A switchable one-way clutch (SOWC) is configured to operate in both a freewheeling mode and a one-way clutch mode. The SOWC includes an inner race with a plurality of external cams, and a cylindrical outer race. A plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the inner cams and the outer race. A cage is connected to an outer phaser and includes a plurality of tabs. An inner phaser has a plurality of lobes extending radially outwardly, and the outer phaser has a plurality of inwardly-extending portions. The lobes and the inwardly-extending portions cooperate to define chambers. When fluid is applied to the chambers, the outer phaser rotates relative to the inner phaser. This causes the cage to rotate along with the outer phaser. When the cage rotates, its tabs move away from the rollers, enabling the assembly to function as a one-way clutch.

A wedge clutch includes first and second races supported for rotation about a common axis. The first race defines a cam surface and circumferentially arranged pockets recessed into the cam surface. A wedge element is formed of circumferentially arranged wedges each having an ear disposed in one of the pockets. Resilient members are disposed in the pockets and act between the ears to bias the wedge element to a contracted position in which the wedge elements collectively contract towards the axis and the clutch is engaged. A cage is axial movable towards the wedge element to engage with the ears to compress the resilient members and move the wedge element to an expanded position in which the wedge elements collectively expand away from the axis and the clutch is disengaged.

A wedge plate for a wedge plate clutch, including: a radially inner surface with a plurality of ramps, each ramp sloping radially inwardly in a first circumferential direction; a radially outer surface; a first circumferential end; a second circumferential end; a gap separating the first circumferential end from the second circumferential end in the first circumferential direction; a first slot open to the radially inner surface and extending radially outwardly; a second slot open to the radially outer surface and extending radially inwardly; and a portion circumferentially located between the first slot and the second slot. a first line passes through the axis of rotation and the portion. A second line passes through the radially inner surface, the portion and the radially outer surface without passing through the first slot or the second slot. An acute angle is formed between the first line and the second line.

A switchable one-way clutch (SOWC) is configured to operate in both a freewheeling mode and a one-way clutch mode. The SOWC includes an inner race with a plurality of external cams, and a cylindrical outer race. A plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the inner cams and the outer race. A cage is connected to an outer phaser and includes a plurality of tabs. An inner phaser has a plurality of lobes extending radially outwardly, and the outer phaser has a plurality of inwardly-extending portions. The lobes and the inwardly-extending portions cooperate to define chambers. When fluid is applied to the chambers, the outer phaser rotates relative to the inner phaser. This causes the cage to rotate along with the outer phaser. When the cage rotates, its tabs move away from the rollers, enabling the assembly to function as a one-way clutch.

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.

A wedge plate for a wedge plate clutch, including: a radially inner surface with a plurality of ramps, each ramp sloping radially inwardly in a first circumferential direction; a radially outer surface; a first circumferential end; a second circumferential end; a gap separating the first circumferential end from the second circumferential end in the first circumferential direction; a first slot open to the radially inner surface and extending radially outwardly; a second slot open to the radially outer surface and extending radially inwardly; and a portion circumferentially located between the first slot and the second slot. a first line passes through the axis of rotation and the portion. A second line passes through the radially inner surface, the portion and the radially outer surface without passing through the first slot or the second slot. An acute angle is formed between the first line and the second line.

A knob/handle for kitchen devices having a rotary motion is provided. The knob/handle includes a handle body and a modified sprag clutch mechanism integrated into the handle body to enable rotation of the handle in one pre-designated direction for application of torque to a connected shaft. A hub is secured to the handle body and has one end in communication with the modified sprag clutch mechanism and an opposing end configured for connection to a shaft of a kitchen device.

A clutch having an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of sprags positioned between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a spring biasing each of the plurality of sprags towards the outer ring. Each of the plurality of sprags are movable between a disengaged position spaced from the inner ring and an engaged position contacting both the inner ring and the outer ring to rotationally unitize the inner ring and the outer ring.

A clutch having an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of sprags positioned between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a spring biasing each of the plurality of sprags towards the outer ring. Each of the plurality of sprags are movable between a disengaged position spaced from the inner ring and an engaged position contacting both the inner ring and the outer ring to rotationally unitize the inner ring and the outer ring.