Abstract: The present invention provides a selectable one-way clutch including a generally annular race and a generally annular cam disposed radially about the race. The cam has a radially internal surface defining a first plurality of tapered face portions and a second plurality of tapered face portions. A first plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the race and the cam. A second plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the race and the cam, and are interposed between the first plurality of rollers. The first plurality of rollers are selectively engageable with the first plurality of tapered face portions to lock-up the selectable one-way clutch in a first direction, and the second plurality of rollers are selectively engageable with the second plurality of tapered face portions to lock-up the selectable one-way clutch in a second direction.

Abstract: A torque transmission mechanism comprises an outer body defining a cavity and an inner body located at least partially inside the cavity and able to rotate therein. A plurality of rollers located between the outer and inner bodies interact with cam surfaces so that rotation of the inner body in a first direction is substantially unimpeded but rotation in the opposite direction is prevented or impeded by interaction of rollers with one or more cam surfaces. One of the rollers is larger than at least one other roller and is located in a recess formed in one of the outer and inner bodies. In one embodiment the recess is formed in a part of the outer body which has a greater wall thickness, excluding the effect of the recess than the rest of the outer body, so that the larger roller is accommodated without adding bulk to the outer body.

Abstract: A power transmission system coupling (100) configured to provide a responsive and controllable clutch (110) using a torque split arrangement including a planetary gear set (106) for torque modulation, together with a locking device (134) to maximize torque transfer capability when modulation is not required.

Abstract: An axle disconnect assembly comprises a shaft extending axially along a central axis, a universal joint including an outer drive member having a substantially annular axial flange extending axially outwardly from the outer drive member coaxially with the central axis so as to form an annular space between the axial flange and the shaft, and a directional roller clutch disposed in the annular space. The directional roller clutch is provided for selectively drivingly coupling the shaft to the outer drive member of the universal joint. The directional roller clutch includes a plurality of rolling elements provided between the outer and inner race members. The rolling elements of the directional roller clutch radially support the outer drive member of the universal joint for rotation about to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bi-directional overrunning clutch that enables movement of an object between multiple rotational bodies in either direction using a single motor. The clutch includes a pair of cam discs disposed about a driven shaft extending from the motor and spaced from one another, outer races disposed outwardly of each cam disc and rollers disposed between the cam discs and outer races. The cam discs are oriented such that rotation of the shaft in one rotation direction causes rotation of one outer race and freewheeling of the other outer race while rotation of the shaft in the opposite rotational direction causes rotation of the other outer face and freewheeling of the one outer race.

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: 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 one-way rotational transfer mechanism includes a rotary input shaft; a hollow-cylindrical rotary output shaft positioned around the rotary input shaft; a circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion formed on the rotary input shaft to form at least one accommodation space between the rotary input shaft and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface; a movable member; balls positioned between first and second holding surfaces; at least one roller member installed in the accommodation space; and a biasing device which biases the movable member so that the balls are sandwiched between the first and second holding surfaces and so that an normal surface and the roller member come into pressing contact with each other. The circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion is shaped so that a rotation of the rotary input shaft is transferred to the hollow-cylindrical rotary output shaft via the roller member when the rotary input shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of an external drive source to a rotary shaft which is rotatably supported by a housing of a rotary machine comprises a first rotor fixed to the rotary shaft for rotation therewith, a second rotor rotatably supported by the housing for receiving the power of the external drive source, and a spring clutch disposed over first and second outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second rotors which are aligned with each other along an axial direction of the rotary shaft. The spring clutch is mounted at one end to the first rotor and at the other end to an armature. The spring clutch tightens the first and second outer peripheral surfaces thereby to connect the first and second rotors when the armature is attracted to the second rotor.

Abstract: A wedge loading mechanism for an eccentric planetary traction drive in which a roller having a flexibly mounted shaft is positioned between two raceways forming a convergent wedge. Rotation of either of the two raceways wedges the roller within the convergent wedge squeezing the roller between the two raceways thereby transmitting rotational motion and torque between the two raceways. The flexibly mounted shaft generates differences between an effective supporting stiffness of the roller and an contact effective stiffness at the points where the roller contacts the two raceways. The difference in the effective stiffness allow the roller to operate efficiently at smaller convergent wedge angles.

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 multi-speed transmission is provided with a selectable (reversible) braking one-way clutch operative to brake rotation of a member of a planetary gear set of the transmission when the transmission is in reverse and first speed. First and second rotating input clutches are slipped when the vehicle is launched in reverse or first speed. The transmission is preferably characterized by the absence of a torque converter, but the invention may be implemented with a torque converter if desired.

Abstract: An over-running clutch is provided having an outer race and an inner race defining a varying gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races and are interconnected by a retainer. A rotor is secured to the outer race by a non-magnetic sleeve. An armature is rotationally locked to the retainer. Mounted onto the rotor and adapted to produce an electromagnetic flux to attract the armature into contact with the rotor is an electromagnetic coil; wherein rotation of the outer race is frictionally transferred to the armature and the retainer, thereby moving the rollers such that the rollers engage and wedge between the inner and outer races to lock the clutch.

Abstract: A full-time power take-off unit is equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a shift mechanism to establish all-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes. Further, the power take-off unit includes a disconnect clutch that is controlled by the mode shift mechanism to establish a full-time four-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: A pulley unit made by interposing a one-way clutch in an annular space between a pulley and an axial body providing a deep groove ball bearing on a base end side of the one-way clutch, and a roller bearing on the free end side; setting an inner rolling surface of a roller of the one-way clutch to be an outer diameter surface of the axial body and an inner rolling surface of a rolling member of the roller bearing to be an outer diameter surface of the axial body. The pulley unit permits easy position setting of the pulley, so that stabilized lock and free operation can be expected and productivity can be improved.

Abstract: A one-way rotational transfer mechanism includes a rotary input shaft, a rotary output shaft, a clutch member, a differential rotating member, a circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion formed on the rotary input shaft, a torque transfer member, and an associating device. The torque transfer member wedges between the circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion and the clutch member while making the torque transfer member contact the clutch so that the rotary input shaft and the clutch member become integral upon rotation of the rotary input shaft. The associating device causes the clutch member to transfer torque thereof to the rotary output shaft, and the clutch member to release engagement of the rotary input shaft with the clutch member when the rotary output shaft is rotated so that a relative rotational torque greater than a predetermined torque determined by a shape of the associating device.

Abstract: A shaft locking device for a motor-driven, hand-guided work tool spindle has a driven member fixedly connected thereto, a freewheel with locking members, a ring fixedly connected to the housing and engaged by the locking members in both rotating directions, a drive member coaxially arranged to the spindle with unlocking members cooperating with locking members releasing when the driving member is engaged, thereby releasing the driven member from the ring. Drive member cams are spatially separated from unlocking members wherein they penetrate the locking member. Driven members have catch openings such that both drive and driven members also have torque-transmitting catch surfaces for a motor-driven action of the spindle so that the catch surfaces have a larger distance from one another in a neutral position of the drive member than between the unlocking members and the locking members.

Abstract: A two-way clutch comprises an inner race element provided with one of a cam surface and a cylindrical surface, an outer race element provided with the other of the cam surface and the cylindrical surface, torque transmission members interposed between the cam surface and the cylindrical surface for performing torque transmission therebetween, springs for biasing the torque transmission members in a direction substantially along the cam surfaces, and a cage for retaining the torque transmission members and the biasing means, the cage being supported to be rotatable relative with the cam surfaces. The cage is elastically retained by elastic retaining means at a position where the torque transmission members are in the respective neutral conditions with respect to the cam surface. The springs are provided only on one side of the torque transmission members.

Abstract: An over-running clutch includes an outer race and an inner race defining a gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races. A retainer interconnects the rolling elements. A first biasing element biases the retainer to hold the rolling elements such that the inner and outer races are free to rotate relative to one another. An actuator selectively forces the rolling elements to a position where the rolling elements engage and wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby locking the clutch. A sensor is adapted to detect the engagement of the clutch and to send a corresponding signal.

Abstract: A gear coupler for a power transmission comprises an outer race having an cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cylindrical outer surface with spaced apart ramped surfaces. A plurality of rollers are seated between the inner and outer race. A controllable cage has a plurality of cage pins seated between adjacent pairs of rollers and engages the rollers with the ramped surfaces. A shifting ring is coupled to the cage for axial movement therealong for selectively aligning the rollers between the ramped surfaces to disengage the inner race from the outer race and allow relative rotation therebetween and for wedging the rollers against the ramped surface to engage the inner race with the outer race and prevent relative rotation therebetween in response to varying rotational speeds of the inner and outer race.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench including a housing with a handle extending therefrom. A rotor is positioned within an opening in the housing. The rotor includes a crosspiece having a polygonal cross-section and a downwardly extending stem for the selective attachment of a socket. A pair of movable wedges is positioned adjacent each side of the crosspiece. A compressed spring separates the movable wedges of each pair and normally urges the wedges away from one another and into snug engagement with both the housing and the crosspiece. A selector is rotatably fastened to the rotor. The selector includes a disk rotatably fastened to the top of the rotor. A fin extends upwardly from the top of the disk and a plurality of arms extends downwardly from the bottom of the disk with one of the arms being provided for each pair of movable wedges. The arms, by manual rotation of the disk, selectively drive one wedge from each pair of movable wedges from engagement with the housing to permit ratcheting of the wrench.

Abstract: A bi-directional clutch permits the unidirectional transfer of torque between inner and outer races in either direction of rotation, depending on how the clutch is set. The outer race has a cylindrical raceway presented inwardly toward the inner race, whereas the inner race has recesses presented outwardly toward the raceway in the outer race. Each recess has ramps which converge and each contains a cylindrical roller. The rollers fit into pockets in a cage, with the fit being quite close so that the circumferential position of the cage relative to the inner race controls the position of the rollers in the recesses of the inner race. The inner race carries actuators which operate against the rollers in two different pockets, one to prevent the rollers from moving up the ramps presented in one circumferential direction and the other to prevent the rollers from moving up the ramps presented in the other circumferential direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for isolating torque fluctuations of a rotary drive shaft. The device comprises a first member (2) for connection to the drive shaft, a second member (3) for connection to a driven member and an intermediate member (21) interposed between the first and second members. The intermediate member comprises a radially outer ring (22) connected to the first member, a radially inner ring (24) connected to the second member and at least one resilient rolling element (32) in a cavity between the inner and outer rings. The cavity is defined by alignment of at least one pair of recesses (26, 29), one recess being on the radially inner surface of the outer ring and the other recess being on the outer surface of the inner ring, each recess having a ramped surface. Relative rotation of the first and second members causes relative rotation of the inner and outer rings so that the rolling element rotates and compresses.

Abstract: The two-wheel/four-wheel drive switching device including a switching unit provided in either a power transmitting mechanism interposed between an engine and front wheels or a power transmitting mechanism interposed between the engine and rear wheels for switching between the continuation and interruption of power transmission in the power transmitting mechanism, and a control unit for controlling the switching unit. The control unit detects a drive current supplied to the switching unit and performs variable duty control to maintain the drive current at a given value. As a result, the two-wheel/four-wheel drive switching device reduces the generation of noise and greatly suppresses the consumption of power.

Abstract: A clutch, which is applicable to the applications where an electromagnetic clutch is conventionally used, is provided in order to realize the reduction of the clutch in size, weight and cost and the power saving of the clutch. A clutch according to the present invention includes: an input gear to which a rotational torque is input; a clutch member attached to an inner circumferential face of the input gear; a tapered roller acting as an engaging element; a retainer for holding the tapered roller; a cap member; a waved spring; an output shaft serving as a driven member; a housing for sheathing the input gear; a working member equipped with an operating lever; and a return spring serving as an elastic return member, for elastically supporting the working member.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system with a fail-safe mechanism is disclosed in which a clutch for the steer-by-wire system installed between a first shaft connected to a steering wheel and a second shaft connected to a steering gear is formed as a mechanism for bringing about wedgelike engagement of taper rollers by simple operation of turning an operating lever, so that when an abnormality detection sensor detects a defect in the steer-by-wire system, the clutch is operated through a clutch switching actuator to interconnect the first and second shafts and so as to make it possible to directly steer the steering gear.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a chamber containing a roller that moves in response to changes in the angular position of a component relative to an axis, such as in response to the slope of a surface on which a wheel is supported, to engage and disengage alternately a one-way drive connection between a non-rotating component and a component that rotates with the wheel. The wheel is prevented from rolling backward on an inclined surface due to this engagement and is free to ascend the inclined surface due to the disengagement.

Abstract: To provide a vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system the configuration of which is simple and which can be built with minor changes to the existing configuration. The switching system hardly generates any noise and can be individually lubricated in a state separated from the other actuating parts. A vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system according to the present invention is provided with an outer ring connected to a driving shaft and an inner ring connected to a driven shaft. A plurality of engaging/disengaging members are provided for connecting or disconnecting the shafts by being connected or disconnected to/from the respective opposite surfaces. A switching mechanism is provided for selectively positioning the drive shaft and the driven shaft in a position in which they are connected and in a position in which they are disconnected.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system are adapted for use in a power transmission device. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing engaged and disengaged clutch modes. An alternate embodiment clutch assembly includes first and second rings non-rotatably coupled to one another. A third ring is selectively engageable with a rotary component to transfer power thereto.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism is disclosed for use with a hybrid electric vehicle wherein the electric motor/generator and engine are arranged in a series configuration. The clutch mechanism is positioned between and in communication with the electric motor/generator and engine to allow the electric motor/generator to either: 1) provide sole motive power to the vehicle; 2) start the engine; 3) charge the vehicle's battery; 4) provide a power boost; or 5) provide regenerative braking. The clutch mechanism includes an outer race, an inner race, a roller set positioned between the inner and outer races, and a roller cage positioned adjacent the roller set to contain the roller set. The electric motor is preferably an integrated electric motor and generator. The engine is preferably a combustion engine.

Abstract: A clutch system is described wherein a two-way roller clutch system transmits torque in from one direction (i.e., input side) only, and allows the clutch system to be physically decoupled from the power steering system when torque is forced in from the output side, e.g., during loss of electrical power to the power steering motor. Additionally, the clutch system can include a torque limiting system that permits slip when overall torque exceeds a preset limit. Both the clutch system and the torque limitation system are especially useful in conjunction with automotive power steering systems.

Abstract: A multi-directional coupling includes a housing which incorporates a first bearing surface, a race which incorporates a second bearing surface opposite the first bearing surface, a plurality of roller elements, and an alignment cage. The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface together define a channel therebetween for receiving the roller elements. The first bearing surface includes at least one recessed bearing surface portion which is configured for receiving one of the roller elements therein for coupling the housing with the race as the one roller element moves relative to the housing. The alignment cage is disposed within the channel for controlling the spacing between the roller elements. The multi-directional coupling also includes a mode controller coupled to the alignment cage for controlling the relative movement of the one roller element so as to alter the coupling mode of the coupling.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a mode shift system are adapted for use in a transfer case for transferring drive torque from a primary output shaft to a secondary output shaft so as to establish four-wheel drive modes. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode and a locked or part-time four-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: A two-way clutch comprises an inner race element provided with one of a cam surface and a cylindrical surface, an outer race element provided with the other of the cam surface and the cylindrical surface, torque transmission members interposed between the cam surface and the cylindrical surface for performing torque transmission therebetween, springs for biasing the torque transmission members in a direction substantially along the cam surfaces, and a cage for retaining the torque transmission members and the biasing means, the cage being supported to be rotatable relative with the cam surfaces. The cage is elastically retained by elastic retaining means at a position where the torque transmission members are in the respective neutral conditions with respect to the cam surface. The springs are provided only on one side of the torque transmission members.

Abstract: A clutch is arranged between a rotatable shaft and a worm shaft in a motor. The clutch includes a driving-side rotator connected to the rotatable shaft, a driven-side rotator connected to the worm shaft, a spring support and a coil spring arranged in the spring support. When the driving-side rotator is rotated upon energization of the motor, the coil spring is wound by the driving-side rotator to reduce an outer diameter of the coil spring, so that the rotation of the driving-side rotator is transmitted to the driven-side rotator and the worm shaft. When the driven-side rotator is rotated by an external mechanical force, the coil spring is unwound by the driven-side rotator to increase the outer diameter of the coil spring, so that a frictional force between the spring support and the coil spring is increased to restrain rotation of the driven-side rotator.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system are adapted for use in a power transmission device. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing engaged and disengaged clutch modes. An alternate embodiment clutch assembly includes first and second rings non-rotatably coupled to one another. A third ring is selectively engageable with a rotary component to transfer power thereto.

Abstract: The magnetic attraction force of an electromagnetic coil in an electromagnetic clutch is increased in a limited installation space, thereby improving reliability of operation. The dimensions of a field core housing the electromagnetic coil and a rotor are optimized to increase the magnetic attraction force. The thicknesses of cylindrical portions on the inner-diameter side of the field core and the rotor have larger thicknesses than those of cylindrical portions on its outer-diameter side so that the sectional areas of both cylindrical portions will be equal to each other. Also, a rotation transmission device provided with an electromagnetic clutch is proposed which can avoid deterioration of its sealing property and damage to its bearing and avoid cost increase.

Abstract: A gear coupler for a power transmission comprises an outer race having an cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cylindrical outer surface with spaced apart ramped surfaces. A plurality of rollers are seated between the inner and outer race. A controllable cage has a plurality of cage pins seated between adjacent pairs of rollers and engages the rollers with the ramped surfaces. A shifting ring is coupled to the cage for axial movement therealong for selectively aligning the rollers between the ramped surfaces to disengage the inner race from the outer race and allow relative rotation therebetween and for wedging the rollers against the ramped surface to engage the inner race with the outer race and prevent relative rotation therebetween in response to varying rotational speeds of the inner and outer race.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a differential assembly adapted to transfer torque proportionally between first and second axle half-shafts. An over-running clutch is adapted to selectively lock the differential assembly thereby effectively rotationally locking the axle half shafts to one another. The differential has three modes of operation; an open mode, wherein the differential is kept un-locked; a locked mode, wherein the differential is kept locked; and an automatic mode, wherein the differential is locked or un-locked based upon predetermined operating parameters. A selector switch allows an operator to selectively place the differential in one of the three modes. An electronic control unit receives inputs from the vehicle, compares the inputs to pre-determined operating parameters, and selectively engages or disengages the over-running clutch when the differential is in the automatic mode.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism is disclosed for use with a hybrid electric vehicle wherein the electric motor/generator and engine are arranged in a series configuration. The clutch mechanism is positioned between and in communication with the electric motor/generator and engine to allow the electric motor/generator to either: 1) provide sole motive power to the vehicle; 2) start the engine; 3) charge the vehicle's battery; 4) provide a power boost; or 5) provide regenerative braking. The clutch mechanism includes an outer race, an inner race, a roller set positioned between the inner and outer races, and a roller cage positioned adjacent the roller set to contain the roller set. The electric motor is preferably an integrated electric motor and generator. The engine is preferably a combustion engine.

Abstract: A two-way clutch assembly (10) having an inner race (14), an outer race (20), and an engagement mechanism (22) disposed therebetween and operable to shift between a first position providing torque translation between the inner and outer races (14, 20) in one rotational direction while allowing relative freewheeling rotation between the inner and outer races (14, 20) in an opposite rotational direction. Furthermore, the engagement mechanism (22) is operable to shift to a second position that provides torque translation and relative freewheeling rotation between the inner and outer races (14, 20) in rotational directions opposite to that provided by the engagement mechanism when disposed in the first position. An actuator assembly (24) is operatively connected to the engagement mechanism (22) and acts to simultaneously move in an axial direction and rotate about the axis of rotation (A) in an indexing manner to shift the engagement mechanism (22) between the first and second positions.

Abstract: To provide a vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system the configuration of which is simple and which can be built with minor changes to the existing configuration. The switching system hardly generates any noise and can be individually lubricated in a state separated from the other actuating parts. A vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system according to the present invention is provided with an outer ring connected to a driving shaft and an inner ring connected to a driven shaft. A plurality of engaging/disengaging members are provided for connecting or disconnecting the shafts by being connected or disconnected to/from the respective opposite surfaces. A switching mechanism is provided for selectively positioning the drive shaft and the driven shaft in a position in which they are connected and in a position in which they are disconnected.

Abstract: A clutch assembly comprises an outer race and an inner race defining a gap between the inner and outer races. One of the inner and outer race includes a plurality of cam surfaces, and one of the inner and outer races is tapered toward a first end of the clutch. A plurality of tapered rolling elements are positioned between the races along the cam surfaces such that the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation. An axially moveable retainer interconnects the rolling elements and is biased toward the first end of the clutch, wherein each of the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races. An actuator selectively moves the retainer axially away from the first end such that the tapered rolling elements no longer wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby allowing relative rotational movement.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism is provided between a driving rotor and a driven rotor. The clutch mechanism selects from a state for transmitting rotational force and a state for discontinuing the transmission of rotational force. The holder permits the rolling. A holder supports rolling bodies such that the rolling bodies are switched between a transmitting position and a disconnecting position. When held at the transmitting position, the rolling bodies are engaged with both of the driving rotor and the driven rotor so that rotational force of the driving rotor is transmitted to the driven rotor. When held at the disconnecting position, the rolling bodies are disengaged from the driving rotor so that the transmission of rotational force from the driven rotor to the driving rotor is discontinued. When external rotational force is applied to the driven rotor, the holder sets the rolling bodies to the disconnecting position.

Abstract: An on-demand two-speed transfer case is equipped with a planetary gearset assembly and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The transfer case is also equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode shift mechanism to establish on-demand and part-time four-wheel drive modes.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a mode shift system are adapted for use in a transfer case for transferring drive torque from a primary output shaft to a secondary output shaft so as to establish four-wheel drive modes. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rings. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel having a pair of spaced end segments. An actuator ring is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the end segments of the first ring. The shift system includes a moveable clutch actuator which controls movement of the actuator ring for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode and a locked or part-time four-wheel drive mode.

Abstract: A transmission comprising: an input shaft, to which a power is transmitted from a prime mover; an output shaft for outputting the power to drive wheels; and a plurality of transmission mechanisms of different gear ratios for transmitting the power between the input shaft and the output shaft. A two-way clutch capable of switching a torque transmitting direction into a forward direction and a backward direction is interposed between at least any of the transmission mechanisms and the input shaft or the output shaft, and a select mechanism is provided for selecting the torque transmitting direction of the two-way clutch.

Abstract: An on-demand two-speed transfer case is equipped with a planetary gearset assembly and a range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The transfer case is also equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode shift mechanism to establish on-demand and part-time four-wheel drive modes.

Abstract: A wrench device has a bearing-type clutch for providing a unidirectional rotational force and an opposite unidirectional independent rotation. The device includes at least one bearing movably disposed in a tapering space between primary and secondary bodies. A displacement member engages and dislodges the at least one bearing from a binding location to a free location. A switch is pivotally disposed on the secondary body. A pivot member or gear is pivotally disposed between the switch and the displacement member such that pivoting the switch in one rotational direction results in movement of the displacement member in an opposite rotational direction.

Abstract: An infinite Speed ratio continuously variable transmission comprises a power recirculation mode clutch (9) and direct mode clutch (10). At least one of the power recirculation mode clutch (9) and direct mode clutch (10) comprises an electromagnetic two-way clutch. The electromagnetic two-way clutch maintains the engaged state during excitation and can transmit drive force from both the drive side and non-drive side. On the other hand, when there is a change-over from the energized state to the non-energized state, a one-way clutch state is obtained wherein drive force is permitted only in the transmission direction of drive force in the instant of the change-over to non-excitation. When a drive force is input in the reverse direction to the drive force transmitted in the one-way clutch state, the one-way clutch state is disengaged, and the disengaged state of the clutch is maintained until subsequent re-excitation.