INDEXING :In this type of applications, reciprocating motion applied to the driving race of the clutch is transformed in to unidirectional intermittent motion at the driven race. Fig 1 shows a typical Roll Feed mechanism for power presses. In this example reciprocating motion obtained by a pneumatic cylinder is applied to the outer race of the clutch, and infinite angular, intermittent unidirectional motion is available at feed roll.

OVERRUNNING : Freewheel clutches are capable of overrunning at either the inner or outer race. This application is mainly required in stand by drives and compound drives Fig.2 shows a dual speed drive. Here two prime movers are connected to the input shaft of a gearbox through Freewheel clutch-couplings.

BACKSTOPPING : In Backstopping applications, Freewheel clutches are used to prevent reverse rotation of drive shafts. With the outer race of the clutch anchored to a stationary member, the inner race can overrun freely in one direction of rotation, reverse rotation is instantaneously prevented by the automatic engagement of the clutch . Fig. 3 shows a sprag clutch used as a Backstop on head shaft of a bucket elevator.