Abstract: A housing (14) has a geometric periphery. A chamber is formed within the housing. A spring (26) is coupled within the chamber. The spring is fabricated of a composite material. The composite material includes a binder with axially aligned fibers. A handle (60) is provided exterior of the housing. A guide assembly (38) is coupled to the housing. A cord (52) passes through housing and around the guide assembly. The cord couples the handle and the spring.

Abstract: A piston structure for use in a brake caliper has a cylindrical base portion having an annular receiving recess and a base mounted spring received therein. A cylindrical brake pad engaging portion has an annular recess formed within its length. A recess is formed within the length of the base portion with an elastomeric o-ring positioned within the recess. A thin layer of metallic material is integrally formed with the remainder of the piston. The thin layer of metallic material is adapted to engage the surface of an adjacent brake pad.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved piston construction for use in a braking system. The piston construction employs an insulator at its inner end and a conical aperture at it outer end. Both of these promote increased heat isolation during braking operations. The piston of the present invention also employs an o-ring which is secured within a cylindrical recess. The o-ring ensures a fluid tight seal between the piston and the piston housing. Through the use of the o-ring, air is prevented from entering the brake lines.

Abstract: An upwardly bowed single transverse leaf spring is provided and includes longitudinally spaced central mounting areas between which a longitudinal mid-portion of the spring extends. The spring includes opposite end portions on remote sides of said mounting areas for anchoring relative to vehicle wheel supporting spindle structures and the mounting areas of the spring have mounts stationarily mounted relative thereto but adjustably positionable longitudinally of the spring and the mounts are pivotally mounted from the stationary mounting structures for oscillation about horizontal parallel axes extending transversely of the leaf spring with the pivotal mounting of the mounts from the stationary mounting structures being such that each axis of oscillation of a mount relative to the corresponding stationary mounting structure may be adjusted transversely of the corresponding vehicle.