Abstract: The centrifugal clutch includes one or more clutch plates having a plurality of air impeller vanes to circulate air through the centrifugal clutch during its operation in order to extend the useful life of the clutch. A pressure plate includes a plurality of air impeller vanes formed by alternating raised impeller vane portions and impeller vane channels, with the weighted levers of the centrifugal clutch aligned with the raised portions of the air impeller vanes of the pressure plate. A fixed plate may also include a plurality of air impeller vanes formed on a side surface of the fixed plate by alternating raised impeller vane portions and impeller vane channels. A floating plate may also include a plurality of air impeller channels formed internally within the floating plate and having openings at the outer and inner edges of the floating plate.

Abstract: The clutch includes a wear clip for a clutch which acts as a replaceable wear surface and wear indicator for the cylindrical housing drum of the clutch. The wear clip of the invention is a U-shaped clip that may be formed wear-resistant material, such as carbon steel or aluminum. The cylindrical housing drum of the clutch includes slots for engagement by one or more clutch disks, and a wear clip may be placed in each slot and checked at regular intervals of operation of the clutch and replaced as necessary in order to reduce abrasion of the cylindrical housing drum by the inner components of the clutch and extend the useful life of the clutch.

Abstract: The centrifugal friction clutch has a pressure plate with an exterior frusto-conical friction surface, a pressure drum with a corresponding frusto-conical pressure receiving surface, and a plurality of centrifugal force levers mounted on a support member, adapted to bias the conical surface of the pressure plate against the pressure drum at a predetermined speed of rotation, due to centrifugal force exerted on the force levers. Stall speed screws adjust the speed of rotation at which the centrifugal force levers will force the pressure plate into engagement with the pressure drum, and drive torque is transmitted from the clutch by a sprocket attached to the pressure drum. The frusto-conical shape of the pressure plate and pressure drum provide a greater mechanical advantage for applying the force of engagement of the clutch, permitting a reduction in size and weight of the elements required for providing frictional surfaces.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch having at least one input plate and at least one output disk concentric with the plate. At a predetermined speed of input rotation, the plates and disks are forced to move axially into frictional engagement by weights that pivot in response to centrifugal force. Pivoting of the weights is restrained by axially oriented springs, and the speed of engagement can be varied by adjusting the spring force. The springs are accessible for adjustment without diassembling the clutch.