Abstract: Pressurized oil is delivered into the space containing the friction surfaces of a servo-motor actuated disc brake, such delivery being momentary and in response to the delivery of pressurized fluid to the servo-motor itself. Such oil into the space serves to retard the engagement of the friction surfaces, and also to lubricate and cool the same. The arrangement may include a cylinder having a movable member responsive on one side to the pressurized fluid going to the servo-motor for pushing oil via a maximum pressure valve to the space. The brake may be a control for the guide member of a double rotation torque converter.

Abstract: A hoist cooling system in which a motor-driven pump forces oil under pressure through the hoist load brake and overload clutch. An end cover of the hoist gear case is employed as a heat exchange member, and includes fins to further enhance cooling. Oil is conducted through the load brake and overload clutch by means of interconnecting bores formed in the countershaft supporting the clutch and brake and in the brake and clutch operating disks.

Abstract: A friction coupling which utilizes a friction plate composed of high modulus asperities incorporated into a reboundably compressible elastomeric matrix for selective rotational engagement with a relatively noncompressible reaction plate between which is directed a flow of fluid with the asperities hydrodynamically wedging such fluid into a relatively thin load supporting film between the asperities and the reaction plate which film absorbs substantially all of the energy of engagement in the shearing effect of the fluid during relative rotation of the plates.

Abstract: A wet disc clutch is force cooled by feeding a cooling liquid under pressure from locations adjacent the axis of rotation of the clutch into the region between the friction surfaces of the clutch discs through a pattern of grooves formed in at least one of the disc surfaces and comprising a plurality of radially extending distribution grooves which communicate with a helical array of cooling grooves which in turn communicate with a plurality of radially extending conveying grooves, located between the distribution grooves, and communicating with constricted outlets disposed adjacent the outer edges of the discs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing drag forces between spaced components which are moving relative to each other while immersed in a liquid bath includes the introduction of a quantity of gas, such as air, into the liquid bath with a gas injecting means.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle clutch including a cooling fluid distribution means and a heat exchange means. A bell housing encloses the clutch assembly and provides a sump for containing cooling fluid. A clutch pressure plate has a plurality of pickup tubes formed on its periphery which are passed through the cooling fluid as the pressure plate rotates with the engine flywheel. The cooling fluid is forced through the pickup tubes into the interior of the clutch assembly where the cooling fluid draws heat from the clutch elements and then drains back into the sump. The inlet openings of adjacent pickup tubes are offset with respect to one another to increase the flow of cooling fluid. The rotation of the flywheel and the pressure plate generates a flow of the cooling fluid in the pool. A sump pan is connected to the bell housing and includes a baffle for diverting the flow of cooling fluid into the sump pan which is formed with a corrugated bottom and finned sides to function as a heat exchange means.

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.

Abstract: Providing a fluid distribution device for use in a clutch or brake system having a reaction member which operates in a fluid bath whereupon the fluid distribution device after being submerged in the fluid bath tends to distribute fluid peripherally to the reaction member such that fluid is distributed evenly and uniformly to the frictional material integral with the periphery of the reaction member.

Abstract: In a transmission having friction plate devices such as drive clutches and reaction brakes to establish drives, the friction plate devices have a plurality of alternate friction material faced complete annular steel plates and unfaced open annular steel plates both having spline tangs. A single width straight and transversely tapered strip having uniformly spaced recessed prime spline tangs is edge rolled into the annular plate with spline tangs.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly having a brake chamber provided with pressurized cooling oil and an annular face seal sealing the hub of the brake assembly to the housing thereof against loss of cooling oil from the brake chamber. A second seal is provided for sealing the hub to the brake housing inwardly of the face seal and structure is provided for conducting lubricating oil from a differential chamber of the assembly to the face seal for maintaining a preselected lubrication and cooling of the face seal while preventing delivery of the pressurized cooling oil from the brake chamber thereto. In one form, the seal for sealing the hub to the brake housing inwardly of the face seal is received in a recess of the housing, and in another form, the seal is carried on a retainer projecting inwardly from the housing to adjacent the hub. The face seals are lubricated by oil delivered from a differential chamber through a passage in the hub.

Abstract: A heavy-duty disc brake assembly and pneumatic actuating assembly therefor. The pneumatic actuating assembly may include a pair of annular pistons operatively connected for simultaneous movement thereof, apparatus being provided for supplying air under pressure to the working faces thereof, or a single piston spring biased to braking position with apparatus for supplying air under pressure to either face thereof. The disc brake assembly includes a plurality of relatively movable rotor and stator discs, and preferably a closed cooling system with circulatory loop is provided.

Abstract: A drum brake is provided with a liquid cooling circuit, wherein the rim is provided with a circuit for a cooling liquid, said circuit being on the one hand connected to a source of liquid under pressure and on the other hand opens outwardly on at least one of the faces of the rim. The invention avoids any excessive heating and subsequent deterioration of the brake band.

Abstract: A dual chamber hydrodynamic retarder in a torque converter and power shift gear transmission. The retarder inlet at a point in the stator housing extends radially inward into a radial outer port of one stator in alignment with toric flow. The toroidal flow is divided by transfer ports extending radially outward and axially in the rotor to the other chamber to simultaneously fill both chambers. Each chamber has an outlet at a point in the stator and within its outer diameter dividing axial toric flow into outlet flow and continuing toric flow. Both the inlet and outlet provide toric flow pumping.

Abstract: A brake with multiple friction plates supplied with both a steady, plate cooling and lubrication flow, and a controlled supplemental flow specially provided therefor. The specially provided flow is delivered onto, and leaves from, the friction plates being cooled thereby, under automatic control when needed, by utilization and adaptation of a simple gravity head and of operating parts already at hand in a standard traction drive mechanism.

Abstract: In a vehicle retarder system having a retarder with discs working in oil which is continuously circulated by a pump, a tapping is taken from the oil circuit upstream of a variable but never wholly closed valve to supply oil to an actuator of the retarder. When retardation is required, the valve is partly closed to increase the pressure in the tapping and so to actuate the retarder, while the flow of cooling oil through the retarder continues.

Abstract: A heavy vehicle, such as a tractor scraper, has oil cooled front disc brakes, and oil cooled rear disc brakes that may be used alone or in conjunction with the front brakes. A rear brake cooling circuit and a front brake cooling circuit, each of which has its own pump and heat exchanger, are cross-connected through a common reservoir, and both pumps and heat exchangers function whenever the rear brakes are applied. The rear circuit heat exchanger is an oil cooler with a fan, the motor for which is driven from the pump output and discharges to the cooler; and the motor may drive a bypass pump which draws some oil from the return line and passes it through the cooler.