Patent ID: 8162122
Filing Date: 2012-04-24
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A drive disconnect device for releasably connecting an electrical generator to an input shaft, the drive disconnect device comprising an output shaft and at least one drive transfer element movable from a first position where it drivingly connects the input shaft and the output shaft to a second position where a driving connection between the input shaft and the output shaft is removed, wherein operation of the disconnect device causes the electrical generator to become electrically isolated or excitation for the generator to be inhibited, said drive disconnect device further comprising a release element and a lock, and in which one of the release element and the lock carries electrical contacts such that the electrical generator is connectable to an external circuit when the lock holds the release element at an armed position, and the electrical generator is isolated from the external circuit or excitation is inhibited when the lock is operated to allow the release element to move from the armed position.