Abstract: Universal rotary actuators (URAs) and door assemblies having the URAs are disclosed. In some embodiments, the URA includes a motor, a worm gear driven by the motor, a worm wheel having teeth that mesh with threads of the worm gear, a pinion gear attached to the worm wheel, drive gear rotatably connected to the pinion gear, an output shaft attached to the drive gear, and a controller assembly disposed between the drive gear and the motor, the controller selectively controlling direction and speed of the motor. In some embodiments, the URA additionally includes a quick release assembly that moves the pinion gear between an engaged position in which the pinion gear is rotatably connected to the drive gear and a disengaged position in which the pinion gear is not rotatably connected to the drive gear.

Abstract: To provide a cam clutch easily switchable from a torque transmitting state to a freewheeling state even during torque transmission between race members. The cam clutch includes a plurality of cams set between a first race member and a second race member. The first race member and second race member are spaced away in the axial direction along the rotation axis of the first race member. The plurality of cams are disposed between the first race member and the second race member in the axial direction, and the first race member and the second race member are configured to be able to move relatively closer to and away from each other in the axial direction.

Abstract: An actuating system includes an actuating wheel coupled to an operating element, an axle coupling part disposed substantially coaxial to the actuating wheel and rotatable for raising or lowering a bottom part of a window shade, and a clutching part carried with a carrier and movably linked to the actuating wheel. The clutching part is movable between a retracted state for disengaging from the axle coupling part and an extended state for engaging with the axle coupling part. The actuating wheel is rotatable in a first direction to urge the clutching part to move from the retracted state to the extended state and drive the carrier and the axle coupling part to rotate in unison, and in a second direction to urge the clutching part to move from the extended state to the retracted state so that the actuating wheel is rotationally decoupled from the axle coupling part.

Abstract: A slipper clutch transmission brake includes a clutch housing, a pin, a slipper clutch outer race rotationally fixed in the clutch housing, a slipper clutch inner race, a plurality of first cylindrical rollers, and a clutch inner ring. The clutch housing has a radial aperture and the pin is disposed in the radial aperture. The outer race has inner bidirectional ramps arranged on an inner circumference. The inner race has outer bidirectional ramps arranged on an outer circumference, a notch for receiving the pin, and a split extending axially through its width. The plurality of first cylindrical rollers are arranged in respective gaps formed between the inner and outer bidirectional ramps. The inner ring is arranged to rotate relative to the slipper clutch inner race when the pin is engaged with the notch, and frictionally engage with the slipper clutch inner race when the pin is disengaged from the notch.

Abstract: A seat adjuster assembly including a housing, a worm, a worm gear, and a spindle screw is provided. The worm is disposed within the housing for rotation about a first axis and includes a helical thread. The worm gear is disposed within the housing for rotation about a second axis and is meshingly-engaged with the worm. The spindle screw extends through the housing and the worm gear for rotation about the second axis. The spindle screw is meshingly-engaged with the worm gear. The helical thread of the worm may be longitudinally crowned or double-crowned.

Abstract: A transmission for a motor is provided, which optimizes a transmission for outputting a rotational force only in one direction at different shifting ratios according to forward/reverse rotation directions of a rotational shaft of the motor while enabling a reverse input, accurately transmits the rotational force without slippage and has durability even upon use thereof for a long period of time, thereby improving reliability and shifting accuracy and maximizing marketability and market competitiveness.

Abstract: A cylindrical bi-directional wedge clutch, including: an axis of rotation; a carrier ring; a hub; a wedge plate including at least a portion radially disposed between the carrier ring and the hub; and a wedge element displaceable, for first and second locked modes in which the hub and the carrier ring are non-rotatably connected, in a first axial direction to contact the wedge plate and expand the wedge plate radially outwardly, and displaceable, for a free-wheel mode in which the hub and the carrier ring are rotatable with respect to each other, in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction. For the first locked mode, the hub and carrier ring are arranged to rotate in a first circumferential direction. For the second locked mode, the hub and carrier ring are arranged to rotate in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction.

Abstract: A seat adjustment assembly includes a housing, a worm, a gear, and a rail. The worm is disposed within the housing for rotation about a first axis and including a helical thread defining an arcuate profile extending about the first axis. The gear is disposed within the housing for rotation about a second axis and is meshingly-engaged with the worm. The rail extends through the housing and the gear for rotation about a third axis. The rail is meshingly-engaged with the gear.

Abstract: An axially actuatable positive engagement clutch which includes an input shaft with an input toothing and an output shaft with an output toothing. An axially displaceable connection element can occupy a meshing position which is located in an actuation path (s) between the open position and the closed position and in which the driving toothing engages with the input toothing or the output toothing for the first time during the transition from the open position into the closed position. An actuation device is configured to displace the connection element from the closed position to the open position, and an elastic return element which applies a restoring force to the connection element in direction of the closed position. The return element has a force/deflection characteristic with a local force maximum (F1) which coincides in the actuation path (s) at least approximately with the meshing position of the connection element.

Abstract: A case-emphasized propulsion method improves vehicle fuel efficiency. The ratio of the most-used speed to the most-desired speed of an IC engine is employed to control the engine to always run at its optimal working state with an efficient single-stage gear transmission. The propulsion method used with different brands of IC engines demonstrates a reduction in fuel consumption between 5 and 39%. An n-ratio automatic single-stage gear transmission implements the propulsion method. The transmission design executes the proposed propulsion method as well a continuous transmission, but it can also increase the propulsion efficiency about 8 to 18% when applied to replace traditional automatic transmissions or continuously variable transmissions in vehicle drivetrains.

Abstract: A selector bracket assembly for a one way clutch assembly comprising an annular body portion having: first and second radial surfaces; an inner circumferential surface, connecting the first and second radial surfaces; at least one cutout portion; at least one axially extending post adjacent to the at least one cutout portion; and, an outer circumferential surface including a plurality of radially outward extending tabs; and, at least one actuator pin disposed radially outward of the inner circumferential surface and arranged for engagement with the selector bracket assembly to lock a one way clutch. A switchable one way clutch assembly having said selector bracket, or at least two selector brackets for making selectable the following states: free wheel or locked in both the first and second opposing circumferential directions; locked in first and free wheel in second circumferential direction; and, free wheel in first and locked in second circumferential direction.

Abstract: An open-end spinning rotor (1), comprising a rotor shaft (2), a rotor cup (3) and a coupling device (4) with a receiving element (5) connected to the rotor shaft (2) and an axle element (6) connected to the rotor cup (3). The coupling device (4) comprises three clamping bodies (7, 8, 9), arranged between a contour (10) of the receiving element and a contour (11) of the axle element. The contour of the receiving element, the contour of the axle element and the clamping bodies are configured such that by driving the rotor shaft, a relative rotational movement is produced between the receiving element and the clamping bodies and the axle element, in that owing to the relative rotational movement, the clamping bodies are clamped between the contour of the axle element and the contour of the receiving element to non-positively transmit a drive torque.

Abstract: A motor drive apparatus for a vehicle is provided which can prevent its transmission and motor from being rotated by vehicle wheels, and which allows quick gear change. This apparatus includes an electric motor (10), a first shaft (21) driven by the electric motor (10), a second shaft (22), first and second reduction gear trains (23 and 24) disposed between the first and second shafts (21 and 22). Two-way roller clutches (30A and 30B) are mounted between a first output gear (23b) of the first reduction gear train (23) and the second shaft (22) and between a second output gear (24b) of the second reduction gear train (24) and the second shaft (22), respectively. Gear changes are made by selectively engaging and disengaging the two-way roller clutches (30A and 30B) with a speed changing mechanism (50).

Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly includes an inner race adapted to be fixed for rotation with a first rotatable member, an outer race having circumferentially spaced apart cam surfaces and being adapted to be fixed for rotation with a second rotatable member as well as a plurality of roller elements positioned therebetween. A plurality of circumferentially extending springs cooperate with the cage to align each roller element with the cam surfaces. The springs and cage urge the roller elements away from the inner race. A retaining mechanism captures lubricant in contact with the roller elements.

Abstract: A transmission generally includes a shaft member having a cylindrical outer surface in which longitudinal grooves are formed. Rolling members are disposed in the longitudinal grooves. A gear member having lobes the lobes is disposed between the rolling members and over the shaft member. A clutch spring that at least partially encircles the rolling members and the lobes is also disposed. The clutch spring includes a reduced torque condition that at least defines the clutch spring stretching to accommodate the rolling members leaving the longitudinal grooves and moving to the outer cylindrical surface such that the clutch spring forms a generally elliptical shape in the reduced torque condition.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a controllable wheel route includes a first vehicle body, a first pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the first vehicle body, and can travel on the ground, a second vehicle body hingedly connected to the first vehicle body, a second pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the second vehicle body, and can travel on the ground, a regulator, which regulates a relative steering angle between the first vehicle body and the second vehicle body, a mode selector, which is configured to select a first mode and a second mode, and a controller, which receives the first mode signal or the second mode signal from the mode selector and controls the regulator according to the received signal.

Abstract: A vehicle with a controllable wheel route includes a vehicle body, a first pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the vehicle body to roll on the ground and can rotate around the vertical axis, a second pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the vehicle body to roll on the ground, can rotate around the vertical axis, and are placed in the back of the first wheels, a regulator, which regulates each steering angle on the vertical axis of the first and second wheels, a mode selector, which is configured to select a first mode and a second mode, and a controller, which receives the first mode signal or the second mode signal from the mode selector and controls the regulator according to the received signal. The second wheel route is regulated to be identical to the first wheel route in the first mode, and the second wheel route is regulated to be different from the first wheel route in the second mode.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch differential for controlling torque transmission between a pinion input shaft and at least one output hub. The clutch having a clutch housing and the roll cage mounted within the housing. An engagement control assembly is provided for controlling the relative position of the roll cage with respect to a cam surface on the clutch housing. The engagement control assembly includes an electronically controlled actuation device, such as a coil or solenoid, which when activated causes the roll cage to rotate into a second position relative to the clutch housing to engage the rolls with the cam surface and an outer surface of the hub. A spring is engaged with the clutch housing and has an end engaged with the roll cage for biasing the roll cage into a neutral position when the roll cage is in its second position.

Abstract: A compelling-type radial clutch device includes a V-shaped bendable joint structure installed between an active rotary part and a passive rotary part and driven by the active rotary part The V-shaped joint structure includes a joint axial core connecting an active arm of V-shaped joint structure and a compelling arm of the V-shaped joint structure, and an outward-expanding spring installed between the two arms, so that a prestressed outward-expanding bias force between the two arms causes angular displacement of the compelling arm by causing the angle between the two arms to increase, one end of the active arm of the V-shaped joint structure being connected and fastened on the active rotary part; and the other end of the compelling arm of the V-shaped joint structure being installed with a compression head or roller arranged to engage an inner notch in the passive rotary part.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the height of a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes an input shaft for inputting a torque by using a lever installed at one side of the seat; an output member connected to a link means to output the torque for adjusting the height of the seat; a clutch drum interposed between the input shaft and the output member on a torque transfer path; a torque transfer unit comprising a plurality of neighboring engagers wherein the engagers disposed at two ends of the torque transfer unit are spaced apart from each other, and wedge-combined between the input shaft and the clutch drum to transfer the torque; and an elastic member for providing an elastic restoration force for moving the torque transfer unit to its initial position. According to the present invention, since a conventional retainer may be omitted, backlash caused by a retaining clearance and an operation clearance may be prevented and thus an operational efficiency may be increased.

Abstract: An actuator for operating a multi-mode overrunning multi-directional clutch includes an axially displaceable shaft portion, an engagement member connected to the shaft portion and having a resilient segment for displacing a piston to engage the clutch. A locking portion is connected to the shaft portion for displacing an actuator pin to lock the clutch. In an example embodiment, the clutch is a three-mode overrunning bi-directional clutch. In some example embodiments, the resilient segment is radially flexible. In some example embodiments, the engagement member includes a tubular section with a plurality of circumferentially-offset axial slots, and the resilient segment is circumferentially disposed between corresponding axial slots.

Abstract: In a handheld electric tool having a tool housing in which is disposed a gearbox for transferring a torque, generated by a drive motor, to a drive spindle with which a spindle locking apparatus is associated, the drive spindle being rotatably mounted in the tool housing at at least two bearing points, the at least two bearing points are provided in the tool housing in a region downstream from the gearbox, and the spindle locking apparatus is disposed between the two bearing points in an axial direction of the drive spindle.

Abstract: The over-running bi-directional clutch is used to synchronize gears in a transmission to allow for locking and unlocking the gears in an efficient manner.

Abstract: Example aspects of the present invention comprise two concentric rings, the rings movable relative to each other and defining a clearance between them for receiving at least one ball. The first ring is a coupling member, the second ring is a tubular slipper with a friction surface on the far side of the clearance, and the ball contacts the coupling member to the tubular slipper. At least one ring has a first recess with side walls for receiving the least one ball, and the friction surface is configured to displace in a radial direction when the at least one ball is axially aligned with the first recess and forced to run up the side walls by rotating the rings relative to one another. In an example embodiment of the invention, the first recess is a calotte.

Abstract: A coupling having at least two concentric rings, each having a circumferential surface and a recess, and at least two roller elements. The roller elements are each disposed in a channel formed by the circumferential surface of one of the rings and the recess of another of the rings. In some example embodiments of the invention, the coupling includes a coupling member with a bearing surface, at least one of the rings includes a split and the split ring is urged against the bearing surface when there is relative rotation between the rings. The coupling member is, for example, a shaft or a gear.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with insertable four-wheel drive, including an engine having a crankshaft, a pair of main driving wheels constantly connected to the crankshaft by interposition of a gearbox provided with a first clutch, and a pair of secondary driving wheels, which may be connected to the crankshaft by an insertable transmission system. The insertable transmission system presents a second clutch, which is connected on one end with a fixed transmission ratio to the crankshaft upstream of the gearbox and on the other end with a fixed transmission ratio to the secondary driving wheels. A percentage of motive torque to be transmitted to the secondary driving wheels by the second clutch is determined according to dynamic parameters of the motor vehicle detected by respective sensors.

Abstract: A transmission generally includes a shaft member having a continuous cylindrical surface portion longitudinally disposed next to a cylindrical outer surface portion interrupted by longitudinal grooves. A first gear assembly has a first clutch spring that holds a first set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a first output gear. A second gear assembly has a second clutch spring that holds a second set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a second output gear. The first gear assembly and the second gear assembly are configured to move longitudinally along the shaft member to a position where at least one of the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly is engaged for rotation with the shaft member when a value of torque at the shaft member is below a torque threshold value.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device has a housing having an end wall with a shaft hole. An input shaft is inserted through the shaft hole, and an inner ring is mounted around the end of the input shaft inside the housing. A two-way clutch is provided between the inner ring and an outer ring disposed around the inner ring, and an electromagnetic clutch is provided adjacently, controlling engagement and disengagement of the two-way clutch. A first bearing mounted between radially facing surfaces of the housing and the outer ring is an open bearing, provided with a labyrinth on its end near the side of the open end of the housing. A second, single-sealed bearing is provided between facing surfaces of the inner ring and the outer ring, supporting these rings rotatably relative to each other. Lubricating grease with the same quality is used for the second bearing and the two-way clutch.

Abstract: Provided is a seat where pumping operation of a lever of the seat not only rotates an output member by inching but also, when a load in the operation direction of the lever is applied to the output side member, rotates it at one stroke in that direction. A seat adjustment device of the seat has a clutch unit (X) provided between the lever and a rotation member of a movement mechanism.

Abstract: A water pump disconnect clutch including: a first race having first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively; a second race having at least one ramp; at least one rolling element disposed radially between the first and second races; and an engagement means for axially displacing the at least one rolling element. In response to an increase in temperature for the pump above a specified level, the engagement means is for axially displacing the at least one rolling element from a first position, in which the first and second races are rotationally independent, to a second position to rotationally lock the first and second races. In response to a decrease in temperature for the pump below the specified level, the engagement means is for axially displacing the at least one rolling element from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: The seat adjustment mechanism has a housing with an outer ring and an inner ring. The rings are arranged concentrically. Clamping bodies interact with double clamping ramps on the rings and are arranged in an annular space between the rings. Spring supports pivot in relation to each other, interact with a stop on the housing, are arranged concentrically with the rings, and engage in each case both in the annular space and in an inner space arranged radially within the inner ring. The spring supports are braced in relation to each other by a spring, which is arranged in the inner space to secure the clamping bodies in the center of the double clamping ramps. Stop surfaces of the spring supports are acted upon by a force in the direction in which they are minimally spaced apart.

Abstract: The overrunning bi-directional clutch assembly has two coaxial slipper rings and use one actuator to simultaneously uncouple the slipper rings and lock the clutch. Also, the actuator uses a pair of cam surfaces, and corresponding cam following surfaces to actively control freewheel and lock mode of the clutch. A tab cutout arrangement indexes the two slipper rings.

Abstract: The three mode overrunning bi-directional clutch has a first mode where the slipper race and fixed race are coupled and power is not transmitted between the inner input shaft and the outer shaft. A second mode where the slipper race is uncoupled from the fixed race and the slipper race engages the outer shaft to provide power transmission between the inner shaft and the outer shaft. The third mode couples the slipper race to the fixed race but uses a brake to provide radial force against the slipper race to allow for partial engagement between the slipper race and the outer shaft. This third mode allows for a smooth transition between the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: A clutching device includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rollers and an actuator plate. The outer and inner races have axial ridges to define opposed outer and inner race pockets. The rollers are positioned in the outer and inner race pockets. The clutching device further includes an axial projection coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race. An actuator plate is coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race and axially moveable between a first position wherein the actuator plate engages the axial projection and a second position wherein the actuator plate does not engage the axial projection.

Abstract: In a bi-directional overrunning clutched differential unit, a pair of coaxial hubs are relatively unrotatably fitted on respective coaxial output shafts, and are relatively rotatably inserted into a cage holding rollers. A pair of second bearings journal a clutch housing disposed around the cage is diametrically larger than a pair of first bearings journaling the respective hubs, and are disposed between the first bearings in the axial direction of the output shafts. An axial end portion of the cage and the second bearing on the same axial side are distant from the first bearing on the same axial side so as to have a space where a friction mechanism for applying a frictional rotation resistance onto the cage is disposed.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device is provided which has a minimum play in the rotational direction, which is reliable by preventing the rollers from erroneously engaging during idling, and which has high torque capacity. A control retainer 19A and a rotary retainer 19B are mounted between an outer race 11 having a cylindrical surface 17 on its inner periphery and an inner race 12 having cam surfaces 18 on its outer periphery. An opposed pair of rollers 25 are mounted in each of pockets 24 defined between pillars 21 and 23 of the respective retainers 19A and 19B. A presser member 26 is also mounted in each pocket 24 which biases the pair of rollers 25 away from each other while pressing the rollers against the cam surface 18. A plurality of torque cams 40 are provided between flanges 20 and 22 of the control retainer 19A and the rotary retainer 19B.

Abstract: The overrunning bi-directional clutch with controlled locking provides an actuator pin with either a reduced profile or an enlarged profile that is moved in a controlled manner so as to provide an extended period of time between the freewheel mode and the lock mode for the clutch.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device which can quickly change the direction of rotation includes an inner ring having cam surfaces on its outer periphery, an outer ring having a cylindrical surface on its inner periphery, and pairs of circumferentially opposed rollers, the rollers of each pair being disposed between one of the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface to be circumferentially opposed to each other. A roller separation spring is disposed between the rollers of each pair of rollers to bias the rollers away from each other so that the rollers are wedged between the cam surface and the cylindrical surface. The rollers are retained by a roller retainer which can change the distance between the rollers of each pair of rollers. By reducing the distance between the rollers of each pair of rollers with the roller retainer, the rollers can be disengaged from the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: When a drive shaft is in a non-drive state, a second drive rotor is in a non-engaged state with a driven rotor with respect to its own rotating direction. When the drive shaft is in a drive state, a rotating force of a first drive rotor is transmitted to the second drive rotor through an urging member. As a result, a power transmitting member revolves, and a centrifugal force arranges the power transmitting member at a second clamping position. The second drive rotor receives a reaction force from a driven rotor via the power transmitting member. As a result, the second drive rotor is relatively rotated in an opposite direction to a rotating direction of the first drive rotor with respect to the first drive rotor, against an urging force of the urging member. As a result, the first drive rotor is engaged with the driven rotor with respect to its own rotating direction. Accordingly, the clutch is stably operated.

Abstract: A reverse input prevention clutch bearing assembly comprises a first rotational member and a second rotational member which are arranged on a coaxial line and has orbit surfaces with different radii and a plurality of rolling members between the two orbit surfaces. The assembly also has a cage which supports the rolling members, and a distinguished wedge ring assembly which allows or does not allow the rolling members to rotate based on the change of the rotational direction gap between the first rotational member and the control member and the rotational direction of the control member.

Abstract: A clutching device includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rollers and an actuator plate. The outer and inner races have axial ridges to define opposed outer and inner race pockets. The rollers are positioned in the outer and inner race pockets. The clutching device further includes an axial projection coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race. An actuator plate is coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race and axially moveable between a first position wherein the actuator plate engages the axial projection and a second position wherein the actuator plate does not engage the axial projection.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an input pinion and an output pinion associated with a rotatable locking member that has a surface inclined with respect to an axis of rotation of the locking member. The surface cooperates with an engagement member, and the locking member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the surface forms a recess to receive the engagement member, and in the second position, the surface forms a projection to force the engagement member into abutment with the input pinion to establish a driveable connection between the input pinion and the output pinion.

Abstract: Presented herein are four-wheel drive systems incorporating a bi-directional overrunning clutch design to control the torque transmission between front and rear transaxles. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a four-wheel drive system comprising a front transaxle, a rear transaxle, a transmission receiving drive power from a prime mover, and a bi-directional overrunning clutch drivingly coupled to an output shaft of the transmission and selectively coupled to the front and rear transaxle.

Abstract: A two-way clutch has a rotational driving unit, a rotational driven unit, a roller interposed between the rotational driven unit and a collar, which is a fixed member and is not rotatable. A recess is formed in an inner peripheral surface of the collar, so that the roller is engaged with the recess. As a result, a locked condition between the rotational driven unit and the collar by means of the roller is not easily released. Therefore, the rotational driven unit is stably held at its locked position, even when a high vibration, a high load and/or a large pulsation is applied to the rotational driven unit.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch comprising an input gear, a pair of hubs, and a roller assembly is provided. Each hub is engaged to an end of one of a pair of shaft segments of a primary drive axle. The roller assembly is disposed within the input gear and about at least a portion of each hub. The roller assembly includes spring pins, extending from the roller assembly, with ball locks adapted to engage detents on the surface of each hub, so as to form spring pin engagements between the roller assembly and the hubs. In operation, rotation of the input gear causes rotation of the roller assembly. Thereafter, rotation of the roller assembly causes rotation of the hubs via the spring pin engagements. The spring pins, however, are generally adapted to disengage the spring pin engagements when one of the hubs rotates faster than the other hub.

Abstract: A bidirectional overrunning clutch comprising an input gear, a pair of hubs, and a roller assembly is provided. Each hub is engaged to an end of one of a pair of shaft segments of a primary drive axle. The roller assembly is disposed within the input gear and about at least a portion of each hub. The roller assembly includes rollers disposed within recesses of the roller assembly. The roller assembly also includes a spring extending from the roller assembly to exert frictional forces between the roller assembly and the hubs. In operation, rotation of the input gear causes rotation of the roller assembly. Thereafter, rotation of the roller assembly causes rotation of the hubs via the engagements between the rollers and the hubs.

Abstract: A wheel hub with clutch where power is transferred through a drive, such as a chain that is linked between a peddle arrangement and a gear or gears splined onto the hub. The hub provides free-wheeling when torque is not applied thereto and will instantly engage, transferring an applied torque therethrough and into a wheel connected to the hub when torque is applied as through a peddle arrangement. For locking, the hub includes, as a radial load bearing component, a sleeve whereon a gear or gears are splined, with the splined gear sleeve mounting a thick ring for fitting into an end of a hub body. The thick ring contains spaced sloping slots, each containing a ball bearing. The hub body includes an annular ring that receives the thick ring fitted there and has spaced steps, or the like, formed therein to engage the ball bearing surfaces, transferring torque.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system is disclosed that includes a steering portion, a steered portion, and a clutch mechanism. The steering portion includes operations input mechanism and a reaction adding device. The steered portion includes steering controlled wheels and a steered force adding device. The clutch mechanism mechanically connects the steering portion and steered portion through an engagement. The clutch mechanism has a permanent magnet and an electromagnetic coil so as to form an electromagnetic clutch that releases when a current is applied such that a magnetic force in the direction that cancels a magnetic force of the permanent magnet is generated for the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic clutch engages when a current is not applied to the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for use with a torque limiting driver. The clutch assembly comprises two relatively roatable clutch plates, a driving plate and a camming plate, that face one another, with a plurality of rolling members housed between the two members. When the rolling members are in the override position, the recesses form individual housings for the rolling members that include a gap located between the rolling members and a respective curvilinear base area of the drive plate. The clutch assembly is secured to a drive shaft by a pin, which is supported by a pair of wheels located on opposing sides of the pin.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes inner and outer rings, a two-way clutch mounted between the outer and inner rings, and an electromagnetic clutch mounted adjacent to the two-way clutch. The electromagnetic clutch includes a rotor guide pressed onto the outer ring at its open end and a rotor pressed into the rotor guide. The rotor guide is made of a magnetic material having the same or substantially the same coefficient of linear expansion as the material of the rotor. Thus, even when the rotor guide and the rotor are heated and expanded, the interference between the rotor and the rotor guide remains substantially constant. Therefore, the rotor and the rotor guide can be reliably coupled together with a simple structure and at a low cost.