Abstract: A thermally responsive clutch for connecting a driving shaft to a driven pulley including cylindrical clutch surfaces on the shaft and the pulley with a wrapping coil spring in engagement with both surfaces. An engaging pawl is mounted adjacent said spring clutch element and a pair of thermally responsive bimetallic washers in contact with said pawl act to cause said pawl to cause said spring to connect said shaft and pulley only within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A controllable, variable displacement swash plate compressor including a centrally pivoted swash plate on a rotating shaft. Control means are provided to increase or decrease the angle of inclination of the swash plate in response to changes in suction pressure. The delivery from the compressor may be reduced rapidly from the maximum as the angle of inclination is reduced, due partly to the reduction in stroke, but mainly to the increased clearance volume, i.e. the volume above the piston in the cylinder, and the consequent re-expansion of the trapped gas in the clearance volume. This achieves a more efficient method of reducing compressor output to match system requirements than suction gas throttling, a commonly used technique in automotive air conditioning applications. In addition, it does not require a clutch since it may be run for prolonged periods at or near zero capacity (no-stroke condition) when cooling is not required.

Abstract: The present invention combines an exhaust gas turbine, a supercharger and an accessory drive for an internal combustion engine in an automotive vehicle to provide instantly available maximum power for full throttle acceleration along with the recovery of energy from the exhaust gas to drive the engine accessories at a substantially constant speed independent of the engine speed.

Abstract: A controlled, variable displacement wobble plate compressor is provided with means for controlling the capacity by sliding the wobble plate to and fro along the drive shaft axis to vary the effective pumping capacity. The position of the wobble plate along the drive shaft axis is a function of the pressure maintained inside the crankcase, said position being a result of the various forces acting on the pistons, including the underside of the pistons where crankcase pressure is applied.

Abstract: A rotary sliding vane compressor is provided with magnetic vane retractor means to control the pumping capacity of the compressor without the use of an on/off clutch in the drive system.

Abstract: An improved disconnect or power stop mechanism adapted for use in a refrigerant compressor drive system. A temperature responsive element triggers a disconnect or declutching action between the driving and driven members if the system should happen to lose its charge of refrigerant or otherwise get into an unsafe, high temperature condition.

Abstract: An axial piston, variable displacement, wobble plate gas or vapor compressor containing improvements in the capacity control system and in the drive plate and wobble plate mounting arrangements.

Abstract: A variable capacity wobble plate compressor including a fluid actuator for shifting the centering ball, on which the cam mechanism is supported, to effect a change in the length of stroke by varying the angle of inclination of the wobble plate with respect to the drive shaft axis. A control system automatically responds to suction pressure (or some other predetermined variable to be controlled) to operate the fluid actuator.

Abstract: A controlled, variable displacement, wobble plate compressor includes a pivotable wobble plate driven through an improved drive and support linkage including a universal joint and having its pivot point offset from the axis of the drive shaft so that at the "no stroke" position the pistons are all disposed at their top-dead-center positions. The capacity of the compressor is controlled by an improved system for varying the position of the wobble plate.