Abstract: A friction engagement device includes a rotating shaft, first friction plates that rotate with the rotating shaft, second friction plates arranged to face the first friction plates, an oil chamber supplied with hydraulic fluid, a piston movably provided between engagement and release positions, and first and second return springs. The piston is pressed toward the engagement position by hydraulic pressure of the oil chamber. The first return spring contacts the piston from the engagement position to a standby position between the release position and the engagement position and urges the piston toward the release position. The second return spring contacts the piston from the engagement position to the release position and urges the piston toward the release position. Center axes of the first and second return springs are arranged to coincide with a center axis of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism switches a clutch to one of an engaging state and a released state by a piston operated by an oil pressure. The piston includes a first side surface portion configured to press the clutch, and a second side surface portion on which the oil pressure acts. The second side surface portion has an uneven shape in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A vehicle disc brake unit comprises a rotatable brake rotor and non-rotatable brake pad of caliper. During the vehicle braking, the non-rotatable brake pad presses against the rotating brake rotor, producing friction heat on frictional contact bands where the brake rotor and the brake pad engages with each other. A plurality of longitudinal vortex generators configured in fins is mounted either to a rotatable vehicle component such as hat of a brake rotor, or a non-rotatable vehicle component such as a protective plate, generating longitudinal vortices in the cooling air flows around the brake rotor, especially across the hottest frictional contact bands. The induced longitudinal vortices in the cooling air flows optimize the heat dissipation from brake rotor into atmosphere.

Abstract: An electromechanical brake system includes a linear motion mechanism configured to convert the rotation transmitted from the electric motor to a linear motion, thereby pressing a friction pad against a brake disk; a linear motion mechanism housing in which the linear motion mechanism is received as a single assembly with the components of the linear motion mechanism assembled together; and a caliper body shaped to extend across the outer periphery of the brake disk. The caliper body includes a claw portion axially supporting a friction pad; a housing-fixing plate which is arranged on the side of the linear motion mechanism housing opposite from the brake disk; and an outer shell portion through which the claw portion and the housing-fixing plate are coupled together.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses can be used to adjust the torque transfer capacity and improve the overall performance and longevity of a clutch assembly. Through the use of various improved clutch components disclosed herein, it is possible to: (1) increase clutch apply forces through an increase in the fluid pressure apply surface area, or piston reaction area, of a clutch piston, thereby increasing frictional forces generated within a clutch pack for transferring input torque from a drive shaft to a driven shaft; (2) improve clutch plate contact conditions through a more rigid clutch pressure plate configuration, thereby reducing clutch pack/plate distortion and supporting structure deformation and/or wear that can otherwise lead to excessive heat generation and overall clutch performance degradation and/or failure; and/or (3) improve the clutch assembly's ability to dissipate and/or tolerate heat generated through clutch plate friction by means of an improved clutch pack configuration.

Abstract: A transmission utilizes a three clutch module. The clutch module may be pre-assembled before it is assembled into the transmission. All three clutch packs are splined to a common shell at their outer diameter. One of the clutch pistons passes through openings in the clutch pack of one of the other clutches. The common shell is fixedly coupled to a hollow shaft through which the transmission input shaft protrudes. Pressurized fluid to engage the three clutches is routed through axial passageways in the input shaft.

Abstract: A gear box has a clutch comprising a hub and a coupling, each having drive portions that are movable between engaged and disengaged positions. In the engaged position, the hub and coupling drive portions are engaged in a manner to allow torque to be transmitted between the hub and the coupling. In the disengaged position, the hub and coupling drive portions are spaced apart in a manner to prevent torque from being transmitted between the hub and the coupling. The clutch has an actuator that moves the hub and coupling drive portions between the engaged and disengaged positions. In moving the hub and coupling drive portions to the engaged position, the actuator is driven by spring pressure. In moving the hub and coupling drive portions to the disengaged position, the actuator is driven by hydraulic pressure supplied against the actuator sufficient to overcome the spring pressure.

Abstract: A servo controller having a function for reducing an amount of dropping of a gravity axis provided with a machine. The Servo controller is configured to control a servomotor for driving a gravity axis of the machine, and includes a brake signal outputting part configured to output a brake activation signal and a brake release signal to a mechanical brake for holding the gravity axis; a torque command generating part which generates a torque command value for controlling the position of the servomotor; and a torque limiting value generating part which generates a torque limiting value for limiting the torque command value. The torque limiting value generating part continuously reduces the torque limiting value from a first value larger than a torque corresponding to the gravity force to a second value smaller than the torque corresponding to the gravity force, after the brake activation signal is output.

Abstract: A bicycle disc brake rotor basically has an outer portion and a cooling fin. The outer portion has first and second base surfaces facing in opposite axial directions. The cooling fin is disposed radially offset from at least one of the first and second braking surfaces.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system includes a pair of end members spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the brake actuator assembly, a hollow flexible elastomeric member, two peripheral flanges extending outwardly from ends of the hollow flexible elastomeric member. Two retaining members, apertures and fasteners are employed for attaching each peripheral flange directly to a respectively positioned end member. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the instant invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions.

Abstract: A constricting clutch brake element (10) is operative to selectively transmit mechanical power between relatively movable rotating members. A plurality of backing plates (38) releasibly engage a plurality of friction linings (34). The friction linings are selectively moved radially to operatively engage annular body (12) and a central rotating member (26). The friction linings are releasibly engaged with corresponding backing plates (38) through interengaging ear portions (52) of the lining and slots (62) of the backing plates.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system comprises a flexible elastomeric member directly and sealably attached to a mounting member employed for attaching the brake actuator assembly to the rigid structure of a braking system and to a push rod member connected to the control linkage. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the present invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions. Currently used brake assemblies employing cylinder type actuators may be retrofitted with the brake actuator assembly of the invention.

Abstract: The problem of providing air from a vehicle engine compartment to a breather port of a vacuum booster mounted on a wall separating the engine compartment from the passenger compartment is solved by adapting the wall to provide an air passage, when the rear wall of the booster is bearing against the wall.

Abstract: An annular disc brake assembly has a housing mounted to a vehicle and a rotor disk mounted to a wheel of the vehicle. A pair of annular brake shoes are in frictional engagement with the rotor disk during a brake action, and resiliently supported by the housing and a supportive structure of the vehicle, respectively. The housing includes an annular radial wall having an annular ridge on the inner surface to abut the brake shoe which is supported by the housing so that during the brake action uneven and various forces applied to the brake shoe will cause local portions of the brake shoe oscillating about the contact point. The oscillation will be damped by damping pads placed between the housing and the brake shoe. The housing has a plurality of axial link members extending from the annular radial wall. The axial link members include clip structure at each distal end for clipping onto the supportive structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tube-pressed brake has a tube, which is inflatable by injection of a pressure fluid thereinto such that a torque can be transmitted to a counterpart. The tube-pressed brake comprises a pressure fluid circuit for circulating the pressure fluid through an interior of the tube. The tube may be provided with a pressure fluid supply hole and a pressure fluid discharge hole, and the pressure fluid circuit may be provided with a first pressure control device arranged upstream the pressure fluid supply hole and also with a second pressure control valve arranged downstream the pressure fluid discharge hole. The pressure fluid circuit may comprise a main circuit and a pressure control circuit. Through the main circuit, the pressure fluid is allowed to successively flow through a reservoir, a pump, the first pressure control device, the tube, the second pressure control device and the reservoir in this order.

Abstract: An annular disk brake assembly having a housing mounted to a vehicle and a rotor disk mounted to a wheel of the vehicle. Annular brake pads extend parallel to the rotor disk within the housing and are mounted thereto with at least one brake pad being movable axially by an oil applied bladder mounted to the housing to move the first brake pad axially against the rotor disk. The rotor disk is adapted to slide axially to engage the second brake pad when pressure is applied to the rotor disk by the first brake pad and the bladder.

Abstract: A bicycle disc brake caliper is provided with a cooling system that transfers heat away from the actuating fluid. Basically, the bicycle disc brake caliper has a housing and a piston unit, with a coolant member of the cooling system attached to the housing. The housing has a frame mounting member sized to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle frame. The piston unit is movably coupled to the housing between a release position, in which the piston unit is spaced from a brake disc mounted to a wheel of a bicycle, and a braking position, in which the piston unit engages the brake disc of the bicycle wheel. The coolant member has a coolant area for receiving coolant to create a coolant heat sink that transfers heat from the housing. The housing has an actuating passage in fluid communication with the piston unit to move the piston unit via an actuating fluid. In one embodiment, the cooling system includes a pump and a reservoir.

Abstract: A brake lining for partial-lining disk brakes, particularly of rail vehicles, wherein several friction or lining elements are provided which can be fastened to a support plate individually or in groups, in which case several support plates are arranged either directly on the lining holder of the disk brake arrangement or on a lining support which can be fastened to the lining holder. For rendering the surface pressure generated during the braking uniform, the support plates are swivellably linked to the lining support or lining holder, in the case of a group-like assignment, several (at least two) lining elements being swivellably arranged on the support plate.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes an annular base which is connected with the first annular friction surface. An annular fluid extensible tube is disposed between the annular base and the first annular friction surface. A fitting is connected with the base and tube to conduct fluid pressure into a chamber in the tube. The fluid pressure extends the tube to press the first friction surface against the second friction surface. The fitting has a main section with a passage through which fluid pressure is conducted into the tube and a flange section which extends radially outward from the main section and is enclosed by material of the tube to retain the fitting in the tube. The main section and flange section of the fitting are integrally formed by a single piece of polymeric material. A plurality of openings are formed in the flange section and are filled with the material of the tube to interconnect the tube and the fitting.

Abstract: A hydraulic servo for friction brakes of an automatic transmission comprises a cylinder (2) with a main piston (3) arranged therein, a smaller cylinder (8) to receive a smaller compensation piston (9), the smaller cylinder communicating with the pressure chamber (5) of the main piston (3) through an orifice (18) controlled by a ball valve (20). A stepped bore (22) connects the pressure chamber (5) to the compensation chamber (17). A stepped piston (23), located in the bore, forms a discharge control valve (24), which controls the discharge of pressure medium from the compensation chamber (17).

Abstract: A push rod holder for use with a brake cylinder of a railroad vehicle is disclosed. The push rod holder includes an annular outer metal member and an annular inner elastomeric member. The annular inner elastomeric member is molded to an interior surface of the annular outer metal member. The push rod holder defines at least one set screw throughhole and a pair of aligned holder pin throughholes. Each of the throughholes is oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the push rod holder. The brake cylinder includes a hollow piston rod and a push rod assembly inserted therein. The push rod holder concentrically fits onto the hollow piston rod. The annular inner elastomeric member assures that the push rod holder fits snugly about the hollow piston rod. At least one set screw is used to attach the push rod holder to the hollow piston rod via the at least one set screw throughhole. A holder pin device is used to lock the push rod holder to the hollow piston rod and the push rod assembly contained therein.

Abstract: In a multi-disc brake comprising a torque tube and a piston housing having a plurality of hydraulically operated and circumferentially spaced piston cylinders a thermal isolation element is arranged to restrict heat generated by the friction discs from flowing from the torque tube to the piston housing.

Abstract: A coupling assembly component includes an annular base. A first annular friction surface is connected with the base and is movable into engagement with a second annular friction surface. An annular fluid extensible tube is inflatable to move the first friction surface into engagement with the second friction surface. A fitting is connected with the base and the tube to conduct fluid pressure into a chamber in the tube. An annular mounting ring is disposed in a coaxial relationship with the base and the tube. The annular mounting ring is embedded in the tube and is connected with a portion of the fitting. The annular mounting ring may be provided with only a single opening which is connected with a fitting through which fluid is conducted into the tube. However, the annular mounting ring may be provided with a plurality of openings connected with a plurality of fittings.

Abstract: A brake and wheel assembly wherein the available piston stroke for a given envelope can be significantly increased to provide greater brake life between overhauls. The wheel and brake assembly is characterized by a fluid actuated back leg structure which allows a disk pack to be compressed and adjusted not only from its brake head side as is conventional but also from its wheel side. As the brake wears, the back leg structure draws the wheel side of the disk pack toward the brake head while the brake actuator piston or pistons push the disk pack in the wheel direction.

Abstract: This invention provides a rotary indexing device which applies a uniform pressing force radially on a rotational shaft without applying any force axially thereon.

Abstract: A coupling assembly component is used in a coupling assembly to transmit force between driving and driven elements. The coupling assembly component includes an annular tube which is radially extensible and retractable to move a friction surface into and out of engagement with another coupling component. The tube includes a reinforcing layer which is enclosed by a cover layer. A plurality of vent openings are formed in and extend through the cover layer to the reinforcing layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the vent openings are formed in bodies of porous polymeric material disposed in the cover layer. The bodies of porous polymeric material have an inner side exposed to the reinforcing layer and an outer side which is exposed to the atmosphere around the tube.

Abstract: A sealed vehicle wet disc brake has a brake housing and a piston housing which are fixedly interconnected and which receive a rotor. The two housings and rotor define an annular cavity which is sealed by appropriate rotary seals and in which is maintained a friction stack. The piston housing has a plurality of uniformly spaced piston bores therein, such bores being interconnected by an annular groove which circumferentially intersects with a circumferential surface of the piston housing. A pressure source of fluid communicates with the annular groove and the piston received within the bores. The annular groove is sealed by means of an "O" ring engaged therein from the circumferential surface and retained by a retaining ring. The intersection of the annular groove with the circumferential surface is tapered to accommodate compressive retention of the "O" ring.

Abstract: A single disc, single acting brake or clutch has one or more pneumatically actuated piston and cylinder assemblies for urging friction material into contact with a disc that is rotatable relative to a body which carries the piston and cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A coupling assembly can be used as either a clutch or a brake to transmit force between a pair of elements. The coupling assembly includes an annular base which is connected with one of the elements and has radially inwardly and outwardly facing sides. A plurality of rim segments are disposed in an annular array adjacent to one of the radially facing sides of the base. An annular fluid extensible tube is disposed between the annular array of rim segments and the base. A plurality of friction shoes are disposed in an annular array adjacent to a second radially facing side of the base. The friction shoes are connected with rim segments by side plates. A plurality of springs are disposed between the friction shoes and the base. The springs firmly press the friction shoes against a friction surface connected with the second element to transmit force to retard relative rotation between the two elements.

Abstract: A revolving force transmission/revolution stopping device which supports rotatably one of two shafts or both and connects/disconnects a revolving force of one of the two shafts to/from the other or stops one of the shafts from revolving. At least a portion of one of the two shafts is in the form of a hollow cylinder while the other shaft is at least partially inserted in the hollow cylindrical portion, either of the two shafts is provided with a member inflatable when supplied with a fluid, a passage for supply and discharge of the fluid is formed in the shaft having the inflatable member, and the inflatable member, when inflated by the supplied fluid, catches the shaft with no such inflatable member or is forced to the hollow inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A multiple-degree-of-freedom manipulator having a plurality of joints is improved by providing some of said plurality of joints being provided with holding brakes, and providing any remaining joints with actuators which generate angular acceleration or linear acceleration in the joints provided with holding brakes while the holding brakes of the joints are released. A method of controlling the multiple-degree-of-freedom manipulators provided with one or more joints provided with holding brakes and one or more joints provided with actuators, comprises the steps of controlling the angular displacement or linear displacement of joints which have no actuators by the torque or force of joints which have actuators by means of the dynamic coupling between joints while the holding brakes are released, and controlling the angular displacement or linear displacement of joints which have actuators by means of the actuators while the brakes are engaged.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for an automotive vehicle having a wheel hub and a steering knuckle, wherein an annular V groove is formed on one side of a rotary disk of the wheel hub; a V-shaped brake member is mounted on the steering knuckle so as to be removably engageable with the V groove of the wheel hub; and at least one radial bearing and thrust bearing are disposed between a hub body of the wheel hub and an inner circumference of the steering knuckle. The apparatus is smaller in volume and simple in structure without need of a conventional caliper and a pair of pistons and further without producing biased wear on the friction surface thereof.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake actuator assembly (12) for selectively actuating a friction brake 28 including a first hydraulic actuator 30 being responsive to fluid pressure from a hydraulic fluid source 100 for directly actuating the friction brake 28 as a service brake. The assembly (12) is characterized by including a second actuator 32, 32' being in fluid communication with the first actuator 30 and having a brake-off condition for storing fluid therein and a brake-on condition for releasing the stored fluid to the first actuator 30 to actuate the friction brake 28 as a parking brake.A method of selectively actuating the friction brake 28 includes the steps of storing fluid in the second actuator 32, 32' as the first actuator 30 is responsive to fluid pressure from the fluid source 100 to actuate the friction brake 28 as a service brake, and releasing the stored fluid from the second actuator 32, 32' to the first acutator 30 to actuate the friction brake 28 as a parking brake.

Abstract: A coupling assembly which includes an inflatable annular tube, a plurality of friction shoes removably attached to the tube so that the shoes move radially as the tube is inflated and deflated. The shoes include a friction pad bonded to one side of a backing plate and a driving bar also made of friction material bonded to the other side of the backing plate and joined together in a unitary structure. The driving bars fit into grooves formed in the tube to improve torque transfer between the shoes and the tube.

Abstract: An axially compact brake is disclosed according to the teachings of the present invention as being spring engaged and fluid released for rotationally controlling an electric motor shaft for driving a machine, robot, or other apparatus component. The brake includes a housing formed by an air-chamber housing portion and an annular plate. The air-chamber housing portion includes a friction interface disc and an axial cylindrical member for reciprocally receiving an annular piston to form a fluid pressure cylinder. The annular plate is secured to the cylindrical member and includes torque pins extending into the piston. Coil springs extend axially between the annular plate and the piston. The housing portion has a square outer perimeter defining mounting pads at its corners for sandwiching the housing between the apparatus component and the motor.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly is described to comprise a dual drum brake housing mounted to a vehicle wheel or shaft to be rotated therewith. The dual drum brake housing has two axially extending, concentric, radially spaced drum surfaces defining an annular channel between them. A torque member is fixed against rotation with the vehicle wheel and an expandable friction lining assembly is mounted to the torque member. The friction lining assembly is positioned within the annular channel and carries radially outward and radially inward facing friction linings. Upon expansion of the friction lining assembly each of the friction linings is moved into contact with the corresponding drum surface, thereby transferring braking force to the wheel.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly is described to comprise a dual drum brake housing mounted to a vehicle wheel or shaft to be rotated therewith. The dual drum brake housing has two axially extending, concentric, radially spaced drum surfaces defining an annular channel between them. A torque member is fixed against rotation with the vehicle wheel and an expandable friction lining assembly is mounted to the torque member. The friction lining assembly is positioned within the annular channel and carries radially outward and radially inward facing friction linings. Upon expansion of the friction lining assembly each of the friction linings is moved into contact with the corresponding drum surface, thereby transferring braking force to the wheel.

Abstract: A brake effective between a rotating part and a non-rotating part has a substantially nondeformable brake disk secured to one of the parts, centered on an axis, and having a pair of axially oppositely directed brake-disk faces. A housing is secured to the other of the parts, at least partially surrounds the brake disk, and has a pair of end walls having wall faces axially confronting the respective disk faces. Respective brake elements are limitedly axially displaceable between the wall faces and the respective disk faces and engageable with the respective disk faces. Formations on the elements and housing prevent the elements from rotating relative to the housing. Spring packs between the brake elements and the respective wall face urge the elements with a substantially constant force axially together into braking engagement with the disk. Seals between the brake elements and housing define a pressurizable chamber between the brake elements.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for use in association with a gerotor displacement mechanism of the type including an internally-toothed ring (23) and an externally-toothed star (27). The lock mechanism includes a lock member (81) and an actuation mechanism (83) including a backup member (85) which engages the lock member and an actuator (89). The actuator is in threaded engagement with a boss portion (71) of the ring whereby rotation results in movement radially inwardly, forcing the lock member into its adjacent volume chamber (29) to engage one of the external teeth of the star and prevent further orbital and rotational movement of the star.

Abstract: A snubbing device for a suspended grapple or the like operable by pressurized fluid in a cavity between a pin and housing of a universal joint which actuates a ramp to cause a retarding reaction between the pin and housing to prevent free swinging of the grapple.

Abstract: A brake system for an off-highway vehicle which includes a fluid pressure actuated multi-disc brake and a fluid pressure control system. Engagement of the multi-disc brake is effected by a fluid operated piston having multiple effective pressure areas. Fluid pressure applied to a certain of the effective pressure areas urges the piston in a brake applying direction; fluid pressure applied to the other of the pressure areas urges the piston in a brake releasing direction. The fluid pressure control system controls the communication of pressurized fluid to the effective pressure areas to provide both the brake applying and brake releasing functions. Redundant fluid pressure circuits supply pressurized fluid to the brake applying effective pressure areas. In the event of failure, the control system is operative to interrupt fluid flow to the failed circuit.

Abstract: A brake or clutch having two relatively rotatable members and a hollow fluid-distensible resilient annular tube frictionally engaging one of the members. The tube is split and the ends butted together. And at the butt ends of the tube means are provided for increasing the durability and life of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydraulic clutch comprising friction plates; a hydraulic piston for pressing the friction plates; a pair of annular protrusions respectively formed at radially outer portion and relatively inner portion of the piston with an annular space therebetween, said protrusions being designed to press the adjacent friction plate; an oil passage formed in the piston through which the annular space is connected to a pressure chamber at the back of the piston; a check valve arranged in the oil passage, said valve including a ball forced to close toward the friction plates and partially projecting beyond the protrusions toward the friction plates; an accumulation chamber formed in the piston and connected to the annular space; and a drain means connected to a space in which the friction plates are arranged.

Abstract: An inflatable flexible gland clutch has a gland secured to one of a pair of cooperating clutch elements. The gland mounts friction shoes and includes inflatable chambers which, when subjected to air under pressure, will move the gland to a position where the shoes engage the other clutch element. Other chambers formed in the gland will, when inflated, disengage the clutch by moving the clutch shoes away from engagement with the mating clutch element.

Abstract: A wheel head for the drive wheel of a heavy duty vehicle provides the hub as a housing which is closed at its outer end by a movable cover and can be opened to allow removal of the planetary gearing and brake. The planetary gearing includes planetary gears journaled directly on the cover and a ring gear in the form of a hollow shaft which encloses the brake and is connected to the axle by a wheel bearing cap which also can be removed through the housing opening when the cover is detached.

Abstract: An air brake includes a friction liner attached to a piston-like member which is arranged to reciprocate with respect to a stationary member. The piston-like member is urged into its inoperative position without the use of a biasing element such as a spring or spring-like member. spThis is a division of application Ser. No. 888,190 filed Mar. 20, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,421.

Abstract: A fully lined disk brake has a brake housing rotatably mounted on a wheel and segmented arcuate shaped brake shoes supported in the brake housing by a fixed mounting on the wheel assembly which extends over the radially outward open end of the housing to support the brake shoes and is movable from over the open end of the housing to permit access thereto for replacing the brake shoes without dismantling the brake actuating mechanism. The invention provides brake shoes having a device for association with the mounting to support the brake shoes and brake shoe actuating mechanism which automatically adjusts the brakes for optimum operation.

Abstract: An expansible device for exerting force which has a generally "S" shape cross-section, being formed by stepped diameter cylinder, and arrangements using such a device are disclosed. The device may exert sealing forces and be controlled by admission of fluid pressure which acts on a thin wall member so supported as to be subjected to compressive stress alone.

Abstract: An axle shaft, a piston holder, an axle housing and associated components are preliminarily assembled as a unit and the unit is inserted into a differential housing in one of the steps in an assembly line operation for a heavy load vehicle. The axle shaft has a splined portion engaging the gear box and is supported by bearings in the piston holder and axle housing.

Abstract: A coupling assembly which includes an inflatable annular tube, a plurality of friction shoes removably attached to the tube so that the shoes move radially as the tube is inflated and deflated. The shoes include a friction pad bonded to one side of a backing plate and a driving bar also made of friction material bonded to the other side of the backing plate and joined together in a unitary structure. The driving bars fit into grooves formed in the tube to improve torque transfer between the shoes and the tube.