Ball Or Roller Type Patents (Class 192/54.52)
  • Patent number: 10694671
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle with a header including multiple row units each include a feed/snapping unit and a chopping unit. The header further includes a first power transmission shaft for driving the feed/snapping units, and a second power transmission shaft connected via a drivetrain to a drive at the agricultural vehicle. Each chopper unit includes a safety clutch and is connected via the safety clutch to the second power transmission shaft. At least one torque sensor is provided for the second power transmission shaft, drivetrain, or drive, which torque sensor is operationally connected to a torque fluctuation monitor configured to recognize a predetermined change in torque fluctuation indicating a safety clutch slip. The torque fluctuation monitor is operationally connected to a user interface for signaling the safety clutch slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Mathieu M. A. Terryn, Stijn Borry, Yvan C. C. Vandergucht, Maarten Ysebaert
  • Patent number: 10626929
    Abstract: A dual clutch that includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a ball ramp assembly and at least one actuator is provided. The first clutch engages and disengages a first set of gears. The second clutch engages and disengages a second set of gears. The at least one ball ramp assembly includes at least one ball, first member and a second member. The first member includes a ball pocket for each ball. The second member has at least one ball ramp. The at least one ball partially received in an associated ball pocket of the first member and ball ramp of the second member. The at least one actuator is configured and arranged to rotate one of the first member and the second member to cause the at least one ball ramp assembly to activate at least one of the first clutch and the second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce H. Younggren, Ronald Joseph Wendt, Brandon P. Lenk, Jeffrey Joseph Haack, Thomas Richard Rosenbush, Michael Allen Mueller
  • Patent number: 10247260
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus has a clutch member and a pressure member. The cam surfaces of the pressure-contact assist cam face each other. The cam surfaces of the back torque limiter cam face each other. A receiving portion for a clutch spring (10) on the pressure member (5) side has a receiving member (11) separate from the pressure member (5). A first cam surface (C1) and a second cam surface (C2), constituting the back torque limiter cam, are, respectively, formed on the receiving member (11) and the clutch member (4). A third cam surface (C3) and a fourth cam surface (C4), constituting the pressure-contact assist cam, are, respectively, formed on the pressure member (5) and the clutch member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Makoto Kataoka, Han Hiong Chen, Kaoru Aono
  • Patent number: 9625024
    Abstract: A torque coupling unit for use with a differential assembly is provided. The torque coupling unit comprises a first member, a second member, a clutching assembly, and a clutch actuator. The first member is in driving engagement with a side gear of the differential assembly. The second member is in driving engagement with an output shaft. The clutch actuator assembly is disposed adjacent the clutching assembly and comprises a roller and ramp assembly. In response to a rotation of a portion of the clutch actuator assembly a portion of the roller and ramp assembly is driven in an axial manner to apply a force to the clutching assembly, causing a first portion of the clutching assembly to be at least variably frictionally engaged with a second portion of the clutching assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Cooper, Seth A. Metzger
  • Patent number: 8944231
    Abstract: A mechanism for changing the operating condition of a shifting element having two shifting element halves, which can either be functionally connected to connect two components or disengaged to break the connection between the components. The mechanism includes a drive machine and a drive converter unit in the area of which rotary drive motion of the drive machine can be converted into a translational actuation movement of the shifting element. A spring device is associated with the drive converter unit, whose spring force assists with actuating the shifting element in the engaging direction. The spring device includes an approximately circular flat spring element which, in at least one area of the drive converter unit, is in contact with at least one cam, whose stress condition varies as a function of an operating condition of the drive converter unit and is designed to be rotationally fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Detlef Baasch, Ulrich Mair
  • Patent number: 8850911
    Abstract: A preload unit module, which has at least one ramp disk and a cage, which carries a plurality of rolling bodies that are held axially against one another in a positively locking fashion. The cage is rotationally pivotable relative to the at least one ramp disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ramon Jurjanz, Fritz Wiesinger, Tomas Smetana
  • Patent number: 8793034
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to recognize the drivers and/or passengers within the automobile. Based on the recognition, the vehicle may change a configuration of the automobile to match predetermined preferences for the driver and/or passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P. Ricci
  • Publication number: 20140158489
    Abstract: A clutch actuated by inertia mass and friction damping is disclosed, in which a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is not additionally installed with a damping device, when the input side of a prime motive end (101) drives the relay transmission structure according to a set rotating direction, relative movement is generated through the friction damping between the inertia mass of the relay transmission structure assembly (104) itself and the adjacent machinery unit contacted in a sliding means, for controlling a clutch device between the output end to perform operations of coupling or releasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8727090
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal force combined with sliding damping type clutch actuated by torque capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or disengaging with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052) is installed at an output end (102), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, a limit-torque sliding damping device (106) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the static housing (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8727089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal force cutting off sliding damping type torque-actuated clutch capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or disengaging with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052) installed at an output end (102), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, and a centrifugal force cutting type centrifugal clutch (2006) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the static housing (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8715123
    Abstract: A rotation urging mechanism includes an outer member which includes an outer raceway surface on an inner periphery thereof and is rotatable about a first axis, an inner member which includes, on an outer periphery thereof, an inner raceway surface disposed on a radially inner side of the outer raceway surface and is rotatable about the first axis, and a ball disposed rollably between the outer raceway surface and the inner raceway surface. One of the outer and inner raceway surfaces is formed about a second axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the other raceway surface is formed about a third axis which is inclined with respect to the second axis and is disposed so as to cross the one raceway surface. The ball is disposed at a portion of intersection between the outer and inner raceway surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8657090
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch actuated by initial limit-torque sliding damping capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or releasing with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, and a limit-torque sliding damping device (106) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the output end (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8657089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch actuated by torque capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or disengaging with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, a limit-torque sliding damping device (106) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the static housing (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8646717
    Abstract: Provided is a seat belt retractor capable of having its assembly readily performed to increase assembly efficiency, simplifying shapes of components to readily manufacture the retractor and reduce manufacturing cost, and preventing a webbing from being hooked when the webbing is rewound. The seat belt retractor includes a housing constituting a main body of the seat belt retractor, a guide drum rotatably installed in the housing, a connector inserted into one side of the guide drum, a base member surrounding the connector, a gear member inserted into the base member, a cylinder for operating the gear member, a torsion bar inserted into the guide drum, a locking member fixedly inserted between the torsion bar and the guide drum, a locking clutch installed at one surface of the locking member, a mechanism cover installed at one surface of the locking clutch, and a friction spring installed in the mechanism cover to stop operation of a lock arm fixed to the locking clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: In-Su Choi, Jung-Min Lee, Byung-Jin Lee, Dong-Sub Lee, Sang-Hong Bai, Gi-Young Bae, Jong-Kag Kim, Do-Shik Kim
  • Patent number: 8474585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch device, for example, a booster clutch device, including a first clutch element and a second clutch element, where a torsion spring device is provided coupling the first clutch element to the second clutch element, the torsion spring device having a multi-stage spring characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Chambrion, Yannick Simon, Christoph Raber
  • Patent number: 8474579
    Abstract: An electromotive brake system may include a caliper housing, a first and second friction pads, a brake disk disposed in between, a pressurizing member connected to the second friction pad, a push rod with a push rod groove, an operating disk inserted in the push rod groove, first and second springs, a rotating ramp adapted to convert the rotational movement of a motor into a linear movement of a non-rotating ramp by a ball disposed between the rotating ramp and the non-rotating ramp. The electromotive brake system may further include first and second catching portions, a plurality of teeth and corresponding engaging protrusion of the teeth. The plurality of teeth and the protrusion may have slanted or curved surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dongyoon Hyun
  • Patent number: 8464852
    Abstract: A wet clutch including a main clutch, a clutch basket, which is actively connected to a crankshaft, forming an intake part and having a plurality of discs mounted therein so as to be rotatably fixed and axially displaceable, a clutch hub which is connected to a transmission input shaft, forming an output part and having counter-discs that are layered in an alternating manner with the plurality of discs, where the counter-discs are mounted so as to be rotatably fixed and axially displaceable, and a pilot clutch, actuated by means of a lever element, where the pilot clutch is upstream from the main clutch and the pilot clutch and the main clutch are connected to each other by means of a ramp device which is provided, in the circumferential direction, with ramps that are active at least in the direction of traction of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Yannick Simon, Christoph Raber, Christoph Wittmann
  • Patent number: 8162119
    Abstract: A friction clutch includes a clutch cam which is movable with respect to a clutch hub in a center axis direction of a transmission shaft. The clutch cam has a release rod which penetrates through the clutch hub and is extended toward the pressure plate. An adjustment bolt which is provided at the pressure plate and is configured to restrict a moving range of a clutch cam in the center axis direction is disposed to face an end portion of the release rod which is closer to the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8151926
    Abstract: A friction plate (131) rotates in association with rotation of a pressure plate (77). A first pressing plate (132) presses the friction plate (131) to the right to move the pressure plate (77) to the right. A second pressing plate (133) receives a torque of the pressure plate (77) via the friction plate (131). A slide shaft (231) rotates together with the second pressing plate (133). The operation assist mechanism (220) gives a rightward force to the pressure plate (77), by the slide shaft (231) moving to the right upon receiving the torque from the second pressing plate (133). Balls (135) transmit a portion of the rightward force of the short push rod (43a) to the slide shaft (231) without use of the friction plate (131).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshinori Inomori, Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8127908
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch having first and second outer rings positioned on opposite sides of a center ring having conically shaped friction surfaces. The outer rings each include a plurality of conically shaped friction surfaces selectively engageable with the center ring friction surfaces. A clutch actuator includes a roller clutch having a first set of cam surfaces adapted to be fixed for rotation with a rotary input member, a slipper having a second set of cam surfaces, a plurality of rollers positioned between opposing pairs of the cam surfaces, a first wedge slide and a second wedge slide. Each wedge slide is radially outwardly moveable by radial expansion of the slipper and includes a tapered surface for driving one of the first and second outer rings into engagement with the center ring to transfer torque between the input and output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 7866455
    Abstract: When a drive shaft is in a non-drive state, a second drive rotor is in a non-engaged state with a driven rotor with respect to its own rotating direction. When the drive shaft is in a drive state, a rotating force of a first drive rotor is transmitted to the second drive rotor through an urging member. As a result, a power transmitting member revolves, and a centrifugal force arranges the power transmitting member at a second clamping position. The second drive rotor receives a reaction force from a driven rotor via the power transmitting member. As a result, the second drive rotor is relatively rotated in an opposite direction to a rotating direction of the first drive rotor with respect to the first drive rotor, against an urging force of the urging member. As a result, the first drive rotor is engaged with the driven rotor with respect to its own rotating direction. Accordingly, the clutch is stably operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chikara Gotou, Tomoaki Ozaki, Satoshi Ohta, Masaaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7806797
    Abstract: An axial setting device includes two discs which are centered on a common axis. One is axially supported and the other one is axially displaceable, and at least one is rotatingly drivable. The two discs on their end faces, each have a plurality of circumferential ball grooves. The ball grooves each comprise a depth which decreases in the same direction, and each pair of opposed ball grooves accommodates a ball. At least the ball grooves of one of the two discs, starting from the region of the greatest groove depth, comprise a first groove portion with a greater pitch and an adjoining second groove portion with a smaller pitch, wherein the first groove portion extends over a smaller circular-arch-shaped portion than the second groove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt, Kurt Müller, Kai Sorge
  • Publication number: 20100210386
    Abstract: A compact low capacity torque limiter is installed in a drive sheave of a belt drive connecting an engine to the hammer mill of a horizontal grinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas F. Long, JR.
  • Patent number: 7694750
    Abstract: A hammer drill includes a motor; a spindle rotatingly driven by the motor and holding an output bit; a motion conversion member for converting rotational movement of the motor to reciprocating movement; a striker reciprocatingly driven by the motion conversion member for applying an axial striking force to the output bit; a striking-motion-releasing mechanism for releasing the striking force applying action exercised by the striker; and a tightening-torque adjusting clutch for interrupting the transfer of the rotational force to the output bit by increasing a load torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsubakimoto, Koichi Hashimoto, Hisashi Oda, Hidekazu Yuasa, Kunihiko Tatsu
  • Patent number: 7677374
    Abstract: A method of determining the coupling moment in a friction coupling with an electro-mechanical actuator which comprises a supporting element axially supported in a housing and a displaceable setting element axially supported on said supporting element, wherein the supporting element is axially supported in the housing via an undisplaceably enclosed hydraulic medium and that the pressure in the hydraulic medium is measured and used by lookup tables of values for the actuator and for the friction coupling for the purpose of calculating the coupling moment in a central ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Artur Grunwald, Theodor Gassmann
  • Publication number: 20090260942
    Abstract: A friction clutch includes a clutch cam which is movable with respect to a clutch hub in a center axis direction of a transmission shaft. The clutch cam has a release rod which penetrates through the clutch hub and is extended toward the pressure plate. An adjustment bolt which is provided at the pressure plate and is configured to restrict a moving range of a clutch cam in the center axis direction is disposed to face an end portion of the release rod which is closer to the pressure plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20090250304
    Abstract: A friction clutch has a clutch housing including a friction plate, a clutch boss including a clutch plate, and a pressure plate causing the friction plate and the clutch plate to contact each other by moving in a predetermined direction. A clutch spring applies a biasing force in a direction of causing the pressure plate to press the friction and clutch plates into contact with each other. An annular retainer receives a reaction force to the biasing force of the clutch spring by supporting one end of the clutch spring opposite to the pressure plate. A circlip of a notched ring shape is fitted into an inner peripheral side of the clutch housing. The circlip locks the retainer to the clutch housing by abutting on an opposite side of the retainer. The retainer is configured to suppress radially inward deformation of the circlip when a vehicle engine is driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Toshinori Inomori, Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 7591355
    Abstract: A disconnect (128) is provided for use between an engine (126) and differential (130). The differential disconnect (128) provides for a lock out of the disconnect (128) so as to prevent self energizing. The differential may also include a bottom-out feature to limit the amount of torque that may be transferred through the disconnect. In addition, the disconnect (128) may include a design to contain axial forces on the input shaft (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Edward Hamrin, Brendan Reimer
  • Patent number: 7585246
    Abstract: A differential carrier is disclosed containing sideshaft gears supported in the carrier so as to be coaxially rotatable around a longitudinal axis (A). Differential gears are supported in the carrier on axes of rotation (R) positioned radially relative to the longitudinal axis (A) and have teeth engaging those of the sideshaft gears, and a multi-plate coupling in the carrier to extend coaxially relative to the axis. The carrier includes a flange to which a ring gear can be bolted, and is formed of a dish-shaped part with a base and an integrally formed-on flange and a cover which is axially fixed by an annular securing element. The multi-plate coupling and the cover are positioned in the carrier on the side located opposite the flange and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Adrian Chludek
  • Patent number: 7484608
    Abstract: A wheel hub with clutch where power is transferred through a drive, such as a chain that is linked between a peddle arrangement and a gear or gears splined onto the hub. The hub provides free-wheeling when torque is not applied thereto and will instantly engage, transferring an applied torque therethrough and into a wheel connected to the hub when torque is applied as through a peddle arrangement. For locking, the hub includes, as a radial load bearing component, a sleeve whereon a gear or gears are splined, with the splined gear sleeve mounting a thick ring for fitting into an end of a hub body. The thick ring contains spaced sloping slots, each containing a ball bearing. The hub body includes an annular ring that receives the thick ring fitted there and has spaced steps, or the like, formed therein to engage the ball bearing surfaces, transferring torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Paul Lew, Jason Schiers
  • Patent number: 7467576
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for use with a torque limiting driver. The clutch assembly comprises two relatively roatable clutch plates, a driving plate and a camming plate, that face one another, with a plurality of rolling members housed between the two members. When the rolling members are in the override position, the recesses form individual housings for the rolling members that include a gap located between the rolling members and a respective curvilinear base area of the drive plate. The clutch assembly is secured to a drive shaft by a pin, which is supported by a pair of wheels located on opposing sides of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 7374031
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling two shafts intended to rotate in the continuation of one another about an axis. The device comprises a dog clutch allowing the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft, and declutching means allowing the dog clutch to be uncoupled from a clutch-engaged position to a declutched position. The declutching means comprise at least one first channel secured to a driving element of the dog clutch, the first channel having the shape of a portion of a torus about the axis, at least one second channel secured to the driving shaft, the second channel having a helical shape about the axis element intended to roll between the first and in the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Bela Skorucak
  • Publication number: 20080053780
    Abstract: A disconnect (128) is provided for use between an engine (126) and differential (130). The differential disconnect (128) provides for a lock out of the disconnect (128) so as to prevent self energizing. The differential may also include a bottom-out feature to limit the amount of torque that may be transferred through the disconnect. In addition, the disconnect (128) may include a design to contain axial forces on the input shaft (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: John Edward Hamrin, Brendan Reimer
  • Patent number: 7255213
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention includes a clutch device including a first friction clutch disposed between an input member and an output member, a second friction clutch adapted to go into a power cut-off state upon exertion thereon of a clutch releasing force, and a torque cam mechanism disposed between the first and second friction clutches. In an embodiment, the invention can decrease the number of clutch parts, simplify the clutch structure, and make the clutch device compact. First and second friction clutches can be constructed with a clutch outer common to both, and a torque cam mechanism is disposed within the clutch outer and between the first and second friction clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tsukada, Kazuhiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7243581
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for use with a torque limiting driver. The clutch assembly comprises two relatively rotatable clutch plates, a driving plate and a camming plate, that face one another, with a plurality of rolling members housed between the two members. The driving clutch member has a face comprising a plurality of radially spaced flat areas and a plurality of recesses interposed between the flat areas, with the recesses comprising a curvilinear base area. The second camming clutch member has a face comprising a plurality of radially spaced flat areas and a plurality of opposing downwardly sloped planar surfaces interposed between said flat areas, with the planar surfaces forming an angle. The rolling members are movable from an engaged position with the clutch members to an override position. When the rolling members are in the override position, the recesses form individual housings for the rolling members that include a gap located between the rolling members and a respective curvilinear base area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 7219583
    Abstract: A pneumatic screwdriver having an adjustable clockwise torque and a maximum counterclockwise torque includes a transmission seat having at least one steel ball hole and a through hole. The steel ball hole installs a steel ball and has a clockwise rotating area and a counterclockwise rotating area. With a first leaning portion perpendicular to the clockwise rotating area, the steel ball is separated from the steel ball groove easily, so that the transmission seat, steel ball, and steel ball groove slide with each other, and the compressing strength of the torque spring is adjusted to change the clockwise torque. With a second leaning portion disposed with an inclination on the counterclockwise rotating area, the steel ball is stopped from being separated from the steel ball groove, thus the steel ball cannot slide with the transmission seat, and a maximum torque can be outputted directly when the screwdriver is turned counterclockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Sunmatch Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lung-Pao Chen
  • Patent number: 6880688
    Abstract: A driving force transmitting apparatus includes a clutch mechanism for bringing a pilot clutch to a frictionally engaged condition, and a cam mechanism for bringing a main clutch for transmitting driving force to a frictionally engaged condition during operation of the clutch mechanism. The cam mechanism includes a pilot cam member, a main cam member, a stopper member, and a biasing means for biasing the stopper member in a rotational direction for respectively engaging the pilot cam member and the main cam member to the stopper member. A position of the pilot cam member, the main cam member, and the stopper member is determined depending on a relationship between a biasing force to the stopper member by the biasing means and a torque to the pilot cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6837353
    Abstract: A torque sensitive clutch has an outer and inner sheave and a means for attaching the outer and inner sheave to each other such that the spacing, between the outer and inner sheave expands and contracts without relative rotation. The clutch system is assembled in a manner wherein all rotating force from the outer and inner sheave is transmitted to the power shalt, because the V-belt residing between the outer and inner sheaves does not slip making the clutch much more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Duane O. Watt
  • Patent number: 6793055
    Abstract: A torque cam mechanism comprises first and second cam members disposed relatively rotatably around a common axis and cam balls adapted to fit in first and second cam grooves formed, respectively, in confronting surfaces of the first and second cam members. The depth of the first cam grooves is made larger than the radius of the cam balls, whereas the depth of the second cam grooves is made smaller than the radius of the cam balls, whereby even though a centrifugal force is applied to the cam balls which rotate together with the first and second cam members, the generation of thrust forces for separating the confronting surfaces of the first and second cam members can be suppressed by receiving the centrifugal force so applied to the cam balls by the first cam grooves which are deeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kasuya, Kentaro Arai, Kazuhiro Wada, Kenichiro Hayashi, Ryuichi Murakami, Katsuhiro Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20040112705
    Abstract: A torque sensitive clutch has an outer and inner sheave and a means for attaching the outer and inner sheave to each other such that the spacing, between the outer and inner sheave expands and contracts without relative rotation. The clutch system is assembled in a manner wherein all rotating force from the outer and inner sheave is transmitted to the power shalt, because the V-belt residing between the outer and inner sheaves does not slip making the clutch much more efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Duane O. Watt
  • Patent number: 6742642
    Abstract: A torque-to-thrust apply mechanism for a torque-transmitting mechanism includes an input electric motor supplying torque to a first rotary to thrust ball and ramp mechanism which converts rotary motion to an apply force between an apply plate and a plurality of friction discs within a torque-transmitting mechanism. The mechanism also includes a second rotary-to-thrust mechanism which receives input rotation from the first apply member as a result of reaction torque. The rotation of the second mechanism results in additional thrust on the friction plates to amplify the apply force of the torque-to-thrust apply mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Stevenson, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20040099500
    Abstract: A torque-to-thrust apply mechanism for a torque-transmitting mechanism includes an input electric motor supplying torque to a first rotary to thrust ball and ramp mechanism which converts rotary motion to an apply force between an apply plate and a plurality of friction discs within a torque-transmitting mechanism. The mechanism also includes a second rotary-to-thrust mechanism which receives input rotation from the first apply member as a result of reaction torque. The rotation of the second mechanism results in additional thrust on the friction plates to amplify the apply force of the torque-to-thrust apply mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Paul D. Stevenson, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 6675943
    Abstract: An improved lubrication system for a ball ramp master clutch and a gear change transmission is disclosed where a lubricant pump is driven by the input shaft to a ball ramp mechanism which, when energized, applies a clamping force on a clutch pack where lubricant is supplied to the pump from a wet sump on the transmission and then lubricant is forced into the clutch assembly and also forced into the gear shaft transmission for eventual return into the sump for recirculation. In an alternate embodiment, a dry sump system is used where the oil flowing out of the transmission is pumped to dry sump where it is then recirculated to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Organek, David M. Preston
  • Patent number: 6669072
    Abstract: Disclosed and taught is a novel drive mechanism for a cyclic operating tool employing an energized flywheel to provide the necessary energy to perform a working cycle. The drive mechanism disclosed is particularly useful in hand tool applications such as a hand held nailing machine. The flywheel may be energized by a corded or battery powered motor. The herein disclosed mechanism teaches a novel pair of ball ramp cam plates wherein a first pair of ball ramps cause an initial engagement of a clutch with the energized flywheel whereupon rotation of the clutch causes activation of a second pair of ball ramps which affect compression of a spring which acts to increase the pressure applied to the clutch thereby assuring a slip free engagement between the clutch and he flywheel throughout the working cycle of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Senco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Burke, Shane R. Adams, Richard L. Leimbach, Conrad A. Garvis
  • Patent number: 6651793
    Abstract: In a power-split transmission for driving a first and a second axle of a motor vehicle, in the case of which transmission are located a first and a second output shaft (3, 4) and a friction clutch (12), the latter is intended to transmit a controllable torque. For this purpose, (a) for the action of pressure upon the pressure plate (29), there are provided two rotationally uncoupled ring parts (31, 32) which are coaxial to the friction clutch and at least one of which possesses ramps rising in the circumferential direction, (b) the two ring parts (31, 32) are supported in the axial direction and each possess a ramp lever (35, 36), the free end (37, 38) of which cooperates with a control unit (11) which moves the ramp levers in opposite directions, and (c) the control unit (11) having a rotatable control disk (40) with two slots, and the drive means being an electric geared motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Steyr Powertrain AG & CO AG
    Inventor: Karl Reisinger
  • Publication number: 20030209398
    Abstract: A ball ramp mechanism is used to apply an axial force in the same irregardless of the direction of the flow of torque whenever there is relative rotation between an input shaft and an output hub using unidirectional grooves in both a control ring and an activation ring where a first index plate limits the rotation of the activation ring and a second index plate limits the rotation of the control ring relative to the input shaft. An electrical coil is used to induce a magnetic field in a coil pole to magnetically couple a coil armature to an intermediate plate and the intermediate plate to an activation plate to energize the ball ramp mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Joseph Organek, David Michael Preston
  • Patent number: 6644452
    Abstract: A wheel hub with clutch where power is transferred through a drive, such as a chain that is linked between a pedal arrangement and a gear or gears splined onto the hub. The hub provides free-wheeling when torque is not applied thereto and will instantly engage, transferring an applied torque therethrough and into a wheel connected to the hub when torque is applied as through a pedal arrangement. For locking, the hub includes, as a radial load bearing component, a sleeve whereon a gear or gears are splined, with the splined gear sleeve mounting a thick ring for fitting into an end of a wheel sleeve. The thick ring contains spaced sloping pockets, each containing a ball bearing. The wheel sleeve includes an annular ring that receives the thick ring fitted there and has spaced steps, or the like, formed therein to engage the ball bearing surfaces, transferring torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Paul Lew, Jason Schiers
  • Patent number: 6637569
    Abstract: A ball ramp mechanism is used to apply an axial force in the same regardless of the direction of the flow of torque whenever there is relative rotation between an input shaft and an output hub using unidirectional grooves in both a control ring and an activation ring where a first index plate limits the rotation of the activation ring and a second index plate limits the rotation of the control ring relative to the input shaft. An electrical coil is used to induce a magnetic field in a coil pole to magnetically couple a coil armature to an intermediate plate and the intermediate plate to an activation plate to energize the ball ramp mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Organek, David M. Preston
  • Publication number: 20030183471
    Abstract: A dual mass flywheel and clutch system for minimizing torsional vibration levels during engine start-up and during low speed engine operation where the rotational moment of inertia of a clutch input assembly is minimized to raise the torsional natural frequency of the dual mass clutch system above the engine firing frequency when the clutch is disengaged to reduce the level of torsional vibration during engine start-up. After engine start-up, the dual mass clutch system is engaged and the torsional natural frequency of the clutch system returns to a lower frequency due to the rotation of the clutch output assembly thereby effectively reducing the torsional vibration levels in the vehicle driveline in a normal manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Vern Gochenour, Michael Lee Bassett, Kevin Francis Schlosser, Mark Leon Beakas
  • Patent number: RE41424
    Abstract: The invention is in a torque responsive actuation device, preferably for a belt drive system as is commonly utilized with snowmobile and like type vehicles. A bearing carrier of the invention is connected to a lower half of a split pulley, with the upper pulley half mounting a helix or cam cone that extends towards the carrier undersurface and includes a plurality of cam tracks formed therein that are each to receive a cam follower for travel therealong. Movement of the bearing carrier towards the top face of the pulley upper half is thereby translated to lower the pulley half to spread the pulley upper and lower halves apart, opening a V slot therebetween wherein a drive belt is maintained. A cylindrical shaft is journaled through the bearing carrier and fitted through the pulley that includes a coil spring disposed therearound for providing spring biasing to urge the bearing carrier away from the pulley upper half, biasing the pulley halves together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Steven R. Benson