Importance

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Abstract

A ratchet one-way clutch assembly is disclosed. The assembly has an inner member, such as a race or shaft member, with a plurality of notches, an outer member, such as a race, stator or reactor member, with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. The pawl members have a pivot ridge which mates with a peak or recess in the pockets in the outer member to precisely position the pawl in the pocket. The pawl center of the mass is selectively positioned such that the pawl can have a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches in the inner member. In an alternate embodiment, a spring member is utilized to provide a tilting force on the pawl members toward engagement. Garter springs, coil springs, ribbon springs, or the like can be used for this purpose. Axial retainment members, such as washers, can also be used with the present invention. One or more of the retainment (retainer) members further can have axially extending flanges for improved radial bearing capability.

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First Claim