A torque limiting device comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a machined torsion spring having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end of the torsion spring are coupled to the both the input shaft and the output shaft, whereby torque is transmitted between the input shaft and output shaft via the torsion spring. The couplings between the torsion spring and the input shaft and the output shaft permit limited relative rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft. The device further comprises a jamming mechanism operable in response to relative rotation between the input shaft and output shaft to stop rotation of both the input shaft and the output shaft.

A seatbelt retractor includes a spool, a piston, and a cylinder. The spool is rotatably coupled to a base by a piston and a cylinder. The piston is fixed to one of the base and the spool. The cylinder receives the piston and is fixed to the other of the base and the spool. A cutter is disposed between and fixed to one of the piston and the cylinder. The cutter is in engagement with the other of the piston and the cylinder.

In a predetermined first state, a distance (D.sub.1) in a second direction between a contact portion (P.sub.in) between a input-side engaging part (9) and an input-side engaging part (17) and a rotation center (O) is larger than a distance (D.sub.2) in the second direction between a contact portion (P.sub.out) between an output-side engaging part (12) and an output-side engaged part (14) and the rotation center (O). In a locked state or a semi-locked state, a contact portion (C.sub.1) between the output-side engaging part (12) and the output-side engaged part (14) is located closer to the rotation center (O) of the output member (4) in a first direction than an imaginary straight line (L) connecting a contact portion (C.sub.2) between one pressing surface (13) of the pair of pressing surfaces (13) and a pressed surface (6) to the rotation center (O) of the output member (4).

A self-aligning driveshaft coupler includes a receiving clutch mounted to a driveshaft and a locking clutch assembly mounted to an implement. The locking clutch assembly includes a collar and a yoke that rotate together, and a spring between the collar and the yoke. A locking pin may be pivotably attached to the yoke to move a projection on the locking pin in and out of the retaining groove. A plurality of drive pins extend axially from the collar. The spring biases the drive pins into engagement with the receiving clutch when the locking pin projection is in the retaining groove and the output shaft and receiving clutch are rotated less than 180 degrees.

A torque restriction mechanism is provided by which torque cutoff and torque transmission can be reliably performed without being affected by a rotation state of the drive unit, and damage to a collision object can be reduced even with a simple configuration. The torque restriction mechanism according to the present invention includes a first clutch and a second clutch. The first clutch cuts off torque to a driven unit when reaction torque at a stationary portion of a motor equals or exceeds a first value. The second clutch that transmits torque in accordance with a rotation state of a rotor of the motor, cuts off torque to the driven unit when the reaction torque equals or exceeds a second value larger than the first value.

An aircraft flap blow back prevention device includes a first ball-ramp plate, and output coupling engaged therewith, rotatable about an axis. A second ball-ramp plate is disposed adjacent the first plate such that ball-ramp surfaces thereof are opposed, with a ball therebetween, and such that first and second braking surfaces thereof oppose respective first and second stationary braking structures. A spring biasing the first plate toward the second plate spaces apart the first braking surface and first braking structure. An input shaft axially extends through the first and second plates in a lost window arrangement, wherein an absolute value of rotational torque applied to the output coupling, greater than rotational torque applied to the input shaft, causes the ball to urge apart the plates and the braking surfaces thereof to be urged against the respective braking structures to cease rotation of the output coupling. An associated method is also provided.

An aircraft flap blow back prevention device includes a first ball-ramp plate, and output coupling engaged therewith, rotatable about an axis. A second ball-ramp plate is disposed adjacent the first plate such that ball-ramp surfaces thereof are opposed, with a ball therebetween, and such that first and second braking surfaces thereof oppose respective first and second stationary braking structures. A spring biasing the first plate toward the second plate spaces apart the first braking surface and first braking structure. An input shaft axially extends through the first and second plates in a lost window arrangement, wherein an absolute value of rotational torque applied to the output coupling, greater than rotational torque applied to the input shaft, causes the ball to urge apart the plates and the braking surfaces thereof to be urged against the respective braking structures to cease rotation of the output coupling. An associated method is also provided.

A non-reverse ratchet assembly includes a stationary ring with a plurality of saw teeth equally distributed over an outer surface of the stationary ring; a rotating housing with a rotating ring surrounding the stationary ring; and a plurality of ratchet elements equally distributed and positioned between the rotating ring and the stationary ring, wherein each ratchet element is configured to engage with or disengage from the plurality of saw teeth, and wherein each ratchet element comprises a slot for a distributed load sharing of the plurality of ratchet elements when engaging with the plurality of saw teeth. Furthermore, a vertical shaft motor including a non-reverse ratchet assembly is described.

A non-reverse ratchet assembly includes a stationary ring with a plurality of saw teeth equally distributed over an outer surface of the stationary ring; a rotating housing with a rotating ring surrounding the stationary ring; and a plurality of ratchet elements equally distributed and positioned between the rotating ring and the stationary ring, wherein each ratchet element is configured to engage with or disengage from the plurality of saw teeth, and wherein each ratchet element comprises a slot for a distributed load sharing of the plurality of ratchet elements when engaging with the plurality of saw teeth. Furthermore, a vertical shaft motor including a non-reverse ratchet assembly is described.

The invention relates to miniature drives for use in automobile locks. A return of the mechanism once the lock is opened and the motor is shut down is prevented completely mechanically. For this purpose, the worm wheel is associated with a mechanically active locking element which allows first to slightly turn back the wheel to unlock and reduce the load on the mechanism, but then prevents any further rotation against the direction of drive.