Overrunning clutch

U.S. Patent Number: 5383542

Abstract: An overrunning clutch has a driving race and a driven race. The clutch further has cams, each with a locking portion which allows torque transmission in a predetermined direction only from the driving race to the driven race. The locking portions of some of the cams can be engaged between the driving race and the driven race by gravity. The locking portions of all of the cams tend to become engaged by centrifugal force. The clutch additionally has rollers between the driving race and the driven race to maintain the spacing between the driving race and the driven race.

Inventors: Stockton; Thomas R. (Ann Arbor, MI)

Assignee: Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, MI)

Application Number: 08/172,990

Issued: 1995-01-24

Expired: 2007-01-24

Classes: 192/45.1 ; 192/103B; 192/105CE; 192/41A

Field of search: 192/45.1,41A,13B,15CE,89.1

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