Abstract: A hybrid electric propulsor equipped with a hydraulic coupling is provided. In one aspect, a propulsor includes a gas turbine engine and an electric machine operatively coupled thereto. The gas turbine engine includes a fan spool and a core spool. The electric machine is operatively coupled with the fan spool. A hydraulic coupling defines a sealed volume in which hydraulic transmission fluid is provided. The hydraulic coupling encases at least a portion of the fan spool and at least a portion of the core spool. The hydraulic coupling hydraulically couples the fan spool and the core spool and allows for power transmission between the fan spool and the core spool.

Abstract: An automobile or other wheeled vehicle includes various hydraulic components, including a hydraulic gearbox, transmission, clutch, and brake energy recovery system. Such hydraulic components supplement or replace traditional mechanical components of the automobile or other wheeled vehicle to improve the overall operational efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A four-stroke rotary-piston engine has an outer disk, and inner disk, at least one cylinder, at least one piston, at least one piston rod, a fixed gear engaged with a planet gear and a rotary gate valve positioned at a head of the cylinder. The inner disk is rotatable with respect to the outer disk by a compression control device. The planet gear rotates a crank situated on a shaft thereof. The shaft passes upwardly through the inner disk. The crank reciprocates a lever via the piston rod. The lever has an end pivoted on the outer disk so as to push the piston into and out of the cylinder.

Abstract: An engine clutch is provided. The clutch includes a drive shaft rotated by the engine, an eccentric shaft selectively rotated by the drive shaft, a clutch fluid, a plurality of pistons, and a fluid regulator. The eccentric shaft is positionable in an opening of the drive shaft for rotation thereby. The eccentric shaft has cylinders extending radially therethrough and a central channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The clutch fluid flows between the cylinders and channel. Each piston is slidably positionable in a cylinder in response to flow of clutch fluid. The pistons have an outer end in constant contact with the drive shaft via a bearing. The fluid regulator is positionable in the central channel for selectively restricting flow of clutch fluid whereby rotational speed of the eccentric shaft is adjusted. The eccentric shaft is connectable to a device, such as a fan, for rotation therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to engine clutches. The clutch includes a drive shaft rotated by the engine, an eccentric shaft selectively rotated by the drive shaft, a clutch fluid, a plurality of pistons, and a fluid regulator. The eccentric shaft is positionable in an opening of the drive shaft for rotation thereby. The eccentric shaft has cylinders extending radially therethrough and a central channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The clutch fluid flows between the cylinders and channel. Each piston is slidably positionable in a cylinder in response to flow of clutch fluid. The pistons have an outer end in constant contact with the drive shaft via a bearing. The fluid regulator is positionable in the central channel for selectively restricting flow of clutch fluid whereby rotational speed of the eccentric shaft is adjusted. The eccentric shaft is connectable to a device, such as a fan, for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A power transmission system having an input member (6) and an output member (2) for transmitting power, and an oil pump (7) for discharging oil by a relative rotation between a first (8, 70) and a second rotary members (9, 87, 88) which is driven by the power transmitted between the input member (6) and the output member (2), characterized in that: the input member (6) and the first rotary member (8, 70) are connected with each other in a power transmittable manner, and the output member (2) and the second rotary member (9, 87, 88) are connected with each other in a power transmittable manner; and characterized by comprising: a transmission member (11, 13, 76, 77) for connecting the first and the second rotary members in a power transmittable manner; and a control valve (9, 87, 88) for controlling a power transmission state between the first and the second rotary members, by controlling a discharge condition of the oil pump (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch for connecting a component at the driving end and a component at the driven end. Said clutch comprises at least one first and a second clutch part (2, 55; 1, 53). The aim of the invention is to create a clutch which can be switched during operation, operates essentially without dissipating power, and is wear-free and thus maintenance-free. Said aim is achieved by at least one hollow chamber in the first clutch part (2, 55), said hollow chamber being open on at least one side, forming at least one fluid chamber (12, 63), and being closed by a wall on the second clutch part (1, 53), the hollow chamber and the wall being movable relative to each other, as well as at least one slide (17) which is mounted on the second clutch part (1, 53) in the area of the wall and by means of which the fluid chamber (12, 63) can be subdivided at least in part perpendicular to the direction of the relative movement.

Abstract: A clutch (A,B) includes a cam (20,70) and a rotor (22,74), both of which revolve around a common axis (X). The cam has a camming surface (30,72) provided with lobes (32), whereas the rotor carries pistons (26,80) which bear against the camming surface of the cam. The pistons project from piston cavities (40,42; 76) in the rotor and those cavities communicate through a connecting cavity (44,78), to thereby form a fluid chamber (56,82) of constant volume which contains a magneto-rheological fluid (28,84). An electrical coil controls the viscosity of the rheological fluid. When the viscosity is low, the pistons will move inwardly and outwardly on the rotor as the camming surface passes over them and no torque will transfer between the cam and rotor. However, when the fluid is viscous, the fluid will impede displacement of the pistons in the piston cavities, and the pistons will grip the camming surface sufficiently to enable torque to transfer between the cam and rotor.

Abstract: A transmission, capable for use in a wide variety of applications, allows continuously variable output/input ratios. In all embodiments, rotational input motion is converted into reciprocal motion of a reciprocating shaft. Resistance to the reciprocal motion causes some of the input motion to be converted into rotational motion of an output shaft. The amount of reciprocal motion induced by the input rotational motion is controllable in all embodiments. An output/input ratio range of zero to one is available.

Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission apparatus having improved valving for accurately regulating the flow of hydraulic material between a pair of cylinders in either of two opposite directions. The valve has a circularly cylindrical occluding member disposed in occluding position within the hydraulic material pathway connecting the two cylinders to separate the pathway into separate first and second sides. The occluding member seats loosely within a plurality of arcuate seating surfaces and is displaceable upon change in direction of flow of the hydraulic material, under the influence of the hydraulic material, from a first position in abutment with a first plurality of seating surfaces to a second position in abutment with a second plurality of seating surfaces. The occluding member is freely rotatable about its longitudinal axis within the seating surfaces and has at least one slot formed therein.

Abstract: A torque split control apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle including an engine for producing a drive. The automotive vehicle is supported on a pair of primary drive wheels and a pair of secondary drive wheels. The drive is transmitted from the engine to the primary drive wheels and to the secondary drive wheels through a torque distributing clutch capable of varying a torque transmitted to the secondary drive wheels. A control torque is calculated based upon a difference between the primary and secondary drive wheel rotational speeds. The control torque is transmitted through the torque distributing clutch to provide a desired turning characteristic to the vehicle. At least one vehicle condition dependent torque, which is dependent on a specified vehicle operating condition, is calculated. Vehicle operating conditions are monitored to produce a command signal when a 4WD control is demanded.

Abstract: A torque distribution control device includes two rotational speed differential responsive type control couplings each having various transfer torque characteristics which differ in the ratio of a transfer torque to a rotational speed differential. The control device selects one of the torque transfer characteristics in response to a signal supplied thereto. When turning the outer wheel side control coupling is supplied with a signal for selecting the transfer torque characteristic that produces a maximum transfer torque for a given rotational speed differential, and the inner wheel side control coupling is supplied with a signal for attaining a non-slip rotational speed differential and for selecting the transfer torque characteristic that produces a transfer torque equal to that produced by the outer wheel side control coupling when the non-slip rotational speed differential is obtained.

Abstract: A torque distribution control device for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes a rotational speed differential responsive type control coupling combined with a front differential of a front wheel drive line. The control coupling has a variable orifice for varying its torque transfer characteristic and thereby varying distribution of engine torque between front and rear wheels. The orifice opening of the variable orifice varies depending upon a variation of a lateral acceleration of the vehicle, e.g., the orifice opening increases as the lateral acceleration increases.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for four-wheel drive vehicle which uses a hydraulic pump to absorb a rotational speed difference caused between front and rear wheels or left side and right side wheels to thereby materialize the four-wheel drive state and which is provided at a fixed housing with a variable throttle for adjusting oil pressure at the hydraulic pump. The variable throttle is adjustable of a degree of its opening by brake oil pressure generated by the braking action during the drive operation of an electromagnetic actuator or oil pressure introduced into a power cylinder disposed in a steering mechanism. Also, outside the fixed housing are provided fins for dissipating the heat content of operating oil at the hydraulic pump. Furthermore, on the slidable contact surface of a casing of the hydraulic pump with the fixed housing is provided sealing means for preventing the operating oil in the hydraulic pump from leaking therefrom.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled fluid coupling for intermittently driving a cooling fan of an internal combustion engine. The coupling comprises a drive input shaft having a rotor thereon, a housing for supporting a cooling fan, a plurality of radial vanes accommodated within the rotor, and a valve member within the housing. The vanes are movable in radial directions within an elliptic chamber in the housing. The rotor and the vanes provide a kind of vane pump system. A temperature sensitive element is disposed outside of the housing and connected to the valve member. The element operates to open and close the valve in response to a change of ambient temperature. The fan rotates to cool the engine only when the temperature goes up to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A transfer torque control device for a rotational speed responsive type control coupling is provided for providing a desired variation of a transfer torque in response to a variation of a rotational speed differential. The control coupling has orifices for restricting fluid flow therethrough and for thereby producing a transfer torque between first and second axle shafts. The transfer torque control device controls the orifices in such a manner that the openings of the orifices are varied successively in response to variations of the rotational speed differential to obtain the desired torque transfer characteristic.

Abstract: In a rotational speed differential responsive type control coupling, restrictions of a fixed opening are provided for restricting discharge of oil through discharge passages and thereby producing an oil pressure for urging relative rotatable coupling members against each other. By-pass passages are provided for by-passing the restrictions and thereby preventing production of the oil pressure for urge of the coupling members. The by-pass passages are selectively opened and closed by means of a control valve.

Abstract: A controlled type rotation speed difference sensitive coupling is disclosed, which is for use between first and second rotatable members. The coupling comprises a drive housing connected to the first rotatable member, a rotor connected to the second rotatable member and rotatably received in the housing, and driving pistons operatively carried by the rotor having head portions thereof slidably engaged with a cam surface wall formed on an inner surface of the drive housing. The rotor has at its center portion a spool chamber in which a spool is disposed. Balance passages and relief passages extend respectively between working chambers defined by the driving pistons and the spool chamber. Each balance passage has an orifice which is exposed to the spool chamber and closable by the spool. The orifice is non-circular in shape.

Abstract: Utilizing the characteristic that a hydraulic pump, such as a gear pump, having the fluid flow from its outlet restricted will tend from the increasing internal pressure to rotate with the input shaft, a variable speed transmission is designed which includes such a hydraulic pump having a rotating input shaft coincident with the input shaft of the transmission, a fluid flow regulating unit between the fluid outlet and fluid inlet of the pump, and an output shaft connected to the external housing of the pump. The fluid flow regulation unit, which includes a first fluid containing chamber connected to the pump outlet and a second fluid containing chamber connected to the pump inlet, adjustably varies fluid flow between the two chambers. A cylindrical sleeve member, having a plurality of perforations interconnecting the two fluid containing chamber, and a blocking piston slidably installed within the cylindrical sleeve permit variation between no and full fluid flow.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission coupling apparatus for transmitting a driving force to a front wheel driving shaft and a rear wheel driving shaft of a four-wheel drive vehicle, which is provided with a pump to generate hydraulic pressure corresponding to a rotation speed difference between both driving shafts, a reserving part for reserving hydraulic fluid, a fluid room disposed in the circulation passage of hydraulic fluid, and a piston located in the fluid room and sliding while subjected to the hydraulic pressure in the reserving part at one side thereof. When the volume of hydraulic fluid varies with the variation in fluid temperature, the piston slides and, as a result, the internal volume of the fluid room varies so as to absorb the volume variation of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A limited slip differential is disclosed which includes a first rotary element, a second rotary element, and a hydraulic unit including a plurality of reciprocal pistons in slidable engagement with an internal cam surface of the first rotary element. The hydraulic unit includes an accumulator and a fluid passage in fluid communication with the accumulator and each of pressure chambers defined by the pistons. A variable flow restrictor is provided between the accumulator and each of the pressure chambers to automatically regulate a differential slip limiting torque in response to variation of rotational speed differential between driving wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission coupling apparatus which is used instead of a center differential or a viscous coupling being usually mounted between a front wheel drive shaft and a rear wheel drive shaft of a four-wheel drive vehicle, and transmits driving force existing between the two shafts. The hydraulic transmission coupling apparatus is provided with a vane-type hydraulic pump which generates hydraulic pressure corresponding to a relative rotation speed difference of the two drive shafts and a variable throttle valve being disposed in the passage connecting a discharge port of the hydraulic pump with a tank, whose opening area varies according to the hydraulic pressure generated by the hydraulic pump, thereby driving force to be transmitted being increased or decreased steeply as the rotation speed difference becomes larger.

Abstract: A rotational speed differential responsive type control coupling is provided with a device for manually or automatically preventing relative rotation of a drive housing and rotor in order to prevent working oil from being heated up to an excessively high temperature.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus suitable for use with a four wheel drive apparatus of an automobile which can prevent production of rattling noises of a driving system and occurrence of a swerving phenomenon of the automobile. The apparatus includes a cam ring connected to a first rotary shaft and a rotor connected to a second rotary shaft and accommodated for rotation in the cam ring to define a pump chamber therebetween and is designed to transmit driving force between the first and second rotary shafts in accordance with a pressure of working fluid in the pump chamber which is produced in response to rotation of the first and second rotary shafts relative to each other. The apparatus comprises a frictional force applying mechanism interposed between the first and second rotary shafts for applying predetermined frictional force between them to assure stabilized transmission of torque between the first and second rotary shaft.

Abstract: An infinitely variable high efficiency drive mechanism that can act as a transmission or as a coupling between a prime mover and the reducing gears of a standard or automatic transmission, replacing a clutch or torque converter as a means of power transmission. This mechanism includes a hydraulic pump with a self-contained valve that keeps high pressure oil flow to a minimal distance. It can regulate shaft output torque ratio from zero (neutral) to 1:1 in locked position with minimal efficiency losses.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus suitable for use with a four wheel drive apparatus of an automobile which can prevent spouting of working fluid through a sealing portion or the like and introduction of external air into the apparatus through a sealing portion. The apparatus comprises a hydraulic transmission coupling mechanism of the vane pump type connected to a pair of shafts to transmit driving force between the shafts and having a pump chamber formed therein. A tank is provided in an integral relationship with the coupling mechanism and accommodates working fluid in an enclosed condition therein. A volume variation absorbing mechanism is provided near an axis of rotation of the coupling mechanism for absorbing a variation in volume of the working fluid in the pump chamber.

Abstract: A rotational speed differential type torque transmitting assembly includes a rotor rotatably disposed in a drive housing. During rotational speed differential between the rotor and drive housing, hydraulic fluid is discharged out of variable volume chamber on discharge stroke of the associated piston. Orifices are provided to restrict flow of hydraulic fluid discharged, inducing a pressure rise and adiabatic compression of the hydraulic fluid, causing heat build-up in the rotor. In order to prevent excessive rise in temperature of the assembly, a temperature responsive type spool valve is provided to close the orifice means in response to temperature rise of the hydraulic fluid in the rotor.

Abstract: A limited slip differential is disclosed which includes a first rotary element, a second rotary element, and hydraulic means including a plurality of reciprocal pistons in slidable engagement with internal cam surface means of the first rotary element. The hydraulic means include an accumulator and fluid passage means in fluid communication with the accumulator and each of pressure chambers defined by the pistons. A pressure relief valve is provided in the accumulator chamber to prevent excessive increase in hydraulic fluid pressure in the hydraulic means.

Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly comprises a first rotary element including internal cam surfaces, a second rotary element disposed in the first rotary element, the second rotary element including a rotor containing a plurality of radially outwardly opening pressure chambers facing the cam surfaces, and a hydraulic mechanism for transmitting a ratio of the input torque from one of the first rotary element and the second rotary element to the other in response to rotation speed of the second rotary element and also to differential rotation occurring between the first rotary element and the second rotary element.

Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly in the form of a rotational speed differential responsive type joint is disclosed. It comprises a drive housing as a first rotary member and a rotor as a second rotary member. The second rotary member is disposed in the first rotary member. A hydraulic fluid arrangement transmits at least a portion of the input torque from one of the first and second rotary members to the other in response to a rotational speed of the second rotary member and also to a rotational speed differential occurring between the first and second rotary members.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a four-wheel drive vehicle has a first rotary shaft for transmitting drive force to front wheels of the vehicle, a second rotary shaft for transmitting drive force to rear wheels of the vehicle, and a hydraulic pump connecting the first and second rotary shafts and driven by a difference in rotational speed between the first and second rotary shafts to deliver hydraulic oil in an amount depending on the difference in rotational speed. A suction passage and a delivery passage is changed over in dependence on relative rotational direction of the first and second rotary shafts. An expansion chamber communicates with the suction passages and delivery through a restriction to temporarily suppress an increase in pressure of hydraulic oil delivered from the hydraulic pump, thereby suppressing transmission of a drive force by the hydraulic pump when the variation in relative rotation speed between the first and second rotary shafts is small.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus uses a vane pump in which a rotor coupled to a second rotary shaft is rotatably housed in a rotatable housing coupled to a first rotary shaft, and flow of hydraulic operating fluid in the vane pump due to relative rotation of the first and second rotary shafts is regulated to transmit drive force between the first and second rotary shafts. In the power transmission apparatus, small passages are formed in pump chambers defined between the housing and the rotor to permit flow, to a certain extent, of hydraulic operating fluid between delivery side chambers and suction side chambers formed by partitioning the pump chambers by movable vanes mounted in the rotor, thereby preventing fluctuation of torque transmitted between the first and second rotary shafts and preventing occurrence of cavitation in the pump chambers.

Abstract: A transmission wherein power is transmitted between a camshaft and a rotating cylinder block through a pair of pistons reciprocally and slidably disposed within a pair of adjacent cylinders in the cylinder block. In one mode of operation, the transmission provides a direction connection between the camshaft and the cylinder block. In this mode of operation, the pistons are prevented from moving relative to the cylinder block and accordingly rotate therewith, and the camshaft and the cylinder block rotate at the same velocity. In a second mode of operation, the relative speeds of the camshaft and the cylinder block are varied with respect to one another, and the pistons are driven in reciprocating movement 180.degree. out of phase with one another by a pair of cams disposed eccentrically on the camshaft and fixed thereto.

Abstract: A hydrostatic clutch, includes coaxial driving and driven rotative members, so that when in the clutched condition rotative power is transferred from the driving to driven member. The clutch includes a plurality of pistons bearing upon an inclined cam, and move in a reciprocating motion when the cam which is coupled to either the driven or driving shaft, rotates. A second cam also driven by the driven or driving members, is adopted to be disposed with respect to the mobile member which drives it, into two positions offset by 180.degree.. The second cam acting upon a suction valve controlling the intake of hydraulic fluid, via opposing springs. At least one double stage or delivery valve is carried by the same mobile driving or driven member. A fixed casing is connected to the mobile member carrying the delivery valve or valves, through a rotating seal. The fixed casing is connected via a plurality of hydraulic channels to various hydraulic fluid regulation member.

Abstract: This clutch device is designed to be friction-less, and it employs hydraulic fluid for the engaging action upon a drive flange, without the use of friction linings. Primarily, it consists of an internal housing, return spring, piston and pushrod, which are moved by a cam rotated by the power source to cause a pumping action in the housing. Check valves are also included in the stationary housing, and apply and release control valves of the stationary housing open and close the fluid passages, for the clutch engaged, or released clutch condition.

Abstract: An adjustable hydraulic speed drive for controllably maintaining output torque and variable output speed is disclosed. The drive utilizes a rotating group of pistons in radially arranged bores in a portion of an input shaft. A supply of controlled fluid is provided to the bores by way of passageways in an output shaft communicating with said bores. A portion of the output shaft supports a cam ring in spaced relation to said bores and roller ends on said pistons engage said cam ring by centrifugal force upon rotation of the input shaft so that the pistons move responsive to the cam ring contours, said impart movement to the cam ring and output shaft by controlling the pressure level and/or flow rate of the fluid exiting from said bores.

Abstract: Apparatus selectively providing either two or four wheel drive for a motor vehicle wherein the ratio of torque transmitted to the front wheels when the four wheel drive is selected is preset and wherein limited slippage between the front and rear wheel drive is permitted, and remote control actuator means are provided for selectively shifting the apparatus between its two and four wheel drive positions.

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic coupling wherein the rotary motion of a fluid-filled casing is transmitted to a coaxial driven shaft through the medium of a plurality of pistons which have eccentric drive connections with the driven shaft and which work in cylinders that are radially disposed within the casing. Fluid within the casing is pumped by the pistons from a reservoir area within the casing to a manifold area while control valve mechanism variously regulates the bleeding or flow of fluid from the manifold area back to the reservoir area. The cylinders are charged with fluid from a high pressure region of the reservoir which exists by reason of centrifugal force acting through the radial depth of the fluid, such fluid entering the cylinders through intake check valves which are mechanically assisted in their opening movements to insure charging at low differential speeds.

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic coupling of the type wherein the powered movement of a plurality of reciprocable pistons, which are carried and driven by a drive shaft, work in cylinders which are carried by a driven shaft, and wherein the varying backup pressure of incompressible fluid within the cylinders is relied upon to apply torque to and thus rotate the driven shaft. A sealed casing rotates in unison with the driven shaft and establishes an internal fluid reservoir, while the drive shaft projects into the casing and, by means of a crank arm, reciprocates the pistons. Inflow check valves leading from the reservoir allow fluid to be drawn into the cylinders while outflow check valves leading from the cylinders allow fluid to be forced directly into a manifold which is separated from the reservoir. The pressure attained in the manifold is reflected as backup pressure in the cylinders, such pressure varying the torque which is applied to the casing and driven shaft.