Electric-Slip Couplings for Use With Diesel Engines

The fact that, in the last 12 months, at least twenty Diesel-driven vessels have been equipped with electromagnetic-slip couplings in this country indicates its value for ship-propulsion purposes. This paper explains the functions of the device as (1) to reduce torque-variation intensity at the reduction gears, and (2) to permit two or more engines to be rapidly coupled and uncoupled to and from the gearing to a common propeller shaft. Elements of the system are described and theoretical principles of the mechanism are analyzed. A brief comparison is given of the electric-slip coupling with the hydraulic system. The paper concludes with mention of additional applications in conjunction with internal-combustion engines.