Abstract: An automated clutch (16) control and calibration method. Clutch control parameter values (TP and AP) corresponding to the clutch touch point condition and the approach point condition, respectively, are determined and are utilized to control reengagement of the automated clutch. While awaiting reengagement, the clutch is caused to assume and dwell in the approach point condition.

Abstract: A shift inhibitor for a manual transmission synchronizer clutch positioned on the main shaft and operative to prevent down-shifting to engage a selected speed gear with the output shaft being driven above a predetermined speed. The synchronizer hub has one or more pairs of diametrically opposed radially extending keyways with each keyway having a blocking key slidably disposed therein. A C-shaped wire spring partially surrounds the main shaft and has hook portions at each of its free ends retaining an associated pair of keys. The spring urges the pair of keys inwardly to a rest position wherein the synchronizer sleeve may be shifted to engage an associated speed gear of the transmission. Upon reaching a predetermined drive shaft rotational speed the pair of keys move outwardly under centrifugal force to a determined extended location whereby the extended keys contact shoulder stop faces of the sleeve internal splines preventing the sleeve from engaging the associated speed gear.

Abstract: A drive device for a low-voltage circuit breaker comprises a ratchet wheel with teeth which are engaged by a transporting ratchet by a periodic back-and-forth motion of a cage having the transporting ratchet disposed thereon. A stepwise rotation of the ratchet wheel for cocking an energy accumulator is brought about by the motion of the cage. Upon the release of the energy accumulator, which may be a tension spring for closing switch contacts, the ratchet wheel rotates at high speed relative to the transporting ratchet. Damage to the cooperating parts of the ratchet wheel and transporting ratchet is prevented by a centrifugal force level which is supported in the ratchet wheel in a radially tiltable manner and which protrudes during the fast rotation of the ratchet wheel with a working surface of circular arc shape beyond the heads of the teeth, so that the transporting ratchet is kept away from the teeth.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch employing a clutch outer, a clutch inner and an arrangement of alternating clutch outer and clutch inner plates. The clutch is actuated by means of an annular piston residing within a cylinder which accumulates oil. Centrifugal forces are generated within the oil to create a pressure which forces the annular piston to compress the clutch plate arrangement. An outlet is provided controlled by a valve about the periphery of the cavity defined by the piston. A clutch actuation means controls the outlet valve to provide for disengagement of the clutch even under rapid rotation.

Abstract: An engine starter gear of the positive shift type has a clutch to provide driving, indexing, means for keeping the clutch teeth in engagement during the indexing function, and a centrifugal separator to separate clutch teeth in an overrunning condition. The separator includes spherical members retained in an annular retainer member, which spherical members move radially outward of the shaft as the engine accelerates to transmit axial thrust against an inclined surface on an annular ring member to displace the driving clutch member from the driven clutch teeth. The axial thrust on the annular ring member causes separation of the clutch teeth in an overrunning or overspeed condition.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for forcing and holding apart the disks of a disengaged disk clutch of the type having disks supports with disks rotatably fixed thereto and axially moveable thereon. This apparatus includes centrifugal weights disposed between like disks, which weights are forced radially inwardly by the disks when in the clutched engaged positions, and which disks are moveable radially outwardly by centrifugal forces to press the like disks apart by a predetermined amount when the disks are in a clutched disengaged position. In preferred embodiments, the centrifugal weights are construed as ball members, with a plurality of such ball members disposed between the inner clutch disks and guided for movement by a bore in the inner disk support, while a further set of balls for the outer disk are provided, which are guided by bores through the outer disk, with radial outward limit stops being formed by the outer disk support.