Abstract: A propulsion transmission for driving a fixed pitch propeller of a ship, the transmission including a prime mover, that is a power source, such as a gas turbine engine, or a diesel engine for example, and also having a disengageable clutch between the prime mover and the propeller and for transmitting power to the propeller for driving it in a forward direction. The transmission also includes a hydraulic torque converter of the single stage, fixed housing type and which is connected between the prime mover and the propeller for driving the propeller in the reverse direction when the disengageable clutch is inoperative.

Abstract: A hydraulic retarder in conjunction with a multi-speed power transmission that finds particular utility for off-highway trucks. The hydraulic retarder is continuously filled with oil and is positioned in series with a hydraulically actuated friction type clutch. The retarder remains filled at all times and consequently there is no loss of time in filling or dumping the retarder when it is desired to utilize its retarding action by engaging its clutch.This "instantaneous" reaction to engagement and disengagement of the retarder makes it possible to use this retarder in certain automatic modes where conventional dump and fill hydrodynamic retardation devices are so slow to react as to be difficult to apply. This retarder has clutched engagement and disengagement. The torque capacity versus speed is varied through cavity pressure control.

Abstract: A modulatable power transmission clutch has a rotatable driving member, a rotatable driven member, and slippingly engagable clutch plates between said members which are movable into engagement by a fluid-applied spring-released movable piston having two separate fluid application areas thereon, with one area being larger than the other. Fluid is supplied directly to the smaller piston area by an operator-controlled proportional solenoid valve to regulate clutch modulation. Fluid flow to the larger piston area is controlled by a spring-biased trigger valve which pops open when fluid pressure to the smaller piston area reaches a predetermined level, to thereby effect maximum clutch engagement. The trigger valve operates a dump valve which opens to relieve fluid pressure on the larger piston area when the trigger valve recloses in response to reduction of fluid pressure from the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A power transmission system for swinging the upper section of a mobile crane in opposite directions comprises a prime mover, a torque converter, a modulatable torque converter clutch connected between the prime mover and the torque converter, and a transmission connected to be driven by the torque converter and including a pair of alternately actuatable modulatable transmission clutches therein. The torque converter clutch is modulatable between disengaged and engaged positions. Each transmission clutch is modulatable between a minimum engaged position and a fully engaged position. Selectively operable control means are provided for modulating the torque converter clutch and a selected one of the transmission clutches to swing the crane upper in a desired direction. The control means effect full engagement of the selected transmission clutch prior to full engagement of the torque converter clutch.

Abstract: A mobile rig for drilling blast holes comprises a rotatable drill holder mounted on an upright mast. A torque converter and transmission are connected between a prime mover (I.C. engine or electric motor) on the rig and the drill holder. The torque converter includes a servo controlled modulatable torque converter input (slipping) clutch for driving the drill holder at desired rotational speeds. The transmission includes a pair of solenoid actuated directional clutches selectively energized for driving the drill holder in either forward or reverse directions (threading).

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism for starting a load which is either of high inertia or of high starting torque and which is to be driven at a high speed through a high reduction ratio. The load has a main power source and also an axuiliary power source which initially turns over the load from a zero speed condition. After the load has been turned over by the auxiliary starting means and through a high reduction ratio, the main power source acts to slip the overrunning clutch and bring the load up to speed. The auxiliary power source has a hydraulic coupling retarder which acts to retard the auxiliary power source during its initial operation and thereby reduces its kinetic energy during its initial operation and decreases the large torque pulses which would otherwise occur in the mechanism during the start-up. The mechanism includes hydraulic control means for controlling the sequencing of the fluid fill of the hydraulic coupling retarder.