Abstract: A tension spring arrangement in which a coil-type tension spring has a plurality of turns and two off-center hook portions joining, respectively, the two turns at the opposite ends of the spring body. When the spring is in its non-installed state, the inclination of the hook portions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spring is different from the inclination of the hook portions when the spring is in its installed state, the difference in inclination being such that when the spring is in its installed state, there is applied to the spring body a resultant bending moment which, in magnitude and direction, is at least approximately equal to the bending moment which would be applied to the spring body were the hook portions arranged not off-center but in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the spring.

Abstract: The brake shoe webs of a drum brake have apertures provided adjacent the shoe ends which engage the adjusting screw. The ends of the adjusting screw spring are so shaped that they can extend through the apertures with a reverse bend of generally V configuration, causing the terminal ends of the spring to move outwardly to hook on the opposite side of each shoe web from the main spring body. A pair of spaced, axially parallel notched shafts are provided as parts of a tool for installation. The shafts receive the spring hooked ends in the notches, move apart along the axis of the spring coiled body section to tension the spring and to align the spring hooked ends with the shoe web apertures. The shafts are then moved axially to push each spring end through its aperture. The shafts are then retracted, leaving the spring hooked ends attached to the shoes.

Abstract: A seal for use on a disc brake piston/caliper assembly which seals the piston and also functions as a piston-return spring. The seal has a seal-retaining portion, a sealing lip portion, and a radially extending flex portion therebetween for retracting the piston by an amount equal to the flex portion retraction, thus automatically adjusting the piston position to compensate for normal pad wear. The seal can also include a locking flange and a separate pressure sealing lip to allow the seal to function without the previously required separate lathe cut sealing ring.

Abstract: A brake apparatus having components formed from sheet metal pressings or stampings which brake apparatus includes a pair of brake arms each pivotally connected with a base on opposite sides of a brake drum. The brake arms are spring-biased together to urge brake shoes thereon into braking engagement with opposite sides of a brake drum, respectively. A normally de-energized brake release mechanism is provided for pivoting the brake arms apart against the force of the spring biasing device, thereby releasing the brake shoes from engagement with the drum. The base and the brake arms are constructed as assemblies of sheet metal pressings, and the electromagnetic parts of the brake release mechanism include lamination stacks which are sandwiched between side plates of one of the arms.