Unidirectional bearing assembly

Abstract

A unidirectional bearing device includes an inner ring, an outer ring concentric with, and spaced from the inner ring, and an annular frame configured to be provided between the inner ring and the outer ring. The frame has a first side including a plurality of sockets for holding a plurality of roller elements, and a second side opposite the first side including a plurality of cavities, each housing a corresponding brake element. The second side also includes a plurality of slots each extending into a corresponding one of the cavities and holding spring elements for maintaining the brake elements in a predetermined position within the cavities. The brake elements and the spring elements cooperatively enable relative rotation between the inner ring and the outer ring in one direction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.