Abstract: Resin-based electronic parking brake pistons, methods of making said pistons, and methods of using said pistons are disclosed, wherein each piston has a piston body made of a sole synthetic polymer material consisting of at least one reaction product obtained by reacting at least one formaldehyde with at least one phenol and/or at least one substituted phenol. Each piston may also have an internal contact area disposed in an interior of the piston body and configured to contact at least one spindle nut of at least one electromechanical parking brake system and/or an outer surface disposed on an exterior of the piston body and configured to be slidable within at least one caliper bore of at least one electromechanical parking brake system.

Abstract: Hybrid brake piston systems, methods of making hybrid brake piston systems and methods of using hybrid brake piston systems are provided. The hybrid disk brake piston systems have load bearing metal-based pressure pads and engineered resin-based outer bodies that are assembled using seal layouts and/or grooves. The metal-based pressure pads may be made from mild steel, stainless steel or aluminum and/or are designed and configured to contact both a spindle nut and a brake pad and to carry the load whilst under electronic parking activation. The resin-based outer bodies may be made of phenolic resin and/or are designed to move under hydraulic brake activation.

Abstract: A low cost electrical discharge texturing machine which can texture work rolls having a broad range of diameters and lengths either on a production or research and development basis. The machine is relatively portable, for example, it can be mounted on a palate, and can be used at any location having an adequate electrical supply. Electrodes are mounted on the machine in a manner which maximizes flexibility in respect of the roll diameters that can be textured. The machine also has adjustable supports for the work rolls which can raise or lower a roll surface relative to the electrodes to provide additional flexibility in the roll dimensions that can be textured. Furthermore, the machine has programmable x-axis drives and these can optionally be used in combination with programmable roll drives.

Abstract: A belt grinding is integrated with an electroerosion machine for contouring the working surface of a mill roll and providing a texture thereon. The belt grinder can superfinish the roll and remove peaks in the surface without significantly affecting the mean surface roughness produced by the electroerosion.

Abstract: A metallic cap for a plastic disc brake piston is provided with openings in a cylindrical side wall thereof and the plastic is caused to flow into the openings during molding of the piston to create an extension of the plastic material which locks the cap onto the piston. The cap has an end wall and at least one side wall and preferably has inner and outer side walls. The openings are generally in the form of holes or slots. At least one opening is required and at least two openings are preferred. The cap is integrally molded to the piston by placing the cap in the mold, adding resin material and causing molding of the resin material by heating and/or compression.