Abstract: A foot operated vehicle parking brake mechanism comprises a brake pedal lever and a brake cable actuator pivotal about a common axis, the brake pedal lever being operable upon depression to displace the cable actuator to a cable tensioning position in which the vehicle brake is set. The cable actuator and pedal lever are independently releaseably retained in the cable tensioning and depressed positions and, respectively, against the bias of the tensioned cable and a pedal lever biasing spring. A manually operable release mechanism operates to release the pedal lever from its depressed position and, during return of the pedal lever to its retracted position, the pedal lever operates to release the cable actuator for return to its released position.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a rock foundation is provided having a bit face matrix for supporting a plurality of cutters, the matrix having one or more fluid passages for discharging a fluid to flow over the bit face. To enhance the cleaning and cooling of the plurality of cutters, the bit face matrix includes a nozzle for restricting the surface fluid flow area between the foundation and the bit face to create a high velocity radial fluid flow across the entire surface area of the bit face matrix. This fluid flow prevents debris from accumulating on the plurality of cutters thus providing cooling thereof. In addition, improved fluid distribution is provided by a spiraling dams structure extending from the nozzle radially outward over substantially the entire bit face matrix. This structure enhances the flushing of the debris from the bit face by accelerating the debris and drilling fluid to the outer diameter of the bit.