Twin Disc Incorporated

Joseph C Terranova

Janet M Sabee

Darwin D Behlke

Alvin G Ziegler

Daniel J Nemecek

A PTO clutch assembly includes coaxial primary and secondary clutches and in use is initially externally actuated but primarily internally-actuating so as to require relatively low manual or other external actuating forces to engage the clutch assembly--the major portion of the actuating forces being imposed internally by the engine flywheel or the like after imposition of the external forces. The resulting clutch assembly, utilizing the engine flywheel for the major portion of engagement forces, requires only a fraction of the external actuating forces required by conventional over-center clutch assemblies of comparable capacity. The clutch assembly is also partially self-adjusting, with wear of the primary clutch disc stack being compensated through increased axial movement of the actuator for the primary clutch.

Internally-actuating and self-adjusting PTO clutch assembly

A straddle bearing incorporates a U-shaped frame receiving bearings which support an output shaft of a PTO assembly. The bearings flank or straddle a sheave or other drive member which is fixed to the output shaft. Radial loads imposed on the drive member are transmitted to the U-frame as opposed to the clutch and flywheel. The sheave and U-frame are dimensioned to permit replacement of belts or other torque transfer elements without disassembling the U-frame. In addition to being supported on the clutch housing, the U-frame can be supported on a beam and/or a bracket connected to the prime mover frame or a frame of the driven device. The configuration of the U-frame permits adjustment of the orientation of the U-frame with respect to the clutch housing, and also permits the mounting of an auxiliary drive member on the output shaft.

Power takeoff straddle bearing

A synchronized clutch for coupling a driven element to a drive element includes an externally activated nonpositive coupling, and a positive coupling which engages automatically when the driven element achieves a designated operational state. The nonpositive coupling, preferably comprising at least one friction element permitting some slippage between the drive and driven elements, accelerates the driven element to a velocity which at least approaches synchronization of the drive and driven elements. The positive coupling preferably comprises a sliding drive ring which is responsive to centrifugal weights to positively couple the drive and driven elements at a designated velocity. The external forces actuating the nonpositive coupling are preferably applied manually through a lever. Provision is preferably made for the automatic disengagement of the clutch when the velocity of the driven element decreases below a designated velocity.

Growing community of inventors

New Berlin, WI, United States of America

Joseph C Terranova