Abstract: A four speed, constant mesh transmission includes an input and an output shaft with four pairs of driver and driven gears respectively spaced on the two shafts. A pair of gear couplings are slidably disposed on the output shaft and splined for rotation therewith. Each gear coupling is selectively moved along the shaft for engagement with one of the driven gears by means of a pair of shift forks respectively engaged with the gear couplings. The two shift forks are slidably disposed on a guide rail which extends parallel to the input and output shafts of the transmission. Each shift fork includes a solenoid lock which may be selectively engaged with the guide rail for preventing sliding movement of the shift fork with respect thereto.

Abstract: A fluid shear coupling apparatus is disclosed herein which includes a driving member received within a working chamber defined by a driven member. The driven member is mounted with needle bearings to a shaft portion of the driving member to have the members rotatable about a common axis. The driving and driven members include complementary shaped and positioned fluid shear and thrust surfaces defining fluid shear and thrust chambers, respectively, therebetween and cooperable with shear fluid within the chamber to transmit torque and axial thrust loads between the members. The fluid shear surfaces are defined by interdigitated ridges and grooves. A shear fluid reservoir is located in the central portion of the driven member and passageways lead from an annular groove and cylindrical cavity adjacent the driving member back to the reservoir.

Abstract: A drive train for an automobile engine and automatic transmission includes a clutch positioned between the engine and the flywheel and a starting motor on the transmission side of the clutch.

Abstract: An electronic control system for a motor vehicle friction clutch and which has an engine speed sensor, a reference signal generator, and a clutch actuator responsive to an error signal E derived from engine speed and reference signals V.sub.1 and V.sub.R respectively. The error signal E is fed into an integrator having two operation modes, dependent upon whether a capacitor in the integrator circuit bypassed by the error signal E or not. With the capacitor initially bypassed by the error signal E the integrator has unity gain, and with the capacitor subsequently placed in the error signal path the integrator has high gain. By having two response modes the time delay between the error signal E reaching its trigger point and the clutch actuator responding is greatly reduced.

Abstract: An operation control apparatus is provided of a compressor having a rotary shaft which is rotated by a driving apparatus by way of a clutch. The operation control apparatus comprises a recess or projection formed in or on one end surface of the rotary shaft as a portion-to-be-sensed offset from the axis thereof, an electromagnetic sensor disposed in facing relation with a locus described by the recess or projection according to the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a pulse monitoring circuit connected to the sensor. The sensor generates a periodic pulse signal in response to rotation of the rotary shaft. The pulse monitoring circuit generates a clutch release commanding signal to the clutch when it receives no pulse signal from the sensor for a predetermined time duration to protect the driving apparatus.

Abstract: A torque converter including a distortable rotatable center disc disposed between a pair of freely rotatable plate members. Roller elements are disposed between the center disc and the plate members. The roller elements are radially movable under the influence of centrifugal force for variably distorting the center disc in a wave-like fashion between deactuated and actuated conditions to rotate the plate members at a speed relative to the center disc in proportion to the amount of the distortion of the center disc.

Abstract: An automatic decelerator device for use in crawler-type vehicles such as a bulldozer or the like comprising a vehicle speed change lever means having a plurality of speed stages for forward and backward drives, a plurality of solenoid operated valves provided in a transmission for controlling the same to change over the vehicle speed and/or the drive direction, controller means adapted to actuate brake means and a decelerator, a comparator for comparing an actual vehicle speed with a preset vehicle speed so as to detect whether the actual vehicle speed is higher or lower than the preset one thereby generating a signal corresponding to the detection result, and a solenoid operated valve control circuit for controlling the controller means and the solenoid operated valves in response to the signal.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electro-magnetic clutch for automobiles has a stepwise increase of the clutch torque for reducing the engaging shock. The system comprises a gate circuit for producing a signal by signal by shift lever clutch operation, a monostable multivibrator for producing a clutch engaging period signal by the output signal of the gate circuit for a predetermined clutch engaging period, a pulse generating circuit for producing a pulse train and a constant control signal in dependency on the mode of the clutch engaging period signal, and a control circuit for maintaining the current flowing through the magnetizing coil of the clutch at a lower value in response to the pulse train for providing a small clutch torque of the clutch and maintaining the current at a rated value in response to the constant control signal for completely engaging the clutch.

Abstract: A gear shift arrangement operable either in manually or automatically. In automatic operation a control brain determiners vehicle speed and operates various cylinders for automatically declutching and shifting gears.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic vehicle transmission includes a clutch mechanism interconnecting the driving connection between the vehicle engine and the vehicle driving wheels. The control system operates to automatically disengage the clutch when the braking system is actuated and the vehicle speed is reduced to a predetermined level with the accelerator in idle position. The clutch automatically engages when any of the three parameters have changed from predetermined levels. The automatic control system serves to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions at vehicle idling by reducing transmission drag, yet provides smooth shifting and permits the engine and transmission to assist in vehicle braking.

Abstract: An improved heavy duty motor clutch drive system is disclosed which includes a motor adapted to be drivingly connected to apparatus to be driven by means of a clutch unit of the oil shear type which may be selectively actuated by application of fluid pressure. Improved electrically actuated control valve means are provided for controlling the application of actuating fluid pressure to the clutch unit and includes associated control circuitry for operating the control valve so as to accelerate the driven apparatus in a predetermined manner. Additionally, in some applications a plurality of such drive systems may be utilized to drive a common apparatus in which case the clutch actuating controls may be interconnected so as to provide progressive predetermined delay actuation of the various clutch units.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a clutch and a gear box having a plurality of speed ratios disposed between a motor and receiving means. Means are provided for acting on the speed of the motor so as to bring the input element and the output element of the clutch to substantially the same speed before the engagement of the clutch. The mechanism further comprises in combination a detector of the speed of the motor, a detector of the speed of the receiving means, a numeric calculator of the theoretical speed of one of these components as a function of the speed of the other component and of the engaged speed ratio of the gear box, and a comparator of the calculated speed and the measured speed which has its output connected to the means for acting on the speed of the motor.

Abstract: A tractor has an engine, a torque converter, a lifting device for attachment to an implement such as a plow, the torque converter being controlled automatically whereby if an engine-driven ground wheel starts slipping, the torque converter reduces the tractor's speed. Engine speed and the implement's depth of penetration are also automatically controlled in dependence on the retarding force caused by the implement. In another embodiment, a power take-off shaft is automatically disengaged if the retarding force becomes excessive.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system is disclosed for an automatic transmission for a vehicle of the type having a mechanical planetary gear train with hydraulically actuatable gear elements. A manual control valve dependent upon the position of the transmission gear select lever conveys a pressure medium, for actuating a gear shift element associated with the selected gear when said lever is moved to one of the forward gears of the transmission, through a pressure medium line connected between the manual control valve and the gear shift element. The control system comprises a main control valve dependent upon the position of the accelerator pedal for exhausting the fluid in the gear shift element for disengaging the gear shift element in operating states of the vehicle at least when the vehicle is stationary, the transmission gear select lever is moved to the drive position (D), and the accelerator pedal is released.

Abstract: A control device for a torque converter in an automatic speed change gear for vehicles having an input shaft connected to a driving shaft of the engine through a torque converter having a pump disc associated with the driving shaft and a turbine disc associated with the input shaft. Between the pump disc and the turbine disc there is interposed a hydraulically operated direct coupling clutch which is capable of directly coupling the pump and the turbine discs and wherein between an oil pressure cylinder of the direct coupling clutch and a high pressure oil passage connected to an oil pressure source and a low pressure oil passage connected to an oil reservoir there is disposed a centrifugal valve operatively connected with the turbine disc for placing the oil pressure cylinder in communication with the low pressure oil passage at the time of low speed rotation and with the high pressure oil passage at the time of high speed rotation.

Abstract: A two-speed clutch in which an input rotary drive is transmitted to an output rotary member to produce a high speed direct drive in which the output rotary member is driven at the same speed as the input member, or to produce a reduced output speed. The input member comprises an inner drum driven by centrifugally actuated clutch shoes in turn driven by an input shaft. A second set of clutch shoes is interposed between the inner drum and the output member consisting of an outer drum, which clutch shoes are designed to be centrifugally disengaged to produce a controlled slip between the inner and outer drums to reduce the output speed. In the high speed mode, the inner and outer drums are latched together to rotate at the same speed by a pivotally mounted latch mounted on the outer drum and an expanding spring element mounted to the inner drum, with engagement between the latch and expanding spring taking place at a predetermined rate of rotation of the inner drum to establish high speed drive.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of a vehicle's gear box. The apparaus generates electrical signals which are proportional to the vehicle's speed, the speed of the vehicle's engine, and the position of the vehicle's throttle.These signals are used to compute which gear is to be engaged at any particular instant, and where necessary, gear selection signals are generated. The gear selection signals are used to actuate the vehicle's clutch, and to control solenoids which manipulate the gear box.

Abstract: An impending kickback condition is the operation of a power tool or machine tool system is sensed and used to control or eliminate the kickback. The ability to sense an impending kickback condition can be used in all categories of power driven tools. The change in force applied to the power driven tool or other implement is monitored by measuring the rate of change of speed of the tool or implement, and if the speed is decreasing, the rate of change of speed is compared with a threshold value which may be either preset or variable. If this threshold value is exceeded, an output control signal is generated which inhibits the coupling of power to the tool or other implement and/or applies a brake to stop the tool or implement. In order for power to once again be coupled from the motive power source to the shaft, the start switch must be opened and then reclosed or some other signal provided by the operator or another predetermined condition must be met.

Abstract: A torque limiting coupling comprises rotary input and output members which are interconnected for limited torque transmission therebetween by coupling elements secured respectively to such members which are caused at a predetermined or overload torque to oscillate pivotally thus limiting the torque transmitted. According to a preferred construction, the input and output members are coupled by gimballed joints which are yieldingly restrained from free swiveling for permitting transmission of torque. The yielding restraint permits only a limited torque to be transmitted such that, if such limited torque is exceeded, swiveling of the gimballed joints causes the input and output members to slip relative to each other.

Abstract: A vehicular gas turbine engine power system includes an engine, an automatic clutch, a service clutch and an infinitely variable transmission coupled successively along a power train. A vehicle control system controls engine speed, transmission ratio and automatic clutch engagement in response to operator selected ground speed and engine speed commands as well as other vehicle conditions. The vehicle control system operates in a manual mode to maintain engine speed as commanded by an operator or in an automatic mode to maintain an engine speed which will minimize fuel consumption. The transmission ratio is controlled for fixed rate vehicle acceleration toward a commanded speed if sufficient power is available. Otherwise ground speed is cut back to match required power with available power. However, ground speed cut back is limited as a safety feature and disengagement of the automatic clutch prevents engine stall when the engine becomes overloaded.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch designed for use with engine starters and the like whereby the starter may apply its output to start the engine without damage due to overspeed of critical starting motor components after the engine has started and obtained running speed.The overrunning clutch of this invention is provided with two splines. The first a straight spline which allows axial translation of the starter output shaft and a second helical spline which assists in engagement and disengagement of interlocking face clutch jaws between the input drive shaft and the output drive shaft. A centrifugally restrained clutch engagement spring in combination with the helical spline permits overrunning with minimum wear of the face clutch jaws.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a control apparatus for an oil pressure operated transmission in an automotive vehicle. The apparatus comprises a transmission with at least two stages of low speed and high speed forward driving trains and it is so arranged that, in an automatic shift range of a manual valve connected through first oil passage to an oil pressure source, low speed and high speed oil pressure clutches are selectively supplied with pressure oil through a shift valve in communication with the manual valve through a second oil passage. In a hold range of the manual valve, the valve is interposed between the low speed oil pressure clutch and the shift valve means for dividing the oil passage into third oil passage on its upstream side and fourth oil passage on its downstream side, having no communication between third and fourth passage and establishing a communication between fourth and first oil passage without through the shift valve means.

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: A sewing machine has a main drive shaft to which is drivingly coupled the output member of a coupling motor unit, the latter including an electric motor having a constantly rotating output shaft, a braking structure, and electrically controlled electromagnets for causing the output member to engage and become disengaged from the output shaft and the braking structure to increase and decrease the rpm of the main drive shaft of the machine. An rpm regulator has first and second inputs for receipt of a desired-rpm command signal and an actual-rpm feedback signal. The actual-rpm feedback signal is generated using a pole wheel rotating synchronously with the sewing-machine drive shaft and a plurality of pick-up transducers spaced along the pole-wheel periphery. During pole-wheel rotation, an A.C. voltage is induced in each such pick-up transducer. The spacing of the transducers relative to the spacing of the poles of the pole wheel is such that these induced voltages are phase-shifted relative to one another.

Abstract: A drive transfer assembly for a low profile vehicle. The assembly is mounted to a differential housing and includes an input and axially aligned output shafts. One of the output shafts is preferably a pinion shaft for the primary axle differential. A clutch is operative under certain conditions to drive the other output shaft. A spring biased disc clutch is disclosed. The transfer assembly will provide a full four-wheel drive in the clutch engaged mode of operation and in the other mode of operation, depending upon the size of biasing force of the springs employed, may either deliver some proportion of the available torque to the auxiliary axle or allow the auxiliary axle to run free as in a conventional vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular gas turbine engine power system includes an engine, an automatic clutch, a service clutch and an infinitely variable transmission coupled successively along a power train. A vehicle control system controls engine speed, transmission ratio and automatic clutch engagement in response to operator selected ground speed and engine speed commands as well as other vehicle conditions. The vehicle control system operates in a manual mode to maintain engine speed as commanded by an operator or in an automatic mode to maintain an engine speed which will minimize fuel consumption. The transmission ratio is controlled for fixed rate vehicle acceleration toward a commanded speed if sufficient power is available. Otherwise ground speed is cut back to match required power with available power. However, ground speed cut back is limited as a safety feature and disengagement of the automatic clutch prevents engine stall when the engine becomes overloaded.

Abstract: An automatic electronic remote control system is provided which is particularly adapted to control the operation of clutches for a hydraulic torque converter in a vehicle. Responsive to operating conditions, the system produces different control signals depending on whether the ratio of the frequencies of two series of pulses is above or below a predetermined value, the pulse frequencies being related to the rotational speeds of the input and output axes of the converter. The system includes two n-bit binary ring counters which respectively receive the two series of pulses, one of the countersbeing effective to control the other so that a signal representing the actual value of the ratio in question is produced in binary form. This signal is decoded to produce the control signal referred to above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for driving a transfer beam for handling relatively heavy loads, comprising in the case of a beam having a rack rigidly associated therewith. Said device consists essentially of a transmission incorporating between the driving motor and the pinion in meshing engagement with the rack a clutch and a brake both controlled by electromagnetic means, servo means for supplying electric current to each electromagnetic control of said clutch and brake, and a pair of servo-generators adapted to monitor the one the acceleration phase of the transfer beam from the standstill position of said beam and the other the deceleration phase before stopping the beam.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine drive system capable of starting a second, driven unit in a slow, nondisruptive manner is provided which utilizes an electromechanical clutch between the dynamoelectric machine system and the second, driven unit. The clutch includes first and second members having a clutch face arranged in abutting relationship. The clutch face of one of the first and second members is constructed from a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction. During start, the clutch mating surfaces permit relative rotational movement between the first and second members. Means for controlling the application of electrical energy to the electromechanical clutch includes means for applying a first voltage to the clutch during start-up of the dynamoelectric machine, and means for automatically applying a second, higher voltage as the driven unit comes to operational speed.

Abstract: The disclosure herein is concerned with an automatic transmission in which rotation of an input shaft engages a first centrifugal clutch assembly which, in turn, drives reduction planetary gears and, as the input speed picks up, a second centrifugal clutch assembly comes into play whereby the entire system between the input and output shafts rotates as a unit. The clutch assembly consists of an extensible roller bearing provided with a series of circumferentially spaced openings in which are received roller weights arranged in pair and in contacting engagement with adjacent surfaces of pressure discs which, together with co-acting clutch discs, also form part of the clutch assembly.