Abstract: A clutch assembly for transmitting power from an oscillating drive shaft to a driven mechanism includes a clutch member having a rotatable input component for receiving power from the oscillating drive shaft, a rotatable output component for transferring power to the driven mechanism and a spring mounted at one end to the input component and having an opposite end secured in a fixed position. The spring biases the input component into engagement with the output component upon rotation of the drive shaft in one direction and biases the input component toward the output component upon rotation of the drive shaft in an opposite direction. The assembly preferably includes a plurality of clutch members for sequentially transmitting power from a drive shaft to the driven mechanism to cause rotation thereof.

Abstract: A transmission having ratios from 0:1 to 1:1 is disclosed; the transmission comprises a plurality of clutches for producing a partial rotational output from a reciprocating input, an output gear for collecting the partial output of the clutches, an input gear for providing rotational input to a varicrank (i.e. an index plate/web shaft slidably and rotably disposed in a rotatable cylindrical block), and a varicrank (i.e. an index plate/web shaft slidably and rotatably disposed in a rotatable cylindrical block) for producing reciprocal motion on the clutches. The varicrank has a variably offset center web member having a plurality of connecting rods secured thereto corresponding to the number of clutches and a plurality of crank arms pivotally secured to the connecting rods.