Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch assembly is disclosed. The assembly has an inner race with a plurality of notches, an outer race with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. The pawl members can have a pivot ridge to mate with a peak or recess in the pockets in the outer race to precisely position the pawl in the pocket. The pawl center of the mass can be selectively positioned such that the pawl can have a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches in the inner race. Spring members can be utilized to provide tilting force on the pawl members toward engagement. Garter springs, coil springs, ribbon springs, Z-type springs, individual leaf-springs or the like can be used for this purpose. The springs can be separate or part of a cage member positioned between the inner and outer race. Retaining members for axial and radially retaining the pawls in position can also be used.

Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch assembly is disclosed. The assembly has an inner race with a plurality of notches, an outer race with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. The pawl members have a pivot ridge which mates with a peak or recess in the pockets in the outer race to precisely position the pawl in the pocket. The pawl center of the mass is selectively positioned such that the pawl can have a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches in the inner race. In an alternate embodiment, a spring member is utilized to provide a tilting force on the pawl members toward engagement. Garter springs, coil springs, ribbon springs, or the like can be used for this purpose. Axial retainment members, such as washers, can also be used with the present invention. One or more of the retainment (retainer) members further can have axially extending flanges for improved radial bearing capability.

Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch assembly with wide biasing springs. The assembly has an inner race with a plurality of notches, an outer race with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. Spring members which extend the axial width of the pawl members provide tilting forces on the pawl members toward engagement.

Abstract: A one-way sprag clutch is disclosed. The clutch includes coaxial inner and outer races. A plurality of sprags arranged in a group is located within a cage between the races. The sprags are engageable with the inner surface and the outer surface by rotating in a first peripheral direction relative of the surfaces to transmit a torque between the two races. A plurality of bolts is located adjacent to the sprag group. The number of sprags in the group is greater than the number of bolts. In particular, one of the bolts limits rotation of the sprags in a first direction beyond an engaged position and a second bolt limits rotation of the sprags in a second direction to a lift-off position.

Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch assembly is disclosed. The assembly has an inner race with a plurality of notches, an outer race with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. The pawl members have a pivot ridge which mates with a peak or recess in the pockets in the outer race to precisely position the pawl in the pocket. The pawl center of the mass is selectively positioned such that the pawl can have a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches in the inner race. In an alternate embodiment, a spring member is utilized to provide a tilting force on the pawl members toward engagement. Garter springs, coil springs, ribbon springs, or the like can be used for this purpose. Axial retainment members, such as washers, can also be used with the present invention. One or more of the retainment (retainer) members further can have axially extending flanges for improved radial bearing capability.

Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch assembly is disclosed. The assembly has an inner member, such as a race or shaft member, with a plurality of notches, an outer member, such as a race, stator or reactor member, with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. The pawl members have a pivot ridge which mates with a peak or recess in the pockets in the outer member to precisely position the pawl in the pocket. The pawl center of the mass is selectively positioned such that the pawl can have a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches in the inner member. In an alternate embodiment, a spring member is utilized to provide a tilting force on the pawl members toward engagement. Garter springs, coil springs, ribbon springs, or the like can be used for this purpose. Axial retainment members, such as washers, can also be used with the present invention.

Abstract: A ratchet one-way clutch assembly is disclosed. The assembly has an inner race with a plurality of notches, an outer race with a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of pawl members positioned in the pockets for engagement with the notches. The pawl members have a pivot ridge which mates with a peak or recess in the pockets in the outer race to precisely position the pawl in the pocket. The pawl center of the mass is selectively positioned such that the pawl can have a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches in the inner race. In an alternate embodiment, a spring member is utilized to provide a tilting force on the pawl members toward engagement. Garter springs, coil springs, ribbon springs, or the like can be used for this purpose. Axial retainment members, such as washers, can also be used with the present invention. One or more of the retainment (retainer) members further can have axially extending flanges for improved radial bearing capability.

Abstract: An assembly for rotatably mounting a shaft to a member includes a passage formed in the member within which the shaft is received, and a series of grooves formed in an internal wall which defines the passage. The grooves extend parallel to the axis of the passage and the shaft, and a pin member is received within each groove. Each pin member has a diameter greater than the depth of the groove, so that a portion of the pin member extends beyond the internal wall. The shaft is engaged by the pin members, which function to maintain the shaft out of engagement with the internal wall. The groove and pin member construction provides a bearing between the shaft and the member, without the need and space requirements of a cage typically associated with a conventional preassembled needle bearing package. The invention can be used in any application in which a shaft is to be rotatably mounted to a member, and illustratively may be used in a centrifugal clutch assembly.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for a transport refrigeration system including an engine and a compressor is characterized by an improved drive connection between the clutch and the compressor. The clutch includes a rotor assembly connected with the engine, a housing centrifugally activated for rotation with the rotor assembly, and a coupling adaptor for transmitting rotation of the housing to a drive shaft of the compressor. The rotor assembly, housing coupling adaptor, and drive shaft are all coaxially arranged. The housing contains a plurality of radial rubber bushings for receiving drive pins which pass through radial openings in the coupling adaptor and which extend parallel to the axis of the adaptor. The drive pins and bushings minimize noise and vibrations within the clutch and prevent radial forces from being delivered to the compressor drive shaft.

Abstract: A one-way clutch uses an inertial device to urge a roller out of a recess in a caging member and into wedging contact between the inner and outer races of the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for a power driven working tool such as a chain saw, hedge trimmer, or the like having a hub portion (10) adapted to be connected to an engine shaft, and at least two clutch shoes (16, 17) rotatably journalled on the hub portion. The clutch shoes are adapted, when actuated by centrifugal forces, to move against the bias of tension springs striving to release or disengage the clutch shoes from the clutch drum, and engage a surrounding clutch drum (18). The tension springs (19, 20) have one end which is connected to a clutch shoe and another end which is connected to an adjacent clutch shoe such that a bearing free of play is insured between the clutch shoes and the hub portion.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first engagement element of a rotation transmitting element that is attached to a rotatable drive member. The first engagement element is forced toward a second engagement element that is attached to near the center or to the radially inner perimeter of an annular outer edge of a driven member. When the drive member rotates in one direction, the first and second engagement elements connect and the rotation of the rotatable drive member is transmitted to the rotatable driven member. The rotation transmitting element is connected to the drive member in a manner that allows it to rotate freely and so that the first engagement element may separate from or connect to the second engagement element.

Abstract: An adapter for rapid attachment and removal of a flanged motor on a power driven appliance. A bracket attaches to the appliance and cooperatively receives the motor flange. Pins incorporating clips or expanding projections then secure the motor to the appliance. A shaft-to-shaft connector is then secured in place on the shafts, thus coupling the motor output shaft and appliance power input shaft. The connector may include pins inserted through aligned bores in the connector and the shafts. In a preferred embodiment, the connector may comprise mating forward and rear components sandwiching a resilient member therebetween, which arrangement accommodates minor angular and parallel misalignment. In other alternative embodiments, the connector comprises a splined collar slidable over splined output and input shafts, and a clutch and drum arrangement. For belt driven appliances, the motor output shaft terminates in a pulley, or is coupled to a shaft having a pulley and attached to the appliance.

Abstract: A bi-directional centrifugal clutch is provided having a clutch drum, a driving clutch member adapted to be rotatably driven in first and second directions. Drive pins mounted on the driving clutch member are operable for driving the driven clutch member in both directions. First and second clutch shoes each define slots for receiving the drive pins. A plurality of friction surfaces on the clutch shoes are adapted to engage the clutch drum selectively in accordance with rotation of the drive clutch member in the first and second directions. Each slot has opposite slot ends engaged in accordance with rotation of the drive plate in the first and second directions. Each clutch shoe is configured to effect pivotal movement about one of the drive pins in response to centrifugal forces.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch includes a pair of clutch shoes, a rotor, and a housing around the clutch shoe and rotor. Each clutch shoe is formed to include pockets that receive drive arms on the rotors. The shape of the pocket on the top side of the clutch shoe is different than the shape of the pocket on the bottom side so that the clutch has one torque capacity if the rotor drive arm extends into the "top side" pocket and a different torque capacity if the rotor drive arm extends into the "bottom side" pocket. The side walls of each pocket and the side walls on each rotor drive arm are shaped and configured so that a user can change the torque capacity of the clutch by changing the orientation of the clutch shoes relative to the rotor drive arms inside the housing.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch has a driving race and a driven race. The clutch further has cams, each with a locking portion which allows torque transmission in a predetermined direction only from the driving race to the driven race. The locking portions of some of the cams can be engaged between the driving race and the driven race by gravity. The locking portions of all of the cams tend to become engaged by centrifugal force. The clutch additionally has rollers between the driving race and the driven race to maintain the spacing between the driving race and the driven race.

Abstract: A coolant pump system driven initially by an electric motor in-line with the pump shaft to the pump housing incorporates a ram air-assisted cooling system. The ram air-assisted cooling system includes an electric motor whose rotating shaft drives the primary fan member. A second fan member is located about and connected to the periphery of the primary fan member and is rotated by high velocity air streams purposefully directed at the secondary fan blades. The air which drives the secondary fan member is preferably gathered by one or more air inlet funnels. Typically, two air inlet funnels are equiangularly disposed adjacent the periphery of the secondary fan blade members so that a balanced current of air is swept across the secondary fan blades. A shroud extends over the secondary fan blade members to force the inlet air over the fan blade members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freewheeling device 11 in the case of which the outer freewheeling component 14 and the inner freewheeling component 17 are connected in the main torque transmitting direction by locking members 25 which engage apertures 24 of the inner freewheeling component 17 and recesses 26 of the outer freewheeling component 14 and which permit one of the freewheeling components 14 to be overtaken by the other freewheeling component 17 when a certain speed is exceeded. If the speed is below the specified speed, an additional switching element is released via a speed-dependent switching device 29, so that the switching element 30, under the influence of a spring 36, is transferred into a position where it supports the locking member 25 to prevent them from escaping radially inwardly, thereby cancelling the freewheeling function.

Abstract: A coolant pump system driven by an electric motor mounted in-line with the pump shaft to the pump housing. The system minimally includes a pump body having a bore therein, a coolant pump impeller, a pump shaft passing through the bore and having the impeller mounted on one end thereof, and a bearingless seal shaft assembly disposed in the bore which prevents coolant from leaking out of the body around the rotating pump shaft. The outer end of the pump shaft and the drive shaft of the electric motor preferably include a quick-disconnect coupler which allows the two shafts to be repeatedly coupled and uncoupled without damage and without tools. This coupling mechanism may take the form of a socket with bayonet slot on one shaft and mating pin on the other shaft that fits in the slot. A face-mounted electric motor is rigidly but removably bolted to the pump housing, and its drive shaft provides complete support for the pump shaft which rotates therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device 4 for a freewheeling unit 1 of a non-directly driven axle of a motor vehicle driven by a directly driven axle. To lock the freewheeling unit 1 there is provided a first drive element 2 with a number of circumferentially distributed apertures 15 holding radially displaceable locking elements 16. The locking elements, for the purpose of establishing a non-rotating connection between the first drive element 2 and the second drive element 3, may partially enter recesses 17 of the second drive element 3 corresponding to the apertures. Radial displacement of the locking elements 16 is achieved by a spring loaded axially movable control element 10. Displacement of the control element 10 is achieved by radially outward displacement of centrifugal masses 20.

Abstract: A lightweight centrifugal friction clutch for transmitting torque from an input source to an output shaft, which includes a wheel secured for simultaneous rotation with the output shaft, a clutch band encircling the wheel and secured within a clutch housing rotationally driven by the input source, and a centrifugal mechanism and cam for tightening the clutch band about the wheel for frictional contact and simultaneous rotation therewith. The centrifugal mechanism includes one or more weights positionable on a centrifugal arm, an actuating arm which rotates a cam member, and an adjustment linkage between the two arms. The particular rotational speed at which the clutch engages may be altered by adjusting the tension against a biasing spring that operates against the centrifugal mechanism, by replacing the spring, or by altering the lever action of the centrifugal mechanism by varying the attachment points of the adjustment linkage between the two arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal clutch with coupling jaws and pressure spring. Usually tension springs are used for the type of couplings which have three jaws. Tension springs have a weak point in their attachment lugs that are in most cases exposed to harder stress than the rest of the spring body. Likewise, the lugs get often indication of fracture during the manufacture of owing to wear. The present proposal aims at getting a higher security against spring breaks by using pressure springs. It is characterized by hole spaces (18,19,29) in jaws (13) and spoke plates (14,15) and by supporting bridges (23) between the spoke plates.

Abstract: An alternator drive clutch limits alternator speed and prevents belt slippage through the use of specially designed and oriented centrifugal weights. Each weight is pivoted to the alternator shaft inside of a drum wall on the pulley and asymmetrically oriented so that rapid rotation pivots a friction pad on the weight progressively away from the drum wall. Acting in opposition, tension springs pull the pads toward the drum wall. An equilibrium of pad to drum wall slippage is reached such that the alternator does not rotate above a safe speed, but turns one-to-one with the pulley at low speeds. At any speed, high acceleration or deceleration can cause the pads to slip before the belt slips on the pulley, preventing belt chirp.

Abstract: Engine starting apparatus for cranking an internal combustion engine. The engine is connected to a ring gear and the starting apparatus has a pinion that is meshed with the ring gear during engine cranking. The pinion is driven by an electric cranking motor. A speed responsive clutch is connected between the cranking motor and the pinion. The clutch is engaged during engine cranking to drive the pinion from the cranking motor. When the engine starts, the speed responsive clutch is disengaged to disconnect the cranking motor from the pinion. Clutch disengagement occurs in response to an increase in the speed of rotation of the clutch which occurs after the engine starts.

Abstract: Improved pawl assembly for starting mechanisms of small engines mounted on the engine flywheel provided with a bore therein and includes an integrally molded, polymeric pawl, a U-shaped torsion spring and retaining means disposed in the bore of the flywheel. The pawl has a depending shank rotatably fitted into the bore of the flywheel and oppositely extending end portions. The outer end portion, or spur, is adapted to engage a fin or vane of the flywheel to orient the inner end portion, or toe, of the pawl to engage the teeth of the ratchet surface of a pulley type starter. The closed end of the torsion spring is fitted over the shank and urges the pawl to its ratchet engaging position. The spring includes leg portions fitted into the bore of the flywheel and each leg terminates in a laterally extending hook portion adpated to interfit within the retaining means disposed at the end of the bore opposite the end into which the shank is fitted.

Abstract: This clutch comprises centrifugal weights (11) which are arranged radially in a hub (12) fastened to the output shaft (2) of an electric motor (1), returned to the position of rest by means of springs (21), and which, when the centrifugal force is sufficient, can come into engagement with the axial ends (26a) of an elastic ring (26) capable of transmitting the torque of the shaft (2) frictionally to a part (28) carrying an input pinion toothing (4) of a gear train for controlling the part to be driven. This arrangement simplifies the structure of the clutch in comparison with that of known clutches.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch apparatus includes an annular adapter assembly adapted for colinear connection with a rotatable driving member, an independent pulley member connected with a colinearly arranged driven member having an annular portion extending toward the adapter assembly, and centrifugal weight members connected with the adapter assembly for engagement with the inner surface of the annular portion when the rotational velocity of the driving member exceeds a given value, the adapter assembly including at least one vibration dampening device including an annular resilient member connected between annular inner and outer concentrically-arranged portions of the adapter assembly for isolating the centrifugal weight members from the driving member.

Abstract: A power work-machine having a clutch drum of a centrifugal clutch provided on one end of the output shaft has a plurality of peripheral notches formed on its axially extended outer end portion and a dog clutch provided on the drive shaft of a work-machine attachment has clutch claws engaging with the individual peripheral notches.

Abstract: A centrifugal brake for limiting the rotational speed of a rotatable body with respect to a reference body, which brake includes a brake element movable by centrifugal force into engagement with an abutment member fixed to the reference body when the rotational speed of the rotatable body exceeds a predetermined value with respect to the reference body; characterized in that the brake element is disposed at a corner of a parallelogram mechanism made of a plurality of pivotably-coupled links such that the brake element is displaced into contact with the abutment member of the reference body when the rotational speed of the rotatble body exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch, and a method of producing same, include driving inner runner on whose circumference a plurality of resilient clutch elements are arranged to move radially outwards with increasing speed and, at clutch speed, to bear against an inner surface of a drum-shaped outer runner for driving the outer runner. In order to assure low-wear operation even at high clutch speeds, the clutch elements are constructed integral with a rotating ring and form, together with the ring, an intermediate runner. Segments of the elements extend from the ring in the axial direction of the clutch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal clutch of the type that includes a driving side member, a driven side member and a plurality of clutch shoes each having one end connected to the driving side member, the other end being capable of being friction-engaged with the driven side member, the driving side member and the clutch shoes being integrally formed using a high specific gravity resin type composite material.

Abstract: A spring clutch where an input shaft and output shaft are connected and disconnected with each other through a coil spring. The coil spring is secured at one end to the output shaft and is freely disposed over the input shaft at its other end. A centrifugally responsive pawl is mounted to engage the coil spring at the end disposed about the input shaft when said input shaft is rotated at or above a predetermined speed to cause said coil to be wound and tightened about the coil spring, thereby connecting the input and output shaft.

Abstract: An energy source apparatus which will supply current and compressed air. The energy source apparatus has an engine, a drive shaft engaged to the engine, and a face plate that is bound to the drive shaft in order to rotate therewith. A clutch is pivotally mounted to the face plate such as to respond to centrifugal force. A second drive shaft has an end rotatably positioned within the clutch such that the outside circumferential surface of the end of the second drive shaft is engaged by inner clutch pads of the clutch. A third drive shaft has a hollow end which is positioned around the clutch apparatus such that when the engine rotates the face plate at high speeds, centrifugal force causes outer clutch pads of the clutch to engage with the hollow end of the third drive shaft. A generator is engaged to the third drive shaft to be driven thereby. An air compressor is engaged to the second drive shaft in order to be driven thereby too.

Abstract: A variable centrifugal brake comprises a driven shaft carrying a disc with centrifugally-acting bob weights which bear against an axially displaceable bush, which in turn bears against a forked lever assembly, in turn bearing against a further lever carrying a friction lining engaging the periphery of the disc. The brake may be used in an exercise machine having a drum around which a pull cord is wound and a transmission for transmitting drive from the drum to the shaft of the brake.

Abstract: An improved clutch shoe of the type that is mounted on the rotor of a centrifugal clutch for coupling engagement with an outer clutch housing. The shoe is formed by two similar L-shaped shoe half sections which are stamped of sheet metal. Each shoe half section has an arcuate-shaped configuration comprising a web and an integral outer shoe table portion with an annular boss formed on each of the webs. A plurality of annular projections are formed to one of the shoe half webs and extend outwardly therefrom in a direction opposite from the annular boss formed on the web. The other shoe half web is formed with a plurality of holes into which the annular projections are press fitted to connect the two shoe halves together with the webs being placed in abutting relationship. The shoe half table portions lie in juxtaposition with respect to each other and form an outer shoe table on which a strip of friction material is attached.

Abstract: An anti-overload centrifugal clutch including a centrifugal clutch having a clutch drum secured to a driving shaft thereof and a group of centrifugal clutch shoes engaged with a driven shaft for contact with and movement away from the clutch drum. A group of centrifugal members are engaged with the driving shaft which are respectively forced to embrace the driven shaft by the action of an associated spring. The centrifugal members release this embrace when the rotation of the driving shaft reaches a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing accidental unrolling of a rolling shutter or overhead door comprising a cogwheel which has uniformly distributed on the circumference opening outward for containing radially movable tumblers, a cage which surrounds the cogwheel that contains an abutment in the form of a recess for the tumblers which are raised by the action of centrifugal force. Upon reaching a predetermined rotational speed, the tumblers engage an abutment in the cage and the cage acting as a brake is then driven by the cogwheel and slowed down by friction.

Abstract: A torque converter provided with a vibration damper includes an input member, an pump connected to the input member, a turbine located between the pump and the input member, a lock-up clutch disk frictionally engagable with the input member, an output shaft connected to the turbine and the lock-up clutch disk, and a damper mechanism disposed between the radially outer portions of the turbine and the lock-up clutch disk. The damper mechanism includes a damper weight rotatably and concentrically arranged with respect to the input member and the output shaft, a centrifugal clutch including an output member, a centrifugal weight adapted to be frictionally engaged with the output member by a centrifugal force and a weight support fixed to the turbine and radially movably supporting the centrifugal weight, and a damper spring circumferentially connecting the output member of the centrifugal clutch to the damper weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for transmitting torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft, particularly an overrunning clutch, which works as an overrunning clutch in both directions. The apparatus comprises a part located within the clutch body and fitted with an internal engaging surface whose center line deviates from the center line of the driving shaft and with an external engaging surface whose center line is the same as the center line of the driving shaft. On the driving shaft there is a first engaging element which, in the engaging position, engages the internal engaging surface of the part within the clutch body in such a way that this engagement makes the external engaging surface of the part within the clutch body engage the internal engaging surface of the clutch body.

Abstract: Braking device for a vehicle, comprising a mechanism for driving at least one friction member in frictional engagement with a rotary member to be braked, the mechanism comprising a wedge (28) movable in a first axis in order to shift an actuating member (14) of the brake under the effect of a force coming from an actuator (34), characterized in that the actuator (34) comprises a centrifugal assembly (34) equipped with at least two flyweights (40; 72) arranged about a second axis and intended for rotating selectively about this second axis, the rotation of the flyweights (40; 72) about the second axis causing them to move away from the latter, and a connecting assembly (36, 30; 76, 90) between the flyweights (40; 72) and the wedge (28) for converting the movement away of the flyweights (40; 72) into a movement of the wedge (28) in the first axis.

Abstract: A clutch unit is disclosed for rotatably connecting two coaxial parts mounted for relative rotation. The clutch unit comprises a circular track on one part and at least one self-clamping cam on the other part bearing on a second track carried by the other part. The self-clamping cam comprises a roller having a roller surface and mounted for eccentric rotation about a pin having an outer periphery defining the second track. The roller surface is clampingly engageable with the first track to define an engaged position of the clutch unit. The pin is carried by a radially elastically deformable arm.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasably coupling an engine to a driven device such as a power tool includes a lug-bearing ring mounted on the engine, the ring encircling a centrifugally operated clutch, splined shaft or other shaft coupling member at the end of a drive shaft and having a plurality of lugs with enlarged heads mounted thereon. The engine is releasably coupled to a driven device by passing the enlarged heads of the lugs through large portions of mating apertures within a lug-receiving ring mounted on the driven device and then rotating the engine relative to the driven device to move the lugs into necked-down portions of the apertures and lock one of the lug heads against a manually actuable resilient retainer strip mounted on the opposite side of the lug-receiving ring. A cable at the end of a manually operated engine speed control on the driven device is releasably coupled to the engine throttle control.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch including a drive member, a plurality of intermediate members, a driven member and closing plates each having shape and weight conforming to a side wall of each intermediate member to provide dynamic balance for the clutch. When the drive member rotates sufficiently fast, the intermediate members move radially outward along respective parts of the drive member, against the bias of a peripherally extending spring held in place as to each intermediate member by the respective closing plate.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch in which a centrifugal weight is formed separately from two engaging members which are disposed for frictional engagement with each other, the centrifugal weight being displaceable in response to centrifugal force produced therein to cause one of the engaging members to engage with the other or disengage therefrom. When the centrifugal force of the centrifugal weight is smaller than a predetermined value, the two engaging members are kept in one state of engagement and disengagement, and instantly after the centrifugal force has reached the above determined value, the engaging members are shifted into the other state of engagement and disengagement. Further, the centrifugal clutch is provided with a hysteresis characteristic that the engaging rotational speed and the disengaging rotational speed are different from each other.

Abstract: A normally engaged wrap spring clutch includes a helical spring which normally is wrapped down on the outer surfaces of aligned input and output hubs to couple the latter. One end of the spring is anchored on the input hub and the other end is secured to a control collar which is telescoped over the spring so that, by turning the control collar relative to the input hub, the spring is unwrapped from the surfaces of the hubs to disengage the clutch. Pins project longitudinally into radial slots in the input hub and spiral slots in the control collar and have substantial mass so that, when the input hub reaches a preselected speed, the pins move radially outward under centrifugal force and, through a camming action in the spiral grooves, turn the control collar relative to the input hub thereby unwrapping the spring. In an alternative embodiment, the outwardly moving pins turn the control collar to cause the spring to wrap down and cause engagement of a normally disengaged clutch.

Abstract: A multi-stage torsional damping device for a vehicle clutch having a low-rate primary stage to eliminate transmission gear rattle occurring during neutral transmission position and a normal rate resilient and friction damping stage. The first stage consists of a low spring rate, substantially frictionless floating suspension of an inner hub within an outer hub to allow the outer hub to oscillate with engine impulses. A medium rate substantially frictionless second stage may be utilized to cushion the torque transference from the first stage to the normal rate last stage and provides compaction of some of the compression springs for the last stage for a given deflection without friction until the hub parts abut, and the third stage consists of compaction of all of the compression springs and additional deflection with friction. Alternatively, centrifugal weights may be used to lock the inner and outer hubs together at a predetermined rotation level, after which a normal damping operation is effected.

Abstract: A continuously rotating shaft is constructed as a hollow shaft with basically radially, outwardly oriented bores and rotating within a second shaft or hub; for purposes of effecting coupling a friction medium is released from the interior of the hollow shaft to pass through the bores and to fill the gap between the hollow shaft and the hub or the second shaft to effect friction a coupling under utilization of galling.

Abstract: A buffer or damping device affixable as a unit to a rotating gear 22. The buffer includes a first gear 2, 3 engaging the rotating gear and a geared one-way clutch 4. The clutch is linked to a worm 7c on a shaft 7. A damping member 8 is fixed to the shaft and it expands under rotation to frictionally contact a sliding contact member 6 to thereby damp the rotation of the rotating member. All elements are enclosed in a case 1 and cover 9, except a portion of the first gear.

Abstract: A means for operating a washing machine transmission in a neutral state is provided which includes a reversible drive gear for driving the transmission in a first agitate direction and an opposite spin direction. A drive pawl is pivotally mounted on the drive gear and has an arcuate channel formed in an upper flat surface. Pawl retaining means, being a circular keeper plate with downwardly extending keeper fingers selectively movable into the channel in the pawl causes the transmission to operate in the neutral state when the fingers are in the channel and when the drive gear is rotating in the spin direction.

Abstract: An actuator with a positive centrifugal clutch has a clutch drum loosely rotated relative to a rotary drive shaft and is provided with large inner diameter portions and engaging protuberances inwardly projecting from the large inner diameter portions; a clutch body loosely fitted within the clutch drum and driven by the rotary drive shaft, and provided with a retaining hole opening radially from the center thereof toward the inner wall of the clutch drum; and an engaging permanent magnet loosely movably retained in the retaining hole of the clutch body. When the clutch body is in a standstill state, the engaging permanent magnet provides a magnetic attraction between itself and the rotary drive shaft and thereby is accommodated within the retaining hole. When the clutch body continues its rotation, centrifugal force is generated.