Abstract: A bridge for a disc brake caliper includes a body defining a first bore disposed about an axis. The first bore includes a plurality of threads. The body further defines a second bore extending radially from an outer surface of the body into the first bore. A tube is received within the first bore and supports a tappet at one end for engaging a friction pad. The tube is configured to receive one end of an adjustment shaft of a friction pad wear adjuster therein. The tube defines a plurality of threads on a radially outer surface configured for engagement with the plurality of threads in the first bore and at least one of the plurality of threads on the first tube defines a plurality of teeth. A detent extends through the second bore and engages the teeth to inhibit rotation of the tube within the body.

Abstract: The following embodiments relate to a single air disc brake tappet with features that mimic multiple tappets. In one embodiment, an air disc brake tappet is provided comprising: a support member; and a plate coupled with support member, wherein the plate comprises a plurality of raised features that mimic a plurality of air disc brake tappets. In another embodiment, an air disc brake pad assembly is provided comprising: a friction material; and a backing plate coupled with the friction material, wherein the backing plate comprises at least one recess shaped and positioned to receive a plurality of raised features of an air disc brake tappet, wherein the plurality of raised features mimics a plurality of air disc brake tappets. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A tooth driven over-torque protection mechanism for use in a slack adjuster or as an air disc brake clutch, includes a shaft, toothed gear, a clutch device, a first spring, and a second spring. The toothed gear is disposed on the shaft. The toothed gear has a first pinion teeth set that extends along a first direction and a second teeth set that extends along a second direction. The clutch device that is also disposed on the shaft and includes an upper cam and a lower cam. The first spring biases the toothed gear against the clutch device. The second spring biases the clutch device against the toothed gear. The upper cam has cam teeth that cooperate with the second teeth set of the toothed gear in a torque transmitting manner, such that a torque applied in a clockwise direction to the first pinion teeth is transmitted to the upper cam through the second teeth set, but torque applied in a counterclockwise direction is opposed by the first spring.

Abstract: A bridge for a disc brake caliper includes a body defining a first bore disposed about an axis. The first bore includes a plurality of threads. The body further defines a second bore extending radially from an outer surface of the body into the first bore. A tube is received within the first bore and supports a tappet at one end for engaging a friction pad. The tube is configured to receive one end of an adjustment shaft of a friction pad wear adjuster therein. The tube defines a plurality of threads on a radially outer surface configured for engagement with the plurality of threads in the first bore and at least one of the plurality of threads on the first tube defines a plurality of teeth. A detent extends through the second bore and engages the teeth to inhibit rotation of the tube within the body.

Abstract: A self-adjusting automatic slack adjuster for reducing slack in the brake of a vehicle includes an adjuster link having a resilient portion. When a brake application force being applied to the slack adjuster exceeds a level that could result in brake application linkage damage as a result of the slack adjuster's slack adjustment mechanism having reached a travel limit, the resilient portion of the adjuster link permits the axial length of the adjuster link to change to accommodate the high brake application force in order to minimize or preclude damage to the brake application linkage.

Abstract: A tooth driven over-torque protection mechanism for use in a slack adjuster or as an air disc brake clutch, includes a shaft, toothed gear, a clutch device, a first spring, and a second spring. The toothed gear is disposed on the shaft. The toothed gear has a first pinion teeth set that extends along a first direction and a second teeth set that extends along a second direction. The clutch device that is also disposed on the shaft and includes an upper cam and a lower cam. The first spring biases the toothed gear against the clutch device. The second spring biases the clutch device against the toothed gear. The upper cam has cam teeth that cooperate with the second teeth set of the toothed gear in a torque transmitting manner, such that a torque applied in a clockwise direction to the first pinion teeth is transmitted to the upper cam through the second teeth set, but torque applied in a counterclockwise direction is opposed by the first spring.

Abstract: A self-adjusting automatic slack adjuster for reducing slack in the brake of a vehicle includes an adjuster link having a resilient portion. When a brake application force being applied to the slack adjuster exceeds a level that could result in brake application linkage damage as a result of the slack adjuster's slack adjustment mechanism having reached a travel limit, the resilient portion of the adjuster link permits the axial length of the adjuster link to change to accommodate the high brake application force in order to minimize or preclude damage to the brake application linkage.

Abstract: A slack adjuster is provided for a drum brake of a vehicle air braking system. The slack adjuster comprises a gear set including (i) a worm wheel having an outer circumferential surface, and (ii) a worm shaft having a longitudinal central axis and meshed with the worm wheel. The worm shaft is rotated in one direction about its longitudinal central axis when the drum brake is applied and adjustment is required and in an opposite direction about its longitudinal central axis when the drum brake is released. The slack adjuster further comprises an anti-reversing member having an inner circumferential surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the worm wheel. The anti-reversing member allows rotation of the worm wheel when the drum brake is applied and prevents rotation of the worm wheel when the drum brake is released.

Abstract: A slack adjuster is provided for a drum brake of a vehicle air braking system. The slack adjuster comprises a gear set including (i) a worm wheel having an outer circumferential surface, and (ii) a worm shaft having a longitudinal central axis and meshed with the worm wheel. The worm shaft is rotated in one direction about its longitudinal central axis when the drum brake is applied and adjustment is required and in an opposite direction about its longitudinal central axis when the drum brake is released. The slack adjuster further comprises an anti-reversing member having an inner circumferential surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the worm wheel. The anti-reversing member allows rotation of the worm wheel when the drum brake is applied and prevents rotation of the worm wheel when the drum brake is released.

Abstract: A slack adjuster is provided for a drum brake of a vehicle air braking system. The slack adjuster comprises a gear set including (i) a worm wheel having an outer circumferential surface, and (ii) a worm shaft having a longitudinal central axis and meshed with the worm wheel. The worm shaft is rotated in one direction about its longitudinal central axis when the drum brake is applied and adjustment is required and in an opposite direction about its longitudinal central axis when the drum brake is released. The slack adjuster further comprises an anti-reversing member having an inner circumferential surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the worm wheel. The anti-reversing member allows rotation of the worm wheel when the drum brake is applied and prevents rotation of the worm wheel when the drum brake is released.

Abstract: A slack adjuster is provided for a drum brake of a vehicle air braking system. The slack adjuster comprises a gear set including (i) a worm wheel having an outer circumferential surface, and (ii) a worm shaft having a longitudinal central axis and meshed with the worm wheel. The worm shaft is rotated in one direction about its longitudinal central axis when the drum brake is applied and adjustment is required and in an opposite direction about its longitudinal central axis when the drum brake is released. The slack adjuster further comprises an anti-reversing member having an inner circumferential surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the worm wheel. The anti-reversing member allows rotation of the worm wheel when the drum brake is applied and prevents rotation of the worm wheel when the drum brake is released.