Manual Control Patents (Class 192/47)
  • Patent number: 9920798
    Abstract: To provide a braking device that achieves unidirectionality without limiting the direction of rotation of a rotor. The present invention is characterized by being equipped with a housing (10), a rotor (20) provided inside the housing (10), brake shoes (30) provided between the rotor (20) and the housing (10), first protruding parts (40) that move together with the brake shoes (30), and second protruding parts (50) that move in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor (20), with the first protruding parts (40) riding up on the second protruding parts only when the rotor (20) rotates in the normal direction, and thereby generating greater friction between the brake shoes (30) and the housing (10) than the friction that can be generated between the brake shoes (30) and the housing (10) when the rotor (20) rotates in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SOMIC ISHIKAWA
    Inventor: Ryota Shimura
  • Patent number: 9856877
    Abstract: To provide a failsafe drive coupling capable of high torque transmission in direct dog drive, a vacuum pump drive is disconnectable from a drive shaft upon movement of a piston against a return spring, under the action of oil pressure. The piston comprises a speed synchronizing clutch engageable with the input shaft to rotate the piston at the speed of the input shaft, and teeth to directly dog the piston and input shaft together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: WABCO AUTOMOTIVE UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Simon Warner, David Heaps
  • Patent number: 9663304
    Abstract: A rotary chuck includes a clamp assembly, a first drive mechanism for operating the clamp assembly to clamp an associated workpiece, a frame rotationally fixed to the clamp assembly, and a second drive mechanism for rotating the frame and the clamp assembly. The second drive mechanism can rotate the frame and the clamp assembly around 360 degrees. A pair of alignment springs are engaged with a mounting plate upon which the second drive mechanism is mounted. The mounting plate can pivot relative to a stable surface to which it is mounted, and the springs limit the pivotal movement. Each first and second drive mechanism includes a motor, and are connected to a microprocessor for operation of the respective motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: GREENLEE TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Mantell, Jeffrey Plummer, Gerald Tully, Sean Daugherty
  • Patent number: 9599172
    Abstract: A releasable freewheel clutch includes a ring gear and a driven member disposed within a bore of the ring gear. A plurality of pawls are each pivotally attached to the driven member and rotatable between a first position where each pawl is engaged with teeth of the ring gear and a second position where each pawl is disengaged with the teeth of the ring gear. The pawls are selective movable between the engaged and disengaged positions by a ring-shaped blocking element that is rotatably supported for rotation about the axis of rotation and relative to the driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Profile Racing, INC.
    Inventor: Corey Alley
  • Patent number: 9522730
    Abstract: Embodiments refer generally to systems and methods for providing autorotative enhancement for helicopters using an autorotative assist unit coupled to the transmission of the helicopter. Methods of utilizing an autorotative assist unit as well as retrofitting an autorotative assist unit to an existing helicopter are also disclosed. By employing an autorotative assist unit, improved autorotation can be achieved without the need to increase the weight of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Dudley E. Smith, Cory M. Hitte, Bryan Marshall, Carlos Alexander Fenny
  • Patent number: 9511872
    Abstract: A mobile power plant having an engine together with a main gear box (5) and a free wheel assembly (4) suitable for driving a rotary wing (7) by means of the main gear box (5) and further having an electric motor-generator (10), wherein the power plant includes an accessory gear box (12), an additional freewheel assembly (11) and a pump (8), said electric motor-generator (10) being mechanically connected in series via said additional freewheel assembly (12) to said main gear box (5) in order to be capable of being driven by said main gear box (5) and said electric motor-generator (10) being connected to said pump (8) in order to be capable of driving said pump (8). The invention relates as well to an application of such a mobile power plant and to a method of operating the mobile power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfram Grieser
  • Patent number: 9097299
    Abstract: A bi-directional clutch is provided having inner and outer members disposed about a rotational axis. One or more pawls are coupled to one of the members and configured for rotation about separate rotational axes. One end of each pawl moves between first and second engagement positions with corresponding engagement surfaces formed in the other member and a position of disengagement with the other member permitting relative rotation of the inner and outer members. A pair of magnets are disposed at the opposite end of each pawl with each magnet in the pair defining a pole adjacent the end of the pawl and the poles having opposite polarity. An electromagnetic actuator selectively generates electromagnetic fields of different polarities to urge the pawls away from the position of disengagement to one of the engagement positions to cause rotation of the other member in either rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventor: Jeffry D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 9022194
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an actuation assembly for applying a mechanical diode clutch. The clutch includes an outer member, an inner member, and a strut. The actuation assembly includes a plate having an apply portion and a plurality of legs, where each of the plurality of legs has a first end coupled to the apply portion and a second end adapted to couple to a shift sleeve. A mechanism is coupled to the apply portion of the plate. The mechanism includes at least one biasing member. The plate is moveable between an unapply position and an apply position such that a movement from the unapply position to the apply position induces contact between the mechanism and the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: James Raszkowski, Robert Keith Dunlap, Jeremy Turner
  • Patent number: 8985296
    Abstract: A clutch unit includes lever-side clutch portion for controlling transmission and interruption of rotational torque to an output side through lever operation and a brake-side clutch portion for transmitting torque input from the lever-side clutch portion to the output side and for interrupting torque reversely input from the output side. The lever-side clutch portion has an outer centering spring provided between a lever-side outer ring to be rotated through the lever operation and a cover restricted in rotation, for accumulating an elastic force obtained by torque input from the lever-side outer ring and for restoring the lever-side outer ring to a neutral state with the accumulated elastic force through releasing of the torque input from the input-side member. The outer centering spring has a band plate-like spring member having a C-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Kawai, Kouji Isoda, Yumiko Mineno
  • Patent number: 8813929
    Abstract: A controllable coupling assembly includes first, second and third coupling members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. A face of the first coupling member has pockets spaced about the axis. A face of the second coupling member has locking formations that are engaged by struts upon projecting outwardly from the pockets to prevent relative rotation of the first and second coupling members with respect to each other in at least one direction about the axis. A face of the third coupling member has pockets spaced about the axis. A different face of the second coupling member has locking formations that are engaged by struts from the third member to prevent relative rotation of the second and third coupling members with respect to each other in at least one direction about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 8794411
    Abstract: A pressure control system configured to control a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) includes a pilot valve and a SOWC actuator. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The pressure control system may further include a regulating valve in fluid communication with the pilot valve and configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The SOWC actuator is configured to select between operating modes of the selectable one-way clutch in response to one of the pilot signal and the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Dongxu Li, Andrew L. Bartos, Kevin B. Rober
  • Patent number: 8662271
    Abstract: A differentially controllable two-way clutch including an outer wheel with a cam portion on an inner circumference, an inner wheel arranged apart from the outer wheel and toward an inner diameter of the two-way clutch as well as rotatably and concentrically with respect to the outer wheel, a torque transmission member located between the outer wheel and the inner wheel to transmit torque, a cage configured to hold the torque transmission member and to be slidable in a circumferential direction and which is differentially controlled, and a spring supported by the cage and configured to be capable of biasing the torque transmission member so that the torque transmission member engages with a cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Akira Iwano, Kazuhiko Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 8613350
    Abstract: Apparatus for an anti-rotation mechanism, such as used in a wrench. The space between a pair of races contains a plurality of pairs of rollers. One race has a protrusion centered inside each pair of rollers, with the rollers biased against the protrusion. Adjacent the protrusion and between the rollers of each pair is a prong that selectively biases one or the other of the rollers of the pair away from the protrusion. When one roller in the pair of rollers is biased away from the corresponding protrusion, relative motion between the pair of races is enabled in only one direction. The protrusions extend into the space between the pair of races sufficiently to prevent the rollers from moving under load when relative motion is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Hiram Lee Nease, III
  • Patent number: 8602187
    Abstract: An overrunning one-way clutch or coupling assembly includes a first outer coupling member and an inner coupling member which together have a first pair of annular coupling faces therebetween and a second outer coupling member which together with the inner coupling member have a second pair of annular coupling faces therebetween. Both pairs of coupling faces are formed with sets of pockets and locking formations. Forward and reverse sets of struts are located in pockets axially spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Prout
  • Patent number: 8491439
    Abstract: An overrunning clutch assembly includes a first ring having pockets spaced mutually about an axis, rockers each located in a pocket, springs each urging a rocker to pivot in a respective pocket, and first notches arranged around the axis. A second ring includes second pockets spaced mutually about the axis, second rockers each located in a second pocket such that at least one second rocker is engageable with a notch, second springs each urging a second rocker toward engagement with a notch, and second notches around the axis, at least one rocker being engageable with at least one second notch. A control member moves about the axis alternately to prevent the first rockers from engaging the second notches and to permit the first rockers to engage the second notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 8297421
    Abstract: A one-way clutch for assisting the rotation of a rotary fluid motor includes a ratchet and a hub rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to the ratchet. The ratchet includes a plurality of teeth, and the hub includes a pawl for engaging the teeth to rotate the ratchet in a single direction of rotation. A control device including an active material interconnects the pawl and the hub. The active material of the control device contracts in response to a control signal to move the pawl. An actuator including an active material is spirally wound around an outer periphery of the hub. The active material of the actuator contracts to spin the hub and thereby drive the ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Alan L. Browne
  • Patent number: 8286772
    Abstract: A controllable coupling assembly including a coupling member and an overrunning coupling and control assembly utilizing same are provided wherein a set of actuators are supported on a control member of the assembly for movement therewith to move or pivot respective struts received within pockets of the coupling member. Apparatus is responsive to a control pressure signal to exert a control force on the control member to cause the control member to move from its first position which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling assembly to its second position which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may be an overrunning clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Eisengruber
  • Publication number: 20120241274
    Abstract: This invention describes two types of mechanical clutches; a selectable one-way clutch and a two-way or dog clutch. Both clutches are constructed with sprags mounted on an axis that is tilted with respect to the axis of the shafts being connected by the clutches. Both engagement faces of the clutch are conical and parallel such that the clutches can be disengaged by withdrawing one of the clutch plates along the line of the shafts being connected. Sprags produce a one-way clutch. In the dog clutch, alternate sprags are mounted opposite to its neighbor, so the clutch is prevented from slipping in either direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: LLOYDCO LLC
    Inventor: ROBERT HUGH FRANCIS LLOYD
  • Patent number: 8272488
    Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assemblies, each of which includes control apparatus having a latching mechanism are provided. Each latching mechanism prevents an actuator arm of an overrunning coupling assembly from moving in a first direction substantially parallel to a shift direction of a control plate of the coupling assembly within a housing slot in a locked condition of the mechanism in a first position of the control plate. A control pressure signal within a bore of the housing changes the condition of the latching mechanism from locked to unlocked to unlock the actuator arm and causes the unlocked actuator arm to move along the first direction within the slot and the control element to move along the shift direction to a second position. The control pressure signal also causes a piston which has a groove formed in its outer surface to receive and retain a free end portion of the actuator arm to slide within the bore in the housing against the biasing force of the at least one biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Eisengruber, Terry O. Hendrick, Jeffrey C. Hoppe, Robert D. Fetting, Joshua A. Bukoffsky
  • Patent number: 8196724
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a strut plate co-annular to a slide plate and a notch plate. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to transfer torque between a strut plate and a notch plate in a first direction when a displacement actuator moves a pin and a slide plate to a first position. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to disengage the strut plate from the notch plate when the displacement actuator moves the pin and the slide plate to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Alexander Millerman, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8186246
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism having two or more jaws which may be opened to allow a tubular to be introduced within the jaws and closed to retain the tubular therewithin. The rollers are located within concave recesses and maintained in spaced apart relationship by biasing means, whereby rotation of tubular may cause the rollers to be wedged between a wall of the recess and the tubular to grip the tubular within the jaws. The clamping mechanism may be utilized as an oil field tubular clamp, a slip, a pipe clamp, and other mechanisms. There is also disclosed a clutch comprising an outer race, a cage, and an inner ring. Recesses are provided in an outer race and accommodate rollers therewith and maintained in spaced apart relationship by the cage. The cage may be moved by an actuator to selectively allow free wheeling or prevent rotation. A socket ratchet incorporating such a clutch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: David Niven
  • Patent number: 8151959
    Abstract: A one-way clutch unit includes a one-way clutch and an unlocking member. The one-way clutch includes inner and outer races. Two pockets having wedge spaces having a wedge angle are formed between the inner and outer races. Several rolling elements are received in each pocket. The unlocking member includes an annular portion concentric with the inner race, and axially extending unlocking pieces each received in one of the pockets between the end of the pocket that faces the narrow ends of the wedge spaces having the wedge angle and the rolling elements. By externally actuating the unlocking member, the rolling elements are moved toward the wide ends of the respective wedge space having the wedge angle, thereby unlocking the clutch. Thus, it is possible to unlock the clutch and prevent transmission of torque to the output member while the input member is rotating in the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Shoji Itomi
  • Patent number: 8100242
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle wheel hub that generally includes an axle, an input sprocket, an output shell, a one-way clutch and a locking mechanism. The one-way clutch operatively connects the input sprocket and the output shell and is configured to drive the output shell in a first direction. The locking mechanism is configured to operatively connect the output shell and the input sprocket to drive the output shell in a second direction to operate the bicycle wheel hub in a fixed drive mode. The locking mechanism is configured to operatively disconnect the output shell and the input sprocket to operate the bicycle wheel hub in a freewheel drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Schneider, Karl-Joachim Kühne
  • Patent number: 8091696
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first race and a second race that is selectively rotatable with respect to the first race about an axis of rotation. A plurality of rockers is operatively connected to the first race and spring biased into engagement with the second race to transmit torque between the first and second races. A member is selectively translatable between first and second positions to control the ability of the rockers to transmit torque between the first and second rockers, and thereby to control the ability of the races to rotate relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 8087502
    Abstract: An actuator shifts a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) between a plurality of operating modes. A first spring has a preload compression that is equivalent to a first start pressure. A second spring, disposed adjacent to the first spring, has a preload compression that is equivalent to a second start pressure. A plunger movably contacts the first spring and a slide plate movably extends from the plunger. The slide plate engages the SOWC such that the SOWC shifts between the operating modes in response to movement of the slide plate. The first spring is compressible from beyond the preload compression to a first stop position as the pressure is increased from the first start pressure to a first stop pressure. The second spring is compressible from beyond the respective preload compression to a second stop position as the pressure is increased from the second start pressure to a second stop pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Fazad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos, Gary L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8083042
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) is provided for use with a vehicle transmission, and has a first race with a plurality of strut pockets, a moveable selector plate, symmetrical torque-holding elements or struts, and a second race that is rotatably engageable with a torque input device. The selector plate has a plurality of windows, and the struts selectively prevent rotation of the second race in either rotational direction depending on the position of the selector plate. The struts have a cylindrical portion and a pair of strut wings each having a free end. The strut wings connect to the cylindrical portion, and a different one of the free ends engages a strut pocket when an opposite strut wing is depressed in order to prevent rotation of the second race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos
  • Patent number: 8079453
    Abstract: A controllable overrunning coupling assembly includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement between a first pair of coupling faces of first and second coupling members relative to reverse pockets formed in one of the coupling faces. The first pair of coupling faces oppose each other and are oriented to face axially along a common rotational axis. The control member is operable for controlling position of only reverse struts in the reverse pockets without controlling the position of forward rockers in forward pockets formed in a coupling face of a second pair of coupling faces of the coupling members that oppose each other and are oriented to face radially with respect to the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 8061496
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an automatic transmission having an engine, an input member, a stationary center support, and a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) positioned within the stationary center support. A SOWC selection mechanism is formed integrally with the center support, and rotates a slide plate during a predetermined transmission operating mode. A piston in a first bore of the selection mechanism rotates the slide plate in a first rotational direction to engage the SOWC, and a return spring in a second bore of the selection mechanism rotates the SOWC in a second direction to disengage the SOWC. The slide plate has a tab portion, and the piston and the return spring alternately apply a respective first and second force to opposite sides of the tab portion to rotate the slide plate, either directly or via an adapter ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8056690
    Abstract: A transmission includes a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) assembly. The SOWC assembly includes a rotatable pocket plate, a rotatable slide plate, and an annular piston having a ramped surface feature. The piston, which can be hydraulically actuated, moves axially toward the pocket plate when applied, and axially away from the pocket plate when released, to thereby select between two torque holding or operating modes of the SOWC assembly. The ramped surface feature of the piston engages an axial knob portion of the slide plate when the piston is applied to select to one operating mode, thus rotating the slide plate in one direction. A return spring moves the piston away from the pocket plate when the other operating mode is selected, and the slide plate is rotated via a spring in another direction. A guide pin maintains a relative position of the piston and the slide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Alexander Millerman, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8051966
    Abstract: The overrunning bi-directional clutch assembly has two coaxial slipper rings and use one actuator to simultaneously uncouple the slipper rings and lock the clutch. Also, the actuator uses a pair of cam surfaces, and corresponding cam following surfaces to actively control freewheel and lock mode of the clutch. A tab cutout arrangement indexes the two slipper rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Brian Lee, Christopher Bartus
  • Patent number: 8042670
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch assembly (SOWC) includes a first race, a second race, a plurality of rockers, and a selector ring. The first race and the second race each surround the first axis. Each of the rockers selectively hold torque in a rotational direction to establish a clutch operating mode. The selector ring defines a plurality of windows and is configured to rotates about the first axis to align at least one of the windows to establish one of the plurality of different clutch operating modes. The SOWC is engaged by rotating the selector ring about the first axis to align at least one of windows in a predetermined manner. Alignment allows at least one of the rockers to engage the second race in a radial direction to hold torque in at least one rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew L. Bartos, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 7992695
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) assembly uses hydraulic-actuation to select operating modes within a rotating housing. Two races of the SOWC assembly can rotate at disparate speeds, i.e., one race is not grounded prior to actuation. The SOWC assembly has a pair of races keyed to different housings and hubs. The housing and hub can be attached to different elements of a gear train, for example, which can be rotating during the various gear states. A hydraulic actuator or multiple actuators can be keyed to the housing, with axial motion of the actuator or actuators selecting a state or operating mode of the SOWC assembly. The actuator has axially-extending tabs that engage radially-extending fingers of the selector plate, thus rotating the selector plate in different directions when applied or released. Multiple actuators can be used in conjunction with multiple selector plates to provide additional SOWC operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James B. Borgerson, Donald L. Dusenberry, James M. Hart, Farzad Samie, Alexander Millerman, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 7874414
    Abstract: The overrunning bi-directional clutch with controlled locking provides an actuator pin with either a reduced profile or an enlarged profile that is moved in a controlled manner so as to provide an extended period of time between the freewheel mode and the lock mode for the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Brian Lee
  • Publication number: 20100252384
    Abstract: A controllable coupling assembly including a coupling member and an overrunning coupling and control assembly utilizing same are provided wherein a set of actuators are supported on a control member of the assembly for movement therewith to move or pivot respective struts received within pockets of the coupling member. Apparatus is responsive to a control pressure signal to exert a control force on the control member to cause the control member to move from its first position which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling assembly to its second position which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may be an overrunning clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Eisengruber
  • Patent number: 7743678
    Abstract: A selectable one-way rocker clutch assembly includes an inner race disposed radially within an outer race, first and second plurality of rockers, a selector ring and an apply plate. The inner race defines a plurality of pockets configured to operatively retain the first and second plurality of rockers. The first plurality of rockers is configured to resist rotation of the outer race relative to the inner race in a first direction. The second plurality of rockers is configured to resist rotation of the outer race relative to the inner race in a second direction. The selector ring is disposed radially between the inner race and outer race. The apply plate is configured to engage with the selector ring and, in so doing, rotate the selector ring to thereby selectively retract the first and/or second plurality of rockers and thus control the state of the rocker clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 7621842
    Abstract: A multi-speed internal bicycle hub transmission assembly includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism, a pawl and a pawl retracting mechanism. The driver is rotatably supported to the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported to the hub axle. The power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell for transmitting rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through at least a first power transmission path and a second power transmission path. The pawl is configured to transfer torque between the driver and the hub shell with torque being transferred along the first power transmission path. The pawl retracting member is configured to restrict movement of the pawl with torque transmitted along the second power transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kamiya, Tetsuya Hino
  • Patent number: 7484605
    Abstract: The overrunning radial coupling assembly or clutch and a method of controlling the engagement of inner and outer plates or members of the assembly are provided wherein adjacent engaging radial locking pawls are selectively controlled by a single, rotatable control plate or element to obtain full lock, one-way lock and one-way overrun conditions. The assembly includes free-floating, forward pawls and free-floating, reverse pawls adjacent to their respective forward pawls. The forward and reverse pawls are movable between a notch-engaging, engaged position (i.e., full lock condition) and a disengaged position in which the outer member is permitted to free-wheel relative to the inner member in the one-way overrun condition in one direction about a first axis and the outer member is locked to the inner member in the one-way lock condition in the opposite direction. A number of different embodiments of the assembly and method are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Brian W. Smithwick
  • Patent number: 7278946
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning mode clutch and a shift system adapted for use in a power transfer assembly for transferring drive torque from a primary driveline to a secondary driveline so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The mode clutch 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 between its end segments. A cam member is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam member for establishing a two-wheel drive mode in addition to on-demand and locked four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Richard H. Williams, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 7258214
    Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly and a method of controlling the engagement of planar first and second members are provided wherein two sets of opposed engaging struts are applied with one motion of a single control plate or member. The planar first and second members have inside surfaces extending generally normal to a first axis. The assembly includes free-floating, forward keys and free-floating, reverse keys opposed to the forward keys. The forward and reverse keys are movable between a notch-engaging, engaged position and a disengaged position in which the second member is permitted to free-wheel relative to the first member. The planar control member is disposed between the first and second surfaces and is controllably rotatable about the first axis between first and second angular positions relative to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brice A. Pawley, Brian W. Smithwick
  • Patent number: 7216748
    Abstract: The present invention is a drivetrain that prevents the torque from a decelerating engine from being transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle. The drivetrain of a vehicle is provided such that the negative torque from the decelerating engine of the vehicle is selectively prevented from being transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Jody G. Mayne
  • Patent number: 7004875
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning mode clutch and a shift system adapted for use in a power transfer assembly for transferring drive torque from a primary driveline to a secondary driveline so as to establish a four-wheel drive mode. The mode clutch 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 between its end segments. A cam member is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one or both end segments of the split first ring. The shift system includes a mode fork which controls movement of the cam member for establishing a two-wheel drive mode in addition to on-demand and locked four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph C. Williams, Richard H. Williams, Aaron Ronk
  • Patent number: 6997296
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Fuzheng Hu, David Mark Pascoe
  • Patent number: 6918477
    Abstract: A direction switch for a wrench has first and second control members. The first control member includes a first pivot and a first lever. The second control member includes a second pivot and a second lever. The first control member and the second control member are mounted to first and second side of the wrench, respectively. The first and second control members are operatively connected to each other by a coupling provided between the control members to allow simultaneous actuation of the control members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Lea Way Hand Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Tom Tuanmu
  • Patent number: 6905009
    Abstract: A bi-directional clutch assembly of the present invention is provided that comprises an inner race, an outer race, and an engagement mechanism disposed between said inner race and said outer race. The engagement mechanism is operable to move between a disengaged position wherein the inner and outer races may freely rotate relative to one another and an engaged position wherein the inner and outer races are locked so as to translate torque therebetween. The present invention also includes at least one actuator that is operatively connected to the engagement mechanism and responsive to a first momentary control force to selectively move the engagement mechanism to the engaged position and to hold the engagement mechanism in the engaged position after the first control force has been terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Clyde A. Reed, Brian K. Stefina
  • Patent number: 6862953
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Fitzgerald, Douglas W. Conklin
  • Publication number: 20040251105
    Abstract: Disclosed is a direction switch. The direction switch includes a first control member and a second control member. The first control member includes a first pivot and a first lever. The second control member includes a second pivot and a second lever. The first control member and the second control member are mounted to a first and a second side of the wrench, respectively, wherein the first and second control members are operatively connected to each other by means of a coupling means provided between the two control members to allow simultaneous actuation of the control members. Further disclosed is a direction switch constructing of a single component and a reversible gear wrench adopting such direction switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: LEA WAY HAND TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tom Tuanmu
  • Patent number: 6814201
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly (10, 110, 210) including a drive member (12, 112, 212) that is rotatable about an axis (A) and a pair of driven members (14, 16; 114, 116; 214, 216) that are similarly rotatable about the axis of rotation. and are disposed on either side of the drive member (12, 112, 212). A first engagement mechanism (26, 126, 226) is supported between the confronting surfaces of the drive member (12, 112, 212) and one of the driven members (14, 114, 214). A second engagement mechanism (28, 128, 228) is supported between the confronting surfaces of the drive member (12, 112, 212) and the other driven member (16, 116, 216). A pair of actuators (32, 34; 132, 134; 232; 234) are associated with the first and second engagement mechanisms (26, 28; 126, 128; 226, 228). Each actuator is operable to move its associated engagement mechanism in an axial direction between the disengaged and engaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Thomas
  • Patent number: 6805652
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6572508
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a hub transmission includes an axle defining an axle axis; a pawl support rotating member rotatably supported around the axle axis; a pawl rotatably supported to the pawl support rotating member; a biasing mechanism for biasing the pawl in a radial direction; and a pawl control rotating member for controlling a radial position of the pawl. One of the pawl support rotating member and the pawl control rotating member includes a location for coupling to a shift control mechanism, and the other one of the pawl support rotating member and the pawl control rotating member includes a location for coupling to an actuating member. A spring is provided for biasing the pawl support rotating member and the pawl control rotating member in a rotational direction relative to each other, and a stopper is provided for holding the pawl support rotating member and the pawl control rotating member in a rotational position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Akihiko Shoge
  • Patent number: 6568516
    Abstract: A clutch for use in an open faced fishing reel that when engaged operates as a conventional one-way clutch, with the pins or needles rolling with the shaft and allowing for movement in one direction but binding the shaft to an outer fixed surface, prohibiting rotation, when the shaft is urged in the opposite direction, but when is disengaged, is switchable from one-way action to freewheel action i.e. shaft motion allowed in both directions by separating the outer binding surface from the main housing of the clutch, allowing it to move radially and allow the surface required to bind the shaft to move away from contact with the pins and shaft, thereby allowing the shaft to freewheel. The clutch is particularly well suited for use in a fishing reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: U.S. Reel - Missouri, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Fred M. Kemp, III