Abstract: A vehicle drive plant comprises at least two prime movers mounted with their shafts aligned at an interposed base block enclosing a gear train communicating the prime mover shafts with a common output shaft. The gear train may include bevel gears at the individual prime mover inputs, being coordinated by at least one intermediate bevel pinion. A spur gear communicating with a mating gear at the output shaft is then mounted at one of the bevel gears. With a four prime mover plant there may be spur gears at the prime mover inputs, the output shaft having an aligned stub shaft extension. The output shaft, as well as the stub shaft, carries a gear wheel having a cylindrical gear rim for cooperation with prime movers located to the same side of the plane of the division as the output shaft, or stub shaft, respectively. Each of last mentioned gear wheels is further united with a bevel gear and the two bevel gears are coordinated by means of at least one interposed bevel pinion.

Abstract: A monoaxial coarse-fine adjusting apparatus for optical instruments has a pair of friction wheels whose peripheries are in engagement with the fine adjusting shaft. The axles to which the friction wheels are mounted are received in slots formed in the coarse shaft. The coarse adjusting knob has a surface which the friction wheel axles bear against. A pair of springs are provided which accommodate for torsion and backlash. Rotation of the coarse knob directly rotates the coarse shaft. Rotation of the fine knob rotates the friction wheels in a planetary fashion. The friction wheel axles which are received in the slots in the coarse shaft, drive the coarse shaft an amount which is proportional to the rotation of the fine knob.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for driving the two axes (11, 30) of the hand element of an industrial robot in which the casing (12) of the hand element is pivoted around the first axis while resting between two fork arms on the end of the boom (1, 10). Two reduction gears (19, 20) which can be separately driven are provided in the casing (12) and are arranged coaxially to the first axis, the reduction gears being arranged to drive coaxial bevel gears (24, 25)which, in their turn, are engaged with additional bevel gears (28, 29) supported by the casing (12) and extended at a right angle to the previous bevel gears (24, 25), the shaft of one of the bevel gears (28, 29) supporting a flange (31) which rotates around a second rotary axis (30) running at a right angle to the first axis (11).

Abstract: A redundant drive having primary and secondary load paths may have a torque sensor to indicate a failure of the primary load path and make a drive connection for transmitting torque through the secondary load path.The positive engagement torque sensor has a pair of adjacent facing plates connected to coaxial shafts of the secondary load path, with one plate having a series of circularly-arrayed pairs of spaced-apart openings and the other plate having a series of circularly-arrayed movable pins engageable with the first plate and movable within a dead zone between openings of a pair of openings. When there is a failure in the primary load path, the movable pins move into the openings to lock the plates together and provide for torque transmission through the secondary load path.

Abstract: In a microscope, a nosepiece support assembly and a coarse and fine adjustment mechanism in direct operative control of the support assembly, the support assembly including a nosepiece mounting carriage with a depending rod rigid therewith and mounting a cam follower which rides on the edge of a cam, rotation of which is controlled by the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism in turn includes a reduction gear assembly utilizing dual gear trains and mounted to a cam-mounting shaft externally of the frame of the microscope and housed within a coarse adjustment handwheel for immediate access thereto. One of the gear trains incorporates a compound gear having a torsion spring between the individual gears to enhance gear train interengagement throughout the gear assembly.

Abstract: A multiple speed drive unit that has a first input shaft driven by a motor, a plurality of secondary input shafts driven by the first input shaft, an output shaft, an oil shear brake for the output shaft, an oil shear clutch for each of the secondary input shafts adapted to be actuated to transmit rotational energy between a selected secondary input shaft and the output shaft, and a control for selectively engaging a selected clutch or brake.

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.

Abstract: A split-torque transmission in which a high-speed engine drives a substantially lower speed drive shaft, such as a helicopter rotor drive shaft, comprises a pair of selectively laterally inclined cross shafts for drivingly connecting a corresponding pair of helicopter engines with the helicopter rotor drive shaft. The transmission arrangement achieves a relatively high overall speed reduction, such as required in the transmission of power to the main rotor of a helicopter, with a minimum number of reduction stages, gears, and bearings. The lateral inclination of the cross shafts and the adjustable positioning of the associated gears to vary that inclination permits the engines of a two or more engined helicopter to be relatively widely separated and at the same time compact the drive arrangement in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A monoaxial adjusting system is provided for accomplishing both coarse and fine focusing adjustments between the nosepiece and stage of a microscope. The coarse adjustment is made by rotation of either of two coarse adjusting knobs which in turn directly rotates a coarse adjusting shaft and cam. Suitable linkage is connected to the cam to affect linear movement between the nosepiece and stage. Fine adjustment is made through rotation of either of two fine adjusting knobs which actuate the coarse shaft and cam through a planetary gear reduction system and follower. A further adjusting mechanism is lever operated so that the operator may easily provide fine adjustment while manipulating the North-South stage and East-West slide control knobs. The entire adjusting system is spring and gravity loaded to eliminate backlash.

Abstract: A helicopter transmission system is disclosed in which drive from three engines is transmitted to two output channels each of which is divided by dividing means to drive two output pinions meshed with a common combining gear rotationally fixed to a sustaining rotor drive shaft. Balancing means are provided to balance the torque transmitted by the respective pairs of output pinions and, in the described embodiment, the balancing means comprise a plurality of meshing spur gears arranged with one of the spur gears drivingly connected to one of the engines and a further two of the spur gears are drivingly connected respectively to the two output channels. Conveniently, a further one of the spur gears provides a power take off to an anti torque rotor drive shaft.

Abstract: A tilt drive is provided for a metallurgical vessel which is mounted on a large sprocket wheel driven by two or more reduction gears. The reduction gears are joined by a torque equalizing apparatus which transmits torque from the pinion of one gear to the pinion of the other, thus acting as a forced synchronizer. The torque equalizing apparatus is effective in both the dynamic and static operations of the drive.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine for a motor vehicle comprises at least two cylinders mounted in mutually displaced relationship with respect to longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. The crankshaft for one of the cylinders is located at a higher level than the crankshaft for the other cylinder. A crankcase assembly of the engine is vertically divided into pieces by a plurality of planes extending perpendicular to the crankshafts and each plane passing through each center of the cylinders. The engine provides first and second gears mounted on the primary shaft, a crank gear for one of the crankshaft, a crank gear for the other crankshaft, and an idle gear. The first gear is in meshing engagement with the crank gear for one of the crankshaft, while the second gear is connected to the other crank gear through the idle gear.

Abstract: A torque support is provided having a casing supported by a pair of symmetrically arranged steering rods which are pivotally mounted to a pair of upwardly slanted guide rods. The guide rods are pivotally supported on a base member. Inter-connecting the guide rods and the steering rods is a tension-compression rod capable of absorbing tensile and compressive forces. All of the elements of the torque support are provided above floor level.The tension-compression rod is constructed as a plurality of elongated sections, separated from one another by gaps. Located within the elongated sections are compressive spring bundles and a shaft bolt which is secured to supporting surfaces of the elongated sections. In this manner, compressive and tensile forces are cpable of being absorbed by the tension-compression rod.

Abstract: A monoaxial adjusting system is provided for accomplishing both coarse and fine focusing adjustments between the nosepiece and stage of a microscope. The coarse adjustment is made by rotation of either of two coarse adjusting knobs which in turn directly rotates a coarse adjusting shaft and cam. Suitable linkage is connected to the cam to affect linear movement between the nosepiece and stage. Fine adjustment is made through rotation of either of two fine adjusting knobs which actuate the coarse shaft and cam through a planetary gear reduction system and follower. A further adjusting mechanism is lever operated so that the operator may easily provide fine adjustment while manipulating the North-South stage and East-West slide control knobs. The entire adjusting system is spring and gravity loaded to eliminate backlash.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, especially of the two stroke cycle diesel type, has a turbocharger with a supplemental mechanical drive for maintaining a minimum speed ratio relative to engine speed, when exhaust energy is insufficient to provide a higher speed, so as to maintain adequate charging air for engine operation throughout the engine speed range. In order to provide more efficient operation during engine operation at idle and in a lower portion of the operating range where a reduced amount of charging air is adequate, a secondary lower speed ratio is provided by the mechanical drive system. A speed responsive clutch is included to disconnect the higher speed primary drive during engine operation in the lower speed range and permit operation at the more efficient secondary speed ratio.

Abstract: A grinding mill such as an autogenous mill or ball mill, having a large driving gear driven by two motors, wherein a soft start capability is provided by a clutch or clutches, is "finger-printed" in relation to the reduction gear system in order to identify optimum conditions for locking up the drive to achieve substantially equal loading between the drive motors, and to diminish cyclic variations in loading between the motors.

Abstract: A motor driven diverter valve is provided which diverts fluid flow from a single inlet port to either one of two outlet ports, or vice versa. The valve finds general, although not exclusive, utility in solar heating systems for swimming pools, in which the valve is used selectively to divert water flow from the normal pump-filter loop of the pool installation through the solar collectors. In such an application, the diverter valve of the invention may be operated automatically in response to an electrical switching signal derived, for example, from a temperature controller in the solar heating control system, to direct the water through the solar collectors for one operating position of the valve, and to by-pass the solar collectors for a second operating position. The valve of the invention uses two synchronous permanent magnet drive motors which together consume less power than the conventional single shaded pole motor/gear box arrangement of the prior art.

Abstract: For a vehicle equipped with a pair of driving engines and a torque converter having a capacity sufficient to absorb the combined peak torque of the engines at combined peak torque speed, a dual engine drive including a planetary gear set operative to provide direct drive between the engines and the torque converter when both engines are operating and to provide gear reduction between the engines and the torque converter when only one engine is operating. The gear ratio of the planetary set is preselected to reduce the input speed to the torque converter while increasing the input torque to the torque converter so that the output of the one remaining engine is more efficiently matched to the torque converter.

Abstract: A fixing and heating device for an electrostatic copying apparatus includes a fixing roller which (a) remains stationary at least until a toner is softened, (b) is driven at a low speed to even the surface temperature of the fixing roller when the surface temperature is lower than a temperature suitable for fixing, and is equal to the temperature suitable for fixing except during a fixing operation, and (c) is driven at a speed suitable for fixing when the surface temperature is suitable for fixing during the fixing operation.

Abstract: A drive system particularly suited for use in conjunction with a grinding mill is disclosed herein with a hydraulically actuated clutch of the oil shear type for transmission of driving forces to the grinding mill. A control system is also provided for selectively controlling the drive system and is operative to automatically accelerate the grinding mill up to full operating speed, to establish and maintain synchronization between multiple drive trains, and to provide a variety of operational modes including an inching capability, reduced speed operation, pendulum damping capability, and overload protection.

Abstract: A dual mode valve actuator for automatically controlling the operation of a valve comprises a first reversible drive motor and a first planetary drive assembly which operate to move the valve stem axially during a first mode of operation. The actuator further comprises a second drive motor and a second planetary drive assembly which cooperate with the first planetary drive assembly to rotate the valve stem without axial movement during a second mode of operation. A control means is provided to control the operational mode of the actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprises at least two prime movers communicating by way of a base block with a common output shaft. The base block has a housing enclosing two parallel, cylindrical chambers, and is provided with external mounting members for mounting in the vehicle. A strengthening wall structure separating the two chambers is defined by part-cylindrical surfaces bordering the chambers. The prime movers are mounted directly at the base block, with their shafts aligned with the axes of the chambers, and a gearing within the housing has transmission elements extending through openings in the strengthening wall.

Abstract: The device includes an operating member adapted to drive the driven member positively and a frictional rotary assistance mechanism. It includes a transmission device for the motion between the operating member and the driven member comprising two plates, means for the resilient return of the plates towards one another, balls interposed between the plates and cooperating with inclined surfaces provided on these plates. The plates separate from one another during relative rotation and frictional coupling means are provided between an output of the assistance mechanism and at least one plate. The device is used for driven rotary members forming part of a machine tool or of an automobile.

Abstract: A gear reduction apparatus includes a housing having first and second input shafts rotatably mounted therein and first and second flywheels mounted on the first and second input shafts respectively. Each input shaft is adapted to be connected to a power source and includes a toothed gear portion in mesh with a toothed gear portion of an output power mechanism which is thereby rotated at a lower angular velocity than the input shafts. The output power means may include a planetary gear system for further speed reduction prior to connection to a driven member.

Abstract: In a summing gear assembly, driving power is transmitted from a power source having several outputs, such as a steam turbine unit including a high pressure turbine, an intermediate pressure turbine, and a low pressure turbine, through input pinions and power drive lines to a common power take-off gear. Each input pinion is connected to a separate power output and is in meshed engagement with two adjacent power drive lines, there is one more power drive line than there are input pinions. The power drive lines are disposed in parallel laterally spaced relation and each has an intermediate pinion engaged with the power take-off gear.

Abstract: A drive device for the detaching rollers in a combing machine which includes a coupling member having an inner toothed wheel rim with a central axis extending therethrough. A central wheel is carried in the coupling member. The central wheel has an axially located take-off shaft which is used for driving the detaching rollers of the combing machine. Teeth are carried on the central wheel and mesh with the teeth of the inner toothed wheel rim. A first crank arm is provided for reciprocally rotating the coupling member as a second crank arm drives the coupling member about an axis offset from its central axis for imparting a pilgram (about two steps forward and one step back) motion to the take-off shaft of the central wheel.

Abstract: A throttle valve has a control member which is angularly positioned by two stepper motors which drive the control member through differential gearing. The drives to the control member are arranged so that a single step displacement of the respective motors in the same direction drives the control member by different amounts in opposite directions, providing a high resolution drive. The control member may be driven at a high speed by reversing one of the motors.

Abstract: A winch with a cable suspending a silo unloader in a silo; the winch having a gear mechanism and an input shaft operating a worm; a reversible motor connected with the input shaft; an incremental drive for incrementally turning the input shaft for incrementally paying out the cable including a slow speed motor with a revolving eccentric operating an oscillating drive arm, with a pawl to incrementally rotate a ratchet wheel coupled by a magnetic clutch to a drive plate affixed on the input shaft.

Abstract: A bevel gear assembly for transmitting high horsepowers between a first shaft and a second shaft the axis of which lies at an angle to the first shaft includes a main bevel gear mounted on the first shaft and having two circumferential rows of teeth. The teeth face axially in opposite directions and a pair of secondary bevels are provided meshing respectively with the two rows of teeth. The secondary bevels are coupled to drive the second shaft.

Abstract: A power transfer mechanism incorporated in a multiple path drive system comprising a transfer case disposed between a source of input torque and a pair of drive axles. Torque is transferred directly to one drive axle and is transferred automatically to the other drive axle through a double-acting overrunning clutch when required. The clutch is biased toward one engaged position, and is prevented from locking inadvertently in the other engaged position by a centrifugal blocking device.

Abstract: A drive system securable to a base for connecting a pair of generally parallel drive shafts to a single output shaft has a rigid nondeformable housing supported on the base by primary supports lying in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axes of pinion and drive gears rotatably carried in this housing. Each of the pinion gears is connected through a flexible coupling to one of the drive shafts and the drive gear is connected to the output shaft. The supports are deformable so that stresses which normally misalign the pinion and drive gears are compensated for outside of the housing by these supports and the drive gears remain in perfect alignment. The output shaft may extend completely through the housing and be journaled in front of the housing in a fixed bearing, and the primary supports lying in the symmetry plane of the housing may be gudgeons received in journals and permitting tipping of the housing.

Abstract: A coarse-fine focusing device for precision machinery capable of accurate coarse and fine adjustments free from any play in which a gear fixed to a pinion shaft having a pinion is connected to a gear fixed to a fine adjustment shaft, to which a fine adjustment handle is mounted, by a reduction gear mechanism provided in a coarse adjustment handle which is mounted coaxially with said fine adjustment handle.

Abstract: A device for starting one of a plurality of airplane engines with a starter by way of hydrodynamic transmission elements or a hydrodynamic torque converter having arranged in parallel therewith an overriding clutch that is connected to each engine. The engines are adapted to be coupled to each other by means of transmission gearing and coupling means arranged behind the hydrodynamic transmission elements when viewed from the engine side. The hydrodynamic transmission elements are adapted by variation of the filling to be controlled in such a way that the power intake beyond a predetermined speed will increase at a lower rate.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in electric hoists. Presently produced hoists do not use electric drills for power and are relatively large, heavy and costly.