Abstract: A rotary drive apparatus for a belt tensioner comprises a casing (10) in which a cylinder space (18) is formed, a generally circular disk-shaped rotor (14) mounted eccentrically therein having vanes (26) accommodated in radial slots (24) and a compressed gas source for pressurizing the chambers formed between the vanes, the rotor and the wall of the casing. The chambers are sealed off both with respect to each other and to the casing (10, 12) by a sealing system (30) on the rotor (14). The rotor (14) is mounted on said casing (10, 12) and is rotatable with respect to a shaft (16) and carries at least one pivotally mounted clutch pawl (32) which is engagingly positionable in a clutch toothing (34) on the circumference of said shaft (16).

Abstract: An centrifugal friction clutch for an automatic speed changing device to changeover speed change stage automatically in accordance with a change of rotational speed is provided.

Abstract: An epicyclic train operates as a speed reducer between an input and an output when a clutch is released, and as a direct drive connection in the contrary case. The selective clamping is obtained by centrifugal weights, counter to biasing springs and to an helical teeth reaction force, which is proportional to the torque transmitted during speed-reducing operation. The reaction force promotes speed-reducing operation when the torque to be transmitted is high. Means are provided for applying a force pulse to the weights when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal. Since, upon a ratio change, the reaction force and the friction forces in the clutch vary so as to stabilize the newly created transmission ratio, a force pulse is enough for initiating a ratio change which will then be stabilized by a spontaneous variation of the reaction force and the friction forces.

Abstract: The clutch is adapted forum& in starting-and restarting aircraft turbine engines with a pneumatically operated starter turbine. The clutch assembly has one clutch member which is driven by the starter turbine and another clutch member which is connected to and drives the turbine engine. The starter turbine clutch member is translationally moveable toward and away from the turbine engine clutch member. Centrifugally operated flyweights are used to induce the translational movement of the clutch member. Proengagement flyweights are operable when the starter turbine is rotating to urge the starter turbine clutch member toward the turbine engine clutch member; and disengagement flyweights are operable when the turbine engine is rotating to urge the starter turbine clutch member away from the turbine engine clutch member.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch comprising an elongate rotary power input shaft with front and rear ends, a plurality of axially spaced plates including a front end plate in axial fixed rotary driving engagement with the shaft, a rear end plate in axially shiftable and rotary driving engagement with the shaft, and axially shiftable intermediate plates in rotary driving relationship with the shaft, an elongate rotary power output part in radial outward spaced relationship about the plates; a plurality of axially spaced disks in axially shiftable and rotary driving engagement with the output part and in leafed interengaged relationship with the plates; a plurality of actuating weights spaced circumferentially about the shaft on radial planes and forward of the front plate, each weight has a radially outwardly and axially rearwardly disposed pivot point pivotally engaged in a radially inwardly and axially forwardly disposed pivot seat on the front plate; and, elongate tow members with rear ends coupled with the rear plate

Abstract: Centrifugally disengageable engine starter gearing for selectively starting an engine having a starting gear. The engine starter gearing includes a power shaft, a sleeve slidably secured to the power shaft, a pinion gear slidably mounted to the power shaft and movable into engagement with the starting gear, a driven clutch member secured to the pinion gear and having a circular recess therein, a driving clutch member mounted to the sleeve, and mutually engageable clutch teeth on the driving and driven clutch members. A housing having an open end and a closed end is fitted over the driving and driven clutch members. An abutment confines the driving and driven clutch members within the housing. A radially inwardly extending shoulder is located on the driving clutch member adjacent the circular recess. An annular thrust washer having an inner conical surface abuts a loose washer which abuts the radially inwardly extending shoulder.

Abstract: A transmission (1) has an input (2) connected to an engine (3). At a speed above idling, a centrifugal clutch (9) connects the engine to a pump (8) of a torque converter (7) and also to a sun gear (14) of a planetary gear train (13). A turbine (11) of the torque converter is connected to a ring gear (16) of the planetary gear train, and a planet carrier (18) is connected to an output (4) of the transmission. A free wheel (22) mounted between the ring gear and a stationary housing prevents reverse rotation of the ring gear. At low engine speeds, the power passes via the sun and planet gears through the planet carrier to the output, while reaction torque exerted by the planet gears on the ring gear is greater than forward torque transmitted through the torque converter, so that the ring gear is held stationary by the free wheel. In this condition, the planetary gear train acts as a mechanical speed reducer.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting torque from the engine-driven crankshaft to the input shaft of the change-speed transmission in a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other against the opposition of three series-connected dampers including a pair of annular slip clutches and an elastic damper between the slip clutches. One of the slip clutches opposes all angular movements of the flywheels relative to each other and its output element transmits torque from the flywheel which is driven by the crankshaft to the input element of the elastic damper. The output element of the elastic damper is the input element of the other slip clutch which is mounted on the other flywheel and opposes rotational movements of the flywheels relative to each other within a preselected angle.

Abstract: A clutch adjustment and lockup system is disclosed. The system is adapted for use with a centrifugally actuated friction clutch of the type wherein clutch plates and clutch disks are engageable with each other. The conventional friction clutch includes a weight support member having apertures concentric with the plates and disks and is interlocked with the plate for rotation therewith. The conventional support member includes a plurality of pivotable weights causing the plate to frictionally engage the disk upon rotation of the support member. Springs are provided to counteract the weights, thereby resisting frictional engagement of the plates and disks until a predetermined speed is achieved. The improved adjusting system allows remote setting of the speed at which the plates frictionally engage the disk while the vehicle is moving and a lockup system provides increased frictional engagement of the clutch plate and disks.

Abstract: A controller for a centrifugal clutch with circumferentially spaced actuating weights having radially inwardly projecting actuating arms that pivot rearwardly as the rate of rotation of the clutch accelerates and the weights move to increase actuating pressure in and through the clutch. The controller includes a fluid actuated cylinder and piston unit with a piston rod that carries an arm engages throw-out bearing positioned rearward of the actuating arms. The cylinder is normally charged with a fluid medium that urges the piston and rod forwardly to one end of the cylinder and where the throw-out bearing engages and stops the arms in their normal unactuated position.

Abstract: An annular thrust ring for use in a mechanism that causes the confronting teeth of two clutch members to automatically separate when the driven clutch member has sufficient speed to overtake the drive clutch member. The annular thrust ring has a V-shaped cross-section formed by progressive dies to facilitate lower production cost.

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: Centrifugally disengageable engine starter gearing for selectively starting an engine having a starting gear.

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: Centrifugally disengageable engine starter gearing selectively starting an engine having a starting gear. The engine starter gearing includes a power shaft, a sleeve slidably secured to the power shaft, a pinion gear slidably mounted to the power shaft and movable into engagement with the starting gear, a driven clutch member secured to the pinion gear and having an annular or circular recess with an inclined or conical surface therein, a driving clutch member mounted to the sleeve, mutually engageable clutch teeth on the driving and driven clutch members, a barrel housing having an open end and being at least partly fitted over the driving and driven clutch members, an abutment confining the driving and driven clutch members within the housing, a resilient member biasing the driving and driven clutch members into mutual engagement, and a radially inwardly extending shoulder on the driving clutch member adjacent the circular recess.

Abstract: A centrifugally disengageable engine starter gear of the positive shift type that has a clutch to provide for driving and indexing of the starter gear, an internal mechanism keeps the clutch teeth in engagement during the indexing function, and a centrifugal separator separates the clutch teeth in an overrunning condition. The separator includes radially movable centrifugal flyweight members circumferentially spaced in a circular recess that contains individually formed flyweight guides that cooperate therewith to prevent excessive circumferential displacement of the flyweights during their radial movement. The method of forming flyweight guides from the clutch housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The power train between the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission in a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels and a two-stage slip clutch between the flywheels. The magnitude of torque which is transmitted by the slip clutch is variable in response to changes in centrifugal force acting upon a diaphragm spring for one stage of the slip clutch. The slip clutch damps and absorbs those peaks of fluctuations of angular displacement of one of the flywheels relative to the other flywheel which are attributable to fluctuations of torque transmitted by the engine.

Abstract: Centrifugally disengageable engine starter gearing selectively starting an engine having a starting gear. The engine starter gearing includes a power shaft, a sleeve slidably secured to the power shaft, a pinion gear slidably mounted to the power shaft and movable into engagement with the starting gear, a driven clutch member secured to the pinion gear and having a circular recess with an inclined or conical surface therein, a driving clutch member mounted to the sleeve, mutually engageable clutch teeth on the driving and driven clutch members, a barrel housing having an open end and being at least partly fitted over the driving and driven clutch members, an abutment confining the driving and driven clutch members within the housing, a resilient member biasing the driving and driven clutch members into mutual engagement, a radially inwardly extending shoulder on the driving clutch member adjacent the circular recess. A plurality of centrifugal flyweight members are annularly arranged in the circular recess.

Abstract: Centrifugally disengageable engine starter gearing selectively starting an engine having a starting gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle clutch, particularly for a mechanical, multiple-speed automatic transmission. The clutch comprises in a conventional manner, a clutch disc which is non-rotatably joined to an input shaft to the transmission, said disc being pressable against an engine flywheel by a displaceable drive plate. According to the invention the clutch is provided with a second clutch disc, which is non-rotatably joined to a hollow shaft, which is concentrically mounted on the input shaft and can be pressed by the first drive plate against the second drive plate solidly joined to the flywheel.

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: Centrifugally disengageable engine starter gearing selectively starting an engine having a starting gear.

Abstract: A power transmission system having a resilient buffer to prevent generation and transmission of vibrations between gears below a predetermined rotational speed. A plate is mounted for relative circular movement on a driven gear and contains buffer springs to damp vibrations until positive engagement results. A clutch mechanism surrounds the buffer disk and uses a rotating ramp surface with centrifugally actuated caged members to separate the clutch from the gear above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: In an automatic multispeed transmission having at least two centrifugal clutches arranged on a rotary shaft driven by the output shaft of an engine and adapted to engage at predetermined different rotational speeds and higher of the rotary shaft, each clutch having an input member drivingly engageable with an output member by the opening motion of weights, an engagement prohibiting mechanism is provided, which is manually operatable to prohibit the opening motion of the weights of one of the clutches which is engageable at a predetermined rotational speed higher than that of the lowest engaging speed clutch. Further, a disabling mechanism is provided to release the engagement prohibiting mechanism from its prohibiting action to permit the opening motion of the weights when the centrifugal force of the weights is larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A clutch friction disc or plate wherein a circular flange carries a set of equidistant blades each extending radially outwardly beyond its periphery and each having a pair of overlapping, elastic plates whose inner end portions are riveted to the flange. A friction lining is connected with the outer side of each plate by two rivets whose heads extend into complementary circular openings provided in the other plate of the respective pair. At least one opening of each plate communicates with at least one slot end of which communicates with the respective opening and the other end of which is closed, open by extending to the marginal portion of the respective plate, or communicates with the other opening in the respective plate. The slots reduce the likelihood of distortion of plates as a result of development of unequal stresses owing to unequal heating of all regions of the plates when the disc is engaged between a pair of torque-transmitting or torque-receiving elements of the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a sanding head is disclosed, the assembly giving a sanding head the dual functions of orbital sanding or rotary grinding. The assembly incorporates a clutch plate and actuating means between an eccentric drive head and backup pad secured thereto. The actuator moves the plate axially, depending on the rotational speed of the unit, into engagement with the drive head to effect a rotary grinding action. Release of the clutch plate therefrom due to a drop in speed converts the rotary action to one of an orbital path.

Abstract: A manually disengageable centrifugal clutch for motor vehicles has a clutch cover fixed to a flywheel, a pressure plate axially movable relative to the flywheel, and an intermediate disc. An intermediate plate defines, together with the pressure plate, a plurality of outwardly narrowing spaces for radially movable centrifugal weights and is spring biased towards the pressure plate. The intermediate plate is suspended on disengagement arms and is movable thereby away from the pressure plate. In one position at a certain distance from the pressure plate, the spaces for the centrifugal weights are widened so much that the weights cannot exert any pressure on the pressure plate. The clutch is thereby disengaged regardless of rotational speed, the disengaging force only depending on the spring force on the intermediate plate.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved automotive clutch utilizing a clutch cover assembly having a conventional conical spring diaphragm which develops the axial force for loading of the pressure plate and which is modified in accordance with the invention to utilize centrifugal weights which increase the force applied to the pressure plate with increasing engine speed.

Abstract: An automatic two-speed drive system for a vehicle having two drive wheels. A first drive wheel is connected to the drive source through a low-speed hub which is disengaged when the wheel reaches a pre-determined rotational speed. The second drive wheel is connectable to the drive source through a high-speed hub which becomes engaged when the drive source reaches a pre-determined rotational speed.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch which includes two clutch halves and at least one centrifugal weight, which is lockable to one of the clutch halves in a free-wheel position by way of springs so as to permit relative rotation between the clutch halves. At least one driver is provided in one of the clutch halves for driving the at least one centrifugal weight in two rotational directions about an axis of rotation of the centrifugal clutch. The centrifugal weight is displaceable, upon overcoming a pretensioning force of the springs, under the influence of a centrifugal force so as to move from the free-wheel position to an engaged position. In the free-wheel position, the at least one centrifugal weight has a predetermined play in the two rotational directions relative to the driver.

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.

Abstract: Rotatable discs are splined on a hub member and alternately arranged with stationary discs secured to the brake housing to form a brake disc assembly. The brake operator assembly is a combination electromagnet release, spring set assembly associated with a pressure plate and operative to selectively move the pressure plate into and out of engagement with the brake disc assembly for braking the assembly against and releasing the assembly for rotation. Primary torque springs are actuable, when the electromagnet is de-energized, for biasing the pressure plate into engagement with the brake disc assembly. Secondary torque springs are held against actuation to so bias the pressure plate by axially movable guide rods which include outer end portions engageable with outer fixed shoulders to hold the guide rods in a latched position. The secondary torque springs are actuated when the end portions of the guide rods are moved or cammed to an unlatched position, i.e. out of engagement with the shoulders.

Abstract: The safety braking device comprises a case for mounting on the unit and in which there is journalled a shaft carrying a drive wheel engaged with a surface along which surface the unit moves. Fixed brake discs prevented from rotating with respect to the case are interposed between movable discs mounted on the shaft to rotate with the shaft. Screws extend through the movable discs and each have a head at one end and a gear pinion screwthreadedly engaged on the opposite end of the screws for axially tightening the discs together. The gear pinions are meshed with a gear wheel fixed to a support member which is mounted on the shaft to be rotatable by the shaft through the effect of friction between the shaft and support member.

Abstract: A fuel pump assembly for a gas turbine engine incorporates an impeller pump and a vane pump which are driven by a common drive shaft. A centrifugally operated clutch functions to disengage the vane pump from the drive shaft at a predetermined angular velocity. The vane pump is designed to fulfill dry lift, starting flow and pressure requirements for the engine. The impeller pump, alone, provides fuel to the engine near idle speed and above after the vane pump has been disengaged from the drive shaft.

Abstract: A coupling which is switched dependent on the rotational speed. One coupling half is held in fixed relationship with another coupling half up to a switching speed while being supported on switching elements. These elements are centrifugally controlled and spring loaded, and they are pivoted and coupled to one another by a switching ring for joint tilting. One coupling half is supported, furthermore, on the switching element by a ring which is elastic in axial direction.