One-way Engaging Patents (Class 192/12B)
  • Patent number: 6131717
    Abstract: An improved braking roller apparatus for preventing unintended movement of cargo containers within cargo compartments of the character found in cargo transport vehicles such as cargo aircraft. The improved braking roller apparatus includes highly novel, internal friction producing elements that smoothly and effectively resist rotation of a pair of cooperating rotors which are driven by a uniquely configured ULD engaging outer housing. The rotors and the cooperating friction elements in turn cooperate with a one way roller clutch assembly in a manner to positively impede rotation of the cargo container engaging outer housing in a first direction which allowing its free, unrestricted rotation in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Pemco Engineers
    Inventor: Frank Owen
  • Patent number: 6073731
    Abstract: A multi-plate type brake for a vehicle is provided in which a high braking force is realized during a forward motion of the vehicle and the braking force can be automatically reduced during a backward motion of the vehicle. A first rotary brake plate is connected to the rotary shaft. A second rotary brake plate is arranged around the rotary shaft in such a way that they may be rotated in a relative manner. A one-way clutch is installed between the rotary brake plate and the rotary shaft. A first fixed brake plate is overlapped on the first rotary brake plate, a second fixed brake plate is overlapped on the second rotary brake plate. A brake case is provided for unrotatably supporting the first and second fixed brake plates. A pressing member forcedly presses all the brake plates from each other, so that when the rotary shaft is rotated in a reverse direction, the second rotary brake plate is not applied to a braking action under a shut-off state of the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Ieda
  • Patent number: 5868229
    Abstract: A device for overload protection and for braking a machine part driven by a motor (2), in particular a tool driven by a cam gear in a stamping and/or bending machine, comprises a module (3), an overload clutch (4)disengaging after exceeding a torque threshold, and a freewheel (6) which, during the braking of the drive shaft (1), blocks in the direction of drive, each being arranged on the drive shaft (1) behind one another in the drive line extending from the motor (2) to the machine part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Hinterlechner
  • Patent number: 5593294
    Abstract: A scroll compressor has a one-way drive for resisting and impeding objectionable reverse movement of the orbiting scroll member. The one-way drive includes a one-way clutch interconnecting a drive shaft with a stationary member of the compressor through a resilient member. Reverse rotation of the drive shaft causes a loading of the resilient member which then operates to cushion the stopping of the reverse rotation of the drive shaft. The one-way drive is inoperative during forward rotation of the drive shaft thus allowing normal operation of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Houghtby, Roger W. Reineke, Kenneth J. Monnier
  • Patent number: 5398911
    Abstract: A winch assembly (10) includes a first transmission assembly rotatably connecting a motor (11) to a winch drum (20) comprising clutches (12, 16) adapted to rotatably engage an output shaft (13) of the motor (11) to a winch drum shaft (19) of the winch drum (20) to wind in cable (22) onto the winch drum (20) and to payout cable (22) from the winch drum (20) by disengagement of motor drive shaft (13) from winch drum shaft (19).The winch assembly (10) further includes a second transmission assembly comprising an overrun clutch (23) rotatably connecting winch drum shaft (19) to motor drive shaft (13) if and when the payout speed of cable (22) from drum (20) exceeds a predetermined value.The winch assembly (10) is particularly suited to control conveyor belt tension in relatively large conveyor belts by simple on/off control of the clutches (12, 16) in response to sensed conveyor belt tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Pace Engineering Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Donald J. Holster
  • Patent number: 5390763
    Abstract: A device for winding a rubber band motor has a very light weight so that it may be carried by a model airplane, almost without any weight penalty. A pulley with a recoil spring has a string wound thereon so that the release of a pulled string rewinds it onto the pulley. A clutch mechanism engages the pulley and rubber band when the string is pulled and disengages when the string rewinds. This way, the string may be pulled repeatedly in order to store more energy in the rubber band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Marchon, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Liedtke
  • Patent number: 5267917
    Abstract: A rotary element engaging device of an automatic transmission includes a stationary member, a planetary gear set having rotary elements, a frictionally engaging element interposed between the stationary member and one of the rotary elements, a one-way clutch interposed between the stationary member and the one rotary element, and an operating member for engaging and disengaging the frictionally engaging element. The rotary element is adapted to be selectively engaged with the stationary member through two paths formed of the frictionally engaging element and the one-way clutch. The one-way clutch is disposed between the frictionally engaging element and the operating member. The one-way clutch includes an inner race connected to the one rotary element and an outer race fixed to the stationary member. The operating member is adapted to act on the frictionally engaging element through the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignees: Aisen Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Kadotani, Masahiro Haybuchi, Takashi Morimoto, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Yasuo Hojo, Hidehiro Oba, Yutaka Taga
  • Patent number: 5259258
    Abstract: A friction clutch drive is used to translate the oscillating angular movement of the oscillator in a submersible pool cleaner into a unidirectional periodic angular movement. A disc element affixed to a drive shaft of the oscillator is urged into contact with a second friction surface using a compression spring. The second disc is secured to a drum formation to which a gear to be driven is integrally formed so that rotational movement of the second disc causes rotational movement of the gear. To limit movement of the driven gear to one direction, a ratchet gear is affixed to the periphery of the drum and which engages a pawl to permit the single directional rotation of the drum and thus the driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Pavel Sebor
  • Patent number: 5234389
    Abstract: A multi-directional planetary transmission mechanism adapted to establish plural torque flow paths between a driving member and a driven member including a one-way torque delivery clutch located in the torque flow path from the torque input element of the planetary gear system and a torque output shaft, and a friction brake means for anchoring the torque input element of the planetary gearing to establish a change in torque ratio wherein provision is made for disengaging the one-way clutch to interrupt torque delivery therethrough in either a driving direction or a coast direction and simultaneously anchoring said torque input element of said gearing to provide a torque reaction point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Eldon L. Goates
  • Patent number: 5211272
    Abstract: A supporting structure for control elements of an automatic transmission including a multiple-disc clutch having a piston operated by hydraulic pressure from a control valve unit and a cylinder slidably supporting the piston, and a one-way clutch having outer and inner races and a series of sprags placed between both of the races so as to mechanically jam depending on the rotational direction of the outer race, comprises a support member comprised of the cylinder and the inner race which are integrally formed with each other, and a transmission case for fixing the support member on the inner surface thereof from the inside of the transmission case by means of bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignees: Jatco Corporation, Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Masahiro Asari, Shigeto Umebayashi, Kazuyoshi Iwanaga, Noboru Hattori
  • Patent number: 5207123
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrohydraulic control for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. In order to be able to utilize, in the coasting operation of the motor vehicle in the driving position D of the automatic transmission, also the first gear, a one-way clutch, which transmits only driving torques but is required for the shifting operation, when the first gear is engaged, is bridged by a brake so that the transmission can transmit not only driving but also coasting torques and can therefore transmit the engine braking torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Joseph Petersmann
  • Patent number: 5129868
    Abstract: A quick-return motion mechanism for use in an automatic magnetic drilling machine including a feed motor for generating power transferred through a worm wheel and a high-ratio reduction gear to a handle shaft to drive an electric drill. A one-way clutch is provided inside the worm wheel so that the handle shaft races on feed and is locked on return. The high-ration reduction gear is composed of elements which are arranged to cause the input and output sides of the high-ratio reduction gear to rotate in the same direction. The quick-return motion mechanism consists of an arrangement for restraining the input side element of the high-ratio reduction gear on feed and for releasing it on return to race the high-ratio reduction gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Company Limited
    Inventors: Junichi Sudo, Masateru Niyada, Shigeru Shinohara
  • Patent number: 5129870
    Abstract: An automatic transmission having multiple planetary gear elements adapted to establish and disestablish plural torque delivery paths between a driving member and a driven member, and releasable couplings adapted to connect selected gear elements of the transmission to ground and to connect two of the elements together to effect nonsynchronous ratio changes in the transmission without the necessity of engaging and releasing in timed sequence friction clutches and friction brakes, whereby friction torque losses are reduced and ratio changes in the transmission have a high degree of smoothness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Stanley L. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5014837
    Abstract: Procedure and device for converting the torque acting on the shaft when energy quanti are transferred from the input shaft, driven by the engine, to the output shaft, driving the load, in the form of impulses the number of which in time unit is proportional to the difference between the revolution speeds of the input shaft and the output shaft. The input shaft, driven by the engine, disengages itself repeatedly from the middle shaft, when the motional speed of the moving parts of the engine and the quantity of the motional energy based on it grows, which growth of the motional energy will be converted as impulses into potential energy, which in form of the torsional force of the spring, located between the middle shaft and the output shaft, maintains on the output shaft a torque required by the loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: Kauko Kaari
  • Patent number: 4984666
    Abstract: Braking of independently-movable pivotable members is carried out by independent one-way clutch mechanisms which provide minimal braking force to the pivotable members in the vicinity of the limit points of their pivotable movement, and provide optimal braking force in a middle range of pivotable movement. The braking mechanism provided may operate on one or both of the pivotable members at the same time, each of the independent clutch mechanisms providing suitable braking force to compensate for the mass of the respective pivotable members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Makoto Orii, Hiroyuki Iwashita
  • Patent number: 4860606
    Abstract: This invention relates to a ratchet apparatus adapted to be connected to a hand truck assembly in order to control movement of an article connector assembly about an article to be conveyed. The ratchet apparatus includes a ratchet housing assembly; a ratchet handle assembly connected to the ratchet housing assembly; and a ratchet actuator assembly mounted between the ratchet handle assembly and the ratchet housing assembly. The ratchet handle assembly includes a main handle assembly operable in a reciprocal rotational movement to achieve positive, controlled movement of a connector belt member. The ratchet actuator assembly includes a main actuator assembly having a ratchet dog assembly and a ratchet pawl assembly operably connected to a ratchet drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Harper Truck, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Rousseau
  • Patent number: 4838333
    Abstract: A roller blind comprising a horizontal roller for supporting the blind and mounted for rotation about its own axis, a blind having an upper edge fixed to the roller and a free lower edge, resilient means tending to bias the roller towards a position in which the blind is rolled up, and a centrifugal-mass brake for slowing the rotation of the roller during rolling up of the blind. The centrifugal-mass brake is carried by a fixed support structure outside the roller and the rotor of the brake is connected to the roller through the interposition of step-up wheels and a one-way clutch device adapted to break the connection between the rotor of the brake and the roller when the blind is lowered, the one-way clutch device and the step-up wheels also being carried by the fixed support structure, outside the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Mottura S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Mottura
  • Patent number: 4788874
    Abstract: A differential clutch comprises a driving member having a plurality of inner circumferentially disposed clutch teeth cooperating with a lesser number of sprags resiliently urged outwardly on an intermediate member. A second set of sprags on the intermediate member cooperates with clutch teeth on a fixed member to prevent retrograde movement. Rocking back and forth of the turnable member acts through the clutch teeth and sprags to turn the intermediate member. The intermediate member is connected to a driven member, for example, for adjusting a brake, or for acting as a part of a ratchet wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Inventors: Bertel S. Nelson, William R. Danforth, deceased
  • Patent number: 4676352
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventor: Troy D. Randolph
  • Patent number: 4645047
    Abstract: In a freewheel mechanism with a number of blocking members arranged between raceways on two elements, one raceway is arranged on a body which is co-operating with one of the elements and is turnable thereon. The circumference of the body is variable for varying the distance between the raceways. The variations can take place because the body is elastically deformable radially and by tightening and releasing a threaded portion between the body and the element, the thread flanks thereby acting as wedges. The purpose of the arrangement is to avoid jamming of the freewheel by the blocking members upon reversal of the direction of rotation when the blocking members are in blocking position. The unwanted torque developed during jamming of the freewheel releases the tightened thread joint between the body and the element, whereby the circumference of the body and the distance between the raceways of the freewheel is increased so that the blocking members are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: SKF Nova AB
    Inventor: Rune Adolfsson
  • Patent number: 4638890
    Abstract: The brakes of a bicycle are actuated in response to rotation of the pedal crank in a reverse direction. The brake actuating mechanism includes an actuating member which is connected to the pedal crank by a freewheel and a slip coupling. The freewheel is disengaged during forward rotation of the pedal crank, and it is engaged during reverse rotation of the pedal crank to move the actuating member and operate the brakes. During heavy braking, the slip coupling reduces the force exerted by the actuating mechanism on the brake operating cables. Movement of the actuating member also unblocks a freewheel which normally blocks reverse rotation of a driven wheel of the bicycle. This unblocking action prevents the pedals from locking after heavy braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: AB Trama
    Inventor: Oskar E. Lohman
  • Patent number: 4595209
    Abstract: A manually powered skateboard which includes a transmission wheel mounted on a rear wheel axle and coaxial with a rear hub having a rear wheel mounted thereon. The transmission wheel is connected to the rear hub through a one-way clutch. A drive wheel mounted on a drive shaft which is disposed under a platform to drive the transmission wheel, and is parallel to the rear wheel axle. A first flexible tension element is wound on the drive wheel and pullable by a user to rotate the drive wheel and in turn the transmission wheel. The first spring is acting on the drive wheel to wind up the tension element. A brake cam cooperates with the drive wheel through a clutch to selectively rotate with the drive wheel to effect the brake action to the rim of the rear wheel. The clutch is actuated by a brake pedal disposed on the front region of the platform. Thus the braking action is effected only by clutching the drive wheel to the brake cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Li Mao Sports Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kun K. Tsai
  • Patent number: 4476744
    Abstract: A multi-speed fan drive apparatus is disclosed which includes a pair of concentric shafts rotatable relative a fixed support and carrying clutch plates engageable to stop rotation of the shafts relative the fixed support. A pair of different-sized sun gears are carried on the two shafts and are intermeshed with planet gears rotatably mounted upon a planet gear carrier. Drive means is provided for driving the planet gear carrier in a given direction and a ring gear, with a fan blade connected thereto, is intermeshed with the planet gears. Means are provided for stopping rotation of one or the other of the sun gears with respect to the fixed support, and also for causing the shafts and sun gears to rotate in unison with the planet gear carrier and therefore the ring gear, to obtain three speeds of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventor: James W. Crooks
  • Patent number: 4454937
    Abstract: A clutch-Brake device, comprising a drive shaft as a driving member, a ring having an inner periphery provided with a surface tapered in an axial direction and coaxially mounted on the drive shaft as a driven member, a plurality of wedges disposed around the drive shaft, each wedge being pivotally mounted on a fulcrum block installed on the inner periphery of the ring, the fulcrum blocks having a tapered surface slidably engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the ring and capable of causing the wedges to move radially toward and away from the drive shaft when the ring is moved axially in one direction or the other. The wedges are adapted to grip the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotating in one direction and the wedges are moved to come into contact with the drive shaft, so that the ring is driven to rotate with the drive shaft, and to disengage the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction, or when the wedges are moved apart from the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventor: Long S. Yang
  • Patent number: 4358088
    Abstract: A drive train for a winch from a continuously rotating input source to an intermittently rotated drum in which the drive train is through a clutch, then to a shaft, then through a continuously driven internal brake which forms a part of the drive train from the shaft, then to the drive train to the drum, with the shaft being provided with a one-way clutch so that the brake automatically is engaged for lowering the load by reversing the drum. A free-spool circuit is provided which can be operated only in the brake release position for safety and is operated off the brake release hydraulic control fluid pressure. A static or manual pump control fluid circuit is provided for operating the clutch, brake and/or free spool. A combination driving clutch and drag clutch are energized by opposite directional movement of a single piston for coupling an input to an output or stopping movement of the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: PACCAR of Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. House, Vladimir Kumpa, John E. Magnuson
  • Patent number: 4311060
    Abstract: An automotive parking brake operating device in which, when the brake handle is pulled up a locking mechanism which moves with the brake handle rotates a rotating member to wind the brake cable around the winding portion of the rotating member, and when the brake handle is lowered the rotating member is kept locked by another locking mechanism. By repeating the above operation of the brake handle, the rotating member is intermittently rotated until necessary length of the brake cable is wound up to effect firm locking of the parking brake. In disengaging the brake, the cable is loosened by turning the rotating member in the reverse direction by combined operation of the locking mechanism and the brake handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Masaki Sanayama
  • Patent number: 4254641
    Abstract: A spin brake and brake release mechanism for an automatic washer or other spinning drive mechanism has a pair of brake shoes applied by a spring but released by a rotating cam mechanism. The brake operating mechanism rotates with the spin basket. The brake drum is connected to the stationary parts of the machine. As the release cam rotates, it acts against cam follower areas of the brake shoes to release the shoes from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Gauer, William L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 4231454
    Abstract: A torque wrench is presented having a pair of clutches in series. One clutch is a one way clutch, preferably reversible, which transmits the input force in one direction during torquing operations; and the second clutch provides friction restraint against movement in the opposite direction. When desired, force applied to the wrench in the opposite direction overcomes the friction clutches to release the wrench from the work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: Raymond Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Bickford, Robert F. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4223572
    Abstract: An overdrive for motor vehicles is disclosed which comprises a planetary carrier joined to an input shaft, a ring gear with internal teeth, said ring gear engaging planet pinions carried on the planet carrier and being joined to an output shaft, and a sun pinion engaging the planet pinions. A one-way clutch is disposed between the housing of the overdrive and the sun pinion and is arranged to lock the sun pinion to the housing when driving torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft. A second clutch is disposed to lock the sun pinion to the ring gear when engaged, the one-way clutch having a control which cooperates with an operator for the second clutch to suspend the blocking function of the one-way clutch before the second clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Stig H. A. Weiertz, Grzegorz K. Janiszewski
  • Patent number: 4217842
    Abstract: An improved feed device for sewing machines of the double feed roller type in which one of the rollers is intermittently rotated by a unidirectional clutch. A clamping unit functions in cooperation with the clutch to prevent a reverse movement of the feed roller, and a braking device operatively associated with the clutch and clamping unit is effective in a simultaneous positive locking of both of the latter each time the feed roller completes its limit of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1980
    Assignee: Rockwell-Rimoldi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ottorino Anghinoni di Luigi
  • Patent number: 4187936
    Abstract: A winch assembly (11) comprises a rotary input shaft (15) connected to a pair of first and second gears (21,22) for rotating the gears in opposite directions. First and second friction clutches (23,24) are adapted to selectively connect a rotary output shaft (20) with the first and second gears, respectively, for establishing a drive connection from the input shaft to the output shaft during the reel-out (RO) and reel-in (RI) modes of operation of the winch assembly. An overrunning one-way clutch (33) is interconnected between the first and second gears for normally permitting the gears to rotate in opposite directions, but will lock-up when a torque load imposed on the output shaft during the reel-in mode of operation exceeds the input torque to the winch assembly by the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1980
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Richard G. Davenport
  • Patent number: 4182251
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a high-speed indexing system for use with any number of fabric-moving apparatus, a novel braking system for use within the indexing system, and a novel puller accessory. The high-speed adjustable indexing system is illustrated in connection with a sewing machine, as an example. In sewing machine applications, a synchronized intermittent advancement of fabric in unison with the movement of an associated feed dog is provided. Undesirable inertia-caused roller overshooting, heretofore treated with anti-reverse clutches and other approaches, is eliminated, thereby enabling high speed indexing at machine operating speeds conventionally unattainable in the art. An adjustable spring-biased braking arrangement is provided which may be preset for known machine operating speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1980
    Inventors: Charles Block, Leon Mintz
  • Patent number: 4170350
    Abstract: A noise and impact reduction arrangement for a mail handling system wherein successive mail pieces of varying thicknesses may be fed to and through a mail processing work station in an efficient and rapid manner. The arrangement includes a feed assembly which is associated with the work station and which is adapted to be yieldably biased to a normal operative position and to be deflected away from said position to varying extents depending on the thickness of the various mail pieces that are successively fed through said station. Such deflection away from said normal position is readily permitted but a drag or braking force is applied to the feed assembly during its return movement towards said normal position so as to greatly reduce the severe arresting noise and shock that would otherwise be generated by the feed assembly reaching its said normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1979
    Assignee: Pitney-Bowes, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Conti
  • Patent number: 4137798
    Abstract: Apparatus for rotating a driven shaft in the same direction at two different speeds upon rotation of a drive shaft in respective, opposed directions. The apparatus includes a sun gear on the drive shaft, a ring gear on the driven shaft, a planet carrier rotatably mounted on the drive shaft, adjacent to the sun gear, one or more planetary gears rotatably mounted on the planet carrier and in mesh with the sun and ring gears. An over-running clutch locks the planet carrier to the drive shaft when the latter rotates in one direction to thereby lock the planetary gears to the sun and ring gears to cause rotation of the ring gear and the driven shaft in a first direction at a first speed. A sprag prevents rotation of the planet carrier relative to a fixed support when the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction to thereby allow rotation of the planetary gears about fixed axes to rotate the ring gear and thereby the driven shaft in the first direction at a second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis J. Sisk, Thomas J. Fagan
  • Patent number: 4128145
    Abstract: A combination fluid power disc brake and one-way clutch unit is offered. An inner shaft is journalled in a stationary housing, and an outer shaft is journalled upon the inner shaft. A one-way clutch between the shafts causes the inner and outer shafts to rotate together as a unit when the inner shaft is rotated in one direction, but permits the inner shaft to rotate independently of the outer shaft when the inner shaft is rotated in the opposite direction. A disc brake assembly operates upon the outer shaft to selectively retard its rotation. The disc brake assembly is of a failsafe design, and permits outer shaft rotation when a positive hydraulic pressure is applied to the unit. If pressure is lost or removed, the brake is activated, and outer shaft rotation is halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Lambert Brake Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Euler
  • Patent number: 4096842
    Abstract: A device for winding a spiral spring to start an engine of a construction such that a pedal shaft and a driving sprocket which is supported on the pedal shaft are connected each other in a freely rotatable manner through a clutch which is engaged and disengaged in accordance with forward and reverse rotations of the pedal shaft, that a ratchet pawl which permits the forward rotation of the pedal shaft and prevents the reverse rotation thereof is caused to be engaged with the outer peripheral teeth of the driving sprocket, and further that the driving sprocket and a driven sprocket which is provided on a starter shaft to be connected with a spiral spring are interlinked by a power transmission chain so as to cause the spiral spring to be wound around the starter shaft at the time of the forward rotation of the driving sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Kurata
  • Patent number: 4090693
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with an improvement in a winch and fluid control system. The preferred system which is improved comprises (1) a rotatable drum for receiving and releasing a cable, (2) a drive train for supporting said drum and for selectively transmitting rotary drive thereto, said drive train including a brake, (3) a source of pressurized fluid, (4) a control valve having an inlet communicating with the source of pressurized fluid and having an outlet system and a valving element which is shiftable between at least three positions including a Brake-On position, a Reel-In position and a Brake-Off position, and (5) a winch lubricating system which communicate said source of pressurized fluid with said winch. Preferably the valving element is also shiftable to a Free-Spool position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Richard F. Hoehn, Norman R. Allen, Ronald E. Wineburner
  • Patent number: 4088305
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with an improvement in a winch and fluid control system. The preferred system which is improved comprises (1) a rotatable drum for receiving and releasing a cable (2) a drive train for supporting the drum and for selectively transmitting rotary drive thereto, said drive train including a brake. A source of pressurized fluid, forms another part of said system. Said system further comprises a control valve having an inlet communicating with said source of pressurized fluid, and having an outlet system and a valving element which is shiftable between at least three positions including a Brake-On position, a Reel-In position and a Brake-Off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Wineburner, Norman R. Allen
  • Patent number: 4083534
    Abstract: A low noise, self-locking winch with a cylindrical cable drum having a cable wound around its periphery. The drum is rotated by a drive wheel which is fixedly mounted on a drive shaft. A latch wheel, having a smooth outer periphery, is slidably mounted on the drive shaft adjacent the drive wheel with a layer of frictional braking material positioned therebetween such that axial pressure on the latch wheel with respect to the drive shaft causes the latch and drive wheels to rotate as a unit. A crank is threaded onto the end of the drive shaft adjacent the latch wheel so that rotation of the crank in a winding direction forces the latch wheel against the drive wheel to rotate the cable drum. A pivotally mounted latch lever is resiliently biased against the smooth outer periphery of the latch wheel in a manner that causes the latch lever to cam against the latch wheel as the drum rotates in an unwinding direction thereby locking the winch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo J. Notenboom
  • Patent number: 4044868
    Abstract: A slipping clutch which comprises a first sliping clutch section and, coaxial therewith, a second slipping clutch section pivotably journalled to a counter-bearing. An annular bearing part is coaxial with the second slipping clutch section so as to allow said section to pivot freely. This part comprises two 90.degree. offset pairs of bearing points, the bearing points of each pair being diametrically opposed, one pair engaging the second slipping clutch section and the other pair engaging the counter-bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1977
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Erich Berger
  • Patent number: 3939672
    Abstract: A quick connection or clutching device is positioned between a continuously rotating drive member and a driven member which assures, upon disengagement, an accurate angular positioning of the driven member. In use the device is applied to a circular stocking machine and the like, for the actuation of the cam drum advance and stopping mechanism from the needle cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1973
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Inventor: Giorgio Billi