Abstract: Centrifugally disengageable engine starter gearing selectively starting an engine having a starting gear.

Abstract: A torque overload release clutch is disclosed made up of a drive member and a driven member adapted to be connected between a power source and a load to transmit a torsional force and to release at a predetermined torque. The clutch release mechanism is made up of a plurality of spaced thermoplastic modules supported in the driven member and a plurality of spaced recesses in the drive member. The modules are each made up of a sleeve and a pin. The sleeve is supported on the driven member and it receives the pin. The pin has a first follower and a second follower member on it. The first follower engages the side of the recesses which acts as a cam and urges the pin toward the sleeve in proportion to the magnitude of the torsional force. The second follower engages a cam surface on the sleeve resisting the force that urges the pin toward the sleeve.

Abstract: Positive retention of a power train coupling in either a coupled or decoupled position is achieved in a structure including first and second power train elements 12 and 14 mounted for movement relative to each other between a coupled power transmitting position and a decoupled non-transmitting position by the provision of a pair of fluid operated latches 34 and 36 engageable with a double acting piston 28 and cylinder 26 which is operable to move one of the elements 12,14 relative to the other. Each latch includes a moveable latch element 48 for latchingly engaging a groove 30, 32 in the rod 24 mounting the pistion 28, a second fluid cylinder 38 for moving the latch element 48, and a valve 52, 54 for establishing fluid communication between the second cylinder 36 and the double acting cylinder 26.

Abstract: The clutch release mechanism includes a fluid actuator having an actuator member movable by fluid pressure in a clutch release direction to release the clutch, a release bearing assembly for connection to part of the clutch, and a coupling for connecting the release bearing assembly to the actuator member. The coupling is fluid operable whereby in one condition it prevents axial separation of the actuator member and release bearing assembly by engagement of pins and a groove and, in another condition, it allows axial separation and coupling of the release bearing assembly and the actuator member by disengagement of the pins and groove.

Abstract: Drawworks transmission shifting apparatus is described that provides an arrangement of control valves, cylinders, clutches and brakes which permit the rig operator to shift the drawworks transmission into the desired setting and to lock the transmission in those positions by the use of remotely controlled pneumatically powered cylinders.

Abstract: A power transmission disconnect device with an operational interlock wherein a pair of clutch members are selectively engageable to transmit power from an input gear to an output shaft. Remotely operable means acts through a throwout sleeve to position a disconnect shaft to have the clutch members either engaged or disengaged. An operational interlock responsive to the speed of an input gear to the disconnect device prevents actuation of the clutch to either engaged or disengaged position when said speed is above a predetermined speed. Sensors are associated with the structure to assist in proper operation of the disconnect device.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device is disclosed of the type including an input coupling member (11) rotatably disposed within an output coupling assembly (13). A portion of the output coupling assembly comprises a cover member (17) which cooperates with a housing member (15) to define an operating chamber (31). A valve plate (29) separates the operating chamber (31) from a fluid reservoir chamber (33) and defines a fill opening (41) to permit fluid flow from the reservoir chamber into the operating chamber. In a primary embodiment, the cover member (17) defines a radial passage (79) which is disposed to communicate fluid from the reservoir chamber (33) to the operating chamber (31).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly including a clutch cover having a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs around its inner periphery and radially inwardly projecting projections intermediate such tabs, a diaphragm spring having a plurality of slits aligned with the tabs, each of the tabs passing through a slit, a pair of wire rings on opposite sides of the diaphragm spring, the ends of the tabs passing through the slits being bent around the wire ring at one side of the diaphragm spring to engage such wire ring with one side of the diaphragm spring and to clamp the wire ring at the other side of the diaphragm spring between the diaphragm spring and the inside of the clutch cover and a removable spacer ring between the inside of the clutch cover projection and the diaphragm spring to hold the diaphragm spring compressed on the inside of the cover.

Abstract: A cycle hub is shown which can be converted between coaster brake and freewheeling operation without removal from the cycle. A unidirectional clutch is interposed between a hub sprocket and a coaster brake drive, coupling them for forward driving. It can selectively be disabled to prevent freewheeling or be enabled to permit it. When the clutch is disabled, the coaster brake hub operates conventionally.

Abstract: A rotary power tool wherein an epicyclic train has a planet gear support frame coupled to an output shaft by a one-way clutch and a sun gear coupled to the output shaft by a clutch assembly which comprises a clutch plate, a slide tube, an arresting mechanism and a change lever, the output shaft being operable for tightening first with low-torque high-speed rotation and finally with high-torque low-speed rotation and being prevented from abruptly rotating at a high speed even if the load on the output shaft decreases.

Abstract: A drive base which is utilized in conjunction with a postal mailing system is disclosed. The base comprises a mode selection arrangement which alternately actuates a postage metering unit or a tape drive unit located within a mailing machine. The arrangement also provides a neutral setting for the drive base. Thus, in the neutral position, the drive base prevents the meter unit or the tape drive unit from operating. The mode selection arrangement includes a first cam member for engaging either the metering unit or the tape drive unit for operation. The arrangement also includes a second cam member for preventing one of the units from rotating when the other is engaged. In addition, the second cam member prevents both units from moving when the system is in a neutral position. This base provides a simple apparatus to be utilized for actuating the various portions of a postal mailing system.

Abstract: A protective clutch wherein a switching ring having an inner bore in the shape of a frustum is axially actuated to control a radially extending actuating pin which operates to place a control ring into and out of rotative engagement with one of a driven and driving member of the clutch. The control ring contains recesses within which torque transmitting balls of the clutch may move when the control ring is in angular alignment therewith to disengage the clutch with angular unalignment of the control ring operating to bring the torque transmitting balls back into torque transmitting position.

Abstract: Anti-ejection device for nuclear reactor control rod.The reactor comprises a tight enclosure integral with the nuclear reactor vessel, the control rod being integral with the command bar. A system for manipulating the command bar comprises means for locking it. These means lock the command bar with respect to the tight enclosure for as long as the force exerted on this bar remains below a limit value. This limit value is at least equal to the force exerted on the command bar in the case of an accidental external cause urging the control rod to leave the reactor core. The device comprises means for obtaining a translation of the control rod, by exerting a force exceeding said limit value on the command bar.

Abstract: Several embodiments of improved detent devices for elements such as dog clutches. In each embodiment, the detent includes a holding detent for holding the dog clutch in a neutral position and an accelerating detent for accelerating the dog clutch element to its engaged position. In each embodiment, the accelerating detent is effective before the holding detent has been fully released. In some embodiments, the dog clutch element is axially movable and in other embodiments it is rotatable.

Abstract: Disengageable clutch with two clutch flanges which enclose a meshing arrangement which can be released and closed by axially shifting one of the two clutch flanges. The meshing arrangement is formed by pairs of bores which are opposite each other in the flanges and by balls. A nut is used to engage the clutch, which nut can be screwed on the spindle carrying the clutch flanges. A spring between the nut and the movable clutch flange holds the clutch flanges and the meshing arrangements against each other in the disengaged state, but when the shaft is turned manually it allows the balls to jump out of one of the associated bores. The rotary position in which the clutch can be engaged by tightening the nut is easy to find on account of the click-stop action of the balls.

Abstract: A rotary actuator having an output driver rod mounted within an output sleeve that is rotated by a drive motor. A driving mechanism for coupling the drive motor to the output sleeve includes a worm wheel that is mounted on the output sleeve so as to be freely rotatable relative to the output sleeve and a driving portion for transmitting power from the worm wheel to the output sleeve. A clutch also is mounted on the output sleeve for rotation with and for axial movement along the output sleeve. When in its first position, the clutch couples the drive portion of the drive mechanism to the output sleeve for transmitting rotational force. The clutch is normally biased into its first position for engagement with the drive portion of the drive mechanism and thus for coupling it to the output sleeve for transmitting rotational force. A declutch mechanism causes the clutch to be moved into a second position out of engagement with the drive portion.

Abstract: A transmission system for vehicles has a coupling (1) with a tubular body (12) provided with internal helical teeth (19,20) at each end. An input shaft (22) is rotatably journalled in the body (12) and is provided with helical splines (25) along its length. A sliding gear (27) has internal gear teeth (26) engaged with the splines (25) and external gear teeth (28) to selectively engage the teeth (19,20) in the body to couple the input shaft (22) and body (12) together. When the body (12) rotates faster than the input shaft (22), the sliding gear (27) moves along the splines (25) to de-couple the body (12) and input shaft (22) until the rotational speed of the two is again equalized. The coupling (11) may be provided between the transfer case and differential of a four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, in a free-wheeling hub assembly (30) or in a differential assembly (60) for small vehicles.

Abstract: A means for operating a washing machine transmission in a neutral state is provided which includes a reversible drive gear for driving the transmission in a first agitate direction and an opposite spin direction. A drive pawl is pivotally mounted on the drive gear and has an arcuate channel formed in an upper flat surface. Pawl retaining means, being a circular keeper plate with downwardly extending keeper fingers selectively movable into the channel in the pawl causes the transmission to operate in the neutral state when the fingers are in the channel and when the drive gear is rotating in the spin direction.

Abstract: An overload clutch which is prevented from unintentionally switching into the freewheeling position when rotational vibrations occur includes torque-transmitting members held in apertures of a first clutch member and adapted to be engaged in first recesses of a second clutch member for bringing the clutch into torque-transmitting engagement. A switching ring includes second recesses adapted to align with the apertures in the first clutch member when an overload condition occurs. A circumferentially acting spring tends to hold the switching ring in the torque-transmitting position and a securing pin is mounted in the first clutch member for engagement in a detent in the switching ring to hold the switching ring in torque-transmitting position. The securing pin is held in engagement with the detent by a spring but is arranged so as to extend into the detent a distance which will permit disengagement of the securing pin when a predetermined nominal torque of the clutch is exceeded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clutch mechanism suitable for use in an electronic lock. The clutch mechanism requires minimal electronic current draw for operation by utilizing, in part, mechanical power applied to operate the lock to engage the clutch mechanism. A unique camming device in combination with a solenoid released interference shutter accomplishes the object of the invention.

Abstract: A clutch lever retaining mechanism for preventing the inadvertent movement of a clutch lever, the retaining mechanism having a mounting bracket, an adjustable support bracket and a latch member pivotally mounted on the support bracket. The latch member has a notch therein which receives the clutch lever. A pin secures the latch member against movement. In use within a water pumping system having a clutch mechanism and clutch lever, the clutch lever retaining mechanism immobilizes the clutch lever in order to prevent inadvertent movement thereof.

Abstract: An automatic hose winding apparatus includes a reel rotatably coupled between first and second side members of a frame. A clutch is coupled between a motor and the reel for selectively imparting rotary motion thereto. A guide assembly including a traversing screw, a follower mounted on the traversing screw, and a guide bar, guide the hose onto the reel. A lever assembly coupled to the frame and responsive to rotation of the guide bar disengages the clutch just prior to turning the motor off.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for drivably interconnecting the PTO shaft of a tractor with a driven shaft for an implement to be operatively towed and powered by the tractor. The implement includes an input power shaft, and the tractor portion of the apparatus includes linkage means for moving the power input shaft with respect to the PTO shaft to render the axes coincident, with means being provided to create a power transmitting coupling or connection between the PTO shaft and the power input shaft.

Abstract: A means for operating a washing machine transmission in a neutral state is provided which includes a reversible drive gear for driving the transmission in a first agitate direction and an opposite spin direction. A drive pawl is pivotally mounted on the drive gear. A pawl pivoting means, including a circular control spring with an outwardly extending tang, is selectively rotatable against either side of the pivoted pawl. A latching pawl selectively captures the tang when the drive gear rotation is reversed to the spin direction to operate the transmission in a neutral state until the rotation of the spin gear is interrupted. Means are provided to prevent relatching of the control spring if the rotation of the drive gear is subsequently interrupted.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An idling device is able to bring into an idling condition a lever hoist including a change gear provided on driving member threadedly engaged on a driving shaft for driving a sheave for winding-up a chain or rope for a load, an operating lever rockably driven by a hand, winding-up and winding-off driving pawls engageable with teeth of the change gear and changeable in response to the purpose of hoisting or lowering the load, and a braking assembly for preventing the change gear from being driven by a gravity of the load and adapted to be clamped and released by rotative movement of the driving member relative to said driving shaft.

Abstract: A system for transmitting motion between a driving component and a driven component includes a torque release clutch for transmitting motion between the components until a predetermined amount of force is required to do so, whereupon the clutch releases. The clutch includes a pair of relatively movable members, at least one ball, and an expandable ring. The ball has one position wherein the ball is in engaged or interfering relationship between the pair of members whereby movement of one member effects movement of the other member. The ball has another position wherein the ball is out of interfering relationship with or disengaged from at least one movable member. The expandable ring is mounted on one of the movable members and is engageable with the ball to hold the ball in engaged position until a force applied to the ball exceeds a predetermined amount, whereupon the ring is forced to expand and allow the ball to move to the disengaged position.

Abstract: A clutch element fastened to the end of a sewing machine main shaft by a shouldered screw is slidable thereon to a first position wherein axially extending clutch fingers thereof extend through guide notches in an interlock element fixed to the main shaft by the shouldered screw, into axially aligned recesses in a belt driven handwheel so as to drive the sewing machine main shaft. In a second position of the clutch element, the axially extending fingers thereof are withdrawn from the recesses in the handwheel so that the sewing machine main shaft is not driven. Detent means are provided to maintain the clutch element in a selected position.

Abstract: An improved mechanism is provided for selectively altering the positioning of an inwardly depressable, outwardly biased, shiftable structure, such as a splined shaft, and for releasably holding such structure in either of an inwardly depressed or an outwardly shifted position thereof. The mechanism is especially adapted for use with powered wheel, hub assemblies, such as commonly employed in combines or other normally self-propelled agricultural implements or the like, in which provision is to be made for disengaging the hub from an associated power shaft to permit towing of the implement at higher speeds than normal for field running thereof.

Abstract: A gearshift device for a manually operable transmission unit having a transmission case housing gears therein is disclosed as comprising a control rod having a center axis and movable along the center axis thereof with respect to the transmission case, a control lever securely mounted on the control rod and having a free end portion, and a shift fork having a pivot axis fixed with respect to the transmission case and pivotable about the pivot axis, the shift fork having one end portion bifurcated for forming a pair of protrusions and a recess between the protrusions, the free end portion of the control lever being received in the recess, the shift fork having the other end portion operably connected to the gears of the transmission unit, wherein the free end portion of the control lever and one of the protrusions are respectively formed with flat surfaces contactable with each other when the gears of the transmission unit are held in mesh with one another.

Abstract: A handwheel clutch for a sewing machine having a bistable tiltable element for engaging or disengaging the clutch thereby coupling or decoupling the handwheel from the arm shaft.

Abstract: A drive shifting apparatus for a valve control and the like is provided with a source of power for motor operation, a separate source of power for hand operation and a shifting means shiftable between the hand power and motor power sources. The shifting means may be a spring loaded clutch normally connecting the motor power source with the valve control, a latch means to hold the clutch in the hand power position against the spring pressure and a cam on the motor automatically releasing the latch when the motor is energized.

Abstract: An engine starter drive device having a sleeve member slidably and mounted for rotation on a power shaft of a motor is disclosed. The sleeve is connected to a mounting shaft which is mounted adjacent to the power shaft. A pinion gear is mounted on the mounting shaft. A driving clutch member is mounted on external helical splines formed on the sleeve. The driving member is connected in one direction of rotation to a driven clutch member by axially extending clutch teeth. The driven member is connected to the pinion gear for rotation therewith. Between the driving and driven clutch members is a centrifugal separator member which moves the driving clutch member away from the driven clutch member above a predetermined rotational speed. The pinion gear thus is mounted on that portion of the mounting shaft that is isolated from the outer environment.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance, having an interchangeable tool attachment, such as a stirrer arm, and an interchangeable container attachment, such as a food chopper. The tool attachment has a base which is secured to the appliance through rotation of a rotatable tension ring assembly, surrounding a power takeoff shaft and a retainer ring, and includes a housing pivotally connected to the base. The container attachment is secured through recesses in its base which engage pins on the retainer ring. A locking bolt is provided on the container attachment which engages the cover thereof, the locking bolt being engageable in a locked position by a slide coupled to a power switch through a blocking rod whenever the power switch is actuated, such that the container attachment cover may not be removed with the appliance in an activated state.

Abstract: A power transmission having a planetary gear set in which ratio changes are effected by sliding the carrier and ring gear of the gear set axially with respect to the input shaft, output shaft, and housing includes a plurality of flyweight actuators mounted on the carrier to effect an axial lock-up with the output shaft at speeds above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A handwheel and handwheel clutch assembly for a sewing machine having a bistable tiltable element for engaging or disengaging the clutch thereby coupling or decoupling the handwheel from the arm shaft.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A manually operated clutch assembly for engaging and disengaging a rotatable cable drum in a winch assembly to a source of power which comprises a shifting lever with a two-directional rotatable hand grip which actuate a pair of push rods mounted on the said shifting lever, the said push rods controlling a latching pin in assembly with a clutch shifter with a yoke attached to the clutch shifter. The said yoke actuates a rotatable jaw clutch into a position to engage a rotatable cable drum. The said shifting lever simultaneously moves a locking rod into position to lock the axial movement of the jaw clutch.

Abstract: An engine starter drive adapted to engage an engine ring gear having a tooth driving clutch member which cooperates with a tooth driven clutch member. The driven clutch member further comprises a helical screw shaft with two circular grooves. A control nut threadably mounted on the screw shaft has a spring loaded detent which engages the circular grooves. The control nut is connected to the pinion gear by means of a retaining cup. Rotating the screw shaft causes the control nut to move along the screw shaft to traverse the pinion into mesh with the engine ring gears and crank the engine. When the engine fires, the acceleration of the pinion causes the control nut to move back on the screw shaft until the detent engages the first circular groove. After the engine starts and the pinion rotates to a predetermined speed, the detent withdraws from the first groove in the screw shaft and the control nut withdraws the pinion gear from engaging the engine ring gear.

Abstract: A rotary actuator having an output drive rod mounted within an output sleeve that is rotated by a drive motor. A driving mechanism for coupling the torque of the drive motor to the output sleeve includes a worm wheel that is mounted on the output sleeve so as to be freely rotatable relative to the output sleeve and a driving portion for transmitting power from the worm wheel to the output sleeve. A clutch also is mounted on the output sleeve for rotation with axial movement along the output sleeve. The clutch is normally biased into its first position for engagement with the drive portion of the drive mechanism for coupling it to the output sleeve for transmitting rotational force. A declutch mechanism causes the clutch to be moved of engagement with the drive portion, if the drive portion ceases to operate and the output sleeve is to be rotated by a hand wheel.

Abstract: A gear shift mechanism is for a gear mounted on a shaft within the housing of a power transmitting device. A shift rod is mounted through a hole in the housing parallel with the shaft and is capable of axial movement between a first and a second position to cause corresponding movement of the gear. A locking lever is pivotally mounted within a slot in the shift rod and has an extended end capable of extending beyond the interior surface of the shift rod. The locking lever is pivotally biased to cause the extended end to overlie the housing adjacent the hold when the shift rod is in the first position. A camming rod is also mounted within the shift rod and can be moved axially to pivot the locking lever against biasing to release the shift rod during shifting from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A gas-operated valve actuator having a gas operated motor, a mechanism for disengaging the valve's manual operation apparatus, and a device for quickly shutting off the actuator when the valve's drive shaft reaches its travel limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable-speed transmission for motor cars, in particular a manual gear-box in the form of a synchronized lay-shaft transmission having several forward speeds and one reverse motion, in which the gears of the reverse motion (11, 12) are also constantly meshing and in which the pairs of gears are selectively shifted into the flux of forces by means of a shifting clutch (13). In order to permit low-noise shifting into the reverse motion, the latter (11, 12) is provided with a synchronizer unit (17, 23).

Abstract: A propeller brake for a twin spool turbo-prop engine which permits the propeller to be locked in a stationary position with the engine running is disclosed. The propeller brake has a hydraulically actuated friction brake and hydraulically actuated locking mechanism rotatably connected to the engine spool turning the propeller. The friction brake stops the propeller from rotating in response to an external command. A hydraulic signal indicating the propeller has stopped rotating actuates the mechanical lock holding the propeller in a stationary position. A safety latch prevents the mechanical lock from being actuated in event of a hydraulic pressure or engine failure in flight.

Abstract: This invention relates to a motorized actuator in which the motor shaft is drivably connected with the output shaft through an intermediate shaft assembly.The motor shaft assembly includes a worm and wormwheel which is formed with cut-outs each drivably receiving the extended ends of some of the teeth of a pinion which forms part of the intermediate shaft assembly. The pinion is at all times in driving engagement with a gear on the output shaft and is axially movable by a lever to disengage the motor drive so as to allow independent manual operation of the pinion and thereby the output shaft by a handwheel mounted on a shaft. The shaft is drivably coupled with a wormwheel which is in driving engagement with the pinion by means of the driving lugs.

Abstract: A universal joint shaft and a power take-off shaft, particularly between an agricultural implement and a tractor, may be coupled and uncoupled by a device which includes a coupling sleeve adapted to be axially locked and unlocked relative to the power take-off shaft by operation of a control ring which is moved in generally parallel relationship with the power take-off shaft between a first and a second position. The coupling sleeve is locked in axial engagement with the power take-off shaft by a spring device which, when engaged by the control ring when the control ring is moved to its second position, operates to unlock the coupling sleeve from the power take-off shaft. The control ring is pivotally mounted and is subjected to the force of an over-center snap spring which maintains the control ring in its first or second position under a spring-biasing force, with the control ring when in its first position being out of engagement with the locking spring device.

Abstract: A starting device for an engine wherein a drive shaft associated with a starting motor is connected through a one-way clutch to a pinion gear for driving a ring gear of the engine. The device comprises a first sleeve slidably fitted on the drive shaft, a second sleeve slidably fitted on the first sleeve, a drive clutch member for the one-way clutch slidably fitted on the second sleeve, and a buffer spring between the first sleeve and the one-way clutch. The first helical spline between the drive shaft and the first sleeve imparts a great forward thrust to the pinion gear by utilization of the turning force of the drive shaft into complete engagement with the ring gear so as to positively drive the latter. An excessive load may be absorbed by compressive deformation of the buffer spring.

Abstract: A disengaging device is used with a frictional clutch which includes a rotating member displaceable in the direction of its axis of rotation. The disengaging device provides a releasable locking connection between the rotating member and a gear case, and includes a first part and a second part each coaxial with the axis of rotation and with the second part laterally enclosing the first part. At least one opening extends through the outer second part and is located opposite a groove or recess in the inner part. A locking member is passed through the opening into locking engagement with the groove or recess in the first part for preventing relative axial displacement between the two parts. The locking member can be removed for separating the two parts.

Abstract: A starter device for an internal combustion engine which includes a starter motor, a pinion shaft rotated by the starter motor, a movable cylindrical member fitted on the pinion shaft and coupled thereto by a helical spline coupling, a pinion gear fitted for free rotation on the pinion shaft, a unidirectional clutch provided between the pinion gear and the movable cylindrical member, and the pinion gear and movable cylindrical member being coupled together for axial movement in unison with each other.