Abstract: A single-stage snowblower (20) is designed as an accessory for attachment to an electric tractor, and takes power from the batteries on the tractor. The rotary drum (24) of the snowblower, which carries the spiral blade (25), is driven by two electric motors (36L, 36R). The motors lie inside the hollow interior of the drum (24), and drive the drum directly, without chains or gears. The drum (24) has no bearings other than the motor bearings provided inside the motor housing. The ends of the motors are fixed to the snowblower housing. Walk behind versions of the snowblower are also disclosed. In a different version an anti-personnel-mine clearing flail-drum (74) is pushed ahead of an electric tractor (72) by forward-extending struts. The flail-drum is rotated by motors located inside the drum. Other appliances can make up a train of appliances, ahead of the tractor.

Abstract: A sliding caliper disc brake comprising a torque member which is adapted to be fixedly mounted adjacent a brake disc and which has portions lying on both sides of the brake disc which are connected by bridging portions positioned radially outwardly of the periphery of the disc. Directly and indirectly operated friction pad assemblies are located on opposite sides of the disc and each include a friction pad carried by a respective pad backing plate. A caliper member is mounted on the torque member. The caliper member is guided for sliding movement relative to the torque member in a direction perpendicular to the disc, the caliper member and both the friction pad assemblies being supported by the torque member so that drag forces experienced by the pads during use of the brake are transmitted directly to the torque member.

Abstract: A slack adjuster for a vehicle braking system includes first and second members having a normally reversible screw-thread connection therebetween. The first and second members are disposed between first and second pistons respectively of the braking system and excessive displacement of the pistons causes relative displacement between said first and second member to reduce the displacement of the pistons on the succeeding stroke. One of the first and second members may be a slit or split nut and a wedge member can be provided for urging the slit or split nut against the other of the first and second members to prevent relative rotation therebetween under a brake-applying thrust. The slit or split nut is resiliently biased against the other of the first and second members to prevent undesired relative rotation at the screw-thread connection. The slit nut can be formed as a spring-biased piston designed to prevent over-adjustment due to brake deflection.

Abstract: In a mechanical actuator system a primary lever is angularly movable about a first pivot on a secondary lever through a first range to apply a force to an actuated member, and the actuating force is then transmitted to the actuated member through a higher leverage by the secondary lever which is angularly movable about a second pivot on a fixed part. The secondary lever is coupled to the actuated member by a one-way clutch, and the first pivot comprises a connection for a pawl which is engagable with ratchet teeth on the fixed part, at least when the clutch is engaged.