Abstract: A quick connect and disconnect coupling assembly for coupling a dynamometer to an engine wherein the coupling assembly may be used for both automatic and manual transmission engines. The coupling assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inertia actuated clamping arms which are pivotally attached to a drive member. One end of each clamping arm includes a gear section which is engageable with the engine ring gear and the other end of the clamping arm is operated on by a centrifugal mass assembly which is slidably attached to the drive member. Rotational movement of the drive member results in radial movement of the centrifugal mass assembly for applying a moment force on a respective clamping arm about its rotational axis. In order to prevent excessive clamping force when the engine speed increases, an abutment on the centrifugal mass assembly engages a stop on the drive member for bottoming or stopping the outward radial movement of the centrifugal mass assembly.

Abstract: A dynamometer particularly suited for rapid testing of internal combustion engines coming off an engine assembly line wherein a driving connection is established from a flexible drive plate on the engine crankshaft to the dynamometer input shaft by means of an adapter which includes a conventional friction disc sub-assembly of an automobile manual transmission clutch to absorb excessive torque pulses of the engine and a thrust bearing mounted on the dynamometer input shaft between a collar keyed to the dynamometer input shaft and the dynamometer housing, so that no axial thrust loads are applied to the dynamometer input shaft.