Abstract: A system for controlling clutch current of an electromagnetic clutch at release of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle in a low vehicle speed range. The clutch is disengaged when the accelerator pedal is released in the low vehicle speed range. The disengagement of the clutch and reduction of an engine are delayed so s to prevent oscillaiton of the speed of a power transmission system.

Abstract: A magnetic particle clutch is provided for use as a clutch or brake. The clutch is particularly useful in a helicopter steering subassembly. The clutch has an inner rotor and an outer drum with a common axis. The inner rotor has a shaft on which the outer drum is journaled. Between the inner rotor and the outer drum is a cylindrical working cavity, which contains magnetic powder. The outer drum has a peripheral coil and has exterior slip rings for actuating the coil. Axial flux lines caused by the actuated coil pass through the magnetic powder, causing a chain-like linking of particles of powder, which results in a shear force and torque between outer drum and inner rotor. In order to prevent shifting of the powder within the cylindrical cavity during tilting of the clutch, a series of conical and radial cavities are disposed at each end of the cylindrical cavity and connecting thereto. The conical and radial cavities at each end act like powder guides.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an electromagnetic powder clutch connected to a vehicle engine and including a coil for engaging the powder clutch to transmit an output torque of the engine as a function of an electric current to be applied to the coil such that a variation in the engine torque is absorbed by a slip of the powder clutch. An optimum amount of slip of the powder clutch is determined based on a currently required engine output and a detected output speed of the clutch. A basic control value for controlling a magnitude of the electric current to be applied to the coil is determined based on the detected engine torque, such that the determined magnitude of the electric current permits engagement of the clutch so as to transmit the detected engine output torque. The basic control value is compensated for the determined optimum amount of slip of the clutch, thereby adjusting the transmission torque of the clutch so as to absorb the variation in the output torque of the engine.

Abstract: A system has a start mode in which clutch torque of the clutch increases with increase of speed of an engine of the motor vehicle, a lock-up engagement mode in which the clutch torque is increased, and a drag mode in which the clutch torque is reduced to produce a drag torque, one of the modes being selected in accordance with depression of the accelerator pedal and speed of the vehicle. When a vehicle speed detector does not produce a vehicle speed signal for a predetermined period in the start mode at engine speed higher than a predetermined speed, a fail-safe signal is produced. In response to the fail-safe signal, the system operates to keep clutch torque.

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: A system for controlling an electromagnetic clutch for a motor vehicle at starting of the motor vehicle. When the clutch slips and engine speed does not change, a stall signal representing a stall condition is produced. A reference clutch current is provided in accordance with opening degree of a throttle valve of the engine at the stall condition. Clutch current in the stall condition is controlled so as to coincide with the reference clutch current.

Abstract: A system for slipping an electromagnetic clutch when a motor vehicle is driven at a low speed in a closed choke valve condition. The system is provided with a choke switch for producing a choke signal, accelerator pedal position switch for producing a release signal and a vehicle speed signal detector in order to reduce current passing in the clutch to cause the clutch to slip at the release of an accelerator pedal in a low vehicle speed range. The slipping is controlled to keep the vehicle speed constant.

Abstract: An electroviscous fluid actuated device, such as a clutch, comprises relatively rotatable electrode plates (10,11) defining a gap (12) therebetween of 2 mm to 5 mm width. An electroviscous fluid in the gap (12) becomes "solid" when a pulsating d.c. is applied to the plates. Slippage can be controlled by controlling the peak value of the pulsating d.c.The electroviscous fluid comprises a suspension of starch in silicone oil, having a ratio by weight of at least 1:1.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluid which exhibits excellent electrorheological properties at low current densities, at high temperatures, and in the complete absence of absorbed water or water of hydration. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid comprises lithium hydrazinium sulfate dispersed in silicone oil, and in the presence of an appropriate suspension stabilizing agent.

Abstract: An automatic power transmitting system for an automotive vehicle, wherein the operation of an electromagnetic clutch is automatically controlled in response to automatic shifting actions of a constant-mesh transmission by synchromesh devices. The powder clutch includes a driving rotor unit having an outer yoke and an inner yoke which cooperate to define therebetween an annular space in which a thin-walled cylindrical member of a driven rotor unit is disposed, such that the cylindrical member cooperates with at least one of the outer and inner yokes to define at least one powder gap. A small thickness of the cylindrical member assures a minimum of rotational energy consumption by the synchromesh devices. A damper may be disposed so as to connect the driven rotor unit and the input shaft of the constant-mesh transmission, so as to provide a damping effect for preventing a rapid change in an amount of torque transmitted from the driven rotor unit to the input shaft.

Abstract: A control system for an electromagnetic clutch of a motor vehicle. Idling speed of an engine of the vehicle is increased for providing a fast idle state when a choke valve of the engine is closed. In the fast idle state, initial clutch current is reduced for engaging the clutch at depression of an accelerator pedal, and thereafter the clutch current increasing rate is quickly increased when the engine speed and throttle opening degree become large. When the accelerator pedal is quickly depressed, the reduced rate is increased in accordance with opening degree of a throttle valve for providing quick start of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electromagnetic clutch of an engine for a motor vehicle having a transmission. The system has various sensors such as an engine speed sensor, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting low vehicle speed, an accelerator pedal position sensor for detecting the acceleration of the engine, and a selector lever position sensor. The system has a computing unit for determining the clutch current at the beginning of engagement of the electromagnetic clutch. The rate of change of clutch current with respect to engine speed increases as the acceleration of engine speed increases.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of controlling an electromagnetic clutch incorporated in a power transmission system of a vehicle to transmit an output of an engine to the drive wheels of the vehicle is disclosed. An amount of electric current applied to the clutch is regulated to control an engaging action of said electromagnetic clutch, based on either a variation in rotating speed or torque of an output shaft of the electromagnetic clutch, or based on the frequency or number of variations per unit time in rotating speed or torque of the output shaft, as compared with the frequency or number of ignitions or combustions per unit time of the engine. In this way a variation in output torque of the engine is absorbed by the electromagnetic clutch for improved drivability, while a transmission power loss in the clutch is kept to a minimum for maximum fuel economy.

Abstract: An electromagnetic powder clutch of double-gap type comprising a first rotary member, a second rotary member and a labyrinth device. The first rotary member has a first friction surface, and a second friction surface which is disposed radially inwardly of and opposite to the first friction surface. The second rotary member of an annular shape incorporates therein an annular solenoid coil and has a wall thickness sufficient to accommodate the solenoid coil. The second rotary member is disposed between the first and second friction surfaces of the first rotary member, and has a radially outer friction surface opposite to the first friction surface and a radially inner friction surface opposite to the second friction surface.

Abstract: A magnetic particle clutch or brake structure is provided having a magnetic coupling element comprising a disk and at least one cup formed as an annular and coaxial peripheral flange at the periphery of the disk. The coupling element is mounted between two pole pieces, and a single electromagnetic energizing coil unit is provided which is arranged so as to cause the magnetic flux to pass through the disk and cup in series. The pole pieces are coupled together by an arrangement of magnetic and non-magnetic elements so as to provide for efficient direction of the magnetic flux in the manner contemplated by the invention. The invention is susceptible of being modified by having two cups attached to the same disk.

Abstract: A system is provided with an electromagnetic clutch for transmitting the output of an engine to a transmission. During deceleration of a vehicle by closing a throttle valve to an idling position, when the clutch is disengaged at a low vehicle speed, a transmission ratio control valve is operated to upshift the transmission, whereby the speed of a drive pulley of the transmission is decreased to the engine idling speed.

Abstract: A system for controlling the clutch current of an electromagnetic clutch for a vehicle which has a transmission and a gear shift lever for changing change-speed gears in the transmission. A shift lever switch is operated when the shift lever is operated passing through a neutral position. A logic gate circuit is provided to respond to a signal of the shift lever switch for cutting off the clutch current. A timer is responsive to the disappearance of the signal upon engagement of the gears for producing an output with a delay, for opening the logic gate circuit, whereby the cluch remains disengaged for a predetermined period after engagement of the gears.

Abstract: A system for controlling clutch torque for a vehicle which has a transmission and an electromagnetic clutch provided between an engine and the transmission, the clutch current being increasing with increase of engine speed. The system comprises an engine speed sensor for sensing the speed of the engine and for producing an engine speed signal in proportion to the engine speed, and an acceleration detecting switch for producing an acceleration signal.A vehicle speed detecting unit is provided for sensing the vehicle speed and for producing an output when the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined value at a low engine speed.A clutch current control unit is provided to respond to the output of the vehicle speed detecting unit and to the acceleration signal for increasing the clutch current along at an inclination up to a rated current.

Abstract: An electrically controlled, progressive, frictional, torque transmitting device comprises a rotary element 1, 2, a proportion of the rotary power available from the rotary element 1, 2, being used, under the control of a direct electrical signal, to determine the degree of engagement of a frictional device 3, and hence the torque transmitted or absorbed by the torque transmitting device, thereby avoiding the requirement for an additional power source to activate the frictional device whole.

Abstract: A system for controlling the clutch torque of an electromagnetic clutch for a vehicle, having an accelerator pedal switch for producing an output signal when an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is released. A clutch current circuit including a transistor is provided for controlling the clutch current passing through a coil of the electromagnetic clutch. A logic gate circuit is provided to be responsive to the output signal of the accelerator pedal switch for controlling the transistor so as to decrease the clutch current to a low value approximating zero for a moment and thereafter to gradually increase the current to a predetermined value. The second circuit comprises a logic gate circuit and a pulse train generating circuit responsive to the output signal of the accelerator switch for producing a pulse train controlled by the logic gate circuit, and the duty ratio of the pulse train gradually varies so as to gradually increase the clutch current.

Abstract: A system for controlling the clutch torque of an electromagnetic clutch for a vehicle having an accelerator pedal switch for producing an output signal when an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is depressed. A clutch current circuit including a transistor is provided for controlling the clutch current passing through a coil of the electromagnetic clutch. A logic gate circuit is provided responsive to the output signal of the accelerator pedal switch for controlling the transistor so as to decrease the clutch current to a low value and thereafter to gradually increase the current to a rated value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an electromagnetic clutch of a vehicle to transmit a torque of the engine to the drive wheels through an engaging action thereof which is effected by a solenoid, a clutch torque to be transmitted by the clutch being varied as a function of an electric current to energize the solenoid so as to be increased with an actual speed of the engine during the engaging action of the clutch. The method or apparatus comprises: a step or device for detecting a currently required output of the engine during a period of the engaging action of the clutch; and a step or device for changing a rate of increase in the electric current relative to the actual speed of the engine, so that the rate of increase is increased as the required output of the engine is decreased. The clutch may be of magnetic powder type.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an electromagnetic clutch which is incorporated in a power transmission system of a vehicle to transmit an output of an engine to drive wheels, and which includes a solenoid to be energized for an engaging action of the electromagnetic clutch to transmit a torque of the engine to the drive wheels, the torque to be transmitted by the clutch being varied as a function of an electric current to energize the solenoid.

Abstract: A magnetic particle type electromagnetic coupling apparatus comprises a first coupling body having a coupling surface at its inner circumferential part, a second coupling body constituted by two members divided in the axial direction which is placed inside the coupling surface of the first coupling body and has a coupling surface connectable to the coupling surface of the first coupling body, magnetic particles filled between the coupling surfaces, an electromagnetic coil received in the second coupling body to magnetize the magnetic particles thereby controlling connection between the coupling surfaces, a rotary body placed at the inner circumferential part of the second coupling body so as to transmit torque and a damper means which is placed between the second coupling body and the rotary body so as to transmit torque and which is sealingly held between the two members of the second coupling body.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling transmits torque between a first and a second relatively rotatable rotary member through the use of magnetically solidified magnetic particles between the air gap defined between the rotary members. The coupling comprises a plurality of cooling fins on the outer periphery of the outer rotary member opposite to the inner pole face of the member, thereby efficiently cooling undesired heat generated in the magnetic particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a magnetic particle clutch for use of a vehicle. The magnetic particle clutch is provided between an engine and a belt type continuously varible transmission, and is designed to commence to slip before a torque transmitting belt commences to slip on the pulleys of the continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: A control system for a belt-drive infinitely variable transmission. The transmission is connected to a crankshaft of an engine through an electromagnetic clutch. The control system is provided with an engine speed signal producing circuit, a vehicle speed producing circuit and an arithmetic circuit for controlling the clutch current flowing through the coil of the clutch in dependency on the engine speed signal and vehicle speed signal. The arithmetic circuit is so arranged as to cut off the clutch current when the engine speed decreases to a predetermined value which is slightly higher than an engine speed at which the engine stalls during shiftdown operation of the transmission.

Abstract: A gearshift system for an automobile with an electromagnetic powder clutch and a transmission having four forward-gear sets. The system comprises a first synchronizing device for selectively engaging a second speed gear and a fourth speed gear with an output shaft of the transmission, a second synchronizing device for selectively engaging a first speed gear and a third speed gear with the output shaft, a first shifter arm for operating the first synchronizing device, and a second shifter arm for operating the second synchronizing device. A select lever is provided to engage one of the first and second shifter arms. The select lever is operated by a manual shift lever for shifting one of the shifter arms. Further, the select lever is moved by an electric actuator so as to engage with one of the shifter arms for the selection of the synchronizing device.

Abstract: A gearshift system for an automobile with an electromagnetic powder clutch and a transmission having four forward-gear sets. The system comprises a first synchronizing device for selectively engaging a second speed gear and a fourth speed gear with an output shaft of the transmission, a second synchronizing device for selectively engaging a first speed gear and a third speed gear with the output shaft, a first shifter arm for operating the first synchronizing device, and a second shifter arm for operating the second synchronizing device. A select lever is provided to engage one of the first and second shifter arms. The select lever is operated by a manual shift lever for shifting one of the shifter arms. Further, the select lever is moved by an electric actuator so as to engage with one of the shifter arms for the selection of the synchronizing device.

Abstract: A gearshift apparatus for an automobile with an electromagnetic powder clutch and a transmission having four forward-gear trains. The apparatus comprises a first synchronizing device for selectively engaging a second speed gear and a fourth speed gear with an output shaft of the transmission, a second synchronizing device for selectively engaging a first speed gear and a third speed gear with the output shaft, a shift lever for operating the first synchronizing device and the second synchronizing device. An actuating rod is provided for operatively connecting the shift lever with the first and second synchronizing devices. The shift lever is rotatably supported on a holding lever which is rotatably about an axis. The axis is substantially coaxial with the actuating rod. The holding lever is held in a range for operating the first synchronizing device and a range for operating the second synchronizing device by engagement of a spring loaded ball and in grooves.

Abstract: A system for controlling stall speed for an electromagnetic clutch having a magnetizing coil for engaging a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine with an input shaft of a transmission of a vehicle. A transistor switching circuit for allowing clutch current to flow through the magnetizing coil, and an electric circuit for producing pulses dependent on ignition pulses of the engine are provided for intermittently turning on the transistor for energizing the coil. A circuit including a time constant circuit and a switching transistor is provided for decreasing duty ratio of the pulses and for decreasing the clutch current. Switches are provided for detecting a heavy load condition at starting of the vehicle and for producing an output signal. The output signal is latched by a flip-flop and applied to the switching transistor thereby to decrease the duty ratio of the pulses for decreasing the clutch current with respect to the engine speed.

Abstract: A control system for a belt-drive continuously variable transmission. The transmission is connected to a crankshaft of an engine through an electromagnetic powder clutch. The control system has a vacuum switch which is closed by rapid release of an accelerator pedal for producing engine braking effect, a gate circuit including a NOR gate, and an astable multivibrator. The NOR gate is opened for a short time decided by a time constant circuit, and the multivibrator supplies pulses through the NOR gate to a switching transistor provided in a circuit of the electromagnetic clutch for periodically opening the transistor during the opening of the NOR gate. Thus, the electromagnetic clutch is intermittently engaged for providing partial engagement of the clutch for the short time.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electro-magnetic clutch of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle, which is capable of eliminating residual magnetism during operation of a shift lever of a transmission. The electro-magnetic clutch has a drive member secured to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, a magnetizing coil provided in the drive member and a driven member adjacent said drive member. A neutral switch is provided for detecting when the shift lever is in a neutral position and a shift lever switch is provided for producing a signal during operation of the shift lever for the transmission. Both signals of the neutral switch and the shift lever switch are fed to a control circuit. The control circuit is so arranged that the current flowing through the magnetizing coil is inverted in dependency on the output signals of the neutral switch and shift lever switch, so that the residual magnetism in the clutch may be eliminated.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electro-magnetic clutch of an internal combustion engine mounted on a car which is capable of eliminating residual magnetism during the deceleration of the car. The electro-magnetic clutch has a drive member secured to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, a driven member adjacent the drive member and a magnetizing coil provided in one of the members. An accelerator switch is provided for detecting the deceleration of the car and a car speed switch is provided for producing a signal when the car speed decreases below a predetermined speed. Both of output signals of the accelerator switch and the car speed switch are fed to a control circuit. The control circuit is such that the current flowing through the magnetizing coil is inverted upon occurrence of these output signals of the accelerator switch and the car speed switch, so that the residual magnetism in the clutch is eliminated.

Abstract: A system for a four-wheel drive vehicle for automatically changing the transmission of the engine of the vehicle from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive when braking. The transmission transmits power from the engine to two main driving wheels, and an electromagnetic clutch having a magnetizing coil is provided for transmitting the power of the engine to the two-wheels. A brake switch is provided for producing a signal when the brake pedal is depressed a predetermined stroke, and a control circuit is provided for allowing the clutch current to pass through the coil of the electromagnetic clutch when the signal from the brake switch is applied.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electro-magnetic clutch of an internal combustion engine mounted on a car, which has a drive member secured to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, a magnetizing coil provided in the drive member, a driven member adjacent the drive member, and a transmission secured to the driven member. An engine speed detecting circuit is provided for producing an output when the engine speed exceeds a predetermined speed in an accelerating condition, the output signal being retained until the engine speed falls below a speed different from the predetermined speed. A gate is responsive to the output of the engine speed detecting circuit for producing an output which is applied to a switching transistor. The transistor is turned on by the output, so that a rated current passes through the magnetizing coil for engaging the clutch.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electromagnetic clutch of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle, which is capable of eliminating the residual magnetism during operation of a shift lever of a transmission. The electromagnetic clutch has a drive member secured to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, a driven member adjacent the drive member, and a magnetizing coil provided in one of the members. A neutral switch is provided for detecting when the shift lever is in a neutral position and a switch for detecting acceleration is provided for producing a signal when the engine is not accelerated. Both signals of the switches are fed to a control circuit. The control circuit is so arranged that the current flowing through the magnetizing coil is inverted in dependency on the output signals, so that the residual magnetism in the clutch may be eliminated.

Abstract: An electro-rheological fluid is used as a transmission fluid between confronting, rotatable sets of clutch plates across which a potential difference can be applied so as to vary the viscous shear characteristic of the interjacent fluid. Differential arrangements of the clutch plates ensure cancellation of residual drag effects and the clutch can be electrically varied substantially from complete disengagement to solid engagement.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrically controlling the application and release of aircraft brakes. In one embodiment, the invention includes a slurry clutch controlling a reciprocating member which is operatively connected to the pressure plate. In another embodiment of the invention, a torque motor is adapted to have an armature which comprises a ball screw, the ball screw being in engagement with a longitudinal drive rod interconnected with the pressure plate. Rotation of the armature causes the drive rod to move the pressure plate into forceful engagement with the brake disk stack or to retract the same. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of torque motors are interconnected with a bull gear which is operative for driving the pressure plate.

Abstract: A system for preventing overheat of an electromagnetic clutch of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle, which has a drive member secured to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, magnetizing coil provided in the drive member, a driven member adjacent to the drive member, and a transmission secured to the driven member. A detecting circuit is provided for detecting the temperature of the clutch for producing an electrical output. An electric circuit is provided to respond to the output of the detecting circuit for rapidly increasing the clutch current, so that the clutch is entirely engaged in a short time, whereby the overheat by slippage of the clutch may be prevented.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electro-magnetic powder clutch of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle comprises a transmission, a 2nd switch adapted to be closed in the 2nd speed stage of the transmission, a thermo switch adapted to be closed at a predetermined temperature of the clutch, and a control circuit. The control circuit is so arranged that the current to the magnetizing coil of the clutch increases with an increase of the rotational speed of the engine and that when the 2nd switch and the thermal switch are closed, the current in the 2nd speed stage steeply increases so as to be impossible to start the vehicle in the 2nd speed.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electromagnetic clutch of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle, in accordance with the engine speed and vehicle speed. The electro-magnetic clutch has a drive member secured to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, a magnetizing coil provided in the drive member, and a driven member adjacent said drive member. A shift lever switch produces a signal during the operation of a shift lever for the transmission. A speed sensor detects the speed of said vehicle producing a signal when the speed exceeds a predetermined value, and a clutch hold switch produces a signal when the speed of the engine exceeds a predetermined value. Both signals are fed to a control circuit. The control circuit maintains current through the magnetizing coil when the speed sensor and the clutch hold switch produce respective output signals.

Abstract: A housing for magnetic particle devices comprising first and second housing members adopted to be assembled in side-by-side axial relation, at least one of said housing members having an annular cavity formed extending inwardly on one side thereof adjacent to the other housing member, an annular tapered surface formed on the side of one of said housing members at an intermediate location radially of the annular cavity and a sidewardly extending annular flange formed on the other housing member for engaging the annular tapered surface to divide the annular cavity into inner and outer cavity portions when the first and second housing members are connected, the annular flange separating the cavity into separate portions on opposite sides thereof, and members connecting the first and second housing members together whereby the annular flange moves axially against and is deformed by engagement with the annular tapered surface to seal between the separate cavity portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a magnetic tensioning device comprising a rotatable outer housing and a magnetic assembly positioned in the interior of the outer housing. A space is provided between the outer housing and the magnetic assembly. A plurality of magnetic particles are positioned in the space between the magnetic assembly and the outer housing. The magnetic particles are held in place by the magnetic flux from the magnetic assembly and the magnetic particles magnetically couple the magnetic assembly and the outer housing. Means for varying the size of the space between the magnetic assembly and the outer housing is provided. The varying of the size of the space varies the magnetic flux from the magnetic assembly and changes the magnetic coupling between the magnetic assembly and the outer housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotary viscous damper using a magnetic fluid as the damping medium. The damper comprises a permanent magnet rotor enclosed in a magnetically permeable housing. The magnetic fluid fills the space between the rotor and the housing and is held in place using magnetic forces generated by the magnet rotor. The torque of damper may be varied by changing the viscosity of the magnetic fluid or the level of the magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: A power plant and drive system for an automotive vehicle includes a constant speed 120 volt 3 phase AC motor which is coupled to the drive shaft of the vehicle through a magnetic particle clutch. The 120 volt 3 phase AC motor receives energy from a 120 volt AC alternator which is coupled to the motor through a one to three phase converter and connected in tandem to three 12 V DC alternators. The system further includes a battery driven 12 volt DC motor and a 5 cubic inch gas motor. Some of the energy generated by the 12 volt DC alternators is used to recharge the batteries that power the 12 volt DC motor. In normal operation, the alternators are driven solely by the 12 volt DC motor; however, when the voltage in the batteries becomes lower than 6 volts the alternators are driven solely by the gas motor, thus allowing the batteries to recharge to their normal level. Speed control of the vehicle is achieved by varying the coupling strength of the magnetic particle clutch.

Abstract: Signal-processing apparatus for use with industrial instrumentation systems and the like, and comprising memory means to maintain a signal level for long time periods without drift. An input signal level is translated into the positioning of a movable member, through the use of an actuator motor controlled by the input signal and a position feedback signal. A friction device is coupled to the movable member to hold it in any given position, thereby to serve as a memory for the input signal level. The friction device comprises a thin vane-like element which is secured to the movable member and disposed in the air-gap of a permanent magnet. The air-gap also includes a mass of tiny magnetizable particles which, under the influence of the magnetic field, engage the surfaces of the vane-like element to develop a frictional restraining force.