Abstract: An apparatus for use with a centrifugal clutch having a drum with a threaded opening. The apparatus includes an output hub having first and second ends, where the first end has threads for engaging the threaded opening of the drum. The hub has a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a sprocket associated with the second end of the hub where the sprocket has a sprocket plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hub. The apparatus includes a ball bearing assembly disposed in an interior surface of the hub where the ball bearing has a bearing plane substantially aligned with the sprocket plane. The apparatus also includes at least one retaining member disposed on one side of the ball bearing assembly to secure the ball bearing assembly along the interior surface of the hub.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a centrifugal clutch having a drum with a threaded opening. The apparatus includes an output hub having first and second ends, where the first end has threads for engaging the threaded opening of the drum. The hub has a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a sprocket associated with the second end of the hub where the sprocket has a sprocket plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hub. The apparatus includes a ball bearing assembly disposed in an interior surface of the hub where the ball bearing has a bearing plane substantially aligned with the sprocket plane. The apparatus also includes at least one retaining member disposed on one side of the ball bearing assembly to secure the ball bearing assembly along the interior surface of the hub.

Abstract: A kinematically simple centrifugal clutch to minimize frictional induced hysteresis. The centrifugal clutch includes a rotatable output driven member, two drive plates, and at least one clutch disc disposed adjacent to the drive plates. A drive hub is adapted to receive a rotational input such as that from an output shaft of a motor. Two weighted members are pivotally mounted to the drive hub. Two spring members are operative between the drive hub and the weighted member to apply a restoring force to the weighted members. Under the influence of centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drive hub, the weighted members pivots against the resistance of the spring member so as to engage the drive plates and thereby urge the drive plates into engagement with the clutch disc such that the driven member rotates with the drive plates.

Abstract: A kinematically simple centrifugal clutch to minimize frictional induced hysteresis. The centrifugal clutch includes a rotatable output driven member, two drive plates, and at least one clutch disc disposed adjacent to the drive plates. A drive hub is adapted to receive a rotational input such as that from an output shaft of a motor. Two weighted members are pivotally mounted to the drive hub. Two spring members are operative between the drive hub and the weighted member to apply a restoring force to the weighted members. Under the influence of centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drive hub, the weighted members pivots against the resistance of the spring member so as to engage the drive plates and thereby urge the drive plates into engagement with the clutch disc such that the driven member rotates with the drive plates.

Abstract: A kinematically simple centrifugal clutch to minimize frictional induced hysteresis. The centrifugal clutch includes a rotatable output driven member, two drive plates, and at least one clutch disc disposed adjacent to the drive plates. A drive hub is adapted to receive a rotational input such as that from an output shaft of a motor. Two weighted members are pivotally mounted to the drive hub. Two spring members are operative between the drive hub and the weighted member to apply a restoring force to the weighted members. Under the influence of centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drive hub, the weighted members pivots against the resistance of the spring member so as to engage the drive plates and thereby urge the drive plates into engagement with the clutch disc such that the driven member rotates with the drive plates.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch comprises a rotating input drive member, a rotatable output driven member, at least one drive plate mounted for rotation with the drive member, at least one clutch disc mounted for rotation with the driven member and being disposed adjacent the drive plate, a pressure plate mounted for rotation with the drive member and including at least one pair of seats, at least one pair of weighted balls disposed in the pair of seats in the pressure plate, and at least one pair of springs attached to the pressure plate. Each spring of the pair of springs contacts and retains one ball of the pair of balls seated in a respective pressure plate seat. The springs resist outward radial movement of the balls and axial movement toward the drive plate of the balls.

Abstract: An adjustable centrifugal clutch is disclosed which allows compensation to be made for wear on mating frictional members. The centrifugal clutch comprises a rotating input housing, a rotatable output shaft, clutch rings, clutch disks, a pressure plate, centrifugal weights, and an adjustment collar for varying the distance between the centrifugal weights and the pressure plate. As friction wears away material from the clutch rings and the clutch disks disposed therebetween, the adjustment collar is advanced upwardly within the input housing thereby maintaining a constant engagement speed.