Abstract: A hydraulically controlled brake comprises a rotatable disc straddled by two opposite hydraulic cylinder bodies, fastened together by fixing means. In each body is slidably mounted a piston which defines in the body a hydraulic chamber, the pistons being adapted to urge a respective brake pad into frictional engagement with said disc when hydraulic pressure is generated in the chambers. The chambers are fed by a conduit, at least a portion of which crosses the interface which is between the assembled cylinder bodies at a location coincidental with the point where the fixing means cross that interface. Thus, there is no need for two separate conduits to feed the two chambers, which are instead fed by a single conduit.

Abstract: A friction coupling incorporating wear compensating comprises friction members and a plunger adapted to extend in response to wear of the friction members. The extension of the plunger is controlled by the rotation in a predetermined direction of a rotating member housed in the plunger. On this member are engaged two one-way circumferentially-acting friction members, each consisting of at least two-thirds of a turn of a spring. One of these, connected to the plunger, is adapted to prevent rotation of the rotating member relative to the plunger when the latter moves forward. The other, coupled to a control member such as a lever, is adapted to drive the rotating member in rotation in the previously mentioned predetermined direction when the plunger moves back, if the previous forward movement of the plunger has exceeded a substantially constant set point value.

Abstract: A brake is provided with a wear compensator designed to maintain the stroke of the clamping element constant; the clamping element incorporating an extendable part which is gradually extended as a result of wear of the friction pads of the brake. The extendable part comprises a nut which is extended by rotation of a screw; the screw being driven via a ratchet wheel connected to the control lever by which the brake is operated.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated brake fitted with a device to prevent an excessive rise in the temperature of the hydraulic fluid comprises an actuating piston in the form of a hollow body or cup within which is disposed an insulating core. The core has an outer face which engages the respective friction pad, and is engaged by a press fit within the cup by engagement means which leave an air gap between the core and the cup. The press fit engagement is thereby facilitated and heat transfer between the piston and the hydraulic fluid contained in the actuating chamber is reduced, thereby protecting the hydraulic fluid from an excessive rise in temperature during braking.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled brake is equipped with a device preventing an excessive rise in temperature of the hydraulic fluid. The control piston of the brake comprises a cup-shaped piece and also an insulating core accommodated in the cup and having a free end face via which the piston pushes on the friction element. The core is screwed onto a central threaded column projecting from the bottom of the cup.

Abstract: A brake control device suitable for applying a parking or emergency brake for a motor vehicle has a push-rod slidably engaged with a support and movable between an extreme position of rest, and an extreme braking position in which it applies a brake pad to a corresponding friction track formed on a braking member such as a brake disc. The push-rod is operated by a lever which is connected to the push-rod by a cam device mounted on the support.

Abstract: A multi-disc brake which has a frame, a yoke fixed to the frame housing pistons for applying friction linings to at least two spaced and axially fixed rotary discs. The fixed yoke is formed of two one-piece or split blocks arranged relative to the rotary discs in an angular sector of approximately 180.degree..

Abstract: This relates to a clutch release bearing of the kind comprising an operating element, a drive element having a rotatable part for contact with the clutch release mechanism, and a connecting cap fastening the drive element axially to the operating element. The connecting cap is provided with a plurality of axial lugs by which it is attached to the operating element. Each of these lugs is formed with an enlarged and preferably T-shaped end portion and is located in an axial groove provided in the operating element. The T-shaped end of the lug locks the lug in position beyond the groove. The device is particularly applicable to self-centering clutch release bearings.