Abstract: A method of forming and deploying an improved absorbable fastener for hernia mesh fixation is disclosed. The absorbable fastener of the present invention functions to securely fasten tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh to soft tissue. The fastener is formed from co-polymers of lactide and glycolide.

Abstract: An electric drill forward and reverse rotation automatic switching apparatus includes: a gearbox, a first-stage gear, a first-stage gear shaft, a second-stage gear, a second-stage gear shaft, a transition gear, a transition shaft, a third-stage gear, and an output shaft. The first-stage gear is fixed on the first-stage gear shaft. The second-stage gear is fixed on the second-stage gear shaft. The first-stage and second-stage gear shafts are disposed on the gearbox housing. The transition gear is disposed on the transition shaft which is fixed on the gearbox housing. The output shaft is disposed on the gearbox housing. The third-stage gear is sleeved on the output shaft and disposed on the gearbox housing. The first-stage gear shaft engages with the second-stage gear and the transition gear simultaneously. The transition gear engages with the third-stage gear. The second-stage gear shaft and the output shaft are on the same axis.

Abstract: A reversible gearbox features a first input gear mounted on for rotation about a first axis and a second input gear mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to the first axis in a counter-rotational relationship with the first input gear. The input gears are arranged for selective coupling of either one thereof to a drive source rotatable in a predetermined direction, whereby at least one output gear is arranged within the gear train for driven rotation of the output gear in opposite directions depending on which of the first and second input gears is driven in the predetermined direction by the drive source. Accordingly, a unidirectional drive source can be used to drive the gearbox output in either direction by selecting from different input connections. The gearbox may be employed for an agricultural auger to be driven by the power take-off of a tractor.

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle. The transfer case may include a rotation direction portion and an output mode portion configured to be driven by the rotation direction portion. The rotation direction portion may provide torque in different directions to the output mode portion. The output mode portion may selectively provide output torque to one or more outputs.

Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.

Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.

Abstract: A torque sensing assembly includes an axially fixed sheave having an axis of rotation, and an axially movable sheave movable along the axis in relation to the axially fixed sheave. A compression spring has a first end and a second end, with the first end being positioned to engage the axially movable sheave. A dual stage spring compression mechanism has a spring retainer that engages the second end of the compression spring. The dual stage spring compression mechanism is connected to the axially fixed sheave. The dual stage spring compression mechanism has a first stage compression device that compresses the compression spring by a first preload amount and a second stage compression device that compresses the compression spring by a second preload amount.

Abstract: A transmission of an internal combustion engine is used in a saddle-type vehicle (buggy) for running on rough terrain. A crankshaft of the vehicle is arranged so that it is parallel with the traveling direction of the body. The transmission includes a mechanism for switching a gear for forward travel and a gear for backward travel. At least a part of the mechanism for switching the gear for forward travel and the gear for backward travel is provided between a crankcase and a crankcase cover. At least one of shafts forming the switching mechanism is partially overlapped with a main shaft or a counter shaft in the axial direction.

Abstract: A dual-gearshift forward backward control mechanism installed in a remote control toy car to control forward/backward motion and high/low speed gearshift by means of power transmission through a set of gears and two idle gears and the shifting of a switching gear on the polygonal middle section of the output shaft of the mechanism between two of the gears and the effect of the centrifugal force of a swivel block at one of the gears.

Abstract: A forward/reverse transmission, shiftable under servo-control, includes a movable clutch bell and a free-wheeling, one-way centrifugal lock-out clutch that permits a gear change from forward to reverse or reverse to forward only while the engine is operating at or below idle speed. The centrifugal lock-out clutch includes a spring-loaded pawl which is yieldably biased by a compression spring and held in a non-interfering, shiftable position when the engine is being operated at or below idle speed. As the engine rpm increases above idle, the centripetal acceleration force overcomes the bias force of the compression spring and the pawl is extended radially outwardly for engagement with a torque transfer pin. In the radially extended position, the pawl is disposed for interference contact against the clutch bell housing, thus preventing clutch engagement/disengagement.

Abstract: A forward/reverse transmission, shiftable under servo-control, includes a movable clutch bell and a free-wheeling, one-way centrifugal lock-out clutch that permits a gear change from forward to reverse or reverse to forward only while the engine is operating at or below idle speed. The centrifugal lock-out clutch includes a spring-loaded pawl which is yieldably biased by a compression spring and held in a non-interfering, shiftable position when the engine is being operated at or below idle speed. As the engine rpm increases above idle, the centripetal acceleration force overcomes the bias force of the compression spring and the pawl is extended radially outwardly for engagement with a torque transfer pin. In the radially extended position, the pawl is disposed for interference contact against the clutch bell housing, thus preventing clutch engagement/disengagement.

Abstract: A forward/reverse transmission, shiftable under servo-control, includes a movable clutch bell and a free-wheeling, one-way centrifugal lock-out clutch that permits a gear change from forward to reverse or reverse to forward only while the engine is operating at or below idle speed. The centrifugal lock-out clutch includes a spring-loaded pawl which is yieldably biased by a compression spring and held in a non-interfering, shiftable position when the engine is being operated at or below idle speed. As the engine rpm increases above idle, the centripetal acceleration force overcomes the bias force of the compression spring and the pawl is extended radially outwardly for engagement with a torque transfer pin. In the radially extended position, the pawl is disposed for interference contact against the clutch bell housing, thus preventing clutch engagement/disengagement.

Abstract: In a gearbox (1) with coaxial drive shaft (2) and driven shaft (3), wherein a clutch sleeve (5) which can be displaced in the axial direction (4) of these shafts (2,3) can be moved from a coupling position in which the drive shaft (2) and driven shaft (3) are directly connected into a position in which the shafts (2,3) are connected at least by one gear stage (16,17), the clutch sleeve (5) is constructed with at least one internal gear (7) and at least one external gear (9, 14) wherein in the directly coupled position of the shafts (2,3) these are connected with each other by means of an internal gear (7) and an external gear (9) of the clutch sleeve (5). With a gearbox (1) of this type with extremely short construction and at extremely low mounting expenses high torques can be securely transmitted and one can simply switch over from a first switching stage to a second switching stage.

Abstract: Transmission for a single engine drive for dual concentric propellers in a straight or V-drive arrangement with the straight-drive including four shafts and nine gears and the V-drive adding two more shafts and four more gears.

Abstract: A wheelchair drive system is described that operatively interposes a plural-speed hub subsystem between conventional rotatable hand wheels and their corresponding drive wheels, thereby providing wheelchair propulsion by rotary motion of the hand wheels and selective engagement of the drive wheels dependent upon a manually operated gear-shifting mechanism. Preferably, the hub subsystem includes symmetric left- and right-handed hubs each including a hub body fixedly connected with an easily accessible hand wheel, with the hub body rotating about a spindle fixedly mounted on the wheelchair and selectively gear-connectable to the drive wheel, the spindle being selectively connected to the drive wheel by the operation of a manually shiftable, plural-speed gear train.

Abstract: A driving gear for a muscle power driven vehicle, such as a wheel chair, comprising an input shaft drivable by means of a lever, and adapted to be coupled through at least two freewheel clutches to an output shaft arranged to be connected to a wheel hub of the vehicle, wherein the driving gear (4) is housed in a closed housing (11, 12) which is arranged to be coupled through said output shaft (22) to the wheel hub (5) of the vehicle, said input shaft (7) being fixedly coupled to an input gear wheel (14) meshing with two separate intermediate gear wheels (16, 16') adapted to be connected through freewheel clutches operative in opposite directions of rotation to one (20) or the other (20') of two meshing change gear wheels, one of which also meshes with a first output gear wheel (21) mounted on the output shaft.

Abstract: A reversing clutch mechanism (10) for use in a transmission (12) of the type having a continuously rotating input shaft (52) and a rotatable output shaft (20). A pair of friction clutches (48, 50) are rotatably disposed on the output shaft (20) and are continuously driven in opposite reverse and forward rotational directions by gears (54, 58) and sprockets (60, 62) associated with the input shaft (52). A double friction cope (94) is helically splined on the output shaft (20) and moveable toward and away from the friction clutches (48, 50) for selective frictional engagement with either friction clutch (48 or 50) to cause the output shaft (20) to rotate in either a forward or reverse rotational direction. The double cone (94) includes a peripheral shifting groove (112) having oppositely inclined side walls (114) which cooperate with a shifting pin (120) disposed in the groove (112) to disengage the double cone (94) and the friction clutch ( 48 or 50).

Abstract: A wet flywheel housing is disclosed wherein a central web member separates the flywheel housing into first and second cavities in which a flywheel and a driven gear set are respectively rotatable. The web member supports a seal engageable with a hubbed gear forming part of the driven gear set and connected with the flywheel to permit the transfer of rotational power therebetween. A detachable lid member closes the second cavity in which the driven gear set is rotated to permit the introduction of an oil bath into the second cavity for lubrication of the driven gear set without permitting the migration of oil to the first cavity for engagement with the rotating flywheel.

Abstract: A mechanical clutch is provided to selectively interconnect a forward or reverse gear member to a transmission shaft. The clutch is operated by a servo piston and fork structure. The servo piston is slidably disposed in a housing and urged in the forward select position by a spring. The housing and servo piston cooperate to define two fluid chambers which are maintained in a separated condition when the forward select position is established. One chamber is in fluid communication with a fluid system that is controlled to provide fluid at two distinct pressure levels, depending upon various vehicle operating parameters. The other chamber is connected with a selectively engageable fluid operated friction clutch which is effective to assist in establishing at least the reverse drive ratio within the transmission. The lowest level of fluid pressure in the one chamber is not sufficient to cause the piston to overcome the spring force and thereby move the clutch to the reverse select position.

Abstract: A double clutch arrangement for use in a transmission or other place where mechanical clutch is desired that has a high torque capacity and small engagement and disengagement forces at the shift lever. The clutch arrrangement is utilized on the output shaft of a two-position clutch having forward and reverse gears and includes a ball screw actuated clutch mechanism positioned between the shaft and an externally actuated encompassing shift collar in combination with a friction clutch mechanism. The friction clutch mechanism comprises either a pair of clutch friction packs positioned between the shift collar and the forward and reverse gears or a pair of cone clutches therebetween. Initial actuation of the forward or reverse friction pack or cone clutch will initiate the ball screw clutch mechanism to lock up the clutch in either direction.

Abstract: A transmission particularly adapted for use on a Bidirectional.TM. tractor, is disclosed wherein the engine of the tractor drives an input shaft having first and second spline-mounted drive gears. An idler gear is connected to a power take-off output shaft and is driven by the second drive gear. The idler gear drives a first driven gear connected to a clutch mounted on an output shaft. The first drive gear drives a second driven gear connected to the clutch. The first and second driven gears rotate in opposite directions of rotation. The clutch is keyed to the transmission output shaft and is operable to select the direction of rotation by engagement of either the first or second driven gears.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with a shift mechanism which selectively couples at least a forward and a reverse gear operatively positioned on a shaft. The shift mechanism is disposed entirely within the transmission housing and includes a shift key arranged for sliding movement of the key in the shaft. An improved neutral collar is positioned on the shaft between the forward and the reverse gears. The neutral collar has its widest cross section centrally located thereto. From this widest central cross section, the neutral collar profile tapers along the inside surface thereof to relatively narrow cross section at each end thereof.

Abstract: A backward driving device for tricycle, especially scooter motorcycle remodelled for the disabled, to be installed to engine power output shaft, incorporated with a shifter for driving backward.

Abstract: A reversing gear assembly (13) for use in yachts having an angle drive system comprises a horizontal input shaft (15), to be connected to a horizontally mounted engine (11), and an inclined output shaft (16) to be connected to the propeller shaft (12). Gear casing (14) includes an intermediate shaft (17) which extends parallel with the output shaft (16). The forward direction drive path includes meshing cylindrical gear (18) and conical gear (20) on the input and output shafts (15, 16). The reverse direction drive path has on the input and output shafts (15, 16) two cylindrical gears (19, 21) with which a skew cylindrical gear (22) on the intermediate shaft (17) meshes at respective axial halves of the skew gear. The center of engagement between the meshing gears (19, 22) on the input and intermediate shafts (15, 17) is located on the sole, common perpendicular line of these shafts. A reversing clutch (23) is disposed on the output shaft (16).

Abstract: A self-contained remotely actuated power take-off assembly for front mounting to an engine. A sump containing hydraulic fluid is contained within the power take-off housing to supply hydraulic fluid by a gerotor pump connected to the output shaft supplying fluid under pressure to a piston and cylinder hydraulic actuator. A friction disk clutch operatively engages a gear train between the input and output shaft when acted upon by the piston. A remotely operated solenoid valve located between the pump and hydraulic cylinder is used for such actuation.

Abstract: A reversing gear assembly (13) for a marine angle drive comprises a horizontal input shaft (15), to be connected to a horizontally mounted engine (11) and an inclined output shaft (16) to be connected to the propeller shaft (12). Gear casing (14) includes an intermediate shaft (17) which extends parallel with the output shaft (16). The input shaft (16) fixedly mounts a cylindrical gear (22) which meshes with a forward drive conical gear (23) on the output shaft (16) and with a reverse drive cylindrical gear (25) on the intermediate shaft (17). Center of engagement between the cylindrical gears (22, 25) is located on the sole common perpendicular line of the input and intermediate shafts (15, 17). Reverse drive gear train further includes two meshing cylindrical gears (26, 24) on the intermediate and output shafts (17, 16). The gears (23, 24) on the output shaft (16) are selectively coupled to this shaft by clutch means (32).

Abstract: A reversing clutch assembly (13) for marine angle drive which allows the engine (11) to be mounted horizontally. To provide a required inclination to propeller shaft (12), the transmission path is bent within clutch casing (14) by using conical gearing. The casing (14) includes three horizontal shafts or input shaft (15), clutch shaft (17) and intermediate shaft (18), and only one inclined shaft or output shaft (16). Clutch shaft (17) has thereon forward and backward direction gears (28, 29) which are driven by the input shaft (15) through gear trains comprising spur gears, and double-acting clutch mechanism (30) for selectively coupling each of the direction gears (28, 29) to clutch shaft (17). The conical gearing is disposed only between clutch shaft (17) and output shaft (16) and thus includes only one conical gear (38).Parallel arrangement of three shafts (15, 17, 18) and use of single conical gear (38) contribute to save cost of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A drive device for a two-shaft extruding machine whereby the directions of relative rotation of the two screw shafts of the machine can be rapidly changed without having to manually change a gear. The drive device includes a first shaft, a second shaft disposed coaxially with the first screw shaft and rotatable integrally therewith, a third shaft disposed coaxially with the intermediate shaft and rotatable integrally therewith, a first gear rotatable integrally with the first shaft, a second gear rotatable integrally with the second shaft and meshed with the first gear, a third gear rotatably supported on the third shaft and meshed with the first gear, and a fourth gear rotatable integrally with the second shaft and a fifth gear rotatably supported on the third shaft and meshed with the fourth gear. A claw clutch is provided for rotatably coupling a selected one of the third and fifth gear to the third shaft.

Abstract: A driveline for an engined vehicle, comprises a continuously-variable ratio transmission (1) having an input adapted to be driven by the engine and an output (3), a final drive shaft (8) for providing an output from the driveline, and means for driving the final drive shaft from the continuously-variable ratio transmission in either high or low regime. In low regime the final drive shaft is driven by the output (7) of an epicyclic (4) having first and second inputs (6,5) connected to be driven respectively by the said engine and by the said continuously-variable ratio transmission output and in high regime the final drive shaft is driven directly by the output (3) of the continuously-variable ratio transmission.

Abstract: A robot toy includes a movable arm which is constituted of alternatingly interconnected three first members and three second members. The first member has a first rotating unit for moving the adjacent second member about its longitudinal axis, and the second member has a second rotating unit for rotating the first member about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The transmission system for transmitting the output motion of a motor to the arm includes a plurality of transmission cords which are made of metal wires twisted together for the transmission along long transmission lines.

Abstract: A reversible drive kit applied between a power input torque shaft and the driving head of an auger having a pinion that can be exposed and used to connect up with a suitable receiver in the kit. The arrangement of components in the kit frame includes a pair of ring gears carried by the receiver, a train of gears and a shift lever connected to one of the pair of ring gears and connecting it to the train of gears for change of direction of auger rotation, and a directional control lever.

Abstract: In a gear-type change-speed transmission with synchronized reverse speed, the corresponding pair of gears consists of a loose gear which is adapted to be clutched with the driving shaft and of a fixed gear of the output shaft; an intermediate gear is adapted to be engaged between the loose gear and the fixed gear by means of a pivot lever; the intermediate gear meshes constantly with the loose gear, is brought in a first shifting phase into engagement with the fixed gear over a small partial area of its tooth width load-free and during the further engagement of the reverse speed is engaged into the fixed gear over its full tooth width. Only thereafter the loose gear is coupled torque-transmittingly with the input shaft.

Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) unit with parallel input and output shafts mounted in a PTO case with the input shaft adapted to be piloted in the countershaft of a transmission and the PTO case adapted to be secured to the transmission case. An input gear is slidably splined on the input shaft adjacent its piloted end, and the input shaft also carries an input sprocket. On the output shaft is rotatably mounted an output gear which is geared to the input gear and an output sprocket drivingly connected to the input sprocket by a chain drive. A clutch carried by the output shaft alternately clutches the output gear or output sprocket to the output shaft while the input gear has a clutch portion thereon and is slidable to engage a clutching member carried by the countershaft to drivingly connect the countershaft to the PTO input shaft.

Abstract: An engine, through a suitable transmission, drives the traction wheels of a garden tiller in a forward direction. The engine also drives the tine shaft and tines through another transmission and a differential. The second transmission contains a gear arrangement by which the tine shaft may be rotated in the same direction as the traction wheels at one time, and in an opposite direction at another time, a neutral position also being provided. The second transmission includes a splined shaft which drivingly engages a gear which is slidable thereon. An output gear is provided in this second transmission and it may be drivingly connected to the slidable gear for rotation in a given direction by means of a plurality of pins carried on the output gear and received within appropriate holes provided in the slidable gear.Right and left cluster gears are mounted on a common shaft.

Abstract: A brake release mechanism, particularly for machines having a hydrostatic transmission, such as a tractor. The brake latching member includes a rotational latch pin receivable within a ratchet slot or the like in the brake lever to releasably hold the lever in the brake position. The latching member is connected to the transmission control arm by two cables. Each cable is connected at one end to a lever on the transmission control lever and the opposed cable ends are connected by lost motion links to the latching member, on opposed sides of the latch pin, such that rotation of the transmission control lever either direction from neutral will rotate the latch pin out of ratchet engagement with the brake lever and automatically release the brake upon actuation of the hydrostatic transmission into forward or reverse.

Abstract: An automatically engageable jaw clutch having a toothed drive hub, a toothed power take-off hub, and a clutch star axially displaceable with respect to the power take-off hub. The clutch star is continuously connected with the drive hub for conjoint rotation by means of first teeth means formed thereat and has second teeth means which can be brought into engagement with the teeth of the power take-off shaft by axial shifting of the clutch star. A screw socket or sleeve which is connected by means of a pair of coarse-pitch threading with the power take-off hub, is only conjointly axially displaceable together with the clutch star and rotatable relative thereto. The screw socket is entrainable by the clutch star by means of a pawl blocking mechanism composed of a pawl and ratchet teeth, when the drive hub overrides the power take-off hub.

Abstract: A gear train including an internal gear is combined with a forced synchronized clutch and a hydraulic coupling to form a reversing apparatus for ship propellers.

Abstract: An engine driven shaft is connected to an input gear of the transmission which, in turn, is geared to a power branching cascade, providing either for axial branching first followed by lateral branching or a reverse sequence of branching, obtaining in either case four outputs provided by pinions which mesh in pairs two large spur gears for re-combining all branches. These large spur gears are on a common shaft which is the transmission output.

Abstract: A power transmission of the type having an interleaved, multiple friction plate clutch in which helical cam elements are used to provide clutch plate clamp up force and transmit driving torque between the parts. In one form of such a transmission where the input and output members are arranged in coaxial alignment, special axial thrust absorbing means are used for absorbing the axial thrust developed in one clutch assembly.

Abstract: A marine gear assembly has a housing with a disengageable and removable end closure and has a pair of countershafts, transfer gears and a pair of clutches which provide for transmitting drive from an input shaft to an output shaft in either of a forward drive mode and a reverse drive mode. Disposition of the clutches in coaxial relationship with the countershafts and in positions adjacent the removable end closure of the housing enables the clutches to be more easily inspected, serviced or repaired without requiring removal of the marine gear assembly from the normal operating site between the engine and propeller shaft of a ship.