Rotational control apparatus
US5611415A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D67/04
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Rotational control apparatus in the preferred forms of fan clutches (A, A') are shown including an eddy current drive (224). Specifically, the eddy current drive (224) includes a plurality of permanent magnets (226) mounted circumferentially spaced and with alternating polarity by a holder (228) to the input of the clutch (A, A') and a magnetically conductive ring (242) mounted to the output of the clutch (A, A'). Thus, the output portion and the fan blades mounted thereto are driven at engine speeds when the clutch (A, A') is air actuated and are driven at a rotational speed less than engine speed by the eddy current drive (224) when the clutch (A, A') is not air actuated and without separate controls for the eddy current drive (224). In preferred forms, a housing (62) comprises the output portion of the clutch (A) which is rotatably mounted by a bearing (58) to the hub portion (24) of a friction disc (28) which comprises the input portion of the clutch (A). In another preferred form, the output portion of the clutch (A') is in the form of a hub (20') rotatably mounted on a stationary shaft (24') and the input portion is in the form of a sheave (50') rotatable relative to the hub …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.