Clutch assembly and methods of assembling and operating the same

A clutch assembly, comprising:

• a rotary input member connectable with a rotary output element of a prime mover;
• a housing rotatable with said input member;
• first and second rotary input elements coaxial with said output element;
• first and second friction clutches each including a pressure plate, a counterpressure plate and a clutch disc disposed between said plates and having friction linings subject to wear in actual use of the respective clutch, the clutch discs of said first and second clutches being rotatable with said first and second input elements, respectively, the pressure plate of said first clutch being connected to said output element and the counterpressure plate of said first clutch being connected with said housing, the pressure plate of said second clutch being rotatable with said housing and the counterpressure plate of said second clutch being rotatable with said input member and being disposed between the clutch disc of said second clutch and said housing;
• control means for automatically actuating said clutches;
• and
• means for at least reducing the likelihood of damage to said clutches including means for compensating for wear upon at least one of said first and second friction linings.