A torque limiter includes: a first rotary member configured to be rotated by a drive source; at least one first friction member engaged with the first rotary member; at least one second friction member arranged so as to overlap the first friction member, and configured to rotate with rotation of the first rotary member by using frictional force generated between the second friction member and the first friction member; and a second rotary member engaged with the second friction member. It is preferable that the first rotary member and the second rotary member be pivotally supported by an identical rotary shaft, and that, while either the first rotary member and the second rotary member is fixed to the rotary shaft, the other one be supported so as to be rotatable about the rotary shaft.

An apparatus for connecting a rotational drive member to a rotational driven member brakes rotation when either the torque transmitted between the members exceeds a predetermined torque limit or the rotational speed of the drive member exceeds a predetermined rotational speed limit. The apparatus includes a torque limiter configured to actuate a braking mechanism or disconnect transmission when the torque limit is exceeded, and an over-speed governor configured to trigger the torque limiter when the rotational speed of the input element exceeds the rotational speed limit. The over-speed governor may trigger the torque limiter by reducing the torque limit of the torque limiter, or by introducing rotational drag in the apparatus to increase transmitted torque.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) clutch that includes a post, a fixed sheave, a moveable sheave and a peak torque limiter (PTL) is provided. The fixed sheave is rotationally mounted on the post. The fixed sheave is axially fixed in relation to the post. The moveable sheave is rotationally mounted on the post. The moveable sheave is configured to move axially on the post. The PTL operationally couples at least the moveable sheave to the post. The PTL is configured to slip when exposed to a torque over a set maximum toque threshold.

A device for selectively transmitting torque between an input shaft and an output shaft includes: a first plurality of friction disks configured to rotate with the input shaft; a second plurality of friction disks configured to rotate with the output shaft and interdigitated with the first plurality of friction disks; a plurality of roller disks wherein each of the plurality of roller disks includes a first disk-to-roller interface with one of the first plurality of friction disks and a second disk-to-roller interface with one of the second plurality of friction disks; a first resilient member configured to provide a force (F.sub.SPR) through the first and second plurality of friction disks and roller disks; a solenoid configured to overcome the force (F.sub.SPR) from the resilient member when energised. the device may be selectively placed in one of a first mode and a second mode depending on torque requirements.

A power transmitting apparatus has a clutch member and a pressure member. The cam surfaces of the pressure-contact assist cam face each other. The cam surfaces of the back torque limiter cam face each other. A receiving portion for a clutch spring (10) on the pressure member (5) side has a receiving member (11) separate from the pressure member (5). A first cam surface (C1) and a second cam surface (C2), constituting the back torque limiter cam, are, respectively, formed on the receiving member (11) and the clutch member (4). A third cam surface (C3) and a fourth cam surface (C4), constituting the pressure-contact assist cam, are, respectively, formed on the pressure member (5) and the clutch member (4).

A composite flywheel (13), comprising a primary flywheel (15) integral with an input shaft (31) and a secondary flywheel (17) coaxial with the primary flywheel (15). The secondary flywheel (17) and the primary flywheel (15) are constrained so that they can rotate freely with respect to each other. A coupling device (61) is further provided, adapted selectively to: transmit power from the input shaft (31) to the secondary flywheel (17); and disengage the secondary flywheel (17) from the input shaft (31).

A torque limiting clutch that includes an input member and at least two output members is provided. The input member is configured to receive torque. Each output member is in operational communication with the input member to transfer torque between the input member and each output member. Each output member is configured to slip the operational communication with the input member when a torque above a set torque limit is encountered. Further wherein the slip of the operational communication between the input member and one output member of the at least two output members is independent of the operational communication between the input member and any other output member of the at least two output members.

A clutch comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a biasing member. The biasing member is arranged to provide a biasing force that allows torque transfer from the input shaft to the output shaft via one or more input friction plates and one or more output friction plates. Rotation of the output shaft may cause the biasing force to vary to adjust the maximum torque setting of the clutch during reeling-in or reeling-out of a winch cable around a winch drum. A retainer may be included in the clutch which retains the biasing member in operative connection with the output shaft and translates axially relative to the input shaft upon rotation of the output shaft. The axial translation may cause the biasing force to vary by varying the compression of the biasing member.

An apparatus for connecting a rotational drive member to a rotational driven member brakes rotation when either the torque transmitted between the members exceeds a predetermined torque limit or the rotational speed of the drive member exceeds a predetermined rotational speed limit. The apparatus includes a torque limiter configured to actuate a braking mechanism or disconnect transmission when the torque limit is exceeded, and an over-speed governor configured to trigger the torque limiter when the rotational speed of the input element exceeds the rotational speed limit. The over-speed governor may trigger the torque limiter by reducing the torque limit of the torque limiter, or by introducing rotational drag in the apparatus to increase transmitted torque.

A power transmitting apparatus has a clutch member and a pressure member. The cam surfaces of the pressure-contact assist cam face each other. The cam surfaces of the back torque limiter cam face each other. A receiving portion for a clutch spring (10) on the pressure member (5) side has a receiving member (11) separate from the pressure member (5). A first cam surface (C1) and a second cam surface (C2), constituting the back torque limiter cam, are, respectively, formed on the receiving member (11) and the clutch member (4). A third cam surface (C3) and a fourth cam surface (C4), constituting the pressure-contact assist cam, are, respectively, formed on the pressure member (5) and the clutch member (4).