may also be employed to prevent premature reengagement of the clutch before shift complete.

Abstract: A multiple driven axle vehicle, such as a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle having its front, steerable wheels being optionally driven by providing double acting overrunning clutches in the hubs of the front wheels. A transmission mechanism is provided for driving the front, optionally driven wheels slower than the driving surface otherwise drives those wheels so that the slower driven wheels overrun and do not engage when the steerable wheels are turned as the vehicle is driven through a turn, thereby eliminating the need for a differential between the steerable wheels and between the front and rear wheels. The overrunning roller clutches of the optionally driven hubs desirably include an intermittent friction apparatus operative between the roller cage and the vehicle chassis to intermittently exert a force tending to retard rotation of the cage with respect to the chassis, thereby indexing the roller cage and rollers to the forward or reverse engagable position.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a steering torque detecting device for detecting a steering torque applied between an input shaft connected to a steering wheel and an output shaft connected to a steering gear in response to an elastic deformation of an elastic member connecting the input shaft with the output shaft, an electric motor whose rotation is controlled by a control signal from a control device in response to a detecting signal from the steering torque detecting device, and a clutch device interposed between the electric motor and the output shaft and controlling an intermittent transmission of the rotation of the electric motor to the output shaft in response to the elastic deformation of the elastic member. Thereby, it is possible to improve the safety performance, the reliability and the steering wheel feeling of an electric power steering system.

Abstract: A clutch having an outer ring, an inner shaft mounted in the outer member, a cage interposed between the outer ring and the inner shaft and cam members movably mounted in pockets formed in the cage. A torque-setting elastic member is provided between the cage and one of the outer ring and the inner shaft so that while the torque on the elastic member is smaller than a preset value, they will rotate in unison with some clearance left therebetween in the direction of rotation. When the torque on the elastic member gets larger than the preset value, the elastic member deforms to allow the cage to turn relative to the member engaged therewith. Now, the cam elements are pushed by the cage into engagement with both cam surfaces formed on the inner periphery of the outer member and the other periphery of the inner member, thus bringing the two members into engagement. This input shaft is rotatably mounted in the outer ring by means of two bearings so as to extend through the outer ring.

Abstract: A bidirectional clutch for a pulley drive has a rotary cam adapted to be mounted on an upright drive shaft of a motor, a pulley body having a drum portion coaxial with and spaced from the rotary cam, a plurality of rotary bodies positioned in the space between the drum portion and the rotary cam, and a guide member for rotatably supporting the rotary bodies for movement toward and away from the drum portion, a face of the rotary cam being opposed to the drum portion having a cam portion which, upon the cam being rotated relative to the rotary bodies and the drum portion through an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, moves the rotary bodies toward and pressed them into engagement with the drum portion to transmit the rotational force of the motor to the drum portion and the pulley body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve operator which includes a spindle screwed into a sleeve that is seated in a cavity within the housing of the valve operator. The sleeve has a pair of openings therein and the housing has a pair of grooves in its walls. A pair of roller elements, each one seated in a groove and extending through an opening in the sleeve, provide a clutch mechanism. The spindle has recesses which receive the roller elements when the roller elements are aligned therewith. Initial rotation of the spindle within the sleeve causes the sleeve to move linearly until the roller elements are adjacent the recesses, whereupon further rotation of the spindle results in rotation of the sleeve, with the roller elements moving from the groove into the recesses to allow rotation of the sleeve.

Abstract: A clutch having an outer member, an inner member mounted in the outer member, a cage interposed between the outer and inner members and cam elements movably mounted in pockets formed in the cage. Torque-setting elastic members are provided between the cage and one of the inner and outer members so that while the torque on the elastic member is smaller than a preset value, they will rotate in unison with some clearance left therebetween in the direction of rotation. When the torque on the elastic member gets larger than the preset value, the elastic member deforms to allow the cage to turn relative to the member engaged therewith. Now, the cam elements are pushed by the cage into engagement with both cam surfaces formed on the inner periphery of the outer member and the outer periphery of the inner member, thus brining the two members into engagement.

Abstract: An internal overload clutch assembly is provided for connecting rotating and rotatable members during normal operation and for disconnecting same when a maximum predetermined torque is exceeded, all of the operating components being mounted within an enclosed housing and including a rotatable member which is rotatably mounted within the housing and has output means extending outside the housing to perform mechanical operations. A rotating member is rotatably mounted on the rotatable member in the housing and is operatively connected to a power source for predetermined rotational movement thereof.

Abstract: A centrifugally-actuated roller clutch or overrunning clutch acting to engage two shafts rotating independently at different speeds to bring them into engagement in one or both directions at a predetermined rpm. The clutch assembly includes an outer race, a wave hub or inner race, clutch rollers, a spacer ring or spacer blocks to separate the rollers and a garter spring encompassing the rollers. If a freewheeling mode is required in one direction, the spacer ring or blocks are not required, and the wave form of the inner hub controls the overrunning action.

Abstract: A ramp/roller freewheeling clutch (FIG. 2) has a driving member with ramps 19 adapted to wedge rollers 21 against the driving surface 28 of a driven member 29 when the driving member 13 is rotated in the driving direction. The rollers are positioned adjacent the ramps by a primary cage 22, which can be rotated with respect to the driving member 13 so as to force the rollers out of engagement with the ramps 19 and into recesses 20. A secondary cage 39 disposed in fixed relation with the driving member 13 has cam surfaces 37 such that rotation of the primary cage to disengage the rollers forces them up the ramps and locks them in place with the recesses 20 of the driving member 13, thereby to avoid contact with the driven member 29 when the clutch is disengaged.

Abstract: An actuator system for a two-way overrunning roller clutch system includes a resilient torque transfer element which couples a wheel spindle and an aactuator ring. The torque transfer element minimizes potential damage due to misalignment between actuator and spindle parts. The actuator ring is banded by coiled garter springs to provide for frictional resilient engagement thereof with a clutch friction ring, the latter having its external circumference in mating contact with the internal circumference of the actuator ring. The degree of friction between the actuator and friction rings is controlled by garter spring tension to produce desired clutch actuation response.

Abstract: An automatic coupling or torque transfer device for connecting an input shaft to an output shaft, comprising a double free-wheel system, each of the elementary free wheels functioning for one rotational direction. Cocking of the free wheels is accomplished by means of the control of the rotational direction. The main application is to the transmission of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bi-directional clutch which offers improved reliability. The three main elements are (a) a stationary, planar section having an upstanding circumferential wall, (b) a driving member having a rotatable planar section and an upstanding cylindrical wall around a central bore, the wall having radial slots and being positioned within the circumferential wall of the stationary member, and (c) a hexagonal-shaped member which is to be driven by the driving member, positioned in the bore of the driving member. A plurality of hollow cylindrical rollers are positioned within the slots of the driving member; opposite ends of each roller are adjacent to the planar surfaces of the stationary and driving members. A torque applied to the driving member, in either direction, causes the rollers to move and to bear against the hexagonal-shaped member to drive it.

Abstract: A rotary power transmitting shaft decoupling device has a driving element sposed coaxially within a driven element and keyed thereto by a plurality of rollers held in aligned grooves and slots of the driving and driven elements, respectively, by an indexing ring that is coaxial with and surrounds the driven element. Actuation to effect decoupling is effected by arresting rotation of the indexing ring until the rollers become aligned with slots in the ring through which the rollers are ejected.

Abstract: A free wheel hub mechanism is made up of a body secured to a wheel and an inner race rotatable with an axle shaft and having a plurality of cam surfaces at its outer periphery, a plurality of rollers held by a cage arranged between the body and the inner race, the rollers being urged ouwards by the cam surfaces so as to be squeezed against the body when the inner race is rotated with the shaft. The squeezing of the rollers causes them to rotate with the inner race thereby to rotate the wheel. Also provided are means for restraining the rotation of the cage, including a plurality of shoes between which a plurality of projections provided on an innermost portion of the cage are arranged, a shoe receiving member secured to a non-rotatable spindle sleeve which houses the shaft and which has a receiving surface on which the shoes may slide, and an annular spring means urging the shoes against the receiving surface.

Abstract: A clutch adapted for use in a four-wheel drive vehicle or the like and between concentric driving and driven members having a plurality of axially extending grooves opening radially toward the other member. A plurality of rollers are disposed within the grooves. Torque responsive means moves the rollers radially out of the grooves to one edge thereof and into contact with the driven member, thereby locking the driven member to the driving member whenever the driving member rotates faster or slower than the driven member. Means responsive to the driven member rotation displaces the rollers from one edge of the grooves to a position on the opposite edge of the grooves and into re-engagement with the driven member, thereby locking the driven member to the driving member whenever the driving member attempts to rotate slower than the driven member.

Abstract: A shaft decoupler wherein driving and driven components having grooved fles are keyed together by rollers held in the grooves by lands between recesses of a retaining assembly that normally rotates with the mentioned components and is momentarily arrested to allow the driving and driven components to advance the roller carrying grooves to alignment with the recesses to effect decoupling. The decoupler is characterized by the use of high strength plastic rollers, cooperating indexing elements to limit relative rotation between the driving component and the retaining assembly, and a solid lubricant filled plastic thrust and journal bearing.

Abstract: A novel torque exchange coupling for transmitting rotational mechanical power is described. The coupling includes a torque receiving member, a torque transmitting member and means for conveying rotational mechanical power between the torque transmitting and receiving members. Typically, the torque receiving member is a housing, a cam or other suitable structure which has a surface comprising a circuitous track. The linear circumference of the track is undulant with respect to its axis of rotation. The torque transmitting member is any suitable rotatable mounting means such as a rotor which is positioned in a rotational power conveying relationship with the undulant track of the torque receiving member. Alternatively, the function of the torque receiving and torque transmitting members can be reversed.

Abstract: A braking device for a remote actuation system includes a plurality of balls or rollers interposed between a surface of a rotary member and a notched external surface of a housing. A cage for the balls or rollers is frictionally engaged with the rotary member so that when the case is free, it rotates with the rotary member and the balls or rollers moving in their notches thereby brake the rotary member. An electromagnetically operable device is coupled to the cage so that when energized it holds the cage in a central position so that braking does not then occur.

Abstract: A pair of bi-directional roller clutches are connected through outer races to separate gear sets and share a common inner race connected to a driven shaft. A shifting member is slidably mounted on the common inner race and is selectively engagable with the retainers of the roller clutches, thereby locking the rollers of the engaged clutch in the free-wheeling mode and releasing the rollers of the other clutch, allowing that clutch to engage when its races are rotating at synchronous speeds and thus drive through its associated gear set.

Abstract: A power transfer mechanism incorporated in a multiple path drive system comprising a transfer case disposed between a source of input torque and a pair of drive axles. In one mode, torque is transferred directly to one drive axle and automatically to the other drive axle through a double-acting overrunning clutch when required. In another mode, torque is transferred to both drive axles in a locked-up condition.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch has a driving member and a driven member with rollers positioned between opposing non-parallel surfaces on the members. An armature operated by an electromagnet has fingers for moving the rollers into frictional engagement with the surfaces when the electromagnet is energized to engage the clutch and for moving the rollers out of engagement with at least one opposing surface when the electromagnet is deenergized to disengage the clutch.