Abstract: An active multi-mode overrunning clutch assembly includes concentric inner and outer members and a plurality of opposed pairs of clutch pawls operably disposed between the members. The clutch pawls are biased radially outwardly and include recessed portions and raised lands which cooperate with an axially translatable circumferential control sleeve. The control sleeve can be translated to select various combinations of active (engaged) or inactive (retracted) pawls to effect four distinct operational modes: fully engaged, i.e., locked in both directions, drive and overrunning in a first direction, drive and overrunning in the reverse direction and fully disengaged, i.e., released or inactive. The active multi-mode overrunning clutch assembly finds particular application in transfer cases of four wheel drive vehicles.

Abstract: Difficulty in achieving the disconnection of two relatively rotatable elements (14) and (30) is avoided in a simple manual connect-disconnect operator which includes a coupling shaft (42) for interconnecting the rotary members (14), (30) and a translatable carrier (38) which journals the coupling shaft (42) for rotation about an axis and further mounts the coupling shaft (42) for movement between connect and disconnect positions. A yoke (60) is mounted on a pivot (66), (100) and is connected to the carrier (38) to move the coupling shaft (42) upon pivotal movement of the yoke (60). The support shaft (108) is mounted for reciprocating movement along its longitudinal axis and a handle (132) is pivotally mounted on the support shaft (108).

Abstract: A clutch actuating system which is particularly suitable for connecting drive to the front wheels of a four-wheel-drive tractor. The system includes an actuating member movable between a first position in which the clutch is disengaged and a second position in which the clutch is engaged. A pair of adjacent reaction members (27,29) encircle the actuating member and have mutually inclined wedging surfaces (30,31) on confronting faces. One (27) of the reaction members is connected with the clutch (25,26) which is of the toothed-dog type. A number of elongated toggle members (33) are connected at one end with the actuating member (32) and extend between the wedging surfaces of the reaction members at their other ends.

Abstract: A releasable drive assembly is described, suitable for use with a rolling door. The illustrated assembly comprises a chassis, a final drive unit rotatably mounted to the chassis for operating the door, a motor fixed with respect to the chassis, drive means interconnecting the motor with the final drive unit, the drive means including a clutch for releasing and re-engaging the motor and the final drive unit, the clutch including a slidable clutch unit keyed for rotation with one part of the drive means and having axially projecting formations respectively engageable and disengageable with mating formations on the other part of the drive means upon sliding movement of the clutch unit, latchable disengagement means for selective engagement with the slidable clutch unit for sliding the clutch unit into and out of engagement with the mating formations, the disengagement means being latchable to hold the clutch unit in its disengaged position.

Abstract: An improved clutch shift mechanism for use with a motor vehicle transfer case. A cylindrical drive shell is concentrically positioned around a shaft axis in spaced relation to a relatively rotatable coaxial coupling member formed with external spline teeth. A plurality of axially directed circumferentially spaced slots are provided in the drive shell with each slot receiving a rocker key having an internal spline tooth at each ends of its inner face. The interior of the drive shell has grooves sized to capture therein a center and side annular springs. Each rocker key inner surface has a center notch and side notches receiving their associated springs therein with the key in its neutral position. An axially slidable shift ring surrounds the shell and includes an annular cam surface engaging a central depression in each key.

Abstract: A generally semicircular device is disclosed which is capable of holding an djusting knob or wheel stationary with respect to a flange. The device is in the form of a hollow arch with flat parallel walls joined by a curved wall. A cam lever is pivoted in an opening in one of the flat walls such that the cam bears against the knob for one position of the lever and pushes the knob and flange towards each other.

Abstract: A clutch operating device in which an operating shaft is reciprocatingly rotated to operate a clutch operating member for setting and unsetting of a clutch. The clutch operating device has an operating shaft, and a cam mechanism disposed on the operating shaft. The cam mechanism is movable axially as the operating shaft rotates. A clutch release member controls setting and unsetting of the clutch, and a clutch lever connects operatively the cam mechanism to the clutch release member to actuate the clutch release member in response to axial forward movement of the cam mechanism. A return spring biases the cam mechanism backward through the clutch lever.

Abstract: This invention pertains to ratchet mechanisms, and has particular application to ratchet wrenches of the type employing removable sockets for engagement with a stud having a ball detent for holding the sockets thereto during wrench operation. The novelty of the invention resides in the use of a push-button selector for alternately effecting the reversing action of the ratchet mechanism in conjunction with a push-button device for releasing the sockets from the stud.

Abstract: The adjustable seat having a plurality of position adjusters, such as a backrest adjuster, a front vertical adjuster, a rear vertical adjuster, and a longitudinal-horizontal adjuster includes a common driving motor which is coupled to individual adjusters by means of a power distributing gear unit including a plurality of driving shafts supporting for free rotation meshing gears which are in permanent engagement with a driving pinion of the driving motor. Each of the driving shafts also supports for joint rotation axially movable coupling discs which are normally disengaged from the assigned gears. The gear unit includes a control unit assembled of a plurality of mechanical control devices, each including cam surfaces linked to the coupling discs and being conservatively activated by a sliding member driven by an additional adjustment motor. The sliding member also controls an indication circuit which indicates the individual operative position of respective driving shafts.

Abstract: The specification discloses a wood splitter in which the ram for driving a piece of wood into a cutter can be selectively engaged or disengaged with a motor driven flywheel. The drive train between the motor and flywheel includes a clutch means which effectively disengages the motor if the load on the flywheel becomes too great, thereby preventing motor overload. The rack and pinion driven ram is mounted on an elongated beam which includes a trailer hitch at one end and which is supported on wheels at the other end whereby the entire splitter is portable.

Abstract: A spring-loaded cam plate is pivotally mounted on an outer inclined surface of a brake pawl having at its inner surface a tooth, the cam plate being pivotable relative to the brake pawl along the outer inclined surface. A driver operable control rod is formed with a cut out portion forming an wedge surface including a large inclined first section near the bottom of the cut out portion and a small inclined second section. The first and second sections are selectively engageable with a free end of the cam plate upon axial movement of the control rod to urge the brake pawl to disengage from or engage with the parking gear.

Abstract: System for controlling selective relative positional movement of portions of a bed structure with respect to a main supporting bed base frame, such as in a hospital bed, in which a single common motor controllable, e.g. by suitably actuatable switch means, for driving operation selectively in alternative forward and reverse directions is utilized, and which contemplates a plurality of independently operable individual motion transmission means connectable to such bed structure portions for correspondingly effecting the selective relative positional movement thereof with respect to the main supporting bed base frame, e.g.