Abstract: A torque test apparatus for testing components such as gears, clutches and universal joints includes a pair of spaced transmissions interconnected to each other through a pair of connecting links to form a closed mechanical energy circuit. One or both of the links carries a test specimen and at least one transmission gear includes a coaxial twist coupling which is rotatable relative to the gear. The twist coupling includes a core coupled to the specimen. The twist coupling core is seated within the gear. A plurality of vanes project from the core and abut the inner surface of the gear. The gear includes vanes projecting inwardly and abutting the core. A hydraulic system selectively applies pressurized fluid to the spaces between the vanes to cause the core to rotate relative to the gear and apply a torque or twist load to the specimen.

Abstract: A twin screw extruder drive system includes a pair of parallel juxtaposed output shafts each of which is fixed to a sun gear of a planetary gear set. Each gear set includes a plurality of planet idler gears which are only rotatable about their axes and engage both the sun gear and a ring gear. Symmetrically disposed about the circumference of the ring gear are at least two drive pinions. The two gear sets have parallel axes and are axially offset from one another with the output shafts extending through a space between the planet gears of the other gear set. In one embodiment each drive pinion is driven by a separate electric motor and all motors are electronically and mechanically speed synchronized. A single electric motor is employed to drive all drive pinions in an alternate configuration.

Abstract: A mechanical gear transmission between an engine and a load includes shiftable speed change gearing. Brakes or clutches are provided for shift synchronization when changing to different speeds. Positioned between the engine and the gearing is a main synchronization element such as a clutch. The primary segment of the main synchronization element is driven by the engine output shaft while the secondary segment drives the input shaft of the speed change gearing. During a gear shift under load, the main synchronization element is maintained in a slip mode for a longer duration than the gearing synchronization element and provides the major portion of the total synchronization work. In alternate embodiments, the main synchronization element is combined with a planetary gearing for speed reduction on a pair of planetary gearings for reversing direction. A further embodiment incorporates a microprocessor controller and sensors for monitoring various engine and transmission functions.

Abstract: A precision drive for positioning azimuth and elevation angles of a solar energy collector apparatus includes a casing mounted for rotation about a vertical shaft. The casing carries a pair of motor driven gear trains. A primary stage reduction gearing of each train comprises a cyclo-gear or a harmonic drive, while the secondary stage includes a monoplanetary gear train having a planet gear mounted to an eccentric carrier. The planet gear teeth simultaneously engage a fixed ring gear and a rotatable ring gear. The output of the primary stage drives the carrier, and the rotatable ring gear provides output rotation. One gear train engages a pinion fixed to the vertical shaft for rotating the casing about the shaft, while the rotatable ring gear of the other gear train engages a horizontal shaft for adjustment of the elevation angle.

Abstract: An optoelectronic system is employed for determining the position of a movable vehicle control element such as a gas pedal. The system includes an optical carrier which is linked to and moves with the control element. The carrier includes an optical indicator range which provides a continuously variable gradient of optical permeability over the limits of carrier movement. A light source and an electro-optical detector are arranged to generate an electrical signal indicative of a measure of optical permeability of a zone of the range in registry with the detector. The light source and detector may be positioned on the same or opposite sides of the carrier. A further range of the same or different configuration may be formed on the carrier and associated with a second light source-detector. The signals generated by each detector are processed to generate a signal indicative of the position of the control element. Optionally, a signal generated by a single detector comprises the position indicative signal.

Abstract: A high speed gearing assembly includes at least two interengaged composite gears having spur or single helical teeth. Each of the gears is formed of three annular gear parts which rotate about a common axis. The gear parts are juxtaposed in side by side relationship. The central part of each gear is offset relative to its adjacent end parts approximately one half a pitch length. Each end part is approximately one half the width of the central part. With a ratio of tooth engagement length to circular pitch length, i.e. the degree of overlap, of approximately 1.5, increased load capacity, steady running and reduced noise levels are attained.

Abstract: A drive system for a tracked vehicle includes a composite transmission having a primary transmission unit and a secondary transmission unit which is driven by components of the primary transmission unit. The primary transmission unit includes a propulsion gear and a steering gear both of which are driven from an engine drive shaft. The secondary transmission unit includes a pair of planetary gear sets which drive a pair of output wheels, tracks or chains of the vehicle. In order to conserve space, the transmission is configured such that the propulsion gear and the steering gear are positioned alongside the engine adjacent the drive shaft end of the engine and the secondary transmission components extend in front of the drive shaft end of the engine with a portion of each planetary gear set projecting alongside the engine.

Abstract: A shiftable planetary gear train is driven by the output of a conventional vehicle transmission which engages a ring gear of the planetary gear train. The planetary gear train includes two shifting sleeves which are axially displaced as a unit. One of the sleeves is rotatably driven by the ring gear while the other sleeve is nonrotatable. In one shift position, the rotatable sleeve is brought into driving engagement with a planet carrier which drives an output shaft thereby fixing the output shaft relative to the ring gear. When the shifting sleeves are unitarily moved to a neutral position, the rotatable sleeve is disengaged from the planet carrier. Further displacement of the shifting sleeves results in locking the sun gear against rotation. This is accomplished by engagement between the nonrotatable sleeve and a spur gear which is fixed to an extension of the sun gear.

Abstract: A transmission includes multiple lay shaft branches driven by gearing on an input shaft. Each lay shaft branch engages a common output gear and includes a clutch. The input shaft is journalled within a hydraulically adjustable bearing which controls input shaft displacement. When friction clutches are employed in the branches, maximum input shaft displacement is provided after clutch engagement to compensate for different frictional forces in each clutch. If positive locking clutches are employed in the branches, maximum input shaft displacement is permitted prior to engagement of the second clutch to provide synchronism between the primary and secondary components of the second clutch. In one embodiment, the adjustable bearing comprises a thrust bearing which permits axial movement of the input shaft while the input shaft gearing comprises helical ring gears having opposite slope.

Abstract: A drive assembly for tracked vehicles includes a gas turbine engine with separate turbine shafts driving a vehicle propulsion speed change gear box and a steering unit. In one embodiment, the gear box is driven by a working turbine wheel output shaft while an infinitely variable steering unit is driven by a turbine compressor shaft. In an alternate embodiment, the steering unit comprises a reversing gear driving a zero shaft and with the steering unit being driven by a separate stage turbine wheel having adjustable nozzles or vanes. A further embodiment permits the elimination of the reversing gear in the steering unit by providing adjustable turbine vanes and/or blades which are capable of reversing the direction of rotation of the wheel which drives the steering unit shaft. In some embodiments, auxiliary steering power is provided in the event of an engine failure through a power takeoff from the working turbine shaft.

Abstract: An axial thrust compensation system in high speed helical gear engagement includes a thrust collar fixed to a shaft which carries a gear. The collar includes a peripheral groove. Another gear carrying shaft includes a disc element which engages the thrust collar groove. Axial thrust generated in the respective gears and the shafts due to the driving engagement between the gears will be transferred between the shafts by the collar and disc. In one embodiment, the collar and/or disc is formed in one piece with its shaft, while in another embodiment the collar and/or disc is bolted to its shaft. A further embodiment provides a pair of disc shaped collars spaced from opposite sides of one gear with the collars framing a pair of disc elements fixed to the other shaft.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic vehicle transmission includes a clutch mechanism interconnecting the driving connection between the vehicle engine and the vehicle driving wheels. The control system operates to automatically disengage the clutch when the braking system is actuated and the vehicle speed is reduced to a predetermined level with the accelerator in idle position. The clutch automatically engages when any of the three parameters have changed from predetermined levels. The automatic control system serves to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions at vehicle idling by reducing transmission drag, yet provides smooth shifting and permits the engine and transmission to assist in vehicle braking.

Abstract: A crucible of a converter is mounted to a pair of supports and releasably coupled to a tilt drive. Secured to each of the supports is a bearing assembly within which a crucible trunnion is journalled. A slidable coupling shaft interconnects an internally toothed output gear of the tilt drive and an internally toothed gear fixed to one of the trunnions. The coupling shaft includes a spur gear adjacent each of its ends. One coupling gear engages the trunnion internal gear while the other engages the tilt drive internal gear. The peripheral surface of each coupling gear comprises a spherical segment to provide an articulated connection for accommodating axial misalignment between the trunnion and the tilt drive internal gears. To disconnect the crucible from the tilt drive, the coupling shaft is displaced axially away from the trunnion until the spherical segment gear disengages the trunnion gear. The coupling shaft includes a spindle coaxially mounted to its tilt drive end.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle transmission provides reduced length between an engine output shaft and a transversely oriented main shaft which drives the vehicle tracks. The transmission includes a torque converter having an output shaft which extends across the main shaft. The primary side of the torque converter drives a steering unit and a power take-off shaft which includes a flow brake. The torque converter output shaft drives the main shaft through a gear train on the side of the main shaft opposite the converter. The gear train includes bevel gears which engage a pair of reversing clutches which drive planetary speed change gear sets. A pair of speed change gear sets may be positioned adjacent each of the reversing clutches or a single speed change gear set may be provided depending upon space requirements and installation conditions.