Abstract: A rotation deceleration device used for a sanitary cleaning device which includes a toilet seat and a toilet cover and is attached to a toilet bowl, thereby injecting warm water in the toilet bowl. The rotation deceleration device includes a cylinder having a hydraulic chamber filled with a control oil; a rotation shaft inserted through the cylinder; a control wall radially projected from the rotation shaft to divide the hydraulic chamber into at least two sub chambers; a control valve provided between the control wall and an inner surface of the cylinder. The control valve has a closing wall opposed to a side surface of the control wall so as to be attachable thereto and also has an engaging member opposed to the other side of the control wall so as to be engageable therewith in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft. The control valve is formed of a material which has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than that of a material forming the control wall and the cylinder.

Abstract: A controller for a retarder includes: a fluid-storage-type retarder provided to a rotary shaft which is rotated together with the rear wheels of a vehicle, the retarder always storing a fluid; a reservoir tank adapted to be in fluid communication with, the retarder; and pressure regulation member adapted to be in atmospheric communication with the reservoir tank for imparting a predetermined restriction to pressurized air which flows into the reservoir tank in accordance with each stationary level of pressure which is produced in the retarder.

Abstract: A rotary shock absorber suitable for use in a suspension system of a vehicle. The shock absorber is provided with a housing and a rotary shaft supported by the housing for relative rotation thereto. A pressure chamber is formed in the housing and a rotor having a pair of blades is received within the pressure chamber. Further, a pair of partition walls are formed within the pressure chamber to define first and second chambers at both sides of each blade, and the first and second chambers are communicated with each other through throttles. When the rotary shaft is rotated, a high viscous fluid filled within the first and second chambers flows therebetween through the throttles. Due to the flow resistances of the throttles, pressures are generated in the first or second chambers. This pressure generation is used to generate a damping force.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for large off-road mining vehicles wherein an electric motor and drive system for each wheel is combined with a hydrodynamic retarder. The hydrodynamic retarder is mounted such that a rotor is directly connected to an electric motor shaft where typically a disc-type parking brake is mounted. This arrangement eliminates any possible mechanical failure of a gear train or other power reduction or increasing device which would otherwise result in the loss of braking.

Abstract: A hydraulic retarder including a rotor vane fixable to a rotational shaft rotating with vehicle wheels to relatively be unrotatable with respect thereto, a stator vane substantially unrotatable with respect to the vehicle body, and a clutch apparatus for engaging the rotational shaft with and disengaging same from the rotor vane. The clutch apparatus is provided with a plurality of clutch plates which are engaged with the rotational shaft to be axially slidable and alternately provided among a plurality of pressure plates. The rotor vanes, stator vanes and clutch apparatus is accommodated in a casing secured to the vehicle body parts within which an operation fluid is filled. The hydraulic retarder of the invention further includes plungers disposed spaced apart from one another and penetrating through the casing with fluid sealingly and located at an end of the support member. A drive apparatus disposed outside the casing for actuating the clutch apparatus by depressing the plunger into the casing.

Abstract: In a hydrodynamic brake (1), in order to reduce the ventilation losses, adjustable baffles (2, 20) are situated between a rotor (3) and a stator (4). During idling, when oil has been evacuated from the brake (1), one or more baffles (2, 20) of angular cross section in the outer area of the toroidal chambers (31, 41) separate the chambers via a radially inward projecting annular leg (21), a leg cylindrically situated in an axial direction abutting against the inner wall (52) of a chamber (5). During operation of the brake, that is, when the hydrodynamic brake (1) is filled with oil, the radially inward projecting leg (21) is located with its front edge (29) behind the toroidal chambers (31, 41). When only one baffle (20) covering the entire periphery of the outer area of the toroidal chambers (31, 41) is installed, slits (23, 28) are disposed in the radially inward projecting annular leg (21) to obtain the adequate elasticity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrodynamic retarder, the stator blade wheel of which can be brought into eccentric, nonaligned positions with respect to the rotor blade wheel. Either by formation of a blade free circumferential region in the blading of the stator blade wheel together with a longitudinal guide for eccentric shifting or by eccentric swingable mounting of the stator blade wheel, a directly proportional force is obtained from the corresponding braking torque in the stator blade wheel. This force represents a measure for the braking torque and serves as a characteristic value for a torque adjustment. This creates a simple control device with characteristic curves which requires a smaller retarder profile diameter in order to obtain given operating points. The advantage is the reduction of the outside dimensions, the weight and the expense for regulating the brake torque.

Abstract: A damper system is disclosed in which is provided a segmented damper for damping the vibrations of a rotating shaft, the damper comprising a sealed porous fixed normally concentric cylinder surrounding the shaft, the space between the porous cylinder and the shaft being axially segmented by radial walls extending parallel to the axis of the shaft, the segmented space being filled with a fluid which is driven through the pores of said cylinder when said shaft vibrates to provide linear dampling.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrodynamic retarder with a cooling circuit for the working fluid, which cooling circuit is divided into two partial flows of different cross sectional areas, between the outlet and inlet to the retarder, wherein both partial flows are separately cooled in a common heat exchanger. This assures that a small amount of working fluid will flow through the retarder after completion of the braking process, causing an aftercooling. Moreover, this assures that the retarder is more swiftly filled after a braking instruction, and a valve combination is employed for that purpose at the entrance to the retarder. Spring-loaded check valves in the line for the larger partial flow ensure a dependable circulation of the working fluid to and from the receiver.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder suitable for use as a supplementary brake on trucks consists of a rotor wheel 20 fixed to an output shaft and a stator wheel 21. Movable blades 24 are attached to edges of blades 30 of the stator wheel 21 facing toward the rotor wheel 20. The movable blades 24 are biased by spring members to prevent air flowing into the stator wheel 21, but allow working oil to flow into the stator wheel 21. The movable blades 24 and spring members are provided internally of a torus defined by the stator wheel and provide an efficient hydrodynamic retarder of reduced weight and cost.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic brake has a rotor blade wheel and a stator blade wheel with oblique blades and which together form a toroidal work chamber. A series of quick blades are mounted on the stator blade wheel for controlling the flow of braking fluid between the blade wheels and thereby the degree of braking action. Each of said blades is mounted for rotation around a radial axis and can be swung uniformly by means of a common actuating device. In this basic position, the guide blades are parallel to the stationary blades to provide the maximum flow of braking fluid. In a "zero position" the blades are all in a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the brake, whereby they substantially block the flow of braking fluid within the work chamber. In order to control the braking action, the guide blades may be brought into any desired intermediate position.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder with a stator blade wheel and a rotor blade wheel whose blades together fill the work chamber for working liquid. Slot shaped inlet openings permit entrance of working liquid to the working chamber. The inlet openings are located at the radially inner region of the rotor blade wheel toward the retarder shaft. Slot shaped outlet openings permit outlet of working fluid. The outlet openings are at the radially outer region of the rotor blade wheel. The slots are oriented to follow the incline of the blades of the rotor blade wheel. The inlet slots each trail a respective rotor wheel blade while the outlet slots each lead that blade in the movement direction of the rotor blade wheel. Particular thicknesses of blades and particular angular sizes of the inlet and the outlet slot openings are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular dynamometer includes a stator mounted to and disposed within a housing and the combustion of a shaft and a rotor also disposed within the housing. The shaft extends through the housing and is adapted for coupling to a prime mover. The housing is closed and is filled with a liquid coolant, such as water. Lateral panels of the housing may be removed after the coolant is drained out to permit one or more rotor/stator combinations to be positioned within the housing along the rotating shaft in an alternating manner. The rotors are attached to the shaft so as to rotate therewith, while the stators are mounted to the housing in a fixed manner. Rotor/stator modules may be easily added to or removed from the dynamometer to facilitate increasing or decreasing the dynamometer capacity permitting the modular dynamometer to test a wide range of prime mover output power.

Abstract: A control system for a hydraulic retarder includes an inlet regulator valve and an outlet regulator valve. The inlet regulator valve admits fluid to the retarder at a predetermined pressure. The outlet regulator valve prevents fluid flow from the retarder unless the main system pressure is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A hydraulic dynamometer which includes a housing defining an interior working compartment and within which an input shaft is journalled. A rotor having a rotor face is mounted on the input shaft for rotation about a shaft axis. A stator is provided in the housing adjacent to the rotor and has a stator face spaced-apart from and facing the rotor face to define a rotor-stator clearance space therebetween. The rotor face has a plurality of rotor pockets and the stator face has a plurality of stator pockets which, when the interior compartment is supplied with liquid, interact with the liquid to brake the rotation of the rotor. Liquid supply passageways are provided so that liquid is supplied into the rotor pockets and is discharged from the stator pockets. A mechanism is provided to adjust the rotor-stator clearance space to adjust the operating characteristics of the dynamometer.

Abstract: A combined wheel/brake apparatus employing an electro-rheological fluid. The apparatus includes a wheel rotatably mounted on an axle and a first array of spaced, electrically conductive vanes extending in a first direction with the vanes non-rotatably held by the axle. The apparatus also includes a second array of spaced, electrically and thermally conductive vanes extending in a direction opposite the first direction, with the second and first arrays interdigitated but not contacting. An electro-rheological fluid is in the spaces between the vanes. At least some of the second vanes have a coolant passageway and the apparatus further includes a secondary coolant supply for these passageways. The coolant passageways are isolated from the electro-rheological fluid so that application of an electrical potential across the two array vanes causes an increase in the viscosity of the electro-rheological fluid to develop a braking force, with heat occasioned by the braking being transmitted to the secondary coolant.

Abstract: For the reduction of capacity losses and heating in hydrodynamic working circuits, especially retarders, caused by undesired air circulation in emptied condition, it is suggested to introduce a certain quantity of a blocking medium into the working chamber. This blocking medium may be operating fluid, air, or a mixture of both, and can be introduced radially from the inside, from the outside, or from the center. It forms a blocking film by rotation of the bladed rotor wheel, which substantially prevents the circulation of air from one bladed wheel to the other.

Abstract: A viscous fluid timer is constructed with a cylindrical cavity formed by a housing that supports an axially aligned rotor unit having a rotor on a shaft within a first chamber filled with a viscous fluid. The first chamber communicates with a second chamber having a shaft seal through which the rotor shaft projects, the rotor shaft having a torsional connection to a spring means for rotating the rotor unit within the chamber, the first chamber being filled with a highly viscous fluid which impedes the rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A rotary damper comprises a stator and a rotor which are co-axial, circular and cylindrical, two extreme faces substantialy transversal to the axis of the stator and rotor and disposed respectively on either side of the stator and rotor, a main chamber filled with a fluid, defined between the extreme faces and the stator and the rotor, blades disposed on the stator and rotor and dividing the main chamber is a plurality of volumes, the blades laminating the flow of fluid through the different volumes of the main chamber, and an auxiliary chamber which communicates with the main chamber. The auxiliary chamber is at least partly formed by a diaphragm which is elastically deformable and which is designed to compensate for the volume variations of the fluid as a function of its temperature, and to bring in, if necessary, a twisting stiffness in parallel to the damping function. The rotary damper finds application for example in vehicle suspensions.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder has a centrally disposed chamber which is filled with hydraulic fluid and subjected to centrifugal forces. A valve mechanism, responsive to the operator, is opened by a control valve system when vehicle retarding action is requested to permit rapid filling of the retarder vane space from the centrally disposed chamber. The valve mechanism is also closed by the control valve system after a predetermined time. This accommodates fast filling of the retarder but does not permit air ingestion by the retarder. A passage, in the stationary housing portion of the retarder, is opened to the transmission pump circuit during retarding action to maintain the retarder pressure and fluid circulation for cooling. The central chamber has an air control valve to admit air to the chamber as the chamber empties of hydraulic fluid and to permit air exhaust therefrom when the chamber is refilled.

Abstract: An improved spin-blast tool having a stationary handle with coaxial inner and outer pipes. The inner pipe, connected to a jet head, rotates at high speed relative to the stationary outer pipe. A plenum defined by the outer surface of the inner pipe and the inner surface of the outer pipe, as well as by opposed lateral sealed bearings, supporting the inner pipe within the outer pipe, define a plenum which is filled with a viscous fluid. The inner pipe supports radially outwardly extending vanes which work against the viscous fluid, thereby slowing rotation and preventing damage to the inner shaft and the jet head. An axial groove along the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe leaks small amounts of the viscous fluid beneath at least one of the sealed bearings for the purpose of lubricating a stationary shaft seal which comes in contact with rotating members.

Abstract: A reaction differential is disclosed which is preferably used in a hydrostatic steering differential for accurately steering a casemate vehicle at very low speeds for precise aiming of a gun which is aimed in azimuth by steering. The reaction differential is driven in selected direction by a hydrostatic motor only after the motor is rotated at an rpm which will provide smooth motor performance before sufficient torque is provided to initiate steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary shock absorber whose rotor and stator have interfitting annular disks or coaxial cylinders and which receives a dilatant copolymer dispersion. The shock absorber is especially effective for use between a support arm and wheel for the track of a tracked vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a combination hydrodynamic and friction retarder brake wherein in an output speed range above a first reference speed retarder braking is entirely hydrodynamic, in an output speed range between the first reference speed and a lower second reference speed retarder braking is partially hydrodynamic and partially friction with friction braking increasing as output speed decreases to a maximum at the second reference speed, and in an output speed range below the second reference speed both friction and hydrodynamic retarder braking decrease as output speed decreases to provide a smooth transition to the vehicle's service brakes. In addition, a partial apply valve is provided to limit retarder braking in all speed ranges to levels proportional to a manually applied retarder brake demand signal.

Abstract: A simplified water brake unit has greater capacity per unit weight and is readily maintained due to a two piece readily disassembled housing, one part of which provides a firm, accurate support for the stator, and which also has longer seal life because of a seal chamber bleed which relieves the high pressure from behind the inner high pressure seal by providing a communication to the inlet.

Abstract: In a hydrodynamic brake, forming an energy converting mechanism and used for example in connection with heat-exchangers in the utilization of wind-power installations, the torque characteristic of the hydrodynamic brake is adapted to suit the torque characteristic of the power source by making the stator radially displaceable into a position in which its axis is off-center from the axis of the rotor. The stator is eccentrically secured on a shaft and by rotatably mounting the shaft, in the housing, eccentrically of the rotor. In an alternative embodiment, the stator is guided in a rectilinear guide permitting radial displacement.

Abstract: An automotive retarder in which an outer toroid of at least one inner hydrodynamic operating cycle is bounded by inner surfaces of shells of at least two impellers engaged in the operating cycle. One of the impellers is adapted to be positioned by a thrust torque with another impeller by a counter support torque. The shell of the impeller which can be positioned by the thrust torque is provided with at least one aperture to reduce losses under idling conditions of the retarder. An annular slide valve is arranged concentrically with respect to an axis of rotation of the retarder with a sealing surface being provided on the valve which is stationary with respect to the valve. The annular slide valve may be displaced relative to the outlet aperture into a braking position such that the outlet aperture is closed off by the sealing surface of the annular slide valve and into at least one idling position unblocking the outlet opening to a greater or lesser extent.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic brake apparatus having multiple stage rotor and stator assemblies housed within a main body. A shaft is journaled to the main body and connected to the rotors, so that power input to the shaft is dissipated by the reaction of the hydraulic fluid contained within the main body. An impeller connected to the shaft forces fluid to flow outwardly to the outer marginal end thereof where the fluid is directed across a stator. From the stator the fluid is forced against the turbine which also is affixed to the shaft in spaced relation respective to the impeller. The turbine forces fluid to flow against a housing stator. The fluid returns through the main body to the impeller, or through a cooler and then back into the main body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrodynamic torque transfer unit, particularly in the form of a hydrodynamic brake. Flow to the inlet of the working chamber of the transfer unit is controlled by an inlet valve movable between a closed, partially open and fully open position. A first piston moves the valve between its positions. A change over device cooperates with the first piston. The change over device includes a second piston. A first pressure chamber is defined between the first and second pistons. A second pressure chamber is defined behind the second piston. Initially, the first pressure chamber is pressurized, driving the first piston and thus the inlet valve to the fully open position. The second piston is moved by pressurization of the second pressure chamber to cut off pressure to the first pressure chamber and to instead cause communication between the first pressure chamber and the working chamber.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic brake is disclosed of a kind comprising a rotor bucket wheel and a stator bucket wheel in a housing and defining a torus-shaped working chamber and defining between them a bucket wheel gap. An outlet duct surrounds the perimeter of the rotor bucket wheel. A plurality of baffle type flow obstructions are provided about the periphery of the bucket wheel gap, and are movable into the bucket wheel gap and when the brake is not engaged. A small gap between the radially outermost part of the rotor bucket wheel and the housing is continuous with the outlet duct. A second duct connects the outlet duct and the space in which the baffle type flow obstructions are accommodated, thereby preventing unwanted movement of the flow obstructions into the bucket wheel gap while the brake is engaged.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a hydrodynamic brake with a rotor blade wheel and an opposed stator blade wheel together defining a toroidal working chamber for containing working fluid. The blades of one or both of the blade wheels are swingable about respective radial axes so as to be skewed at an oblique orientation when the rotor blade wheel is rotated with working fluid in the working chamber. The blades are swingable from a first skewed orientation caused by one direction of rotation of the rotor blade wheel, to an idle orientation at which the blades are generally parallel to the axis of the brake and to an opposite skewed orientation which occurs when the rotor blade wheel rotates in the opposite direction. The torus wall outside the outside edges of the swingable blades is separated into independent sections and the torus wall sections are attached to respective blades for swinging therewith.

Abstract: The disclosure contains a hydrodynamic torque transmitting unit particularly for a hydrodynamic brake. A working chamber that is filled with working fluid contains a stator and a rotor. An inlet valve controls inlet of fluid to the working chamber. A piston connected with the inlet valve selectively closes the valve. The piston initially opens the inlet valve fully for a surge of working fluid into the working chamber. In a stage I condition, valving and pressure chambers associated with the piston returns the inlet valve to an intermediate position reducing the inflow of working fluid into the working chamber after the initial surge. In a stage II condition, the pressure chambers remain continuously pressurized for holding the inlet valve in the condition of maximum supply of working fluid to the working chamber. Various piston arrays are described in different embodiments.

Abstract: A variable K factor energy absorber for an aircraft arresting system has a movable control element which is moved into different positions to adjust the K factor. The movement of the control element is programmed during payout of the arresting system in accordance with the speed of the arrested aircraft. The speed is sensed by a pump driven by the arresting gear tape reel. The program is provided by a cam (also driven by the tape reel through a reduction gear). The control element is moved by a hydraulic drive actuated by an electrical shifting switch, which is triggered when the detected speed of the arrested aircraft exceeds the predetermined speed established by a cam during initial and final phases of payout. The control element is thereby moved from an initial low K to an intermediate K position during the initial phase of payout if the predetermined speed established by the cam is exceeded.

Abstract: A pressure modulated hydrodynamic retarder is provided for a power delivery system and speed sensing means is provided for sensing the rotational speed of the output of the retarder for producing a corresponding pressure fluid flow which acts to vary the fluid relief pressure of a pressure control valve for the retarder and consequently varies the torque of the retarder in accordance with its rotor speed. In this manner the retarder is modulated as determined by its output speed and when the invention is used in a hoisting operation, as the lowering speed increases due to the falling load the retarding action of the retarder also increases. A particularly desirable form of sensing means includes a variable flow fluid pump which is driven at a speed proportional to the lowering speed of the load to proportionately vary the retarding ability of the retarder.

Abstract: A brake unit having a hydrodynamic retarder providing brake torque proportional to speed and inlet pressure, and a friction brake providing brake torque proportional to net brake pressure, the brake apply pressure minus retarder inlet pressure. The controls have a brake demand valve providing a brake demand pressure. A retarder valve is biased by brake demand pressure from brake-off position to brake-on position for switching the retarder circuit to fill the retarder and to connect low and high speed regulator valves to regulate retarder inlet pressure respectively to increase in the low speed range and to decrease in the high speed range with increasing speed, and to limit retarder inlet pressure proportionally to brake demand. The controls, in the low speed range, provide friction brake apply pressure proportional to brake demand, so the friction brake net apply pressure and torque decrease to zero and retarder torque increases as speed increases.

Abstract: A combined hydrodynamic retarding brake and oil-cooled driveline flywheel clutch, the clutch (72) being integral with a retarding brake impeller (52) rotatable in a body of oil (58) contained within a housing (22) having a retarder flow circuit (118) therein, the amount of retardation being controllable by varying the amount of oil present in the circuit (118), the retarder impeller (52) operating to supply a flow of cooling oil through the clutch (72), and a clutch brake (102) operable to apply a braking action to the clutch, as the clutch (72) is disengaged operating to stop clutch output, and cut off oil flow to the clutch thereby reducing viscous drag at the clutch.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic brake is disclosed. It comprises a working chamber with a rotor and a stator in it. An inlet supplies fluid to the working chamber which tends to increase the braking torque. An outlet permits exit of fluid from the working chamber, which tends to decrease the braking torque. An overflow valve may be opened or closed to selectively permit or prohibit exit of working fluid from the working chamber outlet. A pressure source, such as the pressure in the working chamber, normally holds the overflow valve open. A regulating valve is connected by a pressurized connection with the overflow valve and the regulating valve selectively opens or closes the overflow valve. The regulating valve compares the desired braking torque, which is established by an operating lever for the brake, with the actual braking torque, and the regulating valve opens or closes the overflow valve for tending to bring the actual braking torque to the desired braking torque.

Abstract: The speed retarder control system includes a plurality of solenoid valves and reducing valves so arranged to receive pressure influenced hydraulic fluid and release the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic fluid responsive vehicle retarder at a substantially lower pressure. The fluid pressure experienced by the retarder can be incrementially varied to result in varying degrees of vehicle retardation.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic double brake includes two working chambers, each defined between a respective stator bucket wheel and a respective rotor bucket wheel. Each of the bucket wheels including buckets that extend into the respective working chambers and the bucket wheel buckets all are oriented at the same tilt angle with respect to the axis of the brake. An inlet line enters the rotor bucket wheels and then branches into the respective working chambers. Outlet ducts exit from each of the working chambers. A shell is defined around the bucket wheels and the brake and includes a valve arrangement which selectively opens the outlet ducts of one working chamber while closing the outlet ducts of the other working chamber, and vice versa.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder for vehicles, especially for motor vehicles, with an internal working circulation within a working space having at least one rotating blade wheel and at least one stationary blade wheel, with an external cooling circulation that can be filled by way of a filling and discharge line out of a pressure-medium-actuated filling cylinder and which includes a by-pass or control valve, and with a lubricating line which connects the sealing spaces of the retarder shaft both with the center of the working space as also with a control member of the control valve and with a reservoir tank that is arranged at a higher level than the retarder and is additionally connected with the filling and discharge line by way of a closure valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic eddy brake has a rotor and a stator both forming an eddy chamber. Liquid supply conduits lead to the center of the eddy chamber. The rotor shaft is sealed relative to the housing formed by the stator. The sealing is accomplished by noncontacting sealings. Leakage liquid is discharged to respective chambers located between the bearings and the eddy chamber proper. A gap is provided between the shaft and the housing. This gap is connected with the center of the eddy chamber through a liquid feedback which may include an intermediate chamber and respective liquid feedback conduits whereby the pressure at the point of leakage is minimized. Such brakes are used as absorption dynamometers to measure torque.

Abstract: A continuous brake (retarder) for vehicles, especially for heavy trucks or the like, which utilizes a hydrodynamic circulatory system in the form of a driven hydrodynamic coupling whose operating fluid is conducted into an external circulatory system by way of a cooler or radiator; a separate cooler is coordinated to the hydrodynamic coupling which serves at the same time as feed pump for the operating fluid; additionally, the hydrodynamic coupling is operatively connected with a turbine in the external circulatory system which serves for the drive of a separate fan coordinated to the separate cooler.

Abstract: The rotor and stator wheels of a hydrodynamic retarder, with confronting annular gorges together defining a toroidal channel of circular or slightly elliptical cross-section, have blades within their gorges which are of wedge-shaped cross-section and have slightly rounded edges that may or may not coincide with the radial direction. The blades have flat leading and trailing flanks, the former including an angle of about 45.degree. - 55.degree. with the plane of rotation so as to be inclined to the axial direction at an angle of about 35.degree. to 45.degree.; the vertex angle of the wedges lies between about 15.degree. and 20.degree.. Such a blade structure can be cast in a unitary mold from which it is extracted by a helicoidal twisting motion. A suitable radius of curvature for the edge rounding is in the range of about 1.5% to 4% of the channel diameter.

Abstract: A braking system for vehicles in which each wheel of the vehicle is arranged to drive a variable displacement hydraulic pump, the output of which is restricted to cause a slowing force on the wheel. A directional control is incorporated with a servo-control valve which is responsive to operator signals acting through a relay system. Electrical back-up controls are provided to take over in the event of fluid supply failure, and brake balancing with anti-lock-up valves are incorporated in the system together with a static brake which locks the wheel when the vehicle comes to a stop.

Abstract: A device for differentially braking a towing cable in a tow-type ski lift comprises a drum for carrying the towing cable, spring biasing means associated with the drum for biasing the drum in a cable winding or retraction direction, and a turbine-type hydraulic brake means for differentially braking the withdrawal and retraction motions of the tow cable, said hydraulic braking means comprising a bladed fluid impeller means rotatable with said drum and including a first and second set of impeller blade members, and a pair of stator discs having two sets of stator blade members cooperatively arranged adjacent the two sets of impeller blade members, one set of cooperating impeller and stator blade members being smaller in a radial sense than the other set of impeller and stator blade members, and the two sets being inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the impeller such that the braking action that occurs during cable withdrawal is greater than during cable retraction.

Abstract: Two closely juxtaposed coaxial disks, one fixed and the other rotatable, are formed with confronting annular grooves partitioned by slanting vanes into coextensive pockets designed to decelerate the rotation upon the admission of hydraulic fluid into a chamber formed around the rotatable disk by the fixed disk and a brake housing secured thereto. The fixed disk has a limitedly rotatable annular insert which carries at least a part of each stationary vane thereof and can be moved between a working position in which its pockets are mutually isolated and an idling position in which these pockets intercommunicate either directly or through an external space. The annular insert may be urged into the idling position by a set of springs whose force is overcome, upon the production of hydraulic fluid, by the reaction torque exerted upon the stationary vanes.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic action brake for particular use in controlling the speed of a hoisting drum used in the drilling of oil and gas wells. The brake includes dual pocketed stator and rotor assemblies with a cylindrical member movable within the pockets to adjust the flow of the fluid within either the outer and/or inner pockets for varying load and speed conditions.

Abstract: A control valve absorption dynamometers has a closed end discharge conduit forming a cylinder with discharge openings in the cylinder walls. A floating piston is movable in the cylinder to vary the area of the discharge openings. A first piston surface is subject to the pressure at the exit port of the dynamometer or to the pressure downstream of a butterfly valve arranged between the piston and the exit port of the dynamometer. A second piston surface which may be smaller than the first piston surface is subject to pressure from the dynamometer exit or from a pump whereby the piston is moved for varying the area of the discharge openings in the cylinder wall. The intake of the pump may be connected to the inlet or exit port of the dynamometer. Flow control means may be located directly next to said exit port in said discharge conduit to convert a turbulent flow into a uni-directional flow.

Abstract: A control system for a hydrokinetic brake has a pressurized working fluid reservoir connected to the hydrokinetic brake by fluid feed and return lines. A regulating valve sets the pressure in the reservoir at a value related to a required braking torque. The inlet pressure of the hydrokinetic brake is maintained at a fixed value lower than the reservoir pressure, for example by an atmosphere vent, during normal braking operation so that the outlet pressure of the brake and hence the braking torque has a direct relationship with the reservoir pressure, irrespective of the rotational speed of the brake.

Abstract: A temperature and speed responsive control for a fluid coupling adapted to drive a cooling fan for an internal combustion engine. The coupling is of the hydrokinetic type and includes an input or drive member adapted to be driven by the engine, an output or driven member defining a housing adapted to carry the fan, a fluid working chamber defined by the drive and driven member, a cylindrical sleeve controlled by a fluid pressure and operative to vary the output speed by controlling fluid circulation in the working chamber, means in the working chamber for producing the fluid pressure, and temperature and speed responsive means for controlling the fluid pressure to the sleeve in response to temperature and speed changes.