Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic clutch having constant or variable filling of work medium having a pump wheel, comprising pump wheel blading, and having a turbine wheel, comprising turbine wheel blading; pump wheel and turbine wheel forming a toroidal work space with one another, which is fillable with the work medium for torque transmission; having a storage space for receiving work medium from the work space, the storage space having a connection which conducts work medium to the work space; the work medium can be conducted from the storage space into the work space to increase the transmittable torque and from the work space into the storage space to reduce the transmittable torque. The hydrodynamic clutch is characterized in that the ratio of the volume of the work space to the installation volume of the hydrodynamic clutch is greater than 0.

Abstract: A drain structure where oil sucked from the oil pan by the oil pump is supplied to the torque converter and circulates therein, and the oil is drained into the transmission case through a drain oil passage; and the drain oil passage passes through a gap between the torque converter and the oil pump, is guided to an upper part facing a fitting surface between the oil pump and the transmission case, and is further guided from the upper part to a part under the oil pump and opens above an oil level in the transmission case, and drain oil from the drain oil passage is discharged toward the oil pan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic machine, in particular a retarder, having an external working medium circuit, comprising: a bladed primary wheel and a bladed secondary wheel which together form a toroidal working chamber which can be filled with working medium from the external working medium circuit, which is fed back into the external working medium circuit; an annular channel disposed outside the working chamber, which is connected in a working-medium conducting manner to the working chamber via outlet holes in the primary wheel or secondary wheel, and is in flow-conducting communication with the external working medium circuit in order to collect working medium leaving the working chamber through the outlet holes and supply this to the external working medium circuit.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device used to establish and to release a working connection between a drive and a takeoff is disclosed. The device includes a housing capable of rotating around an axis of rotation, the housing containing a torus space, which forms a torus volume (TV) with a pump wheel and a turbine wheel, and a clutch space, which forms the boundaries of the clutch volume (CV) and which encloses a mechanical transmission circuit including a bridging clutch designed with a torsional vibration clamper. During the course of the minimum resting phase of the housing, the fluid which is distributed throughout the housing during the operating state decreases from a total volume comprising at least the torus volume (TV) and the clutch volume (CV) to a resting volume (RV), which is located at least essentially underneath the axis of rotation as a result of the force of gravity. A volume reduction arrangement is provided to the housing to reduce the clutch volume (CV) versus the resting volume (RV).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrodynamic machine, especially a hydrodynamic retarder, including a bladed primary wheel and a bladed secondary wheel which are arranged opposite of each other axially with respect to their blade configurations such that they jointly form a working chamber. The working chamber can be filled with a working medium for one operating state in order to transmit torque from the primary wheel to the secondary wheel by means of a circulatory flow of the working medium. The working chamber can be emptied of the working medium for a non-operating state in order to prevent a transmission of torque from the primary wheel to the secondary wheel. A suction apparatus is connected with a fluidic connection to the working chamber in order to suck off working medium and/or air from the working chamber for forming a negative pressure in the working chamber in the non-operating state.

Abstract: A centrifugally balanced fluid reservoir comprising a fluid reservoir having a channel therein, a flexible barrier dividing the channel of the fluid reservoir into a first compartment and a second compartment, a first aperture in the first compartment allowing transfer of fluid into and out of the first compartment, and a second aperture in the second compartment allowing transfer of fluid into and out of the second compartment. The first aperture may fluidly connect the first compartment to an external pressure source, and the second aperture may fluidly connect the second compartment to a rotating device. The channel of the fluid reservoir may be toroidal and annular.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the maximum speed of a working machine (12), in particular an air compressor in a vehicle. Said working machine is driven by means of a motor (10), using a hydrodynamic coupling (11), which comprises a working chamber (3) that is partially or fully filled with a working medium for transmitting a torque from a drive side (11.1) equipped with an impeller (1) to a driven side (11.2) equipped with a turbine wheel (2).

Abstract: The invention involves a process for controlling the rotational speed of a drive motor during a start-up period, in a drive train, containing at least one starter element that can be coupled to the drive motor, in a rotationally fixed manner, in the form of a hydrodynamic coupling, containing a primary blade wheel and a secondary blade wheel, which form together at least one toroid-shaped working space. According to the invention, the rotational speed of the drive motor is set as a function of the power that can be consumed by the hydrodynamic coupling. The consumable power can be controlled or regulated.

Abstract: An electrochemical analyte sensor formed using conductive traces on a substrate can be used for determining and/or monitoring a level of analyte in in vitro or in vivo analyte-containing fluids. For example, an implantable sensor may be used for the continuous or automatic monitoring of a level of an analyte, such as glucose, lactate, or oxygen, in a patient. The electrochemical analyte sensor includes a substrate and conductive material disposed on the substrate, the conductive material forming a working electrode. In some sensors, the conductive material is disposed in recessed channels formed in a surface of the sensor. An electron transfer agent and/or catalyst may be provided to facilitate the electrolysis of the analyte or of a second compound whose level depends on the level of the analyte. A potential is formed between the working electrode and a reference electrode or counter/reference electrode and the resulting current is a function of the concentration of the analyte in the body fluid.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic component (1) comprising: two rotating blade wheels: a primary blade wheel (3) and a secondary blade wheel (4), which together form at least one torus-shaped working chamber (5Z); at least inlet (10) for service fluid leading into the torus-shaped working chamber, the inlet being located in the vicinity of the lowest static pressure; at least one outlet (24) leading out of the torus-shaped working chamber; a working fluid circulation (22) which is set up in the torus-shaped working chamber during operation; a closed circuit (21) allocated to the working chamber and an external section (23) of the closed circuit, said section being located between the outlet and the inlet.

Abstract: A method for controlling the power consumption of a starting element (1) in the form of a hydrodynamic clutch (2). The clutch comprises an impeller (4) and a turbine wheel (5), which together form at least one toroidal working chamber (6) that can be filled with an operating medium, and is located in a drive train (3) with at least one other drive motor that can be coupled to the hydrodynamic clutch. The method is characterized in that the power consumption can be freely adjusted as a function of the volumetric efficiency of the hydrodynamic clutch and the method has the following characteristics: the supply or evacuation of the operating medium to or from the working chamber is influenced by the generation and introduction of a static superposition pressure in the closed rotating circuit; the operating medium is supplied or evacuated to or from the working chamber by the application of a superposition or influencing pressure to the operating medium level in the operating medium reservoir (40).

Abstract: A pressure regulator valve assembly for an automatic transmission that provides continuous hydraulic fluid flow into the torque converter charge circuit in all operating modes to prevent torque converter overheating is disclosed. The present pressure regulator valve assembly includes a valve piston subassembly having an encapsulated internal check valve in fluid communication with the line pressure circuit, which diverts hydraulic fluid to the torque converter charge circuit responsive to a lower fluid pressure (i.e. 2-5 psi range) than is normally required to fill the torque converter. When the vehicle engine is shut off, the internal check valve also prevents hydraulic fluid from draining back through the pressure regulator valve to maintain an adequate fluid level in the torque converter. In addition, an internal balance boost circuit has been added to the valve piston subassembly to assist the balance circuit in counteracting electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow-controlled, hydrodynamic coupling having an operating chamber (5.2) which is formed from a pump impeller (3.2) and a turbine impeller (4.2) and is intended for introducing an operating medium. In order to make it possible for the operating chamber to be completely filled at a slip of 100% even in the case of large torques which are to be transmitted, according to the invention the inlet (3.2.1) for introducing the operating medium into the operating chamber (5.2) is arranged at a point of the operating chamber (5.2) which is situated radially as far outward as possible.

Abstract: A variable stall speed control (VSC) device for use with a non-lockup torque converter of an automatic transmission of an engine for improving the stall speed property of a mechanical power transmission torque converter. The VSC device hydraulically alters and varies the preset RPM stall range of a torque converter associated with an automatic transmission of an engine while maintaining or improving its coupling efficiency. This is accomplished by activating the VSC system which closes the fluid circuit to the converter to relieve the internal converter fluid pressure in order to allow the existing pressure in the converter to cause a discharge of a portion of its fluid. This reduces the amount of fluid and pressure in the torque converter allowing the impeller to rotate faster with the same amount of engine input torque. This results in an immediate increase in the stall (slip) speed of the torque converter. The VSC system is deactivated when the desired stall speed of the converter is reached.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for automobiles is disclosed. In the automatic transmission, a housing (1) is filled with transmission fluid. A pump (2), having an input shaft (6), is positioned at one side within the housing (1), while a turbine (3), having an output shaft (7), is positioned at the other side within the housing (1) while being opposed to the pump (2). Pluralities of turbine blades (3a), regularly arranged around the turbine (3), are changeable in their inclination angles relative to the axis of the output shaft (7) so as to allow the rotating speed to be changeable. A hydraulic pressure control unit controls the inflow and out flow of the transmission fluid for the housing (1) while controlling the hydraulic pressure within the housing. An air control valve (5) controls the inflow and outflow of air relative to the housing (1) in response to the inflow and outflow of the transmission fluid relative to the housing (1).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch includes at least two blade wheels that form at least one torus-shaped working chamber that can be filled with an operating medium. In a method of operating the hydrodynamic clutch, the filling degree is determined via a value that at least indirectly characterizes the filling degree. When a maximum filling degree is attained, the operating medium supply is interrupted. During the filling operation, the operating medium is led in a substantially proportional manner to the filling degree from the work chamber into an accumulation chamber coupled to the working chamber. At least one dynamic pressure generator or sensor is inserted into the accumulation chamber and is arranged relative to the accumulation chamber such that, in a first filling state in which the filling degree is lower than the maximum filling degree, no pressure or only a very small first pressure which is constant over the whole first filling state is generated in the dynamic pressure generating unit.

Abstract: A variable stall speed control device is used with a torque converter of an automatic transmission of an engine for improving the stall speed property of a mechanical power transmission torque converter. The variable stall speed control device includes a lubricating fluid flow housing (4) having one or more internal fluid routing pathways connected to a lubricating fluid reservoir(3). The housing has a fluid inlet (14) and one or more fluid outlets (11) (12) (13) (15). The internal fluid volume of the housing (4) has a connector (11) connected to the torque converter (6) for regulating fluid flow between the housing (4) and the torque converter (6). The internal fluid volume of the housing (4) has a controllable fluid-flow drain (12) (13) for reducing fluid pressure, respectively, in the fluid-flow connector (11) and in the torque converter (6).

Abstract: An oil passageway 102 for supplying oil to a torque converter 30 having a pump impeller, a turbine rubber and a stator 33, or removing it therefrom is formed between the shaft member 41 of a stator shaft 40 and the boss portion 42a of its flange member 42 and extends along a transmission input shaft 20, while a pump impeller boss member 31a has an outer periphery supported rotatably by a bearing 12. The boss portion 42a of the flange member 42 has its end facing the pump impeller boss member 31a and situated closer to the stator 33 than that portion of the pump impeller boss member 31a which is supported by the bearing is situated, and the oil passageway 102 has its openings 40b and 40c situated closer to the stator 33 than that portion of the pump impeller boss member 31a which is supported by the bearing is.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling having a constant quantity of working fluid, the coupling comprising, a pump wheel and a turbine wheel which together form a working space for a working fluid, a first storage chamber in fluid communication with the working space; and a valve for displacing working fluid between the working space and the storage chamber in response to an external control during operation of the coupling; and further comprising a housing which is connected, fixed for rotation, with the pump wheel, the housing including the first storage chamber, the first storage chamber being rotatable with the housing.

Abstract: A fluid coupling (1) with a sealed casing (2) including two mutually communicating chambers (21, 23) and traversed by a driven shaft (10) connected to a user, one of said chambers (21) containing a pair of rotors (15, 17) provided with radial blades (16, 18), a driving first rotor (17) being operationally connected to a driving shaft and the driven second rotor (15) being associated with the driven shaft (10), the other chamber (23) acting as a delay chamber, the casing (2) containing a fluid arranged to transfer motion from the driving rotor (17) to the driven rotor (15). Within the sealed casing (2) there is provided at least one further chamber or reservoir (22) connected to said two chambers (21, 23) such as to feed the fluid contained in it to the delay chamber (23) with a delay subsequent to the starting of the motor, said fluid being transferred with a further delay to the working chamber (21) containing the rotors (15, 17).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch with a generally horizontal axis, specifically for underground operation. The clutch includes a primary wheel, a secondary wheel, a housing which comprises two essentially axially perpendicular end walls as well as a peripheral wall which is essentially concentric to the axis of the clutch, a scooping bowl fastened to the primary wheel, forming a scooping space and revolving jointly with the primary wheel (rotor), outlet bores discharging from the working space into the scooping space, and a scooping pipe dipping into the scooping space. At least one antechamber has an inlet port for receiving leakage water entrained and thrown off by the outside surface of the rotor. A line is used for transfer of operating fluid from the antechamber to the scooping space.

Abstract: An automatic sensing, measuring, and controlling system for varying the output power of a hydrokinetic device, such as a torque converter, having a varying power input derived from the output of an engine related to the power demand of the engine in an electrical/electronic closed loop circuit arrangement; comprising: circuitry for controlling the output power of the torque converter in response to the demand on the engine in operation, including, sensing and measuring the varying output power of the engine and applying the data measured to a sensor for converting the measured data to an indication representative of the varying output power of the engine; a power computer operable to relate the variable power indication to the load demand of the engine in operation. Control circuitry responsive from the power computer information to vary the output of the torque converter to the load demand of the engine. The power computer further comprising a data information bank.

Abstract: A quick acceleration fluid coupling comprising: a fluid coupling working chamber defined by an impeller attached to a driving shaft, a runner attached to a driven shaft, and an impeller casing attached to the impeller and surrounding the runner; and a passage for supplying hydraulic oil into the fluid coupling working chamber; wherein the passage includes a control valve operable to be fully opened and closed rapidly, and a bypass passage having an oil control orifice, which bypasses the control valve; thereby the rotational speed of the driven shaft can be changed rapidly from the lowest to the highest or vice versa.

Abstract: In a system for supplying oil to a fluid drive, the fluid drive having an impeller, and a runner fluidically coupled by oil between them, the degree of coupling being determined by the amount of oil between them, a temperature sensor is located to sense the temperature of oil as it is being discharged from the impeller-runner, and the temperature so sensed is translated into the opening and restricting of a control valve controlling the flow of oil to the fluid drive to maintain the discharged oil temperature substantially constant. An external reservoir is connected to the sump of the fluid drive by pipe of sufficient size to provide a head space above the oil being removed from the sump, and the reservoir itself is of such a size as to provide head space and to provide a dwell time long enough to permit detrainment from the oil of air entrained in the oil as it passes through the fluid drive system.

Abstract: An axially oriented annular piston is provided in the torque converter. It encircles the converter pump. The piston has an open and a closed position. In the open position, a portion of the fluid exiting the converter pump bypasses the turbine, passing through an axial gap between the pump and the turbine. Having some of the fluid bypass the turbine reduces the amount of fluid impinging on the turbine, thereby reducing the torque induced in the turbine by the fluid. When the piston is in the closed position, all of the fluid is directed toward the turbine, maximizing the torque developed. Springs keep the piston in the open position at rotative speeds at or below an engine idle speed. As the rotative speed of the pump is increased beyond engine idle, a centrifugal chamber opposed to the springs fills with fluid and forces the piston to the closed position.

Abstract: A fixed fluid capacity fluid coupling comprises a main bypass chamber and an auxiliary bypass chamber. The output wheel includes at least one hole and an offtake channel connecting the working circuit to the auxiliary bypass chamber uses this hole. Applications include fixed fluid capacity fluid couplings for driving high-inertia loads.

Abstract: A disengageable connection between an internal combustion engine and a propeller which serves for the drive of a gyroplane. The disengageable connection is a fluid coupling which includes a controllable oil circulatory system. The fluid coupling is supplied with oil by way of the oil circulatory system during the operation of the internal combustion engine. By contrast, the oil escapes out of the fluid coupling when the propeller operates under auto-rotation.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling is provided which has a primary blade wheel and a secondary blade wheel confining an operating space, said primary wheel having a first delay chamber connected by channels with the operating space located relatively close to the coupling axis and a second delay chamber, predominantly located further away from the coupling axis than the radially outer limitation of the operating space, the second delay chamber being connected with the operating space by large diameter ports, preferably by the radially outer annular gap between the blade wheels.

Abstract: In a fluid machine, for instance a hydrodynamic transmission, an injector means (31) including an adjusting member (32) acting as a throttle is provided upstream of the inlet (28) to the turbine wheel (23). At the injector means (31), two fluid components having different flow velocities are combined, one of said fluid components being a part of the total fluid flow which flows into the working part (23) and which is returned through a bypass passage (30) from the outlet (27) of the working part (23) to the inlet (28) thereof.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder has a centrally disposed chamber which is filled with hydraulic fluid and subjected to centrifugal forces. A valve mechanism, responsive to the operator, is opened by a control valve system when vehicle retarding action is requested to permit rapid filling of the retarder vane space from the centrally disposed chamber. The valve mechanism is also closed by the control valve system after a predetermined time. This accommodates fast filling of the retarder but does not permit air ingestion by the retarder. A passage, in the stationary housing portion of the retarder, is opened to the transmission pump circuit during retarding action to maintain the retarder pressure and fluid circulation for cooling. The central chamber has an air control valve to admit air to the chamber as the chamber empties of hydraulic fluid and to permit air exhaust therefrom when the chamber is refilled.

Abstract: The hydrodynamic control coupling has primary and secondary vane wheels (2,4 respectively) inclined to the coupling axis (20) and a working space (5) which is provided with an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) for the working medium, the working medium capable of being diverted from the working space into a receiving chamber (10) via tangential bores (7) running in the direction of the flow, a valve (8) being provided which determines the rate at which the working space fills. In accordance with the invention, the receiving chamber for the working medium is located radially inwardly of the working space and is defined by walls of the primary and secondary vane wheels. Such an arrangement of the coupling enables it to be constructed with smaller dimensions and to be simply controlled.

Abstract: A fluid circuit for a hydrodynamic coupling comprises a circuit line which is connected to the outlet of the coupling and which extends via a cooler and via a flow control element back to the inlet of the coupling. An overflow valve serving for limiting pressure and the delivery line of a filling pump are connected to the circuit line in front of the flow control element in the flow direction. Arranged in the delivery line are a fixed-setting throttle element, for example a diaphragm, and, parallel to this, a high-speed filling valve which opens automatically when the pressure prevailing in the circuit line in front of the flow control element falls below a specific limiting value.

Abstract: A cylinder of a volume control device for a variable volume pump is formed as a separate piece from a converter housing and mounted to an outer wall of the converter housing with a portion overlapping a transmission case fixedly secured to the converter housing.

Abstract: A fluid coupling interposed between an induction motor and a load has an impeller and a turbine together defining a working chamber connected via radially inward and radially outward passages with a delay chamber on the impeller side of a corotating housing. The two sets of passages are selectively blockable by shutters that are controlled by an evaluator, inserted in a space between the motor and load shafts, which also accommodates a power supply consisting of one or more batteries. The evaluator responds to several sensors, measuring such parameters as motor torque, load speed and acceleration, to drain or refill the working chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling is disclosed which has a primary bladed wheel and a secondary bladed wheel confining a torus-shaped operating space. A blade-free ram space is provided inside the blading of the primary wheel. A delay chamber rotating with the primary wheel is connected by channels respectively to the ram space and to the operating space. In each of the channels, a switchable valve is provided which operates depending on the primary speed. A scoop tube is fixed to the secondary wheel. The scoop tube has inlet opening of the tube in the radially outermost region of the inner space of the coupling. The scoop tube directs operating fluid into the radially inner region of the coupling, from where the fluid can reach the delay chamber through the valve assigned to the channel.

Abstract: In variable fill-type fluid couplings, a driving impeller and a driven runner are coupled for joint rotation by means of a liquid medium in an active liquid chamber formed by the rotating members. The active liquid chamber is continuously bled at a selected constant rate and continuously fed at a rate that can be changed to control the volume of fill of the liquid therein. Charging liquid is fed from a source to enter a mouth of the active liquid chamber. To insure that all of the charging liquid enters the active liquid chamber, the mouth is provided with a charging liquid collector that forces charging liquid past the mouth and into the active liquid chamber. The liquid collector can comprise an outer ring, an inner ring, and a plurality of pitched blades between the two rings. The collector rotates with the driving impeller, thereby forcing charging liquid past the mouth and into the active liquid chamber.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic reversing transmission wherein each of the forward and reverse drive trains between the input and output shafts has a starting torque converter with a stationary housing, a rotary turbine wheel and a set of adjustable guide vanes. The draining lines of the torque converters have inlet portions which are connected with the respective housings and are oriented in such a way that the direction of fluid flow therein is identical with or closely approximates the direction of fluid flow between the adjacent blades of the turbine wheel when the respective torque converters are operated within the counterbraking range. Each inlet portion has an aperture which is in permanent communication with the sump. The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of each turbine wheel is between 1.1 and 1.25, and the ratio of distances between the tips of neighboring blades of the turbine wheel to the outer diameter of the turbine wheel is between 0.06 and 0.09.

Abstract: A rotating fluid coupling of the type which has a primary coupling half and a secondary coupling half which together form a working chamber which is filled with working fluid. A control device which is arranged on the secondary coupling half is used to regulate the rotary take-off drive speed of the coupling by comparing an operating value, such as the centrifugal force which is a result of the rotating drive speed, with a variable command value and when the operating value differs from the command value initiates adjustment of the rotary drive speed. A fluid container on the secondary coupling half revolves with the secondary coupling half. A stationary supply line for control fluid to the fluid container is provided with a permanent outlet opening at a distance from the axis of rotation of the fluid coupling.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic reversing transmission for earth moving vehicles, forklift trucks or locomotives wherein the degree of filling of each torque converter of the forward drive train is controlled simultaneously with the degree of filling of the corresponding torque converter in the reverse drive train by a reversing valve.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder for vehicles, especially for motor vehicles, with an internal working circulation within a working space having at least one rotating blade wheel and at least one stationary blade wheel, with an external cooling circulation that can be filled by way of a filling and discharge line out of a pressure-medium-actuated filling cylinder and which includes a by-pass or control valve, and with a lubricating line which connects the sealing spaces of the retarder shaft both with the center of the working space as also with a control member of the control valve and with a reservoir tank that is arranged at a higher level than the retarder and is additionally connected with the filling and discharge line by way of a closure valve.

Abstract: A control system of the hydraulic torque converter of a transport vehicle wherein the space formed by the converter wheels and the space of the coupling which locks said wheels are in communication, through a changeover valve actuated by a signal of the RPM transmitter of the engine shaft of the transport vehicle, with the discharge line of the pump, said line communicating with the source of fluid via a reducing valve. The system incorporates an auxiliary pump whose discharge line communicates with the discharge line of said pump through a check valve and, through a valve actuated by the pressure of fluid contained in the space of the locking coupling, with the source of fluid.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling wherein the radially outermost region of the working circuit communicates with one or more radially inwardly extending channels defined by a casing which surrounds the impeller or runner element or by the casing and one of these elements. The casing has one or more openings located radially inwardly of the normal liquid level in the working circuit and in the channel or channels. These openings discharge working fluid which flows in the channel or channels radially inwardly in response to abrupt rise of fluid pressure in the working circuit as a result of abrupt change in RPM, particularly sudden acceleration of the impeller element. The outflowing fluid reduces the magnitude of transmitted torque, and the upper limit of such torque is determined by the distance between the radially outermost portion(s) of the opening(s) and the common axis of the impeller and runner elements.

Abstract: A fluid coupling, of the kind in which the filling of its working circuit is determined by a movable trimming scoop, is driven by an electric motor. The coupling output drives a high-inertia load such as a long, loaded conveyor belt. During start-up, filling control means for the coupling increases the coupling filling except when the transmitted torque, determined by sensing the motor current, exceeds a predetermined value. The movable scoop is then held stationary to hold the degree of filling of the coupling constant until the torque again drops below the predetermined value.

Abstract: A scoop-trimmed fluid coupling wherein the transmitted torque decreases continuously with increasing ratio of runner speed to impeller speed at each degree of filling of the working circuit with liquid. During acceleration of the runner, the scoop tube is moved by its actuator from a "circuit empty" to a "circuit full" position in several stages and at different speeds so that the torque which is transmitted by the coupling during acceleration of the runner remains substantially constant. If the load upon the runner varies from acceleration to acceleration of the runner, the operation of the actuator during acceleration of the runner is modified by a controller system which monitors the energy requirements of the prime mover for the impeller or the acceleration of the runner.

Abstract: A control system for a hydrokinetic brake has a pressurized working fluid reservoir connected to the hydrokinetic brake by fluid feed and return lines. A regulating valve sets the pressure in the reservoir at a value related to a required braking torque. The inlet pressure of the hydrokinetic brake is maintained at a fixed value lower than the reservoir pressure, for example by an atmosphere vent, during normal braking operation so that the outlet pressure of the brake and hence the braking torque has a direct relationship with the reservoir pressure, irrespective of the rotational speed of the brake.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic device comprising a fluid containing housing and unique relatively rotatable wheel means, including an impeller wheel connected to an input shaft and a turbine wheel connected to an output shaft. With the addition of a stator wheel the device may provide torque multiplication between the shafts, or without the stator may be used to couple the shafts together. The wheel means is sized and arranged so that in one sequential pair of wheels the entrance edge of one of the wheels is spaced apart from the exit edge of the adjacent wheel a distance generally equal to or greater than the smallest maximum width of one of the wheels, and so that the heads generated by rotation of the wheels are predominantly additive and do not cause potentially destructive negative counter heads opposing the impeller flow. The conical configuration of wheel means with parallel edges especially lends itself to achieving such desired arrangement.

Abstract: In a hydraulic coupling the pump element is provided with an annular reservoir rotatable therewith, the reservoir having its interior divided into separate analogization and stall compartments by a weir. A first set of catches feeds liquid from the working chamber into the analogization compartment and the volume which can remain therein is controlled by speed sensitive valves which feed excess liquid into the stall compartment from wherein it returns to the working chamber. The valve control the filling of the working chamber so that the power transmission capacity of the coupling is maintained analogous with the power output of the associated prime mover at that speed. Upon the existence of stall conditions with the turbine element a second set of radially-inward catches are engaged by the working liquid and fill the stall compartment to almost empty the working compartment and permit the coupling to continue operating without dangerous overload of itself or the prime mover.

Abstract: A valve-controlled hydraulic coupling fluid clutch is provided with a reservoir compartment containing first and second chambers, the first chamber receiving liquid from the working chamber during normal operation, while the second chamber receives such liquid only while the turbine is stalled or slowed excessively. Liquid flow means are provided between the two chambers of less capacity than means feeding liquid into the second chamber. Operator controlled valve means between the first reservoir chamber and the coupling working chamber are normally open and upon closing retain liquid in the first reservoir compartment to declutch the coupling, while automatic declutching takes place upon the slowing or stalling of the turbine to prevent overload by removal of working liquid from the working chamber into the second compartment.