Abstract: For the control of a brake unit for automotive vehicles, electric signals are generated dependent on the operation of the brake pedal. The signals are processed in an electronic circuit (8) and logically linked to sensor signals containing information on the brake power, the braking effect and/or on the rotational behavior of the individual wheels. Electrically actuatable wheel brakes (1, 2, 3, 4, 32, 33) equipped with an electric drive (M) are controlled by the generated signals. Through a second brake system, brake power is transmitted by the brake pedal (5, 5') either simultaneously or upon overcoming a threshold value to the wheels of one axle, preferably to the front wheels, i.e. front right, front left wheels (VR, VL), the brake power becoming, however, effective exclusively in the event of a fault or a failure of the electrical brake system or of the electric power supply.

Abstract: A wheel cylinder is formed in the brake caliper for each wheel of a vehicle and brake fluid is supplied from a master cylinder to this wheel cylinder by way of a fluid passage. A brake piston is provided inside the wheel cylinder and includes a piezoelectric piston device inside. By the application of voltage, this piezoelectric piston device expands and contracts the brake piston. A control valve is provided in the fluid passage to open and close it to selectively partition off the master cylinder. When the control valve has closed the passage, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric piston device to expand it and control the pressure acting on the brake piston in the wheel cylinder to vary the braking force.

Abstract: An actuator including a motor having a rotary output, an actuating arm mounted for reciprocating movement, and a mechanism, interconnecting the output and the arm to convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion. The mechanism includes a rotary element. A brake is provided including a friction plate and first and second reaction plates. A solenoid and spring are operable to move the reaction plate into or out of engagement with the friction plate and cams associated with the rotary element are operable to move the reaction plate into engagement with the friction plate.

Abstract: A brake apparatus has an actuator mechanism for bringing a friction member into tight contact with a braking member to generate a braking force, the actuator mechanism comprising:a main actuating unit for moving the friction member to a position where the friction member is in contact with the braking member;a subactuating unit for further urging the friction member which is in contact with the braking member so as to generate the braking force, the subactuating unit being constituted by a piezoceramic element; anda controller for operating the main actuating unit first and then the subactuating unit in accordance with a brake command from a first sensor.

Abstract: A motorcycle has a front wheel brake with a manual actuator, and has a rear wheel brake with a pedal-type actuator. First and second pistons are slidably mounted within the same bore in a body and define within the bore a first oil chamber between the first piston and the end of the bore, and a second oil chamber between the pistons. The first oil chamber is connected to operate the front wheel brake, and the second oil chamber is connected to operate the rear wheel brake. The manual actuator is hydraulically connected to move the second brake piston toward the first piston, and the pedal-type actuator is mechanically connected to move the second piston in the same direction, so that either or both of the brake actuators may operate both of the brakes.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a braking system for use in safely reducing the speed and stopping movement of vehicles, such as cars or trucks, or airplanes, by minimizing brake failure due to heat build-up and by providing auxiliary braking capacity. The system includes primary and secondary brake sections associated with weight-supporting and braking wheels, temperature sensors for sensing the temperature in each brake section, friction force sensors for sensing frictional forces in each section and pressure sensors for sensing hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. Controls receive the sensed temperature, friction forces and pressures and selectively activate, individually or in combination, the primary and secondary brake sections. The controls include an apparatus for comparing the measured pressure, friction forces and brake temperatures with predetermined values and automatically operating the braking system in response to those comparisons.

Abstract: A brake system for an off-highway vehicle which includes a fluid pressure actuated multi-disc brake and a fluid pressure control system. Engagement of the multi-disc brake is effected by a fluid operated piston having multiple effective pressure areas. Fluid pressure applied to a certain of the effective pressure areas urges the piston in a brake applying direction; fluid pressure applied to the other of the pressure areas urges the piston in a brake releasing direction. The fluid pressure control system controls the communication of pressurized fluid to the effective pressure areas to provide both the brake applying and brake releasing functions. Redundant fluid pressure circuits supply pressurized fluid to the brake applying effective pressure areas. In the event of failure, the control system is operative to interrupt fluid flow to the failed circuit.

Abstract: An automatic braking system for a vehicle including an automatic command system giving a command including at least one braking signal of a level in response to the need for braking, a fluid pressure source, a braking device having an input member which is manually actuatable, and a device for actuating the input member by applying thereto a fluid pressure from the pressure source in response to the level of the braking signal.An automatic braking may thus be performed while permitting manual braking to be simultaneously effected.

Abstract: A supplemental brake system operates in cooperation with a motor vehicle's extant emergency brake system for selectively slowing a spinning wheel. A selector valve communicates with the vehicle's vacuum system and conduits are sized to cause a delay in the slowing of the spinning wheel. Further, the system provides for the gradual extension of the emergency brake cables which is unaffected by changes in vacuum levels in the vacuum system. The operator has full control of the vehicle during the system's operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator comprises a first piston mounted within a primary bore and moved in response to a low pressure force while a second piston is mounted in an axially aligned secondary bore and is moved in response to a high pressure force. The second piston engages the axially aligned first piston and both are moved under the influence of the high pressure while the first piston only is moved by the influence of the low pressure force. The piston areas are in proportion to each other as the separate pressure forces so as to provide a substantially equal output actuating force irrespective of the actuating pressure.

Abstract: A dual hydraulic circuit in a vehicle brake system having two mutually independent piping systems wherein a tandem master cylinder is in communication with wheel cylinders provided on right and left rear wheels, respectively, and a valve device for controlling pressure levels of brake fluid in the two hydraulic piping systems. The valve device comprises a housing, and two valve pistons received therein each of which controls the hydraulic braking pressure to be exerted to the corresponding rear wheel cylinder. The two valve pistons are operated together by a resilient force of one single spring acting thereon whereby, in the event of a hydraulic pressure failure in either one of the two piping systems, the valve piston in the still operative system is unable to initiate its pressure control operation until the same piston alone overcomes the resilient force of the spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a brake assembly having a brake housing and wheel shaft rotatable in the housing. There is provided an armature plate in the housing secured to and rotatable with the shaft. Also provided is a movable actuator in the housing movable rotatably from an inoperative position to an operative position closer to the armature plate. An electromagnet is provided either directly mounted to the movable actuator or indirectly via a mechanical linkage. When the electromagnet is energized it causes the actuator to rotate with the armature plate and thereby move to an operative position where it forces a stationary brake disc and rotatable brake disc into engagement to achieve a braking action. This engagement is released upon de-energization of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A disc brake comprises a rotatable brake disc, and a pad assembly disposed in opposed relation to the pressure bearing surface of the brake disc. The pressure bearing surface of the brake disc is inclined diametrically thereof, and the pad assembly is adapted to displace diametrically of the brake disc so as to engage the pressure bearing surface of the brake disc, whereby there is provided a clearance between the press surface of the pad assembly and the brake disc, which clearance is large enough to prevent the dragging phenomenon.

Abstract: A brake assembly for independently braking a pair of rotatably mounted spaced members (78,86) includes a main body (110) having a plate (112) and a C-shaped body portion (116) having first and second pluralities of bores (118,120) and first and second pluralities of pistons (122,124) in the bores. First and second C-shaped movable members (130,136) are connected to the opposite sides of the body portion (116) and are engagable against a respective one of the spaced members (78,86) in response to axial movement of the respective pistons (122,124). Advantageously, the main body (110) and the movable members (130,136) can be radially removed from a vehicle casing portion (16) independently of the spaced members (78,86).

Abstract: In a known motorcycle brake system with a brake force regulator, the pedal master cylinder acts on the front-wheel brake and on the rear-wheel brake, and the hand master cylinder acts only on the front-wheel brake. The brake force regulator's control behavior is influenced by the hand master cylinder. This known system has functional disadvantages because the rear-wheel brake becomes evacuated if only the hand master cylinder is actuated. The motorcycle brake system with brake force of the present invention eliminates this disadvantage by arranging for a brake caliper of the front-wheel brake to be actuated by the regulated pressure of the pedal master cylinder and the rear-wheel brake to be actuated by the non-regulated pressure of the pedal master cylinder.

Abstract: An improved brake for winches. The brake has a main brake and an emergency brake. Both brakes are solenoid operated and brake when the power is turned off or fails. Means are provided for slightly delaying the operation of the emergency brake compared to the main brake so that the braking force is applied in stages in an emergency. The brakes are mechanically linked together so that either of the main or emergency solenoids operate both brakes if one of the solenoids fails.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled heavy duty brake assembly including a number of rotor discs for cooperation with stator discs for braking an external rotating body connected to the rotor discs which is to be selectively braked. The rotors and stators are normally biased apart, but are movable toward each other along the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotor discs in order to effect braking. The casing for the assembly is closed and includes heat exchanging portions around the periphery thereof, including fins extending inwardly toward the axis of rotation of the rotor discs, and the casing is filled to less than capacity with cooling liquid.

Abstract: A service brake actuating assembly is effective to bring friction material into contact with the opposite sides of a rotating disc by urging such elements in an axial direction toward a reaction wall. A compact parking and emergency brake actuating assembly extends through the wall and is alternately effective to also clampingly engage the disc by urging such elements in the opposite axial direction.

Abstract: A disc brake primarily for use in a power transmission train between a drive motor and a gear speed reducer features a standardized compact and simplified hydraulic module containing a single piston and a coacting floating cylinder head and an adjusting collar to regulate the movement of the piston. The standardized module is compatible with and operationally connectable to a variety of brake disc assemblies of differing size and torque arresting capacity. The disc brake is biased "on" by constantly acting spring means behind the piston in the hydraulic module when the hydraulic system is depressurized. The brake also possesses a fail-safe capability and has a very desirable "soft feel" during operation due to hydraulic cushioning between the piston and floating cylinder head.

Abstract: A compactor module is adapted to be attached to a tractor module to form a complete unit. Eight pneumatic tires support the rear portion of the compactor. An emergency or parking brake is attached to each compacting wheel. The brakes are interconnected by a continuous cable and pulley control system. All brakes are applied in unison when the cable tension in the control system is increased, due to the retraction of a piston rod of an air cylinder connected to one end of the cable. The rod retracts when the pressure in the air cylinder falls below a certain predetermined level. The rod projects outwardly when the pressure in the air cylinder returns above the predetermined level. The tension in the control system is relaxed when the air pressure in the cylinder again rises above the predetermined level, the rod returns to its extended position, and the brakes are substantially simultaneously released. The other end of the cable is attached to a winch.

Abstract: A brake unit for a skip or carriage adapted to ride on one or more cables. The brake unit has brake jaws spanning the cable, said unit being connected to the skip so as to move along the cable therewith. The connection to the skip is such that when the latter is moved in one direction, the jaws slide along the cables, but when the skip moves in the opposite direction, the jaws grip the cable in a braking action. The brake unit has adjusting means which is operable to adjust the gripping action of the jaw anywhere from a complete grip preventing movement of the skip to release of the cable so that the skip can move freely therealong.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a caliper defining a cylinder body therein, a first piston slidably and sealingly received in the cylinder body, an inner cylinder disposed within the first piston and a second piston slidably and sealingly received in the inner cylinder. The outer periphery of the first piston is in slidable and sealable contact with the inner periphery of the cylinder body and the outer periphery of the inner cylinder is in contact with the inner periphery of the first piston for slidable and sealable movement with the latter and defines a first hydraulic chamber. The outer periphery of the second piston is in slidable and sealable contact with the inner periphery of the inner cylinder and together with the inner cylinder, defines a second hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: A service brake actuating assembly is effective to bring friction material into contact with the opposite sides of a rotating disc by urging such elements in an axial direction toward a reaction wall. A compact parking and emergency brake actuating assembly extends through the wall and is alternately effective to also clampingly engage the disc by urging such elements in the opposite axial direction.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated disc brake having one brake disc affixed to the housing of a brake cylinder unit and the other disc affixed to a service brake piston of the brake cylinder unit, which further includes an auxiliary brake piston between the service brake piston and cylinder head, thereby forming on opposite sides thereof a service brake actuating chamber and an auxiliary brake actuating chamber to which fluid pressure may be admitted via separate service and parking brake valve devices. A filling piece disposed between the brake cylinder housing and auxiliary piston is operatively connected with an actuating cylinder to which the parking brake valve also supplies auxiliary brake pressure to operate the filling piece following an auxiliary brake application, thereby mechanically locking-up the brake discs in the brake application condition to provide a parking brake.

Abstract: A motor drives a pump to provide fluid under pressure in a closed hydraulic circuit through a pilot valve to a change speed clutch valve and a directional valve of a multi-speed transmission for an electrically powered vehicle, such as a mine haulage vehicle. The multi-speed transmission is connected by an output shaft to the driven wheels of the vehicle. A braking force is applied to the driven wheels by a hydraulically operated service brake to effect routine stopping of the vehicle. Under emergency conditions an emergency brake applies a braking force to the driven wheels by operation of a panic bar positioned in the operator's compartment. A brake valve connected to the panic bar maintains a preselected fluid pressure in the hydraulic circuit of the emergency brake to retain the brake in a released position. The hydraulic circuit is interlocked through the pilot valve to the transmission clutch and direction valves.

Abstract: Rotatable discs are splined on a hub member and alternately arranged with stationary discs secured to the brake housing to form a brake disc assembly. The brake operator assembly is a combination electromagnet release, spring set assembly associated with a pressure plate and operative to selectively move the pressure plate into and out of engagement with the brake disc assembly for braking the assembly against and releasing the assembly for rotation. Primary torque springs are actuable, when the electromagnet is de-energized, for biasing the pressure plate into engagement with the brake disc assembly. Secondary torque springs are held against actuation to so bias the pressure plate by axially movable guide rods which include outer end portions engageable with outer fixed shoulders to hold the guide rods in a latched position. The secondary torque springs are actuated when the end portions of the guide rods are moved or cammed to an unlatched position, i.e. out of engagement with the shoulders.

Abstract: An annular single piston brake arrangement is disclosed for selective holding engagement of a rotatable member of a drive train. The brake arrangement includes a support structure, an annular brake piston axially reciprocably and nonrotatably mounted within the support structure, a plurality of springs mounted intermediate the support structure and the brake piston for biasing it concentrically toward peripheral brake holding engagement of the rotatable member, a fluid retractor for holding the brake piston in a disengaged condition overcomingly against the action of the springs, and a fluid actuator for biasing the brake piston concentrically towards peripheral brake holding engagement of the rotatable member.

Abstract: A vehicle brake having a vacuum suspended operating section. The assembly is arranged so that initial braking is accomplished by the operator admitting atmospheric pressure to the pressure side of a diaphragm that has a vacuum on its opposing side. The assembly is further arranged so that the wheel cylinder can be used to convert hydraulic pressure to air pressure. When the vehicle operator first applies a force to the brake pedal, a valve is actuated which allows vacuum and atmospheric pressure to impart sufficient force to provide initial braking. When greater brake pressures are required as indicated by increased brake pedal force exerted by the vehicle operator, a valve leading to atmospheric pressure closes, allowing the hydraulic pressure in the wheel cylinder to convert the trapped atmospheric pressure to air pressure.

Abstract: An air brake control system of high reliability is provided for a vehicle of the type having front wheel brakes, rear wheel brakes, a first brake control element such as a pedal which actuates the front and rear brakes, and a second brake control element such as a pedal which also actuates the front and rear brakes. First and second pneumatic circuit means for controlling the brakes are duplicated back to the outlet of the air compressor in an arrangement where one side of the circuit is automatically isolated from the other to maintain braking capacity if a loss of air pressure occurs on the one side. Means is associated with air streams of only a selected one of the first and second means for providing a function absent in said first and second means. A transmission neutralizer is also operated by one of the pedals.

Abstract: A disc brake comprises a fluid pressure-operated actuator for urging two pressure plates carrying friction pads to opposite faces of a disc. In the actuator a piston movable in a housing is detachably engaged with a draw-bar which acts on one of the pressure plates, the housing acting directly on the second pressure plate. A seal between the housing and the draw-bar contacts an enlarged portion of the draw-bar. Apparatus is provided to prevent the draw-bar from rotating.

Abstract: A force limiting device for a parking brake actuator is arranged in series with a service brake actuator to limit the maximum force of the two actuators to the maximum force from one of them. One actuator works from hydraulic pressure and the other from air pressure. Thus, an overflow valve controls the hydraulic pressure and is forced closed by an adjustable spring and open by either hydraulic pressure in a valve chamber or by air pressure exerted on a valve plunger. Both sides of the valve are maintained at the hydraulic pressure while the valve outlet is both closed or open.

Abstract: There is provided an improved disc brake caliper assembly characterized by a caliper body having first and second legs and a member joining them, and having a cylindrical bore extending through one of the legs and dimensioned to receive a cup-shape piston having a head portion and a piston skirt. A flanged second piston relatively movable in the cup-shaped piston is provided with an intermediate shoulder dimensioned to fit into said cylindrical bore and form therewith an annular chamber in which the skirt of the cup-shaped piston moves. A first fluid chamber is formed between the head of the second piston member and the inside closed end of the cup-shaped piston. A second isolated annular chamber is formed between the open end of the piston skirt and the shoulder. The flanged portion of the second piston member is secured by suitable fastening members to a flange receiving surface on the first leg. Fabrication of such a device is simplified, easier to machine and to assemble.

Abstract: In an actuator assembly for a vehicle brake a follower member normally operated by a wedge to apply a brake comprises a pair of hydraulic pistons working in a common bore in a housing, and the housing is provided with a supply port communicating with a pressure space defined between the adjacent ends of the pistons which abut when the wedge is displaced, and with an abutment face with which the innermost piston is engageable when the wedge is in its retracted position and the pressure space is pressurized.

Abstract: A heavy-duty disc brake assembly and pneumatic actuating assembly therefor. The pneumatic actuating assembly may include a pair of annular pistons operatively connected for simultaneous movement thereof, apparatus being provided for supplying air under pressure to the working faces thereof, or a single piston spring biased to braking position with apparatus for supplying air under pressure to either face thereof. The disc brake assembly includes a plurality of relatively movable rotor and stator discs, and preferably a closed cooling system with circulatory loop is provided.

Abstract: A safety brake pedal for power-assisted brake systems of motor vehicles of the type having a source of fluid under pressure includes a member adapted to transmit the brake control effort and associated with and normally locked to the brake pedal by an assembly responsive to the fluid from the source. The interlocking action is removed in case of accidental drop or failure in the fluid pressure, the extra free stroke of the brake pedal thus permitted being utilized for actuating a safety brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tandem master-cylinder for a split braking system of an automotive vehicle. The master-cylinder comprises two pressure chambers, the first one between the control piston and the floating piston and the second or front chamber before the floating piston. The first chamber communicates with a first outlet port which is connected to a second outlet port through a by-pass valve. The by-pass valve is secured to a tappet-rod projecting into the second chamber to be engaged by the floating piston, upon pressure failure in the second chamber and so that the by-pass valve is opened. The first outlet port is adapted to be connected to a set of brake actuators through a braking correcting valve while the second outlet port is adapted to be directly connected to said set of brake actuators.

Abstract: In a vehicle having driven and non-driven wheels and driven and non-driven shafts a brake system including wheel brakes and auxiliary drive line brakes. The auxiliary drive line brakes are designed with a heat absorbing capacity to absorb at least twice the maximum heat energy as the wheel brakes. The auxiliary drive line brakes are watercooled friction disc brakes operating without self-intensification and comprising dry friction elements. The brake system further comprises actuating means including a singular application means and separate brake circuit means for the drive line brakes and the wheel brakes.

Abstract: A motorcycle has a front brake, a rear brake, a hand-operated lever, and a foot-operated pedal. The lever operates two cables. The first cable is connected to the front brake. The second cable is connected to the front end of an elongated rod that is attached to the rear brake and that applies the rear brake by being pulled forwardly along its axis. Sliding means connects the pedal to the rod. When the hand-operated lever is operated, both the front and rear brakes are applied. When the pedal is depressed, only the rear brake is applied.

Abstract: In a disc brake assembly of the type including first and second fluid pressure-operated actuators for applying friction pads to opposite faces of first and second axially spaced rotatable discs respectively, the first and second actuators are both disposed on the same one side of a disc diameter, and the actuators are both located adjacent to the outer face of an outer disc.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hydraulic pressure system disc brake which comprises a caliper having a groove large enough to pass the circumferential portion of brake disc therethrough, and a hollow cylinder extending in a direction at a right angle to the aforesaid groove. A flanged cylindrical member is disposed within the hollow cylinder. A cup-shaped piston is fitted in an annular space defined by the aforesaid caliper and cylindrical member.