Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulically engaging and disengaging a hydraulic motor comprising a rotor and a stator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the wear within a mechanical apparatus having first and second adjacent, sealable surfaces which move relative to each other and having a seal between them.

Abstract: A fluid power converter, such as a vane-type hydraulic motor comprising a rotor circumferentially surrounded by a stator, the opposing peripheral surfaces thereof creating an annular space therebetween. The opposing surfaces of the rotor and stator each exhibit a plurality of spaced apart radially extending slots for receiving a vane assembly therein. The vane assembly comprises a vane protruding from the slot, a spring located beneath the vane in the slot for forcing an outer edge of the vane against the opposing stator or rotor peripheral surface, respectively. A spring button is placed between the spring and the vane to prevent wear between the vane and the spring by allowing the oscillating vane to wear on the spring button instead of the spring. A notch may be formed in the edge of the vane which contacts the spring button to prevent the spring and spring button from rubbing against the endplate or housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disengaging and reengaging a hydraulic motor from the mechanism it is driving. The hydraulic motor includes a shaft that is longitudinally movable relative to the rotor. Longitudinally moving the shaft disconnects the drive mechanism from the rotor. In one embodiment the shaft is disconnected from the drive mechanism and in another embodiment the shaft is disconnected from the rotor.

Abstract: A hydraulic power system having first and second hydraulic power converters in which the speed of the second power converter is proportional to the speed of the first power converter. The first hydraulic power converter includes a plurality of hydraulic power producing elements. At least one of the power producing elements provides power for power driving, and at least one of the power producing elements pumps hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid is connected to and drives the second hydraulic power converter at a speed proportional to the speed of the first power converter.

Abstract: In a fluid power converter, such as a hydraulic pump or motor, having a rotor and stator with vanes in both the rotor and stator, the improvement in the vane slots on one or both of the rotor and stator in which a ramp is provided on both sides of the open ends of each slot. The ramps are directed outwardly towards the annular space between the rotor and stator for allowing a crossing vane to cam out of the opposing slot thereby preventing the crossing vane from catching in the opposing slot.

Abstract: A fluid power converter having a rotor and stator rotatable with respect to one another about a common axis and having coacting sides in which an annular seal is positioned between the coacting sides for limiting fluid flow therethrough thereby providing increased efficiency and maintaining rotor vane fluid loading. Preferably, the center of the annular seal is eccentrically positioned relative to the common axis whereby the seal continuously and periodically changes its radial sealing contact with the side of at least one of the members for providing a long life side seal. An annular retaining ring connected to one of the members and positioned inside of said seal and including a second seal between the inner ring and the annular seal. Resilient means acting between said one member and the annular seal for resiliently urging the annular seal towards the second member.

Abstract: In a fluid power converter, such as a hydraulic pump or motor, having a rotor and stator with vanes in both the rotor and stator, the improvement in the vanes which are generally rectangular in cross section in which the outer edges of the vanes have a convex curvature of an extent to prevent the sides of the vanes of the rotor and stator from locking on one another upon rotation. However, the curvature is limited to avoid undesirable detenting as the rotor vanes cross the stator vanes. In addition, the maximum slope of the convex curvature is equal to or exceeds the maximum slope of the peripheral surface on the rotor or stator with which the vanes coact to prevent having sharp corners on the vanes which would engage the stator and rotor peripheries and produce rapid wearing of the vanes as well as the peripheries of the stator and rotor which they contact.