Abstract: An illustrative example drum brake device includes a drum having an inner, braking surface. At least one brake shoe includes a friction lining and a support structure for the friction lining. The support structure includes a window having a first portion that is wider than a second portion. A shoe mount is configured to be received through the first portion of the window and engage the support structure adjacent the second portion of the window in a manner that resists movement of the brake shoe in two dimensions and allows selective movement of the brake shoe in a third dimension for allowing the friction lining to selectively engage the braking surface.

Abstract: An illustrative example drum brake device includes a drum having an inner, braking surface. At least one brake shoe includes a friction lining and a support structure for the friction lining. The support structure includes a window having a first portion that is wider than a second portion. A shoe mount is configured to be received through the first portion of the window and engage the support structure adjacent the second portion of the window in a manner that resists movement of the brake shoe in two dimensions and allows selective movement of the brake shoe in a third dimension for allowing the friction lining to selectively engage the braking surface.

Abstract: Method of assembling a drum brake device includes positioning a portion of a brake shoe (22) support structure (40, 42) near an opening of a brake actuating cylinder (80); manipulating the support structure (40, 42) so that a window (44) of the support structure (40, 42) is received over a portion of a shoe mount (50); moving the support structure (40, 42) relative to the shoe mount (50) so that the portion of the support structure (40, 42) is received into the brake actuating cylinder (80) and the support structure (40, 42) is engaged by the shoe mount (50) in a manner that the shoe mount (50) restricts movement of the brake shoe (22) in two dimensions and allows selective movement in a third dimension; and securing the brake shoe (22) in an installed position by placing the drum (26) over the brake shoe (22) with the braking surface facing the friction lining.

Abstract: Method of assembling a drum brake device includes positioning a portion of a brake shoe (22) support structure (40, 42) near an opening of a brake actuating cylinder (80); manipulating the support structure (40, 42) so that a window (44) of the support structure (40, 42) is received over a portion of a shoe mount (50); moving the support structure (40, 42) relative to the shoe mount (50) so that the portion of the support structure (40, 42) is received into the brake actuating cylinder (80) and the support structure (40, 42) is engaged by the shoe mount (50) in a manner that the shoe mount (50) restricts movement of the brake shoe (22) in two dimensions and allows selective movement in a third dimension; and securing the brake shoe (22) in an installed position by placing the drum (26) over the brake shoe (22) with the braking surface facing the friction lining.

Abstract: A mass transit vehicle includes a frame structure that provides an efficient and economical approach to providing a low floor bus. The inventive frame includes a stiff roof panel and a stiff floor panel. A plurality of generally vertical pillars extend between the roof and floor panels. A unique bracket arrangement is disclosed for connecting the pillars to the panels. Side panels are secured to the pillars and carry the shear stresses on the frame. A unique seating assembly that can be advantageously incorporated into the vehicle taking advantage of the load distributing features of the inventive frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mass transit vehicle includes a frame structure that provides an efficient and economical approach to providing a low floor bus. The inventive frame includes a stiff roof panel and a stiff floor panel. A plurality of generally vertical pillars extend between the roof and floor panels. A unique bracket arrangement is disclosed for connecting the pillars to the panels. Side panels are secured to the pillars and carry the shear stresses on the frame. A unique seating assembly that can be advantageously incorporated into the vehicle taking advantage of the load distributing features of the inventive frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector piece useful for joining two beam members preferably includes a generally triangular arrangement of load bearing members. The connector piece is especially useful in joining beam members of a vehicle space frame. The connector piece includes a set of tab members extending generally away from the load bearing members. The tab members are inserted into channels formed on the beam members. The beam members are then joined to the connector piece, preferably, by spot welding through each sidewall of the channels and the tabs, respectively. A longitudinal component of a load incident on one of the beam members is transferred along at least one of the load bearing members to assist in avoiding deformation of the beam.

Abstract: A spaceframe for a vehicle body includes distinct passenger compartment, front and rear suspension modules. Each module is completely assembled individually and later connected to the other modules to complete the frame, which renders the assembly process much more efficient. The passenger compartment module essentially consists of two longitudinal side rails. The front and rear suspension modules combine with the side rails to form generally rectangular compartments at the front and rear of the frame. The generally rectangular compartments provide the primary lateral and torsional stability to the entire frame. Energy absorbing modules preferably are provided at the front and rear ends of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel support and alignment system includes a pair of rollers that are mounted on swing arms that independently pivot relative to a base. The rollers rotate and pivot relative to the base as they support the load of the vehicle wheel. The pivot position of the rollers relative to the base is indicative of whether the vehicle wheel is in a desired alignment. A method of determining proper wheel alignment that utilizes angular information available from the independently pivotable swing arms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disc brake caliper comprises a cast body including an inboard support, an outboard support, a pair of spaced parallel bridge tension members and a central bridge compression member, with the one ends of the bridge members connected to the inboard support and their other ends connected to the outboard support. The outboard support includes a pair of transverse interconnected tension members with their outer ends connected to the bridge members and an inclined rib member extending from the central bridge member and connected to the junction of the pair of tension members. The caliper body further includes a cast cylindrical socket arranged inwardly of the bridge members and extending through the inboard support. A cylinder piston insert is retained within the socket. A piston is inserted within the cylinder and has a sleeve of elastomeric material bonded to its exterior cylindrical surface and is adapted to yieldably and sealingly engage the brake cylinder insert.

Abstract: A disk brake caliper comprises a cast body including an inboard support, an outboard support, and an open framework interconnecting both supports. The caliper body includes a cast brake cylinder closed at one end arranged inwardly of the framework and extending through the inboard support. The cylinder has a liner of elastomeric material bonded to its interior and yieldably receives a pressure piston of cylindrical shape. The method of forming a liner within the cylinder includes inserting a polished steel plug mold into the cylinder having a bore and an end wall which are coated with a bonding agent, uniformly spacing the plug mold from the cylinder bore and end wall, clamping the mold upon the cylinder, injecting uncured rubber through a passage in the mold and filling the space between the cylinder and the plug and curing the rubber until it adheres and is bonded to the cylinder.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle body frame comprises a pair of opposed beam members defining a passenger compartment, with front and rear truss assemblies at opposite ends of the beam members spanning and rigidly interconnecting the beam members as their sole lateral reinforcement.

Abstract: An arrangement for steerably mounting an outboard motor on a boat in which the mounting is effected such that the steering axis of rotation of the motor is angled rearwardly so that the center of gravity of the motor lies at or forward of the axis. The outboard motor has a lower pivotal attachment point generally forward of the motor drive shaft and preferably above and/or forward of the hydraulic center of pressure on the lower motor gear case housing. The upper pivotal attachment of the outboard motor may be effected by a single pivot point generally rearward of the motor drive shaft or by the provision of a virtual pivot point to provide the desired angle for the axis of rotation. The virtual pivot point is obtained through the use of a linkage arrangement including a pair of links. The links are pivotally attached to the rear of the boat at their first ends and pivotally attached on opposite sides of the lower gear case housing at their other ends.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carburetor comprising a first stage including a vertically extending primary air induction passage including a venturi section and a portion downstream of and below the venturi section, a primary fuel passage communicating with the venturi section of the primary air induction passage and with a fuel source, and a primary throttle valve mounted in the downstream portion of the primary air induction passage for movement between a partially open position and a fully open position, and a second stage including a vertically extending secondary air induction passage including a venturi section and a portion downstream of and below the venturi section, a secondary fuel passage communicating with the venturi section of the secondary air induction passage and with a fuel source, and a secondary throttle valve mounted in the downstream portion of the secondary air induction passage for movement between an open position and a closed position, and a fuel or air passage communicating between the prim