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Transmission and variable radially expanding spring clutch assembly

  • US 8,984,977 B2
  • Filed: 07/20/2010
  • Issued: 03/24/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/11/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A transmission comprising:

  • a shaft member having a cylindrical outer surface in which longitudinal grooves are formed;

    a single pair of rolling members disposed in said longitudinal grooves and positioned approximately 180 degrees apart relative to a perimeter of the cylindrical outer surface of the shaft member;

    a gear member having lobes, said lobes disposed between said rolling members and over said shaft member;

    a clutch spring that at least partially encircles said rolling members and said lobes, said clutch spring having a reduced torque condition that at least defines said clutch spring stretching to accommodate said rolling members leaving said longitudinal grooves and moving to said outer cylindrical surface such that said clutch spring forms a generally elliptical shape in said reduced torque condition.

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