Arming device with speed discriminating clutch

An arming device in which a speed-discriminating, centrifugal clutch controls the movement of an arming rotor from an unarmed to an armed position. The centrifugal clutch transmits rotary motion from a first rotating shaft to a second rotatable member only when the first rotating shaft has an angular speed of a value between predetermined upper and lower angular speeds. A first circular plate is fixed to the rotating shaft and a pair of spring-biased members are pivoted to the circular plate and are adapted to move outwardly during rotation at a sufficient angular speed. A plurality of arcuate weights are slidably mounted on a second circular plate and adapted to engage the members on the first plate. After rotational speed increases beyond a predetermined upper limit, the weights move outwardly relative to the plate and disengage the clutch. A gear train couples the clutch to the arming rotor, the gear train being provided with friction means to prevent undesired extraneous motions.