Patent ID: 6557678
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: F16D,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A transmission assembly comprising:(a) An overrunning clutch assembly comprising: (i) a race having an inner annular contact surface; (ii) a plurality of sprags provided along said inner annular contact surface of said race, said plurality of sprags defining a drive space; (iii) means for retaining said plurality of sprags along said inner annular contact surface of said race; (b) a shaft having a drive portion with a drive diameter sufficient to cause rotation of said shaft in response to a rotation of said race when said drive portion is positioned at least partially within said drive space; (c) means for moving said drive portion of said shaft at least partially into and out of said drive space; (d) wherein said shaft is provided with a neutral portion of a neutral diameter insufficient to transfer a substantial rotation of said race to said shaft when said neutral proportion is positioned within said drive space; and (e) wherein said shaft tapers from said drive portion to said neutral portion.