Abstract: A multi-directional coupling includes a housing which incorporates a first bearing surface, a race which incorporates a second bearing surface opposite the first bearing surface, a plurality of roller elements, and an alignment cage. The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface together define a channel therebetween for receiving the roller elements. The first bearing surface includes at least one recessed bearing surface portion which is configured for receiving one of the roller elements therein for coupling the housing with the race as the one roller element moves relative to the housing. The alignment cage is disposed within the channel for controlling the spacing between the roller elements. The multi-directional coupling also includes a mode controller coupled to the alignment cage for controlling the relative movement of the one roller element so as to alter the coupling mode of the coupling.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system adapted for transferring drive torque from a primary shaft to a secondary shaft. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rotary members. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A first spring-biased pin is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one end segment of the split first ring. A second spring-biased pin is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the opposite end segment of the split first ring. A moveable pin actuator controls movement of the first and second pins for establishing distinct operational modes.

Abstract: An active bidirectional clutch for use on a vehicle includes an oil housing. The clutch also includes a flange rotatably supported with respect to the oil housing. The flange includes an input shaft that is rotatably fixed with respect to the flange and a coupling that is adjacent to the input shaft. The clutch also includes a plurality of rollers in contact with the input shaft and coupling. The clutch uses a roller cage that positions the plurality of rollers with respect to the input shaft and the coupling. The bidirectional clutch also includes a sleeve positioned around the input shaft, wherein the sleeve has a plurality of slots and the sleeve engages the roller cage.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a power transmission device suited for use in a hybrid car for selective transmission of its engine and motor powers. The power transmission device is used to transmit and cut off driving forces from an internal combustion engine or a motor of a hybrid car, and includes a two-way clutch having engaging elements, and a control mechanism for controlling the locking and freeing of the two-way clutch. The control mechanism includes an electromagnetic clutch having an electromagnet and an armature. By mounting such power transmission devices on the outputs of the engine and the motor, it is possible to easily transmit and cut off driving force by simply turning on and off the electromagnet.

Abstract: A two-way clutch biasing assembly including a two-way clutch having an inner race attached to an input shaft and an outer race attached to an output shaft. The inner and outer races having inner cammed portions between them, with an engagement assembly interposed therein that is adapted to rotate bi-directionally thereby providing selective mechanical engagement between the races in either direction. A planetary gear assembly is provided having a ring gear, planetary gears on a carrier, and a sun gear that is adapted to rotate the engagement assembly within the two-way clutch. A drag clutch assembly is also slidingly connected to the carrier to hold the carrier stationary when the input shaft is stationary, such that sun gear is rotated by the plurality of planetary gears, thereby rotating the engagement assembly within the two-way clutch and providing a mechanical advantage in engaging the races together when the input shaft begins to move.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device is provided which is used to selectively transmit a power. The aim is to stabilize the frictional torque when the rotor of an electromagnet absorbs an armature. A retainer is mounted between the inner member and the outer member and formed with a plurality of pockets and engaging elements are mounted in the pockets. An armature is mounted so as to be nonrotatable but axially movable relative to the retainer and a rotor is mounted to the inner member or the outer member so as to axially oppose to the armature. An electromagnet attracts the armature to the rotor, thereby changing the phase of the retainer to bring the engaging elements into engagement with the outer periphery of the inner member and the inner periphery of the outer member, and transmitting a turning torque between the inner member and the outer member. When the armature is attracted to the rotor, the large-diameter portion of the armature is attracted to the rotor.

Abstract: To provide a two-wheel drive/four-wheel drive switching device for a vehicle capable of applying both rear braking and engine braking to front and rear wheels even when the vehicle is in a two-wheel drive mode. In a vehicle capable of running while switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, when the rear wheel speed becomes lower than the front wheel speed in the two-wheel drive mode, switching to four-wheel drive mode is carried out.

Abstract: A clutch unit includes an outer ring, an inner rings a plurality of rollers, a retainer for retaining the rollers, and a centering spring mounted in the retainer. A plurality of cam surfaces are formed at equal intervals at the inner circumference of the outer ring, and a circumferential surface is formed at the outer circumference of the inner ring. An operation member is mounted at the outer circumference of the outer ring, and an input torque is provided to the outer ring from the operation member. The inner ring is coupled to an output member. A pair of engaging portions in the centering spring are engaged with a stationary side member, which couples the retainer to the stationary side member through the centering spring in the pivotal direction.

Abstract: A rotation transfer device comprising a first rotating element, a second rotating element, and a rotation coupling mechanism wherein the rotation transfer device transfers the rotational force from the first rotation element to the second rotation element and also allows free and independent rotational precession of the second rotating element with respect to the first rotating element. Thus, the device allows for bi-directional transfer of rotational power from the power gear to the driven gear, and allows free and independent rotational precession of the driven gear with respect to the power gear. Therefore, the device can be utilized in a variety of applications, most notably, the device can be used to provide a differential function to vehicles. The device can also be used for non-vehicular applications where uni-directional or bi-directional rotation transfer and slip or freewheeling are required.

Abstract: A hand tool for turning sockets connectable to nuts and bolts has a handle attached to a head having an inside cylindrical surface. A body joined to a member for holding a socket has a plurality of pockets facing the cylindrical surface and chord ramps at the bottom of the pockets. The middle portions of each ramp has at least one axial groove to accommodate a roller to prevent inadvertent shifting of the roller to a reverse drive position. Rollers located in the pockets engage the ramps and cylindrical surface to selectively lock and unlock the head to the body so that when the handle is oscillated the body intermittently rotates. A ring mounted on the body is manually moved to shift the rollers between opposite end sections of the pockets. A socket release bill mounted on the member is controlled by a stem movably mounted on the body and member.

Abstract: A clutch system is described wherein a two-way roller clutch system transmits torque in from one direction (i.e., input side) only, and allows the clutch system to be physically decoupled from the power steering system when torque is forced in from the output side, e.g., during loss of electrical power to the power steering motor. Additionally, the clutch system can include a torque limiting system that permits slip when overall torque exceeds a preset limit. Both the clutch system and the torque limitation system are especially useful in conjunction with automotive power steering systems.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a clamping roller switch gear (1) whose drive element (10) can be displaced in opposite directions out of an idling, initial position by actuation of a pivoting lever (3). A driven element (coupling ring 15) of the clamping roller switch gear (1) and the drive element (10) define, together with opposing clamping surfaces, wedge-shaped clamping gaps (37, 38) that taper in opposite directions. In these clamping gaps (37, 38) are arranged clamping rollers (39) that, in the initial position of the drive element (10), are kept out of clamping engagement with the clamping surfaces by a first housing-fixed stop (42).

Abstract: To provide a wheel steering apparatus capable of exhibiting a stabilized vehicle steerability without transmitting an external disturbance torque to a motor rotor even when the wheel receives an axially acting external force, this wheel steering apparatus includes a reciprocatingly movable rod 3 drivingly connected with a support member 2 for steerably supporting a wheel 1, and a ball screw mechanism 5 for reciprocatingly moving the rod 3 in response to rotation of a drive motor 4. In a rotational transmission system for transmitting rotation of the drive motor 4 to a nut member 5b of the ball screw mechanism 5, a clutch assembly 6 defining a reverse input limiting means is provided for preventing a rotar of the drive motor 4 from being rotated by the external force acting on the wheel 1. This clutch assembly 6 used is of a design wherein although rotation can be transmitted from an input shaft to an output shaft, no rotation is transmitted from the output shaft to the input shaft.

Abstract: A powered, unidirectional output controlling apparatus mounted between the main shaft of an electrically powered tool and a power source is provided. The apparatus comprises a rotating seat, a plurality of flexible disc seats made from a rubber material, a locking seat, a plurality of locking rollers and a fixing ring. One end of the rotating seat is engaged with the power source output of a power transmission mechanism and the other end of the rotating seat is provided with a plurality of insertion shafts passing though the locking seat fastened by two flexible disc seats. The locking seat is first mounted into the fixing ring. The center of the rotating seat is provided with a bolt hole for the mounting of the main shaft. The external edge of the fixing ring is secured to the housing of the electrically powered tool. An inner side of the fixing ring is formed with an annular groove into which a rubber ring is disposed.

Abstract: A switchable clamp-type locking mechanism with an output shaft (3) that rotates in relation to a housing (1) is provided. Furthermore, clamping elements, in particular clamping balls or clamping rollers (4) are provided that are pushed by a spring force into a clamping gap (16) in their clamped position and are confined by a smooth track (15) on the housing (1) and by locking ramps (13, 14) on the output shaft (3). A drive shaft (2) to rotate the output shaft (3) is provided. The clamping elements are moved into a release position using a device by means of which the clamping elements are freed to rotate the output shaft (3). A slide (7) that is fixed to the output shaft (3) is form-locked to the housing (1) in the clamped position of the clamping elements and is disengaged from the housing (1) in the release position of the clamping elements.

Abstract: A modular, self-contained, bi-directional wheel clutch unit selectively attachable and detachable as a unit to and from an axle, the unit including a rotatable wheel-driving hub including a casing portion, a clutch cage disposed in the casing portion and surrounded thereby and which has a plurality of circumferentially-distributed openings, a rotatably driven cam element disposed in the casing portion and surrounded by the clutch cage and which has a plurality of discrete surfaces thereon, and a plurality of rollers rotatably disposed within the casing portion and within the clutch cage openings. The rollers are located between the casing portion and the cam element discrete surfaces and have an engaged position wherein the cam element and the hub are in binding engagement through the rollers and the hub is rotatably driven by the cam element, and a disengaged position wherein the hub is freely rotatable relative to the cam element.

Abstract: The magnetic attraction force of an electromagnetic coil in an electromagnetic clutch is increased in a limited installation space, thereby improving reliability of operation. The dimensions of a field core housing the electromagnetic coil is coil and a rotor are optimized to increase the magnetic attraction force. The thicknesses of cylindrical portions on the inner-diameter side of the field core and the rotor have larger thicknesses than that of cylindrical portions on its outer-diameter side so that the sectional areas of both cylindrical portions will be equal to each other. Also, a rotation transmission device provided with an electromagnetic clutch is proposed which can prevent deterioration of sealing property and damage to the bearing and avoid cost increase.

Abstract: A clutch includes a stopper secured to a gear housing of a motor. Once the stopper is secured to the gear housing, the stopper restrains axial movement of rolling elements by restraining axial movement of a support member, which rotatably supports the rolling elements, to retain the rolling elements within a collar. A driven-side rotator of the clutch includes reinforcing ribs for reinforcing engaging projections of the driven-side rotator.

Abstract: A clutch control for shifting a vehicle drive system as between automatic four-wheel drive, locked four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive. An engagement system for engaging drive and driven components of the drive system may include roller clutch engagement or pawl clutch engagement. The clutch system is provided with a coupling mechanism for coupling the engagement member to ground or to the driven member to thereby achieve automatic four-wheel drive and locked four-wheel drive, respectively. The engagement member is decoupled from both ground and the driven member to achieve two-wheel drive.

Abstract: A power transmission device suited for use in a hybrid car for selective transmission of its engine and motor powers. The power transmission device is used to transmit and cut off driving forces from an internal combustion engine or a motor of a hybrid car, and includes a two-way clutch having engaging elements, and a control means for controlling the locking and freeing of the two-way clutch. The control means includes an electromagnetic clutch having an electromagnet and an armature. By mounting such power transmission devices on the outputs of the engine and the motor, it is possible to easily transmit and cut off driving force by simply turning on and off the electromagnet.

Abstract: A spring assembly for biasing rolls in a roll cage of a bi-directional overrunning clutch. The spring assembly adapted to bias two adjacent rolls in opposite directions. The spring assembly includes a bridge having two ends. A first spring attached to one end of the bridge. The first spring having arms extending in opposite directions from the bridge, each arm having an end adapted to contact a roll. A second spring attached to the other end of the bridge. The second spring having arms extending in opposite directions from the bridge, each arm having an end adapted to contact a second roll.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch differential is disclosed for controlling torque transmission between a pinion input shaft and at least one output hub in a vehicle. The differential includes clutch a clutch housing and a roll cage. An electromagnetic indexing device is mounted adjacent to the cage and adapted to place the cage in position to engage the output hub to the input shaft. An electrohydraulic device is mounted adjacent to the clutch housing and includes a housing attached to the clutch and adapted to rotate in combination with the clutch housing. A hydraulic piston is located adjacent to a drive plate and adapted to cause the drive plate to engage to the housing when actuated, thereby providing dynamic torque between the output hub and the clutch housing.

Abstract: A spiral type coupling (10) consists of a tubular slipper (14) between a tubular member (12) and a race (6), there being engageable tubular friction surfaces (20, 36) on the slipper (14) and the race (16), and facing pairs of clockwise and counterclockwise spiral surfaces (18a, 18b, 22a, 22b) on the tubular member (12) and the slipper (14) defining therebetween a channel (28) receiving roller members (30), there being an actuator engageable with the slipper (14) to provide two, three or four different modes of operation (e.g., lock up, freewheel in both directions, freewheel in one direction and/or the other).

Abstract: A multi-directional coupling (10) consists of a tubular slipper (14) between a tubular member (12) and a race (16), there being engageable tubular friction surfaces (20, 36) on the slipper (14) and the race (16), and facing bearing surfaces (18, 22) on the tubular member (12) and the slipper (14) defining therebetween a channel (28) with pockets (28a) receiving roller members (30), there being an actuator (e.g. a tooth (30)) on the tubular member (12) engaging a recess (40) in the slipper (14), or a spigot or a pin(s) or a cam engageable with the slipper (14) to provide two, three or four different modes of operation (e.g. lock-up, freewheel in both directions, freewheel in one direction and/or the other).

Abstract: A clutch includes a stopper secured to a gear housing of a motor. Once the stopper is secured to the gear housing, the stopper restrains axial movement of rolling elements by restraining axial movement of a support member, which rotatably supports the rolling elements, to retain the rolling elements within a collar. A driven-side rotator of the clutch includes reinforcing ribs for reinforcing engaging projections of the driven-side rotator.

Abstract: A clutch unit includes an outer ring, an inner ring a plurality of rollers, a retainer for retaining the rollers, and a centering spring mounted in the retainer. A plurality of cam surfaces are formed at equal intervals at the inner circumference of the outer ring, and a circumferential surface is formed at the outer circumference of the inner ring. An operation member is mounted at the outer circumference of the outer ring, and an input torque is provided to the outer ring from the operation member. The inner ring is coupled to an output member. A pair of engaging portions in the centering spring are engaged with a stationary side member, which couples the retainer to the stationary side member through the centering spring in the pivotal direction.

Abstract: A multi-mode rolling element clutch assembly including first and second race members and a plurality of rolling elements. The first race member defines a first race surface having a ratchet surface portion. The second race member defines a second race surface. The first second race surfaces define a raceway therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are disposed in the raceway. The ratchet surface portion has a multi-mode ratchet mechanism for providing first and second ratchet configurations. When the multi-mode ratchet mechanism is in the first ratchet configuration, the rolling elements may provide rolling support between the first and second race members when the first race member moves in a first direction relative to the second race member, and one of the rolling elements may engage the first ratchet surface portion when the first race member moves in a second direction relative to the second race member, thereby providing load transmission capability.

Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a handle with a tubular member extending therefrom in which a cylindrical member is received. A sleeve is rotatably mounted to the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has three plain surface defined in a periphery thereof and the sleeve has an inner tube which is inserted between the cylindrical member and the tubular member. The cylindrical member has three plain surfaces and the inner tube has three recesses, each recess having a roller retained therein between the inner tube and the cylindrical member. When rotating the sleeve, the rollers contact the plain surfaces so as to let the tool be rotated in one way, and the sleeve is fixedly connected to the cylindrical member when the periphery of the cylindrical member contacts the rollers.

Abstract: A powered, unidirectional output controlling apparatus mounted between the main shaft of an electrically powered tool and a power source is provided. The apparatus comprises a rotating seat, a plurality of flexible disc seats made from a rubber material, a locking seat, a plurality of locking rollers and a fixing ring. One end of the rotating seat is engaged with the power source output of a power transmission mechanism and the other end of the rotating seat is provided with a plurality of insertion shafts passing through the locking seat fastened by two flexible disc seats. The locking seat is first mounted into the fixing ring. The center of the rotating seat is provided with a bolt hole for the mounting of the main shaft. The external edge of the fixing ring is secured to the housing of the electrically powered tool. The perimeter portion of the locking seat is provided with a plurality of locking slots and the locking slots are mounted with a plurality of locking rollers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power transmission mechanism characterized in that two-directional rotations of a driving shaft can be transmitted to a driven-side shaft, it shows a high degree of freedom in arrangement even when it is applied to a driving force transmission system, the driving force of a driving-side input shaft can be transmitted to a driven-side ring via a roller in each of opposite directions, and when the rotational speed of the driven-side ring is higher than that of the driving-side input shaft, no driving force is transmitted from the driving-side input shaft to the driven-side ring in either of the opposite directions.

Abstract: A hand tool for turning sockets connectable to nuts and bolts has a handle attached to a head having an inside cylindrical surface. A body joined to a member for holding a socket has a plurality of pockets facing the cylindrical surface and chord ramps at the bottom of the pockets. The middle portions of each ramp has at least one axial groove to accommodate a roller to prevent inadvertent shifting of the roller to a reverse drive position. Rollers located in the pockets engage the ramps and cylindrical surface to selectively lock and unlock the head to the body so that when the handle is oscillated the body intermittently rotates. A ring mounted on the body is manually moved to shift the rollers between opposite end sections of the pockets. A socket release ball mounted on the member is controlled by a stem movably mounted on the body and member.

Abstract: A full type one-way clutch is provided which is superior in the responsiveness of the clutch without lowering the torque-transmitting capability. Rollers are received in a full type state in the space between an outer ring having inclined cam surfaces on the inner peripheral surface thereof and a rotary shaft. By engaging a spring for biasing the rollers in such a direction as to engage the cam surfaces in a groove formed in the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring instead of being disposed between the rollers, and keeping all the rollers in abutment with one another, it is possible to reliably and instantly transmit the biasing force of the spring to all the rollers without reducing the torque-transmitting ability and improve the responsiveness of the clutch.

Abstract: An irreversible adjustment mechanism comprising a pivoting lever resiliently assisted to a neutral position, an intermediate pivoting part connected to the lever by a driving stage adapted to move the intermediate part only when the lever moves away from its neutral position, a fixed collar, an output part delimiting with the collar wedge-shaped hollow spaces directed in opposite directions, and a locking stage ensuring an irreversible transmission between the intermediate part and the output part with a certain angular play of the intermediate part. The intermediate part is braked with a braking torque sufficient to lock the intermediate part in each return movement of the input part to its neutral position.

Abstract: A power cut/connect device is proposed which is axially compact and is usable in a limited space. The device includes a first input member coupled to a power shaft, an output member mounted coaxially with the first input member, a first two-way clutch provided between the first input member and the output member, a second input member coaxially mounted with the output member, a second two-way clutch provided between the output member and the second input member so as to be disposed coaxially with and around the first two-way clutch, and a control unit for controlling the first and second two-way clutches for interruption and connection of power.

Abstract: A roller-type ratchet device is used for a wrench which includes a driving head defining a receiving hole and a plurality of actuating recesses. The ratchet device includes a driving body secured in the receiving hole to rotate with the driving head, a follower secured between the driving body and the driving head and having a plurality of fixed portions each mounted in a respective one of the actuating recesses, a plurality of locking members each secured in a respective one of the fixed portions of the follower to move therewith, and each pressing the driving body, and a direction control knob pivotally mounted on the driving head and engaged with the follower for moving each of the locking members in the respective actuating recess between different positions.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a power transmission device suited for use in a hybrid car for selective transmission of its engine and motor powers. The power transmission device is used to transmit and cut off driving forces from an internal combustion engine or a motor of a hybrid car, and includes a two-way clutch having engaging elements, and a control mechanism for controlling the locking and freeing of the two-way clutch. The control mechanism includes an electromagnetic clutch having an electromagnet and an armature. By mounting such power transmission devices on the outputs of the engine and the motor, it is possible to easily transmit and cut off driving force by simply turning on and off the electromagnet.

Abstract: A motor includes a motor section, a one-way clutch and an output section. The motor section includes an armature and armature shaft, and the output section includes a worm mechanism having a worm shaft disposed coaxially with the armature shaft. The one-way clutch is disposed between the armature shaft and the warm shaft. The one-way clutch includes a couple of teeth members in engagement with each other, a plurality of rollers for controlling the teeth members, and a spring holding the rollers. The spring urges the worm shaft to separate from the armature shaft.

Abstract: A socket wrench has a handle and a box head. The box head has a rotating seat, a recess, and three concave points. The rotating seat has four protruded blocks, four control grooves, and a center hole. A rotating shaft is inserted in the center hole. The rotating shaft has a first post and a second post. An adjusting plate is inserted in the recess of the box head. The adjusting plate has two arm plates and a protrusion. The arm plates are inserted in one of the control grooves. The protrusion of the adjusting plate is inserted in one of the concave points. Two rolling cylinders and an elastic corrugation plate are disposed between the arm plates. An annular casing covers a first face of the box head. An annular cover covers a second face of the box head.

Abstract: Socket-type wrenches using a magnetic ratchet/clutch-type apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus preferably employs several pawls, as well as a ratchet-type wheel for engaging the pawls. The apparatus also utilizes the wrench's body which defines a chamber in which the wheel is received for rotation relative to the wrench body. The chamber also defines pockets for positioning the pawls adjacent the wheel to facilitate their movement between a drive position and a release position. In the drive position, at least one pawl is sandwiched between the wheel and a wall of the pocket to prevent the wrench body and the wheel from rotating relative to each other which enables a drive stroke to be made with the wrench. In the release position, the pawl is disengaged from the wheel which permits one to make a return stroke with the wrench. The apparatus further includes a ring magnet mounted on at least one side of the wheel for magnetically attracting the pawls to facilitate their movement into the drive position.

Abstract: A reversible drive mechanism for socket wrenches, having a detented selector cap thereon. The socket driving post of the wrench is fixedly attached to a triangular shaft rotatably contained within an internal cylindrical bearing surface, which in contained within the head of the wrench handle. Each face of the triangular shaft is a convex arc-shaped surface, and the cylindrical surface and the convex surfaces create between them three lune-shaped spaces. Each of the convex faces on the triangular shaft has tiltably mounted thereon a U-shaped fixture, which loosely contains within its arms a cylindrical roller. As the selector cap is rotated back and forth between selector positions, each U-shaped fixture tips back and forth on its respective convex face, and shifts the contained roller from one extreme to the other of its respective lune-shaped space.

Abstract: A rolling member fitted into a guide recess and capable of performing a wedge action on a collar of a rotary quill is held by an annular holder in such a manner that the longitudinal movement of the rolling member can be restricted and the outside of the annular holder is rotatably fitted with an annular outer frame for restricting the outward movement of the rolling member, thereby forming a clutch main body. By rotating the annular holder by use of a rotation operation member provided in the annular holder, the rolling member is controlled such that it can be restricted and held at an operative position allowing the wedge action or at a non-operative position prohibiting the wedge action, thereby switching the rotary quill to a reversal preventive position or to a reversal allowable position. Also, the clutch main body is constructed as detachable one unit.

Abstract: A starter motor assembly is provided. A motor housing encloses an electric motor having a rotatable armature shaft. A planetary gear assembly is provided in a pinion housing, including planetary gears, a planet carrier, and a drive shaft. A pinion is engageable with the drive shaft for turning a flywheel of an engine. A non-load-bearing overrunning clutch assembly is provided, including an outer clutch piece removably fixed with respect to the pinion housing to be non-rotatable, and a rotatable inner clutch piece engaged with the planetary gears. Structure provided between the outer and inner clutch pieces allows rotation of the inner clutch piece in one direction and locks up the inner clutch piece in the other direction. When the starter motor assembly is energized, rotation of the armature shaft and planetary gears at a first rotational velocity rotates the inner clutch piece in the lockup direction.

Abstract: In a device for driving an instrument (2), for example an axle, step-by-step, the device includes a driving part (1), a space (3) between the driving part and the instrument (2), and at least one ball/roller (4) which can have different positions (A, B, C) in the space. In the different positions, the ball/roller is clamped between the driving part and the instrument or is not clamped, depending on the design of the space and/or the direction of the driving part. A guiding means can be arranged in order to force the ball/roller to different positions.

Abstract: A punch assembly having infinite adjustment of the punch tool and quick release of the stripper plate. A punch assembly has a clutch mechanism that secures the central punch body after a depth adjustment has been made. The clutch includes two ball bearings with an expansion spring separating the two ball bearings. The spring forces the ball bearings outwardly thus engaging the central body of the punch and the inside wall of the outer casing. This arrangement effectively locks the punch from rotation in either direction. A set of locking cams, disposed directly opposite each other and including a surface with which one may apply an inward force and a set of fingers that have a sloped face that forces the ball bearings toward each other are operated to release the central body from its locked position. This results in infinite, rather than incremental, adjustment of the depth of the punch.

Abstract: A hand tool for turning sockets connectable to nuts and bolts has a handle attached to a head having an inside cylindrical surface. A body joined to a member for holding a socket has a plurality of pockets facing the cylindrical surface and chord ramps at the bottom of the pockets. Rollers located in the pockets engage the ramps and cylindrical surface to selectively lock and unlock the head to the body so that when the handle is oscillated the body intermittently rotates. A ring mounted on the body is manually moved to shift the rollers between opposite end sections of the pockets. A socket release ball mounted on the member is controlled by a stem movably mounted on the body and member.

Abstract: A clutch bearing for preventing reverse rotation of a bushing received within the bearing includes a housing having a plurality of recesses, each recess having a shallow portion and a deep portion, an insert member disposed within the housing and having a plurality of retaining bars, a plurality of rollers each being received between two adjacent retaining bars, a clutch coupled to the insert member and operable to either dispose the rollers near the respective deep portions of the recesses for rotation in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions or dispose the rollers near the respective shallow portions of the recesses for preventing rotation in one direction.

Abstract: A force transfer device 30 includes an inner race 40 and an outer race 38 and a plurality of reversible wedging elements 34 located between the inner and outer races. This device 30 allows for continuous force transfer between the inner and outer race. This device 30 further allows for locking the inner race 40 relative to the outer race 38 in infinitely varying positions. The device 30 includes scallops on at least one race which scallops are of complex shape in order to manage wedging of the wedging elements and surface stresses between the wedging elements and the race contact surfaces. The device 30 is also reversible.

Abstract: A hand tool which includes a handle holding a sleeve on the inside, a shaft moved in and out of the sleeve, a coupling member pivoted to the shaft and turned between a first position where the coupling member and the shaft are axially aligned, and a second position where the coupling member and the shaft are retained at right angles, and a control device coupled to the coupling member and shifted between a first position for forward/backward driving, a second position for forward driving only, and a third position for backward driving only.

Abstract: An elongated handle includes at one end a cylindrical housing. A drive element having a tool grasping member at one end, extends into the cylindrical housing. A plurality of camming surfaces on the drive element face an interior wall of the cylindrical housing. Two of the camming surfaces have a spring loaded ball associated therewith for dividing the camming surfaces into first and second regions. A rolling body cage extends into the cylindrical housing, equals dividing the space between the camming surfaces and interior wall into a plurality of compartments. Rolling bodies are inserted in the compartments, and are positionable by rotating the rolling body cage on either side of the spring loaded balls. Depending on the location of the rolling bodies with respect to the spring loaded ball, the direction of rotation of the wrench is controlled.

Abstract: A force transfer device 30 includes an inner race 40 and an outer race 38 and a plurality of reversible wedging elements 34 located between the inner and outer races. This device 30 allows for continuous force transfer between the inner and outer race. This device 30 further allows for locking the inner race 40 relative to the outer race 38 in infinitely varying positions. The device 30 includes scallops on at least one race which scallops are of complex shape in order to manage wedging of the wedging elements and surface stresses between the wedging elements and the race contact surfaces. The device 30 is also reversible.