Abstract: A gear mechanism containing a clutch assembly made of an outer member with an offset hub, a wrap spring, a pin wherein the rotation of the pin around the offset hub is less than one revolution. A protrusion on a stop at a fixed location is used to dislodge the wrap spring such that it is incapable of transferring torque to the pin. With the spring dislodged, the pin ceases rotation as the hub continues to rotate. Once the power source reverses the rotation, the spring engages the pin which causes the spring to tighten around the hub. The tightening of the spring causes the spring to transmit torque and consequently move the pin away from the stop. In applications where, in one direction, a rotation of less than one revolution is acceptable, the use of a fixed protrusion to dislodge the spring allows the full torque of the driving member to drive the mechanism in either rotational direction.

Abstract: A freewheel retainer ring with centrifugal force takeoff has two ring-shaped edge rings which are connected with each other by several axial connecting bolts and which mount clamping members between them. For this purpose, separate pockets are arranged respectively at both end faces of the clamping members. The pockets at least guide the clamping member in the circumferential direction, whereby one pocket is connected with one edge ring, and the other pocket is connected with the opposite edge ring.

Abstract: A safety coupling for preventing backspin at excessive speeds of a torque transmitting drive powering a drive shaft which stores reactive torque due to torsional stress is disclosed. The safety coupling includes a rotatable driving member to be coupled with a torque producing power source, a rotatable driven member to be coupled with the drive shaft for axial rotation therewith, a support structure for coaxially and rotatably supporting the driving and driven members in relation to each other, a radial abutment provided on the driving member, and a centrifugal force responsive pawl pivotally mounted to the driven member for releasable engagement with the abutment.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and a cranking motor for turning the crankshaft to start the engine, a coupler is attached to the crankshaft and serves as a carrier for a ring gear that is engaged by the cranking motor. The coupler, in effect, disconnects the ring gear from the crankshaft when the crankshaft is operating under its own power, so that the crankshaft is not encumbered by the inertia of the ring gear and thus will accelerate quite rapidly. The coupler includes a hub, which is attached to the crankshaft and is provided with outwardly opening notches, and also includes a drive ring which surrounds the hub, such that it is capable of rotating with respect to the hub. A flexplate is attached to the drive ring, and the ring gear is in turn attached to the flexplate.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a centrifuge rotor includes at least one pair of complementary clutch elements each operatively associated with the rotor. Each element in the pair is preloaded into contact with the drive shaft. A torque applied to the shaft in either a first or second direction about an axis of rotation is transmitted from the drive shaft to the rotor through one of the clutch elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device 4 for a freewheeling unit 1 of a non-directly driven axle of a motor vehicle driven by a directly driven axle. To lock the freewheeling unit 1 there is provided a first drive element 2 with a number of circumferentially distributed apertures 15 holding radially displaceable locking elements 16. The locking elements, for the purpose of establishing a non-rotating connection between the first drive element 2 and the second drive element 3, may partially enter recesses 17 of the second drive element 3 corresponding to the apertures. Radial displacement of the locking elements 16 is achieved by a spring loaded axially movable control element 10. Displacement of the control element 10 is achieved by radially outward displacement of centrifugal masses 20.

Abstract: A pneumatic starter (10) incorporates a pawl and ratchet clutch assembly (50) having a ratchet member (46) mounted to a drive member (40) powered by an air expansion turbine (20), and a plurality of pawls (48) disposed circumferentially about the ratchet member (46) and operable in engagement therewith to transmit rotational drive torque from the drive member (40) to a driven member (60). Each of the pawls (48) is supported on a pivot pin (54) for pivotal movement into and out of engagement with the ratchet member (46) and translation between a engaged and drive position and a disengaged and retracted position to effectuate a change in the location of the center of gravity (93) of the pawl relative to its pivot axis (55). Preload springs (54) are provided for biasing the pawls (48) to pivot radially inwardly into engagement with the ratchet member (46).

Abstract: A pneumatic starter (10) incorporates a pawl and ratchet clutch assembly (50) having a ratchet member (46) mounted to a drive member (40) powered by an air expansion turbine (20), and a plurality of pawls (48) disposed circumferentially about the ratchet member (46) and operable in engagement therewith to transmit rotational drive torque from the drive member (40) to a driven member (60). Each of the pawls (48) is supported on a pivot pin (52) for pivotal movement into and out of engagement with the ratchet member (46) about its pivot axis (55). Preload springs (54) are provided for biasing the pawls (48) to pivot radially inwardly into engagement with the ratchet member (46). A weight ball (82) is disposed in a slot (80) extending along each pawl (48) so as to define a travel path between the toe end (47) and the heel end (48) thereof.

Abstract: A pneumatic starter (10) incorporates a pawl and ratchet clutch assembly (50) having a ratchet member (46) mounted to a drive member (40) powered by an air expansion turbine (20), and a plurality of ferromagnetic pawls (48) disposed circumferentially about the ratchet member (46) and operable in engagement therewith to transmit rotational drive torque from the drive member (40) to a driven member (60). Each of the pawls (48) is supported for pivotal movement into and out of engagement with the ratchet member (46). Springs (54) are provided for biasing the pawls (48) to pivot radially inwardly into engagement with the ratchet member (46). At least one magnet (82) is disposed in operative association with and radially outwardly of each pawl (48), whereby the ferromagnetic pawls (48) are held by the magnets (82) out of engagement with the ratchet member (46) when the driven shaft (60) is rotating at a speed above a desired reengagement speed.

Abstract: A lightweight centrifugal friction clutch for transmitting torque from an input source to an output shaft, which includes a wheel secured for simultaneous rotation with the output shaft, a clutch band encircling the wheel and secured within a clutch housing rotationally driven by the input source, and a centrifugal mechanism and cam for tightening the clutch band about the wheel for frictional contact and simultaneous rotation therewith. The centrifugal mechanism includes one or more weights positionable on a centrifugal arm, an actuating arm which rotates a cam member, and an adjustment linkage between the two arms. The particular rotational speed at which the clutch engages may be altered by adjusting the tension against a biasing spring that operates against the centrifugal mechanism, by replacing the spring, or by altering the lever action of the centrifugal mechanism by varying the attachment points of the adjustment linkage between the two arms.

Abstract: A pawl and ratchet clutch and an air turbine starter having such a clutch is provided in which a single, torsion shaft simultaneously forces each of a plurality of pawls into engagement with the ratchet. The torsion shaft is coupled to a cam having radially extending arms with involute surface portions. Each pawl has a radially extending member that has an involute surface. The pawls and cam are disposed within the clutch so their respective involute surfaces are in rolling contact with each other. The torsion shaft is coaxially disposed within the clutch so as to be readily accessible, which permits its twist to be adjusted without dismantling the starter.

Abstract: Engine starting apparatus for cranking an internal combustion engine. The engine is connected to a ring gear and the starting apparatus has a pinion that is meshed with the ring gear during engine cranking. The pinion is driven by an electric cranking motor. A speed responsive clutch is connected between the cranking motor and the pinion. The clutch is engaged during engine cranking to drive the pinion from the cranking motor. When the engine starts, the speed responsive clutch is disengaged to disconnect the cranking motor from the pinion. Clutch disengagement occurs in response to an increase in the speed of rotation of the clutch which occurs after the engine starts.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a torsion damping device for an automotive vehicle, of the kind comprising two coaxial parts and an intervention member for modifying the operating characteristics of the damping device. One of the two coaxial parts includes a hub, and the intervention member comprises at least one plate, resiliently deformable in the radial direction and with the hub extending through it. The intervention plate has, at its inner periphery, an inner surface which is adapted to come into engagement on an abutment surface which is fixed with respect to the outer periphery of the hub. The plate is fixed axially in at least two points to one of the said coaxial parts of the torsion damper that is not rotatable with the hub. It is moveable radially between the said abutment surface of the hub and at least one end stop abutment forming part of one of the coaxial parts of the device.

Abstract: An automotive type internal combustion engine driven accessory is connected to the engine crankshaft by a thermal and centrifugally responsive clutch mechanism that includes a centrifugally responsive ring responsive to higher engine speeds to provide slippage between the clutch parts to maintain the accessory drive at a predetermined maximum RPM, that speed level being increased in response to an excessive generation of heat due to the slippage to effect a greater engagement of the clutch and less slippage and therefore a reduction in the amount of heat generated.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch/brake apparatus includes a clutch mechanism for supplying increased frictional torque at low rotational speeds to a load. The clutch mechanism is formed of an inner cylindrical-shaped member, an outer annular member disposed concentrically around the inner cylindrical-shaped member, and a garter spring disposed concentrically around the outer annular member. The outer annular member is formed of a plurality of identical-shaped segmented fly-weights. Each segmented fly-weight has an inner arcuate section and an outer arcuate section disposed in a spaced apart relationship from the inner arcuate section by intermediate section. The inner arcuate section is disposed to be frictionally engaged with the outer circumference of the inner cylindrical-shaped member at lower rotational speeds to add increased frictional torque to the shaft output and is adapted for radial movement away from the frictional engagement with the inner member at relatively high rotational speeds.

Abstract: An anti-overload centrifugal clutch including a centrifugal clutch having a clutch drum secured to a driving shaft thereof and a group of centrifugal clutch shoes engaged with a driven shaft for contact with and movement away from the clutch drum. A group of centrifugal members are engaged with the driving shaft which are respectively forced to embrace the driven shaft by the action of an associated spring. The centrifugal members release this embrace when the rotation of the driving shaft reaches a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for damping fluctuations of torque in the power train between the engine and the variable-speed transmission of a motor vehicle has a first flywheel which is driven by the crankshaft of the engine, a second flywheel which is coaxial with the first flywheel and can transmit torque from the first flywheel to the shaft of the transmission in response to engagement of a friction clutch, at least one elastic damper which opposes rotation of the flywheels relative to each other, and at least one friction generating device which opposes rotation of the flywheels relative to each other within a lower range of speeds but is deactivated by centrifugal force when the speed rises above a preselected value.

Abstract: A clutch assembly to interconnect rotatable drive and driven members. A cylindrical clutch element is operatively connected to one of the rotating members, and a sleeve-like clutch element is attached to at least one other of the rotatable members. The sleeve-like clutch element is disposed in spaced, concentric relation about the cylindrical clutch element. A first helical spring having opposed ends is disposed concentrically about, and frictionally engages, the exterior surface of the cylindrical clutch element. A second helical spring having opposed ends is disposed concentrically within, and frictionally engages, the interior surface of the sleeve-like clutch element. The opposed ends of each helical spring serves as an energizing or a trailing end, depending upon the drive or driven function of the clutch element engaged thereby.

Abstract: A drive device for a low-voltage circuit breaker comprises a ratchet wheel with teeth which are engaged by a transporting ratchet by a periodic back-and-forth motion of a cage having the transporting ratchet disposed thereon. A stepwise rotation of the ratchet wheel for cocking an energy accumulator is brought about by the motion of the cage. Upon the release of the energy accumulator, which may be a tension spring for closing switch contacts, the ratchet wheel rotates at high speed relative to the transporting ratchet. Damage to the cooperating parts of the ratchet wheel and transporting ratchet is prevented by a centrifugal force level which is supported in the ratchet wheel in a radially tiltable manner and which protrudes during the fast rotation of the ratchet wheel with a working surface of circular arc shape beyond the heads of the teeth, so that the transporting ratchet is kept away from the teeth.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch in which a centrifugal weight is formed separately from two engaging members which are disposed for frictional engagement with each other, the centrifugal weight being displaceable in response to centrifugal force produced therein to cause one of the engaging members to engage with the other or disengage therefrom. When the centrifugal force of the centrifugal weight is smaller than a predetermined value, the two engaging members are kept in one state of engagement and disengagement, and instantly after the centrifugal force has reached the above determined value, the engaging members are shifted into the other state of engagement and disengagement. Further, the centrifugal clutch is provided with a hysteresis characteristic that the engaging rotational speed and the disengaging rotational speed are different from each other.

Abstract: A two speed transmission including a direct drive and a reduced speed ratio. The transmission is directly coupled to a variable speed engine crankshaft and includes pulleys thereon for the driving of auxiliary engine equipment. A first drive train includes planetary gearing and a one-way clutch while direct drive is provided by a wrap spring coupling cylindrical surfaces on the transmission input and transmission output axially adjacent and coterminous. The wrap spring includes an element having a flat side for engagement of the cylindrical surfaces. Two actuator mechanisms are illustrated employing centrifugal weights to result in advancement of one end of the wrap spring to tighten same into coupling engagements at low engine speeds. At higher engine speeds, the actuator mechanism releases the wrap spring from the cylindrical surfaces for drive through the planetary gearing.

Abstract: A normally engaged wrap spring clutch includes a helical spring which normally is wrapped down on the outer surfaces of aligned input and output hubs to couple the latter. One end of the spring is anchored on the input hub and the other end is secured to a control collar which is telescoped over the spring so that, by turning the control collar relative to the input hub, the spring is unwrapped from the surfaces of the hubs to disengage the clutch. Pins project longitudinally into radial slots in the input hub and spiral slots in the control collar and have substantial mass so that, when the input hub reaches a preselected speed, the pins move radially outward under centrifugal force and, through a camming action in the spiral grooves, turn the control collar relative to the input hub thereby unwrapping the spring. In an alternative embodiment, the outwardly moving pins turn the control collar to cause the spring to wrap down and cause engagement of a normally disengaged clutch.

Abstract: There is disclosed a clutch which will release under overload and will reset automatically upon speed reduction of the driving element. Two radial bars are fixed to the driven shaft; a driving wheel is rotatably mounted on the driven shaft adjacent the bars, and pivotally carries a pair of diametrically-opposite elongated pawls biased by tension springs to a radially-inwardly-extending position within the driving wheel to engage the respective arms, whereby the driving wheel drives the driven shaft. Under overload, the arms cause outward pivotal movement of the pawls against the bias of the springs, whereby the arms are cleared by the pawls, which remain in outwardly-pivoted position under centrifugal force until speed reduction of the driving wheel.

Abstract: A drive arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle in which a hydrodynamic torque converter is installed in the transmission between an engine and a handshift gear box. The hydrodynamic torque converter is equipped with a stop clutch which is responsive to the rotational velocity of the torque converter. The stop clutch engages when the engine and the torque converter are stopped. After the engine is started, the stop clutch automatically unlocks the component parts of the torque converter, thereby allowing relative rotational movement of the engine crankshaft and the vehicle gearshaft. This arrangement provides a parking brake effect when the gearbox is shifted into a gear.

Abstract: The friction disc clutch for a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine comprises a flywheel which is driven through a rotationally elastic element by the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The mass-spring system of the drive path of the clutch is so dimensioned that natural vibrations occur in or below the idling rotation rate range of the internal combustion engine. The rotationally elastic element can be bridged over for rotation rates in the range of and below the idling rotation rate in order to prevent resonance effects in idling and in the starting of the internal combustion engine. The bridge-over clutch can be formed by a pinion of the starter motor. Alternatively, centrifugal clutches can be used.

Abstract: An idle restart clutch system adopted to mechanically engage the crankshaft of an engine for use in restarting same comprising a spool body adapted to engage the crankshaft for rotating therewith; a momentum wheel mounted relative to the crankshaft for storing rotational energy; a drive for transferring rotational energy from the spool body to the momentum wheel during interval as determined by the rotational speed differential therebetween; and a torque limiting clutch mounted to and rotatable with the momentum wheel for controlling slippage motion between the momentum wheel and engine in response to control signals to enable the energy of the momentum wheel to be transferred to the spool body and thereafter to the crankshaft of the engine to enable rotation of same.

Abstract: A power steering device of an automotive vehicle, comprises an engine of the vehicle, a steering pump driven by the engine, an actuator, a control valve connected to both the steering pump and the actuator for controlling the amount and direction of power fluid supplied from the steering pump into the actuator in response to the steering operation of the steering wheel, a centrifugal clutch having an input shaft and an output shaft for receiving the power from the engine at the input shaft and transmitting the power to the steering pump from the output shaft when the vehicle speed is low or zero, and spring means for causing the centrifugal clutch to cut off the power transmission from the input shaft to the output shaft when the vehicle speed is so high that the centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch is larger than the biasing force of the spring means.

Abstract: A slip clutch for transmitting torque between a drive motor having an output member and a generator having an input member has a transmitting element including a spring element with a friction element, and a ventilator is connected with one of the members for joint rotation therewith. The ventilator may be mounted on one of two housing parts which together form an oil-containing chamber.

Abstract: A power transmission system for vehicles comprising a driving member connected to a crankshaft of an engine and a driven member connected to a driving wheel, the driving and driven members being connected together via a one-way clutch, a friction clutch and a direct-coupling clutch, which are disposed parallel to one another. The one-way clutch is adapted to transmit power only from the driving member to the driven member. The friction clutch is adapted to frictionally connect the driving and driven members together when it receives a rotary torque at not more than a predetermined level whereas it is slipped when the rotary torque has exceeded a predetermined level. The direct-coupling clutch is normally maintained in a connected state but it is put in a disconnected state when the speed of revolution of the engine has exceeded a predetermined level.

Abstract: A two-speed drive coupling for connecting an engine of a motor vehicle with an accessory such as an alternator. The coupling comprises a driving member and a driven member with a sun gear being mounted on the driven member. A planet gear wheel holder is carried on the driving member and carries planet gear wheels which mesh with the sun gear and with a crown gear locked against rotation and surrounding the sun gear. A unidirectional coupling is provided between the driving member and the driven member and a centrifugal clutch between the driving member and the holder. At low speeds of the driving member, the clutch is engaged and the driven member is rotated at a greater speed than the driving member through the planet gear wheels and the sun gear. At higher speeds of the driving member, the clutch disengages and the driven member is rotated directly by the driving member through the unidirectional coupling.

Abstract: A fan clutch for a vehicle engine connects the engine cooling fan with the engine when the cooling effect of the engine fan is necessary and disconnects the fan when its cooling effect is not necessary. The clutch includes a driven member and a driving member and a belt carried by the driving member and rotatable therewith which is adapted to engage the driven member when the clutch is to be engaged. The driven member comprises a pair of relatively rotatable, axially extensible portions, so that when the belt is in driving engagement with the driven member, relative rotation between the portionsextends the same so that engagement surfaces on one of the portions and on the driving member are brought into engagement, thus connecting the driven and driving members.

Abstract: A two-speed clutch drive system for a multi-speed basket and agitator drive for washing machines, including primary and secondary clutches interposed in series between an input drive shaft and an output member, both mounted concentrically with respect to an inner drum. The primary clutch is a centrifugally-operated system to establish drive between the input shaft and the inner drum, while the secondary clutch establishes drive between the inner drum and the output member. The secondary clutch includes clutch shoes spring-operated to directly transmit the torque to the output during high speed operation. Low speed drive is established by engagement of pivotally mounted auxiliary weights with clutch shoes acting to reduce the engagement pressure with increasing speed, yielding a reduced speed drive through the system by slippage of the secondary clutch.

Abstract: A unidirectional drive system, particularly intended for electric starter motors of internal combustion engines, comprises a ratchet wheel surrounded by a cage having one or more pivoted pawls. These pawls can either be in engagement with the ratchet wheel or can move out of such engagement, generally as a result of centrifugal force. A stop device, which may be a cylindrical ring or a pair of discs, can move into position to hold the pawls out of engagement with the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A torque release coupling in which a coupling hub is connected to the shaft of a prime mover for rotation. The coupling hub acts as a driving member for a rotary member which comprises a coupling housing, in turn secured to a driven apparatus. The coupling housing is provided with a plurality of radial pistons and is provided with notch means therein for receiving a plurality of axial piston means with the piston means being provided with biasing means to urge the axial piston means into the notched means of the radial piston means. The coupling hub is provided with a cam means having cam pockets therein for receiving the inner end of the radial piston means. The radial piston means can be provided with weight means which cooperate with the axial piston means to provide a centrifugaly assisted torque disconnect coupling.

Abstract: A double-arm, sharply angled lever is pivoted at its fulcrum to the drive element of the clutch, and has one arm extending generally in a direction to the center of rotation of the driven element, and biassed by a spring force to engage the driven element. The fulcrum or pivot point of the double-arm lever is so placed with respect to the engagement surface of the arm of the lever with respect to the driven element, that the resulting force vector, resulting from the perpendicularly acting engagement force of the arm of the lever, in essentially radial direction, and the frictional force between the circumference of the driven element and the arm of the lever are located slightly behind the pivot point of the lever when the clutch is engaged, to effect self-locking of the lever arm against the driven element.

Abstract: A safety coupling for quickly disconnecting a cutting instrumentality from the power source of a hand-held power tool comprises a pawl on a rotating driving member engaging an abutment on a coaxial driven member. During normal operation a trip arm holds the pawl engaged. When the trip arm is tripped to release the pawl, a latch prevents reengagement of the pawl until reset.

Abstract: A decoupler mechanism which provides for disengagement of a series of driving rollers from a toothed driven member by providing roller pockets for retaining the rollers by centrifugal force when the decoupler is activated.

Abstract: A speed-limiting accessory drive system and apparatus therefor for the transmission of torque and diversion and dissipation of excess energy from a prime mover, such as liquid-cooled internal combustion engine, to a cluster of accessories associated therewith utilizing a speed-responsive mechanism wherein the mechanism is comprised of two drum-shaped driving and driven members which simultaneously provide bearing journalling support and frictional engagement one with the other. One form of the invention utilizes a centrifugally partially disengaging speed-responsive mechanism so that regardless of the driving members speed above a predetermined control speed, the driven member is substantially maintained at that control speed thereby driving the accessories at a desired maximum speed.

Abstract: An improved starting apparatus is utilized in association with a starting motor to effect rotation of an engine ring gear. The starting apparatus includes a pinion gear which is movable from a disengaged position to an engaged position in meshing engagement with an engine ring gear. If the pinion gear teeth and ring gear teeth are misaligned as the pinion gear is moved toward the engaged position, a plurality of balls cooperate with surfaces of grooves extending transversely to the path of movement of the pinion gear to effect rotational movement of the pinion gear relative to the engine ring gear. This pinion gear rotation moves the pinion gear teeth into alignment with the engine ring gear teeth and thereby enables the pinion gear to move into meshing engagement with the ring gear.