Abstract: Systems and methods for an electric drive axle are provided. In one example, the electric drive axle may include an electric motor-generator rotationally coupled to a gearbox having a one-way clutch mounted on an output shaft and operable in an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, where in the engaged configuration, the one-way clutch transfers rotational energy from the output shaft to an output gear rotationally coupled to a plurality of drive wheels. The gearbox further includes a mode adjustment mechanism including a lock ring rotationally coupled to the output shaft and configured to selectively engage an input gear and the one-way clutch in a plurality of operating modes.

Abstract: In one aspect, a child vehicle is provided comprising a motor, a wheel selectively operatively coupled to the motor for driving the child vehicle under the power of the motor, and a motor drive selector mechanism. The motor drive selector mechanism allows the child vehicle to be operated in a first operational mode wherein the wheel is driven by the motor and a second operational mode wherein the wheel is substantially free from drag or resistance due to the motor. A method of operating the child vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: a shaft; a hub radially disposed about the shaft; an outer ring located radially outward of the hub; a wedge plate radially disposed between the hub and the outer ring; and a displacement assembly including a first element and a plunger assembly at least partly disposed within the hub. To transition from a disconnect mode to a connect mode, the displacement assembly is arranged to displace the hub in a second axial direction and a portion of the plunger assembly is arranged to displace radially inward to block axial displacement of the hub in the first axial direction. To transition from the connect mode to the disconnect mode, the portion of the plunger assembly is arranged to displace radially outward through the hub and the first element is arranged to displace the hub in the first axial direction.

Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: an inner hub; an outer race; and a conical outer race: including a first portion aligned with the outer race in a radial direction orthogonal to an axis of rotation for the wedge clutch and in an axial direction, and a second portion aligned with the outer race in an axial direction parallel to the axis. The conical outer race is axially displaceable with respect to the outer race to bring the first and second portions into contact with the outer race to non-rotatably connect the inner hub and the outer race and to separate the first and second portions from the outer race to enable relative rotation of the inner hub and the outer race. The wedge clutch includes a wedge plate radially located between the inner hub and the conical outer race and engaged with the inner hub and the conical outer race.

Abstract: A clutch assembly, including: a one-way clutch connected to first and second components and a helical gear engaged with the one way clutch. The helical gear is arranged to rotate in a rotational direction such that the helical gear displaces in an axial direction. The displacement of the helical gear in the axial direction and rotation of the helical gear in the rotational direction are arranged to rotationally lock the one-way clutch to non-rotatably connect the first and second components.

Abstract: Example aspects of the present invention comprise two concentric rings, the rings movable relative to each other and defining a clearance between them for receiving at least one ball. The first ring is a coupling member, the second ring is a tubular slipper with a friction surface on the far side of the clearance, and the ball contacts the coupling member to the tubular slipper. At least one ring has a first recess with side walls for receiving the least one ball, and the friction surface is configured to displace in a radial direction when the at least one ball is axially aligned with the first recess and forced to run up the side walls by rotating the rings relative to one another. In an example embodiment of the invention, the first recess is a calotte.

Abstract: Construction machine, with working drum mounted at a machine frame, combustion engine for driving the working drum, drive train between the combustion engine and the working drum, and clutch in the drive train, where the clutch is arranged between a drive shaft and output shaft of the drive train, clutch elements on drive side capable of being engaged with clutch elements on output side, where clutch elements on the drive side or on output side are provided with several clutch part elements that are permanently engaged with one another via at least one mechanical coupling, it is provided that a braking device acting between the drive shaft and the output shaft is arranged at the clutch, said braking device being additionally engaged during engagement of the clutch in order to eliminate or reduce any rotary vibrations caused by play of mechanical coupling between clutch part elements.

Abstract: A clutch comprises two plates each connected to a respective shaft, so that rotary power may be transmitted. One shaft exerts engagement force near the center of the first plate, whereas the second shaft exerts engagement force about the circumference of the second plate. In this manner it is provided that the first plate tends to deform convexly, whereas the second plate tends to deform concavely, as the plates approach and then engage each other. Due to the geometry resulting from the deformation of the plates, engagement surfaces on the first plate are urged towards receiving surfaces on the second plate, with said surfaces entering into firm contact with each other, as said plates deform convexly and concavely respectively; despite the fact that when the plates are undeformed, there may be clearance rather than interference between said surfaces so that rotation is not transmitted between the plates.

Abstract: A controllable overrunning coupling assembly includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement between a first pair of coupling faces of first and second coupling members relative to reverse pockets formed in one of the coupling faces. The first pair of coupling faces oppose each other and are oriented to face axially along a common rotational axis. The control member is operable for controlling position of only reverse struts in the reverse pockets without controlling the position of forward rockers in forward pockets formed in a coupling face of a second pair of coupling faces of the coupling members that oppose each other and are oriented to face radially with respect to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A control element for opening and closing a drive connection between a first member and a second member includes a first ring engaged with the first member, displaceable among a disengaged position, a stroked position and an engaged position and formed with first serrations, a second ring engaged with the first member and including second serrations, a third ring engaged with the second member and including third serrations for alternately engaging with and disengaging from the first and second serrations, and a detent for resisting displacement of the first ring relative to the second ring when the first ring is in the stroked position and permitting displacement of the first ring relative to the second ring when the first ring moves from the stroked position to the engaged position.

Abstract: A water pump disconnect clutch including: a first race having first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively; a second race having at least one ramp; at least one rolling element disposed radially between the first and second races; and an engagement means for axially displacing the at least one rolling element. In response to an increase in temperature for the pump above a specified level, the engagement means is for axially displacing the at least one rolling element from a first position, in which the first and second races are rotationally independent, to a second position to rotationally lock the first and second races. In response to a decrease in temperature for the pump below the specified level, the engagement means is for axially displacing the at least one rolling element from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: Construction machine, with working drum mounted at a machine frame, combustion engine for driving the working drum, drive train between the combustion engine and the working drum, and clutch in the drive train, where the clutch is arranged between a drive shaft and output shaft of the drive train, clutch elements on drive side capable of being engaged with clutch elements on output side, where clutch elements on the drive side or on output side are provided with several clutch part elements that are permanently engaged with one another via at least one mechanical coupling, it is provided that a braking device acting between the drive shaft and the output shaft is arranged at the clutch, said braking device being additionally engaged during engagement of the clutch in order to eliminate or reduce any rotary vibrations caused by play of mechanical coupling between clutch part elements.

Abstract: A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface.

Abstract: A synchronizing device for a manual transmission for synchronizing rotation speeds of a rotating shaft and a shift gear that includes in preferred aspects at least one first ring disposed on an exterior circumference of the rotating shaft and having an exterior sloped surface at its exterior circumference, at least one second ring disposed on an interior circumference of the shift gear and having an internal sloped surface contacting the exterior slope surface of the first ring, and an actuator unit applying an axial directional load to the at least one first ring or the at least one second ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for establishing a couplable connection between two rotationally mounted machine parts, particularly a first shaft and a second shaft. To this end, the second shaft comprises a coupling ring that, on the inside, has tensioning bodies, which act against each another in pairs and which are arranged so they surround the shaft.

Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided that includes a rotor, a stator, a clutch element disposed between the rotor and stator, and an axial force source. First and second contact surfaces are disposed on the rotor and spaced axially apart. The second surface has a smaller radial distance to a rotor rotational axis than the first surface. The axial force source is in communication with the clutch element and is configured to supply a predetermined axial force to the clutch element. When an opposing axial force is applied to the clutch element, the assembly selectively (i) engages by providing contact between the clutch element and the first clutch element contact surface, when the opposing force is less than the predetermined axial force, and (ii) disengages by providing contact between the clutch element and the second clutch element contact surface, when the opposing force is greater than the predetermined axial force.

Abstract: An infinitely-variable transmission consists of a rotational input member, a rotational output member, first and second non-circular driving gears coupled to one of the rotational members, and a plurality of variable velocity-ratio gear assemblies disposed about the one rotational member. Each gear assembly comprises an intermediate shaft including first and second non-circular driven gears respectively meshing with the first and second non-circular driving gears. Each gear assembly also comprises a multi-directional coupling associated with the pair of first driven/driving gears and the pair of second driven/driving gears, and an actuator associated with the coupling for coupling the first and second variable-ratio gear pairs to the rotational members.

Abstract: A clutch element for a unit is driven via a drive shaft, especially for a water pump. The clutch element comprises a temperature- and/or speed-sensitive clutch member which is rigidly connected with the drive shaft and which acts on a part of the unit to be driven depending on the temperature and/or rotational speed, with the clutch member being formed by a clutch disk whose surface forms at least one clutch surface for non-positive connection with a respective counter-surface which is formed by a surface of the part to be driven. At least one clutch surface comprises at least one drainage groove.

Abstract: A locking clutch comprises a toothed member and a slide assembly which are connectable to drive and driven parts. The two members are movable between an engaged position in which the clutch transfers power and/or torque to the driven part and a disengaged position in which power and/or torque is not transferred. The toothed member comprises a cylindrical surface and a plurality of teeth spaced about and extending from the cylindrical surface. The slide assembly comprises a body having a circumferential surface with a plurality of channels formed in said surface. Slide members are received in the channels to be movable between an extended position in which they can engage the teeth of the toothed member and a retracted position in which they do not engage the teeth of the toothed member. A resilient member biases the slide members to their extended positions. The slide assembly can be formed so that the slide members move either axially or radially relative to the slide assembly body.

Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an outer race and an inner race defining a gap between the inner and outer races. One of the inner and outer race includes a plurality of cam surfaces, and one of the inner and outer races is tapered toward a first end of the clutch. A plurality of tapered rolling elements are positioned between the races along the cam surfaces such that the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation. An axially moveable retainer interconnects the rolling elements and is biased toward the first end of the clutch, wherein each of the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races. An actuator selectively moves the retainer axially away from the first end such that the tapered rolling elements no longer wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby allowing relative rotational movement.

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

Abstract: An adapter for rapid attachment and removal of a flanged motor on a power driven appliance. A bracket attaches to the appliance and cooperatively receives the motor flange. Pins incorporating clips or expanding projections then secure the motor to the appliance. A shaft-to-shaft connector is then secured in place on the shafts, thus coupling the motor output shaft and appliance power input shaft. The connector may include pins inserted through aligned bores in the connector and the shafts. In a preferred embodiment, the connector may comprise mating forward and rear components sandwiching a resilient member therebetween, which arrangement accommodates minor angular and parallel misalignment. In other alternative embodiments, the connector comprises a splined collar slidable over splined output and input shafts, and a clutch and drum arrangement. For belt driven appliances, the motor output shaft terminates in a pulley, or is coupled to a shaft having a pulley and attached to the appliance.

Abstract: The flying wedge clutch assembly is a speed actuated coupling device that provides low speed axial load and torque transmission and disengages for increased shaft motion at higher speeds. The flying wedge clutch assembly is a compact and lightweight design, roughly equivalent to a conventional ball bearing assembly in a typical turbopump application. Advantageously, the flying wedge clutch assembly can be used in high speed rotating machines with radial hydrostatic bearings eliminating the speed and life limitations normally attributed to rolling element bearings.

Abstract: A rolling-contact bearing type clutch which comprises an inner ring having an inner raceway surface of a mono-hyperboloid of revolution; an outer ring having an outer raceway surface of a mono-hyperboloid of revolution; rollers disposed in between the inner and outer rings with their center axes slanted, and with the surface of each roller being in line contact with the inner and outer raceway surfaces; and energizing devices energizing either the inner ring or the outer ring in the axis line direction to narrow the gap of the raceways; and annular members provided on the inner and outer rings so as to bring possible axial movements of the rollers to a stop.

Abstract: A positive axial clutch of the hyperboloidal type whereupon engagement transmits torque in one direction and freewheel or overrun is allowed when disengaged. The apparatus utilizes an inner race coupled to an inner race element such as a shaft, an outer race member coupled to an outer race element such as a sprocket designed to rotate in one direction relative to the shaft with an annular volume formed therebetween in which a plurality of thrust transmitting rollers are disposed.

Abstract: A mechanism useful as a clutch or brake comprising a housing member having a wall defining a bore, a friction material disposed against said wall in said bore, a driver member having inner and outer ends at least partially within said bore, the driver and housing having a longitudinal axis, the driver member having a plurality of angularly spaced triangular slots defined therein from the inner end thereof at an angle to the longitudinal axis, the slots defined by opposite surfaces,a shoe of generally triangular form in each of said slots, the shoes hvaing surfaces mating with the surfaces of a slot whereby the shoes are slidable on the slot surfaces, the shoes having an outer peripheral surfaces defined on a portion of a cylinder,the shoe outer surfaces being in contact with the friction material, amd means for adjusting the position of the shoes in said slots whereby the outer peripheral surfaces of the shoes engage the friction material in predetermined frictional engagement.

Abstract: A positive axial clutch including a first inner having a surface of revolution about the axis of rotation of the clutch, which surface is substantially a hyperboloid through every point on which two straight line generators may be drawn so as to lie wholly in the surface. A second outer race defined with the first inner race, an annular space between confronting surfaces of the races, one of which is the surface of revolution. A plurality of thrust transmitting rollers are disposed in the annular space between the races so as to engage with the surfaces thereof to make thrust transmitting contact between confronting surfaces for driven rotation of the first or second races in at least one direction, with each roller contacting the surface of revolution of the first inner race along a generator of the surface or a line which approximates to such a generator. The rollers are all similarly inclined with respect to radial planes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an integrated disc brake (50) and drum brake (120) construction. A support member (12) is supported by a vehicle axle (14) and extends radially outwardly to provide support for a housing (52) of the disc brake (50). The housing (52) is secured by bolts (93 or 94) to the support member (12), the housing (52) having through openings (54) for receiving rod members (75). The rod members (75) each have one end (76) secured to the support member (12) and a second part (90) and the other end has an opening (77) for an internal bore (78) extending therein. The disc brake (50) includes an axially movable yoke (60) attached to guide pins (82) extending into bores (78) of the rods (75) for slidable movement therein. The second part (90) extends radially to provide support for an inner brake pad (20) and may extend axially away from the housing (52) to provide an anchor support (91) for shoulders (132, 142) of drum brake shoes (130, 140).

Abstract: The present invention comprises an integrated disc brake (50) and drum brake (120) construction. A support member (12) is supported by a vehicle axle (14) and extends radially outwardly to provide support for a housing (52) of the disc brake (50). The housing (52) is secured by bolts (93 or 94) to the support member (12), the housing (52) having through openings (54) for receiving rod members (75). The rod members (75) each have one end (76) secured to the support member (12) and a second part (90) and the other end has an opening (77) for an internal bore (78) extending therein. The disc brake (50) includes an axially movable yoke (60) attached to guide pins (82) extending into bores (78) of the rods (75) for slidable movement therein. The second part (90) extends radially to provide support for an inner brake pad (20) and may extend axially away from the housing (52) to provide an anchor support (91) for shoulders (132, 142) of drum brake shoes (130, 140).

Abstract: One or more slip friction clutches are interposed between two flywheels in the power train between the crankshaft of the engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission in a motor vehicle. The torque which is transmitted by at least one of the slip clutches is variable in the drive direction and/or in the coast direction.

Abstract: A decoupling arrangement that includes a manually operable latch member is provided between an output shaft of a drive source and a power train. In a first coupled position, the latch member cooperates with slots in a tubular member that is arranged to be rotated by the drive source. A driven member is arranged coaxially with the tubular member and pivotally carries the latch member. To accomplish decoupling, the latch member is pivoted out of the coupled position. The decoupling arrangement includes provisions to prevent decoupling movement of the latch member except when the power train is at one or at one of a plurality of predetermined operative positions. The decoupling-preventing provision also serves to restrain the power train against movement when the latch member is moved out of the coupled position.

Abstract: A low mass clutch in which a thin hard metal disk carried by an output shaft is placed between a driven hardened solid wheel and the outer ring of a ball bearing. The inner ring of the bearing is carried on a shaft connected to a lever. In the quiescent state of the device, the disk and wheel slide relative to each other. To engage the clutch, an electromagnet is energized, exerting a force on the lever causing the ball bearing to exert a relatively high force on the disk. In response, the wheel drives the disk with an extremely rapid angular acceleration.

Abstract: A hydrostatic machine, in particular of bent axis design comprises a clutch which is provided between the drive shaft and the pistons. The force necessary for clutch engagement is produced by hydraulic pressure forces which are either applied to the pistons or delivered by the pistons depending on whether the machine operates as a motor or as a pump. When the machine neither produces a moment nor receives a moment the clutch is automatically disengaged due to the reduction of the hydraulic pressure forces. According to the invention the clutch helps to prevent hydraulic losses of the machine while running idle and improves the overall efficiency.

Abstract: An electric starter apparatus for small internal combustion engines wherein engagement of a starter pinion gear with engine flywheel gear teeth is produced by the axial translation of a nut member mating with helices formed on the motor shaft. An elastomer drive and cushion member is interposed between the nut and pinion gear wherein axial displacement of the pinion gear is through the elastomer, as is the transmission of torque to the gear. The elastomer includes an annular axially extending projection received within an annular recess defined in the pinion gear whereby the recess partially confines the elastomer during torque transmission and engine cranking, and concentrically locates the elastomer relative to the motor shaft.

Abstract: A pushbutton tuner formed of a base unit (A) including a memory slide and operating members for displacing the memory slide upon operation of a push button; a coil unit (B) including a movable member provided with cores displaceable relative to coils; a clutch unit (C) including a clutch mechanism and provided with a rotating shaft for manual tuning operation; and an arm unit (D) including a plurality of button slides fitted with push buttons, respectively, and slidably disposed on a top plate. These units are assembled separately from each other and, then, mounted on a baseplate of the base unit (A).

Abstract: The drive shaft assembly comprises first and second telescoping shafts supported above ground level. A motor is coupled to the first shaft for extending it in an axial direction. Another motor is connected to the second shaft for rotating the second shaft about its longitudinal axis. These shafts are connected by a coupling so that the second shaft rotates the first shaft in all positions of the first shaft. The first shaft terminates at a free end in a frictional engageable end portion.

Abstract: A pushbutton tuner comprising button slides disposed within a plane in parallel with a baseplate and link members operable by setting pins provided on the respective button slides also disposed within a plane in parallel with the baseplate. A memory slide is displaced by rotation of a free end of each link member when the setting pin moves rearwardly. Each of the link members is so disposed that a line drawn between its portion where it is pivotally connected to the basetable and its portion where it is pivotally engaged with the memory slide is parallel with the rearward movement of the setting pin. The link members each have symmetrically convexed engaging edges at opposite sides thereof. In the position where the link members are disposed on the baseplate so as to be close each other, the setting pins are adapted to act on the adjacent engaging edges of the link members.

Abstract: A disc brake comprises a rotatable brake disc, and a pad assembly disposed in opposed relation to the pressure bearing surface of the brake disc. The pressure bearing surface of the brake disc is inclined diametrically thereof, and the pad assembly is adapted to displace diametrically of the brake disc so as to engage the pressure bearing surface of the brake disc, whereby there is provided a clearance between the press surface of the pad assembly and the brake disc, which clearance is large enough to prevent the dragging phenomenon.

Abstract: A locking device for two parts, mutually displaceable telescopically, e.g. a rod glidable in an outer tube, and including a washer with resilient serrations or teeth bent slopingly upwards out of the plane of the washer, which is retained in one part while its teeth engage the other part. An operating means is adapted for urging an annular lifting means into engagement with the teeth on actuation in one direction, so that the teeth are deflected out of engagement, allowing free movement between the parts, until they regain their engagement when the operating means is moved in the opposite direction.

Abstract: This apparatus for coupling and decoupling driving and driven elements includes an overrunning clutch mechanism having complemental parts with members on one part movable in a plane extending radially to the axis of rotation of the parts to engage the members with the second part for effecting a driving connection between the parts, one of the parts being selectively movable axially relative to the elements to interrupt and reestablish the radial registration of the members with the second part, the elements being coupled when registration is established and decoupled when registration is interrupted.

Abstract: Corresponding sets of radially distributed helical surfaces in a drive coupling for axially urging either of two female cone members into positive engagement with a male cone member and providing a selectively bidirectional rotary output.

Abstract: A variable speed ratio transmission wherein conventional pneumatic tires caused to orbit around an annular track to transmit motive forces from the input mechanism to the output mechanism. The tire planes are adjustable relative to the track plane to provide varying roll-skid engagement relationships, and different speed ratios.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm assembly comprises a shaft mounted for oscillation on an operator's cab or a vehicle, adjacent to a windshield thereof. The wiper arm is normally coupled to the shaft and retained at a first position thereon by a spring clip, for oscillation therewith. Upon release of the spring clip from the shaft, the wiper arm may be moved axially to a second position on the shaft whereby the shaft is free to oscillate relative to the wiper arm. A storage clip is secured to the operator's cab to retain the wiper arm in its second, inoperative position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a braking apparatus wherein the heat absorbing mass of a rotating braked element, such as a vehicle wheel, is increased by securing to, such as each wheel of the vehicle, a brake disc of such size as to constitute a heat sink capable of absorbing the heat generated by a pair of brake shoes when in braking engagement therewith, the periphery of the wheel forming a braking surface that is simultaneously engaged by a third brake shoe whereby the wheel constitutes a second heat sink capable of absorbing the heat generated by the third brake shoe.

Abstract: A clutched fan drive for a vehicle engine is disclosed which couples the engine cooling fan to a member driven by the vehicle engine when the engine coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined level, and which uncouples the fan when the engine temperature level falls below the predetermined level. The fan drive includes a driving member which is rotatably mounted on a fixed spindle, a ram piston which is slidably mounted on the spindle, and a driven member which is rotatably mounted on the ram piston and which is movable therewith. The engine coolant fan is coupled to the driven member, and both the driven member and the driving member are provided with a clutching mechanism which is engaged by a resilient spring which acts against the ram piston.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes forward and reverse driving gears rotatably mounted on the input shaft which has first and second oppositely threaded driving spiral threads thereon. First and second clutch elements threadedly engage the spiral threads on the input shaft. In the neutral position, the clutch elements rotate with the input shaft but when rotation is impeded, the spiral threads drive the clutch elements axially into engagement with the driving gears. An improved shift mechanism includes a yoke having two legs which extend over flanges on the clutch elements. A pin member moves the clutch elements upon axial movement of the shift linkage. Drag is provided for the yoke so that the flange of the clutch element is pinched between the pin member and the yoke to impede rotation of the clutch element. The shift mechanism engages and disengages the clutch smoothly and with the engine torque providing most of the force required for engagement and disengagement.