Abstract: A one-way clutch is provided that includes a first race, a second race having relative rotational movement with the first race, a locking mechanism to allow relative rotational movement between the races in one direction only and first and second backing plates connected with the first race.

Abstract: A one-way or selectable clutch with multiple circumferential rows of ratchet elements is disclosed. The clutch may include two or more rows of ratchet elements extending between two or more races. The device may be either a one-way clutch or a selectable mechanical clutch, and afford the benefits of reduced backlash and multiple modes of operation. Those modes may include free-wheel/overrun in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, lock/transmit torque in both directions, lock in clockwise and overrun in counterclockwise directions, and lock in counterclockwise and overrun in clockwise directions.

Abstract: A composite clutch used to transmit an operational range of torques from a driving member to a driven member includes a friction clutch assembly and a dog clutch assembly. The friction clutch assembly includes a number of first friction clutch members coupled to the driving member and a number of second friction clutch members coupled to the driven member. The number of first friction clutch members and the number of second friction clutch members are selected to transmit torque across a first portion of the operational range of torques. An actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the friction clutch assembly and the dog clutch assembly. The composite clutch may be operated in friction clutch and dog modes to provide improved controllability in lower torque operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch can function with one or no races as opposed to conventional prior art one-way clutches. In so doing, the overall size and weight requirements of the one-way clutch are drastically reduced, which in turn drastically reduces the overall size and weight requirements of the transmission and vehicle employing the transmission as well. The present disclosure also provides a one-way clutch having an outer race provided by axially spaced plates. An inner race is rotatably mounted with respect to one of the plates and the inner race has a ratchet surface. Ratchet pawls are pivotably mounted with respect to the plates and have unidirectional engagement with the ratchet surface of the inner race. In addition to reducing material and labor production costs, such lessened size and weight penalties translate into higher transmission efficiency and better vehicle fuel economy.

Abstract: A one-way clutch is provided that includes a first race, a second race having relative rotational movement with the first race, a locking mechanism to allow relative rotational movement between the races in one direction only and first and second backing plates connected with the first race.

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 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 cage segment for use in a clutch having a cam race and a pathway race. The cage segment has at least one engaging member which engages a receiving member on an adjacent cage segment. The cage segment is secured to the adjacent cage segment in the radial, axial and circumferential directions.

Abstract: A cage segment for use in a clutch having a cam race and a pathway race. The cage segment has at least one engaging means which matingly engages a retaining means on the cam race. The cage segment is secured to the cam race in the radial, axial and circumferential directions.

Abstract: An overrunning roller clutch retains its rollers through the use of a pair of cage side rails that shift between a shipping position spaced separated by less than a roller length, to an operating position separated by about a roller length. A latch maintains the side rails stable in either position. In the shipping position, the roller ends are seated in aligned indents, and so are securely retained independent of the springs. The rollers are also retained in a shipping position farther back than normal, so they need not rub on the cam ramps as the clutch is installed to cam race. The pathway race hits stop members on one side rail as it is installed with a simple axial push, thereby shifting the cage side rails apart and freeing the rollers for operation.

Abstract: An improved spring retention for a roller clutch energizing spring includes a relatively narrow, flexible and axially disposed retention tab lanced out of the flat end leaf of the spring, which snaps into an equally narrow, axially disposed retention groove in the end face of a cage journal block. This allows the strength of the journal block and the radial width of the spring to be maximized.