Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-locking non-backdrivable gear system. The gear system may comprise a primary motor input and self-lubricating gear box. The primary motor input is for rotation of the gearbox about the axis of a drive shaft. The gearbox may comprise an input ring gear, one or more planet locking gears, fixed spur gear, and output spur gear. In operation, rotation of the primary motor input causes rotation of the ring gear which causes rotation of the planet locking gear which causes rotation of the output spur gear which causes rotation of the drive shaft. However, in the absence of rotation of the ring gear, a rotational force applied to the output spur gear causes the gear teeth on the fixed and output spur gears to lock the planet gear in place.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power line system having a number of controlled release mechanisms. A number of utility poles with cross bars each have a controlled release mechanism attached. A number of sensors are attached to the cross bars. A communication system is electrically connected to the sensors. A sector switch is electrically connected to the communication system. When the controlled release mechanism senses too much force on one of the utility poles it lowers the cross bar in a controlled manner to the ground. A sensor detects this and the communication system sends a message to the sector switch to open. When the storm or other threat is over, the cross bars can be raised by turning the winch in the controlled release mechanism.

Abstract: A stator assembly for a torque converter includes a member fixed against rotation and including engagement surfaces spaced mutually about an axis, a stator formed with pockets spaced about the axis, rockers, each rocker located in a pocket, able to pivot toward and away from engagement with the engagement surfaces, and springs, each spring urging a rocker toward engagement with the engagement surfaces.

Abstract: A new asymmetrically damped tensioner is provided utilizing a bearing-ramp clutch. During normal operation, the bearing-ramp clutch enables the tensioner arm to pivot in a first direction to take up belt slack with negligible frictional damping applied to the motion of the tensioner arm. When the tensioner arm pivots in a second direction, away from the belt, however, in a condition commonly known as wind-up, the bearing-ramp clutch locks against a fixed internal surface and creates a frictional damping force that is applied to the tensioner arm. This frictional linkage provides asymmetric frictional damping to the tensioner to limit movement in the second direction to mitigate wind-up.

Abstract: A backward motion stop for a car to be pulled up in a guiding device is provided and consists of a catch lever engaging in a catch rail such that it operates noiselessly. For this purpose, an induction strut is laid parallel to the catch rail and the catch lever is equipped with a magnet interacting with the induction strut so that a linear eddy current brake is formed, which exercises a slight braking force counteracting the upward motion of the car upon the catch lever, which, because of the torque linked therewith, is moved out of the catch rail, so that it essentially floats over the catch rail.

Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch assembly for use in an automatic transmission comprises a strut plate rotatable about a central hub and having pockets and struts mounted therein for pivotable rotation. A selecting plate concentrically located about an activator hub has teeth extending axially inboard and configured to fit in the apertures in an activator plate. A turning device is selectively operable to activate one-way clutching mode by rotating the pin of a control plate to disengage selecting cams and displace selecting plate teeth inboard beyond the inboard face of the activator plate wherein the struts catch the teeth when the strut plate assembly is rotated in a clutching direction. The catching ends of the struts are cammed in the pockets by ramped camming ends of the teeth when the strut plate assembly is rotated in the opposing direction, thereby allowing freewheeling of the strut plate in the overrun direction.