Patent ID: 8336304

Claim:
A hydraulic hybrid turbo transmission apparatus configured to transmit energy from a power source to a work unit the hydraulic hybrid turbo transmission apparatus comprising: an outer housing defining an interior region containing a fluid; an input shaft being coupled to a power source to receive energy there from; said input shaft being coupled to at least one pump to transfer energy from said power source into the fluid and then to a multi-stage turbine; a first turbine positioned in front of said pump that is fixed to an output shaft that rotates in a first direction of rotation; at least a second turbine or subsequent turbine(s) located in series after said first turbine that is rotationally secured to said output shaft with a one-way overrunning clutch or multiple-disc clutch; at least one storage tank for storing low pressure fluid; a plurality of valves located after each turbine that are opened to discharge fluid after each turbine or closed to allow flow to said second or subsequent turbine(s); said plurality of valves are opened or closed under control of corresponding solenoids to change a drive ratio between said input shaft and said output shaft wherein; said one-way overrunning clutch or multiple-disc clutch is lockable in the said first direction of rotation of said first turbine and be free to rotate in an opposing direction of rotation without appreciable drag being placed on said output shaft; said turbines transfers power when a differential pressure before and after said turbines is sufficient to turn said turbines and lock said one-way overrunning clutch or multi-disc clutch and to transfer power to said output shaft; said hydraulic hybrid turbo transmission further includes a clutch between said pump and said first turbine wherein said clutch locks said pump to said turbine for direct drive, and when said clutch is not locked, said pump and said turbines run at different speeds for different gear ratio.