Abstract: A self-contained switchable torque limited wedge clutch, consisting of a housing, a space enclosed by the housing, and a clutch assembly including: an input part with a first frusto-conical surface; an outer race in the space and including a second frusto-conical surface in contact with the first frusto-conical surface; an output hub in the space; circumferentially aligned wedge plate segments in the space; and an activation assembly arranged to displace the wedge plate segments to switch the clutch between: a locked mode and an unlocked mode. In the locked mode: for a first magnitude of the rotational torque, the first frusto-conical surface and the second frusto-conical surface are non-rotatably connected; and for a second magnitude of the rotational torque, greater than the first magnitude, the first frusto-conical surface rotates with respect to the second frusto-conical surface to switch the self-contained torque-limiting switchable wedge plate clutch to the unlocked mode.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a bolt threadably received by a drive shaft and configured to secure the blade on an inner washer disposed about the drive shaft. The clutch mechanism also includes a spring assembly that is generally annularly disposed around the bolt. When the spring assembly is compressed, the spring assembly is configured to grip the blade inner washer and the spring assembly. At least one shallow pocket and at least one deep pocket are disposed in a lower surface of an upper retainer, and at least one geometric spacer extends from the spring assembly. In the coupled condition, the geometric spacer is engaged with the shallow pocket, and in the uncoupled condition, the plug structure is engaged with the deep pocket.

Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided. The assembly has a rotatable member having a pathway disposed thereon which has at least one rise adjacent at least one vale. A retainer is provided which receives at least a portion of the at least one bearing. The bearing moves along the pathway and the retainer maintains receipt of at least a portion of the at least one bearing. The bias member is located adjacent at least a portion of the at least on bearing such that bias from the bias member is directed against the at least one bearing to maintain the at least one bearing substantially on the pathway.

Abstract: In a power transmission apparatus, a torque limiter mechanism has a plurality of holding portions, a disc plate and a flange, and an elastic member. The plurality of holding portions are fixed to either one of a pulley and a hub and aligned substantially equidistantly in a circumferential direction. The disc plate and flange are provided to either one of the pulley and the hub and oppose the holding portions. The elastic member is frictionally connected to the holding portions and the disc plate and flange, and is fixed to the remaining one of the pulley and the hub. The elastic member has connecting portions and an elastic support. The connecting portions are frictionally connected to the holding portions and the disc plate and flange, and correspond in number to the holding portions.