Abstract: A brake adjuster wherein a thrust block is axially slidable in a cylinder bore and rotatably connected to one of two screw threaded adjuster members which are themselves interconnected by a self-sustaining thread. In use a power spring acts on the thrust block to move it axially within the cylinder bore to apply pressure to a friction pad via the adjuster members. The brake may be released by applying hydraulic pressure to the thrust block, at which time one adjuster member is rotated via a clutch, when a predetermined clearance has been taken up, relative to the other to adjust for pad wear. No relative adjustment occurs during application of the brake under the action of the power spring.

Abstract: An automatic adjuster comprises a transmission member, suitably a crown wheel, and thrust assemblies, of which the effective lengths are adjustable to adjust the spacing between a pair of shoe-ends, and the crown wheel is coupled to a brake-applying cam through a lost-motion connection, and a clutch. In a brake-applying mode the transmission mechanism is operative to increase the effective lengths of the thrust assemblies after the lost-motion has been taken up and until a critical point is reached at which the clutch slips in one direction. An inhibit mechanism is incorporated for limiting movement of the crown wheel in the opposite brake release mode until any previous excess movement of the crown wheel in the brake-applying mode has been accommodated by slippage of the clutch in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle of the inwardly opening type includes a valve member which is biased into contact with a seating by a spring. The valve member is surrounded in part by a sleeve and both the valve member and sleeve are subject to fuel pressure so that axial forces are produced which act in opposition to the spring. When the forces are large enough the valve member and sleeve move but the sleeve movement and hence the movement of the valve member, is limited by a stop. Fuel is allowed to flow through an outlet at a restricted rate and only when the fuel pressure rises is the valve member moved further to allow unrestricted flow of fuel. The further movement of the valve member is limited by the engagement of an abutment on the valve member with the end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A linear inductive transducer includes a cylindrical former about which is wound a winding. Surrounding the former is a magnetic sleeve having external flange means which is located against an end face of a first casing part. A core member is slidable within a bore in the former and the former has a head located against an end of the sleeve. A second casing part is located about the first casing part and defines a space in which the head is located. The space is filled with a synthetic resin which secures the casing parts together and retains the head in engagement with the sleeve and the flange means in engagement with the first casing part.

Abstract: A fuel injection pump of the rotary distributor type includes a pumping element movable in a bore to displace fuel from the bore to the injection nozzles of an engine in turn. A regulator controls the supply of fuel to the bore and is responsive to the speed of the engine and the setting of a control lever coupled to the accelerator pedal of a vehicle driven by the engine. The pump also includes valve means which is opened when the engine speed is above a predetermined value and the accelerator pedal has been released by the vehicle driver. The valve means when open prevents the supply of fuel to the engine and as the engine speed falls closes at a predetermined speed to restore the supply of fuel.

Abstract: A control valve for use in a fuel injection system of an engine comprises a valve member of plate like form and movable in an inlet chamber between a first seating and a second seating on opposite sides of the valve member. The first sealing is smaller in diameter than the second seating and surrounds a spill flow passage. The inlet chamber connects in use with the pump chamber of a fuel pump. When the valve member is in contact with the second seating a control chamber is formed which is connected by a restricted passage to the pump chamber. Flow of liquid from the control chamber is controlled by a valve element which is movable by an actuator and which conveniently controls flow through an opening in the valve member. In the closed position of the valve member it engages the first seating and the opening is closed by the element.

Abstract: An actuator for brakes with automatic adjustment suitable in particular for heavy duty vehicles comprises a housing (32) whose axis (A) is surrounded by a cam surface (36). A rotary member (40) is rotatable about the housing axis (A) and comprises a second cam surface (42) with which it bears on the first cam surface (36) to produce an axial displacement dependent on its rotation. A first screw member (50) is likewise rotatable about the housing axis and a second screw member (60) is formed to exert an actuating force on a brake pad. The second screw member is connected to the first screw member by a pair of threaded adjustment members (62). A reset shaft (92) is mounted in the housing (32) and permits a screwing back of the two screw members (50, 60) with respect to each other to replace the brake pad. The reset shaft (92) is disposed with lateral spacing from the housing axis (A) and is connected to one of the screw members (50) via a gearing ( 88, 90).

Abstract: A master cylinder for a vehicle braking system comprises a body (2) with a bore (3) open at the rear end of the body, a reservoir (4), a transverse port (17) in the body opening into the bore (3) and positioned rearwardly of the reservoir, and a passageway defined between the exterior of the body (2) and a sleeve (22) mounted thereon to communicate the transverse port (17) with a chamber (7) of the reservoir. in different disclosed embodiments the sleeve may be integral with the housing of a booster assembled with the master cylinder and an element may be interposed between the sleeve and the master cylinder body and be provided with a tubular extension interconnecting the reservoir with the passageway.

Abstract: A sensing device for use in an internal combustion engine to sense combustion of fuel in a combustion chamber of the engine includes a tubular body part in which is located a radiation conductive element one end of which is exposed to the combustion chamber in use. On the other end of the element is a sensor which in use is connected in an electrical circuit. The sensor is responsive to radiation transmitted along the element from the flame in the combustion chamber. The element is held in a bore of the body part by a visco-elastic lining which also provides a gas tight seal and acts to cushion the element against vibration.

Abstract: A temperature compensated fluid metering valve has a body including a ported sleeve in which a metering element is slidable, the thermal coefficient of expansion of the sleeve and metering element being identical and different from that of the body. The sleeve is secured at one of its ends to the body and a device for detecting the position of the metering element is secured to the body at the other end of the sleeve. The dimensions of the body and the coefficients of expansion are selected so a change in temperature results in an apparent position error signal from the device, this signal repositioning the metering element to compensate for changes in specific gravity of the metered fluid as a result of the temperature change.

Abstract: A differential gear arrangement has an annular planet gear having internal and external teeth which mesh with a sun gear and a ring gear respectively. The planet gear is supported in a carrier which is journalled in a housing and is also journalled internally and externally of the ring gear. The arrangement permits use of rolling-bearing journals throughout.

Abstract: A master cylinder has a pressure cylinder and an outwardly projecting mounting flange mounted thereon by arms extending longitudinally of the cylinder in spaced relationship therewith and being connected to the cylinder at locations remote from the flange outside the area swept by seals carried by a piston. The cylinder, flange and arms are formed as an integral plastics molding.

Abstract: A drive circuit for an inductive load includes a switching device connected in series with the load and controlled by a constant frequency oscillator. The mark/space ratio of the signal supplied to the switching device by the oscillator can be varied in accordance with the output of a comparator 18 which compares the measured instantaneous value of the current flowing in the load with a calculated value of the current.

Abstract: In a vehicle anti-skid hydraulic braking system of the pump/re-apply type the pump plunger is of differential outline and works in a stepped bore. An annular chamber and a full pump chamber are defined in the bore on opposite sides of the head of the piston. The annular chamber is pressurized by fluid at a pressure dependent on the difference in pressure between the master cylinder and the brake, and the chamber is subjected to the pressure in the annular chamber in one direction and the pressure in the master cylinder in the opposite direction. The system is therefore provided with a pump which forces fluid back to the master cylinder but with torque levels similar to a pump which acts against brake pressure.

Abstract: A rectifying and integrating circuit, particularly in a knock-detection system for an internal combustion engine, comprises an operational amplifier, an integrating capacitor with one side connected to the amplifier output and its other side connected to the signal input of the amplifier, a first rectifying device connecting the amplifier output to the one side (i.e. output side) of the integrating capacitor, and a second rectifying device connecting the amplifier output to its signal input. The signal input current is balanced by feedback through either the first rectifying device and the capacitor or through the other rectifying device, depending on the polarity of the input. Integration occurs on one polarity. In the absence of a rectifier amplifier preceding a separate integrator, errors due to input offset voltages of the rectifier amplifier are avoided.

Abstract: In a housing (2) inner guide surfaces (3, 4, 5) and at least one first and one second stop (40, 41) fixed with respect to the housing are formed. A first and a second thrust plate (10, 11) are guided rotatably and axially displaceably at the guide surfaces (3, 4, 5) of the housing (2). Lugs (12, 13) on the thrust plates (10, 11) limit the rotation thereof in one direction of rotation by striking the first and second stop (40, 41). A first and a second set of brake discs (20, 24; 21, 25) are arranged adjacent the first and second thrust plate (10, 11). A first and a second intermediate disc (22, 23) are arranged between the brake discs (20, 24; 21, 25). Between the two thrust plates (10; 11), spreading members (46) are arranged which spread the thrust plates (10; 11) thereby initiating a braking with servo effect. Torque-transmitting connections between the thrust plates (10; 11) and the intermediate discs (22, 23) increase the servo effect.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system for a vehicle comprises a central control unit and a plurality of remote data acquisition modules, each of the modules being connected to the central control unit over a single wire and having a plurality of inputs connected to local condition-sensing transducers. Each data acquisition module serves to store data representing signals received at its inputs. The central control unit prompts the modules in turn and each module, when prompted, transmits its stored data to the central control unit over the respective single wire. This system provides a simplification of the wiring and connectors required between the various transducers and the central control unit, which drives displays displaying the conditions of the transducers.

Abstract: An automatic brake adjuster has a strut composed of two parts between which there is a non-reversible threaded connection, relative rotation between the parts to vary the strut length being controlled by a clutch ring urged by a spring into clutching engagement with the housing. In order to prevent unwanted de-adjustment, the clutch ring forms a uni-directional locking connection with a housing by means of ratchet teeth on the external periphery of the ring and a pawl mounted in the housing.

Abstract: A drum-type brake and actuating system therefor comprised of a camshaft, cam and actuator mechanism that are contained within an actuator housing and a tubular shaft which journals the camshaft. A lubricant fitting permits lubricant to be introduced into both the tubular member and the actuator housing. In addition, an automatic adjuster is contained within an adjuster housing which communicates with the actuator housing and a pressure responsive valve that permits lubricant introduced through a grease fitting to be discharged from the adjuster housing. An expandable member is contained within the actuator housing for compensating for effective volume variations and precluding the exhaust of lubicant and the introduction of air during such changes.

Abstract: A master cylinder includes a pressure cylinder and a pressure-generating piston movable therein. The cylinder is closely surrounded over part of its length by a separate reinforcing member in the form of a sleeve which acts to prevent significant expansion of the cylinder under the effect of internally applied pressure. In the example shown, the pressure cylinder forms part of an integral moulding which includes a fluid reservoir.