Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing a structural element in composite material extending along a straight or curvilinear longitudinal direction, having a Z-shaped cross section and comprising, in its final configuration, a central web and two flanges extending at a given final angle from opposite end portions of the web in respective directions opposite to one another; the method including the steps of: arranging a plurality of layers of composite material on a shaped portion of a forming mold; laminating the layers on the shaped portion so that the web is arranged, at least partially, in its final configuration, that a first flange is arranged in its final configuration at the final angle with respect to the portion of the web arranged in its final configuration, and that a second flange is arranged in its initial configuration at an initial angle distinct from, and greater than, said final angle with respect to the portion of the web arranged in its final configuration; moving a movable portion of the f

Abstract: The present invention relates to neutralizing antibodies and fragments thereof directed against Platelet Factor-4 variant 1 (PF4v1) and their use for treating pathologies that require induction of angiogenesis or diseases associated with patho-logical angiogenesis.

Abstract: A brake has a pair of brake pads (12), each pad being moveable generally radially outwardly into contact with a brake drum by a respective operating lever (14) acted on at one end by a brake applying means (15) and pivoted (16) at the other end from a backplate (11). Each pad is contacted by a portion (14c) of the respective operating lever intermediate the lever ends and moving radially outwardly between a pair of circumferentially spaced abutments (45) which extend generally perpendicular to the backplate and which react braking torque when the brake is applied. One end of each abutment (45) is supported from the backplate and the other free ends of the abutments is linked circumferentially (46) to each other to brace the pair of abutments against relative circumferential deflection when the brake is applied. The pivots (16) of the levers may also be connected by a bracing link (75) to help to control the deflection of the pivots when the brake is applied.

Abstract: A drum brake (10) is provided which has a pair of brake pads (12), each pad being moveable generally radially outwardly into contact with a brake drum by a respective operating lever (14) which is acted on at one end by a brake applying means (15) and pivoted (16) at the other end from a backplate (11). Each pad is contacted by a portion (14c) of the respective operating lever intermediate the lever ends and is moved radially outwardly between a pair of circumferentially spaced abutments (45) which extend generally perpendicular to the backplate (11) and which react braking torque when the brake is applied. The required pad to drum clearance is established by knock-back of the drum on the pads (12).

Abstract: A drum brake backplate having a vibration damping mass secured thereto. One or more portions of the mass are secured to the backplate and the remainder of the mass is spaced from the backplate and defines one or more further portions which are tuned to vibrate relative to the backplate at a frequency which reduces the noise generated by one or more a target frequencies (or range of frequencies) of the backplate. The mass may be in the form of an elongate rod or strip member of arcuate form which is secured to the backplate at one or more locations adjacent the rim of the backplate. This can be effective in reducing noise which emanates from the vibration of the backplate in a region adjacent a hydraulic actuating cylinder of the brake.

Abstract: A brake has a pair of brake pads (12), each pad being moveable generally radially outwardly into contact with a brake drum by a respective operating lever (14) acted on at one end by a brake applying means (15) and pivoted (16) at the other end from a backplate (11). Each pad is contacted by a portion (14c) of the respective operating lever intermediate the lever ends and moving radially outwardly between a pair of circumferentially spaced abutments (45) which extend generally perpendicular to the backplate and which react braking torque when the brake is applied. One end of each abutment (45) is supported from the backplate and the other free ends of the abutments is linked circumferentially (46) to each other to brace the pair of abutments against relative circumferential deflection when the brake is applied. The pivots (16) of the levers may also be connected by a bracing link (75) to help to control the deflection of the pivots when the brake is applied.

Abstract: A drum brake has a pair of brake shoes (40) moveable radially outwardly into contact with an associated brake drum to provide a handbrake function by a cross strut (100) which acts between the brake shoes or between pivoting brake operating levers (14) which actuate the brake shoes. A handbrake lever (18) is pivoted on one brake shoe or brake operating lever (14) and contacts one end of the strut to displace the other brake shoe or brake operating lever towards the drum to apply the associated shoe against the drum and by reaction through the strut to also force the other brake shoe or brake operating lever toward the drum to apply the other shoe against the drum. The strut (100) is in two parts (101,102), one part being connected for movement with each respective brake shoe or operating lever, the strut parts having inter-engageable formations in the form of teeth (103,104) which when engaged allow the strut (100) to transmit axial force between the shoes or operating levers.

Abstract: A drum brake backplate having a vibration damping mass secured thereto. One or more portions of the mass are secured to the backplate and the remainder of the mass is spaced from the backplate and defines one or more further portions which are tuned to vibrate relative to the backplate at a frequency which reduces the noise generated by one or more a target frequencies (or range of frequencies) of the backplate. The mass may be in the form of an elongate rod or strip member of arcuate form which is secured to the backplate at one or more locations adjacent the rim of the backplate. This can be effective in reducing noise which emanates from the vibration of the backplate in a region adjacent a hydraulic actuating cylinder of the brake.

Abstract: A drum brake has a pair of brake shoes (40) moveable radially outwardly into contact with an associated brake drum to provide a handbrake function by a cross strut (100) which acts between the brake shoes or between pivoting brake operating levers (14) which actuate the brake shoes. A handbrake lever (18) is pivoted on one brake shoe or brake operating lever (14) and contacts one end of the strut to displace the other brake shoe or brake operating lever towards the drum to apply the associated shoe against the drum and by reaction through the strut to also force the other brake shoe or brake operating lever toward the drum to apply the other shoe against the drum. The strut (100) is in two parts (101,102), one part being connected for movement with each respective brake shoe or operating lever, the strut parts having inter-engageable formations in the form of teeth (103,104) which when engaged allow the strut (100) to transmit axial force between the shoes or operating levers.

Abstract: A drum brake (10) is provided which has a pair of brake pads (12), each pad being moveable generally radially outwardly into contact with a brake drum by a respective operating lever (14) which is acted on at one end by a brake applying means (15) and pivoted (16) at the other end from a backplate (11). Each pad is contacted by a portion (14c) of the respective operating lever intermediate the lever ends and is moved radially outwardly between a pair of circumferentially spaced abutments (45) which extend generally perpendicular to the backplate (11) and which react braking torque when the brake is applied. The required pad to drum clearance is established by knock-back of the drum on the pads (12).