Abstract: One embodiment of a brake drum includes a cylindrical main body portion, a brake drum mounting flange portion, a brake drum transition portion, the brake drum transition portion extending between the cylindrical main body portion and the mounting flange portion, the transition portion having a plurality of vent openings, and one air scoop secured at each of the vent openings, whereby rotation of the brake drum and air scoop induces air movement within a brake drum cavity defined by the main body portion. Each air scoop defines a louver opening which faces the angular direction of drum rotation, an air channel in fluid communication with the louver opening and the brake drum cavity, and a deflection surface located in the air channel. The deflection surface is positioned to re-direct air movement entering the louver opening at an angular direction, to a generally radial and inboard direction.

Abstract: One embodiment of a brake drum includes a cylindrical main body portion, a brake drum mounting flange portion, a brake drum transition portion, the brake drum transition portion extending between the cylindrical main body portion and the mounting flange portion, the transition portion having a plurality of vent openings, and one air scoop secured at each of the vent openings, whereby rotation of the brake drum and air scoop induces air movement within a brake drum cavity defined by the main body portion. Each air scoop defines a louver opening which faces the angular direction of drum rotation, an air channel in fluid communication with the louver opening and the brake drum cavity, and a deflection surface located in the air channel. The deflection surface is positioned to re-direct air movement entering the louver opening at an angular direction, to a generally radial and inboard direction.

Abstract: A novel composite brake drum with a shell and a drum liner that includes one or more mid-positioned squealer bands that are roughly in line with the ribs of the brake shoes. This places the most rigid part of the brake drum and the location of greatest heat sink over the most rigid portion of the brake shoes, which is also the position of greatest heat input. The axial cooling fins radiating from the squealer band aid in dissipating the heat from friction generated during the braking cycle.

Abstract: One embodiment of a brake drum includes a cylindrical main body portion, a brake drum mounting flange portion, a brake drum transition portion, the brake drum transition portion extending between the cylindrical main body portion and the mounting flange portion, the transition portion having a plurality of vent openings, and one air scoop secured at each of the vent openings, whereby rotation of the brake drum and air scoop induces air movement within a brake drum cavity defined by the main body portion. Each air scoop defines a louver opening which faces the angular direction of drum rotation, an air channel in fluid communication with the louver opening and the brake drum cavity, and a deflection surface located in the air channel.

Abstract: A vehicle composite brake drum (10) is provided and includes a brake drum shell (12), and a brake drum liner (22), the brake drum liner (22) is formed of compacted graphite iron. A method of manufacturing the vehicle composite brake drum includes forming a brake drum shell and then forming a brake drum liner of compacted graphite iron.

Abstract: A compacted graphite iron brake component for use in a braking system having a final composition of: 3.0 to about 4.0 percent carbon; 2.15 to about 2.60 percent silicon; 0.40 to about 0.90 manganese; and the balance iron. The brake component having a frictionally engageable portion with a microstructure of compacted graphite disposed in a pearlitic matrix.

Abstract: A compacted graphite iron brake component for use in a braking system having a final composition of: 3.0 to about 4.0 percent carbon; 2.15 to about 2.60 percent silicon; 0.40 to about 0.90 manganese; and the balance iron. The brake component having a frictionally engageable portion with a microstructure of compacted graphite disposed in a pearlitic matrix.

Abstract: A compacted graphite iron brake component for use in a braking system having a final composition of: 3.0 to about 4.0 percent carbon; 2.15 to about 2.60 percent silicon; 0.40 to about 0.90 manganese; and the balance iron. The brake component having a frictionally engageable portion with a microstructure of compacted graphite disposed in a pearlitic matrix.

Abstract: A cylindrical brake drum including a flanged end and an open end having a squealer band in the shape of an annular ring and a multiplicity of chill fins irregularly spaced one to another and/or relative to a plurality of equally spaced airflow channels where the chill fins are cast into the squealer band and the outside surface of the brake drum where the chill fins are generally of a constant height with respect to the outside surface and then moving axially outward decrease in height to meet the outside surface and cause any casting porosities to move to a central region of the squealer band thereby reducing drum cracking due to localized hot spots thereby greatly improving the brake drum fatigue strength while minimizing the increase in overall weight and facilitating ease of manufacture.

Abstract: An anti-skid system for a tandem axle vehicle including an improved vehicle suspension for opposing a selected portion of the braking torque which tends to unload the front axle during breaking to eliminate brake hop. The suspension cooperates with an anti-skid circuit to increase braking efficiency. In one embodiment, the anti-skid circuit senses a skid condition at the rear wheels on a per side basis and controls the braking of the wheels on that side in response thereto. In an alternate embodiment, the anti-skid circuit senses a skid condition at either the front or rear wheels on a per side basis and controls the braking of the wheels on that side in response thereto.