Abstract: Apparatus for making a friction band comprising an arcuate band or strap made of a filament-reinforced plastic material. The plastic material is preferably a thermosetting epoxy which provides a matrix in which are embedded or encapsulated a plurality of long-strand continuous filaments of glass or the like. The band is lined with a friction lining, and is reinforced by a fibrous bleeder cloth between the band and the friction lining. A special fixture applies tension to the band assembly to hold the filaments in tension during the curing of the plastic material forming the matrix of the band.

Abstract: A friction band comprising an arcuate band or strap made of a filament-reinforced plastic material. The plastic material is preferably a thermosetting epoxy which provides a matrix in which are embedded or encapsulated a plurality of long-strand continuous filaments of glass or the like. The band is lined with a friction lining, and is reinforced by a fibrous bleeder cloth between the band and the friction lining. A special fixture applies tension to the band assembly to hold the filaments in tension during the curing of the plastic material forming the matrix of the band.

Abstract: A bearing material comprising copper and bismuth. Preferably there is from 12% to 18% by weight of bismuth and for some purposes there may be up to 35%. Depending upon special requirements, the bearing material may also have varying amounts of silver, antimony, zinc, phosphorous and nickel. Copper usually constitutes at least 50% by weight of the material.

Abstract: The disc brake comprises a stack of reaction discs interspersed between a stack of friction discs all mounted within a housing. Brake actuation is provided by either hydraulically or manually rotating an actuating plate which, through a roller/ramp structure, moves a piston structure, causing braking engagement of the reaction discs and friction discs.

Abstract: A brake band is provided which is useful particularly in connection with transmissions. The band has welded at each free end thereof a bracket. The brackets are provided with recesses to receive the actuating struts which abut against one end of the recesses to cause closing of the band in a drum.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a friction band useful as either a brake band or a transmission band is provided. The band includes an arcuate metallic strip lined with a frictional strip. These strips are adhered together while in a flat, straight condition. The adhered strips are then formed into a generally arcuate shape, with the lining strip on the interior. Brackets are then provided on each free end of the metallic strip. The brackets are welded to the metallic strip. Sufficient area of the metallic strip is exposed in the area of the brackets to permit use of closely adjacent electrodes against the bracket and metallic strip.

Abstract: The wet disc brake comprises a stack of reaction plates interspersed between a stack of friction plates all mounted within a sealed housing. A pool of oil is provided in the bottom of the housing. The pool of oil is contacted by the rotating friction plates to coat such plates with oil. A piston is provided for pressure engagement of the discs in a braking action. Spring means are provided to apply light pressure against the piston and stack of brake discs to continually maintain these elements in non-braking engagement.