Abstract: In a one-way clutch comprising an outer race having an inner peripheral raceway surface and an inner race disposed in the outer race and having an annular outer peripheral raceway surface, the outer race and the inner race being radially spaced apart from each other and disposed concentrically with each other for rotation relative to each other, a plurality of sprags disposed between the outer race and the inner race for transmitting torque between the outer peripheral raceway surface and the inner peripheral raceway surface, an annular holder for holding the sprags, a spring member for holding the sprags with the holder and biasing the sprags in a meshing direction, and an annular retainer fixed to one of the inner race and the outer race to axially hold the holder, the retainer has a protruding portion protruding axially inwardly, and the protruding portion bears against the axial end portion of the holder.

Abstract: A clutch that connects a first rotating member to a second rotating member in a manner that allows directional rotation between the two members in an engaged mode and free rotation between the members in a disengaged mode. The novelty of this invention lies in the combination of directional rotation (i.e., rotation in one direction) capability with free rotation (i.e., rotation in both directions) capability in a single device.

Abstract: In an annular space between a pulley and a shaft body disposed coaxially with each other, a one-way clutch is interposed in an intermediate range in an axial direction and rolling bearings are disposed on both sides in the axial direction of the one-way clutch. A tightening distance for fitting between the one-way clutch and pulley is set to be smaller than that between the rolling bearing and pulley. Due to this structure, in a condition in which an excessive radial load acts upon the pulley, that radial load acts on not the one-way clutch but the rolling bearings on both sides thereof, so that a clutch operation of the one-way clutch can be carried out stably.

Abstract: A device for the transmission of one-way torque comprising an outer annular member having a plurality of radially inwardly projecting teeth each comprising a driving surface and a cam surface, and a shaft concentrically mounted with respect to the outer annular member and comprising a plurality of drive elements each having a driving surface and a cam surface. Rotation of the shaft or outer annular member in its driving direction causes engagement of a driving surface of at least one drive element with a driving surface of at least one tooth thereby resulting in joint rotation of the shaft and outer annular member. Rotation of the shaft or outer annular member in its non-driving direction causes engagement of the cam surface of at least one drive element with the cam surface of at least one tooth resulting in additional relative movement, substantially radially, between the drive element and tooth, thereby preventing rotational movement being transmitted between the shaft and the outer annular member.

Abstract: An inner ring is shaped in its contour by a cold-shaping treatment and is hardened on its surface by a nitrosulphurizing treatment or a soft-nitriding treatment. As a result, the hardness of the surface of the inner ring is enhanced by the cold-shaping treatment and further by the subsequent hardening treatment. As a result, the inner ring is improved in its wear resistance and its seizure resistance. Moreover, the hardening treatment is effected by the nitrosulphurizing treatment or the soft-nitriding treatment so that it can be suppressed from straining in that treating procedure.

Abstract: A multiple-function mechanical coupling having inner and outer races, the outer race having an internal surface with peripherally spaced pockets defining ramp surfaces, the inner race having an outer surface with peripherally spaced pockets defining ramps that are situated adjacent corresponding ramp surfaces of the outer race. The inner race surrounds a circular torque transfer shaft. The inner race is split to permit radial expansion of the effective diameter of the inner race. A hydrostatic pressure actuator exerts a tangentially directed force on the adjacent ends of the inner race. A plurality of clutch rollers is received in the recesses in the inner surface of the outer race and the outer surface of the inner race whereby the races are locked together and the inner race establishes frictional engagement of the torque delivery.

Abstract: A oneway clutch comprises an inner member, an outer race member, torque transmitting members each provided between the inner member and the outer race member to be displaced between a torque transmitting position and a non torque transmitting position, biasing members each for biasing a corresponding torque transmitting member to the torque transmitting position until a predetermined torque is applied thereto, and a retainer for retaining the torque transmitting members and the biasing members. The retainer comprises a first annular side member, a second annular side member, and pole portions for connecting the first annular side member and the second annular side member in the axial direction, the pole portions, together with the first and second annular side members, defining the apertures for mounting the block bearings. Predetermined pole portions of the retainer are provided with at least two radially protruding portions for supporting the biasing members.

Abstract: An outer ring for a one-way clutch comprises a heat-treated portion a depth of which varies in a direction of a central axis of the outer ring. The heat-treated portion may be located at a raceway surface for torque transmitting members such as sprags.

Abstract: In a resin-made stator comprising an annular plate portion (2) integrally formed toward an inner peripheral direction on an end of a cylindrical portion (1) in an axial direction or at an adjacent portion thereof, and an annular metal fitting (4) integrally held on the inner peripheral end of said cylinder portion (1) by an insert molding, a structure in which no crack is generated in the plate portion (2) even when the resin is shrunken and an excellent durability is given is provided, a desired number of notch portions (3) being provided on the inner peripheral end portion of said plate portion (2) close to the metal fitting end surface and a circumferential continuous end portion (6) having a predetermined inner diameter being provided on the inner peripheral end portion of the opposite end surface to the metal fitting of said plate portion (2) all around the periphery.

Abstract: A crankshaft decoupler has a mounting hub, a pulley rotatably mounted on the mounting hub, an annular carrier mounted within said pulley, a biasing device mounted therebetween, and a one way clutch mounted between the annular carrier and the pulley. The biasing device cushions the belt drive from crankshaft impulses and lowers the angular resonant frequency of the belt system. The one way clutch prevents sudden reversal of the belt tension in the drive due to start/stop of the engine or sudden deceleration of the engine and prevents momentary reverse slip belt squeal as a result of the tensioners' inadequate output for the reverse mode. The one way clutch limits the maximum amount of torque which may be transmitted preventing belt slippage during momentary overload.

Abstract: A flat belt 6 is wound around between an annular friction surface 2 at a periphery of a first rotatable member 1 and an arc-like friction surface 4 of a rocking portion 3 of a second rotatable member 5 which is relatively rotatably supported on the first rotatable member 2, and an initial tension is applied to the flat belt 6. With relative rotation movement between the rotatable members 1 and 5 in a locking or free direction, the rocking portion 3 is rocked around a rocking axis Q by the flat belt 6. By virtue of such rocking movement of the rocking portion 3, the tension of the flat belt 6 is increased up to a higher value than the initial tension or decreased down to a lower value than the initial tension. This permits connection or disconnection of the transmission of torque between the rotatable members 1 and 5 in dependence on the relative rotational direction of the rotatable members 1 and 5.

Abstract: A flat belt 6 is wound around between an annular friction surface 2 at a periphery of a first rotatable member 1 and an arc-like friction surface 4 of a rocking portion 3 of a second rotatable member 5 which is relatively rotatably supported on the first rotatable member 2, and an initial tension is applied to the flat belt 6. With relative rotation movement between the rotatable members 1 and 5 in a locking or free direction, the rocking portion 3 is rocked around a rocking axis Q by the flat belt 6. By virtue of such rocking movement of the rocking portion 3, the tension of the flat belt 6 is increased up to a higher value than the initial tension or decreased down to a lower value than the initial tension. This permits connection or disconnection of the transmission of torque between the rotatable members 1 and 5 in dependence on the relative rotational direction of the rotatable members 1 and 5.

Abstract: A fixing structure is provided for an outer ring in an one-way clutch. The fixing structure includes a ring-shaped leaf spring having angular waviness and interposed between an outer side wall of the outer ring and a opposing inner wall of a housing. The ring-shaped leaf spring defines a cut formed in a radial direction to make the ring-shaped leaf spring discontinuous as viewed in an angular direction, whereby the ring-shaped leaf spring is integrally assembled by resilient force, which acts in radial directions, on the outer ring or an outer periphery of a side plate mounted on the outer ring. Any axial movement of the ring-shaped leaf spring is limited by a portion of the side plate.

Abstract: A freewheel device of the type comprising a plurality of wedging cams 5 mounted in at least one holding cage 8, a plurality of rolling bodies 15 mounted in an additional cage 18, an outer race 1 equipped on its bore with a track 6 along which the cams 5 can slide and with a raceway 16 along which the rolling bodies 15 can roll, an inner race 2 equipped on its cylindrical outer surface with a track 7 along with the cams 5 can slide and with a raceway 17 along which the rolling bodies can roll, to allow the one-way coupling between the outer race 1 and inner race 2. The freewheel device comprises, on one side, an end plate 12 secured to one of the races, adjacent to the holding cage 8 and axially retaining said cage in one direction, and the additional cage 18 for holding the rolling bodies 15 comprises means of axial retention, at least in the other direction, with respect to the race supporting the end plate.

Abstract: A one-way clutch is composed of a flat pulley having a circular friction surface provided on the outer circumferential surface of the flat pulley to extend circumferentially along the friction surface, a V-grooved pulley combined with the flat pulley to be rotatable relative thereto around the centerline of the friction surface and having an arc-shaped friction surface provided on the outer circumferential surface of the V-grooved pulley radially outwardly of the friction surface to extend circumferentially, an endless flat belt wound between the friction surfaces of the flat pulley and of the V-grooved pulley, and a plate spring for applying initial tension to one span of the flat belt between the pulleys. The one-way clutch has a simple structure obtainable at low cost, need not operate with high precision, and suffers a reduced number of failures resulting from excessively large input torque. In the event of failure, it is sufficient to replace the failed component.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission includes a shaft, a driving part supported about the shaft for coupling to the input part, a driven part supported about the shaft for coupling to the output part, and a planetary gear mechanism disposed between the driving part and the driven part for changing the transmission ratio of the motive force applied from the driving part to the driven part. The planetary gear mechanism comprises a sun gear installed about the shaft, an output gear for transmitting motive force to the driven part, a frame part installed about the shaft and coupled to the driving part, and a planetary gear rotatably coupled to the frame part and disposed between the sun gear and the output gear for engaging the sun gear and the output gear. A clutch comprising a roller is disposed at an intermediate point along the transmission path between the driving part and the driven part for transmitting the motive force from the driving part to the driven part in one direction only.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes an outer ring 8, an inner ring 9 and a plurality of clutch members 10 interposed between the outer and inner rings 8 and 9. The present invention provides a one-way clutch mounting structure by having the outer ring of one-way clutch mounted in a housing, which may be a part of stator 5 of a torque converter 2. In accordance with the present invention, the housing has an annular section and a side section which together define a pocket in which the outer ring 8 is mounted. The outer ring 8 has an outer peripheral surface formed with a spiral groove 8c and the annular section of the housing partly extends into the spiral groove 8c when casted.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a one-way clutch capable of preventing the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring of the one-way clutch from being deformed even when the outer ring of the one-way clutch for a stator constituting a torque converter is integrally formed with the stator made of plastic.

Abstract: A freewheel cage (1) arranged between two concentric metal machine components (2,3) and comprising at least one reinforcing ring (14) and a plurality of segments (4) made of an injectable or castable material and arranged on a periphery of the reinforcing ring (14), said segments (4) comprising pockets (7) for locking elements (8) defined between axial crossbars (5) and end sections (6) integral thereto, the locking elements (8) being spring-mounted between facing locking surfaces (9, 10) of the machine components (2,3) while expansion gaps (18) are formed between consecutive segments (4), and at least one sliding surface (20) associated to the freewheel cage (1) is arranged on a periphery thereof for sliding contact with a cylindrical surface (10) of one of the machine components (3), the reinforcing ring (14) is inserted into grooves (15) of the segments (4), and the segments (4) and the reinforcing ring (14) respectively comprise recesses (16) and projections (17) which engage positively with one another,

Abstract: In a belt transmission device in which rotating inertia torque of a rotor of an alternator is avoided, by a one-way clutch, from being inversely transmitted to a crank shaft of an engine, the one-way clutch is composed so as to effectively respond to slight variation in angular velocity of the crank shaft to prevent a mis-locking, thereby preventing a slip of a transmission belt and extending a belt life. To attain this purpose, an angle of operational delay of the outer roller type one-way clutch until the one-way clutch is switched from the freed state to the locked state between a driving-side outer race and a driven-side inner race is set to be smaller than a specified angle of displacement of slight variation in angular velocity to be transmitted to the outer race in a high-rpm region of the engine.

Abstract: A one-way clutch has an inner ring, an outer ring concentrically arranged in relation to the inner ring with an annular space defined therebetween, a clutch mechanism disposed in the annular space, and an end bearing disposed adjacent one of opposite ends of the clutch mechanism as viewed in the direction of a central axis of the inner ring so that the end bearing serves to guide the clutch mechanism. An end plate is arranged on a side of an outer wall of the end bearing. The end plate comprises a substantially ring-shaped thin plate and is fixed with a radially outer circumferential portion thereof maintained in close contact with an end face of the outer ring or the outer wall of the end bearing. A radially inner periphery of the end plate extends approximately to or beyond an area of sliding contact between the end bearing and the inner ring, whereby an oil-collecting pocket having an opening is defined between the end plate and the end bearing or an end face of the inner ring.

Abstract: A fixing structure is provided for an outer ring in an one-way clutch. The fixing structure includes a ring-shaped leaf spring having angular waviness, interposed between an outer side wall of the outer ring and an opposing inner wall of a housing and integrally assembled on a stepped outer peripheral portion of the outer ring. The ring-shaped leaf spring has plural tabs on an inner peripheral edge portion thereof and is fixed by spring forces of the tabs immovably in the direction of an axis of the outer ring. The stepped outer peripheral portion of the outer ring preferably defines a circumferential slot therein and the tabs of the ring-shaped leaf spring are fitted in the circumferential slot, whereby any axial movement of the ring-shaped leaf spring is limited.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch comprising two concentric machine components (1,2) rotatable relative to each other and having locking surfaces (13,14) formed on their mutually facing peripheral surfaces, and, arranged therebetween, a plastic cage (4) comprising end rings (15) connected to each other by crossbars (16), pockets (17) for locking elements (3) spring-urged against the locking surfaces (13,14) being formed between circumferentially adjacent crossbars (16), the plastic cage (4) further comprising at least one radial projection (19) which engages into a recess (20) of one of the machine components (2) to prevent rotation of the plastic cage (4) relative to this machine component (2), characterized in that the radial projection (19) is arranged on a crossbar (16).

Abstract: A cage segment for use in a clutch having a cam race and a pathway race. The cage segment has at least one engaging means which matingly engages a retaining means on the cam race. The cage segment is secured to the cam race in the radial, axial and circumferential directions.

Abstract: A ball bearing/freewheel clutch is provided with an inner race member defining an inner race surface; an outer race member defining an outer race surface concentric with said inner race member; and a raceway between said inner and outer races. The inner and outer race members each have a series of short radially oriented sawtooth inclines on their respective inner and outer race surfaces at right angles to said raceway. A plurality of modified ball bearings are disposed in said raceway between said inner and outer race members, such that said modified ball bearings serve to prevent relative rotation of said inner and outer race members in one direction, and to transmit a torque between said inner and outer races. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, said modified ball bearings have flattened poles which engage said sawtooth inclines in one direction of rotation.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for fin-fans is provided. The anti-rotation device provides a one-way clutch on the vertical shaft of a fin-fan to prevent backward rotation of the fin-fan in order to reduce stresses to the fin-fan system during start-up. The invention also provides a clutch adaptor to enable attachment of the one-way clutch to a variety of fin-fan installations as well as a locking system to decrease the risk of injury during maintenance operations.

Abstract: A disengageable free wheel includes a shaft and a ring which can rotate only in a free direction with respect to the shaft. The free wheel includes a motor for rotating the shaft in its free direction, whereby the ring can rotate at most as fast as the shaft in the direction opposite to its free direction.

Abstract: The present invention includes new types of one-way clutches that can gradually and smoothly engage the load. The novel design of the present invention permits a multiplicity of several embodiments which includes a hydraulic one-way clutch (H.O.W.C.) and a damped one-way clutch (D.O.W.C.). The H.O.W.C. has a general configuration similar to a fluid rotary actuator. It has two or more collapsible vanes which are made to rotate about a pivot between a radial driving position and a collapsed position, in which the collapsible vanes are either partly or fully pushed away from the driving position. A body of fluid is filled between a rotor's vane and the two collapsible vanes to provide the desired damping effect. The D.O.W.C. utilizes an additional ring which is an actuating ring and is placed on an external ring with a bearing between the actuating ring and the external ring so that it can rotate around the external ring.

Abstract: A novel auger clutch mechanism which may be used with washer agitators and augers. More particularly this mechanism comprises an outer clutch housing and a clutch, wherein the clutch is positioned within the housing. The clutch has a number of outwardly extending ligaments which are flexible enough to be rolled up. When rolled up, the ligaments restrict movement in one direction, yet allow the clutch to move freely in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An over-running clutch has a tube-like clutch outer 23 formed integrally with a boss portion 21 which is helically spline-engaged with an output shaft 1. The clutch outer is slightly diverged toward its open end due to cementation quenching, and has a plurality of grooves formed circumferentially around its inner peripheral surface at an equal pitch. Each of the grooves has a wedge-like shape which gradually decreases around the circumference. A clutch inner 24 accommodated inside the clutch outer is formed such that an axial tilting of its outer peripheral surface is substantially equal to that of the inner peripheral surface of the clutch outer. Rollers are accommodated in each of the wedge-like spaces formed between the grooves and the outer peripheral surface of the clutch inner so as to be circumferentially movable.

Abstract: A phase change mechanism is described for varying the phase of an engine camshaft relative the engine crankshaft.

Abstract: A clamp device is provided which is operable with extreme ease for clamping and unclamping a rotary shaft portion under remote control and which is capable of exerting a great clamping force and unlikely to displace the shaft axis. The clamp device includes a fixed sleeve (10) radially elastically deformable, rotatably supporting the shaft portion (7) and having a tapered surface (12) over a periphery thereof on the opposite side of a shaft supporting portion (11) thereof, a rotatable clamp member (17) having a tapered surface fitting to the sleeve tapered surface (12) with rollers (15) provided therebetween, the rollers being arranged as inclined with respect to the axis of the sleeve, and a drive unit (23) for rotating the clamp member.

Abstract: A fixing structure is provided for an outer ring member in a one-way clutch. The fixing structure includes a spring device having resilient force in the direction of an axis of the one-way clutch and interposed between an outer peripheral side wall of an outer ring member of the one-way clutch and a stopper ring secured on an associated housing. The spring device is in the form of at least one spring member which is discrete from any component of the one-way clutch to permit an easy change in a spring characteristic and is held between a side wall of the outer ring member and a side plate mounted on the side wall of the outer ring member. The spring member is in engagement at a part thereof with a part of the side plate so that any radial movement of the spring member is limited by the part of the side plate.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an overriding starter clutch assembly includes an axial input passage through the clutch shaft to radial passages supplying the oil to the inlet of the clutch working unit. A centrifugal pump created by vanes in the clutch housing end face pulls the lubricating oil axially through the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for use on a conventional bicycle which permits independent actuation of both pedals and provides a driving force through 100% of a pedal stroke. The clutch is generally comprised of a single, outer, cylindrical rotor which extends between the two pedals, and two internal rotors, respective to each pedal, positioned within the outer rotor. The internal rotors each include respective longitudinally extending, annularly spaced webs and longitudinally extending V-shaped portions integrally positioned between successive webs. In addition, magnets are attached to each rotor and positioned at the vortices of the V-shaped portions. The clutch further includes a set of cylindrical rods positioned between the two rotors which become wedgingly engaged between the magnets and the outer rotor when the pedal is actuated by a user of the bike. In addition, each pedal is attached to the frame of the bike via a spring which prohibits the pedal from being rotated a full 360.degree..

Abstract: A clamp device is provided which is operable with extreme ease for clamping and unclamping a rotary shaft portion under remote control and which is capable of exerting a great clamping force and is unlikely to displace the shaft axis. The clamp device includes a fixed sleeve radially elastically deformable, rotatably supporting the shaft portion and having a tapered surface over a radially outer periphery, a rotatable clamp member having a tapered surface fitting to the sleeve tapered surface with rollers provided between the clamp member and the tapered surface the rollers being arranged as inclined with respect to the axis of the sleeve, and a drive unit for rotating the clamp member.

Abstract: A one-way clutch is constructed of an inner member, an outer ring disposed coaxially with the inner member, clutch members arranged between the inner member and the outer ring to permit rotation of one of the inner member and the outer ring in one direction relative to the other but to restrict rotation of said one of the inner member and the outer ring in an opposite direction relative to the other, centering blocks arranged between the inner member and the outer ring, and a cage having support elements for the respective centering blocks. Each of the centering blocks is in the form of a hollow body having a sliding portion and a fixed portion. The sliding portion is maintained in sliding contact with one of the inner member and the outer ring, while the fixed portion is secured on the other one of the inner member and the outer ring.

Abstract: A spring is assembled in an annular shape into a one-way clutch to urge engagement members disposed between inner and outer races of the one-way clutch in one direction. In the spring, first and second transverse sections are alternately provided. Those first and second transverse sections define receiving openings which have a generally rectangular shape adapted to receive the engagement members therein. Each first transverse section has a tab projecting into the respective receiving opening so as to press an engagement member received in the receiving opening. The first and second transverse sections also define adjusting openings which are provided alternately with the receiving openings for adjusting the widths of at least the first transverse sections.

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: The damping element for damping translatory motion of a body over a relatively stationary base includes a housing holding a viscous fluid; a friction disk in the viscous fluid in the housing coupled with a shaft extending from the housing; a rotatable drive element having an axis of rotation, connected to the shaft outside the housing, formed so that the drive element can be driven rotatably due to a translatory motion of the body over the base and provided with a cavity coaxial to the axis of rotation; and a coupling device including a free-wheel device in the cavity of the drive element and connecting the friction disk and the rotatable drive element and structured so that rotation of the drive element in one direction results in a torque transferring connection between the friction disk and the drive element, while rotation of the drive element in an opposite direction opposite results in interruption of the torque transferring connection between the friction disk and the drive element.

Abstract: Devices (10 and 100) for varying the rotational phase relation between a camshaft (12) and an unshown crankshaft in response to positive and negative torque pulsations. The devices include double-acting one-way clutches (24 and 106) disposed in series with support and drive members (20,22 and 102,104) for selectively retarding and advancing the camshaft relative to the crankshaft in response to the torque pulsations. If none of the torque pulsations go negative due to relatively high constant torque, a splitter spring (30) may be disposed in parallel with the one-way clutches.

Abstract: A ratchet wheel having a locking device, includes a housing, a ratchet wheel disposed pivotally in the housing in such a manner that one end of its axle couples with an external rotating object, a braking member having a shank provided at one end thereof with a wedge angle and at other end thereof with a pivot, and a lock. The pivot is coupled pivotally with the housing in such a way that it moves between a first position and a second position. When the braking member is at the first position, its wedge angle meshes with ratchet wheel. When the braking member is at the second position, its wedge angle disengages from the ratchet wheel. The lock has a lock core capable of moving between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking position of the lock core corresponds to the first position of the braking member, while the unlocking position of the lock core corresponds to the second position of the braking member.

Abstract: An overriding clutch adapted for use within both metallic and synthetic resin structures has a housing of generally annular cross section with at least three equidistantly spaced recesses about its inner periphery each having a radial throat portion and a secantally extending portion elongated in the direction opposite the normal direction of rotation of the shaft. The radially outer surface of the secantal portion has a secantally extending rectilinear ramp portion which is inclined to a smaller radial dimension. A roller bearing in the recess has a diameter slightly larger than the throat, and the radial depth of the recess to the ramp surface is less than the diameter of the roller bearing so that the outer circumference of the roller bearing extends radially inwardly of the housing to provide a bearing surface for the shaft. A spring in the elongated portion of the recess biases the roller along the ramp surface.

Abstract: The throttle of an aircraft can be alternatively controlled either by a flight control computer or by the manual control of the pilot. A clutch is installed between the throttle control lever and a control input to the flight control computer which in the autothrottle mode of operation is engaged to enable control of the throttle by the flight control computer with the control lever being positioned in accordance with such control. When manual takeover of the throttle control is desired, a switch is actuated by the pilot which operates to disengage the clutch and thereby disconnects the control output of the computer from the lever so that only manual control is provided. A unique clutch mechanism is employed which utilizes a pair of locking wedges which operate in conjunction with a pair of rollers. The wedges and rollers are driven into engagement with each other by a solenoid, the opposing plates of the clutch being held in locking engagement through the intermediary provided by the wedges and rollers.

Abstract: A one-way clutch comprises an inner ring, an outer ring concentric with the inner ring, clutch members disposed between the inner and the outer rings and allowing rotation only in one direction, and a centering block disposed between adjacent clutch members. The centering block includes a sliding portion slidably contacting one of the inner and outer rings, a pair of fixed portions fixed to the other of the inner and outer rings, and two supporting portions connecting the sliding portion and the fixed portions. A respective lubricating oil hole is provided in at least one supporting portion and/or the sliding portion.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch comprises opposed inner (12) and outer (14) races dning an annular space (16) therebetween, rollers (40) or sprags (18), and a cage (22), the cage (22) being disposed in the annular space (16) and cooperating with the sprags (18). The cage (22) includes a plurality of interconnecting elements (24,41), each of which has an inner side (28) facing the inner race (12), the inner side of each interconnecting element (24,41) being contoured to redirect at least a portion of the lubrication supplied through oil holes (20) back toward the inner race (12).

Abstract: A roller clutch (20) having a cage (32) having a plurality of barbed posts 40) installed between substantially coaxial clutch races (24,26) for aligning and mounting bearing blocks (42) around the cage (32) for fixed rotational movement and including a contoured pocket (44) on one side for nesting a roller (22) and a spring (48) mounted on the other side that circumferentially urges a roller (22) nested in an adjacent bearing block (42) to permit stable performance under high speed operating conditions.

Abstract: A one-way clutch comprises a plurality of rollers, a retainer having the same number of roller pockets as rollers, a cylindrical shell having the same number of cam grooves as rollers, and springs for normally biasing the rollers toward the cam grooves. The cam grooves are provided at the axially intermediate portion of the shell. The shell is provided at one end with a radially inwardly-turned flange and at the other end with a cylindrical boss portion having a smooth inner surface free of cam grooves. The retainer includes a pair of annular portions at either end and an axially intermediate portion provided with roller pockets. The annular portion which is inserted into the boss portion of the shell has a smooth cylindrical outer surface dimensioned to be pressingly fitted to the boss portion. Thus there are no gaps between the retainer and the shell at the boss portion of the shell, thereby sealing that end of the shell and preventing the outflow of grease and the entry of dust.

Abstract: A one-way clutch incorporates an arrangement to lead lubricating oil to the torque transmitting members without the use of a penetrating hole in the inner ring or outer ring of the clutch. Instead, a guide arrangement is provided externally of the track surfaces of the inner and outer rings for leading the lubricating oil from outside the one-way clutch to the torque transmitting members, e.g. rollers or sprags. In a clutch having a centering block for supporting the inner and outer rings, the guide arrangement may lead the lubricating oil into the centering block.

Abstract: In medium to high volume printers using more than one print head, multiple documents may be printed side by side in one pass. Multiple rolls of ribbon are utilized on the ribbon mandril to accommodate the documents. The ribbon is kept taut across its print head by the feed system controller. When the outside diameters of the two rolls of ribbon vary, the system keeps one ribbon taut and the other tends to go slack at the print head. A split sleeve mandril with a differential mechanism connecting the two sleeves of the mandril assures that both ribbons are maintained taut. The preferred differential mechanism may be a planetary gear arrangement, or a thrust bearing arrangement. A unique ribbon roll holding mechanism, to hold the ribbon roll at the selected place on the mandril is also provided.