Abstract: A single-acting, clearance sensing slack adjuster for brakes is provided. The slack adjuster includes a displaceable brake actuation assembly (28), a rotatable driving member (52), a rotatable intermediate member (60) and a rotatable driven member (56). The driven member is in driving relationship with a rotatable adjustment member (50) which is rotatable in a given direction to advance a brake friction member (32) to maintain the running clearance (38) within predetermined limits. A linear to rotational motion assembly (76-80) is provided to rotate the driving member in the slack decreasing direction of rotation in response to greater than predetermined movement (82) of the brake actuation assembly. A first coil clutch (20) couples the driving and intermediate members while a second coil clutch (72) couples the intermediate and driven members.

Abstract: A vehicular disc brake in which the backing plate of the inboard brake pad assembly includes holes which capture guide rails carried by spaced arm portions of the torque plate and the backing plate of the outboard brake pad assembly is pinned to the outboard web of the caliper. The various clearances are selected such that, upon application of the brake, the inboard backing plate pulls on one of the guide rails to transmit the braking torque exerted on the inboard pad assembly to one arm of the torque plate and the caliper pushes against the other guide rail to transmit the braking torque exerted on the outboard pad assembly to the other arm of the torque plate.

Abstract: A vehicular air disc brake of the wedge actuator type in which the wedge actuator is secured to the air motor by an annular fastener which is snap locked in place in a blind bore in the free end of the wedge actuator and which acts to secure the free end of the piston rod of the air motor to the wedge actuator in response to generally linear movement of the piston rod into the fastener. The fastener is split to allow insertion into the blind bore in the free end of the wedge actuator, and includes a plurality of finger portions which together define a single helical thread disposed within the blind bore; this single thread allows the threads on the air motor piston rod to ratchet therepast upon insertion of the piston rod, allows the piston rod to be threaded out of the fastener for disassembly purposes, and, in the event of inadvertent backing out rotation of the piston rod, allows the piston rod to reseat in the blind bottom of the wedge actuator brake in response to the next actuation of the air motor.

Abstract: A housing assembly for a wedge type disc brake in which the wedge actuator is housed in a radially disposed aluminum housing member which is clamped between the inboard end of a ferrous caliper housing member and a ferrous end plate by axial bolts passing through the end plate and the aluminum housing member for threaded engagement with bores in the inboard end of the caliper housing. The inboard face of the aluminum housing member has an opening opposite the wedge actuator which is closed by the end plate so that the inboard rollers of the roller bearing assembly interconnecting the wedge actuator and the push rod bear directly on the outboard face of the end plate. The braking force generated at the interface of the wedge actuator and the push rod is thus transferred to the end plate and absorbed by tensioning of the bolts, thereby relieving the aluminum housing of any significant tensile loading.

Abstract: An automatic clearance adjuster for a cam actuated vehicle brake. The adjuster is disposed in a pivotal lever and includes a worm and worm gear, an adjusting mechanism for effecting a clearance decreasing rotation of the worm during the brake apply stroke, a torque limiting ratchet clutch which slips to prevent rotation of the worm by the adjusting mechanism when the shoes are in contact with the drum during the brake apply stroke, and a roller clutch which prevents clearance increasing rotation of the worm by the adjusting mechanism during the brake release stroke.

Abstract: An automatic clearance adjuster for a cam actuated vehicle brake. The adjuster is disposed in a pivotal lever and includes a worm and worm gear, an adjusting mechanism for effecting a clearance decreasing rotation of the worm during the brake apply stroke and a clearance increasing rotation of the worm during the brake relesase stroke, a two-way torque limiting ratchet clutch which slips to prevent rotation of the worm by the adjusting mechanism when the shoes are in contact with the drum, and a roller clutch which allows a predetermined amount of clearance increasing rotation of the worm by the adjusting mechanism and then locks up and causes slippage of the torque limiting clutch to prevent further clearance increasing rotation of the worm.

Abstract: An inflator assembly including a flow control device associated with a safety system for controlling flow of fluid from a fluid source into an inflatable restraint, such as an inflatable confinement associated with a vehicle for protecting an occupant during a collision. The flow control device includes a shiftable valve which is normally responsive to fluid flow initially actuated by an explosive. The shiftable valve contains or orifice which is progressively opened during the opening movement of the valve to provide for controlled flow of fluid into the restraint.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for a vehicle including an air bag having a collapsed inoperative condition and an expanded operative condition for restraining movement of an occupant of the vehicle during a collision, a fluid supply, and a diffuser for directing fluid from the fluid supply into the air bag. The fluid supply includes a staged source of fluid for expanding the air bag. Fluid from the first source stage is introduced into the diffuser immediately upon the collision of the vehicle to initiate expansion of the air bag. After a time delay of milliseconds, a greater mass flow of fluid from the second source stage is introduced into the diffuser to complete the expansion of the air bag.