Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a friction damped disc brake rotor, including the steps of: (A) providing a ceramic coating on an insert, wherein the insert has a body with tabs extending therefrom to hold the insert in a desired position within a mold; (B) washing the ceramic coating off of the tabs; (C) positioning the insert into the mold; and (D) casting a rotor cheek of the disc brake rotor in the mold around the insert such that a portion of each tab is bonded with the rotor cheek, and such that the coating is substantially non-bonded with the rotor cheek so that the coating provides a proper interfacial boundary between the body and the cheek for damping, and the at least partial bonding of each tab with the rotor cheek prevents corrosion-causing exterior elements from reaching the interfacial boundary when the friction damped disc brake rotor is in use.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for a parking brake assembly for actuating a parking brake in a vehicle. The parking brake assembly comprises a mounting bracket fixedly attached to a mounting location of the vehicle, a first linkage element having a first end coupled to the mounting bracket at a first pivot, and a second linkage element having a first end pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. A brake cam is coupled to the first end of the first linkage element at the first pivot. A handle mechanism is pivotally attached to a second end of the first linkage element and to the second end of the second linkage element. The handle mechanism is configured such that movement of the handle mechanism actuates the brake cam.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a friction damped disc brake rotor, including the steps of: (A) providing a ceramic coating on an insert, wherein the insert has a body with tabs extending therefrom to hold the insert in a desired position within a mold; (B) washing the ceramic coating off of the tabs; (C) positioning the insert into the mold; and (D) casting a rotor cheek of the disc brake rotor in the mold around the insert such that a portion of each tab is bonded with the rotor cheek, and such that the coating is substantially non-bonded with the rotor cheek so that the coating provides a proper interfacial boundary between the body and the cheek for damping, and the at least partial bonding of each tab with the rotor cheek prevents corrosion-causing exterior elements from reaching the interfacial boundary when the friction damped disc brake rotor is in use.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a friction damped disc brake rotor, including the steps of: (A) providing a ceramic coating on an insert, wherein the insert has a body with tabs extending therefrom to hold the insert in a desired position within a mold; (B) washing the ceramic coating off of the tabs; (C) positioning the insert into the mold; and (D) casting a rotor cheek of the disc brake rotor in the mold around the insert such that a portion of each tab is bonded with the rotor cheek, and such that the coating is substantially non-bonded with the rotor cheek so that the coating provides a proper interfacial boundary between the body and the cheek for damping, and the at least partial bonding of each tab with the rotor cheek prevents corrosion-causing exterior elements from reaching the interfacial boundary when the friction damped disc brake rotor is in use.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for a parking brake assembly for actuating a parking brake in a vehicle. The parking brake assembly comprises a mounting bracket fixedly attached to a mounting location of the vehicle, a first linkage element having a first end coupled to the mounting bracket at a first pivot, and a second linkage element having a first end pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. A brake cam is coupled to the first end of the first linkage element at the first pivot. A handle mechanism is pivotally attached to a second end of the first linkage element and to the second end of the second linkage element. The handle mechanism is configured such that movement of the handle mechanism actuates the brake cam.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a powertrain component enclosure member, including the steps of: (A) positioning at least one insert into a mold, wherein the insert is provided with a coating to prevent bonding between the insert and the casting material; and (B) casting a wall of the powertrain component enclosure member in the mold around the insert such that a major portion of the insert is substantially non-bonded with the casting material to provide a proper interfacial boundary with the casting material for damping.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an air spring and jounce shock assembly for use in an automotive vehicle suspension system. The assembly may include a base adapted to be mounted on one of an axle assembly and a suspension component, a top cap adapted to be attached to a vehicle frame, and a diaphragm disposed between and attached to the base and the top cap, with the diaphragm including an inner surface defining a first portion of a compressed air cavity. A jounce shock reaction surface defines a second portion of the compressed air cavity and is included in a one of the top cap and the base.