US3613846A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hollow sprag
Assignee: Formsprag Co
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Filing: 1970-01-12
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Granted: 1971-10-19
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Expires: 1990-01-12
Abstract
Abstract A torque-transmitting sprag, otherwise solid in cross section, has one or more openings extending substantially throughout the axial length thereof between shaped working surfaces at which it engages coaxial clutch races, and front and rear surfaces of the sprag. The opening reduces the sprag weight, governs the location of its center of gravity and, more importantly, enables the sprag to flatten slightly at the race surfaces, under radial load, thereby reducing unit internal stress and, in reducing mass, permitting higher efficient operating speeds. The opening may be variously located in regard to sprag trunnion means, if present, or to the sprag''s working and other surfaces.
Inventors
- 👤 Thaddeus F Zlotek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 02:00
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D41/00; F16D41/06; F16D41/069; F16D41/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A sprag comprising a body having pairs of radially spaced and circumferentially spaced surfaces, at least one surface of the former being engageable wedgingly with a clutch race, said body having solid section column portions of its cross section located inwardly of said circumferentially spaced surfaces, which portions border at least two yieldability-imparting holes spaced substantially from one another by material of said body integrally connecting said column portions, said column portions being continuous in extent in a direction generally radial of the sprag body but varying in sectional thickness, thus affording continuous radial column strength to the sprag coupled with radial yieldability under load, as contributed by said holes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A sprag comprising a body having pairs of radially spaced and circumferentially spaced surfaces, at least one surface of the former being engageable wedgingly with a clutch race, said body having solid section column portions of its cross section located inwardly of said circumferentially spaced surfaces, which portions border at least two yieldability-imparting holes spaced substantially from one another by material of said body integrally connecting said column portions, said column portions being continuous in extent in a direction generally radial of the sprag body but varying in sectional thickness, thus affording continuous radial column strength to the sprag coupled with radial yieldability under load, as contributed by said holes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sprag of claim 1, in which said holes extend a major portion of the axial length of said body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sprag of claim 1, in which said holes extend throughout the axial length of said body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sprag of claim 1, in which said holes extend throughout the axial length of said body and parallel to said radially spaced surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The sprag of claim 4, in which there are at least three of said holes separated from one another in the radial and circumferential senses.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-10-18 | 1975-04-19 | 1975-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-10-18 | 1979-04-19 | 1979-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-10-18 | 1983-04-19 | 1983-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |