Abstract: A clutch or brake unit is described with an automatic wear adjustment mechanism.Clutches and brakes operate by the engagement of friction members (4,6) which experience wear in use requiring a larger stroke of the unit to effect engagement. This results in delayed clutch or brake operation which can be a serious disadvantage where prompt action is required. Conventionally this wear has been compensated by replacement of the worn friction members or by manual adjustment of them resulting in temporary disablement of the unit and requiring service personnel time.In the inventive unit, friction members (4,6) are mounted between pressure members (10,2) and an actuator (12) operates against a backing member (15) to effect clutch or brake actuation and de-activation by movement of the friction members towards and away from each other, and the position of at least one of the pressure members is adjusted automatically in response to wear of the friction members.

Abstract: A cutting or bending machine has a combined clutch and brake mechanism cooled by air flow from an electrically powered impeller. A guide duct directs the air flow substantially uniformly through the entire volume of the combined clutch and brake mechanism, preferably to the outer peripheral edges of the mechanism, so that generated heat is dissipated continuously and the machine can be operated more productively. The impeller fan and the guide duct may direct the air flow either axially or radially of the mechanism and the air flow may be either inwardly or outwardly of the mechanism.