Abstract: An improved disc brake friction pad assembly is provided with a metallic backing plate element, a friction pad element, and a noise-dampening shim subassembly positioned intermediate the backing plate element and the friction pad element.

Abstract: A hybrid brake assembly is provided with both a resin-bonded metallic friction pad element and a resin-bonded non-asbestos, non-metallic friction pad element and hydraulic cylinder/piston elements for simultaneously actuating both friction pad elements in a vehicular braking operation.

Abstract: A novel brake friction pad assembly is provided with a backing plate element, and with one or more integrally joined different friction-generating pad, noise-damping pad, and backing pad elements carried by the backing plate element, such friction-generating pad, noise-damping pad, and backing pad elements being molded using specified particulate mixture molding compositions and preferred molding method steps.

Abstract: A noise abating brake shoe assembly having a metal brake shoe and a friction material brake block with an elastomeric sound damping material added as a constituent to the brake block or interposed between the brake block and the brake shoe.

Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus having a first gas conduit, a second gas conduit and at least one thermoelectric module. In a first embodiment, structure is provided to introduce moisture into the second gas conduit, upstream of that conduit's association with the thermoelectric module. The introduction of the moisture into the gas within the second gas conduit functions to decrease the temperature between the temperature of the gas in the first conduit and the temperature of the gas in the second conduit, thereby optimizing the operation of the thermoelectric module. In a second embodiment a plurality of thermoelectric modules are arranged in an array and positioned between the gas conduits and associated therewith. The power supplied to each of the thermoelectric modules is adjusted to correspond to an optimum power input calculated for each thermoelectric module respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing preconditioned air to a parked aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a booster unit (10) adapted for association with an existing preconditioned air unit (12). The booster unit (10) includes an auxiliary compressor (112), an auxiliary evaporator (109) and an auxiliary condenser (100 and 100A). These auxiliary elements are interconnected by suitable conduit (114, 115, and 118) and an expansion valve (116). The booster unit (10) is associated with the preconditioned air unit (12) whereby the condenser fan(s) (82 and 84) of that unit is utilized to cool the condenser(s) (100 and 100A) of the booster unit (10).

Abstract: A fluid device (pump or motor) comprises a case having a closed chamber, a rotating element mounted for rotation within the closed chamber, a reciprocating piston drivingly connected to the rotating element such that rotation of the rotating element corresponds to reciprocating movement of the piston, passages for admitting and discharging fluid to and from a cylinder in which the piston reciprocates, and scavenger pump means drivingly connected to the rotating element and operable to pump fluid out of the closed chamber at a rate greater than the rate at which fluid leaks or otherwise is metered into the interior chamber, thereby to maintain the level of fluid within the closed chamber below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A low breakout power transfer unit for transferring power between first and second hydraulic systems includes first and second pump/motor units to allow fluid flow between the first and second pump/motor units and the first and second hydraulic systems, respectively. The transfer unit includes a detection device for sensing fluid flow demand in the hydraulic systems and values for automatically isolating the pump/motor units from the hydraulic systems when the detection means senses substantially no fluid flow demands in a hydraulic system. The transfer unit includes a bypass device for each pump/motor unit for recirculating pumped fluid in excess of fluid flow demand.

Abstract: Closed center valves include a first member movable toward and away from a vent opening in the valve for respectively closing and opening the vent opening, and a second member movable toward and away from the first member for respectively closing and opening a high pressure passage through the first member. A biasing force is applied to the first member for biasing the first member toward the vent opening. Different magnitudes of force may be applied to the second member to cause the second member to move toward the first member first to close the high pressure passage through the first member while the vent opening remains closed by the first member, and then to cause the first member to move away from the vent opening to open the vent opening while the high pressure passage in the first member remains closed by the second member.

Abstract: A brake block for automotive drum brake systems having a visible wear indicator indicating the remaining usable thickness of the brake block. The wear indicator may be molded or machined into the side of the brake block and also may indicate where the tops of the fasteners for the brake block are located when fasteners are used to affix the brake block to a backing plate.

Abstract: Differential pressure sensor mechanisms include core members acted upon by pressure sensing plungers at opposite ends of the core members to cause axial movement of the core members relative to a linear variable position sensor when unequal force balances are applied to the respective plungers, and centering springs for centering the core members with respect to the sensor when equal force balances are applied to the respective plungers. The centering springs desirably flex equally in both directions to keep reversing stress levels to a minimum and are essentially unloaded in the null or lower load region of operation to minimize the possibility of induced plunger side loading in the most active and critical region of performance. Carriage members desirably support opposite ends of the core members for coaxial movement relative to the sensor.

Abstract: A noise abating automotive brake shoe assembly consisting essentially of a mixture of from about 2 to about 30 percent by weight of a discrete, heat-cured, particulate, elastomeric, sound damping material containing cashew nut shell resin, nitrile rubber, resin binder, a fiber selected from a group consisting of metal, glass, mineral rock wool and refractory with the remainder being friction material ingredients.

Abstract: An electronic system connected to a power transmission line having a fluctuating load for automatically providing increments of voltage to the line to supplement voltage losses from the load by sequentially connecting tapes on the windings of a transformer in response to changes in line current.

Abstract: Linear direct drive motor includes a pair of axially spaced, relatively fixed stator poles and an armature mounted on a motor shaft for axial movement between the stator poles. The ends of the motor shaft are supported by centering springs which permit axial movement of the shaft and thus the armature relative to the stator poles. Positive stops are located between the stator and stator poles for preventing armature overtravel. Extending between the stator poles is a sleeve member which supports a ring magnet in radially spaced relation from the armature. Adjacent opposite ends of thee ring magnet are a plurality of layers of electrical coils, with the layers adjacent one end of the magnet being paired with different layers at the other end to provide redundant electrical channels and symmetric motion behavior.

Abstract: Limited angle torque motor includes a secondary magnetic flux path of relatively small cross-sectional area which increases the rotational and torque gains of the motor in a localized area about the motor null as if the magnetic air gap of the motor were substantially reduced so that when properly matched with a direct drive valve having significant valve overlap, a desired linear valve flow gain can be achieved. As the motor flux increases with applied current, the secondary flux path saturates, whereby further increases in current above a specified level are directed into the main pole structure magnetic flux path as if the secondary flux path did not exist.

Abstract: A disc brake pad in which the friction material is attached to the backing plate mechanically bonded with adhesives and through mechanical attachment to an expanded metal mesh utilizing uncompacted friction material and a compacted friction material preform.

Abstract: A brake shoe or pad in which the back plate is zinc plated and a friction material preform is bonded directly to the zinc plated surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a brake shoe or pad in which the back plate is zinc plated and a friction material perform is bonded directly to the zinc plated surface.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a disc brake pad in which the friction material is attached to the backing plate mechanically bonded with adhesives and through mechanical attachment to an expanded metal mesh utilizing uncompacted friction material and a compacted friction material preform.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making brake pads (60) having the step of heat preforming a plurality of dosages (39) of a friction material for brake pads (60) to obtain a plurality of blanks (61) on which respective metal holders (53) are then placed, and the step of hot molding, individually and simultaneously, such blanks (61) to form a plurality of brake pads (60).