Abstract: An improved coupling assembly includes a polyurethane bushing which cooperates with a friction disc to transmit force. The polyurethane bushing reduces noise caused by components of the coupling assembly and reduces the maximum rate of acceleration between elements of the coupling assembly. The polyurethane bushing has a durometer hardness of approximately 92 Shore A and a Bayshore rebound of 20% to 50%. The maximum rate of acceleration between elements of the coupling assembly is less than 30 times the acceleration of gravity while the coupling assembly transmits a torque load which cyclically varies between at least +12,500 pound inches and at most -2,500 pound inches during rotation of elements of the coupling at a speed of at least 645 revolutions per minute. During the transmission of the aforementioned cyclically varying torque load by the coupling assembly, peak noise level caused by components of the coupling assembly is less than 103 decibels and is less than 3.0 Pascals.

Abstract: A single piston is used to activate the brake or clutch of a planetary transmission. The piston is spring-biased to engage one component and disengage the other, and hydraulically activated to disengage the first component and engage the second. An annular plate preferably is provided extending between the brake and the clutch, with the brake on one side of the plate and the clutch on the other. A spring then biases the annular plate towards one of the control components and away from the other, while a hydraulic cylinder is provided to press the plate away from the first component and towards the second.

Abstract: Clutch and brake apparatus that is operable by a compressible fluid, particularly pneumatically, includes input and output shafts mounted in a common housing that has a clutch chamber. A clutch plate and a clutch flange are mounted in the clutch chamber with the flange being fixed to the input shaft and the clutch plate dividing the clutch chamber into two operating chambers that are adapted to be at different fluid pressures. A friction lining is fixed to at least one of the clutch plate and clutch flange for engaging the other. A clutch plate is mounted to be axially displacable relative to the output shaft in every load condition while at least one torque plate is fixed to rotate with the output shaft and a peripheral portion of the clutch plate. The torque plate is subjected to the same fluid pressure on both sides. The apparatus is able to operated with a large pressure differences across the clutch plate without danger of damaging the clutch plate.

Abstract: A dual function brake and manual drive actuating system for selectively holding a rotatable member of a drive train and manually driving the drive train. A support structure is provided, with a brake operatively associated between the support structure and the rotatable member for holding the member against rotation. A common release member is operatively associated with the brake. A fluid retracting mechanism operates against the common release member to selectively hold the brake in disengaged condition. A manual retracting mechanism also operates against the common release member to selectively hold the brake in disengaged condition. A manual drive is incorporated in the manual retracting mechanism for manually rotating the rotatable member when in the disengaged condtion.

Abstract: A drive arrangement including an axially movable driving sleeve capable of being positively engaged to an output shaft connected to a driven element, the drive arrangement having a drive engagement delay device including a plurality of friction plates, the friction drive being sufficient to turn the output shaft but the frictional engagement of at least one of the friction plates with the longitudinal slide surfaces of the driving sleeve temporarily preventing its further movement.

Abstract: A combined clutch/brake unit which is enclosed and constructed to avoid heat generation. An enclosed housing supports a driven input hub which carries clutch plates that sandwich a friction line clutch disk. The clutch disk is carried on a rotor which is splined to the output shaft and which also carries a friction lined brake disk. A double acting piston acts in one direction to apply the clutch and in the other direction to apply the brake. The unit may be either air applied clutch/air applied brake or air applied clutch/spring applied brake. The clutch and brake disks are small diameter to minimize the inertia of the output shaft and make it easier to accelerate and stop so that heat generation is minimized. Double friction linings are applied to both disks so that adequate torque is provided for both clutch and brake operation.

Abstract: A housing mounts an input shaft with a clutch flange thereon, an output shaft with a clutch plate thereon, and bearings, sleeves and adjustment nuts for retaining the shafts in selected axially adjusted positions. The clutch plate and flange extend within a clutch chamber of the housing. Friction linings are mounted on the radial outer portion of the flange on opposite sides thereof. The radial outer portions of the plate and flange have depressions into which the linings extend whereby the axial dimension of the chamber is less than the combined axial dimensions of the linings and the plate and flange radially inwardly of and adjacent to the depressions. Switching apparatus provides a pressure differential on axial opposite sides of the plate to eleastically deform the plate between a neutral position, a braking position and a driving position.

Abstract: A clutch and brake assembly which includes a spring applied brake and a fluid applied clutch which is adapted to rapidly cycle. A fluid circuit is provided for rapidly pressurizing and rapidly depressurizing the apparatus. The fluid circuit includes a manifold having a main fluid passageway and a plurality of secondary fluid passageways disposed therein. Each of the secondary fluid passageways includes a quick release exhaust valve which is operable to rapidly exhaust fluid from the apparatus to allow the brake to rapidly engage when the fluid pressure in the main fluid passage way and secondary passageway decreases to less than the fluid pressure in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A housing encloses a supply of oil and has opposite end portions supporting axially aligned input and output shafts. Interfitting annular clutch plates and discs provide for connecting the input shaft to the output shaft, and interfitting annular brake plates and discs provide for braking the output shaft to the housing in response to axial movement of a non-rotating oil actuated piston supported within the housing concentrically with the output shaft. Oil recirculating structure is provided within the housing for cooling and lubricating the plates and discs, and a positive displacement high pressure annular pump forms an extension of the housing around the inlet shaft. The pump has inner and outer thin flat rotors and pressurizes a portion of the oil within the housing sufficiently to actuate the piston through the control of a solenoid actuated valve unit mounted on the housing. Flat annular wear plates are spaced to confine the rotors and have arcuate passages adjacent the teeth on the rotors.

Abstract: An inertial brake unit for an air clutch includes a concentric inertial brake chamber in a rotary joint for the air clutch, a disc brake, a piston and a pressure chamber. The brake unit also includes a pneumatic pressure control mechanism so that the piston can brake the disc when pressurized air is supplied to said pressure chamber at the time of disengaging the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch and brake assembly for alternately coupling a machine input shaft to a clutch disc or a brake disc for applying a driving torque or a braking torque to the input shaft. An axially movable cylinder is connected to a brake plate and a clutch plate. An annular piston is carried by a hub fixed to the input shaft and is connected to a rotor spaced at an axially fixed distance from the piston. The brake disc is positioned between the brake plate and the rotor while the clutch disc is positioned between the clutch plate and the rotor. A spring force normally urges the brake disc into engagement with the rotor. A pressure chamber is formed between the piston and cylinder and a passage is provided for admitting pressurized fluid to the chamber, thereby overcoming the spring force to urge the clutch disc into engagement with the rotor.

Abstract: An add-on overdrive unit for location on an extended output shaft of an automatic transmission. The unit includes a planetary gear set connected by means of its annulus gear to an outer face of a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch inner face is concentrically interconnected to the transmission output shaft. An hydraulic piston operates a first direct-drive clutch pack and a second overdrive clutch pack. The piston is normally biased to its non-pressurized failsafe direct drive position by a compression coil spring. As a result the direct drive clutch pack is engaged causing the planetary sun gear to be locked to the annulus gear providing a one-to-one direct drive speed ratio to the overdrive output shaft via the engaged one-way clutch outer race. Upon the piston being pressurized the overdrive clutch pack is engaged and the direct drive clutch pack is released grounding the sun gear to the overdrive case.

Abstract: A clutch/brake for alternatively connecting a rotatably driven shaft to a driving member and a stationary member has clutch plates operatively connecting the driven shaft and the driving member and brake plates operatively connecting the driven shaft and the stationary member. A clutch operator for urging the clutch plates together is connected to rotate with the driving member. A brake operator for urging the brake plates together is connected to rotate with the driven shaft. A linkage connects the clutch and brake operators to move axially together and includes a bearing which transmits axial thrust loads statically when the clutch is engaged. An annular pneumatic piston moves the clutch and brake operators in a first axial direction to engage the clutch, is connected to the outer bearing race and rotates with the driving member. Brake springs bias the clutch and brake operators in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction to engage the brake and are connected to the inner bearing race.

Abstract: A rotational control apparatus is shown in its most preferred form as a clutch-brake including an improved housing having a cylindrical body portion and first and second housing ends removably secured thereto. The body portion includes an axially extending annular member intersecting with a radially extending annular member. The radially extending annular member forms an interface surface and a surface for reciprocal receipt of a piston inside the axially extending annular member and forms a mounting flange outside the axially extending annular member for securing axially extending bolts threadably received in the second housing end. The first housing end includes an axially extending projection having surfaces for receipt in the axially extending annular member and for reciprocal receipt of the piston.

Abstract: An inching drive unit for a brake unit, clutch/brake unit, or the like is disclosed for which an inching motor is able to drive an accessory attached to the main motor through the main motor shaft. The inching drive unit includes a clutch unit for selectively engaging the main motor shaft with a gear mechanism attached to the inching motor drive shaft. A brake is further provided which selectively restricts the rotation of the inching motor drive shaft, and brakes the main motor shaft when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A rotational control apparatus is shown in its most preferred form as a clutch-brake including an improved housing having a cylindrical body portion and first and second circular shaped ends removably secured thereto. The body portion includes an axially extending annular member intersecting with a radially extending annular member. The radially extending annular member forms an interface surface and a surface for reciprocal receipt of a piston inside the axially extending annular member and forms a mounting flange outside the axially extending annular member for securing axially extending studs threadably received in the second housing end. The first housing end includes an axially extending projection having surfaces for receipt in the axially extending annular member and for reciprocal receipt of the piston.

Abstract: A housing encloses a supply of oil and has opposite end portions supporting axially aligned input and output shafts. Interfitting annular clutch plates and discs provide for connecting the input shaft to the output shaft, and interfitting annular brake plates and discs provide for braking the output shaft to the housing in response to axial movement of a non-rotating oil actuated piston supported within the housing concentrically with the output shaft. Oil recirculating passages are provided within the housing for cooling and lubricating the plates and discs, and a positive displacement high pressure annular pump forms an extension of the housing around the inlet shaft. The pump has inner and outer thin flat rotors and pressurizes a portion of the oil within the housing sufficiently to actuate the piston through the control of a solenoid actuated valve unit mounted on the housing.

Abstract: Described herein is a brake support mechanism particularly suitable for use in a 4-wheel drive auxiliary transmission to reduce the axial dimensions and to facilitate assembling of the transmission, the brake support mechanism essentially comprising: a transmission case; a cylindrical rotary member mounted in the transmission case; a multiple disk brake constituted by a combination of brake plates splined on the inner periphery of the transmission case and brake disks splined on the outer periphery of the rotary member; a center support fitted in the transmission case in a position adjacent the multiple disk brake; and a hydraulic actuator including an annular cylinder formed in the center support on the side of the multiple disk brake, a piston slidably fitted in the cylinder, an operating fluid supply passage formed in the center support, a return spring located on the outer periphery of the multiple disk brake and having one end thereof abutted against the transmission case, and a return spring mounting me

Abstract: An accessory transmission for an automotive vehicle comprises a planetary gear set, a fixed cover and a cone clutch engageable with the ring gear of the planetary gear set or the cover to provide a direct drive or underdrive gear ratio in one embodiment, or a direct drive and overdrive gear ratio in another embodiment. The principles of the invention may also be applied to an embodiment wherein the ring gear rotation is governed by a one way clutch as well as the cone clutch to provide both underdrive and overdrive transmissions.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a clutch-brake unit having a clutch disc pack and a separate brake disc pack which are designed for selective actuation by a single piston arrangement to transmit rotational driving forces from an input shaft to an output shaft via the clutch disc pack and to brake rotation of the ouput shaft via the brake disc pack as desired. An integral oil pump is provided on the input shaft and cooperates with portions of the housing to provide a high volume centrifugal pumping action to continuously circulate oil through passages provided in the housing, input shaft, output shaft and across the clutch and brake disc pads so as to cool them. In one embodiment, the integral oil pump includes a pump chamber separate from the central cavity formed by the housing and also working chambers for the clutch and brake disc packs are separated from the central cavity by annular inner housings.

Abstract: A clutch and brake apparatus for being mounted in a housing comprises first clutch having an annular shape and second clutch functioning as a brake adjacent the first clutch, the second clutch having an annular shape and being concentrically disposed with the first clutch. A pressure plate is mounted for non-rotating movement toward and away from the first and second clutches for selectively engaging at least one of the first and second clutches and for holding the pressure plate in a rotationally stationary position with respect to the housing and second clutch. Structure is provided for urging the pressure plate toward both the first and second clutches and is operable to engage the first clutch. Roller bearings are interposed between the first clutch and the pressure plate to permit relative movement between the pressure plate and the first clutch.

Abstract: A first input shaft and an output shaft are supported in axial alignment by a housing which contains oil and also supports an annular second input shaft coaxial with the output shaft. The input shafts may be selectively coupled to the output shaft by compressing corresponding clutch sets of interfitting annular plates and discs, and the output shaft may be quickly stopped by compressing a brake set of interfitting annular plates and discs. The brake set is disposed between the two clutch sets, and a pair of non-rotating fluid actuated pistons are arranged between the corresponding clutch sets and the brake set. The output shaft has fluid impeller hub portions for recirculating oil outwardly between the sets of plates and discs and the input shafts are driven by corresponding electric motors or by a single double-ended electric motor.

Abstract: A rotational control apparatus is shown in its most preferred form according to the teachings of the present invention as a combination clutch/brake. The clutch/brake includes an interfacing member formed by first and second pressure plates rotatably mounted but reciprocally related with respect to each other. The interfacing member is reciprocated between one of first and second disk packs by an actuating rod reciprocally mounted in the housing and interconnected to ears formed on the second pressure plate. The actuating rods are reciprocated by actuation canisters located on opposite ends thereof. Each of the actuation canisters includes a piston which is reciprocated by a fluid chamber and a spring located in the fluid chamber. In the first preferred form, the springs of the canisters have a compressional force which are equal and less than required to actuate the clutch/brake such that in the absence of fluid pressure, the actuating rod and interfacing member is in a normal, neutral condition.

Abstract: A fluid-operated friction engaged torque transmitting device, such as a clutch or brake, has a piston member. The piston has a rigid material, such as metal or plastic body member which is encased in an elastomeric cover. The elastomeric cover is a molded structure which is bonded to the rigid body. The elastomeric cover has integrally formed therewith, during molding, a pair of annular lip seals, a valve structure and a spring portion. A reaction plate or ring is molded or bonded to the spring portion.

Abstract: A clutch/brake apparatus for alternatively connecting a driven shaft to a driving member and to a stationary member which distributes the mass of its components to maximize the effective rotational inertia of the driving member and to minimize the effective rotational inertia of the driven shaft. Sets of interleaved brake plates are respectively mounted to the driven shaft and the stationary member and sets of interleaved clutch plates are respectively mounted to the driven shaft and the driving member. A clutch operator for urging the clutch plates together when it is moved in a first axial direction is connected to rotate with the driving member and a brake operator for urging the brake plates together when it is moved in a second axial direction is rotationally stationary and is connected by a bearing to move axially with the clutch operator.

Abstract: A coupling clutch/brake is shown in its most preferred form as including first and second hubs having first and second splined friction discs received thereon. The first friction disc is movable between the second friction disc and a stationary friction surface mounted to a housing by a piston reciprocally mounted to the housing and rotatably mounted to the first friction disc by a bearing mounted therebetween. The second friction disc is substantially prevented from sliding on the splines with the second hub. The splines between the second friction disc and the second hub allow the second friction disc to cant to compensate for axial angular misalignment of the first and second hubs. In its most preferred form, the housing has a unique construction and specifically includes three generally hemispherical components. The open ends of the first and second shells abut together to form a volume for the first and second friction discs.

Abstract: In a vehicle or device a fluid motor is employed to drive rotary members, such as wheels, propellers, tracks. The motor is provided with an arrangement which includes a control means and an axially moveable member. By utilizing the control means, for example, by a flow of fluid, the axially moveable member is used to apply an action, which is not common to the usual operation of fluid motors. The arrangement may be used to arrest the rotor of the motor from rotation when no pressure is in the driving fluid line. It may also be used to control the pitch of propellers with variable pitch arrangements. Also possible is to use the arrangement to automatically obtain an auto-rotation of rotor blades on vertical axes of vertically take off and landing vehicles, when the pressure in the fluid line to the motors for driving the motors drops below a predetermined minimum of pressure.

Abstract: An inching drive unit for a brake unit, clutch/brake unit, or the like, the unit having a housing and a main rotatable member operably associated with a first portion of the housing, the inching drive unit comprising an inching motor having a drive shaft, a second portion of the housing secured to the inching motor into which the inching motor drive shaft extends, a first gear mechanism disposed at least in part within the inching drive portion of the housing and operably associated with the inching motor drive shaft, a second rotatable member mechanism operably associated with the main rotatable member, and a mechanism for selectively engaging the first gear mechanism with the second rotatable member mechanism wherein engagement of the first gear mechanism with the second rotatable member mechanism permits the inching motor to drive the input shaft of the clutch/brake unit.

Abstract: A transmission shaft (62) mounting thereon fluid-operated clutch means (68) which discontinues selectively the input of power to such shaft is enclosed at one end portion thereof by a hollow cylinder (86) projected inwardly from an inner wall surface of transmission case (28) for power transmission. An annular groove (89) formed to said one end portion of shaft (62) at the outer peripheral surface thereof and communicated to the clutch means (68) via fluid path (85) in the shaft (62) is sealed by the hollow cylinder (86) so as to form an annular fluid chamber (90) which constitutes a rotary joint portion of fluid conduit line for the clutch means (68). Braking mechanism of a brake (69) associated with the clutch means (69) for braking the shaft (62) in the non-operated state of clutch is arranged within the hollow cylinder (86) by employing such cylinder as brake case.

Abstract: A power transmission device for starting in forward or reverse, particularly for a motor vehicle having a heat engine, characterized in that it comprises a simple three-pinion planetary gear train associated with a clutch and brake to give reduced energy dissipation during starting in reverse.

Abstract: An oil shear clutch-brake unit includes a housing rotatably supporting an input shaft and an output shaft in axial alignment, and the housing encloses a set of interfitting clutch plates and discs for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft and a set of interfitting brake plates and discs for braking the output shaft. A non-rotating actuating member or piston is also enclosed within the housing and is actuated from a neutral position by springs and/or fluid for either clamping the clutch plates and discs or clamping the brake plates and discs. A cooling and lubricating oil is circulated within the housing and between the plates and discs, and the pressure of the fluid for actuating the piston is adjustable for selecting the torque transmitted through the clutch and brake.

Abstract: A clutch and transmission brake assembly which can be readily incorporated into existing vehicle drive trains without undue modification. The assembly includes a wet clutch connectable to a flywheel and a transmission brake adapted to be disposed between the wet clutch and a transmission housing, the clutch and transmission brake being operated by annular pistons (56, 118). The assembly further includes a control assembly including pressure responsive valves (202, 204) which are operated sequentially by cams (268, 270). A pedal is suitably interconnected with the cams in such a manner that the clutch will be progressively disengaged as the pedal moves from an initial position towards its depressed position, the clutch pedal passing through a dwell position before the brake is progressively applied. The clutch will be fully disengaged when the pedal is in its dwell position, and as the transmission brake is applied there will be an increase in pedal effort.

Abstract: A fluid operated clutch and brake assembly is adapted to be connected to a motor driven flywheel and a rotatable drive shaft for a press or the like. A fluid operated piston mounted on the flywheel simultaneously engages the clutch and disengages the brake. The brake is spring biased to automatically stop rotation of the shaft when the clutch is disengaged. A first portion of the assembly mounted for rotation with the flywheel includes a fluid cylinder, a piston and a pair of spring biased clutch plates which are axially displaceable by the piston. A second portion mounted for rotation on the drive shaft includes two spline plates and a brake plate and a double splined hub, the spline plates being axially slidable on the splines of the hub. The brake plate is normally biased into frictional engagement with a stationarily mounted brake. Actuation of the piston engages the clutch plates with the spline plates and disengages the brake plate.

Abstract: A first input shaft and an output shaft are supported in axial alignment by a housing which contains oil and also supports an annular second input shaft coaxial with the output shaft. The input shafts may be selectively coupled to the output shaft by compressing corresponding clutch sets of interfitting annular plates and discs, and the output shaft may be quickly stopped by compressing a brake set of interfitting annular plates and discs. The brake set is disposed between the two clutch sets, and a pair of non-rotating fluid actuated pistons are arranged between the corresponding clutch sets and the brake set. The output shaft has fluid impeller hub portions for recirculating oil outwardly between the sets of plates and discs and the input shafts are driven by corresponding electric motors or by a single double-ended electric motor.

Abstract: An oil cooled and hydraulically operated clutch assembly (10) in which the cooling oil is contained within the clutch housing (18) after cooling and is scavenged by scavenger means including a pitot-like tube (94) during rotation of the clutch housing (18). An output shaft (20) passes through an aperture in the rear of the housing (18), the forward end of which is secured to an engine flywheel (12). Sealing means (52, 84) provide an oil seal between the periphery of the output shaft and the aperture. An annular piston (56) is disposed within the housing and is caused to be moved between disengaged and engaged positions and is operable when in the engaged position to cause clutch disks (26) to be held between the piston (56), a reaction surface (76) on the clutch housing and steel plates (28) for rotation therewith. A non-rotatable annular member (24) extends between the lip (50) which forms the aperture and the output shaft (20) and provides various passageways.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed for activating a clutch as well as a throttle valve which is used in the circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic actuator which is connected to a source of pressurized fluid to alternatively activate the clutch. Connected between the source of pressurized fluid in the actuator is a control valve and a pressure-responsive throttle valve. The control valve is basically an on/off valve which controls the flow of fluid to the clutch actuator or from the clutch actuator to a reservoir. The throttle valve, on the other hand, is arranged in series with the control valve and is responsive to fluid pressure on its downstream side to cause increased throttling of the fluid as the fluid pressure to the actuator increases. Such a circuit is beneficial in preventing the clutch from snatching as it is being engaged.

Abstract: A propeller brake for an engine having a propeller shaft includes a housing (10) and a brake shaft (18) rotatably mounted in the housing (10). The brake shaft (18) is coupled to the propeller shaft to rotate therewith. Also included is a brake (64,74) and a lock device (38). The brake (64,74) is mounted in the housing (10) and has a spaced plurality of frictional plates (64) for frictionally resisting rotation of the brake shaft (18). This brake (64,74) is reciprocatable between an operative and an inoperative position. The lock device (38) is mounted in the housing (10) and can reciprocate between an unlocked and locked position. This lock device (38) can, in its locked position, inhibit rotation of the brake shaft (18). The forgoing equipment can stop a propeller shaft by first frictionally coupling the brake (64,74) to the propeller shaft, allowing the coupled portion of the brake (64,74) to rotate therewith. The brake (64,74) may then be actuated to transmit a resisting torque to stop the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A wet-type clutch/brake device is housed about a rotatable shaft within a recess in a flywheel. A cylinder member surrounds the shaft at a position between a brake and a clutch of the device and is urged toward the brake by springs. Air is introduced into a cylinder chamber to urge the cylinder member against the force of the springs toward the clutch. A cover member closes the open end of the recess, and an oil supplying passage extends through the cover member into the recess to supply lubricating and cooling oil to the brake and clutch.

Abstract: A multiple speed drive unit that has a first input shaft driven by a motor, a plurality of secondary input shafts driven by the first input shaft, an output shaft, an oil shear brake for the output shaft, an oil shear clutch for each of the secondary input shafts adapted to be actuated to transmit rotational energy between a selected secondary input shaft and the output shaft, and a control for selectively engaging a selected clutch or brake.

Abstract: Gearbox comprising a first clutch-hub having gear-teeth and a coaxial hollow wheel also with gear-teeth, connected to, but not rotating upon, a second clutch hub, and also having a planetary gear in part engagement with the gear-teeth and an adjustable transmission-shaft. The latter is adapted to be adjusted, by means of an adjusting device, in such a manner that the clutch-hub and the hollow wheel rotate selectively, either at rotational speeds between which there is a predetermined difference, or in synchronism. In a known gearbox of this kind, the planetary gear is arranged eccentrically upon the transmission-shaft, causing relatively considerable imbalance and relatively high bearing loads at high rotational speeds. In order to overcome this problem, and to achieve a simple design, especially of the transmission shaft, the invention proposes that the first clutch-hub comprise a radially spaced, internally toothed ring, creating an annular space.

Abstract: A combination clutch-brake is shown including a housing having an output shaft rotatably mounted therein. A first hub having a first friction disc with a friction lining thereon and connected thereto is slideably mounted on the output shaft and rotatable therewith. A single annular piston is slideably mounted in a cylinder formed in the housing with a bearing interposed between the annular piston and the first hub allowing the hub to rotate radially within the annular piston. An annular spring housing having an annular backing portion with a friction lining connected thereto is fixedly mounted within and carried by the housing axially with respect to the piston. The spring housing has a series of spaced springs mounted thereon in urging contact with the piston whereby the friction lining of the spring housing backing portion contacts the first friction disc for braking of the output shaft when there is no fluid pressure in the cylinder.

Abstract: A tractor transmission having multiple ratios and dual power gearing arrangement located between an engine and multiple ratio gearing whereby the auxiliary gearing effects two multiple ratio drive ranges and wherein shifting from one range to the other in the auxiliary gearing can be accomplished smoothly and wherein the rotary components of the auxiliary gear unit are characterized by low inertia and low power loss.

Abstract: A clutch and brake device for presses, punches, or the like, wherein a drive shaft of the presses or punches may be connected selectively to a flywheel employing a friction clutch and may be braked with respect to a frame of the press or punch by a friction brake. A bearing for the flywheel is provided at the frame on a tubular extension, with an end section of the drive shaft extending through the tubular extension. The friction clutch and friction brake are arranged on the end section of the drive shaft on a side facing away from the frame at a position beyond the bearing of the flywheel. The friction clutch engages at the flywheel by way of an annular support extending over the friction brake and attached to the flywheel. The friction brake is supported by way of a hollow support extended through the flywheel and encompassing the drive shaft.

Abstract: An axle drive mechanism for an automotive vehicle whose transmission is connected to a continuously coupled axle. The mechanism has a drive shaft forming part of another axle, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the drive shaft and operatively connected with the transmission and the selectively connected axle, a clutch between the wheel and the shaft actuatable for rotatably coupling the wheel and the shaft to selectively engage the other axle, and a parking brake for the axles. The parking brake comprises a housing, a first brake between the wheel and the housing, and a second brake between the shaft and the housing. A common actuator is provided for both brakes, thereby immobilizing both of the axles independently of the operation of the clutch.

Abstract: A system for modifying the operation of an oil submerged clutch/brake unit comprising at least one accessory adapted to be capable of integration with the unit and at least one station on the unit including an arrangement for mounting the accessory to the housing with access by the accessory to at least communicate with the interior of the housing, wherein the accessory is adapted to be capable of modifying the operation of the clutch/brake unit. The accessories may include an inching drive, a reversing drive, and other accessories.

Abstract: An inching drive for a clutch/brake unit, the unit having a main housing and an input shaft and an output shaft operably associated with said main housing, the inching drive comprising an inching motor having a drive shaft, a housing secured to the inching motor into which the inching motor drive shaft extends, a first gear mechanism disposed at least in part within the inching drive housing and operably associated with the inching motor drive shaft, a second gear mechanism operably associated with the input shaft of the clutch/brake unit, and a mechanism for selectively engaging said first gear mechanism with said second gear mechanism wherein engagement of the first gear mechanism with the second gear mechanism permits the inching motor to drive the input shaft of the clutch/brake unit.

Abstract: An oil pump assembly having an adjustable production rate and capable of long stroke, low stroke per minute pumping rates, comprising a reciprocating pumping rod in a well hole, a counterbalancing mechanism for reducing the power needed to pump oil by the pumping rod, a driving mechanism to drive the reciprocating pumping rod and the counterbalancing mechanism, including a first cable and a second cable, to drive the reciprocating pumping rod and the counterbalancing mechanism, respectively, a speed control for the driving mechanism, and a dwell mechanism for the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A pneumatically or hydraulically operated clutch brake assembly for coupling a load to a motor is disclosed.

Abstract: An oil shear clutch-brake unit includes a housing rotatably supporting an input shaft and an output shaft in axial alignment, and the housing encloses a set of interfitting clutch plates and discs for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft and a set of interfitting brake plates and discs for braking the output shaft. A non-rotating piston is also enclosed within the housing and is fluid actuated in both directions from a spring biased neutral position for either clamping the clutch plates and discs or clamping the brake plates and discs. A cooling and lubricating oil is circulated within the housing and between the plates and discs, and the pressure of the fluid for actuating the piston is adjustable for selecting the torque transmitted through the clutch and brake.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed for activating a clutch as well as a throttle valve which is used in the circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic actuator which is connected to a source of pressurized fluid to alternatively activate the clutch. Connected between the source of pressurized fluid in the actuator is a control valve and a pressure-responsive throttle valve. The control valve is basically an on/off valve which controls the flow of fluid to the clutch actuator or from the clutch actuator to a reservoir. The throttle valve, on the other hand, is arranged in series with the control valve and is responsive to fluid pressure on its downstream side to cause increased throttling of the fluid as the fluid pressure to the actuator increases. Such a circuit is beneficial in preventing the clutch from snatching as it is being engaged.