Patent US3651906A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3651906A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic mechanical clutch
Assignee: Bowen Tools Inc
•
Filing: 1970-04-02
•
Granted: 1972-03-28
•
Expires: 1990-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A new and improved automatic mechanical clutch adapted to releasably interconnect two shafts upon a rotation of one of the shafts, and to disconnect such shafts when the rotation of such shaft is discontinued.
Inventors
- 👤 Damon T Slator
- 👤 Archie R Wilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:35
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D43/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
An automatic mechanical clutch adapted to connect and disconnect two shafts, comprising: a first clutch element fixed on a first shaft for rotation together; a second clutch element mounted on a second shaft for limited rotational movement relative to each other; means for urging said clutch elements apart to a disengaged position when said second shaft is substantially stationary with respect to said second clutch element; actuating means for moving said second clutch element into operable engagement with said first clutch-element in response to a predetermined amount of rotation of said second shaft relative to said second clutch element and for thereafter transmitting rotation of said second shaft through said engaged clutch elements to said first shaft; and releasable holding means for releasably holding said second clutch element against rotation until a predetermined torque is applied thereto from said shaft.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
An automatic mechanical clutch adapted to connect and disconnect two shafts, comprising: a first clutch element fixed on a first shaft for rotation together; a second clutch element mounted on a second shaft for limited rotational movement relative to each other; means for urging said clutch elements apart to a disengaged position when said second shaft is substantially stationary with respect to said second clutch element; actuating means for moving said second clutch element into operable engagement with said first clutch-element in response to a predetermined amount of rotation of said second shaft relative to said second clutch element and for thereafter transmitting rotation of said second shaft through said engaged clutch elements to said first shaft; and releasable holding means for releasably holding said second clutch element against rotation until a predetermined torque is applied thereto from said shaft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for urging said clutch elements apart acts to return said clutch elements to the disengaged position when the rotation of said second shaft is discontinued.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for urging said clutch elements apart includes: a spring; and means on said clutch element and said second shaft for confining said spring and compressing it upon a rotation of said second shaft relative to said second clutch element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said holding means includes: a plurality of flat surfaces on the external surface of said second clutch element; and a spring pressed ball resiliently engaging one of said flat surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said actuating means includes: a cam guide surface formed in said second clutch element; and a cam pin on said second shaft extending into engagement with said cam guide surface for following same to effect a longitudinal movement of said second clutch element relative to said second shaft an said first clutch element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The structure set forth in claim 5, wherein: said cam guide surface extends laterally and is formed with two legs which are inclined towards each other to a mid-point which is displaced longitudinally closer to said first clutch element than the rest of said cam guide surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein: said clutch elements have clutch teeth which interfit to lock said clutch elements together when they are moved into interfitting engagement.
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) | 1975-03-28 | 1975-09-27 | 1976-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-03-28 | 1979-09-27 | 1980-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-03-28 | 1983-09-27 | 1984-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |