Patent ID: 8967356
Filing Date: 2015-03-03
Classification: F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pneumatic expander brake/clutch assembly comprising: (a) a first power transmission element; (b) a second power transmission element disposed for rotation with respect to the first element and including an annular friction surface; (c) an annular array of a plurality of arcuate elements disposed on the first power transmission element in circumferentially spaced arrangement about the annular friction surface and movable radially with respect to the annular friction surface wherein, each arcuate element includes a friction pad and a plurality of voids extending axially therethrough; (d) an annular inflatable disposed on the first power transmission element about the arcuate elements and operable upon inflation to move the arcuate elements radially for effecting relative rotating contact of the friction pads with the annular friction surface of the second power transmission element for effecting power transmission between the first power transmission element and the second power transmission element; (e) a torque bar connected to the first power transmission element and extending through one of the plurality of voids in each of the arcuate elements and operative for permitting movement of the respective arcuate element only in the radial direction; and, (f) a baffle member extending in a circumferential direction from opposite ends of each arcuate element into the space between adjacent arcuate elements, wherein the baffle members of adjacent arcuate elements are staggered radially at different radial locations and interdigitated thereby defining in the space therebetween a tortuous path for radiant energy emanating from the annular friction surface to the inflatable.