Patent ID: 8439763
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A wedge clutch assembly, comprising: a housing having an upper opening and a lower opening; an inner wedge disposed within the housing, the inner wedge having a passage formed therethrough adapted for receiving a drive shaft, the inner wedge including: a thrust bearing mounted about a lower portion of the upper externally threaded neck, the thrust bearing abutting the housing when the inner wedge is assembled therewith; at least one wedge clutch spring washer disposed about the neck adjacent the thrust bearing; a fastener threaded on the upper externally threaded neck above the wedge clutch spring washer for adjusting an applied torque to the inner wedge; and a seal flange mounted about an upper portion of the upper externally threaded neck above the fastener; wherein the housing and the inner wedge are adapted for placement within a cavity of a clutch, the seal flange being adapted for sealing an upper end of the cavity from external contamination.