Electronically controllable torque transmission device

An over-running clutch assembly comprising:

• an outer race having an inner surface;
• an inner race having an outer surface coaxial with said inner surface and defining a gap therebetween, said inner race being rotatable about a central axis with allowable rotational movement relative to said outer race;
• one of said outer surface of said inner race and said inner surface of said outer race including a plurality of cam surfaces formed at spaced apart locations circumferentially thereabout;
• one of said outer surface of said inner race and said inner surface of said outer race being tapered toward a first end of said clutch;
• a plurality of tapered rolling elements positioned between said outer race and said inner race with each of said rolling elements being located along one of said cam surfaces such that said rolling elements engage and wedge between said inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation between said inner and outer races;
• a retainer interconnecting all of said rolling elements and causing said rolling elements to move in unison with one another, said retainer being axially moveable relative to said inner race and said outer race along said central axis;
• a biasing element which biases said retainer toward an end of said clutch;
• an actuator to selectively overcome said biasing element and axially move said retainer to allow selective engagement of said clutch.