Abstract: A bi-directional spring clutch having a cylindrical input element mounted on a cylindrical output element, with a wrap spring disposed between them. A control element, in the form of a cylinder, is rotatably mounted on the input element for assuming one of three discrete positions relative to the input element. A key on the control element extends through a window of the input element and is disposed between the ends of the wrap spring. When the control element is in either of its extreme positions, turning of the input element controls tightening of the spring and the transmission of torque, the direction of torque transmission depending upon the position of the control element. Rotation of the input element in the opposite direction results in the key unwrapping the spring so that there is not torque transmission. When the control element is in its middle position, the key bears against neither end of the spring, and torque is transmitted in both directions of rotation of the input element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bi-directional clutch, particularly useful in window shade applications. The bi-directional clutch includes a first or core member and an unwrap spring, that is, a spring having an inside diameter somewhat smaller than the diameter of the core, the spring being wound around the core. The unwrap spring has a number of helical turns and spring tangs which extend outwardly past the circumference of the spring and generally perpendicular to the axis of the spring. The spring is controlled by a second, control or driving member which, when rotated, applies force to one or the other of the spring tangs to unwrap or loosen the spring, thereby allowing the spring to rotate relative to the core. As the spring rotates, one of the spring tangs abuts a third or driven member. The third or driven member is rotated by the spring, allowing the third member to rotate relative to the first or core member.

Abstract: A tool handle assembly embodying an axially-extending torque-applying tool shank disposed for axial and rotative movement in a double-spring clutch in a handgrip. The clutch consists of two axially-aligned springs disposed in opposite ends of a chamber formed in the handgrip.

Abstract: Pilot torque is transmitted from the input member to the output member of a clutch when a shoe is pressed axially against the input member. When initially turned by the input member, the shoe causes a helical spring to wrap down on angularly spaced shoe segments and to contract the shoe segments into radial gripping engagement with the input member. The shoe segments engage angularly spaced drive lugs on the output member to transmit torque to the output member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel ratchet wrench assembly comprised of a barrel assembly visa-versa. a clutching mechanism positioned for rotational movement about a drive shaft of the ratchet wrench assembly including a drive stud and gear assembly. The clutching mechanism of the barrel assembly is interconnected to the drive shaft whereby rotation of the barrel assembly about the axis of the drive shaft in either direction causes the drive shaft to rotate in response thereto and thereby rotate the drive stud through the drive stud and gear assembly in a responsive rotational direction. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clutching mechanism is designed such that the rotational movement of the barrel assembly and the drive stud are coincident, i.e. counter-clockwise rotational movement of the barrel assembly results in a counter-clockwise rotational movement of the drive stud, and thus loosening of a bolt or nut mounted on a right hand threaded stud, and vice-versa.

Abstract: A coaster brake for a bicycle has a brake operating lever consisting of a yoke and integral arm coupled to the pedal crankshaft of the bicycle by a self-acting unidirectional friction clutch, formed by a coil spring embracing the crankshaft. In order to facilitate its insertion into the crankshaft housing, the lever has no dimension greater than the internal diameter of the housing. The spring has two portions, one on either side of the yoke, the wire forming the part of each portion nearer the yoke being of greater cross section than the part further from the yoke. The lever moves a brake actuating rod or cable actuating a wheel brake which may be of several different types.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spring clutch having a slot circumferentially about its surface to provide for a predetermined amount of rotation of its input clutch drum relative to the output clutch drum before effecting rotation of its output clutch drum. Adjustment means is provided to vary the width of the slot and thereby permitting selective presetting of the spring clutch for a predetermined amount of intermittent angular rotation of the output clutch drum.

Abstract: A coupling used between a handle and a tool having outwardly-opening tool-receiving sockets at its opposed ends for selectively receiving a tool shank and a separate intermediate torque-applying sleeve having outwardly-opening sockets at its opposed ends for selectively receiving a driving handle shank after it is passed through the cooperative tool socket. A pair of reversely-wound springs surround the sleeve and when the handle shank is in one end socket of the sleeve and is turned in one direction, it will drive the tool socket at the other end, but the handle shank and socket can be freely turned in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A coaster brake for a bicycle has a brake operating lever consisting of a yoke and integral arm coupled to the pedal crankshaft of the bicycle by a self-acting unidirectional friction clutch, formed by a coil spring embracing the crankshaft. In order to facilitate its insertion into the crankshaft housing, the lever has no dimension greater than the internal diameter of the housing. The spring has two portions, one on either side of the yoke, the wire forming the part of each portion nearer the yoke being of greater cross section than the part further from the yoke. The lever moves a brake actuating rod or cable actuating a wheel brake which may be of several different types.

Abstract: A toothed drive gear is provided with a concentric resilient element having corrugations engaged by the teeth of the gear. Rotation of the gear wedges the resilient element into graduated traction with the bore of a concentric annular driven member. The driven member can overrun the drive member in either direction of rotation.

Abstract: Clutch assembly which couples rotary motion from an output shaft of a high speed power source to a flexible shaft when the output shaft rotates in the desired direction. Power driven flexible shafts which are subjected to torque loads should desirably be rotated in one direction only. Thus, a flexible shaft having its outermost layer of wire coiled in one direction should be rotated in that direction which tightens up the coiled wire in that layer, and not rotated in the other direction. The clutch consists of a 3-component assembly comprising a cylindrical split spring clip, an input bearing or member, and an output bearing or member. The split spring clip interconnects the input member, which usually receives one end of the power driven flexible shaft; and the output member, which is connected to and rotates the spindle of a suitable handpiece tool.

Abstract: The actuator assembly is a unitary structure comprising a self-braking rotary power unit and a spring clutch mounted on a frame and interconnected so that the spring clutch transmits the rotary driving force of the power unit to a load to thereby effect its movement in one direction, the power unit and spring clutch co-acting when the power unit is inoperative to hold the load in a selected position. An electro-magnetic device coacts with the spring clutch to cause the spring to disengage and allow the load to move in a direction opposite of the one direction.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism suitable for connecting a rotatable member to an output shaft of a motor, which mechanism comprises a body which is attachable to the output shaft and a resilient arm, one end of which is fixed to the body the other end of which is capable of engaging the rotatable member or part thereof, wherein the body is capable of gripping the output shaft in secure frictional contact to transfer rotational drive from the output shaft to the rotatable member only when the rotatable member is not restrained against rotation.

Abstract: A clutch device interposed between a driving shaft 1 and a drum 2-4 rotatably mounted thereon to drive frictionally a yarn winding bobbin in a spinning, twisting or doubling frame comprises a cylindrical sleeve 5 carried by shaft 1, a string 6 wound on sleeve 5 and having one end attached to the hub 2 of drum 2-4, a plate 9 slidable on shaft 1 and to which the other end of string 6 is attached, a frictional abutment ring 11 secured to shaft 1, a spring 10 to apply plate 9 against ring 11, and a pusher 14 by means of which plate 14 may be moved apart from abutment 11 to de-clutch drum 2-4 from shaft 1. A frictional lining 13 is disposed on ring 11 to enhance its driving effect on plate 9 to more tightly wind string 6 on sleeve 5. Another frictional lining is provided on pusher 11 to act on plate 9 when the latter is disengaged from ring 11.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting oscillatory motion to reciprocating motion featuring the use of thin, non-permanently deformable band-like members confined to a linear track so as to be reciprocable when one end of the band-like member is engaged by an oscillatory shaft. The other end of the band-like member may be secured to a work element used for exerting force against a work object. Selection means may be employed in apparatus having a plurality of band-like members in which each of the members can be selectively induced into engagement with a shaft or other oscillatory means to control the work elements as desired.

Abstract: A clutch band having a wide portion and a narrow portion for use in an overrunning band clutch assembly includes at least one projection portion extending outwardly from the band contacting the outer member of the clutch assembly during overrun to prevent premature wearing of the narrow portion of the clutch band in the inner member of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A power system has a flywheel coupled to a power shafting so that when the rotational velocity of the shaft increases the flywheel is slowly accelerated to shaft speed. During this period a loose friction drive coupling the flywheel to the shaft is utilized. At periods when overloading of the system occurs, the shaft will tend to slow down. However, due to inertia, the flywheel tends to maintain velocity as the shaft speed diminishes. During this period an overriding clutch, incorporated in the flywheel hub couples the energy stored in the flywheel to the power shafting, temporarily supplementing the prime power source.

Abstract: A coupling for use with two relatively movable members to transmit force between the members comprising a resilient coil element having convolutions positioned between the members and a solid core element positioned within the convolutions of the resilient element, the resilient element being positioned such that relative movement of the members urges the convolutions into frictional engagement with both of the members. The solid core element is of a size such that when frictional engagement of the members with the convolution occurs, the convolutions are prevented from being distorted beyond their elastic limit to thereby cause permanent set of the resilient element.

Abstract: A torque converter that uses the reaction of energy storing devices to mechanically convert a given input angular velocity into an output torque. The torque converter is comprised of an input shaft which delivers an oscillatory motion to an inertia device, such as a flywheel, through connecting rods and lever arms. The inertia device transfers the oscillatory motion to the output shaft through differential gears and overrunning clutches. In the preferred embodiment, two inertia devices mounted on parallel axes with each 90.degree. out of phase provide a smooth, continuous output torque.