Abstract: A freewheeling clutch includes torque transmitting elements disposed between an inner race and an outer race. The elements include active surfaces that may be defined by an angularly variable radius of curvature that varies with respect to roll angle at an increasing rate, such as an equiangular spiral, to form a constant strut angle as the elements move between a freewheeling and an engaged position.

Abstract: A freewheeling clutch includes torque transmitting elements disposed between an inner race and an outer race. The elements include active surfaces that may be defined by an angularly variable radius of curvature that varies with respect to roll angle at an increasing rate, such as an equiangular spiral, to form a constant strut angle as the elements move between a freewheeling and an engaged position.

Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch assembly is disclosed. The assembly has an inner race with a plurality of notches, an outer race with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. The pawl members can have a pivot ridge to mate with a peak or recess in the pockets in the outer race to precisely position the pawl in the pocket. The pawl center of the mass can be selectively positioned such that the pawl can have a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches in the inner race. Spring members can be utilized to provide tilting force on the pawl members toward engagement. Garter springs, coil springs, ribbon springs, Z-type springs, individual leaf-springs or the like can be used for this purpose. The springs can be separate or part of a cage member positioned between the inner and outer race. Retaining members for axial and radially retaining the pawls in position can also be used.

Abstract: A ratchet-type one-way clutch mechanism. The mechanism has an inner race member with a plurality of notches, an outer stator member with a plurality of pockets, a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches, and spring biasing members for biasing the pawl members toward engagement. The stator member is made from a non-ferrous material, such as aluminum or a plastic material. The pawl members have pivot ridges which mate with peaks or recesses in the pockets in the outer member to precisely position the pawls in the pockets. The centers of mass of the pawl members are selectively positioned such that the pawl members will have a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches in the inner member. The spring biasing members can be Z-shaped springs, garter springs, or the like.

Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch assembly with wide biasing springs. The assembly has an inner race with a plurality of notches, an outer race with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. Spring members which extend the axial width of the pawl members provide tilting forces on the pawl members toward engagement.

Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch assembly is disclosed. The assembly has an inner member, such as a race or shaft member, with a plurality of notches, an outer member, such as a race, stator or reactor member, with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. The pawl members have a pivot ridge which mates with a peak or recess in the pockets in the outer member to precisely position the pawl in the pocket. The pawl center of the mass is selectively positioned such that the pawl can have a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches in the inner member. In an alternate embodiment, a spring member is utilized to provide a tilting force on the pawl members toward engagement. Garter springs, coil springs, ribbon springs, or the like can be used for this purpose. Axial retainment members, such as washers, can also be used with the present invention.

Abstract: A torque converter for translating torque from a prime mover to an input shaft of a transmission including a torque input member, an impeller assembly, a turbine assembly and a lock-up clutch assembly interposed between the turbine assembly and a torque input member. The torque converter further includes a torsional damper operatively interconnecting the turbine assembly and the lock-up clutch assembly. The torsional damper includes a plurality of reaction members integrally formed with a plurality of turbine blades and extending from the turbine shell and operatively coupled with the lock-up clutch assembly. The plurality of integrally formed reaction members define a predetermined spring rate such that torsional forces generated between the turbine assembly and the lock-up clutch assembly are damped through the flexing of the reaction members.