Abstract: Device for coupling two shafts end-to-end, comprising a pair of dog clutch members (16, 28). Each dog clutch member is configured so as to be able to be secured to an end of a shaft to be coupled, and the two dog clutch members (16, 28) have complementary shapes. A first dog clutch member (16) is pivotably mounted in a first casing (6). A second dog clutch member (28) is pivotably mounted in an intermediate bearing (8). The intermediate bearing (8) is slidably mounted in a second casing (10) assumed to be fixed, the intermediate bearing (8) being able to slide relative to the second casing (10) in a direction parallel to the two shafts to be coupled, termed the longitudinal direction. The intermediate bearing (8) is elastically prestressed in the direction of the first casing (6).

Abstract: A transmission system including first and second rotatable shafts, and means for transferring drive from one of the shafts to the other shaft including first and second gear wheels each rotatably mounted on the first shaft and having drive formations formed thereon, a selector assembly for selectively transmitting torque between the first shaft and the first gear wheel and between the first shaft and the second gear wheel, wherein the selector assembly includes an actuator assembly and first and second sets of engagement members that are moveable into and out of engagement with the first and second gear wheels independently of each other, said selector assembly being arranged such that when a driving force is transmitted, one of the first and second sets of engagement members drivingly engages the engaged gearwheel, and the other set of engagement members is then in an unloaded condition, wherein the actuator assembly is arranged to move the unloaded set of engagement members into driving engagement with the

Abstract: The present invention provides a shift mechanism disposed in a housing for providing operable communication between a shift actuator and a shift sleeve. The shift mechanism generally includes a shift rail, a shift fork, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The shift rail is slidably supported by the housing. The shift fork is slidably disposed on the shift rail and engages the shift sleeve. The first biasing member is disposed between the shift actuator and the shift rail for selectively biasing the shift rail in a first direction upon actuation of the shift actuator. The second biasing member is disposed between the housing and the shift fork for biasing the shift fork in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shift mechanism disposed in a housing for providing operable communication between a shift actuator and a shift sleeve. The shift mechanism generally includes a shift rail, a shift fork, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The shift rail is slidably supported by the housing. The shift fork is slidably disposed on the shift rail and engages the shift sleeve. The first biasing member is disposed between the shift actuator and the shift rail for selectively biasing the shift rail in a first direction upon actuation of the shift actuator. The second biasing member is disposed between the housing and the shift fork for biasing the shift fork in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A drive coupling mechanism for use in connecting an axle or other drive shaft to a wheel hub for use in a snow thrower or other vehicle, or in other applications where a driven wheel is engaged to a drive shaft. A slider member is mounted on and driven by the axle, and cooperating engagement structures located on the slider and the inner surface of the wheel hub are used to engage and disengage the wheel hub from the axle depending on the location of the slider member. A bearing ring or similar structure may be used to facilitate the engagement of the cooperating engagement structures.

Abstract: A pressure actuated clutch pulley rotationally engaging an input device and an output shaft, including a sheave member, a hub member, a plate member, and a clutch. The sheave member includes a sheave input section adapted to engage the input device and a sheave structural section extending radially inward. The hub member includes a hub output section adapted to engage the output shaft. The plate member includes a plate outer edge mounted to the sheave input section and a plate inner edge located radially inward from the plate outer edge. The sheave member, the hub member, and the plate member cooperatively define a cavity. The plate inner edge is selectively movable between two axial position based upon a pressure within the cavity. The clutch is adapted to selectively rotationally engage the plate member and the hub member based upon the axial position of the plate inner edge.

Abstract: A hub clutch mechanism wherein actuation of the clutch ring movement is provided by an over-center spring. A first spring portion is secured to the clutch ring and a second spring portion is movably secured at the clutch ring center. The second spring portion is offset axially from the first spring portion and biases the clutch ring away from the first spring portion. Stops restrict movement of the first and second spring portions which enables movable positioning of said second spring portion from one side to the other of said first spring portion and thereby urging reverse axial movement of the clutch ring.