Abstract: A brake booster (16) includes a housing (26) with a plurality of parallel bores (38, 40, 42). A first piston (50) is disposed in the bore (38), a second piston (56) is disposed in the bore (40) and a valve assembly (74) is disposed in the bore (42) to control communication of fluid pressure to a pair of working chambers (52, 58) within the bores (38, 40). A pair of connecting pins (130, 132) cooperate with a plunger (100) to transmit a reaction force to a vehicle operator.

Abstract: The mechanical control comprises a pedal (10) pivotally mounted on a fixed shaft (12), a cable (26) having one first end (25) connected to a receiver (34) and the second end (27) connected to the pedal (10) by means of a transmission device, the transmission device comprising a force-transmitting element (22) pivotally mounted on the fixed shaft (12) and on an outer cylindrical surface (40) of which the cable (26) is wound, a locking system causing the force-transmitting element (22), the cable (26) and the pedal (10) to be connected for rotation when the latter pivots from its rest position by an angle greater than a predetermined minimum angle .alpha.m, a spring (56) being disposed between the second end (27) of the cable and the pedal (10) for tensioning the cable (26). The locking system acts by catching the cable (26) between a first catching surface (42) formed on the force-transmitting element (22) and a second catching surface (44) formed on the pedal (10).

Abstract: The distributor, more particularly for power steering systems, includes two cooperating elements defining two parallel fluid flow circuits (10,11 ) each including three serially arranged restrictor means (1,2,3;1',2',3') actuable during relative displacement of said cooperating elements, and, for each circuit, in parallel with second restriction means (2;2') an external restriction means (EV;EV' ) controlled by external control means so as to selectively vary the position of the transition point between the first and second portions of the characteristic curve, assistance pressure delivered by the distributor/reaction on the input control member of the distributor (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring (40) for a disc brake of the type comprising a caliper (10) mounted slidingly parallel to the axis of a rotating disc (30) on a fixed support by way of at least two axial sliding surfaces (14, 18) formed on the caliper (10) and on the fixed support and maintained elastically in contact, and two friction members (22, 24) received in anchorage and in axial sliding motion in an opening (34) in the fixed support to become frictionally engaged with the opposed faces of the disc on actuation of a brake motor (32).

Abstract: A cable assembly connects an input member (20) with a clutch assembly 10. The cable assembly comprises a sheath (30) enclosing a cable (34). An automatic adjuster 24 connects the cable (34) with a clutch lever (16) and the automatic adjuster is actuated by a bracket (92) to provide for extension between the cable (34) and the lever (16) in order to accommodate wear for the clutch assembly.

Abstract: The hydraulic distributor, more particularly for power steering systems of vehicles, comprises two rotary members (1-3, 9) which are so designed as to form a substantially disc-shaped cavity (8) divided up in at least one pair of working chambers (28) by arms (13, 14) belonging to one (9) of said members (or rotor). These arms cooperate with inlet (18) and outlet (24) ports in the other member (1) (or stator) so as to form control valve means for controlling activation fluid flow supplied from a pressure generating source (26). The rotor (9) has at least one intermediate arm (33) which extends into each of the chambers of the pair of working chambers (28, 43) and which cooperates with fluid passage ports (36) in the stator in order to form additional fluid flow control valve means.

Abstract: Servomotor with reduced idle stroke of actuation without decrease in valve lift on release of the brake.According to the invention, the rest position of the actuating rod 36 is determined by movable stop 60 capable of withdrawing on release of the brake in order not to impede lift of the valve poppet 32 relative to the seat 40, which allows, in the rest position, these two elements to be brought closer with a short distance d, thus reducing the idle stroke of actuation.Application to power-assisted braking.

Abstract: A rotor for a disc brake assembly includes at least two members (40, 42) opposing a pair of friction elements (16, 18). The members are stamped to form projections (46) in abutment with each other to join the members together. The projections (46) also space the members from each other to form a clearance (58) and a connecting portion (44) cooperates with some of the projections (46) to prevent rotation between the connecting portion (44) and the two members (40, 42).

Abstract: The compensator (20) comprises a housing in which there are disposed a compensator piston (30) between an inlet chamber (38) and an outlet chamber (42), and a pilot piston (48) between the outlet chamber (42) and a pilot chamber (52), the two pistons controlling a compensator valve (46) disposed in a passage (44) connecting the inlet and outlet chambers. A pilot valve (90-92) controlled by an inertia weight (72) is mounted in a passage (82, 80, 70, 88, 84, 86) connecting the inlet chamber (38) and the pilot chamber (52). A spring (94) returns the weight (72) in the direction of opening of the pilot valve (90-92). According to the invention, the spring (94) is interposed between the compensator piston (30) and the inertia weight (72).A compensator of this type is used in the braking systems for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly includes a pair of brake shoes (16, 18) which are movable by a hydraulic actuator (14) to a braking position. A parking brake lever assembly (24) is operable to also move the pair of brake shoes to the braking position. An anchor assembly (40) is attached to a backing plate (12) and is engageable with the pair of brake shoes to either absorb braking torque during a service brake application, or impart movement from one brake shoe to the other during a parking brake application. The anchor assembly includes a connecting member (44) engageable with the pair of brake shoes and rotatable in response to operation of the parking brake lever assembly to a released position on the anchor assembly (40).

Abstract: A floating-caliper disc brake (1) includes a non-rotating torque member (36) which carries the caliper (22) in fixed radial position relative to the disc (12) via a pair of pins (56, 58). The torque member and caliper each have matching grooves (44, 46, 48, 50) which, when placed in registry, define a pair of apertures (52, 54) between the caliper and the arms (38, 40) of the torque member. The pins are complementary in cross-section to the shape of these apertures so as to space apart the caliper and the torque member when the pins are inserted into the apertures. Brake torque is transferred from the caliper to the torque member solely through the pins. Sliding of the caliper along the pins provides for axial movement of the caliper relative to the torque member and brake rotor, but the caliper is otherwise restrained from movement in the radial and circumferential directions. One of the pins (58) includes a pair of opposed wedge-defining members (66, 68).

Abstract: A master cylinder (10) includes a housing (24) defining a bore (26) therein and a fluid reservoir (38) communicating with the bore via a passage (30). A stepped piston (94) is reciprocably received in the bore and cooperates with the housing to define a pair of variable-volume pressure chambers (108, 110). An annular valve apparatus (106) circumscribes the stepped piston within the housing bore and sealingly cooperates with the stepped piston and housing to bound the pair of variable-volume pressure chambers. The valve apparatus is pressure responsive to control fluid communication between the pair of pressure chambers and through the passage.

Abstract: A hydraulic assisted steering device for a motor vehicle, of the type having a rotary distributor, comprising a distribution sleeve which extends a steering control member, a rotor of generally tubular shape, which is disposed within the sleeve, a torsion bar which is housed within the rotor and which has one end fixed to the rotor and the other end fixed to the steering control member, and a hydraulic circuit for generating a control value in response to an angular movement imparted to the rotor.According to the invention, the torsion bar comprises an active portion of constant section of high-resiliency steel, and two end members and ordinary steel, which are respectively engaged on the ends of the active portion and are fixed to said ends, the end members being respectively fixed with respect to the rotor and the steering control member.

Abstract: A drum brake (10) includes a light-weight backing plate (12) which carries a pair of brake shoes (44, 46). The backing plate comprises a pair of stamped plates (18,20) having a plurality of radially extending arms (22-28) which cooperate to guide the brake shoes. A hydraulic actuator (68) is carried by the brake shoes to move the shoes into engagement with a brake drum (66). A light-weight dust shield (82) cooperates with the brake drum to inhibit the entry of dirt into the brake. The actuator (68) carries a parking lever (94) and cooperates with the lever to effect a parking brake application responsive to pivoting of the lever. An adjustable strut (62) spaces apart the brake shoes. An automatic adjusting mechanism (106) cooperates with the strut to maintain a substantially constant running clearance between the brake shoes and the brake drum.

Abstract: A retaining ring (30) includes a cone-shaped, resilient rim (32) which defines a Belleville-type spring. A plurality of resilient teeth (36) extend radially inwardly or radially outwardly from one of the inner or outer edges of the rim, respectively. The retaining ring is receivable onto a shaft or into a housing bore where the resilient teeth (36) engage an annular groove (28) to retain the ring. The Belleville-type spring portion of the retaining ring provides a continuous axial force and allows for the resilient take-up of manufacturing tolerances in assemblies employing the retaining ring.

Abstract: A method for constructing ball joints includes positioning a ball within a ball joint socket. Plastic-bearing material is then allowed to congeal in the socket while in contact with the ball. A positioning fixture maintains the ball in the desired spaced position in the socket while also maintaining a seal between the ball and the socket housing so that the bearing material may be pressurized as it congeals.

Abstract: The invention is a method of assembly for a ball-and-socket joint of the preloaded type with automatic taking up of play, comprising a housing, a pivot, a bearing element disposed between these later and a locking ring. After the disposing in the housing of the various components of the joint, the latter is axially loaded until a predetermined value is obtained for the tilting torque, and once this value is obtained, the ring is crimped in the housing by means of punches acting radially, without alteration of the predetermined value of the tilting torque. Application of the ball-and-socket joint assembly in particular for suspension or steering of an automobile vehicle.

Abstract: A two-stage master cylinder includes a housing with a stepped bore for receiving at least one piston. The one piston cooperates with the housing to substantially define a primary chamber communicating with a brake circuit and an auxiliary or fast- fill chamber. The auxiliary chamber is contracted during a braking application to communicate pressurized fluid to the primary chamber. A valve member is exposed to the fluid pressure within the primary chamber and the auxiliary chamber to communicate the latter with a reservoir. The valve member defines a first differential area and a second differential area which cooperate with the primary and auxiliary chambers, respectively, to meter the communication of fluid from the auxiliary chamber to the reservoir as the fluid pressure within the primary chamber is increasing.

Abstract: A power steering device includes a housing which journals coaxial input and output shafts. Drivingly connected to the input shaft is an eccentric which rotatably carries a gear wheel. The gear wheel is prevented from rotating in the housing so that it gyrates when the input shaft rotates. An internally toothed ring meshes with the gear wheel and is drivingly connected to the output shaft. The internally toothed ring defines a greater number of gear teeth than does the gear wheel so that gyration of the gear wheel incident to the rotation of the input shaft drives the output shaft via the internally toothed ring. A valve device is responsive to rotation of the input shaft relative to the output shaft to control fluid flow to and from a fluid motor. The fluid motor is coaxial with and drivingly connected to the output shaft so as to increase the torque derivable from the output shaft incident to rotation of the input shaft.

Abstract: A wear indicator for the friction material of a drum brake shoe includes a spring-loaded captive plunger carried in an elongated sleeve attached to the brake shoe. The plunger includes an enlarged head which abuts the sleeve and which is recessed below the surface of the unworn friction material at a depth which corresponds to a worn-out shoe. When the shoe wears to a sufficient degree, the plunger head is worn off by the rotating brake drum and the plunger is released. When freed, the plunger is moved by the spring bias and slides within the sleeve to press against an electrical contact carried by the backing plate of the brake to close an alarm circuit.