Abstract: A parking brake control having an improved release rod assembly comprising a release rod and a pawl. The pawl can be retained by the release rod so that the release rod and pawl can be stored and transported as a subassembly. Compression force is transmitted coplanarly from the release rod to the pawl. The release rod can be molded as a single piece and can dampen any rattling noise caused by contact between the release rod, the pawl and other parts of the parking brake control.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system for removing s lack from a parking brake cable or the like including a parking brake cable operator having an improved resettable lockout arrangement for retaining an adjuster take-up reel in a spring-biased caged condition until the adjuster reel is connected to a first brake cable component. The first brake cable component is in turn connected to a second cable component which is in turn connected to the vehicle wheel parking brakes. The cable tensioning system provides enhanced efficiency during automotive assembly as well as when making repairs.

Abstract: A vehicle parking brake operating mechanism having an arcuately movable brake handle arcuately rotatably mounted on a pin secured to a fixed mounting bracket, a cable reel assembly having a reel section attached to the brake handle and a hub section arcuately rotated on a sleeve bushing which is received on the pin in slidable but non-rotatable relation therewith, and a cable take-up spring in the cable reel assembly reel section having one end attached to that reel section and the other end attached to the a portion of the sleeve bushing which extends through the cable reel section as well as through the cable reel assembly hub section. The bushing is of lesser specific gravity than the pin and primarily withstands only bearing loads from the hub section to the pin and torsional loads exerted by the take-up spring. The pin is subjected to cantilever loads as well as bearing loads. The pin is preferably made of steel while the bushing is made of a suitable plastic or light metal alloy or powdered metal.

Abstract: A parking brake operating mechanism having a brake apply pedal arm module and a housing module pivotally mounted on a vehicle. The housing contains a linearly movable toothed rack operatively connected to one end of the pedal arm for movements by that arm and operatively connected at its other end to a front brake cable which is operatively connected to one or more vehicle parking brakes to be tensioned for parking brake application, a pawl member having a pawl tooth selectively engaged with a tooth of the rack to lock the rack in a brake applied position, and a pawl release mechanism which when activated moves the pawl tooth out of engagement with the rack tooth, permitting the rack and the pedal arm to be returned to the parking brake released position by the brake apply tension in the brake cable.

Abstract: Latching mono-stable brakes which are held disengaged from braking surfaces by the energization of electromagnets, and are engaged with the braking surfaces by deenergization of the electromagnets and the magnetic forces of permanent magnets. The brakes are particularly applicable to linear braking in such vehicles as elevators, trains, trams, cable cars and the like. They may also be applicable to vehicle brakes which act on rotating braking surfaces. They may be actuated in response to excessive speed, particularly when installed in vehicles such as elevators. They may be unlatched as needed by reenergization of the electromagnets.

Abstract: A mono-stable brake system having a mono-stable magnetic array composed of one or more permanent magnets and one or more electromagnets, the stable brake system condition being the brake applied mode in which the magnetic array is magnetically latched by permanent magnet power, without any electromagnet power, to a rotatable member being braked. To release the brake, the permanent magnet field strength is neutralized or at least decreased by appropriate energization of the one or more electromagnets until the magnetic array is moved by magnetic force away from the rotatable member being braked. The brake is preferably in a vehicle braking system, and particularly a trailer braking system, in which the electromagnets are kept energized at all times when the brake is released for trailer movements. The amount of brake application in the service braking mode is controlled by decreasing the magnetic field strength of the one or more electromagnets in accordance with the braking action demand placed on the system.