Presented are dual-clutch engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such disconnect devices, and motor vehicles equipped with such disconnect devices. An engine disconnect device for a vehicle includes a first one-way clutch (OWC) with concentric inner and outer races and torque elements interposed between and transferring torque across these races in a first direction. The first outer race rigidly attaches to a damper plate for common rotation therewith, and the first inner race rigidly attaches to a pump cover of a torque converter for common rotation therewith. A second OWC, which concentrically aligns within the first OWC, includes concentric inner and outer races with torque elements interposed between and transferring torque across these races in a second direction. The second outer race is splined to the first inner race for common rotation with the pump cover. The second inner race rigidly attaches to the damper plate for common rotation therewith.

Presented are dual-clutch engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such disconnect devices, and motor vehicles equipped with such disconnect devices. An engine disconnect device for a vehicle includes a first one-way clutch (OWC) with concentric inner and outer races and torque elements interposed between and transferring torque across these races in a first direction. The first outer race rigidly attaches to a damper plate for common rotation therewith, and the first inner race rigidly attaches to a pump cover of a torque converter for common rotation therewith. A second OWC, which concentrically aligns within the first OWC, includes concentric inner and outer races with torque elements interposed between and transferring torque across these races in a second direction. The second outer race is splined to the first inner race for common rotation with the pump cover. The second inner race rigidly attaches to the damper plate for common rotation therewith.

A medical handle for pneumatically or hydraulically driven medical instruments or motor units includes a clutch member for mechanical and pneumatic/hydraulic coupling of a corresponding clutch member and a manually operable valve mechanism for selective pressurization of a medical instrument coupled thereto or the motor unit thereof, the valve mechanism being provided with a safety device for preventing pressurization in the case of an uncoupled medical instrument or the motor unit thereof. The clutch member present on the side of the handle is provided to interact with the valve mechanism such that during or by the mechanical coupling operation the latter is automatically opened and/or enabled for manual opening, whereas in the uncoupled state the valve mechanism is closed and/or enabling is cancelled.

A medical handle for pneumatically or hydraulically driven medical instruments or motor units includes a clutch member for mechanical and pneumatic/hydraulic coupling of a corresponding clutch member and a manually operable valve mechanism for selective pressurization of a medical instrument coupled thereto or the motor unit thereof, the valve mechanism being provided with a safety device for preventing pressurization in the case of an uncoupled medical instrument or the motor unit thereof. The clutch member present on the side of the handle is provided to interact with the valve mechanism such that during or by the mechanical coupling operation the latter is automatically opened and/or enabled for manual opening, whereas in the uncoupled state the valve mechanism is closed and/or enabling is cancelled.

A wedge clutch, including: outer and inner races; a wedge plate radially between the inner and outer races; and an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator includes: a coil; a first coil core piece including a first end disposed within the coil and a second end connected to the wedge plate; and a second coil core piece including a first end disposed within the first coil and a second end connected to the wedge plate. In a locked mode of the clutch, the inner race and outer races and the wedge plate are non-rotatably connected for rotation of the inner race in a circumferential direction. In a free-wheel mode of the clutch, the inner race is rotatable, with respect to the outer race, in the circumferential direction. To transition from the locked mode to the free-wheel mode, the electromagnetic actuator is arranged to be energized to radially contract the wedge plate.

The enclosed invention is a new one way clutch where linear or rotary motion between two bodies is transmitted in only one direction by one or more links moving in one of the bodies and connected with the other by friction or positive engagement, the link(s) plays the role of a follower to the cam surface on the other body. The link(s) could be rigid or flexible or in combination of both, and its contact is insured by springs which could be separate or part of any of the mechanism bodies. The link(s) causes the two bodies to cease and move together in the driving direction, and to release in the opposite free movement direction. One of the two bodies can be omitted and replaced by a part of the using machine. Links and cam lubes could be used in pairs. If links reset is needed, flexible elements or additional cam-follower mechanism can be used to avoid impact. Higher forces and torques can be transmitted with minimum backlash, surface fatigue and maximum indexing rate and service life.

A drive assembly including a wedge clutch assembly is disclosed. The wedge clutch assembly includes a first cage having a first plurality of tapered crossbars that at least partially define a plurality of tapered wedge pockets. A plurality of wedges are each arranged within a respective one of the plurality of wedge pockets and within a circumferential groove of one of an outer ring or an inner ring. The plurality of wedges each including a ramped surface facing a corresponding one of a plurality of ramps defined in the outer ring or inner ring. Movement of the first plurality of tapered crossbars in a first axial direction or a second axial direction circumferentially drives the plurality of wedges into contact with the circumferential groove such that an input drive gear drives an output.

A drive assembly including a wedge clutch assembly is disclosed. The wedge clutch assembly includes a first cage having a first plurality of tapered crossbars that at least partially define a plurality of tapered wedge pockets. A plurality of wedges are each arranged within a respective one of the plurality of wedge pockets and within a circumferential groove of one of an outer ring or an inner ring. The plurality of wedges each including a ramped surface facing a corresponding one of a plurality of ramps defined in the outer ring or inner ring. Movement of the first plurality of tapered crossbars in a first axial direction or a second axial direction circumferentially drives the plurality of wedges into contact with the circumferential groove such that an input drive gear drives an output.

A freewheel mechanism comprising two coaxial carrying members for eventually transmitting torque there between, being both members axially fixed but rotatably mounted along an axis. This mechanism further comprises longitudinal pawls housed in cavities, predominantly radially disposed in one of the carrying members, arranged to engage and disengage with a toothed ring placed between said carrying members. This mechanism allows a partial declutch of the carrying members, due to said toothed ring is always forced by longitudinal pawls, to slide bi-directionally in the axial direction, being declutching the axial movement from a first clutch position corresponding to non-freewheeling, to a second declutch position corresponding to freewheeling, and being clutching the axial movement of the toothed ring from the second declutch position to the first clutch position.

A freewheel mechanism comprising two coaxial carrying members for eventually transmitting torque there between, being both members axially fixed but rotatably mounted along an axis. This mechanism further comprises longitudinal pawls housed in cavities, predominantly radially disposed in one of the carrying members, arranged to engage and disengage with a toothed ring placed between said carrying members. This mechanism allows a partial declutch of the carrying members, due to said toothed ring is always forced by longitudinal pawls, to slide bi-directionally in the axial direction, being declutching the axial movement from a first clutch position corresponding to non-freewheeling, to a second declutch position corresponding to freewheeling, and being clutching the axial movement of the toothed ring from the second declutch position to the first clutch position.