Abstract: A hydroviscous torque transmitting apparatus of the disc type is disclosed wherein films of fluid are maintained between adjacent discs of a clutch for purposes of torque transmission. Fluid is drawn from a reservoir and supplied to the discs at a positive pressure by a plurality of passageways in a rotating body portion of the clutch. The passageways are constructed and arranged to effectively use the centrifugal pumping potential of the clutch and no separate pump is required for purposes of providing sufficient fluid to the discs to maintain oil shear of hydroviscous operation. Relief flow channels communicating with the passageways are arranged to cause the fluid to open the disc pack when the closing pressure is interrupted and to direct the fluid away from the disc pack. In addition, a fluid reservoir coupling is disclosed for delivery of fluid to the passageways at ambient pressure following the independent pumping of the fluid for some other purpose such as flow through a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A variable speed drive mounted within a housing includes clutch means of the disc type operatively connected between input and output shafts and an interior support coupling member. The support coupling member comprises a stationary support extending from the housing and concentric bearings for mounting a center coupling therein. The center coupling receives the extreme inboard ends of the shafts to provide support thereof and it is operatively connected between the clutch means and the output shaft to transmit torque. The concentric bearings permit relative rotation between one of the shafts and the center coupling, and provide bearing support for both of the shafts within the stationary support member. An electronic control system is also provided for the variable speed drive which senses output errors and uses them to directly modulate the power signal to an electromagnetic clutch or brake component of the drive.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus is disclosed for drives of the type having a housing containing a sump for a fluid which is heated by the generation of heat energy during operation of the drive. The heat energy is generated by relatively moving torque transmitting members, such as clutch and brake units, connected between the drive input and output shafts. A centrifugal pump located within the housing below the level of the fluid is driven by the input shaft and circulates fluid to a heat exchanger disposed about the outside surface of the housing. The cooled fluid is returned to the fluid sump and a brake reservoir which assures an ample supply of fluid to the brake at a relatively low pressure. A fan carried by the input shaft blows ambient air over the heat exchanger and exterior surface of the housing to enhance the level of heat dissipation.