Abstract: A speed-sensitive device comprises a cylinder mounted on a shaft and rotatable therewith. The cylinder contains liquid that is pushed by the action of centrifugal force against a piston, the piston being connected to engage a clutch when the shaft speed reaches a predetermined minimum value. A speed-sensitive valve opens a bore connecting the opposite sides of the piston when the speed is above a minimum value to prevent a vacuum affecting the operation. The principal application is to a fluid coupling and the device operates a mechanical clutch that "locks up" the fluid coupling above the predetermined speed to prevent slip losses therein.1. Field of the InventionThe present invention is concerned with a speed sensitive device for power transmissions, and especially but not exclusively with a speed-sensitive lock-out device that is particularly suitable for use with fluid couplings and clutches.2.

Abstract: In a fluid clutch of the type comprising cooperating pump and turbine elements between which toroidal power-transmitting liquid vortices can be established, control of the clutch by an operator is effected by moving a baffle within the working chamber between a clutched position in which the vortices can be established and maintained, and a declutched position in which it is interposed in the path taken by such vortices and prevents their establishment and maintainence. The baffle is operative to produce the required de-clutching and clutching action by changing the operative volume of the clutch element in which it is mounted. In a preferred structure a radially-slotted annular baffle is mounted on a cylindrical sleeve slidable on the output shaft and moves within the turbine chamber toward and away from the pump element, the turbine vanes entering the slots in the baffle; a spring urges the sleeve and the baffle toward the clutch engaged position further from the pump element.

Abstract: A valve-controlled hydraulic coupling fluid clutch is provided with a reservoir compartment containing first and second chambers, the first chamber receiving liquid from the working chamber during normal operation, while the second chamber receives such liquid only while the turbine is stalled or slowed excessively. Liquid flow means are provided between the two chambers of less capacity than means feeding liquid into the second chamber. Operator controlled valve means between the first reservoir chamber and the coupling working chamber are normally open and upon closing retain liquid in the first reservoir compartment to declutch the coupling, while automatic declutching takes place upon the slowing or stalling of the turbine to prevent overload by removal of working liquid from the working chamber into the second compartment.