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Clutch mechanism

  • US 7,731,618 B2
  • Filed: 05/05/2005
  • Issued: 06/08/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/06/2004
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A clutch mechanism comprising:

  • two clutch members each having an engaged position, in which torque generated by a drive is transmitted to an output, and a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output, the clutch members being capable of slipping;

    an actuator associated with one of the clutch members and configured so that, if the clutch members slip and the rotational speed of one clutch member slipping relative to the other is above a predetermined value, the actuator interrupts transmission of torque to the output;

    a gearing system including an epicyclic gear train and configured to provide an output of reduced rotational speed relative to that generated by the drive;

    a housing, substantially enclosing the clutch members, having at least one slot; and

    at least one cam member for moving at least one of the clutch members towards the engaged position, the at least one cam member configured to move in the at least one slot, such that movement of the cam member in the slot controls the moving of the clutch members towards the engaged position.

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