Disconnectable Drive Element (e.g., Clutch, Belt, Shifter, Etc.) Patents (Class 417/223)
  • Patent number: 5474428
    Abstract: An oil pump driving device drives an oil pump combined with a transmission coupled to an engine for supplying working oil to lubricate the transmission and enable the transmission to make gear shifts. The transmission includes a first power transmitting mechanism for connecting the output shaft of an electric motor to the drive shaft of the oil pump, and a second power transmitting path for connecting the output shaft of the engine to the drive shaft of the oil pump. A controller for selecting one of the first and second power transmitting mechanisms at a time selects the first power transmitting mechanism to drive the oil pump with the electric motor when the rotational speed of the output shaft of the engine is lower than a predetermined speed, and selects the second power transmitting mechanism to drive the oil pump with the engine when the rotational speed of the output shaft of the engine exceeds the predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kimura, Kazuo Ooyama, Shuichi Fujimoto, Makoto Kojima
  • Patent number: 5444990
    Abstract: The present invention involves package air conditioner and heat pump units. The unit has a housing containing a compressor, an outdoor section with blower and heat exchanger, and an indoor section with blower and heat exchanger. The indoor section has two interchangeable removable panels, one removable panel defining a supply port and a second removable panel defining a return port. The return and supply ports of the housing are reversible because of the unique blower assembly which has a blower attached to the second panel. The blower assembly is adapted to be disposed in at least two positions in said housing. With this arrangement, the return port and the supply port are reversible by switching the position of the first panel and the blower assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Inter-City Products Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. McGill, III, Timothy A. Wright, Danny R. Burdette, Paul L. Doppel
  • Patent number: 5441389
    Abstract: An eddy current coupling with an electrically controllable field current is used to rotatably connect a drive motor to an oil well pumping mechanism where the eddy current drive speed is controlled to a reference speed using a speed feedback control system and operation can be limited in torque output by a torque feedback control system. In a first alternative embodiment, the eddy current coupling output speed is controlled by a stroke modulation unit using a first selected speed for the upward pumping stroke and a second selected speed for the downward pumping stroke. In a second alternative embodiment a controller is used to select torque or speed control for the upward or downward .pumping stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Wolcott, William L. Sieger, Alvin J. Watson
  • Patent number: 5391058
    Abstract: A fluidic apparatus includes a pulley driven by an engine, torque limiting means disposed in the pulley and adapted to shut off the transmission of driving force transmitted by the pulley when overload is applied thereto, and a driving shaft driven by the torque limiting means. The torque limiting means includes a boss formed coaxially with the pulley, a collar disposed integrally and coaxially with the driving shaft, and a coiled spring adapted to hold outer peripheral surfaces of the boss and the collar by tightening with a predetermined tightening allowance. With the torque limiting means, if abnormal loads should be applied to the driving shaft, there hardly occur internal breakages, or the like, in the fluidic apparatus. In addition, because the torque limiting means has such a simple construction, the fluidic apparatus is down-sized and reduced in manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho, NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunifumi Goto, Nobuaki Hoshino, Tatsuyuki Hoshino, Takashi Ban, Shigeru Suzuki, Ken Suzuki, Akira Umebayashi, Yukiharu Yusa
  • Patent number: 5380162
    Abstract: A pump having a split driveshaft for use in pumping hazardous fluids wherein only one driveshaft becomes contaminated by the fluid while the second remains isolated from the fluid. The pump has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion contains a pump motor, the first driveshaft, a support pedestal, and vapor barriers and seals. The second portion contains a second, self-lubricating driveshaft and an impeller. The first and second driveshafts are connected together by a releasable coupling. A shield and a slinger deployed below the coupling prevent fluid from the second portion from reaching the first portion. In operation, only the second assembly comes into contact with the fluid being pumped, so the risk of contamination of the first portion by the hazardous fluid is reduced. The first assembly can be removed for repairs or routine maintenance by decoupling the first and second driveshafts and disconnecting the motor from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Thomas P. Evans, II, Jwalit J. Purohit, John M. Fazio
  • Patent number: 5380161
    Abstract: In a swash-plate compressor, pistons are slidably received in cylinder bores. A drive shaft is extended through a crank chamber, and is rotated through an electromagnetic clutch means associated therewith. A conversion mechanism is provided on the shaft for converting a rotational movement of the shaft into a reciprocation of each piston in the corresponding cylinder bore such that a suction stroke and a discharge stroke are alternately executed therein. A fluid is introduced from a suction chamber into the bore during the suction stroke, and during the compression stroke, the fluid is compressed in and discharged from the bore into a discharge chamber. The conversion mechanism is constituted such that a stroke length is shortened in response to an increase of a pressure in the crank chamber, and vice versa. A first passage communicates the crank with the suction chamber, and a second passage communicates the crank chamber with the discharge chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenji Takenaka, Hideki Mizutani, Shigeyuki Hidaka, Osamu Hiramatsu, Toru Takeichi, Hiroaki Kayukawa
  • Patent number: 5364237
    Abstract: A compressor assembly for pumping a recirculating refrigerant including input and output shafts rotatably supported within a housing and a pressure responsive clutch disposed therebetween for selectively translating torque from the input shaft to the output shaft to drive the compressor. An auxiliary clutch compressor is employed for generating an auxiliary refrigerant discharge pressure and a control valve is moveable between first and second positions to either route refrigerant discharge pressure away from the clutch or to bear upon the clutch so as to translate torque between the input and output shafts. The auxiliary compressor includes a piston and a cylinder with the piston operatively mounted to an eccentric portion of the input shaft and driven by the input shaft for reciprocal motion within the cylinder to generate an auxiliary refrigerant discharge pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Swain
  • Patent number: 5360319
    Abstract: A compressor assembly for pumping a recirculating refrigerant including input and output shafts rotatably supported within a housing and a pressure responsive clutch disposed therebetween for selectively translating torque from the input shaft to the output shaft to drive the compressor. An auxiliary clutch compressor is employed for generating an auxiliary refrigerant discharge pressure and a control valve is moveable between first and second positions to either route refrigerant discharge pressure away from the clutch or to bear upon the clutch so as to translate torque between the input and output shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Swain, Donald L. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5346370
    Abstract: A liquid pumping system adaptable for connection to either an electrical drive motor or an internal combustion engine, wherein a generator and clutch is coupled to the driving source, and a pressure sensing switch is connected to the generator rotor to selectively provide voltage to a rectifier circuit and field winding for the clutch. The energization of the field winding causes the clutch to actuate and thereby causes a mechanical coupling to a reciprocable pump for developing liquid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventor: Duane D. Krohn
  • Patent number: 5295812
    Abstract: An automobile vehicle air conditioning compressor adapted to be driven by a vehicle engine crankshaft through a drive pulley torque transfer mechanism wherein an electromagnetic clutch engagement plate is carried by the pulley and wherein a companion friction disc of an electromagnetic clutch is journalled on the compressor housing, the pulley being journalled on the compressor drive hub at a location axially spaced from the electromagnetic clutch thereby permitting the diameter of the clutch to be varied as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Duane F. Steele
  • Patent number: 5290153
    Abstract: A two stage main pump has a first pump drivingly connected to a transmission input shaft, and a second pump is drivingly connected to the output member of a friction clutch that is spring applied and pressure released. The input member of the clutch is driven, through a pair of one-way clutches, by the transmission input shaft or the vehicle output, whichever is rotating more rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5251696
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for Varying the speed of operations of an oil well pumping unit powered by a motor wherein variations in oil viscosity may be efficiently accommodated. An oil well pumping unit which includes a submersible pump actuated by means of a reciprocating string of sucker rods is monitored for both rod position and load present on the sucker rods. The oil well pumping unit is driven by an electric or gas motor through a controllable coupling and the speed of the oil well pumping unit is then varied, utilizing the controllable coupling, in response to variations in sucker rod load. As the lowering of the sucker rod is impeded by high viscosity oil, the load on the sucker rod decreases. This decrease in sucker rod load is utilized to decrease the speed of the oil well pumping unit by means of the controllable coupling to ensure that bridle separation does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventors: James R. Boone, Larry D. Best, Ronnie D. Brown
  • Patent number: 5199857
    Abstract: Two plungers in the dual plunger pumps are selectively operated by either short-stroke cams or long-stroke cams which are disposed on a rotary drive shaft. When rotating the rotary drive shaft in one direction, the long-stroke cams are driven to operate the plungers with a large stroke. When the drive shaft rotates in the reverse direction, the long-stroke cams run idle by way of a one-way clutch disposed between the drive shaft and the long-stroke cams, while the short-stroke cams are driven to operate the plungers with a small stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Sanuki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sannosuke Sanuki
  • Patent number: 4925370
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for pumping a liquid, a motor for driving the pump, and components for coupling the pump to the motor so that the speed at which the pump is driven varies automatically according to the load the liquid imposes. One embodiment employs an automotive fluid transmission with a torque converter for this purpose, along with input and output manifolds that enable connection to differently sized lines. These components may be mounted on a portable support structure, such as a cart, to form a fully automatic, portable pumping system arranged so that a user can manually move the system to a desired location, connect to variously sized lines, and pump any of various liquids having different or varying viscosities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Domenic A. Tallarita
  • Patent number: 4901837
    Abstract: In a pneumatically operable clutch driven piston and cylinder compressor assembly a multiplate friction clutch comprises a drive member of the clutch carried on an input shaft which has internal bearings supporting the driven end of the compressor crankshaft and the drive shaft being rotatable in an island portion of the crankcase which carries a fluid pressure operable annular piston engageable with a shell of the clutch for release thereof, the arrangement permitting the clutch to be located at least in part within a projection of the cylinder of the compressor. A plurality of webs connecting the island portion with the crankcase are arranged to allow unrestricted communication between the compressor crankcase and a crankcase of an engine to which the compressor is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Paul N. M. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 4840543
    Abstract: There is provided a mechanism or system for use with a motor driven mechanism, such as a pump for pressurizing paint for spray painting purposes, which permits conversion of the power source therefor between an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, each of which being capable of directly driving the motor driven mechanism. The mechanism or system includes a commonly shared clutch mechanism which is controlled such that the clutch is engaged and the pump operated until the operating level is reached at which time the clutch is disengaged so that the electric motor or internal combustion engine is under no load. The clutch mechanism utilizes a magnetic clutch and the clutch driven plate is non-rotatably connected to the pump input shaft while the clutch drive plate in non-rotatably connected to the motor or engine output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventor: John D. Geberth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4830578
    Abstract: A hydraulic speed control arrangement for an infinitely variable transmission which is coupled to an engine and adapted to drive auxiliary equipment including a hydraulic fluid displacement pump includes a spool valve provided with an inlet cavity at one end of the valve spool in the valve body and connected to the hydraulic fluid displacement pump and has a spring disposed at the opposite end and biasing the valve spool against the pressure of the fluid in the inlet cavity, whereby the valve spool is adapted to control the flow of pressurized fluid from the inlet cavity to the transmission ratio control mechanism of the infinitely variable transmission in such a manner that the output shaft speed of the transmission is maintained essentially at a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Excelermatic Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Kraus
  • Patent number: 4813234
    Abstract: A hydraulic transmission, in particular for an automotive drive system including a combustion engine comprises at least a pair of hydrostatic pumps and at least a pair of hydrostatic motors each pump and/or motor having the same size or different size with a constant or adjustable through-put. Automatically actuated clutches are provided to connect the pumps to the engine and to connect the motors to a load. A variety of transmission ranges is obtained by activating selected ones of the individual pumps and motors by actuating corresponding clutches. Therefore, the combustion engine may be operated under conditions in which fuel comsumption is as low as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Mannesmann Rexroth GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Nikolaus
  • Patent number: 4797075
    Abstract: A progressing cavity well pump has an overspeed brake to protect the gear box during reverse rotation. A power source rotates an input shaft of the gear box, which through a right angle drive, drives a string of rods extending into the well to the progressing cavity pump. A centrifugal brake is mounted to the input shaft. If the pump locks up, the power source will impart energy to the rods by twisting them until the power source reaches its limit. When the rods start to unwind, the centrifugal brake will engage to dissipate energy and slow the speed of the reverse rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company
    Inventors: Wallace L. Edwards, Joel F. Jones, Howard G. Thompson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4781538
    Abstract: A rotation detecting device for a wobble plate type compressor comprises a front thrust race disposed on a flat end surface of a cam rotor and moveable therein. The front thrust race has two nail portions. A magnetic pickup is mounted on the cylindrical housing of the compressor and is positioned thereon opposite a portion of the locus of movement of the nail portions. When a nail portion passes opposite the magnetic pickup, a magnetic flux is produced. The magnetic pickup detects the magnetic flux and thus detects movement of wobble plate. Thus, the connection between the compressor and the driving source can be quickly interrupted in the event of compressor malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Tamotsu Daikohara
  • Patent number: 4737079
    Abstract: A variable capacity wobble plate compressor of the type that a wobble plate mounted on a drive shaft is swung axially of the drive shaft as the drive shaft rotates, and pistons connected to the wobble plate make reciprocating motions in response to swinging of the wobble plate, wherein a change in the angularity of the wobble plate causes a change in stroke of the reciprocating motions of the pistons whereby the capacity of the compressor is varied. A sensing element arranged on the wobble plate is moved along a predetermined orbital path together with swinging of the wobble plate. A sensor arranged on a compressor housing generates an electric signal when the sensing element passes by the sensor as the wobble plate swings. A control unit determines the rotational speed of the compressor and the angularity of the wobble plate on the basis of the electric signal from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Diesel Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Juetsu Kurosawa, Makoto Misawa
  • Patent number: 4721439
    Abstract: A device for a drive for pumps with a constant holding and preset operating pressure, has, in order that it can be driven by a commercially available electric motor which can continue running with a closed spray gun, a differential gear with an input shaft (15) for the connection of the motor and two output shafts (8, 30) for connection to the pump and a series connected hydraulic pump and adjustable throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Wiwa Wilhelm Wagner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Guenter Leinweber
  • Patent number: 4704072
    Abstract: A compressor having a rotation sensor disposed in a portion provided for mounting a magnetic clutch. The rotation sensor is compressed of a detectable portion co-rotatable with a drive shaft of the compressor, and a detecting portion disposed on a cylindrical head in confronting relation to the detectable portion. The rotation sensor is disposed outside of a seal means disposed between the drive shaft and the cylinder head for providing a hermetic seal therebetween. With this construction, no separate seal means is necessary for the rotation sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Diesel Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Nakajima, Tadahiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4701109
    Abstract: A rotation detecting device for a wobble plate type compressor comprises a rear thrust race (23) disposed on the rear surface of the wobble plate (8) and moveable therewith. The rear thrust race has two nail portions (231, 232) and a projecting portion (233). A magnetic pickup (24) is mounted on the cylindrical housing (2) of the compressor and is positioned thereon opposite a locus of movement of projecting portion (233). Magnetic flux leaking from an electromagnetic clutch mounted on the compressor flows to rear thrust race (23) through a drive shaft (17) and bevel gear (14). When projecting portion (233) passes opposite magnetic pickup (24), a magnetic flux is produced. Magnetic pickup (24) detects the magnetic flux and thus detects movement of wobble plate (8). Thus the connection between the compressor and the driving source can be quickly interrupted in the event of compressor malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Tamotsu Daikohara
  • Patent number: 4648805
    Abstract: An air compressor having a piston driven via a crankshaft from an input shaft by means of a multi-plate clutch which is normally held in engaged condition by a spring device. The clutch and spring device are contained within a housing which includes a retainer placed, after the spring device has been pre-loaded to a desired extent, in a position determined by said pre-loading and secured in that position to maintain the spring device in pre-loaded state. The crankshaft is housed within a crankcase and passages interconnect the interiors of the crankcase and clutch housing, with the casing ends of the passages at a higher level than a predetermined permissible oil level for the crankcase. This permits crankcase pressure during operation to expel oil from the crankcase along the passage into the clutch casing, while limiting the height to which oil may accumulate in the crank case when the piston is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Grau Girling Limited
    Inventor: Paul Beaumont
  • Patent number: 4642031
    Abstract: A unitary alternator-compressor including a clutch assembly for the compressor. The clutch assembly continuously drives the alternator rotor and selectively drives the compressor crankshaft. A single bearing supports the alternator rotor. The clutch includes a drive pulley and a flange member which is rotatably secured to the rotor by means of a plurality of drive pins. The pins are retained in position by a locking nut which also engages with and clamps the outer race of the bearing. The inner race of the bearing is clamped by a second nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: James B. Farr
  • Patent number: 4632639
    Abstract: An air compressor having a piston driven from an input shaft via a multi-plate clutch which is normally held in engaged condition by a spring device which is pre-loaded by one or more screw members arranged to apply a compressive force across the spring device and also to maintain the clutch in assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventor: Paul Beaumont
  • Patent number: 4601640
    Abstract: An oil pump assembly having an adjustable production rate and capable of long stroke, low stroke per minute pumping rates, comprising a reciprocating pumping rod in a well hole, a counterbalancing mechanism for reducing the power needed to pump oil by the pumping rod, a driving mechanism to drive the reciprocating pumping rod and the counterbalancing mechanism, including a first cable and a second cable, to drive the reciprocating pumping rod and the counterbalancing mechanism, respectively, a speed control for the driving mechanism, and a dwell mechanism for the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Inventor: Gordon M. Sommer
  • Patent number: 4565117
    Abstract: An axial piston motor is provided having a mechanical friction brake incorporated in the driving flange, thereby maintaining the axial length of the motor the same as motors without a mechanical friction brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz Forster
  • Patent number: 4561827
    Abstract: An air compressor has a piston (3) reciprocable to compress air within a cylinder (2), a clutch (16) to transmit drive from a drive input shaft (12) to the piston when compression is required, a piston (27) arranged to be responsive to pressure resulting from the compressor output operable to disengage the clutch (16) and thereby interrupt drive to the compressor piston when the pressure reaches a predetermined value, and a passage (37) to provide a leakage path for the pressure applied to the piston (27) to enable the pressure to decay in a controlled manner when further operation of the piston is required, whereby engagement of the clutch is permitted to occur progressively and shock loadings on the compressor components are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventor: Paul Beaumont
  • Patent number: 4525914
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for replacing the bearing between the sampson post and the walking beam of an oil well pump. The walking beam and the pitman arms are securely fastened together to prevent relative movement therebetween. The head portion is adjustably restrained against the force of the counterweight. The walking beam is allowed to pivot on the connection between the walking beam and the pitman arms so that the walking beam moves away from the sampson post so that the bearing may be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventors: Larry E. Bryan, Richard W. Grove, William F. Primus
  • Patent number: 4505350
    Abstract: The shaft of a hydraulic pump for an automotive power steering system is driven through an overrunning clutch from a planetary pinion carrier. The sun gear of the gearset is connected to a portion of the driveline that drives the wheels of the vehicle and the ring gear is connected to the engine shaft. The sun gear turns opposite the direction of the ring gear and the speed of the pump varies inversely with the vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Thomas R. Stockton
  • Patent number: 4493613
    Abstract: An oil pump assembly having an adjustable production rate and capable of long stroke, low stroke per minute pumping rates, comprising a reciprocating pumping rod in a well hole, a counterbalancing mechanism for reducing the power needed to pump oil by the pumping rod, a driving mechanism to drive the reciprocating pumping rod and the counterbalancing mechanism, including a first cable and a second cable, to drive the reciprocating pumping rod and the counterbalancing mechanism, respectively, a speed control for the driving mechanism, and a dwell mechanism for the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: Petroleum Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon M. Sommer
  • Patent number: 4480961
    Abstract: A swash plate type compressor with a malfunction detector, the detector comprising a detected unit embedded in part of the outer periphery of the swash plate of the compressor and a detecting unit fixedly mounted on part of the combined cylinder block of the compressor. The detected unit has a thermosensor and a permanent magnet embedded inwardly from the thermosensor. The detecting unit has a fixed magnetic member and an electric coil wound around the magnetic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroya Kono, Jun Hasegawa, Hiroyuki Deguchi, Hisao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4420289
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system for successively producing fluid flows at staggered values. This system includes for example an epicycloidal differential of which a shaft is coupled to an engine, and the other two shafts to two pumps respectively producing the maximum necessary flow and producing the minimum flow; to each pump is connected a brake; when the circuit, for example a jack, fed by this system becomes saturated, the pressure of the fluid sent by the high flow pump increases and reaches a threshold detected by a pressure detector-switch, the latter applies the brake which stops the pump and releases the brake of the other pump. The invention is applicable for example to feeding hydraulic jacks, in particular for turboshaft engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation, "S.N.E.C.M.A."
    Inventor: Jean-Max M. Silhouette
  • Patent number: 4393966
    Abstract: An operation control apparatus is provided of a compressor having a rotary shaft which is rotated by a driving apparatus by way of a clutch. The operation control apparatus comprises a recess or projection formed in or on one end surface of the rotary shaft as a portion-to-be-sensed offset from the axis thereof, an electromagnetic sensor disposed in facing relation with a locus described by the recess or projection according to the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a pulse monitoring circuit connected to the sensor. The sensor generates a periodic pulse signal in response to rotation of the rotary shaft. The pulse monitoring circuit generates a clutch release commanding signal to the clutch when it receives no pulse signal from the sensor for a predetermined time duration to protect the driving apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignees: Toyoda Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nippon Denso Company Limited
    Inventors: Hiroya Kono, Jun Hasegawa, Mitsukane Inagaki, Hisao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4390321
    Abstract: Control apparatus and method for reducing oil-well pounding and preventing subsequent damage to a producing oil well and an oil-well pump assembly, while maintaining optimum oil-well productivity is disclosed. The control apparatus includes vibration-sensor means operatively coupled to an oil-well pump assembly to detect shock pulses generated by the down-hole pump assembly of the oil well, and including means for transmitting the sensed pulses as equivalent electrical signals to a control means for determining the magnitude and frequency of the vibrations or shock pulses received from the sensor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: American Davidson, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Langlois, Dean W. Hart, Gary J. Blazek
  • Patent number: 4384827
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises a pneumatically operated regulating valve having porting therein for venting therethrough the pilot-signal, pressured fluid which is normally conducted to the front clutch internal control valve of a power transmission. The regulating valve is in communication with a source of pneumatic pressures. When the pneumatic pressure of the source is elevated, it causes the regulating valve to vent the pilot-signal, pressured fluid. Resultantly, the transmission is prevented from going into its lock-up mode and, instead, remains in its converter mode. The method sets forth the steps of modifying a standard transmission, without altering the latter's as-built configuration and arrangement, to incorporate the novel controlling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Y. Miller, Glenn E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4355959
    Abstract: A rotation sensor for sensing a swash-plate type compressor being in rotational state. An electromagnetic sensor including a permanent magnet and a coil disposed in the neighborhood thereof is fixed on a housing of the compressor such that it may be opposed to a part of a rotational locus described by a specific portion of the external periphery of the swash-plate. The electromagnetic sensor generates a signal pulse everytime the specific portion passes nearby. When the swash-plate is made of a non-magnetic material some magnetic body is fixed on the external periphery of the swash-plate for constituting a portion-to-be-sensed. This magnetic body may be a ring or lump of ferrous material, a temperature sensitive ferrite, a permanent magnet, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroya Kono, Jun Hasegawa, Mitsukane Inagaki, Hisao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4347041
    Abstract: An improved fuel supply apparatus includes a booster pump assembly which is disposed in a fuel tank of an aircraft and is operable to supply fuel to an engine. The rate at which fuel is supplied by the booster pump assembly varies with variations in the demand for fuel by the engine. The booster pump assembly includes a pump having a small volumetric discharge capacity and a second pump having a large volumetric discharge capacity. An electric motor is provided to continuously drive the small pump. A fluid coupling is engaged to connect the large pump with the motor when the discharge pressure from the small pump decreases in response to an increase in demand for fuel by the engine. To engage the fluid coupling, a control assembly directs a flow of fuel to a space between input and output elements of the coupling. When the output pressure from the small pump increases due to a decrease in demand for fuel by the engine, the fluid coupling is drained to disconnect the large pump from the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Cooper
  • Patent number: 4335999
    Abstract: An adjustable pressure control device relies on the change of shape or position of a control hose portion responsive to internal pressure of fluid being transmitted therethrough to control the fluid pressure produced by a pump. One embodiment of the device utilizes a short piece of high pressure hose in the fluid line which is adjustably deformed. As pressure builds up in the hose, the hose tends to return to its original shape, thereby actuating a suitable control instrumentality for the pump, such as an electric switch which opens the circuit to an electric clutch or to an electric drive motor for the pump, thereby temporarily stopping the pumping action. Another embodiment, to accomplish the same function, relies on the change of the arcuate position of a control hose due to variations in fluid pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Binks Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Lamontagne, Jon V. Scull
  • Patent number: 4318673
    Abstract: A pressure switch is shown as having two terminals extending externally of a switch housing within which are two stationary adjustably prepositioned fixed contacts respectively electrically connected to the two terminals; two movable contacts are also situated within the housing and, in response to sensed pressure, move toward (or away from) the fixed contacts in a manner causing sequential closing of electrical circuit portions as between respective movable contacts and fixed contacts; related electrical circuit means electrically connected to such contacts serves to energize and/or de-energize related output means as, for example, electrically operated clutch means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: Hi-Stat Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Aloysius J. Kochanski, Frank D. Mowery, Charles J. Hire
  • Patent number: 4313495
    Abstract: A well testing assembly includes a pressure limiter located between a downhole pump and an inflatable packer. The pressure limiter includes a housing having first and second housing parts and having an inflation passage disposed therein for communicating a discharge of the downhole pump with the inflatable packer. A clutch is connected between the first and second housing parts. A biasing spring biases the clutch toward an engaged position. A piston is operatively associated with the clutch and communicated with the inflation passage for overcoming the biasing spring and moving the clutch to a disengaged position at a predetermined fluid pressure level within the inflation passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: Halliburton Services
    Inventor: John T. Brandell
  • Patent number: 4309149
    Abstract: A sensor responsive to a differential pressure between a fluid in a reservoir and the surrounding environment for operating a switch to activate and deactivate a pump and maintain the pressure of the fluid in the reservoir within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: The Bendix Corporation
    Inventor: Howard L. McCombs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4305306
    Abstract: A rotatable input shaft (1) drives a rotatable output shaft (18) through a roller (7) which roller is displaceable along its rotational axis (8) while maintaining driving engagement with drive faces (6 and 14) of the shafts (1 and 18) respectively to vary the drive ratio through the assembly. The roller (7) is controlled in its displacement by a piston and cylinder device (10, 11) to which fluid pressure is directed under control of a spool valve (22). The spool (26) of valve (22) is displaceable to determine fluid flow towards and from the piston chambers (12 and 13) of the piston and cylinder device under control of the speed of rotation of the output shaft (18) through a centrifugal governor (34) and a push rod (33) reacting between the spool (26) and the governor (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Cam Gears Limited
    Inventor: Frederick J. Adams
  • Patent number: 4212591
    Abstract: An adjustable pressure control device relies on the change of shape or position of a control hose portion responsive to internal pressure of fluid being transmitted therethrough to control the fluid pressure produced by a pump. One embodiment of the device utilizes a short piece of high pressure hose in the fluid line which is adjustably deformed. As pressure builds up in the hose, the hose tends to return to its original shape, thereby actuating a suitable control instrumentality for the pump, such as an electric switch which opens the circuit to an electric clutch or to an electric drive motor for the pump, thereby temporarily stopping the pumping action. Another embodiment, to accomplish the same function, relies on the change of the arcuate position of a control hose due to variations in fluid pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Assignee: Binks Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Lamontagne, Jon V. Scull
  • Patent number: 4205945
    Abstract: A centrifugal boost pump, a primary centrifugal pump and a dynamic machine are driven through a common drive shaft. At low speeds, such as during pump start-up, the elements are in the aforementioned fluid serial relationship such that the dynamic machine, functioning as a pump, provides the primary fluid pressurization. Once a predetermined primary pump discharge pressure is attained, a clutch disengages the centrifugal boost pump and dynamic machine from the primary centrifugal pump, and the discharge of the dynamic machine is routed to a low pressure source. Thereafter, primary fluid pressurization is accomplished by the primary centrifugal pump which also pumps fluid through the dynamic machine, now functioning as a motor and driving the centrifugal boost pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Donald Y. Davis
  • Patent number: 4173152
    Abstract: A continuously variable speed converter is provided wherein a plurality of balls are interposed between a pair of friction discs for transmitting rotation of an input shaft to an output shaft connected with a fluid pump. A speed change mechanism is arranged to tilt the rotational axis of each of the balls in each plane, including the axis of the input shaft, to thereby change the output/input speed ratio. Disposed within a main housing carrying the input and output shafts is the fluid pump, which also serves as a pressuring means responsive to fluid delivered by itself so as to apply to the output shaft a thrust force corresponding to the pressure of the fluid, so that efficient power transmission without slippage may be provided between the friction discs and the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1979
    Assignees: Toyoda-Koki Kabushiki-Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Kondo, Minoru Kawabata, Mikio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4170438
    Abstract: A continuously variable speed converter is incorporated in a main housing of a fluid pump and is drivingly connected at an output shaft thereof to a pump rotor so as to transmit the driving power of an engine to the pump rotor at various output/input speed ratios. An actuator is operatively connected at its piston to a speed change mechanism of the speed converter and is responsive to pressurized fluids, which are delivered from the pump, respectively, through and not through a throttle element provided on an outlet passage of the pump. The piston is biased by means of a spring to operate the speed change mechanism to maintain constant the pressure difference between fluids before and behind the throttle element, so that fluid may be delivered from the pump approximately at a predetermined flow rate regardless of changes in engine rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1979
    Assignees: Toyoda-Koki Kabushiki-Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Kondo, Minoru Kawabata, Mikio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4118151
    Abstract: A pump device comprises a pump for pumping a liquid from a liquid source, a rotational driving power source operable continuously, transmission means for transmitting rotational driving power from the power source to the pump, detecting means for detecting the pressure of the liquid pumped and delivered by the pump, and clutch means provided in the power transmission path of the transmission means. The liquid pressure detecting means is adapted to operate accordingly when said liquid pressure fluctuates from a predetermined set pressure to controllably vary the rate of power transmission of said clutch means, while causing the operation of said rotational driving power source to continue uninterruptedly, thereby to control the pump delivery pressure at a constant value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Murakami, Yasuo Ishikawa, Masahiro Ito