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: A viscous fluid clutch (10) rotatable about an axis of rotation (24) and adapted to be controlled by a temperature sensing element (104). The fluid clutch includes an axially extending shaft (22) disposed on the axis of rotation, a first member (14) secured to the shaft for rotation and a second member (16) rotatably disposed on the shaft relative to the first member. Shear surfaces (62, 64) are disposed on the first and second members and form an operating chamber (18) therebetween. A fluid storage chamber (70) is disposed adjacent to the operating chamber and valve means (80) is provided for effecting selective communication between the storage chamber and the operating chamber and includes a valve member (82) having first and second positions, one of which provides fluid communication between the storage chamber and the operating chamber and the other which blocks the fluid communication. A fluid is disposed within the storage chamber and is selectively displaceable into the operating chamber.

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: 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.