Abstract: In a one-way clutch comprising an inner ring and an outer ring, a plurality of torque transmitting members disposed between the rings, and a holder for holding the torque transmitting members, the holder includes an annular body, a first guide arrangement formed on one of axial ends of the body to protrude radially inwardly or radially outwardly from the body and engaged by the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring or the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring, and a second guide arrangement formed on the other axial end of the body to protrude toward the same direction as the first guide arrangement and engaged by the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring or the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring, the body, first guide arrangement and second guide arrangement being made of the same material integrally.

Abstract: A freewheel assembly is disclosed. The freewheel includes an internal cage ring made of a rigid material such as a metal. An external cage ring which is made of a flexible material such as a plastic surrounds the internal cage ring. Projections extend from the frontal surfaces of the external cage ring. The projections define cams for engaging a surrounding member.

Abstract: A retainer which is for a one-way clutch and is made of a synthetic resin so that the retainer includes a pair of annular portions, a plurality of column portions disposed at equal intervals along the circumference of the retainer and coupling the annular portions to each other along the axis of the retainer, roller pockets defined by the annular portions and the column portions, and elastic members integrally provided on the sides of the column portions, to which rollers housed in the roller pockets are moved when the one-way clutch is disengaged. The other side of each of the column portions is formed with an inner and an outer projecting parts projecting toward the former side of the neighboring column portion. The width of each of the elastic members gradually decreases from the butt thereof toward the tip thereof. The former side of each of the column portions is formed with stoppers for limiting the elastic deformation of the elastic members toward the former side of the column portion.

Abstract: A ribbon spring for use in a sprag-synchronized one-way clutch includes an elongated metal thin plate which is formed with a plurality of sprag insertion holes at a predetermined pitch. The ribbon spring is bent linearly in at least at one location or in a curved form at least partly at least at one end portion, so that the ribbon spring defines a circle which is substantially equal to a true circle when assembled into a one-way clutch.

Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly positioned between inner and outer races for the clutch and which includes a one-piece generally cylindrical cage formed of a suitable plastic material having a plurality of openings to receive sprags therein, and a pair of integral spring fingers in each opening to engage the opposite sides of a sprag and lightly urge the sprag into contact with the interior and exterior surfaces of the inner and outer races of the clutch. To provide a full-phased sprag clutch, an additional cage ring is provided concentric to and closely fitting the cage with a plurality of openings generally aligned with the cage openings to provide a full-phased clutch operation. Further, a separate metal spring member can be substituted for the integral spring fingers, which spring member clamps onto a cross piece of the cage and provides spring fingers extending into the cage opening to contact the sprag.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch composed of radially spaced, mutually rotatable and concentrically disposed first and second rotary members, and torque transmitting members arranged between the first and second rotary members to transmit torques therebetween, an annular retainer holding the torque transmitting members at equal angular intervals has such a specific shape that the retainer is resiliently deformable in its entirety against an annular surface of the first or second rotary member so as to maintain at least a part of the retainer in contact with the annular surface of the first or second rotary member.

Abstract: A cage for an overrunning clutch with a metallic outer race accommodating concentrically a metallic inner element and having in a cage arranged between the outer race and the inner element camming elements retained under the action of springs in camming contact with the surfaces of the outer race, on the one hand, and of the inner element, on the other hand, the cage being made of injection moldable or castable polymeric material and having pockets for the camming elements defined by crossbars and at least one end ring connected therewith, at least one circumferential surface of the cage cooperating in the form of a sliding bearing with a cylindrical surface of the adjacent structural part (outer race and/or inner element), characterized in that the cage (1,15,22,30,39) is provided at least in the area of the end ring (4,18,23,33,45) with an annular metallic reinforcement shield (13,19,20,26,27,34,35,47) connected to the cage (1,15,22,30,39) in a form-fitting manner especially through injection-molding around

Abstract: A one-way sprag clutch for use between inner and outer races wherein the sprag clutch includes an inner cage, an outer cage, an energizing spring located between the two cages, both cages and energizing spring having aligned openings receiving suitable sprags adapted to engage the interior and exterior surfaces of the outer and inner races, respectively. The outer cage is provided with one or more retaining clips, formed of a suitable resilient metallic or plastic material, circumferentially spaced around the cage; each clip having at least one downwardly and rearwardly bent tab engaging an edge of the outer race and an upwardly inclined lip which is received in an annular groove formed in the interior surface of the outer race to prevent axial movement of the clutch relative to the races.

Abstract: A retainer plate of a one-way clutch assembly for retaining the one-way clutch assembly in position between a pair of outer and inner rings. The retainer plate is generally ring-shaped and recessed at a plurality of locations at least at one surface, so that when the retainer plate is brought into contact with the outer ring for having the retainer plate fixedly attached to the outer ring, there are formed a plurality of radially extending flow passages between the retainer plate and the outer ring. Therefore, a part of the lubricant supplied through a supply port of the inner ring may pass through these flow channels to be supplied to thrust bearings and/or to a clutch plate assembly which is provided at the outer periphery of the outer ring.

Abstract: A double retainer type sprag-synchronized one-way clutch assembly includes a plurality of sprags which are arranged in an annular space defined between an inner ring and an outer ring and a pair of inner and outer sprag retainers, which are generally ring-shaped, for retaining the plurality of sprags spaced apart from one another at a predetermined pitch. At least one of the inner and outer sprag retainers is fabricated from a plastic material or the like and includes a plurality of axial sections arranged circumferentially and a plurality of circumferential sections, each of which connects the corresponding ends of two axial sections alternately in side to thereby define a serpentine-like structure.

Abstract: A self-centering freewheel mechanism comprises at least one cage containing wedging cams and U-shaped bearings with inner and outer branches facing towards the cage. Radial protuberances on the cage cooperate elastically with at least one of the surfaces of the branches of each bearing facing towards the inside of the U-shape to fasten the cage and the bearings together in the axial direction.

Abstract: An anti-sway system for a steerable vehicle of the type employing a torsion bar suspension system. Operatively coupled to the torsion bar for each of the vehicle's steerable wheels or skis is a mechanism for increasing the effective spring rate of the suspension upon cornering over that prevailing when steering a straight line course.

Abstract: A one-way clutch with a cage-displacement limiting mechanism is constructed of an outer race; an inner race concentric with the outer race; sprags arranged within a space between the outer and inner races and being displaceable between first positions, where the sprags are maintained in contact with the inner and outer races to transmit a torque, and second positions where the sprags cannot transmit any torque; first and second annular cages arranged within the space with a radial interval therebetween, holding the sprags in place, and being rotatable relative to each other between first relative positions, where the sprags are caused to move to the first positions, and second relative positions where the sprags are caused to move to the second positions; a limiting means for connecting the cages to each other and limiting the degrees of relative movements of the cages; and a means for urging the sprags to the first positions.

Abstract: A clutch having an outer member, an inner member mounted in the outer member, a cage interposed between the outer and inner members and cam elements movably mounted in pockets formed in the cage. Torque-setting elastic members are provided between the cage and one of the inner and outer members so that while the torque on the elastic member is smaller than a preset value, they will rotate in unison with some clearance left therebetween in the direction of rotation. When the torque on the elastic member gets larger than the preset value, the elastic member deforms to allow the cage to turn relative to the member engaged therewith. Now, the cam elements are pushed by the cage into engagement with both cam surfaces formed on the inner periphery of the outer member and the outer periphery of the inner member, thus brining the two members into engagement.

Abstract: An annular retainer is provided for use in a one-way clutch, which is constructed of a first and second rotary members arranged spacedly in a radial direction, rotatably relative to each other and concentrically with each other and having axially-extending annular surfaces respectively and torque transmitting members arranged between the first and second rotary members to transmit torques between the annular surfaces. The annular retainer serves to hold the torque transmitting members at equal angular intervals. The retainer has such a specific shape that the retainer is as a whole flexible against the annular surface of the first or second rotary member so as to maintain at least a part of the retainer in contact with the annular surface of the first or second rotary member.

Abstract: Free-wheel device having clamping cams, intended to be mounted between an external cylindrical sliding path (5) and an internal cylindrical sliding path (4) comprising a cage (3) of generally cylindrical shape provided with a plurality of apertures (8) for the passage of at least part of each cam (2) and a strap spring (1) of generally cylindrical shape provided with a plurality of windows (9) within which the cams are mounted, each cam bearing against a rim of the corresponding window defining a pivoting edge (10) for the cam and subjected to the action of a pivoting tongue (11) fixed to the spring, tending to cause the cam to pivot in the direction favouring clamping while exerting a thrust on the cam towards the pivoting ridge (10), characterized in that the position and the shape of the zone of contact between the cam and the pivoting tongue are selected in a manner such that the lever arm (l) of the variable force (F) exerted by the tongue relative to the pivoting edge (10) varies in inverse proportion t

Abstract: A linearly extending metallic element includes at least one relatively hard arcuate surface formed by ion implantation. The elements are utilized in an overrunning clutch and can be rollers or sprags. The clutch roller has the entire arcuate surface treated while the clutch sprag has only the opposed arcuate ends treated. In addition, tracks on the inner and outer races of a clutch can have relatively hard surfaces formed by ion implantation for contacting the rollers and the sprags.

Abstract: A double cage structure for a freewheel sprag clutch in which the inner cage ring is formed of metal and the outer cage ring is formed of a plastic material.

Abstract: Overrunning clutch with locking elements securely retained by a respective spring element in pockets having plane end faces and being part of a one-piece unitary cage which spring element includes a spring section extending axially adjacent to the locking element and having a projection which acts upon the locking element with a spring force in the direction of engagement and a restraining area supported by the unitary cage, characterized in that the spring element (18) is made of flat material and the spring section (20) is defined by at least one bend (27,28) of the flat material, that the bend (27,28) extends in the area between the one radial plane (10 and 11, respectively) in which the frontal outer surface of the unitary cage (1) extends and the one radial plane (12 and 13, respectively) in which the end faces (8 and 9, respectively) of the pockets (4) near this outer surface extend with the greatest axial inside width (L), and that the restraining area (19) is retained in a self-locking manner on the u

Abstract: A sprag outer retainer ring of a sprag-synchronized one-way clutch assembly includes a plurality of pockets formed in a circumferential direction at a predetermined pitch. Each of the pockets is defined by a generally rectangular sprag insertion hole and a pair of notches formed on opposite side edges of the sprag insertion hole and continuously therewith. Thus, the pocket is generally symmetrical in shape and thus the present outer retainer ring may be used irrespective of the lock direction.

Abstract: A ribbon spring for use in a sprag-synchronized one-way clutch includes a metal thin plate which is formed with a plurality of sprag insertion holes of a predetermined shape preferably defined by stamping. In one embodiment, the sprag insertion hole is generally E-shaped as defined by a pair of tabs substantially identical in shape and size which extend into the sprag insertion hole from one side edge thereof. In another embodiment, the sprag insertion hole is generally C-shaped as defined by a relatively wide tab which extends into the sprag insertion hole from one side edge thereof and which is formed with a slot. With these structures, the sprag is prevented from wobbling or skewing during operation and an optimal spring constant can be set easily.

Abstract: A portable engine unit is provided. The unit comprises an engine including a clutch, a crankcase enclosing a crank shaft, an engine cylinder enclosing a piston and a piston rod, a carburetor, an air filter, a recoil starter, and a muffler; and a housing for enclosing the engine, comprising at least two portions which are assembled and disassembled along a plane including the axis of rotation of an output shaft of the engine to enclose and expose the engine.

Abstract: A method for achieving a predetermined pressure behavior of the clamping bodies (1) of a free wheel, for which the pressure force can be determined and adjusted in advance. The position of the center of gravity (S) of the clamping body (1) is changed by removing material from the clamping bodies to achieve a predetermined pressure behavior.

Abstract: An anti-sway system for a steerable vehicle of the type employing a torsion bar suspension. Operatively coupled to the torsion bar for each of the vehicle's steerable wheels or skis is a mechanism for increasing the effective spring rate of the suspension upon cornering over that prevailling when steering a straight line course.

Abstract: A one-way sprag clutch is composed of a first and second races arranged concentrically and rotatably relative to each other with a radial interval and having axially-extending annular race surfaces respectively, sprags arranged between the first and second races to transmit torques between the race surfaces, and an annular retainer defining through-holes maintaining the sprags with equal angular intervals. Each of the sprags is formed of a first and second end portions engageable respectively with the race surfaces of the first and second races and a constricted portion extending between the first and second end portions, is constricted in an angular direction and has a cross-section substantially in the form of a peanut shell. The angular width of at least a part of each of the through-holes is narrower than the maximum angular widths of the first and second end portions but is broader than the angular width of the constricted portion.

Abstract: An operator powered skateboard including a platform, a drive assembly mounted to the platform about a pivot axis for axial displacement. The drive assembly including an external power assembly engaging a skateboard axle for causing rotation of the axle in one direction and a handle connected to the external power assembly for selectively engaging the power assembly. The skateboard including at least two pairs of wheels, one pair connected to the drive assembly, the other pair mounted to the platform about a second pivot axis for independent axial displacement.

Abstract: An end-bearing equipped one-way clutch includes an outer and inner rotary members, torque-transmitting members arranged between the first and second rotary members, retainers maintaining the torque-transmitting members with equal angular intervals and having radially-extending annular flanges at one axial end portions thereof, and end bearings arranged respectively along both axial ends of the retainers maintaining the first and second rotary members in a concentric relation. One of the end bearings, which is arranged on the side opposite to the flanges, is composed of a first cylindrical portion fit in the outer rotary member, a second cylindrical portion fit on the inner rotary member and a toroidal plate portion connecting the first and second cylindrical portions to each other.

Abstract: A differential clutch comprises a driving member having a plurality of inner circumferentially disposed clutch teeth cooperating with a lesser number of sprags resiliently urged outwardly on an intermediate member. A second set of sprags on the intermediate member cooperates with clutch teeth on a fixed member to prevent retrograde movement. Rocking back and forth of the turnable member acts through the clutch teeth and sprags to turn the intermediate member. The intermediate member is connected to a driven member, for example, for adjusting a brake, or for acting as a part of a ratchet wrench.

Abstract: A one-way clutch with a cage-displacement limiting mechanism is constructed of an outer race; an inner race concentric with the outer race; sprags arranged within a space between the outer and inner races and being displaceable between first positions, where the sprags are maintained in contact with the inner and outer races to transmit a torque, and second positions where the sprags cannot transmit any torque; first and second annular cages arranged within the space with a radial interval therebetween, holding the sprags in place, and being rotatable relative to each other between first relative positions, where the sprags are caused to move to the first positions, and second relative positions where the sprags are caused to move to the second positions; and a limiting member for connecting the cages to each other and for limiting the degrees of relative movements of the cages.

Abstract: Spring for a free-wheel device with wedging cams, of the type comprising a series of main undulations (8) provided with apertures (9) for allowing the cams (2) to pass through and for holding them, and a plurality of tilting tongues (12) each acting on one of the side faces of a cam in the direction assisting the wedging action, characterized in that the rear edge of each aperture has a flat portion (10) folded back towards the outside and capable of bearing against a surface portion (22) of the rear side of the cam, the tilting tongue (12) being located on the side where the front edge of the aperture (9) is located.

Abstract: A thrust/retaining washer for use in an overrunning clutch is formed as an annular having a single split or opening therein. The washer is formed of an acetal resin material and the split allows it to be expanded to fit over the outside of a tubular inner race and snap into a radially extending circumferential groove formed in the outer cylindrical surface of the inner race. The washer thereby prevents rollers and/or spacers from escaping from the raceway between the inner race and outer race. The washer also abuts an inwardly facing surface of an end cap secured to the outer race to provide an axial thrust surface for the clutch. Radially extending lubrication grooves are formed in both radially extending planar surfaces of the washer to provide a path for lubrication to reach the internal elements of the clutch. The grooves are formed in both surfaces to permit the washer to be installed on the inner race without first orienting the washer.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch includes an actuating ring to displace sprags from the race surfaces in the overrunning mode to reduce sprag wear. The actuating ring is positioned in the radial space between the inner and outer races and is cooperative with the sprag retainer to lift the sprags from engagement with the race surfaces in the overrunning mode. In a first embodiment, an actuating ring carries a plurality of circumference distributed tilt pads which are spaced axially from the sprags. Each tilt pad is pivotally mounted on the actuating ring and includes a shoe portion. The rotation of the inner race causes the shoe portion to experience hydrodynamic drag against the lubricant on the inner race surface. The drag tends to displace the ring relative to the sprag retainer and thereby contact the sprags and pivot them out of surface contact with the inner race. In a second embodiment, the actuating ring takes the form of a sleeve bushing with recesses formed in the inner radial surface.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes first and second rotary members arranged concentrically and rotatably relative to each other with an annular spacing therebetween, a torque-transmitting member provided between the first and second rotary members to transmit torques between the first and second rotary members, and a sliding bearing provided between the first and second rotary members so as to maintain the first and second rotary members in a concentric relation. The sliding bearing has a first flange and second flanges extending along the mutually-opposing surfaces of the first and second rotary members and tangs extending in the radial direction and secured on the second rotary member. The first flange is slidable on the first rotary member, while the second flanges are in contact with the second rotary member.

Abstract: A driving device for bicycle comprising a pedal system having a left and a right pedal which repeat reciprocating motion and a hub section provided with a left and a right driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting the treading force applied to each pedal to the driving wheel independently, the aforesaid driving force transmission mechanism transmits the forward torque imparted through the pedal to the driving wheel but does not transmit the rearward torque and is provided with a clutch mechanism for disconnecting the connection between the driving wheel and the pedal when the driving wheel reverses as the bicycle is moved back. When the pedals are treaded for reciprocating motion, the driving wheel is rotated in the forward sense to move the bicycle forward and even when the left and right pedals are interlocked so that they can be treaded alternately, reversing the driving wheel is feasible so that the bicycle can be also moved back.

Abstract: Free wheel, the cage (5) of which consists of two identical half cages (6, 7) each incorporating an intermediate cylindrical envelope (8) which is firmly fixed to portions forming surfaces (9, 10), which may or may not be continuous, for bearing against the surfaces of the shaft (1) and the bore (2), or the same side as, or on the side remote from the row of cams (3), the said intermediate envelope (8) incorporating notches (12 to 18) of such a shape that it allows the two half cages when positioned facing one another to be fitted together by an axial movement, enclosing the said spring between the central envelope (8) and the surface (9) for bearing upon the shaft, and leaving rectangular openings (15-17, 16, 15-17, 16) for cams (3) to be radially introduced, which thus lock axially the two half cages.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus for a gas transmission system which includes radiator fans each driven in a desired direction from its respective drive-motor by way of a drive-belt with an associated belt tensioner, such belt tensioner including a one-way sprag-clutch coupled through a shaft and sheave to a respective drive-belt and having a direction of free rotation which corresponds to the direction of motion of said drive-belt necessary to produce motion of its respective radiator fan in the desired direction.

Abstract: In a freewheel mechanism with a number of blocking members arranged between raceways on two elements, one raceway is arranged on a body which is co-operating with one of the elements and is turnable thereon. The circumference of the body is variable for varying the distance between the raceways. The variations can take place because the body is elastically deformable radially and by tightening and releasing a threaded portion between the body and the element, the thread flanks thereby acting as wedges. The purpose of the arrangement is to avoid jamming of the freewheel by the blocking members upon reversal of the direction of rotation when the blocking members are in blocking position. The unwanted torque developed during jamming of the freewheel releases the tightened thread joint between the body and the element, whereby the circumference of the body and the distance between the raceways of the freewheel is increased so that the blocking members are released.

Abstract: This specification discloses a one-way clutch rolling member holder for holding a plurality of rolling members disposed between the annular inner surface of an outer race and the annular outer surface of an inner race and intermittently transmitting a torque, characterized in that the holder has a plurality of holding surfaces disposed between the rolling members, and some or all of the holding surfaces have a planar portion bearing against the annular inner surface of the outer race or the annular outer surface of the inner race. The specification also disclosed a one-way clutch having such holder.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch bearing having an outer race having an annular inner surface, an inner race having an annular outer surface corresponding to and concentric with the inner surface, and rolling members disposed in an annular space formed between the inner surface and the outer surface, whereby relative rotation of the inner and outer races in one direction is prevented by displacement of the rolling members in the space and a torque is transmitted, holding means for holding the rolling members is provided at a displacement position whereat the rolling members transmit a predetermined transmission torque, and means is provided for decreasing a wedge angle (an angle defined by a line extending from the center of the inner race to the point of contact between the rolling member and the inner race and a line passing through the points of contact between the rolling member and the inner and outer races) at a position before the rolling members arrive at the displacement position.

Abstract: A one-way clutch device comprises a first member having an annular track surface, a second member having an annular track surface concentric with the annular track surface of the first member, a ring space defined between the track surface of the first member and the track surface of the second member, torque transmitting members disposed in the ring space and tiltable into wedge engagement with both of the track surfaces to connect the track surfaces together for rotation in unison, a first annular retaining member engaged with the torque transmitting members to hold the same, the first retaining member being disposed concentrically with and adjacent to the track surface of the first member and engaged with the first member to prevent axial slippage thereof, a second annular retaining member engaged with the torque transmitting members to hold the same, the second retaining member being disposed concentrically with and adjacent to the track surface of the second member, and a spring interposed between the fi

Abstract: To permit use of essentially circular, disk-like engagement elements (8) in a free-wheeling clutch, which can rotate to permit one-way free-wheeling operation while interfering with relative free rotation in the other direction, a coil spring (7) with two projecting spring arms (7a, 7b) is located in a recess of a radial surface (5) formed in an opening (2) in the cage ring, and the ring as well as the engagement elements are formed additionally with first and second cooperating surface pairs (3a, 8d; 4c, 8c) located at different diametrical dimensions with respect to a pivot axis of the engagement element, the spring arms (7a, 7b) engaging against essentially radially--with respect to the pivot axis--extending transition engagement surfaces (8e, 8f) between the respective different diametrical, essentially circular surfaces of the engagement element.

Abstract: A retainer ring for a freewheel clutch comprises an annular disc and a plurality of sprag-guiding clips mounted on a radial face of the annular disc in a circumferential distribution about the disc axis. Each clip extends parallel to the disc axis and holds a sprag captive. Each clip has two parallel, circumferentially spaced legs extending from the radial disc face and being parallel to the disc axis. The legs extend along opposite sides of the circumferential surface of the sprag. Each clip further has a web interconnecting the clip legs at ends thereof remote from the radial face of the annular disc. The web extends along one of the end faces of the respective sprag.

Abstract: A one-way clutch wherein a plurality of sprags disposed in an annular array are positioned in an annular space between concentric inner and outer rings. Each sprag has a groove formed therein substantially midway between the ends thereof. A garter spring is fitted within the grooves. An annular retainer is disposed within the annular space. The retainer has axially extending parts which are circularly joined together, whereby the axially extending parts positionally hold the sprags. A ringlike side member of generally channel-shaped cross section is confined between and has inner and outer walls which respectively slidably engage the inner and outer rings. These inner and outer walls are joined by a radial side wall which closely confines the sides of the sprags, which side wall has recesses for accommodating the axially extending parts of the retainer. This radial side wall also has radial wall portions which project between the sides of the sprags and the circularly extending parts of the retainer.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in internal combustion engines requiring positive application for controlling transmitted pulses comprising: a base element mating with the front of the engine and having an inner cavity about a central axis. An overrunning clutch assembly is provided for constantly engaging inner periphery of the base element. As the assembly rotatably surrounds a sleeve, it engages and interconnects the base element and outer periphery of the circular sleeve which is key engaged to and surrounds portion of a crankshaft extending from the front of the engine. An L shaped block has an aperture and is positioned adjacent the base element. A bolt is adapted in the aperture for threadingly engaging the engine, so to removably secure and mate the L shaped block and the base element together and with the front of the engine, whereby a positive constant effective unit is formed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for applying coating material to work pieces in register with a physical characteristic thereof as they are being moved through the apparatus. The apparatus includes an applicator roll, work moving means, and an overrunning clutch, all pre-set to operate in phase with each other when driven by a first drive through the clutch. When the first drive is inoperative, a second drive through the clutch continues rotation of the applicator roll through a supply of coating material. Subsequent reactivation of the first drive means moves the applicator roll in phase with the work moving means and the second drive stops.

Abstract: An elastomeric energizer for a sprag clutch provides an improved mechanism for engaging the circumferentially spaced sprags thereof with the inner and outer races of the clutch. The energizer also dampens sprag oscillations, thereby cutting clutch chatter, and avoiding localized stresses on the energizing surfaces of the sprags. In a preferred embodiment, the sprag energizer is an O-ring contained within an annular recess formed by grooves in the sides of the individual sprags.

Abstract: A one-way clutch wherein a plurality of sprags disposed in an annular array are positioned within an annular space between concentric inner and outer rings. Each sprag has a groove formed therein substantially midway between the ends thereof, which groove opens outwardly of the sprag in a direction which extends radially relative to the inner and outer rings. A garter spring is fitted within the grooves defined by the plurality of sprags. An annular retainer is also disposed within the annular space for holding and positionally confining the sprags. The annular retainer has axially extending parts which are circularly joined together, whereby the axially extending parts positionally hold the sprags.

Abstract: Cam-type freewheel, characterized by the fact that the cage is made in one piece in moulded material with roughly rectangular recesses taking the cams, and by the fact that the continuous strip spring is placed round the periphery of the cage and comprises, at right angles to each recess, one or more elastic tabs entering the recess and bearing against the base of the cam in the proximity of the inner bush and so exerting on it a roughly tangential and preferably slightly outwardly oblique lateral thrust, with the angular and axial immobility of the spring with respect to the cage being provided by studs or lugs carried by one of these components and entering openings made in the other.

Abstract: A freewheel of the cam type has a series of jamming cams 1 held by a cage 4 between a shaft 3 and an outer sleeve 2. The cams 1 are held in recesses 5 in the cage, which is a single integral moulding, by an integral spring strip 9 which extends around the outer periphery of the cage 4 and has elastic tabs 10 which project into the recesses 5 and bear against circumferentially extending surfaces 11 on the cams 1. They thus exert a substantially radial force 12 and a reaction on the contact line 13 to produce a torque 8 on the cams. The spring strip 9 is fixed angularly and axially with respect to the cage 4 by lugs 15 on the cage 4 fitting in openings 16 in the strip.

Abstract: A wedging-type freewheeling clutch providing a combination of a roller or needle bearing with a wedging member freewheeling clutch in generally axial alignment between inner and outer rings. A ball bearing may also be added on the opposite side of the freewheeling clutch from the roller or needle bearing. The needle or roller bearing includes a cage open on one side to receive the rollers and the cage of the freewheeling clutch is located adjacent to the bearing cage to close the open side. The cage for the freewheeling clutch is a double cage having centering means on either the inner or outer surface of the cage to contact the adjacent ring to center the clutch relative to the bearing races.