Abstract: A linear actuator with an integrated variable frequency drive. The linear actuator includes an AC motor. A screw assembly with an output shaft is mechanically coupled to the AC motor. An extension tube is provided with a front mount. The extension tube is configured and arranged to be driven in translatory motion in either direction by the screw assembly. A cover tube encloses the extension tube and screw assembly. An actuator housing is operatively associated with the screw assembly and the AC motor. The actuator housing has a removable cover. A bracket is attached to the inside surface of the removable cover. The VFD is mounted within the actuator housing. The VFD may be mounted on the bracket adjacent to the inside surface of the removable cover. The removable cover may facilitate heat transfer out of the actuator housing.

Abstract: The present dual-bearing reel includes a first reel body, a second reel body, a first bearing member, a second bearing member, a spool, a spool shaft and a first urging member. The first bearing member is attached to the first reel body. The second bearing member is attached to the second reel body. The spool shall has a first protruding part. The first protruding part radially protrudes between the first bearing member and the second bearing member. The spool shaft is supported by the first and second bearing members. The urging member urges the first protruding part and the first bearing member in opposite directions.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products for a detachable line cartridge system. A detachable line cartridge system has a spool base and a detachable flange assembly having an aperture and a locking mechanism that engages with the spool base, wherein the flange assembly is configured to secure a line cartridge to the spool base.

Abstract: A two-speed transmission for transmitting a drive torque of a vehicle, having an input shaft drivable by a drive unit, a planetary gear system with sun gear, planet gears, planet carriers and ring gear and an output shaft, the sun gear having a rotationally fixed connection to the input shaft and the planet carrier having a rotationally fixed connection to the output shaft, and having a regulatable clutch system whereby the planet carrier can be fixed either relative to the input shaft or relative to the ring gear, and having an exclusively engageable and disengageable clutch system whereby the ring gear can be fixed relative to a housing that supports the planetary gear system.

Abstract: An auger brake clutch and drive assembly and related methods for a power equipment device such as a snowblower are provided. In use with a snowblower, the auger brake clutch assembly and related methods can be used for driving both the auger and driven wheels of a snowblower. The auger brake clutch can include a transmission wheel rotatably movable for rotating at least one wheel with the transmission wheel having a contact surface. A drive pulley can be provided that has a drive surface. The drive pulley is rotatable and configured for causing the transmission wheel to rotate when the drive surface and the contact surface of the transmission wheel are in contact. An actuation plate is movable to move the drive pulley in and out of contact with the contact surface of the transmission wheel. A friction member can be provided to be selectively rotated by the drive pulley and configured to transfer the rotation to an output shaft, which can attach for example to at least one of an auger or blower blades.

Abstract: Drive assemblies and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The drive assemblies include a transmission wheel disposed about a shaft and rotatably movable for rotating at least one wheel. The transmission wheel has a contact surface. The drive assemblies also include a drive pulley having a drive surface. The drive pulley is rotatable and configured for causing the transmission wheel to rotate when the drive surface and the contact surface of the transmission wheel are in contact. At least one brake clutch is disposed about an end of the shaft to provide independent control to the at least one wheel.

Abstract: A grounded clutch mechanism for a transmission includes a transmission housing and a backing plate fixedly secured to the transmission housing. The backing plate has a plurality of backing plate posts. A plurality of reaction plates have a plurality of radially-outward spline teeth configured to mate with the backing plate posts. Torque may be transferred between the backing plate and the reaction plates. The reaction plates do not transfer torque directly to the transmission housing. The backing plate may be radially symmetric with respect to an axis of rotation. A plurality of clutch plates may be configured to selectively transfer torque to the reaction plates. The clutch plates may be configured to be selectively rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation and the reaction plates are configured not to be rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Centrifugal blade brake clutch apparatuses and methods are provided. In one aspect, a centrifugal blade brake clutch includes a rotatable clutch housing having an axis extending therethrough. The clutch housing can have a base and side walls. The clutch housing also can have a brake surface thereon and an integral clutch surface disposed on a side wall surface of the side walls. At least one centrifugally extendable clutch shoe device can be disposed within the clutch housing and configured for engaging the integral clutch surface of the clutch housing. A brake assembly can be positioned proximal to the clutch housing with the axis of the clutch housing passing therethrough. The brake assembly can include a brake member that has a braking surface and is configured to move in a direction parallel with the axis of the clutch housing to axially engage the brake surface of the clutch housing with the braking surface of the brake member.

Abstract: An integrated parking brake and clutch control system for a vehicle is provided that includes a clutch perch configured for mounting on a handlebar assembly of a vehicle. A clutch lever is pivotably coupled to the clutch perch and is pivotable between rest and clutch-applied positions, and between the rest position and a parking-brake-applied position. A brake lever is pivotably coupled to the clutch perch and is pivotable between rest and depressed positions. A lock pin is supported by and moveable with the brake lever. The clutch lever defines a pin-receiving aperture and is configured to receive respective ends of a clutch cable and a parking brake cable. The lock pin is selectively insertable into the pin-receiving aperture when the clutch lever is in the parking-brake-applied position, which prevents the clutch lever from pivoting to either the rest position or the clutch-applied position.

Abstract: A transmission for vehicles is provided with a plurality of drive gears, an input shaft connected to the drive shaft of an engine, an output shaft disposed parallel to the input shaft, a driven gear which meshes with each drive gear and is rotatably disposed on the output shaft, a synchromesh mechanism which has a sleeve movable in the axial direction of the output shaft, is engageable with a side portion of the driven gear, and couples the driven gear to the output shaft, and a parking gear formed integrally with the sleeve of the synchromesh mechanism. The parking gear and the bearing on the shaft end radially overlap each other. With this structure, the transmission is composed with a small number of components and has a reduced width.

Abstract: A clutch and/or brake unit is described with at least three components that can rotate relative to each other, each of which is connected, fixed against rotation, with at least one disk. The disks can selectively be brought into frictional engagement, friction locked, with each other. In order to permit a simplified configuration, that can be manufactured simply and cost effectively, it is proposed that at least one first disk be connected, fixed against rotation, with a first component which is connected, fixed against rotation, to a disk that is connected, fixed against rotation, to a second component which can be brought into frictional engagement over a radially outer friction lining. Furthermore the at least one first disk can be brought into frictional engagement with at least one third disk connected, fixed against rotation, to the third component over at least one radially inner friction lining.

Abstract: A PTO clutch for a work vehicle and an operating structure for the PTO clutch includes: a PTO clutch having a clutch member and receiving drive power from an engine; a clutch control mechanically coupled to the clutch member for manually operating the PTO clutch via the clutch member; a PTO brake disposed downstream of the PTO clutch with respect to a direction in which power is transmitted, the PTO brake being movable to a braking position in association with a clutch disengaging operation of the clutch member; and a control retaining device for retaining the clutch control at a clutch disengaging position.

Abstract: A rotary coupling comprises a driving part, a drivable part, a fixed part in which the driving and drivable parts are each rotatable coaxially, and a set of coupling members carried by one of the driving and drivable parts for torque-transmitting engagement with the other. The coupling members are selectively positionably arranged so that, in a first condition, the coupling members are juxtaposed to a primary annular contact surface of either the fixed part or the drivable part and, in a second condition, the coupling members are juxtaposed to a secondary annular contact surface of the driving part. Each coupling member is free to move relative to the driving and drivable parts into and out of engagement with the primary and secondary annular contact surfaces.

Abstract: In an electromagnetically actuated dual clutch-brake combination (8), a drive input shaft (2) can be optionally engaged in drive connection with a first drive output shaft (4) or with a second drive output shaft (6). The second drive output shaft (6) is associated with an electromagnetic brake (52), which is provided in order to immobilize the second drive output shaft (6), whereas the first drive output shaft (4) can still be connected to the drive input shaft (2) by an electromagnetic clutch (28, 32). The electromagnetic dual clutch-brake combination is suitable for controlling a variable longitudinal differential lock and a shiftable range gear system of an all-wheel distributor gearbox, with only a single electric motor.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a rotating body having a rotatable shaft includes a clutch to selectively transmit torque input to the shaft, a brake to slow down rotation of the shaft upon disengagement of the clutch, and an actuator to engage and disengage the clutch and brake. The clutch and brake are each mounted on a mounting member which is movable with respect to the shaft in the axial direction thereof. The actuator includes an actuator member that is slidably mounted on the mounting member and an actuator to move the actuator member from a first position, in which the clutch is engaged and the brake is disengaged, and a second position, in which the clutch is disengaged and the brake is engaged.

Abstract: A friction coupling includes a friction member including a brake surface and a clutch surface in a different plane from the brake surface; a spring abutting the friction member; a brake member proximate to the brake surface; the brake member mounted relative to the friction member to permit relative rotation; and a brake actuator connected to the brake member. The friction member can include an insert.

Abstract: A vehicle brake pedal has first and second master cylinders and the first pedal arm removably attached to the vehicle having a brake pedal foot pad movably attached thereto. A second brake pedal arm is operatively coupled to the first master cylinder and coupled to the brake pedal foot pad on one end portion thereof for movement of the second brake pedal arm responsive to movement of the brake pedal pad. A third brake pedal arm operatively coupled to the second master cylinder is coupled to the brake pedal foot pad on another portion thereof. The movement of the third brake pedal arm is responsive to movement of the brake pedal foot pad so that the brake pedal foot pad can be rotated to different angles on the first pedal arm to thereby apply different pressure to the first and second master cylinders by carrying the brake pedal foot pad while applying pressure.

Abstract: A friction coupling includes a friction member including a brake surface and a clutch surface in a different plane from the brake surface; a spring abutting the friction member; a brake member proximate to the brake surface; the brake member mounted relative to the friction member to permit relative rotation; and a brake actuator connected to the brake member.

Abstract: The device according to the invention offers the advantage that by means of at least two drive positions and a neutral position of a planetary gear as a drive transmission for an electric machine, this electric machine can be used both as a starter for starting the internal combustion engine and as a generator for supplying power to an electrical system of the motor vehicle. The disposition of the electric machine connected in series with the planetary gear, for example in the drivetrain of the motor vehicle between a coupling and a manually shifted transmission preferably on a transmission input shaft, in particular has the advantage that the electric machine can remain in constant engagement without expensive devices for meshing and demeshing a conventional starter, and a control of the planetary gear based on fixed parameters can be carried out simply by means of the motor control.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid drive for a motor vehicle includes a clutch integrated in an electric motor unit of the electrical machine of the parallel hybrid drive for allowing the electric motor unit to be disengaged from the drive train. Therefore, pure internal combustion engine drive is possible, without rotating the rotor of the electrical machine or the electric motor unit.

Abstract: A drive mechanism (20, 120) includes a driving rotary member (22, 122), a driven rotary member (24, 124), and a clutch (26, 126) operatively coupled between the driving member and the driven member and responsive to rotation of the driving member to automatically engage and rotate the driven member after a given amount of rotation of the driving member. The clutch is self-actuated in response to rotation of the driving member. A brake (36, 136) has a braking condition stopping rotation of the driven member, and a released condition permitting rotation of the driven member. Axial movement of the clutch face (34, 134) from its released position to its driving position also actuates the brake from its braking condition to its released condition. The drive is bidirectional, and is particularly useful in a nutational washing machine.

Abstract: In a vehicle operating pedal unit, which may include clutch and brake pedals, mounted on a front wall of a vehicle passenger compartment and including a pedal support structure on which the pedals are pivotally supported by bolts, the pedal support structure includes a portion which extends upwardly so as to be disposed on top of a transverse frame member to which it is mounted and which is sufficiently strong to withstand forces to which a brake unit mounted on the opposite side of the front wall may be subjected during a crash. At least the brake pedal has an extension projection to a point adjacent the transverse frame member to prevent the brake pedal from being tilted by a brake operating rod into the leg room of the vehicle if the brake unit and the operating rod are pushed inwardly during a crash.

Abstract: A brake-clutch assembly applicable as a safety element in machines having a start-stop movement, such as presses, shears and the like, has a hub which is to be mounted on a machine shaft and a brake-side cover having a cylindrical part defining a cylindrical cavity for admitting compressed air. A friction disc is mounted on the cylindrical part. The hub also carries a central piston-plate which supports two rings having frictional linings on both the brake side and the clutch side. The inner diameter of the cylindrical part is considerably larger than the inner diameter of one of the locking rings, thereby allowing a maximum power to be achieved because the cylindrical cavity defining a pressure chamber can be extended to attain a diameter close to that of the friction disc. This is achieved by removing the material in an area of the central piston-plate.

Abstract: An antilock control device for the brake assembly of a motor vehicle having the function of detecting ON and OFF signals supplied from a brake lamp switch and representative of the operative and inoperative positions of the brake pedal. When the signal changes from OFF to ON, which means that the brake pedal has been trodden, the antilock control function is disabled so that the pressure generated in the master cylinder will be directly applied to the wheel cylinders. This state continues until the antilock device detects a locking tendency of any wheel. In addition to the brake lamp switch signals, signals representative of the ON and OFF positions of the accelerator pedal may be supplied to the antilock control device so that the antilock control function will be disabled when either the accelerator pedal position signal changes from OFF to ON or the brake pedal position signal changes from ON to OFF.

Abstract: A cluth device (20) for a printing press (22) having a rotatably mounted elongated drive shaft (24), a device (26) for rotatably driving the shaft (24), a bearing member (30) rotatably mounted on the shaft (24), a pulley (32) rotatably mounted on the bearing member (30), and a clutch member (54) for selectively securing the pulley (32) to the drive shaft (24) in an operatng condition of the press (22) to drive said pulley (32), and for locking the pulley (32) to a stationary member (48) of the press (22) with the pulley (32) being maintained stationary with respect to said shaft (24) and bearing member (30).

Abstract: A clutch and brake assembly for alternately coupling a machine input shaft to a clutch disc or a brake disc for applying a driving torque or a braking torque to the input shaft. An axially movable cylinder is connected to a brake plate and a clutch plate. An annular piston is carried by a hub fixed to the input shaft and is connected to a rotor spaced at an axially fixed distance from the piston. The brake disc is positioned between the brake plate and the rotor while the clutch disc is positioned between the clutch plate and the rotor. A spring force normally urges the brake disc into engagement with the rotor. A pressure chamber is formed between the piston and cylinder and a passage is provided for admitting pressurized fluid to the chamber, thereby overcoming the spring force to urge the clutch disc into engagement with the rotor.

Abstract: A system for quickly stopping the internal combustion engine of a powered implement having a deadman control normally biased toward a first position and actuable by the implement operator to a second position for normal implement operation and optionally to a third position for actuating an engine starting mechanism. The engine has a flywheel coupled thereto for rotation with the engine crankshaft and that flywheel is provided with an annular friction surface of generally cylindrical configuration disposed coaxial with the axis of rotation of the flywheel. A braking member having a second friction surface is normally biased into engagement with the flywheel friction surface and coupled to a deadman control so that the two friction surfaces will be disengaged upon movement of the deadman control to a second or operational position by the implement operator.

Abstract: In a fishing reel, the drag stack includes the conventional star wheel and pressure plate that squeeze one or more friction member against the side of a rotatable member, such as the main gear to cause it to rotate with the pressure plate. However, instead of a washer of friction material, the friction member comprises small friction pads mounted on a carrier ring so as to be positioned symmetrically around the axis thereof, and to be engaged by the pressure plate. This leaves substantial areas of the pressure plate exposed for dissipation of heat.

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 fishing reel includes a spool having a pair of flanges and a drag disc which are disposed opposite to each other, with a contact plate interposed between the spool flange and the drag disc. One of the spool and drag disc is moved axially with respect to the other to transmit a driving force to the spool. The contact plate is brought into contact at a radially intermediate portion thereof with the flange or the drag disc. At the radially inward and outward portions on both sides of the contact portion of the contact plate are provided gaps into which the contact plate can be axially shifted with respect to the spool flange or the drag disc.

Abstract: A wheel attachment to provide extra needed traction by a motor drawn vehicle when traveling on roadways covered with snow, ice or mud. It comprises a plurality of circularly spaced, flexible traction members overhanging the tread of a pair of wheels and control means operable from the driving position of the vehicle to selectively couple or uncouple the attachment relative to the wheels. The control means may comprise a driver's switch for operating an electromagnetically operated pin on the traction device cooperable with a hole in a disc rotatably mounted on a spindle at each wheel to selectively couple the device operatively to the hub at the respective wheel. Other alternative means are provided to control such coupling.

Abstract: An improved drive assembly is provided particularly for use with lawn mowers and the like for selectively coupling an engine drive shaft to rotatably drive a mower blade when a control lever is grasped by the operator, and for quickly halting blade rotation when the control lever is released while the engine is running. The drive assembly comprises a drive member secured to the end of the drive shaft and supporting an annular driven member to which the mower blade is connected for rotation relative to the drive member. A clutch ring carried loosely about the drive shaft is coupled for rotation with the driven member by intermeshing sets of relatively large drive teeth movable axially relative to each other to accommodate spring-biased axial clutch ring displacement toward a normal position in frictional engagement with a stationary brake pad on the mower housing to halt driven member rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fishing reel which has free spooling, variable drag, and lock up action controlled by an exterior lever. The lever is cammed to a draw rod, which, in turn, through a floating contact, pins journalled through the reel housing, and a thrust bearing, urges a brake disk against a brake lining fixed to the spool. The floating contact is adjustable for presetting the maximum drag and provides smooth operation even under conditions of a warped brake disk or uneven brake lining. And use of approximately a dozen pressure pins, depending on reel size, avoids pressure warpage of the thrust bearing race and consequent binding during maximum drag operation. The brake disk, floating contact, journalled pins, and thrust bearing are located in a housing opposite that containing the lever, winding handle, and a second thrust bearing for the spool and thereby permit easy access for repair.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torque transmitting and blocking device which includes a cylindrical drum, a pair of arcuate shoes positioned within the drum, and a spanner bar or ring extending between the shoes to one side of the axis of the drum. On the other side of the drum axis the shoes are displaceable toward each other, and may conveniently be lightly biased apart. The shoes have surfaces, which may include holes, lateral or transverse projections, or the ends of the shoes, through which rotative forces may be transmitted from sources external of the drum and through which the shoes may retransmit such forces. Application of a rotational force through such a surface into a shoe in a direction tending to displace the shoes toward each other results in rotation of the shoes and bar within the drum, and consequent transmission of torque, if desired, out of the drum through another shoe surface.

Abstract: A film wrapping dispenser having a fluid pressure actuated, controlled drag shaft is disclosed. It comprises a cylindrical, hollow tube wall which is formed of an extensible material which envelopes a fluid pressure-tight cavity. The tube wall rotatably engages an inner cylindrical bearing surface of a relatively rotating member. A controllable fluid pressure source is connected to the tube for selectively applying fluid pressure within the cavity to radially expand the tube wall. This enables the selective frictional engagement of the tube wall with the inner cylindrical surface of the member. The pressure source may be a bellows shaped as a handle which is integrally formed with the tube wall on one end of the cylinder. The tube and bellows may be precharged with a fluid pressure of sufficient magnitude to impart a relatively low degree of frictional engagement when the bellows is relaxed and to provide a relatively high degree of frictional engagement when the bellows is compressed.

Abstract: A clutch and brake mechanism for a rotary type lawn mower or the like in which a brake plate (28) is movable away and toward friction elements (27) to engage the same, which friction elements (27) are also engageable by a clutch plate (16), the surfaces of the friction elements (27) being arranged to provide that braking and clutching may occur alternately.

Abstract: A ratarder for a power transmission shaft comprises a liquid immersed coupling between the shaft and a drag member, the drag member being normally entrained to rotate with the shaft by viscous drag in the coupling. A dry brake mechanism, having a frictional drag greater than that of the coupling, is provided to restrain the drag member for relative movement to take place in the coupling. In the embodiments shown, the coupling comprises a friction disc pack alternately connected to the shaft and the drag member, the brake mechanism firstly restraining the drag member and subsequently shifting it axially to engage the friction disc pack.The coupling is suitable for use in heavy motor vehicle transmission systems.

Abstract: The driving, braking and freewheeling device for tricycles has a simplified structure including a central circular disc driven by a pedal-operated shaft. Cams, symmetrically positioned around the periphery of the central disc, oppose brake shoes which form a segmented ring within the hub of the vehicle's driven wheel. The inner surfaces of the brake shoes are contoured to act as cam followers. Application of torque to the drive shaft in a first direction forces the brake shoes outwardly until engagement is made with an inner surface of the wheel causing the wheel to rotate. When no torque is applied to the drive shaft there is no cam action to force the brake shoes outwardly against the wheel thus permitting the wheel to rotate freely. When the drive shaft is torqued in the opposite direction, the cams force the brake shoes to engage the inner surface in opposition to the rotation of the driven wheel and effect a braking action.

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 disclosure provides for a number of improvements in a brake-clutch mechanism wherein a drum is carried on the drive member for driving engagement by clutch shoes carried by the driven member. The clutch shoes are normally biased into driving engagement with the drum and a brake band is utilized to move the clutch shoes out of engagement with the drum and to stop rotation of the driven member without interrupting the rotation of the drive member. The improvements relate to a higher torque capability for the mechanism, the exclusion of foreign matter from the mechanism, the mounting for the brake band, the use of the brake band to aid in keeping the braking surfaces clean, and provision for cut-off of the power source in the event the brake band should fail. The disclosure further contemplates a novel arrangement for driving and controlling the chain sprocket of a chain saw.

Abstract: A power transmission device for a power-operated lawn mowing machine, in which a rotational shaft for a prime mover and a rotational shaft for a cutting blade are interlocked with a friction clutch to be engaged and disengaged each other by an operating lever, and a disc brake to apply braking action to the cutting blade at the time of the clutch disengagement is provided between the movable engaging member of the clutch and a fixed member at the side of the prime mover.

Abstract: An improved, blocked, change gear transmission having an input shaft driven by a prime mover through a normally engaged, selectively disengageable, master friction clutch is provided with means for decelerating and positively reverse rotating the transmission input shaft. The means for decelerating and positively reverse rotating the transmission input shaft may be selectively operator actuated and/or automatically actuated. The means for decelerating and positively reverse rotating the transmission input shaft is preferably only actuatable upon disengagement of the master clutch and may be selectively or automatically actuated by the master clutch control.

Abstract: A combined clutch and brake mechanism for use in such applications as power lawnmowers. During actuation of a manual control the brake is released and power is transmitted from the engine to the blade carrier. If the manual control is released, power transmission is disabled and braking is initiated, the braking being maximized by the very motion of the member being braked. The invention is also shown in a form adaptable for use in general power transmission applications.

Abstract: A fly reel having a removable spool and a cup-shaped frame with the drive operating components being mounted on the bottom of the cup-shaped frame. The drive features a one-way stepped up direct drive transmission and brake subassembly suited to effect direct spool drive with the brake rendered ineffective. Brake actuation is accomplished to apply a controlled braking force on the spool for line tensioning during run-out either by manually operating a direct drive throw-out lever or automatically upon reverse rotation of the spool in an unwinding direction caused by any pull on the line.