US4027755A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for reducing drag between clutch or brake components immersed in a liquid
Assignee: Gleason Works
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Filing: 1976-01-29
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Granted: 1977-06-07
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Expires: 1996-01-29
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for reducing drag forces between spaced components which are moving relative to each other while immersed in a liquid bath includes the introduction of a quantity of gas, such as air, into the liquid bath with a gas injecting means.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth W. Evans
- 👤 Mason M. Howlett
- 👤 David H. Kirkpatrick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 11:14
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D67/00; F16D67/02; F16D67/04; F16D13/00; F16D13/22; F16D13/38; F16D13/52; F16D13/58; F16D13/74; F16D65/00; F16D65/78; F16D65/84
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
In a driving mechanism of a type that includes (a) components which can be brought successively into and out of engagement with each other to effect a change in driving characteristic of said mechanism and (b) a liquid bath into which said components are continuously immersed sufficiently to provide a heat transfer liquid for cooling the components during operation of the mechanism, the improvement comprising gas injecting means for introducing a quantity of a gas into said liquid bath to thereby reduce drag between said components and the liquid of said bath while said components are maintained in said immersed condition in said liquid bath at all times, and said gas injecting means being arranged to introduce said gas below the surface level of said liquid bath to thereby provide for a mixing of the gas with the liquid bath.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
In a driving mechanism of a type that includes (a) components which can be brought successively into and out of engagement with each other to effect a change in driving characteristic of said mechanism and (b) a liquid bath into which said components are continuously immersed sufficiently to provide a heat transfer liquid for cooling the components during operation of the mechanism, the improvement comprising gas injecting means for introducing a quantity of a gas into said liquid bath to thereby reduce drag between said components and the liquid of said bath while said components are maintained in said immersed condition in said liquid bath at all times, and said gas injecting means being arranged to introduce said gas below the surface level of said liquid bath to thereby provide for a mixing of the gas with the liquid bath.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said driving mechanism comprises a clutch unit in which said components include at least one clutch plate and at least one clutch disc which can be brought into and out of engagement with each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said driving mechanism comprises a brake unit in which said components include at least one brake plate and one brake disc which can be brought into and out of engagement with each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said driving mechanism comprises a clutch-brake unit of a type in which braking components and clutching components can be selectively and alternately actuated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said gas injecting means comprises means for delivering air from a pressurized supply to said liquid bath contained within said mechanism.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for reducing drag between a clutch plate and a clutch disc when said clutch plate and clutch disc are disengaged and moving relative to each other while substantially immersed in an oil bath, comprising the steps of introducing a quantity of gas below the surface level of said oil bath to thereby assure good mixing of the gas with the oil bath, and maintaining said clutch plate and said clutch disc in said substantially immersed condition while said quantity of gas is being introduced into the oil bath.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for reducing drag between a clutch plate and a clutch disc when said clutch plate and clutch disc are disengaged and moving relative to each other while substantially immersed in an oil bath, comprising the steps of introducing a quantity of gas below the surface level of said oil bath to thereby assure good mixing of the gas with the oil bath, and maintaining said clutch plate and said clutch disc in said substantially immersed condition while said quantity of gas is being introduced into the oil bath.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-06-06 | 1980-12-06 | 1981-06-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-06 | 1984-12-06 | 1985-06-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-06 | 1988-12-06 | 1989-06-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |