Abstract: A centrifugal clutch cover assembly for use in a clutch as a reaction surface in selective actuation of a pressure ring to clamp one or more discs mounted on a drive shaft for conjoint rotation therewith between the pressure ring and a flywheel of an engine thereby to selectively interconnect the drive shaft and the engine flywheel. The cover assembly includes a flat cover plate having a center and a central opening therein for receiving the drive shaft therethrough free of connection to the cover plate. Lever assemblies include levers pivotally mounted on the clutch plate at angularly spaced apart locations, and pressure members constructed and arranged for applying a force to the pressure ring for clamping the disc between the pressure ring and flywheel. The levers are disposed such that the pressure members apply more clamping force to the pressure ring the faster the flywheel and cover plate are rotating.

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: A centrifugal actuator is provided for a centrifugal clutch. The centrifugal clutch includes a drive spider having a cam lever-following roller and a moveable clutch housing. The centrifugal actuator includes two bosses, each boss having a mechanism for coupling to the clutch housing. Each boss is formed to include a pin-receiving opening. The bosses are arranged in spaced-apart relation on the clutch housing to form a central slot therebetween. A cam lever having an interior wall arranged to define a D-shaped pin-receiving opening is positioned to lie in the central slot and is arranged to pivot to maintain engagement of the cam lever and the cam lever-following roller. A pivot pin is rotatably received in the pin-receiving openings of the two bosses and the D-shaped pin-receiving opening of the cam lever. The pivot pin includes an elongated flat exterior wall and an elongated curved exterior wall arranged so that a transverse cross section of the pivot pin is D-shaped.

Abstract: A centrifugally-assisted diaphragm clutch having a centrifugal weight pivotally mounted to the pressure plate which contacts the diaphragm spring. During rotation of the clutch, the centrifugal weight contacts and bears against the diaphragm spring exerting upward force on the diaphragm spring and downward force on the pressure plate, thereby increasing clutch pressure. The centrifugal weight also serves to distribute pressure over the pressure plate by directing force through its pivot point and by reducing the pressure applied to the pressure plate by the periphery of the diaphragm spring. The pressure plate includes a stop which limits the rotation of the centrifugal weight to prevent the clutch from locking in the engaged position.

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 speed-responsive clutch has axle-free rocking flyweights which are rockingly mounted in correspondingly shaped recesses of a cage. The rocking movement of the flyweights corresponds to a substantially radial movement of the center of gravity of the flyweights and to a substantially axial movement of an actuator portion of the flyweights for variably pressing friction disks of the clutch.

Abstract: A combined mechanical and centrifugal clutch for a motor driven vehicle which has several original equipment manufacturer's components including an inside and an outside pressure plate (70), also frictional material for transmitting torque through the clutch. A lock-up housing (84) is attached to the outside pressure plate and contains a number of pivotally connected camming fingers (100) that force the outside pressure plate into tensional contact wit the frictional material by the camming force of the fingers caused by rotational centrifugal force. The operational portion of the mechanical clutch is unaltered permitting mechanical release of the clutch with the centrifugal portion added to lock-in the torque transmitting capabilities permitting increased capacity and positive engagement. Selecting the optimum rotational engagement speed is achieved by the use of weights and altering the springs or changing spring compressibility.

Abstract: A synchronized clutch for coupling a driven element to a drive element includes an externally activated nonpositive coupling, and a positive coupling which engages automatically when the driven element achieves a designated operational state. The nonpositive coupling, preferably comprising at least one friction element permitting some slippage between the drive and driven elements, accelerates the driven element to a velocity which at least approaches synchronization of the drive and driven elements. The positive coupling preferably comprises a sliding drive ring which is responsive to centrifugal weights to positively couple the drive and driven elements at a designated velocity. The external forces actuating the nonpositive coupling are preferably applied manually through a lever. Provision is preferably made for the automatic disengagement of the clutch when the velocity of the driven element decreases below a designated velocity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centrifugal brake which, according to one aspect of the invention, has a center hub from which extend flex members terminating in tabs extending from the flex members. Disposed on the opposite side of each flex member from the tab, is a friction portion. The friction portion is brought into contact with a braking surface when the centrifugal brake is rotated at sufficient speeds so that the centrifugal force acting on the tabs causes the flex members to bend and bring the friction portions into contact with the braking surface thereby resisting further acceleration of the centrifugal brake.

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: 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: An improved motorcycle slider clutch which utilizes several original equipment manufacturers components, also an aftermarket basket (34), housing gear assembly (44) and a pressure plate (74). The pressure plate engages the nest of discs (32) when compressed by a number of fingers (82) configured to create linear force when subjected to centrifugal action. An enclosure (100) surrounds the basket (34) and retains the fingers. This action defines the first or mechanical stage of operation. A number of counterbalanced fingers (120) are also rotatably contained in the enclosure (100) but are held from engagement with a restraining hub (142) connected to a fluid pressurized cylinder (136). The second, or pressurized fluid actuated stage, is engaged electrically in a timed sequence relieving the pressure allowing the counterbalanced fingers to exert pressure on the clutch discs and plates at the optimum moment.

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 improved motorcycle slider clutch which utilizes several original equipment manufacturers components, also an aftermarket basket (34) and a housing gear assembly (44). A pressure plate (100) engages the nest of discs (32) when compressed by a number of fingers (114) configured to create linear force when subjected to centrifugal action. A flange (110) encloses the basket (34) and retains the fingers. A cast cover (128) contains a pneumatic cylinder with a piston (140) that restrains movement of the plate in the first stage of actuation and a second piston (156) in a chamber created by a hollow cap (154) providing similar restraint for a second stage. The operation is controlled pneumatically with solenoid valves (146) and a millisecond timer (168) allowing a multi-stage starting sequence at a timed interval.

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: For a transport refrigeration unit having a refrigerant compressor 14 adapted to be driven alternatively by an engine 10 through belt 52, or by electric motor 12 through belt 58 has the clutch 36 mounted to the compressor 14 with both the engine 10 having a rigid pulley 38 on its output and the motor 12 having the rigid pulley 40 on its output.

Abstract: A disc-shaped centrifugal weight support (2) for a centrifugal force governor having recesses (3) for accepting knife-edge supported centrifugal weights (4) maintained in an assembled relationship by abutment means such as a ring (7) to form a single-unit mountable assembly.

Abstract: A motorcycle slider clutch utilizing several original equipment manufacturers components, such as the output shaft (20) with gear cluster (24) and bearing (26), the center hub (30) and friction disks with plates (32) attached to a slider basket (34) and a resiliently mounted gear assembly (44). This combination contains the above described components along with a slider plate assembly (64) having an inside pressure plate (74) spring loadedly attached. The inside plate (74) further contains a group of fingers (82) that force the plate into contact with the disks and plates (32) making a union between the rotating elements due to the centrifugal force applied by the fingers (82). The apparatus employs the use of existing oil lubricated standard clutch components heretofore impractical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control apparatus for a clutch disc assembly drivingly associated with an engine. Protection from engine stall resulting for inertia loads downstream of the engage clutch disc assembly instantaneously exceeding available engine torque involves sophisticated brakes, intricate sequence controls, and complicated internal clutch control valving. The present apparatus includes a control valve for controllably directing fluid pressure to the clutch disc assembly from a source of fluid pressure. A valve member reciprocally disposed in the control valve is continually urged in a first axial direction. A speed sensor associated with an input member driven by the engine urges the valve member in a direction opposite the first axial direction in response to a decrease in the rotational speed of the input member to a preselected angular velocity slipping the clutch disc assembly.

Abstract: A clutch device for working vehicles including a pressure member integrally rotatable with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle, a centrifugal weight supported by the pressure member, the centrifugal weight being centrifugally movable in a higher revolution region than a predetermined number of revolutions of the crankshaft, a clutch outer member driven to be rotated by the pressure member, a plurality of drive friction plates integrally supported by the clutch outer member, the drive friction plates being axially movable, a clutch inner member fixedly provided with a plurality of driven friction plates frictionally engageable with the drive friction plates and having an output portion connected to a working implement of the vehicle, and a member for resiliently biassing the drive friction plates and the driven friction plates in their engagement direction.

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 centrifugal clutch mechanism comprising a central hub secured to the outer periphery of an axle for simultaneous rotation therebetween, a clutch plate secured to the hub member for rotation therewith, an annular plate journalled around the outer periphery of the hub member for independent rotation with respect thereto and operably connected with a power source for rotation thereby, annular friction disc members disposed on the opposite sides of the clutch plate, a plurality of circumferentially spaced segments secured to the annular plate and disposed outboard of the clutch plate, the segments being movable in directions toward and away from the clutch plate for selective rotation of the clutch plate with the annular plate, pivotal link members provided at the inner end of each segment, the link members having a normal radially inwardly directed position with respect to the axle and being responsive to centrifugal force for moving radially outwardly for urging the segments into a driving engagement with res

Abstract: A torque converter clutch has an engagement chamber and a disengagement chamber. The clutch engagement force, and therefore torque capacity of the clutch, is established by the pressure differential between the engagement and disengagement chambers. Fluid flow from the engagement chamber to the disengagement chamber is controlled by a sliding valve member operated on by opposing governor weights which are rotated with respective input and output members of the torque converter. The valve member can be controlled to effect complete clutch engagement if desired.

Abstract: A centrifugal rpm governor for internal combustion engines is proposed, the flyweights of which are so embodied as to attain both inexpensive mass production thereof and favorable distribution of physical mass. The mass of the flyweight supported on a flyweight carrier is preferably manufactured of sintered steel and one of each are firmly screwed on a lever arm of a bell crank manufactured of sheet steel. These lever arms are embodied as angle brackets which are open toward the flyweight carrier, the mutually parallel arms of which bracket laterally enclose the flange of the flyweight carrier. A crosspiece which connects the two parallel arms has an end face oriented away from the bearing bores of the bell crank and disposed, in the resting position of the flyweight, at least approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the rpm governor and against which end face the flyweight mass is firmly screwed by means of securing screws stressed up to the yielding-stress threshold.

Abstract: In known V-belt automatic variable power transmissions the change in the gear ratio as a function of angular velocity or the number of revolutions at full throttle at high loads is a compromise between the desired performance of the vehicle and fuel consumption, emission, noise nuisance considerations. The invention obolishes this compromise by making the gear ratio constant in a determined region or range of angular velocities around the original change gear ratio and number of revolutions relationship. In a preferred embodiment this is achieved by the shape of the cam surfaces of the centrifugal weights which surfaces are almost straight over a determined portion thereof.

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.

Abstract: An improved differential drive mechanism includes a clutch assembly which is engaged to retard relative rotation between driving and driven members. A clutch actuator assembly includes a pair of flyweights which are rotated at a speed which varies as a function of variations in the speed of relative rotation between the driving and driven members. The flyweights are hinged to move outwardly under the influence of centrifugal force as they are rotated. To prevent excessive loading on hinge connection at high rotational speeds, outward movement of the flyweights is limited by a pair of stop members which engage outer surfaces of the flyweights. The flyweights are pivotally mounted on the stop members and the torque for rotating the flyweights is transmitted from an input shaft to the flyweights through the stop members. To prevent overloading of a flyweight drive mechanism, secondary clutches are provided between the stop members and input shaft.