Abstract: A fluid coupling device is disclosed of the type including a valve member actuated by a valve shaft extending through the cover, the position of the valve and valve shaft being controlled by a temperature responsive bimetal coil. The coil has a first end attached to the valve shaft and a second end received within a clip member to prevent circumferential movement of the second end of the coil. The clip member includes wing portions which are generally parallel to the adjacent surface of the cover. After the clip and the bimetal coil are assembled, the coil is permitted to achieve its neutral position in both the radial and circumferential direction, and subsequently, each of the wing portions is attached to the adjacent portion of the cover without causing substantial radial or circumferential movement of the second end of the coil. As a result, the coil is able to withstand extreme vibration conditions, but is not subject to the high hysteresis which normally occurs with a rigid mounting of the coil.

Abstract: A centering abutment to readily locate the clutch member relative to the side member of the housing of a viscous fluid drive. The side member has an opening for a bearing in which is located an input shaft. Lands and grooves are located on the side and clutch members. When substantial radial clearance exists between the housing and clutch member, problems are encountered in assembling the members. Assembly time is greatly reduced by providing the centering abutment on one of the members for alignment with a trough in the other member. The length of the abutment is greater than the length of the lands on the member and preferably has an angled outer portion for quick alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid coupling which includes: a housing being used as a rotary driving member; a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing and being used as a driven member, a fluid pump having a pump chamber defined between the housing and the rotor; a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port; and a fluid circulation passage between the chamber and the housing, such that fluid in the pump circulates from the fluid circulation passage into the pump chamber through the inlet port and from the pump chamber through the outlet port into the fluid passage.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure responsive fluid flow control valve, particularly useful for controlling the operation of a fluid fan drive. This valve regulates operation of the fluid fan drive by controlling the fluid flow from the fluid fan drive, in response to both engine coolant temperature and fluid pressure of the fan drive oil.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device is disclosed of the type including a valve member actuated by a valve shaft extending through the cover, the position of the valve and valve shaft being controlled by a temperature responsive bimetal coil. The coil has a first end attached to the valve shaft and a second end (free end) received within a receiving portion of a clip member. Disposed between the second end of the coil and the receiving portion of the clip member is a resilient elastomeric member having a relatively thin wall. The clip member includes at least one wing portion which is attached to the cover to define an enclosure. The enclosure is configured to engage the elastomeric member which is compressed against the second end portion of the coil on at least two sides. The elastomeric member fills the clearance between the coil and the clip, even if the thickness of the clearance is not uniform, to increase the coefficient of friction, and the total gripping force, between the clip and coil.

Abstract: The drawings illustrate a viscous fluid coupling including driven means comprising a housing with a front cover member having cooling fins thereon and rotatably mounted on an engine-driven drive shaft, driving means including a drive plate mounted on the drive shaft within the housing, opposed shear surfaces formed on the drive plate and the adjacent surface of the housing disposed in close face-to-face and spaced relationship, and a viscous fluid in the housing for creating fluid drive coupling of the housing and the drive plate. The improvement comprises a sleeve-type hub coaxial with the cover member and spaced axially from the usual cover-mounted bimetal temperature sensor and a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially oriented, canted fan blades having their inner ends attached to the hub and having at least their outer ends attached to the cover member inwardly of the outer periphery thereof for aiding in the cooling of the viscous fluid.

Abstract: A thermally responsive clutch for connecting a driving shaft to a driven pulley including cylindrical clutch surfaces on the shaft and the pulley with a wrapping coil spring in engagement with both surfaces. An engaging pawl is mounted adjacent said spring clutch element and a pair of thermally responsive bimetallic washers in contact with said pawl act to cause said pawl to cause said spring to connect said shaft and pulley only within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatic control system for a pneumatically operated clutch in the drive to a cooling fan of a vehicle engine. There are two thermostat valves arranged in series in the pneumatic control line. One valve is positioned in the supercharged air passage and the other valve is in the liquid coolant passage. If the temperature at either valve becomes excessive the supply line 22 is connected to relief and the fan clutch automatically engages.

Abstract: A friction clutch having a pair of axially spaced first friction members connected to a first clutch half and at least one second friction member connected to the other clutch half. Both of the clutch halves define a housing for containing a liquid which is free to flow between the first friction members as well as between the second friction member and the first friction members when the second friction member is interposed between the first friction members. The second friction member is supported for movement into and out of axial alignment with the first friction members so that the liquid contained between the first and second friction members will function as the torque transmitting medium to effect a drive from the first clutch half to the second clutch half and vice versa.

Abstract: A temperature responsive clutch has a first arcuate inward facing clutch member, which can be a housing, secured to a rotating shaft. A second arcuate outward facing clutch member is mounted on the shaft radially inward from the first member and rotates independent of the first member. At least a portion of the second clutch member is adapted to move into and out of engagement with the first member. In the engaged position, the first and second members rotate in unison to rotate a fan attached to the second member. A temperature responsive device, such as a wax pill motor, is located so air passes thereover. The temperature responsive device will move a portion of one of said members radially into engagement with the other member when the temperature of the passing air signals that additional cooling is needed.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling for a fan drive in an automotive vehicle, including a stamped sheet metal input member inside a cast metal output member. The output member has a fluid reservoir formed of a sheet metal stamping attached to a ledge. A moveable reed valve permits fluid to flow from the reservoir to a working space between the input and output members.

Abstract: An improved disconnect or power stop mechanism adapted for use in a refrigerant compressor drive system. A soldered connection is operative to initiate a disconnect or declutching action between the driving and driven members if the system should happen to lose its charge of refrigerant or otherwise get into an unsafe, high temperature condition.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device, especially a viscous fan drive, of the type including an output coupling member defining a fluid operating chamber. The device includes an input coupling member rotatably disposed in the operating chamber and cooperating with the output member to define a shear space. The output coupling member defines an annular inner surface, at least a major portion of the inner surface cooperating with the axis of rotation to define an included angle between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees. The input coupling member defines an annular outer surface, a major portion of which conforms generally to the angled inner surface of the output coupling member and is closely spaced apart therefrom. The fluid coupling device of the invention has a substantially reduced idle speed, without a loss of peak speed, as well as a greatly reduced pump-out time.

Abstract: An improved disconnect or power stop mechanism adapted for use in a refrigerant compressor drive system. A temperature responsive element triggers a disconnect or declutching action between the driving and driven members if the system should happen to lose its charge of refrigerant or otherwise get into an unsafe, high temperature condition.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated engine cooling fan drive assembly is disclosed having a configuration particularly suited for retrofit applications, including a central shaft adapted to be mounted to an existing fan drive flange to be driven thereby. The fan is mounted on a fan hub member rotatably mounted on the central shaft, with a temperature responsive electromagnetic clutch arrangement controlling drive to the fan hub which arrangement includes an inner body keyed to the central shaft, an armature connected by spring connection to the fan hub, and a fixed electromagnetic coil energized by a temperature switch at high engine temperatures and adapted to urge the armature into clutching engagement with the inner body and cause the fan to be rotated.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device of the type including a rotatable coupling body defining a fluid operating chamber and a coupling member rotatable relative to the coupling body. A cover is associated with the coupling body and coupling member to define a fluid reservoir chamber, and a valve is operable to control fluid communication between the operating chamber and the reservoir chamber. The valve is mounted on a shaft which is rotatable relative to the cover and the rotational position of the shaft is controlled by a bimetallic coil having one end connected to the shaft and a second end which must be fixed relative to the cover. A bracket is fixedly attached to the cover and a clip member, in movable engagement with the bracket, receives the second end of the bimetal coil to prevent substantial rotational movement of the second end relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive having a clutch member with a plurality of restricted fluid flow paths of a given cross sectional area communicating at one end with an element to pump fluid from the restricted flow path to a reservoir and at the other end with radially extending fluid flow paths having a greater cross sectional area than the restricted flow paths and transversing the shear area of the clutch. The restricted flow paths reduce the fluid flow outwardly of the shear area of the clutch member to reduce high speed pumpout and thus increase the speed of the fan when the drive is engaged. The flow paths have a constant cross sectional area, are circumferentially spaced about the clutch member, and transverse the lands and grooves area. The restricted flow paths have a stepped configuration radially outwardly of the flow paths to reduce fluid flow. Each restricted fluid flow path communicates with an axially extending opening transversing the clutch member radially outwardly of the stepped configuration.

Abstract: A shear liquid fan drive assembly for the radiator cooling system of an internal combustion engine of the type wherein a temperature responsive valve controls the degree of rotary coupling between the engine and a radiator cooling fan by controlling the quantity of shear liquid between a driving disc and a driven housing carrying the fan. The specific improvement relates to a bi-metal strip for the temperature controlled fluid coupling, the strip being so configured that its improper placement on the fluid coupling results in maximum fluid coupling and hence maximum cooling of the engine by the fan.

Abstract: A caging device for releasibly caging or clutching two relatively rotatable members to one another, such as a rotatable shaft to a fixed support or two independently rotatable shafts to one another, by axial movement of a clutch or caging member having a conically tapered clutch surface to and from a position of simultaneous engagement of its clutch surface with coaxial conically tapered clutch surfaces on the relatively rotatable members. The caging member can be electromechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or thermally actuated.

Abstract: Solid resilient compound retaining the outer end of a bimetallic helical coil spring of a temperature responsive viscous fluid drive to a clip. The clip is secured to the cover plate of the drive. The inner end of the spring is secured to the valve shaft while the outer end of the spring is configured into a bight having a straight center portion inserted within a slot in the clip. A liquid compound is placed in the bight and surrounds a portion of the clip and fills the bight. The liquid solidifies to resiliently retain the outer end relative to the clip. A method for assembling the spring, valve shaft, cover plate, and clip is also described.

Abstract: A control coupling, particularly for use with a differential gearing, the coupling including an enclosure containing a viscous liquid and first and second mutually interleaved sets of annular plates arranged for rotation about a common axis within the enclosure. The first set of plates are arranged to be connected with a first rotatable member and the second set of plates being arranged to be connected with a second rotatable member, and the plates of at least one set are free to move in directions parallel to the common axis. One of the sets of plates are mounted on a hollow hub which projects within the enclosure and which has a bore which is open to, and forms part of, the enclosure volume. A piston is slidable in this bore to vary the volume of the enclosure and springs are located in the bore to urge the piston towards a limit position in which the volume of the bore in communication with the remainder of the enclosure is at a minimum.

Abstract: A temperature responsive drive mechanism for an engine accessory adapted to be connected to the oil pressure supply line for the engine and including a fluid circuit which is temperature responsive and requires only two fluid passages to provide for lubrication of the device, return of fluid to the oil sump, and for the actuating pressure supply for the clutch mechanism included in the device.

Abstract: In a superconducting generator rotor, inner and outer rotor structures are rigidly connected against torsional and axial relative movement at one end of the rotor. At the opposite end of the rotor a sliding support permits relative axial movement of the inner rotor relative to the outer rotor during cool down. The sliding support connection of the inner rotor to the rotating outer rotor and stub shaft of the generator power train is closed by a flexible diaphragm which has protruding axially therefrom a plurality of integrally attached fingers. These fingers, at an outside radial surface, bear into a complementary cylindrical cavity in the end of the stub shaft having female spline receiving concavities. During thermal axial excursion incident to cool down, the fingers by sliding into and out of the spline concavities in the stub shaft accommodate relative axial movement of the inner rotor relative to the outer rotor.

Abstract: A shear liquid fan drive coupling for the radiator cooling system of an internal combustion engine of the type wherein a temperature responsive valve controls the degree of rotary coupling between the engine and a radiator cooling fan by controlling the active quantity of shear liquid in a liquid coupling between the engine and the fan. The specific improvement relates to a bi-metal strip for the temperature controlled fluid coupling, the strip being so configured that it cannot be mounted on the housing of the coupling except in a predetermined orientation therewith. In this manner, overheating of the engine due to faulty mounting of the bi-metal strip is precluded.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling of the temperature responsive type and particularly adapted to couple the engine to the radiator fan of an internal combustion engine. The specific improvement resides in a dam adjacent the dump hole. The dam is pivotable so as to assume either of two angular positions upon assembly of the coupling. One angular position of the dam accommodates relative rotation of the drive rotor and coupling housing in one direction, the other angular position of the dam accommodating such relative rotation in the other direction. Further, by virtue of its pivoting action the dam can contact the periphery of the drive rotor.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch including a clutch plate member rotatably mounted in the clutch housing, and serving as a rotatable wall dividing the chamber within the housing into an annular working chamber adjacent one face thereof and an annular reservoir chamber adjacent the other face thereof, with inlet and outlet ports formed in the clutch plate and a radially extending, resilient, flexible valve member mounted on the reservoir chamber face thereof for controlling the flow of fluid medium from the reservoir chamber to the working chamber through the inlet port, in response to the action of a temperature-responsive power unit mounted on the housing.

Abstract: A thermally actuated disconnect coupling includes a coupling shaft normally connected between a drive member and a driven member to transmit torque from the drive member to the driven member. Within the driven member, a fusible element such as a eutectic pellet supports the coupling shaft against axial movement during normal in-service use of the coupling. Providing the connection between the coupling shaft and the drive member are axially straight splines formed both on the coupling shaft and the drive member. At the other end of the coupling shaft, helical splines formed on the coupling shaft and the driven member provide means whereby torque is transmitted through the coupling shaft to driven member. The axial length of the helical splines is greater than the axial length of the straight splines.

Abstract: A shear liquid coupling of the temperature controlled type for driving the cooling fan of the radiator of an internal combustion engine. The specific improvement resides in the use of a separate tube for returning drive shear liquid from a zone adacent the drive rotor periphery to the shear liquid reservoir. The use of such a separate tube obviates the need of drilling (or casting) a return shear liquid passage in the coupling. Further, the use of such a separate tube permits operation in either direction of fan rotation.

Abstract: An improved automatic clothes dryer and method of drying clothes wherein the clothes dryer has a rotatable drum through which heated air is circulated by a blower wheel driven at the full speed of a single speed electric motor. There is a thermostatic switch for sensing the temperature of air exiting the drum and through appropriate controls when a selected predetermined temperature is reached both the temperature at which the air is heated and the volume of air flowing through the drum are reduced. The improved clothes dryer and method reduces the amount of energy utilized by the dryer yet good clothes drying characteristics are accomplished.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling of the temperature responsive type and particularly adapted to couple the engine to the radiator fan of an internal combustion engine. The specific improvement resides in a rolling dam adjacent the dump hole which connects the outer portion of the drive chamber containing the drive rotor with a shear liquid reservoir passageway. The dam rolls between two abutments carried by the housing cover so as to assume either of two positions with respect to the dump hole. One position of the dam relative to the dump hole accommodates relative rotation between the drive rotor and coupling housing in one direction, the other position of the dam relative to the dump hole accommodating such relative rotation in the other direction. The rolling dam automatically moves to the proper position relative to the dump hole upon either direction of relative rotation between the drive rotor and coupling housing.

Abstract: A fan for a cooling system in an internal combustion engine. The fan has a friction clutch therein which is engageable in response to a predetermined elevated temperature of air passing over a thermostat. The thermostat rotates with the fan. The thermostat is composed of an annular container filled with a liquid having a boiling point which is approximately in the temperature range at which the fan is to become engaged. One wall of the container is movable and forms a part of the friction clutch. The pressure of the liquid in the container is insufficient to effect an engagement of the friction clutch. However, when the temperature is elevated to a point whereat the liquid begins to boil, a gas pressure develops in the container and the gas pressure is sufficient to move the wall of the container to effect an engagement of the friction clutch and, as a result, a driving of the fan.

Abstract: A temperature responsive viscous drive coupling having a working chamber which substantially conforms to the rotor. The coupling has a housing which defines a central cavity divided by a plate into a reservoir and a working chamber. A rotor is rotatably supported relative to the housing and located within the working chamber. The housing and the plate closely conform to the configuration of the rotor to reduce to a minimum the space within the working chamber surrounding the rotor. Dimensions are maintained between the plate and the rotor and the housing and the rotor which are generally no greater than fifty to seventy thousands of an inch. These dimensions are within acceptable manufacturing tolerances to insure that rubbing does not occur between the rotor and the housing or the plate. In such an arrangement, the volume of the fluid in the working chamber when the coupling is in the static condition will be about one-third or less than the total volume of fluid within the coupling.

Abstract: A hot-gas reciprocating engine whose shaft is coupled to the combustion air fan via sucessively a variable transmission, constructed as a slip coupling whose degree of slip is inversely proportional to the temperature of the heater, and a fixed transmission.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled clutch is used to engage and disengage the cooling fan of a water cooled motor vehicle engine. The clutch and fan assembly in the form of an adapter kit may be attached to the existing fan mountings normally located on the water pump pulley assembly. The adapter kit includes an extender cylinder which bolts to the existing fan mountings. Bearings are provided inside this cylinder for rotationally free mounting a fan mounting hub supported on a shaft, which is free to rotate within the extender hub. An annular armature is spaced from the pulley assembly and supported around the hub by leaf springs, attached at one end to the hub and at the other end through rigid extender arms to the armature.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a projecting crankshaft on which a sleeve is mounted for supporting a set of annular clutch plates disposed in interfitting relation with a set of annular clutch discs. The clutch discs are mounted on a cooling fan support shaft which is aligned with the crankshaft and is rotatably supported by a clutch housing secured to an oil pump housing mounted on the engine block. The lubricating oil for the engine is also pumped axially through the sleeve and outwardly between the clutch plates and discs which are movable between a clamped position and a released position in response to axial movement of an air actuated non-rotating annular piston surrounding the crankshaft. The piston may also be actuated to engage an annular brake surrounding the crankshaft when it is desired to brake the output shaft and prevent rotation of the cooling fan.

Abstract: A control apparatus provided with an electromagnetic valve assembly to selectively change the variation rate of a fluid pressure to actuate the clutch in dependence on the degree of opening of the throttle valve for the vehicular engine, a pulse-generating logic circuit governs the operational sequence of the electromagnetic valves, and a temperature sensor which includes a reed relay located close to the clutch, a permanent magnet attached to the flywheel of the clutch and a heat-sensitive element capable of varying the magnetic flux density passing through the reed relay when the temperature of the clutch disc exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A thermostatically operated dual action control mechanism for controlling fluid actuatable devices such as the shutter and the fan clutch in the cooling system of a diesel engine in vehicles. A valve rod is provided and movable between first and second positions. A hollow passageway is provided in the valve rod, and in one position of the valve rod is open to allow fluid to flow through to one of two exhaust ports in the valve housing to actuate one of the devices. In the other position, the passageway is closed off by a reciprocating needle valve. A thermally responsive sensor element actuates the valve rod between the first and second positions thereof. A limit switch is provided and actuated by the needle valve in the second position of the valve rod and opens up a solenoid valve to allow fluid to flow to the other device.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling is provided of the type driven by a prime mover, the speed of which varies over a wide range. The coupling includes an output member defining two fluid chambers, with an input member being rotatably disposed in each of the fluid chambers, and the two input members being driven by the prime mover at different rotational speeds. At lower prime mover speeds, viscous fluid is pumped into the fluid chamber containing the higher speed ratio input member to provide a higher ratio of output speed to prime mover speed. At higher prime mover speeds, viscous fluid is pumped into the fluid chamber containing the lower speed ratio input member to provide a lower ratio of output speed to prime mover speed. Utilizing the disclosed fluid coupling as a drive for a radiator cooling fan results in more cooling at low engine speeds, but less wasted power at higher engine speeds.

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of viscous fluid from a reservoir through a valve seat in a wall to a working chamber of a fluid coupling. Presence of fluid in the working chamber permits the drive to transmit torque in response to a single input variable, such as temperature. The valve comprises a valve arm pivotally mounted to the reservoir side of the wall and a closure member positioned on the working chamber side of the wall. The valve is biased to a position preventing flow except when a bimetallic temperature responsive element displaces the valve to an open position. The valve arm is shaped so that centrifugal force acting on it counteracts the centrifugal pressure force on the fluid in a direction opening the valve. The valve therefore is rendered insensitive to all variables except temperature.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device is provided of the type including a rotatable input member and a relatively rotatable output member cooperating with a cover to define a fluid chamber therein. The device includes a movable valve member mounted on a valve shaft which is rotatably supported by a support insert seated within an opening in the cover. The rotational position of the valve shaft is made temperature-responsive by means of a bimetal coil having a first end connected to the valve shaft and a second end mounted relative to the cover. The bimetal coil has a nominal width over the major portion of its length but includes an initial portion adjacent the first end having a width substantially less than the nominal width. The initial portion comprises between about one and one and one-half turns of the coil to permit the coil to be disposed closer to the cover without interfering with the support insert.

Abstract: A control mechanism having spring means and an instantaneously heat-responsive bimetal member used in a drive fluid coupling for cooler fan blades of an engine of vehicles.

Abstract: A coupling for controlling or limiting the angular velocity or angular acceleration between first and second rotatable members. The coupling has an enclosure containing viscous liquid in which first and second sets of interleaved elements and third and fourth sets of interleaved elements are arranged for rotation about a common axis. The first and third sets of elements have driving connections with the first rotatable member and the second and fourth sets of elements have driving connections with the second rotatable member. Spacing means are provided to space apart the facing surfaces of adjacent elements of at least one of said first and second sets and also at least one of said third and fourth sets so that the facing surfaces of adjacent elements of each spaced set are spaced apart by distances greater than the thicknesses of the portions of the elements of the other set interleaved between said facing surfaces. The spacing means provided for one or both of the third and fourth sets are resilient.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch employing a magnetic field selectively actuatable by a heat sensing device to operate a valve arm to seal an inlet passage fluidly communicating an operating chamber with a storage chamber. The clutch includes a clutch and a housing member rotatably disposed relative to one another. Each member has a shear surface. The surfaces define therebetween the operating chamber. The storage chamber is located in the housing member and is in fluid communication with the operating chamber via a discharge passage and the inlet passage. Pump means in the operating chamber displace fluid through the discharge passage from the operating chamber to the storage chamber. The inlet passage directs fluid from the storage to the operating chamber. A movable valve arm selectively seals the inlet passage. The valve arm is moved via a solenoid action in response to actuation of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device of the type including a rotatable coupling body defining a fluid operating chamber and a coupling member rotatable relative to the coupling body. A cover is associated with the coupling body and coupling member to define a fluid reservoir chamber, and a valve is operable to control fluid communication between the operating chamber and the reservoir chamber. The valve is mounted on a shaft which is rotatable relative to the cover and the rotational position of the shaft is controlled by a bimetallic coil having one end connected to the shaft and a second end which must be fixed relative to the cover. A bracket is fixedly attached to the cover and a clip member, in movable engagement with the bracket, receives the second end of the bimetal coil to prevent substantial rotational movement of the second end relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device of the type including a rotatable input coupling member, a cover associated therewith to define a fluid chamber, a valve plate separating the fluid chamber into an operating chamber and a reservoir chamber, and an output coupling member disposed in the operating chamber and rotatable relative to the input coupling member. The valve plate defines a discharge orifice permitting the flow of fluid from the operating chamber to the reservoir chamber and a generally flat valve member is located within the reservoir chamber and disposed to move in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the valve plate to vary the flow area of the discharge orifice. The movement of the valve member defines a valve operating area and the cover includes a portion coextensive with the valve operating area and oriented substantially parallel to the plane of movement of the valve member.

Abstract: A control coupling in which an enclosure houses first and second sets of mutually interleaved elements in a viscous liquid. The first and second sets of elements are arranged for rotation about a common axis and for driving connection with first and second rotatable members respectively. A clutch is provided outside the enclosure and resilient means are arranged to urge the clutch into a disengaged state. A pressure responsive means which is in communication with the enclosure is arranged to engage the clutch against the action of the resilient means when the pressure in the liquid in the enclosure attains a predetermined level.

Abstract: A cooling fan drive for the motor of a vehicle has a fan drive hub with the fan blades at the front end and a bracket at the rear end for mounting on the motor. An internal friction clutch connects the fan blades to an external casing formed with grooves to receive driving belts. The clutch is operated by a pneumatic ram at the rear end of the assembly near the mounting bracket and compressed air to actuate the ram is admitted at the rear end through an air line from a thermostat valve in the coolant circuit.

Abstract: Viscous shear couplings for controlling the action of an interaxle or interwheel differential gear in a vehicle transmission are described. The couplings comprise a pack of interleaved annular plates which are free to float axially in an annular enclosure containing a viscous liquid. The enclosure incorporates a spring-loaded piston shiftable to vary the enclosure volume. The quantity of viscous liquid, in the range 85% to 100% of the minimum volume at ambient temperature, and the spring strength are chosen to give a predetermined pressure build-up within the enclosure with rise in temperature during shearing of the viscous liquid to tailor the torque-transmitting characteristics of the coupling to particular needs.

Abstract: An improved clutch is described for use in a smoke and fire protection system comprising a pulley which in the normal operating position is engaged by a torque transmitting means so that the pulley may be controlled by an associated drive mechanism such as a stall motor or break motor. Either upon receipt of a signal from a remote source or upon an increase in the ambient temperature surrounding the apparatus, such as might occur during a fire, a heat responsive means disengages the pulley from the torque transmitting means thereby allowing the pulley to freely rotate about its axis to deploy its associated fire protection equipment. In the preferred embodiment, one or more bimetallic links of either "straight" or serpentine configurations are employed to move the pulley axially along its axis of rotation, thereby disengaging the pulley from an adjacent associated drive plate.

Abstract: Electro-hydraulic apparatus for actuating a friction clutch has a hydraulic actuating motor and electrical or electronic means to control the hydraulic motor through a control valve system, which includes at least one viscosity independent flow regulator to control flow of hydraulic fluid to or from the motor during operation of the clutch.