Abstract: A cam for a brake is provided that allows for greater brake shoe travel and thicker brake linings while providing the same or greater mechanical force as compared to conventional cams. One or more lobes of the cam include multiple portions having varying profiles in axial cross-section. The variation in the cam profiles results in a cam in which the outermost ends or tips of the lobes are longer than in conventional cams yet retain the same mechanical strength.

Abstract: A cam for a brake is provided that allows for greater brake shoe travel and thicker brake linings while providing the same or greater mechanical force as compared to conventional cams. One or more lobes of the cam include multiple portions having varying profiles in axial cross-section. The variation in the cam profiles results in a cam in which the outermost ends or tips of the lobes are longer than in conventional cams yet retain the same mechanical strength.

Abstract: A steering assembly is provided that incorporates a system for controlled damping of vibration between a steering knuckle and tie rod end. A bushing formed from a damping material is inserted within an aperture formed in a tie rod arm of the steering knuckle. The shank from a ball stud member of a tie rod end is then inserted through the aperture and through a spring washer. The combination of the bushing and spring washer reduces and/or eliminates transmission of vibration from the steering knuckle to the tie rod end.

Abstract: A surface capacity parameter is determined for a surface of an article having irregularities therein that can be characterized by peaks and valleys relative to a reference point. Initially, an area of interest on the surface of the article and a lateral resolution of that area of interest are determined. An apparatus generates a visual representation of the area of interest on the surface of the article. A deflection contact part factor for the article is calculated, and a bearing ratio curve level is determined based upon the calculated deflection contact part factor and the magnitude of the height or distance between the tallest peak and the lowest valley on the surface of the article. The volume of the material comprising the peaks in the surface of the article and the volume of the space in the surface of the article that is available for the retention of a fluid, such as a lubricant, are determined.

Abstract: A steering assembly is provided that incorporates a system for controlled damping of vibration between a steering knuckle and tie rod end. A bushing formed from a damping material is inserted within an aperture formed in a tie rod arm of the steering knuckle. The shank from a ball stud member of a tie rod end is then inserted through the aperture and through a spring washer. The combination of the bushing and spring washer reduces and/or eliminates transmission of vibration from the steering knuckle to the tie rod end.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly is formed by precision stamping a net shaped web blank having a series of tabs projecting outward therefrom and stamping a corresponding table member provided with tab receiving apertures and bending the table member into a semi-cylindrical segment. The web blank and the table are assembled causing the web tabs and table apertures to be interlocked securely locating the parts temporarily prior to the cooperating tabs and apertures being permanently joined together using a hot staking process without any portion thereof extending substantially beyond the outer semi-cylindrical surface of the table.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly is formed by precision stamping a net shaped web blank out of steel forming a series of tabs projecting outward therefrom, stamping a corresponding table member provided with tab receiving apertures, and bending the table member into a semi-cylindrical segment. The web blank and the table are assembled causing the web tabs and table apertures to be interlocked securely locating the parts temporarily together. The cooperating tabs and projections are then permanently joined together using a hot staking process which quickly heats, radially deforms and self quenches the tab to metallurgically strength the joint.

Abstract: A brake drum and wheel assembly having a reduced heat transfer coefficient having an insulating ring formed in a flange section of the wheel disposed to be clamped against a drum extension attached to a cylindrical main drum. In an alternate embodiment, the drum extension is coated with a thermal insulating material such that a layer of the insulating material is disposed between the wheel flange section and the drum extension.

Abstract: A heat sink having an annular conductive section disposed between a brake drum and a wheel assembly with a plurality of convective sections extending from the conductive section through a like number of hand-hold apertures formed in the wheel assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the heat sink has a hollow section formed in each convective section extending into the conductive section where the hollow section is at least partially filled with a heat conductive material that undergoes a phase change to further enhance the heat transfer from the conductive section to the convective section.