Positive Patents (Class 192/108)
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Patent number: 5538119Abstract: A gear transmission has a synchronizing arrangement associated with a helical gear that has end play. The synchronizing arrangement includes a shift sleeve having internal splines engageable with external teeth of a clutch gear that is an integral part of the helical gear. A torque lock feature is provided by cooperating back tapered torque lock surfaces of the splines and the external teeth of the clutch gear. The internal splines of the shift sleeve and the external teeth of the clutch gear are shaped to accommodate the end play of the helical gear and reduce variation in engagement of the torque lock surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1994Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.Inventor: Charles E. Johnson, Jr.
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Patent number: 5524738Abstract: A jaw clutch for the drive of motor vehicles has a first clutch half and a second clutch half which are axially displaceable relative to one another, both clutch halves are provided with axially protruding jaw elements which are distributed uniformly over the contact surface of the halves. In order to engage the clutch halves without synchronization and at the greatest possible difference in speed of rotation in an easy and rapid manner, the jaw elements are provided with transition zones from the front surface and side surfaces of the jaw element which are curved as seen in circumferential section wherein the radius of curvature is 6 to 13%, and the length of curvature in circumferential direction is 3 to 7% the average jaw radius.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch AktiengesellschaftInventors: Friedrich Erlebach, Josef Leitner
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Patent number: 5507377Abstract: Inserted in a hollow drive cylinder, a simple push-pull shaft is connected to a cup, open at one end and having a rigid rim and a transverse rod across the open end of the cup. Captured between the transverse rod and the closed end of the cup is a V-shaped spring. Two hardened steel pins on the outside ends of the V-shaped spring inserted through holes in a drive cylinder are inserted into and retracted out of engagement with openings on an interior surface of a concentrically encircling drive ring in response to expansions and compressions of the spring caused by the rim of the cup moved by the push-pull shaft. The push-pull shaft is moved by a push-pull knob outside the cylinder or cable activating knob remote therefrom. The rigid rim of the cup pushes on the sloping sides of the spring to compress the spring which then disengages the pins from the drive ring.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1993Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Inventors: Stuart M. W. Lindsay, James H. Wagner
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Patent number: 5449057Abstract: A one-way clutch generally comprising a driving member, a carrier ring and a driven member. The carrier ring is disposed concentrically with the driving and driven members and disposed therebetween. The carrier ring includes at least one cut-out within which a key is disposed for pivotal rotation relative to the carrier ring. Each of the driving and driven members further include a plurality of circumferentially spaced key engaging notches. When the driving member rotates in a first rotational direction one end of the key engages with one of the key engaging notches within the driving member. Subsequently, a second outer end portion of the same key engages with one of the key engaging notches in the driven member. This allows the driving member to drive the driven member through the single engaged key.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1994Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Inventor: Arthur R. Frank
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Patent number: 5439086Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mechanical clutch which limits transmission of torque to a desired, predetermined maximum torque from a first clutch plate to a second clutch plate. More specifically, the mechanical clutch includes at least one stepper member, preferably three or more evenly spaced stepper members, which transmit the torque from a first clutch plate to a second clutch plate providing a desired maximum torque is not exceeded. However, if the desired maximum torque is exceeded, the stepper member will rotate and move between the clutch plates so that the torque to the second clutch plate does not exceed the desired maximum torque. The desired maximum torque is set by the axial force compressing the stepper member between the clutch plates and when the applied torque to the first clutch plate exceeds the desired torque, the stepper member will rotate between the clutch plates rather than transmit that torque to the second clutch plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.Inventors: Michael M. Withey, Rob G. Lucas-Dean
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Patent number: 5396975Abstract: A power transmission clutch for power tools having interacting interchangeable and reversing replaceable identical clutch elements which essentially double the clutch part life and permit ready repair without additional parts.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventor: Michael A. Robinson
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Patent number: 5368145Abstract: A nonsynchronized positive clutch system (200) is provided for selectively rotationally coupling and decoupling a first (46) and a second (42) independently rotatable members. The clutch system includes clutch members (50, 42A) each carrying a number (N) of interengagable clutch teeth (208, 210) which is maximized in view of pitch diameter (214), clutch backlash (216) and durability considerations. By increasing the number of clutch teeth, relative to the prior art (200P), smoother shifting and/or reduced risk of missed engagements is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1993Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Alan R. Davis
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Patent number: 5363714Abstract: The present invention provides a novel gear product including plural gear members of different tooth profiles and configurations, which are manufactured integrally through forging process. The forged gear product of the invention is compact and light in weight while having a sufficient strength. The gear product includes a clutch spline member with clutch spline teeth and a helical gear member with spiral teeth, which are integrally forged and continuously arranged in the axial direction to be adjacent to each other without any clearance therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1993Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: O-Oka Forge Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuya Hoguchi
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Patent number: 5335764Abstract: An interengaging clutch comprises first and second rotatable clutch halves, the first clutch half being a driven clutch element connected to a first wheel drive train and being movable along an axial direction, the second clutch half being a driving clutch element and being connected to a main drive train and to a second wheel drive train. The clutch halves have circumferentially disposed dogs or teeth with intermeshing contact surfaces for engaging the clutch halves together so that torque can be transmitted from the second clutch half to the first clutch when they are interengaged and rotating at different rotational speeds. Connected to the first clutch half is a unidirectional servo component which is pressure actuated on one side only so as to move the first clutch half into engagement with the second clutch. The interengaging clutch further includes first and second rotational speed sensors which produce signals indicative of the rotational speeds of the clutch halves.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch AGInventors: Max Leitner, Gerhard J. Fruhwirth
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Patent number: 5335762Abstract: In a clutch having a synchronizing device, post-synchronization is attained when the abutment of the locking teeth with the shift teeth changes by designing part of the locking teeth on the synchronizing ring wider than the remaining ones and engaging oblique surfaces of the shift teeth on a sleeve later than those of the narrower locking teeth.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1993Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Reimund Raue
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Patent number: 5273499Abstract: In a clutch (6) for locking a differential gear for a vehicle, a movable half (60) of the clutch (6) is pushed indirectly via a sliding sleeve (70) and intermediate members (77) in an engaging direction. Then the sliding sleeve (70), with a locking surface (74), retains the intermediate members (77) firmly in a locking position between a bearing surface (64) of the movable half (60) and an axially stationary retaining surface (4). Flanks (52, 62) of clutch teeth (51, 61) of an axially stationary half (50) and of the movable half (60) form in the axle direction a deflection angle (55). The bearing surface (64) and the retaining surface (4) form a wedge angle (65). The locking surface (74) of the sliding sleeve (70) is inclined in an axial direction forming a small releasing angle (75). To open the clutch (6), the sliding sleeve (70) is pulled away. A torque produces through the deflection angle (55) an axial deflection force which then disengages the clutch (6).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1991Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Reinhard Friedl, Harald Wendl, Max Schuster
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Patent number: 5230412Abstract: A drive for a rotary printing machine including a clutch for coupling two transmissions in a given phase relationship, the clutch being formed of two clutch halves, respectively, and having mutual coupling devices disposed at respective end faces thereof and offset eccentrically from a longitudinal axis thereof, both of the coupling devices being formed with respective, mutually engageable centering surfaces disposed radially thereto, the centering surfaces being disengageable from one another out of a coupled state, wherein the centering surfaces are mutually engaged, and into an uncoupled state, wherein a failsafe disconnection of the centering surfaces exists and the two transmissions are completely separated from one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1991Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Assignee: Heidelberg Harris GmbHInventors: Douglas J. Dawley, Brian J. Gentle
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Patent number: 5218879Abstract: A lost motion drive assembly has a base mounting upper and lower levers which connect to the louvers of an air plenum, such as in an automobile's ventilation system. A user turns a knob between a plurality of selections, causing a gear-operated actuator to rotate. A clutch mechanism operable between the actuator and levers engages the lower lever to drive it one way in response to rotation of the knob. Upon continued rotation of the knob, a drive lug on the actuator engages the upper lever to drive it the same way while the clutch disengages from the actuator and holds the lower lever fixed. Reverse motion is obtained when the clutch engages the actuator and upper lever, after which it releases the actuator and a second drive lug engages the lower lever to return it to its starting position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1991Date of Patent: June 15, 1993Assignee: Lake Center Industries, Inc.Inventor: Rick D. Lyons
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Patent number: 5209333Abstract: In a shift mechanism of a gearbox, wobbling movements of an idle wheel rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft are suppressed by there being provided in an axial coupling toothing involved in the coupling of the idle wheel to the transmission shaft a tooth pair which comprises two diametrically opposite coupling teeth with respectively leading pitch deviation.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1992Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventor: Martin Molitor
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Patent number: 5205511Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a double bearing fishing reel provided with a pair of driven members rotatable together with a spool and with a clutch cylinder having a pair of engaging recesses engageable with the driven members respectively, so that the clutch cylinder is provided at an end face where the engaging recesses are formed with sloping guide surfaces slanted with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the spool from one side of one of the engaging recesses to the other side of the other of the engaging recesses.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1991Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Shinichi Morimoto
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Patent number: 5203651Abstract: A tapping attachment for driving a tapping spindle constructed to be adapted for both direct drive and reverse drive of the spindle. The drive of the spindle is by way of a resiliently mounted dog ring having rigid radially extending drive dogs, extending radially outwardly and inwardly from a drive ring. The driving dogs are rigid, having slanting sides to accommodate clutching engagement and disengagement. Clutching engagement and disengagement occur as a result of relative axial movement as between the attachment and the drive spindle. The drive spindle has a central bore in which is provided an insert member having an axial bore which is connected to a flexible tube within the bore of the spindle, which accommodates relative axial movement, the flexible tube communicating with a similar bore in a tap itself. These bores provide a channel for continuously supplying coolant to the machine and to the spindle itself.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1991Date of Patent: April 20, 1993Assignee: Tapmatic CorporationInventor: Allan S. Johnson
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Patent number: 5172573Abstract: A clutch mechanism for the drive system of an automatic washer having a concentrically mounted wash basket, and a motor drivingly connected to the agitator to drive the basket. The clutch mechanism includes a first clutch member drivingly connected to the motor, and a second clutch member drivingly connected to the wash basket and selectively axially actuable for driving engagement with the first clutch member. Opposing engagement surfaces of the clutch members are provided with alternating radially extending splines and grooves having a generally sawtooth profile. The splines of one of the clutch members are provided with squared tips, and the grooves of the other clutch member are provided with squared recesses, so that the shape of the corresponding splines and recesses provide an easily achieved yet secure connection when the clutch members are drivingly engaged.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1991Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Brenner M. Sharp, Douglas E. Wood
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Patent number: 5048653Abstract: A release apparatus for selectively connecting and disconnecting a sprocket drive wheel from a driven shaft by selectively thrusting a pair of sprag pins through registering openings in the sprocket wheel and into peripheral recesses in a collar secured to the drive shaft. The portion of the device attached to the sprag pins is also attached to the drive shaft for joint rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Inventor: Jerry W. Fellows
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Patent number: 5038884Abstract: A dog clutch mechanism for use as a clutch for switching drive power in a four-wheel-drive vehicle has a case, first and second rotatable shafts rotatably supported coaxially in the case for transmitting a relative torque between front and rear wheels of the vehicle, and a dog clutch comprising a dog piece having first dog teeth and fixedly mounted on the first rotatably shaft and a hub having second dog teeth capable of axially meshing with the first dog teeth and axially slidably mounted on the second rotatable shaft. The dog clutch is selectively engageable for transmitting the relative torque between the first and second rotatable shafts. The first and second dog teeth having respective meshing tapered surfaces for producing thrust forces acting on the hub and tending to move the hub in a direction away from the dog piece when the vehicle is braked while a relative forward torque is being transmitted between the first and second rotatable shafts through the dog clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1988Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsurou Hamada, Kazuhiko Shimada, Shoji Tokushima, Makoto Watanabe, Naoya Akama, Masami Takano, Shinji Sakuma, Yoshinobu Ezure
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Patent number: 5035310Abstract: A clutch mechanism, particularly for automatically operated automotive transmissions, for engaging shift ranges of continuously variable transmissions or step-by-step variable transmissions, and having at least two independently axially movable clutch rings with clutch profiles which cooperate with respective corresponding mating clutch rings clutch profiles, a clutch carrier mounted on a transmission element for rotation therewith in a fixed axial position, and having fluid actuated pressure pistons for shifting the movable clutch rings toward the mating rings. The clutch system can be disengaged under load and requires a small construction space. It can be produced at low cost and is almost free from drag losses. Clutch times and clutch travels are short. The shift pressures are very low. In addition, several clutches can be combined into a compact and relatively small clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1989Date of Patent: July 30, 1991Inventor: Michael Meyerle
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Patent number: 5020648Abstract: A light-weight, corrosion-resistant, multiple engaging ratchet assembly comprising few, easily manufactured parts for simplified operation of pawls and ratchet teeth in a free-wheel drive gear ratchet assembly. An outer wheel includes a cavity to receive an inner wheel with a pawl ring or integral pawls. The pawls ride over ratchet teeth protruding from a circumferential surface on the outer wheel when the inner wheel and the outer wheel rotate in opposite directions. Turning the inner wheel in a second direction the same as the outer wheel direction of rotation brings the pawls into engagement with the ratchet teeth causing the inner wheel to drive the outer wheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1988Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Reliable Plastics Engineering CompanyInventors: Mike Bush, Norman Hatton, Keith Mellor, deceased
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Patent number: 5014835Abstract: A power work-machine having a clutch drum of a centrifugal clutch provided on one end of the output shaft has a plurality of peripheral notches formed on its axially extended outer end portion and a dog clutch provided on the drive shaft of a work-machine attachment has clutch claws engaging with the individual peripheral notches.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Kioritz CorporationInventors: Akira Nagashima, Hiroaki Koga
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Patent number: 4984668Abstract: An electrically powered drive apparatus comprises a first clutch plate secured to an output shaft and a second clutch plate mounted to a gear which is rotatably and slidably provided on the output shaft. The second clutch plate comprises a resilient transmission member and a magnetically-attracted contact member. The resilient transmission member is secured at a first portion to the gear and is adapted to resiliently deflect. The contact member is secured to a second portion of the resilient transmission member. The resilient transmission member has teeth into which pins extend in meshing engagement. When a clutch coil is energized, the contact member is attracted by the first clutch plate to thereby cause the pins to engage the teeth, thereby transmitting rotational force from the drive source to the gear. When the clutch coil is de-energized, the contact member is released to return to its home position with the aid of the resiliency of the resilient transmission member.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1989Date of Patent: January 15, 1991Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayoshi Onishi, Hiromasa Ozawa
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Patent number: 4969341Abstract: A clutch mechanism is provided for the drive system of an automatic washer having a vertical axis agitator, a concentrically mounted wash basket, and a motor drivingly connected to the agitator to selectively oscillate or rotate the agitator about a vertical axis. The clutch mechanism selectively drivingly connects the wash basket with the motor for simultaneous rotation of the wash basket with the agitator during a water extraction mode of the washer. The clutch mechanism includes a first clutch member drivingly connected to the motor, and a second clutch member drivingly connected to the wash basket and selectively axially actuable for driving engagement with the first clutch member. A stationary cam housing is located adajcent the second clutch member, and a rotatable ring is disposed between the cam housing and the second clutch member.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1990Date of Patent: November 13, 1990Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jeffrey L. Burk, Douglas E. Wood
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Patent number: 4911274Abstract: A safety coupling having a first drive/output element that is coupled with a second drive/output element via two disengageable coupling elements in the form of two-armed levers that are pivotably disposed on the second drive/output element. First lever arms of these levers are counterstops that in an engaged state of the coupling are disposed in the path of movement of stops that are disposed on the first drive/output element. Second lever arms are supported against a support plate that is shiftable against the force of a compression spring. When an unacceptably high torque occurs, the levers, as a result of forces acting upon the first lever arms, are first pivoted against the compression spring and shift the support plate. After a prescribed pivot angle has been exceeded, the second lever arms, under the effect of the compression spring, pivot further into an end position in which the first lever arms are disposed completely beyond the path of movement of the stops; the coupling is disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1988Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Assignee: Siebtechnik GmbHInventor: Horst Dietschreit
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Patent number: 4909364Abstract: A latching failure detection mechanism for a rotary drive system is disclosed. A pair of mating clutch jaws are provided, with each jaw torsionally connected to a respective one of a pair of input members, such as the ends of a closed loop drive line. The jaws are relatively axially and rotatably movable. The jaws are movable from a first, inoperative position wherein the jaws simply rotate with the input members and a second, latching position wherein the jaws relatively rotatably move to a latched condition in response to relative failure rotation of the input members, thereby providing a torque path through the jaws in the latching position. An indicator is provided operatively associated with a movable one of the clutch jaws for providing a positive indication that the jaws have moved to the latching position.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1988Date of Patent: March 20, 1990Assignee: Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Duane H. Grimm
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Patent number: 4907685Abstract: A clutch for an automotive vehicle has a driving member which is connected to the crankshaft of the vehicle engine, and a driven member which is keyed, by means of a spline, to the input shaft of the vehicle transmission, there being a spring at the end of the shaft for urging the second member toward the transmission. The first member includes a mounting ring and an end ring, as well as posts extended between the two rings. The end ring contains cutouts arranged in two rows around the shaft and a groove separating the rows. The second member has a hub against which the spring bears and a larger transfer ring at one end of the hub. The transfer ring in turn has lugs arranged in two rows around its periphery, and these lugs are configured to slide into the cutouts in the end ring of the driving member under the force exerted by the spring.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1989Date of Patent: March 13, 1990Inventor: Gary A. Landolt
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Patent number: 4905806Abstract: In a clutch toothing of a shift clutch, mutually confronting tooth ends of the clutch teeth of two clutch rings are equipped, for the axial insertion of the clutch teeth, with two angled unequal length sloping faces, which sloping faces have an equal length along the direction of the clutch axis and a common vertex. One clutch ring and a synchronizing ring mounted on the clutch rings so as to be rotatably and axially movable to a limited extent are equipped with matching blocking faces. The blocking faces of the respective rings likewise have the same axial extent along the axial direction of the clutch axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1988Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Assignee: Daimler-Benz AGInventors: Hans Hillenbrand, Gunter Worner
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Patent number: 4854923Abstract: A pair of torque transmission units deliver torque to first and second cooling chambers that produce the partially frozen beverages. A first torque transmission unit is directly coupled to a geared motor. The first unit includes a stand with three upright members that rotatably support first and second axially aligned shafts. The first shaft is connected to the output of the geared motor. Axially separable sections of a coupler are attached to opposing ends of the shafts. The first shaft is rotatably mounted in a first upright member; the second shaft is rotatably mounted in second and third upright members. A drive wheel is attached to the first shaft. An output wheel is attached to the second shaft. The second torque transmission unit includes a stand having four uprights which rotatably support first and second axially aligned shafts. An input wheel is mounted on the first shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1988Date of Patent: August 8, 1989Assignee: ICEE-USA CorporationInventors: Rodney N. Sexton, Floyd S. Woolf
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Patent number: 4848548Abstract: In an automotive synchronizing clutch for a multiple speed transmission, a synchronizer sleeve is slidable axially on a system of spline teeth formed on the outer surface of the synchronizer hub. Internal teeth formed on the sleeve are brought into engagement first with locking teeth formed on a synchronizing ring and subsequently with locking teeth formed integrally with the gear wheel that is connected through the synchronizer to a shaft. The ends of the teeth on the sleeve includes recesses into which are seated the clutch teeth of the gear wheel. The synchronizer sleeve is formed with one group of holding teeth formed with recesses on both lateral flanks and another group of guide teeth which have recesses on one lateral flank and a planar surface on the opposite lateral flank.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1987Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Axel Diehl
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Patent number: 4840259Abstract: A drive mechanism rotates a shaft of a station of a reproduction apparatus about an axis. The drive mechanism is supported by a mechanism plate in the apparatus, and the station is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the axis to engage the shaft with the drive mechanism and to disengage the shaft from the drive mechanism. Power from a source can be applied to the drive mechanism when the station shaft is disengaged from the mechanism, when the shaft is engaged with the mechanism but the station is not being operated, and when the station is being operated. The improved drive mechanism is particularly useful for one or more development stations of a reproduction apparatus such as a copier/duplicator, printer or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1987Date of Patent: June 20, 1989Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Vladimir S. Guslits, Steven P. Bailey
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Patent number: 4787491Abstract: A power transmission system for a four-wheel drive vehicle has, for the front and rear wheels, a driving power transmitting system for transmitting the output of a transmission with a forward overrunning clutch and a reverse overrunning clutch. Either or both of the overrunning clutches are engaged with a sleeve of a selecting device. An outer race of each overrunning clutch has outer toothings on the periphery thereof and the sleeve has inner toothings. Each inner toothing of the selecting device has chamfers on both axial ends thereof, and each outer toothing has a chamfer on an end opposing the inner toothing. Opposed chamfers of the inner and outer toothings have an angle so that a component in a free rotational direction of the outer toothing is produced by the engagement of the chamfer of the inner toothing.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1987Date of Patent: November 29, 1988Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shoji Kato
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Patent number: 4727968Abstract: A synchronizer clutch assembly incorporates spline teeth on both a sleeve and a ratio gear. The sleeve is slidably disposed on a hub which is rotatably secured to a shaft member. The sleeve is moved longitudinally so that the spline teeth thereon intermesh with the spline teeth on the ratio gear to provide a drive connection therebetween. The spline teeth on the sleeve have a locking angle portion to prevent the inadvertent disengagement of the spline teeth and a flat portion to prevent fore and aft movement of the ratio gear from being transmitted via the spline teeth to the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1986Date of Patent: March 1, 1988Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Howard E. Chana
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Patent number: 4721194Abstract: An improved clutch shift mechanism for use with a motor vehicle transfer case. A cylindrical drive shell is concentrically positioned around a shaft axis in spaced relation to a relatively rotatable coaxial coupling member formed with external spline teeth. A plurality of axially directed circumferentially spaced slots are provided in the drive shell with each slot receiving a rocker key having an internal spline tooth at each ends of its inner face. The interior of the drive shell has grooves sized to capture therein a center and side annular springs. Each rocker key inner surface has a center notch and side notches receiving their associated springs therein with the key in its neutral position. An axially slidable shift ring surrounds the shell and includes an annular cam surface engaging a central depression in each key.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1986Date of Patent: January 26, 1988Assignee: Chrysler Motors CorporationInventor: Barry L. Frost
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Patent number: 4690260Abstract: A drive coupling mechanism for transmitting rotational motion from a drive shaft to a driven shaft by surface-to-surface contact of a flat drive face of a contact head of a first coupler with the flat drive face of a contact head of a second coupler. Each flat drive face lies in a plane extending radially from the axis of the attached shaft. The contact head includes a number of radial and axial guide flats which function only to guide the drive faces of a pair of adjacent couplers into contact with each other as the couplers enter their engaged driving mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1986Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Donald K. Landphair
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Patent number: 4676352Abstract: A combination, right angle gear drive including a clutch assembly with a drive clutch mechanism and a non-reverse clutch mechanism. The gear drive has a top-mounted motor stand for a primary power source and a horizontal drive shaft adapted for coupling to a backup power source. The drive clutch automatically engages upon activation of the backup power source and automatically disengages when the primary power source beings operation. The non-reverse clutch mechanism blocks reverse rotation of the gear drive.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1985Date of Patent: June 30, 1987Inventor: Troy D. Randolph
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Patent number: 4669589Abstract: A decoupling arrangement that includes a manually operable latch member is provided between an output shaft of a drive source and a power train. In a first coupled position, the latch member cooperates with slots in a tubular member that is arranged to be rotated by the drive source. A driven member is arranged coaxially with the tubular member and pivotally carries the latch member. To accomplish decoupling, the latch member is pivoted out of the coupled position. The decoupling arrangement includes provisions to prevent decoupling movement of the latch member except when the power train is at one or at one of a plurality of predetermined operative positions. The decoupling-preventing provision also serves to restrain the power train against movement when the latch member is moved out of the coupled position.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1985Date of Patent: June 2, 1987Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventor: Edward J. Rogers
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Patent number: 4621714Abstract: A slack adjuster for vehicle brakes is adapted to be mounted between the brake chamber and the brake operating shaft. The slack adjuster includes a body and a drive member movable relative to and positioned by the body on the brake operating shaft. A lever arm is pivoted to the body and there is an adjustable connection between the lever arm and drive member for the sensing and take up of slack during a brake application. The adjustable connection includes a clutch having facing and relatively rotatable clutch surfaces, each of which has opposing cooperating ratchet teeth. The teeth on one of said surfaces are separated into a plurality of radially spaced circumferential bands. The teeth in each band are positioned to independently engage the teeth on the opposing clutch face to provide increments of slack adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1985Date of Patent: November 11, 1986Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventor: James A. Skurka
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Patent number: 4618046Abstract: A shifting coupling which is preferably provided for the travel mechanisms of overhead conveyors, and which operates in a positively engaging manner counter to a spring which acts in the disengagement direction. The coupling projections or engaging members, which are provided on a coupling flange, are controlled with the aid of two sleeves which are movable relative to one another. Those ends of the sleeves which butt against one another are provided with oppositely extending conical surfaces. Control balls can be pressed into the wedge-shaped recess which results between the two conical surfaces. The control balls press the two sleeves apart in order to engage the coupling. A control sleeve, which is provided with inner conical and annular surfaces, serves for the radial movement of the control balls. During the engagement process, the control sleeve is resiliently prestressed in such a direction that the conical surface thereof contacts the control balls in the direction of coupling engagement.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1985Date of Patent: October 21, 1986Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Altona-Elbe Hans Meyer GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Heinrich Sassen
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Patent number: 4615422Abstract: A coupling between a continuously rotating input shaft and a selectively rotatable output shaft has a friction type transition clutch operative to accelerate the output shaft to synchronous speed and to permit controlled deceleration of the output shaft to rest and a spline type direct clutch parallel to the transition clutch engageable at synchronous speed to directly couple the input and output shafts. The spline clutch includes an input member having an input spline with a pressure face at a first helix angle, an output member having an output spline with a pressure face at a second, smaller helix angle, and a longitudinally shiftable intermediate member having a spline with a first pressure face at the first helix angle and a second pressure face at the second helix angle. The difference in helix angles effects circumferential separation between the output spline pressure face and the intermediate member spline second pressure face before the two splines separate longitudinally.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1985Date of Patent: October 7, 1986Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Glenn W. Thebert
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Patent number: 4607734Abstract: A power transmitting device especially suitable for use in photocopying machines includes a driving shaft and a driven shaft. When locking members on the respective shafts are axially disengaged from each other, the driven shaft and the driving shaft are rotatively displaced with respect to each other by a predetermined angle so that the locking members may be freely and positively locked when the driving shaft and driven shaft are axially reengaged.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1984Date of Patent: August 26, 1986Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Watashi, Hiroshi Kimura, Kiyoshi Shibata, Masahiko Hisajima, Kiyonori Yamamoto
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Patent number: 4570769Abstract: A ratchet mechanism comprises a rotatable member made of synthetic resin and a rotating body mounted coaxially with the rotatable member and having a portion engaging the rotatable member. The rotating body has a plurality of teeth. The rotatable member having an annular peripheral wall and a plurality of U-shaped engagement arms. Each of the arms includes a proximal end portion integral with the annular peripheral wall, a first arm member extending along the annular peripheral wall, and a second arm member having on a free end thereof an engaging portion disposed in a path of angular movement of the teeth of the rotating body and the other end joined to the first arm member.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1982Date of Patent: February 18, 1986Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki SeisakushoInventor: Akihiko Isaka
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Patent number: 4569426Abstract: A clutch assembly for mounting to a rotatable element adjacent to a non-rotatable element. The clutch assembly has a first clutch member capable of being mounted to the rotatable element, a clutch body capable of being mounted to the rotatable element adjacent to the first clutch member, and a second clutch member axially movably interconnected with the clutch body. The first and second clutch members are normally biased into engagement. A brake is interposed the non-rotating element and the clutch body. The brake is automatically operable to inhibit rotation of the clutch body upon selective disengagement of the first and second clutch members.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1983Date of Patent: February 11, 1986Assignee: Facet Enterprises, IncorporatedInventors: Thomas C. Sekella, Kenneth F. Seager, Sr.
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Patent number: 4479568Abstract: An engine-transmission disconnect mechanism that includes mating splines spline grooves on a drive collar-shaft assembly. End areas of selected splines are set back from the collar-shaft interface to facilitate meshed engagement of the splines and grooves when the engine is operated. The mechanism can be shifted between the connect and disconnect modes while the engine is running.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1982Date of Patent: October 30, 1984Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Faro D. Palazzolo, Roland A. Magnuson, Earl S. Aoki
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Patent number: 4433767Abstract: A drive shaft (30), adapted to be connected to the power takeoff shaft (14) of a tractor, comprises a longitudinally extensible shaft (33) including a tapered head (34) that is movable into and out of meshing engagement with a correspondingly shaped socket (50) on the outer end portion (49) of a driven shaft (48). The driven shaft is carried by an implement (27) and includes an inner end portion (49) connected to the outer, socket equipped end portion by a universal joint (51), the inner end portion being adapted for connection to a mechanism to be driven. A coil compression spring (53), loosely encompassing the universal joint, has opposite ends engaging flanges (54,55) on the inner and outer end portions of the driven shaft to yieldingly hold the driven shaft portions in alignment. A bearing (56) for the outer end portion of the driven shaft is mounted on the implement by mechanism including a spring (60), to enable turns of the tractor and implement.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1981Date of Patent: February 28, 1984Inventor: Charles C. Thor
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Patent number: 4408684Abstract: A gear clutch for selective locking engagement of the coupling element with a corresponding gear comprises a rocker reciprocably pivoting on a coupling element and movable therewith. The rocker alternately interlocks with related gears via shifting and spring means operatively interconnected therewith.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1981Date of Patent: October 11, 1983Assignee: International Harvester Co.Inventor: Radisko S. Gladich
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Patent number: 4405040Abstract: A mixer having an open top mixing box accommodating a pair of lower augers and a pair of upper paddle conveyors drivably connected to the augers. A power box pivotally mounted on one end of the mixing box is drivably connected to the augers with releasable drive connections. The power box is a motor driven power transmission assembly that can be disconnected from the augers and removed from the mixing box. A movable door associated with the bottom of the mixing box is used to selectively open and close a discharge opening allowing mixed and blended material to be discharged into a conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1981Date of Patent: September 20, 1983Assignee: Veda, Inc.Inventors: Floyd E. Buschbom, Donald L. Henke
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Patent number: 4375172Abstract: An improved, blocked, change gear transmission utilizing at least one improved resilient jaw clutch assembly to selectively engage a selected gear to a shaft is provided. The improved jaw clutch assembly comprises two axially engageable jaw clutch members and a blocker mechanism to prevent engagement of the jaw clutch members until the jaw clutch members are rotating at a substantially synchronous speed. Preferably, one of the jaw clutch members carries axially and radially outwardly extending external clutch teeth designed for selective interengagement with axially and radially inwardly extending internal jaw clutch teeth carried by the other jaw clutch member. The improvement comprises providing a back-lash between the interengageable clutch teeth which is substantially greater than the back-lash normally utilized with similar clutch assemblies, said increased back-lash being in the range of five to fifteen times greater than normal back-lash and preferably about ten times greater than normal back-lash.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1981Date of Patent: March 1, 1983Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Elmer A. Richards, John R. Vandervoort, Edward J. Bogema
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Patent number: 4373604Abstract: A transfer case adapted for use in a four-wheel drive vehicle having two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive operating modes. The transfer case includes an inter-axle differential which permits general vehicle operation in the four-wheel drive mode. The transfer case also includes a chain and sprocket assembly which provides selective power transfer to one of the vehicle axles, normally the front axle. In the first operating state of the transfer case the chain and sprocket assembly is engaged with the inter-axle differential to transmit the drive torque to the front axle. In a second operating state, the chain and sprocket assembly is disengaged and no drive torque is transmitted to the front axle. The transition between operating states is effected by shifting of a clutch collar within the transfer case to control the engagement of the chain and sprocket assembly. This shifting is accomplished by controlled actuation of a vacuum motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1980Date of Patent: February 15, 1983Assignee: American Motors CorporationInventors: Royston C. Lunn, J. Edwin MacAfee, Robert C. Grabowski, Dennis N. Renneker, John M. Winkler
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Patent number: 4340134Abstract: Shift mechanism for a transmission is provided for engaging and disengaging a gear therein. The mechanism is particularly designed to disengage the gear even when the transmission is under a heavy load. The shift mechanism includes a clutch dog or collar on a shaft with the collar having at least one lug or projection which is engagable with and disengagable from a lug or projection on a gear rotatably carried on the shaft. One of the collar and gear has a recess adjacent its respective lug in which a ball is located with the ball also being retained by a retaining ring mounted on the collar or gear. When the collar and gear are in an engaged position, both lugs are in contact with the ball; when the collar is moved away from the gear to disengage the collar and the gear, the point contact of the lugs and ball enables disengagement of the collar from the gear even when the transmission is under a heavy load.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1980Date of Patent: July 20, 1982Assignee: The J. B. Foote Foundry Co.Inventor: Garry K. Reiss