Abstract: A disc brake assembly (1) of the kind including a caliper (6) and two pad assemblies (3, 4), each of which is operable to engage a respective opposite side of a brake disc (5) when the brake assembly is installed on a vehicle. The caliper includes a housing (8) having a cylinder formed therein, and a piston which carries one of the pad assemblies (3) is slidable within that cylinder. The caliper (6) also has a bridge (7) which is connected to the housing (8) and which carries the other pad assembly (4). A mounting arm (12, 13) extends generally transverse relative to the axis of the caliper cylinder and is deflectable relative to the associated support (2) in the general direction of that axis so as to allow the pad assemblies (3, 4) to move towards and away from their respective adjacent sides of the disc (5).

Abstract: The invention is drum brake assembly having a dual brake actuator. A piston-cylinder assembly forms the primary brake actuator, and a lever member, together with the piston-cylinder assembly, forms a composite structure which acts as a secondary brake actuator. The lever member pivots about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum, and the lever member is contained within the drum brake assembly. The piston-cylinder assembly is operable independent of the composite structure to actuate the brake.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly including a brake member comprised of a substantially circular shoe having a radially outer face on which at least one lining is mounted. The shoe is made from a high strength resilient material and is of substantially constant cross-section along its entire length. The brake member is arranged to be diametrically expanded by an actuation device on the brake assembly. When the actuation device is released the resilience of the shoe material causes the shoe to diametrically contract. The lining may be machined to a circular form prior to the brake member being fitted to the brake assembly, and that machining is preferably done after the shoe has been expanded a predetermined extent. The disclosure extends to a method of manufacturing a brake member and to a brake member for a drum brake assembly.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator according to the invention is suitable for use as a master cylinder for a vehicle brake or clutch system. The actuator includes a housing having a bore extending therethrough and at least a primary piston movably disposed within the bore and extending out of the housing through one end thereof. The other end of the bore is closed by a removable end cap. A pressure chamber is defined within the bore between the end cap and the piston. Preferably a cylindrical cartridge is located within the housing and that cartridge defines the bore with which the piston is in engagement. The cartridge is removable from the housing when the end cap is removed and this facilitates maintenance or repair of the master cylinder. A fast fill seal assembly may be included on the piston and the actuator preferably a double piston and pressure chamber assembly with a secondary piston being located between the primary piston and the end cap.

Abstract: An actuating arrangement for a compact master cylinder includes a foot pedal pivotably connected to support bracket. The cylinder is pivotably connected at its lower end to the foot pedal and at its upper end to the bracket so that movement of the pedal causes movement of the piston into the cylinder and also moves the entire cylinder in relation to the supporting structure.

Abstract: The invention is particularly concerned with a caliper for a disc brake assembly. The caliper includes a cylinder and a bridge, the bridge having an inboard portion which attaches to the cylinder, a central portion, and an outboard portion. Inboard and outboard friction pad assemblies are arranged to be brought into contact with opposite faces of the disc. The bridge is formed of a resiliently flexible material and is shaped and configured such that under braking conditions the outboard portion is able to resiliently deflect relative to the inboard portion in a direction transverse to the axis of the cylinder and substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the disc at the region where the friction pad assemblies are in engagement with the faces of the disc. The bridge and cylinder may be separately formed and connected together or they may be integrally formed.

Abstract: A compact master cylinder suitable, for example, for vehicle clutch or brake systems. An integral fluid reservoir body is connected to a piston stem extending to a piston head in the cylinder. The stem has a longitudinal passage connected to an orifice at the reservoir inlet. This orifice is valved by a valve closure member having a spherical head and an elastomeric cap. In the retracted state a stop secured to the cylinder limits movement of the piston out of the bore and the valve closure member opens to allow entry of make-up fluid from the reservoir.