Abstract: A bidirectional torque limier, which allows setting a slip torque for a case of inputting rotation from a driving part to be smaller than a slip torque for a case of inputting rotation from a driven part. The force of an external coil spring (42) to clamp an outer race (8) is set smaller than the force of an internal coil spring (48) to clamp an inner race (10), so that the external coil spring (42) increases its diameter to slip with respect to the outer race (8) when a rotation torque is applied from the driving part, while the internal coil spring (48) increases its diameter to slip with respect to the inner race (10) when a rotation torque is applied from the driven part.

Abstract: A bidirectional torque limiter between an inner race and an outer race. A first hook portion (16) of a first coil spring (6) and a second hook portion (20) of a second coil spring (10) are to be fixed by an intermediate race (8) and an outer race (12), respectively.

Abstract: In an aspect, an isolation device is provided for a belt and a component shaft in an engine. The device includes a hub, a pulley, an isolation spring and a damping member that is fixed rotationally relative to the hub and is engageable frictionally with the pulley. Torque transmission through the spring below a selected non-zero torque, irrespective of hub load on the pulley, drives a change in radius of the helical coils of the spring that is sufficiently small that the spring avoids pressing the damping member against the pulley. Torque transmission through the spring above the selected non-zero torque, irrespective of hub load on the pulley, drives a change in radius of the helical coils that is sufficiently large that the isolation spring applies a radial force to press the damping member against the pulley so as to generate frictional damping.

Abstract: An adjustment device for a disc brake is operable for adjusting brake pads to compensate wear. The adjustment device includes a guide sleeve in which a wrap spring is arranged a groove ring surrounding the guide sleeve and coupled to a closure cap via a torsion spring, and an opening ring surrounding the groove ring.

Abstract: A pulley structure may be equipped with an outer rotating body, an inner rotating body, and a coil spring. The pulley structure has a cross section of the spring wire of the coil spring along a direction running along the rotational axis and parallel to the rotational axis being a trapezoidal shape, and the length of an inner-diameter-side portion in the rotational axis direction in the cross section being greater than the length of an outer-diameter-side portion in the rotational axis direction in the cross section.

Abstract: An adjuster unit (100) for a vehicle disc brake (1), in particular an air disc brake (1) of a commercial vehicle, includes an adjustment spindle (101) adapted to be operatively coupled with one of the brake pads (9) such that by rotation in a first direction, the adjustment spindle (101) moves the brake pad (9) towards the disc (11). By rotation in a second direction opposite of the first direction, the adjustment spindle (101) moves the brake pad away from the disc (11). An actuator ring assembly (107) is rotatable about the adjustment spindle (101); and a wrap spring (109) is helically wound around the adjustment spindle (101). The wrap spring (109), being part of the adjuster unit, is positioned on the adjuster unit, in particular on the adjustment spindle, to engage a stop (117) upon rotation of the adjustment spindle (101) in the second direction, causing the diameter of the wrap spring (109) to increase.

Abstract: A spring type one-way clutch includes an outer ring rotatable about a rotary shaft and having an inner tubular portion, and a clutch spring mounted in the outer ring. The clutch spring includes a large-diameter coil spring portion, a transition portion connected to the winding end of the large-diameter coil spring portion, and a small-diameter coil spring portion connected to the radially inner end of the transition portion and wound in the opposite direction from the large-diameter coil spring portion. When the outer ring is rotated in the direction opposite the winding direction of the large-diameter coil spring portion, the large- and small-diameter coil spring portions are radially compressed and pressed against the inner tubular portion and the rotary shaft, allowing the rotary shaft to rotate together with the outer ring. The transition portion spirals radially inwardly in the winding direction of the large-diameter coil spring portion.

Abstract: A torque hinge or torque limiter includes external and internal cylindrical members that are capable of relatively rotating, and a coil spring placed between the external and internal cylindrical members. A first circumferential portion is formed on a front-end side of the inner periphery of the external cylindrical member. A second circumferential portion is formed on a rear-end side of the outer periphery of the internal cylindrical member. The torque value that blocks the rotary torque of the external or internal cylindrical member in a first arbitrary direction is set by pressing the first circumferential portion against the outer circumferential portion of the coil spring. The torque value that blocks the rotary torque of the external or internal cylindrical member in a second arbitrary direction is set by pressing the second circumferential portion against the inner circumferential portion of the coil spring.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a decoupler assembly for between an endless drive element and a shaft. The endless drive element may be, for example, an accessory drive belt from a vehicular engine. The shaft may be, for example, the input shaft of a belt-driven accessory, such as an alternator or a compressor. The decoupler assembly includes a hub that mounts to the shaft, a pulley that is rotatable with respect to the hub, a dampening spring and a clutch member. A part of the pulley is supported on a pulley support surface on the hub. There is a gap between the pulley and the pulley support surface. The gap has lubricant therein to facilitate sliding between the pulley and the pulley support surface. By eliminating the use of a polymeric bushing between pulley and the hub, there are several advantages that are provided.

Abstract: An isolator decoupler comprising a pulley, a shaft, the pulley journalled to the shaft on a low friction bushing, a spring carrier disposed within the pulley, a torsion spring coupled between the pulley and the spring carrier, a wrap spring one way clutch wrapped about the shaft and having a frictional engagement therewith, the wrap spring one way clutch coupled to the spring carrier, the wrap spring one way clutch is disposed radially inward of the torsion spring, and the pulley temporarily engagable with an end of the wrap spring one way clutch in an unwinding direction whereby a temporary contact between the wrap spring one way clutch end and the pulley will temporarily diminish the frictional engagement of the wrap spring one way clutch with the shaft.

Abstract: In an aspect, a decoupler includes a hub, a pulley, a torsion spring, a first spring driver fixed to the pulley, and having a first stop feature for the spring; a second spring driver mounted about the hub and not fixed to the pulley, and having a second stop feature for the spring, a driving clutch shaft mounted connected to the second spring driver, a driven clutch shaft mounted concentrically with the driving clutch shaft and drivingly connected to the hub, a one-way wrap spring clutch mounted about the hub and disposed to interconnect the driving and driven clutch shafts, and configured to transfer torque in a first direction between the driving and driven clutch shafts, and an axial biasing member acting between one of (i) the pulley and the driving clutch shaft and (ii) the hub and driven clutch shaft, to urge the driving and driven clutch shafts together.

Abstract: An isolating decoupler comprising a shaft, a pulley rotationally engaged with the shaft, a coil spring engaged between the pulley and a spring carrier, the spring carrier moveable relative to the shaft and pulley, a one-way clutch mounted to the shaft, a first torsion spring and a second torsion spring engaged between the spring carrier and the one-way clutch, the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring having a releasable frictional engagement with the one-way clutch, the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring comprising adjacent parallel strands and having substantially equal diameters, the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring each being engagable with the pulley, the first torsion spring releasing a frictional engagement with the one-way clutch upon an engagement with the pulley, and the second torsion spring releasing a frictional engagement with the one-way clutch upon an engagement with the pulley.

Abstract: A friction coupling has a drive part, an output part, and a friction element which can transfer a friction moment between the drive part and the output part. A release element is provided which after a predetermined rotation angle of the friction coupling can act on the friction element so that a reduction of the friction moment occurs.

Abstract: In a spring type torque limiter, it is proposed to prevent cut end portions of a coil spring fitted on an inner ring from causing chatter of the torque limiter, even if the cut end portions of the coil spring are separated from a radially outer surface of the inner ring in order to prevent burrs remaining on the cut end portions of the coil spring from contacting the radially outer surface of the inner ring. The first cut end portion of the coil spring fitted on the inner ring is inserted in a recess of a first spring receiving protrusion formed on the radially inner surface of the outer annular member. The second cut end portion is inserted in a recess of a second spring receiving protrusion formed on the inner surface of the lid member, thereby restraining the first and second cut end portions with the recesses.

Abstract: A torque limiter includes a driving bushing, a clutch spring wound around an outer circumference of the driving bushing, and a housing receiving a driving force via the clutch spring. The housing includes a first catch portion engaged with a first end portion of the clutch spring, and a second catch portion engaged with a second end portion of the clutch spring. The second catch portion is movable with respect to the first catch portion to change an angle between the first and second end portions of the clutch spring.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: A decoupler assembly is provided for allowing an alternator to be rotatably driven by a serpentine belt in an engine of an automotive vehicle and for allowing the speed of the belt to oscillate relative to the alternator. A hub is fixedly carried by a drive shaft from the alternator for rotation therewith. A pulley is rotatably journaled to the hub by a ball bearing assembly. A bare, helical clutch spring is operatively coupled between the hub and pulley for transferring rotational movement from the pulley to the hub during acceleration of the pulley relative to the hub by the serpentine belt and for allowing the hub to overrun the pulley during deceleration of the pulley relative to the hub. A torque limiter, preferably a spring or sleeve, is wrapped about the torsion limiting outward expansion of the torsion isolating the torsion spring from torques above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A decoupler assembly for transferring rotary movement between an engine driven shaft and a serpentine belt. The decoupler includes a hub configured to be assembled to the shaft. The hub has a helical first slot formed therein. A pulley is rotatably coupled to the hub. A carrier is mounted on the hub and includes a helical second slot formed therein, as well as an anti-ramp up boss formed thereon. A thrust plate is fixed to the hub and has a slot formed therein. A torsion spring is compressed between a hub end retained in the helical first slot and a carrier end retained in the helical second slot for transferring torque between the hub and carrier. The anti-ramp up boss travels within the slot formed in the thrust plate for limiting rotation between the carrier and thrust plate and preventing rotation of the torsion spring relative to the hub and carrier.

Abstract: A one way isolator for high torque devices, such as alternator-starters, driven by a flexible drive means includes a hub and a sheave each of which includes at least one stop member. The hub and sheave are linked by a isolating spring and, via a bearing and/or bushing, can rotate with respect to each other to provide isolation, through the spring, from torque variations when torque is transferred from the flexible drive means to the device. When substantial amounts of torque are transferred from the device to the flexible drive means, the sheave rotates with respect to the hub to bring the stop members into contact such that the isolator then acts like a solid pulley to facilitate the transfer of the torque from the device.

Abstract: A decoupler assembly is provided for allowing an alternator to be rotatably driven by a serpentine belt in an engine of an automotive vehicle and for allowing the speed of the belt to oscillate relative to the alternator. A hub is fixedly carried by a drive shaft from the alternator for rotation therewith. A pulley is rotatably journaled to the hub by a ball bearing assembly. A bare, helical clutch spring is operatively coupled between the hub and pulley for transferring rotational movement from the pulley to the hub during acceleration of the pulley relative to the hub by the serpentine belt and for allowing the hub to overrun the pulley during deceleration of the pulley relative to the hub. A torque limiter, preferably a spring or sleeve, is wrapped about the torsion limiting outward expansion of the torsion isolating the torsion spring from torques above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A display base including a torque limiter capable of inhibiting the number of components from increase and the torque limiter are obtained. This display base includes a driving source turning a display screen portion and a transmission gear portion for transmitting driving force of the driving source to a turning portion. The transmission gear portion includes a torque limiter having a driven gear member integrally provided with a plurality of support sections formed concentrically with rotational axis, a drive gear member fitted onto an outer peripheral surface of each of the support sections of the driven gear member, and a spring member pressing the support sections against the drive gear member by being press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of each of the support sections of the driven gear member.

Abstract: A spring-loaded torque limiter includes an annular outer member, an inner ring rotatably inserted in the annular outer member, a coil spring fitted on the radially outer surface of the inner ring, and a lid member fitted between the inner ring and the annular outer member, thereby closing a gap therebetween at one end of the annular outer member. The coil spring has a uniform diameter. The annular outer member has an axially inner end face formed with a protrusion adapted to engage one of the two end faces of the coil spring. The lid member has an axially inner surface formed with a protrusion adapted to engage the other end face of the coil spring.

Abstract: A motor drive system includes a motor having a rotary motor output shaft, a driven component, and a flexible coupling connecting the motor output shaft to the driven component. The flexible coupling is a helix formed of a first wound wire. The helix has a helix unbonded free length that is less than about two times a helix outer diameter. The approach is particularly suitable for miniature motors and their driven components, wherein the motor output shaft has a shaft diameter of less than about 3 millimeters and the helix outer diameter is less than about 3 millimeters.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting the clutch state in a motor vehicle, in particular during engine drag torque regulation, is described. A particularly simple and cost-effective method of detecting the clutch state is made possible by determining the engine speed and a wheel speed and by calculating a gear ratio therefrom. Threshold values for the overall gear ratio are stored in the system for at least each of the lower gears (e.g., the first through the third gear). The clutch state may be identified by comparing the calculated overall gear ratio with the threshold values of the particular gear.

Abstract: A damper includes a housing and a rotor. A portion of the rotor extends outwardly of the housing and has a gear rotatably disposed thereon. A coil spring encircles the portion of the rotor, and has an end segment secured to the gear. Rotation of the gear in one direction tightens the grip of the spring on the rotor, and rotation of the gear in the opposite direction loosens the grip of the spring on the rotor.

Abstract: A torsional-vibration damper for decoupling the torsional vibration between a drive assembly and a secondary assembly is disclosed. The damper includes a first connector operatively connected to one of the assemblies, a pressure body connected to the first connector, a second connector operatively connected to the first connector permitting transmission of rotational motion therebetween, an axial displacement limiter, and a ramp unit. The ramp unit includes a resilient member and a ramp body that is connected to the second connector. The ramp body includes first and second ramps that are operatively interactive with the pressure body. The first and second ramps define a stable position when the first and second ramps and the pressure body are pressed into engagement with one another by the resilient member. The first and second connectors are rotatable with respect to one another through a predetermined angle of rotation measured from the stable position.

Abstract: A bi-directional torque-limiting interface for rotary operating devices is shown and described. The interface includes a first section receiving torque from a source, a second section delivering the received torque to a rotary operating device and a coupler operably connecting the first and second sections. The coupler is preloaded to a predetermined value and maintains a particular angular relationship between the first and second sections under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a compact torque limiter to be used for a personal printer. It has a sleeve having an annular boss portion, and a ring-like elastic member. The sleeve generates a radial force relative to a shaft inserted in the sleeve by imparting elasticity in the diameter-reducing direction to the sleeve by fitting an elastic member onto the sleeve to reduce its diameter.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for transmitting a rotational power from a pulley to a drive shaft of a compressor is disclosed. A coil spring is mounted on the drive shaft to absorb a load applied to the drive shaft when power is transmitted. The coil spring is arranged to be deformed upon generation of the load. A structure that transmits the power to the coil spring is securely attached to the pulley and coupled to the coil spring with a predetermined interference.

Abstract: A drive device for a control member which is driven by a motor in two directions has a freewheel clutch which is in the form of a wrap spring wound around a shaft. An end region of the wrap spring has at least one winding whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the shaft which is disposed in an end region of the wrap spring, so that the wrap spring does not bear against the shaft in the end region. The wrap spring effectively suppresses noise generation which would occur upon loading or blocking of the drive device, in particular in a transmission, due to oscillation of the motor.

Abstract: A torque limiting ratchet mechanism disposed within a crank handle. The ratcheting mechanism includes a ratchet disk having inner projecting portions which engage a shaft for rotational purposes, and resilient outwardly projecting portions which are engagable in indentations formed in an inner surface of the ratchet handle. The torque limiting ratchet mechanism of the present invention is particularly utilized in a bicycle mounted exercise trainer. In this utilization, one cone of the mounting system is laterally fixed and the other cone, which is engaged to the torque limiting ratchet is laterally movable to clamp the axle of the rear wheel. Due to the large variation in bicycle rear wheel axle geometries, the roller portion of the wheel resistance mechanism is made longer to accommodate the single-sided movement of the mounting cones of the trainer.

Abstract: A displacement adjustment device (100) for at least partly converting a rotation into a translation, comprising: a rotation input member (114) which is bearing-mounted so as to be rotatable but axially secured relative to a frame said rotation input member (114) being provided with a hollow (116) extending axially therethrough; a bar (11) positioned in the hollow (116) and having its outside surface provided with a screw thread (17), means (12) being prvided for preventing rotation of said bar (11) relative to a frame; and a coupling gear wheel (120) arranged for rotation in the rotation input member (114), wherein the axis of rotation of the coupling gear wheel (120) is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation input member (114), wherein the coupling gear wheel (120) has teeth (121) engaging with the screw thread (17) of the bar (11) and, wherein the rotation bearing of the coupling gear wheel (120) comprises a slip coupling (130) relative to the rotation input member (114).

Abstract: A spring motor mechanism for use with a child's swing that includes a spring attached to a slip clutch device to prevent the spring from becoming over wound. In addition, the spring motor mechanism includes an indicator for revealing, based upon the amount of torque stored in the spring, the remaining number of child seat oscillations that can occur before the spring must be re-wound, and an adjustable swing height portion to prevent the over-swinging of the child seat.

Abstract: A sliding coupling mounted between a pair of separately rotational members, including a pair of coiled springs, which realizes no rotational delay at time of reversing a rotational direction of one of the rotational members. Each coiled spring has a projecting part extending radially outwardly from one end thereof. The pair of coiled springs are fictionally mounted on an outer surface of one of the rotational members with the circular parts and the projecting parts of the coiled springs being overlapped with each other so that the winding directions of the coiled springs are opposite to each other. The other rotational member has an engaging groove with which the projecting parts of the coiled springs are engaged without a space between each projecting part and a surface forming the engaging groove of the rotational member in each rotational direction.

Abstract: A torque limiter having an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder rotatably mounted around the inner cylinder, a closure member mounted between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder to close one end of the outer cylinder, a coil spring mounted between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and having one end coupled to the outer cylinder and the other end coupled to the closure member so as to be tightened against the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder. The outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder has a roughness Ra (arithmetical mean deviation) of 0.6-1.0, and the coil spring is formed of a wire having a circular cross-section.

Abstract: A spring hinge and method of making same are disclosed. The spring hinge has a housing enclosing the spring and its associated shaft. The housing includes projections adjacent the ends of the spring such that upon rotation of the spring in either direction, an end of the spring is engaged by the housing and the spring is caused to expand into the "wrap open" condition.

Abstract: A torque limiter having an outer ring, an inner ring mounted in the outer ring and a shaft inserted in the inner ring. The outer ring is formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof with a plurality of tapered surfaces. Rollers are mounted between the tapered surfaces and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the inner ring. Torque setting springs are provided at one side of the rollers to urge the rollers toward a narrower side between the tapered surfaces and the cylindrical outer peripheral surface. A coil spring is mounted between the inner ring and the shaft so as to bind around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and having one end thereof secured to the inner ring. The coil spring is mounted so as to be tightened when the shaft rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the torque setting springs urge the rollers.

Abstract: A fail safe valve actuator is disclosed that is powered by an electric motor. A valve stem with a helical groove is moved in one direction by a ball nut rotated by the electric motor to move a valve member to its operating position. The valve member is held in operating position by a solenoid. When power fails, a spring moves the valve stem in the other direction to move the valve member to its fail safe position. A torque limiting device protects the electric motor from the high torque created when the valve stem abruptly stops moving when the valve member reaches its operating position. A centrifugal brake absorbs a portion of the energy released when the power fails and the valve stem is moved rapidly to its fail safe position by the spring.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch is provided with increased torque transmitting capacity by utilizing a relatively large diameter spring wire whose end turns have their radial peripheries ground down to weaken the end turns proximate to the free end of the spring. Preferably the end turns proximate to the free end of the coil spring are tapered radially inwardly to lift the spring coil turns remote from the free end off the shaft of the overrunning clutch. The end of the coil spring fixed to the bushing may be formed as a hook having a portion extending radially through a slot within the bushing and an integral bent back circumferential portion nested in an annular groove within the outer periphery of the bushing intersecting the radial slot. A double helical coil spring having parallel, adjacent turns within separate helical grooves within the inner periphery of the bushing has a loop connecting the turns opposite their free ends mounted within a transverse channel connecting the pair of helical grooves.

Abstract: A venetian blind includes a superposed series of horizontal slats suspended one above another, a bottom rail disposed below the slats, and two angle-controlling devices disposed at two end portions of the series of slats. Each of the angle-controlling devices includes a rotatable pulley disposed above the slats and provided with an annular groove, two tilting cords respectively connected to two sides of each of the slats, and a coiled spring sleeved tightly on the pulley within the annular groove which has two ends to which the top ends of the tilting cords are respectively fastened. The bottom rail is attached to the bottom ends of the tilting cords. When the pulleys are rotated to a predetermined position, one end of each of the springs is moved radially outward due to the downward pull of the bottom rail, so that the springs are loosened from the pulleys.

Abstract: A powered conveyor roller having a frictional coupling inside the roller drivingly connecting the roller to a drive shaft extending actually through the roller. The coupling includes a flat spring wrapped around the shaft to form a frictional engagement with a pair of split bushings disposed on the shaft and inside the spring, the opposite end of the spring being connected to the roller in such a manner that the roller is driven by the shaft up to a predetermined load on the roller but the shaft and roller rotate with respect to one another when the load exceeds a predetermined, adjusted level.

Abstract: A record disk drive is disclosed which includes a rotating drive shaft and means for receiving a record disk. A torque-transmitting helical spring clutch drivingly interconnects the shaft and the disk. The clutch includes a first coil portion which is in driven engagement with the shaft upon rotation of the shaft in a certain direction relative to the receive disk. A second coil portion of the clutch is continuous with, but eccentric to, the first coil portion. Abutment means on the second coil portion are normally in driving engagement with a received disk, but means are provided for shifting the second coil portion toward a position concentric with the first coil portion, whereupon the abutment means moves out of engagement with the received disk, and thereby disengages the clutch. The shifting means may be a cylindrical sleeve which is axially slidable over the helical spring clutch to move the second coil portion toward its concentric position relative to the first coil portion.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve has its closure member rotated against a valve seat during closing, by an externally threaded spindle rotated by an actuator. The spindle has a threaded portion screwed through an internally threaded collar which is pressed by a spring towards the valve seat. When the member engages the valve seat further rotation of the spindle causes the collar to ride up the spindle against the spring bias which maintains the closing force on the member while allowing it to rotate to clean the closing surfaces.

Abstract: An improved two-way torque limiting coupling (10) of the type utilizing a single helical coil clutch (18) and an automatic slack adjuster utilizing same is provided. The coupling provides a driving connection between a first (12) and a second (14) rotatable adjacent members. The first member includes a bore (24) opening to an end (20) in which one end of coil clutch is received in interference fit to define an internal clutch interface (34) and the other member defines an annular outer periphery (26) about which the other end of the coil clutch is received in an interference fit to define an external clutch interface (36).

Abstract: An adjustable torsion-spring slipping clutch, especially useful for tape recorders, having first and second coaxial clutch sections which are rotatable about an axis of rotation. The second clutch section includes a sleeve which has a substantially circular cylindrical shape and is adjustable in diameter. A coaxially arranged cylindrical helical torsion spring is connected to one end to the first clutch section and its turns are wrapped around the sleeve, adjustment of sleeve diameter determining the torque to be transmitted between the clutch sections.