Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for a front and rear-wheel drive vehicle in which the power of an electric motor is transmitted to rear wheels includes an output shaft adapted to rotate together with the electric motor, a middle shaft which is parallel with the output shaft, a drive shaft which is parallel with the output shaft and is adapted to rotate together with the rear wheels, a first pair of reduction gears for reducing the speed of rotation of the middle shaft relative to the output shaft, a second pair of reduction gears for reducing the speed of rotation of the drive shaft relative to the middle shaft and a rear differential disposed closer to an electric motor side than the second pair of reduction gears and coupled to the reduction gear and the drive shaft.

Abstract: In a drive device, especially for a sunroof of a motor vehicle, with an electric motor (10) which has a pole shaft (16) located in a shaft housing (32), and a magnet (30) which is mounted on the pole shaft so as to rotate with it, and at least one Hall sensor (28) which is located outside the shaft housing for detecting the rotary position of the magnet and thus of the pole shaft, in the area of the Hall sensor (28), the wall (38) of the shaft housing (32) is, at the same time, part of the electronics housing (34) in which there is a board (26) which bears the circuitry of the electronic circuit for triggering the electric motor and at least one Hall sensor, such that the side of the board equipped with the Hall sensor faces the pole shaft (16) and the at least one Hall sensor is located directly adjacent to the magnet (30).

Abstract: An electric motor (1) or drive motor has a cylindrical, possibly, however, even conical or disk-shaped rotor (2) and a cavity or interior space (4) surrounded by the rotor (2) and/or its stator (3), into which protrudes in the installed position an epicyclic gear system (5) or planetary gear system which is driven by the electric motor (1). The electric motor (1) has a toothed power output element, for example, a cantilevered gear shaft (6), with which meshes an opposing-teeth-exhibiting power input element, for example, the planetary gears (7) of the epicyclic gear system (5).

Abstract: For driving an actuator which is optimum for and practical in use as a three-dimensionally positioning apparatus for a monitoring camera, a disco-lighting, an antenna, a multi-axis (multi-articular) robot, etc., an inner rotor type rotary electric machine is provided having a coaxial output hollow shaft with a reduction gear and a slip ring, including a hollow rotation shaft; a reduction gear for reducing an output of the inner rotor type rotary electric machine and extracting an output through a hollow shaft of the reduction gear coaxially with the hollow rotation shaft; and a slip ring provided in a hollow portion or an output portion of the reduction gear. Instead of the inner rotor type rotary electric machine, a similar outer rotor type rotary electric machine may be used.

Abstract: An automatic transmission ratio shift control system and method for a powertrain having a throttle-controlled engine and multiple-ratio gearing, torque flow paths through the gearing being established and disestablished by pressure-operated friction elements, an electronic controller for establishing torque transitions between the friction elements as ratio changes occur in the multiple-ratio gearing, the engine throttle being controlled by an electronic throttle control that is decoupled from the driver-controlled accelerator pedal, the transmission torque output being controlled by means of a friction element capacity control strategy including a feed-forward torque term determined by changes in commanded torque, the slip duration during a ratio change being controlled by means of closed-loop engine torque control.

Abstract: A frictional transmission apparatus comprising a simple planetary roller mechanism and a brake mechanism, the simple planetary roller mechanism having friction rollers including a sun roller, a planetary roller, and a ring roller. Static friction torque Y obtainable from the brake mechanism is set to fall within the range of 0.1Xd<Y<0.7Xd, where Xd is the value of test torque at which any of the friction rollers starts to make sliding rotations when the test torque is input in gradually increasing values to the sun roller with a carrier and the ring roller fixed stationary. Besides, a squeezing force from the ring roller is set so that Xd, critical test torque, falls within the range of 1.4-10.0 times static friction torque Y of the brake mechanism.

Abstract: An electric driving arrangement, particularly for press systems and/or their components, has a main electric motor for driving a flywheel. By way of a releasable coupling device, the flywheel drives an output shaft. An auxiliary electric motor can additionally be utilized for driving the drive shaft. The main electric motor and the auxiliary electric motor are arranged within the flywheel.

Abstract: A steering booster configuration for motor vehicles has a shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis. An electric disk armature motor with a coaxially disposed planetary gearing is connected to the shaft for stepping up the motor power. The motor has a rotor disk which is supported on the shaft, and is offset parallel with respect to the axis. A hollow toothed gear is fastened to the rotor and wobbles about the axis.

Abstract: A door operator unit for opening and closing an upward acting or horizontally moveable door includes a drive motor connected to a speed reduction differential planetary gear drive mechanism having a drive unit output shaft for connection to further door drive mechanism. An electromagnetic brake is interposed the motor output shaft and the planetary gear drive mechanism and is releasable when energized to allow rotation of the motor output shaft and the drive unit output shaft. A first ring gear of the planetary gear drive mechanism is normally held stationary by a release block and is operable in response to disengagement of the release block to permit rotation of the drive unit output shaft when the brake in engaged to allow manual opening and closing of the door by way of an auxiliary or manual drive shaft connected through a gear train to the ring gear.

Abstract: The motor actuator includes a driving motor, and a motor gear formed on a rotary shaft of the driving motor. The motor actuator further includes an input gear which meshes with the motor gear, and a planet gear revolving around a rotation axis of the input gear when the input gear is rotated. It further includes a stationary gear which is fixed in a coaxial relation with the input gear, and meshes with the planet gear. It further includes an output gear which is disposed rotatably in a coaxial relation with the input gear, has an output shaft and teeth whose number is different from that of the stationary gear, and meshes with the planet gear. With this configuration, the motor actuator is preferably small and reliable, and provides preferable output characteristics in torque and rotational speed.

Abstract: The device according to the invention offers the advantage that by means of at least two drive positions and a neutral position of a planetary gear as a drive transmission for an electric machine, this electric machine can be used both as a starter for starting the internal combustion engine and as a generator for supplying power to an electrical system of the motor vehicle. The disposition of the electric machine connected in series with the planetary gear, for example in the drivetrain of the motor vehicle between a coupling and a manually shifted transmission preferably on a transmission input shaft, in particular has the advantage that the electric machine can remain in constant engagement without expensive devices for meshing and demeshing a conventional starter, and a control of the planetary gear based on fixed parameters can be carried out simply by means of the motor control.

Abstract: A starter for an internal combustion engine is comprised of an armature, a motor case, a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism connected to an armature shaft, a frame and a partition plate disposed between the motor case and the frame. The partition plate has an armature-shaft hole and a chamber-connection passage between the armature shaft hole and the armature shaft for connecting the motor chamber and the speed reduction chamber. An undulating circumferential groove is formed between the partition plate and the frame to connect the speed reduction chamber and the outside. A long water drainpipe is removed from a starter for a recreational vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical machine apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine and supplying voltage to an on-board electrical system of a motor vehicle having a main gear, includes an electrical machine, a planetary gear through which the electrical machine is coupleable to the engine, the electrical machine being switchable over from a motor mode to a generator mode, the gear being switchable over for adjusting an rpm of the electrical machine, the electrical machine being coupleable to a drive train of the engine via the gear so that for synchronizing the main gear, speed-changing stages in the gear and thus a moment of mass inertia of the electric machine are selectable in accordance with a desired rpm adaptation of the drive train.

Abstract: A door operator unit includes a drive motor connected to a speed reduction differential planetary gear drive mechanism having a drive unit output shaft for connection to a further door drive mechanism. An electromagnetic brake is interposed between the motor output shaft and the planetary gear drive mechanism and is releasable when energized to allow rotation of the motor output shaft and the drive unit output shaft. A first ring gear of the planetary gear drive mechanism is normally held stationary by a release block and is operable in response to disengagement of the release block to permit rotation of the drive unit output shaft when the brake in engaged to allow manual opening and closing of the door. A torque limiting clutch may be interposed the operator unit output shaft and a second ring gear of the differential planetary gear drive mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drum motor (1) comprising a driving member (7), a gear transmission and a driven member, said gear transmission being constructed as a plurality of planet transmissions (18, 20, 22) in the form of sun wheels (130) and planet wheels (144) arranged successively in the interior of an internally toothed rim (100), said driven member being in the form of a cylindrical drum (3) which contains the driving member (7) and the toothed rim (100), and which rotates about a longitudinal axis A. The invention is characterized in that the toothed rim (100) is formed by at least two juxtaposed ring-shaped segments (110, 115, 125) which provide a separate annulus for each planet transmission, and that member (120, 122, 200) are provided to secure the ring-shaped segments (110, 115, 125) against mutual rotation about the longitudinal axis A.

Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle having a vehicle structure or vehicle frame is provided including a housing adapted to be fixed relative to the vehicle structure or vehicle frame, a motor frame rotatably mounted within the housing, and a stator and rotor being mounted for relative rotation and being located within the housing, the motor frame and the rotor are arranged to rotate in opposite directions for work output.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for a front and rear-wheel drive vehicle in which the power of an electric motor is transmitted to rear wheels includes an output shaft adapted to rotate together with the electric motor, a middle shaft which is parallel with the output shaft, a drive shaft which is parallel with the output shaft and is adapted to rotate together with the rear wheels, a firs pair of reduction gears for reducing the speed of rotation of the middle shaft relative to the output shaft, a second pair of reduction gears for reducing the speed of rotation of the drive shaft relative to the middle shaft and a rear differential disposed closer to an electric motor side than the second pair of reduction gears and coupled to the reduction gear and the drive shaft.

Abstract: A controllable planetary gear for transmitting a rotational movement between an input (2) and an output (3), including a ring gear (4) with which a speed range of the transmitted rotational movement is controlled; and a control device (6, 61) having an inner member (5, 51) in which the ring gear (4) is integrated, an outer member (7, 71) supportable in the tool housing (3) without a possibility of rotation relative thereto, and a sensor (8, 81) for measuring a force acting on the outer member (7, 71) and a tension developed in the outer member (7, 71).

Abstract: An electromechanical drive for track-laying vehicles in which the two drive sides have no mechanical coupling and permits smaller overall lengths and overall diameters. As a result, the flexibility of the arrangement of the drive components compared is further increased. The drive includes an electric traction motor, at least one variable-speed mechanical gear unit, and at least one brake. At least one of these components is arranged inside the rotor of the electric motor, and the remaining components are arranged laterally at the electric motor in such a way as to lie coaxially in approximately one plane.

Abstract: A range switchover apparatus includes a detent mechanism for holding in respective shift positions a range switchover operating unit capable of switching over a switchover device, which switches over a shift range, among respective shift positions, a driving force stopping unit for preventing a driving force from the drive motor from being transmitted to the range switchover operating unit, a stoppage controlling unit adapted to detect a position of the range switchover operating unit to control the driving force stopping unit so as to hold the range switchover operating unit in a predetermined shift position of the detent mechanism, an environment detecting unit for detecting an environment of the drive motor, and a rotation controlling unit for controlling the drive motor at a predetermined rotational speed in response to a state of the environment detected by the environment detecting unit.

Abstract: A belt-type door opening and closing drive apparatus is provided, which can reduce the noise and dimensions thereof and make full use of the mechanical safety function in the event of an accident. The belt-type door opening and closing drive apparatus allows the output of a motor unit to drive a belt (timing belt), thereby opening and closing the door of an elevator cage or the like. Between the motor unit and the timing belt, interposed are planetary roller mechanisms for transmitting power by the mutual rotation of sun rollers, a plurality of planetary rollers supported rotatably by carriers and circumscribing the sun rollers, and ring rollers inscribed by the planetary rollers. The planetary roller mechanism receives the output from the motor unit and the output from the planetary roller mechanism is transmitted to the timing belt.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly comprises a housing and a spindle disposed to rotate in the housing. A motor is provided which comprises a stator coupled to the housing, and a rotor rotatably disposed within the stator such that the rotor is disposed about the spindle. The assembly further includes an output driver, and a gear system operably coupled to the rotor and the output driver to rotate the output driver upon operation of the motor.

Abstract: A multiple ratio automatic transmission control system for an automotive vehicle comprising a multiple ratio gear set and a simple planetary gear set arranged in series. The control system has multiple control modes including an automatic control mode in which upshifts and downshifts between adjacent ratios are achieved by engaging and releasing friction clutches and brakes in the simple planetary gear set and in the multiple ratio gear set and wherein a manual shift control mode includes a select-shift control. Engine braking is available in each gear for both operating modes. In the select-shift manual control mode, a particular gear can be chosen by the operator for continuous single-ratio operation. The control system includes variable force solenoids that are multiplexed in combination with pressure modulator valves for achieving each operating mode.

Abstract: An eccentric gear drive has a drive mechanism with an eccentric element, an eccentric wheel with a set of teeth that is supported on the eccentric element, and a driver with another set of teeth. The teeth of the eccentric wheel and the teeth of the driver cooperate by meshing with one another in some portions. The eccentric wheel is rotatably connected to the eccentric element. The eccentric wheel also has guide elements which are guided directly or indirectly in a fixed housing cap.

Abstract: A compact integrated servo motor and gear reducer assembly that includes a rotor having a rotor shaft and a stator, and a planetary gear system including a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears and an outer ring gear. First and second bearings support the planetary gear system. The first and second bearings are located on opposing sides of the planetary gear system, and the first bearing has a first diameter and the second bearing has a second diameter. A third bearing supports the rotor shaft, and the third bearing has a third diameter that is less than the first and second diameters. Moreover, the third bearing is positioned between an edge of the first bearing and an edge of the second bearing. The assembly can be used in applications requiring high torque output but yet with size and/or space limitations.

Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus achieves a high speed ratio and has a compact and inexpensive structure. The apparatus includes speed change elements including a cam portion, a gear, an internal gear and a correction plate, a connecting arrangement including a second clutch plate, a third clutch plate, an electromagnetic coil and a coil spring, and a first clutch plate, all arranged on a common shaft. This arrangement achieves both a high speed ratio and a compact and inexpensive structure.

Abstract: A model train locomotive has a set of drive wheels and a power system for rotating the drive wheels. The power system comprises an electric motor mounted for rotating a power input shaft, a control mechanism for regulating the amount of electric current supply to the motor for varying the rotational speed of the power input shaft, and power transmission assembly for transmitting power from the power input shaft to rotate a driven output shaft which is coupled to rotate the locomotive drive wheels. The power transmission assembly includes a flywheel and gear train for rotating the flywheel about an axis of rotation when the electric motor is rotating the power input shaft while the driven output shaft is not rotating.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a sunroof comprises a rotation output shaft connected to a drive source through a first reduction gear and adapted to connect to a driven member of the sunroof and a detecting mechanism arranged on the same axis of that of the rotation output shaft and detecting a moving position of a sunroof panel in synchronous with a rotation of a rotating plate connected to the rotation output shaft through a second reduction gear.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is a drive unit for a hoist, in particular for a hoist consisting of a motor 3, a gear 1, a brake 2, and a brake housing 8 serving as support, onto which the facing of the motor and/or the gear is flanged. The drive unit has a shaft 6, which simultaneously serves as a motor shaft and as a gear shaft, and the brake body 2 within the brake housing 8 is fastened to the shaft. Preferably, the motor 3 and/or the gear 1 are flanged, unsupported, to both sides of the brake housing 8. The construction according to the invention significantly shortens the total length of the drive unit. Furthermore, the installation and assembly costs in money, time, and materials are decreased.

Abstract: An electric caliper for a brake system includes a cylindrical housing having a bore, a bridge extending from the housing, and a pair of friction elements operatively disposed under the bridge. The electric caliper also includes a motor disposed within the bore and a planetary gear system disposed within the bore and operatively connected to the motor. The electric caliper further includes a ball screw disposed within the bore and positioned around the motor and operatively connected to the planetary gear system. The electric caliper includes a piston operatively connected to the ball screw. Displacement of the piston causes the friction elements to operatively engage a disc disposed between the friction elements.

Abstract: A clutch includes a stationary housing member, a rotating member supported for rotation with respect to the stationary housing member, and a planetary gear assembly operably interconnecting the rotating member to an output shaft. The planetary gear assembly reduces the magnitude of speed transmitted to the output shaft. An actuating mechanism is used to switch the rotating member between a disengaged position where the rotating member rotates freely with respect to the stationary housing member and an engaged position where the rotating member is grounded to the stationary housing member. The actuating mechanism includes a magneto rheological fluid and a plurality of actuation coils. An electric current is supplied to the creating a magnetic flux. When a current is applied to the coils, the rotating member is placed in the engaged position and when there is no current in the coils, the rotating member is in the disengaged position.

Abstract: An actuation unit for a Venetian blind accommodated in a double-glazing unit or fixed to a window and movable between a fully packed or rolled-up condition and an opened-out condition. The actuation unit includes a magnetic kinematic coupling device which is connected with a device for generating a rotary motion and with kinematic systems for moving the Venetian blind. The magnetic kinematic coupling device has a first permanent cylindrical magnet which is connected so as to rotate with a shaft of the device for generating a rotary motion, and a plurality of second permanent magnets arranged about the first magnet. The second magnets have a polarization extending parallel and similar to that of the first magnet such that the second magnets rotate in relation to the rotation of the first magnet in response to a closure of radial field lines.

Abstract: An actuator for a speed control device is provided. The actuator includes a motor, first and second planetary gear assemblies, and an output shaft. The motor drives a shaft on which a first pinion is mounted. The first pinion, in combination with an internal gear, causes a first planetary gear to rotate which in turn causes rotation in a first carrier supporting the first planetary gear. Rotation of the first carrier causes a second pinion disposed on an opposite side of the first carrier to rotate. The second pinion, in combination with the above-mentioned internal gear, causes a second planetary gear to rotate which in turn causes rotation in a second carrier supporting the second planetary gear. Rotation of the second carrier is transmitted to the output shaft directly or through an intermediate clutch.

Abstract: A differential drive train for driving two laterally opposite axially aligned driven units, for example wheel hubs, in the same rotational direction has a motor with a motor housing and motor shaft, with a shaft affixed to the housing so as to rotate in a direction opposite from the motor shaft. A planetary gear cluster is mounted adjacent an outer end of each of the shafts so as to provide a gear reduction between the shaft and an output gear. One of the planetary gear clusters drives its output gear, which is fixed to the driven unit, in a direction opposite from its input shaft. The input shafts extend through their respective planetary gear clusters so as to mount their respective driven units on bearings on the input shaft and drive the planetary gear cage. Between the motor and the planetary gear clusters, the input shafts extend through stationary tubes to which the stationary gears are affixed.

Abstract: A novel drive train includes a motor, a differential gear unit, and a counter gear mechanism for transmitting the power of the motor to the differential gear unit. A universal joint for joining the differential gear unit to an axle shaft of a vehicle is arranged outward of one axial end of the motor to eliminate interference with the motor, and the differential gear unit is arranged adjacent the opposite axial end of the motor, radially overlapping the motor to the maximum, to thereby shorten the axial distance between the motor and the differential gear unit.

Abstract: A multispeed drive for a motor-cooling fan has a shaft extending along and defining an axis and a planetary transmission including a sun gear fixed on the shaft, a planet element rotatable about the axis on the shaft and carrying planet gears meshing with the sun gear, and a ring element rotatable about the axis on the shaft and meshing with the planet gears. A fan is rotatable about the axis and fixed to one of the elements and an input member is also rotatable about the axis on the shaft adjacent the fan. Concentric electromagnetic clutches each have an output side connected to a respective one of the elements and couplable to the input member for closing and coupling the respective output side to the input member and for opening and decoupling the respective output side from the input member. Thus when both clutches are open the fan is decoupled completely from the input member.

Abstract: A drive unit comprising a housing, a first worm gear rotatably mounted in the housing, an axle having a first end secured to the housing and defining a central axis therethrough, and a second worm gear mounted in the housing for rotation about the central axis, the first worm gear meshing with the second worm gear for driving the second worm gear. A planetary drive is mounted concentrically around the central axis and includes an output gear driven responsive to the second worm gear. An annular gear is driven by the output gear concentrically around the central axis for driving a work piece, the axle extending through the planetary drive into an opening within the annular gear. The planetary drive may include a sun gear mounted for rotation with the second worm gear, an annular gear fixed to the housing concentric with the central axis, and at least one planetary gear driven by the sun gear within the annular gear around and spaced from the central axis.

Abstract: A transmission unit includes a main gear and driving power is transmitted to the main gear through a first driving unit, then further transmitted to an inner ring gear through a planetary gear. The power of the inner ring gear is transmitted to a driving element for driving a wheel through an unidirectionally second driving unit. The driving element may rotate independently, while the inner ring gear and the planetary gear will not be driven by the driving element.

Abstract: A gear-reducing, torque-multiplying gear drive assembly includes a stationary outer case housing an internal rotary carrier having an output shaft fixed thereto which is journaled by the case for rotation of the carrier and shaft relative to the case. A pair of electric motors are mounted on the carrier and drive a pair of associated planet gears which are enmeshed with a fixed sun gear. Operating the motors rotates the planet gears causing the carrier and the output stub shafts fixed thereto to rotate about a common axis of the stub shafts.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline clutch using a ball ramp actuator supplying a clamping force on a clutch disc in response to an electromagnetic field where the clutch clamping force is maintained and increased with clutch slip using a plurality of one-way clutches acting in a pair of planetary gearsets with a one-way clutch acting on each planet gear and supported on a carrier ring which is frictionally connected to a ball ramp control ring upon energization by a clutch control unit of an electrical coil thereby creating relative rotational motion between the control ring and an actuation ring causing a plurality of rolling elements to travel along identical opposed variable depth ramps thereby creating an axial separation force between the control ring and the actuation ring generating the clamping force on the clutch disc.

Abstract: A hybrid electric powertrain system is provided including an electric motor/generator drivingly engaged with the drive shaft of a transmission. The electric is utilized for synchronizing the rotation of the drive shaft with the driven shaft during gear shift operations. In addition, a mild hybrid concept is provided which utilizes a smaller electric motor than typical hybrid powertrain systems. Because the electric motor is drivingly engaged with the drive shaft of the transmission, the electric motor/generator is driven at high speed even when the vehicle speed is low so that the electric motor/generator provides more efficient regeneration.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving a roller-shutter door comprises a driving plate, a planetary-gearset, a stationary housing, and adjustable control means. The adjustable control means is mounted in the stationary housing for cooperating with the driving plate as well as the planetary-gearset for controlling the actuation of a motor whereby a roller-shutter door can be moved to a predetermined limit position. More especially, the adjustable control means is disposed to extend from the stationary housing such that the adjustable control means can be manually adjusted from outside of the stationary housing.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline clutch using a ball ramp actuator including a ball ramp mechanism supplying a clamping force on a clutch disc in response to an electromagnetic field where the clutch clamping force is maintained and increased with clutch slip using a planetary gearset having an annulus connected to rotate with a clutch ring and a sun gear connected to rotate with the transmission input shaft.

Abstract: A device for detecting a position of a moving body is provided in which a position of a moving body such as a window glass can be detected with high accuracy, initial positions can be set without complicated adjustment, such can be realized with a simple structure and at a low cost, and assemblability can be greatly improved. In the device for detecting a position of a moving body, spring claws, which form a clutch mechanism and press a carrier, are formed integrally with a protective plate. A switch portion including a moving contact is provided integrally with a ring gear of the planetary gear group and rotates therewith. The switch portion detects the position of the moving body by on-and-off operation thereof. The spring claws are provided at a side of a planetary gear group (a planetary gear and the carrier) opposite a side at which a cover plate is provided. Accordingly, the protective plate can be installed after the planetary gear group.

Abstract: In an electric chain hoist, there is a slipping clutch in the drive line which connects the electric motor to the chain sprocket, the slipping clutch acting as an overload safeguard. A holding brake is also provided to hold the drive line in the braked state when the motor is switched off. The brake exerts its braking action primarily on that part of the drive line which lies between the slipping clutch and the chain sprocket. To prevent the slipping clutch from entering the slipping state when the motor is switched on before the brake has been released to a sufficient extent, the brake is designed in such a way that it acts on both parts of the drive line.

Abstract: A cooling structure of a power transmission apparatus is provided. The power transmission apparatus has an electromagnetic clutch including a fixed outer member with an exciting coil and a rotary inner member adapted to be fixed to the outer member by controlling electric energy provided to the exciting coil, and a gear device connected to the inner member of the electromagnetic clutch. A cooling apparatus is positioned between the outer member and a gear case member housing the gear device, for cooling both of the electromagnetic clutch and the gear device concurrently.

Abstract: A chain hoist contains a slipping overload clutch in the drive line which connects the electric motor to the chain sprocket. This slipping clutch has two clutch halves which are in frictional engagement with one another and are preloaded into frictional engagement with one another by a spring. A holding brake is furthermore provided and this holding brake acts against the clutch disks so as to increase the frictional grip between the clutch disks in the applied state. This ensures that when the hoist is started and the disengagement of the brake is delayed, the slipping clutch does not enter the slipping state.

Abstract: A fluid-based torque transfer device modulates the amount of torque which is transmitted from an input shaft to an output shaft. The torque transfer device includes a first plate connected to the input shaft. A second plate is connected to the output shaft and spaced from the first plate. A magnetorheological fluid is provided between the first and second plates. A magnetic circuit, including a coil wound around a core material defining a gap, applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid to variably control the rotation of the second plate in response to the rotation of the first plate. A controller adjusts the current to the coil to vary the magnetic field. Sensors detect at least one of the rotational speed and the torque of the input shaft, the output shaft, vehicle speed, steering direction, throttle position, gear position and brake position. The controller varies the current provided to the coil based thereon.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for adjusting the swashplate angle in a Stirling cycle engine. A stationary mounted motor is used to drive one member of a planetary gear set. The motion of this member is transmitted through a second planetary gear set to a member connected to the swashplate. In one embodiment, a worm gear powered by a stationary mounted electric motor drives a moveable rear ring gear. The movement of the rear ring gear is transmitted through three rear planet gears and a common sun gear to produce relative movement in a front planet gear carrier. The relative movement of the front planet gear carrier is transmitted through a bevel gear to the swashplate. This embodiment allows the off-line production of swashplate actuator subassembly cartridges that can quickly be journalled to the drive shaft, joined to and properly phased with respect to the swashplate and meshed with a worm gear connected to the stationary electric motor during the assembly of a Stirling engine.

Abstract: A variable transmission mechanism, particularly for the automatic transmission of a vehicle, comprises a driven rotor (22) having windings to which a variable DC supply is fed, and an armature rotor (10) in electromagnetic cooperation with the driven rotor. The rotors are connected to an epicyclic gear train (14) which is also connected to an output shaft, the arrangement being such that an increase in power supply to the driven rotor increases the torque between the rotors and enables the speed of the output shaft to be increased.