Including Unirotationally Engaging Clutch-elements Patents (Class 192/48.92)
  • Patent number: 11906043
    Abstract: A kit for modifying a transmission input housing includes an overrun piston sleeve positioned on an outer surface of an input housing inner stepped portion, an overrun piston configured to mate with the overrun piston sleeve, and a replacement forward piston housing. An inner diameter of the overrun piston is larger than an inner diameter of an OE overrun piston. A forward piston sleeve is positioned on the outer surface of the input housing inner stepped conical portion adjacent the overrun sleeve. A forward piston mates with the forward piston sleeve. The forward piston has an inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of an OE forward piston. Seals are positioned between the forward piston and the forward piston sleeve and between the overrun piston and the forward piston at an outer diameter of the overrun piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Sonnax Transmission Company
    Inventors: Todd V. Mangiagli, Gregg A. Nader
  • Patent number: 11891908
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine with a lubrication system includes a ball bearing assembly and a rotor circumscribing a rotational axis and journaled within the ball bearing assembly. The gas turbine engine also includes a lubrication system located radially outward from a rotational axis and radially outward and adjacent to the ball bearing assembly, which includes a lubrication channel having an inlet and an outlet and a dispersion cone adjacent to the outlet of the lubrication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: RTX Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Binek, Leslie F. Guzman, Sean R. Jackson, Evan J. Butcher
  • Patent number: 11865380
    Abstract: A fall-protection apparatus comprising a rotationally-activated braking device that comprises at least one flexure-borne pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Greg E Schrank
  • Patent number: 11802595
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cam clutch that has a simple structure and is capable of preventing the occurrence of cam jamming and that can be reduced in size while realizing improved functionality. The cam clutch according to the present invention includes an operating mode switching mechanism that includes an outer ring-side cage ring provided to be capable of moving in the axial direction and configured to be capable of modifying the attitude of first cams, an inner ring-side cage ring provided to be capable of moving in the axial direction and configured to be capable of modifying the attitude of second cams having different meshing direction from the first cams, and a position regulating cage ring for regulating the freedom of movement of the outer ring-side cage ring and the inner ring-side cage ring in the circumferential direction are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Sota Kusunoki
  • Patent number: 11779784
    Abstract: A fall-protection apparatus comprising a rotationally-activated braking device that comprises at least one flexure-borne pawl and at least one buttress that is on a sidewall of a rotatable drum of the braking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Greg E. Shrank, Daniel C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 11760195
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle including a differential assembly drivingly connected to a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft, wherein the first and second axle half shafts each have a wheel coupled to the ends thereof; an electric motor/generator drivingly connected to a first rotatable shaft; a first gear set having a first gear connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second gear connected to a second rotatable shaft; a second gear set having a first gear connected to the second rotatable shaft and a second gear selectively connected to a third rotatable shaft; a third gear set having a first gear connected to the third rotatable shaft and a second gear drivingly connected to the differential assembly; and a selector device configured to selectively connect the third rotatable shaft to the second gear of the second gear set or the first rotatable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua A. Perry, William F. Waltz, George A. Willford, James F. Ziech
  • Patent number: 11401985
    Abstract: An epicyclic gear system for a gas turbine engine includes a planet carrier with at least one structural member, on which a planet gear is pivot-mounted by a bearing that is radially arranged between the planet gear and the structural member. Furthermore, a roller bearing device is arranged radially between the planet gear and the bearing. A relative movement between the planet gear and the bearing is prevented by the roller bearing device, if a friction torque in the region of the bearing is less than or equal to a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: Luca Mantovan
  • Patent number: 11242914
    Abstract: A power transmission unit that can prevent unintentional disengagement of a clutch. A first set of teeth formed on an outer circumferential surface of a first rotary member is engaged with a third set of teeth formed on an inner circumferential surface of a second rotary member. A second set of teeth formed on an inner circumferential surface of the first rotary member is meshed with a fourth set of teeth formed on an outer circumferential surface of a third rotary member. A center of engagement between the first set of teeth and the third set of teeth is situated at a point withdrawn from a center of engagement between the second set of teeth and the fourth set of teeth in the direction to disengage the first set of teeth from the third set of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ebuchi, Yoichiro Isami, Hirotsugu Yoshino, Hiroki Yasui
  • Patent number: 11230182
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a power source, a clutch arrangement and a housing, the clutch arrangement arranged between the power source and a transmission. The clutch arrangement includes: a first clutch arranged to couple the power source to a first input shaft of the transmission and a second clutch arranged to couple the power source to a second input shaft of the transmission; and a torque transmission member having an extension in a radial direction and adapted to transmit torque from the power source to one of the first or second input shafts. The torque transmission member includes clutch lamellae carriers for the first and second clutches. The torque transmission member is journaled at a radially inner portion against the housing via one or more first bearings, and an output rotor shaft of the power source is journaled against the housing via one or more second bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Markus Kifeldt, Pär Bergström, Johannes Larsson
  • Patent number: 11149824
    Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle includes a housing, an output shaft, an electric engine, which has a stator and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator, a planetary gear set arranged in the housing, which has a sun gear, a ring gear and a planetary carrier, which is non-rotatably connected to the output shaft, having a first switching element, by means of which the ring gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the rotor, and a second switching element, by means of which the ring gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The first switching element and the second switching element are coupled to each other via a first coupling element and thereby can be operated together by a single first actuator common to the first switching element and the second switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Ingo Pfannkuchen, Frank Steffens
  • Patent number: 11047464
    Abstract: A differential with an overrunning clutch (ORC) assembly is provided. The differential includes a first plain bearing end cap with an interior surface that forms a plain bearing interface with an outer surface of a first side hub. The first plain bearing end cap further has a first outer surface portion that engages a first end portion of a roller cage assembly. A second plain bearing end cap with an interior surface that forms a plain bearing interface with an outer surface of the second side hub is also included. The second plain bearing end cap further has a first outer surface portion that engages a second end portion of the roller cage assembly. The (ORC) assembly selectively engages the roller cage assembly during an ORC condition to selectively couple torque between a ring gear and the first and second side hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Edward Hamrin, Jordan Murphy, Isaac Landrus, Brian Thomas Wolf
  • Patent number: 10864813
    Abstract: Presented are dual-clutch engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such disconnect devices, and motor vehicles equipped with such disconnect devices. An engine disconnect device for a vehicle includes a first one-way clutch (OWC) with concentric inner and outer races and torque elements interposed between and transferring torque across these races in a first direction. The first outer race rigidly attaches to a damper plate for common rotation therewith, and the first inner race rigidly attaches to a pump cover of a torque converter for common rotation therewith. A second OWC, which concentrically aligns within the first OWC, includes concentric inner and outer races with torque elements interposed between and transferring torque across these races in a second direction. The second outer race is splined to the first inner race for common rotation with the pump cover. The second inner race rigidly attaches to the damper plate for common rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Derek F. Lahr, Velmurugan Ayyanar, Dongxu Li, Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Dmitriy Bruder
  • Patent number: 10815991
    Abstract: A dual input fluid pump system for coupling to a transmission or an engine and an electrical motor is disclosed. The system may include a first external gear, vane, internal gear, or gerotor-type pump, a second external gear pump, and connecting shaft. Gears of the second pump include one-way clutch bearings that enable operation of the system in multiple modes including engine-only; motor-only; a combined mode where the engine operates the first pump via the shaft and the motor operates the second pump with an external gear rotating in its pumping direction at a rate greater than the shaft; inlet boost; and a disconnection mode. Also noted is a pump that has a first shaft for coupling the engine to a first external gear and a second shaft for coupling the motor to a second external gear, as well as a one-way clutch bearing that performs in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: STACKPOLE INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERED PRODUCTS, LTD.
    Inventors: Andrzej Kowalski, Richard Muizelaar
  • Patent number: 10753443
    Abstract: A gear device for a clutch contains: a drive gear, a first clutching member, and a second clutching member. The drive gear includes multiple first actuation protrusions and multiple second actuation protrusions, wherein each of the multiple first actuation protrusions has a beveled face and a flat top face, and each of the multiple second actuation protrusions has a beveled face and a flat top face. The first clutching member includes multiple third actuation protrusions, each of the multiple third actuation protrusions has a beveled face and a flat top face, and the first clutching member includes a first positioning disc and a first resilient element. The second clutching member includes multiple fourth actuation protrusions, each of the multiple fourth actuation protrusions has a beveled face and a flat top face, and the second clutching member includes a second positioning disc and a second resilient element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Jen-Che Hung
  • Patent number: 10576846
    Abstract: A release actuator for a vehicle seat includes a spur gear that is rotatable in one direction or in the other direction by receiving rotational force from a motor, and has sliding grooves that are formed in both surfaces of the spur gear and have a predetermined length. A first cable guide is disposed to face one surface of the spur gear and has a protrusion placed in one of the sliding grooves. The first cable guide is connected to a first cable that withdraws a walk-in latch and releases walk-in lock when the first cable is pulled. A second cable guide is disposed to face the other surface of the spur gear, has a protrusion placed in the other sliding groove, and is connected to a second cable that withdraws a folder lock latch and releases folder lock when the second cable is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Daedong Movel System Co., Ltd., Das Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Soo Lee, Tae-Jun Kwon, Young-Dong Kim, Sang-Ho Kim, Young-Bok Sung, Ji-Hyong Lee, Jae-Hwa Lee, Seong-Mun Ju, Yeong-Sik Joo, Myoung-Soo Chang, Yun-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10570963
    Abstract: A torque limiting device comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a machined torsion spring having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end of the torsion spring are coupled to the both the input shaft and the output shaft, whereby torque is transmitted between the input shaft and output shaft via the torsion spring. The couplings between the torsion spring and the input shaft and the output shaft permit limited relative rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft. The device further comprises a jamming mechanism operable in response to relative rotation between the input shaft and output shaft to stop rotation of both the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen Davies
  • Patent number: 10300781
    Abstract: A drivetrain for a hybrid vehicle comprising an electric machine and a double clutch device (which has an input side assigned to a drive unit, a first clutch arrangement assigned to a first transmission input shaft of a transmission for selective torque transmission between the drive unit and the first transmission input shaft, and a second clutch arrangement assigned to a second transmission input shaft of the transmission for selective torque transmission between the drive unit and the second transmission input shaft, wherein the first clutch arrangement has a first clutch input side which interacts with the electric machine, and the second clutch arrangement has a second clutch input side, wherein the first clutch input side of the first clutch arrangement is connected to the input side of the double clutch device via a freewheel or to the second clutch input side of the second clutch arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Florian Schneider, Viren Saxena, Hans Juergen Hauck, Alexander Moser, Rolf Koestel
  • Patent number: 10023171
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes: an engine; a rotary machine; and an oil pump connected to each of a rotary shaft of the engine and a rotary shaft of the rotary machine through a one-way clutch. The power transmission device is configured to allow the rotary machine to rotate at a rotational speed higher than the rotational speed corresponding to a speed of the engine and lower than the rotational speed corresponding to an idling speed of the engine at the time of startup of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Okuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Takeshi Kitahata, Tatsuya Imamura, Masafumi Yamamoto, Keita Imai, Keisuke Oomuro
  • Patent number: 9950770
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a hub. A linked element may be connected with the hub to provide at least one of an input or an output from the hub. The hub may include a shell, a shaft may extend through the shell, and a gear set may be disposed in the shell. The linked element may be connected to the gear set through a rotatable element. A rotatable component may be connected with the gear set. The rotatable element may be engageable with the rotatable component through the gear set. An engagement mechanism may engage and may disengage the gear set from at least one of the shaft or the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Martin Juhas
  • Patent number: 9873287
    Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly comprises a hub axle, a hub shell, a sprocket support body, and a clutch. The sprocket support body is rotatably mounted on the hub axle to rotate about a rotational axis. The sprocket support body is rotatable relative to the hub axle and the hub shell about the rotational axis. The clutch has a first coupling state where a pedaling rotational force is transmitted from the sprocket support body to the hub shell in a first rotational direction during pedaling, a first release state where the hub shell is rotatable relative to the sprocket support body in the first rotational direction during coasting, and a second coupling state where a coasting rotational force is transmitted from the hub shell to the sprocket support body in the first rotational direction during coasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Toshinari Oishi, Yusuke Nishimoto, Sota Yamaguchi, Kohei Obuchi
  • Patent number: 9556957
    Abstract: A compact clutch which comprises a driven shaft on which the following are mounted: a gear wheel; a driving bush; a driven bush; a coil spring; a first collar with cam surfaces; and a second collar with cam surfaces. The clutch is characterized in that the gear wheel and the bushes are constrained to the driven shaft in the axial direction by means of two stop rings; in that the driven bush is constrained to the driven shaft in the circumferential direction by means of at least one tongue; and in that the tongue ensures engagement between the driven bush and the driven shaft in the circumferential direction, while in the axial direction the driven bush may slide with respect to the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: BI.CI.DI. SRL
    Inventor: Angelo Cibien
  • Patent number: 9022195
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and a pair of hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A pair of roll cages position a plurality of rollers between each hub and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are positioned to wedge between the hub and the inner cam surface when one of the hub and the housing is rotated with respect to the other. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism includes a friction plate rotating in combination with each the roll cage and a spring compressed between the end cap and the roll cage for biasing the friction member into frictional contact with the hub. An intermittent coupler is located between each roll cage and configured to engage the roll cages so as to permit indexing of one roll cage relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, David C. Ochab, James E. Palmer, John R. Updyke, Howard J. Knickerbocker
  • 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: 9011289
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is disclosed that combines a positively engaging dog clutch and one way clutch. The two devices are design such that the one way clutch never interferes with the engagement or disengagement of the dog clutch. In one embodiment, the one way clutch transmits torque in particular rotational positions and the dog teeth are circumferentially placed such that they do not engage in any of these positions. In another embodiment, the dog clutch piston, to which the teeth are secured, is permitted to rotate enough to accommodate any interference between dog teeth during engagement. In either embodiment, the teeth faces that transmit torque in the same direction as the one way clutch may be angled such that torque in that direction tends to disengage the dog clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Goleski, Bradley Ronald Heuver
  • Patent number: 8978838
    Abstract: A drive device includes a first one-way coupling including a cam plate, pocket plate and struts, a second one-way coupling including a second cam plate driveably connected to the pocket plate, second pocket plate extending in a partial circular arc and secured to the cam plate, and second struts for opening and closing a drive connection between said second plates, and electromagnets for causing the second struts to close said drive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Norman J. Bird
  • Patent number: 8905724
    Abstract: An oil supply apparatus for a vehicle may include an oil pump, a first rotary member provided to the oil pump such that the oil pump may be rotatably operated by the first rotary member, a second rotary member restricted from rotating with respect to the first rotary member in a first direction, the second rotary member being allowed to rotate with respect to the first rotary member in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third rotary member allowed to rotate in the first direction with respect to the first rotary member, the third rotary member being restricted from rotating with respect to the first rotary member in the second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the second rotary member and the third rotary member may be respectively connected to power sources providing drive forces in directions opposite to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jin Young Hwang
  • Patent number: 8857589
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and first and second hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A roll cage positions a plurality of rollers in an annular space between each of the hubs and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are adapted to wedgingly engage between the hub and the inner cam for transmitting torque therebetween. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism located on each side of the roll cage includes a roll cage plate attached to the roll cage, an inner hub friction member attached to the hub, a slip disk, and a spring compressed between the slip disk and the inner hub friction member biasing the inner hub friction member into frictional contact with the roll cage plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, James E. Palmer
  • 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: 8784073
    Abstract: A liquid pressure generating apparatus including a pump, and two one-way clutches arranged coaxially with the pump drive shaft in a line in the axial direction on the side of a first axial direction. The pump case includes a projecting portion projecting from the corresponding pump case. Inner races of the respective two one-way clutches are integrated with each other and form a common inner race. Outer races of the respective two one-way clutches are formed independently from each other and are driven respectively by pump driving members different from each other, and directions of restricted relative rotation with respect to the common inner race are identical to each other. The common inner race includes a coupling portion to be coupled to the pump driving shaft on the side of the first axial direction with respect to the projecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, NSK-Warner K. K
    Inventors: Shinichi Nomura, Hiroshi Yoshikawa, Atsushi Mori, Hironari Toyoda, Ryo Watanabe, Haruhisa Suzuki, Akira Iwano
  • Patent number: 8757237
    Abstract: In a blind with two shields, it is possible to perform different operations by operating one operating means and reduce the dimension of an operating device by reducing the number of parts. The operating device comprises an operating shaft rotated upon receiving an operation force, a clutch rotating integrally with the operating shaft and axially sliding on the operating shaft, and a first transmission member 50 and a second transmission member disposed at both axial sides of the clutch to transmit driving force to a first driving shaft and a second driving shaft, respectively. The sliding direction of the clutch is determined by the rotational direction of the operating shaft, such that as the clutch sliding on the operating shaft is engaged with one of the transmission members and, the rotation of the operating shaft is transmitted to any one of the driving shafts and through one of the transmission members and.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Nichibei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Aoki
  • Patent number: 8714940
    Abstract: A liquid pressure generating apparatus including a pump; and two one-way clutches arranged coaxially with the pump's drive shaft. Inner races of the respective two one-way clutches are integrated with each other to form a common inner race. Outer races of the respective two one-way clutches are formed independently from each other and are driven respectively by pump driving members different from each other. The common inner race includes a coupling portion coupled to the pump drive shaft and extending in the radial direction and a cylindrical body portion extending from the coupling portion in a second axial direction opposite from the first axial direction on the radially outside the pump drive shaft. The body portion includes a depression indented radially outward on an inner peripheral surface thereof. A lubricant supply portion for the depression is provided radially inside the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, NSK-Warner K. K
    Inventors: Shinichi Nomura, Hiroshi Yoshikawa, Atsushi Mori, Hironari Toyoda, Ryo Watanabe, Masabumi Nishigaya, Akira Iwano
  • Patent number: 8561772
    Abstract: A one-way clutch is provided that includes a first race, a second race having relative rotational movement with the first race, a locking mechanism to allow relative rotational movement between the races in one direction only and first and second backing plates connected with the first race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Papania, Craig S. Larson, Douglas J. Slager
  • Patent number: 8490515
    Abstract: A transmission for a motor, which gives a normal rotation and constant speed output to an output cover when a driving shaft of the motor rotates in a normal direction and a normal rotation and speed-changed output to the output cover when the driving shaft of the motor rotates in a reverse direction, is provided. Interference caused by a reverse input can be prevented although rotation is reversely input from the output cover. The driving shaft includes a polygonal outer circumference; a ball-mounting ring is coupled to the outer circumference, the ball-mounting ring including, therein a constant speed ball and a speed changing ball spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so that upper and lower sides of them protrude; and the ball-mounting ring is frictionally fixed by an additionally fixed friction pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: MBI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Jin Jung, Hyuk Yoo
  • Publication number: 20130134006
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and first and second hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A roll cage positions a plurality of rollers in an annular space between each of the hubs and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are adapted to wedgingly engage between the hub and the inner cam for transmitting torque therebetween. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism located on each side of the roll cage includes a roll cage plate attached to the roll cage, an inner hub friction member attached to the hub, a slip disk, and a spring compressed between the slip disk and the inner hub friction member biasing the inner hub friction member into frictional contact with the roll cage plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Kelly P. Heath, James E. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8424405
    Abstract: A mainshaft assembly for a gearbox includes a mainshaft (44) and drive gears (31, 36) carried for rotation about the mainshaft. First and second hubs (50, 50?) are associated with respective drive gears, each hub being operable to selectively couple or uncouple with the drive gear causing it to rotate with the hub or with respect to the hub. A drive connection mechanism (42, 64, 66) associated with each hub selectively connects the hub to the mainshaft. Upon connection of the hubs to the drive gears, the drive connection operates to connect one or other of the hubs to the mainshaft when torque is applied to the mainshaft in a first direction or an opposite direction. This enables a gear ratio to be selected by reversing the torque being handled by the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Xtrac Limited
    Inventors: Adrain Paul Moore, Andrew McDougall, Anthony Tremlett, Ian Foster
  • Publication number: 20130075215
    Abstract: A constant-force device includes a first ratchet wheel mounted rotatably on a shaft and having first sawtoothed projections, a second ratchet wheel mounted on the shaft so as not to rotate relative to the shaft but to move along the shaft and having second sawtoothed projections opposed to the first sawtoothed projections, an intermediate ratchet wheel mounted on the shaft so as not only to rotate relative to the shaft but also to move along the shaft between the first ratchet wheel and the second ratchet wheel and having a pair of intermediate sawtoothed projections meshing with the first and second sawtoothed projections respectively, a biasing member configured to bias the second ratchet wheel towards the first ratchet wheel, and a lock mechanism configured to set the first and intermediate ratchet wheels in a connected or unconnected state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8376110
    Abstract: A hub shell of a hub assembly is rotatable about a fixed hub shaft. A power transmitting member is disposed within the hub shell. A pawl supporting member has at least one pawl member movable between an active position where the pawl member allows transmission of rotary power from the hub shell to the power transmitting member and an inactive position decoupling the pawl from one of the power transmitting member and the hub shell. A one way roller clutch assembly is coupled between the power transmitting member and the hub shell and is movable between an active position where the roller clutch assembly couples the power transmitting member to the hub shell to transmit rotary power from the power transmitting member to the hub shell and an inactive position decoupling the power transmitting member from the hub shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8337171
    Abstract: A pump drive system having a pump drive element that is driven by a first or a second drive mechanism. The pump drive element is connectable or connected by a coupling element in a rotationally fixed connection either through a first free-wheel device to the first drive mechanism or through a second free-wheel device to the second drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ivo Agner, Dierk Reitz, Reinhard Berger, Johannes Lamers
  • Patent number: 8316840
    Abstract: The invention discloses a novel and efficient drive mechanism for use in a variety of applications. This novel mechanism replaces traditional stepper motors or another analogous art with shape memory alloys. The drive mechanism so disclosed provides substantial operational benefits over conventional motors and other such traditional drive mechanisms that would be used in similar applications. The drive mechanism includes a high gear-ratio worm gear and worm drive which further provides precise, controlled movement of an output shaft. In the illustrative use elaborated upon herein, the motor is used to drive a photovoltaic panel so that the panel may remain in appropriate alignment with the sun throughout the day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Altaii Karim, Thomas Benjamin
  • Patent number: 8286771
    Abstract: A clutch unit includes axially arranged input, output and reverse input gears, and a spring clutch. The input and output gears respectively include radially opposed input and output clutch portions. The spring clutch is tightly bound to the input clutch portion and includes coil springs each having transmission and release hooks. With the transmission hooks in engagement with the output clutch portion, the release hooks are spaced forward from the transmission hooks. From an unlocking state, when the release portion is reverse rotated by distance c while pushing the release portions, the spring clutch is unlocked, and when a reverse rotational portion is reverse rotated by distance b, it engages a reverse rotation engaging portion. When the release portion is further reverse rotated after the spring clutch has been unlocked by distance a, the release portion engages the hook engaging portion and stops. a>b>c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Takada, Tsutomu Maiwa
  • Patent number: 8201479
    Abstract: A drive conversion mechanism includes a rotatably mounted output shaft, a pair of output gears mounted on the output shaft so as to rotate independent of one another and relative to the output shaft and being displaced from each other axially along the output shaft, and a pair of one-way clutches arranged about the output shaft. Each clutch is connected to one of the output gears and extends about the output shaft in respective orientations that are the reverse of each other such that the one-way clutches can only drivingly engage the output shaft at alternate times, and thus not at the same time, so as to cause the output shaft to rotate in a same single direction as the output gears are driven in opposite directions relative to each other by an input train of constantly meshed input drive and idler gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: William Scott Klein
  • Patent number: 8157686
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the transmission of power between a shaft (2) of a heat engine (3) and a wheel (5) axle shaft (4) of a motor vehicle. The inventive device (1) comprises at least one electrical machine (6, 7) comprising a machine shaft (8, 9) and a mechanical pump (11) comprising a pump shaft (55). The shaft (2) of the engine (3) and the machine shaft (8, 9) are connected to the pump shaft (55) by means of a mechanism (12) comprising two free wheels. The connection between the pump (11) and the shafts (8, 9) of the transmission device is such that the pump (11) can be driven in any vehicle operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Thomas Boutou, Serge Belmont, Olivier Boury
  • Patent number: 8056693
    Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Christini Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Christini, Michael J. Dunn
  • Patent number: 8006819
    Abstract: An overrunning accessory decoupler with a locking mechanism provides the desired overrunning accessory decoupler functionality and also permits torque to be transferred from the accessory to which the decoupler is installed to the drive of the engine when desired. In one embodiment, the decoupler includes a locking mechanism that is controlled by centrifugal forces developed in the decoupler to lock the decoupler to permit the accessory to transfer torque to the drive to start or boost the engine. In another embodiment, the decoupler locking mechanism includes an electromagnet that can be energized to lock and/or unlock the decoupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: James W. Dell, Hubertus G. Mevissen, John R. Antchak
  • Publication number: 20110192693
    Abstract: A self-adjusting twin or dual dry clutch assembly for a dual clutch transmission includes a single actuator. The clutch assembly includes one center and two outer clutch drive plates or discs which independently engage a pair of interleaved driven clutch plates or discs which are coupled to and drive a respective pair of transmission countershafts or layshafts. The single actuator translates an internal clutch carrier which acts upon the outer clutch plates through respective pluralities of linear one way clutches. Self-adjustment of the dual clutch assembly is achieved by additional linear one way clutches acting through pairs of spring biased control rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Jesse B. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7753184
    Abstract: A bidirectional clutch with opposing output drives mounted over an internal support shaft, and a bidirectional clutch jaw positioned between them. The clutch jaw has opposing cam surfaces which cooperate with cam surfaces on the inside edge of the output drives. The clutch jaw further has forward and reverse driving surfaces which are associated with forward and reverse driving surfaces on the output drives. The clutch jaw moves between the output drives and engages only one output drive at a time. When the clutch is reversed, the cam surface on the output drive which was being driven imparts lateral force to the clutch jaw which moves it away from the active output drive to the inactive output drive. The clutch jaw disengages from the active output drive and then begins rotating the inactive output drive in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Traner
  • Patent number: 7721861
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a clutch mechanism to adjust eccentricity in a power tool. The clutch mechanism comprises an outer race mounted radially on an annular main body which is mounted on an eccentric shaft. At least one first connecting member is disposed between the outer race and the annular main body. At least one second connecting member is disposed between the annular main body and the eccentric shaft. The first connecting member makes the outer race and the annular main body rotate relative to each other at one way. The second connecting member makes the annular main body and the eccentric shaft rotate relative to each other at one way. The annular main body has an axial projection formed thereon to connect with an eccentric mechanism in the power tool. With this type of clutch mechanism, the adjusted eccentricity will not change during working and torque can be transferred stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen Cheng Zhong
  • Publication number: 20090312133
    Abstract: A compact transmission includes a clutch unit for controlling power transmitted from a bevel gear unit coupled to an output shaft of an engine. The clutch unit includes a subsidiary forward clutch part including friction plates coupled to an inner peripheral surface of an axle housing of the clutch unit; a subsidiary coupling coupled to a backward coupling through a one-way bearing; friction disks coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the subsidiary coupling, the friction plates and the friction disks being arranged alternately; and a piston disposed on one side of the friction plates and the friction disks. When a vehicle moves backwardly on an upward slope, an application of hydraulic pressure to a forward clutch part is interrupted and hydraulic pressure is applied to the subsidiary forward clutch part, so that the piston is moved by the hydraulic pressure to compress the friction plates and the friction disks, thereby fixing the subsidiary coupling to the axle housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: WOOYOUNG HYDRAULICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seung Woo Han
  • Patent number: 7621263
    Abstract: A supercharger drive system that includes a shaft connected to a set of gears; a one-way clutch provided for connection to the shaft; and an actuation controller in communication with the one-way clutch. In an embodiment, the one-way clutch can disengage and rotors or impellers associated with the system are permitted to rotate independently of the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William Nicholas Eybergen, Daniel Robert Ouwenga, Christopher Wayne Creager
  • Patent number: 7600622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for establishing a couplable connection between two rotationally mounted machine parts, particularly a first shaft and a second shaft. To this end, the second shaft comprises a coupling ring that, on the inside, has tensioning bodies, which act against each another in pairs and which are arranged so they surround the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Paul Müller GmbH & Co. KG Unternehmensbeteiligungen
    Inventor: Fritz Feldmeier