Multi-directional coupling
US6814198B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D41/064
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-directional coupling includes a housing which incorporates a first bearing surface, a race which incorporates a second bearing surface opposite the first bearing surface, a plurality of roller elements, and an alignment cage. The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface together define a channel therebetween for receiving the roller elements. The first bearing surface includes at least one recessed bearing surface portion which is configured for receiving one of the roller elements therein for coupling the housing with the race as the one roller element moves relative to the housing. The alignment cage is disposed within the channel for controlling the spacing between the roller elements. The multi-directional coupling also includes a mode controller coupled to the alignment cage for controlling the relative movement of the one roller element so as to alter the coupling mode of the coupling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.