Importance

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Abstract

An overriding clutch adapted for use within both metallic and synthetic resin structures has a housing of generally annular cross section with at least three equidistantly spaced recesses about its inner periphery each having a radial throat portion and a secantally extending portion elongated in the direction opposite the normal direction of rotation of the shaft. The radially outer surface of the secantal portion has a secantally extending rectilinear ramp portion which is inclined to a smaller radial dimension. A roller bearing in the recess has a diameter slightly larger than the throat, and the radial depth of the recess to the ramp surface is less than the diameter of the roller bearing so that the outer circumference of the roller bearing extends radially inwardly of the housing to provide a bearing surface for the shaft. A spring in the elongated portion of the recess biases the roller along the ramp surface. The housing has a wall thickness outwardly of the recess sufficient to resist deformation under normal stresses placed thereon through the bearing by the torque applied to the shaft, but it is resiliently deformable by excess torque on the shaft to allow the clutch to override.

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First Claim