Abstract: An induction pump driving system has a motor shaft, a pump shaft, a first magnetization body, a second magnetization body, an electrical coil, a yoke, and a nonmagnetically electrical-conducting body. The first magnetization body is mounted on the motor shaft and is driven by the motor shaft. The second magnetization body is provided inside a seal cover that is provided at one end of the pump shaft. The first magnetization body, the second magnetization body, the electrical coil, and the yoke are configured to constitute a closed magnetic path. The rotation of the motor shaft is configured to change the magnetic flux of the closed magnetic path to have the nonmagnetically electrical-conducting body, which is coupled with mechanical means, induced with an eddy current and thus, exert an electromagnetic force on the body so as to rotate the pump shaft.

Abstract: The magnetic drive system includes a motor and associated motor shaft and a motor assembly, the motor assembly including an electronically conductive cylinder. A machine assembly for driving a machine includes a permanent magnet assembly. The motor assembly and the machine assembly are arranged and supported relative to each other so that the permanent magnet assembly and the electrically conductive cylinder are in longitudinal juxtaposition so that rotation of the motor shaft results in rotation of the machine shaft through magnetic action.

Abstract: The magnetic drive system includes a motor and motor shaft and a motor assembly, the motor assembly including a cylinder of copper. A machine assembly for driving a machine includes a permanent magnet assembly. The motor assembly and the machine assembly are supported relative to each other so that the permanent magnet assembly and the ring of conductive material are in longitudinal juxtaposition so that rotation of the motor shaft results in rotation of the machine shaft through magnetic action.

Abstract: The invention is based on an electromagnetic hysteresis unit (1, 23) with magnetic north pole (4) which are arranged to alternate with magnetic south pole (5) on a magnet body (2, 3) in a peripheral direction (15) about an axis of rotation (14) at a distance from the magnetic south poles (5). The magnet body (2, 3) comprises a magnet coil (6). A hysteresis ring (16) connected with a rotor (17) can be moved with a slight play in relation to the poles (4, 5). It is proposed that the peripheral surfaces of the north pole (4) and south pole (5) lie on the same circle and opposite the same peripheral surface of the hysteresis ring (16). Thereby is created a radial construction space for embedding the hysteresis ring (16) in the rotor (17) which consists of material of good heat conductivity and optionally for providing cooling ribs.

Abstract: The aim is to improve the cooling of a self-ventilated electric motor (1). To this end, an electromagnetic speed limiting and governing device is provided between the motor shaft (3) and the fan wheel (2), the fan wheel, which is driven via an electromagnetic slip coupling (6, 10) in accordance with the motor speed, being mounted freely rotatably on the motor casing or on the motor bearing plate (5).

Abstract: A control device for rotating a tube supporting a roller member to be wound onto or unwound from the tube has at least one electric motor housed in the tube and drive mechanism for transmitting the motion from the motor to the supporting tube. The motor is an electric three phase motor having at least four poles. The drive mechanism preferably has a single-stage mechanical reduction gear such as a planocentric reduction gear.

Abstract: An eddy current fan drive cooling system is operable in a vehicle having a sheave rotating at a speed related to an engine speed. A driving assembly of the cooling system is attached to the sheave. A plurality of poles are exposed around an outer perimeter of the driving assembly. A plurality of windings are wrapped around the poles. The windings are electrically connected to receive a driving signal to generate a magnetic field around the poles. A driven assembly carrying a cooling fan is provided around the driving assembly. The driven assembly includes a plurality of concentric rings arranged around the exposed poles of the driving assembly. An eddy current torque is produced in the rings in response to magnetic flux passing through the rings from the exposed poles due to the magnetic field around the poles.

Abstract: A control device for rotating a tube supporting a roller member to be wound onto or unwound from the tube comprises at least one electric motor housed in the tube and drive means for transmitting the motion from said motor to said supporting tube, with the motor being an electric three-phase motor having at least four poles. The drive means preferably has a single-stage mechanical reduction gear such as a planocentric reduction gear.

Abstract: An ergometer loading device includes a rotor and a stator which is provided so as to be coaxial with the rotor and have a prescribed gap from the rotor. The stator is provided with a core and a plurality of exciting coils. The rotor includes a ferromagnetic body such as a steel plate and a conductor of small electric resistance provided on the ferromagnetic body. Since the conductor faces the core of the stator with the prescribed gap therebetween, an ergometer loading device which is adjusted easily and applies large torque can be provided.

Abstract: A steering booster system for a motor vehicle has an electronic control unit which senses by way of force or torque sensors the amount and direction of forces and torques applied to a manual steering wheel and correspondingly controls, via a transmission arrangement, the steering-force-assisting connection of an electric motor into a steering gear line coupling the manual steering wheel and the steered vehicle wheels. The manufacture of the system is simplified and the controllability of the force transmission between the electric motor and the steering gear line is improved by providing that the transmission arrangement has an electrically switchable clutch for each steering direction, i.e., left or right. The two clutches are arranged such that, when the rotating direction is the same at the input of the transmission arrangement assigned to the electric motor, they in each case cause another rotating direction at the output of the transmission arrangement assigned to the steering gear line.

Abstract: A resisting and pulling mechanism comprises an excited magnetic disk and a braking wheel mounted coaxially with the excited magnetic disk which is provide with an excited magnetic coil. The braking wheel and the excited magnetic disk are separated from each other by an air gap. As the excited magnetic coil is provided with electric current, a magnetic field is effected around the excited magnetic coil. In the meantime, a magnetic flux is brought about on the excited magnetic disk. As the braking wheel is in motion, the eddy current is induced between the braking wheel and the magnetic poles of the excited magnetic disk such that the eddy current interacts with the magnetic flux to effect a rotation moment. When the excited magnetic disk is exerted on by an external force opposite in direction to the rotation moment, a resistance is effected such that the resistance can be transmitted to an external device which is connected with the excited magnetic disk via a pulley or belted wheel.

Abstract: A device for effecting resistance is incorporated into an exercise or rehabilitation machine and is formed of an excited magnetic cylinder, an excited magnetic coil, a rotary cylinder, and two support frames. As the excited magnetic coil is connected to the alternating current power source in conjunction with a control switch, the exercise or rehabilitation machine is provided with a magnetic resistance of a predetermined magnitude. The excited magnetic cylinder is provided in one side with an annular wavy magnetic interstice for guiding the magnetic line toward the rotary cylinder, thereby resulting in a magnetic resistance causing the fixed excited magnetic cylinder and the rotary cylinder to attract each other. The rotary cylinder is connected to a link device of the exercise or rehabilitation machine, so as to provide the exercise or rehabilitation machine with a resistance.

Abstract: A hysteresis brake including a casing having internal alternating first slots and first teeth, a pole having external alternating second slots and second teeth, a rotor including an annular portion located in spaced relationship between the casing and pole, and structure for permitting the pole and casing to be rotationally adjusted relative to each other and to lock the first slots and teeth of the casing in a rotationally adjusted position relative to the second slots and teeth of the pole to cause the brake to provide a torque output of a substantially predetermined value at a predetermined current. A method of calibrating a hysteresis brake to provide a torque of a substantially predetermined value at a predetermined current including the steps of rotating the casing and pole relative to each other to a position which provides substantially the desired torque at the predetermined current, and locking the casing and pole to each other in that position.

Abstract: A movable magnet support tube and a stationary magnet support tube are aligned coaxially within a brake drum coupled to a rotational shaft. An array of magnets are supported at equal intervals on the outer surfaces of the magnet support tubes and proximal surfaces of ferromagnetic pole pieces are fixed to magnetic pole surfaces at ends of the magnets which are aligned annularly. Extreme end surfaces of the ferromagnetic members are juxtaposed to an inner peripheral surface of the brake drum and an actuator reversibly rotates the movable magnet support tube.

Abstract: The transmission comprises at least three induction systems which are arranged axially one after the other or coaxially one above the other and which can be rotated about a common axis of rotation (4). The induction system in the middle is in each case provided in the side faces with a winding which are connected to one another and are executed in such a manner that the magnetic rotary fields which arise by means of relative movement between the induction system in the middle and one adjacent induction system effect a relative movement between the induction system in the middle and the other adjacent induction system in order to produce an output movement.

Abstract: A hysteresis slip clutch having an adjustable stall torque is provided. The clutch components include first and second rotors, with a housing at least partially enclosing the rotors. An annular permanent magnet is rigidly mounted on the first rotor and an annular hysteresis sleeve is rigidly mounted to the second rotor. The first and second rotors are mounted within the housing such that the magnet and hysteresis sleeve are concentrically located and axially aligned with one another within the housing. In this orientation, magnetic flux from the magnet penetrates the hysteresis sleeve and magnetic hysteresis developed within the hysteresis sleeve acts to oppose relative angular motion between the first and second rotors. The magnetic hysteresis establishes a torque by which angular motion of the first rotor is transferred to the second. A annular magnetic shunt is adjustably mounted to the housing.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coil is disposed in a rotor, and electrically insulated from the rotor. A slip-ring is supported by a rotor through a slip-ring supporter, and rotates with the rotor. A brush is supported by a compressor boss portion through a brush supporter, and supplies an electric current to the slip-ring. A diode is disposed in the brush supporter or the slip-ring supporter, and absorbs a surge voltage which is inducted when said electromagnetic coil is disenergized.

Abstract: An actuator for an HVAC system includes a motor coupled by an electrically operated clutch to a gear train which drives an output connector. A spring is connected to the transmission to drive the output connector to a normal position in the event of a power failure. A control apparatus is connected to the transmission and provides the combined functions of a magnetic eddy current brake and a motion sensor.

Abstract: A cage carrying two axially adjustable conductors is mounted on one shaft and a rotor is mounted on a second coaxial shaft to occupy a position between the conductors. Permanent magnets on the rotor have poles spaced by air gaps from the conductors. The air gaps are adjusted by sliding the conductors toward and away from one another along slide members on the cage by use of adjustment units engaging the conductor rotors. Alternatively, the conductors can be mounted on the rotor, and the magnets can be adjustably mounted on the cage.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system including a brake drum connected to a rotational shaft; an annular member formed of a ferromagnetic material; a guide frame for supporting the annular member in a position within said spaced from an inner surface of the brake drum; and a cylindrical body defining an uninterrupted wall between the inner surface of the brake drum and the annular member; at least portions of the cylindrical body disposed directly between the inner surface of the brake drum and outer surfaces of the permanent magnets being formed from a magnetically permeable material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a basic module for a discoidal machine. The module includes at least one stator subassembly and a rotor subassembly. A housing member is connected to the stator subassembly. The stator subassembly and the rotor subassembly are coaxially arranged. A discoidal machine for such modules is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan clutch (A') includes an eddy current drive (224) having a first, magnetic field producing drive component rotatable with the output and a second, coupling drive component rotatable with the input in the form of a sheave (50'). The first drive component includes permanent magnets (226). The second drive component is of a one-piece construction including a steel ring (238) embedded in a body portion (241) formed of aluminum. The steel ring (238) includes locating ears (310) for properly locating and retaining the ring (238) in a mold half (324). Positioning tabs (312, 314) extend from the faces (302, 304) of the ring (238) and prevent the ring (238) from floating in the volume between the mold halves (318, 324) which forms the body portion (241) during the introduction of the molten aluminum. The body portion (241) is integrally formed with circumferentially spaced air moving vanes (264) and an annular disc portion (260) for mounting to the sheave (50').

Abstract: The rotor or the stator of the apparatus has inductor coils whose respective axes are parallel to the axis of rotation and distributed at regular intervals along a circle centred on the axis of rotation. Each coil is traversed by a cylindrical pole core, one end of which is provided with a pole shoe of larger cross-section. An armature disc travels past these pole shoes with interposition of a gap. In relation to the direction of travel of the armature disc, each pole shoe offers an area which is larger in front than to the rear of the radial plane passing through the axis of rotation and through the axis of the corresponding coil. Each pole shoe has a rear edge of convex general shape in a plane parallel to the armature disc.

Abstract: The soft start of a permanent magnet coupler of the type in which magnetic flux from permanent magnets on a rotary magnet rotor bridges an air gap between the magnets and an electroconductive element on a rotary conductor rotor to magnetically couple said rotors together responsive to relative rotary motion between said rotors, is adjusted by changing the amount of flux which bridges the air gap. This is accomplished by attracting some of the flux to magnetic material selectively positioned on said magnet rotor adjacent one or more of said magnets.

Abstract: In a deflecting/scanning apparatus, a rotating polygon mirror is rotatably supported by an air bearing constituted by a stationary shaft and a rotating sleeve which are made of a ceramic material. An upper portion of an end face of the rotating sleeve is covered with a lid as a separate member. A vent hole formed in the lid is sealed with an adhesive to form an air damper chamber.

Abstract: A variable speed eddy current drive has a driven member and an output member. The driven member is structured and arranged to be coupled to a motor shaft. The output member is structured and arranged to be coupled to a load. The drive also has an armature and an electromagnet. The armature is coupled to either the driven member or the output member, while the electromagnet is coupled to the other of the driven member or the output member. The drive is provided with a coupler that is in addition to the armature and the electromagnet. The coupler is selectively operable between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. Actuating the coupler to the coupled position causes the output member to rotate at the same speed as the driven member, with no slip between the two members. The coupler can be actuated between the coupled and uncoupled positions while the drive is rotating. The coupler can be actuated to move either axially or radially.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system comprises a shaft and an electrical eddy current retarder itself comprising an annular inductor stator and a rotor. The rotor is connected to the shaft via independent fixing arms extending inwards to the free ends of axial metal tongues secured to the shaft and elastically deformable in a radial direction under the effect of the rotor being subjected to thermal expansion.

Abstract: A guide frame for an eddy current type braking system includes a brake drum connected to a rotary shaft; a stationary pole piece frame formed of a non-magnetic material, disposed within the brake drum and retaining a plurality of ferromagnetic plates opposed to an inner surface of the brake drum; and magnet support rings formed of a magnetic material and retaining permanent magnets opposed to the ferromagnetic plates. An outer surface and an inner peripheral surface of each ferromagnetic plate is displaced in a direction parallel to the axis of the brake drum, and an axial center of the outer peripheral surface of the ferromagnetic plates is substantially radially aligned with an axial center of the brake drum.

Abstract: A self holding type connecting device comprising an armature which is disposed movably in an axial direction, a magnetic path member having a cross section formed along a closed loop and having an axial space wherein axial movement of the armature is permitted, a permanent magnet secured to the magnetic path member and forming two kinds of magnetic flux which pass through the armature and the magnetic path member, an electric magnetic coil which forms magnetic flux for moving the armature in an axial direction against the two kinds of magnetic flux, and switch for switching direction of the magnetic flux from the electric magnetic coil. In the device, decrease of connecting force due to abrasion of pads does not occur and power consumption can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system comprising a gear box having an outlet shaft which drives a universal joint associated with an eddy current electrical retarder having an annular inductor stator cantilevered-out from the case of the gear box together with a rotor constituting a magnetic core and which includes two wheels on either side of the stator. The wheels are fixed to two ends of an intermediate tube surrounding the universal joint, one of its ends also being fixed to a slab that is secured to the outlet from the gear box.

Abstract: The vehicle transmission system comprises a gear box having a case with a closure plate screwed thereto and an outlet shaft passing through the closure plate and associated with a fork of a universal joint, in association with an electrical eddy current retarder including a stationary inductor and a rotary core, which inductor is cantilevered out from the case by means of a framework. The framework is fixed to the case by screws that also serve to fix the closure plate thereto, and the rotor has a support member which is fixed to the rear face of the fork of the universal joint. The structure and the disposition of the gear box and of the fork of the universal joint are thus independent of whether or not the electrical retarder is present.

Abstract: An apparatus for electromagnetically and rotationally vibrating a rotary body that is supported by bearings. The apparatus comprises a ring-shaped magnet bipolarly magnetized and mounted coaxially on a shaft of the rotary body, a ring-shaped stator having a coil and adapted to generate a rotating magnetic field by controlling an electric current supplied to the coil, and a frequency variable vibration power source adapted to supply alternating electric power to the coil in the stator. The distance between a location of a magnetic pole in the stator and an axis of the shaft is different than the distance between a location of a magnetic pole in the magnet and the axis of the shaft. The magnet and the stator are disposed so as to be adjacent to each other. Thus a rotational exciting force is applied to the rotary body by an interaction of the rotating magnet field generated by the stator with the magnet.

Abstract: An adjustable coupler has a group of magnet rotors separated by air gaps from a group of conductor rotors. The air gaps are adjusted by axial movement of one of the groups relative to the other to vary the slip of the coupler and achieve a constant load speed at various load torques.

Abstract: An eddy current drive has an electromagnet and an armature. Either one of the electromagnet or the armature is coupled to a motor shaft so as to rotate therewith, while the other is coupled to a load portion. The motor can rotate at a continuous speed, while the speed of the load portion can vary by varying the energization of the electromagnet, so as to vary the coupling between the electromagnet and the armature. The rotation of the motor shaft generates electrical current that is used to energize the electromagnet. The amount of the electrical current that is provided to the electromagnet can be varied to vary the output speed of the load portion. The electrical current can be generated by a member that rotates in unison with the electromagnet. A rotary coupler provides a speed control signal to vary the amount of current that is provided to the electromagnet. The rotary coupler can also provide power from the rotating generator to a stationary controller.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved electromagnetic force motor (10) with internal eddy current damping. In the preferred embodiment, the motor is comprised of a body (11), a pair of permanent magnets (15.sub.L, 15.sub.R), an electromagnetic coil (20), and an armature (13). The armature is positioned with respect to the body so as to define two variable-reluctance working air gaps (30, 31) and a constant-reluctance non-working air gap (29). The permanent magnets face one another and are mounted on the body. The body and armature are both adapted to conduct magnetic flux. Each working air gap contains a magnetic flux that is the algebraic sum of a flux attributable to the permanent magnets and a flux attributable to the coil. The non-working air gap contains flux attributable only to the permanent magnets. A current-conducting member (14) is attached to the armature and positioned within the non-working air gap.

Abstract: Projecting into a brake drum is an annular guide frame defining an annular inner chamber of rectangular shape in section, having an outer wall portion formed by a thin cylindrical body of nonmagnetic material, and an inner annular wall of ferromagnetic material. An annular magnet support member is axially movable within the inner chamber of the guide frame, and supports a plurality of permanent magnets disposed closely adjacent to the cylindrical body and in circumferentially spaced apart positions of uniform pitch, the polarities of the permanent magnets alternating circumferentially.

Abstract: A self-adjusting magnetic bearing automatically adjusts the parameters of an axially unstable magnetic bearing such that its force balance is maintained near the point of metastable equilibrium. Complete stabilization can be obtained with the application of weak restoring forces either from a mechanical bearing (running at near-zero load, thus with reduced wear) or from the action of residual eddy currents in a snubber bearing. In one embodiment, a torque is generated by the approach of a slotted pole to a conducting plate. The torque actuates an assembly which varies the position of a magnetic shunt to change the force exerted by the bearing. Another embodiment achieves axial stabilization by sensing vertical displacements in a suspended bearing element, and using this information in an electrical servo system.

Abstract: A disk shaped passive magnetic damper incorporating a damper vane having spaced apart vertical and horizontal portions forming a castellated shape. Permanent magnets are positioned between the vertical portions of the damper vane for providing magnetic fields that interact with the vertical and horizontal portions of the damper vane. A keeper portion extends from one end of each magnet to a position over one adjacent horizontal vane member.

Abstract: A concentric-double-shaft simultaneously rotating apparatus in which a part of the force for driving an inner shaft to rotate is obtained by a device other than a rotation controlled motor to thereby reduce the capacity of the rotation controlled motor to attain reduction in size of the apparatus, increase of stiffness, and so on. The concentric-double-shaft simultaneously rotating apparatus includes at least one permanent magnet which is attached onto an inner circumferential surface of an outer shaft, and a secondary conductor such as a copper pipe, or the like, is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the inner shaft to create an induced current flow.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling includes a cylindrical housing, a spindle, an adjusting plate, two pairs of permanent magnet discs, two hysteresis material discs, and a screw member. The spindle is rotatably supported at its axial position by the housing. The adjusting plate is rotatably supported by the spindle to partition an interior of the housing into two sections in a direction of the spindle. The two pairs of permanent magnets are provided in the two corresponding sections to respectively oppose each other. One of each pair of permanent magnet discs is fixed in the housing and the other thereof is fixed to the adjusting plate. Each permanent magnet disc has magnetic poles with polarities that alternate in a circumferential direction. The hysteresis material discs are fixed to the spindle and arranged between the corresponding pairs of permanent magnet discs at a predetermined gap. The screw member fixes the adjusting plate to the housing.

Abstract: A magnetic coupler has a magnetic disc containing permanent magnets located between two electroconductive plates and separated therefrom by air gaps. The magnetic disc and electroconductive plates are mounted on coaxial or parallel-spaced input and output shafts so that rotation of the input shaft causes rotation of the output shaft by way of magnetic friction between the permanent magnets and the electroconductive plates.

Abstract: An eddy current drive has an electromagnet and an armature. Either one of the electromagnet or the armature is coupled to a motor shaft so as to rotate therewith, while the other is coupled to a load portion. The motor can rotate at a continuous speed, while the speed of the load portion can vary by varying the energization of the electromagnet, so as to vary the coupling between the electromagnet and the armature. The electromagnet is energized by way of bearings. The bearings provide a rotary coupling. In another embodiment, an electrical generator is provided. The rotation of the motor shaft generates electrical current that is used to energize the electromagnet. The amount of the electrical current that is provided to the electromagnet can be varied to vary the output speed of the load portion.

Abstract: Rotational control apparatus in the forms of fan clutches (A, A') are shown including an eddy current drive (224). Specifically, the eddy current drive (224) includes a plurality of permanent magnets (226) mounted circumferentially spaced and with alternating polarity by a holder (228) to the input or output of the clutch (A, A') and a magnetically conductive ring (242) mounted to the other of the input or output of the clutch (A, A'). Thus, the output portion and the fan blades mounted thereto are driven at engine speeds when the clutch (A, A') is air actuated and are driven at a rotational speed less than engine speed by the eddy current drive (224) when the clutch (A, A') is not air actuated and without separate controls for the eddy current drive (224). A housing (62) comprises the output portion of the clutch (A) which is rotatably mounted by a bearing (58) to the hub portion (24) of a friction disc (28) which comprises the input portion of the clutch (A).

Abstract: A brushless shaft mounted eddy current drive has a coil mounted to bearings by way of a coil mount. The bearings are located on a hub. The coil mount is anchored to a fixed object. The pole pieces are coupled together by a nonmagnetic material to form a cavity that receives the coil. In another embodiment, a brushless drive has a coil rotatably mounted in a cavity within the pole pieces. A rotary inductive coil is mounted to the pole pieces about a stationary inductive coil. Alternating current is provided to the stationary coil to induce current into the rotary coil. In still another embodiment, an alternator is used to induce current into the rotating coil. In still a further embodiment, a brushless drive incorporates a liquid conductive rotatable coupler in the hub. In still another embodiment, the brushless drive energizes the coil in the electromagnet by way of bearings. The bearings are mounted onto a shaft that is coupled to the electromagnet.

Abstract: Rotational control apparatus in the preferred forms of fan clutches (A) are shown including an eddy current drive (224). Specifically, the eddy current drive (224) includes a plurality of permanent magnets (226) mounted circumferentially spaced and with alternating polarity by a holder (228) to a radially extending surface (232) of a housing (62) rotatably mounted by a bearing (58) to the hub portion (24) of a friction disc (28). A magnetically conductive ring (242) is mounted on the opposite axial side of the friction disc (28) than the surface (34) engaged by a friction ring (86, 252) which is rotatably fixed but axially displaceable relative to the housing (62). In the embodiments shown, the friction ring (86, 252) is biased in a disengaged condition from the friction disc (28) by springs (138, 256) and is moved to an engaged condition by a fluid actuated piston (80).

Abstract: Rotational control apparatus in the preferred forms of fan clutches (A, A') are shown including an eddy current drive (224). Specifically, the eddy current drive (224) includes a plurality of permanent magnets (226) mounted circumferentially spaced and with alternating polarity by a holder (228) to the input of the clutch (A, A') and a magnetically conductive ring (242) mounted to the output of the clutch (A, A'). Thus, the output portion and the fan blades mounted thereto are driven at engine speeds when the clutch (A, A') is air actuated and are driven at a rotational speed less than engine speed by the eddy current drive (224) when the clutch (A, A') is not air actuated and without separate controls for the eddy current drive (224). In preferred forms, a housing (62) comprises the output portion of the clutch (A) which is rotatably mounted by a bearing (58) to the hub portion (24) of a friction disc (28) which comprises the input portion of the clutch (A).

Abstract: An axial flux induction motor has a stator and a disc-shaped rotor facing the stator with an air gap there-between. The rotor disc includes a first material of relatively high magnetic permeability and a second material of relatively high electrical conductivity, the first material being of higher specific gravity than the second material. The first material is in the form of an annular ring imbedded in or supported on one surface of the disc, opposite the surface thereof which faces the stator. The outer radius R.sub.1 of the annular ring and the outer radius R.sub.2 of the disc are related so that 1.2 R.sub.1 <R.sub.2 <1.6 R.sub.1. This achieves that at high rotational speeds the two disc materials will be subjected to more nearly equal centrifugal forces thereby making it feasible to operate at higher motor speeds.

Abstract: A magnetic hysteresis clutch comprises a rotor supporting a ferromagnetic hysteresis material and a rotary magnetic inductor capable of inducing a magnetic field in the ferromagnetic hysteresis. The magnetic inductor and the ferromagnetic hysteresis clutch is constructed so that an increase in the magnetization losses in the ferromagnetic material, which accompanies an increase in the slip between magnetic inductor and the ferromagnetic hysteresis, leads to a reversible increase in the temperature of the ferromagnetic hysteresis material, and thereby to a reversible decrease in magnetization of the ferromagnetic material which is sufficient to bring about a desired decrease in the transmitted torque. Thus it is possible to provide a magnetic hysteresis clutch in which the transmitted torque reversibly decreases when the slip increases.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism connecting and disconnecting an output shaft of an internal combustion engine and an input shaft of a transmission unit includes a first clutch assembly coupled to the input shaft of the transmission unit and a second clutch assembly coupled to an output shaft of the engine. A torque conduction member is provided between the first and second clutch assemblies for rotation relative to the two clutch assemblies. The torque conduction member has a first connecting surface for engaging the first clutch assembly and a second connecting surface for engaging the second clutch assembly. The contacting force at the first connecting surface is stronger than that at the second connecting surface, when a predetermined load is applied to the two connecting surfaces in succession.

Abstract: A friction disc clutch is proposed, particularly for a fan wheel of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine or the like, in which a direct rotational speed transmission of the engine rotational speed takes place by means of a first friction disc clutch which can be actuated pneumatically or hydraulically, a reduced entrainment rotational speed of the fan wheel being transmitted via an eddy-current clutch when the friction disc clutch is disengaged.