Abstract: Coupling mechanisms for torque transmitting shafts are provided with sliding and fixed plates operably connectable to respective torque transmitting shafts, and a leaf spring having a preloaded spring force exerted on the sliding plate when the sliding and fixed plates are operably connected to one another. A hub is attached to the leaf spring and coaxially received within the sliding plate to allow the sliding plate to be capable of reciprocal axial movements relative to the hub between engaged and disengaged positions wherein the sliding and fixed plates are engaged and disengaged with one another so as to allow and prevent torque being transmitted from one to another of the shafts, respectively.

Abstract: A power transfer unit for transferring a torque comprising a first shaft configured to receive the torque from a first device, a second shaft configured to output the torque to a second device, and an activating assembly for selectively transferring the torque from the first shaft to the second shaft. The activating assembly includes a sliding cam, a rotating cam, an actuator configured to selectively rotate the rotating cam relative to the sliding cam, and an engaging gear. The gear is configured to be moved by the sliding cam between a first engaged position where the torque is transferred from the first shaft to the second shaft through the gear and a second disengaged position where no torque is transferred to the second shaft. Relative rotation between the rotating earn and the sliding cam moves the sliding earn thereby moving the gear between the first engaged and second disengaged position.

Abstract: A drive unit disconnect mechanism is operable to transmit or disconnect power from a vehicle power source to a driven unit, and can be disengaged by multiple methods depending on how much force is required to separate the internal components of the mechanism. In a first, relatively quicker method, a handle is pulled axially away from the hub to withdraw and internal gear from splined engagement with a corresponding driven gear. In a second, relatively slower method, the handle is rotated to threadably withdraw the entire disconnect mechanism from the hub, which in turn withdraws the internal gear from splined engagement with the driven gear. The quicker method is desirable in most instances, but the slower method allows disconnection of the driven unit from the vehicle power source when gear pressure prevents or impedes the quicker method.

Abstract: An integrated wheel disconnect system is provided, including, a mechanically actuated engagement interlock selector assembly. The engagement interlock selector assembly including a housing, an interlock mechanism disposed in the housing, a spring disposed in the housing, and an actuator assembly, arranged to displace the interlock mechanism towards or away from the spring. The engagement interlock selector assembly is operated by an actuator module, such as a pin, sliding along an external ramp on the interlock mechanism, the mechanism moving axially to selectively engage and disengage the wheel hub from the drive axle.

Abstract: A drive coupling mechanism for use in connecting an axle or other drive shaft to a wheel hub for use in a snow thrower or other vehicle, or in other applications where a driven wheel is engaged to a drive shaft. A slider member is mounted on and driven by the axle, and cooperating engagement structures located on the slider and the inner surface of the wheel hub are used to engage and disengage the wheel hub from the axle depending on the location of the slider member. A bearing ring or similar structure may be used to facilitate the engagement of the cooperating engagement structures.

Abstract: A detachable transmission mechanism for a wheel chair includes a control unit, two support frames, a suspension frame and a driving device. The channel clamps of the two support frames can be connected to two lower transverse rods of an existing wheel chair and the joining tubes at two sides of the battery unit is connected to the joining pipe so that the battery unit can be fixed beneath a seat of the wheel chair; furthermore, the control unit is positioned on one side of one of armrest of the wheel chair so that in case of the handle being rotated, the vertical shaft, rotary plate and the connecting rod can move relatively and in turn rotate the suspension frame as well as the driving device; and when a control switch is turned on, the driving wheel can be rotated in either forward or reversed direction and thus move the wheel chair forward or backward.

Abstract: An adapter assembly mounted on a road vehicle between a driving axle and a road wheel allows a user to selective either a driving configuration, for use when the vehicle is to be driven or a free-wheeling configuration, for use when the vehicle is to be towed. Such an adapter may comprise a spindle, a hub, a spring-biased locking gear, a set of pushrods and a cam that can oscillate about the spindle. The locking gear has a splined periphery for engaging a splined internal portion of the hub and a splined axial throughhole for engaging a splined portion of the spindle. When the cam is turned in one direction the pushrods push the locking gear into the driving configuration in which the gear connects the hub to the spindle when the splined periphery engages the hub and the splined throughhole engages the spindle.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a drive unit (e.g., a wheel drive unit or an integrated drive unit) including a wheel carrying hub rotatably attached to a frame and a reciprocal input shaft operable to selectively connect a power source (e.g., a hydraulic motor) to a transmission connected to the hub. The disconnect mechanism is connected to the input shaft and is adapted to be selectively hand actuated. The disconnect mechanism includes a hand rotatable knob rotatably connected to a cover removably attached to and enclosing an end of the hub. The knob includes an annular helical surface (i.e., ramp surface) operable to axially displace the input shaft from a first position in which the input shaft is drivingly connected to the transmission and, thus, the hub to a second position in which the input shaft is disconnected from the transmission. A disconnect pin is positioned intermediate the disconnect knob and the input shaft and rides on the ramp surface of the disconnect knob.

Abstract: A hub clutch mechanism wherein actuation of the clutch ring movement is provided by an over-center spring. A first spring portion is secured to the clutch ring and a second spring portion is movably secured at the clutch ring center. The second spring portion is offset axially from the first spring portion and biases the clutch ring away from the first spring portion. Stops restrict movement of the first and second spring portions which enables movable positioning of said second spring portion from one side to the other of said first spring portion and thereby urging reverse axial movement of the clutch ring.