Abstract: A mechanical clutch device for coupling two connecting parts in a gas turbo engine, in particular a geared aircraft turbofan engine, with means to automatically trigger a position change of one of the connecting parts relative to the respective other connecting parts and/or relative to an engine part from the first position into a second position in dependence of a torque effective on the connecting parts and/or the engine part, in particular through the transmission via a shaft, in particular a non-nominal torque, more in particular a reversal in the direction of the torque. It also relates to a method for operating a mechanical clutch device.

Abstract: There are disclosed various embodiments of surgical tacks for use in surgical procedures. The tacks generally include a head and a barrel portion extending distally from the head. Preferably, the head and the barrel portion define a throughbore for receipt of a drive instrument. A thread on the head is provided to engage threads in the installation tool. A tissue thread is provided on the barrel portion to engage tissue. Distal and proximal surfaces of the tissue thread may be oriented at various angles relative to the barrel portion. There is also disclosed an insertion instrument to insert one or more tacks as well as a method of use. There is further disclosed a model device for use in explaining the operation of the instrument.

Abstract: A clutch type driving mechanism used in a hybrid powered vehicle is disclosed to include an axle housing mounted at a motor shaft of a motor, a sliding sleeve having a female thread meshed with a male thread of the axle housing, an axle bearing mounted in the sliding sleeve, an input shaft rotatably and slidably supported in the axle bearing with its one end normally kept apart from the axle housing and its other end provided with a gear, and an output shaft meshed with the gear of the input shaft. When the motor is started, the axle housing is driven by the motor shaft to rotate the sliding sleeve, and the sliding sleeve is moved along the axle housing toward the motor due to the effects of inertia, causing friction engagement between the input shaft and the axle housing so that the axle housing can drive the input shaft to transfer rotational motion to the output shaft.

Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor for use on an electrical generator comprises a hub having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral bore centered on an axis. The inner peripheral bore is provided with a screw thread at least over a portion of an axial dimension. Permanent magnets are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the hub. A containment band is positioned radially outwardly of the magnets, holding the magnets and the hub together. The hub, a generator rotor incorporating the permanent magnet rotor, and a generator incorporating the permanent magnet rotor are also disclosed and claimed in this application.

Abstract: A system for communicating a mechanical power service between mechanical power service communicating devices. A service switch is provided for selectively transferring the mechanical power service from a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a host or other mechanical power service provider or source, to a second mechanical power service communicating device, such as an accessory device or other mechanical power service consumer. The service switch is activated to communicate the mechanical power service between the first mechanical power service communicating device and the second mechanical power service communicating device in response to movement of a component associated with one of the mechanical power service communicating devices.

Abstract: A spring clutch mechanism for transmitting a driving force of a driving part to a driven part, including a first part, a second part, and a spring disposed between the first part and the second part. The first part is connected to the driven part. The second part is connected to the driving part and is rotatable relative to the first part coaxially therewith. The first part has a first end provided with a frusto-conical portion having a first tapered surface, and the second part has a second end formed with a recess provided with a second tapered surface in contact with the first tapered surface. the first part and the second part are aligned linearly and coaxially in a state that the first end is inserted into the second end maintaining contact of the first tapered surface with the second tapered surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing a pin within a raised display system. A washer surrounds the pin. A washer recess comprises a contact surface configured as to bring the washer into a tilted position relative to the pin, such that the washer is brought into physical communication with the pin. A reset mechanism moves at least a portion of the washer to force the washer into a position substantially level relative to the pin, such that the pin can move freely through the washer. An electromagnet holds the washer in the substantially level position when the electromagnet is activated.

Abstract: A hand power tool has a clutch, a motor, a drive shaft located at a side of the motor, a driven shaft to be located at a side of a workpiece, a clutch which couples the drive shaft and the driven shaft and enters into engagement when pressure is exerted on the driven shaft, and the clutch is provided with a clutch engagement aid.

Abstract: If only an operating button 14 is pushed, an electrically opening and closing mechanism 1 disengages a first clutch K1 while engaging a second clutch K2 to operate an electrically driving means 2 to automatically open or close a second member (e.g., a liquid crystal display panel) 4 which is rotatable with respect to a first member (e.g., a body having a plurality of keys) 3. If the operating button 14 is pushed, the second member 4 automatically rotates to an optional angular position with respect to the first member 3, and if the operating button 14 is released (if the operating button 14 is returned to the original angular position by the spring force of a second spring 23), the first clutch K1 is engaged at the optional angular position to hold the attitude of the second member 4.

Abstract: A brake actuation assembly for a vehicle is actuatable to apply and release tension to one or more elements that connect to a brake system of the vehicle. The brake actuation assembly includes an electrically powered brake actuator, a manually operable control, and a manual brake actuator. The electrically powered actuator includes a motor with a driveshaft for driving connection with the elements. The motor is actuatable to rotate the driveshaft in a brake-applying direction to apply tension to the elements and in a brake-releasing direction to release tension to the elements. The manual actuator includes a handle and a cable. The manual actuator is movable between an operative position wherein the cable connects the handle to the driveshaft to enable rotation of the handle to rotate the driveshaft in the brake-applying and brake-releasing directions via the cable, and an inoperative position wherein the handle is disconnected from the driveshaft.

Abstract: The differential includes a differential casing configured to be rotatably driven by a motor under a driving force. The differential includes a differential mechanism which includes a pair of first and second side-gears for distributing a torque of the differential casing to first and second output shafts. The differential includes a frictional clutch for interconnecting the first and second output shafts. The frictional clutch includes first and second power-transmitting members connected to first and second output shafts respectively and first and second clutch plates. The first and second clutch plates are connected to the first and second power-transmitting members respectively. The differential includes an actuator for operating the frictional clutch. One output shaft of the first and second output shafts is axially displacable by the actuator under an engagement force to engage the frictional clutch.

Abstract: A power switching mechanism for selectively connecting a robotic system having two-degrees-of-freedom power input to a robot tool having a plurality of actuators. The two-degrees-of-freedom power input comprises a translation power input and a power shaft rotation input. The switching mechanism comprises an axially displaceable connector mounted to the power shaft rotation input for rotating therewith. An indexing mechanism is connected to the power shaft rotation input and is axially movable sequentially between a neutral position and an actuator engaging position for each actuator. The axially displaceable connector engages any one of the actuators in response to movement of the axial translation of the two-degrees-of-freedom power input.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a rotating component of a printing machine uses a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to the rotating component by a coupling and is supported for axial displacement between coupled and uncoupled positions.

Abstract: A clutch specially adapted for a screw gun includes an output clutch and a driving clutch. The output clutch is movable axially to engage the driving clutch. A helical spline arrangement on the driving clutch causes the driving clutch to move axially towards the output clutch a short distance when torque is transferred through the clutch. When the clutch slips and the torque is released, the driving clutch moves axially away from the output clutch a short distance and a gap is created between the output clutch and driving clutch which prevents clashing. Also, a retaining ring is mounted to an input spindle to limit the axial movement of the driving clutch.

Abstract: A screw feed and driver assembly which may constitute a part of a screw driving tool of the type having a prime mover, a speed and torque determining gear assembly and a clutch; which can constitute an accessory for a clutch containing manual feed power screw driver; and which, combined with a clutch, can comprise an accessory for a standard manual power drill. The screw feed and driver assembly comprises a feed housing with a slide body mounted therein and shiftable between forward and rearward positions. The slide body is biased to its forward position. The slide body receives a strip bearing screws. A contact foot is mounted on the slide body and shifts the slide body rearwardly when pressed against a workpiece. A screw driver, affixed to the clutch, extends into the slide body. The slide body contains a pawl and feed sprocket assembly. The sprocket engages notches in one edge of the screw bearing strip.

Abstract: A multistep spindle drive is provided for converting a rotary movement into a linear movement with different speeds of withdrawal and extension. The spindle drive includes at least two threaded spindles, which telescopically mesh with each other and are in threaded connection with one another, and a nut. The inner threaded spindle is connected to a crank, and the nut is connected to a support wheel via a pipe. The internal threaded connection existing between the threaded spindles has a smaller diameter and a lower pitch than the external threaded connection existing between the outer threaded spindle and the nut. The speeds of withdrawal and extension are changed over based on the greater frictional force. A friction-increasing coupling member is arranged between the threaded spindles. The coupling member is spring-loaded and can be set for changing the friction.

Abstract: A power driven screwdriver including a housing, a spindle rotatably and axially movably disposed within the housing, a motor for driving the spindle, and a clutch mechanism interposed between the motor and the spindle. The clutch mechanism includes a drive clutch member rotatably driven by the motor, a driven clutch member rotatable with the spindle, and a drive clutch shifting mechanism. The drive clutch shifting mechanism is operable to move the drive clutch member from a first position to a second position spaced from the first position in a forward direction toward the driven clutch member when the driven clutch member is brought to engage the drive clutch member. The drive clutch shifting mechanism is also operable to move the drive clutch member from the second position to the first position when the driven clutch member is brought to be disengaged from the drive clutch member.

Abstract: A power tool clutch assembly is provided. A first spindle is configured to rotate in a gear case. A drive clutch element is fixed to the first spindle. A second spindle rotates independently of the first spindle. An output clutch element is fixed to the second spindle. An intermediate clutch element is positioned between the drive and output clutch elements, rotatable and slidable relative to the second spindle. A compression spring is provided between the intermediate and output clutch elements. A clutch housing supports the clutch components. The clutch housing and clutch components all can be removed from a power tool gear casing for easy service.

Abstract: An ideal lateral acceleration is calculated based on vehicle speed and steering angle, and an actual lateral acceleration is calculated based on a lateral acceleration detected by a lateral G sensor. A breakaway point of tires is determined by comparing the actual lateral acceleration with the ideal lateral acceleration. A differential operation of a central differential is controlled by restricting the differential operation in accordance with a determined breakaway point and the difference between the ideal lateral acceleration and the actual lateral acceleration.

Abstract: A torque control shutoff clutch for power tools is provided with a torque recovery camming device which assists in decoupling the applied power of the clutch along with the shutting off of the motor driving the power tool. The clutch permits automatic reset of the device upon release of the throttle trigger and further throttles air flow to the power source just prior to shutoff thereby minimizing operator shutoff torque reaction.

Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a driving clutch member and a driven bit holder connected by ball bearings retained by the clutch member which engages in pockets in the bit holder. The pockets include a specific ramp construction which insures that the threshold torque level of the tool in the forward direction is less than the threshold level in the reverse direction.

Abstract: In the representative embodiments described in the specification, a cup-shaped clutch drive member, driven by a drive pinion, rotates about an axially displaceable output shaft. Friction disks alternately coupled to the drive member and the shaft are pressed together to actuate the clutch. To apply actuating pressure to the friction disks without requiring excessive shaft motion, a pressure plate is mounted on the shaft and two pressure-generating members, interposed between the pressure plate and the friction members, have facing surfaces which are oppositely inclined with respect to the clutch axis. The pressure-generating member closest to the friction disks is angularly coupled to the drive member while the other pressure-generating member is free to rotate but held axially captive in the drive member.

Abstract: Hydraulic pressure representing engine throttle position is applied to a valve spool having two control surfaces. In opposition to the force of a control spring, a pressure line, which opens to the valve chamber between the two control surfaces, carries regulated line pressure through a flow orifice in a first connecting line and through an aperture stop in a second connecting line. The flow orifice of the first connecting line is arranged in parallel with an aperture of the second connecting line, both the first and second connecting lines being connected directly to the valve chamber.

Abstract: An adapter device for attachment to a drive member having a clutch biased into disengagement for converting that drive member into a positive rotational drive member. The adaptor device comprising an outer casing having first and second opposed openings and a slot in a sidewall of the outer casing, the second opening having an interior thread for engaging an exterior threaded portion of the drive member. A drive shank having a first end thereof for engaging a rotatable member and a second end thereof for engaging a drive end of the drive member is supported by the outer casing.

Abstract: A rotary vane air motor tool includes an adjustable torque sensing clutch which disengages the tool bit from the air motor and simultaneously closes a normally open valve to the air motor upon reaching a threshold value. A lever or toggle actuated normally closed valve is operable to initiate operation of the tool. The normally closed valve includes an exhaust or bypass passage to permit resetting of the normally open valve.

Abstract: The power-operated tool, preferably a screw driving implement, includes a switching clutch which transfers the torque from the drive shaft to the output shaft. Upon reaching the given reactive maximum torque, the switching mechanism is activated to turn off the drive. The clutch components are still engaged, so that one torque is transferred to the screw after the unit is turned off. This allows for unsupervised motion upon the output shaft. One should be able to interrupt the torque transfer to the output shaft completely and to return the switching clutch to its original position with certainty and ease. The switching mechanism maintains the valve body of the on-off valve in the open position, with the clutch component of the separating clutch separated by at least one buffer.

Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a driving clutch member and a driven bit holder connected by ball bearings retained by the clutch member which engages in pockets in the bit holder. The pockets include a specific ramp construction which insures that the threshold torque level of the tool in the forward direction is less than the threshold level in the reverse direction.

Abstract: In an electrically powered combination screwdriver/drill opposing halves of a ratchet type torque tranmsitting clutch are normally biased axially apart by a compression spring. The output half of the clutch is fixed on the output spindle of the tool which is free to move axially within limits. For screwdriving operation, operator bias of the tool against the workpiece overcomes the spring, retracting the output spindle and bringing the clutch halves into engagement. An adjustable stop in the nose of the tool limits axially rearward movement of the output spindle and hence depth of engagement of the clutch teeth, thus providing a variable limit on torque transmitted. For the drilling mode, the rearward half of the clutch is cammed forward so that the clutch is firmly engaged for continuous rotation of the output spindle without specific torque limitation. An operator may switch from drilling mode to screwdriving mode and back without disturbing the torque limit adjustment of the screwdriving mode.

Abstract: A torque control tool driver having a torque responsive clutch which holds a rotatable ring gear of a motor driven reduction gear train stationary to effect rotation of a tool driving spindle and which is operable in the presence of pre-determined torque output of such spindle to automatically release the ring gear for rotation whereby to disconnect the spindle from the driving motor. Following spindle disconnect, the driving motor is automatically deenergized in response to rotational movement of the ring gear.

Abstract: A combined locking mechanism and switch especially for power tools has a switch, an actuator for directly turning on or off the switch, a locking member shiftable between a first position in which it is disposed in opposed relation to the actuator and a second position in which it is spaced apart form the actuator, and an actuating member for actuating the actuator through the locking member only when the locking member is placed in the first position.

Abstract: In engine torque control in a motor vehicle having an engine and a stepping type of transmission, input and output speeds of the transmission are constantly detected by sensors disposed in input and output portions of the transmission, thereby obtaining a gear ratio (measured value) of the transmission. If the ratio of the difference between this gear ratio and a predetermined gear ratio before the gearshift (theoretical value) to the latter gear ratio before the gearshift exceeds a predetermined value, the start of gearshift is decided. If the ratio of the difference between the gear ratio of the transmission (measured value) and a predetermined gear ratio after the gearshift (theoretical value) to the latter gear ratio after the gearshift becomes smaller than a predetermined value, the end of gearshift is decided.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control system for reducing engagement shock of a frictional element when the transmission effects a change in gear position comprises an electromagnetically operated valve for generating a hydraulic pressure supplied to the frictional element and a control unit. In the control unit, the amount of torque transmitted via a torque converter to a transmission input shaft is determined through operations based on output signals of various sensors and data stored in a memory, and a target value of hydraulic pressure is determined in response to the amount of torque determined. The control unit supplies an output signal to the valve to cause the valve to adjust the level of the hydraulic pressure generated thereby to the target value.

Abstract: In motor-operated machines, especially portable electric tools, it is essential to prevent an impermissibly high torque on the driveshaft or operating spindle. This is attained by means of a torque-disengagement mechanism. An especially elegant, compact, precisely responsive torque-disengagement mechanism is attained by mounting one of the two bearings for a driveshaft in the machine housing or similar structure in such a way that it can move across the longitudinal axis or radially far enough to initiate a switching procedure. The bearing is secured in an initial position by means of an opposing force. The position represents both the zero position for the switching procedure and the correct position of the axis of the driveshaft during operation. If the machine includes a means of varying the torque, the power of the opposing force can be adjusted and maintained either continuously or discontinuously.

Abstract: An improved torsional limiting device and associated control system are incorporated in a large scale trencher between the power source and the cutting wheel to provide for protection of the equipment components in the event the cutting wheel encounters unforeseen obstructions. The control system provides for prompt and variable adjustment by the operator of the amount of torque transmitted to downstream components and also provides for the prompt and easy resumption of the trenching operation after an obstruction has been encountered.

Abstract: A lock-up control system for a lock-up type automatic transmission is disclosed where the transmission output torque is monitored and the interruption of the lock-up action is executed after the transmission output torque has satisfied a predetermined condition after generation of a command for shifting within the transmission.

Abstract: A control valve system for an automatic transmission having a hydrokinetic torque converter, a lockup clutch in the torque converter for mechanically bypassing the hydrokinetic torque flow path, speed and torque responsive valves for effecting ratio changes in the transmission, a bypass clutch control valve for engaging and disengaging the lockup clutch and a converter bypass valve for triggering operation of the bypass clutch control valve, the bypass clutch control valve being responsive to input torque and speed.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a machine such as a machine tool or robot includes a rotatable shaft, e.g. a lead screw or spindle, drivingly connected with a movable element, e.g. a worktable or tool support, in the machine, a drive shaft for rotation by a motor and a coupling unit, e.g. clutch or gear transmission, for drivingly connecting the drive shaft with the rotatable shaft to move the movable element in a predetermined form of movement under a variable load in the machine. Encoders are provided in a rotation-sensing relationship with the drive shaft and the rotatable shaft, respectively, to feed two trains of rotation-responsive pulses into a differential counter which provides a difference in angle of rotation signal representing an instantaneous torque produced at the drive coupling unit between the drive and rotatable shafts.

Abstract: A clutch is interposed between the driving gears of a grinding mill and the driving motor to protect the gears from damage by mechanical overloading. The clutch is set to slip at torques below those required to structurally damage the gears yet higher than design load and the clutch released and the mill is shut down after a preset degree of clutch slippage occurs.

Abstract: A motor drive system comprising an electric motor having a first drive shaft moveable axially in response to commencement or cessation of operation of the motor and an oil shear clutch operably associated with said motor and having a second drive shaft extending therefrom, the clutch engaging the first and second drive shafts in response to axial movement of the first drive shaft at commencement of operation of the motor and disengaging the first and second drive shafts in response to axial movement of said first drive shaft at cessation of operation of said motor.

Abstract: In an electrical tool having a clutch for adjusting rotational torque of the driven shaft, a limit switch of double-throw type is used for detecting the state of the clutch, and a capacitor is arranged to be charged via the limit switch. In one embodiment of the instant invention, the capacitor is normally discharged and is charged when the clutch assumes a disengaged state, thereby producing a trigger pulse used for making a short circuit for the motor only when the capacitor is not fully charged. In another embodiment, the capacitor is normally charged, and is discharged when the clutch assumes a disengaged state, thereby producing a trigger pulse used for making a short circuit for the motor. With this arrangement a switching circuit provided for making the short circuit for the motor is effectively prevented from making the short circuit when a power switch is turned on irrespective of the state of the clutch.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a torque responsive control system for a powered fastener driving tool having a reciprocable control rod for controlling the supply of power to the motor thereof. The torque responsive system features a plurality of ball pins that extend between front and rear ball pin retainers so as to be movable between a circumferentially extending drive position and an axially extending motor shut down position.

Abstract: A clutch actuator for use in a motor driven conveyor system includes an electrical motor and a conveyor driven by the motor with a clutch interconnecting the motor and conveyor in drive relation. The clutch actuator is responsive to motor current for actuating the clutch for selectively disconnecting the motor and the conveyor. A clutch actuator actuates the clutch, for disconnecting the motor from the conveyor, when the sense current is greater than a selectively adjusted predetermined value. The clutch actuator is selectively manually actuated for actuating the clutch for disconnecting the motor from the conveyor and selectively manually actuated for actuating the clutch for connecting the motor to the conveyor.

Abstract: A power drive control unit of a torque control clutch for a fluid operated power tool features a latch, operable for initiating and interrupting motive fluid flow to a rotary fluid motor, and an actuator pin for controlling the latch. The latch is carried on a drive spindle rotatable in synchronism with a driven clutch part and is supported for rotation on that drive spindle. The actuator pin is carried on a driving clutch part for actuating the latch upon relative movement between the driving and driven clutch parts at a predetermined output torque for moving the latch into position to interrupt fluid flow to the motor within less than a single revolution of relative movement between the driving and driven clutch parts.

Abstract: A clutch is arranged to drivingly connect and disconnect the crankshaft members of two internal combustion engines. One engine which is preferably the smaller of the two engines is operated to propel a vehicle by delivering torque through a transmission to a differential and then to the wheels. When to meet the demand for increased power requirements, the clutch is engaged to form a tandem arrangement of engines. Torque is supplied by both engines with the second and larger engine transmitting torque through the crankshaft of the first engine. Clutch members are moved into and out of engagement according to one embodiment and according to a second embodiment, the second and larger engine is moved to force a clutch member into a driving relationship.

Abstract: A power screwdriver has a drive motor and a tool holder arranged in a housing, a driving coupling including a driving coupling part driven by the motor and a driven coupling part, and a locking coupling arranged between the driving coupling and the tool holder, wherein the couplings are arranged so that when the tool holder is pressed against a screw the coupling parts of the driving coupling are connected with one another and torque from the motor is transmitted to the tool holder in a normal manner, when thereafter a limit torque is attained the locking coupling is overrun, the driving coupling part of the driving coupling is arrested, and the driven coupling part of the driving coupling is disconnected from the driving coupling part, and when the tool holder is pressed stronger against the screw which is difficult to screw in the driven coupling part displaces and follows the driving coupling part and is again connected with the latter so as to again provide for transmission of the torque from the motor to

Abstract: A power tool speed and torque control mechanism is disclosed. An improved clutch assembly is provided for power tools of the type having a high speed/low torque mode for rapidly engaging a threaded fastener and a low speed/high torque mode for tightening the fastener. The clutch assembly includes a wrap spring clutch having two springs.

Abstract: In the variable speed V-belt drive of a combine harvester threshing cylinder, the driven sheave is torque-responsive, responding automatically to adjust drive belt tension according to the torque being transmitted. A linear hydraulic actuator, integral with the drive sheave, is used to adjust an axially movable sheave half with respect to a fixed sheave half so as to vary sheave effective diameter and hence driven speed. At any given speed setting, oil is trapped in the hydraulic actuator and oil pressure varies according to separating force between the halves of the drive sheave which in turn depends upon belt tension. A pressure switch, connected so as to sense the oil pressure, has a set point such that at a predetermined maximum (overload) belt tension, the switch is actuated so as to declutch or disconnect the drive sheave from its power source, thus protecting the threshing cylinder and drive components from damage.

Abstract: The device includes an operating member adapted to drive the driven member positively and a frictional rotary assistance mechanism. It includes a transmission device for the motion between the operating member and the driven member comprising two plates, means for the resilient return of the plates towards one another, balls interposed between the plates and cooperating with inclined surfaces provided on these plates. The plates separate from one another during relative rotation and frictional coupling means are provided between an output of the assistance mechanism and at least one plate. The device is used for driven rotary members forming part of a machine tool or of an automobile.

Abstract: A grinding mill having heavy duty transmission including a hydraulic clutch is provided with an inching capability, a slow running capability, a braking capability and overload prevention, as well as synchronization capability.

Abstract: An impending kickback condition is the operation of a power tool or machine tool system is sensed and used to control or eliminate the kickback. The ability to sense an impending kickback condition can be used in all categories of power driven tools. The change in force applied to the power driven tool or other implement is monitored by measuring the rate of change of speed of the tool or implement, and if the speed is decreasing, the rate of change of speed is compared with a threshold value which may be either preset or variable. If this threshold value is exceeded, an output control signal is generated which inhibits the coupling of power to the tool or other implement and/or applies a brake to stop the tool or implement. In order for power to once again be coupled from the motive power source to the shaft, the start switch must be opened and then reclosed or some other signal provided by the operator or another predetermined condition must be met.