Abstract: A pneumatic expander brake/clutch having a first power transmission member as a drum with an annular friction surface on the outer periphery. Arcuate backing block segments are circumferentially closely spaced and adjacent about the drum friction surface. The backing blocks have brake friction pads on the radially inner surface. An inflatable expander ring surrounds the backing blocks and upon inflation forces the blocks radially inward and the pads against the drum friction surface. Baffles are provided on the end of the backing blocks and extend into the spaces between circumferentially adjacent blocks to form a tortuous path for heat emanating from the drum friction surface in a radially outer direction. The baffles insulate the inflatable expander from heat which permits the drum friction surface to operate at a higher temperature, and power transmission/dissipation without overheating the expander.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a tape dispenser, for example, includes a first reel, a second reel, a biasing element, and a friction element. The first and second reels are rotatably disposed on first and second shafts. The biasing element is disposed between the second reel and second shaft such that the second reel is movable in a radial direction between first and second positions relative to the second shaft and the biasing element biases the second reel into the first position. The friction element extends around the first and second reels and arranged to generate a first normal force acting on the second reel when the second reel is in a first position, relative to the second shaft, and a second normal force acting on the second reel when the second reel is in a second position, relative to the second shaft.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a tape dispenser, for example, includes a first reel, a second reel, a biasing element, and a friction element. The first and second reels are rotatably disposed on first and second shafts. The biasing element is disposed between the first reel and shaft such that the first reel is movable in a radial direction relative to the first shaft. The friction element includes at least a portion that is disposed between the first reel and the second reel and arranged to generate a first normal force when the first reel is in a first position, relative to the first shaft, and a second normal force when the first reel is in a second position, relative to the first shaft.

Abstract: In a torque releasing device, a bearing is composed of an angular contact ball bearing, raceway surfaces of which are applied with a pre-load in order that the occurrence of fretting at the bearing during torque transmission may be prevented. Thus is ensured that the torque is securely released.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement for rapid disengagement of two elements in a transmission system when a chosen torque is exceeded. The one element is a conical shaft-end which carries a corresponding sleeve (1). The sleeve carries externally at its ends two mutually separated ball bearings (5) and a force transmission ring (20) disposed therebetween. An annular force transmission body (7) surrounds and is carried by the ball bearings and includes a pressurisable hydraulic chamber which when pressurised through the medium of a valve on said body causes a reduction in the diameter of the inner surface of the body (7) so that said body will be brought into force transmitting engagement with the outer surface of the ring. The sleeve (1) carries a dogging element (14) which is adapted to act on an element (10) carried by the body (7) for depressurising the hydraulic chamber (8) upon relative rotation between the body (7) and the sleeve (1).

Abstract: A chuck includes a generally elongated body having a tail section configured to rotate with the drive shaft and a nose section having an axial bore formed therein. A plurality of jaws are movably disposed with respect to the body to and away from the axial bore. A collar in axially driving engagement with the jaws is axially movably disposed with respect to the body so that movement in a first axial direction drives the jaws toward the axis and movement in the opposite direction moves the jaws away from the axis. The collar is configured to receive at least one of the body and a shaft and defines a first surface that faces a second surface defined by the body or the shaft when the same is received by the collar. The first surface is tapered in the axial direction from a first end to a second end of the fist surface so that a first radial distance between the second surface and the first end is less than a second radial distance between the second surface and the second end.

Abstract: A high resolution actuator is provided which can be used in extreme environments, e.g., at extremely low temperatures. The actuator uses electromagnetic forces to actuate levers which then cause rotation of a lead screw. The actuator uses very small gaps in the magnetic circuit to achieve a high force with a small input power.

Abstract: A rotary indexing apparatus includes a base, a table rotatably supported on the base, a drive unit for rotating the table, and a clamp ring fixed to the base to surround the table. Interference fit is established between the clamp ring and the table in order to clamp the table. There is also provided a mechanism for deflecting the clamp ring in order to unclamp the table.

Abstract: A shiftable device which acts as a brake or coupling, such as a frictional brake or a frictional clutch, includes a first component and a second component and a pressure ring arranged between the first and second components, wherein the pressure ring is connected non-rotatably or stationary to the first component, while being movable by an actuating and restoring device between two work positions which are axially offset relative to each other. At least one friction element which is compressed in an active position of the pressure ring is arranged between the pressure ring and the second component. A plurality of radially resilient tongues which each have a fixed tongue end are fastened without play in the area of the first component. A plurality of guide members supported on the pressure ring and connected to the other movable tongue ends serve to convert the axial movement of the pressure ring into a radial movement of the movable tongue ends.

Abstract: A rotary clutch (1) for the drive of cleaning spirals (6) for the cleaning of pipelines has a set of clutch jaws (2), which can move radially with respect to the axis (A--A) of the clutch, each of these jaws having an inner friction surface for carrying along the cleaning spiral (6) and at least one first outer control surface (8), extending at an angle to the clutch axis (A--A). A drivable control sleeve (4 or 5) with at least one second inner control surface (9) can execute relative motion toward this control surface (8), the inner control surface having an inclination comparable to that of the outer control surfaces (8) of the clutch jaw (2). To reduce the actuating forces and to increase the drive torque, the clutch jaws (2) and the control sleeve (4 or 5), at least one of which is provided, are provided with positively engaging carrier elements (10, 11).

Abstract: The clutch is an integral gear stage in a subfractional horsepower motor gear train that is used in an appliance such as an icemaker or cam-operated timer. The clutch has an inner member with arc-shaped springs that carry curved protrusions and an outer member with sinusoidally shaped contours. The curved protrusions engage the sinusoidally shaped contours to permit the clutch to transmit torque to an appliance component. When the torque applied to the clutch exceeds a predetermined level, the curved protrusions disengage from the contours and permit the inner member to rotate independently from the outer member. The curved protrusions disengage from the sinusoidally shaped contours and then reengage the sinusoidally shaped contours causing the arc-shaped springs to compress and extend as a function of the sinusoidally shaped contours, gradually compressing and gradually extending, thereby reducing vibration and noise.

Abstract: A clutch providing lost motion between a motor operated mechanism for operating a vehicle door lock and a manually operated mechanism for operating the vehicle door lock. The clutch includes a cam member rotatable about an axis between a first "locking" position and a second "unlocking" position and an output member rotatable about the axis between a third "locking" position and a fourth "unlock" position. The output member may be connected to a member selectively moveable to rotate the output member about the axis between the lock and unlock positons. The output member is adapted to actuate the vehicle door lock. The output member may be coupled to actuate the vehicle door lock through an output lever. The output member may be releasably fixed to the output lever.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a centrifuge rotor includes at least one pair of complementary clutch elements each operatively associated with the rotor. Each element in the pair is preloaded into contact with the drive shaft. A torque applied to the shaft in either a first or second direction about an axis of rotation is transmitted from the drive shaft to the rotor through one of the clutch elements.

Abstract: A coupling assembly can be used as either a clutch or a brake to transmit force between a pair of elements. The coupling assembly includes an annular base which is connected with one of the elements and has radially inwardly and outwardly facing sides. A plurality of rim segments are disposed in an annular array adjacent to one of the radially facing sides of the base. An annular fluid extensible tube is disposed between the annular array of rim segments and the base. A plurality of friction shoes are disposed in an annular array adjacent to a second radially facing side of the base. The friction shoes are connected with rim segments by side plates. A plurality of springs are disposed between the friction shoes and the base. The springs firmly press the friction shoes against a friction surface connected with the second element to transmit force to retard relative rotation between the two elements.

Abstract: A coupling for establishing a releasable torque transmitting connection between a hollow shaft element (1) and a journal element (2) positioned therein, by coupling members (13) provided in apertures in the hollow shaft element and radially movable therein to engage with recesses (39) in the journal element, and an operating sleeve (4) movable axially on the shaft element for effecting such radial movement of the coupling members, has radially displaceable locking members (12) for locking the operating sleeve axially in its coupling-engaged position, and a spring for providing a returning force against which the operating sleeve is movable to such position. The operating sleeve is moved axially by an electro-magnet (27, 28) which actuates an actuating ring (8) and locking sleeve (3) which acts on the locking members (12). The locking members and coupling members are preferably balls.

Abstract: A locking device is formed of a base, a grabbing member and a plurality of arcuate legs flexibly connecting the base and grabbing member. The grabbing member is operatively deformable by relative movement of the base and grabbing member toward and/or away from relative coplanarity therebetween to thereby expand or contract the grabbing member into or out of releasable locking engagement with a workpiece.

Abstract: A quickly-releasable clutch, comprises a linearly-movable member formed with a spiral thread on its outer surface; an angularly-movable member; an inner sleeve secured to the angularly-movable member to overlie the linearly movable member; a ball received in an opening in the inner sleeve for coupling the inner sleeve and the angularly movable member to the linearly-movable member; and an outer sleeve overlying the inner sleeve and axially movable with respect thereto. The outer sleeve is formed with a first inner annular surface dimensioned to engage the ball and to force it into the spiral thread of the linearly-movable member to couple the latter member to the angularly-movable member, and with a second inner annular surface dimensioned to permit said ball to disengage from the spiral thread of the linearly-movable member and thereby to decouple same from the angularly-movable member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly which includes an inflatable annular tube, a plurality of friction shoes removably attached to the tube so that the shoes move radially as the tube is inflated and deflated. The shoes include a friction pad bonded to one side of a backing plate and a driving bar also made of friction material bonded to the other side of the backing plate and joined together in a unitary structure. The driving bars fit into grooves formed in the tube to improve torque transfer between the shoes and the tube.

Abstract: Rotating and positioning tool for axially symmetrical workpieces, especially for steering tie rods in motor vehicles. A housing with a recess for the introduction of a workpiece accommodates a clamping mechanism with a crown gear that is positioned and driven at its circumference. An empty space inside the crown gear communicates with the outside through an access slot. The space is demarcated by a contour. Three tension rollers are accommodated inside the empty space in such a way that they can be displaced radially inwardly against the force of springs. The rollers roll along the contour. The distance of the contour from its axis of rotation continuously varies through alternating maxima and minima. As the crown gear rotates, the tension rollers are forced in from a starting position where the distance is maximal and securely clamp the workpiece, which is located at the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A brake or clutch having two relatively rotatable members and a hollow fluid-distensible resilient annular tube frictionally engaging one of the members. The tube is split and the ends butted together. And at the butt ends of the tube means are provided for increasing the durability and life of the tube.

Abstract: A braking device with two braking members for frictional engagement with a surface and a brake release linkage, a part of which is pivotable about two positions. A feature is provided to cause pivotal movement of the part in a first sense upon application of an initial brake release load upon the linkage part to reduce and then release the braking load applied by the first braking member. The application of an additional brake release load effects pivotal movement of the linkage part in a second sense to reduce and then release the braking load by the second braking member.

Abstract: A system for transmitting motion between a driving component and a driven component includes a torque release clutch for transmitting motion between the components until a predetermined amount of force is required to do so, whereupon the clutch releases. The clutch includes a pair of relatively movable members, at least one ball, and an expandable ring. The ball has one position wherein the ball is in engaged or interfering relationship between the pair of members whereby movement of one member effects movement of the other member. The ball has another position wherein the ball is out of interfering relationship with or disengaged from at least one movable member. The expandable ring is mounted on one of the movable members and is engageable with the ball to hold the ball in engaged position until a force applied to the ball exceeds a predetermined amount, whereupon the ring is forced to expand and allow the ball to move to the disengaged position.

Abstract: A clamp-on stabilizer fixes the lateral position of a drill string in a borehole. The stabilizer includes a gripping sleeve with slotted and tapered ends, a stabilizer body receiving the sleeve, and a tubular locknut threaded into the body. The lower end of the stabilizer body is internally tapered to engage one tapered end of the gripping sleeve, while a ring abutting the locknut engages the other tapered end. In a preferred embodiment the tapers are different at each end of the sleeve to produce a sequential locking effect. A full-length longitudinal slot in the sleeve increases the tolerance range for objects to be clamped by the stabilizer.

Abstract: A mounting for a shaft of a tool rotating at high speed comprises a rotatably journaled tube with an axial bore of a diameter exceeding that of the tool shaft. The latter is held in that bore by resilient inserts, such as soft springs or O-rings, whose elasticity coefficient is so chosen that the shaft has a critical speed well below the operating speed of the tool. A locking device, preferably actuated automatically by a speed sensor, consolidates the shaft with the tube until the system surpasses the critical speed.

Abstract: A brake and wheel assembly for vehicles having small diameter wheels and heavy axle loading requiring high capacity braking is disclosed. An axle extension shaft cantilevered transversely on a vehicle frame mounts rotatably a dual wheel hub which also serves as a brake rotor in coaction with a pair of wide brake shoes. A mounting unit for brake mechanism including a rigid backbone member is cantilevered from the vehicle frame across the axis of the axle extension shaft and brake rotor. The backbone member locates and supports front and rear brake cylinder bodies and associated anchor pins for the brake shoes and also supports a brake shoe upper guide. Brake shoe hold-down bases and other components are attached to a back plate of the brake mechanism mounting unit which also includes a side cover. A mechanical parking and emergency brake is included in the assembly along with required brake adjustment features.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch wherein a rotational force is transmitted between a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member by a magnetic attraction of an armature supported on one of the first and second rotatable members to the other member. The armature is rotatable with respect to the member upon which it is mounted within a limited extent. At least one arcuate spring member is provided to connect the armature and the supporting member. The inner surface of the arcuate member faces the annular surface of a portion of the other rotatable member. When the armature is magnetically attracted to, and rotated together with, the other rotatable member, the inner surface of the arcuate spring member comes into contact with an annular surface of the other rotatable member so that the transmission of the rotational force is effected through the arcuate spring in addition to the magentic attraction of the armature.

Abstract: An air clutch has a rotatable drum positioned within a rotatable rim and an air bellows attached to the interior surface of the rim and expandable with the supply of compressed air to urge a plurality of friction blocks into contact with the exterior surface of the drum. The friction blocks are individually supported for radial movement by torque pins on the rim by means of restoring springs. An inertia device is provided for each friction block to apply an inwardly directed radial force to the friction block so as to cancel the effect of the centrifugal force acting on the friction block due to rotation of the rim.

Abstract: A device for temporarily holding fast a free circular element with respect to a fixed circular element having circular segments with tangential ramps and a rigid ring with rollers axially rotatable thereon for local thrust against the ramps to cause locking of the free circular element with respect to the fixed circular element. Clevises bearing axial grooved rollers riding on the rigid ring, with the clevises connected to the segments by springs, providing an elastic restoring force to release the free circular element with respect to the fixed circular element.

Abstract: A double-arm, sharply angled lever is pivoted at its fulcrum to the drive element of the clutch, and has one arm extending generally in a direction to the center of rotation of the driven element, and biassed by a spring force to engage the driven element. The fulcrum or pivot point of the double-arm lever is so placed with respect to the engagement surface of the arm of the lever with respect to the driven element, that the resulting force vector, resulting from the perpendicularly acting engagement force of the arm of the lever, in essentially radial direction, and the frictional force between the circumference of the driven element and the arm of the lever are located slightly behind the pivot point of the lever when the clutch is engaged, to effect self-locking of the lever arm against the driven element.

Abstract: A brake is disclosed for use with motor vehicles and particularly with motor vehicle trailers having heavy axles. The brake includes a brake ring which is connected securely to the wheel hub. At least two brake shoes act on the external peripheral surface of the brake ring. Each brake shoe is mounted on one end of a two-arm lever. The two-arm levers may be mounted on the axle. The other ends of the two-arm levers are actuated by a hydraulic operating device, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A brake, particularly adapted to stop feeder rolls of a paperboard partition assembly machine quickly, of the drum and embracing arms type, the two brake arms spring-urged into contact with the drum, with cam-operated means for separating brake shoes from the drum; there being cooling means for the brake including integral air-cooling ribs projecting from the brake arms, and air pressure means having two circumferentially and axially spaced outlets on each brake arm to direct air through the brake arm and the brake lining to the outer surface of the drum both to cool the outer parts of the drum and to clean the outer surface, the outlets being automatically cut off when the brake is in braking position, and there are air-circulating fins on the brake drum that draw air across the inner parts of the drum.

Abstract: A coupling assembly which includes an inflatable annular tube, a plurality of friction shoes removably attached to the tube so that the shoes move radially as the tube is inflated and deflated. The shoes include a friction pad bonded to one side of a backing plate and a driving bar also made of friction material bonded to the other side of the backing plate and joined together in a unitary structure. The driving bars fit into grooves formed in the tube to improve torque transfer between the shoes and the tube.