Abstract: A method selectively locks a notch plate to a pocket plate such that the notch and pocket plates rotate together. The pocket plate includes struts that work in opposite directions. The pocket plate rotational speed and the notch plate rotational speed are identified. Once the notch plate rotational speed is close to the pocket plate rotational speed, the struts in one direction are activated. Once seated, the struts in the other direction are activated. This two-step engagement of the struts provides a smoother transition between clutch engagements (gear shifts) while not requiring the precision of having all struts activated at the same time.

Abstract: An electromechanical apparatus for use with a controllable coupling assembly and a coupling and electromechanical control assembly are provided. The apparatus includes a locking member pivotable between an uncoupling position and a coupling position characterized by abutting engagement with a load-bearing shoulder of the coupling assembly. Also included is a bi-directional, electrically-powered, actuator and transmission assembly including a rotary output shaft and a set of interconnected transmission elements including an input transmission element coupled to the output shaft to rotate therewith. An output transmission element translates upon rotation of the output shaft to actuate the locking member and cause the locking member to pivot between the coupling and uncoupling positions which correspond to different operating modes of the coupling assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mechanism (10) for transmitting a torque applied to a handle (12). The mechanism (10) comprises a torque transmitter (18). The torque transmitter (18) is for transmitting the torque applied to the handle (12) coupled thereto. The mechanism (10) comprises a torque transmitter stop (40) within the housing (14). The torque transmitter (18) and the torque transmitter stop (40) are cooperatively arranged for the torque transmitter stop (40) and the torque transmitter (18) to engage to arrest a torque transmitter rotation. The torque transmitter (18) and the torque transmitter stop (40) are cooperatively arranged for the torque transmitter stop (40) and the torque transmitter (18) to disengage when the torque so applied exceeds a predetermined torque value. Also disclosed herein is a method for operating the mechanism (10) for transmitting a torque applied to the handle (12).

Abstract: Transmission device for self-propelled equipment, includes a housing having a driving input shaft transmitting movement to an output shaft, the input shaft bearing a receiving pulley around which pulley a belt transmission is wrapped. The input shaft also bears a component that rotates as one with the shaft and a member for controlling the movement of the pulley along the input shaft in terms of the pulley movement towards or away from the component so that the pulley, which is mounted with freedom to rotate on the input shaft, can be moved from a disengaged position when it is away from the component, into an engaged position when it is close to the component, the pulley having a groove of constant predetermined width for accepting the belt so that when the belt is taut inside the groove, the belt tension is maintained as the pulley moves along the input shaft.

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.

Abstract: A diecast pocket plate or coupling member including a pocket with a machined surface layer or portion, a method for making the coupling member and an overrunning clutch assembly including the coupling member are provided. The member is formed as a unitary diecasting from a die-casting material in a die-casting process. The diecast member includes a coupling face having at least one pocket which is sized and shaped to receive and retain a locking member that moves in the pocket during an overrun condition of the assembly. The pocket is defined by a plurality of surface portions including an angled, slightly positive surface portion which is machined vertical or slightly negative to improve performance of the assembly during the overrun condition.

Abstract: A coupling assembly having an overrun mode and a ratcheting reverse strut or radial ratchet for use in the assembly are provided. The size and shape of the strut or ratchet and corresponding notches (i.e. geometry) of a notch plate of the assembly are specifically configured so that the strut or ratchet “ratchets” during the overrun condition. The strut or ratchet will not engage the notch plate until relative notch plate speed drops below a predetermined speed.

Abstract: An overrunning one-way clutch or coupling assembly includes a first outer coupling member and an inner coupling member which together have a first pair of annular coupling faces therebetween and a second outer coupling member which together with the inner coupling member have a second pair of annular coupling faces therebetween. Both pairs of coupling faces are formed with sets of pockets and locking formations. Forward and reverse sets of struts are located in pockets axially spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A diecast pocket plate or member having a sacrificial surface layer or portion is provided. The member is formed as a unitary die-casting from a die-casting alloy strengthened by an alloying material in a die-casting process. The diecast member includes a coupling face having a pocket which is sized and shaped to receive and nominally retain a locking member that moves in the pocket during an overrun condition of an engageable coupling assembly. The diecast member also includes a relatively hard base portion including particles of the strengthening alloying material of the die-casting alloy. The diecast member further includes a plurality of surface portions which define the pocket. At least one generally vertical surface portion of the surface portions is soft relative to the hard base portion and is substantially devoid of the particles of the alloying material so that the at least one generally vertical surface portion wears or deforms (i.e.

Abstract: A mode selector mechanism for a selectable one way clutch assembly includes a lever moveable between a first position, a second position and a third position. A lever biasing device biases the lever in a first direction. A piston acts in opposition against the lever biasing device to move the lever in a second direction opposite the first direction. The piston is actuated by a variable hydraulic signal. The lever is disposed in the second position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure between a first fluid pressure and a second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the third position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure greater than the second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the first position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure less than the first fluid pressure.

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.

Abstract: An engageable coupling assembly having reduced spin losses and method of assembling such assembly within an automotive transmission to reduce such losses are provided. The assembly is adapted for use with pressurized fluid. The assembly includes first and second coupling members that are supported with respect to each other for relative rotation about a common rotational axis. The coupling members have a first pair of annular faces that oppose each other and define an annular space therebetween. A first face of the first pair has a set of pockets spaced about the rotational axis. A second face of the first pair has a set of locking formations. The coupling members have a second pair of annular faces that oppose each other. A first face of the second pair defines a first set of fluid grooves fluidly communicating the annular space with an exterior surface of the assembly.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first plate including cams distributed about an axis, a second plate axially facing the cams and including pockets, a coil located in one of the plates, struts, each strut supported in one of the pockets for pivoting axially relative to the cams in response to an electromagnetic field induced by current in the coil, and springs urging the struts to pivot opposite a pivot direction caused by energizing the coil.

Abstract: A positive locking roller stop device includes two parallel disks; one is attached in a fixed position on a shaft while the other is mounted to same shaft via a bearing, allowing for rotation of this disk independent of the rotation of the shaft. One disk has one or more spring arm rollers attached to surface facing the second disk which has either an inclined notch(es) or inclined ramp(s) positioned to face the other disk and spring arm roller. Spacing between the disks allows the spring arm roller to engage the inclined notch(es) in the other disk when rotated in one direction thereby locking the movable disk to shaft while allowing free rotation of movable disk around shaft when rotated in opposite direction.

Abstract: A controllable coupling assembly including a coupling member and an overrunning coupling and control assembly utilizing same are provided wherein a set of actuators are supported on a control member of the assembly for movement therewith to move or pivot respective struts received within pockets of the coupling member. Apparatus is responsive to a control pressure signal to exert a control force on the control member to cause the control member to move from its first position which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling assembly to its second position which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may be an overrunning clutch assembly.

Abstract: A clutch for transmitting torque between a first member and a second member includes a locking plate having an engagement groove, a carrier disposed adjacent the locking plate, an engagement member rotatably supported in an aperture of the carrier, an apply biasing element, a release plate, a release biasing element, and an electromagnet. The engagement member is rotatable between an engagement position and a release position.

Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assemblies, each of which includes control apparatus having a latching mechanism are provided. Each latching mechanism prevents an actuator arm of an overrunning coupling assembly from moving in a first direction substantially parallel to a shift direction of a control plate of the coupling assembly within a housing slot in a locked condition of the mechanism in a first position of the control plate. A control pressure signal within a bore of the housing changes the condition of the latching mechanism from locked to unlocked to unlock the actuator arm and causes the unlocked actuator arm to move along the first direction within the slot and the control element to move along the shift direction to a second position. The control pressure signal also causes a piston which has a groove formed in its outer surface to receive and retain a free end portion of the actuator arm to slide within the bore in the housing against the biasing force of the at least one biasing member.

Abstract: An electrically variable transmission (EVT) includes two shafts and a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) having a first and second ring. The SOWC selectively connects the shafts, and is applied by moving the first ring and a blocking device in an axial direction into frictional contact with the second ring. A hydraulic piston applies the SOWC and a return spring releases it. The SOWC freewheels in both directions, or holds torque in one or both directions, depending on how the blocking device is rotated. A method for reducing losses in an EVT includes axially moving a second ring and blocking device of a SOWC into contact with a first ring, rotating the blocking device using frictional contact with the first ring, locking rotation of the first ring to apply the SOWC, and moving the second ring and blocking device an axial distance from the first ring to release the SOWC.

Abstract: An overload protection device for protecting a motor from overload is disclosed. The overload protection device includes a shaft and a load carrying member driven by the driving portion of the shaft. The shaft includes a shaft body and a driving portion on an end of the shaft body. The load carrying member includes at least one magnetic member corresponding to the driving portion. Each of the at least one magnetic member includes a first magnetic member fixed on the load carrying member and a second magnetic member rotatably fixed on the load carrying member. The first magnetic member is located between the second magnetic member and the driving portion of the shaft and the same poles of the first and second magnetic member are opposite to each other. The driving portion is engaged with the first magnetic member and impels the first magnetic member to rotate the load carrying member under the rated load of the motor.

Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes a strut plate co-annular to a slide plate and a notch plate. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to transfer torque between a strut plate and a notch plate in a first direction when a displacement actuator moves a pin and a slide plate to a first position. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to disengage the strut plate from the notch plate when the displacement actuator moves the pin and the slide plate to the second position.

Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) is provided for use with a vehicle transmission, and has a first race with a plurality of strut pockets, a moveable selector plate, symmetrical torque-holding elements or struts, and a second race that is rotatably engageable with a torque input device. The selector plate has a plurality of windows, and the struts selectively prevent rotation of the second race in either rotational direction depending on the position of the selector plate. The struts have a cylindrical portion and a pair of strut wings each having a free end. The strut wings connect to the cylindrical portion, and a different one of the free ends engages a strut pocket when an opposite strut wing is depressed in order to prevent rotation of the second race.

Abstract: A transmission includes a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) assembly. The SOWC assembly includes a rotatable pocket plate, a rotatable slide plate, and an annular piston having a ramped surface feature. The piston, which can be hydraulically actuated, moves axially toward the pocket plate when applied, and axially away from the pocket plate when released, to thereby select between two torque holding or operating modes of the SOWC assembly. The ramped surface feature of the piston engages an axial knob portion of the slide plate when the piston is applied to select to one operating mode, thus rotating the slide plate in one direction. A return spring moves the piston away from the pocket plate when the other operating mode is selected, and the slide plate is rotated via a spring in another direction. A guide pin maintains a relative position of the piston and the slide plate.

Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly includes a control element mounted for controlled shifting movement between coupling faces of annular coupling members relative to a first set of pockets in the first member. The control element is operable for controlling position of only reverse struts in the first set of pockets without controlling the position of forward struts in a second set of pockets in the coupling face of the second member. The control element allows at least one of the reverse struts to engage at least one of a set of locking formations on the coupling face of the second coupling member in a first position of the control element. The control element maintains the reverse struts in their pockets in a second position of the control element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include strut based overrunning drives that provide one or more of greater durability, lower heat generation, high torque loads carrying capability, and/or ease of end of life assessment. In some embodiments, a drive assembly may include a shaft; a pocket plate disposed about the shaft and having a plurality of pockets formed on a first side thereof; a notch plate disposed about the shaft adjacent the pocket plate, the notch plate having a plurality of notches formed on a side of the notch plate facing the pockets of the pocket plate; a plurality struts disposed in the pockets; a resilient member disposed within the pockets and biasing the struts towards the notches; and a drive surface rotationally coupled to one of the pocket plate or the notch plate, wherein the other of the pocket plate or the notch plate is rotationally coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include strut based overrunning pulleys that provide one or more of greater durability, lower heat generation, high torque loads carrying capability, potentially tunable vibration dampening, tunable to maximum permissible torque loads before elastic (repeatable) slippage, and/or ease of end of life assessment. In some embodiments, a pulley assembly includes a shaft; a pocket plate having a plurality of pockets; a notch plate adjacent the pocket plate and having a plurality of notches facing the pockets of the pocket plate; a plurality struts disposed in the pockets; a resilient member disposed within the pockets and biasing the struts towards the notches; and a body disposed about the shaft, pocket plate, and notch plate; wherein one of the pocket plate or the notch plate is rotationally coupled to the shaft and the other of the pocket plate or the notch plate is rotationally coupled to the body.

Abstract: A one way clutch and synchronizer assembly includes a stationary member having a plurality of clutch struts and camming surfaces, a second circular selector member, an third rotating controlled member and a fourth stationary member. The selector member includes apertures or windows through which the clutch struts may pass to engage the rotating member and camming surfaces which provide a selective frictional coupling between the stationary members and the rotating member. A bi-directional hydraulic or electric actuator selectively, bi-directionally rotates the selector member.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a one-way drive device including a first member mounted for rotation about a given axis and defining (i) a first planar surface normal to the axis, and (ii) a first shoulder within the first surface. The device also includes a second member mounted for rotation about the same given axis and defining (i) a second planar surface, which is positioned in close proximity to and in confronting relationship with said first surface, and (ii) a second shoulder within the second surface.

Abstract: An aircraft engine starter assembly provides for liquid cooling of the clutch assembly and overrunning engine by integrating a pitot pump in the system. The system includes a starter motor, a torque transfer connection, a clutch assembly and the pitot pump. The torque transfer connection is adapted to be coupled to the aircraft engine. The clutch assembly is coupled to one of the starter motor or the torque transfer connection. The pitot pump is coupled to one or both of the torque transfer or the clutch assembly via a first oil line and a second oil line. The pitot pump comprises a pitot tube in fluidic communication with an oil reservoir for the delivery of oil under pressure to lubricate one or both of the torque transfer or the clutch assembly.

Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly and a method of controlling the engagement of planar first and second members are provided wherein the assembly includes clustered pawls and their respective pawl-holding portions. The planar first and second members have inside surfaces extending generally normal to a first axis. The pawls include a forward set of free-floating pawls and a reverse set of free-floating, clustered pawls. The forward and reverse sets of pawls are movable between a notch-engaging, engaged position and a disengaged position. Because of the clustering, a control element, disposed between the first and second surfaces, need not be fully circular and is controllably rotatable about the first axis between first and second angular positions relative to the first member.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a one-way drive device including a first member mounted for rotation about a given axis and defining (i) a first planar surface normal to the axis, and (ii) a first shoulder within the first surface. The device also includes a second member mounted for rotation about the same given axis and defining (i) a second planar surface, which is positioned in close proximity to and in confronting relationship with said first surface, and (ii) a second shoulder within the second surface.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch (24) has first and second clutch members (30, 32) having coupling faces (34) and (36) between which spring biased pivotal struts (40) and locking formations (44) cooperate to prevent relative rotation in only one direction. A snap ring (48) and thrust plate (50) cooperate to axially secure the clutch members (30) and (32) to each other and the thrust plate has a retainer (52) projecting therefrom to prevent rotation. The retainer (52) in certain embodiments is received between ends (58) of the snap ring (48) to prevent thrust plate rotation.

Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly having improved shift feel and/or noise reduction is provided. The assembly includes planar first and second members rotatable about a first axis. In a locked position, torque transfer is permitted between the first and second members in a first direction about the first axis. In a disengaged position, the first and second members are permitted to free-wheel relative to each other in a second direction opposite the first direction. A compliant retaining device retains the first and second members together and absorbs axial impact loads. The retaining device is less compliant in the locked position than in the disengaged position to decrease axial force at time of axial impact and improve shift feel and/or noise reduction. In a first embodiment, the retaining device includes a wave spring. In a second embodiment, the retaining device includes a stepped weir plate.

Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly and a method of controlling the engagement of planar first and second members are provided wherein two sets of opposed engaging struts are applied with one motion of a single control plate or member. The planar first and second members have inside surfaces extending generally normal to a first axis. The assembly includes free-floating, forward keys and free-floating, reverse keys opposed to the forward keys. The forward and reverse keys are movable between a notch-engaging, engaged position and a disengaged position in which the second member is permitted to free-wheel relative to the first member. The planar control member is disposed between the first and second surfaces and is controllably rotatable about the first axis between first and second angular positions relative to the first member.

Abstract: A drive device includes a first member including a first shoulder, and a second member positioned in close proximity to the first member and including a second shoulder. The device also includes a coupling arrangement including a strut having a first edge for direct engagement with the first shoulder, a second edge for engagement with the second shoulder and supported for pivotal movement between engaged and overrun positions, based on relative rotation of the first and second members such that the first member drives the second member in a drive mode with the strut in the engaged position and the first and second members can overrun with respect to one another with the strut in the overrun position. The coupling arrangement also includes a cushioning member disposed between the second edge and the second shoulder for cushioning each initial engagement of the strut in the drive mode.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first race having a plurality of pockets, each pocket defining a pivot center, a second race including a plurality of notches, a plurality of rockers, each rocker being supported on a respective pocket for pivoting movement about a pivot center relative to the second race, and a spring for urging a rocker toward engagement with a notch.

Abstract: A universal shift apparatus and method for a swimming pool cover motor has a rotatable drive shaft and a rope attached to the end of the swimming pool cover. A reel element collects the rope, and a roll-up element collects the swimming pool cover. A gear drive assembly on the rotatable drive shaft drives the reel element in a first rotational direction as the shaft rotates in a first direction and drives the roll-up element in a second rotational direction as the shaft rotates in a second direction. A shift assembly is associated with the gear drive assembly to selectively reverse the first rotational direction of the wind-up reel element and to selectively reverse the second rotational direction of the roll-up element.

Abstract: A one-way drive device includes a first, drive member rotatable about an axis in both a drive direction and an opposite, overrun direction. The one-way drive device also includes a second, driven member rotatable about the axis in at least a driven direction. The one-way drive device further includes a coupling arrangement including at least one strut cooperating with the first and second members such that the first member is able to drive the second member in the driven direction by causing the strut to initially engage and remain engaged between the first and second members during the time the first member drives the second member. In addition, the coupling arrangement includes a cushioning arrangement for cushioning the initial engagement of the strut between the first and second members.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first member having multiple first recesses, and a second member having multiple second recesses that are alignable with the first recesses. Each recess includes a load-bearing surface. The clutch also includes multiple engaging elements that are engageable with the load-bearing surfaces of the recesses to effect one-way torque transfer between the first and second members. At least one of the engaging elements comprises a non-metallic, compressible material and is configured to compress upon engagement with a respective load-bearing surface of each member to inhibit relative movement of the members.

Abstract: A drive coupling system and method of engaging/disengaging the coupling provided by a drive coupling system are disclosed. The drive coupling system includes first and second torque couplers coupled respectively to drive and driven shafts. One of the couplers includes a support and first and second members rotatably coupled to the support, where each coupler includes a respective extension and a respective plurality of gear teeth. The first and second members are capable of being respectively rotated to first and second rotational positions beyond which the first plurality of gear teeth are able to at least begin to slip out of alignment with the second plurality of gear teeth. The relative slipping of the first plurality of gear teeth with respect to the second plurality of gear teeth is limited due to contact occurring between the extensions. As the relative slipping occurs, teeth of the two members become locked.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly (10, 110, 210) including a drive member (12, 112, 212) that is rotatable about an axis (A) and a pair of driven members (14, 16; 114, 116; 214, 216) that are similarly rotatable about the axis of rotation. and are disposed on either side of the drive member (12, 112, 212). A first engagement mechanism (26, 126, 226) is supported between the confronting surfaces of the drive member (12, 112, 212) and one of the driven members (14, 114, 214). A second engagement mechanism (28, 128, 228) is supported between the confronting surfaces of the drive member (12, 112, 212) and the other driven member (16, 116, 216). A pair of actuators (32, 34; 132, 134; 232; 234) are associated with the first and second engagement mechanisms (26, 28; 126, 128; 226, 228). Each actuator is operable to move its associated engagement mechanism in an axial direction between the disengaged and engaged positions.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly (10, 110, 210) including a drive member (12, 112, 212) that is rotatable about an axis (A) and a pair of driven members (14, 16; 114, 116; 214, 216) that is similarly rotatable about the axis of rotation. The pair of driven members (14, 16; 114, 116; 214, 216) are disposed on either side of the drive member (12, 112, 212) such that each one of the pair of driven members is in side-by-side confronting relationship with the drive member. In addition, the clutch assembly includes first and second engagement mechanisms (26, 28; 126, 128; 226, 228). The first engagement mechanism (26, 126, 226) is supported between the confronting surfaces of the drive member (12, 112, 212) and one of the driven members (14, 114, 214). The second engagement mechanism (28, 128, 228) is supported between the confronting surfaces of the drive member (12, 112, 212) and the other driven member (16, 116, 216).

Abstract: A one-way drive device includes a first, drive member rotatable about an axis in both a drive direction and an opposite, overrun direction. The one-way drive device also includes a second, driven member rotatable about the axis in at least a driven direction. The one-way drive device further includes a coupling arrangement including at least one strut cooperating with the first and second members such that the first member is able to drive the second member in the driven direction by causing the strut to initially engage and remain engaged between the first and second members during the time the first member drives the second member. In addition, the coupling arrangement includes a cushioning arrangement for cushioning the initial engagement of the strut between the first and second members.

Abstract: A planar type of over-running clutch including first and second confronting plates is disclosed herein. The second plate itself includes movable struts and associated biasing mechanisms for cooperative engagement with cooperating shoulder members of the first plate under certain circumstances. An arrangement forming part of the second plate and part of each strut cooperates with the biasing mechanism of the second plate for preventing any contact between the struts and the first plate when the second plate rotates in a particular way.

Abstract: A planar one-way clutch includes a pair of clutch members whose operative faces are disposed in close-spaced opposition, with each clutch face including a plurality of recesses defining respective load-bearing shoulders. A plurality of struts, disposed between the coupling faces of the members, and movable between a coupling position and a non-coupling position, mechanically couple the members for rotation when one member rotates in one direction relative to the other member, while further permitting clutch overrun when the one member rotates in the other direction relative to the other member. The recesses of one member each include a ramped surface opposite the member's load-bearing shoulder. Each ramped surface includes a convex surface portion which engages the struts during clutch overrun so as to urge the struts into the non-coupling position.

Abstract: A one-way clutch adapted to be disposed in parallel with a hydraulic friction element includes a first plate adapted to connect to an inner member of the hydraulic friction element and a second plate disposed so as to face the first plate in an axial direction thereof and adapted to connect to an outer member of the hydraulic friction element. The first plate has pocket portions concavely provided in an axially internal surface thereof. The second plate has notched portions concavely provided in an axially internal surface thereof, and pawls are tiltably mounted in the pocket portions of the first plate. The first plate is formed integrally with the inner member of the hydraulic friction element.

Abstract: The present invention is a planar one-way clutch comprising a first and second plate rotatable about a common axis. The first plate is the driving plate. The second plate is the driven plate. The coupling surfaces of each plate define at least one recess. The recess in the first plate includes a strut receiving portion and a spring receiving portion. At least one strut, pivotable between a first and second position is received in the strut receiving portion of the first plate. At least one spring, having a base and an arm, is received within the spring receiving portion of the first plate. The arm extends from the base and engages the pivotable strut applying a controlled spring force to urge the strut towards the driven plate. The base portion of the spring is shaped to prevent at least circumferential movement of the spring.

Abstract: A planar inertia-actuated overrunning coupling assembly having a pocket plate and a notch plate mounted on a common rotary axis with planar juxtaposed coupling surfaces. A pocket plate having a plurality of angularly spaced pockets that receive adjustable clutch elements, the notch plate having angularly spaced notches, a clutch element being mounted in each pocket for pivotal movement about one edge thereof, an inertia-actuated ball in each pocket adjacent a clutch element, the pocket being formed with a ramp surface engageable with the inertiaactuated ball whereby the clutch element is shifted into locking engagement with the pocket plate in response to an inertia force acting on the actuator balls whereby torque is transmitted from one plate to the other in one direction of relative rotation of the plates, and wherein the clutch elements move out of registry with the pocket plate upon a reversal in the direction of relative rotation of the plates.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a driving member rotatable about a first axis; a pair of driven members, disposed on respective sides of the driving member for rotation about the first axis; and a pinion that simultaneously meshes with gear teeth defined on each driven member such that rotary power transmitted between the driven members through the pinion causes the driven members to rotate in opposite rotational directions. A coupling is disposed between the driving member and each driven member. Each coupling includes a strut that is selectively permitted to mechanically couple the driving member and a given driven member for rotation in one direction while permitting overrun in the other direction. Each coupling further includes a strut retainer that prevents the struts from mechanically coupling the driving member with the given driven member when the strut retainer assumes a predetermined rotational position with respect to the given driven member.

Abstract: The invention is a planar clutch having a plurality of pawls and a related plurality of notches numerically selected so that two more pawls are engaged at substantially the same time, thus sharing and balancing the eccentric forces of engagement between the drive plate and the driven plate. The pawls have a cross-sectional design, wherein each pawl has surfaces for receiving compressive loading forces and is thicker at a middle point between the surfaces for receiving compressing loading forces. A pivot ridge is located at the thickest area of the pawl.

Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch assembly for use in an automatic transmission comprises a strut plate rotatable about a central hub and having pockets and struts mounted therein for pivotable rotation. A selecting plate concentrically located about an activator hub has teeth extending axially inboard and configured to fit in the apertures in an activator plate. A turning device is selectively operable to activate one-way clutching mode by rotating the pin of a control plate to disengage selecting cams and displace selecting plate teeth inboard beyond the inboard face of the activator plate wherein the struts catch the teeth when the strut plate assembly is rotated in a clutching direction. The catching ends of the struts are cammed in the pockets by ramped camming ends of the teeth when the strut plate assembly is rotated in the opposing direction, thereby allowing freewheeling of the strut plate in the overrun direction.