Patent ID: 8042668

Claim:
A three-mode overrunning bi-directional clutch for mounting between a first and second coaxial shaft and for transferring power between the shafts, said clutch comprising: a cylindrical slipper race having a first radial surface for frictionally engaging the second shaft and a second radial surface having a plurality of concave bearing surfaces thereon; a cylindrical fixed race having a first radial surface fixed to said first shaft and a second radial surface having a plurality of concave bearing surfaces thereon, said slipper race coaxial with an radially opposing said fixed race, each of said concave bearing surfaces of said fixed race radially opposing one of said concave bearing surfaces of said slipper race so as to form pockets; cylindrical rollers positioned in each of said pockets; an actuator affixed to said fixed race and engageable with said slipper race, said actuator coupling and uncoupling said slipper race and said fixed race; an engagement member engageable with said slipper race for applying radial force against said slipper race to cause said first surface to engage said second shaft, and said clutch having three modes of operation; a first mode where said actuator couples said slipper race to said fixed race, a second mode where said actuator does not couple said slipper race from said fixed race, and a third mode where said actuator couples said slipper race to said fixed race and the engagement member applies radial force to said slipper race to cause said slipper race to engage said second shaft.