Abstract: A shift assisting mechanism for a marine transmission including a pair of wire actuators that are connected by means of a pair of levers which are, in turn, connected by a motion transmitting mechanism that provides a lost motion so that excess movement of one of the wire transmitters will not place bending forces on the other of the levers.

Abstract: A manually assistable electric driving device for a lid of an automobile luggage compartment has a clutch mechanism disposed between an electric motor and an output member drivingly connected to the lid. The clutch mechanism is so constructed that, when the lid is being driven by the motor in either direction, the lid can be manually moved in the same direction and at a speed higher than the speed caused by the motor drive.

Abstract: Clutching device particularly adapted for use in tapping attachments. The clutch is of the type having axial aligned driving and driven elements. The invention is illustrated in a reversible tapping attachment. In a preferred form the driving element is in the form of a sleeve having axial splines. The driven element has axial grooves. A ball retainer with angularly spaced balls provides for drive between the drive element and the driven element, the balls being engageable with the axial splines and with the axial grooves in the driven element. The improvement resides in that the axial grooves are not of the same width as the diameter of the balls but are of a width greater than the diameter of the balls, the width being preferably twice the diameter of the balls. Improved operation is realized in clutching and declutching and in the transfer through a neutral zone from direct drive to reverse drive. In the preferred embodiment the tapping attachment is of the free-axial float type.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for converting a unidirectional displacement to an angular displacement of selectable direction. The apparatus 10 has a rack gear assembly, which has two opposing rack gears 16 and 17 held in a parallel spaced relationship and constituting a coordinate plane. Disposed within the two opposing rack gears is rotational shaft 15 having attached to it engagement pin 21 for engaging a segmental pinion gear slot 22 or 23. A pair of opposing segmental pinion gears 13 and 14 are rotatably attached to shaft 15. Each segmental pinion gear 13 and 14 is engaged with a corresponding rack gear 16 and 17. The invention also provides a means for engaging the first said engagement means with either one of the two segmental pinion gears.

Abstract: An assembly (19) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. Assembly (19) includes a spring assembly (20) and a vane damper assembly (22) disposed in parallel and immersed in automatic transmission fluid of a torque converter housing (24). The spring assembly (20) isolates driveline torsionals and the damper assembly dissipates the torsionals. The damper assembly (22) includes first and second relatively rotatable housing members (66,68) respectively connected to the spring assembly output (62b) and input (62a). Members (66,68) are also frictionally interconnected by surfaces (68a,74a). Housing members (66,68) define chambers (78a,78b) containing the transmission fluid and which vary inversely in volume in response to flexing of the spring assembly (20) by the driveline torsionals. As the chambers vary in volume, energy from the torsionals is converted to fluid pressure in the chambers decreasing in volume.

Abstract: A marine drive (10) is provided with a shift mechanism (200) including a detent canister assembly (202). A cylindrical canister (204) contains a ball (206) biased by a pair of concentric springs (208 and 210) into engagement with a shifter lever arm (124) to center the latter in a neutral position. The canister assembly (202) is a self-contained modular unit inserted into the marine drive housing (23). The cylindrical canister (204) has a left end wall (214) with an aperture (216) therethrough and has an open right end containing the ball (206). The first spring bears (208) at its right end against the ball (206) and extends axially leftwardly through the aperture (216) in the left end wall (214) of the canister (204) and bears at its left end against the housing (23). The second outer concentric spring (210) bears at its right end against the ball (206) and is entirely within the canister ( 204) and bears at its left end against the left end wall (214) of the canister (204).

Abstract: A reversing clutch assembly (13) for marine angle drive which allows the engine (11) to be mounted horizontally. To provide a required inclination to propeller shaft (12), the transmission path is bent within clutch casing (14) by using conical gearing. The casing (14) includes three horizontal shafts or input shaft (15), clutch shaft (17) and intermediate shaft (18), and only one inclined shaft or output shaft (16). Clutch shaft (17) has thereon forward and backward direction gears (28, 29) which are driven by the input shaft (15) through gear trains comprising spur gears, and double-acting clutch mechanism (30) for selectively coupling each of the direction gears (28, 29) to clutch shaft (17). The conical gearing is disposed only between clutch shaft (17) and output shaft (16) and thus includes only one conical gear (38).Parallel arrangement of three shafts (15, 17, 18) and use of single conical gear (38) contribute to save cost of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A cone clutch sleeve (18) on a main shaft (15) is moved axially between forward and reverse counter-rotating gears (13 and 14) by a yoke (102) having mirror-image oppositely tapered cams (108 and 109) on opposite sides thereof which are selectively rotatable to engage eccentric rings (132 and 133) on the forward and reverse gears. This engagement drives the yoke away from the one engaged gear and toward the other gear to in turn drive the clutch sleeve out of engagement with the one gear such that torque applied through the cam-engaged gear ring assists clutch disengagement of the one gear such that requisite shift force decreases as speed and torque increases. The eccentric face surface of each ring actuates the yoke and drives the sleeve member out of engagement with the one gear and into engagement with the other gear with a pulsed impact hammer effect due to the eccentricity of the face surface as it rotates in a circumferential plane about the main shaft.

Abstract: An improved shifting mechanism for the outboard drive unit of a marine propulsion device. The unit includes a torsion bar actuator that resiliently deflects until a detent on the shifting sleeve is released. Upon release of the detent, the torsional loading on the torsion bar is released so as to slap the clutch elements into engagement.

Abstract: A device for positioning and position stabilizing an inert mass supported for sluing on a base, comprising two driven portions (11,15) adapted to be driven by a motor (1) by way of controllable friction clutches (9,13) is furnished with a single rotor (5) driven by the motor (1) and cooperating with the two friction clutches to transmit a coupling torque in the same sense of rotation. Each driven portion (11,15) acts through separate power transmissions each (16-18,20-23) on the mass, one of the power transmissions effecting a reversal of the direction of rotation.

Abstract: An engine, through a suitable transmission, drives the traction wheels of a garden tiller in a forward direction. The engine also drives the tine shaft and tines through another transmission and a differential. The second transmission contains a gear arrangement by which the tine shaft may be rotated in the same direction as the traction wheels at one time, and in an opposite direction at another time, a neutral position also being provided. The second transmission includes a splined shaft which drivingly engages a gear which is slidable thereon. An output gear is provided in this second transmission and it may be drivingly connected to the slidable gear for rotation in a given direction by means of a plurality of pins carried on the output gear and received within appropriate holes provided in the slidable gear.Right and left cluster gears are mounted on a common shaft.

Abstract: A reversing mechanism for a toy motor driven wheeled vehicle having a driven axle with attached wheels supported on a chassis. The axle is supported on the chassis so that it is shiftable laterally relative to the chassis. The reversing mechanism includes an apparatus to shift the driven axle laterally relative to the chassis between forward and reverse driving positions upon engagement of the front or rear of the vehicle with the firm obstructing object. A pair of spur gears are positioned on the driven axle and are spaced in generally fixed relation to each other with each gear freely rotatable on the driven shaft. The shaft is freely slidable through the gears. A clutch member is affixed to the driven axle for rotation therewith and is positioned between the spur gears. The clutch member has rotationally opposite effective one-way clutch teeth on the sides thereof facing the spur gears.

Abstract: Transmission, especially for boat motors, with a shift mechanism in which an amplification of the clutch force is achieved by threaded engagement of the gear-engaging sleeve with the associated shaft. The transmission has shock and oscillation absorbers built into the housing, comprising a pair of sets of cup springs which can be disposed between said shaft and the gears to provide limited axial displacement of the shaft relative to the gears against the force of the springs when the sleeve is rotated relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A reversing drive unit used in association with a clutch/brake unit and a motor driven in only one direction comprising a first shaft, a housing around at least a portion of the shaft with a second shaft extending from a position interior the housing to a position exterior of the housing, a gear disposed at the end of the second shaft engageable with one or the other of a first and second annular gears disposed on and coaxially encircling the axis of the first shaft, and a mechanism to engage one or the other of the annular gears, with the second shaft gear moving the gears between a first position for affecting engagement of the first annular gear with the second shaft gear to provide relative rotation between the second shaft and the first shaft in one direction and a second position for affecting engagement of the second annular gear with the second shaft gear to provide relative rotation between the second shaft and the first shaft in a second direction opposite to said first direction.

Abstract: A drive apparatus including a driving section and a driven section interconnected by a flexible belt which passes over pulley members respectively associated with each of the driving and driven sections. At least one of the driving and driven sections comprises a housing, a central shaft section mounted for rotation within the housing, the central shaft section having a gear assembly provided on a central portion thereof for rotation therewith, and first flange means provided on at least one of the end portions thereof. At least one lateral shaft section is provided having a pulley member mounted thereon for rotation therewith, the lateral shaft section having second flange means provided on one of its end portions. The lateral shaft section is removably connected to the central shaft section by means of connector elements interconnecting said first and second flange means.

Abstract: An electro-rheological fluid is used as a transmission fluid between confronting, rotatable sets of clutch plates across which a potential difference can be applied so as to vary the viscous shear characteristic of the interjacent fluid. Differential arrangements of the clutch plates ensure cancellation of residual drag effects and the clutch can be electrically varied substantially from complete disengagement to solid engagement.

Abstract: A reversible slip clutch, which comprises a first shaft, a first spur gear driven by an external source, a second spur gear rotatably mounted at one end of said first shaft, to be rotated by said first spur gear in a direction opposite to the rotation of the first spur gear, a second shaft, a third spur gear rotatably mounted at one end of said second shaft to be rotated by said first spur gear in a direction opposite to the rotation of the first spur gear, a fourth spur gear rotatably mounted inwardly of said second spur gear at the other end of said first shaft, a fifth, output spur gear rotatably mounted inwardly of said third spur gear at the other end of said second shaft, said output spur gear engaging said fourth spur gear, and means for providing alternate inward pressure to said second and third spur gears to thereby urge said second spur gear to frictionally engage said fourth spur gear and said third spur gear to frictionally engage said fifth spur gear.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for positioning and altitude-stabilizing an inert mass slewable on a movable base in at least one axis are disclosed. Oppositely rotatable driving parts are supported on either the base or the mass, and the driven parts on the other of the base or mass are friction coupled to the driving parts under the control of one or more control devices. The control devices are controllable electromagnetic clutches or brakes, and control of the magnetic field is achieved by the hyperexcitation through feedback and intensification of the measured magnetic field strength and/or the control torque.

Abstract: A synchronized dog clutch according to the invention comprises a clutch shaft, a coupling sleeve splined to the clutch shaft and having dog claws at its end, a synchronizer ring slidably fitted to outer periphery of the coupling sleeve, said synchronizer ring having a conical face for frictional engagement and being rotatable together with the coupling sleeve, and a gear wheel coaxially and rotatably arranged with respect to the clutch shaft and having teeth at its outer periphery. The gear wheel is provided with a conical face and claws respectively engagable with the conical face of the synchronizer ring and the claws of the coupling sleeve. The conical face of the gear wheel is disposed closely and radially inside the teeth, and the claws of the gear wheel are arranged inside the conical face, and thereby torque transmitted through the conical faces for synchronization is increased.

Abstract: System for positioning and maintaining position stabilization of a mass such as a barrelled gun supported on a base such as a tracked vehicle. The system employs oppositely rotating disks with fluid actuated clutches for moving the gun barrel mass in a single degree of freedom as determined by a deviation from a predetermined setting.

Abstract: A wrap-down spring clutch includes a drum and a spring which are selectively engaged by a solenoid. The solenoid has a coil, which when energized, extends a ferromagnetic plunger. When the coil is energized the plunger is extended out against the spring and urges the same into frictional engagement with the drum. The drum is also ferromagnetic, such that the activation of the coil simultaneously magnetizes the plunger, and creates a magnetic attraction between the plunger and the drum which further urges the plunger against the spring and the drum to produce a wrap-down pressure which effects quick and secure clutch engagement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device including a drive shaft housing mounted for vertical swinging movement about a horizontal axis relative to a boat, a propeller shaft rotatably mounted in the drive shaft housing and having an axis of rotation, and a propeller carried by the propeller shaft. The marine propulsion device also includes a first bevel gear mounted in the drive shaft housing and in coaxial relation to the propeller shaft, a second bevel gear mounted in the drive shaft housing and in coaxial relation to the propeller shaft, and a clutch mechanism for selectively drivingly connecting the bevel gears to the propeller shaft. The marine propulsion device also includes an annular thrust flange extending from the propeller shaft and for transmitting axial thrust from the propeller shaft to the drive shaft housing.

Abstract: A crib toy having a shaped outer shell with a downward facing U-shaped aperture adapted to fit over a crib rail. The shell houses an automatic reversing mechanism which drives an output roller positioned in the aperture for moving the toy back and forth along the rail.In a preferred embodiment, the reversing mechanism includes a motor which rotates first and second cam surfaces at a first speed and first and second cam followers at a second speed causing the cam followers to drive first and second gears to operate the output roller. The preferred embodiment combines a music box with the reversing mechanism to provide a synthesis of music and movement for a child.

Abstract: An automatically engageable jaw clutch having a toothed drive hub, a toothed power take-off hub, and a clutch star axially displaceable with respect to the power take-off hub. The clutch star is continuously connected with the drive hub for conjoint rotation by means of first teeth means formed thereat and has second teeth means which can be brought into engagement with the teeth of the power take-off shaft by axial shifting of the clutch star. A screw socket or sleeve which is connected by means of a pair of coarse-pitch threading with the power take-off hub, is only conjointly axially displaceable together with the clutch star and rotatable relative thereto. The screw socket is entrainable by the clutch star by means of a pawl blocking mechanism composed of a pawl and ratchet teeth, when the drive hub overrides the power take-off hub.

Abstract: A ratchet tool is designed for one-handed manipulation by embodying push-pull biasing of the handle for selecting the direction of rotational drive and twisting or arcuate swinging actuation of the handle for rotationally driving the tool head.

Abstract: The male cone member of a cone clutch mechanism has two springs, each encircling cam faces on the male cone member and bearing against the forward and reverse clutch gears, respectively, to bias the cone member away from its center or neutral position toward either the forward or reverse clutch gear. An eccentric roller on the shift actuator shaft engages with a circumferential groove in the male cone member to provide a vibrating force against the member for shifting. The shift means uses a cam and bell crank mechanism to convert axial movement of the shift controller to rotary movement of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A gear train including an internal gear is combined with a forced synchronized clutch and a hydraulic coupling to form a reversing apparatus for ship propellers.

Abstract: A cone clutch mechanism has its forward and reverse clutch gears supported by bearings mounted on the housing, with a main shaft supported by bearings mounted on the housing in the same planes as the forward and reverse gear bearings. The male cone member is biased by two springs, each encircling cam faces on the member and bearing against the forward and reverse clutch gears, respectively, to bias the cone member away from its center or neutral position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device including a shiftable, reversing transmission located in a propulsion unit and connecting a drive shaft to a propeller shaft and a shifting mechanism including an actuating member connected to the transmission. Movement of the actuating member to shift the transmission between a neutral condition and forward drive and reverse drive conditions is effected by a shifting system including a flexible dual cable conduit assembly connected between the actuating member and a shift lever mounted for reciprocal movement. The opposite ends of the two shift cables are linked together in a manner such that the movement of the shift lever in opposite directions causes alternate pulling of the shift cables to shift the transmission.

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: Forward and reverse rotary tool, particularly for inserting and retracting a threaded element. The power-driven tool is designed primarily for surgical use and is capable of applying pressure against the free end of the threaded element during both the inserting and retracting operation, as into a bone. The shift from a driving mode to a retracting mode, or vice versa, is readily effected under conditions existing in an operating room. All movable and/or lubricated parts, other than the driven element, are housed to prevent leakage of lubricant. The tool comprises a unidirectionally driven pinion in constant engagement with a pair of counter-rotating clutch elements and means alternatively engageable with said clutch elements for rotative driving in one direction or the opposite direction.

Abstract: Corresponding sets of radially distributed helical surfaces in a cone clutch axially urge movable cone members selectively into engagement with either of two mating cone members thereby enabling a clutch output member to be driven in either rotary direction.

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.

Abstract: Differential gear sets and planetary gear sets in combination with sets of corresponding radially distributed helical surfaces in drive couplings such as cone clutches. The helical surfaces allow axial movement of the cone members of a clutch selectively into engagement with either of two mating cone members thereby enabling an output member to be selectively driven bidirectionally.

Abstract: A power transmission of the type having an interleaved, multiple friction plate clutch in which helical cam elements are used to provide clutch plate clamp up force and transmit driving torque between the parts. In one form of such a transmission where the input and output members are arranged in coaxial alignment, special axial thrust absorbing means are used for absorbing the axial thrust developed in one clutch assembly.

Abstract: An improvement in a clutch control of a reversing gear arrangement for a Z-drive for watercrafts. The reversing clutch coupling includes two beveled pinion gears which act onto a common driven bevel gear. The reversing coupling consists of two alternately engageable friction couplings, the friction members of which are compressed onto one another by rolling elements to reinforce the engagement force. The friction members are movable against a resilient force provided by flexible elements, such as cup springs which engage the opposite side of the clutch pack from the friction members.

Abstract: Corresponding sets of radially distributed helical surfaces in a drive coupling for axially urging either of two female cone members into positive engagement with a male cone member and providing a selectively bidirectional rotary output.

Abstract: The invention is an improved coupling or clutching means for driving between axially aligned rotating parts and is particularly adaptable in non-reversing tapping attachments. The attachment can, however, be driven in the reverse direction. Clutch drive means are provided for driving in either rotational direction. The clutch drive means is in the form of a sleeve having a ball race carrying driving balls interposed between axial splines on one part and axial grooves on the other part. The splines have an intermediate interruption for de-clutching after relative axial movement of the rotating parts. After further relative axial movement the balls re-engage the splines beyond the interruption, and the attachment is then driven in the reverse direction.

Abstract: Corresponding sets of radially distributed helical surfaces in a cone clutch axially urge movable cone members selectively into engagement with either of two mating cone members thereby enabling a clutch output member or members to be driven in either rotary direction.

Abstract: The invention is an improved clutching means for driving between axially aligned parts and is particularly adaptable in tapping attachments having free axial float. The clutch drive means is in the form of a sleeve having a ball race carrying driving balls interposed between axial splines on a driving part and on the driven splindle part in both direct and reverse drive.A torque release clutch is provided. It acts on a drive member through which drive is transmitted in both direct and reverse drive so that it will release in the event of excessive torque in either direct or reverse drive.

Abstract: Corresponding sets of radially distributed helical surfaces in a cone clutch for axially urging either of two female cone members into more positive engagement with a male cone member and for driving a clutch output member or members.

Abstract: The invention is an improved clutching means for tapping attachments and particularly adaptable in attachments having free axial float. Direct and reverse drive is provided for by way of planetary gears for driving in direct and reverse drive in the exemplary attachment in which the clutching means is embodied. An adjustment is provided for depth. Spring biased clutch drive members are provided for both the direct and reverse drive providing a narrow, neutral position. Each clutch driver member is in the form of a sleeve having a ball race carrying driving balls interposed between axial splines on a driving part and on the driven spindle. The splines have arcuate side surfaces to confrom to the driving balls providing for substantially frictionless drive in both direct and reverse modes, the balls being free to roll. The splines are especially configurated to facilitate engagement of the balls with them.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes forward and reverse driving gears rotatably mounted on the input shaft which has first and second oppositely threaded driving spiral threads thereon. First and second clutch elements threadedly engage the spiral threads on the input shaft. In the neutral position, the clutch elements rotate with the input shaft but when rotation is impeded, the spiral threads drive the clutch elements axially into engagement with the driving gears. An improved shift mechanism includes a yoke having two legs which extend over flanges on the clutch elements. A pin member moves the clutch elements upon axial movement of the shift linkage. Drag is provided for the yoke so that the flange of the clutch element is pinched between the pin member and the yoke to impede rotation of the clutch element. The shift mechanism engages and disengages the clutch smoothly and with the engine torque providing most of the force required for engagement and disengagement.