Abstract: A drive assembly configured to adjust a motor vehicle closure element including a clutch assembly provided with an input connection and an output connection. The clutch assembly includes a main braking element, configured to brake a movement from the output side, and a freewheel assembly configured to engage the main braking element from movement of the output side and disengage the main braking element by means of a movement from the input side. The brake assembly includes an auxiliary braking element configured to produce a predetermined permanent braking action by means of which the auxiliary braking element acts at least against the movement introduced on the output side, and that the predetermined permanent braking action of the auxiliary braking element has to be overcome to enable the freewheel assembly to disengage.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an independent needle drive system for an agricultural baler. Typical balers utilize a knotter drive shaft to operate both the knotter drive and needle drive. In this innovation, the knotter drive shaft and needle drive are independently operated to provide additional uses for the rotation of the knotter drive shaft. An independent needle drive crank arm free-floats on a smooth portion of the knotter drive shaft, and a knotter clutch is engaged separately on a splined portion. Rotation of a clutch bowl engages the knotter clutch and knotter shaft independently from the needle crank arm. In this way, the needle drive and knotter drive can operate independently from each other.

Abstract: A clutch system for use with an agricultural baler to create a single hay bale that is easily separable into two or more smaller, lighter bales that remain tied after separation is provided herein. The clutch system controls the center knotter of a three-tie baler to be activated every other time the other two knotters are activated to tie two 2?×2? bales into a single 2?×4? bale. The two 2?×2? bales are individually tied so that if a user separates the 2?×?4 bale, the smaller bales remain intact.

Abstract: A reel assembly (10) having a spool (20) comprising a drum core (22) and side disc flanges (24) attached to the drum core (22) for retaining a wound hose (26) on the spool (20), and a release mechanism (120) operatively engaging the spool (20) via a drive shaft (110). The release mechanism (120) has a pair of rotatable hubs (132, 134) arranged in axial alignment and having a clamping spring (136) fitted around the rotatable hubs (132, 134) and arranged to clamp the hubs (132, 134) together in fixed rotational relation, wherein the clamping spring (136) opens to releases the rotatable hubs (132, 134) when the spool (20) is rotated in a payout direction so that the rotatable hubs (132, 134) disengage and the spool (20) can freewheel.

Abstract: A wedge clutch includes first and second races supported for rotation about a common axis. The first race defines a cam surface and circumferentially arranged pockets recessed into the cam surface. A wedge element is formed of circumferentially arranged wedges each having an ear disposed in one of the pockets. Resilient members are disposed in the pockets and act between the ears to bias the wedge element to a contracted position in which the wedge elements collectively contract towards the axis and the clutch is engaged. A cage is axial movable towards the wedge element to engage with the ears to compress the resilient members and move the wedge element to an expanded position in which the wedge elements collectively expand away from the axis and the clutch is disengaged.

Abstract: In an aspect, a method is provided for controlling a clutch assembly having first and second rotatable clutch members. The method includes providing a wrap spring clutch having first and second ends. The phase angle between the first and second ends determines a diameter of the wrap spring clutch. One of the clutch members is connected with the first end. The method further includes obtaining a target value indicative of a target speed for the second clutch member, and determining through measurement an actual value that is indicative of an actual speed of the second clutch member. The method further includes changing the phase angle between the first and second ends of the wrap spring clutch to generate a selected amount of slip between the wrap spring clutch and the other of the first and second clutch members, based on the target value and the actual value.

Abstract: A drive device includes: a cam; a clutch installed on a same shaft with the cam, and for connecting/disconnecting rotational force from a power source to the cam through the shaft according to rotation of a clutch collar; an actuator including a claw part; and a control mechanism for controlling a position of the claw part of the actuator, wherein a projection part includes a first projection part and a second projection part provided at asymmetric positions on a periphery of the clutch collar, and an angle A and an angle B satisfy the angle A<the angle B, where a central angle from the first projection part to the second projection part in the rotating direction is the angle A, and a central angle from the second projection part to the first projection part in the rotating direction is the angle B.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch system includes one or more wrap spring clutch assemblies each having a latching actuator assembly. The latching actuator assembly includes an armature plunger movably coupled with a solenoid coil, and in a powered solenoid coil state the solenoid coil moves the armature plunger between deployed and retracted configurations. A latching magnet latches the armature plunger in one of the deployed or retracted configuration in an unpowered solenoid coil state. A latching spring latches the armature plunger in the other of the deployed or retracted configuration in an unpowered solenoid coil state. The wrap spring clutches include a rotatable input hub and a rotatable output hub configured for rotation by the input hub. A helical spring is engaged with the output hub and selectively engaged in slipping and locking engagement with the input hub according to the deployed or retracted configuration of the armature plunger.

Abstract: A wrap spring device includes a first hub and a second hub located axially to the first hub. A wrap spring is located externally and concentrically about the first and second hubs and glycol-based solution surrounds the spring. The spring is engaged and disengaged thereby causing the first and second hubs to engage and disengage each other.

Abstract: A rotary force controlling apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the same are provided. The rotary force controlling apparatus includes a clutch device having a shaft, and a rotary body mounted at one end of the shaft. A housing receives and rotates together with the shaft. A power transferring member is rotatably mounted in the housing and selectively rotates the housing by a clutch inserted between the housing and the power transferring member. A positioning unit protrudes from the periphery of the housing and positions a stop location of the rotary body. A solenoid unit is spaced apart from the clutch device and is selectively turned on and off. The positioning unit includes a first positioning unit that positions an initial location of the rotary body when the solenoid unit is turned on; and a plurality of second positioning units that are separated from the first positioning unit and stop the rotary body at a predetermined location when the solenoid unit is turned off.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having a drive shaft operably connected to a first hub or clutch plate. A second hub or clutch plate adjacent to the first clutch plate and operably connected to a second drive shaft. A release ring positioned to selectively release both clutch plates. Positioned to engage the release ring is a pneumatic actuating member that is operably connected to a source of compressed air.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having a drive shaft operably connected to a first hub or clutch plate. A second hub or clutch plate adjacent to the first clutch plate and operably connected to a second drive shaft. A release ring positioned to selectively release both clutch plates. Positioned to engage the release ring is a pneumatic actuating member that is operably connected to a source of compressed air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clutch apparatus for use in two-phase position control, which includes a clutch housing for supporting and rotating together with the shaft and a driving gear for selectively driving the housing in a rotatable manner with the help of a clutch intervened between the housing and the driving gear. The clutch apparatus has a solenoid unit for supporting the housing and is capable of being selectively on/off-controlled. The housing has an initial position controlling protuberance interfered with the solenoid unit in its on-state, for determining an initial position of the object, and a pair of phase protuberances interfered with the solenoid unit in its off-state, for suppressing rotation of the housing at each of the two phase positions of the object.

Abstract: A clutch including an output hub on an output frame, an input shaft on an input frame, wherein the input shaft rotates within a bore in the output hub. An input hub is attached on an end of the input shaft, and a spring engages the input hub and the output hub. A locking spring clamp attaches the spring to the input hub. The input frame and the output frame are adjacent to one another on a side of the clutch opposite the input hub. An electronic control system for the clutch is also described that makes possible the use of the apparatus for electromechanical joint control in an orthotic or prosthetic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clutch apparatus for use in two-phase position control, which includes a clutch housing for supporting and rotating together with the shaft and a driving gear for selectively driving the housing in a rotatable manner with the help of a clutch intervened between the housing and the driving gear. The clutch apparatus has a solenoid unit for supporting the housing and is capable of being selectively on/off-controlled. The housing has an initial position controlling protuberance interfered with the solenoid unit in its on-state, for determining an initial position of the object, and a pair of phase protuberances interfered with the solenoid unit in its off-state, for suppressing rotation of the housing at each of the two phase positions of the object.

Abstract: A reversible implement including an engine, an axle driven by the engine, a pair of ground engaging wheels with a wheel located at each axle end, a pair of input hubs rotatably fixed to the axle, a pair of wheel hubs with a wheel hub located at each axle end and attached to a ground engaging wheel, and a wrap spring surrounding a portion of each input hub and each wheel hub. Each wrap spring has a relaxed state, wherein the wrap spring is in one of a first position in which the wrap spring is disengaged from the wheel hub, and the input and wheel hubs are not rotatively coupled and a second position in which the wrap spring is engaged with the wheel hub, and the input and wheel hubs are rotatively coupled, and a contracted state, wherein the wrap spring is in the other position.

Abstract: A clutch including an output hub on an output frame, an input shaft on an input frame, wherein the input shaft rotates within a bore in the output hub. An input hub is attached on an end of the input shaft, and a spring engages the input hub and the output hub. A locking spring clamp attaches the spring to the input hub. The input frame and the output frame are adjacent to one another on a side of the clutch opposite the input hub. An electronic control system for the clutch is also described that makes possible the use of the apparatus for electromechanical joint control in an orthotic or prosthetic device.

Abstract: A one way clutch includes a shaft, a rotation-transmitting member, and a rotating member. The rotating shaft is rotatable about its rotational axis in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The rotating shaft extends through the rotation-transmitting member which is in the form of a coil spring. When the shaft rotates in the second direction, the spring tightly engages the shaft and rotates together with the shaft to transmit rotation of the shaft to the rotating member. When the shaft rotates in the first direction, the spring loosely engages the shaft not to transmit the rotation of the shaft to the rotating member. The rotating member fits over and engages the spring such that the rotating member is axially movable along, but not rotatable relative to the spring.

Abstract: A self-adjusting wrap spring clutch has a spring overlying driving and driven arbors and in engagement with each. One end of the spring is loosely connected to a control collar, which surrounds the spring and at least a portion of each of the arbors, while its other end is connected to the driven arbor. The control collar is held against rotation by a spring biased pawl engaging one of a plurality of preferably equiangularly spaced teeth on its circumference. When a solenoid is energized, the pawl is withdrawn from the tooth on the control collar and the spring tightens on the driving arbor to transmit torque to the driven arbor from the driving arbor. The pawl rides on a cam surface on a gear hub, which rotates whenever the driven arbor rotates, until the pawl falls into an opening or low dwell in the cam surface so that the pawl can engage one of the teeth on the control collar.

Abstract: A mounting system for attaching a clutch assembly to a base structure includes a support member, a clutch assembly mounted on the support member, the clutch assembly having a clutch with an axis generally normal to the support member, a bearing assembly mounted on the support member, and a fastener attached to the base structure and extending through the bearing assembly to prevent rotation of the support member with respect to the axis of the clutch, where the bearing assembly enables relative movement of the support member away from the plane of the base structure.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for selectively setting up or interrupting the delivery of a drive force in accordance with a direction and an amount of rotation of a shaft is disclosed. The mechanism includes a clutch gear rotated by the rotation of a motor. A slide cam is supported by a clutch shaft in such a manner as to be unrotatable relative to the shaft. Ratchet portions respectively provided on the clutch gear and slide cam are selectively coupled or uncoupled in accordance with the direction of rotation, thereby setting up or interrupting drive transmission. A cam portion is formed integrally with the slide cam and releases the ratchet portions when a pin is brought to a preselected position on a cam surface. A cam lever selectively moves the pin toward or away from the cam surface in accordance with the direction of rotation of the clutch gear. The drive source can be shared by a driveline for rotating a shaft to a preselected angular position and other drivelines.

Abstract: A spring clutch includes a driving-side boss integrally formed with a driving gear and a driven-side boss having a feed roller fixed. The driving-side and driven-side bosses are arranged on a common axis so as to be opposed to each other. A coil spring is wound on the peripheral side of the driving-side boss and driven-side boss. The spring clutch further has a sleeve fitted over the coil spring while a driving-side coil end of the coil spring is engaged with the sleeve. As rotation of the coil spring and the sleeve is restricted by a projection formed on the peripheral surface of the sleeve, the coil spring is idly fitted on the driving-side boss so that the rotation of the driving-side boss is not transmitted to the driven-side boss while the reverse rotation of the driven-side boss is restricted.

Abstract: A solenoid for controlling the engagement and disengagement of a wrap spring clutch includes an electromagnetic coil having a core member disposed adjacent one axial end thereof. An armature is provided within the electromagnetic coil for selective axial movement in response to the energization and deenergization of the electromagnetic coil. The armature is connected to an actuator for the wrap spring clutch such that movement of the armature controls the engagement and disengagement thereof. The core member and the armature are both formed from relatively soft, magnetically permeable materials. A flux breaker is disposed within the electromagnetic coil between one axial end of the armature and the core member. The flux breaker is formed from a relatively hard, non-magnetically permeable material, such as stainless steel. The flux breaker prevents the armature from contacting the core member when attracted thereto by energization of the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A plurality of micro medium feed mechanisms are provided at different locations in a printer and are all driven by a single step motor through a plurality of clutches and are selectively capable of feeding several different types of mediums, e.g., a sheet medium, a card medium or a rolled medium, i.e., feeding each such medium independently of the another presented via different inlets to the printer for each different type of medium. The step motor, therefore, functions as the sole driving source for a multiple medium handling type printer thereby providing a less expensive micro printer which is capable of incrementally feeding multiple different kinds of medium types in the same printer wherein printing can be accomplished from the very top edge to the very bottom edge of the fed medium due to the particular locations of the micro medium feed mechanisms in the micro printer.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a movable member, the apparatus comprising a driving shaft, a driven shaft and a clutch for engaging and disengaging the driving shaft and the driven shaft. The circumferential surface of a cam fixed around the driven shaft has such a specified angle of an arc whose center is the axis of the driven shaft that the movable member is prevented from shifting the position due to inertia rotation of the cam and the driven shaft.

Abstract: An electromagnetic spring clutch has an armature (40) which can be moved to and from in the axial direction thereof and cannot be rotated on the axis, and which is biased by a spring (46), and a coil spring (36) which covers over outer faces of a master driving axle (30) and a slave driving axle (34) and which is capable of being wound tightly in the rotational direction of the master driving axle (30). When an electromagnetic coil (20) is not energized, an engagement section (44a) at the end of the armature (40) and a hook (38) of the coil spring (36) are engaged to expand the inner diameter of the coil spring (36) and disconnect the master driving axle (30) and the slave driving axle (34).

Abstract: The tangs of the clutch and brake springs of a wrap spring clutch/brake unit are connected to separate sleeves which form the control collar of the unit. The sleeves are normally coupled for rotation in unison by an internally splined ring which may be slid to a released position permitting relative rotation of the sleeves for purposes of adjusting the torsional differential of the springs.

Abstract: Bi-direction spring clutch apparatus for a reducing worm gear drive is disclosed. The bi-directional spring clutch apparatus includes a worm gear drive comprised of a worm and an output shaft rotatably mounted in a housing. A worm gear is rotatably mounted coaxially about the output shaft so that its teeth mesh with the threads of the worm. The worm gear includes two coaxial extensions which are also rotatably mounted coaxially about the output shaft but which are rotatably fixed relative to the worm gear. Located adjacent to each of the coaxial extensions of the worm gear are two torque transfer bushings. These are of the same outside diameter as the coaxial extensions, but are rotatably fixed relative to the output shaft. Stretched over each of the torque transfer bushing/coaxial extension pairs is a wound spring, each of the same hand of winding, and each having sufficient revolutions to result in self-locking of the torque transfer bushing/coaxial extension pairs.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously or independently adjusting components in a machine wherein the components are movable along a track to change the positions of tools, tool holders or other mobile parts. The apparatus has an indexible feed screw which is parallel to the track and mates with discrete nuts, one for each adjustable component and each rotatably connected to the respective component. The nut has axially parallel grooves for reception of pivotable pallets on the nuts to establish torque-transmitting connections between the feed screw and selected nuts. The nuts can be arrested against rotation with the feed screw by locking bolts which are engageable with selected teeth of annuli of teeth on the nuts. A nut will shift the respective component along the track when the respective pallets are expelled from the grooves of the feed screw and the nut is arrested so that it cannot rotate with the feed screw.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch/brake apparatus includes a clutch mechanism for supplying increased frictional torque at low rotational speeds to a load. The clutch mechanism is formed of an inner cylindrical-shaped member, an outer annular member disposed concentrically around the inner cylindrical-shaped member, and a garter spring disposed concentrically around the outer annular member. The outer annular member is formed of a plurality of identical-shaped segmented fly-weights. Each segmented fly-weight has an inner arcuate section and an outer arcuate section disposed in a spaced apart relationship from the inner arcuate section by intermediate section. The inner arcuate section is disposed to be frictionally engaged with the outer circumference of the inner cylindrical-shaped member at lower rotational speeds to add increased frictional torque to the shaft output and is adapted for radial movement away from the frictional engagement with the inner member at relatively high rotational speeds.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism comprising a first boss member rotatable as a unit with an input rotating element, a second boss member rotatable as a unit with an output rotating element, a coil spring fitted over and across the first and second boss members, a rotation control member for hampering contraction of the coil spring, a movable member, a magnet for biasing the movable member magnetically toward the rotation control member, and an electromagnet for magnetically attracting the movable member away from the rotation control member. When the electromagnet is energized, the movable member moves away from the rotation control member to permit contraction of the coil spring member, and the contraction of the coil spring effects a driving connection between the first and second boss members.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism comprising an output rotating element, an input rotating element, a first boss member rotating as a unit with the input rotating element, a second boss member rotating as a unit with the output rotating element, a coil spring means fitted over and across the first and second boss members, a rotation control member for hampering the contraction of the coil spring, a movably mounted armature, a biasing device for biasing the armature toward the rotation control member, and an electromagnetic device for magnetically attracting the armature. When the electromagnetic device is deenergized, the armature acts on the rotation control member by the action of the biasing device whereby the contraction of the coil spring is hampered. When the electromagnetic device is energized, the armature is moved away from the rotation control member by the magnetic attracting force of the electromagnetic device whereby the coil spring is contracted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the life of a control or drive spring in a wrap spring clutch. The tang of the control spring fits into a control slot of a control collar which rotates when the clutch is actuated. When the clutch is actuated, the control spring "wraps down" on both a rotating input member and the output shaft of the clutch to transfer the rotary motion of the input member to the output shaft. An elastomeric sleeve which is dimensioned to provide an interference fit between the tang and control slot of the control member is positioned on the tang and inserted in the control slot to remove any looseness or play between the tang and the control slot and thereby extend the life of the control spring and clutch.

Abstract: A fan clutch having an engaged and disengaged mode of operation comprising: a plurality of centrifugal force responsive friction shoes for drivingly engaging an engagement surface; of the engagement and disengagement of the friction shoes controlled by plurality to disks, one of the disks rotatable relative to the other disk.

Abstract: The described motion converter has a housing in which a drive shaft is interconnected with a rotary motion power source. The drive shaft has an extent having a left-hand thread adjacent one end thereof and an extent having a right-hand thread located adjacent the opposite end thereof. Threaded nuts on the left and right hand threaded portions each have spiral spring clutches. An actuator is slidingly received upon the intermediate portion of the drive shaft with pins located at opposite ends of the actuator to engage one spring clutch while releasing the other. A spring loaded positioning device associated with the actuator insures that the actuator is positively located to engage one or the other of the clutches and prevents the actuator from hanging up at an intermediate position.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic spring-wound clutch, an input rotary member is concentrically and rotatably fitted on an output rotary member having an annular enlarged portion, with its axial boss disposed adjacent the above annular enlarged portion. A coil spring is wound around the axial boss and the annular enlarged portion for gripping engagement with at least the former, with its one end engaged by the output rotary member and its other end by a sleeve concentrically and rotatably supported on the input and output rotary members. An armature is disposed for axial tilting about its one edge supported by a stationary member. Responsive to extinction of electromagnetic force caused by deenergization of a magnetic coil, the armature is axially tilted by the force of a spring into engagement with the sleeve to hold same from rotating.

Abstract: Rotary input power is selectively coupled to an output shaft or the like by actuation of a plunger which forces a movable pin into a coupled relation between a member attached to the input drive and an arm attached to the output. A fixed wall establishes a guideway for the head of the pin until it reaches an aperture in the wall allowing pin extraction as by a spring, gravity or the like. Coupling is established by the pin passing through a hole in the arm attached to the output and a detent or transverse surface associated with the driven element. The device permits coupling a continuously rotating input to an output for one revolution although more or less than full revolutions are possible.

Abstract: A printer having a printing head which prints characters across lines on a recording medium. The printer includes a frame having a driving shaft rotatably supported thereon and a motor for rotating the driving shaft in first and second directions. The printer also includes a paper feeding mechanism and a platen releasing mechanism. A clutch mechanism is driven by the driving shaft and is operatively coupled to the paper feeding and platen releasing mechanisms for selective operation thereof.

Abstract: A spring clutch which has two wrapped springs wound in different directions from each other and which is arranged to transmit the rotation of a drive source to two members to be driven by effecting change-over from one member to another. The transmission of the rotation is arranged to be immediately cut off at any desired point by operating a change-over member.

Abstract: A drive mechanism comprises a rotatable member, such as a shaft, having an axially elongated cylindrical outer surface, a second member or shaft having an axially elongated cylindrical inner surface loosely telescoped over the outer surface so as to provide an axially elongated annular space within which is contained a wrapped-spring clutch so arranged as to serve as radial load-bearing means when the clutch is disengaged whereby to journal one member on the other.

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

Abstract: A valve actuator utilizing a drive motor and a stored energy device to operate valves primarily in safety related applications is disclosed. The actuator operates on signal or loss of power to return a driven valve to a predetermined position. The actuator in particular utilizes unidirectional coupling between a driven shaft and an output shaft that is coupled to the driven valve. Specifically, the coupling utilizes a coiled spring having a unique diametral relationship with the driven shaft in order to insure reliable actuation and control of shaft wear. A fluid dampened device or dashpot is also utilized to provide controlled operation during the return cycle that is powered by the stored energy device.

Abstract: An electromotor driven regulating arrangement, especially for regulating the speed of a motor vehicle, comprises an input shaft rotatable in one and in the opposite direction by a reversible electric motor, an output shaft adapted to be connected to a member for regulating the speed of the vehicle, and a coupling having two coupling members respectively connected with the input shaft and the output shaft for rotation therewith and a looped spring arranged between the coupling members by means of which the coupling members may be connected for simultaneous rotation in either direction. The arrangement comprises further a control member and electromagnet means cooperating therewith and acting on the spring for rendering the coupling active or inactive depending on whether the electromagnet is energized or deenergized.

Abstract: A devise for sensing sudden abnormal movement of a power operated tool, such as a hand held circular saw or drill. The device, comprising a wrap spring clutch and an inertia sensing means, further rapidly declutches the tool drive in response to the abnormal movement. The declutching reduces the severity of movement where it is power induced and renders the output drive inoperative to improve operator safety. The tool must be positively reset to accomplish further operation.

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 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 coil spring clutch connects a driving hub to a driven sleeve rotatable on the hub and the sleeve drives an output or second driven member through a torque limiting clutch. The spring is readily declutched by arresting rotation of its leading end, as by interposing a stop in the path of an out-turned tang on that end, and is re-engaged by releasing the leading end. Re-engagement is characteristically abrupt and harsh, and the torque-limiting clutch in series with the spring clutch limits torque stress on the spring so that the series assembly is usable in applications which would destroy the spring clutch alone. The torque-limiting clutch may be a spring-biased friction clutch. The driven members are desirably mounted on the driving hub in a compact unitary assembly.

Abstract: A two-speed clutch drive system for a multi-speed basket and agitator drive for washing machines, including primary and secondary clutches interposed in series between an input drive shaft and an output member, both mounted concentrically with respect to an inner drum. The primary clutch is a centrifugally-operated system to establish drive between the input shaft and the inner drum, while the secondary clutch establishes drive between the inner drum and the output member. The secondary clutch includes clutch shoes spring-operated to directly transmit the torque to the output during high speed operation. Low speed drive is established by engagement of pivotally mounted auxiliary weights with clutch shoes acting to reduce the engagement pressure with increasing speed, yielding a reduced speed drive through the system by slippage of the secondary clutch.

Abstract: A spring clutch device includes a driving side clutch shell, a driven side clutch shell opposed to and coaxial with the driving side clutch shell, a clutch spring disposed in a tight manner over the two clutch shells, a stop member disposed coaxially with the clutch shells and engaged with one end of the clutch spring to control the action of the clutch spring, and a control member for acting on the stop member, there are formed projections on the circumference of the stop member, in an axially and circumferentially staggered relationship, and the control member is selectively displaceable to positions corresponding to the projections for engagement and disengagement with the projections, thereby controlling ON-OFF of the clutch.

Abstract: The control collar of a helical spring clutch is defined in part by a series of rings having radially projecting stop lugs which coact with an interposer. The rings may be adjusted angularly relative to one another to cause the lugs to effect successive disengagements of the clutch as the output member of the clutch is rotated through a selectively adjustable number of steps of selectively adjustable angular length.

Abstract: Precise angular relationship between release means and driven means is attained in a coil spring clutch by means of a spring-positioning ring which is permanently secured to the driven hub only after being rotated into desired position.