US3830349A — Method and apparatus for engaging coacting propul…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 94 words

A method of controlling the engagement of an accelerating or decelerating auxiliary propulsion system with a running primary propulsion system upon the occurrence of synchronous speed of the systems comprising the steps of: rotating said primary system at a substantially constant speed; accelerating or decelerating the rotational speed of said auxiliary system toward the speed of said primary system; sensing the impending occurence of synchronous rotational speed of said systems; and automatically engaging driving elements of said systems at said synchronous speed in response to said sensing; for coupling said systems for simultaneous operation.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 94 words

A method of controlling the engagement of an accelerating or decelerating auxiliary propulsion system with a running primary propulsion system upon the occurrence of synchronous speed of the systems comprising the steps of: rotating said primary system at a substantially constant speed; accelerating or decelerating the rotational speed of said auxiliary system toward the speed of said primary system; sensing the impending occurence of synchronous rotational speed of said systems; and automatically engaging driving elements of said systems at said synchronous speed in response to said sensing; for coupling said systems for simultaneous operation.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 1 and in addition: controlling the acceleration or deceleration of said auxiliary system substantially proportional to the gradually decreasing difference in rotational speeds of said systems, for causing the approach of synchronous speed to occur slowly.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method of claim 1 and in addition: sensing angular alignment of said driving elements when substantially synchronous speed of said systems has been attained and thereafter automatically engaging said driving elements in response to the sensing of substantially synchronous speed and alignment thereof.

Claim 5

Independent Claim 116 words

A method of sensing the approach of synChronous speed of two rotating systems to be coupled for simultaneous operation comprising the steps of: producing a first output speed directly proportional to the speed of one of said systems; producing a second output speed directly proportional to the speed of the other of said systems; producing a third output speed directly proportional to the difference in speeds of said first and second output speeds, said third output speed reaching zero amplitude upon the occurrence of synchronous speed of said first and second output speeds; and sensing the approach of zero amplitude of said third output speed, for indicating the impending occurrence of synchronous speed of said systems.

Claim 6

Independent Claim 116 words

A method of sensing the approach of synChronous speed of two rotating systems to be coupled for simultaneous operation comprising the steps of: producing a first output speed directly proportional to the speed of one of said systems; producing a second output speed directly proportional to the speed of the other of said systems; producing a third output speed directly proportional to the difference in speeds of said first and second output speeds, said third output speed reaching zero amplitude upon the occurrence of synchronous speed of said first and second output speeds; and sensing the approach of zero amplitude of said third output speed, for indicating the impending occurrence of synchronous speed of said systems.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 4 and in addition: coupling said systems for simultaneously operation in response to said third output speed attaining a preselected amplitude approaching zero amplitude.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 38 words

The method of claim 5 and in addition: sensing the angular alignment of said rotating systems when said third output speed attains said predetermined amplitude and thereafter coupling said systems for simultaneous operation following alignment of said systems.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method of claim 4 wherein sensing the approach of zero amplitude comprises the steps of: producing a signal proportional to the amplitude of said third output speed; and sensing the magnitude of said signal.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 65 words

The method of claim 4 wherein sensing the approach of zero amplitude comprises the steps of: producing a first fluid pressure in response to the approach of zero amplitude from a first direction; producing a second fluid pressure in response to the approach of zero amplitude from a second direction; and sensing the approach of zero amplitude from either said first or said second direction.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 8 and in addition: energizing a pressure switch in response to said first or said second fluid pressure reaching a preselected magnitude for initiating the coupling of said systems.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 90 words

The method of claim 9 and in addition: rotating a first disc conductor proportional to the speed of one of said systems in fixed angular relationship with a portion of said one system; rotating a second conductor disc in contact with said first disc and proportional to the speed of the other of said systems in fixed angular relationship with a portion of said other system; and conducting a signal from said pressure switch through said first and second discs when said portions of said systems are in angular alignment.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 38 words

The method of claim 8 in addition: producing a speed control signal proportional to the magnitude of said first or said second fluid pressures; and controlling the speed of one of said systems in response to said signal.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 76 words

A method of supplying additional power to a load comprising the steps of: driving said load with a primary power source; driving said load with an auxiliary power source coupled in series to said primary power source; producing a signal corresponding to the speed of said primary power source; and automatically maintaining the output speed of said auxiliary power source substantially equal to the output speed of said primary power source in response to said signal.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 76 words

A method of supplying additional power to a load comprising the steps of: driving said load with a primary power source; driving said load with an auxiliary power source coupled in series to said primary power source; producing a signal corresponding to the speed of said primary power source; and automatically maintaining the output speed of said auxiliary power source substantially equal to the output speed of said primary power source in response to said signal.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 149 words

Apparatus for controlling the engagement of an accelerating or decelerating auxiliary propulsion system with a running primary propulsion system upon the occurrence of synchronous speed of the systems, comprising: first clutch means connected for rotation with said primary system; second clutch means connected for rotation with said auxiliary system and arranged to coaxially engage said first clutch means; first output means responsive to the speed of said primary system; second output means responsive to the speed of said auxiliary system; third output means responsive to the difference in speed of said first and second output means, said third output means reaching zero Amplitude upon the occurrence of synchronous speed of said systems; and engagement means responsive to said third output means for engaging said first and second clutch means for driving rotation upon the occurrence of substantially synchronous speed of said systems, for coupling said systems for simultaneous operation.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 149 words

Apparatus for controlling the engagement of an accelerating or decelerating auxiliary propulsion system with a running primary propulsion system upon the occurrence of synchronous speed of the systems, comprising: first clutch means connected for rotation with said primary system; second clutch means connected for rotation with said auxiliary system and arranged to coaxially engage said first clutch means; first output means responsive to the speed of said primary system; second output means responsive to the speed of said auxiliary system; third output means responsive to the difference in speed of said first and second output means, said third output means reaching zero Amplitude upon the occurrence of synchronous speed of said systems; and engagement means responsive to said third output means for engaging said first and second clutch means for driving rotation upon the occurrence of substantially synchronous speed of said systems, for coupling said systems for simultaneous operation.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 54 words

The apparatus of claim 13 further including: speed detector means for sensing the approach of zero amplitude of said third output means, said engagement means responsive to said detector means indicating a preselected amplitude of said third output means above or below zero amplitude for initiating engagement of said first and second clutch means.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 14 wherein: said detector means produces a signal proportional to the amplitude of said third output means for controlling the rate of acceleration or deceleration of said auxiliary system.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 39 words

The apparatus of claim 13 further including: sensor means for sensing the angular alignment of said first and second clutch means; and control means responsive to said sensor means for initiating engagement of said clutch means upon alignment thereof.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 60 words

The apparatus of claim 13 further including: signal means responsive to said third output means for producing a control signal proportional to the speed of said third output means, said engagement means being responsive to said signal means indicating a preselected speed of said third output means approaching zero speed for initiating engagement of said first and second clutch means.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 80 words

The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said signal means comprises: pressure means for producing a first fluid pressure in response to said third output means approaching zero speed from a first direction and for producing a second fluid pressure in response to said third output means approaching zero speed from a second direction; and pressure switch means responsive to said pressure means for initiating engagement of said clutch means upon said first or second fluid pressure attaining a preselected magnitude.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 18 further including: transducer means responsive to said pressure means to reduce the rate of acceleration or deceleration of said auxiliary propulsion system as synchronous speed of said systems is approached.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first and second clutch means comprise cooperating halves of an electric clutch means engageable in response to a signal from said engagement means.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 55 words

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein: said first and second clutch means comprise cooperating halves of a jaw clutch means; and said engagement means includes a shifter means for axially shifting one of said halves into driving engagement with the other of said halves in response to said third output means reaching a preselected amplitude.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 48 words

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein: said first and second clutch means comprise cooperating male and female portions of a gear-type coupling; and said engagement means includes a shifter means for axially shifting the gear teeth of said portions into driving engagement upon energization of said shifter means.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 76 words

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein: said third output means includes a first input means responsive to the speed of said first output means and a second input means responsive to the speed of said second output means, said third output means producing a speed directly proportional to the difference in speeds of said first and second input means, said third output means thereby coming to rest upon synchronization of said first and second input means.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 99 words

The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said third output means comprises a planetary differential and said first input means rotates in a first direction at a speed proportional to the speed of said primary system and said second input means rotates in a second direction opposite to said first direction and at a Speed proportional to the speed of said auxiliary system for rotating said third output means in the same direction as the faster of said first and second input means and at a speed proportional to the difference in speed between said first and second input means.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 195 words

The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said sensor means comprises: first and second coaxially aligned conducting discs; said first disc rotatable at a speed corresponding to the speed of said first clutch means and in fixed angular relationship thereto; said second disc rotatable at a speed corresponding to the speed of said second clutch means and in fixed angular relationship thereto; said first disc including a nonconducting surface in fixed angular relationship to a first portion of said first clutch means and a conducting surface in fixed angular relationship with a second portion of said first clutch means; said second disc including a conducting surface in fixed angular relationship to a portion of said second clutch means and engageable with both of said nonconducting and conducting surfaces of said first disc during rotation thereof, said discs conducting a current signal applied to one of said discs when the conducting surface of said second disc is engaged with the conducting surface of said first disc, for conducting said signal to said engagement means upon the occurrence of angular alignment of said second portion of said first clutch means with said portion of said second clutch means.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 110 words

A coupling for connecting a pair of rotating power sources for simultaneous operation comprising: a first coupling half connected for rotation with one of said power sources; a second coupling half connected for rotation with the other of said power sources in coaxial alignment with said first half; detector means external to said coupling responsive to substantially synchronous speed of said power sources for producing an engage signal to initiate engagement of said coupling halves; and sensor means external to said coupling responsive to angular alignment of mating portions of said coupling halves for directing said engage signal to an engaging means for engaging said coupling halves in driving rotation.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 110 words

A coupling for connecting a pair of rotating power sources for simultaneous operation comprising: a first coupling half connected for rotation with one of said power sources; a second coupling half connected for rotation with the other of said power sources in coaxial alignment with said first half; detector means external to said coupling responsive to substantially synchronous speed of said power sources for producing an engage signal to initiate engagement of said coupling halves; and sensor means external to said coupling responsive to angular alignment of mating portions of said coupling halves for directing said engage signal to an engaging means for engaging said coupling halves in driving rotation.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1977-08-19	1978-02-18	1978-08-20	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1981-08-19	1982-02-18	1982-08-20	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1985-08-19	1986-02-18	1986-08-20	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for engaging coacting propulsion systems

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