Case History of a Development Program to Save Energy by Using Clutches with Hydraulic Pumps and Motors

After hydraulic failsafe brakes proved themselves in many applications, it appeared that a companion, convenience-packaged hydraulic clutch would also be of value in solving problems. The clutch resulting from subsequent marketing research and design has, during the past seven years, been of use in a number of applications. It has become a catalyst for new equipment design thinking which has paid off in ways that include energy savings, equipment cost reduction, noise reduction, maintenance reduction, employee and equipment protection, space savings, and versatility. This report discusses the clutch's development in detail, and provides “case histories”.