Abstract: A clutch mechanism for an automatic washer is provided which permits oscillatory motion of the agitator and results in rotary motion of the basket upon no more than 360.degree. rotation of the agitator. This mechanism is aptly suited for a planetary drive wherein a first tang is carried on a planet carrier connected directly to the agitator and a second tang is carried on ring gear connected directly to a ring gear. Engagement of the two tangs occurs upon sufficient rotary motion of the agitator wherein the basket tang will be picked up by the agitator tang causing the basket to rotate with the agitator.

Abstract: A linear actuator is provided with an electric motor rotating a drive pinion gear in mesh with an intermediate gearing arrangement which in turn is in mesh with a main drive gear for rotating a drive screw journalled within a main body housing. Rotation of the drive screw causes longitudinal advancement of a drive nut axially advancing an extension rod bearing to move an output load connected to an opposite end of the extension rod. The intermediate gearing arrangement includes a lost motion mechanism allowing the drive pinion to complete approximately one revolution before imparting rotative torque to the drive screw allowing the drive motor to develop an operating torque to prevent lockup of the actuator. The lost motion mechanism includes a pair of arcuate slots formed in a first intermediate gear in contact with the drive pinion and a pair of dowel projections projecting from a second intermediate gear into the slots. The second intermediate gear is connected to the drive screw.

Abstract: A ball cage for a helical ballspline of a mechanical movement device comprises a cage in the form of a tubular sleeve adapted to be arranged between a helically threaded inner member and a complimentary helically threaded outer member of the helical ballspline. The inner and outer members are displaceable relative to one another along a helical path formed by the threads thereof. The tubular sleeve of the ball cage includes a plurality of ball pockets formed therein for accommodating thrust transmitting balls of the ballspline arranged in the helical path.

Abstract: A coupling for transmitting a rotary motion in both directions of rotation. The coupling includes a drive shaft and a driven shaft and has a freewheeling capability in both directions of rotation for rotary motions introduced into the driven shaft. One or more balls are guided in a circular groove having an asymmetrical cross-section. The balls rest against a clamping disk having a non-circular cross-section. When the drive shaft is rotated, the balls are pressed against and clamped by a guide surface of the driven shaft.

Abstract: A manual transmission (11) is provided of the type including an input shaft (15) including an input gear (19), an output shaft (23), and a countershaft including a head gear (44). The counter shaft includes drive gears (41, 42, and (43) while the output shaft has rotatably mounted thereon a plurality of driven gears (31, 32, and 33) in toothed engagement with the drive gears. The head gear defines a set of internal splines (55), and the countershaft defines a set of external splines (57) which are in loose, splined engagement to define a lost motion connection. The head gear defines a pair of cam surfaces (59), and the countershaft includes a pair of cam members (61) and a compression spring (63), operable to bias the cam members against the cam surfaces, and bias the countershaft toward a centered position, relative to the head gear.

Abstract: A two-wheel and four-wheel drive transfer device includes a reciprocating fork shaft having a shift fork engagable with a sliding dog clutch so as to reciprocate the dog clutch and provide either two-wheel and four-wheel drive operating conditions. A motor is provided so as to rotate a worm gear assembly which is relatively rotatable with an output shaft supported in a casing. This worm gear is connected to and rotates a plate concurrently with rotation of the worm gear. A spring support plate is provided to be secured to the output shaft and two spiral springs, each spring being wound in a different direction and having a different rotating torque, are fixed to the output shaft and have ends brought into contact with the rotating plate and the spring support plate so that the rotating torque of the worm wheel is transmitted to the output shaft through the spiral springs depending on the direction of rotation of the worm gear.

Abstract: A brake apply system has a rotary input member and two rotary output members which are operable to actuate individual brake mechanisms. Disposed between the input and output members is a differential mechanism which permits differential rotation of the output member so that the brake mechanisms can undergo separate movements during brake application to achieve full braking action. The differential mechanism is comprised of a pair of driven cam members which are rotatable in response to a cam driver which is driven by the input member. The cam driver is movable longitudinally while enforcing differential rotation of the driven cam members to initiate the differential action between the output members.

Abstract: The pump comprises a pump body and a volute, mutually complementary with respect to one another, which once assembled form a waterproof container within which a permanent magnet rotor and an impeller are contained respectively in a first and in a second chamber. The stator part of the electric motor is provided externally to said waterproof container, and thus can never be affected by the liquid. The introduced improvements relate to the coupling between impeller and rotor and to the means adapted to make the rotor chamber waterproof, so that there cannot enter therein foreign matter, and in particular metallic dust, which by remaining associated with the permanent magnet of the rotor would prevent the rotation thereof, blocking its operation.

Abstract: A dual concentric shaft coupling arrangement is provided with both inner and outer rotatable assemblies. An inner assembly comprises an inner rotatable driving member, an inner rotatable driven member and an inner rotatable intermediate member that is connected therebetween. An outer assembly comprises an outer rotatable driving member, an outer rotatable driven member and an outer rotatable intermediate member connected therebetween. Both the inner and outer rotatable intermediate members comprise first and second rigid portions which are connectable to the associated driving and driven members, respectively. Between the first and second rigid portions, a compliant portion is connected for the purpose of transmitting torque between the first and second rigid portions and, consequently, between the driving and driven members. Spline arrangements are also provided in a non-contact association with each other at low magnitudes of torque.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle window or like opening device regulator retractable winder apparatus and method of utilization of the same. The present disclosure provides a mounting plate rotatable along a first rotational axis and having rotatably mounted thereto a winder handle which is rotatable along a second rotational axis at an angle with the first rotational axis. The handle is allowed relative rotation with the mounting plate between two angular positions whereby rotation past either angular position will cause the handle to rotate along the first rotational axis. The handle in a preferred embodiment is biased into a recessed nonextended position when not in use.

Abstract: A vehicle window or like opening device regulator retractable winder apparatus and method of utilization of the same is provided. The invention includes a mounting plate rotatable along a first rotational axis and having rotatably mounted thereto a winder handle which is rotatable along a second rotational axis at an angle with the first rotational axis. The handle is allowed relative rotation with the mounting plate between two angular positions. Rotation of the handle past either angular position will cause the handle to rotate along the first rotational axis. The handle in a preferred embodiment is biased into a recessed nonextended position when not in use.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotary/linear actuator, wherein a power driver rotary component imposes a strain wave upon a flexible sleeve member, which is flexed into screw engagement with a rotationally fixed member for purposes of imparting linear movement to the sleeve member. The extent of linear movement of the sleeve member is preferably controlled by a rotational limit control device associated with the rotary component.

Abstract: Unequal loading in multiple load path transmissions having independent gear trains 18, 20, interconnecting an input and an output shaft 12 and 14, respectively, is avoided through the use of a torsionally compliant gear 22 located in each gear train 18 and 20. Each torsionally compliant gear 22 includes a hub 40 and a ring 46 having external gear teeth 48 about the hub 40 in concentric spaced relation. A body 50 of elastomeric material is disposed between the hub 40 and the ring 46 and spring fingers 68 carried by the ring 46 at least somewhat radially extend toward the hub 40. Stops 84 are carried by the hub 40 and are positioned to be normally spaced from the spring fingers 68 when low loads are transmitted by the gear and to engage the spring fingers 68 when predetermined higher loads are to be transmitted by the gear.

Abstract: A phase adjusting mechanism in which input and output shafts, rotatable at like speeds and directions, are positively intercoupled by helical spline members constructed and arranged so that a female spline member is shiftable axially relative to a male spline member to counter rotate the shafts through a limited range of relative adjustability and in which support of adjacent opposed ends of the shafts is effected by an internal backbone support extending coaxially between the shafts to provide thrust and radial bearing support therefor. Adjustment members for shifting the spline members are provided along with an indicator mechanism for indicating the degree of shaft phase adjustment. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the adjustment mechanism in selected positions.

Abstract: An improved light-weight, highly portable motor scooter having an elongated tubular frame which serves as muffler for a gasoline engine, a rear wheel secured to the frame at the rearward end thereof, a generally vertical, tubular support member secured to the frame at the forward end, a generally vertical strut member rotatably received within the tubular support member and having a yoke on the lower end thereof below the tubular support member, the yoke receiving a front wheel, a horizontal platform mounted on the frame, an engine secured to the frame adjacent the rearward end having a converter for coupling the engine to the rear wheel, an elongated handle member pivotally affixed at its lower end to the upper end of the strut member, the handle member being pivoted in a forward direction to pull the scooter and in a rearward direction to lie adjacent and parallel the frame whereby the scooter can be carried and extendable in an axially aligned position relative to the strut member permitting the user to gu

Abstract: A single shaft agitate and spin drive for an automatic washer is provided in which a lost motion mechanism or clutch in the form of a plurality of stacked discs is mounted on the agitator shaft, a lower end of the mechanism being driven by the agitator shaft and an upper end of the mechanism driving the basket after a sufficient amount of rotation by the agitator has been inputted to the mechanism. The mechanism absorbs enough rotational motion to allow oscillatory motion of the agitator without transmission of that motion to the basket, but if sufficient rotational motion is input to the mechanism, such as during the spin mode, the mechanism transmits the motion to drive the basket. The amount of rotation absorbed is easily changed by changing the number of discs in the stack.

Abstract: A coupling member for taking up torque in a vehicle steering column to absorb vibration and vehicle body misalignment, the coupling member including a plastics disc with a pair of diametrically opposed bosses which protrude further from one face of the disc than from the other face, and another pair of diametrically opposed bosses which protrude further from the other face of the disc than from its one face.The disc is able to distort upon application of torque through the bosses by means of a cut-out portion between each adjacent boss. A fail-safe deflection plate can be provided on each face of the disc to react against opposed pairs of bosses in the event of high application of torque. An adaptor piece holding one end of a steering column is fitted to one face of the disc and a splined flange is secured to the other face of the disc to enable the coupling member to be secured to another steering column component.

Abstract: A torsional sleeve coupling provides a spring system for dampening torsional vibrations in a driveline coupling during low torque modes of operation. In a preferred form, the coupling is adapted for use with a driving and a driven shaft which are coaxially aligned. The coupling includes a lost motion connection for torsionally coupling the driven and driving shaft ends for joint rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling incorporates a sleeve which contains a C-spring having an annular metallic body positioned in coaxial registration with one of the shafts. The spring includes a pair of spaced, radially oriented ears. The sleeve and the shaft about which the spring is positioned each contain a slotted portion. The two slotted portions are in radial alignment with each other, and each is adapted to receive both of the ears of the spring.

Abstract: The end zones (11) of the C-springs (9) of the resilient device for the centering and coupling with backlash of first (1) and second (7) coaxial rotary components form lugs (12) extending radially inward in order to cooperate with stop surfaces (15) in the first rotary component (1), and external shoulders (19) in order to cooperate with facing shoulders (18) formed in the inside wall (16) of the second rotary component (7), the shoulders (18) being angularly offset from the stop surfaces (15) and substantially contiguous with the latter in projection onto the median plane (M) of the device in the centered position of the rotary components (1, 7).

Abstract: A coupler for coupling inner and outer, radially-spaced, rotatable machine components has a generally annular body for location in the radial space between the machine components. Inner and outer drive element devices project from the generally annular body for respectively engaging drivingly the inner and outer machine components. At least one of the drive element devices is at least one at least circumferentially-resilient spring leaf projecting from the generally annular body at one end with a drive element for engaging the machine component engaged thereby on the other end.

Abstract: A shaft coupling apparatus connects first and second rotatable members by a compliant connecting component disposed radially between portions of the first and second rotatable members. A spline arrangement is also provided for the purpose of transmitting torque between the first and second rotatable members when the magnitude of torque between these members exceeds a predefined magnitude. The spline arrangement and the compliant connecting component are disposed in axial alignment for the purpose of permitting a degree of articulation to occur between the first and second rotatable members. When transmitting torque is below the predefined value, all of the torque is transmitted from the first rotatable member to the second rotatable member through the compliant connecting component which can be any resilient material, such as an elastomeric material.

Abstract: The device comprises a worm wheel (1) driven in rotation by a worm (2) coupled to the output shaft (3) of a motor-speed reducer (4), a gear pinion (5) associated with the worm wheel (1) for driving the accessory, and means interposed between the gear pinion (5) and the worm wheel (1) for absorbing the driving torque of the worm wheel when the accessory reaches the end of its travel and stops the rotation of the pinion (5). The shock absorbing means comprise a cam (6) fixed to the pinion (5) and having two opposed surfaces (6a, 6b), a pair of shoes (7a, 7b) in bearing relation to the surfaces (6a, 6b) of the cam and biased thereagainst by a metal spring (8) coaxial with the pinion (5) and the worm wheel (1) and surrounding the shoes, and elements (9a, 9b) drivenly connected to the worm wheel and transmitting to the shoes and to the cam and gear pinion the driving torque of the worm wheel.

Abstract: A domestic ice-cream maker comprises a refrigerated bowl-shaped container for an ice-cream mass; a rotatable stirring tool associated with such container for scraping off ice-cream freezing at a refrigerated surface of the container; and a single-phase synchronous motor for rotating the stirring tool, such motor having a maximum permissible operating temperature for making the ice-cream. A transmission path including a reduction mechanism extends between the synchronous motor and the stirring tool. Backlash is provided in the reduction mechanism as overload protection for the synchronous motor, the backlash acting in both directions of rotation of the motor and corresponding in each such direction of rotation to at least 10 revolutions of the motor, the motor, upon being blocked in either direction of rotation, reversing its direction of rotation and passing through the range of the backlash without exceeding its maximum permissible operating temperature.

Abstract: A manually-operated automotive transmission has a cluster gear on which several forward drive input gears and the reverse drive input gear are formed integrally. The cluster gear has a central bore extending its full length. An input shaft clutched to as engine crankshaft is keyed at the end furthest from the engine to the far end of the cluster gear and has a loose fitting spline connection to the opposite end of the cluster gear. A portion of the input shaft between the clutch and the loose spline connection has relatively high torsional stiffness and strength, but the portion of the input shaft between the keyed connection and the loose spline connection has relatively low torsional stiffness and strength. The clearance between the teeth of the loose spline connection is sized so that relatively low torque is not transmitted through this connection. The clearance is taken up and engine torque transmitted through the loose spline connection when high operating torques are developed.

Abstract: A mechanism for driving a turntable in a heating apparatus uses a motor with the characteristic of reversing its direction of rotation when a load greater than its output torque is applied to its shaft. The shaft is engaged with a coupling member attached to the turntable but a gap is provided between the shaft and the coupling member such that they can rotate with respect to each other by a predetermined maximum idling angle before a power-communicating relationship is established between them. This maximum idling angle is set greater than the angle of rotation of the shaft necessary for the output torque of the motor to reach the starting torque of the coupling member.

Abstract: The pump comprises a pump body and a volute complementary to each other which, once assembled, provide a sealed body defining a first chamber, containing a permanent magnet rotor, and a second chamber containing an impeller and provided with suction and delivery conduits. The stator body of the electric motor externally encircles the second chamber, thus never being reachable by the pumped liquid. The rotor and the impeller are kept coaxial to one another by centering means and have engagement elements which reciprocally connect them in the rotation.

Abstract: Several embodiments of coupling devices for marine outboard drives for providing a coupling between an engine output shaft and the outboard drive, drive shaft. Each embodiment employs as the coupling a first portion that provides a relatively resilient driving connection for absorbing low speed torque vibrations and a second more rigid driving connection for providing a more positive power transmission at high speeds and high loads. In some embodiments, the more resilient connection is provided by a spring which may comprise either a torsional spring or a torsional coil spring. In other embodiments, elastomeric elements provide the driving connection.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling the respective phased rotation relative to one another of two rotating shafts. The device of the invention finds particular application with respect to automotive engines and sequential operations associated therewith. The rotational displacement, for example, of a cam shaft used to control the opening and closing of engine valves can be controlled with respect to the phasing of rotation of the crankshaft of an engine. The invention finds particular application with regard to a unique, cam actuated valve lifter. In addition, such functions as fuel injection, ignition timing and other sequential operations in an internal combustion engine can be controlled relative, for example, to the rotation crankshaft.

Abstract: A coupling has input and output members interconnected by two-link coupling elements which are flexible in the plane of rotation by centrifugal force acting on them as the coupling rotates and by the torque transmitted. The coupling is soft over a range of speeds and torques.The input member is constructed from two metal spinnings welded together to form a housing which supports the pivot of each coupling element at both ends. The output member is similarly constructed with bushes welded on to support the pivot also at both ends. The pivots are axially free within limits increasing the axial misalignment capability of the coupling. A spring arrangement to buffer the links if they rapidly approach their stops is provided.

Abstract: A drive coupling mechanism for transmitting rotational motion from a drive shaft to a driven shaft by surface-to-surface contact of a flat drive face of a contact head of a first coupler with the flat drive face of a contact head of a second coupler. Each flat drive face lies in a plane extending radially from the axis of the attached shaft. The contact head includes a number of radial and axial guide flats which function only to guide the drive faces of a pair of adjacent couplers into contact with each other as the couplers enter their engaged driving mode.

Abstract: A downhole motor has a rotor and a stator, of the progressive cavity type, inside a housing. A bearing shaft is mounted within the housing, with a bearing between the housing and the bearing shaft, and the bearing shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the bearing shaft and the housing. A flexible rod, with a connection on each end, extends between the rotor and the bearing shaft, for translating the rotation and gyration of the rotor to the true rotation of the bearing shaft. A cylindrical overload sub is located concentrically around the rod. A plurality of splines and slots on the connections engage a plurality of splines and slots on the sub to allow the connections to rotate axially a limited amount in relation to one another. Teeth may be used instead of splines and slots.

Abstract: A lost motion clutch assembly is disclosed which has first, second, and third clutch members. The first and third clutch members are mounted coaxially and contain a plurality of recesses in the surfaces facing each other. The second clutch member is disposed between the first and third, and preferably includes a plurality of balls disposed in arcuate recesses in the first and third clutch members. Each recess has two terminating ends forming engagement shoulders to engage a portion of the balls at the termination of each of the two directions of rotation. Upon inital rotation of the first clutch member in a first rotational direction, the third clutch member is not rotated until a ball has come into contact with the opposite end of the recess in the first clutch member 31 and also in engagement with the opposite end of a recess in the third clutch member. By this construction, an additional angle of angular lost motion is achieved for a given number of balls.

Abstract: A rotary mechanical drive for transmitting rotational movement in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The drive has first, second and third drive members. Interferring surfaces between the first and second members provide positive drive between those members in a first angular direction. Interferring surfaces between the second and third members provide positive drive in a second angular direction. Spring couplings between the first and second members and the second and third members permit manual override of the drive in a direction which is opposite to the positive drive direction.

Abstract: The actuator is disposed in the damper piston rod and includes a solenoid with a reciprocating plunger, a motion converting mechanism which converts solenoid reciprocation to rotation of an input driver, an intermediate driver rotatable with the input driver, a rotatable output driver connected to a valve adjusting rotor in the damper piston, and a torsion spring between the intermediate and output drivers. The spring holds the output driver in a following relation to the intermediate driver so that when pressure spikes immobilize the valve rotor and output driver, the input driver can continue to rotate to a control position. When rotor mobility returns, the spring automatically advances the output driver and valve rotor to the same position which would have been achieved had the rotor not been temporarily immobilized.

Abstract: A friction clutch driven plate comprises an inner hub and a sleeve mounted on the inner hub for limited relative angular movement thereto by means of splines having clearance therebetween. Side plates secured to the hub are coupled through main torsion damping springs to a friction facing carrier having friction facings. The relative angular movement between hub and sleeve is controlled by two circumferentially extending springs which are arranged to be loaded in bending during this movement. To this end seats on the hub and on the sleeve engage against abutments on the springs. The springs are located in grooves of the hub and bear against end faces of the sleeve and so act as circlips to provide axial location between the hub and the sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for disposition between two rotating shafts to reduce transmission of vibration or to increase the torque and speed range of the coupling for a given level of vibration transmission comprises input and output members connectible to driving and driven shafts and interconnected by a spacer via coupling elements which are flexible in the plane of rotation by centrifugal force and by torque transmitted through the coupling, such that, over a range of speeds and torques the spacer is relatively rotatable to at least one member.A secondary coupling is also disclosed to render radially rigid a primary coupling comprising input and output members and coupling elements. The secondary coupling may comprise a bearing or a plain bearing, a multiple bearing or a cross links flexural pivot.

Abstract: A fail-safe flexible coupling is provided for coupling shafts, typically in an aircraft, wherein the coupling includes a plug coupled to the first shaft and a socket coupled to the first shaft and a socket coupled to the second shaft. The plug is arranged and configured to loosely mate with the socket when the shafts are being rotated together by virtue of their primary coupling. When the primary coupling fails, the socket and plug engage each other notwithstanding the failure of the primary coupling between them. The plug is particularly characterized by a screw portion and head portion. The screw portion is threaded into the first shaft. The coupling is secured to the first shaft by the head portion of the plug.

Abstract: A driveshaft coupling particularly suitable for vehicles characterized by its vibration damping ability. Drive and driven members in concentric relationship about an axis of rotation include spaced non-concentric surfaces between which elastomer elements are located. Relative rotation between the members compresses the elastomers to transfer torque. The members also include engageable abutment surfaces directly transferring torque metal-to-metal upon the occurrence of predetermined elastomer deformation.

Abstract: The double universal joint comprises two end yokes (1,2) each of which is connected by a spider element to an intermediate connecting device comprising an outer part (14) and an inner part (15) which are interconnected by an elastically yieldable element (16) interposed between the outer part and the inner part. Each of the outer and inner parts (14,15) is made from a curled and welded sheet metal blank or from a tube and includes a corresponding yoke (19,20) for connection of the part with a corresponding spider element (8,7) associated with an end yoke (1,2) of the joint.

Abstract: An electrically driven pump (10) for circulating liquid in a fish tank (16) or the like comprises a stator (32); an impeller-rotor assembly (80) comprising a shaft (82), a magnetic rotor (84) mounted on the shaft (82) for rotation in response to the electromagnetic field produced by the stator (32), and an impeller (100) rotatable with the rotor (84); and a housing (50, 60) disposed adjacent the stator (32) and defining a chamber for supporting the impeller-rotor assembly (80), the housing having inlet (44) and outlet (70) openings, one of the openings (70) being spaced from one end of the impeller-rotor assembly (80), the housing (50, 60) also defining a connecting channel (66) communicating the one opening (70) with the one end of the assembly (80) for bathing the one end of the assembly (80) in liquid.

Abstract: A torque limiting power transfer mechanism for use on an apparatus connectable to a power takeoff shaft, such as pull-type agricultural equipment is disclosed wherein the drive shaft connectable to the power takeoff shaft is rotatably connected to the clutch mechanism. Stops affixed to the clutch mechanism limit the amount of rotational movement of the drive shaft relative to the clutch and provide a limited amount of rotational movement to facilitate a connection of the drive shaft to the power takeoff shaft, yet provide a positive driving connection between the drive shaft and the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A fail-safe flexible coupling is provided for coupling shafts, typically in an aircraft, wherein the coupling includes a plug coupled to the first shaft and a socket coupled to the first shaft and a socket coupled to the second shaft. The plug is arranged and configured to loosely mate with the socket when the shafts are being rotated together by virtue of their primary coupling. When the primary coupling fails, the socket and plug engage each other securely though the shafts continue to be driven notwithstanding the failure of the primary coupling between them. The plug is particularly characterized by a screw portion and head portion. The screw portion is threaded into the first shaft. The coupling is secured to the first shaft by the head portion of the plug.

Abstract: Bidirectional tape drive systems have first and second tape drive capstans and first and second tape drives for rotating, respectively, the first and second tape drive capstans. The first capstan is angularly movable relative to the first capstan drive and a first elastic coupling restrains relative angular movement between the first capstan and the first capstan drive. Similarly, the second capstan is angularly movable relative to the second capstan drive and a second elastic coupling restrains relative angular movement between the second capstan and the second capstan drive. In this manner, tape tension is maintained above zero when the bidirectional tape drive changes directions, and excessive tension upon application of the tape assembly to the tape drive is avoided, while tape slack upon removal of the tape assembly from the tape drive is automatically taken up.