Abstract: A mechanical soft-start type coupling is used as an interface between a line start, synchronous motor and a heavy load to enable the synchronous motor to bring the heavy load up to or near synchronous speed. The soft-start coupling effectively isolates the synchronous motor from the load for enough time to enable the synchronous motor to come up to full speed. The soft-start coupling then brings the load up to or near synchronous speed.

Abstract: A flow control assembly for an automatic transmission includes a valve for opening and closing communication with a source of pressurized fluid and a rotatable cam secured to a member, contact between the cam and a plunger of the valve causing said communication to open, absence of contact between the cam and the plunger causing said communication to close.

Abstract: A wet friction clutch—lubricant system wherein a wet friction clutch having a cellulose—based friction lining having a surface coating of silica based particles, or a device including such a clutch, is lubricated with a lubricant composition a major amount of oil of lubricating viscosity and minor effective amounts of performance enhancing additives including (a) ashless dispersant; (b) organic phosphorus compound and (c) borated detergents; and optionally, (d) an auxiliary friction modifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable viscous coupling for generating a locking effect between two coupling parts rotatable relative to one another around a common longitudinal axis, more particularly for the driveline of a motor vehicle. The viscous coupling comprises a first coupling part, a second coupling part, wherein the first and the second coupling part form a sealed annular chamber. First plates are connected to the first coupling part in a rotationally fast way and second plates are connectable to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way, as well as controllable connecting means to allow switching between an open position in which the second plates are freely rotatable relative to the second coupling part, and a closed position in which the second plates are connected to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way.

Abstract: A yaw damper for a front wheel drive vehicle provides torque transfer between the two non-driven wheels and generates a damping yaw moment in opposition to the current vehicle yaw condition. The yaw damper is passive and includes a mechanical clutch or fluid connection between the two non-driven wheels which transfer yaw correcting torque. The mechanical clutch includes first and second pluralities of interleaved friction disks which are coupled by shafts to respective non-driven wheels. A spring compresses the clutch pack and limits torque transfer between the shafts and wheels to a pre-selected maximum torque. In another embodiment, positive displacement pumps driven by each of the non-driven wheels are connected in series and transmit torque in proportion to the speed difference. A pressure relief valve limits the maximum pressure in the fluid lines and thus the maximum torque transfer.