Abstract: A ball ramp brake including a housing, a disc assembly within the housing, and an annular rotatable actuator to actuate the brake by compressing the disc assembly. The rotatable actuator includes a plurality of depressions oriented circumferentially therein which become progressively shallower in a first circumferential direction. A plurality of depressions are circumferentially oriented in a surface of the housing and become progressively shallower in a second circumferential direction. The depressions in the actuator and the depressions in the housing each have a first angle of depression that is steeper than a second angle of depression. A boot seal may be provided between the fluid chamber of an actuating cylinder and the inner area within the housing to prevent fluid leakage. In addition, a cooling chamber may be provided in the housing to improve the brakes efficiency.

Abstract: An industrial brake is provided through which tension and emergency braking are initiated at opposite axial ends of the brake in order to improve packaging and maintenance of the brake and to enable the addition of an emergency brake function to existing tension brakes without substantial modifications to the brake. The brake includes a housing disposed about a driven shaft and friction plates coupled to the housing and the shaft respectively. One friction plate comprises a liquid cooled fluid jacket. One end cap assembly is disposed at one axial end of the housing and provides a tension brake function. Another end cap assembly is disposed at the opposite axial end of the housing and provides an emergency brake function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for cooling the brakes of under-carriage wheels by disengaging and spinning the motor used to provide traction on landing, thereby providing fan cooling of the brakes.

Abstract: A heat shield assembly for a wheel and brake assembly includes one or more torque bars that include a coupling device which cooperates with a portion of a heat shield (and more particularly heat shield sections) at a location axially outwardly remote from the inboard end of the heat shield so as to restrain radial outward movement of the heat shield. In another embodiment, the heat shield assembly includes heat shield carriers between which respective heat shield sections are axially inserted, and retainers are removably secured with respect to the carriers for blocking axial withdrawal of the heat shield sections from respective carriers. In another embodiment, heat shield carriers include a reversely bent edge portion defining a capture slot, and at least one aperture in the bent edge portion. A heat shield section has at one side thereof a first tab portion circumferentially inserted in the capture slot and at an opposite side thereof a second tab portion engaged in the aperture.

Abstract: A brake pad (5) having a braking surface (9, 109), intended to be pressed during braking against a side (8) of a rim (3) of a wheel (2) of the bicycle (1), and thermal transmission means (11, 111) suitable for transferring heat away from the braking surface (9, 109) is disclosed. The heat that is generated at the braking surface (9, 109) during braking is taken away from the braking surface (9, 109) and transferred into other areas of the pad (5).

Abstract: A heat shield assembly for a wheel and brake assembly includes one or more torque bars that include a coupling device which cooperates with a portion of a heat shield (and more particularly heat shield sections) at a location axially outwardly remote from the inboard end of the heat shield so as to restrain radial outward movement of the heat shield. In another embodiment, the heat shield assembly includes heat shield carriers between which respective heat shield sections are axially inserted, and retainers are removably secured with respect to the carriers for blocking axial withdrawal of the heat shield sections from respective carriers. In another embodiment, heat shield carriers include a reversely bent edge portion defining a capture slot, and at least one aperture in the bent edge portion. A heat shield section has at one side thereof a first tab portion circumferentially inserted in the capture slot and at an opposite side thereof a second tab portion engaged in the aperture.

Abstract: In a disk brake apparatus of the present invention, it is determined whether a centering operation should be performed, and operation conditions for the centering operation (the length of the interval and the number of the operations) are set, according to a change of deformation of a disk rotor by heat release over time. When the centering operation is performed, a solenoid is actuated to perform the centering operation according to the set operation conditions. The centering operation is an operation of moving a pair of brake pads (2) and (3) into contact with the disk rotor (1) and then separating the pads from the disk rotor during a cooling process while a vehicle is running.

Abstract: A bicycle brake disk caliper apparatus comprises a caliper housing, a piston operatively coupled to the caliper housing so that the piston moves between a brake release position and a brake activating position, a hydraulic inlet for receiving a hydraulic fluid to move the piston, a piston activating space in fluid communication with the hydraulic inlet so that the hydraulic fluid moves the piston from the brake release position to the brake activating position, a cooling member, a cooling inlet in fluid communication with the hydraulic inlet, a heat transfer space in fluid communication with the cooling inlet, and a cooling outlet in fluid communication with the heat transfer space for communicating hydraulic fluid from the heat transfer space so that at least a portion of hydraulic fluid flows only one way from the hydraulic inlet, through the cooling inlet, and through the heat transfer space.

Abstract: A integrated outboard wet disk brake comprises a one-piece casting including a power plate, an upper portion and a lower portion. The power plate provides a backing surface for a seated annular housing for brake cooling fluid, and having a central opening. The upper portion extends radially and axially from the power plate above the central opening, and is pivotably connected to a first component of an independent wheel suspension. The lower portion extends radially and axially from the power plate below the central opening, and is pivotably connected to a second component of the independent wheel suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake for a vehicle, comprising a disc and a shoe device. The disc comprises a braking band of a first material and a support bell of a second material. The braking band e comprises a radially inner track and two opposing friction surfaces which are planar and suitable to interact with a brake caliper. The support bell is suitable to be structurally connected to the braking band. The shoe device is suitable to radially act on the inner track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake caliper with at least one axially displaceable, hydraulically actuated piston (1), with which a brake pad (8) can be pressed against a brake disc (9). The brake caliper is characterized in that the piston (1) defines a cavity with at least one inlet opening (12) for feeding a cooling medium into the cavity and an outlet opening (11) for discharging the cooling medium from the cavity. The inlet opening is spaced from the brake pad (8) and the outlet opening is arranged adjacent the pad (8).

Abstract: A housing (10) for a braking system (56) comprises a casing (12) defining a cavity (14) for housing one or more friction pads (15). The casing (12) is composed of a plurality of separate walls including a circumferential wall (16), back wall (18), and a front wall (20). The circumferential wall (16) is provided with an internal fluid flow path (36) and a fluid inlet (38) and fluid outlet (40) which communicate with the fluid flow path (36). When a supply (45) of fluid is connected with the fluid inlet (38) and outlet (40) via a fluid circuit (43), fluid is circulated through the fluid flow path (36) to cool the housing (10).

Abstract: A fixed type disc brake caliper (8, FIG. 1) has a body (10, FIG. 1) machined from at least one solid piece of material. The body comprises a pair of limbs (12, 14) interconnected by spaced bridging members (16, 18), each limb housing one or more hydraulic cylinders (26, 28, 30). The caliper has a cooling fluid passage (45, FIG. 1) for circulating cooling fluid through both limbs. In each of the limbs, the passage extends through both an upper peripheral wall region (42) between the cylinders and an upper face (38) and a lower peripheral wall region (44) between the cylinders and a lower face (40), so that the cooling fluid passage at least partially surrounds opposing side wall regions (54) of the, or each, cylinder in the limb. Advantageously, the passage (54) is formed by milling a channel (46) of varying depth around the pistons from an outer side face (48) of each limb. A cover plate (82, FIG. 6) is welded to the outer side face of each limb to close the open side of the channel.

Abstract: Fluid cooled wet brake system comprises a sealed housing containing a volume of lubricating oil, a disc disposed in the housing and adapted for fixing to a rotating body such as a wheel hub, and one or more stators. The stators are rotationally fixed but slidably mounted within the housing and can be pushed into contact with respective braking surfaces of the discs by conventional brake pistons. The stators are provided with a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and one or more fluid flow paths extending between the inlet and the outlet through which a cooling fluid flows.

Abstract: A brake system (100) utilizes a ring gear assembly (13). The ring gear assembly (13) includes a ring gear (13G) that rotates in the oil in the oil sump formed by the housing (101). The ring gear picks up oil as it rotates and as the oil is carried with to the top of the ring gear it falls by gravity into an accumulation cavity (3C). The oil then travels through an aperture (13A) and is then available for use by the reaction and friction plates (8 and 9) for cooling.

Abstract: A bicycle brake disk caliper apparatus comprises a caliper housing dimensioned and structured to be mounted to a bicycle, a piston operatively coupled to the caliper housing so that the piston moves between a brake release position and a brake activating position, a hydraulic inlet for receiving a hydraulic fluid to move the piston, a piston activating space in fluid communication with the hydraulic inlet so that the hydraulic fluid moves the piston from the brake release position to the brake activating position, a cooling member, a cooling inlet in fluid communication with the hydraulic inlet, a heat transfer space in fluid communication with the cooling inlet for engaging hydraulic fluid received through the cooling inlet with the cooling member, and a cooling outlet in fluid communication with the heat transfer space for communicating hydraulic fluid from the heat transfer space to a location so that at least a portion of hydraulic fluid flows only one way from the hydraulic inlet, through the cooling inl

Abstract: A multiple-disk brake or clutch (1) includes at least one disk (2, 4) in a housing and at least one disk located on a shaft. Coolant is located in the housing (3). A coolant outlet (10) and a coolant inlet (7) of a cooling circuit (9) are located on the housing (3), whereby coolant can be delivered to the coolant outlet (10) by means of the disks (2, 4).

Abstract: A friction plate is formed of a core plate and friction linings bonded on opposite surfaces of the friction plate, respectively. To permit cooling of each friction lining from a side of its associated surface of the core plate, the friction plate is provided, for example, with oilways or grooves arranged on the associated surface of the core plate, adhesive-free parts existing on he associated surface of the core plate, or loosely-packed portions existing in the friction lining such that lube oil is also facilitated to enter each friction lining from the side of the associated surface of the core plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system for supplying filtered oil to wet brakes of the tractor without additional/auxiliary pump. The system comprises of a suitably sized connection provided on the drain line of the Hydraulic system, which supplies required quantity of filtered oil to the wet brakes through a passage with a line pressure of 2-3 kg/cm2. This positively ensures the oil supply and circulation of oil for heat removal from wet brakes. A hollow bush is so sized and located on the brake housing so as to maintain the required level of oil in the brake housing and to drain the excess oil in the transmission housing.

Abstract: A brake cooling system for a four-wheeled drive automobile effectively releases frictional heat generated in a braking apparatus from a surface of a casing of the braking apparatus, and has enough height of a body of the automobile relative to ground level. The brake cooling system includes an air discharging duct which is connected to an air discharging outlet of a belt cover covering an automatic V-belt transmission. The duct extends to a vicinity of the braking apparatus so as to supply air towards the braking apparatus. The braking apparatus is positioned in front of a final reduction gear for rear wheels, and the casing of the braking apparatus is a common casing inside of which the braking apparatus and the final reduction gear are accommodated.

Abstract: A heat shield assembly for a wheel and brake assembly includes one or more torque bars that include a coupling device which cooperates with a portion of a heat shield (and more particularly heat shield sections) at a location axially outwardly remote from the inboard end of the heat shield so as to restrain radial outward movement of the heat shield. In another embodiment, the heat shield assembly includes heat shield carriers between which respective heat shield sections are axially inserted, and retainers are removably secured with respect to the carriers for blocking axial withdrawal of the heat shield sections from respective carriers. In another embodiment, heat shield carriers include a reversely bent edge portion defining a capture slot, and at least one aperture in the bent edge portion. A heat shield section has at one side thereof a first tab portion circumferentially inserted in the capture slot and at an opposite side thereof a second tab portion engaged in the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake piston with reduced transmission of heat from the disk to the brake fluid. In particular, the present invention relates to a disk-brake piston (7) characterized in that it comprises a cup (12) having a skirt (14) and a head portion (15), and a tubular insert (13) housed in the cup, a space for cooling air being defined between the outer surface of the tubular insert (13) and the inner surface of the skirt (14) of the cup (12).

Abstract: An interleaved friction plate braking device having a multiplicity of confined curved or slanted vanes on the outside diameter of the rotating driven plates to impact a stationary fluid reservoir and impart inward flow thru passages to more completely cool and lubricate the sliding surfaces.

Abstract: A heat shield assembly for a wheel and brake assembly includes one or more torque bars that include a coupling device which cooperates with a portion of a heat shield (and more particularly heat shield sections) at a location axially outwardly remote from the inboard end of the heat shield so as to restrain radial outward movement of the heat shield. In another embodiment, the heat shield assembly includes heat shield carriers between which respective heat shield sections are axially inserted, and retainers are removably secured with respect to the carriers for blocking axial withdrawal of the heat shield sections from respective carriers. In another embodiment, heat shield carriers include a reversely bent edge portion defining a capture slot, and at least one aperture in the bent edge portion. A heat shield section has at one side thereof a first tab portion circumferentially inserted in the capture slot and at an opposite side thereof a second tab portion engaged in the aperture.

Abstract: The disc brake caliper (26) has a stainless steel drive element (62) that faces the brake fluid and an aluminum contact element (64) received in the drive element, protruding therefrom so as to engage and move the brake pad (38) into frictional engagement with the vented rotor (40).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a power dissipation management system for a vehicle where a thermal condition of a plurality of driveline components is determined. The quantity of energy for each driveline component can absorb is determined based upon its thermal condition. A braking signal to one or more of the driveline components is provided based upon the quantity of energy each component can absorb.

Abstract: A brake rotor having an annular disc connected to an annular mounting flange, the mounting flange defining a radially inner flange wall and including a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting holes, in which the flange wall includes a plurality of recesses, with each recess situated circumferentially between adjacent mounting holes in which the brake rotor includes ventilation vanes between opposing braking faces of the annular disc with at least some ventilation vanes including inner vane portions which extend inwardly of a radially inner edge of the annular disc.

Abstract: Wet clutch (100) or friction plate brake has an essentially hollow cylindrical shaped balance piston (14) that is coaxial to a clutch hub (2) and is rigidly connected with an apply piston support device (12), an essentially ring shaped spring support (14.1), and an essentially cylinder shaped wall (14.3) that has an essentially cylinder shaped contact surface (14.4). The cylinder shaped contact surface (14.4) is axially (ax) displaceable and is bordered by an essentially cylinder shaped contact surface (8.5) of an apply piston (8) so as to form an equalizing space (16). The contact or support surfaces (14.4, 8.5) of the balance piston (14) and the apply piston (8) are provided coaxial between the clutch hub (2) and the apply piston support device (12).

Abstract: A system and method for supplying cooling fluid for frictional elements, for example multiple disc clutches and multiple disc brakes, in automatic transmissions. The cooling fluid flows through the multiple disc clutch or brake in a predefined manner radially inward or outward, whereby a defined flow through the clutch or brake packet is ensured through a defined pressure difference in the cooling fluid between the cooling fluid supply and the discharge of the cooling fluid. A preferred embodiment of device for supplying the cooling fluid is designed as a ring-shaped channel that partially or fully encloses the clutch or the brake.

Abstract: An interleaved friction plate device in which the plates can be clampingly engaged to synchronize, accelerate or decelerate a load, means for cooling and lubricating the surfaces of the friction plates which includes a centrifugal fan that acts as a support and drive for the friction discs and discharges a vaporous air/oil mix uniformly through a multiple plate stack, to more completely cool and lubricate the friction surfaces.

Abstract: Brake assemblies and a method of dissipating heat from a brake assembly are provided. A first brake assembly includes a rotor, a brake caliper assembly including an actuator motor, and at least one friction pad operably attached to the caliper assembly. The actuator motor biases the friction pad into frictional engagement with the rotor. At least one thermal conduit extends distally from the actuator motor dissipating heat energy away from the actuator motor. The method includes providing an actuator motor and providing a thermal conduit extending distally from the actuator motor. Heat is conducted away from the actuator motor along the thermal conduit. A second brake assembly includes actuator motor means and thermal conduit means extending distally from the actuator motor means. The brake assembly further includes means for conducting heat from the actuator motor means along the thermal conduit means.

Abstract: A ventilated brake rotor having vents disposed between two discs. The vents are defined by an adjacent pair of vanes distributed around the first disc and disposed below the second disc. Each vane is defined by a camber. The camber, in turn, is parallel to a curve that is defined by two camber lines. The curve is tangent to the leading end of a first camber line and tangent to a trailing end of the second camber line. The first and the second camber lines intersect where the first camber line is defined from a point on the interior radius of one of the two discs that intersects a datum. Moreover, the first camber line extends at a throat angle from the datum.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus (27) for a locomotive dynamic brake resistor grid stack (22) including a flow directing diffuser (24). The flow directing diffuser includes at least one turning vane member (26) disposed at an angle to the flow stream axis for directing a portion of the cooling air from a high velocity area of the air stream into a lower velocity area of the air stream. The flow directing diffuser may include an annular ring-shaped turning vane member (28) for directing high velocity air into a center low velocity area. The flow directing diffuser may further include a V-shaped turning vane member (32) associated with each corner (34) of the surrounding duct (36) for directing high velocity air into each corner low velocity area. Air is supplied to the duct 36 housing the flow directing diffuser by a mixed flow fan (54).

Abstract: An interleaved friction plate device in which the plates can be clampingly engaged to synchronize, accelerate or decelerate a load, means for cooling and lubricating the surfaces of the friction plates which includes a centrifugal fan that acts as a support and drive for the friction discs and discharges a vaporous air/oil mix uniformly through a multiple plate stack, to more completely cool and lubricate the friction surfaces.

Abstract: An aircraft brake assembly (1) incorporating components which are sensitive to heat and to contact with substances present in runway de-icer compositions, cleansing fluids and like liquids, the assembly (1) including external means (10) to shield the components from the liquids, said shielding means (10) may comprise a rigid or flexible, fluid-impermeable or porous material located to receive and retain such liquids. Heat generated through use of the brake assembly (1) may evaporate any liquid settled on said shielding means (10) or at least discourage any liquid from settling thereon.

Abstract: A caliper for disk brakes for high-performance cars, which has a high degree of reliability, comprises a body having two side portions and two transverse bridges connecting the two side portions, cylinder-piston units arranged along each side portion, and a circuit for a fluid for cooling the cylinder-piston units, the circuit comprising wells which are formed along the side portions and are of a depth such that they extend substantially as far as the wall delimiting the cylinder-piston units, and which are closed by covers, the circuit also comprising connecting ducts between adjacent wells.

Abstract: A windshield washer system for an automotive vehicle includes a reservoir for holding windshield washer fluid, and an applicator system for furnishing washer fluid from the reservoir to an exterior surface of the vehicle. A heat transfer system recovers heat from a braking system of the vehicle and conveys the recovered heat to the washer fluid contained within the reservoir.

Abstract: A brake drum is provided that includes an open end and a hub end, with a braking section extending generally transversely from the open end to join with the hub end. A plurality of first-indented sections are present on an outer surface of the braking section. A transition section extends from the braking section to the hub end. A plurality of second indented sections are located on an outer surface of the transition section. A plurality of third-indented sections or openings can be present in the hub end between wheel lug openings.

Abstract: An electrically actuated aircraft brake and method characterized by the use actuator modules which can be easily and quickly replaced as a unit. Quick and easy replacement of the actuator modules can be effected without disassembly of the overall brake and wheel assembly. Accordingly, brake manufacturing, repair costs, overhaul, parts stocking and maintenance costs and requirements are minimized and/or greatly simplified compared to integrated brake designs used in the prior art. Also, a malfunctioning actuator module on an aircraft can be replaced and preferably quickly enough to allow the aircraft to remain in scheduled service and/or with a minimum of downtime.

Abstract: A brake caliper includes a cast metal housing having a bore extending perpendicularly to a disc located adjacent the housing, at least one piston slidably mounted in the bore, and a brake pad mounted on the piston. A coolant passage, formed through the housing in liquid isolation from the bore, coupled to a source of liquid coolant. The coolant passage is a single-pass passage having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. The coolant passage is configured to minimize turbulence of coolant flowing therethrough while still promoting effective heat transfer to the flowing coolant from the piston and brake fluid. Preferably, the housing is an aluminum housing formed from a single casting.

Abstract: A brake plate (10) adapted for use in a wet brake system (24) having at least one disc rotatable about its axis through a volume of a liquid, said brake plate (10) including at least a plate body (12); a braking surface (14) on one radial face (16) of said plate scraper (18) extends axially beyond the braking surface (14) and a second position where said scraper (18) is retracted axially to lie substantially flush with or below the braking surface (14).

Abstract: A torque tube and conical back plate for aircraft brakes including a torque tube having a truncated back plate of thin metal construction extending from the outboard end thereof. The conical back plate is characterized by inner and outer reinforcing rings, such rings providing a compressive force at opposite ends of the truncated cone of the back plate, thus allowing the back plate to resist bending and deflection. In accordance with the invention, the cross sectional centers of mass of the inner and outer reinforcing rings are shifted outboard from a projection of the center plane of the conical back plate, such positioning enhancing the stiffening and reinforcing capabilities of the reinforcing rings.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes braking components that generate heat during braking applications. The axle assembly includes a housing defining a housing cavity and a rotating component mounted for rotation relative to the housing. A heat dissipation member is mounted along an external surface of the housing. Fluid flow cooperates with the heat dissipation member to cool axle components. The axle assembly preferably includes wet disc brakes having a brake housing defining a brake cavity in fluid communication with the housing cavity. The heat dissipation member preferably includes internal passages in communication with the housing and brake cavities. A pumping mechanism generates fluid flow through the internal passages and through the brake and housing cavities to dissipate heat generated during braking.

Abstract: A temperature controlling assembly includes a thermoelectric device that is supported on or in a selected driveline component, such as an axle assembly or a brake assembly. The thermoelectric device preferably is controlled to operate in a first mode to remove heat from the selected component. In one example, fluid within a wet disc brake assembly is cooled using the thermoelectric device. In another mode of operation, the thermoelectric device provides heat to a selected lubricant. A controller monitors the temperature of the chosen component and causes the thermoelectric device to operate in the appropriate mode to maintain the component temperature within a desired range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake disk comprising two friction rings which are connected via links and between which an air channel is configured, as well as support elements which are molded to the inner peripheral area of the brake disk and designed for engaging cams of a hub of an axle of a (utility) vehicle. In the inner peripheral area of the brake disk, the support elements bridge the air channel in the manner of links and axially protrude into the area of the friction rings to such an extent that the outer surfaces of the friction rings are situated at an axial distance from the outer surfaces of the support elements even in the maximum permissible state of wear. Openings in the axle hub and the brake disk ensure sufficient cooling.

Abstract: A full disk brake for a vehicle includes a rotor disk, which is attached to the vehicle wheel. Two friction disks are installed within a brake-clamping unit, facing each side of the rotor disk. The friction disks are secured in the direction of rotation, but are capable of being shifted in an axial direction. Brake lining segments are attached to both sides of the rotor disk. When the brake-clamping unit is actuated, a friction connection is established between the rotor disk and the friction disks. Air cooling channels, located between the brake lining segments, provide cooling air between the rotor disk and the friction disks directly at the point of origination. Moreover, the brake lining segments act as heat-insulating elements between the friction disks and the rotor disk, thus further reducing the heating of the rotor disk.

Abstract: A splash shield for a vehicle wheel disc brake assembly is provided. Each wheel disc brake assembly includes a brake rotor having an inner brake surface and a splash shield. The splash shield includes a central attachment portion. Extending from the central attachment portion is a flange-shaped shield portion. The shield portion has an outer surface with a plurality of generally radially extending vanes formed on the outer surface of the shield portion, the vanes being positioned adjacent the inner brake surface of the brake rotor when the splash shield is mounted to the vehicle.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus (27) for a locomotive dynamic brake resistor grid stack (22) including a flow directing diffuser (24). The flow directing diffuser includes at least one turning vane member (26) disposed at an angle to the flow stream axis for directing a portion of the cooling air from a high velocity area of the air stream into a lower velocity area of the air stream. The flow directing diffuser may include an annular ring-shaped turning vane member (28) for directing high velocity air into a center low velocity area. The flow directing diffuser may further include a V-shaped turning vane member (32) associated with each corner (34) of the surrounding duct (36) for directing high velocity air into each corner low velocity area. Air is supplied to the duct 36 housing the flow directing diffuser by a mixed flow fan (54).

Abstract: The continuously variable automatic transmission has a plurality of clutches and brakes wherein at least a part of the clutches is designed as wet multi-disk clutches having an inner and an outer disk carrier and wherein the inner disk carrier generally rotates and the outer disk carrier remains fixed. The clutch in which, in the operating state of stationary disengagement, the inner disk carrier remains fixed and the outer disk carrier rotates is provided with a splash-lubrication pot (5), which is situated within the inner disk carrier coaxially to the hollow shaft and which is firmly connected with a constantly rotating part (7) of the clutch, the outer wall of the splash-lubrication pot being provided with holes (6).

Abstract: A convertible aircraft brake assembly (10) designed as original equipment to have heat sinks comprising a steel heat sink (20) aircraft brake assembly and a carbon-carbon composite heat sink (40) aircraft brake assembly. When the aircraft brake assembly is converted from one type of heat sink to the other, the conversion is accomplished with minimal changes in component parts. The conversion can be accomplished with a change in the piston bushing assemblies (18, 21) of the piston housing (14), while the torque tube (12), wheel (30), piston housing (14) and other parts can be utilized with the heat sinks (20, 40).