Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter (1) with a lock-up clutch (6) in a clutch space, (9) and with a piston (7) for activating of the lock-up clutch (6). The piston (7) separates the clutch space (9) from a piston chamber (10). The piston (7), via the application of pressure, can be moved, from a starting position in which the lock-up clutch (6) is disengaged, in the engaging direction of the lock-up clutch (6). The piston (7) has at least a closable opening (11) through which hydraulic fluid can flow from the piston chamber (10) into the clutch space (9). The opening (11) is open if either the piston (7) is away from the starting position and/or if a fluid pressure in the piston chamber (10), compared to the clutch space (9), is elevated. The closing element (12, 13) is tongue-shaped element which serves closing and opening of the opening (11).

Abstract: A starting device for a motor vehicle includes a pump connected to a prime mover and a turbine connected to a turbine shaft. The pump and turbine are hydrodynamically connected. A stator assembly is disposed between the pump and the turbine. The stator assembly houses a slidable throttle plate. In a first position, the throttle plate partially blocks a return fluid flow from the stator assembly, thereby effectively reducing the capacity of the starting device. In a second position, the throttle plate does not reduce the capacity of the starting device. The throttle plate position is a function of a balance of forces acting on the throttle plate by a biasing member and a flow of hydraulic fluid contacting the throttle plate.

Abstract: A reduce electric power consumption when an electric motor starts an engine and the time required to start the engine. Engine start control is implemented as follows. The RPM of the engine is increased to an RPM (R1) by the electric motor. Fuel is supplied to the engine of which RPM has reached to the RPM (R1) and further increases in the RPM are detected. If a further increase in the RPM is not detected, the supply of electric power to the electric motor is temporarily stopped. If the RPM has decreased to a RPM (R2), the supply of fuel to the engine is interrupted and also the supply of electric power to the electric motor is resumed. If a further increase in the RPM is detected or if the RPM has not decreased to the RPM (R2), it is determined that the engine has been started.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling has an impeller and a turbine wheel that together form a toroidal working chamber. Viewed as an axial section through the hydrodynamic coupling the working chamber has a circular or essentially circular cross-section with a convexity in the axial direction on the circumference in the radially outer area of said turbine wheel and/or in the radially inner area of said impeller.

Abstract: Impeller and turbine wheels form a toroidal working chamber of a hydrodynamic clutch filled with working medium. A throttle plate extends circumferentially near a central diameter of the working chamber The throttle plate moves axially, from an inactive position with little or no throttling effect on a circular flow of the working medium, to an active position with a greater throttling effect on the circular flow. The working chamber is without a center wall, such that the throttle plate is directly enclosed by the flow zone of the working chamber in both the active and inactive position of the throttle plate. The inactive position is located in the area of a separation gap between the impeller and the turbine wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic clutch which comprises a primary impeller and a secondary impeller which together define a working chamber. The clutch also comprises means for influencing the transmission behavior of the hydrodynamic clutch, especially for influencing the circulation flow in the working chamber, said means comprising at least one baffle plate that extends at least partially into the working chamber. The inventive clutch is characterized in that the baffle plate can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the working chamber.

Abstract: A single stage, twin valve, variable torque converter has a vaned input impeller, a vaned, single stage output turbine and a twin valve all disposed in a fluid filled, generally torroid-shaped chamber of a housing. The torque converter by means of its twin valve provides a variable forward output torque for a constant input speed and also provides a low reverse torque. The twin valve consists of two connected, concentric cylindrical sleeves which can be moved axially into and out of the torroid-shaped chamber so that the first sleeve can be interposed between the vanes of the input impeller and the vanes of the output turbine and the second sleeve can surround the vanes of the output turbine and thus seal off the output turbine from the fluid within the torroid-shaped chamber of the torque converter and provide a low reverse torque.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic brake is disclosed of a kind comprising a rotor bucket wheel and a stator bucket wheel in a housing and defining a torus-shaped working chamber and defining between them a bucket wheel gap. An outlet duct surrounds the perimeter of the rotor bucket wheel. A plurality of baffle type flow obstructions are provided about the periphery of the bucket wheel gap, and are movable into the bucket wheel gap and when the brake is not engaged. A small gap between the radially outermost part of the rotor bucket wheel and the housing is continuous with the outlet duct. A second duct connects the outlet duct and the space in which the baffle type flow obstructions are accommodated, thereby preventing unwanted movement of the flow obstructions into the bucket wheel gap while the brake is engaged.

Abstract: In a torque converter equipped with a fluid operated lock-up clutch to provide either a fluid or a rigid mechanical connection between an input and an output shaft, the reactor member is arranged for movement along the converter axis between a working and a retracted position by a fluid operated actuating piston. Upon engagement of the lock-up clutch, the reactor member simultaneously travels from the working to the retracted position, in which latter position the reactor member closes the flow path in the impeller member, in order to minimize power loss incurred by the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: The hydraulic energy absorbing device of U.S. Pat. Re. 28,736 is adapted to serve as a variable torque hydraulic clutch for a flywheel catapult by mobilizing the fixed array of annular vanes disposed about the rotor blades and mounting them on an output shaft. The torque transmission through the device is controlled by the degree of enclosure of the input rotor blade ring by a channel-shaped shroud, which is mounted in an annular recess in the toroidal flow-control ring disposed in an annular cavity in the casing.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic action brake for particular use in controlling the speed of a hoisting drum used in the drilling of oil and gas wells. The brake includes dual pocketed stator and rotor assemblies with a cylindrical member movable within the pockets to adjust the flow of the fluid within either the outer and/or inner pockets for varying load and speed conditions.

Abstract: A fluid coupling comprising a cylindrical housing having first and second vane supports secured to the opposite ends thereof. An input shaft is secured to the first vane support so that rotation of the input shaft causes rotation of the first and second vane supports and the housing. An output shaft rotatably extends through the second vane support into the interior of the housing and has a clutch support mounted thereon within said housing for rotation therewith. The housing has a first fluid compartment between the inner end of the first vane support and one end of the clutch support. The housing also has a second fluid compartment between the inner end of the second vane support and the clutch support.

Abstract: In a fluid clutch of the type comprising cooperating pump and turbine elements between which toroidal power-transmitting liquid vortices can be established, control of the clutch by an operator is effected by moving a baffle within the working chamber between a clutched position in which the vortices can be established and maintained, and a declutched position in which it is interposed in the path taken by such vortices and prevents their establishment and maintainence. The baffle is operative to produce the required de-clutching and clutching action by changing the operative volume of the clutch element in which it is mounted. In a preferred structure a radially-slotted annular baffle is mounted on a cylindrical sleeve slidable on the output shaft and moves within the turbine chamber toward and away from the pump element, the turbine vanes entering the slots in the baffle; a spring urges the sleeve and the baffle toward the clutch engaged position further from the pump element.

Abstract: A temperature and speed responsive control for a fluid coupling adapted to drive a cooling fan for an internal combustion engine. The coupling is of the hydrokinetic type and includes an input or drive member adapted to be driven by the engine, an output or driven member defining a housing adapted to carry the fan, a fluid working chamber defined by the drive and driven member, a cylindrical sleeve controlled by a fluid pressure and operative to vary the output speed by controlling fluid circulation in the working chamber, means in the working chamber for producing the fluid pressure, and temperature and speed responsive means for controlling the fluid pressure to the sleeve in response to temperature and speed changes.

Abstract: A fluid clutch of the kind comprising cooperating radiallyvaned pump and turbine elements has at least a portion of each vane of one of the sets of vanes of the pump and turbine elements movable either by axial motion or by pivoting motion under an external operator's control within an external enclosure formed between the outside face of the respective element and an annular shell rotatable therewith. Disengagement of the clutch is effected by the said motion which withdraws the movable vanes or vane portions from the working circuit into the said external enclosure, so that the power transmitting vortices usually produced by the vanes cannot be maintained. The clutch turbine may be provided with a device which can apply some rotational friction thereto when the clutch is fully disengaged, in order to stop the turbine fully against residual fluid friction in the working circuit.

Abstract: A device for regulating the driving torque and energy absorption in hydraulic energy absorbing means such as employed in aircraft arresting mechanisms, consisting in a liquid reservoir housing in which a bladed rotor is rotative, said rotor having its blades surrounded by fixed vanes of a curvature different from that of the blades of the rotor. A ring is mounted above the blades, the ring having an annular groove or channel in which a channel-shaped capsule is positioned, the capsule being adjustable up or down in the groove, a rotative adjustment ring is mounted on a part of the housing and an outer ring carries rods that enter the housing to contact with the capsule, and the outer ring has parts engaging in guide means on the inner ring, whereby rotative adjustment of the inner ring causes raising or lowering of the capsule with respect to the rotor blades.

Abstract: A temperature and speed responsive control for a fluid coupling adapted to drive a cooling fan for an internal combustion engine. The coupling is of the hydrokinetic type and includes an input or drive member adapted to be driven by the engine, an output or driven member defining a housing adapted to carry the fan, a fluid working chamber defined by the drive and driven member, a cylindrical sleeve controlled by a fluid pressure and operative to vary the output speed by controlling fluid circulation in the working chamber, means in the working chamber for producing the fluid pressure, and temperature and speed responsive means for controlling the fluid pressure to the sleeve in response to temperature and speed changes.