Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the life of a control or drive spring in a wrap spring clutch. The tang of the control spring fits into a control slot of a control collar which rotates when the clutch is actuated. When the clutch is actuated, the control spring "wraps down" on both a rotating input member and the output shaft of the clutch to transfer the rotary motion of the input member to the output shaft. An elastomeric sleeve which is dimensioned to provide an interference fit between the tang and control slot of the control member is positioned on the tang and inserted in the control slot to remove any looseness or play between the tang and the control slot and thereby extend the life of the control spring and clutch.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism comprising an input rotating element, a rotor, an armature, a biasing spring for biasing the armature in a direction away from the rotor, an electromagnetic driver for magnetically attracting the armature to the rotor against the biasing action of the biasing spring, and a coil spring. The clutch mechanism transmits the driving force of the input rotating element by the contraction of the coil spring. According to a first aspect, the biasing spring is fixed to a supporting member by a plate-like spring fixing member to form a unit assembly. According to a second aspect, the clutch mechanism can be used in any one of two arrangements by changing the assembling sequence of various constituent elements. According to a third aspect, projections which contact or approach the rotor beyond the armature are provided in the supporting member, to which one end of the coil spring is connected.

Abstract: A two speed transmission including a direct drive and a reduced speed ratio. The transmission is directly coupled to a variable speed engine crankshaft and includes pulleys thereon for the driving of auxiliary engine equipment. A first drive train includes planetary gearing and a one-way clutch while direct drive is provided by a wrap spring coupling cylindrical surfaces on the transmission input and transmission output axially adjacent and coterminous. The wrap spring includes an element having a flat side for engagement of the cylindrical surfaces. Two actuator mechanisms are illustrated employing centrifugal weights to result in advancement of one end of the wrap spring to tighten same into coupling engagements at low engine speeds. At higher engine speeds, the actuator mechanism releases the wrap spring from the cylindrical surfaces for drive through the planetary gearing.

Abstract: A normally engaged wrap spring clutch includes a helical spring which normally is wrapped down on the outer surfaces of aligned input and output hubs to couple the latter. One end of the spring is anchored on the input hub and the other end is secured to a control collar which is telescoped over the spring so that, by turning the control collar relative to the input hub, the spring is unwrapped from the surfaces of the hubs to disengage the clutch. Pins project longitudinally into radial slots in the input hub and spiral slots in the control collar and have substantial mass so that, when the input hub reaches a preselected speed, the pins move radially outward under centrifugal force and, through a camming action in the spiral grooves, turn the control collar relative to the input hub thereby unwrapping the spring. In an alternative embodiment, the outwardly moving pins turn the control collar to cause the spring to wrap down and cause engagement of a normally disengaged clutch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-way clutch structure for a stationary exercise cycle, which structure comprises a flywheel journalled on an axle and a cog wheel for the transmission of the force created by treadling to said flywheel. Said one-way clutch structure allows, depending on the treadling velocity, the free rotation of the flywheel with respect to the cog wheel. In order to provide a one-way clutch structure of low manufacturing costs, the cog wheel is journaled on a first cylindrical surface formed in the center of the flywheel by means of a bushing member of plastic material. The coupling element is formed by a spring acting as a spring clutch known per se, which spring is fitted around the bushing member and a second cylindrical surface formed in the center, whereby the end of said spring which is on the side of the cog wheel is bent and locked in an opening provided on the cog wheel.

Abstract: In a spring clutch having a power input endpiece carrying an input hub, the input end of the helical clutch spring is permanently bound to the endpiece at the hub base by press fitting the coil into a circular groove at least partially surrounding said hub.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wrap spring clutch is disclosed as having the clutch energizing electromagnetic coil of a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the wrap spring clutching coil and located at least partially therein. In this arrangement, the spring coil takes on a relatively large size for more added clutching action relative to the size of the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A load bearing, one-way, spring clutch assembly for use in a load bearing assembly where the load bearing assembly includes a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted to the housing, a drive for applying a first torsion load to the shaft, and a thrust load applying a second torsion load to the shaft in a direction opposite the first torsion load. The load bearing, one-way, spring clutch assembly has first and second clutch members, one of the clutch members secured to the shaft for rotation therewith, and the other clutch member mounted on the shaft for rotation about a common axis with the one clutch member. Thrust load bearings are between the clutch members for carrying the thrust load. A spring clutch allows rotation of the one clutch member relative to the other where the first torsion load is greater than the second torsion load, and locks the clutch members together so that the one clutch member cannot rotate relative to the other where the second torsion load is greater than the first torsion load.

Abstract: An engagement device for an electromagnetic spring-wound clutch is disclosed. An armature plate member to which one end of a coil wound spring is connected is flexibly connected to a guide member rotatably supported on a cover plate by a plurality of elastic members. The cover plate has a bent portion at its axial terminal end and the guide member is closely fitted against the bent portion to maintained its axial position thereon. Thus, when the electromagnetic coil is not energized, the armature plate is fitted against an axial end of the bent portion due to the recoil strength of the elastic members. Therefore, a predetermined axial air gap between the armature plate and the end plate of the prime mover can be readily maintained.

Abstract: An adjustable torque limiting assembly includes a first wrap spring mechanism which provides a readily adjustable torque transmission limit and a second coaxially disposed wrap spring mechanism which provides a mechanical signal that the torque limit has been reached. This signal may be utilized to terminate an energy supply to a prime mover associated with the torque limiting assembly. The first wrap spring mechanism generally includes a wrap spring in which the spring moment and thus the slip or overrunning torque threshold may be readily adjusted. The second wrap spring assembly likewise includes a wrap spring which is activated only subsequent to slip of the first wrap spring and enlarges to engage a concentrically disposed control sleeve. The control sleeve then rotates and activates an associated shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: In a crankshaft operated brake actuating device for bicycles, a brake operating lever extends through the lower bracket from a yoke contacting the crankshaft. A light weight spring clutch transmits torque from the crankshaft to the lever upon back pedalling, and reaction from the torque causes the lever to tilt and engage a strap clutch locking the lever to the crankshaft as the braking forces are increased.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled spring clutch mechanism for selectively connecting drivingly a first rotating element and a second rotating element. The spring clutch mechanism comprises a rotating shaft, a rotor adapted to be rotated as a unit with the rotating shaft, an armature assembly including an armature member, a supporting member and a biasing spring member disposed between the armature member and the supporting member, an electromagnetic device for magnetically attracting the armature member to the rotor, a first boss member adapted to rotate as a unit with the rotating shaft, a second boss member adapted to rotate as a unit with the second rotating element, and a coil spring wound in a predetermined direction and received about, and spanning, the first and second boss members.

Abstract: A slip clutch assembly includes a mandrel having a spring wound on a portion thereof. The spring effects torque transfer and, when further rotation is impaired, unwinds about the mandrel to prevent excessive torque transfer. Even after torque transfer is removed the driven element is securely positioned by the spring force.

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: In an electromagnetic spring-wound clutch, an input rotary member is concentrically and rotatably fitted on an output rotary member having an annular enlarged portion, with its axial boss disposed adjacent the above annular enlarged portion. A coil spring is wound around the axial boss and the annular enlarged portion for gripping engagement with at least the former, with its one end engaged by the output rotary member and its other end by a sleeve concentrically and rotatably supported on the input and output rotary members. An armature is disposed for axial tilting about its one edge supported by a stationary member. Responsive to extinction of electromagnetic force caused by deenergization of a magnetic coil, the armature is axially tilted by the force of a spring into engagement with the sleeve to hold same from rotating.

Abstract: An electromagnetic spring-wound clutch includes a first rotary member formed of a hub having an annular flange and a tubular portion integrally combined with the hub and adapted for direct coupling to a rotary shaft of an apparatus for use with the clutch. The tubular portion of the first rotary member is concentrically and rotatably fitted through a stationary annular field core which accommodates an electromagnetic coil and is arranged in facing relation with the annular flange of the hub. A non-magnetic annular member is rigidly fitted on the hub, and an armature is rotatably fitted on the hub and interposed between the annular flange and the annular member. A coil spring is wound around the annular member and a second rotary member rotatably fitted on the tubular portion of the first rotary member, for gripping engagement therewith.

Abstract: An electromagnetic spring clutch comprises a driving member, to be driven by a belt, and a driven member, which is connected to a load shaft, and to which revolving power is to be transmitted from the driving member by a clutching coil spring.One end of the coil spring is fixed to the driving member and the other end is fixed to a rotor which is freely rotatable and has several rotor windings, each shortcircuited.A stator having several windings to be excited by a power source is disposed closely parallel to the rotor for electromagnetically braking it, to thus twist the coil spring and make it grip the driven member.

Abstract: A spring clutch mechanism for use in an electrophotographic copying machine includes a first boss connected to a driving shaft and a second boss connected to a driven shaft. The driving shaft and the driven shaft are co-axially disposed so that the two bosses confront each other. A coil spring is disposed around the two bosses. A first sleeve is disposed around the coil spring. One end of the coil spring is fixed to the first boss and the other end of the coil spring is fixed to the first sleeve. A second sleeve is slidably mounted on the first sleeve. A rubber plate is secured to the second sleeve so that the rubber plate confronts the flange of the second boss. In the non-transmitting mode, the first and second sleeves and the coil spring are rotated in unison with the first boss, but the second boss is not rotated. When the second sleeve is depressed toward the flange of the second boss, the rubber plate contacts the flange to brake the rotation of the second and first sleeves.

Abstract: A spring clutch which has two wrapped springs wound in different directions from each other and which is arranged to transmit the rotation of a drive source to two members to be driven by effecting change-over from one member to another. The transmission of the rotation is arranged to be immediately cut off at any desired point by operating a change-over member.

Abstract: A spring clutch which has multiple springs disposed between two coaxially mounted cylindrical elements. The springs are designed to slip so that all of the springs are required to support the maximum load. During the onset of rotation, tabs at the ends of the springs contact the load surfaces on one of the cylindrical elements sequentially, with some slippage occurring, so that impulse is reduced. In different embodiments, either releasing or reversing the clutch re-establishes offsets between spring tabs so that the sequential contact can again occur.

Abstract: A bi-directional spring clutch having a cylindrical input element mounted on a cylindrical output element, with a wrap spring disposed between them. A control element, in the form of a cylinder, is rotatably mounted on the input element for assuming one of three discrete positions relative to the input element. A key on the control element extends through a window of the input element and is disposed between the ends of the wrap spring. When the control element is in either of its extreme positions, turning of the input element controls tightening of the spring and the transmission of torque, the direction of torque transmission depending upon the position of the control element. Rotation of the input element in the opposite direction results in the key unwrapping the spring so that there is not torque transmission. When the control element is in its middle position, the key bears against neither end of the spring, and torque is transmitted in both directions of rotation of the input element.

Abstract: A helical spring loosely surrounds the input hub of a clutch and is adapted to be wrapped down on the input hub to couple the input hub to an output hub. Wrap down torque is applied to the spring through the tang thereof by an operating spring which acts through an axially shiftable actuator adapted to turn the tang as an incident to being shifted axially by the operating spring. If the tang of the helical spring breaks, the spring automatically unwinds and releases the input hub to effect automatic disengagement of the clutch.

Abstract: A drive mechanism comprises a rotatable member, such as a shaft, having an axially elongated cylindrical outer surface, a second member or shaft having an axially elongated cylindrical inner surface loosely telescoped over the outer surface so as to provide an axially elongated annular space within which is contained a wrapped-spring clutch so arranged as to serve as radial load-bearing means when the clutch is disengaged whereby to journal one member on the other.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated clutch in which a helical spring is carried by an input clutch member with portions surrounding a relatively rotatable output clutch member. An electromagnet is positioned with its poles lightly engaging the surrounding spring portions at circumferentially spaced locations, while either the spring or the output clutch member or both are formed of a magnetically permeable material to complete a magnetic circuit. Energizing the electromagnet causes the poles to clamp the spring to retard its rotation with the input member, thereby causing the spring to wrap down on the output clutch member and engage the clutch.

Abstract: A novel mechanical power coupling means employable with a novel material compacting apparatus and utilizing either reciprocal or continuous drive inputs with the coupling means. In the preferred compacting apparatus embodiment a reciprocal drive is used such that the compactor is powered by both reciprocating movements of the input shaft. The compactor may be driven in a variety of speed/torque arrangements using the novel coupling means. The coupling means includes a wrapped spring clutch which automatically engages the highest speed mechanical arrangement capable of overcoming the load on the output shaft.

Abstract: Pilot torque is transmitted from the input member to the output member of a clutch when a shoe is pressed axially against the input member. When initially turned by the input member, the shoe causes a helical spring to wrap down on angularly spaced shoe segments and to contract the shoe segments into radial gripping engagement with the input member. The shoe segments engage angularly spaced drive lugs on the output member to transmit torque to the output member.

Abstract: A wrap-down spring clutch includes a drum and a spring which are selectively engaged by a solenoid. The solenoid has a coil, which when energized, extends a ferromagnetic plunger. When the coil is energized the plunger is extended out against the spring and urges the same into frictional engagement with the drum. The drum is also ferromagnetic, such that the activation of the coil simultaneously magnetizes the plunger, and creates a magnetic attraction between the plunger and the drum which further urges the plunger against the spring and the drum to produce a wrap-down pressure which effects quick and secure clutch engagement.

Abstract: A drive unit for adjustable beds, such as hospital beds and the like, of the type which have movable head and foot sections, and/or other adjustment functions, comprises a single, unidirectional, rotary motor, and a drive shaft for each adjustable bed function. A pair of drive wheels are rotatably mounted on each of the drive shafts, and are rotated thereon in opposite directions by the motor. A pair of spring clutches are operably associated with each pair of drive wheels, and alternatively engage or connect selected drive wheels with their associated shafts to rotate the shafts, and thereby adjust the position and/or configuration of the bed.

Abstract: The helical spring of a wrap spring clutch is formed with a radially projecting protrusion which is spaced 180 degrees from one of the end tangs of the spring. The protrusion and the end tang are connected to the control collar of the clutch and cause the tensile force applied by the spring to be balanced angularly around the collar.

Abstract: The coupling means can be mounted over a rotatable shaft of existing motors and employs a lining sleeve which is disposed about or within the shaft and a helical spring which is disposed between the sleeve and shaft. Various types of couplings are used to secure a hand wheel to one or both ends of the spring such that rotation of the hand wheel causes the spring to bind about the shaft and cause turning of the shaft. In some embodiments, rotation of the hand wheel causes the opposite end of the spring to bind about the shaft to turn the shaft with the hand wheel.

Abstract: An improved clutch assembly is described which includes a safety spring member which is adapted to engage the free end of a broken clutch spring so that the clutch will continue to operate in normal fashion.

Abstract: Torque limiting device of simple 3-piece construction which reliably automatically disengages the driving and driven members when the latter is subjected to a predetermined overload. Device comprises a pair of cooperating coupling members which respectively engage the driving and driven members, and a helical compression spring interengaging the two coupling members. The direction of lay of the spring is selected in accordance with the direction of rotation of the output shaft of the driven member. Overloading the driven member increases the diameter of the spring which causes it to disengage itself from the driving coupling member to thus prevent torque from being transmitted to the driven member while overloaded.

Abstract: A valve actuator utilizing a drive motor and a stored energy device to operate valves primarily in safety related applications is disclosed. The actuator operates on signal or loss of power to return a driven valve to a predetermined position. The actuator in particular utilizes unidirectional coupling between a driven shaft and an output shaft that is coupled to the driven valve. Specifically, the coupling utilizes a coiled spring having a unique diametral relationship with the driven shaft in order to insure reliable actuation and control of shaft wear. A fluid dampened device or dashpot is also utilized to provide controlled operation during the return cycle that is powered by the stored energy device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spring clutch having a slot circumferentially about its surface to provide for a predetermined amount of rotation of its input clutch drum relative to the output clutch drum before effecting rotation of its output clutch drum. Adjustment means is provided to vary the width of the slot and thereby permitting selective presetting of the spring clutch for a predetermined amount of intermittent angular rotation of the output clutch drum.

Abstract: Spring clutch is actuated by magnetic field applied radially between non-rotatable source and rotative clutch hub and spring-contracting ring.

Abstract: The hand drive employs two coil springs between the sleeve of the coupling and the shaft to be turned. The hand wheel has a driver with a parallelepiped extension for abutting one or the other of the facing spring ends depending on the direction of rotation of the hand wheel. A brake is also used to restrain movement of the sleeve and limit the torque exerted on the sleeve by the hand wheel.

Abstract: An electromotor driven regulating arrangement, especially for regulating the speed of a motor vehicle, comprises an input shaft rotatable in one and in the opposite direction by a reversible electric motor, an output shaft adapted to be connected to a member for regulating the speed of the vehicle, and a coupling having two coupling members respectively connected with the input shaft and the output shaft for rotation therewith and a looped spring arranged between the coupling members by means of which the coupling members may be connected for simultaneous rotation in either direction. The arrangement comprises further a control member and electromagnet means cooperating therewith and acting on the spring for rendering the coupling active or inactive depending on whether the electromagnet is energized or deenergized.

Abstract: Rotary input and output members (19), (28) are axially aligned with each other and a rotary clutch disc (32) is axially aligned with and frictionally engageable with the input member (19). A coil-wound spring (33) is wound around the input and output members (19), (28) and connected at its ends to the clutch disc (32) and output member (28) respectively. An electromagnetic coil (26), which energized, attracts the clutch disc (32) into frictional engagement with the input member (19) and causes the coil-wound spring (33) to tightly wind around and embrace the input and output members (19), (28), thereby drivingly connecting the same together.

Abstract: Torque is transmitted between the driving and driven members of the clutch by a helical spring and a friction shoe. When an electromagnet is excited, pilot torque is applied to the spring to cause the spring to clamp downwardly around the shoe and cause the shoe to contract radially around the driving member and transmit torque to the driven member. The driving member, the driven member, the spring and the friction shoe are arranged in such a manner that the spring effects soft engagement of the clutch while amplifying the pilot torque sufficiently to enable a relatively small and light weight clutch to produce ample output torque.

Abstract: This invention relates to a motorized window regulator for motor vehicles, which regulator is provided with a torque limiting mechanism of particularly advantageous construction and operation. According to the invention, a motor transmits motion to the window via a kinematic operating linkage, which comprises a cylindrical surface on which a spiral spring with preloaded turns is interference mounted. The ends of the spring engage alternately with a stop rotating coaxially to the surface such that they become urged to deform the spring in opposition to its preloading, so as to withdraw it resiliently from the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A spring clutch device includes a driving side clutch shell, a driven side clutch shell opposed to and coaxial with the driving side clutch shell, a clutch spring disposed in a tight manner over the two clutch shells, a stop member disposed coaxially with the clutch shells and engaged with one end of the clutch spring to control the action of the clutch spring, and a control member for acting on the stop member, there are formed projections on the circumference of the stop member, in an axially and circumferentially staggered relationship, and the control member is selectively displaceable to positions corresponding to the projections for engagement and disengagement with the projections, thereby controlling ON-OFF of the clutch.

Abstract: A normally disengaged helical spring clutch in which a connection between the control sleeve and the endmost one of the coils of the spring that encircle the hub of the driven element prevents that endmost coil from contacting any part of the driven element when the clutch is disengaged, and in which a reduction in diameter of the end portion of the hub of the driving element brings about a more effective torque transmitting connection between the driving and driven elements when the clutch is engaged and, by the same token, increases the shape-restoring force in the coils of the spring that encircle the contiguous end portions of the hubs, and thereby assures rapid and positive disengagement of the spring from the hub of the driven element.

Abstract: Precise angular relationship between release means and driven means is attained in a coil spring clutch by means of a spring-positioning ring which is permanently secured to the driven hub only after being rotated into desired position.

Abstract: A thermally responsive clutch for connecting a driving shaft to a driven pulley including cylindrical clutch surfaces on the shaft and the pulley with a wrapping coil spring in engagement with both surfaces. An engaging pawl is mounted adjacent said spring clutch element and a pair of thermally responsive bimetallic washers in contact with said pawl act to cause said pawl to cause said spring to connect said shaft and pulley only within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A strand carrier for a strand fabricating machine includes a support structure and a shaft mounted thereon. A hub is mounted for rotation around the shaft for receipt of a bobbin of strand thereon for common rotation about the shaft. A helical clutch spring includes a first end secured to the support structure so that it closely encircles an outer cylindrical surface of the hub to restrict rotation thereof. A clutch release sleeve is rotatably mounted on the support structure around the clutch spring and receives the other end of the spring in an opening therein so that rotation of the clutch release sleeve in a first direction will tend to unwind the clutch spring to reduce friction on the hub. A control lever pivotally mounted on the support structure has a first section which includes a strand guide thereon and is connected to the sleeve. The lever is biased in a direction tending to rotate the sleeve in an opposite direction from the first direction.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated clutch or the like having a helical spring disposed about the surface of a relatively rotatable drum, and an electromagnet with a fixed annular pole piece closely adjacent the free end coil of the spring. The spring is induced to grip the drum surface by the action of magnetic flux passing from the drum to the spring and thence directly to the polepiece.