Abstract: An engine starter gear of the positive shift type has a clutch to provide driving, indexing, means for keeping the clutch teeth in engagement during the indexing function, and a centrifugal separator to separate clutch teeth in an overrunning condition. The separator includes spherical members retained in an annular retainer member, which spherical members move radially outward of the shaft as the engine accelerates to transmit axial thrust against an inclined surface on an annular ring member to displace the driving clutch member from the driven clutch teeth. The axial thrust on the annular ring member causes separation of the clutch teeth in an overrunning or overspeed condition.

Abstract: A fan clutch lock for temporarily forcing the cooling fan associated with an internal combustion engine to turn without slippage, comprising a shaft member adapted to be driven in rotation by the engine. Mounting means are provided for mounting a fan to be turned by the shaft, with the mounting means involving a clutch arranged normally to permit a controlled amount of fan slippage as generally regulated by the engine operating temperature, with an increased amount of fan slippage ordinarily occurring at higher engine operating speeds. A novel locking means provided in accordance with this invention enables the fan clutch to be selectively circumvented such that upon operation of said locking means, the fan is required to rotate at the same speed as said shaft member at all engine operating speeds, thus enhancing the cooling capacity of the fan. This additional cooling is particularly desirable when the engine is heavily loaded.

Abstract: A manually operated latch mounted on the handlebar of a motorcycle and engaging the clutch control lever for releasably holding the clutch in a locked-out position or in a partially disengaged position.

Abstract: Driving device for a beam member of a warping or beaming machine includes a beam member holding piece connected to a beam and a rotatable driving element for the beam member, a clutch shiftable for locking together the driving element and holding piece, in engaged position of the driving device, and for unclocking the driving element and holding piece in disengaged position of the driving machine.

Abstract: A positive locking mechanism on a shift coupler for a vehicle transmission. The locking mechanism includes a locking ring on the clutch collar. A sleeve is formed with radial openings for receiving balls which lock the clutch sleeve and clutch hub in the shifted position and retaining this position until manually released.

Abstract: A two-speed clutch arrangement is disclosed in which an input shaft is drivingly connected to an output drum through a system of clutch shoes so as to alternatively produce direct drive of the output drum, a reduced speed drive, or a neutral condition in which drive is not transmitted to the output drum. The clutch system includes centrifugally actuated primary clutch shoes driven by the input shaft and establishing drive to an inner drum, and two different sets of friction clutches interposed between the inner drum and the output drum. The first set produces a slipping or low speed drive of the output drum, while the second direct drive set controllably establishes direct or high speed drive. Shifting of the clutch arrangement is carried out by a trigger actuator, which activates clutch trigger arrangements associated with the primary clutch shoes and the direct drive clutch set.

Abstract: A hand brake mechanism of the quick-release type having locking structure preventing accidental brake release includes a clutch collar interconnecting a drive member mounted on a shaft for rotation therewith and a pinion mounted on the shaft for rotation relative thereto and for being operatively connected in a power train to the car brakes. The collar is shiftable on the shaft between a drive position making the aforesaid interconnection, and a brake-release position wherein the connection is broken and the pinion is freely rotatable on the shaft. A pivotally mounted shift lever has collar-engaging members for shifting the collar between such positions. A cam shaft is provided with a cam which, when the cam shaft is rotated in one direction, engages the shift lever to shift the collar into the brake-release position.

Abstract: A clutch for automatically engaging a driving member with a driven member upon application of torque to rotate the driving member in either direction, for maintaining engagement in either the drive or coast mode of operation and during the transition between drive and coast, for maintaining engagement in either the forward or reverse mode of operation and during the transition between forward and reverse, and for disengaging automatically upon interruption of the torque and slight rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A winch having a drum and a gearbox, wherein the gearbox houses planetary gearing for driving the drum, and a coupling device for selectively changing the rotational speed of the drum. The coupling device comprises two interconnected dog elements which are rotatable by the winch motor and are positionable along the rotational axis of the drum at three locations to variously engage the drum and/or gearing for a selected drum speed.

Abstract: A combined clutch and brake control is provided for a lawn and garden tractor of the type including a traction drive transmission, formed in part by an infinitely variable pulley, and including a traction drive brake. The control includes a clutch brake pedal adapted for connection to the infinitely variable pulley and to the brake and operable when depressed to act on the pulley to sequentially reduce the transmission speed to zero and then apply the brake; and includes a brake pedal coupled to the brake and operable to apply the brake to prevent rolling during hillside operation when the clutch-brake pedal is being depressed through a neutral range or zone located between clutching or speed reducing and braking ranges. An adjustable spring is connected to the brake for limiting the amount of force applied thereto via operation of the clutch-brake and brake pedals.

Abstract: The disconnect arrangement for high speed aircraft generators includes disconnectable rigid, torque transmitting spring loaded curvic gears coupled between the driving and driven shafts. A plurality of flexibly supported sear members mounted on the driven shaft engage the movable member of the curvic gears. The sears have tapered faces which engage correspondingly tapered shoulders on the movable curvic gear member. The sears are latched to hold the curvic gear members in contact by the armature of an electromagnet. The armature normally rides over the top of the gears maintaining them in contact with the tapered shoulder of the curvic gear member. When the electromagnetic armature is actuated to disengage the driving and driven shafts, the armature moves axially. This removes the retaining force from the tapered sears, allowing them to flex outwardly.

Abstract: A clutch apparatus for a marine drive lower gear case includes a propeller shaft rotatably mounted in a gear case housing. A drive gear for both forward and reverse is positioned in the housing coaxial with the propeller shaft and a clutch member is rotatably fixed on the propeller shaft and movable axially into drive engagement with the drive gear. Clutch engaging elements are provided on opposed portions of the drive gears and the clutch member. Shift means utilizing a positive acting cam means positively move the clutch member into and out of engagement from the drive gears. The shift means also include a releasable latch means to positively maintain the shift means in the engaged position and a preloading means between the shift means and the clutch member to snap the clutch member into engagement.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for selectively engaging a handwheel with a shaft to manually rotate the shaft with the handwheel. The mechanism automatically disengages the handwheel from the shaft when the shaft is rotated by a power source above a predetermined speed. Further, when the shaft is thusly rotated by a power source, the mechanism does not allow an operator to engage the handwheel with the shaft. The mechanism includes a complementary groove system and a cam, one being on the shaft and the other on the handwheel. The groove system comprises at least two laterally-spaced grooves encircling the axis of the shaft, and a third groove spiralling about the axis between the first and second grooves. In one embodiment, the cam is mounted on the handwheel and rides in the grooves in the shaft. When the handwheel is axially depressed, to engage the shaft, the cam rides in the innermost encircling groove.

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: The system is intended primarily for use in multi-engined aircraft although it has great utility in any installation having an engine and a generator driven thereby. A kit for each engine includes a generator drive train connected to the engine to be driven thereby, a driving formation for connection to a generator, and a coupling or clutch in the drive train to decouple the generator in case of mechanical or electrical failure. Signal means may be located in the cockpit in the pilot's field of view to indicate generator failure. A switch operable by the pilot in response to the failure signal acts to remotely cause decoupling of the generator. The active signal operates means to deactivate any other decoupling switch to prevent mistakenly decoupling a properly functioning generator. Cross-connection switch means are connected to all engines and generators and may be actuated to electrically connect an active generator to the engine having the decoupled generator.

Abstract: A power-driven drill and screwdriver includes a housing and a drive motor mounted in the housing. A case is attached to the housing and has a spindle bearing mounted therein. A first clutch is rotatably mounted in the case axially of the bearing and is operatively connected to the drive motor. An output spindle is journalled in the bearing and has a flange formed thereon. A second clutch is formed on the flange so as to be adjacent the first clutch. The output spindle is slideably mounted in the bearing so as to cause the second clutch to be movable relative to the first clutch between a first location whereat the second clutch firmly engages the first clutch and a second location whereat second clutch is disengaged from the first clutch. A spring resiliently biases the second clutch into the second location. An eccentric member is journalled in the case and is rotatable from one position corresponding to the screwdriving mode of the tool to another position corresponding to the drill mode of the tool.

Abstract: A combination power tool has a housing defining a bore with an annular bearing member mounted in the bore. A first clutch is rotatably mounted in the housing and a second clutch is rotatably mounted in the annular bearing member and movable relative to said first clutch between a first position whereat the second clutch firmly engages the first clutch and a second position whereat the second clutch is disengaged from the first clutch. A spring biases the second clutch into its second position. The annular bearing member is movably mounted in the bore for engaging the second clutch member to counteract the urging force of the spring and to displace the second clutch from the second position into the first position. A face cam formed on the annular bearing member and a cam follower is located on the housing for coacting with the face cam to guide the annular bearing member when the same is moved along the bore to bring the second clutch into its first position.

Abstract: A power transfer mechanism incorporated in a multiple path drive system comprises a transfer case disposed between a source of input torque and a pair of drive axles. Torque is transferred directly to the fixed axle and is transferred automatically to the steering axle through a double-acting overrunning clutch when required. The clutch is biased to advance toward one engaged position, but is prevented from locking by a direction-sensitive latch so long as a normal overrunning condition is present.

Abstract: An automatically releasing lock system is disclosed for use on a motor having an output shaft with a resiliently biased sliding engagement member on the shaft, biased toward engagement with a driven shaft. The system utilizes a locking recess formmed in the engagement member with cam surfaces formed therein, and detent rods resiliently biased into engagement in the engagement member recess.

Abstract: Brake apparatus, particularly one in which the brake may be both actuated and released by a hydraulic force, held engaged by a mechanical force and in which a strong spring force, tending to restore the brake, prevails while the brake is held engaged; brake applying pressure, after the brake is engaged, is at first slowly released, hydraulic pressure employed to release the brake is maintained at a minimum value even though the brake may be released and certain conditions are sensed for coincidence before generating a signal indicating that the brake release conditions are complied with.

Abstract: A power transfer mechanism incorporated in a multiple path drive system comprising a transfer case disposed between a source of input torque and a pair of drive axles. Torque is transferred directly to one drive axle and is transferred automatically to the other drive axle through a double-acting overrunning clutch when required. The clutch is biased toward one engaged position, and is prevented from locking inadvertently in the other engaged position by a direction-sensitive blocking device.

Abstract: In constant speed drive mechanisms, a low speed disconnect between the input and driven elements is provided. The low speed disconnect is effected by a worm (and plunger-engaged) gear arrangement that axially moves the driven element through a spring differential to a disconnected position and then a one-way ratchet is engaged to prevent the disconnected driven element from returning to partial or full reengagement with the input element.

Abstract: Provided for controlling the traction drive of a lawn and garden tractor is a vehicle clutch and brake control that includes a hand-operated linkage for selectively shifting a first locking pawl for locking a brake pedal of the control in an engaged parking mode. Connected to the first locking pawl is an interlock member whch is operative to control a second locking pawl for holding the clutch pedal in a position for disengaging the power to the traction drive of the tractor when the first locking pawl is actuated for locking the brake pedal in its engaged parking mode.

Abstract: A control knob for permitting the service technician to adjust the operating level of a component in an electrostatic type reproduction machine with locking means effective to prevent unauthorized adjustments by others. To enable the machine user or operator, when training and experience warrants it, to perform service adjustments, the control knob incorporates an internal release mechanism, settable only by the machine service technician, permitting selected adjustment by the operator despite the locking means.

Abstract: A de-clutch mechanism is actuated, when the power is off, by manual actuation of a de-clutch lever shaft. When thus actuated, the de-clutch mechanism couples a rotatable driven sleeve to a handwheel drive and decouples the sleeve from the power drive. When the power is activated, the de-clutch mechanism automatically disconnects the handwheel drive. A typical application of the de-clutch mechanism is in valve operators.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch construction having an outer driven member and an inner driving rotor assembly. The rotor assembly has a pair of spaced, radially extending, side plates mounted in fixed positions on a driving shaft, and a core fixed to the shaft between the side plates. The core is provided with diametrically opposite surfaces engaging and supporting associated pairs of clutch shoes when the shoes are in retracted position. A release plate is slidably mounted between each pair of clutch shoes, and the release plates and clutch shoes are retained in retracted position on the core by pairs of clamping balls. The balls are located mainly within holes formed in each pair of clutch shoes and portions of the balls project partially into openings formed in the side plates. Each pair of balls frictionally clamps a release plate therebetween when the clutch is in disengaged position.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch construction having an outer driven member with an axially extending coupling surface, and an inner driving rotor assembly. The rotor assembly has a pair of spaced radial side plates mounted in fixed positions on a driving shaft, and a pair of hubs fixed on the shaft between the side plates. The hubs have a plurality of radially extending projections which form slots between each pair of axially aligned projections. The projections have surfaces engaging and supporting associated pairs of clutch shoes when the shoes are in retracted position. A detent plate is fixed between each pair of clutch shoes for movement with the shoes, and has a projecting surface which extends below the clutch shoes and into a respective slot between the hub projections when the shoes are in retracted position. Spring biased detent cups are located within holes formed in the hub projections and project into axially aligned holes formed in the projecting surfaces of the detent plates.

Abstract: A torque responsive coupling includes an intermediate coupling member with helical splines thereon selectively engageable with first and second axially spaced helically splined coupling discs connected respectively to an engine power shaft and to a gear reduction input shaft to a propeller.

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: Support and Latching Means for one end of a relatively heavy rotatable member having a housing with bearing means in the axial line of said rotatable member for supporting the rotatable member when engaged for rotation, arcuate wall means adjacent and concentric with the bearing means forms a transfer cavity to receive the supported end of the rotatable member in the disengaged position, a pass-thru opening in said bearing means, a transfer opening in said arcuate wall, said pass-thru opening sized less than the diameter of the supported end of the rotatable member and communicating with said transfer opening to permit the supported end of the rotatable member to be moved into and out of said housing and to hold the supported end in assembled position when the rotatable member is engaged for rotation, means operative to impart lateral movement to said rotatable member to move the same in said housing from the disengaged position in the transfer cavity to the engaged position in said bearing means, and a raise

Abstract: A delayed-action transmission whereby mechanical coupling between a driven member and a driving member is effected by centrifugal force and the mechanical coupling is controllably delayed.

Abstract: A parking brake interlock system includes detent means responsive to a loss of pressure in the brake-releasing hydraulic pressure system for causing the detent mechanism to engage and resist movement of a transmission control member of the vehicle transmission.

Abstract: A reversing mechanism for two clutches wherein one of the clutches is alternately blocked in lifted condition, comprising actuating means movable over a disengaging travel path, for selectively engaging and disengaging the non-blocked other clutch, means comprising a stepping mechanism and a reversing device, the actuating means being movable beyond the given actuating path and over a reversing path for actuating the means comprising a stepping mechanism and a reversing device, and a lifting device connected to the actuating means and actuable thereby for effecting engagement and disengagement of the non-blocked clutch over the disengaging travel path (I-II), and at least substantially over the reversing path (II-III) and in a force transmission path between the actuating means and disengagement member of the clutches, the lifting device being effective so that at least over partial ranges of the reversing path (II-III) a change in at least one of the path direction and the force transmission occurs, the lift