Axially Engaging Patents (Class 192/66.1)
  • Patent number: 10988022
    Abstract: A dual drive gear of an actuation assembly for a transfer case includes an annular disk, a dual drive gear hub, and a sense plate. The annular disk has an inner periphery and an outer periphery. The outer periphery defines a plurality of teeth projecting radially outward. The dual drive gear hub is attached to the inner periphery of the annular disk and has an inner surface that defines a bore extending through a center of the dual drive gear. The dual drive gear hub includes a pair of curved walls projecting from a first axial end face of the annular disk. The sense plate projects from a second axial end face of the annular disk opposite of the first axial end face and includes a plurality of curved wall sections. The annular disk, the dual drive gear hub, and the sense plate are formed together as a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Gurmeet Singh Bedi
  • Patent number: 10578174
    Abstract: A wedge clutch includes a first race rotatable about an axis and having first tapered surfaces annularly arranged about the axis, and a second race rotatable about the axis and concentric with the first race, the second race having a circumferential groove. A plurality of wedge segments are annularly arranged about the axis, each wedge segment having a second tapered surface contacting one of the first tapered surfaces. A plurality of pawls extend radially through at least a portion of either the first race or the second race. Each pawl is circumferentially aligned with a respective gap between two adjacent wedge segments. An actuating ring is configured to move axially along the axis. Axial movement of the actuating ring engages the pawls to force each pawl radially into the respective gap to separate the two adjacent wedge segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ryan Carlino
  • Patent number: 9583282
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism for an energy storage device is disclosed. In an embodiment, the clutch mechanism includes a loading gear, a driving gear, a one-way bearing, a sleeve, and a gear shaft comprising a gear portion and a clutch portion. The gear shaft includes multiple spheres, and a push rod and an elastic element which are located in a cavity of the gear shaft. The push rod includes a groove and can slide in the axial direction of the gear shaft. A pressure block is fixed to the driving gear, the pressure block being able to push the push rod to slide in the axial direction of the gear shaft, so as to unlock or lock the sleeve and the gear shaft. A gas insulated circuit breaker employing such a clutch mechanism is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Guo Qiang Huang, Cun Dong Ji, Yuan Ming Tao
  • Patent number: 9576752
    Abstract: The present application relates to a clutch mechanism for an energy storage device including a load gear, a drive gear, a one-way bearing, a bushing, and a gear shaft including a gear portion and a clutch portion. The gear shaft includes multiple cylinders, and a push rod, a rotary sleeve and an elastic element located in a cavity of the gear shaft. The push rod includes a push rod slide hole and a push rod connecting hole, for connecting to the gear shaft and the rotary sleeve, respectively. A press block is fixed to the drive gear, the press block being capable of pushing the push rod to slide axially, so as to unlock or lock the bushing and the gear shaft. A gas insulated circuit breaker using such a clutch mechanism is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Guo Qiang Huang, Gunnar Lutzke
  • Publication number: 20150129389
    Abstract: The present invention uses a sensor to determine when a pressure plate and a clutch plate of a dual clutch transmission system are in contact with one another. The assembly includes a housing having a plurality of pistons connected to both the clutch plate and pressure plate. The pistons contain either magnets or couplers and are positioned adjacent one another separated by either a Hall effect sensor or an inductive sensor. As the pressure plates and clutch plates come into contact with one another the pistons move within the housing and said movement is detected by the sensor. The sensor determines if the pressure plate is in contact with the clutch plate and if the clutch plate or the pressure plate has traveled any linear distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Lingmin Shao, Jim Hartford
  • Publication number: 20150114786
    Abstract: A drive assembly comprises a rotatingly drivable housing an output part and a clutch arranged between the rotatably drivable housing and the output part. The clutch comprises a first clutch part held relative to the housing in a rotationally fixed and axially movable way, as well as a second clutch part fixedly connected to the output part arranged in the rotatably drivable housing; a controllable actuator for actuating the clutch; a target element which, upon actuation of the clutch, is axially movable; and a sensor for recording switched positions of the clutch; wherein the first clutch part comprises an annular portion arranged outside the housing, and a plurality of cam elements that extend axially from the annular portion through the apertures in the housing into the interior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Holger Seidl
  • Publication number: 20150010369
    Abstract: A motor powered milling machine vice clamping actuator for use with a miffing machine vice having a rotatable shaft includes an elongated housing including an opening in a first end and a second end, a vice shaft receiving socket rotatably disposed within the housing and exposed through the opening for receiving the rotatable shaft of the vice, wherein the vice shaft receiving socket is complementary configured to frictionally engage the vice shaft of the milling machine vice. A motor operably connected to the second end of the housing which is laterally disposed to the vice shaft receiving socket having a drive mechanism which interconnects to the vice shaft receiving socket and an actuator switch operable connects to the motor for controlling direction of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: John Randal Orndorf
  • Publication number: 20140144743
    Abstract: A disconnect assembly is provided and includes a rotatably drivable input shaft including a first clutch portion, a rotating element including a second clutch portion, which is movable between a first position, at which the first and second clutch portions drivably register with each other, and a second position, at which the first and second clutch portions are displaced from each other and a disconnect bearing. The disconnect bearing is disposed at an inner diameter of the first clutch portion and configured to radially and axially secure the input shaft relative to the rotating element with the second clutch portion disposed in the first or second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Eric A. Brust, Ted A. Martin
  • Patent number: 8713746
    Abstract: A vehicle wiper system includes a wiper arm, a motor including a motor shaft, and a drive connection through which torque is transmitted from the motor shaft to the wiper arm when the motor is energized, and at least partially releasing a connection between the motor shaft and the wiper arm when the motor is deenergized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert Dallos, Jr., Mark K Denison
  • Publication number: 20140069762
    Abstract: A magnet holder assembly suitable for use as an eddy current drive of a clutch includes magnet holder means for securing one or more magnets to a rotatable component of the clutch, a first permanent magnet radially retained by the magnet holder means, wherein the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the magnet holder means, and a second permanent magnet radially retained by the magnet holder means. The first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Brian T. Lawrence, Michael J. Bieber, John Philip Cinq-Mars
  • Publication number: 20130333999
    Abstract: A transmitting apparatus of a printer, includes an active shaft and a sliding bush. A positioning post is located on the active shaft. A sliding bush is movably mounted on the active shaft. The sliding bush defines a first positioning slot and a second positioning slot. The sliding bush includes an active gear. The sliding bush is configured to move on the active shaft to selectively receive the positioning post in the first positioning slot or the second positioning slot to mesh the active gear with different transmitting gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PING-FANG TSAI
  • Publication number: 20130305861
    Abstract: Clutch arrangement for a motor vehicle gearbox. The clutch arrangement has a housing and a clutch. The clutch is arranged in the housing and is arranged concentrically with a shaft, which extends in a longitudinal axis. The shaft is supported on the housing by means of a first shaft bearing adjacent to the clutch and by means of a second shaft bearing spaced at an axial distance from the clutch. The clutch arrangement has an actuator arrangement for actuating the clutch. The actuator arrangement is designed to exert an actuating force on the clutch in a first longitudinal direction. The actuator arrangement here being axially braced on the housing and a force flux being introduced into the shaft as a result of the actuating force. The first shaft bearing is arranged so that the force flux introduced into the shaft can be axially braced on the housing by way of the first shaft bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Guenter Ruehle, Jochen Bausch, Harald Sodemann, Stefan Anspann
  • Patent number: 8439178
    Abstract: Systems and components for providing or receiving a mechanical power service through a mechanical power coupling system. A mechanical power service switch is provided for selectively communicating the mechanical power service between a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a host or other mechanical power service source and a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a mechanical power service consumer. The mechanical power service switch is activated to transfer a mechanical power service in response to detection of a contactless proximity target associated with one of the mechanical power service communicating devices by a proximity sensor associated with the other of the mechanical power service communicating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Kuehl, Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8430221
    Abstract: A system for communicating a mechanical power service between mechanical power service communicating devices. A service switch is provided for selectively transferring the mechanical power service from a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a host or other mechanical power service provider or source, to a second mechanical power service communicating device, such as an accessory device or other mechanical power service consumer. The service switch is activated to communicate the mechanical power service between the first mechanical power service communicating device and the second mechanical power service communicating device in response to movement of a component associated with one of the mechanical power service communicating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Kuehl, Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8401748
    Abstract: In a method for influencing the traction force during shifting operations of a manual transmission in vehicles having at least two drive axles, the drive system of the first axle is activated in such a way that the interruptions in traction force occurring at the second axle during shifting operations of the manual transmission are at least partially compensated for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Huber
  • Publication number: 20130015622
    Abstract: Image forming apparatus having sheet transport device transporting sheet through nip between pressing and drive members by applying rotational force to drive member via power transmission mechanism that includes: first and second rotational shafts connected to drive member and drive source, respectively; first and second rotation transmitting members attached to first and second rotational shafts, respectively; holding member including first and second contact parts disposed on opposite sides of second rotation transmitting member; and rotational move member switching to power non-transmission and transmission states by moving holding member rotationally to first and second positions in conjunction with opening and closing operations of opening/closing member of apparatus housing. Power is not transmitted between rotational shafts in power non-transmission state and transmitted in power transmission state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Masaki HATA
  • Publication number: 20120238388
    Abstract: A power interrupting apparatus is provided with: a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a clutch device adapted to interrupt a coupling between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and an actuator adapted to actuate the clutch device. The actuator is disposed on a radially outer periphery of a part of one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Japan LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki FUSEGI, Hiroyasu FURUKAWA
  • Publication number: 20120228076
    Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) clutch assembly includes input and output discs, a plunger, a control solenoid, and a controller. The input disc is connected to a rotatable input member, and defines an input face having a mechanical feature. The output disc is connected to a rotatable output member, and includes a bore wall defining a bore. The plunger is positioned at least partially within the bore. The controller transmits a time-varying electrical control signal to the solenoid to thereby resonate the plunger toward the input disc, and transmits a steady-state electrical control signal to capture the plunger in an engaged position. Rotation of the discs is controlled until the plunger encounters the mechanical feature, thereby placing the assembly in an engaged state. A vehicle having a transmission and the EM clutch assembly is also disclosed, as is a method for controlling the clutch assembly via the electrical control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Tate, JR., Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8257210
    Abstract: A rotation urging mechanism includes: an outer member which has an outer raceway surface on its inner periphery and is rotatable about a first axis; an inner member which has on its outer periphery an inner raceway surface disposed in face-to-face relation to a radially inner side of the outer raceway surface over an entire circumference thereof and is rotatable about the first axis; and a plurality of balls disposed rollably between the outer raceway surface and the inner raceway surface. The outer raceway surface is formed about a second axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the inner raceway surface is formed about a third axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8237298
    Abstract: A generator coupling assembly includes an output housing, an output member rotationally supported by the output housing, a generator powered by the output member, and a clutch adapter. The generator includes a generator stator, a generator rotor rotatably supported within the generator stator, a shaft coupled to the generator rotor, and a clutch member arranged on the shaft. The clutch adapter is coupled to and radially retained by the output member, and includes a clutching structure configured for selective engagement with the clutch member to engage the clutch member and the clutch adapter for co-rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120193184
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism with overload protection provided between a power input shaft and a power output shaft of an actuator includes a magnet set including at least a first magnet and a second magnet that are arranged as magnetically attractive to each other and are attached to the power input shaft and the power output shaft, respectively; and a friction assembly including a first friction member and a second friction member arranged adjacent to each other and between the first magnet and the second magnet, so as to provide a constant friction between the magnets. The magnet set and the friction assembly jointly set a limit of a torque between the power input shaft and the power output shaft. When the torque exceeds the limit, the power input shaft and the power output shaft are disconnected, so as to achieve overload protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Hsin-An CHIANG, Ching-Fang Hu
  • Publication number: 20120168273
    Abstract: A device (10) for uncoupling a vehicle's wheel shaft drive, which device is intended to be placed close to a drive shaft (11) in order to uncouple/couple a driven unit to which the drive shaft (11) is coupled. The device (10) comprises includes at least one bearing (12) fitted around the end (13) of the drive shaft (11). A carrier (14) coupled to the unit or to the drive shaft, has an inner cavity large enough to surround the drive shaft's end (13) and the bearing (12) and is fastened in the bearing (12) so as to be freely rotatable relative to the drive shaft (11). A coupling ring (15) is coupled rotationally to the drive shaft (11) and is movable axially relative to the drive shaft (11). A coupling fork (17) at least partly surrounds the coupling ring (15) and is movable axially relative to the drive shaft (11). An activating device which acts upon the coupling fork (17) to move the latter in axial directions along the drive shaft (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Vidar Strömbom
  • Publication number: 20120160629
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a friction element (3) comprising the steps: providing a metal main body (10), hardening the main body (10) on at least part of its surface (11, 12) in a salt bath, wherein the salt bath hardening is the final method step, and no further processing of the hardened surface (11, 12) is performed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a friction element produced according to this method and a friction component comprising the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Miba Frictec GmbH
    Inventors: Zisis TSIOPTSIAS, Gerhard HARTNER
  • Publication number: 20120097496
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotatable input member and a rotatable output member. A clutch plate is fixed for rotation with one of the input member and the output member. An armature plate is axially moveable relative to the other of the input member and the output member. A self-energizing actuator converts rotary motion of the input member to linear movement of the armature plate. The actuator includes a biasing member urging relative rotation between the one of the input member and the output member and the armature plate to initially engage the armature plate and the clutch plate. The self-energizing actuator provides an additional clutch engagement force once the input member is driven and also includes an electromagnet to axially translate the armature plate and disengage the armature plate and the clutch plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.
    Inventor: Darrell F. Greene
  • Publication number: 20120037472
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a form-locking shift element which can at least be shifter between two shifting positions, of a transmission device having a drive device and a drive converter device for converting rotational drive motion of the drive device into translatory motion of the form-locking shift element. Two transmission shafts are interconnected, by way of the shift element, in a rotationally fixed manner in one shifting position, and are decoupled from one another in another shifting position. The drive converter device comprises a first component having at least one control curve, and a second component that is operatively connected to the first component which, in the region of the control curve, are connected to a component of the form-locking shift element, which is connected to one of the transmission shafts in a rotationally fixed manner and is axially displaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rosemeier, Christoph Pelchen, Bernd-Robert Hohn
  • Publication number: 20110278127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shiftable friction clutch (1a, 1b) for actuation with a pressure medium. Clutches of this type can be used, for example, to drive auxiliary assemblies such as fans (22) in vehicle construction. An especially compact construction is achieved through the use of a disk spring (6). A production method is furthermore proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: KENDRION LINNIG GMBH
    Inventor: Manfred Gebhart
  • Publication number: 20110272235
    Abstract: A clutch assembly, particularly for a friction clutch of a motor vehicle, with at least one clutch housing in which is arranged a diaphragm spring that acts on a pressure plate and is secured to the clutch housing by a holding ring with retaining tabs distributed over a circumference at a distance axially from the holding ring. The retaining tabs define an axial stop. A spring element is arranged between two adjacent structural component parts of the clutch assembly that are arranged between the holding ring and the axial stop of the retaining tabs that exerts an axial spring force on the adjacent structural component parts. The spring element is arranged on at least one retaining tab and has at least two edge-side support regions that extend in direction of the adjacent retaining tabs and at least partially contact one structural component part and at least one axial raised portion arranged between the support regions that at least partially contacts the other structural component part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter SCHĂ–MIG, Marco GREUBEL
  • Publication number: 20110266110
    Abstract: A clutch unit (1) including at least one wet clutch (28, 29) and a torsional vibration damper (12) which are accommodated in a housing (8) driven by the drive unit. In order to simplify assembly, pre-assembled modular units (3, 4, 5) are formed that are joined together during the final assembly process. Advantageously, a separation point is provided between two modular units in the torsional vibration damper, wherein one modular unit (3) includes the energy accumulators (11) captively accommodated in a housing part (6), while the other modular unit (4) includes the output part of the torsional vibration damper as an input part (13) of the at least one wet clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Arnold, Oliver Nöhl, Philippe Schwederle
  • Publication number: 20110259701
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lever actuator rear pull dry clutch to connect an engine with a vehicle transmission. A spring retainer and/or pressure plate of the clutch assembly has a dry lubricant for sliding in pivotal engagement with the levers to maintain the efficiency of the actuation of the clutch over an extended life cycle of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Brian William Franke
  • Publication number: 20110259699
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a clutch system or method include a fan clutch device having a clutch shut-off system permits a cooling fan to continue to provide airflow even when the friction ring is worn down to a level that requires replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: KIT MASTERS INC.
    Inventor: Craig Swanson
  • Publication number: 20110240435
    Abstract: A synchronizing clutch having a component carrier, wherein the component carrier accepts a splined shaft therethrough and interact with the splined shaft to allow transfer of rotation between the splined shaft and the component carrier while also allowing the component carrier to slide axially along the splined shaft relative to an associated friction plate. The component carrier includes a plurality of friction members pivotably coupled within walled recesses of the component carrier, such If that when the component carrier is urged toward the associated friction plate, at least a portion of the contact surface of the friction members initially contacts a surface of the friction plate and, as the component carrier continues to be urged toward the associated friction plate, each friction member is rotated, such that at least a portion of the contact surface of each friction member continues to contact a surface of the friction plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: John R. Otto, Gerald T. Scanlon, David C. Covey, Russell R. Otto, Michael G. Holland
  • Publication number: 20110209964
    Abstract: A wet clutch (1) with at least one friction disk (8) that can be clamped by an axially displaceable piston (5) against an end disk (7). In order to provide a cost-effective and more silent design, the end disk is permanently attached at the housing. Several variants are proposed for the attachment of the end disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: LUK VERMOEGENSVERWALTUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephan Maienschein, Peter Droll, Eugen Kombowski
  • Publication number: 20110209965
    Abstract: A magnet holder assembly for a clutch includes a magnet holder and first and second permanent magnets. The magnet holder includes a body portion, a first groove defined in the body portion, a second groove defined in the body portion adjacent to the first groove, and a flange extending from the body portion opposite the first groove and extending in a different direction than the first groove. The flange has a connection feature for securing the magnet holder to a rotatable component of the clutch. The first permanent magnet is radially retained by the first groove in the body portion, and the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the first groove. The second permanent magnet is radially retained by the second groove, and the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: HORTON, INC.
    Inventors: Brian T. Lawrence, Michael J. Bieber, John Philip Cinq-Mars
  • Publication number: 20110209963
    Abstract: A coupling assembly which has an adjusting device. In order to prevent uncontrolled adjusting of the adjusting device during transport until installation, a transport lock is provided. In order to be able to further propose an installation space-neutral solution, which, in particular, has no negative impact on the actuating system, grabber arms are disposed for lever elements of the coupling assembly axially in the direction of the counterpressure plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Klaus DUSSEL, Victor WIEGE, Aurelie CHRISTOPHEL, Ivo AGNER
  • Publication number: 20110180362
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventor: Craig M. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20110183798
    Abstract: The proposal is for a switchable friction clutch having a drive wheel (5) driven by a drive motor via a drive belt, wherein a first electromagnet arrangement (19) is provided for actuating a first friction clutch (21), and a second electromagnet arrangement (24) is provided for actuating a second friction clutch (23) in order to be able to drive a drive shaft (13) of an auxiliary unit (3) at different rotational speeds via the drive wheel (5) at one rotational speed of the drive wheel. According to the invention, a belt drive arrangement is provided between the drive wheel (5) and the drive shaft (13) of the auxiliary unit (3) to drive the drive shaft (13) at the different speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Manfred Gebhart
  • Publication number: 20110174588
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes, but is not limited to a clutch device and a flywheel. The flywheel is joined to the clutch device by fasteners. The fasteners fasten the flywheel to the clutch device in longitudinal axes of the fasteners respectively. The longitudinal axes of the fasteners are lateral to an axis of rotation of the flywheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Servet Yildiz, Michael Kiefer, Axel Geiberger
  • Publication number: 20110140349
    Abstract: An inserter system includes a pre-fold accumulator subsystem in which plural sheets are collected before folding and insertion into an envelope. A divert gate is at the upstream side of the pre-fold accumulator to selectively downwardly divert sheets fed in a reverse direction from the pre-fold accumulator. Positioning of the divert gate is controlled by a mechanism that couples the divert gate and a drive shaft that drives a sheet drive belt component of the pre-fold accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Salomon, Norman R. Lilly, Aaron D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110136609
    Abstract: A drive train for a motor vehicle, which has a first and a second axle. The drive train has a first drive unit for permanently driving the first axle and an electric drive unit, which is arranged in the region of the second axle and has an electric motor. A shift clutch package contains a first shift clutch for setting up a first transmission ratio and a second shift clutch for setting up a second transmission ratio between the electric motor and an output of the electric drive unit. The electric drive unit is arranged parallel to an input shaft of a transverse differential of the second axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: GETRAG INNOVATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Daniel Knoblauch
  • Publication number: 20110132713
    Abstract: A shift element which, when actuated, can conduct at least first and second components (41, 42) into force-transmitting and releasable connection. The shift element comprises at least one deformation member (1) that can be actuated and which consists at least in part of a dielectric polymer by which the shift element can be actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Erwin Biegger, Thomas Rosemeier
  • Publication number: 20110132714
    Abstract: A friction clutch system mechanically couples a power source to a driven system of a vehicle to reduce the rotational inertia of the clutch system, provide torsional damping within the system, and minimize vibration (e.g., rattling) between a floater and a flywheel. In one embodiment, the friction clutch system includes a first friction disc assembly directly engaged with a second friction disc assembly. The first disc assembly may include protuberances that extend axially from a hub assembly, which in turn may include damping springs and an internal splined region for coupling to a splined, driven shaft. The second friction disc assembly includes openings, which may take the form of radial slots, configured to engageably receive the protuberances. The first disc assembly may be positioned adjacent to a pressure plate assembly or a flywheel. A floater plate may be located between the first and second friction disc assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: TNMJ Caliber, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Wilson, Kevin C. Payne, William F. Baty
  • Publication number: 20110120831
    Abstract: A friction clutch device for coupling a first rear motor shaft to a second front forced shaft by allowing free relative axial displacement between the two shafts. The clutch device includes a double shock-absorbing steering wheel having a primary couple input assembly which is fixedly mounted axially to the motor shaft, a secondary couple output assembly which is rotatably connected to a reactive plate of the clutch device which is supported by the forced shaft. An elastic circumferential action member is arranged in a cavity that is peripheral to the primary assembly to rotatably connect the secondary assembly, with circumferential shock absorption, to the primary assembly. The secondary assembly is fixedly mounted axially relative to the reactive plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Francois Thibaut, Patrice Bertin, Daniel Fenioux, Patrice Merou, Ivan Dutier
  • Publication number: 20110105264
    Abstract: A clutch device is used in combination with a differential device. The clutch device is comprised of: a clutch housed in and rotatable with the differential device and axially movable from a disengaged state into an engaged state; a plunger slidably fit on the differential device and being axially movable from a first position where the plunger does not force the clutch to a second position where the plunger forces the clutch into the engaged state; an anti-rotated solenoid configured to drive the plunger; and a retainer supported by the differential device and in contact with both the plunger at the first position and the solenoid, whereby the plunger is barred from going beyond the first position and the solenoid is axially positioned in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi MARUYAMA, Toshiaki Komatsu, Noriyuki Sudou, Masaaki Fusegi, Hiroyasu Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20110073431
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coupling assembly for connecting an optionally drivable secondary driveline to a permanently driven primary driveline, comprising a friction coupling and an axial setting device. The friction coupling has a first coupling part and a second coupling part which are rotatable around an axis of rotation A and which, by axial forces, can be coupled to one another for transmitting torque. The axial setting device is configured for actuating the friction coupling, wherein the axial setting device comprises a first ring which is at least indirectly axially supported relative to a fixed component and a second ring which is supported at least indirectly relative to the first ring and which, when at least one of the first and second rings; is rotated around the axis A, is axially displaceable, wherein, for rotating the at least one of the first and second rings there is provided a linear driving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Adrian Chludek, Mark Schmidt, Andreas Baer
  • Publication number: 20110024254
    Abstract: A multi-plate clutch is provided to couple a drive shaft from a gas turbine engine with a driven shaft of a lift fan. When disengaged the plates of the clutch can be physically separated. Plates of one shaft are coupled to the shaft with individual energy members that return the plates to a disengaged position. The plates of the other shaft can be coupled together with a travel member and/or lug key and energy devices between at least some of the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Al Cookerly, Andrew D. Copeland
  • Patent number: 7866587
    Abstract: A drag adjusting mechanism for a dual-bearing reel comprises a drag adjusting lever, a cam mechanism, and a rotation restricting portion. The drag adjusting lever rotates about a spool shaft between a drag release position and a maximum drag position. The cam mechanism has a cam surface that converts rotation of the drag adjusting lever into axial movement of the drag mechanism along the axial direction of the spool shaft. The rotation restricting member is provided on the cam surface and regulates rotation of the drag adjusting lever to the drag release position. The rotation restricting member has a protrusion with an apex, a first slanted surface extending from the apex toward a first position corresponding to a drag release position, and a second slanted surface extending from the apex in the direction opposite to the drag release position. The angle of the first slanted surface is smaller than the angle of the second slanted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikuta, Kunio Takechi
  • Publication number: 20100314212
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device is provided which is small in play in the rotational direction, can be idled with high reliability and is high in torque capacity. An axially movable control retainer 19A and a rotatable rotary retainer 19B are mounted between an outer ring 11 having a cylindrical surface 17 on its inner periphery and an inner ring 12 having cam surfaces on its outer periphery. An opposed pair of rollers 26 and a coil spring 27 for biasing the pair of rollers 26 away from each other are received in each pocket 25 defined between bridges 21 and 23 of the respective retainers 19A and 19B. A torque cam 30 is provided between flanges 20 and 22 of the control retainer 19A and the rotary retainer 19B, respectively. An armature 41 is coupled to the bridges 21 of the control retainer 19A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Koji Akiyoshi, Takanobu Sato, Takahide Saito
  • Publication number: 20100307886
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus is disclosed having concentrically spaced inner and outer clutches. The inner and outer clutches are coupled for rotation via a coupling ring. The present invention is well suited to a configuration wherein one of the clutches is dynamically actuated and one of the clutches is manually disengageable by the operator using a clutch lever. In this configuration, the operation of the clutch lever by the operator is unaffected by the dynamically actuated clutch. The concentric configuration of the clutches is beneficial in allowing the improved clutch to occupy a similar space compared to a traditional clutch mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Rekluse Motor Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert James Youngwerth, JR., Daniel Scott Youngwerth, Sean Gabriel Brown
  • Publication number: 20100242223
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a surface treatment appliance includes an input clutch member, an output clutch member driven by the input clutch member, a motorized mechanism for effecting relative movement between the input clutch member and the output clutch member from an engaged position, in which torque is transmitted by the output clutch member to an output, to a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output, and a control system for actuating the motorized mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Scott Andrew MAGUIRE, Matthew Charles Edward Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100218965
    Abstract: A rotary switch for shifting a switch element is disclosed. The switch includes a twist handle, a torsion spring, a rotatable actuating element and a common axis. The twist handle, the torsion spring and the rotatable actuating element are supported so as to be rotatable about the common axis. The twist handle and the rotatable actuating element are coupled with each other by the torsion spring in such a manner that a twisting of the twist handle relative to the rotatable actuating element twists the torsion spring. An eccentric is provided on the rotatable actuating element in order to convert a rotary motion of the rotatable actuating element into a shifting motion of the switch element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Benedikt GUENTHER