Abstract: A height adjustment control is provided for a retractable window shade. The window shade includes a top beam and a bottom beam with the bottom beam suspended below the top beam by at least one cord. The bottom beam can be adjusted and positioned relative to the top beam by adjustment of a length of cord extending between the top beam and the bottom beam. The height adjustment control system of this invention acts on the portions of the cord which are not suspended between the top beam and the bottom beam. A retainer is provided to gather up portions of the cord which are not in use. A retractor exerts a force on the retainer to cause the retainer to automatically gather up this excess cord. A cord brake is provided to hold the cord from passing onto the retainer and hold the bottom beam at a desired position below the top beam.

Abstract: A cord lock for a venetian type blind or pleated shade has a flange extending from each of the front wall and the rear wall of the cord lock housing. The cord lock fits into a pocket in the headrail. A tab on the upper edge of the pocket is received by a slot in one of the flanges. The cord lock fits into the pocket in only one orientation and can be easily removed from one pocket and placed in the other pocket by an installer.

Abstract: This invention discloses a pocket door. The pocket door is capable of pivoting on hinges between a fame that holds the pocket door and allows it to slide in and out of a pocket to open and close a passageway. More specifically, the pocket door is hinged to the moving frame and also includes a two-part panel, where each panel is separated from an adjacent panel by a hinge that is capable of allowing the panels to move between flush engagement wherein the two panel lie in the same plane and a position where the panels are no longer lying in the same plane.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a three-dimensional object includes the steps of forming a mixture that contains a binder and a least one of aluminum or a first aluminum-base alloy into a green composite, removing the binder from said green composite forming a porous preform structure and infiltrating the porous structure with a molten second aluminum base alloy to form the three-dimensional object with near theoretical density. The green composite may be formed by an additive process such as computer aided rapid prototyping, for example selective laser sintering. The method facilitates the rapid manufacture of aluminum components by an inexpensive technique that provides high dimensional stability and high density.

Abstract: A pattern carrier for a flask molding machine including a mount on which a pattern plate is mounted and a flask-shaped, molding flask-removing frame adapted to make contact with a lower end of a molding flask of a flask molding machine and moveable up and down around said pattern plate for removing a finished mold.

Abstract: The venting valve assembly for casting moulds comprises a venting valve for closing a venting channel. The venting valve comprises a valve housing in which a closure member is received that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure member can be frictionally locked in its open position and simultaneously biased in closing direction. For frictionally locking the closure member, a chamber is provided that can be put under a hydraulic overpressure. The chamber has a wall portion that bulges towards the closure member in response to the overpressure. The wall portion is resilient such that it moves back to a position releasing the closure member once the overpressure in the chamber is reduced. For reducing the pressure in the chamber, a release valve is provided which is controlled by a sensor detecting any casting material penetrating into the venting channel. The biasing of the closure member in closing direction is performed pneumatically.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas cooled hydrogen storage element which includes a hydrogen storage alloy material in which hydrogen flow channels are provided. The flow channels provide pathways through the hydrogen storage material to allow for high speed hydrogen gas flow. A portion of the high speed hydrogen flow is stored within the storage material which releases its heat of hydride formation. The remainder of the hydrogen flows through the hydrogen storage material at a sufficient mass flow rate to remove the heat of hydride formation. The unit also includes an encapsulant to prevent any loose particles of the storage material from becoming entrained in the high flow rate hydrogen.

Abstract: The added expense of providing fixtures for holding side pieces in heat exchangers in place during assembly is avoided in a heat exchanger having a core with at least one row of spaced, parallel, straight runs (12-20); (70-86) of flattened tubing (10) which includes first and last spaced side runs (12), (20); (70), (92) which define an associated side on opposite sides of the row. Fins (36), (62) bridge the spacing between each of the plurality of runs and extend oppositely from outwardly facing sides (42), (44); of the first and last runs (12), (20); (70), (92); and are bonded to the tubing (10). A pair of side pieces (46), one for each side of the row, are provided and are hooked on the associated ends of the first and last runs (12), (20); (70), (92). The side pieces (46) are self-fixturing by reason of being hooked on the tubing.

Abstract: A stacked-type, multi-flow heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes. Each of the heat transfer tubes includes a first tube plate and a second tube plate connected to the first tube plate, such that the first tube plate and the second tube plate form a refrigerant path within the heat transfer tube. Each of the heat transfer tubes also includes an inner fin having a wave shape, positioned within the refrigerant path and extending in a longitudinal direction along the refrigerant path. Moreover, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of outer fins. The plurality of outer fins and the plurality of heat transfer tubes are stacked alternately. The heat exchanger further includes a plurality of projection portions formed on the first tube plates and the second tube plates, such that the projection portions project into the refrigerant path and extend in an oblique direction relative to the inner fin. Further, the inner fin is connected to the plurality of projection portions.

Abstract: A heat transfer plate for a plate heat exchanger has a heat transfer portion (210) having elevations and depressions (30; 130; 230), a first port portion (G), a second port portion (H), first sealing portions (214, 215a-d), and second sealing portions (244, 216, 217). The plate has a symmetry line (S), which extends from a first edge (202) to a second edge (203) of the plate and in relation to which the plate's heat transfer portion, sealing portions and ports to be passed by each of the heat transfer fluids are symmetrically arranged. The elevations and depressions (230), are located in such manner relative to the symmetry line (S) that when two identical plates are brought to abut against each other—one of the plates being rotated through 180 degrees about the symmetry line (S)—the elevations (230) on the plates will form distance means between the plates in a large number of positions distributed over the heat transfer portions (210) of the plates.

Abstract: A heating or air-conditioning system for vehicles, having a heat exchanger through which a heating medium flows and which is arranged in an air duct through which air can flow, at least one air mixing chamber which has a warm-air inflow opening and a cold-air inflow opening, at least one closing member controlling the opening cross-sections of the inflow openings, and a shut-off valve which is arranged in the inflow or outflow of the heating medium to the or from the heat exchanger. For reducing the flow resistance in all operating modes, particularly during maximal cooling, the warm-air inflow opening is arranged in the air flow behind the heat exchanger, and a control system controlling the closing member and the shut-off valve is designed such that, with the shutting-off of the warm-air inflow opening, it closes the shut-off valve and, after the closing of the shut-off valve, changes the closing member into an open position which completely opens up the warm-air inflow opening.

Abstract: A first passageway (17) provides a first fluid flow path, in a well between a first zone (9) and a, common region (26). A second passageway (23), outside the first passageway (17), provides a second fluid flow path; between the second zone (10) and the common region (26). The first passageway (17) is provided with a first flow controller (25), for controlling the flow of fluid between the first zone (9) and the common region (26). The second passageway (23) is provided with a second flow controller (28), for controlling the flow of fluid between the second zone (10) and the common region (26).

Abstract: A wellhead is formed by extruding a plurality of tubular liners off of a mandrel into contact with an outer casing. The first tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within the wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with the outer casing. At least a portion of the tubular liner is extruded off of the mandrel into contact with the interior surface of the outer casing. The first tubular liner is extruded off of the mandrel by pressurizing an interior portion of the first tubular liner. Subsequent tubular liners are positioned in concentric overlapping relation and similarly extruded off of a mandrel into at least partial contact with the interior surface of the outer casing.

Abstract: A tool is used for installing a string of casing in a well. The casing is supported by a casing hanger that lands on a landing shoulder of the wellhead assembly. A running mechanism is releasably secured to the casing hanger for landing the casing hanger and setting a casing hanger seal. A profile is formed in the wellhead assembly above the landing shoulder. The tool includes a body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being secured to the running mechanism. A mandrel is mounted to the body for axial movement relative to the body, the mandrel having a threaded upper end for securing to a running string of conduit. A cam surface is formed on the mandrel. A plurality of dogs are mounted to the upper portion of the body in sliding engagement with the cam surface for movement in response to axial movement of the mandrel into engagement with the profile. While in the engaged position, the dogs resist upward movement of the casing hanger during cementing of the string of casing.

Abstract: Methods of treating subterranean zones penetrated by well bores wherein the static temperatures of the zones are as high as 400° F. and greater include using aqueous treating fluids comprised of an aqueous liquid containing one or more inorganic monovalent salts, multivalent salts or both in an amount no greater than about 5% by weight of the aqueous liquid and one or more specific synthetic hectorite clay gelling and thixotropy imparting agents.

Abstract: Methods of consolidating unconsolidated weak zones or formations and forming chemical casings include drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid having a pH in the range of from about 6 to 10 and that comprises water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which is adsorbed on the mineral surfaces in the weak zone, a particulate curable solid thermoset resin and a delay acid catalyst for curing the solid resin, and forming a filter cake on the walls of the well bore. The filter cake is then contacted with a treating fluid comprising a water soluble or water dispersible polymer which is capable of being cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causing the resin to be hard and tough when cured, and a water soluble or dispersible thermoset resin, whereby the treating fluid components deposit on the filter cake and the thermoset resin cures into a hard and tough cross-linked chemical casing thereon.

Abstract: A flow diverter assembly for a tree, the flow diverter assembly having a flow diverter to divert fluids flowing through the production bore of the tree from a first portion of the production bore to the cap, and to divert the fluids back from the cap to a second portion of the production bore for recovery therefrom via an outlet, wherein the flow diverter is detachable from the cap to enable insertion of the flow diverter through the cap.

Abstract: The invention is a tree saver apparatus for preventing excess pressure on a Christmas tree for a well, wherein the Christmas tree has tubing, a master valve, a top valve, a second master valve, a wing valve, and wherein the apparatus has a connection with at least 3 outlets connected to the cylinder, a frac wing valve connected to the connection with at least 3 outlets, a frac valve connected to the connection with at least 3 outlets, a mandrel connected to the piston rod, a landing bowl connected to the top valve, and a hydraulic system with a piston, a cylinder, an upper plunger, and a hand wheel.

Abstract: A method of providing a liner which can be rolled up on a reel for convenient transport and which can be unrolled into the bore of an oil or gas well and expanded to the approximate bore size of the casing size which the liner was run through and is collapsed in a way which allows sealing and stripping with a blowout preventer for well control protection during running and providing smooth surface support wedging without the need for marking the pipe with slip teeth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the top of a liner within a casing string of an oil well which does not require a second trip of the work string to seal off the top of the liner within the casing. The liner, connected to the apparatus, is run into the well on a work string until the bottom of the liner sets on the bottom of the well. After the bottom of the liner is set on the bottom of the well and, if desired, a gravel slurry is circulated into place, the apparatus is actuated by setting weight on the work string, which causes a cylindrical sealing element to expand and seal against the inside wall of the casing. The apparatus does not require slips to hold it in position within the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opposing pressure-induced forces acting on a mandrel of a downhole tool. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use with a packer and include a piston engageable with the mandrel. Forces placed upon the piston by pressure communicated from the tubing bore are transferred to the mandrel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a horseshoe-like, plate-configured hoof pad of plastic material having two legs that can be adapted to the size of the hoof by means of changing their distance with respect to one another. A connecting bar which can be engaged with the legs of the pad in the area of their ends is configured as surface covering, separate snug-fit-piece completing the circumference of the leg ends completely in order to connect them to each other. The connecting bar includes a circumferential configuration that fills within the leg ends back-cut-recesses in form of flat, lateral bows, wherein the snug-fit-piece can be inserted into the running surface of the leg ends which can be completely integrated in order to keep the leg ends in configurational and force transmitting connection to one another and to make the snug-fit-piece exchangeably removable from the leg ends. At least some of the profile bodies are defined by a border in order to form a depression wherein at least one hoof nail can be placed.

Abstract: A walk-behind cultivator has a body, at least one pair of first tine assemblies mounted on the body to undergo rotation about a rotational axis in a first direction of rotation, and at least one pair of second tine assemblies mounted to undergo rotation about the rotational axis in a second direction of rotation different from the first direction of rotation. Each of the first tine assemblies has first tines connected together along end portions thereof. Each of the second tine assemblies has second tines connected together along end portions thereof. The second tine assemblies are arranged in the same phase with respect to each other around the rotational axis.

Abstract: A slopeboard mounting device having a rigid shaft that is attachable near a first end to a slopeboard frame and having near a second end a mechanism for indicating the desired location of a mounting lug. The rigid shaft has such a shape and size that the indicating mechanism is maintained at a desired position with respect to the first end of the rigid shaft which is the same position as is desired for a lug pivot point to have with respect to the slopeboard frame. And, preferably, the shape and dimensions of the rigid shaft are selected such that any obstructions are avoided by such rigid shaft.

Abstract: The invention comprises a power impact torque tool that is torque-limited by a novel torque-timing device that controls the amount of time that the tool motor operates after the operator initiates tool operation. The invention also includes the torque-timing device itself and with other tools. The invention further includes the torque-timing device in the form of a modular, releasably-attachable, user-adjustable control apparatus for tools powered by compressable fluids. The torque-time-limiting device allows the user to adjust a needle valve that controls the filling of a reservoir which, when full, provides the pressure required for actuating a shut-off valve.

Abstract: A method for addressing the problem known as formation breathing occurring during the drilling of a subsea well in an earth formation in performing a series of leak off tests to determine the earth formation fracture propagation pressure and the earth formation fracture reopen pressure and maintaining the hydrostatic pressure on the earth formation in a range between the fracture reopen pressure and the fracture propagation pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a variety of arcuate-shaped inserts for drill bits, and in particular, for placement in rolling cone cutters of drill bits. The arcuate inserts include 360 degree or ring-shaped inserts, as well as inserts of smaller arcuate length. The arcuate inserts may include stress relieving discontinuities such that, upon assembly into the cone, the arcuate inserts fragment in a controlled and predicted manner into shorter arcuate lengths. The arcuate inserts are suitable for use in all surfaces of the rolling cone cutter, and in other locations in drill bits, and may have specialized cutting surfaces and material enhancements to enhance their cutting duty performance.

Abstract: A method for forming a drill bit body is disclosed which comprises infiltrating powdered tungsten carbide with a binder alloy in a mold. The mold has therein at least one displacement adapted to form a mounting pad for a cutting element. The displacement comprises a substantially cylindrical body having a diameter selected to substantially conform to a radius of the cutting element and a projection adapted to form a relief groove under a position of a diamond table in the cutting element when the cutting element is mounted on the pad. The width of the relief groove is selected so that the relief groove extends back from an outer surface of the bit body at least about 40 percent of that portion of a thickness of the diamond table which does not extend past the outer surface.

Abstract: A crawler vehicle has a frame extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and two lateral track carriages oscillating with respect to the frame about a rear transverse axis. Each carriage is connected to a front cross member by a respective connecting assembly having a pin, which permits relative oscillation of the cross member and the carriage about a hinge axis perpendicular to the rear transverse axis, and has an eccentric portion for varying the effective length of the cross member between two given values as the carriages oscillate about the rear transverse axis.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle control system equipped with an internal combustion engine (10), an electric motor (14) connected to the engine through a hydraulic clutch (12) and an automatic transmission (16) connected to the motor to be inputted with an output torque outputted from the engine and the motor to transmit the same to driven wheels (24) of the vehicle, the output torque of the motor (TM) and supply of hydraulic pressure to the clutch (PCL) is increased until the determined speed difference (dN) is less than a threshold value (dN3) and then the output torque of the engine is reduced such that the engine speed (NE) is synchronized with the motor speed (NM) when the speed difference (dN) becomes less than the predetermined value (dN3), while increasing the supply of hydraulic pressure to a line pressure equivalent value. With this, it can effectively reduces shock at clutch engagement during switchover from electric motor-powered driving to internal combustion engine-powered driving.

Abstract: An elongated air intake screen is provided for vehicles such as commercial mowers that operate in conditions having substantial airborne foreign materials that tend to clog the screen. The exterior surface of the screen is provided with intake openings throughout its 360 degree surface to draw air over a substantial area. It is located at the upper edge of the vehicle to separate it from the cutting decks and area where airborne grasses and similar foreign materials are encountered. Air drawn into the screen is used to cool the engine and hydraulic fluid heat exchangers and provide for engine combustion needs.

Abstract: A small vehicle has a frame assembly that is supported by rear wheels. An engine unit is supported by the frame assembly. The engine unit comprises a belt drive assembly. A cooling system delivers and removes cooling air to the belt drive assembly. A storage compartment is positioned below a seat. An exhaust chamber is formed to the rear of the storage compartment. Heated air from the cooling system is exhausted into the chamber prior to being exhausted to the atmosphere. The storage compartment provides a buffer air pocket to reduce the amount of heat transmitted to the seat from the exhaust chamber.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a chassis having a generally reduced length and a snow flap pivotally attached to the rear portion of the chassis, above the track system. The track system extends rearwardly beyond the chassis, and the snow flap shields the track system above and behind from spraying snow. The snow flap is linked to the track system so that as the track system moves through a range of travel relative to the chassis, the snow flap pivots relative to the chassis with the track system. This configuration prevents damaging contact between the tread and the undersurface of the snow flap and/or the chassis. The reduced length of the chassis decreases the weight of the snowmobile and the polar moment of inertia, thereby improving turning performance. A bumper extends from the snow flap and can be used to lift the rear of the snowmobile more easily.

Abstract: A progressive suspension device (1) for the rear wheel of a motorcycle, includes a swinging fork (2) that has a central section (10) to which one or two arms (8, 9) carrying a wheel (7) are connected. The suspension device further comprises a spring-damper assembly (14) connected at one end to a support (13) for the central section (10) of the fork (2), a rocker or lever (15) having a first end (16), with axis (16a), pivoted in seats (17) made in the engine crankcase (12) or in the motorcycle frame, the lever (15) also having a second end (18), with axis (18a), connected to the spring-damper assembly (14), A connecting rod (19) of adjustable length (C) joins the fork (2) to the lever (15). The connecting rod (19) comprises a first end (20) pivoted at an intermediate mounting point (21) between the first end (16) and the second (18) of the lever (15), and a second end (22) pivoted in a seat (23) made in the central section (10) of the fork (2).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant classification system categorizes vehicle occupants into various classes such as adult, child, infant, etc. to provide variable control for a vehicle restraint system such as an airbag. The classification system utilizes sensors that are installed in various locations in the vehicle. The sensors are used to generate a three-dimensional profile for the vehicle occupant. Various factors can affect the accuracy of this three-dimensional profile. Fuzzy logic is used to reduce some of the inaccuracies by providing multiple decision levels for various stages of the classification. Inaccuracies are also caused by sensors shifting within the system from their original position. This condition creates offset and the system evaluates this offset and generates a correction factor to provide a more accurate three-dimensional profile.

Abstract: A small vehicle has an engine mounted to a frame assembly. The engine is mounted by a plurality of engine mounts. The engine mounts are seven times stiffer in compression and tension than in shear. The engine mounts have a block of resilient material that separates a pair of plates. The block can be any shape but a rectangular parallelepiped is preferred. The engine mounts are mounted on cylinders defined with a center axis that extends through a center of gravity of the engine in a direction parallel to an axis about which the crankshaft rotates.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a drive system that includes a hydraulic motor coupled to a speed-reduction gearbox. One or more drive shafts extend fore-and-aft from the gearbox and are coupled at each end to two axle housings. Each axle housing includes two reduction gear sets and an axle. Each of the axles extends outward from the vehicle and a wheel is fixed to its outer end. A spur gear on a parallel shaft inside the axle housing engages a spur gear on the axle and drives it to provide one gear reduction. A bevel gear in the axle housing engages a bevel gear on the parallel shaft to provide another gear reduction. The vehicle has a drive system located on each side of the vehicle to collectively drive four wheels.

Abstract: In an electric power steering system, a second bevel gear is allowed to move toward a first bevel gear and is biased by a biasing member toward the first bevel gear thereby to be moved toward the first bevel gear as following the wearing away of these bevel gears. In an electric power steering system, a support shaft formed with the first bevel gear at its distal end is rotatably supported by a retaining member, which is mounted to a support-shaft housing as allowed to move axially of the support shaft. The retaining member is adjusted for its position relative to the support-shaft housing with respect to the axial direction of the support shaft by means of a retaining member adjuster. The first bevel gear is moved toward the second bevel gear as following the wearing away of these bevel gears.

Abstract: The invention provides an instrument suitable for measuring seismic waves in an environment which comprises a wave guide through which a seismic wave may propagate substantially without dispersion wherein the wave guide is provided with means for measuring its deformation.

Abstract: A fall arrest platform includes a platform cooperable with a lifting vehicle and having a floor, safety rails surrounding a perimeter of the floor, and an entrance gate in the side rails. A fall arrest system is integrated with the platform and includes a lanyard securable at one end to a user's harness, a lanyard connection securably receiving an opposite end of the lanyard, and mounting structure secured to the platform that supports the lanyard connection. The mounting structure movably supports the lanyard connection such that the user can move about a periphery of the platform. A compressed air accessory provides additional functionality and convenience. With this platform, a lift machine can be provided with the ability to access elevated surfaces and can also enable a safe work area outside of the machine platform.

Abstract: A locking and securing device including a securing means which is movable between a secured position and an unsecured position by using a force at a substantially center point of the securing means.

Abstract: A descender apparatus for lowering a person in a controlled manner from a height to a relatively lower height and for use as a safety equipment for workers and mountain climbers comprising a generally cylindrical housing; a rope arranged in the housing about a vertical axis of the housing in a stack of layers of closely wound coils and a friction core at one end of the housing for controlling a rate of descent and uncoiling the coils of rope as they are withdrawn from the housing; and a camshaft in transverse relationship to the axis of the housing for selectively controlling the rate of descent during the lowering of the person.

Abstract: To enhance the responsiveness of a relief valve, to lower the height of an engine, and to remove foreign matter entrapped in oil. A cylindrical relief valve for a dry sump type engine is disposed in parallel to a main gallery which is disposed in parallel to a crank shaft. Alternatively, the relief valve is disposed in an oil tank. Furthermore, a strainer for straining oil recovered in the oil tank is provided in the oil tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil collecting arrangement for an internal-combustion engine having an oil collecting housing arranged below a crankcase in which an oil suction space is constructed and at least one oil collecting space adjoins the oil suction space. The oil suction space is separated from the oil collecting space by at least one wall section in which at least one passage opening is arranged which can be controlled by way of a flap. The part of the wall section provided with the return opening is constructed as a plug-in oil separating wall which is fitted in between guiding ribs provided in the oil collecting housing.

Abstract: A braking device acts on a guide rail and consists of a housing that is arranged at an elevator car yoke and serves as a support for spring packets and/or for adjusting packets. The housing also serves as a support and guide for chock guide elements that in turn retain and guide brake chocks with brake linings. Pushrods engage at one end at the brake chocks, and at the other end are pivotably connected to an actuating fork. Upon braking of the elevator car, the actuating fork is moved at the pushrod end in the direction of the braking device. The guided brake chocks with the brake linings slide in the braking device. At the same time the brake linings are moved at the guide leg of the guide rail. The brake chocks are moved in the braking device and the spring and adjusting packets are stressed, whereby a braking force for stopping an elevator car or a counterweight is generated.

Abstract: A brake assembly is provided including a hub assembly having a barrel portion and a flange extending radially outwardly from the barrel portion. The flange includes an outer circumference, and a plurality of studs are arranged circumferentially about the flange inboard of the outer circumference. A brake drum includes a generally annular mounting portion includes a plurality of mounting holes spaced circumferentially thereabout with the plurality of studs disposed within the plurality of mounting holes. A brake drum pilot surface engages the outer circumference of the hub flange and includes a plurality of relief pockets aligned with the plurality of studs. The studs generate a deformed area in the outer circumference of the hub flange aligned with the stud. The deformed areas are received in the relief pockets so that deformation of the outer circumference of the hub flange does not interfere with properly piloting of the brake drum onto the hub assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a simplified loading device in which a permanent magnet is arranged between a moving element and a fixed element for holding the moving element, a magnetic fluid is disposed in a gap developed at some midpoint in a magnetic circuit in which the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet passes through the moving element, and a shearing force of the magnetic fluid produced by the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet is exerted on the moving element as a loading force. Thereby, a higher loading force can be generated and the device can be made smaller in size than in the case of the conventional friction or hysteresis brake.

Abstract: A spring clutch has an arbor, a spring, and a sleeve. The spring at least partially surrounds the arbor and has a first portion coupled to the arbor to confine relative rotation of the first portion and arbor about an axis. The sleeve at least partially surrounds the spring and cooperates with the spring. The cooperation is sufficient so that an initial relative rotation between the arbor and sleeve in a first direction about the axis tends to uncoil the spring and bias the spring into firmer engagement with the sleeve. The cooperation is sufficient such that relative rotation in an opposite direction tends not to uncoil the spring and maintains the clutch in a disengaged condition.

Abstract: A stator using a ratchet one-way clutch including an inner race having concave portions on the outer periphery thereof, a claw member to be fitted into one of the concave portions on the outer periphery of the inner race, a spring biasing the claw member toward the outer periphery of the inner race, and an outer race having on the inner periphery thereof a pocket receiving therein the claw member and the spring and arranged so as to be concentric with and rotatable relative to the inner race, wherein at least one of the inner race and the outer race has a bearing function.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch reduces clutch operating noise at a low cost by utilizing elastic members which are suited to a spring force of a leaf spring. An approximate nonagonal leaf spring has an outer ring portion, attachment portions connected to a hub, and connecting portions. Under the outer ring portion, securing portions of an armature are disposed. First elastic members are disposed at intermediate points of the securing portions, and a second elastic member is disposed in a gap between the leaf spring and the hub along an axial direction. When actuating the electromagnetic clutch, the leaf spring compresses the second elastic member, and when stopping the electromagnetic clutch, the armature collides with the first elastic member so that an axial position of the armature is secured.