Abstract: A power transmission assembly includes a first rotary housing and a second rotary housing disposed within the first housing. A piston housing is disposed between the first and second housing and does not rotate. A clutch plate stack is disposed adjacent to the piston assembly and is engageable to prevent relative rotation of the first and second housings with respect to one another. The rotary housings are supported by a bearing between the housings at one end, and by a series of bearings between the housings and the piston assembly at an opposite end. The arrangement enables the assembly to be supported as an overhung load, while actuating fluid is applied to the piston assembly via a non-rotating manifold.

Abstract: A brake system for use with a rotatable mechanical load. The brake system includes a brake apparatus operative to selectively apply a braking torque to the load. The braking mechanism within the brake apparatus preferably includes a plurality of brake plates interleaved to form a brake plate assembly. The braking mechanism may be biased to normally engage the brake plates so that a predetermined braking torque is applied. In this case, braking torque is varied by controllably releasing engagement of the brake plates. The braking mechanism is preferably designed to apply full braking torque if wear of the brake plates exceeds a predetermined threshold. Heat generated during operation of the braking mechanism is preferably removed by coolant fluid. The coolant fluid may be supplied by a coolant pump driven by operative rotation of a pump drive shaft. A properly-sized flywheel is preferably coupled between the pump drive shaft and the device driving the pump drive shaft.

Abstract: A transmission system for transmitting mechanical power from a source of mechanical power to a power consuming load. The transmission system generally includes a controlled start transmission device or the like having an input shaft operatively connected to the source of mechanical power and an output shaft operatively connected to the power consuming load. Lubricant circulation apparatus are also provided to circulate and cool lubricant fluid maintained in a sump defined by the transmission device. Such lubricant circulation apparatus includes a centrifugal pump configured and mounted to remove air present in the circulating lubricant fluid. The pump is preferably mounted adjacent the transmission device upon a rigid fluid passage conduit.