Abstract: A solenoid-operated flow control valve is disclosed which comprises a housing having a bore, a solenoid coil, an armature, an inlet and an outlet, a permanent communication between an inlet and an outlet comprising a first and a second flow path connected in parallel between the inlet and the outlet, the first flow path being closable and the second flow path providing permanent communication between the outlet, an exhaust, a seating and a valve assembly including a hollow valve body working in the bore, the armature being responsive to the coil to open the exhaust to determine a pressure differential across the valve body, the pressure differential in turn causing the valve body to move in the bore so as to co-operate with the seating, whereby the valve body provides selective communication between the inlet, outlet and exhaust, and whereby upon deenergisation of the coil the flow control valve controls the rate of reapplication of pressure to the outlet.

Abstract: In a brake actuator an electric motor is operable when energized to hold a resilient brake applying assembly in a retracted energy-storing position and to retain the assembly in the retracted position.

Abstract: In a vehicle brake applying assembly a compression spring acts between reatively movable parts normally to urge the parts into an advanced position to maintain a desired braking clearance. After the braking clearance has been taken up the parts are relatively movable into a retracted position against the force in the spring to permit abutment surfaces to engage whereafter a positive brake applying force can be transmitted through the parts.