Patent ID: 8051966

Claim:
An overrunning bi-directional clutch assembly for transferring power between a first and a second coaxial shaft, comprising: (a) two axially adjacent cylindrical slipper rings of equal diameter, each of said slipper rings having a first radial surface for frictional engagement with the second shaft, a second radial surface having a bearing surface thereon, and an axial inner edge, the axial inner edge of one of said slipper rings adjacent the axial inner edge of the other of said slipper rings; (b) a cylindrical fixed bearing surface; (c) said slipper rings coaxial with and radially opposing said fixed bearing surface such that said second radial surface of said slipper rings radially oppose the fixed hearing surface; (d) at least one tab at the axial inner edge of one of said slipper rings; (e) at least one cutout at the axial inner edge of the other of said slipper rings, said cutout couples with said tab to index said two slipper rings so that the two slipper rings operate as one slipper ring to provide an increased axial surface for frictional engagement with the second shaft, thereby increasing an amount of torque that is transferable between the first shaft and the second shaft; (f) two actuator catches, one at each axial inner edge of said slipper rings; (g) an actuator assembly at said fixed bearing surface, said actuator assembly engageable with both said actuator catches to simultaneously couple or uncouple both of said slipper rings from said fixed bearing surface.