Abstract: An electromagnetic disc brake for an elevator lifting apparatus comprises a disc spline-coupled with a rotational shaft. Braking body and an armature disposed to clamp the disc; braking springs press the armature against the disc, and an iron core is provided which includes inner and outer magnetic poles each facing the armature and concentrically formed with respect to the rotational shaft. An electromagnetic coil generates magnetic flux to pass through the inner and outer magnetic poles as magnetic paths. In addition, at least one of the pole face of the outer magnetic pole and the facing portion of the armature where it faces the pole face is provided with an arrangement for increasing a magnetic gap, and the braking springs are disposed in portions of the outer magnetic pole. Further, the braking body is supported through a sound absorbing member or one side of the armature facing the disc is formed of a sound absorbing member.

Abstract: It consists of a pair of brake arms provided with brake shoes, the distance between which can be freely widened or narrowed, arm mounting plates provided with support shafts to support brake arms and attached to a bicycle body, return springs which energize brake arms constantly in spreading directions so as that aforementioned brake shoes are separated apart from each other, and spring caps and tightening bolts.A return spring storage recess is formed around the support shaft and in the bossed section of the aforementioned brake arm, within said recess is stored the return spring fitted onto the support shaft; while one end of the return spring is engaged onto the bossed section of each arm, the other end is engaged onto the spring cap which is directly or indirectly connected to the support shaft; and a rotating tool seat is provided at the periphery of the spring cap at least on one arm for the purpose of spring tension adjustment.

Abstract: In order to reduce friction and wear in an air brake system wherein a caliper moves on upper and lower slide pins and an air chamber is suspended from the caliper by a bracket a portion of the weight of the air chamber is suspended from the upper slide pin by an elastic member placed between the upper slide pin and the bracket at an angle providing a component of force supporting the air chamber and a component of force opposite to the direction of the movement of the caliper when applying a braking force.

Abstract: An anchor collar or bracket (100) is provided that is adapted to fit loosely about a shaft (34) of a rotary drum brake assembly such as assembly (200). Bracket (100) is adapted to secure at least one pair of resilient biasing members such as coiled springs (36 and 36') to respective pivotally mounted opposed brake shoe assemblies (20 and 20') and resiliently urge them towards each other upon release of the brake while being able to be moved to enable access to hidden portions therebehind.

Abstract: A single generally U-shaped wire spring has a plurality of torsional spring loops formed in the center and fitting over an anchor mounting post for a leading-trailing shoe assembly. Each arm of the spring extends along the web of a shoe and terminates in a hook end which fits within a slot in the associated shoe web. The spring will return the brake shoes to their retracted position after service or parking brake operation, reengaging the adjuster/strut assembly after actuation of the wheel cylinder during service brake operation; retain the lower ends of the shoes against the anchor plate; and hold the shoes against the backing plate by the cantilever spring force component of the spring acting against retaining lips formed as part of the anchor mounting post, resulting in a cantilever spring load directed onto the web of each shoe toward the backing plate.

Abstract: Each of a pair of wire springs has a loop end fitting on an anchor mount for a leading-trailing shoe assembly. Each spring has an arm extending from its loop end along the web of a shoe and terminates in a hook end which fits within a slot in the associated shoe web. The springs will return the brake shoes to their retracted position after serice or parking brake operation by cantilever spring bias force stored in the spring arms as the springs are installed, reengaging the adjuster/strut assembly after actuation of the wheel cylinder during service brake operation; retain the lower ends of the shoes against the anchor plate; and hold the shoes down against the backing plate by torsional spring bias forces of the springs which are stored in the spring loop ends and are directed onto the web of each shoe toward the backing plate through the spring arms and the arm outer portions which are immediately adjacent to the spring arm hook ends.

Abstract: A parking brake having an output lever connected at a first pivot point to a brake rod, at a second pivot point to a automatic fluid responsive actuator and at a third point to one end of a chain of a standard manual releaseable parking brake unit. The other end of the chain is connected to a reset lever which is activated by the automatic actuator to reset the manual parking brake unit after manual release and during automatic release. The automatic actuator includes an air bellows to drive a piston, and a simple interlock valve connecting the air spring to a brake line.

Abstract: A friction brake mechanism having a pair of front brake assemblies and a pair of rear brake assemblies receives pressurized fluid at the same time and at the same pressure from a hydraulic control apparatus. Each of the brake assemblies has a brake piston movable in a chamber between a holding position and a releasing position and a plurality of brake plates and a plurality of brake disks interleaved with the brake plates. A first spring system is associated with the pair of front brake assemblies and a second spring system is associated with the rear brake assemblies. The first spring system provides a different force than the second spring system to cause the rear brake assemblies to be engaged a predetermined period of time ahead of the pair of front brake assemblies without any design change in the hydraulic control apparatus.

Abstract: An improved drum-type brake of the cam actuated type incorporating a formed return spring. The return spring is anchored relative to the backing plate in such a way that it cannot move circumferentially or axially but its flexing action is not interferred with. The arrangement for fixing the intermediate portion of the return spring to the backing plate also affords a means for affixing a dust shield to the backing plate. The cooperation of the return spring with the brake shoe and the mounting of brake shoes holds the brake shoes parallel to the backing plate and facilitates servicing.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly comprises a caliper member that is rectilinearly movable relative to a support member via a pin member that slidably guides the caliper member while secured to the support member. A second pin member is secured to and movable with the caliper member while interconnected to the support member via a deformable elastomeric ring that aids in the return of the caliper member and the friction elements connected thereto upon termination of a braking operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-action angular anti-return device for a turnstile, comprising a drum fast to the turnstile, a fixed vee open facing the drum, a roller positioned between the vee and the drum and alternately wedgeable between the two faces of said vee and said drum, a support for the roller displaceable alternately by two electromagnets themselves energizable from a source. A capacitor is charged by the source on each energization of any one of the electromagnets and discharged into the other electromagnet as soon as said energization is interrupted, which then results in the desired unwedging of the roller.

Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake shoe assembly for vehicles. It comprises a pair of relatively slidable and tapered blocks, each containing return springs surrounding rigid stems mounted in recesses of the blocks. One block serves as the backing plate and the other, as a self-energizing brake shoe. When the two blocks and a brake lining mounted on the brake shoe, engage the disc of a brake, the blocks move relatively apart longitudinally against a wedging action which affects progressive braking on the disc brake shoe. Upon release of the brake, the two blocks, by virtue of their return springs, will return to a neutral position, that is, with the blocks nested together.

Abstract: A single generally U-shaped wire spring has a partial loop formed in the center and fitting over an anchor for a leading-trailing shoe assembly. Each arm of the spring extends along the web of a shoe and terminates in a hook end which fits within a slot in the associated shoe web. The slots are so located in the web to obtain the desired distribution of spring loads on the adjuster/strut assembly and on the anchor plate. The spring will return the brake shoes to the adjuster/strut assembly after actuation of the wheel cylinder during service brake function; retain the lower ends of the shoes against the anchor plate; and hold the shoes against the backing plate by the force component of the spring wire acting against the bottom side of the cable support and against the top of the outer ramp of the anchor plate, resulting in a spring load directed onto the web of each shoe.

Abstract: A brake system actuator which is actuated to increase pressure delivered to a wheel brake through a drive transfer mechanism powered by a variable torque electric motor, the actuator piston being retracted by a substantially constant torque spiral spring which is preloaded to drive transfer means in the opposite direction when the motor is deenergized. This is particularly useful in a brake actuator which is a component of a vehicle wheel brake and wheel anti-lock control system.

Abstract: A caliper brake for a bicycle, in which a pair of brake arms having brake shoes are supported independently rotatably to fixing bases fixed to the bicycle frame and between the fixing bases and the brake arms are interposed return springs for biasing the brake arms in a direction of enlarging the distance beween the brake shoes. The brake is provided with a biasing force adjuster for adjusting the biasing force applied by at least one of the return springs to its associated brake arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization of the same of a brake spring support. The support of the present invention provides a head for locating and supporting the spring along with a fixably connected curved tang which is inserted into an aperture of the brake shoe and is cammingly locked to the brake shoe after attachment of the spring.

Abstract: A drive system for a self-propelled machine including a drive-side main body supporting a pressure contact disc, and a driven-side main body supporting a clutch disc. One of the drive-side main body and driven-side main body is secured to a machine body, and the other main body is connected to the machine body through springs while being movable in floating movement with respect to the machine body, whereby the two discs can be brought into and out of contact with each other.

Abstract: A floating caliper disc brake including a fixed mounting block, a caliper mounted to float on the fixed mounting block and being located in a position to bridge the edge of a disc, a first friction pad supported by the caliper for movement into engagement with one side of the disc, a housing mounted on said caliper on the opposite side of the disc, a second friction pad supported in the housing for movement into engagement with the other side of the disc, the caliper moving in response to the engagement of the second friction pad with the disc to move the first friction pad into engagement with the other side of the disc and a rubber spring on the mounting block to bias the caliper on release of the second friction pad from the disc to release the first friction pad from the disc, the caliper being free to move with respect to the ribs wherever the retraction capability of the ribs is exceeded by the movement of the caliper.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly incorporates unitary retainers for anchor pins about which a pair of brake shoes may pivot. In a preferred form, the anchor pin retainers are spring steel structures formed of drawn heat treated wire, each retainer defining a pair of spaced legs joined at one end by an arcuate or bowed portion adapted to engage one of a pair of spaced grooves in one of the associated anchor pins. Each brake shoe contains a web portion which includes a cradle for pivotal support against an anchor pin. Each web has a pair of apertures disposed for engagement by a hook formed at the end of each retainer leg.

Abstract: The improved release mechanism comprises a load sensor (50, 51, 150, 250, 350, 450) connected with a wheel brake (10, 110) to sense a change in wheel braking torque and communicate responsively with a mechanical brake control device (200) or a braking assistance servo-motor system (310, 320; 410, 420) which releases the brakes when the vehicle commences acceleration along an incline.

Abstract: The rotating brake plates and the fixed brake plates of a power train brake are pressed by way of the movement of the brake piston due to the supply of hydraulic pressure, thereby braking the output shaft. The guide rod is cantilever supported in the housing. The guide rod is inserted into a hole in the projecting portion at the outer periphery of the piston. The return spring is interposed between the flange portion at the end of the rod and the piston. When the hydraulic pressure is released, the brake piston is returned by the force of the return spring.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly is described to comprise a dual drum brake housing mounted to a vehicle wheel or shaft to be rotated therewith. The dual drum brake housing has two axially extending, concentric, radially spaced drum surfaces defining an annular channel between them. A torque member is fixed against rotation with the vehicle wheel and an expandable friction lining assembly is mounted to the torque member. The friction lining assembly is positioned within the annular channel and carries radially outward and radially inward facing friction linings. Upon expansion of the friction lining assembly each of the friction linings is moved into contact with the corresponding drum surface, thereby transferring braking force to the wheel.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism is disclosed as particularly useful for a braking assembly, and especially for a disc brake assembly. The mechanism is a device having elastic properties formed from a plurality of layers, or laminae of rigid (metal, hard plastic) and resilient (elastomer, rubber) members bonded together and to the inside of a casing or caliper housing sealing it therein. The casing together with the bonded and sealed actuator therein is threaded into the caliper housing of the brake assembly. Fluid pressure applied to the casing interior activates the mechanism and it yields by flexing axially. An attached brake shoe or pad is operated by the actuator, given an axial displacement and urged against the brake assembly drum or rotor in a braking action. The actuator mechanism returns the shoe or pad to a neutral, non rotor contacting position automatically when the pressure of the fluid in the casing is relieved.

Abstract: A railroad car brake system operable by an air bag which includes double acting brakes operable on the wheels. Links suspend the brakes and the live and dead levers connected by an adjustable connecting link mechanism are operable by the air bag. Slack as a result of wear in the brakes is automatically taken up.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly with a center guide backing plate, channeled web brake shoe assemblies slidably received on the center guide braking plate. A wheel cylinder assembly mounted in a notch on the center guide braking plate and engaged by a first set of adjacent brake shoe ends. A brake adjuster mounted between a second set of adjacent brake shoe ends, and retractor springs attached to the shoe assemblies and holding the shoe assemblies, wheel cylinder and brake adjuster in position on the center guide backing plate. The brake shoes are made of two identical shoe halves symmetrically formed about an axis so that the shoes also provide integral push rod-like which cylinder and adjuster engaging end.

Abstract: A manually releasable, spring-applied, air-released parking brake device has a hollow guide rod and a non-rotatable spindle connectable to the brake rigging extending through a portion of a cylindrical housing. On one end of the guide rod is secured a portion of a clutch arrangement, and on the opposite end is secured a spline member having a plurality of externally disposed spline grooves. A latching member having an extending surface engages the spline grooves of the spline member, thus preventing rotational movement of the spline member, guide rod, and clutch portion. A release lever, connected to the latching member, allows for engaging and disengaging the latching member and spline member. When the latching member has been disengaged from the spline member, as corresponds to a manual release of the parking brake device, a retractable blocking member is urged against the end surface of the spline member.

Abstract: An actuator for a disc brake caliper comprises a spring operable piston for applying pressure to the disc brake caliper when rendered effective through a self adjusting lead screw, one end of which is friction coupled to the piston to prevent rotation of the lead screw when the brakes are applied. A manual release screw is threaded through the piston to bear against the head of the lead screw through an anti-friction bearing when manual release is desired to at least partially release pressure of the piston on the head of the lead screw through the friction coupling to permit slippage in the friction coupling connection between the piston and the head of the lead screw and cause the piston to rotate the lead screw in a direction to permit release of the brakes.

Abstract: The braking system incorporates at least one brake disc (36) sliding on a rotating driving component (22) capable of being braked by way of friction components (44, 50). The sliding disc (36) is provided with a device for returning and memorizing a position (60) enabling the disc to be always at the same predetermined distance relative to one of the friction components (44) when the brake is not applied, irrespective of the state of wear of the friction component (44). Applicable to motor vehicle braking systems.

Abstract: A brake cylinder lever on a railway car is supported in a substantially vertical orientation by a roller mounted on an inclined ramp to bias the brake system toward a "brake off" or nondrag condition.

Abstract: The spot-type floating-caliper disc brake includes at least one guide bolt secured to the brake support member and extending from the support member into an axial bore of the floating caliper adjacent the side of the brake cylinder. A roll-back sealing ring is provided at both ends of the axial bore, one disposed in an annular groove of the floating caliper and the other disposed in an annular groove of the guide bolt. As a result, a pressure chamber is formed around the guide bolt which communicates with the hydraulic brake circuit. With this arrangement, the brake shoe that is connected directly to the floating caliper will be reset to the nominal brake clearance after a braking operation.

Abstract: A brake actuator device having a pneumatic service brake piston and a spring parking or emergency brake piston operation of either one of which effects displacement of a brake actuator rod which includes a screw-threaded spindle that operates in a non-rotatable nut member in order to adjust the length of the actuator rod. The nut member is provided with an external projection to which the vehicle brakes are mounted. A cogwheel is rotatably fixed to the actuator rod and is normally locked against rotation by a locking pin that engages the cogwheel teeth. The actuator rod is formed in two portions that are connected together through a clutch arrangement, the actuator rod portion having the threaded spindle being free to rotate during brake release to increase the actuator rod length and thereby take up the brake slack.

Abstract: An improved expanding shoe drum brake (10) is provided. The brake includes a shaft-like mounting structure (42) for retaining the hook ends (40) of a heavy duty brake return spring (28). The retaining assembly includes a fixed portion (44) and an axially movable portion (46). The axially movable portion is normally abutting with the fixed portion but may be selectively axially moved away therefrom for assembly and disassembly of return spring (28) from the brake assembly (10).

Abstract: A disc brake (10) includes a support member (22) movably interlocking with a pair of friction elements (42, 44) to dispose the friction elements adjacent a rotatable brake disc (12). The friction elements define abutment surfaces (88, 90) movably engaging a caliper (60) straddling the brake disc (12) and friction elements (42, 44) so that the friction elements support the caliper. An axially-extending pin (110) is carried by the support member (22) and received in an axially-extending bore (112) defined by the caliper so that the caliper (60) is also supported by the axially-extending pin. The caliper (60) includes pairs of axially-spaced projections (96, 98, and 100, 102) and the friction elements (42, 44) define slots (92, 94) aligning with the projections. A pair of resilient members (104, 106) extend axially through the slots (92, 94) of the friction members (42, 44) and engage the projections (96, 98, and 100, 102) of the caliper to interlock the caliper (60) and friction elements (42, 44).

Abstract: An improved drum brake (10) is provided with an improved retaining spring (28) which passes over or close to the axis of the brake anchor structure (18). The improved retaining spring is a one-piece coil tension spring comprising a coil portion (46) and an attachment portion (50) extending axially from the opposite ends of the coil portion. Each attachment portion comprises a downwardly extending first section (52), an upwardly and outwardly extending second section (56), a downwardly extending third section (62) and an axially extending fourth section (64).

Abstract: An industrial emergency brake is disclosed in which the braking members are disengaged gradually from the brake disc or the like after detonation of an explosive component or electromagnetic de-energization by a stud in threaded engagement with the braking member, a thermally expandable wedging member interposed between a fixed support for the brake and an abutment such as a nut on the stud. An electrical resistor or a high frequency heater heats the wedging member and gradually disengages the braking member from the brake disc.

Abstract: A motion snubbing device using an inertia mass, which is disposed within a housing and supported for free rotation on a shaft which is rotated with relative motion of telescoped support members. A spring plate is secured to the shaft and faces one end of the inertia member. A plurality of torque transmission balls are each interposed between each of recesses formed in the plate member near the periphery thereof and each of recesses formed in the corresponding end face of the inertia mass at corresponding positions. The plate is provided on its side opposite its recesses and near its periphery with brake shoes, and the housing has a frictional surface facing and adapted to cooperate with these brake shoes.

Abstract: A light weight metal caliper housing has cored holes in the cast bore. A nylon bore insert lines the bore side wall. A molded flex piston has hydraulic fittings incorporated as a part of it and the fittings extend through the cored holes. The center portion of the piston is shaped to permit piston flexibility for axial expansion and contraction. The forward end of the piston is closed by a thermal protector, the outer surface of which is engaged by the back of the brake shoe. A low rate extension spring within the piston returns the piston to the fully non-applied position. The spring has one end attached to a plate which resists movement within the free piston but is moved when sufficient brake lining wear occurs so that the extension force applied through the spring during brake apply overcomes the resistance of the movable plate to such movement, causing the movable plate to assume an adjusted position.

Abstract: In a caliper type brake for bicycles, spring adjusting devices provided with grooves stepwise on the surface are inserted to both supporting portions of a return spring which drives right and left brake blocks to be stretched outwards, that is, to the engaging portions of the return spring with the spring supports. The clearance from right and left brake rubbers to the rim may be equalized by changing the engaging portions of the spring supports with a plurality of grooves of different heights constituted on the spring adjusting devices.

Abstract: A spring-applied, air-released parking brake, having a manual release mechanism with an automatic reset feature. To release a spring-applied parking brake, in the absence of air, a torsion bolt having a cam member formed on it is manually rotated to a position aligning the cam with an elongated slot in the piston push rod of the parking brake cylinder. This allows the piston to be extended in a direction to extend the spring, thus relieving the spring force. Reapplication of air pressure moves the piston push rod out of the elongated slot to permit angular rotation of the bolt by its torsion spring, so as to prevent its entry in the elongated slot until the bolt is again rotated manually.

Abstract: The guiding device for brake pad supports of a spot-type disc brake includes a pair of guide pins supported in the caliper housing movable in an axial direction, and a spring clamped between the guide pins and the brake housing with the spring being loaded by the axial movement of the guide pins, when the brake is applied. The spring acts to return the guide pins to their previous position, when the brake is released, in order to achieve a positive retraction of the brake pad guided by the pins.

Abstract: The invention relates to internal shoe drum brakes having an automatic adjuster to maintain a substantially constant clearance between the brake shoes and the drum, when the brakes are released. A strut having a variable overall effective length acts between the shoes for automatic adjustment of the clearance and has one end portion connected to one brake shoe through a lost motion device. The lost motion device comprises a main lost motion connection for providing a minimum clearance and a secondary lost motion connection which provides a greater clearance for de-adjusting the brake, and a first spring acts to ensure that for normal service conditions the lost motion device acts through the main connection and the bias of this spring is overcome by manual operative device before the secondary connection becomes operable.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake wherein a magnetizable armature is fixed to a rotary shaft in a motor or machine and a casing for a solenoid and a permanent magnet is non-rotatably fixed to a stationary member of the motor or machine with freedom of movement in the axial direction of the armature. When the solenoid is deenergized, the magnet maintains a friction liner in the casing in frictional engagement with and brakes the armature. The electromagnetic field which is established on energization of the solenoid assists a set of helical or leaf springs to overcome the force of the magnet and to disengage the liner from the armature. The liner can be disengaged from the armature independently of the solenoid and springs by a linkage or by two bolts whose heads engage a flange of the casing and whose shanks extend through registering holes of the flange and stationary member and mesh with nuts behind the stationary member.

Abstract: An elastomeric bushing encircles a piston of a mechanically operated disc brake system forming a seal between the piston and its host cylindrical bore. The elastomeric bushing provides for a small amount of lateral piston travel and will provide a retraction means to return the brake piston to a position of repose.

Abstract: A drum brake used in a vehicle generally includes a backing plate secured to a non-rotatable member of a wheel shaft; a pair of brake shoes slidably attached to the backing plate; a wheel cylinder disposed between one end of each brake shoe, where they are closely positioned to each other; an anchor disposed between the other end portion of each brake shoe where they are again closely positioned to each other, and having an anchor block on which each end portion of the brake shoes abuts and an anchor bracket secured on the anchor block for protecting each brake shoe from swinging out; and a substantially U-shaped return spring engaged with each web portion of the brake shoes for biasing the shoes in a mutually approaching direction.

Abstract: A drum brake is provided with a pair of brake shoes having axially inner and outer webs for supporting friction linings. A backing plate mounts the pair of brake shoes by providing radially outwardly extending lugs which are disposed between the inner and outer webs to prevent axial movement of the pair of brake shoes. Moreover, springs are disposed between respective lugs and portions extending between the webs to bias the portions into engagement with recesses on the backing plate. A double hydraulic actuator is positioned between the pair of braking shoes with one actuator cooperating with the inner webs and the other actuator cooperating with the outer webs during a braking application to urge the friction linings into engagement with a drum. The inner and outer webs also include slots substantially opposite the double hydraulic actuator for receiving plates which mount an adjustment mechanism between the pair of brake shoes.

Abstract: A drum brake used in a vehicle generally includes a backing plate secured to a non-rotatable member of a wheel shaft; a pair of brake shoes slidably attached to the backing plate; a wheel cylinder disposed between each end portion of the brake shoes where they are closely positioned to each other; and a substantially U-shaped return spring to be engaged with each web portion of the brake shoes at the extreme ends thereof for biasing both in a mutually approaching direction. The U-shaped return spring in this invention is characteristically provided with, at each end portion thereof, where the same is engaged with each web portion of the shoes, a notch whereinto the web portion is to be fitted for securely positioning the return spring.

Abstract: In an aircraft multiple disc brake assembly utilizing carbon composite rotors and stators, an excessive gap occurs at the rotor-backing plate interface during brake depressurization. This gap allows oxidation of the carbon material at the interface thereby reducing friction performance and increasing wear. A spring is disposed between the backing plate and its friction surface thereby axially moving the friction surface closer to the surface of the adjacent rotor to reduce this gap.

Abstract: A drum brake adjustment mechanism is provided to maintain a running clearance between a pair of brake shoes and a rotatable member. The adjustment mechanism includes an extendible member which is disposed between the pair of brake shoes and engageable with a pawl which is pivotally mounted on one of the brake shoes. A resilient member encircles the extendible member and engages the other brake shoe and the pawl to bias the pair of brake shoes into engagement with a hydraulic actuator which is operable to urge the pair of brake shoes into engagement with the rotatable member. Moreover, the resilient member cooperates with the pawl to extend the extensible member when the clearance between the pair of brake shoes and the rotatable member is greater than the running clearance.

Abstract: A drum brake includes a pair of brake shoes and a hydraulic actuator which is engageable with the brake shoes to expand the latter during braking. The hydraulic actuator carries a pair of elastomeric sealing rings which are deformable during braking as a pair of pistons slidably disposed with the hydraulic actuator are movable upon a braking application. When braking is terminated, the elastomeric sealing rings return to their original stored configuration thereby retracting the pair of pistons within the hydraulic actuator. In order to retract the pair of brake shoes with the pistons through a predetermined distance, a first spring engages the pair of brake shoes substantially opposite the hydraulic actuator and biases the brake shoes toward each other while a second spring biases the brake shoes away from each other. The second spring is carried by a strut on a parking brake actuator and the strut extends from one of the brake shoes to a lever which is pivotally mounted on the other brake shoe.

Abstract: A railroad car brake system operable by an air bag which includes double acting brakes operable on the wheels. Links suspend the brakes and the live and dead levers connected by an adjustable connecting link mechanism are operable by the air bag. Slack as a result of wear in the brakes is automatically taken up.