Abstract: A disconnect information and monitoring system for a dynamically positioned offshore drilling rig at an ocean surface rig location over a wellhead on the sea floor. The system includes a data processing computer, a GPS monitor, a flex joint angle monitor, a slip joint stroke position monitor, and signal equipment to feed signals from the GPS monitor, the flex joint angle monitor, and the slip joint stroke position monitor to the data processing computer. The computer is programmed with software to analyze signal data from the GPS monitor, the flex joint angle monitor and the slip joint stroke position monitor and to present the results of the analysis on the computer monitor so as to provide visual guidance to operators of the rig. In a preferred embodiment a riser top angle monitor and signal equipment for feeding signals from the riser top angle monitor to the data processing computer is also provided.

Abstract: A system for powering various rotating vehicle accessories such as an alternator, a transmission fluid pump, a power-steering pump, and an air-conditioning compressor from the torque converter of an automatic transmission. The system utilizes the smooth speed characteristic of the automatic transmission torque converter to achieve an equally smooth accessory drive ratio transition. The system may also be used to power the accessories using a manual transmission.

Abstract: A combination generator and starter motor includes a rotor with an internal ring gear, a plurality of dual pinion gears which mesh with the rotor and two sun gears which mesh with the dual pinion gears. A large torque multiplication from the rotor to one of the sun gears is provided when the combination generator and starter motor operates as a starter motor. A one-to-one ratio of rotation between that sun gear and the rotor is provided when the combination generator and starter motor operates as a generator.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch has a driving race and a driven race. The clutch further has cams, each with a locking portion which allows torque transmission in a predetermined direction only from the driving race to the driven race. The locking portions of some of the cams can be engaged between the driving race and the driven race by gravity. The locking portions of all of the cams tend to become engaged by centrifugal force. The clutch additionally has rollers between the driving race and the driven race to maintain the spacing between the driving race and the driven race.

Abstract: A continually variable transmission includes a fluid coupling having an impeller driven from a power source and a turbine adapted to be driven hydrodynamically from the impeller or to be connected mechanically to the impeller by a lockup clutch. The turbine drives the shaft on which a sprocket wheel of a constant speed ratio chain drive mechanism and a sheave of a variable ratio belt drive mechanism are rotatably carried. The output sprocket of the chain drive mechanism is connected through a regeneration mode clutch to the ring gear of a dual planetary gearset. The output sheave of the belt drive mechanism is connected directly to the sun gear of the planetary gearset or through a first mode clutch to the carrier of the gearset, on which the first and second sets of planetary pinions are rotatably mounted. The reverse brake selectively holds the ring gear to produce reverse drive. The transmission accelerates the vehicle from rest by disengaging the regeneration clutch and engaging the first mode clutch.

Abstract: A belt driven automatic transmission for producing a continuous range of drive ratios includes an input pully rotatably mounted on the axis of an engine crankshaft and an output pulley rotatably supported on the axis of the transmission output shaft. The pulleys are driveably connected by an endless drive belt, whose radial position on the pulleys varies in accordance with the position of axially displaceable sheaves that move in accordance with the magnitudes of pressure in actuating cylinders. The pulley system is driveably connected to the impeller of a hydrokinetic torque converter whose turbine is driven from the impeller. The turbine is continously connected to the output shaft. A forward and reverse planetary gearset is driven from the transmission selectively in accordance with the position of synchronizer sleeve.

Abstract: A belt driven automatic transmission for producing a continuous range of drive ratios includes an input pulley rotatably mounted on the axis of an engine crankshaft and an output pulley rotatably supported on the axis of the transmission output shaft. The pulleys are driveably connected by an endless drive belt, whose radial position on the pulleys varies in accordance with the position of axially displaceable sheaves that move in accordance with the magnitudes of pressure in actuating cylinders. The pulley system is driveably connected to the impeller of a hydrokinetic torque converter whose turbine is driven from the impeller. The turbine is continuously connected to the output shaft. A forward and reverse planetary gearset is driven from the transmission selectively in accordance with the position of synchronizer sleeve.

Abstract: The starting system for an internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft and a camshaft sprocket which form the carrier for a planet pinion set whose elements are continuously engaged with a sun gear mounted and a ring gear mounted by a one-way brake to the engine block. A starting motor is connected by an endless chain or belt to a sprocket connected by a one-way driving connection to the sun gear. An accessory drive pulley and the rotor of the engine oil pump are continuously and directly connected to the sun gear. A hydraulic piston, actuated by engine oil pressure, selectively breaks the ring gear when engine speed is below a predetermined value provided engine oil pressure is at least equal to a predetermined pressure and releases the ring gear when engine speed exceeds the predetermined speed.

Abstract: An infinitely variable power transmission mechanism comprising a driving sheave assembly and a driven sheave with a torque transmitting drive belt connecting the sheaves, a ratio controlling servo for changing the effective pitch diameter of the sheave assemblies, a belt loading servo for controlling the load capacity of the belt and relatively reduced friction diaphragm actuators for adjustably positioning movable sheave portions of the sheave assemblies, the belt and sheave assembly portions of the mechanism being in a housing area that is isolated from gearing portions of the mechanism.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive mechanism for a front-wheel drive vehicle includes a final drive mechanism driven from the output shaft of the engine, which transmits power through a differential to the front drive wheels, and through a gear set and an overrunning clutch to the rear axleshafts. The gear ratio of the gear set is established so that the outer race of the clutch is driven slower than the speed of the front drive wheels so that the rear axleshafts in normal driving conditions are not driven. If, however, the front wheels slip relative to the road surface, the clutch will transmit power to the rear axleshafts or to one rear axleshaft that turns slower than the rear axleshaft. A roller cage retains the rollers and is biased by a spring into contact with a drag surface that is selectively connected to and disconnected from the casing of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A drive mechanism of a front-wheel drive vehicle adapted to selectively drive the rear wheels includes an overrunning clutch mounted coaxially with the rear axleshafts. The clutch and drive mechanism are lubricated by way or ports formed in the casing that carry lubricant thrown radially outward by a bevel pinion rotating through the oil bath to a chamber that is baffled to permit only a portion of the lubricant to flow from the chamber through bearings that support the rear axleshafts. Helical recesses are formed on a portion of the axleshafts and pump lubricant from the chamber axially inward into interior abutting surfaces of members that rotate relative to adjacent members. The pressure head produced by the hydraulic pump, according to this invention, forces the fluid through the roller-race assembly and through spline connections radially outward against a drag connection between the race and a ground connector.

Abstract: A variable displacement rotary piston pump has a rotor splined to a driven shaft, a plurality of radially directed cylinders, each having a slidable piston fitted therein, a pumping ring surrounding the rotor and mounted eccentrically of the axis of the rotor with which the pistons maintain contact and are caused to move within the cylinders, a piston return ring engageable with notches formed on the pistons and an eccentric mounted for rotation to which the pumping ring is secured having an actuator pin whose movement determines the position of the pumping ring with respect to the rotor, thereby regulating the flow rate of the pump. The pump destrokes above the idle speed of the engine from which it is driven and limits the flow rate of the pump. A venturi orifice establishes a differential pressure which is applied across a flow control valve, which directs hydraulic fluid at discharge pressure to one or the other of two control pistons thereby adjusting the eccentric position.

Abstract: The shaft of a hydraulic pump for an automotive power steering system is driven through an overrunning clutch from a planetary pinion carrier. The sun gear of the gearset is connected to a portion of the driveline that drives the wheels of the vehicle and the ring gear is connected to the engine shaft. The sun gear turns opposite the direction of the ring gear and the speed of the pump varies inversely with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: The powertrain of a motor vehicle driven by an electric motor has three interconnected planetary gear sets having an input through the sun gear of the first planetary set and output through the carrier of the third planetary gear set to a transaxle differential. Brakes and clutches operating in conjunction with the ring gear of the first planetary set and carriers of the second and third planetary sets provide two speed ratios. For reverse drive the same brakes are applied as in the first gear ratio and the motor is driven in reverse.

Abstract: A four speed ratio transaxle for an automotive vehicle driveline comprising two simple planetary gear units arranged with fluid pressure operated clutches and brakes to provide four forward driving ratios, the top speed ratio being a direct drive, two of the ratio controlling clutches having a common fluid pressure cylinder and a pair of nested clutch actuating pistons to provide maximum space economy, one of the ratio changing clutches being arranged in radial disposition with respect to a reverse brake band, and a two speed accessory drive connected to torque delivery elements of the transaxle including an integrated transmission pump for supplying clutch-and-brake actuating pressure.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a hydrokinetic torque converter driven from an electric motor that has an idle speed up to about half of its maximum speed. Three planetary gear sets, the first of these having two sets of planetary pinions mounted on a carrier for rotation, are located in the torque transmission path between the coupling and a differential. The transmission and motor are coaxial with the driveshaft of the vehicle. One-way brakes operate to fix elements of the gear sets against rotation to the transmission housing when torque is transmitted from the motor to the differential. Hydraulically actuated clutches and a brake band produce three forward speed ratios and a reverse drive ratio. The brake band and one clutch can be adapted to produce hill braking and regenerative braking during operation in the first two forward speed ratios.

Abstract: The electric motor and transmission that apply power to the drive wheels of a vehicle are supplied with hydraulic fluid to lubricate the transmission and to cool the motor by a common fluidic circuit. The annular space between the motor shaft and a driveshaft provides a passage wherein fluid is distributed to the motor and the transmission under pressure. The rotor of the motor has axial passages through which the fluid flows from a radial passage connecting the annular space with the passages. At each axial end of the rotor fluid exiting the rotor, is thrown outward onto the inner surfaces of the stator windings. The fluid returns to a common sump by gravity from the motor and transmission.

Abstract: A variable displacement rotary piston pump has a rotor splined to a driven shaft, a plurality of radially directed cylinders, each having a slidable piston fitted therein, a pumping ring surrounding the rotor and mounted eccentrically of the axis of the rotor with which the pistons maintain contact and are caused to move within the cylinders, a piston return ring engageable with notches formed on the pistons and an eccentric mounted for rotation to which the pumping ring is secured having an actuator pin whose movement determines the position of the pumping ring with respect to the rotor, thereby regulating the flow rate of the pump. The pump destrokes above the idle speed of the engine from which it is driven and limits the flow rate of the pump. A venturi orifice establishes a differential pressure which is applied across a flow control valve, which directs hydraulic fluid at discharge pressure to one or the other of two control pistons thereby adjusting the eccentric position.

Abstract: A transaxle driveline for a wheeled vehicle having an engine and gear system on a common axis that is transverse with respect to the center plane of the vehicle and having tandem driveshafts for the traction wheels, a differential gear mechanism mounted on a countershaft situated in parallel relationship with respect to the axis of the engine, the differential drive gearing being located between multiple ratio planetary gear elements of the driveline and a hydrokinetic torque converter and a compact clutch-and-brake arrangement for various ratios in the multiple ratio gear system within a transmission housing having a minimum axial dimension, the gearing being adapted to provide four forward driving ratios including an overdrive ratio and a direct drive ratio, the latter having three operating modes, one of which is fully mechanical, one of which is hydrokinetic and the third of which is characterized by a split torque delivery path that is partly hydrokinetic and partly mechanical.

Abstract: An Ericsson-Stirling type engine is disclosed having a semi-open regenerative working fluid system employing intermittent internal combustion. The regenerator is modified to act also as a catalytic combustor and is located at the terminal end of the unswept clearance volume most adjacent the high temperature chamber or hot swept space. The clearance volume is reduced and engine efficiency increased by (a) elimination of any leak path around the regenerator (b) positive exhaust purging, and (c) lower peak combustion temperature.