Abstract: A disc or drum brake member is usually connected to the flange of the bearing of a motor vehicle wheel; possible manufacturing errors in the flange of the bearing, and/or the brake member cause, on tightening the wheel to the flange, deformations in the bearing tracks and the active surfaces of the brake member; to avoid this, an elastically-yielding connection element is interposed, connected to the bearing on one side and the brake member on the other side, and constituted by a bell of sheet metal, dimensioned to present a high torsional rigidity associated with a limited axial rigidity to absorb and neutralise the tensions produced on tightening the screws holding the wheel to the flange of the bearing, even in the presence of manufacturing errors on the corresponding facing surfaces of the parts to be joined.

Abstract: A cooler for air in a pneumatic brake system which includes a thermostatically controlled bypass is provided. The cooler includes a chamber which has an air inlet, an air outlet and a cooler outlet. The cooler also includes an air delivery which is in fluid communication with the air outlet. A cooling passageway is in fluid communication with the cooler outlet and the air delivery. A valve mounted within the chamber is biased to a closed position placing the air inlet and air outlet in fluid communication and is movable against the bias toward an open position placing the air inlet in fluid communication with the cooler outlet. A thermostat is mounted within the chamber such that when air entering the air inlet is above a predetermined temperature the thermostat moves the valve against the bias toward the open position to direct air through the cooling passageway.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a braking system of a vehicle. The braking action is established or regulated at at least one wheel brake, by electrical structure, as a function of a driver's braking input. A capability for conventional action by the driver is cut off by a valve. A pressure medium is enclosed in a portion of the braking system. In at least one operating state in which an expansion in the volume of the enclosed medium may be expected, the valve is briefly opened in order to reduce the expansion in volume.

Abstract: A brake drum cooling device for forcing air across the exterior surface of a brake drum when the brake drum rotates, thereby dissipating heat therefrom, includes an elongated band secured in an end-to-end manner externally around a brake drum. The elongated band includes a plurality of air scoops formed unitarily thereon wherein each of the air scoops capture and direct air across the exterior surface of the brake drum when the brake drum is rotated in a forward direction.

Abstract: A cooling structure of a power transmission apparatus is provided. The power transmission apparatus has an electromagnetic clutch including a fixed outer member with an exciting coil and a rotary inner member adapted to be fixed to the outer member by controlling electric energy provided to the exciting coil, and a gear device connected to the inner member of the electromagnetic clutch. A cooling apparatus is positioned between the outer member and a gear case member housing the gear device, for cooling both of the electromagnetic clutch and the gear device concurrently.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system comprises a shaft and an electrical eddy current retarder itself comprising an annular inductor stator and a rotor. The rotor is connected to the shaft via independent fixing arms extending inwards to the free ends of axial metal tongues secured to the shaft and elastically deformable in a radial direction under the effect of the rotor being subjected to thermal expansion.

Abstract: An improved structure for a brake drum adapted for use in a drum brake assembly includes a generally closed outer end, a generally axially extending cylindrical main body, and an open inner end. The closed outer end of the brake drum includes a centrally located wheel spindle opening formed therein, and a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes spaced circumferentially around the wheel spindle opening. The cylindrical main body of the brake drum includes a plurality of generally axially extending raised ribs provided on an outer surface thereof. Preferably, the ribs define at least three distinct strengthened areas on the brake drum.

Abstract: Device for cooling a medium, preferably compressed air, used for braking a motor vehicle. A fan ring around the fan comprises at least one peripheral cooling duct extending along the fan ring. The duct has at least one inlet connection and at least one outlet connection to the duct for the air to be cooled. The duct is arranged to cool air conveyed through the duct.

Abstract: A cylindrical brake drum including a flanged end and an open end having a squealer band in the shape of an annular ring and a multiplicity of chill fins irregularly spaced one to another and/or relative to a plurality of equally spaced airflow channels where the chill fins are cast into the squealer band and the outside surface of the brake drum where the chill fins are generally of a constant height with respect to the outside surface and then moving axially outward decrease in height to meet the outside surface and cause any casting porosities to move to a central region of the squealer band thereby reducing drum cracking due to localized hot spots thereby greatly improving the brake drum fatigue strength while minimizing the increase in overall weight and facilitating ease of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ring brake arrangements and in particular to an effective arrangement for cooling of the brake. Heat is effectively rendered from the ring braking member by a fanned hub support arrangement which transfers the heat energy to an axial air flow which is pumped through the center of the brake. In addition heat is transferred to the brake caliper support bracket from the brake caliper. The brake caliper support bracket is located across the air flow which serves to cool the same. This structure is particularly well suited for high brake demand requirements where heat build up causes problems or reduces braking efficiency. The brake can also be used or can assist brake for trucks where the brake is located on the drive shaft.

Abstract: An improved brake actuator is disclosed that automatically adjusts for brake pad wear, thereby retaining a given retraction space from a fully actuated position. The actuator is hydraulically actuated and the components for positive retraction are housed within the hydraulic actuator, thereby protecting the components from the elements. The brake actuator has particular application for a ring brake having opposed cylindrical braking surfaces. An improved self-locking brake pad is also disclosed.

Abstract: A braking assembly and method are disclosed for use with in-line skates, the assembly including a brake pad or pads movably mounted to the skate and positioned adjacent to a selected wheel or wheels of the skate for selectively contacting a structure connected with the hub of the selected wheel or wheels. An actuator is operatively associated with the brake pad for selectively causing the pad to contact the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle brake and hub comprising a ring braking member having braking surfaces both to the interior and exterior of the member in combination with a cast hub which includes centrally disposed aligned bearing ports for receiving bearings. The cast hub includes an outwardly exposed securing surface which cooperates with the ring braking member to effect securement of the braking member to the casting and in a manner to accommodate heat transfer therebetween. The cast hub includes intermediate the securing surface and the align ports, fan blades which cause during rotation of the hub an axial flow of air to move across the bearing ports and to extract heat from the fan blades and the securing surface. The fan blades collectively interconnect and structurally secure the securing surface and the bearing ports.

Abstract: A truck brake having a brake assembly mounted to an axle housing and a brake drum placed over the brake assembly attached to a wheel where the brake assembly has a pivoted cam acting against a cam roller mounted to a brake shoe where the cam pivot is located approximately midway between the outer diameter of an axle and the inner surface of the brake drum and the brake shoe has a slot in the brake table to allow removal of an actuation return spring and the drum has a plurality of generally axially extending airflow channels in an outer surface and a squealer band located at an edge of the brake drum opposite a partially closed face.

Abstract: A direct drive, self-cooling, fail-safe axle brake system mounted to a drive axle associated with a differential and wheel end of a vehicle. The brake system has two back to back tandem operated combination brake components associated with the wheel end, which is surrounded by a hub cooling and collection reservoir into which fluids from a separate cooling reservoir are circulated over the brake components to dissipate heat generated from braking by dissipating it through the separate cooling reservoir.

Abstract: A variable pressure and variable flow rate pump in accordance with the invention includes a stationary pump housing (1), a rotating pump housing (10), rotatably mounted with respect to the stationary pump housing including a fluid receiving chamber (12) for receiving fluid to be pumped which is driven by a drive (11); a pitot probe (5) rotatably mounted in the stationary pump housing having a tip (5a) disposed in the fluid receiving chamber radially offset from an axis of rotation of the probe for receiving fluid from the fluid receiving chamber; a brake (15) for selectively braking a rotational speed of the probe to control the rotational speed of the probe independently of a rotational speed of the rotating pump housing to provide a fluid output from the output with a variable pressure and flow rate; a thermal insulator (44) mounted between the brake and the fluid receiving chamber for thermally insulating the fluid receiving chamber from heat generated by the brake; and a control (C) coupled to the brake f

Abstract: A solar powered cooling apparatus for a vehicle brake system utilizing a solar cell panel mounted within a vehicle front bumper to selectively actuate a blower motor located within an air duct housing. The air duct housing is connected to the front bumper of which has a plurality of forward openings with filtering screens so as to direct cool air flowing from the openings to the associated disk brake rotor. A plurality of openings are also formed on the top panel of the bumper of which the solar panel is operatively associated and where the openings can be adjusted via a slide plate operative through a push-pull cable located in a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-disc brake assembly having a plurality of interleaved stator and rotor brake discs that are cooperative with a cylindrically shaped or cone shaped heat shield that has a honeycomb open cell structure which controllably limits the radiant and convection heat energy transfer out and away from the brake discs on frictional engagement and generation of heat therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle brake and hub comprising a ring braking member having braking surfaces both to the interior and exterior of the member in combination with a cast hub which includes centrally disposed aligned bearing ports for receiving bearings. The cast hub includes an outwardly exposed securing surface which cooperates with the ring braking member to effect securement of the braking member to the casting and in a manner to accommodate heat transfer therebetween. The cast hub includes intermediate the securing surface and the aligned ports, fan blades which cause during rotation of the hub an axial flow of air to move across the bearing ports and to extract heat from the fan blades and the securing surface. The fan blade collectively interconnect and structurally secure the securing surface and the bearing ports.

Abstract: An eddy current retarder includes a rotor (3) fitted over a rotating shaft (1) at one end thereof and a support ring (7) around which a plurality of permanent magnets (10) are circumferentially provided in such a manner that the polarities of any adjacent magnets become opposite to each other. The support ring (7) is provided such that it is allowed to move back and forth in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (1) from a first position where the pole surfaces of the permanent magnets (10) fully confront the rotor (3) with a predetermined gap being secured therebetween to a second position where the former fully deviate from the latter.

Abstract: An elongated strip having spaced-apart air scoops formed thereon is adapted for installation within the brake drum of a truck for creating a flow of air across the braking surfaces of the drum in response to rotation of the drum. The strip is installed against the interior surface of the drum exterior wall adjacent the outer periphery thereof and is secured in place by the drum mounting studs or other threaded fasteners inserted through strip mounting holes in radially inward extensions of the strip upon alignment of those holes with the drum mounting holes. A second embodiment employs a plurality of strip sectors of arcuate configuration connected in end-to-end manner with a back sheet cooperating to define an air compression/flow cavity between it and the interior of each air scoop.

Abstract: A fastening structure for an air guiding arrangement for cooling a wheel brake of a motor vehicle having a wheel suspension link is disclosed wherein a profiled deflecting element for guiding air flow to the brake is attached to the wheel suspension link. Projections are provided for supporting the deflecting element at the wheel suspension link as well as fastening elements for fastening the deflecting element to the wheel suspension link.

Abstract: An air guiding arrangement for wheel brakes of a motor vehicle comprises a profiled deflecting element which is adjusted against the arriving air current. The arrangement is constructed with an air deflecting element held at the vehicle and extending in transverse direction of the vehicle which is arranged below an adjacent dome-shaped air catching and guiding element. It faces the deflecting element with its air inlet area and is located opposite an opening in the brake protection plate with its air outlet area.

Abstract: A control system for a hydraulic retarder includes an inlet regulator valve and an outlet regulator valve. The inlet regulator valve admits fluid to the retarder at a predetermined pressure. The outlet regulator valve prevents fluid flow from the retarder unless the main system pressure is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An elongated generally frusto-conical strip having spaced-apart fins formed thereon is adapted for installation within the brake drum of a heavy duty truck for creating a rush of cooling, drying and cleansing air across the braking surface of the drum in response to rotation of the drum. The strip is installed against the interior surface of the drum exterior wall adjacent the outer periphery thereof and is secured in place by the drum mounting studs or other threaded fasteners inserted through strip mounting holes in radially inward extensions of the strip upon alignment of those holes with the drum mounting holes. An improved brake drum for heavy duty trucks has cooling, drying and cleaning fins integrally formed in the interior surface of a frusto-conical shaped outer portion of the exterior wall of the drum with the fins arranged in spaced relation from the machined braking surface to protect them from contact with the brake shoe.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying cooling air to a brake disk of a front wheel brake comprises an air guiding duct that is developed to be partially flexible and, on the inlet side, has an air opening in the front end of a motor vehicle and, on the outlet side, has another air opening that is directed at the brake disk. Two air inlet openings in a brake disk guard plate are opposite said air opening and form a separate transversely directed air guiding system to the brake disk. The air guiding duct is provided with several rigid duct portions that are held so that they are be fixed at the vehicle, namely at the vehicle body, as well as at the wheel, namely at the wishbone, as well as adjacent to the brake disk at a guard plate. They are each connected with one another via flexible intermediate duct portions, in which case the rigid duct portions can be moved relative to one another together with their assorted vehicle components.

Abstract: To protect brake fluid against evaporation under extreme braking conditions, the brake fluid contained in the wheel brake cylinders is kept at a minimum pressure between 5 and 10 bar even after completion of a braking operation, thereby increasing the boiling point of the brake fluid. The wheel brake cylinders are designed as stepped cylinders with a counterpressure space, into which a likewise constantly kept counterpressure can be introduced, which maintains equilibrium with the admission pressure prevailing in the inlet pressure space of the respective wheel brake cylinder. A non-return valve arrangement, connected between the brake booster and the inlet pressure spaces of the wheel brake cylinders, blocks the return of the brake fluid to the brake booster when the pressure differential between the wheel brake cylinders and the brake booster drops below a threshold value P.sub.S.

Abstract: Cooling and drying fins are placed interiorly of a brake drum between the brake linings and upright wall of the drum for forcing air across the braking surfaces of the drum. Air is drawn in through the opening between the brake shoes and axle assembly for a continuous air source whenever the vehicle is moving in a forward direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and cooling a brake drum includes an elongated flexible strip adapted to be wrapped around the peripheral wall of the brake drum with a plurality of fins extended radially inwardly from the strip. The fins are twisted so that the free edges are inclined at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the strip so that air flow is directed away from the braking surfaces within the drum in response to rotation of the brake drum when the vehicle is in use. An elongated tension spring having at least one flat surface may be placed over the strip for securing it onto the brake drum.

Abstract: A brake drum includes a cylindrical braking drum having a flange end and an opened end and including a plurality of generally axially extending fins around an exterior surface thereof. Each of the fins has radially extending side walls which diverge along the length thereof from the opened end to a widest distance therebetween at a predetermined location from the opened end and converged along the length thereof from the predetermined location to the flange end. Accordingly, adjacent side walls of adjacent fins define a space therebetween which has its narrowest portion at the predetermined location. A steel band is secured to and encircles the braking drum at the predetermined location. The steel band cooperates with the adjacent side walls and the exterior surface of the braking drum to define a cooling air channel at the narrowest portion of each of the spaces.

Abstract: A torque lug drive in which a relatively thin drum has axially extending lugs on the radially inner surface of the drum and circumferentially extending ribs on the radially outer surface of the drum. The torque lugs are mounted at spaced-apart positions around the drum and axially extending ribs are interposed between the lugs for reinforcing the drum. The drum is mounted on a wheel for engagement of the lugs with rotor members of a wheel and brake assembly.

Abstract: A brake is disclosed for use with motor vehicles and particularly with motor vehicle trailers having heavy axles. The brake includes a brake ring which is connected securely to the wheel hub. At least two brake shoes act on the external peripheral surface of the brake ring. Each brake shoe is mounted on one end of a two-arm lever. The two-arm levers may be mounted on the axle. The other ends of the two-arm levers are actuated by a hydraulic operating device, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A brake, particularly adapted to stop feeder rolls of a paperboard partition assembly machine quickly, of the drum and embracing arms type, the two brake arms spring-urged into contact with the drum, with cam-operated means for separating brake shoes from the drum; there being cooling means for the brake including integral air-cooling ribs projecting from the brake arms, and air pressure means having two circumferentially and axially spaced outlets on each brake arm to direct air through the brake arm and the brake lining to the outer surface of the drum both to cool the outer parts of the drum and to clean the outer surface, the outlets being automatically cut off when the brake is in braking position, and there are air-circulating fins on the brake drum that draw air across the inner parts of the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a disc brake or the like wherein a plurality of electrically conductive probes are arranged in circumferentially spaced-apart relationship radially outwardly from frictionally engageable disc portions of the brake and adapted to direct a high voltage, low amperage electrical flow to the frictionally engageable disc portions which are of opposite electrical polarity and separated from the probes by a predetermined air gap. A suitable high voltage electrical source is connected to the probes and the frictionally engageable disc portions to establish electrostatic discharge across the air gap.