Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly (ESP) has a spring brake having helical turns mounted between the shaft and one of the housings. The spring brake allows free rotation of the shaft in a driving direction and stops the shaft from rotating in a reverse direction. The spring brake may have one end be affixed to the housing to rotate in unison in both directions. Alternately, the spring brake may have one end affixed to the shaft for rotation with the shaft. Further, the spring brake could be free of being connected to either the shaft or the housing. A shear member may be mounted between the shaft and the housing to prevent any rotation of the shaft during run-in.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with insertable four-wheel drive, including an engine having a crankshaft, a pair of main driving wheels constantly connected to the crankshaft by interposition of a gearbox provided with a first clutch, and a pair of secondary driving wheels, which may be connected to the crankshaft by an insertable transmission system. The insertable transmission system presents a second clutch, which is connected on one end with a fixed transmission ratio to the crankshaft upstream of the gearbox and on the other end with a fixed transmission ratio to the secondary driving wheels. A percentage of motive torque to be transmitted to the secondary driving wheels by the second clutch is determined according to dynamic parameters of the motor vehicle detected by respective sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for moment transmission, preferably torque transmission, between a first object (4) and a second object (5) that are separated by a gap (g), the method comprising the arranging in said gap (g) of a force-transmitting device (1) that comprises at least one flexible element (3A, 3B) and a plurality of force-transmitting elements (2) that are not part of the flexible element (3A, 3B) but are arranged at said flexible element (3A, 3B), which force-transmitting elements (2) are arranged to have a maximum cross-sectional dimension (amax) that is larger than the gap (g) and another cross-sectional dimension (a) that is smaller than the gap (g), in order by friction by wedge-action to transmit moments between said first object (4) and said second object (5), said elements (2) being arranged to have a design and an attachment at said flexible element (3A, 3B) that without external influence of said device (1) enable transmission of force in two opposite directions.

Abstract: A friction coupling for locking a shaft relative to a hub is disclosed. The friction coupling includes a radially deformable inner sleeve, a radially deformable outer sleeve, an annular piston which is axially movable relative to the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the annular piston having a conical surface, which cooperates with the inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve and which is arranged to deform the inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve when the annular piston is moved relative to the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve so as to provide the locking. In at least one embodiment, the friction coupling further includes at least one actuating device to produce a movement of the annular piston for locking the friction coupling, and at least one deactuating device to produce a movement of the annular piston for unlocking the friction coupling. The at least one actuating and deactuating devices are located, seen in the axial direction, on the same side of the annular piston.

Abstract: A clutch plate including a first friction ring with an inner circumference and an outer circumference, and a resilient drag reducing element with a formed portion. The formed portion is at least partially radially disposed between the inner circumference and the outer circumference, extends axially beyond the first friction ring, and is compressible to be substantially circumferentially or radially aligned with the first friction ring. In some example embodiments of the invention, the resilient element is arranged to maintain a minimum clearance between the first friction ring and a mating surface.

Abstract: A synchronizing device for a manual transmission for synchronizing rotation speeds of a rotating shaft and a shift gear that includes in preferred aspects at least one first ring disposed on an exterior circumference of the rotating shaft and having an exterior sloped surface at its exterior circumference, at least one second ring disposed on an interior circumference of the shift gear and having an internal sloped surface contacting the exterior slope surface of the first ring, and an actuator unit applying an axial directional load to the at least one first ring or the at least one second ring.

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 controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system adapted for transferring drive torque from a primary shaft to a secondary shaft. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rotary members. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A first spring-biased pin is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one end segment of the split first ring. A second spring-biased pin is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the opposite end segment of the split first ring. A moveable pin actuator controls movement of the first and second pins for establishing distinct operational modes.

Abstract: A magnetic flux path mechanism for a solenoid actuated device includes a stationary coil for generating lines of magnetic flux when energized, a stationary case enclosing the stationary coil on an outside perimeter of the coil, and a rotatable sleeve disposed on an inside perimeter of the stationary coil. A magnetic flux path is provided through the stationary case and rotatable sleeve about the stationary coil. In a preferred embodiment, a wrap spring is disposed on an output shaft of the solenoid actuated device and is normally engaged on its outside perimeter with the inside perimeter of the rotatable sleeve. The rotatable sleeve is continuously driven in a forward direction and, because of the self engaging wrap spring, drives the output shaft in the forward direction. The sleeve is of an iron composition as it forms part of the core of the solenoid for enabling the magnetic flux.

Abstract: A rotary impulse tool has a motor-driven drive shaft and an output shaft. The drive shaft is threadedly coupled to a flywheel sleeve, which is spring-biased forwardly and is splined to a rotatable race structure of a wrap spring clutch assembly, which includes a wrap spring disposed in clearance fit coaxially between cylindrical surfaces of the race structure, the wrap spring having a front end fixed to the output shaft and a rear end coupled to a first conical control member. A second conical control member is axially movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the first control member for, respectively, shifting the clutch assembly to an engaged condition for transmitting torque between the drive and output shafts and a disengaged condition for decoupling those shafts.

Abstract: A friction type resistance booster chain includes a locating structure and a set of chain pieces arranged staggeringly into an upper and a lower row and fitted in the locating structure. Each of two adjacent chain pieces has a force receiving surface being opposite in direction and being able to contact the locating structure. Each of two adjacent chain pieces has a contacting surface therebetween. The contacting surfaces of the adjacent chain pieces contact successively so that the chain pieces can be joined into one integer by means of a corrugated leaf spring or chain plates. The friction type resistance booster chain can be used in numerous fields of clutch, overdrive clutch, brake, speed changer, speed differentiator, tight coupler, overload protector, damper, etc. The friction type resistance booster chain is of simple structure, convenient manufacture, reliable operation, low cost, and it is a brand new elemental component for various machineries.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system having shift levers mechanically linked to couplers for selection of ranges of gear speed ratios and electro-hydraulic powershift clutches for selection of a gear speed ratio within the selected range is provided with controls for avoiding unexpected speeds or speed changes under certain conditions. If the vehicle is moving at start-up as a result of a stall or accidental reset of the microprocessor, and the shift levers have not been moved since the stall or reset, the microprocessor retrieves from a nonvolatile memory an indication of the last selected powershift gear prior to the reset and uses it for the initial powershift gear selection. When an operator depresses a clutch, shifts a shift lever and then changes his mind and shifts the shift lever back to its original position before releasing the clutch above a threshold point, the microprocessor selects the powershift gear in effect at the time the clutch pedal was depressed.

Abstract: According to the motor vehicle braking apparatus of the present invention, the engine throttle valve is closed when the driver treads the accelerator pedal to an extent exceeding a predetermined range, and the brakes are applied when the driver further treads the accelerator pedal to an extent equal to or greater than a predetermined limit. The braking force is adjusted according to the accelerator pedal treading. When the accelerator pedal treading is released to an extent equal to or greater than a predetermined limit, the application of the brakes is released. However, the engine throttle valve still remains closed. The normal function as the accelerator pedal is restored only after the accelerator pedal treading has been released to an extent near the level causing the accelerator pedal to be fully released.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic clutch engagement system for use in a drag racing motor vehicle provides automatic engagement of the clutch for launching the car at the start of a race, without sacrificing manual control of the clutch necessary for power staging the car at the starting line prior to the race. A clutch assembly is movable between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein the car is driven when the clutch assembly is engaged. A slave cylinder is mounted adjacent to the clutch assembly. Main and return fluid lines extend between and flowingly connect the slave cylinder to a master cylinder. A pedal is operatively connected to the master cylinder for manually controlling the clutch assembly through displacement of a hydraulic fluid. A normally-closed solenoid valve is incorporated into the return line.

Abstract: A clutch (1) including an inner part (3) and an outer part (4) having races (6 and 5) respectively between which are arranged rollers (4). The rollers are arranged in a cage (7) which is in two parts (8 and 9) which are connected by leaf springs (10). One part (8) of the cage may be operated upon by a brake (11) to retard it relative to the other part of the cage thus to cause the rollers to skew and jam between the races and thus transmit torque between the inner and outer member. The clutch may be associated with a viscous shear coupling (18) and the combination may be used in the driveline of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism for transmitting the rotating forces of an input rotating element adapted to rotate in a predetermined direction and in a direction opposite thereto to an output rotating element. According to one aspect, a first spring clutch mechanism and a second spring clutch mechanism are interposed between the input rotating element and the output rotating element, and the rotating force of the input rotating element in the predetermined direction is transmitted to the output rotating element by the contraction of a coil spring in the first spring clutch mechanism and the rotating force of the input rotating element in the opposite direction is transmitted to the output rotating element by the contraction of a coil spring in the second spring clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic transmission apparatus of the invention includes a friction clutch connected to the output shaft of an engine, a clutch actuator for driving the friction clutch, a parallel shaft type gear transmission whose input shaft is connected to the friction clutch, a wheel brake device, and a start control means, which operates the friction clutch to a target rack stroke and adjusts rotation of the engine to a target engine rotational speed when an accelerator pedal depression amount is below a first preset value, and operates the wheel brake device until the engine rotational speed reaches its peak value when the accelerator pedal depression amount is between the first preset value and a second preset value smaller than the first preset value. With this start control means, a vehicle can be smoothly started.

Abstract: A document transport and printing apparatus which utilizes an associated clutch for use in printing and endorsing documents like checks at a printing station in the apparatus. The apparatus utilizes a single input shaft as an input member for the clutch and as an input member for a soft drive roller located at the printing station. The clutch utilizes a moveable sector portion which is moved between inactive and active positions to rotate an associated planetary member to provide a reduction in the rotary movement of the output member of the clutch when the sector portion is moved to the active position.

Abstract: A brake force retaining control apparatus operates on the principle that an amount of depression of an accelerator pedal 20 varies with an angle of inclination of a road surface upon which a motor vehicle starts moving. An appropriate clutch position CLTi for releasing the motor vehicle brake is thereby established according to the amount of accelerator pedal depression. The brake force applied to the motor vehicle is released when a clutch 11 reaches the clutch position CLTi while the driver is depressing the accelerator pedal 20 and the clutch 11 is being automatically shifted from a disengaged position to an engaged position.

Abstract: A clutch assembly to interconnect rotatable drive and driven members. A cylindrical clutch element is operatively connected to one of the rotating members, and a sleeve-like clutch element is attached to at least one other of the rotatable members. The sleeve-like clutch element is disposed in spaced, concentric relation about the cylindrical clutch element. A first helical spring having opposed ends is disposed concentrically about, and frictionally engages, the exterior surface of the cylindrical clutch element. A second helical spring having opposed ends is disposed concentrically within, and frictionally engages, the interior surface of the sleeve-like clutch element. The opposed ends of each helical spring serves as an energizing or a trailing end, depending upon the drive or driven function of the clutch element engaged thereby.

Abstract: A freewheeling overrunning clutch for a bicycle, moped, and the like vehicle comprises a plurality of clutch pawls present between an outer wheel and an inner wheel which are supportable elastically on one side on the inner wheel circumference and on the other side on a plurality of inner teeth of the outer wheel. In order to provide a simple, almost noise free structure which is easy to mount, the clutch pawls pivotally supported in a flexible supporting ring positioned between the inner and outer wheels. Ends of the clutch pawls which face the inner wheel are brought into engagement with the plurality of teeth protruding outward from the inner wheel. The flexible supporting ring advantageously may simultaneously be a spacing ring for a plurality of balls of a ball bearing or bearings positioned adjacent the clutch pawls between the outer and inner wheels.

Abstract: An automobile power unit includes an engine provided with a supercharger and a transmission having a hydrodynamic device such as a torque converter or a fluid coupling. The supercharger is of a type which is driven by the engine output through an appropriate clutch. The hydrodynamic device has a lock-up clutch for establishing a direct mechanical connection between the input and output members of the hydrodynamic device. A control unit is provided for at first disengaging the lock-up clutch and starting the operation of the supercharger when the automobile operating condition is in the lock-up zone and changed from the non-supercharging zone to the supercharging zone.

Abstract: A lever-operating type wheelchair includes a differential link mechanism connected to an operational lever, a pair of forward/backward clutch mechanisms driven to interlock with the link mechanism, and an expansion joint mechanism provided between the link mechanism and one of the clutch mechanisms. The lever-operated type wheelchair of this invention has better operational capability in use for one-handed operation due to a fulcrum and a knob of the operational lever arranged so as to make the operation thereof easier.

Abstract: An apparatus for positively engaging and releasing a roller clutch actuator in a two-way overrunning roller clutch system 10 includes an actuator ring 54 having a plurality of detents 58 for receiving a radially extending, reciprocably moveable plunger 60. In a preferred form, the roller clutch drive system includes an axle case 38 containing a complimentary pair of drive and driven rotary members. The drive member 46 includes an axially extending bore, and the driven member 48 has one end thereof disposed within the bore. The drive and driven members together define an axially extending annulus 51 which contains a plurality of axially oriented rollers 42 circumferentially contained therein by a cage 50. The cage maintains the rollers in uniformly spaced relationship, and includes a friction ring 52 preferably integral therewith. The actuator ring surrounds the friction ring in constant, resilient, frictional engagement therewith.

Abstract: An improved control system is disclosed for air actuated ahead and astern clutches, an engine speed governor, and a propeller shaft brake of a marine propulsion system. The control is actuated by a throttle lever which is moved from a neutral position to select a direction of travel. The degree of movement of the throttle lever from neutral is representative of the desired speed in the selected direction. The improved control engages the brake when the throttle lever is moved from an ahead to an astern direction at medium or high forward speeds. When such a change is commanded, a pair of serially connected brake valves are piloted to connect the brake to a source of air under pressure. One of the brake valves is piloted by an accumulated speed pressure signal indicating an ahead speed greater than a predetermined minimum and the other valve is piloted by the throttle signal commanding astern direction.

Abstract: A spiral type one way clutching assembly and mechanism is provided herein which is insensitive to transverse forces; substantially eliminates overrunning frictional wear on the critically shaped surfaces of its members; and substantially eliminates the role of chance in establishing the clutching load distribution between its members. The clutching mode may be active or passive. The clutching mechanism utilizes monolithic annular outer and concentrically positioned annular inner body members which have mutually opposed tangentially congruent spiral surfaces defining a spiral race therebetween. The spiral race is provided with inner and outer abutments. At least one of the inner and the outer body members have a radially directed slit extending therethrough. The outer body member and the inner body member are relatively rotatably oscillatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: The circuit, which controls actuation of a clutch intermediate an electrical motor and a conveyor, is powered from a transformer which taps the power supply to the motor. The circuit contains a relay switch which is operable by a current sensor attached to the power supply line.

Abstract: A current transformer is provided in the terminal box of the conveyor drive motor to sense the operational mode of the motor and to actuate a solenoid in response to the sensed mode, the solenoid, in turn, actuating a hydraulic valve to control the operation of the clutch.

Abstract: A transmission lever operated switch is incorporated in the electric control circuit for an electric clutch employed in the drive of a tractor mounted mower whereby the electric circuit is deenergized whenever the transmission control lever is placed in its reverse position. The control circuit for the electric clutch includes a seat operated switch whereby the electric circuit will be deenergized whenever the seat is unoccupied. The electric circuit further includes an on-off switch which is interconnected with an ignition circuit switch for an internal combustion engine whereby when the ignition switch is closed, the on-off switch for the electric clutch circuit will be open. Thus, during starting of the engine, the mower blade drive will be inoperative due to the deenergization of the electric clutch control circuit. The electrical interlock control prevents operation of the mower blade during starting of the engine, when the operator's seat is unoccupied and/or when the transmission control is in reverse.