Abstract: A brake actuator apparatus is provided for an air disc brake of a vehicle air braking system. The apparatus comprises a bridge housing having (i) a first end portion, (ii) a second end portion distal from the first end portion, (iii) a vehicle outboard surface extending between the first and second end portions, and (iv) a vehicle inboard surface extending between the first and second end portions. The apparatus further comprises a first tappet having a longitudinal central axis and disposed at the first end portion and extending between the outboard surface and the inboard surface, and a second tappet having a longitudinal central axis and disposed at the second end portion and extending between the outboard surface and the inboard surface. The apparatus also comprises a gear train disposed on the outboard surface and including a plurality of gear wheels operatively coupled to the tappets.

Abstract: A drum brake shoe has first and second webs, with the first web including a first end section to be located adjacent a brake shoe actuation element, a second end section to be located adjacent a brake shoe anchor element, and a central section extending between the first and second end sections. Similarly, the second web includes a first end section to be located adjacent the brake shoe actuation element, a second end section to be located adjacent the brake shoe anchor element, and a central section extending between the first and second end sections of the second web. At least one lining table is disposed at circumferentially outer portions of the first and second webs, and a pin or other return spring mounting is provided by at least the first web.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating characteristics of an S-cam are provided. The inventive method includes the step of obtaining angle values and displacement values indicative of an angle of rotation of the S-cam and displacement of a cam follower caused by rotation of a lobe of the S-cam. The method further includes the step of determining a profile for the lobe of the S-cam responsive to the angle values and the displacement values. The method further includes the steps of computing a deviation of the profile from a desired profile for the lobe of the S-cam and determining a rate of change in the deviation of the profile. In addition, the system and method may evaluate characteristics such as the concentricity of the S-cam and power transfer characteristics of the S-cam.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating characteristics of an S-cam are provided. The inventive method includes the step of obtaining angle values and displacement values indicative of an angle of rotation of the S-cam and displacement of a cam follower caused by rotation of a lobe of the S-cam. The method further includes the step of determining a profile for the lobe of the S-cam responsive to the angle values and the displacement values. The method further includes the steps of computing a deviation of the profile from a desired profile for the lobe of the S-cam and determining a rate of change in the deviation of the profile. In addition, the system and method may evaluate characteristics such as the concentricity of the S-cam and power transfer characteristics of the S-cam.

Abstract: A drum brake shoe has first and second webs, with the first web including a first end section to be located adjacent a brake shoe actuation element, a second end section to be located adjacent a brake shoe anchor element, and a central section extending between the first and second end sections. Similarly, the second web includes a first end section to be located adjacent the brake shoe actuation element, a second end section to be located adjacent the brake shoe anchor element, and a central section extending between the first and second end sections of the second web. At least one lining table is disposed at circumferentially outer portions of the first and second webs, and a pin or other return spring mounting is provided by at least the first web.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly is provided that allows venting of pressurized air from a chamber defined by the hubcap, but prevents entry of contaminants into the chamber. The wheel end assembly includes a hubcap that is configured to be coupled to a wheel and defines a chamber for retaining lubricant for wheel bearings for the wheel. One wall of the hubcap has an aperture in fluid communication with the chamber and a plug is disposed within the aperture. The plug defines a valve for releasing pressurized air from the chamber. The assembly finally includes a cap that is supported on the body of the plug and extends in an outboard direction. The cap is disposed over an outlet of the valve and defines a first fluid chamber in fluid communication with both the outlet of the valve and ambient air. The cap and plug can be inserted into and removed from the aperture as a unit.