Abstract: In a braking axle driven by a wheel of a trailer vehicle, wherein an axle-driven pumping mechnism is used to pressurize a volume of hydraulic fluid in response to a braking command, the fluid pressure activates a turbine which in turn drives a cooling fan aimed at a radiator used to dissipate the heat accumulating into the hydraulic fluid. The coaxially circular arrangement of the pumps, control valves and other components of the system yields a simple, efficient and sturdy mechanical structure that can withstand very high internal fluid pressure with a limited and controllable leakage rate.

Abstract: A method of cooling a brake fluid using a brake operating unit which comprises a first and a second flow channels connected to a cylinder of a brake element at one ends thereof comprises a step of setting the absolute value of a difference between the amount of brake fluid supplied to and that discharged from the cylinders in the first flow channel to apply and release brakes respectively equal to the absolute value of a difference between the amount of the brake fluid supplied to and that discharged from the cylinder in the second flow channel to apply and release the brakes respectively, so as to circulate the brake fluid in the cylinder using both of the first and second flow channels by repetition of applying and releasing the brakes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic fluid tank assembly for a vehicle having a hydraulic brake cooling circuit and a hydraulic steering circuit. The hydraulic tank assembly includes a hydraulic tank that has a brake cooling section fluidically coupled to the hydraulic brake cooling circuit of a vehicle and a steering section fluidically coupled to the hydraulic steering circuit of a vehicle. The steering section further is fluidically coupled to the brake cooling section such that hydraulic fluid may flow between the brake cooling section and the steering section of the hydraulic tank. A barrier plate disposed in the tank separates the brake cooling section from the steering section. The barrier plate has a through hole that fluidically couples the brake cooling section with the steering section; and a hydraulic fluid strainer is disposed in the through hole of the barrier plate in order to strain hydraulic fluid that flows between the brake cooling section and the steering section.

Abstract: A device for cooling brake fluid in a brake operating unit which comprises first and second flow channels having respective one ends connected to a cylinder of a brake element. The brake fluid circulates in the cylinder using both of the first and second flow channels by repetition of applying and releasing the brakes. As a result, it is possible to provide a device for cooling a brake fluid, wherein vapor-lock can be presented with certainty, the brake element that is a drum brake or a disc brake is improved in safety and reliability, friction materials such as brake shoes or pads are restrained from rising in temperature and a fade phenomenon is also reduced so that a stable braking operation can be obtained.

Abstract: A disc brake caliper which includes a cooling fluid gallery which at least partially surrounds at least one of the brake operating piston and cylinder assemblies to cool the hydraulic fluid of any such assemblies. The gallery is constructed to provide thin side walls for piston and cylinder assemblies to maximize the cooling of the assemblies.

Abstract: A composite cast caliper in which the body of the caliper is cast with an additional component embedded therein. The embedded or intra-cast component can be either a reinforcing structure to strengthen and prevent deflection of the caliper body or it can be a tube providing a coolant passage within the caliper. The coolant passage tube is connected to a source of coolant fluid for circulation through the caliper to remove heat therefrom. The embedded component is positioned within the casting mold by the use of a plurality of locating wires.

Abstract: A direct drive, self-cooling, fail-safe axle brake system mounted to a drive axle associated with a differential and wheel end of a vehicle. The brake system has two back to back tandem operated combination brake components associated with the wheel end, which is surrounded by a hub cooling and collection reservoir into which fluids from a separate cooling reservoir are circulated over the brake components to dissipate heat generated from braking by dissipating it through the separate cooling reservoir.

Abstract: A tubular hub member receives a shaft and is surrounded by a housing formed by a base section coupled to a cup-shaped closure section. The hub member defines an inlet passage for circulating cooling oil and supports a set of brake discs which interfit between a set of brake plates supported by pins projecting inwardly from the base section. An annular thrust plate is supported by the base section for axial movement and carries a set of compression springs which urge the thrust plate for clamping the brake plates and discs against a pressure plate mounted within the closure section. An annular electrical coil and support body are mounted by screws and spacer sleeves within the closure section, and an annular armature plate is supported by the sleeves for axial movement adjacent the end wall of the closure section.

Abstract: A rotatable member for a brake of the liquid cooled type comprises a disc provided on opposite sides with annular braking faces. The disc incorporates a plurality of angularly spaced liquid supply slots which extend through the material of the disc and radially outwards from a position inwardly of the inner peripheral edges of the braking faces. A portion at the inner end of each slot is of a circumferential length greater than the remainder of the slot. The member may comprise a braking member for the brake, or it may be separate from the brake and act as a pump member in the form of a turbo disc.

Abstract: A brake of the self-energising liquid cooled type incorporates a pump mechanism for pumping liquid from a sump to a braking member which is slidably keyed to a shaft to be braked. The pump mechanism incorporates one rotatable pump member which is driven from the shaft and may be housed within a pressure plate which forms a part of an actuating mechanism for the brake. Alternatively the pump may comprise a turbo-disc which is separate from the brake and is spaced from the stack of braking members.

Abstract: In a self-energizing disc brake of the spreading type the actuator mechanism incorporates a restrictor in the form of a circumferentially extending discontinuous oil-seal which co-operates with radial faces on the two pressure plates. A secondary, or elevated, reservoir for liquid is therefore defined between said pressure plates by said oil-seal. Liquid can escape from this reservoir in order to enhance the cooling of the braking surfaces, defined by engagement of rotatable friction discs with end faces of a housing, pressure plates and a planar non-rotatable disc. In the brake shown in FIG. 6 two annular members act as seals on the ends of the outermost friction discs.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled disc brake for use in a vehicle having a rotatable shaft, at least one rotor fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, in which the rotor is unrotatable but slightly axially movable with respect to the shaft, a caliper secured to the vehicle body, having a first wall, a second wall positioned opposite to the first wall and a third wall. The caliper is substantially U-shaped in section with its inner peripheral side opening to thereby surround the whole perimeter of the rotor. The second wall of the caliper is made hollow so that the cooling liquid circulates freely through the hollow portion of the second wall. The disc brake further includes means for thrusting against the rotor provided at an inner side of the first wall of the caliper. The thrust means is operated at the time when the brake is performed.

Abstract: An electric wheel drive for a wheel body having a drive housing with an interior side facing toward the body and having an opposite exterior side facing away from the body includes a drive motor which has a drive shaft facing the exterior side. Second stage star-type reduction gear and a first stage planetary reduction gear are connected to the drive shaft of the drive motor and they are located adjacent the exterior side. The second stage gear has an outer driving gear surface which is in driving engagement with the wheel hubs of a tire. The construction includes a cooling air passage extending from said housing interior side past said drive motor first and then through first and second gear stages to the exterior side.

Abstract: A fluid cooled brake for a wheel mounted for rotation about a spindle at one end of an axle and including a plurality of annular friction discs mounted within a closed annular chamber between the wheel and the end of the axle. A pump is provided having a suction line to a sump of lubricating fluid within the axle. The pump draws lubricating fluid from the sump and delivers the fluid through a first fluid passage to the chamber to circulate around the friction discs and return through a second fluid passage to the sump.

Abstract: A control system has two fixed-displacement pumps for supplying pressurized fluid to a pair of steering cylinders via a steering valve and to a pair of implement cylinders via an implement valve. Connected next to the pumps is a demand valve which is pilot operated to deliver to the steering cylinder pair the pressurized fluid from only one pump upon slight displacement of the steering valve and the pressurized fluid from both pumps upon greater displacement of the steering valve. The demand valve is further pilot operated to deliver to the implement cylinder pair the pressurized fluid from only one pump when the implement valve is actuated in a direction to lower the implement assembly, and the pressurized fluid from both pumps when the implement valve is actuated in a direction to raise the implement assembly.

Abstract: A disc brake for application to any land, air or sea vessel or to any fixed or mobile industrial machine, which in order to attain high braking performance comprises a rotating part mounted on a shaft to be braked and having at least one surface of low coefficient of thermal conductivity, whereas the stationary part is of a material of high coefficient of thermal conductivity and is provided with internal cavities for a fluid for dissipating the braking heat, which passes almost totally to the stationary part.

Abstract: An electric motor has a shaft projecting from an end bearing bracket, and an annular hub member is clamped to the projecting portion of the motor shaft. The hub member supports a plurality of clutch discs and defines an impeller inlet for receiving a liquid coolant or oil which is pumped by the hub member through ports outwardly between the discs. A housing includes a section which mounts on the motor bearing bracket, and the housing has an intermediate section which supports a plurality of non-rotating brake plates. The brake plates interfit between the brake discs and are pressed together with the discs in response to axial movement of a non-rotating annular piston surrounding the hub member and supported by the intermediate section of the housing. The housing also has an end closure portion which directs the oil from the discs and plates to the inlet within the hub member and is effective to dissipate heat from the recirculating oil.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a brake unit of the oil shear type which is specifically designed for use in controlling the drawworks of drilling rigs or the like. The drawworks brake unit comprises an input shaft driven by the drawworks which operates to drive a gear pump for circulating high volumes of oil under pressure over interposed brake discs and plates and through adjacent restricted orifices during a first direction of rotation such as during lowering of the pipe stands so as to both cool and lubricate the discs and plates. During an opposite rotation of the input shaft, such as during raising of the pipe stands, an alternate flowpath is provided by-passing the restricted orifices so as to reduce the drag placed on the drawworks during raising of the pipe stands. During the first direction of rotation or lowering, the gear pump also operates to provide self-actuating overspeed safety protection as well.

Abstract: An electric motor has a shaft projecting from an end bearing bracket, and an annular hub member is clamped to the projecting portion of the motor shaft. The hub member supports a plurality of clutch discs and defines an impeller inlet for receiving a liquid coolant or oil which is pumped by the hub member through ports outwardly between the discs. A housing includes a section which mounts on the motor bearing bracket, and the housing has an intermediate section which supports a plurality of non-rotating brake plates. The brake plates interfit between the brake discs and are pressed together with the discs in response to axial movement of a non-rotating annular piston surrounding the hub member and supported by the intermediate section of the housing. The housing also has an end closure portion which directs the oil from the discs and plates to the inlet within the hub member and is effective to dissipate heat from the recirculating oil.

Abstract: Hydraulically-operable rotary friction brake comprising a retarding device incorporating hydraulically actuated operating members have a hydraulic circuit including a valve whereby in periods of operation a major portion of the hydraulic flow is directed through the hydraulically actuated operating members and in periods of non-actuation only a minor proportion of the hydraulic flow is directed through the operating members.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled heavy duty brake assembly including a number of rotor discs for cooperation with stator discs for braking an external rotating body connected to the rotor discs which is to be selectively braked. The rotors and stators are normally biased apart, but are movable toward each other along the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotor discs in order to effect braking. The casing for the assembly is closed and includes heat exchanging portions around the periphery thereof, including fins extending inwardly toward the axis of rotation of the rotor discs, and the casing is filled to less than capacity with cooling liquid.

Abstract: A retarder for selectively braking a vehicle during downhill driving, comprises a stack of Belleville springs, and a pump driven by the impetus of the vehicle rolling downhill, to pump oil between the peripheries of the Belleville springs thereby to exert resistance to the pump and hence to the downhill rolling of the vehicle. The compression of the stack of the springs, and hence the amount of energy absorbed by the lamination of the oil between the peripheries of the springs, is selectively controlled by the operator.

Abstract: A brake cooling circuit which includes a pump for circulating cooling fluid to the brakes in a scraper portion of a tractor scraper combination is driven by a motor powered by hydraulic fluid communicated through conduits leading to one of the implements of the scraper. Selective actuation of the brake cooling circuit may be accomplished manually by the operator. Automatic actuation of the brake cooling circuit is also provided upon a signal of a high temperature condition in the brakes. The vehicle hydraulic circuit is designed to override the cooling circuit upon actuation of the implement by the operator. Upon completion of the work cycle of the implement, the cooling circuit is reactuated. The cooling circuit is comprised of the motor driving the pump and the fan, a radiator, conduits for communicating cooling fluid through the radiator and to the brakes, a control assembly, and a separate source of cooling fluid.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus is disclosed for drives of the type having a housing containing a sump for a fluid which is heated by the generation of heat energy during operation of the drive. The heat energy is generated by relatively moving torque transmitting members, such as clutch and brake units, connected between the drive input and output shafts. A centrifugal pump located within the housing below the level of the fluid is driven by the input shaft and circulates fluid to a heat exchanger disposed about the outside surface of the housing. The cooled fluid is returned to the fluid sump and a brake reservoir which assures an ample supply of fluid to the brake at a relatively low pressure. A fan carried by the input shaft blows ambient air over the heat exchanger and exterior surface of the housing to enhance the level of heat dissipation.

Abstract: A brake system which utilizes a disc movably mounted on a rotating member such as a shaft, wheel hub or an axle, so that the disc may be tilted at an obtuse angle to the rotating member. A caliper forming two or more hydraulic cylinders and holding associated pistons is mounted adjacent the disc with the ends of the pistons being positioned on opposite sides of the disc. Friction pads are secured to the ends of the pistons. A master cylinder communicates with the caliper held cylinders through a fluid circuit. The fluid circuit includes a direct line leading to the master cylinder, a by-pass line leading to the master cylinder and a line leading from the cylinders of one side to the cylinders of the other side. A one way check valve is positioned in the direct line leading to the master cylinder and a shut-off valve is positioned in the by-pass line.

Abstract: A friction brake includes a clutch device operable to connect friction plates to a rotary shaft so that they rotate with the shaft when the brake is to be operated by engaging said friction plates with a set of stator plates interleaved therewith.

Abstract: A brake mechanism, applicable to the braking of trailer vehicles, has an electro-magnetic arrangement which is disposed between the inner ends of coaxial wheel supporting shaft units to selectively and individually control the rotation thereof. Each shaft unit has a gearing arrangement for transmitting the braking action to the wheels. Oil is circulated between the spaces of the stationary and moving parts of each shaft unit. And the production of air pressures from heat generated by the functioning of the units is eliminated.

Abstract: A control valve for the liquid reservoir of a liquid cooled friction clutch wherein the liquid in the clutch is circulated by a pitot tube pump in the cover plate assembly through a cooler and then to a fluid reservoir where the valve controls flow therefrom directed to and across the friction facings of a driven member. The valve in the reservoir is pressure operated to control the outlet for and automatically upon stoppage of the pump dumps the overfill of the reservoir to the clutch to prime the clutch and initiate circulation of the fluid to the pump upon a subsequent start-up of the vehicle.

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.