Abstract: The invention comprises a drive system for use in association with a wheelchair. The drive system includes at least one input gear system, a structure for powering at least one input gear system, at least one transfer gear system, a positioning member, and a structure for transferring movement of the transfer gear system to a wheel. The positioning member positions the desired one of at least two sets of gears of the at least one transfer gear with at least one of the two sets of gears of the at least one input gear system through slidable movement of the at least one of the transfer gear system and the input gear system along their respective axes of rotation. This, in turn, engages the desired gear of the transfer gear system to the desired gear of the input gear system during continuous rotation of these gears. Additionally, the invention includes a handle member for use with a linear conversion system.

Abstract: A robotic clutch with central thrust bearing (10) having a robot adaptor (12) and robotic clutch with central thrust bearing (10) which further has a housing (18) with a housing central opening (18A) therethrough and a housing cavity (18C). The housing (18) further has a housing coupler (18D) in communication with the housing cavity (18C). A toggle breakaway (14) which has a toggle breakaway collar (14F) securely fastened thereto extending downwardly therefrom through the housing central opening (18A). The toggle breakaway (14) is securely connected to the robot adaptor (12). A thrust roller bearing (22) which has a thrust roller bearing central opening (22A) therethrough and a top thrust roller bearing (22T) is circumferentially positioned along an inner surface of the housing top (18T). The thrust roller bearing (22) further has a bottom thrust roller bearing (22B) securely connected to the toggle breakaway collar (14F).

Abstract: A torque limiting coupling, in drive lines or driving agricultural machinery has a first coupling part (1) and a second coupling part (14), as well as a switching ring (19) loaded by a spring (28). Balls (30) transmit torque between the first coupling part (1) and the second coupling part (14). The balls are axially adjustable in apertures (6) of the first coupling part (1). The apertures (6) are uniformly circumferentially distributed around the axis of rotation (2). In the torque transmitting position, the apertures (6) are positioned opposite torque transmitting recesses (16) in the second coupling part (14). The balls (30) are held in recesses (16) in the engaged condition by the switching ring (19). When the torque is exceeded, the balls (30) escape out of the torque transmitting recesses (16). In the course of this process, the switching ring (19) is first displaced against the force of the loading spring (28).

Abstract: A damper device for rotary motion is disclosed which is small in size, has an excellent durability and can optionally change damping characteristics from the outside. Rotation of an input shaft is transmitted to a cylinder tube through a rotation transmitting device of loading cam type, thereby rotating an output shaft engaged with the cylinder tube through splines. When the rotational speed and torque of power to be transmitted is fluctuated, the cylinder tube is displaced against the resiliency of a conical plate spring and the volume of a pressure chamber is reduced. A viscous liquid in the pressure chamber is then discharged to the outside through a throttle hole. A relative displacement between the input and output shafts absorbs vibrations in terms of energy corresponding to the product of the mass and changes in the angular speed of members which are displaced in synch with the input shaft.

Abstract: A steering valve (1) for supplying an actuator with hydraulic pressure, consists of an input shaft (2), an output shaft (3), a torque rod (4), connected at one end to the input shaft (2) and at the other end to the output shaft (3), and a valve sleeve (5) surrounding the input shaft (2). A torsionally resistant, axially elastic element (9) is contained within the steering valve (1), connected at one end to the input shaft (2) and at the other end to a catch device (10). The catch device (10) ensures no relative displacement between the valve sleeve (5) and the input shaft (2); prior to a predetermined degree of torque, and converts the torque acting upon the input shaft (2) to axial forces acting upon the elastic element (9) until a release position is reached. The elastic element (9) is mounted on the input shaft (2) by means of a bearing sleeve (11), which is fixed in an axial position on the input shaft (2).

Abstract: A toy vehicle has a drive wheel and a flywheel that are coupled together by a slip clutch which includes a flexible pawl extended from the drive wheel to the surface of the flywheel so that the drive wheel may be grasped and brought to an immediate stop without injury. The toy vehicle cooperates with the energizer-launcher so that the toy vehicle is spring catapulted therefrom upon release thereof. The energizer-launcher has a pistol grip handle with trigger for one-handed aiming and launching of the vehicle and a pull cord for accelerating the flywheel and drive wheel while the launcher is being held by the pistol grip handle. A tachometer may be provided on the energizer-launcher. The toy vehicle further may have a spark generator on the drive wheel which is activated by the rotation of the drive wheel after the vehicle is launched.

Abstract: An improved torque window assembly for motor vehicles has a peripheral frame defining an opening, and a moveable glazing pane pivotally mounted to the frame for movement about a pivot axis between an open and closed position. A torque handle is operatively connected to the glazing pane by a linkage assembly, including a torque bar which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A mounting assembly for the moveable glazing pane includes a hinge rail along a peripheral edge of the glazing pane. The hinge rail provides a U-shaped glazing channel to receive the peripheral edge of the glazing pane with a biased interference fit. The linkage from the torque bar to the hinge rail includes a one-piece hinge link having a substantially planar link section perpendicular to the hinge rail and two or more tabs received, one each, into U-shaped hinge channels extending axially along the hinge rail.

Abstract: A winch assembly is provided for use with a torque-override shaft. The winch assembly includes a winch supported on a winch shaft for rotation therewith and a winch housing defining a first chamber for the winch and including a housing wall with an opening to receive the winch shaft. In addition, the winch assembly includes a torque-override apparatus, a shell defining a second chamber for receiving the torque-override apparatus and having a radially-extending peripheral rim, and means for retaining the peripheral rim in fixed engagement with the housing wall so that the shell is prevented from rotating with respect to the winch housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mechanical clutch which limits transmission of torque to a desired, predetermined maximum torque from a first clutch plate to a second clutch plate. More specifically, the mechanical clutch includes at least one stepper member, preferably three or more evenly spaced stepper members, which transmit the torque from a first clutch plate to a second clutch plate providing a desired maximum torque is not exceeded. However, if the desired maximum torque is exceeded, the stepper member will rotate and move between the clutch plates so that the torque to the second clutch plate does not exceed the desired maximum torque. The desired maximum torque is set by the axial force compressing the stepper member between the clutch plates and when the applied torque to the first clutch plate exceeds the desired torque, the stepper member will rotate between the clutch plates rather than transmit that torque to the second clutch plate.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch which transmits gradually increasing torque up to a prescribed limit at which limit the clutch disengages from its load. An embodiment designed for light service use in dentistry encloses all the working parts in a housing through which torque is applied to the load, and is autoclavable. This embodiment can be attached to known dental handpieces for assembling components of dental restorations with prescribed limited torque.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch which transmits gradually increasing torque up to a prescribed limit at which limit the clutch disengages from its load. An embodiment designed for light service use in dentistry encloses all the working parts in a housing through which torque is applied to the load, and is autoclavable, This embodiment can be attached to known dental handpieces for assembling components of dental restorations with prescribed limited torque.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch which transmits gradually increasing torque up to a prescribed limit at which limit the clutch disengages from its load. An embodiment designed for light service use in dentistry encloses all the working parts in a housing through which torque is applied to the load, and is autoclavable. This embodiment can be attached to known dental headpieces for assembling components of dental restorations with prescribed limited torque.

Abstract: A slip clutch mechanism is provided with a clutch shaft rotated by a driving power source, a pair of slip pinions supported on the clutch shaft in such a manner as to be rotatable around the clutch shaft, and a pair of slip washers supported on the clutch shaft, in such a manner as to be rotatable as unified with the clutch shaft and movable in the axial direction of the clutch shaft and as to get into frictional contact with the individual sliding pinions at the inner sides thereof. A compression coil spring member is interposed between the slip washers and brings the slip washers into frictional contact with the slip pinions. An output shaft is rotated by one of the pair of slip pinions.

Abstract: Driving member of the mixing centers are driven permanently by a transmission element for driving a coupling member with which a complementary coupling member of a stirring pot is brought in engagement. Each driving member comprises a pulley connected to the driving shaft of a coupling member by a resilient means associated with protrusions interposed between the shaft and the pulley, said protrusions disconnecting the shaft from the pulley when there is a unacceptable excess of a retaining torque applied to the coupling member.

Abstract: An adjustable, precision overload clutch device is disclosed as comprising a rotating driving member drivingly coupled by spring-urged detent plunger members to a driven member, in which bearings are provided for journalably mounting the head of each plunger member to the driving member, and spring adjusting members which permit pre-loading by the spring of each detent plunger and associated bearings. This combination allows the overload clutch to achieve a high locational accuracy upon each resetting after clearance of an obstruction. Elastomeric springs are preferably used for the detent plunger springs, so that by use of the adjusting member, the overload torque range for the precision overload clutch can be substantially adjusted (within limits) as desired for a given application. The clutch also includes structure to make it moisture resistant, including when coupled to an intermittent drive unit, such as a motor-driven indexer, for example.

Abstract: An overload clutch has a pair of clutch members relatively rotatable about an axis and each formed with an axially forwardly directed track and with a plurality of angularly spaced seats opening into the track, these seats being alignable to form axially forwardly open pockets in at least one relative angular position of the members. A bearing supports the members on each other for relative rotation about the clutch axis. Respective rollers engageable in the pockets are angularly displaceable in the tracks so that when they are in the pockets the two members are rotationally coupled such that one can drive the other and when the rollers are in the track the members are relatively rotatable.

Abstract: In semiconductor vacuum processing, it is desirable to minimize the material handling mechanisms that must be located in the evacuated process chamber. To accomplish this, a mechanism has been designed that locates the necessary power elements such as motors (12-16) outside the chamber (32). Power is transmitted to the mechanism via commercially available rotary vacuum feed-through devices (30) mounted in the chamber walls (28) and the separable, zero backlash couplings (44) located within the chamber. These couplings (44) allow easy removal and replacement of the handling mechanism without the need for physical access and tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to an overload release clutch having: a hub 2 which is disposed on a shaft 1 and has two coupling halves 3,6 which are coupled with provision for axial disengagement in relation to one another by means of a positive connection 4,5 one clutch half 3 being disposed rotatably and axially secured on the hub 2 and the other clutch half 6 being disposed non-rotatably and axially displaceable thereon, the other clutch half 6 being urged towards the first-mentioned clutch half 3 by a spring arrangement having an adjustable axial force and a snap-over characteristic characterized in that the spring arrangement has a concentric resilient ring 8 which is so borne on the hub 2 by means of radially directed rigid bearing elements 10,21 inclined at an angle to the axial normal plane in the direction of the ring 8, that, when acted upon with an axial force directed towards the direction of inclination of the supporting elements 10, the ring 8 can be radially expanded.

Abstract: An overload clutch has a pair of clutch members relatively rotatable about an axis and each formed with an axially forwardly directed track and with a plurality of angularly spaced seats opening into the track, these seats being alignable to form axially forwardly open pockets in at least one relative angular position of the members. A bearing supports the members on each other for relative rotation about the clutch axis. Respective rollers engageable in the pockets are angularly displaceable in the tracks so that when they are in the pockets the two members are rotationally coupled such that one can drive the other and when the rollers are in the track the members are relatively rotatable.

Abstract: The soil working machine, especially a circular spike harrow, includes a support housing (2) which extends perpendicular to the running direction (1), several soil working tools (3) disposed next to one another at the support housing (2), tool supports (4) asociated with each of the soil working tools (3), a driveshaft (6) connected to the tool support (4) and rotatably mounted in the support housing (2), and a rotational drive for the tool supports (4). The rotational drive has a gear wheel transmission (10) disposed in the support housing (2), the gear wheel transmission (10) having one gear wheel (11) for each tool support (4), the gear wheel (11) being rotatably mounted on a hub body (12) which is affixed on the drivehsaft (6) in a non-rotating fashion. The gear wheel (11) is coupled to the hub body (12) by a catching device (14, 25) which is under a spring pretension and which can be temporarily released in case of overload.

Abstract: A parking meter actuator handle is provided with a breakaway device comprising a detent disposed between first and second relatively rotatable parts. The detent is pre-loaded in a pair of aligned recesses but accommodates displacement in response to a breakaway torque to protect the parking meter against vandalism.

Abstract: A mechanical drive, especially a stepping drive which can be driven by a drive shaft (14) for the conversion of a rotary drive movement to an output rotary movement which follows a given law of movement and can be taken from an output shaft (16), is provided with a spring-biased safety coupling (22; 26; 28) which disengages upon overload. The spring (30) biasing the safety coupling is supported on a biasing element which is mounted in the drive casing (12) for movement by a given amount in the direction of an increase or reduction of the spring bias, and which is part of the output of a cam drive whose cam is coupled co-rotationally with the drive shaft or output shaft (14 and 16, respectively).

Abstract: In semiconductor vacuum processing, it is desirable to minimize the material handling mechanisms that must be located in the evacuated process chamber. To accomplish this, a mechanism has been designed that locates the necessary power elements such as motors (12-16) outside the chamber (32). Power is transmitted to the mechanism via commercially available rotary vacuum feed-through devices (30) mounted in the chamber walls (28) and the separable, zero backlash couplings (44) located within the chamber. These couplings (44) allow easy removal and replacement of the handling mechanism without the need for physical access and tools.

Abstract: A meter apparatus wherein time is purchased upon deposit of a coin or the like for setting of a clock mechanism. A parking meter may be involved, and a rotatable handle is provided for operating a drive shaft connected between the clock mechanism and handle. A clutch is interposed between the handle and drive shaft with the clutch including a pin or other releasable element engaging both the shaft and handle. A spring force is applied to the pin so that normal rotation of the handle will operate the drive shaft. Excessive force will release the pin in opposition to the spring so that damage will not occur even upon continued rotation of the handle. The pin and handle are ordinarily reset in a proper starting position so that the next operation of the meter will proceed in correct fashion.

Abstract: An automatic overload clutch has interfitting clutch elements (10,11;50,51) which are spring-loaded to disengage two coaxial clutch parts (1,2;45,46). To provide for reengagement of the clutch parts after overload, in predetermined angular and rotational orientation, that is, with predetermined angular alignment and/or respective numbers of revolutions of the clutch parts, for example, to associate machine tool operation with certain tool positions, one of the clutch parts carries an engagement key element (37,60) and the other an interfitting engagement lock element (34,62). One of the engagement elements, for example, the lock element, is formed as a ring and movable upon relative rotation of the two clutch parts with recurring, or angular relative displacement.

Abstract: To provide a compact clutch, two clutch parts (1, 2; 44,54,55,73,74) are located in axially fixed position on respective driving and driven shafts. The clutch can be automatically disengaged upon transfer of excessive torque, by including bolt elements (16,61) which are positioned circumferentially around one of the clutch elements (2) and parallel to the axis of rotation (17,60) of the clutch, the bolt elements carrying directly, or engaging respectively tooth or tooth gap elements which are shiftable axially against a bias force, for example provided by a spring (22).

Abstract: A shaft coupling comprises two coupling members, which are connected or adapted to be connected to respective shafts. One of the two coupling members is provided on a coupling face with an even number of bores, which have a uniform angular spacing and are either parallel to the axis of rotation of the coupling or radial with respect to said axis. A piston is slidably mounted in each bore and has a coupling end face with is beveled or crowned. Hydraulic lines are provided for applying fluid pressure to each piston at its rear end. The other coupling member is provided on a coupling face with an annular series of alternating elevations and depressions, which also have a uniform angular spacing. By the application of hydraulic pressure to the rear end faces of the pistons, the coupling end faces of the pistons are urged against the elevations and depressions.

Abstract: An overload release clutch to be mounted between rotary drive and driven members includes a recess formed on one member and a hole formed on the other member at a position axially corresponding to the recess, the recess being arcuate in the circumferential direction and extending in the axial direction. A transmission roller having a crowned peripheral surface, extending in the axial direction and having a tapered surface at least one end, is fitted in the hole so as to be rotatable on its axis and movable along the radial direction. The roller is normally urged by pressure means radially inward and engages with the recess for transmitting the rotational movement of the drive member to the driven member. When an overload torque is applied, the pressure means permits the roller to move radially outward to disengage from the recess.

Abstract: A rotary-elastic oscillation-damping shaft coupling includes a fluid damping arrangement. Transmission of torque from the primary part to the secondary part is accomplished by a disk-like coupling part which extends approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The coupling part is provided on one side with axially-extending projections and recesses arranged in a ring. The lateral surfaces of the projections and recesses are inclined toward one another in a circumferential direction. The coupling part engages similar projections and recesses of the disk-like secondary part, or a coupling disk connected to the latter. Sets of spring elements, preferably cup springs, are arranged laterally on the coupling part. The coupling is filled with damping oil, which is pressed through throttle devices provided under the action of the axially-shiftable coupling disk, from one side of the disk to the other.

Abstract: An overload coupling having coaxially arranged coupling halves. At least one of the coupling halves is axially displaceable and is held by spring force in form-fitting engagement with the other, and the coupling halves have a face gear on their facing ends for effecting the form-fitting engagement. The flanks of the gear-tooth system that rest on one another during torque transmission generate an axial force component, which acts in the direction of disengagement, and a radial force component. The axially displaceable coupling half is embodied such that it is radially variable counter to a restoring force.

Abstract: A lubricant free low cost overload release clutch having a spring housing with an integral hub, a detector ring containing fixed detent bullets for engagement with springs in the housing on one side, and a bullet detent housing on the other side, together with spider cushion and shaft housing engaged for rotary turning with the bullet detent housing in response to the rotation of a shaft in the shaft housing. The release clutch responds to preset torque limits determined by spring tension. After a disengagement caused by excess torque, the clutch will reset by further rotation of the detent housing.

Abstract: A torque limiting overload coupling for preventing an excessive load given to an output element from being reversely transferred to an input element which includes a plurality of paired balls, used as a rotation-transmitting connection between the input and output elements and which are held by the same number of holes extending through a ring plate fastened to the input element, held between a flange on the input element and a slider movable in the axial direction and slidably held on the input element. Each pair of balls has one ball engaged in a hole of the flange and the other ball engaged in a hole of the slider which is biased towards the flange by a compressive force of a spring attached to the rear side of the slider. In a space between the slider and the input element are a pair of parallel, trapezoidal cross-sectioned bars which form a tapered groove therebetween in which an intervener is received, the intervener formed from many sections of a ring having a wedge shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A torsional vibration absorber device is positioned between two relatively rotatable members. A coupling member has a projection engaging a camming surface on one of the members, the camming surface being slanted circumferentially with respect to the axial direction. A wet type friction clutch is interposed between the coupling member and the other rotary member and is urged in the direction of its engagement upon axial movement of said coupling member, and a spring opposes such movement of the coupling member. A hydraulic oil chamber connected to atmosphere via an orifice decreases in volume upon axial movement of the coupling member.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism comprises driving means 12 selectively engaged by driven means 13. The driving means 12 includes an active driving sprocket 15 engaged by a drive chain. The positional relationship of the sprocket 15 with respect to the drive chain is selectively adjustable through a clamp mechanism 21. Locking means 139, 141 preclude the driven means 13 from rotating when the driving means 13 is disengaged from the driving means 12. The positional relationship of the locking means 139 is adjustable relative to coupling drive pins 129.

Abstract: An overload clutch which is prevented from unintentionally switching into the freewheeling position when rotational vibrations occur includes torque-transmitting members held in apertures of a first clutch member and adapted to be engaged in first recesses of a second clutch member for bringing the clutch into torque-transmitting engagement. A switching ring includes second recesses adapted to align with the apertures in the first clutch member when an overload condition occurs. A circumferentially acting spring tends to hold the switching ring in the torque-transmitting position and a securing pin is mounted in the first clutch member for engagement in a detent in the switching ring to hold the switching ring in torque-transmitting position. The securing pin is held in engagement with the detent by a spring but is arranged so as to extend into the detent a distance which will permit disengagement of the securing pin when a predetermined nominal torque of the clutch is exceeded.

Abstract: Two coaxial clutch members, one driving and one driven, are normally coupled for joint rotation by several peripherally spaced rotary coupling elements projecting under a resilient biasing force into aligned sets of recesses thereof, at least one of these sets having camming edges by which the coupling elements are dislodged against their biasing force when the driven clutch member tends to lag behind the driving clutch member in the event of an overload. One clutch member, or a guide member entrained thereby, has peripherally spaced-apart lodgments which are aligned with its recesses at least during normal operation and confine the cammed-out coupling elements under overload conditions; the guide member may be a cage operatively connected with both clutch members through a planetary-gear transmission so as to rotate about their axis at a speed intermediate those of the two clutch members when they are decoupled from each other.

Abstract: An overload clutch assembly including a driving member and a driven member having torque transmitting balls operatively disposed therebetween in apertures in the driving member and engageable in recesses in the driven member with a control member axially spring biased to hold the balls in the recesses in the driven member to effect the engaged condition of the clutch. The control member is circumferentially movable relative to the driving member against the action of biasing springs to bring recesses in the control member into alignment with the torque transmitting members so that the clutch assembly can be moved to the disengaged condition. The control member includes a first radially outwardly extending cam which is engageable by a radially movable external control tappet to cause circumferential movement of the control member for bringing the clutch into the disengaged condition when required other than in response to torque overload.

Abstract: An overload clutch having a sleeve and a hub with a cage connected to the hub having apertures in which balls are received for effecting torque transmission in the clutch. A pressure ring spring-biased to engge the balls with cam elements on the sleeve operates to urge the balls towards the sleeve. The balls engage within recesses in a control ring within the sleeve and the cam elements of the sleeve extend through windows in the control ring which are circumferentially larger than the cam elements so that the control ring and the sleeve may move to a limited extent circumferentially relative to each other. The shape of the pressure ring and of the cam elements is such that as the balls go out of engagement with the recesses in the control ring, for example when overload occurs, the force exerted on the balls is decreased so that wear is reduced under overload conditions.

Abstract: An overload clutch or coupling includes a hub section connected to one drive element and a housing connected to another drive element. Plungers are fitted in sockets in the housing such that the shank portions of the plungers project from one side of the housing and conical end faces project from the other side of the housing where they engage with plunger seats on the hub. The hub has pull pin sockets that receive spring-biased pull pins and apply a force to a pressure plate that acts on the projecting shank portions of the plungers to maintain them in the plunger seats. The plungers are displaced from the seats when the torque between the hub and housing exceeds the maximum torque to be transmitted by the coupling or clutch. The housing can slide along the plungers to accommodate floating movement between the driven and driving parts of the clutch or coupling. A keeper plate is attached to the hub to retain the housing against such floating axial movement when desired.

Abstract: A switching and control apparatus, comprising: a stepping switch with a rotatable controller barrel; a regulator having a rotatable setting shaft drivable by the controller barrel; a clutch, including a regulator-side coupling member fixed for rotation together with the setting shaft, effective over a predetermined range of angular regulator settings, in which the controller barrel drives the setting shaft, and ineffective at angular settings beyond the predetermined range, during which the setting shaft is not driven by the controller barrel; and, a spring-loaded arrangement for restraining rotational movement of the regulator-side coupling member during movement of the controller barrel beyond the predetermined angular range.

Abstract: A planar drive mechanism comprises a sprocket wheel for a planar chain and a drive shaft for rotating the sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel has a secondary rim portion for driving the chain and the drive shaft has a primary rim. A clutch mechanism is connected between the primary and secondary rims which comprises a circular groove of trapazoidal cross section formed in the secondary rim which receives a plurality of friction segments connected to the primary rim. Each friction segment is carried by a coupling bolt which is slidably mounted in radially extending bores in the primary rim aligned with the circular groove. The coupling bolts and friction heads while functioning as a unit can be made of two separate materials, the coupling bolt made of material to give it strength and the friction segments made of material to give it wear resistance.

Abstract: A rotary transmission assembly for mounting on a shaft includes a slip clutch for limiting the torque which may be transmitted between a chain sprocket forming part of the transmission assembly and the shaft. The sprocket is rotatably mounted on a hub which may be keyed to the shaft. Adjacent and approximately co-planar radial faces of hub and sprocket both include serrated clutching surfaces. Torque transmission between shaft and sprocket is completed by an annular connecting clutch element having a face including concentric inner and outer annular clutching surfaces having sets of serrations for mating respectively with the clutching surfaces of the hub and sprocket. A compression spring holds the serrations in engagement in normal operation. When a predetermined torque is exceeded, the clutching surfaces separate axially until relative rotation can take place between the sprocket and hub.