Abstract: A wear indicator comprising: (a) a connector that attaches the wear indicator to a brake pad, the brake pad including a friction material having a plane; (b) a scraper; and (c) an indicator portion; wherein the indicator portion forms a cantilever connection with the scraper and extends parallel to the plane of the friction portion.

Abstract: A brake pad assembly includes a backing plate, a brake lining and a brake wear indicator. The brake lining is disposed on a front side of the backing plate for engagement with a rotor to be braked. The brake wear indicator is formed of an elastic metallic strip with one end attached to the front side of the backing plate. Moreover, the brake wear indicator is disposed adjacent to the brake lining for engagement with the rotor to be braked once the brake lining is worn out to a predetermined safe thickness, and thereby causing an annoying noise to alert an motorist that the brake pad assembly needs to be replaced.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a mobile machine is disclosed. The brake assembly may have a brake housing, an output member rotatably disposed within the brake housing, and a disc stack disposed within a cavity of the brake housing. The disc stack may include a plurality of friction discs coupled to the output member and a plurality of separator plates interleaved with the plurality of friction discs and coupled to the brake housing. The brake assembly may also have a piston disposed within the cavity and configured to compress the disc stack, and an indicator received within a bore of the brake housing against the piston. The indicator may include a first feature configured to provide at least one of visual and tactile indication of wear of the disc stack, and a second feature configured to provide at least one of a visual and tactile indication of failure of the disc stack.

Abstract: A wear indicator comprising; (a) a connector that attaches the wear indicator to a brake pad, the brake pad including a friction material having a plane; (b) a scraper; and (c) art indicator portion; wherein the indicator portion forms a cantilever connection with the scraper and extends parallel to the plane of the friction portion.

Abstract: A caliper housing including a piston bore and a bridge extending between the piston bore and a pair of caliper fingers interconnecting the caliper fingers and the piston bore. The caliper fingers of the caliper housing extend downwardly from the bridge to define a flat surface. A rotor having a disc shape defines a first side and a second side and disposed adjacent to the caliper fingers. An outer brake pad defining a first centroid is disposed adjacent to the first side of the rotor abutting the caliper fingers allowing the caliper fingers to urge the outer brake pad into engagement with the first side of the rotor. Each of the caliper fingers defines a pivot edge extending between the outer brake pad and the flat surface of the caliper fingers allowing the outer brake pad to pivot about the pivot edge.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a mobile machine is disclosed. The brake assembly may have a brake housing, an output member rotatably disposed within the brake housing, and a disc stack disposed within a cavity of the brake housing. The disc stack may include a plurality of friction discs coupled to the output member and a plurality of separator plates interleaved with the plurality of friction discs and coupled to the brake housing. The brake assembly may also have a piston disposed within the cavity and configured to compress the disc stack, and an indicator received within a bore of the brake housing against the piston. The indicator may include a first feature configured to provide at least one of visual and tactile indication of wear of the disc stack, and a second feature configured to provide at least one of a visual and tactile indication of failure of the disc stack.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly with a camshaft and a wear monitoring device for measurement of the wear status, the wear monitoring device and the camshaft including alignment mechanisms which enable and ensure that only one particular angular position between the camshaft and a rotating element of the wear monitoring device is possible.

Abstract: A brake pad includes a tell-tale substance at the safe-limit thickness of the brake friction. Tell-tale additives may include: fluorescent mineral, colorant, reflective powder, odorant, magnetic or any other easily detectable material. The tell-tale may be added to existing designs of brakes or included on the plate for supply to the brake manufacturer. Dust from the tell-tale substance appears in the ambient when the brakes need to be replaced. Brake evaluation can thus be conducted quickly and easily from outside the vehicle when it is stopped by drivers, operators and safety authorities.

Abstract: A brake disk has a wear-reducing surface coating including a wear indicator and a friction ring. The wear indicator is a raised portion on the friction ring and is underneath the surface coating. The raised portion runs around the friction ring in the form of a wavy line, for example. The raised portion has a height which corresponds to a wear limit.

Abstract: A brake drum configured for providing an visual indication of braking surface diameter safe operating limits while the brake drum is mounted on a vehicle that includes one or more axially-oriented indentations defined in the braking surface, each of which is defined to a depth that is less than or corresponds to the maximum safe operating diameter of the braking surface.

Abstract: A brake block for bicycle includes a base which is made by plastic injection molding and a pad body made of rubber. The base has a fixing portion formed on one side thereof and a connecting portion formed on another side thereof. The connecting portion is connected with the fixing portion. The connecting portion has a plurality of necks connecting with the fixing portion and a connecting plate which is mounted on the necks. A gap is defined in two adjacent necks. The pad body has a braking portion formed on another side thereof for providing frictional effect. The pad body is partially filled into the gaps of the connecting portion of the base. The necks and the connecting plate are thoroughly covered by the pad body so that the base and the pad body form as an integral part.

Abstract: A friction disc (2) with an anti-abrasion layer (1) and integrated wear indication, the friction disc (2) having a friction surface (2?) which is completely covered by the anti-abrasion layer (1). At least one indication surface element (3) which occupies a part of the friction surface (2?) and differs from at least one of the components friction surface (2?) and anti-abrasion layer (1) of the friction disc (2) in at least one of the features coloring and texture is provided between the anti-abrasion layer (1) and the friction disc (2). Compositions of the anti-abrasion layer (1) of the friction disc (2).

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a brake pad which provides a visual indication when the brake pad requires changing. The brake pad includes a first layer, where the first layer includes a material configured to create friction with an external brake disk connected to a wheel. The brake pad also includes a second layer. The second layer includes the material of the first layer. The second layer also includes a dye, wherein the dye is configured to create a visually identifiable dust on the external brake disk.

Abstract: A brake pad (10) includes a backing plate (12) of plastic material, a friction lining (14) overmolded on the backing plate (12) and a metal reinforcement plate (16) embedded in the backing plate (12). The backing plate (12) has a solid peripheral structure (18) and an inner structure (20) made as a grid-like reticular structure having a plurality of cavities (22) evenly distributed on its surface and filled at least partially by the material of the friction lining (14). At least part of the cavities (22) are made as through cavities, whereby the friction lining (14) forms columns (24) which extend into the through cavities (22) and improve the adhesion between the friction lining (14) and the backing plate (12). The area of the through cavities (22) amounts at least to 4.5% of the area of the face of the friction lining (14) opposite to the one in contact with the backing plate (12).

Abstract: A brakeshoe having a backing plate formed with a seat recess opening at a face, is provided with a brakeshoe wear sensor held in place by a U-shaped spring clip. The clip is formed with a pair of legs extending generally parallel to each other and spaced so as to fit around the sensor and a front end extending between the legs and joining same together. The legs and front end fit wholly in the seat recess between the sensor and the backing plate and bear on the sensor and backing plate. A bent-out tab projects transversely from each of the legs and bears outside the recess on the face of the backing plate.

Abstract: A brake drum is disclosed which is configured for providing an external visual indication of braking surface diameter safe operating limits while installed on a vehicle and includes one or more indentations in its outer surface overlaying the area defined by the interior braking surface where the depth of an indentation is at least co-level with a prescribed safe operating diameter of the braking surface.

Abstract: A hybrid brake pad that includes a backing plate and a semi-metallic portion having a central groove. The semi-metallic portion is connected with the backing plate. A first ceramic composite portion is adjacent to the semi-metallic portion, and connecting with the backing plate. A second ceramic composite portion is opposite the first ceramic composite portion, and connecting with the backing plate.

Abstract: A device for recognizing wear of a brake pad of a disc brake includes a holder that can be inserted in a pad carrier plate of the brake pad for holding a contact conductor. A contact arm of the holder has a receptacle for the contact conductor. A clamping element of the holder is connected to the contact arm and has two clamping arms elastically movable relative to one another. The device is designed such that transition regions between the clamping element and the contact arm are rounded in the direction of the clamping arms.

Abstract: A brake stroke indicator, comprising a L shaped indicator member disposed on the push rod clevis pin, and a concealing means. The indicator member comprises a first section with holes to connect with the push rod clevis pin and slack adjuster, and a second section of highly reflective color surface angularly disposed to the first section. The indicator member moves with the clevis pin, and oscillates as the push rod is reciprocating. The indicator member hides behind the concealing member while the push rod reciprocates within safe limits. The second section of indicator show up out of the concealing means when the push rod goes beyond its safe operational limits.

Abstract: A brake pad holder of a disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle is provided, wherein brake pads assigned to both sides of a brake disc are held by a respective pad-holding spring in a spring-loaded manner in a pad shaft of a positionally fixed brake anchor plate or of a brake caliper. A pad-holding clip, which extends in the axial direction of the brake disc and is fastened to the brake caliper, is supported on the brake pads. The brake pad holder is designed such that the pad-holding clip has at least one limb which extends approximately radially with respect to the brake disc and enters into a recess of at least one brake pad.

Abstract: Apparatus including a carbon-carbon composite pressure plate (32, 42) having a friction surface (33, 43) on one side thereof, a non-friction surface (37, 47) on the opposite side thereof, and a body (39, 49) between said surfaces. A wear pin housing (36, 46) containing a wear pin retainer (35, 45) is located in the pressure plate body (39, 49), the wear pin housing opening to the non-friction surface (37, 47) but not opening to the friction surface (33, 43). A wear pin (31), preferably made of carbon-carbon composite material, is located in the wear pin retainer (35, 45). The wear pin retainer (35, 45), which may be made of carbon-carbon composite material, is held in place in the wear pin housing (36, 46) by the interaction of threading in the wear pin housing (36, 36) and threading in the wear pin retainer (35, 45) and optionally also by a carbonizable resin adhesive located between the wear pin housing threading and the wear pin retainer threading.

Abstract: In a method for determining an electrical operating variable, in particular the air play (L) and/or zero position (N) of a brake (1) having a friction element (12) which can be pressed in at least two application directions (A, B) against the friction surface of an element (14) to be braked, the air play or the zero position can be determined in a simple and precise manner by virtue of the friction element (12) being placed into a first and a second point of contact (K1, K2) with the element (14) to be braked, the position x1, x2 of the contact points K1, K2 being detected by means of sensors, and the operating variable (L, N) which is sought being determined therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring-clip (4) serving as a holder (1) for a brakeshoe wear sensor (2) in a brakeshoe backing plate (3) that is designed substantially in a U-shape and holds the wear sensor (2) in sections in a corresponding seat (5) of the brakeshoe backing plate (3) in such a manner that it cannot be lost in that parts of legs of the spring clip (4) rest on the seat (5) and on the wear sensor (2), in which the invention provides that at least one bent tab (6 and 7) projects from the spring clip (4) in sections and bear at least partially on the face of the brakeshoe backing plate (3) when the wear sensor (2) is inserted into the seat (5) by the spring clip (4).

Abstract: An embodiment of a control system of a braking device is provided. Said braking device includes at least one braking element adapted to apply a braking action to a moving body. The control system includes receiving means for receiving an indication of a target value of the braking action to be applied to the moving body, measuring means for measuring an indication of an actual value of the braking action applied to the moving body and driving means for driving the braking element according to a comparison between the target value and the actual value. The measuring means includes sensing means for sensing a warping of at least one part of the moving body and/or of the braking device, and logic means for estimating the actual value according to the warping.

Abstract: The specification describes a method and a system for measuring the wear of a disk of composite ceramic material of a disk brake. The method comprises the following operations: measuring the temperature (T) of the disk at a predetermined frequency (f), calculating a wear increment (delta i) as a function of the measured temperature (T) at every temperature measurement, summing the calculated wear increments (delta i) comparing the sum of the wear increments with a predetermined limiting wear index (i lim) and signalling the eventual overstepping of the limiting wear index (i lim).

Abstract: A disc brake pad having a visual indicator of brake wear to eliminate the current necessity of dismantling related parts for brake pad inspection by an automobile mechanic. The improved brake pad uses an existing conventional brake pad friction material having a recess cut into a rear surface of the friction material where the friction material is connected to the brake pad backing. This recess is filled with one or more layers of a brightly-colored visual indicator dye or dyes. As the friction material is worn sway by contact with the brake rotor, the thickness of the friction material is reduced until, eventually, the visual indicator becomes exposed at a predetermined depth. The visual indicator dye is pulverized and discharged onto the exterior surface of the wheel rim as colored brake dust. The presence of the colored brake dust alerts the driver of the need for brake pad replacement.

Abstract: A force sensor is incorporated into a disc brake, and is operable to sense the point of force application increase during application of the disc brake. The force will increase sharply once the brake pad initially contacts the rotor. The sensor is able to determine the point of this force increase, and provide this information to a control. The control powers an electric motor for providing electric motor adjustment of the position of the piston which drives the brake pad, to compensate for wear. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor includes a protective cover with a thin anvil between the cover and the sensor. The anvil is operable to transmit the force, and limit the force applied, to protect the sensor.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus signals to an inspector on a cursory exterior examination of a vehicle that brake pads have reached the limit of safe wear. Brake pads are designed to release a material that has a color other than the browns and grays of conventional brake pad dust when they reach the limit of safe wear. The colored material distributes itself on the wheel of the vehicle, thereby offering telltale evidence of worn-out brake pads. A first embodiment brake pad employs a colored powdered material enclosed in at least one pocket beneath the normal wear range of the friction lining. A third embodiment brake pad employs a heat-stable, colored liquid or slurry in metal capsule. The capsule is breached by rubbing against the brake rotor when the wear limit is reached. Inorganic pigments are used for powder, slurry and friction lining colorants.

Abstract: A brake pad includes a backing plate and a friction material layer attached to the backing plate. At least one inner layer is disposed within the friction material layer. The inner layer has a color different than the friction material layer.

Abstract: A brake for a vehicle wheel which is mounted in such a way that it can be rotated in relation to a wheel support, the brake including a frame which is fixed to the wheel support, and additional mobile and fixed friction elements. The inventive brake also includes a device for measuring a parameter representing the energetic capacity of the brake. The measuring device includes a capacitive sensor and an information processing unit, the capacitive sensor having two measuring reinforcements mounted face-to-face and carried by the frame, and a dielectric screen carried by a friction element which can be displaced by the action of each actuator. The dielectric screen slides between the two reinforcements during the clamping of the friction elements in order to modify the capacity of the condenser formed by the two measuring reinforcements. The brake is useful in an aeroplane.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly wear indicator configured to be examined by physical contact, i.e. touch, as well as by eyesight to determine wear of the brake assembly friction couple. Physical markings are provided on the assembly carrier and caliper in locations selected so that the tactile-sensible markings are furthest away when the friction couple is new or unknown and adjacent each other when the friction couple wear is at the minimally acceptable level.

Abstract: A bicycle disk brake pad comprises a backing plate and a friction member. The friction member comprises a friction brake part and a wear indicating part, wherein the friction part is adapted to contact a rotating brake member, and the wear indicating part is mounted to the backing plate. The friction brake part and the wear indicating part each comprise a common material and a harder material that is harder than the common material. A proportion of the harder material in the wear indicating part is greater than a proportion of the harder material in the friction brake part.

Abstract: The specification describes a method and a system for measuring the wear of a disk of composite ceramic material of a disk brake. The method comprises the following operations: measuring the temperature (T) of the disk at a predetermined frequency (f), calculating a wear increment (delta i) as a function of the measured temperature (T) at every temperature measurement, summing the calculated wear increments (delta i) comparing the sum of the wear increments with a predetermined limiting wear index (i lim) and signalling the eventual overstepping of the limiting wear index (i lim).

Abstract: In a disk brake of a vehicle, a caliper device which supports pads that can be pressed against a brake disk rotating with a wheel and which exerts a force to press the pads against the brake disk, is supported on a support member that supports an axle of the wheel. A recess that allows an entire thickness of the pad to be always visually identified from outside, is provided in a portion of a member that constitutes the caliper device, the portion covering the pad from outside. Thus, a degree of freedom in positioning of the caliper device is increased in checking a remaining amount of a pad.

Abstract: A brake stroke indicator, comprising a L shaped indicator member disposed on the push rod clevis pin, and a concealing means. The indicator member comprises a first section with holes to connect with the push rod clevis pin and slack adjuster, and a second section of highly reflective color surface angularly disposed to the first section. The indicator member moves with the clevis pin, and oscillates as the push rod is reciprocating. The indicator member hides behind the concealing member while the push rod reciprocates within safe limits. The second section of indicator show up out of the concealing means when the push rod goes beyond its safe operational limits.

Abstract: A method and brake disc assembly to utilize worn refurbished brake material is disclosed. The method discloses the use of a brake disc for braking and the subsequent machining or refurbishment of the brake disc so that the brake disc can be used for three tours of braking to increase the utilization of the brake material.

Abstract: An electrically actuated aircraft brake system and method which provides for brake wear measurement, brake running clearance adjustment, ram position-based control and improved construction and operation. Brake wear and running clearance measurement are obtained by analyzing the output of position sensing circuitry. The position sensing circuitry, preferably including a LVDT position sensor, is also used to determine braking load, a brake controller including circuitry for effecting displacement of one or more reciprocating rams to load a brake disk stack by a predetermined amount based on a present displacement value of the position signal obtained from the position sensor. The position sensor preferably includes a LVDT transducer connected between the reciprocating ram and a brake housing, and the motive device preferably includes a servo motor.

Abstract: A multicolored indicator part and cover part are attached to a truck brake slack adjuster and S cam shaft. Relative motion of the brake slack adjuster and the S cam shaft causes relative motion of the two parts to reveal the colors on the indicator part. Good, warning, and danger colors are provided in highly reflective surfaces seen in a walk around inspection of a truck.

Abstract: A brake pad includes a backing plate and a friction material layer attached to the backing plate. At least one inner layer is disposed within the friction material layer. The inner layer has a color different than the friction material layer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distributing brake torque between at least a first and a second brake system of a motor vehicle including at least two wheel axles and four wheels with tires, in which the first brake system acts on at least one wheel axle and in which the second brake system acts on at least one driven wheel axle and in which the distribution of brake torque between the first and the second brake system takes account of the wear of the tires and the constituent components of the brake systems.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly wear indicator configured to be examined by physical contact, i.e. touch, as well as by eyesight to determine wear of the brake assembly friction couple. Physical markings are provided on the assembly carrier and caliper in locations selected so that the tactile-sensible markings are furthest away when the friction couple is new or unknown and adjacent each other when the friction couple wear is at the minimally acceptable level.

Abstract: A brake pad with an integral wear indicator feature comprises a brake support plate, an underlayment on a surface of the brake support plate, and at least one friction material layer on the underlayment, the underlayment including an effective amount of metallic particles that have a cross sectional area of at least 0.05 mm2, and a length greater than 0.10 mm. The underlayment produce a loudness of at least 70 dB and a frequency as measured six feet from the underlayment of at least 1.5 kHz when the underlayment contacts a braking surface of a brake assembly, thus providing a distinctive warning to a driver that brake service is required.

Abstract: An indicator device indicating the travel of an air bag-type brake actuator when brakes are applied includes a stationary indicator plate having a cut out extending alongside the path of travel of the actuator. The cut out includes side edges positioned at acceptable minimum and maximum actuator expansion distances giving an indication of proper functioning of the brakes. The device further includes an integral mounting arm for mounting on a plate in the fixed end of the actuator. The mounting arm includes a slot for receiving an upper edge of the stationary measuring plate and a stud on a resilient portion of the arm. An aperture on the stationary measuring plate receives the stud when the arm is mount on it.

Abstract: A wear gauge device (10) for use with disc brake systems having a boss (100) provided with a floating arm (101) and wear indicator pin (102) that track the thickness of brake lining material (104) wherein, the wear gauge device (10) includes an illumination member (40) mounted on one end of a telescoping support member (30) the other end of which is connected and disposed perpendicular to a wear plate member (20) having a plurality of different colored wear indicator segments (21) (22) (23) that are positionable behind the wear indicator pin (102) to obtain an estimate of the remaining amount of brake lining material (104).

Abstract: Apparatus including a carbon-carbon composite pressure plate (32, 42) having a friction surface (33, 43) on one side thereof, a non-friction surface (37, 47) on the opposite side thereof, and a body (39, 49) between said surfaces. A wear pin housing (36, 46) containing a wear pin retainer (35, 45) is located in the pressure plate body (39, 49), the wear pin housing opening to the non-friction surface (37, 47) but not opening to the friction surface (33, 43). A wear pin (31), preferably made of carbon-carbon composite material, is located in the wear pin retainer (35, 45). The wear pin retainer (35, 45), which may be made of carbon-carbon composite material, is held in place in the wear pin housing (36, 46) by the interaction of threading in the wear pin housing (36, 36) and threading in the wear pin retainer (35, 45) and optionally also by a carbonizable resin adhesive located between the wear pin housing threading and the wear pin retainer threading.

Abstract: A modular electrical resistance sensor is positionable in gaps between brake linings for a drum brake. The modular sensor is worn with the brake linings resulting in steadily increasing electrical resistance of the modular sensor. A measurement circuit associated with the modular sensor is programmed to equate electrical resistance to the degree of wear when the sensor has assumed a steady state temperature at or near the ambient temperature. Otherwise, particularly during periods of use of the brakes, resistance and the degree of wear last calculated become arguments into a function for determining brake lining temperature.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly includes a sensor mounted to a push rod which is in communication with a transceiver antenna. The sensor provides positional information of the push rod relative to the antenna. A clearance between a friction element and a rotating brake member is determined based on displacement of the push rod and known mechanical relationships within the brake actuator.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mechanism having a brake rotor adapted to connect to a vehicle and a brake caliper having a brake pad. The brake caliper clamps the brake pad against the brake rotor to slow the vehicle. The clamping causes heating of the brake rotor and a hydrocarbon release. The mechanism also includes a glowing member connected to an outboard face of the brake rotor such that heating causes glowing of the glowing member. The glowing member provides a visually pleasing aesthetic appearance from the brake rotor visibly to bystander.

Abstract: For an air-operated disc brake there is provided an internal brake actuator stroke indicator which provides an indication, readily ascertained from outside the brake caliper, of the amount of actuator stroke remaining in a disc brake apparatus before a remaining available actuator stroke limit is reached. In one embodiment, the stroke indicator is a mechanical device, readable through a sight glass in a caliper port, coupled to the brake actuator in a manner which results in rotary motion of the indicator when the brake actuator is displaced through its stroke. Alternatively, the indicator may be a rotary sensor such as an electrical potentiometer coupled to the actuator, where the potentiometer sends an electrical signal indicative of the actuator stroke to an external display, such as a remote actuator stroke display at a vehicle operator's position.

Abstract: A disc brake, especially for commercial vehicles, comprising a brake caliper overlapping a disc brake, a brake application device which is arranged in the brake caliper and pneumatically actuated or actuated by an electric motor for applying a brake, and at least one electric-motor driven adjustment device, characterized in that said disc brake comprises a control device which is arranged on or in the disc brake for controlling at least on electric-motor driven adjustment device. The method for controlling a disc brake according to the one of the above-mentioned claims is characterized in that the adjustment device of the disc brake is controlled by a control device which is directly integrated into the disc brake.