Abstract: An electric motor construction particularly for subway train electric motors which utilize fan induced air cooling to cool the motor windings. The invention exhibits utility in saving power to drive the fan. The fan is coupled to the motor armature by a fluid coupling. The fluid coupling is so constructed that at relatively high temperatures the torque delivered to the fan by the motor armature does not increase proportionally or correspondingly as at relatively low rotor speeds. On one embodiment, a fluid coupling utilizing variation of shear liquid viscosity with both temperature and shear rate is employed. In a second embodiment, the amount of fluid in the fluid coupling is varied with variations in temperature.

Abstract: The viscous fluid coupling is comprised of a drive shaft having a hollow casing rotatably mounted thereon with one end of the drive shaft extending into the hollow casing. The interior of the casing is divided into a reservoir chamber and an operating chamber by means of a dividing plate secured within the housing. The rotor on the end of the shaft is rotatably mounted within the operating chamber and a thermostatically responsive valve member is rotatably mounted within the reservoir chamber for controlling the flow of fluid through a first passage extending through the divider plate. A centrifugally responsive valve member is located within the divider plate for providing additional control of the fluid through the first passage from the reservoir chamber to the operating chamber.

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: The invention provides a baffle arrangement for increasing the return flow pressure for clutch fluid in a fluid friction clutch of the type having a rotatable driving disk disposed to rotate in a work space of a relatively rotatable housing. The work space is separated by an intermediate disk fixed to the housing and clutch fluid return bore means are provided at the periphery of the intermediate disk. In order to prevent wearing of the baffle member and also to accommodate fixation of the baffle member in a minimum thickness clutch construction, the baffle member is supported at the intermediate disk in an oblong hole adjacent to the circumference thereof. The baffle member is guided for movement between respective circumferential end positions in the oblong hole, is axially fixed by a retaining washer or the like to the intermediate disk, and is guided so as to be radially immovable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damming arrangement for controlling the return flow of clutch fluid in a fluid friction clutch of the type having a rotatable driving disk disposed to rotate in a work space of a relatively rotatable housing. The work space is separated by an intermediate disk fixed to the housing and a pair of clutch fluid return bores are provided at the periphery of the intermediate disk diametrically opposite one another. To optimize the guidance of the return flow of clutch fluid from the working space to the storage space, damming bodies are disposed adjacent the return bores, which damming bodies include a first guide surface portion extending radially inwardly of the return bores in a diagonal direction corresponding to the rotational direction of the driving disk and a second guide surface portion radially outwardly of the return bore extending diagonally outwardly and opposite of the rotational direction of the driving disk.

Abstract: A torque-limiting clutch includes an input member, an output member, and a friction element relatively movable to an engaged position for frictionally engaging the clutch and to a disengaged position in which the clutch is disengaged. An actuating device develops a clutch-engaging force tending to move the friction element relatively to its engaged position and thereby effect clutch engagement at a predetermined torque load setting. A thermal spring responsive to a small temperature increase develops a clutch-disengaging force tending to move the friction element relatively to its disengaged position and thereby effect rapid clutch disengagement. The thermal spring is formed from a shape memory effect material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid friction clutch assembly, comprising a drive shaft; a primary disk mounted for rotation on the drive shaft; a driven clutch housing surrounding the primary disk and being rotatably supported with respect to the drive shaft, the clutch housing containing a partition therein defining a work chamber and a reservoir separated by the partition, wherein the partition includes in its radially outer area at least one overflow opening closeable by means of a valve lever comprised of a magnetic material and a return flow orifice associated with pump means for pumping a viscous torque-transmitting medium from the work chamber to the reservoir; a pulley member mounted on the drive shaft for driving the shaft and means, associated with the pulley member, for selectively magnetically actuating the valve lever, in order to selectively open and close the overflow opening.

Abstract: A temperature responsive fluid coupling device which can precisely control the transmitting torque between an input coupling member driven and an output coupling member in three steps in response to changes of ambient temperature of the output coupling member. The fluid coupling device includes two labyrinth operating chambers functioning as a torque transmitting mechanism, and each operating chamber includes a fluid return opening and a pumping mechanism.

Abstract: A fan device is provided with a brake which uses a temperature responsive coil made of a shape memory alloy. The brake anchors the rotation of a fan blade when the temperature responsive coil assumes an extended shape where it urges a brake element into a brake apply position.

Abstract: A temperature-responsive fluid coupling device for driving a cooling fan of an internal combustion engine includes a ball check valve mechanism which is installed in a fluid return passage and a pumping passage, respectively. The valve mechanism comprises a ball check valve positioned in a slidable state in a radial direction, a spring biasing the check valve toward a closed position thereof, and a cap member supporting the spring and limiting a distance of a sliding movement of the check valve.

Abstract: A coupling for use in a transmission system and between coaxial rotary members which are arranged for driving engagement through axially engaging teeth thereon, one of said members being connected, directly or indirectly by helical splines to a further part such that in normal rotation, the said one member has a force exerted upon it tending to separate the teeth, such force being resisted by a fusible element which will melt when temperature rises above a predetermined value, melting of said element permitting axial movement of said one member relatively to said further part, through the splines to permit disengagement of the teeth, bearings supporting said further part, being substantially free from axial loading and spring means being provided for preventing re-engagement of the teeth after the element has melted.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved attachment arrangement and method for attaching a temperature responsive bi-metallic strip to the housing of a fluid friction clutch of the type having a rotatable disk disposed to rotate in a work space of a relatively rotatable housing. The work space is separated from a clutch fluid reservoir by an intermediate disk fixed to the housing and the flow of clutch fluid into the work space is controlled by a valve lever which is movably mounted for controlling the opening of a bore through the intermediate disk. The valve lever is in turn controlled by a temperature responsive bi-metallic strip mounted at the cover of the housing and a movable member extending through the housing cover and engageable with the bi-metallic strip and the valve lever. The bi-metallic strip is held in place by being clamped under ribs provided at the front side of the housing cover and is held by means of tongues at the bi-metallic strip which are abuttingly engageable with the cooling ribs.

Abstract: A system for preventing the overheating of an electromagnetic clutch of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle caused by slipping of the clutch for a considerably long time. The electromagnetic clutch has a drive member secured to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, a driven member adjacent to the drive member, and a magnetizing coil provided in one of said members. The heat quantity generated in the clutch is calculated by an operation circuit. A clutch current control circuit is provided such that when the heat quantity exceeds a predetermined value, the electromagnetic clutch is applied with a rated clutch current to engage the clutch without slipping for preventing overheating by the slipping.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device is disclosed of the type including an output coupling (13) and an input coupling member (11). The speed of operation of the coupling device is determined by the amount of fluid in the operating chamber (37), and fluid communication from the reservoir chamber (41) into the operating chamber is controlled by movement of a valve arm (49) relative to a fill opening (50). The fill opening includes an outer edge (79) which is disposed at an angle relative to a radial line, such that the valving is of the modulating type, i.e., movement of the valve arm in response to increasing temperature results in radially outward movement of the outermost point of the flow area. In accordance with the invention, the valve arm defines an included open area (73) having a leading edge (74) and a trailing edge (75). The flow area is determined by the area of overlap (77,81) of the open area (73) and the fill opening (50).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic device, including a vaned rotor wheel, a vaned stator wheel and an electromagnetic clutch, is located, as a heater, in a cooling water circuit of an internal combustion machine and can be switched on and off as a function of the temperature of the medium to be monitored.In order to obtain a further use for such a hydrodynamic device, the latter is arranged in such a way that, in a switched position in which it is not effective for heating, it is effective as a hydrodynamic clutch for driving the water pump.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling which includes a primary coupling part having a pot-shaped pulley or sheave, and a secondary coupling part including a housing provided with a cover. The primary and secondary parts are supported relative to one another in such a manner that they can rotate and the pot-shaped pulley or sheave is located in a working compartment formed in the housing. The working compartment is connected by way of a recycling arrangement, including a bore in the cover, to a supply channel to enable a recycling of the coupling fluid. A circumferential surface of the pulley or sheave is provided with spiral or thread-like grooves. At least one baffle or dam body is provided in order to pump off the coupling fluid from the working compartment. The housing is provided, in an interior thereof, with a circumferentially extending channel having an axial length or width when extends over a portion of a depth or axial length of the pulley or sheave.

Abstract: A multi-speed fan drive apparatus is disclosed which includes a pair of concentric shafts rotatable relative a fixed support and carrying clutch plates engageable to stop rotation of the shafts relative the fixed support. A pair of different-sized sun gears are carried on the two shafts and are intermeshed with planet gears rotatably mounted upon a planet gear carrier. Drive means is provided for driving the planet gear carrier in a given direction and a ring gear, with a fan blade connected thereto, is intermeshed with the planet gears. Means are provided for stopping rotation of one or the other of the sun gears with respect to the fixed support, and also for causing the shafts and sun gears to rotate in unison with the planet gear carrier and therefore the ring gear, to obtain three speeds of operation.

Abstract: Speed and temperature responsive drive apparatus includes a friction clutch which may be interposed between a vehicle engine and its associated cooling system fan. The clutch is biased toward engagement by a conventional spring and also by a thermal spring. A bladder develops a centrifugal pressure upon rotation of the apparatus, which pressure relieves the biasing forces of both springs.

Abstract: A torque transmitting system for transmitting torque from a drive shaft of an engine to an output shaft without transmitting torque variation comprises a friction clutch unit interposed between these shafts, a fluid pressure-operated actuating unit for engaging and disengaging the friction clutch unit, operating condition detectors detecting the operation condition of the engine, and a rotation speed difference detector for detecting the rotation speed difference between the drive shaft and the output shaft. In the system, means are provided for setting the rotation speed difference between the shafts on the basis of the output signals from the operating condition detectors and for controlling the pressure of actuating fluid supplied to the fluid pressure-operated actuating unit so that the detected rotation speed difference approaches the pre-set rotation speed difference, whereby the torque can be transmitted from the drive shaft to the output shaft without any substantial variation.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling device is comprised of a drive rotor having axially extending annular projections on opposite surfaces thereof, a casing surrounding said rotor and having axially extending annular projections interposed between the annular projections on one side of said rotor, a separator disc secured within said casing to divide the interior of said casing into a reservoir chamber and a working chamber, said disc having axially extending annular projections interposed with the annular projections on the other surface of said rotor and having first and second openings angularly offset from each other at different radial distances, a valve strip slidably engaging said disc for controlling the opening and closing of the openings under the control of a temperature responsive bimetallic coil.

Abstract: A cooling fan device for use with an internal combustion engine in which there is provided a viscous fluid coupling operable to control the speed of rotation of a fan for cooling a radiator in response to variation in the temperature of the engine. A partition plate is provided in a fluid-tight chamber so as to divide the chamber into a working chamber and a reservoir chamber. The partition plate has two holes which allow fluid flow from the reservoir chamber to the working chamber. Two valves, one for each hole, are provided which are normally biased to close the holes. One of the valves is attached to a slidable plug which moves in response to temperature change; the other valve is positioned to be engaged by the first valve. Changeover valves control the movement of the plug by allowing suction air pressure or atmospheric air pressure to enter a diaphragm at one end of the plug as the engine temperature varies and thereby open or close the holes.

Abstract: A fluid-friction clutch for a cooling fan of an internal combustion engine, the clutch being fitted on the water-pump shaft which drives the impeller of a water pump for the internal combustion engine and being controlled by an expansion-type thermostat element which is located in a longitudinal bore through the water-pump shaft. Cooling water of the internal combustion engine is applied directly to the expansion-type thermostat element, this water being continuously conveyed through the longitudinal bore in the water-pump shaft by utilizing the pressure-difference created in the cooling water by the impeller of the water pump. In order to cool both the working chamber of the fluid-friction clutch and the clutch-bearing, a cooling line is arranged inside the working chamber and connected to the cooling-water circulation inside the longitudinal bore through the water-pump shaft.

Abstract: A cooling fan device for use with an internal combustion engine in which there is provided a viscous fluid coupling. A viscous fluid valve is operable to control the opening of a hole so as to regulate the flow of fluid from a working chamber to a reservoir chamber. The valve which is operated in response to the change in the temperature of the engine cooling water, is secured to a slidable plug which is surrounded by a diaphragm. A changover valve controls the admission of suction air (vacuum) or atmospheric air in response to the change in engine pressure.

Abstract: A viscous fan clutch (10) is typically employed in a fan drive mechanism within a truck or automobile. A shaft (12) driven by the engine, rotates a clutch member (24) within the fan drive. The clutch member is arranged for fluid engagement with a body member (42) for the transmission of torque thereto when the fluid is disposed in an operating chamber (70) defined by complimentary shear surfaces (30 & 56) in the clutch and body members. During relative rotation between the two members, fluid is pumped from the operating chamber to a storage chamber (76) through a return passage (111). Fluid is returned to the operating chamber via bleed ports (118). The return passage and bleed ports are selectively restricted by an electromagnetically controlled valve (112) which taps the kinetic energy of the rotating members. A control system (132) senses vehicle coolant temperature and actuates the valve as a function thereof.

Abstract: A self-contained fan clutch including a housing in which is contained a rotatable drive disc driven by a source of power connected to the housing and the drive disc. Also mounted within the housing is an annular piston having an annular piston portion reciprocable within a cylinder member, the piston portion carrying a friction facing engageable with the driven drive disc when the piston is actuated within the cylinder. The piston divides the cylinder into a high pressure side and a low pressure side with the piston, piston portion and cylinder carried by the housing with the housing having a series of fan blades mounted thereon.The cylinder member mounts a reciprocal pump plunger actuated by a cam mounted on the driven drive disc for pressurizing the high pressure side of the cylinder which causes the friction facing of the piston portion to engage the drive disc and be rotated together with the housing and fans thereon. The pump plunger is actuated by a thermal sensor pill.

Abstract: A look-up control system for a lock-up type automatic transmission wherein a torque converter locks up in a pattern when the engine temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature value, but is prevented from locking up in the pattern when the engine temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature value. During engine operation when the engine temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature value, the torque converter is allowed to lock up in a second pattern or prevented from locking up.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling assembly is used for driving a cooling fan of automobiles in order to prevent the overcooling of the engine and to reduce the loss of engine power. The assembly comprises an input coupling member driven by an engine, an output coupling member being able to rotate relatively to the input coupling member, a dividing plate dividing the inside of the output coupling member into a reservoir chamber for a viscous fluid and a working chamber, first and second torque transmission surfaces to transmit a torque by means of the viscous fluid, first and second openings, and a thermal responsive valve, thereby controlling the viscous fluid from the reservoir chamber to the working chamber in three steps in response to changes in temperature.

Abstract: A spring engaged fluid released fan clutch is disclosed. A sheave connected to a live shaft is connected to rotate with a friction disc. Encompassing the friction disc and rotatable relative thereto is an outer shell portion carrying fan blades. Connected for rotation with the outer shell portion and rotatably mounted on the friction disc is a cylinder plate. An annular piston, having a friction facing, is slidably mounted on a hub provided internally of the outer shell portion and is connected to rotate with the shell portion. Springs urge the piston with its friction facing into engagement with the friction disc to engage the clutch. Fluid pressure is introduced through the hub of said outer shell portion and into a cavity between the cylinder plate and the piston urging the piston away from the friction disc against the action of the springs to disengage the clutch.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling device of the type having an input member secured to a shaft for rotation therewith, an output member journaled on said shaft, a casing secured to said output member to define a housing and a partition plate for dividing said housing into a reservoir chamber and a working chamber containing said rotor is provided with a gasket carried by an interior shoulder on the output member for engagement with the outer edge of the partition plate to clamp the partition plate against the casing under pressure when said casing is secured against said output member.

Abstract: A fluid clutch composed of a primary part with a drive disc and rotatably mounted relative to a secondary part with a cover is constructed so that the drive disc is disposed in a working chamber formed in the secondary part, the working chamber communicating through a return channel with a supply chamber formed in the secondary part for returning the clutch fluid from the working chamber to the supply chamber by action of a retarder provided in a gap between the circumference of the drive disc and a radial boundary of the working chamber. A control element disposed in a control chamber is displaced axially relative to the drive disc and is located in the secondary part.

Abstract: A shear fluid, temperature responsive fan drive coupling for the radiator cooling fan of an internal combustion engine. The drive coupling, conventionally, carries a temperature responsive valve which controls the degree of rotary coupling between the engine and the radiator cooling fan by controlling the quantity of shear fluid between a driving disc and a driven housing carrying the fan. The disc and the housing are parts of the coupling. The specific improvement of this invention relates to the provision of accumulator grooves in the walls of the drive chamber. These grooves allow an increase in the volume of shear (torque-transmitting) liquid in the coupling. The coupling exhibits modulated torque transmitting action in passing from partial to full engagement as temperature is varied.

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 disconnect member is spline-connected to one end of the connecting drive shaft of an engine and a driven accessory, and is axially translatable into and out of coupling engagement with the engine. The disconnect member has a spiraled, axially ramped cam surface formed thereon which cooperates with a rotatable cam follower selectively movable into engagement therewith to axially drive the rotating disconnect member relative to the cam follower, thereby uncoupling the engine from its driven accessory. When the cam follower is disengaged from the cam surface, a reset spring automatically recouples the disconnect member to the engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid friction clutch, comprising a drive disk having at least one first working surface; a housing enclosing said drive disk and being mounted rotatably with respect thereto, the housing including at least one second working surface in spaced relationship with the first working surface to form a gap therebetween; a device for selectively introducing a fluid working medium into the gap; and a device for removing the fluid working medium from the gap, wherein the first and/or second working surfaces comprise roughened surfaces.

Abstract: A temperature responsive viscous fluid coupling of the type having a bimetal coil secured at the outer end thereof to a cover member and at the inner end thereof to a rotatable shaft for controlling the fluid coupling is provided with at least one resilient member for engaging the radial outermost surface of the bimetal coil and an axially directed surface of the bimetal coil at a point circumferentially spaced from the outer end of the bimetal coil by approximately 150.degree..

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a drive for a fan of an internal combustion engine, the drive including a clutch connected between the engine and the fan blades. A piston is movable to actuate the clutch, and an actuating fluid is employed to move the piston. The fan drive is connected to the engine lubricating system so that the engine lubricant acts as the actuating fluid. An engine temperature responsive circuit actuates the clutch to engage and disengage at certain engine temperatures. The fan drive includes a fluid feed path, return path and control path, but only two fluid connections to the clutch are necessary. When the temperature responsive circuit operates to disengage the clutch, a valve releases the pressure in order to quickly disengage the clutch.

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 torque converter clutch is provided with a temperature responsive valve which controls fluid flow from the apply chamber to the release chamber which is connected to exhaust. The increased fluid flow provides additional cooling for a viscous clutch which is included in the torque converter clutch.

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates an air temperature sensing viscous fluid fan drive having an inexpensively manufactured housing which defines, in part, an annular working fluid chamber for a disk connected to an input shaft. The housing comprises a spider of sintered steel having a hub which receives a bearing for journaling the shaft. A series of integral radial arms have bosses at their tips for accurately mounting a fan. A ferrous metal disk is welded to the spider to form one wall of the working fluid chamber, the other of which is defined by an aluminum cover assembly. The ferrous housing maintains concentricity of the fan and housing relative to the input shaft irrespective of changes in temperature.

Abstract: A fan clutch for a vehicle engine connects the engine cooling fan with the engine when the cooling effect of the engine fan is necessary and disconnects the fan when its cooling effect is not necessary. The clutch includes a driven member and a driving member and a belt carried by the driving member and rotatable therewith which is adapted to engage the driven member when the clutch is to be engaged. The driven member comprises a pair of relatively rotatable, axially extensible portions, so that when the belt is in driving engagement with the driven member, relative rotation between the portionsextends the same so that engagement surfaces on one of the portions and on the driving member are brought into engagement, thus connecting the driven and driving members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid friction clutch, preferably for driving the fan in an automotive cooling system, comprising a driven disk member; a drivable housing member surrounding the driven disk member in such a manner as to provide a working chamber therebetween for receiving a fluid capable of transmitting rotational force between the driven disk member and the housing member; a reservoir separate from the working chamber for containing the fluid; a selectively openable and closable inlet orifice providing fluid communication between the reservoir and the working chamber; a return conduit providing fluid communication between the working chamber and the reservoir; and a supplemental disk member rotatable with the driven disk member and positioned within the reservoir so as to be wetted by the fluid at least when the fluid friction clutch is at rest.

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 modulating fluid shear coupling apparatus is disclosed herein which comprises a driving member mounted within a working chamber defined by a driven member and rotatable coaxial with the driven member. The driving and driven members include complementary shear surfaces to effect torque transmission between the two members when shear fluid is received between the shear surfaces. The driven member defines a reservoir and includes a passageway leading from the reservoir to the working chamber. At least two annular grooves are defined by the driven member and open into the working chamber adjacent the driving member at different radial positions. The annular grooves and associated passageways leading from the grooves to the reservoir provide for pumping the shear fluid from the working chamber back to the reservoir. Various control means are provided for selectively opening and closing the various passageways to yield several different degrees of coupling between the driving and driven members.

Abstract: A liquid friction coupling is provided for driving a fan wheel in connection with the cooling system of an internal combustion engine. The liquid friction coupling is manufactured as a pre-assembled unit. The unit comprises a shaft, a rotor fastened on the shaft and a shear liquid housing rotatably mounted on the shaft and enclosing the rotor. A partition wall defines two working spaces within the housing. This partition wall is provided with an opening. A valve lever is associated with said opening for selectively closing or clearing said opening so as to vary the torque transmission between the rotor and the housing. The valve lever is actuated, e.g. by a bi-metallic actuator member, subject to external temperature. The shaft is provided with a central bore. A fastening screw passes said central bore for fastening said shaft to a rotating member driven by the engine. The end of the screw which is remote from the engine is easily accessible for a tightening key.

Abstract: A coupling for use in a transmission system and between rotary members which are arranged for driving engagement through axially engaging teeth thereon, the teeth being shaped to tend to disengage when normally driving in one direction, one of said members having two components connected by helical splines, the components being prevented from moving axially to disengage the teeth by a fusible element which will melt when temperature rises above a predetermined value, melting of said element permitting movement of the components axially to disengage the teeth and the helical splines permitting axial relative movement between the two components, when reverse rotation is taking place, to permit ratcheting of the teeth.

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 fluid is filled in a space between a cover and an outer casing, to which a plurality of vanes are attached, and there is disposed in the aforementioned space a partition which is formed with two fluid inlet ports. An inner casing is sandwiched between the partition and the outer casing thereby to form a reservoir between the cover and the partition, an inner torque transmitting chamber between the partition and the inner casing, and an outer torque transmitting chamber between the inner casing and the outer casing. One of the fluid inlet ports of the partition is made to have communication with the inner torque transmitting chamber, whereas the other fluid inlet port is made to have communication with the outer torque transmitting chamber. The two fluid inlet ports are opened and closed by means of two valves, respectively, which are preset at different temperatures.The temperature-sensitive fluid coupler thus constructed can suppress noise while still reducing the power consumption.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling including a drive shaft drivably connected to the engine, a casing member rotatably mounted on the drive shaft and provided with a fluid working chamber and a fluid reservoir, a rotor fixed to the drive shaft and located in the fluid working chamber and rotatable relative to the casing member, a valve shaft rotatably and sealingly mounted on the casing member, a valve plate fixed to an inner end of the valve shaft and operable to control fluid communication between the fluid working chamber and the reservoir, a helically wound bimetal element located on an exterior portion of the casing member, the bimetal element having an inner end portion connected to an outer end of the valve shaft and an outer end portion being connected to a suitable portion of the casing member, and a resilient member located between the outer end portion and the casing member.

Abstract: A fan drive for the cooling fan of an internal combustion motor vehicle in which the temperature of the engine coolant is constantly sensed and, in response to a sensed predetermined coolant temperature, heated air is directed by a blower through a conduit from a heat sink adjacent the exhaust manifold to the temperature sensing element of the fan drive. The heated air impacting on the temperature sensing element causes the element to react in a sense to engage the fan drive and cool the coolant.

Abstract: A viscous fan clutch is typically employed in a fan drive mechanism within a truck or automobile. A shaft, driven by the engine, rotates a clutch member within the fan drive. The clutch member is arranged for fluid engagement with a body member for the transmission of torque thereto when fluid is disposed in an operating chamber defined by complimentary shear surfaces in the clutch and body members. During relative rotation between the two members, fluid is pumped through a return passage to a valve coaxially disposed with the driven shaft which selectively directs a flow of viscous fluid alternately to a storage chamber or directly back into the operating chamber. The valve is biased into a first position in which the fluid is directed into a fluid storage chamber and is actuated into the second position by means of a coaxially disposed solenoid acting upon ferrous metal members of the valve.