Abstract: A shade positioning system which employs a wrap spring clutch system includes a shade operator, a shade roller, and an idle end bracket for supporting the shade roller when mounted. The shade operator includes a self-lubricating central stud around which a helical coil spring is wrapped, a manually operated pulley mounted on the wrap spring, and a support bushing to ensure positive engagement of the aforementioned elements. The central stud is composed of a plastic or metal, which allows the smooth rotation of the wrap spring around the stud. The tangs of the wrap spring project substantially radially outward from the spring central axis, and are shaped to accommodate for the coefficient of friction between the stud and the spring. A first preferred spring construction allows for decreased spring surface area to contact the stud. A second preferred spring construction allows for an increased spring surface area to contact the stud.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having a vertical bore in the handle. The vertical bore has a resilient member disposed therein. The resilient member has an enlarged central section. When the pawl of the ratchet wrench is moved from one alternate position to another, the enlarged central section is distorted.

Abstract: A coil spring (50) for use in an overrunning spring clutch assembly having a central arbor (16) for centering and supporting the coil spring (50) in an overrunning operating mode. The coil spring (50) includes teaser coils (52) disposed at each end thereof, central coils (54) disposed intermediate the teaser coils (52), and transition coils (56) disposed between and adjoining the teaser coils (52) and the central coils (54). The coil spring (50) is characterized by each of the transition coils (56) having an interface surface (56.sub.IS) being substantially complementary to a corresponding external bearing surface (16.sub.ES) defined by the central arbor (16) of the spring clutch assembly. Such substantially complementary relationship limits the radial deflection of the transition coils (56) in the overrunning operating mode, thereby reducing vibratory bending stresses in the coil spring (50).

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

Abstract: An over-running clutch pulley in which a pulley sheave and hub cooperate to define a composite inner cylindrical surface. A coil spring engages the composite cylindrical surface. The spring is oriented to transfer torque from the pulley sheave to the pulley hub when the pulley sheave is driving the pulley hub. The spring allows slip to occur between the pulley hub and sheave when the sheave is decelerated relative to the hub.

Abstract: A bi-directional sprang clutch further including a ratchet and pawl so as to permit substantial torque to be transmitted to the shade roller only in one direction. In the other direction, the roller is nearly free to rotate so that the weight of the shade material depending from one side of the roller exerts a torque on the roller which prevents reverse rolling.

Abstract: An infinitely variable forward speed mechanical transmission uses asymmetric helical/spur gear trains mounted to rotate within a rotor assembly to reduce the torque output within the rotor assembly through inefficiency of the asymmetric gear trains. The rotor assembly includes integrated input and output hubs having adjacent radially flush outer control surfaces, with the output hub in mesh with the asymmetric helical/spur gear trains in mesh with an output shaft. A transmission speed control device connected to a control gear connected to a control tang of a wrap spring positioned about the control surfaces of the input and output hubs provides infinitely variable control of the relative rotation of the two hubs to selectively control the torque output of the transmission.

Abstract: A car transmission system which employs gear sets for transmission and is free from clutch mechanism. The transmission system mainly includes several driving gears which have increasing numbers of teeth and are sequentially inter-fitted on a driving shaft from inner side to outer side at intervals, and several driven gears which have decreasing numbers of teeth and are sequentially inter-fitted on a driven shaft from outer side to inner side at intervals. The driven gears are constantly engaged with the corresponding driving gears. The transmission spring members are controlled by a manually operated or automatically operated transmission controlling assembly and are respectively reciprocally independently moved between an engaging position where the power is transmitted and a disengaging position where the power is not transmitted, whereby the power of the driving shaft is sequentially transmitted to any of the driving gears.

Abstract: A down shift mechanism for incorporation in a device such as an assembly tool includes a wrap spring which locks and releases a planetary gear speed reduction assembly to provide shifts between two drive ratios in response to torque throughput. The wrap spring is received upon a drive drum within a cylindrical housing. The ends of the wrap spring are engaged by a pair of relatively rotationally adjustable and fixable spring engaging lugs which adjust the preload of the wrap spring and thus the torque level at which the spring unwraps and lifts off the drive drum and thus the torque level at which the shift occurs. The wrap spring housing is coupled to the ring gear of the planetary gear assembly. When the torque applied to the wrap spring exceeds the preload, the spring unwraps, unlocking the ring gear and planetary gear assembly and downshifting to the speed reduction determined by the planetary gear assembly. An alternate embodiment of the downshift mechanism is also presented.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch assembly is disclosed which is designed for use with a rotary element which is subjected to repeated intermittent rotary motion. The clutch assembly includes a first circular hub fixedly attached to the element for rotation therewith, a wrap spring mounted on the first hub and adapted to grip or release the hub depending on the direction of movement of a free tang of the wrap spring. A second, split hub acting as a resilient shock absorber is mounted on the rotary element and underlies a portion of the wrap spring so as to deflect inwardly when the wrap spring grips the first hub thereby permitting a small amount of additional rotation of the rotary element to provide a controlled deceleration of the rotary element, thereby absorbing the shock force of virtual instantaneous deceleration of the rotary element which otherwise occurs and tends to break the wrap spring at the juncture of the spring coils and the tang which is attached to the rotary element.

Abstract: A torque transmission device includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a helical spring, a fixing member, and a stopping member. The helical spring has an input portion frictionally connected to the input shaft and an output portion frictionally connected to the output shaft, and rotatable together with the input shaft and the output shaft to transmit the torque of the input shaft to the output shaft. The stopping member is engageable with an input end portion of the spring at a predetermined engaging position and adapted for stopping the output shaft at a predetermined rotational position. The fixing member is used to fix an output end portion of the spring on the output shaft at such a position as to assure a predetermined phase relationship between the engaging position and the rotational position.

Abstract: A pedal parking brake device makes it possible to provide a brake retaining state at the maximum braking position. The pedal parking brake device performs a rotational locking of a brake pedal by a coil spring provided at a rotatably supporting position of the brake pedal and includes a supporting shaft fixedly provided at a base plate, a cylindrical core bar loosely and rotatably inserted into the supporting shaft, a brake pedal rotatably attached to a center of the supporting shaft, a brake plate in which a brake hole is provided, integrally formed with the core bar, and a release plate for the coil spring. An outer coil spring is outwardly inserted to the core bar and an inner coil spring is provided at the inner side of the core bar so that its outer diameter may be separately connected with the inner periphery of the core bar. An operation of the parking brake and brake locking are performed by continuously connecting both coil springs to the brake pedal.

Abstract: A fixed torque spring clutch has first and second rotors. The torque of the first rotor is transmitted to the second rotor via a coil spring. The second rotor is coaxial with the first rotor. A shaft section is provided on one of the rotors. A plurality of catch sections are provided on the other rotor. The coil spring is mounted over the shaft section. The two ends of the coil spring are caught by the catch sections in a clamping state of the clutch. The coil spring has a first clamping section for clamping the shaft section with a predetermined clamping force when the coil spring is mounted over the shaft section, and a second clamping section having a clearance with respect to the corresponding part of the shaft section when the coil spring is mounted thereon.

Abstract: A clutch assembly transmits rotary motion in a percussive apparatus to a drill steel. The clutch assembly includes a first hub having a first cylindrical surface formed thereon. A second hub which is substantially rotationally coupled to the drill steel has a second cylindrical surface formed thereon. The second cylindrical surface is coaxial with the first cylindrical surface. A wrap spring engages a portion of both the first cylindrical surface and the second cylindrical surface, wherein relative rotary motion between the first hub and the second hub is permitted in a first direction and restricted in a second direction. The wrap spring clutch transmits motion supplied from a rifle bar assembly as well as a plunger bar arrangement.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch is provided with increased torque transmitting capacity by utilizing a relatively large diameter spring wire whose end turns have their radial peripheries ground down to weaken the end turns proximate to the free end of the spring. Preferably the end turns proximate to the free end of the coil spring are tapered radially inwardly to lift the spring coil turns remote from the free end off the shaft of the overrunning clutch. The end of the coil spring fixed to the bushing may be formed as a hook having a portion extending radially through a slot within the bushing and an integral bent back circumferential portion nested in an annular groove within the outer periphery of the bushing intersecting the radial slot. A double helical coil spring having parallel, adjacent turns within separate helical grooves within the inner periphery of the bushing has a loop connecting the turns opposite their free ends mounted within a transverse channel connecting the pair of helical grooves.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a damper for a flapdoor that does not show any damping effect when its movable shaft of the damper is rotated with the door in one sense whereas it effectively damps the rotary movement of the flapdoor when the movable shaft is rotated with the door in the other sense, wherein a one-way clutch for engaging or disengaging the movable shaft with a movable member depending on the sense of rotation of the movable shaft to cause a viscous shearing drag in the viscous fluid contained in the damper and a power source constitute so many integral parts of a coil spring. A damper for a flapdoor having such an arrangement can have a simplified configuration as compared with a damper provided with a separate coil spring as power source and a separate one-way clutch and therefore can be realized with reduced dimensions.

Abstract: A gear drive unit of the type including a twin-shaft selective output mechanism is disclosed wherein first and second overrunning clutch mechanisms constituting the twin-shaft selective output mechanism are each composed of a spring-receiving chamber, a coiled spring and a driven gear. The first overrunning clutch mechanism, in response to rotation of a worm wheel in a forward direction, radially expands a first coiled spring to connect the worm wheel and a first driven gear, thereby connecting the worm wheel and a first driven gear to transmit the forward rotation of the worm wheel to the driven gear. Similarly, the second overrunning clutch mechanism is responsive to rotation of the worm wheel in the reverse direction to enlarge the diameter of a second coiled spring, thereby connecting the worm wheel and a second driven gear to transmit the reverse rotation of the worm wheel to the second driven gear.

Abstract: A clutch assembly transmits rotary motion in a percussive apparatus to a drill steel. The clutch assembly includes a first hub having a first cylindrical surface formed thereon. A second hub which is substantially rotationally coupled to the drill steel, has a second cylindrical surface formed thereon. The second cylindrical surface is coaxial with the first cylindrical surface. A wrap spring engages a portion of both the first cylindrical surface and the second cylindrical surface, wherein relative rotary motion between the first hub and the second hub is permitted in a first direction and restricted in a second direction. The wrap spring clutch transmits motion supplied from a rifle bar assembly as well as a plunger bar arrangement.

Abstract: The assembly tool comprising an electrically operated clutch assembly and achieves rapid termination of energy throughput to provide accurate torque delivery for fastener tightening and similar applications. The clutch assembly includes a pair of equal diameter, axially aligned input and output hubs having a wrap-spring disposed thereabout. One end of the wrap-spring is coupled to the input hub and the other is coupled to a control annulus disposed concentrically and freely rotatably about the output hub. An electromagnet also concentrically disposed about the output hub is activated to couple the control annulus to the output hub. A resulting drag on the wrap-spring tightens it about the output hub and power is transmitted. Deactivation of the electromagnet provides rapid release of the wrap-spring and termination of power throughput. A one way (overrunning) clutch couples the hubs when power is applied in the opposite direction to, for example, facilitate removal of fasteners.

Abstract: A rope starter working in such a way that a rope wheel (12) with a driver (25) rotates a fly-wheel by way of starting latches, and the fly-wheel being provided with support lugs as carriers (13,14) of the latches. When the engine starts the latches are swung out by the centrifugal force from the driver on the rope wheel. The support lugs are carriers of one of the latches as well as a stop for the other one.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch is provided with increased torque transmitting capacity by utilizing a relatively large diameter spring wire whose end turns have their radial peripheries ground down to weaken the end turns proximate to the free end of the spring. Preferably the end turns proximate to the free end of the coil spring are tapered radially inwardly to lift the spring coil turns remote from the free end off the shaft of the overrunning clutch. The end of the coil spring fixed to the bushing may be formed as a hook having a portion extending radially through a slot within the bushing and an integral bent back circumferential portion nested in a annular groove within the outer periphery of the bushing intersecting the radial slot. A double helical coil spring having parallel, adjacent turns within separate helical grooves within the inner periphery of the bushing has a loop connecting the turns opposite their free ends mounted within a transverse channel connecting the pair of helical grooves.

Abstract: A spring clutch for limiting lost motion during release is provided. The spring clutch includes a shaft, a helically wound coaxially mounted spring for making frictional contact with the shaft, and means, such as a tang element, for selectively applying a loosing force to at least one end of the spring for rotation thereof with respect to the shaft. The inventive spring clutch further includes means for urging the spring toward the shaft when the spring is rotatably loosened. As a result, radial movement of the spring away from the shaft is substantially prevented. The urging means may be retained by a housing coaxially mounted about the shaft and may be chosen from a boss or an auxiliary spring. Preferably, the urging means is located at about 90 degrees along the outer radial surface of the shaft from the end of the spring at which the tang element is located.

Abstract: Difficulties in positively engaging and disengaging helical spring clutch mechanisms are avoided in a construction including a driven shaft (10) with a gear (18) rotatably mounted on the shaft (10). A helical spring (40) is disposed about part (24) of the gear (18) and the driving shaft (12) and a reaction collar (28) is located adjacent to the spring (40) and is splined to the driving shaft (12). A friction collar (52) is engagable with the helical spring (28) and is carried by the driving shaft (10). Ball actuators (62, 64) are provided for selectively engaging the friction collar (52) with the helical spring (40) thereby causing the spring (40) to engage the reaction collar (28) and rotate with the driving shaft (12) to drive the gear (18).

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

Abstract: Braking of independently-movable pivotable members is carried out by independent one-way clutch mechanisms which provide minimal braking force to the pivotable members in the vicinity of the limit points of their pivotable movement, and provide optimal braking force in a middle range of pivotable movement. The braking mechanism provided may operate on one or both of the pivotable members at the same time, each of the independent clutch mechanisms providing suitable braking force to compensate for the mass of the respective pivotable members.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine includes a coiled clutch spring would about both tub and drive shafts so as to be tightly wound up about the tub shaft and wound up with rotation of the drive shaft to transmit rotation of the drive shaft to the tub shaft, an inner cylindrical member disposed so as to enclose the clutch spring and having an engagement portion engaging one end of the clutch spring at the drive shaft side, an outer cylindrical member having a large number of engagement claws formed on the outer periphery and fitted in with the inner cylindrical member so as to be rotatable with a predetermined frictional resistance against the inner cylindrical member. When the clutch spring is loosened a predetermined amount in the rotative movement in its loosening direction against the braking force of a brake mechanism applied to the tube shaft, the other end of the clutch spring strikes against the stopper.

Abstract: A spring clutch assembly has an input clutch member (2), an output clutch member (3), and a spring (12) disposed over a coaxial arbor (9). The spring clutch assembly further includes an independently rotatable shaft (16) disposed in a passage extending through the arbor. The shaft includes a splined surface (19) engaged by an axially movable collar (23) having a mating splined surface. The collar is mounted a chamber (20) in the input member, and has extending ears (25) and (26) located in slots (21) and (22) in the chamber sidewall. A cap (30) is fitted to an output end of the shaft and has an arm (38) extending into engagement with an end coil (41). The arm includes a projection which engages a recess in the coil. Axial movement of the collar causes the shaft to turn, relative to the arbor, with the arm forcing the coil spring to compress, disengaging the teaser coils from the output drive surface.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism for transmitting the rotating forces of an input rotating element adapted to rotate in a predetermined direction and in a direction opposite thereto to an output rotating element. According to one aspect, a first spring clutch mechanism and a second spring clutch mechanism are interposed between the input rotating element and the output rotating element, and the rotating force of the input rotating element in the predetermined direction is transmitted to the output rotating element by the contraction of a coil spring in the first spring clutch mechanism and the rotating force of the input rotating element in the opposite direction is transmitted to the output rotating element by the contraction of a coil spring in the second spring clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A pinion gear assembly for translating the back and forth movement of the pistons in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine into the rotating movement of a shaft is described. Two pistons are each disposed in pairs and opposite each other with the ends of a gear rack and perform back and forth movements together with the gear rack. Two gear wheels are in engagement with the gear rack and are disposed on two further shafts and are coupled with these by means of a grip roller and expanding friction clutch each. In the one direction of movement of the gear rack the one gear wheel drives the associated shaft and in the other direction of movement the other gear wheel drives the associated shaft in a respective direction of rotation. The drive directions of rotation of the two further shafts are in the same direction. During rotation of the gear wheels in a respective drive direction of rotation opposite to the direction of rotation they continue to free-wheel in the drive direction of rotation.

Abstract: In a spring clutch arrangement for housing in the lower bracket of a bicycle in order to operate a bicycle brake, a conventional waisted pedal crankshaft is modified to provide a cylindrical surface which supports the clutch spring by application of a resin bonded material of high compressive strength and high coefficient of friction. A preferred material is an epoxy resin loaded with aluminum powder having a surface layer of alumina.

Abstract: A cylindrical bushing member includes at least one groove of a depth and width to fully accommodate a coil spring within the inner periphery of the bushing with the spring, when relaxed having an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a shaft member projecting axially therethrough. The coil spring is fixed relative to the bushing so as to be non-rotatable relative thereto. The coil spring has at least one end in contact with the periphery of the shaft for frictional engagement therewith such that relative rotation of the bushing and the shaft in one direction causes multiple turns of the coil spring to engage the periphery of the shaft and to snub the spring and to cause a driving member to rotate a driven member as fast as that of the driving member, but permit the driven member to rotate faster and free-wheel to overrun the driving member.

Abstract: A damper for damping rotation has a construction in which a rotor having a braking plate immersed in oil disposed within a casing and a gear are coupled together by a means of a clutch spring in the form of a coil spring. When the gear is rotated in one direction, it is coupled with the rotor as a result of diametrical contraction of the spring, and a restoring force is stored within the clutch spring, thus producing a resistance against rotation. When it is rotated in the opposite direction, the restoring force of the clutch spring is released so as to permit free rotation of the gear. The coil spring is coiled about a shouldered portion of the rotor shaft and a lower portion of a gear sleeve, supporting the gear, which have the same diametrical extent. In this manner, projecting end portions of the spring, upon which excessive loads have been impressed within the prior art, are able to be eliminated thereby providing extended service life to the spring and damper assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism for transmitting the rotating forces of an input rotating element adapted to rotate in a predetermined direction and in a direction opposite thereto to an output rotating element. According to one aspect, a first spring clutch mechanism and a second spring clutch mechanism are interposed between the input rotating element and the output rotating element, and the rotating force of the input rotating element in the predetermined direction is transmitted to the output rotating element by the contraction of a coil spring in the first spring clutch mechanism and the rotating force of the input rotating element in the opposite direction is transmitted to the output rotating element by the contraction of a coil spring in the second spring clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A clutch assembly to interconnect rotatable drive and driven members. A cylindrical clutch element is operatively connected to one of the rotating members, and a sleeve-like clutch element is attached to at least one other of the rotatable members. The sleeve-like clutch element is disposed in spaced, concentric relation about the cylindrical clutch element. A first helical spring having opposed ends is disposed concentrically about, and frictionally engages, the exterior surface of the cylindrical clutch element. A second helical spring having opposed ends is disposed concentrically within, and frictionally engages, the interior surface of the sleeve-like clutch element. The opposed ends of each helical spring serves as an energizing or a trailing end, depending upon the drive or driven function of the clutch element engaged thereby.

Abstract: A ball projecting machine comprises a ball striker in the form of a bar secured to a shaft rotatably mounted by bearings in a part of a machine frame. The striker carries a pin on the same side of the shaft as the end of the striker which strikes the balls. A tension spring is connected between a fixed part of the machine frame and the pin to bias the striker. The striker shaft is arranged to be rotated by a manually operated lever so that during a cycle of rotation of the striker in the striking direction, the tension spring is stressed during a first part of the cycle and during a second part of the cycle urges the striker to rotate in the striking direction. The lever is connected to the shaft through a first one-way clutch including a coil spring and drums fixed respectively to the lever and to the shaft. The shaft is connected to the machine frame part through a further one-way clutch including a coil spring and drums fixed respectively to the frame part and to the shaft.

Abstract: Increased thickness for the center two coils of an overrunning clutch spring is achieved by gradually increasing the lead a few degrees before and after the central crossover point (25). This affects the centrifugal balance of the spring less than an abrupt increase in thickness at the crossover point (25).

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-way clutch structure for a stationary exercise cycle, which structure comprises a flywheel journalled on an axle and a cog wheel for the transmission of the force created by treadling to said flywheel. Said one-way clutch structure allows, depending on the treadling velocity, the free rotation of the flywheel with respect to the cog wheel. In order to provide a one-way clutch structure of low manufacturing costs, the cog wheel is journaled on a first cylindrical surface formed in the center of the flywheel by means of a bushing member of plastic material. The coupling element is formed by a spring acting as a spring clutch known per se, which spring is fitted around the bushing member and a second cylindrical surface formed in the center, whereby the end of said spring which is on the side of the cog wheel is bent and locked in an opening provided on the cog wheel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a motor-driven chain saw wherein a sprocket for a saw chain and a drive wheel for an oil pump are rotatably journalled on the crankshaft. The oil pump pumps oil for lubricating the saw chain and guide bar. The sprocket and the drive wheel are driven via a clutch drum. In this arrangement, a detachable resilient connecting member is provided to connect the drive wheel of the oil pump to the clutch drum at the peripheral wall of the latter. The resilient connecting member protects the drive wheel and the oil pump from excessive wear.

Abstract: A single spring clutch mechanism is disclosed providing for equal holding power in opposite directions of application of torsional forces thereto. The clutch includes a single torsional spring mounted for always being in tension regardless of the direction of application of torsional forces. The clutch provides for infinite angular positioning and retention of a member controlled by the clutch and is particularly adapted for use in an automotive reclining seat mechanism.

Abstract: A hand starter for an internal combustion engine having an axially displaceable clutch member journalled on a clutch shaft, for co-acting with a fixed clutch member on the engine shaft. The axial movement of the displaceable clutch member, caused by pulling a start rope, is guided by a helical spring wound in a helical groove on the clutch shaft. The outer periphery of the spring is resiliently pressed against friction producing threads of a cylindrical bearing surface of the displaceable clutch member, to exert an axial force against the axially displaceable clutch member.

Abstract: In a crankshaft operated brake actuating device for bicycles, a brake operating lever extends through the lower bracket from a yoke contacting the crankshaft. A light weight spring clutch transmits torque from the crankshaft to the lever upon back pedalling, and reaction from the torque causes the lever to tilt and engage a strap clutch locking the lever to the crankshaft as the braking forces are increased.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive mechanism for a front-wheel drive vehicle includes a final drive mechanism driven from the output shaft of the engine, which transmits power through a differential to the front drive wheels, and through a gear set and an overrunning clutch to the rear axleshafts. The gear ratio of the gear set is established so that the outer race of the clutch is driven slower than the speed of the front drive wheels so that the rear axleshafts in normal driving conditions are not driven. If, however, the front wheels slip relative to the road surface, the clutch will transmit power to the rear axleshafts or to one rear axleshaft that turns slower than the rear axleshaft. A roller cage retains the rollers and is biased by a spring into contact with a drag surface that is selectively connected to and disconnected from the casing of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a member to be driven in one direction is disclosed. The mechanism is incorporated in an electronic typewriter and includes a clutch including a clutch spring which provides a driving connection between a small DC motor and the member to be driven of the typewriter. Means is provided which normally holds a driven member of the clutch to a particular angular position and, when the motor is energized, it releases the driven member to allow the driven member to be rotated by the motor. After a cycle of rotation of the driven member, the holding means positively stops rotation of the second element and hence of the driving member and the motor.A new and efficient ribbon feed mechanism is also disclosed which enables selective use of a carbon ribbon and a fabric ink ribbon depending upon a cassette mounted thereon.

Abstract: An improved two-way torque limiting coupling (10) of the type utilizing a single helical coil clutch (18) and an automatic slack adjuster utilizing same is provided. The coupling provides a driving connection between a first (12) and a second (14) rotatable adjacent members. The first member includes a bore (24) opening to an end (20) in which one end of coil clutch is received in interference fit to define an internal clutch interface (34) and the other member defines an annular outer periphery (26) about which the other end of the coil clutch is received in an interference fit to define an external clutch interface (36).

Abstract: A lever-operating type wheelchair includes a differential link mechanism connected to an operational lever, a pair of forward/backward clutch mechanisms driven to interlock with the link mechanism, and an expansion joint mechanism provided between the link mechanism and one of the clutch mechanisms. The lever-operated type wheelchair of this invention has better operational capability in use for one-handed operation due to a fulcrum and a knob of the operational lever arranged so as to make the operation thereof easier.

Abstract: A door lock/unlock system for an automotive vehicle having a safety means for preventing a driving unit for electrically driving a door lock mechanism between a door lock position and an unlock position from being damaged by mis-operation. The safety means inhibits power supply to the driving unit when the door locking operation is made while the door lock mechanism is in the lock position and when the door unlocking operation is made while the door lock mechanism is in the unlock position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic spring-wound clutch comprising a driving member, a driven member axially aligned with the driving member, a coil spring mounted around both the driving and driven members, a first clutch armature member interposed between the driving member and the coil spring and operatively connected to the coil spring, and at least one second clutch armature member rotatably interposed between the first clutch armature member and the driving member. When the clutch is actuated, the first, second clutch armature members and the driving member are brought into frictional engagement with each other, immediately after occurrence of slight slips between the second clutch armature member and the driving member and between adjacent ones of the first clutch armature member and the at least one second clutch armature member.

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

Abstract: A spring clutch mechanism for use in an electrophotographic copying machine includes a first boss connected to a driving shaft and a second boss connected to a driven shaft. The driving shaft and the driven shaft are co-axially disposed so that the two bosses confront each other. A coil spring is disposed around the two bosses. A first sleeve is disposed around the coil spring. One end of the coil spring is fixed to the first boss and the other end of the coil spring is fixed to the first sleeve. A second sleeve is slidably mounted on the first sleeve. A rubber plate is secured to the second sleeve so that the rubber plate confronts the flange of the second boss. In the non-transmitting mode, the first and second sleeves and the coil spring are rotated in unison with the first boss, but the second boss is not rotated. When the second sleeve is depressed toward the flange of the second boss, the rubber plate contacts the flange to brake the rotation of the second and first sleeves.

Abstract: A spring clutch which has multiple springs disposed between two coaxially mounted cylindrical elements. The springs are designed to slip so that all of the springs are required to support the maximum load. During the onset of rotation, tabs at the ends of the springs contact the load surfaces on one of the cylindrical elements sequentially, with some slippage occurring, so that impulse is reduced. In different embodiments, either releasing or reversing the clutch re-establishes offsets between spring tabs so that the sequential contact can again occur.