Abstract: A drive mechanism for converting rotary oscillation of a washing machine clothes agitator to intermittent unidirectional rotation of an adjoining clothes auger includes a ratchet wheel and cooperating ratchet pawls. The wheel includes axially oppositely facing top and bottom sides, with the top side having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart ratchet teeth, and the bottom side being configured for being fixedly joined to the clothes agitator. The pawls are vertically suspended from a support disk for allowing gravity to engage the pawls with the ratchet teeth as the ratchet wheel oscillates with the agitator, with the support disk being driven in a single direction by the pawls for correspondingly rotating the auger joinable thereto.

Abstract: A ball bearing/freewheel clutch is provided with an inner race member defining an inner race surface; an outer race member defining an outer race surface concentric with said inner race member; and a raceway between said inner and outer races. The inner and outer race members each have a series of short radially oriented sawtooth inclines on their respective inner and outer race surfaces at right angles to said raceway. A plurality of modified ball bearings are disposed in said raceway between said inner and outer race members, such that said modified ball bearings serve to prevent relative rotation of said inner and outer race members in one direction, and to transmit a torque between said inner and outer races. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, said modified ball bearings have flattened poles which engage said sawtooth inclines in one direction of rotation.

Abstract: A ratchet transmission control mechanism which includes a casing having a head at one end, toothed shaft inserted into an axial center hole on the head to hold a bit for turning screws, two stop blocks mounted in a respective slot on the head of the casing and retained in place by a clamp for engagement with the toothed portion of the toothed shaft, an adjusting cap mounted around the toothed shaft over the head of the casing and retained in place by a locating ring, whereby when the adjusting cap is turned to the middle position, the two stop blocks are forced into engagement with the toothed portion of the shaft, for permitting the shaft to be turned by the casing in both ways; when the adjusting cap is turned to the leftward position or the rightward position, only one stop block is forced into engagement with the toothed portion of the shaft, and the shaft can only be turned by the casing in one direction.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first engagement element of a rotation transmitting element that is attached to a rotatable drive member. The first engagement element is forced toward a second engagement element that is attached to near the center or to the radially inner perimeter of an annular outer edge of a driven member. When the drive member rotates in one direction, the first and second engagement elements connect and the rotation of the rotatable drive member is transmitted to the rotatable driven member. The rotation transmitting element is connected to the drive member in a manner that allows it to rotate freely and so that the first engagement element may separate from or connect to the second engagement element.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a ratchet wheel and a pawl engaged in a head portion. The ratchet wheel includes a number of curved and concave teeth formed in the outer peripheral surface, and the pawl includes a number of curved and convex teeth for engaging with the curved and concave teeth of the ratchet wheel so as to strengthen the engagement between the teeth. In addition, the teeth of the pawl are all engaged with the teeth of the ratchet wheel such that the engagement between the ratchet wheel and the pawl is further strengthened.

Abstract: A novel auger clutch mechanism which may be used with washer agitators and augers. More particularly this mechanism comprises an outer clutch housing and a clutch, wherein the clutch is positioned within the housing. The clutch has a number of outwardly extending ligaments which are flexible enough to be rolled up. When rolled up, the ligaments restrict movement in one direction, yet allow the clutch to move freely in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A ratchet block comprised of a frame, movable sheave assembly, ratchet assembly, ratchet assembly and cam wherein the ratchet automatically engages under load permitting rotation of the sheave in only one direction, and disengages when the load is removed permitting rotation in both directions. This automatic engagement and disengagement of the ratchet to increase or reduce friction when a rope or wire is run through the sheave does not require the user to disengage the ratchet mechanism with a conventional switch.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism is provided which is adapted to convert the continuously oscillating rotation of a clothes washing machine agitator to periodic rotation in a single direction for a clothes washing machine auger. The mechanism comprises a cap and a cam disc, each configured such that they may be fabricated by a single-draw mold and wherein the cap comprises a plurality of reeds that either deflect around or mechanically catch on a plurality of cam teeth disposed on the cam disc dependent upon the direction of cam disc rotation such that the rotation of the cam disc is transmitted to the cap in only one direction wherein the transmission of the rotation does not depend solely on friction. The cap serves a further function of sealing the top of the auger and thereby preventing the ingress of matter associated with a clothes washing machine, such as water or detergent, into the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle freehub having a hub body, an axle and a sprocket coupling. The axle is coaxially disposed in the hub body which has a spindle, two flanges and two ring ends. One of the ring ends has a receiving cavity and the other ring end has a bearing receiving recess. The receiving cavity provides a ratchet ring which has an outer rim and a plurality of ratchets provided along its inner circumference. The sprocket coupling has a cylindrical pawl driver at one end. The pawl driver further provides at least two recesses on its circumference for retaining two pawls thereon respectively and an annular groove along its outer periphery fpr receiving a coil spring to hold the two pawls in position. The sprocket coupling is connected with the hub body by inserting the pawl driver into the receiving cavity coaxially, thus the pawls are engaged with the ratchets for enabling said sprocket coupling to drive the hub body in a direction but is free to rotate in the other direction.

Abstract: A one-way clutch generally comprising a driving member, a carrier ring and a driven member. The carrier ring is disposed concentrically with the driving and driven members and disposed therebetween. The carrier ring includes at least one cut-out within which a key is disposed for pivotal rotation relative to the carrier ring. Each of the driving and driven members further include a plurality of circumferentially spaced key engaging notches. When the driving member rotates in a first rotational direction one end of the key engages with one of the key engaging notches within the driving member. Subsequently, a second outer end portion of the same key engages with one of the key engaging notches in the driven member. This allows the driving member to drive the driven member through the single engaged key.

Abstract: A hub includes a hub shell having two flanges, a number of ratchet teeth formed in one of the flanges, a spindle rotatably engaged in the hub shell, a sleeve disposed on the spindle and having one or more pawls disposed on the outer peripheral portion for engagement with the ratchet teeth in order to drive the hub shell. The hub can be used in the front portion of the bicycle. The sleeve may include an extension for supporting the sprockets such that the hub can also be used in the rear portion of the bicycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling which includes first and second shafts, each having an axis. The axes are disposed in generally coaxial relationship. The apparatus includes coupling having first and second members for coupling the first shaft to the second shaft to allow transmission of rotational movement from one of said shafts to the other of said shafts upon rotation of the one shaft. The first and second members have a configuration which allows transmission of rotational movement from one shaft to the other shaft in a first direction of rotational movement and not allowing transmission of rotational movement from one shaft to another shaft in a second direction of rotational movement. The first member is mounted on the first shaft so as to allow movement on the first shaft in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft.

Abstract: A power steering system for vehicles is disclosed using a stepping motor. The stepping motor is energized for power assist in executing turns and for reducing drag of the servomotor during the return of the dirigible wheels to the straight ahead position. A torque transducer operatively coupled with the steering wheel shaft and the steering gear generates a torque signal corresponding to the torque applied by the driver to the steering wheel. A resilient coupling also providing a range of unresisted lost motion is provided between the stepping motor and the steering gear and a transducer is operatively coupled therewith to develop a signal corresponding to lost motion. The torque signal and the lost motion signal are combined differentially and the resultant signal is used to control stepping of the stepping motor. When the driver applies torque to the steering wheel, the torque signal indicates driver input torque and the lost motion signal indicates the applied servo torque.

Abstract: A ratchet block comprised of a frame, moveable sheave assembly, ratchet assembly and cam wherein the ratchet automatically engages under load permitting rotation of the sheave in only one direction, and disengages when the load is removed permitting rotation in both directions. This automatic engagement and disengagement of the ratchet to increase or reduce friction when a rope or wire is run through the sheave does not require the user to disengage the ratchet mechanism with a conventional switch.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism (88) for a ground-driven top dresser (10) is actuated by an electric actuator (139) pivotally mounted to a U-shaped bracket (104). The shaft (141) of the actuator (139) is connected to flanges (135) radially extending from a rotatable tube (132) through a lost motion means in the form of elongated slots (145) formed in the flanges (135) and which slideably receive a pin (143) carried by the actuator shaft (141). A cam (134) is removably attached to flanges (133) radially extending from the rotatable tube (132) opposite to the actuator flanges (135). The cam (134) has first and second portions (136a,b) for engaging the pivotal arm (110) which engages and disengages the clutch mechanism (88).

Abstract: A pneumatic starter (10) incorporates a pawl and ratchet clutch assembly (50) having a ratchet member (46) mounted to a drive member (40) powered by an air expansion turbine (20), and a plurality of pawls (48) disposed circumferentially about the ratchet member (46) and operable in engagement therewith to transmit rotational drive torque from the drive member (40) to a driven member (60). Each of the pawls (48) is supported on a pivot pin (54) for pivotal movement into and out of engagement with the ratchet member (46) and translation between a engaged and drive position and a disengaged and retracted position to effectuate a change in the location of the center of gravity (93) of the pawl relative to its pivot axis (55). Preload springs (54) are provided for biasing the pawls (48) to pivot radially inwardly into engagement with the ratchet member (46).

Abstract: A pneumatic starter (10) incorporates a pawl and ratchet clutch assembly (50) having a ratchet member (46) mounted to a drive member (40) powered by an air expansion turbine (20), and a plurality of pawls (48) disposed circumferentially about the ratchet member (46) and operable in engagement therewith to transmit rotational drive torque from the drive member (40) to a driven member (60). Each of the pawls (48) is supported on a pivot pin (52) for pivotal movement into and out of engagement with the ratchet member (46) about its pivot axis (55). Preload springs (54) are provided for biasing the pawls (48) to pivot radially inwardly into engagement with the ratchet member (46). A weight ball (82) is disposed in a slot (80) extending along each pawl (48) so as to define a travel path between the toe end (47) and the heel end (48) thereof.

Abstract: A pneumatic starter (10) incorporates a pawl and ratchet clutch assembly (50) having a ratchet member (46) mounted to a drive member (40) powered by an air expansion turbine (20), and a plurality of ferromagnetic pawls (48) disposed circumferentially about the ratchet member (46) and operable in engagement therewith to transmit rotational drive torque from the drive member (40) to a driven member (60). Each of the pawls (48) is supported for pivotal movement into and out of engagement with the ratchet member (46). Springs (54) are provided for biasing the pawls (48) to pivot radially inwardly into engagement with the ratchet member (46). At least one magnet (82) is disposed in operative association with and radially outwardly of each pawl (48), whereby the ferromagnetic pawls (48) are held by the magnets (82) out of engagement with the ratchet member (46) when the driven shaft (60) is rotating at a speed above a desired reengagement speed.

Abstract: A one way clutch comprises an inner clutch member (12) and an outer clutch member (10). The outer clutch member carries a set of ratchet teeth (18) and the inner clutch member carries two sets of sloping faced projections (20, 22) around its periphery. An arcuate resiliently flexible member (14) is arranged between the inner and outer clutch members and has a set of ratchet teeth (26) engageable with the outer member ratchet teeth and a set of sloping faced projections (37) at intervals along its length. A tail end of the member carries a pawl (32). On relative rotation of the inner and outer members in a non-driving direction, the pawl ratchets over the outer clutch member ratchet teeth.

Abstract: The one way clutch assembly of the present invention includes driving devices comprising two cooperating shafts which are configured to disengage one another upon stoppage or reversal of rotation of one of the shafts. One shaft is engaged to a supercharger drive shaft and the other is engaged to an actuating pulley for the supercharger which is belt driven by the engine. Such driving devices may be incorporated into the input shaft of the supercharger or into the crankshaft drive pulley of the engine. Upon the occurrence of a prematurely detonated intake charge in the engine, the driving devices disengage, with each rotating freely. After the force of detonation has decreased sufficiently and the engine has been stopped, the devices are easily reengageable for normal engine operation.

Abstract: A pawl and ratchet clutch and an air turbine starter having such a clutch is provided in which a single, torsion shaft simultaneously forces each of a plurality of pawls into engagement with the ratchet. The torsion shaft is coupled to a cam having radially extending arms with involute surface portions. Each pawl has a radially extending member that has an involute surface. The pawls and cam are disposed within the clutch so their respective involute surfaces are in rolling contact with each other. The torsion shaft is coaxially disposed within the clutch so as to be readily accessible, which permits its twist to be adjusted without dismantling the starter.

Abstract: According to an illustratie example of the invention, a pawl-ratchet free-wheel mechanism has an inner rotor and an outer rotor. The outer rotor is provided with a pocket located in an inner circumferential face of the outer rotor. A pawl is pivotally mounted in the pocket. The pocket is formed by dislocation of material of the outer rotor member by a cold shaping method.

Abstract: A variable speed shaft drive system for bicycles employs a drive shaft that is generally horizontally coupled between the pedals and the rear wheel of the bicycle. A pinion gear at the forward end of the drive shaft is engaged by a ring gear driven by the pedals to transmit drive power from the pedals to the drive shaft. A drive head at the rear end of the drive shaft frictionally engages a drive pick-up plate mounted to the rear wheel of the bicycle to transmit drive power from the rotating drive shaft to the rear wheel. Infinitely variable speed control is achieved by means of a shifting fork actuated by the user to position the drive head at selected distances from the center of the drive pick-up plate. Alternatively, a second drive head/pick-up ring combination may be substituted for the ring gear/pinion gear combination driven by the pedals to provide even smoother operation.

Abstract: An operation control system of an automotive working vehicle has a self-resetting switch as a switch for stationary operation and a self-holding circuit. The self-holding circuit is set by operating the self-resetting switch to a predetermined set state when the following predetermined conditions are satisfied: detection of a driver's seat being unoccupied, detection of a transmission being in neutral, and detection of a PTO shaft for stationary operation being selected. In the predetermined set state of the self-holding circuit, the engine of the automotive working vehicle can operate even when a PTO clutch is engaged, provided that the above predetermined conditions are satisfied. In another form of the invention, the predetermined conditions further include detection of a parking brake being locked.

Abstract: A one-way ratcheting clutch having a primary annular driving member with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly extending lugs and a secondary annular member mounted on a common shaft has a plurality of resilient circumferentially spaced outwardly extending fingers for engaging the lugs configured to be compression loaded. At any relative rotational position at least one, and less than half, of the fingers is in the relaxed or undeflected state to minimize the effects of permanent set where both members are formed of plastic and exposed to service temperatures up to 85.degree. C.

Abstract: An automatic speed-variating system includes: a first speed-variating device formed on a driving rotating device such as a bike pedal and its driving chain sprocket having a first planetary gear system and a ratchet wheel for preliminarily manually variating a speed of the driving rotating device, and a second speed-variating device formed on a follower rotating device such as a follower chain sprocket formed on a bike rear wheel driven by the driving rotating device having at least a second planetary gear system operatively engageable with the follower chain sprocket by at least a centrifugal coupling for automatically variating a speed of the follower rotating device.

Abstract: A coupling (1) which is disconnectable in the driving direction of rotation has a coupling hub (2) and a coupling sleeve (3) rotatably arranged thereon. The hub (2) and sleeve (3) are connected in the driving direction of rotation by at least one locking ratchet (9, 10) and locking ratchet recess (7, 8 and 13, 14) respectively of the coupling hub (2) and the coupling sleeve (3), a locking pin (19, 20) with its longitudinal side (23, 24) extending in a tangential transverse bore (21, 22) presses the locking ratchets (9, 10) out of the locking ratchet recess (13, 14) in the coupling sleeve (3) when a switching ratchet (36) causes the rotation of the switching ring (4) by means of locking pins (19, 20).

Abstract: A one way drive device, for example an overrunning clutch, is disclosed herein and includes a drive member and a driven member which are mounted for clockwise and counterclockwise rotation about a common axis. The drive member includes a planar drive face normal to the common axis and is adapted for connection with a source of power for rotating the planar drive face either clockwise or counterclockwise. The driven member includes a planar driven face which is positioned in close proximity to and in confronting relationship with the drive face. The drive and driven members are coupled to one another through a series of pockets in one of the drive or driven faces and a plurality of cooperating pawls carried by the other face such that when the drive member is driven counterclockwise, it drives the driven member with it an when the drive member is driven clockwise it does so freely, that is, without driving the driven member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a freewheel clutch which transmits torque in two directions of rotation and controls the blocking pawls by control rings which are held back by friction rings ounter to the rotary motion and by guide extensions and pivot journals of blocking pawls guided in radial slots in guide extensions which move the blocking pawls out of or into engagement with the assigned support recesses of the inner part into a disengaged or engaged position. While, for instance, the one blocking pawl is moved into the torque transmitting position, simultaneously, the other blocking pawl is moved out of the position permitting torque transmittal. This assures a short response travel and with it a rapid switchover from the one driving direction to the other without interfering with the freewheeling motion.

Abstract: A light-weight, corrosion-resistant, multiple engaging ratchet assembly comprising few, easily manufactured parts for simplified operation of pawls and ratchet teeth in a free-wheel drive gear ratchet assembly. An outer wheel includes a cavity to receive an inner wheel with a pawl ring or integral pawls. The pawls ride over ratchet teeth protruding from a circumferential surface on the outer wheel when the inner wheel and the outer wheel rotate in opposite directions. Turning the inner wheel in a second direction the same as the outer wheel direction of rotation brings the pawls into engagement with the ratchet teeth causing the inner wheel to drive the outer wheel.

Abstract: A coupling for a bicycle provided with a pedal operated brake actuator (8) which is separated from the drive chain, comprising a first freewheel coupling (8) which is associated with the pedal assembly for torque transfer to the brake actuator (8) at reverse rotation of the pedal crank, and a second freewheel coupling (43; 64; 143) for torque transfer to the drive wheel at forward rotation of the pedal crank, and a third freewheel coupling which is associated with the drive wheel and arranged to deactivate either of said first freewheel coupling or said second freewheel coupling (43; 64; 143) by means of a shifter (30; 65; 130) at reverse rotation of the drive wheel. A slip clutch (35, 36; 67, 69; 135, 136) is arranged to enable greater freedom of rotation as said third freewheel coupling is engaged.

Abstract: Clutch apparatus with a rotary inner member having a plurality of equally spaced indents. An outer member has a plurality of equally spaced flexible beam members on its inner peripheral surface, each of said members being adapted to engage one of said plurality of indents. When either the inner or outer member is subject to an overload condition, said beam members flex radially outward and slip from one indent to another.

Abstract: A pawl for a recoil starters for internal combustion engines wherein the pawl radially extends into a driving relationship with the engine to be started during cranking and retracts during recoiling of the starter mechanism or upon engine starting. The invention utilizes a pawl having a non-linear configuration wherein an increased pawl angle is achieved with respect to the operating mechanism to rapidly position the pawl during the engine cranking operation, and the pawl outer end approaches a tangential relationship to the engine mounted abutment engaged by the pawl end to improve the pawl engagement with the abutment and limit concentric misalignment of the starter with the engine during cranking.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism is provided for the drive system of an automatic washer having a vertical axis agitator, a concentrically mounted wash basket, and a motor drivingly connected to the agitator to selectively oscillate or rotate the agitator about a vertical axis. The clutch mechanism selectively drivingly connects the wash basket with the motor for simultaneous rotation of the wash basket with the agitator during a water extraction mode of the washer. The clutch mechanism includes a first clutch member drivingly connected to the motor, and a second clutch member drivingly connected to the wash basket and selectively axially actuable for driving engagement with the first clutch member. A stationary cam housing is located adajcent the second clutch member, and a rotatable ring is disposed between the cam housing and the second clutch member.

Abstract: In a reel assembly of a tape cassette a one-way clutch mechanism is provi which serves to prevent rotation of the reel in the direction required for the purposes of rewinding a tape thereon. The one-way clutch mechanism includes a slipway channel which extends circumferentially of the axis of rotation of the reel. The reel assembly includes a first clutch member which is designed to be driven by the power output shaft of the winding mechanism and a second member which is designed to be held fast with respect to the cassette. A slipway channel is formed at an interface between the first and second clutch members such that a portion of the channel is formed in the first member and a portion of the channel is formed in the second member. A pawl displacing ring is mounted in the slipway channel so that it bears against the second member and is drivingly connected to the first member by means of a pawl.

Abstract: A bidirectional freewheeling clutch assembly (50) and a self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower (10) including same are disclosed. Lawn mower (10) preferably includes a prime mover (18) which can be selectively coupled to a gear box (34). The output shaft (44) of gear box (34) extends to a pair of clutch assemblies (50) which selectively apply torque to a pair of gear driven wheels (16). Each clutch assembly (50) includes as its basic components a key (68) and a friction disk (66). Key (68) has a wedge portion (74) which rocks within an axial first keyway (62), and a tang portion (76) which is received within a tang relief (84) in friction disk (66). When shaft (44) is rotated friction disk (66) frictionally engages the housing (12) of mower (10) and applies a drag force to the tang portion (76) of key (74) to cause it to cock and positively engage a pinion (46) which engages a gear (48) attached to drive wheel (16).

Abstract: A dispenser for goods such as coffee has a container with a discharge opening in its bottom, a rotor which covers the bottom of the container and is provided with vanes which define a plurality of dispensing compartments, and a wiper which covers the rotor in the vicinity of the discharge opening. A drive mechanism with a stepwise pivoting action is operable to move one dispensing compartment at a time to the discharge opening. The lower surface of each vane has a leading edge which contacts the container bottom, and there is a rake space between this lower surface and the bottom of the container. The wiper extends up to intersect the container wall at an acute angle to prevent the goods from rotating with the rotor.

Abstract: A thrust spacer having resilient, upwardly angled tabs is provided to act as a variable spacer within a two-piece agitator, between an upper agitator portion and a lower agitator portion to prevent relative vertical movement between the two portions while permitting relative rotational movement therebetween. Each of the tabs is positioned adjacent to an opening larger than the tab to permit the tab to be compressed into the opening to provide a large degree of variability in the height of the tabs. The spacer also includes angled arms which engage with slots in the lower agitator portion to cause the spacer to rotate with the lower agitator portion.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism which includes a rotatable driving member and a driven member. One of the driving member and the driven member includes ratchet teeth and the other supports a first transmission pawl and a second transmission pawl each having engaging portions engageable with the ratchet teeth and substantially semicircular-shaped base portions. A substantially C-shaped pawl spring is wrapped around the one of the driving member and the driven member which supports the pawls. The pawl spring biases the first transmission pawl and the second transmission pawl in a direction such that the engaging portions thereof engage with the ratchet teeth. A locking member is provided to prevent rotation of the pawl spring. The first transmission pawl is positioned such that its engaging portion is oriented toward the first free end of the pawl spring and the second transmission pawl is positioned such that its engaging portion is oriented away from the second free end of the pawl spring.

Abstract: An automatic transmission comprising a planetary gear mechanism having a first gear driven from a drive shaft, a second gear engagable with the first gear to transmit speed change output to a driven shaft, and a third gear engagable with the second gear to control the operation thereof. A centrifugally operated clutch operates to directly connect the first gear and second gear when the rotational speed of the driven shaft exceeds a predetermined value, and a ratchet type one-way clutch is disposed between the third gear and a fixed construction member to permit rotation of the third gear in the same direction as that of said drive shaft but prevent rotation in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a four-wheel drive vehicle has front and rear wheel driving power transmission systems for transmitting the output of a transmission. A forward overrunning clutch and a reverse overrunning clutch are provided in one of the power transmission systems. One of the overrunning clutches can be selected in accordance with the operation of a driver of the vehicle. The overrunning clutch operates to transmit the power to corresponding wheels and to allow the selected wheels to rotate faster than the other wheels. A locking device is provided for locking both overrunning clutches.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing reverse rotary rotation of a disc includes openings having circumferentially spaced-apart ends formed in the disc. The leading end has an abutment surface perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the disc. The trailing end of the opening is ramped. Pins are mounted to a stationary support opposite the openings in the disc and are biased toward the disc. The outer end of each pin is sized to fit within the openings and has an abutment surface oriented perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the disc and configured for complementary mating engagement with the abutment surface defining the forward edge of the opening. The outer end of the pin is an angled or ramped surface. Forward rotation of the disc causes the two ramped surfaces to engage, biasing the pin away from the disc. The pin then slides along the surface of the disc until another opening is encountered at which time the process is repeated.

Abstract: A tape-ribbon supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved ribbon rewind feature driven by movement of the tape advancement means and positioned in a common plane with the ribbon supply spool.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism having radially moving control pins which may be actuated to effect switching of the clutch into a freewheeling condition is formed to include catching members which engage the pins to lock them in position when the clutch mechanism switches to freewheeling operation. The catching members are formed with control cams which engage retaining pins to maintain the locked position of the control pins with rotation of a driving clutch member operating to allow the retaining pins to drop out of engagement with the control cam to enable release of the control pins when the clutch is switched back into the torque transmitting position.

Abstract: A geared hub for wheelchairs is specified, which besides at least one forward speed has an active hub brake and one reverse speed, and in which the braking and/or the reverse speed can be realized, from any of the forward speeds, through turning the driver backwards.

Abstract: A dual action agitator for use in a washing machine utilizes a one-way dog clutch having a plurality of dogs made of elastomeric material and pivotally mounted in a cam. The dogs pivot outward to engage an inner surface of an upper agitator barrel to drive the agitator barrel in a first direction during a first oscillatory stroke of a lower agitator skirt, and the dogs pivot away from the inner surface as the lower agitator skirt oscillates in a second opposite direction resulting in unidirectional movement of the agitator barrel to impart additional mechanical motion to a wash load and promote rollover.

Abstract: A freewheeling overrunning clutch for a bicycle, moped, and the like vehicle comprises a plurality of clutch pawls present between an outer wheel and an inner wheel which are supportable elastically on one side on the inner wheel circumference and on the other side on a plurality of inner teeth of the outer wheel. In order to provide a simple, almost noise free structure which is easy to mount, the clutch pawls pivotally supported in a flexible supporting ring positioned between the inner and outer wheels. Ends of the clutch pawls which face the inner wheel are brought into engagement with the plurality of teeth protruding outward from the inner wheel. The flexible supporting ring advantageously may simultaneously be a spacing ring for a plurality of balls of a ball bearing or bearings positioned adjacent the clutch pawls between the outer and inner wheels.

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

Abstract: A one way clutch assembly, including a frame, a bearing member having a vertical, central bore therein fixedly secured to the frame, a pulley rotatably mounted on the bearng member, a vertical, drive spindle rotatably mounted within the bearing member central bore, a retainer fixedly secured on the lower protruding end of the bearing member, a circular cam plate rotatably mounted on the retainer, the cam plate having an interior camming surface for effecting radially inward and outward movement and an arcuate recess, a mounting stud fixedly secured to and projecting upwardly from the pulley through the arcuate recess in the cam plate, a pawl rotatably mounted at one end on the mounting stud and having a pin at the other end extending into the interior camming surface of the cam plate, wherein the pawl is movable radially inwardly and outwardly by the interior camming surface, and a ratchet plate fixedly mounted on the lower end of the drive spindle for rotation therewith, the ratchet plate having a plurality

Abstract: A combination, right angle gear drive including a clutch assembly with a drive clutch mechanism and a non-reverse clutch mechanism. The gear drive has a top-mounted motor stand for a primary power source and a horizontal drive shaft adapted for coupling to a backup power source. The drive clutch automatically engages upon activation of the backup power source and automatically disengages when the primary power source beings operation. The non-reverse clutch mechanism blocks reverse rotation of the gear drive.