Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include methods and systems for controlling clearances in a turbine. In one embodiment, a method can include applying at least one operating parameter as an input to at least one neural network model, modeling via the neural network model a thermal expansion of at least one turbine component, and taking a control action based at least in part on the modeled thermal expansion of the one or more turbine components. An example system can include a controller operable to determine and apply the operating parameters as inputs to the neural network model, model thermal expansion via the neural network model, and generate a control action based at least in part on the modeled thermal expansion.

Abstract: A bicycle hub having a fluid automatic transmission receiving power input from the rider which uses drag to transfer power from an outer shell being rotated by the drive train to a stator and using applied torque to automatically control mechanical advantage in a limited manner by changing drag, this with flow restriction to limit the amount of shear possible thus the device is a fluid couple with torque-converter qualities. The ability to respond to torque in a way that changes mechanical advantage in a manner that the rider considers normal bicycle operation over varied terrain is what makes the device a fluid automatic bicycle transmission. The apparatus is appropriate to small and fractional horsepower applications in general.

Abstract: A constant velocity transmission which provides maximum torque and speed from a power source such as an internal combustion engine to an output shaft of the transmission while maintaining the engine at optimum operational speed. The transmission takes advantage of the principle of fluid friction to transmit rotational forces from drive blades mounted on an input shaft to stater blades positioned on the inside of a drum encompassing one end of the input shaft and the drive blades. The drive blades slidably mounted on a slanted surface of a drive drum on the input shaft and move closer to and away from the stater blades when laterally translated. Fluid driven by the drive blades imparts varied force and torque to the stater blades depending on their distance therefrom thereby transmitting variable speed and torque to the output shaft attached to the drum.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for engine driven vehicles, in which there is a torque converter and a planetary gear system, and linkage means whereby the leverage between the fluid torque converter and the planetary system is controlled by a vacuum generated by the varying torque of the engine under various load conditions. It includes a primary impeller and turbine, and a secondary impeller and turbine, the latter turbine being movable in variable spacing from the secondary impeller, to vary the torque therebetween, the secondary turbine being coupled to an annular ring gear which also intermeshes with planetary pinions rotatable about a sun gear, which movement is controlled by the engine manifold vacuum and accelerator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid clutch of the kind comprising cooperating vaned pump and turbine elements between which toroidal power-transmitting liquid vortices are established. At least part of the vanes of one of the elements is movable between clutch engaged and disengaged portions through a wall of the element into a reservoir on the other side of the wall. This reservoir also serves as a stall reservoir into which working liquid is fed automatically upon the existence of a stall condition of the element, so as to reduce the torque transmission capacity to a value preventing stalling of the prime mover.

Abstract: A twin-flow modulating torque converter having a torus which is defined by walls and rings of the pump, turbine and reactor members, and formed with a fluid bypass in the rings for developing an alternate flow circuit which bypasses the blades of one or more members of the fluid circuit; the fluid bypass being normally closed by the reactor member which is adapted for linear movement to open the fluid bypass for accomplishing varying degrees of modulation. The pump and turbine members are adapted to move relative to each other during operation for varying the cross-sectional area of the fluid bypass.