Patents by Inventor Gary R. Gebhart

Gary R. Gebhart has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4856637
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Horstman Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Gary R. Gebhart