Patent ID: 7691028
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: F02C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of starting up rotating industrial equipment, said method comprising: (a) using a torque converter to transmit torque from a rotational driver to said rotating industrial equipment wherein said torque converter being adjustable between a free-wheel mode and a torque-transmitting mode wherein said torque converter operating in torque transmitting mode during step (a); (b) using at least one gear mechanism to substantially synchronize the speeds of a first drive-side element and a first load-side element, said first drive-side and load-side elements having a shiftable mechanical lock coupled there between; (c) using said shiftable mechanical lock to transmit torque from said driver to said rotating industrial equipment wherein said torque converter operating in said free-wheel mode during at least a portion of step (c); and (d) when the rotational speeds of said first drive-side and load-side elements are substantially synchronized, shifting said mechanical lock from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration to thereby mechanically lock said first drive-side and load-side elements to one another.