Abstract: Means to prevent flutter of the interleaved clutch plates of a clutch including clutch plates having their peripheries formed as non-circular members. The outer periphery of the clutch plates are formed with flat portions or spots which act as cams when the adjacent discs rotate relative to each other and whereby they resist the tendency to flutter. The clutch plates are formed so that a continuous circular surface no longer exists on the periphery of the plates and in effect a series of cams are provided which tend to drive the clutch plate to a neutral or no-force position.

Abstract: A mobile rig for drilling blast holes comprises a rotatable drill holder mounted on an upright mast. A torque converter and transmission are connected between a prime mover (I.C. engine or electric motor) on the rig and the drill holder. The torque converter includes a servo controlled modulatable torque converter input (slipping) clutch for driving the drill holder at desired rotational speeds. The transmission includes a pair of solenoid actuated directional clutches selectively energized for driving the drill holder in either forward or reverse directions (threading).

Abstract: A friction plate clutch for attachment to an internal combustion engine is protected against vibration induced wear of loosely interfitted parts thereof by spring devices which keep the parts yieldingly in firm contact with each other.

Abstract: A power transmission system includes an engine-driven lockup type torque converter for driving a gear shift mechanism shiftable to different speed ranges by solenoid operated clutch valves. A digital electronic controller provides output signals to operate the solenoids of the clutch valves. The controller receives input signals from a manually operable multiposition electric shift range selector switch; from an output speed sensor on the gear shift mechanism; and from an engine throttle position (on-off) switch.The controller comprises a counter circuit regulated by a system clock, for receiving amplified and shaped pulses from the speed sensor and for providing a counter signal related to gear shift mechanism output speed. The counter signals from the counter are presented to a speed matrix and signal pattern recognition circuits connected to the matrix ascertain whether certain speeds are reached.

Abstract: A torque converter comprises a stationary housing within which a rotatable impeller is mounted for driving a rotatable trubine. The bladed impeller is mounted on an engine driven input shaft, and the bladed turbine is mounted on an output shaft on the same axis as the input shaft. The impeller blades and turbine blades move through an annular oil-filled passage. A plurality of stator blades are disposed in the passage in spaced-apart radial arrangement around the axis of the shafts. Each stator blade is divided into two sections, namely, a fixed forward section and an adjustably movable or pivotable rear section.

Abstract: A torque converter comprises a stationary housing within which a rotatable impeller is mounted for driving a rotatable turbine. The bladed impeller is mounted on an engine driven input shaft, and the bladed turbine is mounted on an output shaft on the same axis as the input shaft. The impeller blades and turbine blades move through an annular oil-filled passage. A plurality of stator blades are disposed in the passage in spaced-apart radial arrangement around the axis of the shafts. Eah stator blade is divided into two sections, namely, a fixed forward section and an adjustably movable or pivotable rear section.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism for starting a load which is either of high inertia or of high starting torque and which is to be driven at a high speed through a high reduction ratio. The load has a main power source and also an axuiliary power source which initially turns over the load from a zero speed condition. After the load has been turned over by the auxiliary starting means and through a high reduction ratio, the main power source acts to slip the overrunning clutch and bring the load up to speed. The auxiliary power source has a hydraulic coupling retarder which acts to retard the auxiliary power source during its initial operation and thereby reduces its kinetic energy during its initial operation and decreases the large torque pulses which would otherwise occur in the mechanism during the start-up. The mechanism includes hydraulic control means for controlling the sequencing of the fluid fill of the hydraulic coupling retarder.