Abstract: An automatic transmission for utilization with a dry clutch apparatus which may be electrically shifted to transmit torque from an engine to a vehicle's wheels. As a motor's speed picks up, the clutch apparatus drum drives the automatic transmission. Under runaway conditions, the clutch drum is rotated by the load acting through the transmission. The load is capable of driving the drum even faster than the motor rotates the shoes at which time slippage occurs and the motor is relieved. Through such a feature, the transmission may be shifted up or down at any speed.

Abstract: An environmentally protected momentum type, electrically controlled torque producing device consisting of a driving member provided with a multiple of driving shoes with friction lining faces, connecting arms constructed in a manner to hold shoes from engagement with driven member except upon energization of the electrical coil which in turn causes armature to force shoes in an outwardly direction into engagement with the inner periphery of the driven member. Contractile springs are provided to retain driving shoes in the disengaged position while the unit is at zero rotation.

Abstract: A clutch comprising a pair of spring loaded shoes and a drum, somewhat like brake shoes and a drum, applies and removes loads upon an automatic transmission. As the motor speed picks up, the shoes are flung outwardly under centrifugal force. When the speed is great enough, the shoes grip the drum and turn it. The drum drives the automatic transmission. Under runaway conditions, the drum is rotated by the load acting through the transmission. When the load drives the drum even faster than the motor rotates the shoes, slippage occurs in the clutch and the motor is relieved. This way the transmission may be shifted up or down at any speed. The clutch utilizes one or more shoes with a relative high coefficient of friction on one side and a lower coefficient of friction on the other side. A driving notch within the clutch directs the higher coefficient lining on the shoe to drive the drum and directs the other lower coefficient lining when the drum is rotating faster than the motor, such as in a runaway condition.