A compact universal fluid-actuated clutch

A compact universal fluid-actuated clutch employs a pair of tapered roller bearings 48,50 between a cover plate 12 and output shaft 22, the roller bearings 48,50 serving to not only rotationally maintain the output shaft 22, but receive and transfer clutch reactionary forces therethrough. Lubrication to the tapered roller bearings 48,50 serves to lubricate not only a thrust bearing 36 through which the actuation forces are transferred, but also to lubricate the clutch, as well, in the embodiment of a wet clutch. Also provided is an output shaft brake assembly 24, which is also lubricated through the tapered roller bearings, and which is of a small compact nature, consisting of a piston 32 rotatably secured to the end cover 12, and a rotor 86 operatively attached to the output shaft 22. The invention substantially eliminates the need for rotary unions and rifle boring of the output shaft, and allows for adaptation of the shaft to direct or belt drive equipment connections.