Abstract: An improved roller door drive assembly comprising a drum, upon which a curtain is rolled, and a gear coaxially mounted to and engaged with the drum. The means of engagement consists of a plurality of forks projecting from the gear adapted to engage drum spokes. This arrangement prevents the ends of the drum while running in a swashplate manner from dragging the gear out of alignment with its driving pinion. In so doing this engagement means prevents excessive wear.

Abstract: An installation for damping torsional vibrations in a gear drive, especially between the crankshaft and an output shaft of internal combustion engines, in which a gear wheel on the output shaft is connected with the output shaft by a friction clutch and an elastic coupling connected operatively in parallel thereto. To obtain a space-saving and operationally reliable structural unit to be assembled in a simple manner from preassembled units, the elastic coupling includes an inner coupling half and an outer coupling half each having radially directed webs as rotary abutments of interposed rubber elements; the outer coupling half is rigidly connected with the gear wheel and the friction clutch is arranged between the end faces of the gear wheel and the webs of the outer coupling half and is held centered by a prestressed spring element between these end faces up to assembly on the output shaft.

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

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker capable of being opened and closed from a remote location. The circuit breaker includes a stationary contact, a movable contact mounted on a carrier and a trip mechanism that trips the circuit breaker, moving the carrier to an open position upon the occurrence of an overcurrent. The remote control assembly opens and closes the circuit breaker independently of the trip mechanism. Upon receiving a signal from a timer switch, a motor operates, rotating a gear spring connected to the motor shaft. An actuator has a tooth positioned between the wire layers of the gear spring. As the gear spring rotates, the tooth moves toward the motor, pivoting the actuator. An operating rod, connected to both the actuator and the carrier, pulls the carrier to open the contacts as the actuator rotates. When the contacts reach the open position, the actuator hits a switch to shut off the motor.

Abstract: A remote actuator for an automobile power door lock application has a housing, a first gear reduction stage in a first tier in the housing, a second gear reduction stage in a second tier in the housing, a reversible pancake-type electric motor in the second tier in the housing operative to drive the second gear means through the first gears with two stages of gear reduction between respective ones of a pair of parked positions, a linear actuator in the housing in a third tier thereof movable in extending and retracting directions between positively defined limits, and a rotary detent clutch between the second gear means and the linear actuator operative to move the latter in the one of the extending and retracting directions corresponding to the direction of rotation of the second gear means and to release the linear actuator at either of the limits thereby to permit overdrive of the second gear means to the corresponding one of the parked positions.

Abstract: A mechanism (19) disposed in a torque converter housing (24) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. The mechanism comprises a viscous coupling (22) including a housing (64) having two sidewalls (24a, 68) defining a chamber (70) containing a viscous liquid, and a clutch member (72) disposed in the chamber for viscous clutching coaction with the housing. One of the sidewalls (24a) is defined by an end wall of the torque converter housing. The housing and clutch member are interconnected by a spring assembly (20) including flat torsion springs (61, 62) which transmit steady-state driveline torque and isolate driveline torsionals. The inner surfaces (24b, 68a) of the housing each include two circumferentially spaced clutching surfaces separated by the clutch member. The clutch member has oppositely facing surfaces (72b, 72c) each which include two flat circumferentially spaced clutching surfaces.

Abstract: An impact printer has a type drum, a plurality of hammers, a type drum gear secured to a shaft of the type drum, and a gear train including a drive gear and an intermediate gear engaged with the drive gear and type drum gear for driving the type drum. A lever is provided to rotate about a shaft of the drive gear. The intermediate gear is rotatably supported on the lever at one end thereof, and a spring is provided for urging the lever in the direction that the intermediate gear engages with the type drum gear. The rotational direction of the type drum gear is such that the rotation of the type drum gear causes the intermediate gear to revolve around the drive gear to brake the type drum.

Abstract: In a continually adjustable ball-type planetary gear set which comprises a housing, a driving shaft, a driven shaft, rings provided with raceways engaging a plurality of planetary balls and positioned on the driving shaft, and a sleeve rotationally fixed with the driving shaft, the sleeve is a locked in rotation-fixed connection with the shaft only in the region of one end of the driving shaft by means of a toothing provided on the driving shaft to reduce static indetermination of the system and to reduce noises and wear of the sleeve.

Abstract: A power transmission system having a resilient buffer to prevent generation and transmission of vibrations between gears below a predetermined rotational speed. A plate is mounted for relative circular movement on a driven gear and contains buffer springs to damp vibrations until positive engagement results. A clutch mechanism surrounds the buffer disk and uses a rotating ramp surface with centrifugally actuated caged members to separate the clutch from the gear above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A structure providing minimum fit mounting and rigid locking of a worm and gear drive includes a gear rotatably supported to a base, a worm drivably engaging the gear and bearings supporting the worm for rotation about its axis. A housing supports the worm bearings and is itself rotatably supported to the base for rotation about a second axis, which axis is parallel to but eccentric from the worm axis. Means are provided for pivoting the bearing housing such that the eccentricity of the pivot axes causes the worm to move toward the gear for close mounting and/or rigid locking therebetween.

Abstract: In a motion transmitting mechanism comprising a linearly moveable member (3) operating to and from an end stop, a compressible spring (9) is arranged between the linearly moveable member (5) and a supporting surface (10), whereby the spring is compressed when the member (5) approaches the end position and gives a force on the member (5) directed away from the supporting surface when the member is in its end position.

Abstract: Torque-splitting pinion gear for twin-screw machines comprising a first, direct-driven screw shaft, which has an output pinion meshing with a drive pinion provided on a coupling shaft, and also comprising a drive pinion provided on the second screw shaft, this pinion being axially offset towards the front relative to the output pinion of the first screw shaft and being drivable via an output pinion of the coupling shaft.

Abstract: A force limiting gear reducer for a lifting pinion of a self-elevating platform, comprising a gear reducer divided in two parts, a first of said parts being directly connected to a pinion shaft and pinion support and a second of said parts comprising a prime reducer with brake and motor connected to an input shaft of the first reducer, a reaction member on the prime reducer in the form of a geared wheel meshing with a pair of guided racks on opposite sides thereof, which are axially connected each to at least one hydraulic cylinder, and means to control the oil pressure in the hydraulic cylinders, said geared wheel being both internally and externally toothed, said external teeth being in mesh with said pair of racks, and said internal teeth meshing with a plurality of planet gears all of which planet gears are in mesh with a sun gear on said input shaft.

Abstract: Gearing mechanism providing for the automatic engagement and disengagement in a radial direction between successive gears in a gear train. A first gear, shown in the form of a rack gear, has a plurality of teeth traveling in a fixed path in space. Selectively meshing with the first gear is a second gear in the form of a pinion mounted upon a driving shaft, frictionally driven by the shaft, and having a degree of radial freedom of movement with respect to the shaft which is such that when the force opposing the driving of the first gear by the second gear exceeds a predetermined desired value the second gear is automatically driven out of mesh with the first gear. The two gears are restored to their initial meshing engagement by a further rotation of the second gear in the same direction through a predetermined angle.

Abstract: To prevent transfer of firing or ignition shocks or jolts, and variations in torque transmitted due to compression and decompression of the driven pistons of an IC engine from causing damage to the starter motor, in which the starter motor includes a planetary gearing, (20-25-27), the annulus, or ring gear (20) of the planetary gearing is held in an intermediate bearing structure (10) extending transversely to the starter motor by elastic cushions, or pillows or plugs (18), fitted in recesses (17) of the intermediate bearing structure, and coupled to the annulus, or ring gear (20) by projecting stubs or pins (21) extending radially into openings (19) formed in the cushions or plugs.

Abstract: A damping system for a drive train having a cam coupling mechanism which advances an intermediate member axially along a driven shaft under high torque loads. The intermediate member is spring biased and is associated with a variable volume chamber containing fluid. Damping mechanisms are positioned concentrically within the driven shaft and are in communication with the variable chamber. The damping mechanisms include a check valve for one-way communication with the lubricant supply system of the associated engine, and a flow restricter for generating damping energy. An accumulator piston accommodates volume changes resulting from operation of the piston and allows for leakage flow from the system to insure renewal of oil without temperature build-up and oil deterioration.

Abstract: An anti-backlash mechanism for a machine drive is disclosed, wherein a shaft carries a rotary worm wheel having drive connections to the tangs of two back-to-back clutch units. The first clutch unit is connected to a rotatable shaft, concentric with the worm wheel, and having a first helical gear on its end. A second helical gear on the support shaft is torsionally and axially free to slip. The second gear is connected to the second clutch unit by a torque tube permitting relative axial movement to occur between the two. A first actuator biases the two gears apart, and a second actuator between the second helical gear and the clutch units provides clamping force to engage the mechanism. An output bull gear is in mesh with the pair of helical gears. To engage the mechanism, the second actuator is energized, impressing a snugging force on the discs of the clutch units, and driving the second helical gear in an axial direction toward the first helical gear.

Abstract: A power-machine comprising a plurality of driving gears positioned around a driven gear, each driving gear including a plurality of radially sliding teeth spaced equidistant about the outer circumference of the driving gear, such that centrifugal force created by the rotational movement of the driving gears will move the radially sliding teeth radially outward of the driving gears to contact and thereby accelerate the drive gear.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting for a shaft on a thin metal support plate wherein a cylindrical lounting flange is punched out of the plate to form an opening, and a bearing is rotatably mounted within the opening. The bearing has a radial flange engaging the external side of the plate and has a threaded inner end extending beyond the inner end of the plate flange. A nut is threaded on the threaded end and has a bore telescoped over the plate flange. The inner end of the nut has an edge which is tightened against the internal side of the plate. The plate flange, the nut and the radial bearing flange rigidify the contiguous area of the plate to minimize deflection. A flat adjusting member lays against the outer side of the support plate and has a rectangular aperture with parallel side edges which mate with chordal edges on the radial flange of the bearing. Rotation of the adjusting member causes the bearing to rotate.

Abstract: A buffering mechanism for an automotive starter using planetary gear speed reduction mechanism between a motor and a pinion torque transmission mechanism is disclosed, in which elastic members are provided in spaces defined between circumferentially opposed sides of depressions formed in the outer periphery of a ring gear of the planetary gear speed reduction mechanism and depressions formed in the inner periphery of a member receiving a reaction force.

Abstract: A pump jack having a resiliently mounted speed reducer. The pump jack comprises a frame, a sampson post, and a walking beam pivotally mounted on the sampson post. Crank shaft bearings are securely mounted on the sampson post. A speed reducer is resiliently mounted to the sampson post and coupled to the crank shaft extending through the crank shaft bearings. Thus, non-torsional forces are transferred to the sampson post, reducing wear on the speed reducer and obviating the necessity of a speed reducer of large size. This results in decreased power necessary to run the pump jack. This also allows the use of a single pitman rod configuration, which is subject to less wear than previous double pitman configurations.

Abstract: A pair of rotational transmission gears frictionally engage a shaft unit under a frictional force from a common spring, and a pivoting member carrying drive pinion gears pivots one pinion gear into engagement with a transmission gear for slow speed mode and second and third pinion gears into engagement with both of said transmission gears for high speed rotation.

Abstract: A starter, which has a planetary gear reduction facilities for transmitting torque from a rotary shaft rotated by a D.C. motor to an output shaft which is connected to a pinion via an overrunning clutch for starring an internal combustion engine, has an elastic member which confronts a cylindrical ring gear. Confronting surfaces of the cylindrical ring gear and the elastic member have wave-like, concave and convex surfaces which engage each other and transmit torque, imposed on a planetary gear under high loads, to a flange and bracket of the starter, thus relieving high stresses imposed on the planetary gears under high load conditions.

Abstract: An electrically powered remotely controlled rearview mirror comprises a pair of mirror-engaging position-adjusting non-rotatable screw shafts, each caused to move longitudinally by a rotatable ball nut received within a spherically socketed annular pinion gear which is rotatably driven by a worm gear on the output shaft of the motor. The ball and socket connection between the ball nut and pinion gear permit the axes of the nut and screw shaft to skew relative to that of the pinion gear. A pair of splines on the interior of the pinion gear engage slots on the spherical surface of the ball nut to establish a driving relationship for simultaneous rotation when the associated motor is actuated.

Abstract: A force limiting gear reducer for a lifting pinion of self-elevating platform, comprising a gear reducer divided in two parts, a first of said parts being directly connected to a pinion shaft and pinion support and a second said part comprising a shaft-mounted prime reducer with brake and motor connected to an input shaft of the first reducer, a reaction arm of the shaft-mounted prime reducer being connected to a fixed point of a jacking mechanism by means of at least one hydraulic cylinder, means to control the oil pressure in the hydraulic cylinder, and abutments limiting the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention disclosed comprises twin clutch packs for a power shift transmission to provide two power paths through the power shift transmission and means for combining the drives in a single output drive.This invention relates to a power shift transmission and more particularly to a transmission having twin clutch packs for dividing the drive in separate power paths through the transmission and recombining in a single output drive. The transmission is a countershaft transmission having a common countershaft for the twin drives through the transmission which recombine as the drive is transmitted to the output shaft.With an increase in size and power transmitted through a power shift transmission a greater area of clutch plate surface or brake disc surface is required to transmit the increase in torque. Since the clutches are the greatest problem in transmitting increased power a doubling of the power transmitted through the transmission requires a redesign of the whole transmission.

Abstract: A torque support is provided having a casing supported by a pair of symmetrically arranged steering rods which are pivotally mounted to a pair of upwardly slanted guide rods. The guide rods are pivotally supported on a base member. Inter-connecting the guide rods and the steering rods is a tension-compression rod capable of absorbing tensile and compressive forces. All of the elements of the torque support are provided above floor level.The tension-compression rod is constructed as a plurality of elongated sections, separated from one another by gaps. Located within the elongated sections are compressive spring bundles and a shaft bolt which is secured to supporting surfaces of the elongated sections. In this manner, compressive and tensile forces are cpable of being absorbed by the tension-compression rod.

Abstract: Jitter, characteristic of gear trains used for precision movement of magnetic cards in gear driven card readers-writers, is eliminated by forming, in situ, a resilient material as a dampening arrangement in a recess in the gear to which a drive shaft is connected for driving that movement. Alternative dampening spring arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved amusement or game device of the type which has one or more indicia-bearing rotatable reels which are rotated upon initiation of play by a player is disclosed. The game device has an improved main drive mechanism which permits the player to vary the initial rotational speed of the reels in direct proportion to the speed in which an associated operating handle is pulled. A supplemental drive mechanism is included for increasing the speed of the reels if the player fails to pull the operating handle with sufficient force to rotate the reels at a predetermined minimum speed. The device also includes an improved indexing means for stopping the reels in accordance with the operation of the game device. The game device also includes means for absorbing excessing energy that may be provided by a player pulling the operating handle with extraordinary speed or force.

Abstract: A gear, chiefly for use in timepieces, acoustic devices and like precision apparatus, is made of an elastic material and comprises teeth alternately arranged in two rows, that is, a front and rear row and axially positioned away from one another. Each of the teeth has a leg extending from the main body of the gear and a meshing portion integral with the outer end of the leg and engageable with another gear with which it is adapted to mesh. The legs of each two adjacent teeth in each of the front and rear rows are spaced apart from each other circumferentially of the gear by a specified distance to render the teeth elastically deformable for cushioning and thereby eliminate noise when the gear meshes with another gear. Even when the gear has a small module, the legs of the teeth in each of the front and rear rows can be spaced apart by a large distance, so that the gear can be formed easily, for example, by injection molding.

Abstract: An anti-backlash nut assembly is disclosed for longitudinal movement along a screw which has an external thread thereon, in response to relative rotational movement between the nut assembly and the screw. The assembly includes a first nut part having an internal thread complementary to the external thread of the screw, and a second nut part also having an internal thread complementary to the external thread of the screw. A coil spring is interconnected between the first and second nut parts for applying torque thereto and rotatably biasing the nut parts together to eliminate backlash therebetween and improve the positional accuracy of the nut assembly along the screw. A cylindrical collar is sandwiched between a pair of opposed portions of the nut parts and surrounds the coil spring. With this structural combination, the anti-backlash nut assembly can be adjustably preloaded by relatively rotating the nut parts to selectively preload the coil spring to a desired torque.

Abstract: A transmission comprises a rotatable output; a rotatable input; three planetary gear sets each having rotatable first, second and third elements and planet gears; rigid rotatable couplings connecting the second element of each set with one element of one other set and connecting the third element of each set with a different element of one other set, the remaining elements of each set being uncoupled and being of the same kind; a brake for locking each coupling against rotation; the uncoupled element of one set being driven by the input and the uncoupled element of a second set driving the output; and a clutch arrangement for selectively connecting the uncoupled element of the third set with either or both of the uncoupled elements of the first and second sets.

Abstract: A drive apparatus (10) includes a drive member (11) and a connected driving ring gear (23) rotatable about a first axis (21) for supplying power to a torque converter (13). A compact speed change mechanism (16) interconnects the driving ring gear (23) and torque converter (13) and includes a driven ring gear (25) connected to the torque converter, and a support device (17,20,32,50). The support device (17,20,32,50) rotatably supports the driven ring gear (25) on a second axis (27) offset from the first axis (21), and the meshed ring gears (23,25) have a preselected tooth differential to effect a speed change therebetween. The support device includes a support member (17) having a portion (18) journalled in the drive member (11), and an arm (50) on the support member is rotationally fixed while it is allowed to have a preselected amount of play movement.

Abstract: A novel load proportional antibacklash gear drive system is provided wherein each portion of a split pinion gear is provided with a pressure chamber connected to a torque sensor and servo control unit for controlling the pressure applied individually to each split gear portion, against opposing tooth faces of the driven gear. The servo control unit provides high pressure (hydraulic or pneumatic) to a first split gear portion for drive in one direction while providing low pressure to the second split gear portion in the opposing rotational sense to maintain contact of the split gear with both faces of the driven gear at all times, thereby eliminating backlash. Upon reversal of the direction of rotation of the gear system, the servo unit provides high pressure to the second split gear portion which then acts as the driving gear, and maintains low pressure to the first split gear portion to maintain it in contact with the driven gear to prevent backlash upon reversal of the direction of drive of the gear system.

Abstract: A marine drive is shown in which a reverse pinion, which is in continuous mesh with a bull gear, is provided with a detuner to prevent vibration while it idles. The detuner includes a ring gear detuner pinion disposed about the reverse pinion shaft. The detuner pinion has helical teeth as do the reverse pinion and bull gear. One end of the detuner pinion is slidably mounted on a ring which encircles the reverse pinion shaft adjacent the reverse pinion, and the other end of the detuner pinion is supported by a diaphragm assembly which prevents torsional and radial motion but permits axial movement of the detuner pinion. The diaphragm assembly is mounted on a sleeve which is secured to the pinion shaft and extends through, but out of contact with, the detuner pinion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting tooth flank play between two sun gears and at least two planetary gears of a bevel gear differential drive is provided in which, after establishing the operating positions of both sun gears on their sun gear shaft, each planetary gear is shifted on its shaft, previously inserted into a transverse bore of the sun gear shaft, after which the planet gears are brought into their precise operating positions relative to the sun gears and perpendicular to the sun gear shaft and are stopped there with the maintenance of an equal tooth flank play to the sun gears, by first inserting the planetary shaft into the transverse bore of the sun gear shaft in an axially displaceable manner, then placing each planetary gear on its planetary gear shaft with a previously calculated axial distance from the sun gear shaft, and then adjusting an equal tooth flank play by axial displacement of the planetary gears with their planetary gear shafts in the transverse bore and finally fixing planetary

Abstract: Apparatus for driving a rotatable mantle, such as a mantle of a deflection compensated roll of a paper machine, which is mounted by bearings on a fixed axle, includes a substantially tubular axle fixed to an end of the rotatable mantle. A housing or gear box which constitutes a carrier for at least one drive gear, is mounted by bearings on the tubular axle so that the housing or gear box and the gears associated therewith are fixed to the mantle so as to follow any deflections thereof. Rotation preventing apparatus are provided for fixing the housing or gear box against rotation around the fixed axle yet which permits the housing or gear box to follow any deflections of the mantle. The rotation preventing apparatus includes a toothed coupling member which extends between and is coupled to the housing or gear box and a bearing block in which an end of the fixed axle is mounted.

Abstract: Each screw shaft of a twin screw extruder with power branching gearing is driven by a gear train comprising a driven pinion, a first pair of intermediate gears meshing with the driven pinion from opposite sides, a second pair of intermediate gears each meshed with a respective one of the first pair of intermediate gears and a drive pinion meshed on its opposite sides with the second pair of intermediate gears and coupled to a power shaft. The first and second pairs of intermediate gears are capable only of rotation in a gear casing in which they are mounted but the drive pinion and the driven pinion are capable of radial movement in the casing. As shown the driven pinion has an axial extension with curved teeth engaged in one end of a coupling sleeve with internal curved teeth and a portion of the shaft has curved teeth engaged with the curved teeth in the other end of the sleeve, the shaft being mounted in bearings.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic transmission mechanism for an automotive vehicle driveline including a hydrokinetic torque converter and multiple ratio planetary gearing in combination with a torque splitter gear unit located within the converter housing, the multiple ratio gearing having two separate torque input shafts and the splitter unit being adapted to distribute torque to each of the input shafts, one torque delivery path being fully mechanical and the other being hydrokinetic, the torque splitter unit including a simple planetary gear unit with a pocketed carrier, the planetary gear elements of the torque splitter gear unit being journalled on their peripheries in the carrier thus eliminating the need for a separate torque splitter pinion shafts and bearings.

Abstract: A motor-tachometer rotates a drive shaft rotatably supported on an upper support member that is fixedly secured to a lower support member. The drive shaft in turn rotates a compliant rotary member of larger diameter fixedly secured to a driven shaft for rotation therewith. This compliant rotary member is provided with a circular central portion and an annular outer portion coupled together by three springs symmetrically disposed around the periphery of the central portion, and is loaded against the drive shaft so that the annular outer portion is eccentrically offset relative to the circular central portion in a radial direction opposite the drive shaft. The driven shaft is rotatably supported by the lower support member in engagement with a drive bar for moving a stage on which the upper and lower support members are mounted along the drive bar.

Abstract: A final drive assembly for a vehicle comprising a housing, an input pinion gear rotatably supported by the housing, a sun gear shaft rotatably supported by the housing, a final drive bull gear fixedly secured to the sun gear shaft and in mesh with the input pinion gear, a planetary reduction gear group with a carrier thereof being rotatably mounted on the sun gear shaft, a sprocket rotatably mounted on the housing, and a torque tube fixedly secured to the sprocket and mounted for rotation on the sun gear shaft, the torque tube being coupled with the carrier.

Abstract: A planetary gear assembly comprises, a housing with an input shaft rotatably mounted in the housing and being advantageously hollow so as to provide a means for rotatably supporting a central gear. The central gear includes two axially spaced helical gear portions which mesh with oppositely helically geared rotatable planetary gears having respective shafts supported on planet carriers which are selectively connected either to the input shaft or to an output shaft which is rotatably mounted adjacent the input shaft. A planetary gear is also meshed with outer central gears or internal gears which are affixed to the housing. The inner central gears are mounted so that they may be displaced axially to absorb stressing during operation. In addition, the internal gear advantageously includes a hub portion which provides a mounting for a planetary gearing of another faster running planetary stage.

Abstract: A light, miniaturized power transmission device of the type wherein the power from a drive shaft is transmitted to a driven shaft via a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism has a ring gear, a sun gear disposed concentrically on the radially inner side of the ring gear, and planetary gears disposed between and engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear. At least the meshing portions of the planetary gears, ring gear and sun gear are resiliently held from opposite side surfaces thereof by a pair of side plates attached to said planetary gear mechanism. The side plates permit free orbital movements of the planetary gears and suppresses the relative axial movements of the ring gear, planetary gears and sun gear. A centrifugally operated friction clutch is disposed between the drive shaft and the planetary gear mechanism so as to control the transmission of power from the drive shaft to the planetary gear mechanism.

Abstract: An electrical window lift drive especially for use in a motor vehicle, includes a drive housing, an electric motor attached to the housing having a shaft extending into the interior of the housing. A worm gear is mounted on the motor shaft for rotation thereby. A worm wheel is mounted for independent rotation coaxially with respect to a first portion of a bearing shaft inside the housing on a member intermediate the bearing shaft and the wheel. The bearing shaft is supported in the housing on both sides of the worm wheel and extends transversely of the motor shaft. The worm wheel meshes with and is driven by the worm gear. A drive member is mounted coaxially with respect to a second portion of the bearing shaft, and means are provided intermediate the worm gear and the drive member for transferring rotary motion of the worm gear to the drive member.

Abstract: A damper of the gear type useful for a movable portion of video tape decks and other apparatus, comprising a damper case formed with an internal gear on its inner periphery, a sun gear shaft having an input shaft at its one end and rotatably disposed in the center of the damper case, and planetary gear units provided around the sun gear shaft and arranged in a plurality of stages along the sun gear shaft, each comprising a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears and the internal gear. The planetary gears of the unit in the first stage are rotatably supported by the input shaft. The planetary gears of each of the other stages are rotatably supported by the sun gear of the immediately preceding unit. The meshing engagement of the multi-stage gear stage gives resistance, for example, to a spring for withdrawing the tape accommodating portion of a video tape deck to produce a damping effect.

Abstract: A shredding machine of the general type employed for comminuting difficult to shred material incorporates a torque cushioning device for the purpose of minimizing breakage of the comminuting teeth or knives of the apparatus when the teeth encounter metal or other objects which impose a torque overload on the rotating teeth. The drive motor is coupled to the shafts carrying the comminuting teeth by means of a drive transmission assembly such as a speed reducer box. The transmission assembly is shaft mounted upon the input shaft to the comminuter so that the casing of the transmission assembly can rotate relative to the fixed frame of the machine about the axis of its supporting shaft. An arm fixedly mounted upon the casing is biased by springs mounted upon the machine frame.

Abstract: A switching device for variable speed gears in machine tools having an assembly which includes a plurality of axially disposed, rotatably-driven cam discs, each of which is associated with an electric microswitch. Non-rotatable spacers serve to position the cam discs. A spherical key bed clamp axially clamps the cam discs together while permitting rotation of individual ones thereof. A non-rotating indicating disc displays the present RPM or respective gear stage. A shock absorber in the individual gear trains between switching bars and their respective electric motors provides sufficient damping and cushioning to prevent a hard start-up impact when the motor is switched on or when a sliding gear block is engaged. The shock absorber may include an elastic linkage or an elastic spur gear in a toothed wheel gear reduction unit located between the motor drive shaft and the link shaft.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing sprocket or gear assembly or like torsionally elastic device is described having resilient cushioning means interposed between mating lugs of the hub and rim to smooth and dampen torsional shocks and vibrations produced by a power drive train. An improved radial bearing surface is provided which maintains symmetry of the bearing load with respect to the drive, and which ensures concentricity between the hub and rim and keeps the rim from wobbling axially or orbiting radially with respect to the hub during operation. The cushioning means are configured relative to the hub and rim to accommodate angular displacements of at least 9.degree.. A power transmission drive system employing the shock-absorbing sprocket of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for an endless power transmission device is provided and utilizes the elastic properties of an elastomeric material to provide the tensioning action and such apparatus is supported adjacent the endless power transmission device to be tensioned and has components thereof operatively associated with the elastomeric material and with the device.

Abstract: A variable rate frictional drive coupling is provided between a drive shaft and a driven member. The drive coupling will dampen torsional vibrations from the drive shaft and will transmit driving torque from said shaft to the driven member. The coupling comprises a cam and leaf springs positioned in such a way that as the shaft deflection increases, the load increases and the moment arm point of contact between the cam and the leaf springs changes such that no natural frequency is produced. The frictional forces between the leaves of the leaf spring change inversely to the spring force required to drive the driven member.