Abstract: A guard for a power transmission coupling includes first and second housing members extending longitudinally along corresponding first and second axes and each having first and second longitudinal ends. The first longitudinal end of the first housing member defines an opening configured to receive one of a drive shaft and a driven shaft of the power transmission coupling while the first longitudinal end of the second housing member defines an opening configured to receive the other shaft. The second longitudinal end of the second housing member is configured to be telescoped within the second longitudinal end of the first housing member and the second housing member is movable relative to the first housing member in the direction of the first axis. A plurality of guides are disposed between and couple the first and second housing members and are configured to allow relative movement of the first and second housing members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bi-directional overrunning clutch that enables movement of an object between multiple rotational bodies in either direction using a single motor. The clutch includes a pair of cam discs disposed about a driven shaft extending from the motor and spaced from one another, outer races disposed outwardly of each cam disc and rollers disposed between the cam discs and outer races. The cam discs are oriented such that rotation of the shaft in one rotation direction causes rotation of one outer race and freewheeling of the other outer race while rotation of the shaft in the opposite rotational direction causes rotation of the other outer face and freewheeling of the one outer race.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch is provided that facilitates the use of grease lubrication and use of the clutch in high speed and/or high torque applications. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a seal is disposed between the rollers in the clutch and a bearing that is disposed between the input and output members and the inner raceway, outer cam surfaces, rollers and bearing are lubricated with grease. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the mass of the rollers and the stiffness of the springs acting on the rollers are selected to provide a high natural frequency for the roller and spring system to enable the clutch to better withstand torsional vibration in high speed and/or high torque applications.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch is provided with improved structural characteristics to facilitate the use of grease lubrication. The clutch includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis and defining an inner raceway. A driven member is supported on the hub by a bearing and defines a radially inner surface spaced from the inner raceway of the hub. An outer race is disposed between the inner surface and inner raceway and defines a plurality of cam surfaces opposing the inner race. A plurality of rollers are disposed between the inner raceway and the outer race. Springs urge the rollers into engagement with the cam surfaces in the outer race. A seal is disposed between the rollers and bearing and the inner raceway, cam surfaces, rollers and bearing are lubricated with grease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive assembly including an adapter that enables the use of a lightweight backstopping clutch with a driven shaft. The adapter is coupled to the driven shaft for rotation therewith and forms a stub shaft smaller than the driven shaft. The clutch has an inner race that is disposed about the stub shaft and an outer race fixed against rotation so as to allow rotation of the stub shaft and driven shaft in one direction and inhibit rotation in an opposition direction.