Abstract: A damper for a motor vehicle torque transmission device, in particular of the long travel damper type, having a torque input element (22), a torque output element (28), at least one group (26) of differing elastic members (26a, 26b) mounted between the torque input element and torque output element and acting oppositely to the rotation of the torque input element (22) and torque output element (28) with respect to one another, the elastic members (26a, 26b) of the group of elastic members being arranged in series by means of a phasing member (30) so that the elastic members (26a, 26b) of the group (26) of elastic members deform in phase with one another, the group (26) of elastic members (26a, 26b) being received in a receptacle (44) that is asymmetrical with respect to a median radial plane of the receptacle (44).

Abstract: A torque limiting device includes a first portion connected to a first rotatable component. The first portion has a flange extending radially outward therefrom. A second portion includes a plurality of pre-loaded axial springs and is coupled to a second rotatable component. The second portion is arranged adjacent opposing surfaces of the flange. The second portion is configured to apply a biasing force to the flange to selectively couple the first rotatable component and the second rotatable component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting the torque from an engine to the drive train of a watercraft. A torque limiting clutch is mounted to the flywheel of the engine. The output of the clutch is connected to the drive train of the watercraft. The clutch allows all of the engine's torque to be delivered to the drive train during normal conditions and less than all of the engine's torque to be delivered to the drive train during conditions in which the drive train experiences periods of excessive force. When normal conditions return, the apparatus automatically delivers all of the engine's torque to the drive train.

Abstract: A driveline component with a first drive member, which is rotatable about an axis, a second drive member and a clutch. The second drive member has a hub, which is supported on the first drive member for rotation about the axis, and a transmission portion. The transmission portion, which is configured to engage a flexible power transmitting member, is disposed about the hub and aligned to a transmission axis that is generally perpendicular to the axis. The clutch has a spring and a set of interleaved clutch plates having portions that are coupled for rotation with a respective one of the first drive member and the second drive member. The spring generates a force that is transmitted through the hub such that the clutch plates frictionally engage one another. The location of the transmission portion relative to the transmission axis is unaffected by wearing of the set of clutch plates.

Abstract: An agricultural machine, comprises a frame, two or more processing members, which are movably attached to the frame, and a drive device which is configured to drive the processing members. The drive device comprises a main drive shaft, two drive sections connected to the main drive shaft, which drive sections are each configured to drive one or more of the two or more processing members, wherein each drive section comprises a drive shaft. The drive device further comprises a protective device which enables a certain angular rotation between the two drive shafts in the case of an overload of one of the two drive shafts, and a coupling brake device which is configured to effect, at the angular rotation between the two drive shafts, a coupling between the other drive shaft and a part of the agricultural machine that is not co-rotatable with the two drive shafts.

Abstract: A generator system is disclosed. The generator system includes an input gear, a gear train coupled to the input gear, and a clutch associated with the input gear, wherein the clutch is exposed to the gear train.

Abstract: A resettable torque limiter for installation between two rotary members, which can smoothly disengage upon application of a predetermined torque acting between the members and smoothly reset upon decline of applied torque below the predetermined level. An undulating cam surface formed on one member is engaged by one or more cam followers on the other member which smoothly ride over undulation peaks comprising cam lobes when the torque limit is exceeded and the driving connection between the rotary members is interrupted until the applied torque declines below the preset limit.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester has a relatively wide mowing implement attached to its forward end and including right and left hand rotary mowing and drawing in drums together with right and left hand rotary conveying drums. A drive transmission for driving these drums includes a pair of identical slip clutches having respective first sections defined in principal part by a fluid tight cylindrical container having opposite end plates and through the respective centers of which a drive element extends, with the drive element of one clutch being coupled to the drive element of the other clutch by a central drive shaft assembly. The clutches include respective second sections which are in the form of a housing which has a ring-like hub at one end adapted for being coupled to an associated right-angle transmission unit that is in turn coupled for driving the mowing and drawing in drums at that side.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch or coupler is provided for implementation between input and output shafts. A spring biased friction stack assembly establishes a characteristic breakaway torque of the unit. A torque modifying plate is fixed to a pressure plate and, in conjunction with an end plate, defines a ring-like cavity having a bladder therein filled with a fluid. As the torque limiting clutch or coupler begins to rotate, the fluid within the bladder is forced outwardly by centrifugal force and, as the speed increases, the restriction on the fluid radially causes it to begin to move axially, causing the pressure plate to act against the spring bias in one embodiment and to supplement the spring bias in another embodiment, regulating the characteristic breakaway torque as a function of rotational speed.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester has a relatively wide mowing implement attached to its forward end and including right and left hand rotary mowing and drawing in drums together with right and left hand rotary conveying drums. A drive transmission for driving these drums includes a pair of identical slip cluthes having respective first sections defined in principal part by a fluid tight cylindrical container having opposite end plates and through the respective centers of which a drive element extends, with the drive element of one clutch being coupled to the drive element of the other clutch by a central drive shaft assembly. The clutches include respective second sections which are in the form of a housing which has a ring-like hub at one end adapted for being coupled to an associated righ-angle transmission unit that is in turn coupled for driving the mowing and drawing in drums at that side.

Abstract: A chain sprocket assembly for use in a motor vehicle transfer case includes a torque limiting clutch which limits the torque provided to a secondary drive line. The chain sprocket assembly includes a chain receiving collar having an inwardly extending annular member which is received between two friction clutch packs. The friction clutch packs are operably disposed between the chain receiving collar and a circular housing which is splined to a secondary output shaft of the transfer case. A spring biasing mechanism which engages outer faces of the clutch packs and compresses them against the annular member of the chain receiving collar may be adjusted to provide a desired compressive force to achieve a desired maximum torque throughput from the chain to the secondary output shaft.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for agricultural implements has a friction coupling (1), an electromagnet (6) and control mechanism (7). The friction coupling (1) includes a friction assembly (4) which is loaded by a pressure plate (14). The pressure plate (14) is loaded by pressure springs (15, 16). The pressure plate (14) is adjustable by an actuating device (5) which includes an electromagnet (6) and an anchor plate (19). The control mechanism (7) includes a control member (27) which, by changing the electric current, regulates the pressure force of the pressure plate (14) during the coupling and/or uncoupling operation. The housing (2) and the hub (3) are associated with speed sensors (25, 26) which transmit a signal to the control mechanism (7) to relieve the load on the friction assembly. Thus, this prevents the friction coupling (1) from overheating.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester has a relatively wide mowing implement attached to its forward end and including right and left hand rotary mowing and drawing in drums together with right and left hand rotary conveying drums. A drive transmission for driving these drums includes a pair of identical slip clutches having respective first sections defined in principal part by a fluid tight cylindrical container having opposite end plates and through the respective centers of which a drive element extends, with the drive element of one clutch being coupled to the drive element of the other clutch by a central drive shaft assembly. The clutches include respective second sections which are in the form of a housing which has a ring-like hub at one end adapted for being coupled to an associated right-angle transmission unit that is in turn coupled for driving the mowing and drawing in drums at that side.

Abstract: A multiple disc torque limiting clutch has an output hub in interference fit upon an output shaft. After being so assembled, as by a heat shrink fit, the output hub and shaft can be received by the remainder of the torque limiting clutch, consisting of interleaved friction discs and separator discs maintained between end plates. A pressure plate urges the friction discs and separator discs toward a fixed friction disc which is secured to the output hub. The force upon the pressure plate is attained by a Belleville spring and circumferentially spaced spring cup assemblies.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes two structural units rotatable relative to one another and linked to each other by a spring arrangement which includes at least one thrust piston. At certain angles of rotation between both structural units, the flow of force between the thrust piston of the spring arrangement and at least the secondary structural unit is realized via an outer surface area that engages the thrust piston, wherein the outer surface area is formed on a separate third structural unit which is resiliently mounted relative to the secondary structural unit.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a workpiece in space includes a fixture, a stanchion assembly, a manipulation mechanism, an actuation mechanism, and a reaction mechanism. The fixture has an end onto which the workpiece affixes. The stanchion assembly has an upper and a lower end. The manipulation mechanism connects the fixture and the upper end of the stanchion assembly. The lower end of the stanchion assembly mounts, via probe and a socket, to a structure. The actuation mechanism operably connects to the manipulation mechanism, and moves the fixture in space. The reaction mechanism provides a point through which force inputs into the actuation mechanism may react.

Abstract: A dry plate torque overload clutch for a driveline has a clutch plate with knurled surfaces that are impressed into the facing surfaces of friction discs to strengthen and support the friction disc material so as to resist being squeezed out from between the clutch plate and the housing and pressure plate on the opposite sides of the friction discs.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch for use with a hollow shafted motor has an input hub in operative connection with the hollow input shaft. A back plate is disposed at a fixed distance from the input hub. A plurality of interleaved friction disks and separator plates are interposed between the input hub and the back plate. A pressure plate is interposed between the input hub and the interleaved friction disks and separator plates. Spring cup assemblies are operatively interposed between the input hub and the pressure plate, urging the pressure plate toward the back plate and urging the friction disks and separator plates into frictional engagement. An output hub is connected to the friction disks and supported by a bearing from the back plate. An output shaft is connected to the output hub and extends through at least part of the hollow input shaft.

Abstract: A rotating machinery system provides flexible clutch configuration. In accordance with a first embodiment, a tubular shaft is rotatable about a first axis and has a hollow core, the tubular shaft having a first end and a second end; a second shaft coaxial with the tubular shaft and rotatable about the first axis and located in the hollow core, the second shaft having an input end and a transfer end; and a clutch assembly coupling the first end of the tubular shaft to the transfer end of the second shaft for rotating the tubular shaft responsive to rotation of the second shaft. In accordance with a second embodiment, there is a rotary machinery system for converting rotation about a first axis to rotation about second and third axes.

Abstract: A compact torque limiting clutch provides spring cup bolt assemblies for interengaging a pressure plate and input flange on opposite sides of a friction flange of an output hub. The spring cup assemblies include bolts employed for securing the clutch elements together, such bolts being restricted from rotating during the assembly process by engagement with noncircular apertures passing through the retainer plate. The torque limiting clutch is of a pancake design, contained between axially displaced planar surfaces defined by an input flange on one side and a pressure plate on the other. In another embodiment of the invention, a keeper plate is coaxially secured to an output hub, with a friction disc fixedly secured therebetween. An input drive flange is rotatably mounted on the keeper plate. A separator disc extends the full diameter of the clutch assembly and has cup-shaped shields extending therefrom, serving as seals and heat dissipating members.

Abstract: A compact torque limiting clutch provides spring cup bolt assemblies for interengaging a pressure plate and input plate and input flange on opposite sides of a friction flange of an output hub. The spring cup assemblies include bolts employed for securing the clutch elements together, such bolts being restricted from rotating during the assembly process by engagement with noncircular apertures passing through the retainer plate. The torque limiting clutch is of a pancake design, contained between axially displaced planar surfaces defined by an input flange on one side and a pressure plate on the other.

Abstract: A hub member receives a tapered collect for gripping a drive shaft such as a shaft projecting from an electric motor. The hub member extends into a surrounding cylindrical housing which is secured to rotate with the hub member and carries a set of generally square clutch plates. An annular drive member is supported for relative rotation by the hub member and has an inner portion projecting into the housing to support a set of annular clutch disks which interfit between the clutch plates. The housing encloses oil which circulates between the clutch plates and disks, and a set of rotary seals confine the oil within the housing while providing for rotation of the drive member relative to the hub member and housing.

Abstract: A torque limiter has an input flange connected to an output hub through a force generating subassembly which includes a pressure plate and a cover plate having a plurality of springs interposed therebetween. The cover plate is fixedly secured to the input hub in fixed spaced apart relationship. A friction material is secured to opposite faces of a circumferential flange which is integral with the output hub. The friction surfaces engage the pressure plate and input hub, establishing the force transmitting interface. The force generating subassembly has a characteristic spring force associated therewith which is slightly increased when the assembly is completed. The total degradation of characteristic torque diminishes by only ten percent over the useful life of the clutch. The springs are color coded and visually verifiable.

Abstract: A torque limit for interconnecton with a pair of coaxial shafts includes a stack of friction and separator discs alternately splined to drive shaft and to a housing affixed to a driven shaft. In a first embodiment, an annular ring receives a plurality of spring pistons for forcefully engaging the discs with each other. An inner separator disc is secured to an end of the drive shaft and an end plate is fixedly secured to the housing, such plates being in frictional contacting engagement with each other. With the inner disc being affixed to the drive shaft, restricted from both lateral and radial movement with respect thereto, bearing and spline corrosion and wear is minimized such that repair and maintenance costs are significantly reduced. In another embodiment, the discs are interposed between a pair of end plates fixed to an input hub. A bearing is interposed between one such end plate and an end plate of the output hub. The end plate of the output hub is fixedly secured to a stationary end friction plate.

Abstract: A mechanical automatic torque limiting clutch containing an axially frangible and easily replaceable component is disclosed. The clutch is capable of limiting torque output by adjusting the friction between spring loaded input and output plates, and further is capable of preventing damage to other driveline components due to axial tension loads imparted to the driveline. The clutch allows a central axial bolt to break in tension should axial tension loads be applied which exceed the limits of the bolt, thereby protecting the remainder of the driveline components. When such a break occurs, the only damage done is to the bolt itself, which allows the input and output sides of the clutch to separate into two components which are quickly, easily and economically reassembled with a new bolt.

Abstract: A multiple disc torque limiting clutch is presented. A stack of friction discs are splined to an output hub with a stack of separator discs interposed therebetween and keyed to a housing. Spring cup assemblies are positioned through openings in the separator discs to urge the separator discs into forceful contacting engagement with the friction discs. The spring cup assemblies include a compressed helical spring maintained within a cylindrical member and transmitting the spring force through the cylindrical member against the stack of separator and friction discs. The housing elements are of substantially unitary construction, with no relative movement capable therebetween. A wear indicator passes through the housing and indicates the degree of wear of the disc elements, while clearances between the interior of the clutch and the exterior are maintained at a minimum to provide a substantially explosion proof unit.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch having one or more friction surfaces placed under pressure by pre-compressed helical springs employed for eliminating adjustment and compensating for wear of the clutch during use. In one embodiment of the invention, the springs are pre-compressed on pins for ease of assembly. An embodiment of the invention also provides for axial locking of input shafts centrally of the input hub, while including an indicator of friction surface wear.

Abstract: A clutch assembly capable of providing several predetermined settings, wherein the components which support springs applying torque are not subjected to bending loads. The settings are achieved in that a supporting ring supporting a pressure plate against a clutch housing is provided with radially outwardly extending cams which are offset relative to the center thereof with two rows of apertures being provided in a cylindrical face of the clutch housing which are axially offset and offset relative to the angle of rotation and which correspond to the cams of the supporting ring and within which the cams are engaged.

Abstract: A log debarker having a frame, a stator supported by the frame, a rotor journaled in the stator for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the rotor, a rotating mechanism for rotating the rotor about the longitudinal axis, a plurality of debarking tools attached to the rotor, and a feeding system for feeding logs axially through the rotor. The feeding system includes a plurality of log gripping rollers positioned for rolling contact with the log, and individual hydraulic motors are operatively connected to the log gripping roller for rotating the log gripping roller. Each of the hydraulic motors is adapted to rotate its log gripping roller at different and variable rotation speeds to accommodate logs of uneven surfaces. A hydraulic fluid supply system supplies each of the hydraulic motors with fluid so that the different and variable hydraulic fluid requirements of each of the hydraulic motors necessitated by uneven log surfaces are satisfied.

Abstract: Grinder-mixers include a material infeed device such as a feed table for feeding bales of hay to be ground up and incorporated into livestock feed rations. Due to varying bale density, the bale grinder sometimes lugs down when encountering a dense bale. However, if the feed table continues to feed bales during such a lug down, the grinder may clog and stall. A bypass apparatus solves the feed table problem by providing a bypass valve automatically operable to stop motion of the feed table when a lug down occurs.

Abstract: A friction clutch for a conveyor roller bearing apparatus wherein a plurality of small thrust springs are disposed between an adjustable nut and a thrust pad to force a drive sprocket against a back-up friction pad connected to the roller axle shaft. Means such as sleeves around the springs or pins between the nut and thrust pad are provided to minimize or eliminate sideloading on the springs. The faces of the thrust and back-up pads are centrally relieved to concentrate the thrust forces in a band which corresponds with the radial locations of the thrust springs. By this arrangement a very uniform breakaway or release torque characteristic is provided about 360.degree. of relative angular travel between the components.

Abstract: A friction clutch wherein the area pressures on the friction linings can be adjusted within a predetermined range while ensuring an even distribution thereof is provided with an adjustable supporting ring acting to vary the spring pressure within said clutch, the adjustable supporting ring being provided on the surface of the clutch housing and having tongues which point radially outwardly but which extend at an oblique angle to the axis of the clutch which may be turned in one or another direction in order to increase or decrease the nominal torque of the clutch.

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: In an adjustable friction overload clutch for protecting the drive line between a power take-off shaft on a tractor and an agricultural implement, one or more Belleville spring washers bias plates and friction discs together. Adjustable bolts extend through the Belleville spring washer and are attached to the plate adjacent to the washer. Springs are held by the bolts and extend between the Belleville spring washer and a nut on the bolt. By adjusting the bolts, a variable torque can be set which is less than the maximum torque exerted by the Belleville spring washer when it is initially assembled on the clutch.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch having at least two friction surfaces placed under pressure by pre-compressed helical springs employed for eliminating adjustment and compensating for wear of said clutch during use.

Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism provides for a spring loaded coupling of driver and driven friction discs for simultaneous and uniform rotation. A spring retainer system is incorporated which provides restraint against expansion of the spring beyond a predetermined limit. In a preferred embodiment the spring becomes inoperative to urge the discs together after friction linings on the discs have worn to a predetermined design limit. A condition of zero torque is thereby created, thus signalling need for replacement of friction linings.