Abstract: A resilient control link assembly for a control system for transmitting a mechanical signal from a transmitter to a receiver so as to prevent component damage resulting from force overload situations due to response differences of components, fluid pressure failure, etc. The assembly includes two link elements which cooperate with the receiver and transmitter and are hinged together at a main hinge for relative swinging thereabouts from a datum relationship. Two following members are hinged to the first link element for rotation about a follower hinge spaced from the main hinge and are adapted to contact the second link element. A resilient member interconnects the two following members to force the members to cooperate with the second link element to maintain the link element in the datum relationship. When the datum relationship is disturbed, the following members are moved apart and the resilient means opposes this movement tending to draw the link elements back into the datum relationship.

Abstract: A control function splitter for controlling a clutch and gearbox assembly and a throttle, particularly in marine applications. The splitter has main and override throttle shafts, and a clutch operating shaft connected to engine and assembly inputs. The splitter has a cam which moves axially to reflect control head signals. The cam has portions representing travel for gear engagement only with no throttle change, and travel between idle and full throttle with no gear change. A motion converting structure converts axial cam movement to limited clutch shaft rotation. An interlock between the clutch shaft and override throttle shaft prevents rotation of the clutch operating shaft unless both throttle shafts are at idle, and also prevents rotation of the override throttle shaft unless the clutch shaft is in neutral. The splitter reduces previous problems associated with non-lineality between a control head signal and the corresponding throttle output signal, and also improves positive "feel" of gear selection.

Abstract: Control lever assembly for cable operated apparatus in which ends of cable cores are connected to lever with simple structure eliminating clevis and locked pin to provide compact, easy-to-service anchors. Independently adjustable drag or friction device reduces accidental creep of lever, and/or indexing device provides resilient positive location of lever. Lever is journalled for swinging and mounts a rotatable member having a first anchor structure and a support member secured to the rotatable member and having a second anchor structure spaced from the first anchor. A cable fitting has journals and is secured to the end of the cable and fits between the support member and rotatable member to anchor the cable thereto. Axle pin passing through the fitting journals fitting in aligned recesses of rotatable member and support member.

Abstract: Modular caliper brake having a body formed of a minimum number of separate modular portions or elements which are bolted together to form a basic unit of minimum capacity. To accomodate larger capacity applications, similar or compatible elements can be added, thus simplifying manufacturing and stocking of components for brake assemblies of differing capacities. Brake body has a pair of generally similar outer yoke elements, a spacer element sandwiched between the outer yoke elements and a mounting element cooperating with at least one of the elements mounting the brake. The outer yoke elements have spaced outer yoke arms to journal the caliper arms thereon. Several tie bolts cooperate with the elements to secure the elements together.

Abstract: Caliper brake particularly for installation in locations where there is insufficient space for conventional caliper brakes of similar capacity, and also adapted to accommodate lateral shifting of the brake shoes due to deviating braking surfaces. Brake has a pair of caliper arms with brake shoes at outer ends thereof, and actuator with axis of extension and retraction disposed longitudinally of the caliper arms. A toggle structure cooperates with the actuator and caliper arms to force inner ends of arms apart when the actuator is actuated, and includes toggle links having inner ends hinged to actuator and outer ends hinged to inner ends of respective caliper arms. To permit the brake shoes to move laterally, the caliper arms are hinged on a mounting structure which cooperates with frame to permit relative swinging between mounting structure and actuator.

Abstract: Air cooled brake disc having first and second disc-shaped face portions with each face portion having an outer braking surface and an inner surface. A plurality of radially disposed webs extend between the face portions from an inlet adjacent an inner portion of the disc to an outer portion of the disc, the webs defining with inner surfaces of the face portions radially extending cooling passages within the disc. A plurality of radially disposed cooling fins extend from opposite inner surfaces of each passage. Sums of cross sectional areas of inner and outer cooling passage portions defined in part by the cooling fins are generally equal to reduce air flow velocity variations within the cooling passages. In one embodiment, a clearance space extends between opposed edges of the fins adjacent a central diametrical plane of the disc.

Abstract: Caliper brake assembly using a cam structure to actuate brake shoes to permit selection of a wide range of braking forces and to increase design flexiblity. The assembly has a frame journalling a pair of opposed arms with opposed brake shoes hinged adjacent opposed inner ends of the arms to brake a disc sandwiched between the shoes. The cam structure includes a cam member having a cam surface which cooperates with a brake actuator so that the cam surface is displaced by the actuator. A pair of cam followers cooperate with the respective arms and the cam surface during brake actuation to rotate each arm about a respective hinge axis relative to the frame so as to force the shoes against the disc. In one embodiment the cam member is displaced parallel to the hinge axes and each cam follower includes a swivellably mounted roller to accommodate swinging of the arms. In an alternative embodiment, the cam has double-acting wedges in which the actuator effectively floats between the arms.

Abstract: Pneumatic caliper brake actuator having diaphragm, piston member and cylinder body. Cylinder body has outer portions having clearance recesses therein to accept the outer ends of arms carrying brake shoes. At least two return compression springs extend between the piston member and outer portion of cylinder body, the springs having outer ends straddling the clearance recess and inner ends against piston member to retract piston when fluid pressure is reduced. The clearance recesses are hollow projections positioned off-center and symmetrically relative to outer portion of cylinder and spaced apart to accept arm outer end therebetween and accept outer ends of the return springs therein to restrict lateral movement of springs. Overall dimension across outer faces of projections on opposite sides of the cylinders is approximately equal to an overall dimension across the outer portions of the opposed arms.

Abstract: A self-balancing structure for brake shoes in a caliper brake assembly to equalize essentially wear of brake linings. Brake assembly has frame journalling on opposite sides thereof opposed first and second arms, the arms journalling first and second brake shoes respectively. The arms cooperate with brake actuator, and member to be braked is positioned between the shoes. Self-balancing structure includes pair of balancing links, each link interconnecting a particular shoe on one side of frame with an arm on opposite side of frame so that each shoe reflects movement of opposite arm. Thus a movement towards the member by one side of the shoe is reflected by movement of essentially equal magnitude towards member by an opposite side of the other shoe. Resilient connector can be provided in balancing link to accommodate lateral movement of the member, thus permitting brake shoes to float to an extent determined by resilient connector.

Abstract: Disc brake for heavy-duty application in which peripheral portion of disc has cooling passages to conduct cooling liquid therethrough to remove heat generated by braking. Rotary seal cooperating with disc conducts cool liquid to and if desired can return warmed liquid from the cooling passages. Cooling passages are generally zig-zag shaped and disposed adjacent and extend between braking faces of disc. Passages include plurality of radially and tangentially disposed passages connected by adjacent inner and outer ends. Tangentially disposed passage portions are shorter than radially disposed passage portions. Radially disposed portions are separated by partitions having generally parallel side walls so as to eliminate relatively thick portions of material to reduce formation of hot spots on braking faces.