Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle, especially for city buses, consists of a continuously variable transmission (G) and four clutches (31, 32, 33 and 34). The first clutch (31) connects a prime mover (M) to a flywheel (S), the second (32) the flywheel (S) to intermediate gearing (Z), the third (33) the prime mover (M) to a driven shaft (30), and the fourth (34) the intermediate gearing (Z) to the driven shaft (30). To keep the variable transmission (G) as simple as possible it has a differential (D) with three transmission components (21, 22, and 23) and is preferably in the form of a planetary-gear set. The variable transmission (G) is composed of two, preferably hydrostatic units (G.sub.1 and G.sub.2). The internal geared wheel (23) of the planetary-gear set (D) is preferably connected to the prime mover, its sun wheel (21) with one hydrostatic unit (G.sub.1), and its ring gear (22) with both the intermediate gearing (Z) and the other hydrostatic unit (G.sub.2).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic reversing transmission wherein each of the forward and reverse drive trains between the input and output shafts has a starting torque converter with a stationary housing, a rotary turbine wheel and a set of adjustable guide vanes. The draining lines of the torque converters have inlet portions which are connected with the respective housings and are oriented in such a way that the direction of fluid flow therein is identical with or closely approximates the direction of fluid flow between the adjacent blades of the turbine wheel when the respective torque converters are operated within the counterbraking range. Each inlet portion has an aperture which is in permanent communication with the sump. The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of each turbine wheel is between 1.1 and 1.25, and the ratio of distances between the tips of neighboring blades of the turbine wheel to the outer diameter of the turbine wheel is between 0.06 and 0.09.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrodynamic torque transfer unit, particularly in the form of a hydrodynamic brake. Flow to the inlet of the working chamber of the transfer unit is controlled by an inlet valve movable between a closed, partially open and fully open position. A first piston moves the valve between its positions. A change over device cooperates with the first piston. The change over device includes a second piston. A first pressure chamber is defined between the first and second pistons. A second pressure chamber is defined behind the second piston. Initially, the first pressure chamber is pressurized, driving the first piston and thus the inlet valve to the fully open position. The second piston is moved by pressurization of the second pressure chamber to cut off pressure to the first pressure chamber and to instead cause communication between the first pressure chamber and the working chamber.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic brake is disclosed of a kind comprising a rotor bucket wheel and a stator bucket wheel in a housing and defining a torus-shaped working chamber and defining between them a bucket wheel gap. An outlet duct surrounds the perimeter of the rotor bucket wheel. A plurality of baffle type flow obstructions are provided about the periphery of the bucket wheel gap, and are movable into the bucket wheel gap and when the brake is not engaged. A small gap between the radially outermost part of the rotor bucket wheel and the housing is continuous with the outlet duct. A second duct connects the outlet duct and the space in which the baffle type flow obstructions are accommodated, thereby preventing unwanted movement of the flow obstructions into the bucket wheel gap while the brake is engaged.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic reversing transmission wherein each of the forward and reverse drive trains between the input and output shafts has a starting torque converter with a stationary housing, a rotary turbine wheel and a set of adjustable guide vanes. The draining lines of the torque converters have inlet portions which are connected with the respective housings and are oriented in such a way that the direction of fluid flow therein is identical with or closely approximates the direction of fluid flow between the adjacent blades of the turbine wheel when the respective torque converters are operated within the counterbraking range. Each inlet portion has an aperture which is in permanent communication with the sump. The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of each turbine wheel is between 1.1 and 1.25, and the ratio of distances between the tips of neighboring blades of the turbine wheel to the outer diameter of the turbine wheel is between 0.06 and 0.09.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a hydrodynamic brake with a rotor blade wheel and an opposed stator blade wheel together defining a toroidal working chamber for containing working fluid. The blades of one or both of the blade wheels are swingable about respective radial axes so as to be skewed at an oblique orientation when the rotor blade wheel is rotated with working fluid in the working chamber. The blades are swingable from a first skewed orientation caused by one direction of rotation of the rotor blade wheel, to an idle orientation at which the blades are generally parallel to the axis of the brake and to an opposite skewed orientation which occurs when the rotor blade wheel rotates in the opposite direction. The torus wall outside the outside edges of the swingable blades is separated into independent sections and the torus wall sections are attached to respective blades for swinging therewith.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an elastic coupling of disc construction. The coupling has a central disc which is positioned within an inner chamber that is defined by two side discs, and the side discs are joined together at their peripheries. The discs are attached at a hub at their axes. The side discs are of greater circumference than the central disc. A projection extending in from the side discs toward the central disc has circumferentially opposite abutment surface sides. In the central disc, a recess is defined into which the aforesaid projection extends. The recess has opposed abutment surface sidewalls, and each of these abutment surface sidewalls is opposed to a respective abutment surface side on the projection.

Abstract: The disclosure contains a hydrodynamic torque transmitting unit particularly for a hydrodynamic brake. A working chamber that is filled with working fluid contains a stator and a rotor. An inlet valve controls inlet of fluid to the working chamber. A piston connected with the inlet valve selectively closes the valve. The piston initially opens the inlet valve fully for a surge of working fluid into the working chamber. In a stage I condition, valving and pressure chambers associated with the piston returns the inlet valve to an intermediate position reducing the inflow of working fluid into the working chamber after the initial surge. In a stage II condition, the pressure chambers remain continuously pressurized for holding the inlet valve in the condition of maximum supply of working fluid to the working chamber. Various piston arrays are described in different embodiments.

Abstract: A multiple speed transmission with a plurality of shafts and gears and divided into a number of shift units. Insofar as possible, the respective corresponding shafts and gears among the shift units have substantially the same pitch dimensions. In a multi-speed, single direction transmission, there are two gear and clutch carrying shafts. A clutch in one shift unit joins a gear fixed to the shaft of that shift unit with one or the other of two gears rotatable with respect to the shaft of that shift unit. An additional gear is fixedly mounted on the shaft. The two of such shift units are engaged with different respective ones of their gears being in direct or indirect engagement. For a reversing direction transmission, an intermediate, and therefore direction reversing, gear is interposed between the gears of one interengaged set of gears. In another embodiment, a direction reversing shift unit is connected to one of the two shift units of a single direction transmission.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a torsionally elastic coupling comprised of a central hub and an outer ring around the hub and spaced therefrom wherein the ring may relatively shift with respect to the hub. A series of leaf-spring assemblies are arrayed around the hub and the leaf-springs thereof project from the inner hub to the outer ring. A respective groove in the outer ring receives at least the longer ones of the leaf-springs of each assembly. Reinforcements are positioned in these grooves for being engaged by the leaf-springs. The leaf-springs of each assembly are of varying length. For holding the leaf-spring assemblies to the hub, there are wedge-shaped intermediate pieces between adjacent leaf-spring assemblies. Alternate wedge-shaped intermediate pieces are fastened to the hub and the other alternate ones are integrally formed with the hub.

Abstract: A single-tooth gearing, suitable for use e.g. in a hydrodynamic torque converter, is disclosed. The gearing includes a reciprocating rod having a tooth gap and a gear wheel having a tooth for engaging the tooth gap. The flanks of the tooth gap are precisely perpendicular to the path of motion of the rod, while the corresponding flanks of the tooth are curved, preferably having the shape of circular cylinders. The front flank of the tooth has a radius of curvature larger than that of the rear flank of the tooth. At the point of the rod's motion at which the force between the front edge of the tooth and the corresponding flank of the tooth gap is a maximum, the point of contact between the front edge of the tooth and the corresponding tooth gap flank is located on a plane containing the axis of rotation of the gear wheel and perpendicular to the path of the rod's motion. The length of the tooth gap is preferably equal to the sum of the radii of curvature of the two flanks of the tooth.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a leaf-spring coupling comprising a hub and an outer ring around the hub and a plurality of leaf-spring assemblies clamped to the hub and extending into respective receiving grooves in the outer ring, such that relative rotation around the axis of the hub and the outer ring flexes the leaf-spring assemblies. Each leaf-spring assembly is comprised of a plurality of leaf-springs, including a longer principal spring that continuously engages in the groove in the outer ring and a plurality of flank springs next to the principal spring and which decrease in length stepwise moving out from the principal spring. A series of stops are arranged in the groove for each leaf-spring assembly. Each flank spring engages its respective stop as the hub and outer ring rotate relatively to each other and such engagement causes the respective leaf-spring to flex toward the principal spring.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic brake is disclosed. It comprises a working chamber with a rotor and a stator in it. An inlet supplies fluid to the working chamber which tends to increase the braking torque. An outlet permits exit of fluid from the working chamber, which tends to decrease the braking torque. An overflow valve may be opened or closed to selectively permit or prohibit exit of working fluid from the working chamber outlet. A pressure source, such as the pressure in the working chamber, normally holds the overflow valve open. A regulating valve is connected by a pressurized connection with the overflow valve and the regulating valve selectively opens or closes the overflow valve. The regulating valve compares the desired braking torque, which is established by an operating lever for the brake, with the actual braking torque, and the regulating valve opens or closes the overflow valve for tending to bring the actual braking torque to the desired braking torque.

Abstract: Power take-off gearing for separate drives, for the propellers of an amphibious vehicle, or the like: A main drive shaft drives two separate driven shafts through respective slip clutches. Each clutch comprises a set of interleaved disks. A respective plunger selectively presses or does not press each set of disks together to drive each driven shaft at a speed dependent upon the plunger pressure. Hydraulic means which are solenoid valve controlled selectively activate and deactivate the clutch plungers, each clutch has its own control valve. A brake for both driven shafts is also activated by the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A rotor for radial fans wherein the blades which are secured to the peripheries of the end walls surround or are surrounded by a spirally wound rod. The end portions of the rod are fastened to the end walls so as to maintain the median portion of the rod in prestressed condition. The rod enhances the resistance of the rotor to torsional stresses.

Abstract: A device for controlling a motor vehicle clutch is disclosed. A hydraulic control system coupled to the disengagement lever of a clutch selectively engages and disengages the clutch responsive to a control signal. The control signal is generated by a control circuit which receives a first signal representative of the speed of the vehicle and a second signal representative of the rotary speed of the engine. The control circuit varies the control signal during each engagement of the clutch as a function of two components: a first component which initially varies as a substantially linear function of the speed of the vehicle and thereafter varies as a positive exponential function of the speed of the vehicle; and a second component which varies as a substantially linear function of the speed of the engine. Both components vary in a direction which drives the clutch further into engagement for increasing vehicle and engine speed.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic double brake includes two working chambers, each defined between a respective stator bucket wheel and a respective rotor bucket wheel. Each of the bucket wheels including buckets that extend into the respective working chambers and the bucket wheel buckets all are oriented at the same tilt angle with respect to the axis of the brake. An inlet line enters the rotor bucket wheels and then branches into the respective working chambers. Outlet ducts exit from each of the working chambers. A shell is defined around the bucket wheels and the brake and includes a valve arrangement which selectively opens the outlet ducts of one working chamber while closing the outlet ducts of the other working chamber, and vice versa.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic reversing transmission for earth moving vehicles, forklift trucks or locomotives wherein the degree of filling of each torque converter of the forward drive train is controlled simultaneously with the degree of filling of the corresponding torque converter in the reverse drive train by a reversing valve.

Abstract: A bearing block for a boring turbine, with ball bearings having intermediate spring rings between them: the spring rings have spring deflection characteristics such that the bearings are stressed in series sequence as the cutting force changes and such that each bearing is not stressed until the previous bearing in series has been stressed; for adjusting the deflection characteristic, some rings have varying size holes through them.

Abstract: A transmission for locomotives, earthmoving vehicles or analogous conveyances has two closely adjacent parallel adjustable starting torque converters, one in the forward and the other in the reverse drive train, a common first gear train which connects the primary shafts of the starting converters with each other and with the input shaft, a second gear train which connects the secondary shafts of the starting converters with each other and with the output shaft, a cruising converter which is coaxial with the starting converter of the forward drive train and has a discrete secondary shaft coaxial with the secondary shaft of the respective starting converter and connected with the output shaft by a third gear train, a hydraulic brake whose rotor is driven by the secondary shaft of the starting converter of the reverse drive train and is effective only when the output shaft rotates in the forward direction, a first control unit which engages the brake and causes evacuation of working fluid from the working circu