Wedging Pawl Or Block Patents (Class 192/45.1)
  • Patent number: 11891042
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a clutch of an axle are provided. In one example, the clutch may be characterized in static or dynamic conditions. The clutch characterization may be a basis for subsequently operating the clutch during gearbox shifting. In particular, an amount of torque that is transferred via the clutch may be controlled or adjusted according to the clutch characterization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Wesolowski, Amar Nivarthi
  • Patent number: 11859677
    Abstract: A cage freewheel for installation into the clamping gap of a shaft/hub connection, in particular in an e-bike drive, includes an annular cage with, following one another in the circumferential direction, bearing rollers for mounting the hub and the shaft together, and clamping bodies arranged pivotably in the cage. The clamping bodies block a relative movement between the shaft and the hub in a frictionally locking manner in one rotational direction, and allow rotation in the other rotational direction, and are spring-loaded in the coupling direction by an annular spring which extends around the row of the clamping bodies in a slot in the radially outer surface of the clamping bodies. The bearing rollers are arranged in each case in pairs in associated pockets of the cage on both sides of the annular spring. Here, the bearing rollers are received in a positively locking manner in the associated pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: RINGSPANN GmbH
    Inventor: Augustyn Brzus
  • Patent number: 11808313
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cam clutch capable of switching from one operating mode to another and offering improved stability of clutch operations and high responsiveness. The object is achieved by an operating mode switching means (180) having a cam attitude change part (185) being drivable independently of rotation of the inner race (110) and outer race (120). A load support point (Sp) is located radially between a load application point (Ap) of the cam attitude change part (185) on the cam (140) and a distal contact point (Ep) of the cam (140) on a raceway positioned on a radially distal side relative to the load application point (Ap). The radial distance (d1) between the load application point (Ap) and the load support point (Sp) is larger than the radial distance (d2) between the load support point (Sp) and the distal contact point (Ep).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Kohei Kunimatsu, Eiichi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11519468
    Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly equipped with a pair of laterally-spaced, selectable one-way clutches configured in a compact arrangement. The bi-directional clutch assembly establishes a LOCK-LOCK mode when both SOWC's are non-actuated, establishes a FREEWHEEL mode when both SOWC's are actuated, and establishes a pair of LOCK-RATCHET mode when one SOWC is actuated and the other is not actuated. Coils units of the SOWC's are energized to shift an actuator toward active struts of an outer race. The actuator is rotationally fixed to the outer race. The active struts are biased toward the deployed position, and the actuator is biased toward the non-actuated position. The actuator includes a strut engagement feature that contacts the active struts and causes pivotal movement of the active struts to the non-deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.
    Inventors: David Gelfand, Adrian Cioc
  • Patent number: 11365771
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a one-way clutch capable of preventing wear on radially inner engagement surfaces and radially outer engagement surfaces of cams in periods of high-speed freewheeling. The one-way clutch includes an inner race (110) and an outer race (150), a plurality of cams (140) provided between the inner race (110) and the outer race (150), and side plates (120, 130) provided to at least one of the inner race (110) and outer race (150) and positioned on both sides in an axial direction of the cams (140). The plurality of cams (140) are each configured to receive a predetermined centrifugal force to turn in an engaging direction in which the cams engage the inner race (110) and outer race (150) when the inner race (110) and outer race (150) rotate together in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Yoshihito Shimanaka
  • Patent number: 11149803
    Abstract: A sprag clutch has an inner race, an outer race, and a radial cavity between the races. A plurality of sprags are disposed in the radial cavity, and each sprag is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. A sprag cage retains each of the plurality of sprags at a uniform spacing within the radial cavity, and a plurality of actuators are positioned to exert or withdraw a force upon a corresponding sprag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Gilberto Morales, Carlos Alexander Fenny
  • Patent number: 11002322
    Abstract: A clutch includes a roller arranged between a clutch housing and a driven side rotating body. The roller is rotated about a rotation axis of a drive side rotating body together with the drive side rotating body when the drive side rotating body is rotationally driven. The roller hinders rotation of the driven side rotating body by being sandwiched between the clutch housing and the driven side rotating body when the drive side rotating body is not rotationally driven. The support member sandwiches the roller between the clutch housing and the driven side rotating body. The support member rotates about the rotation axis of the drive side rotating body together with the drive side rotating body. The grease is arranged between the clutch housing and the roller. The support member restricts rotation of the roller about a central axis of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryousuke Oguri, Nakatsune Shirai, Tomoaki Ozaki, Shusuke Kijima, Kenta Suzuki, Daisuke Sawamoto, Akiyoshi Ohara, Hiroyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 10995803
    Abstract: An electromagnetic system for controlling the operating mode of a non-friction coupling assembly and a coupling and magnetic control assembly are provided. Magnetic circuit components include a ferromagnetic or magnetic element received within a pocket of a coupling member. The element controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly. A stationary electromagnetic source includes at least one excitation coil which generates a magnetic field between poles of the source when the at least one coil is supplied with current. Ferromagnetic or magnetic first and second inserts are received and retained within first and second spaced passages, respectively, of the coupling member. The electromagnetic source, the element, the inserts and air gaps between the various magnetic circuit components make up a closed loop path containing magnetic flux so that the element moves between first and second positions of the element when the at least one coil is supplied with current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Riley C. Moore, Brice A. Pawley, Joshua D. Hand, Ryan W. Essenmacher
  • Patent number: 10989257
    Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assembly and control system for use therein are provided. The system includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement between the coupling faces of first and second coupling members. An actuator arm includes an output member and a one-way locking member which is pivotally connected to output member which, in turn, is coupled to the control member. The locking member moves between a disengaged position in which the control member is permitted to shift or rotate relative to the second coupling member and an engaged position with a locking member-engaging portion of the second coupling member to lock the control member and the second coupling member together to prevent the control member from inadvertently shifting in a first direction relative to the second coupling member in the absence of an actuator command signal received by a bi-directional actuator assembly of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley
  • Patent number: 10883555
    Abstract: A one-way ratchet overrunning clutch includes first and second concentric races, the first race having pockets configured to contain pawls, each pocket including a boss having an exterior convex surface defining an arc of about 180°. Each pawl is supported on one boss, and is adapted to ratchet about the boss to selectively lock the races together. Each pawl has a J-shaped body including a pair of legs joined by a hook portion that with one of the legs defines a concave surface. The concave surface is configured to partially engage a complementary exterior convex surface of a corresponding boss, and the concave surface defines an arc ranging from 90° to at least 150° adapted to circumscribe an identical range of the convex surface of the corresponding boss. The interactive convex and concave surfaces of respective pawl and boss elements provide an effective pawl retention system under centrifugal forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Calahan Campton, Brett Peglowski, James Bourn
  • Patent number: 10859127
    Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: a hub; a carrier; a first wedge plate segment radially located between the hub and the carrier and including a first ramp sloping radially inwardly in a first circumferential direction and including a first circumferential end; a second wedge plate segment radially located between the hub and the carrier and including a second ramp sloping radially inwardly in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction and including a second circumferential end. In a free-wheel mode of the wedge clutch, one of the hub or the carrier is rotatable with respect to the other of the hub or the carrier. In a locked mode of the wedge clutch: the hub and the carrier are non-rotatably connected for rotation of the hub in the first circumferential direction; and the first and second circumferential ends are in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ryan Carlino
  • Patent number: 10844823
    Abstract: A specialty nut and specialty ratchet driver device used to start an internal combustion engine, each with an integrated one direction clutch, designed to be an attachment for a commercially available battery operated drill/driver gun. The specialty ratchet driver with an integrated one direction clutch is inserted into the driver receptacle of the socket placed over the nut on the crank shaft of the engine. One end of a drive shaft is inserted into the one direction clutch portion of the specialty ratchet driver device and the other end of the drive shaft is inserted into the chuck of a battery operated drill/driver gun. The torque of the drill/driver gun turns the crank shaft of the engine with sufficient force to initiate starting of the engine. The one direction clutch then allows the engine to turn faster than the drill/driver so as not to impede the engine start up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Skunk Works, LLC
    Inventor: Robert H. Koehler
  • Patent number: 10830290
    Abstract: A one-way clutch includes multiple sprags located between an outer ring member and an inner ring member, a cage that holds the sprags such that the sprags are circumferentially spaced from each other, and a spring disposed along the cage and in contact with the sprags. The cage includes a tubular body and an annular flange. The body has multiple pockets that hold the sprags. The flange extends from an axial end of the body toward the outer ring member. A clearance is formed between the outer ring member and the flange along their entire circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hajime Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10816044
    Abstract: A wedge clutch selectively locks an outer race to an inner race to transfer torque therebetween. The inner race includes a first plurality of tapered surfaces, tapered in a first direction about an axis. The inner race includes a second plurality of tapered surfaces, tapered in an opposite second direction about the axis. At least two wedge plates are provided, each having a plurality of segments with a tapered inner surface disposed on a respective one of the first or second plurality of tapered surfaces of the inner race. The tapered inner surfaces of the wedge plates are tapered in opposite directions. An electromagnetic actuator is provided for each of the wedge plates. Electrically energizing one of the actuators constricts that respective wedge plate, unwedging the wedge plate from between the inner race and outer race and to no longer inhibit relative rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Nicholas Hrusch
  • Patent number: 10738842
    Abstract: The clutch assembly has a first mode and a second mode. The clutch assembly includes an inner ring defining a plurality of inner ring retainers, an outer ring defining a plurality of outer ring retainers. A cage is arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. The cage includes arms with a first region having a first stiffness and a second region having a second stiffness that is different than the first stiffness. Struts are arranged within a respective receptacle and adapted to slide within the respective receptacle. Rotational movement of the cage drives the struts into and out of engagement with the plurality of inner ring retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Peter Burke
  • Patent number: 10711853
    Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member having at least one side surface with a draft to improve locking member dynamics are provided. Locking member dynamics is improved with regards to locking member laydown speed. Laydown speed variation cause by a variable frictional coefficient between a pocket surface of a pocket in which the locking member is received and nominally retained and the at least one side surface of the locking member is minimized as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Earl A. Getchel, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Patent number: 10677295
    Abstract: A rocker one-way clutch including an outer race including a pocket and a strut including a main body rotatable within the pocket and a locking member including a first neck portion extending from the main body and a cutout operatively arranged within the first neck portion to prevent displacement of a spring member. A rocker one-way clutch including an inner race, an outer race arranged radially outward of the inner race concentrically, the outer race including a pocket, a strut including a main body rotatable within the pocket and a locking member, the locking member including a first neck portion extending from the main body, a cutout operatively arranged within the first neck portion to prevent displacement of a spring member and a protrusion operatively arranged within the first neck portion opposite of the cutout to ensure proper assembly of the strut within the inner and outer races.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Aditya Dattawadkar
  • Patent number: 10626930
    Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: outer and inner races; a wedge plate radially between the inner and outer races; and an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator includes: a coil; a first coil core piece including a first end disposed within the coil and a second end connected to the wedge plate; and a second coil core piece including a first end disposed within the first coil and a second end connected to the wedge plate. In a locked mode of the clutch, the inner race and outer races and the wedge plate are non-rotatably connected for rotation of the inner race in a circumferential direction. In a free-wheel mode of the clutch, the inner race is rotatable, with respect to the outer race, in the circumferential direction. To transition from the locked mode to the free-wheel mode, the electromagnetic actuator is arranged to be energized to radially contract the wedge plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Md Wasi Uddin, Kevin Rauh
  • Patent number: 10598233
    Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assembly and control system for use therein are provided. The system includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement between the coupling faces of first of second coupling members. A one-way locking member such as a detent is pivotally connected to the control member via a selector arm for movement between a disengaged position in which the control member is permitted to shift or rotate relative to the second coupling member and an engaged position between the control member and a locking member engaging portion of the second coupling member to lock the control member and the second coupling member together to prevent the control member from inadvertently shifting in a first direction relative to the second coupling member in the absence of an actuator command signal received by a bi-directional actuator subassembly including the selector arm connected to the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignees: Means Industries, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Hiroyuki Shioiri
  • Patent number: 10578173
    Abstract: A switchable wedge clutch includes an inner race, and an outer race that has an inner surface defining a plurality of tapered regions. A plurality of wedge plate are disposed between the inner and outer races, and are moveable circumferentially about the inner race. Each wedge plate segment has a tapered outer surface configured to engage and slide relative to the tapered regions of the outer race. An actuating ring has a plurality of axially-extending tapered fingers configured to fit between two of the wedge plate segments. The wedge plate segments are wedged between the tapered regions and the inner race to lock the inner and outer race together. Axial movement of the actuating ring forces the wedge plate segments circumferentially against biasing forces of springs to unwedge the wedge plate segments from between the outer race and the inner race and unlock the wedge clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Ohr, Ryan Carlino, Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 10550895
    Abstract: A wedge plate clutch, including: inner and outer rings; circumferentially aligned wedge plate segments radially disposed between the inner and outer rings; a plurality of snap rings urging the circumferentially aligned wedge plate segments radially outwardly; and a cage. The plurality of snap rings includes: a first snap ring with a first circumferential gap; and a second snap ring with a second circumferential gap. The second circumferential gap is circumferentially off-set from the first circumferential gap. For a disconnect mode for the wedge plate clutch, the inner ring and the outer ring are rotatable with respect to each other. To transition from the disconnect mode to a connect mode for the wedge plate clutch, in which the inner and outer rings are non-rotatably connected, the cage is arranged to displace the circumferentially aligned wedge plate segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Carsten Ohr
  • Patent number: 10508695
    Abstract: A wedge one-way clutch is provided for selectively transmitting torque between two components in one direction, and selectively locking rotation in another direction. The clutch has an inner race with a groove defined about its outer surface. The clutch has an outer race disposed radially outwardly from the inner race. The outer race has a sloped surface as part of a pocket. A wedge segment rests in the pocket. The wedge segment is moveable within the pocket, wherein the wedge segment has a taper or chamfer at its inner surface that engages with the groove in a slideable fashion. The wedge may also have a sloped surface that mates with and slides along the sloped surface of the outer race. The wedge can slide along the sloped surface, and along the inner race, so that the wedge wedges between the outer and inner races to lock them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jeremiah Bauman, Michael Hodge, James Copeland
  • Patent number: 10465756
    Abstract: A selectable torque transfer system includes an input member to receive an input torque, and an output member that is selectively coupled to the input member. The selectable torque transfer system also includes an engaging member disposed between the input member and the output member and a biasing element configured to urge the engaging member towards a first position. The selectable torque transfer system further includes an electrically-powered solenoid configured to actuate the engaging member to a second position thereby enabling torque transfer from the input member to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Tito R. Huffman, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 10335934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool having dual flex heads. The tool may have a flex head having a ratchet head and a flex head having a bit driver head. The flex heads may include a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Walter R. Tucker Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventor: Luke R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 10323700
    Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: an axis of rotation; a hub; an inner ring located radially inward of the hub; a cage radially disposed between the hub and the inner ring; a plurality of circumferentially aligned wedge plate segments radially disposed between the hub and the inner ring; and a circumferentially continuous resilient element engaged with the cage and the plurality of circumferentially aligned wedge plate segments, and urging the plurality of circumferentially aligned wedge plate segments radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marion Jack Ince, Guihui Zhong
  • Patent number: 10316904
    Abstract: A coupling assembly having an overrun mode and a locking member for use therein are provided. The locking member includes a first member-engaging nose, a second member-engaging tail diametrically opposite the nose and a main body between the nose and the tail. A control element-engaging appendage extends downwardly from a lower face of the main body. A pair of oppositely projecting pivots extend laterally from the tail for enabling pivotal motion of the locking member about a pivot axis which intersects the pivots. A control element engages the appendage to create a moment of the locking member about the pivot axis to urge the locking member from a coupling position towards an uncoupling position. The moment decreases the amount of force needed by the control element to move the locking member out of the coupling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Patent number: 10302157
    Abstract: A centrifugal clutch is disclosed. The clutch may include an inner rotating element whose outer periphery includes a plurality of ramps and at least one centrifugal weight device surrounding the inner rotating element, which includes a plurality of peripherally distributed centrifugal weights and whose inner periphery includes a plurality of counter ramps for forming a positive frictional engagement with the ramps of the inner rotating element. It may further include an outer rotating element surrounding the at least one centrifugal weight device, wherein the centrifugal weights can be pressed outwards through a friction lining against an inner periphery of the outer rotating element in opposition to the action of a spring arrangement. The centrifugal weight device may be generally formed by an annular plate structure including at least one plate element, wherein the plate structure includes a plurality of peripherally distributed peripheral sections that form the centrifugal weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Kurth, Ralph Schimpf
  • Patent number: 10302153
    Abstract: A wedge clutch includes a hub supported for rotation about an axis and having an outer surface about a peripheral of the hub. The outer surface has a plurality of ramped surfaces. A carrier is also supported for rotation about the axis and has an inner surface. An inner surface of the disk is configured to slide along the ramped surfaces of the hub. The disk is moveable between an expanded position in which an outer surface of the disk engages the inner surface of the carrier to lock the clutch and a contracted position in which the clutch is unlocked. An armature is disposed in the disk and is configured to react to an electromagnetic force to alter the disk between the expanded position to the contracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Joshua Hixenbaugh, Justin Bitar
  • Patent number: 10294999
    Abstract: A clutch includes a hub and a carrier concentric with the hub. One of the hub and the carrier defines a circular groove and the other of the hub and the carrier defines a tapered surface. A plurality of arcuate segments collectively define a ring that has a first edge disposed on the tapered surface and a second edge disposed in the groove. Each of the segments defines a first locating feature. An annular resilient member is seated on each of the segments and includes second locating features each connecting with one of the first locating features to secure the segments in a desired circumferential position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Ohr, Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 10208814
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a clutch assembly which is comprised of (1) a cam plate which includes cams which are spaced about a central axis; (2) a rocker plate which includes at least one pocket, wherein the pocket includes a first rocker plate engagement surface and a second rocker plate engagement surface; and (3) at least one rocker which is pivotally situated within the pocket of the rocker plate, (4) a first solenoid, and (5) a second solenoid, wherein the solenoids can be activated or deactivated to allow for the clutch to be in a neutral position (to allow for free rotation in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions), to prevent rotation in a clockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a counterclockwise direction, or to prevent rotation in a counterclockwise direction while allowing for free rotation in a clockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Keystone Powdered Metal Company
    Inventors: Bradley Reiter, Gary L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10094432
    Abstract: A one-way clutch, comprising an inner race including a first outer circumference with a first plurality of ramps, at least one clutch ring including a first inner circumference with a second plurality of ramps and a second outer circumference with a plurality of projections, and an outer race including a second inner circumference with a plurality of grooves. The outer race is operatively arranged to rotate with respect to the inner race in a first circumferential direction and non-rotatably connect to the inner race when rotated in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffller Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 10024370
    Abstract: An electro-magnetically actuated pawl clutch is adapted to establish a fixed overdrive ratio in a powersplit type hybrid gearing arrangement. The electro-magnetically actuated clutch includes an inner race splined to the transmission input shaft and an outer race fixed to a first gear that is supported for rotation about the input shaft. The inner race includes two magnetically separated toothed rings. Electrical current in a non-rotating coil establishes a magnetic field in the inner race. The magnetic field causes a set of pawls to pivot with respect to the outer race and to engage at least one of the toothed rings. The pawls and teeth are designed such that, when engaged, the outer race can rotate faster than the inner race but cannot rotate slower. The first gear meshes with a second gear fixed to the transmission output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Klaser, Norman Jerry Bird
  • Patent number: 10012268
    Abstract: A clutch includes a hub and a carrier supported for rotation about a common axis. The carrier has a fixed portion and a sliding member that cooperate to define a groove. Movement of the sliding member changes a width of the groove. The clutch further includes a disk having a first edge disposed on the hub and a second edge disposed in the groove. The disk frictionally engages between the hub and the carrier when the clutch is locked. The sliding member is biased such that the groove has a first width for a first range of torques between the disk and the groove and a second width that is greater than the first width for a second range of torques between the disk and the groove that is greater than the first range of torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Brian Lee, Carsten Ohr
  • Patent number: 9630362
    Abstract: A printing head module includes a driving gear, a bi-directional motor, a first feeding module and a second feeding module. The bi-directional motor selectively drives the driving gear to rotate along a first direction and a second direction. The first feeding module disposed at a first side of the driving gear includes a first unidirectional gear and a first idler gear. The driving gear is engaged with the first unidirectional gear, and the first unidirectional gear unidirectionally drives the first idler gear to rotate. The second feeding module is disposed at a second side of the driving gear opposite to the first side, and includes a second unidirectional gear and a second idler gear, the driving gear is engaged with the second unidirectional gear to drive the second unidirectional gear to rotate, and the second unidirectional gear unidirectionally drive the second idler gear to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignees: XYZprinting, Inc., Kinpo Electronics, Inc., Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited
    Inventors: Clyde Ventolina Cordero, Cher-Lek Toh, Wei-De Toh, Shy-Huey Yee
  • Patent number: 9550564
    Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may include an electric motor positioned on a landing gear assembly of the aircraft; and one or more selectively operable engaging members for selectively coupling the ETS with a wheel of the aircraft. The engaging members may be drivably coupled to the electric motor. The engaging members may each have a base member and a leading end. An axis of the base member and an axis of the leading end may be in straight-line alignment upon initial engagement of the engaging member with the wheel. The axes of the leading end and the base member may displaced from a straight-line alignment responsively to lateral forces exerted on the leading end resulting from deflections of the wheel during taxiing of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Donald Jeffrey Christensen, Robert Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9446506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool having dual flex heads. The tool may have a flex head having a ratchet head and a flex head having a bit driver head. The flex heads may include a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Walter R. Tucker Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventor: Luke R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 9357699
    Abstract: A robotic mower includes a chassis, a cutting motor driving at least one cutting blade, and a height adjustment assembly. The cutting motor is mounted on a motor bracket. The motor bracket provides structural support for the cutting motor at an adjustable level relative to the chassis. The height adjustment assembly includes a biasing element, a screw engagement nut, and a height adjustment screw. The screw engagement nut is operably coupled to the motor bracket to enable adjustment of a height of the motor bracket via rotation of the height adjustment screw. The height adjustment screw rotates to translate the screw engagement nut vertically along the height adjustment screw based on an engagement of teeth on the screw engagement nut with threads of the height adjustment screw. The teeth of the screw engagement nut are urged toward the threads of the height adjustment screw via the biasing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventor: Martin Elonsson
  • Patent number: 9212687
    Abstract: A thrust washer assembly including a washer and a ring is provided. The washer includes a circumferential outer surface that varies radially from an axis of the washer to define a plurality of ramps. The ring includes a plurality of axial protrusions that each includes an inner radial surface that, via a relative rotation of the washer to the ring, engages a radially outer surface of the plurality of ramps to connect the washer and the ring by a friction-fit connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Daniel Sayre
  • Patent number: 9133897
    Abstract: A freewheel, which has an inner ring, an outer ring that can be rotated relative to the inner ring in at least one rotational direction and which is disposed radially around the inner ring, a plurality of rolling bodies, which are disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and at least one rolling body suspension for suspending the rolling bodies in the direction of the inner ring. The rolling body suspension has a spring which overall has a circular shape and is adapted such that the rolling bodies are loaded radially inward in the radial direction of the freewheel. In a plane that is formed by the longitudinal direction and the radial direction of the freewheel, the spring has a substantially rectangular profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Laszlo Man
  • Patent number: 9016451
    Abstract: A one-way clutch, including: a plurality of first ramps with respective first face surfaces orthogonal to an axis of rotation or forming a first acute angle with the first line. The clutch includes at least one wedge plate including a smooth second outer circumference and a first inner circumference with a plurality of second ramps with respective second face surfaces orthogonal to the axis of rotation in the radial direction or forming a second acute angle with the second line. The clutch includes an outer race including a second inner circumference. The outer race is rotatable with respect to the inner race in a circumferential direction. For relative rotation of the outer race in the direction, at least one, but not all, first face surfaces is in contact with second face surface. Rotation of the outer race in an opposite circumferential direction locks the inner and outer races.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20150105205
    Abstract: A downsized drive unit for vehicles having an SOWC is provided. A motor 2 is held in a casing 31 opening toward an axially opposite side of the engine 1, and the opening 31a of the casing 31 is closed by a covering member 32. In order to selectively restrict any of forward and backward rotation of any of rotary members, the SOWC 8 is disposed coaxially with the motor 2 in an inner side of the covering member 32 and attached to the covering member 32.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki KUROSAKI, Hiroyuki SHIOIRI, Hideaki KOMADA, Hiroyuki SHIBATA, Hiroki YASUI, Hong Nam DANG
  • Publication number: 20150096860
    Abstract: The invention relates to a one-way clutch mechanical system, in particular a pulley-assembly for a motor vehicle alternator. The one-way clutch mechanical system includes an inner element and an outer element, which are movable relative to one another in rotation around a central axis (X1) and delimits an annular housing between them. The system further includes a one-way clutch device positioned in the annular housing, a member for damping a relative rotational movement between the inner and outer elements and for transmitting torque to the one-way clutch device, which is also positioned in that annular housing. The damping and torque transmission member is axially offset relative to the one-way clutch device, along the central axis (X1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Ludovic Fenayon, Eve Goujon, Torbjorn Hedman, Romuald Lescorail
  • Publication number: 20150096861
    Abstract: The invention relates to a one-way clutch mechanical system for a pulley-assembly of a motor vehicle alternator, having an inner element, an outer element rotatably movable relative to one another around a central axis and delimiting an annular housing between them. A one-way clutch device positioned in the annular housing and a member damping a relative rotational movement between the inner and outer elements and elements transmitting torque to the clutch device is provided. A ring rotatably secured to a first element and adjacent, along the central axis, to a damping and torque transmission member, is provided with first means for activating the member to transmit torque. A sleeve belonging to the one-way clutch device is provided with second means for activating the damping and torque transmitting member. The one-way clutch device has cams that bear against the sleeve and the second activation means has at least one raised portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Ludovic Fenayon
  • Publication number: 20150068858
    Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, a clutch may comprise an outer race, an inner race, and an engagement assembly disposed in a space located radially between the outer and inner races. The engagement assembly may comprise a plurality of locking members and a biasing shoe frictionally engaged with one of the outer race and the inner race. The locking members may be configured to move with the biasing shoe within the space between an unlocked position, in which the locking members are free to move relative to the outer race and to the inner race, and a locked position, in which the locking members are wedged between the outer and inner races to couple the outer and inner races for rotation together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Warren A. Seith, Aaron M. Crescenti, Mark T. McClung
  • Publication number: 20150060223
    Abstract: A clutch, having an outer race, an inner race, a wedge plate radially arranged between the outer race and the inner race and including an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface, and a radially continuous space connecting the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface, and a locking assembly including a displaceable locking component. For a free-wheel mode, the inner and outer races are rotatable with respect to each other. For a locking mode, the locking component is displaceable within the radially disposed space of the wedge plate to engage the wedge plate to radially expand the wedge plate and non-rotatably connect the inner race, the wedge plate, and the outer race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Carsten Ohr, Brian Lee, Guihui Zhong
  • Publication number: 20150053523
    Abstract: A bicycle freewheel basically includes a driving member, a driven member, at least one first engaging member, at least one second engaging member and at least one contact member. The driving member is to be coupled to a bicycle sprocket, The driven member is to be coupled to a bicycle hub. The driving member and the driven member have oppositely arranged first and second portions, respectively. The at least one first engaging member is disposed on one of the first and second portions, while the at least one second engaging member is disposed on the other of the first and second portions. The at least one second engaging member engages the at least one first engaging member while non-freewheeling. The at least one contact member is disposed on one of the first and second engaging members, and contacts the other of the first and second engaging members while freewheeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Shimano (Singapore) Pte, Ltd.
    Inventors: Guang Sheng Elson LIM, Puat Thiam LIM
  • Publication number: 20150027839
    Abstract: A one-way clutch comprising a driver member, a driven member disposed radially outward of the driver member, a pawl cooperatively engaged with a receiving portion in the driver member, a recess in the driven member for receiving the pawl, a pawl guide engaged with the driven member, and the pawl engaged with the pawl guide, the pawl guide having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion urging the pawl radially outward to engage the recess for a driving condition and the second portion urging the pawl radially inward to disengage the recess for an overrun condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Dean Schneider
  • Publication number: 20150027840
    Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: an inner hub; an outer race; and a conical outer race: including a first portion aligned with the outer race in a radial direction orthogonal to an axis of rotation for the wedge clutch and in an axial direction, and a second portion aligned with the outer race in an axial direction parallel to the axis. The conical outer race is axially displaceable with respect to the outer race to bring the first and second portions into contact with the outer race to non-rotatably connect the inner hub and the outer race and to separate the first and second portions from the outer race to enable relative rotation of the inner hub and the outer race. The wedge clutch includes a wedge plate radially located between the inner hub and the conical outer race and engaged with the inner hub and the conical outer race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Lee, Carsten Ohr
  • Publication number: 20150022970
    Abstract: A ratchet module disposed in an electronic apparatus realizes one-way push-push function for a functional module. The ratchet module includes a first member and a second member meshed with each other with axially extending ratchet such that the second member may be pushed to rotate in one direction with respect to the first member. A torque spring disposed between the two members is twisted to accumulate a restoring force as the second member is moved by the functional module sliding in a housing and rotated with respect to the first member. The second member is served to maintain the position of the functional module. A button is further used in the ratchet module to push the second member to disengage from the first member, allowing the twisted torque spring to rotate the second member automatically in a reverse direction that pushes the functional module to slide reversely in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Syuan-He Shih
  • Publication number: 20150014111
    Abstract: A roll-up apparatus, which provides a unidirectional resistance, includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel, damping oil, a clutch device, and a driving device. The outer and the inner barrels each has a concentric-circle structure therein. The inner barrel has first ratchet teeth. The outer barrel is fitted to the inner barrel, and the concentric-circle structures are engaged. The damping oil is received in a space between the concentric-circle structures. The clutch device has second ratchet teeth to disengage and engage the first ratchet teeth of the inner barrel when the clutch device is moved to a first position and a second position. The driving device moves the clutch device between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: De-Jun Zhang