Importance

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Abstract

A fluid coupling device having an input coupling member (11) disposed within an operating chamber (33), and operable to transmit torque to an output coupling assembly including a body (15) and a cover (17). Attached to the cover (17) is a valve plate (31) to separate the operating chamber (33) from a reservoir chamber (35), the valve plate defining a fill port (43a, 43b). In order to eliminate morning sickness, which results from the bleed back of fluid though the fill port, an accumulator plate (59) is provided, attached to the cover (17) to define an accumulator chamber (67) within the operating chamber (33). When the engine is turned off, any fluid draining from the reservoir back through the fill port is contained within the accumulator chamber (67), and prevented from flowing directly into the viscous shear chamber (53,55), which would result in morning sickness. After the engine is started, fluid flows from the accumulator chamber and fills the shear chamber in the normal manner.

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First Claim