Abstract: A braking system utilizing a hydrodynamic brake has a control circuit that adjust the torque exerted by the hydrodynamic brake to adjust the deceleration of the axle on which the hydrodynamic brake is mounted toward a desired value of deceleration, which desired value may be zero.

Abstract: A braking system for controlling the speed of a moving member is disclosed. The braking system includes both a dynamic and a mechanical brake whose operation is controlled by a central control circuit. The dynamic brake has a maximum dynamic braking moment which it can apply to the moving member which is defined by a limiting characteristic curve. The central control circuit generates an adjustment signal as a function of the difference of the actual value of the total braking moment applied to the moving member by the dynamic and mechanical brakes and the desired value of the total braking moment.

Abstract: A scoop-trimmed fluid coupling wherein the transmitted torque decreases continuously with increasing ratio of runner speed to impeller speed at each degree of filling of the working circuit with liquid. During acceleration of the runner, the scoop tube is moved by its actuator from a "circuit empty" to a "circuit full" position in several stages and at different speeds so that the torque which is transmitted by the coupling during acceleration of the runner remains substantially constant. If the load upon the runner varies from acceleration to acceleration of the runner, the operation of the actuator during acceleration of the runner is modified by a controller system which monitors the energy requirements of the prime mover for the impeller or the acceleration of the runner.