Abstract: An umbrella dolly for use with a cantilever umbrella includes a platform assembly and a retention assembly constructed to extend between the platform assembly and the umbrella. The retention assembly provides additional support and ensures that the umbrella and platform assembly are securely connected to enhance stability of the umbrella as it sits upon the umbrella dolly.

Abstract: The shopping cart security system is configured for use with a hand propelled vehicle known as a shopping cart. The shopping cart security system is a wheeled structure that allows the hand propelled vehicle to roll over a supporting surface. The shopping cart security system: a) determines the GPS coordinates of the shopping cart security system; b) compares the GPS coordinates of the shopping cart security system with a previously determined set of GPS coordinates that determine an operating perimeter for the shopping cart security system; and, c) disables the rotation of the wheeled structure that forms the shopping cart security system when the shopping cart security system is determined to be outside of the region bounded by the previously determined operating perimeter.

Abstract: A swivel caster (1) including a support plate (2) for connection to a container, and including a caster mount (3) having a caster (6) rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis (H). The caster mount (3) is connected to the support plate (2) rotatable about a vertical rotation axis (V). At least one first magnet (15a) is connected to the caster mount (3) and at least one second magnet (15b) is connected to the support plate (2). The magnets (15a, 15b) are magnetized and disposed so as to be mutually parallel including a gap in such in an alignment of the caster mount outside a defined basic alignment (G) of the caster mount (3) the magnets (15a, 15b) interact such that the caster mount (3) swings into basic alignment (G). The caster mount (3) has a cover plate (11) which collectively with the saucer (9) of the support plate (2) and with the mounting plate (7) encloses an intermediate space for the magnets (15a, 15b).

Abstract: A swivel caster (1) including a support plate (2) for connection to a container, and including a caster mount (3) having a caster (6) rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis (H). The caster mount (3) is connected to the support plate (2) rotatable about a vertical rotation axis (V). At least one first magnet (15a) is connected to the caster mount (3) and at least one second magnet (15b) is connected to the support plate (2). The magnets (15a, 15b) are magnetized and disposed so as to be mutually parallel including a gap in such in an alignment of the caster mount outside a defined basic alignment (G) of the caster mount (3) the magnets (15a, 15b) interact such that the caster mount (3) swings into basic alignment (G). The caster mount (3) has a cover plate (11) which collectively with the saucer (9) of the support plate (2) and with the mounting plate (7) encloses an intermediate space for the magnets (15a, 15b).

Abstract: A containment area can be defined by a single cable carrying an asymmetric electromagnetic signal that generates a magnetic field comprising an asymmetric waveform. A single inductor circuit configured to detect a single axis of the magnetic field can detect the asymmetric waveform and determine which direction the inductor is traveling relative to the cable. A human-propelled cart can have a wheel that includes the single inductor circuit and detect whether the cart is being pushed from inside-to-outside the containment area (which may reflect the cart is being stolen or improperly used) or from outside-to-inside (which may reflect the cart is being returned). The cart can include an anti-theft system (e.g., a locking or braking wheel), which can be triggered if the cart is being moved from inside to outside the containment area. The single cable, single inductor system can be less expensive and more efficient than multi-cable, multi-inductor systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immobilizer for a transport trolley, whereby a magnetic field is used for alternately activating and deactivating said immobilizer. In an embodiment of the invention, the deactivating magnetic field can be weaker than the activating magnetic field.

Abstract: A trip cock device includes a housing, a cam dog, a handle engaging the cam dog, a piston assembly at least partially received within the housing, and a fault detection valve secured to the piston assembly. The piston assembly includes a piston and the fault detection valve is configured to open and close. The fault detection valve engages the cam dog when closed.

Abstract: A vehicle braking assembly for a wheel includes a braking member arranged to move relative to the main body of the wheel between an inoperative and an operative position, a resilient biasing member for urging the braking member into the inoperative position, and a latch for causing the braking member to move to the operative position, the latch being operable by coded message passed by a separate transmitter as electromagnetic radiation and the assembly is provided with an EMR sensor.

Abstract: A braking member for rotatable mounting on a wheel axle of a hand-driven wheeled vehicle such as a shopping cart has a first part having an opening for mounting on a wheel axle, and a second part releasably secured to the first part and having a braking surface adapted to engage the ground when the braking member is in an operative position. When the braking member becomes worn, the entire member does not have to be removed from the wheel or caster, but instead the second part is released from the first part while the first part remains on the wheel. The second part can only be released using a special tool which is provided to store personnel.

Abstract: A golf car having a hydraulic fluid brake system. The hydraulic fluid brake system is implemented as a disk brake system which is responsive to hydraulic fluid pressure generated from a master cylinder. A brake pedal and associated linkage provides input to a master cylinder to generate a hydraulic fluid pressure to control a brake caliper assembly. The brake pedal has a range of travel, where a first portion of the range defines a service mode of operation and a second portion of the range defines a parking mode of operation. In the parking mode of operation, the brake pedal and linkage engages a detent to maintain application of the brake to provide a parking mode of operation. An accumulator in the brake system provides an input force to maintain hydraulic fluid pressure sufficient to retain a parking mode of operation.

Abstract: A braking assembly for use with caster wheels of vehicles such as carts includes a main body and a braking member movable relative to the main body, the braking member including an arcuate first portion which extends around a portion of the periphery of the caster wheel and a second plate portion disposed between the first portion and the main body, the second plate portion rotating so as to move the arcuate first portion to between the caster wheel and the supporting surface on which it moves when the braking member is moved from an inoperative position to an operative position, the second plate portion including a raised surface abutted by a trigger finger to retain the braking member in an inoperative position, the trigger finger being movable with passage of the braking assembly over a magnetic area in the supporting surface to release the second plate portion.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis including a signal generator to generate a first predetermined signal around a first predetermined perimeter and to generate a second predetermined signal around a second predetermined perimeter at least partially disposed within the first predetermined perimeter, at least one inhibitor disposed within the vehicle wheel to selectively engage and disengage the vehicle wheel to resist and allow rotational movement of the vehicle wheel about the rotational axis, a rotatable structure disposed within the vehicle wheel and cooperating with the at least one inhibitor for moving the at least one inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the vehicle wheel, and a receiver disposed within the vehicle wheel to receive a first predetermined signal and second predetermined signal to activate the rotatable structure to move the at least one inhibitor between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis includes at least one inhibitor disposed within the vehicle wheel to selectively engage and disengage the vehicle wheel to resist and allow rotational movement of the vehicle wheel about its rotational axis. The anti-theft vehicle system also includes rotatable structure disposed within the vehicle wheel and cooperating with the at least one inhibitor for moving the at least one inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the vehicle wheel. The anti-theft vehicle system further includes a receiver operatively associated with the vehicle wheel to receive a predetermined signal to activate the rotatable structure to move the at least one inhibitor between the engaged position and disengaged position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking device for use with a vehicle which moves along a surface, the braking device being operated by an area of magnetic material, and is particularly, but not exclusively, for use with a wheeled trolley or cart to deter its removal from a designated area. The braking device comprises a first portion for mounting on the vehicle, a braking portion movable relative to the first portion from an inoperative position to an operative braking position in braking contact with the surface, and retaining portion for retaining the braking portion in its inoperative position. The retaining portion comprises a blocking portion and trigger portion, the trigger portion being movable between a primed position and a triggered position by passage in close proximity to the magnetic material, and in the primed position, holding the blocking portion in a blocking position preventing movement of the braking portion.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a shopping cart or other wheeled vehicle having a plurality of casters has a braking member rotatably mounted on a wheel axle of one of the wheels. The braking member is movable between a raised position spaced above the ground surface and an operative position contacting the ground surface, and has a portion projecting radially outwardly from the outer peripheral rim of the wheel at least in the operative position so as to separate the wheel from the ground and impede movement of the vehicle. A locking device releasably locks the braking member in the raised position, and is released by a trigger device in response to a signal from a signal system extending around an area in which carts are to be retained, at which point the braking member rotates into the operative position, stopping normal movement of the cart.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis includes at least one inhibitor disposed within the vehicle wheel to selectively engage and disengage the vehicle wheel to resist and allow rotational movement of the vehicle wheel about its rotational axis. The anti-theft vehicle system also includes rotatable structure disposed within the vehicle wheel and cooperating with the at least one inhibitor for moving the at least one inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the vehicle wheel. The anti-theft vehicle system further includes a receiver operatively associated with the vehicle wheel to receive a predetermined signal to activate the rotatable structure to move the at least one inhibitor between the engaged position and disengaged position.

Abstract: An automatic brake lever (1) with a built-in slack adjuster is intended for transmitting brake force from a brake cylinder and is mounted on a brake actuating cam shaft (2). For the purpose of accomplishing a wear indicating device, a coded disc (10) is connected to the cam shaft, whereas a housing (9, 11) therefore is connected to the brake lever or a fix-point for the lever. The coded disc is provided with a number of coded paths of circular shape, magnetic areas of equal length being provided in each coded path. A number of hall-elements (15) corresponding to the number of coded paths are provided in the cover (11) of the housing, each hall-element being arranged to sense the magnetic areas in the respective coded path. The signals from the hall-elements together indicate the relative position between the disc and the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating a hydraulic brake system for automotive vehicles, which includes an anti-lock system (ABS), a brake force booster which is electrically actuatable independently of the driver's wish, and a pressure or deceleration controller which is used to actuate the brake force booster.In order to enhance the quality of ABS control in particular, according to the present invention, a signal (ABSM) indicative of the ABS mode is sent to the pressure or deceleration controller (12) and, upon commencement of ABS control, the instantaneous pressure or deceleration actual value (Pi.sub.ist1, P.sub.ist11, P.sub.ist12) is stored and the brake force booster (2) is actuated so that the pressure or deceleration actual value (P.sub.ist) is maintained constant.

Abstract: The brake adjustment monitor has a pull or breakaway switch having an activation pin as part thereof which activation pin is attached to the push rod and slack adjustment arm assembly of an air brake system by a cable. The switch itself is attached to an existing bolt screw or like attachment device on the air chamber assembly of the brake. When the switch and cable are installed on a brake assembly the cable is adjusted to a length to pull the activation pin to operate the switch when the push rod has traveled a predetermined distance. This distance, as is known in the art, is an indication of brake wear or misadjustment. A number of bulb indicators with or without sound indicators may be mounted on a trailer or motorized vehicle and electrical connected to indicate to an operator the switch activation.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis includes at least one inhibitor disposed within the vehicle wheel to selectively engage the vehicle wheel to prevent the vehicle wheel from rotating about its rotational axis. The anti-theft vehicle system also includes rotatable means disposed within the vehicle wheel and cooperating with the inhibitor for moving the inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An electronic circuit connected in series with one or more brake condition sensors having a first transistor and a second transistor connected to intermittently power an indicator lamp upon initial power-up to confirm circuit operational status and subsequently to activate the indicator lamp if the brake condition sensors are acceptable and to deactivate the indicator lamp if any one of the brake condition sensors is unacceptable.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a carrier with a pair of axially and outwardly extending arms. A pair of pad springs are mounted to the inner side of the arms. Each of the pad springs has a pair of return springs. The return springs extend radially of a rotor and have respective projections. Each of the return spring is made by bending an elongated tongue. A pair of backing plates are attached to a corresponding pair of friction pads and have lugs. A wear warning element is attached adjacent to the lug of each backing plate and has a bent portion. Each of the projections is resiliently in contact with the inner side of the bent portion so as to constantly urge the backing plate and the friction pad in a direction away from the rotor.

Abstract: An indicator for determining brake stroke condition on a vehicle braking system comprising: a bracket having an elongated member having at one end an attachment portion located generally at a right angle radius to the elongated member, the bracket mounted to a chamber mounting bracket which supports a brake chamber, the bracket chamber having a clevis assembly including a clevis pin which connects the clevis assembly to a brake arm; a continuous slot extending along the length of the elongated member, the elongated member running parallel to the clevis assembly; and a second bracket detachably mounted to the continuous slot along the elongated member the second bracket having a base and two extending members from the base; the position of the extending members being a predetermined distance from the clevis pin thereby indicative of the brake stroke condition on the vehicle braking system.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a shopping cart having a plurality of casters has a braking member rotatably mounted on a wheel axle of one of the wheels. The braking member is movable between a raised position spaced above the ground surface and an operative position contacting the ground surface, and has a portion projecting radially outwardly from the outer peripheral rim of the wheel at least in the operative position so as to lift the wheel from the ground and impede rotation of the wheel. A locking device releasably locks the braking member in the raised position, and is released by a trigger device in response to a signal from a signal system extending around an area in which carts are to be retained, at which point the braking member rotates into the operative position.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis includes at least one inhibitor disposed within the vehicle wheel to selectively engage and disengage the vehicle wheel to resist and allow rotational movement of the vehicle wheel about its rotational axis. The anti-theft vehicle system also includes rotatable structure disposed within the vehicle wheel and cooperating with the at least one inhibitor for moving the at least one inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the vehicle wheel. The anti-theft vehicle system further includes a receiver operatively associated with the vehicle wheel to receive a predetermined signal to activate the rotatable structure to move the at least one inhibitor between the engaged position and disengaged position.

Abstract: For a shopping cart wheel, for example, a toggle brake assembly which can be automatically actuated by an audio frequency signal when the cart is taken out of a designated area. When actuated, a battery-powered solenoid coil of the brake assembly is energized, drawing a coil spring catch away from a locking position on a toggle. The toggle then drops with a pivotal or axial movement to a braking position against the wheel, either against the outside or inside of the wheel depending on the brake embodiment used. As the wheel rotates in either direction, the toggle wedges or hooks to brake the wheel.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis includes at least one inhibitor disposed within the vehicle wheel to selectively engage the vehicle wheel to prevent the vehicle wheel from rotating about its rotational axis. The anti-theft vehicle system also includes a notable structure disposed within the vehicle wheel and cooperating with the inhibitor for moving the inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining hydraulic pressure in a spring applied hydraulicly released brake actuator and activating a parking brake light upon stroking the actuator to apply the parking brake in the system, the apparatus including a housing, a compression spring axially aligned in the housing, a cap mounted on one end of the housing, a cylinder formed in the cap, a piston mounted in the cylinder, a spring cup operatively connecting the piston to the compression spring, the piston rod being operatively connected to the piston and to the brake, a tubular housing having a magnetic switch at each end axially aligned with the piston rod, and a cylindrical tube having a magnet mounted thereon aligned with the tubular housing for actuating one or the other of the magnetic switches, one of the switches being actuated on a drop of pressure in the system and the other switch being operatively connected to a parking brake light to signal a loss of pressure in the system and actuation of the parking brake.

Abstract: A brake heat gauge for use with a vehicle with a plurality of wheels each with at least one brake shoe adapted to frictionally engage an associated brake drum upon the braking of the vehicle. The present invention includes a plurality of heat sensors each mounted on a corresponding brake shoe and adapted to transmit via the transmission wire a temperature signal representative of a temperature of the brake shoe. Also provided is a control panel situated within a cab of the vehicle which includes a temperature meter for visually indicating a temperature represented by a temperature signal upon the receipt thereof, a light emitting diode digital display adapted to display a number, a warning light adapted to emit light upon the actuation thereof, and an audible alarm adapted to transmit a sound upon the actuation thereof. Finally, a controller is connected via the transmission wires between the heat sensors of each of the wheels and the temperature meter, digital display, warning light, and audible alarm.

Abstract: Apparatus for deterring unauthorized use and removal of steel or steel-and-plastic constructed swivel-wheel shopping carts by preventing the free movement of one or more of the installed wheels after the cart is moved a predetermined distance. A braking device, fully contained within a wheel, measures the distance traveled beyond an activating point by counting the number of rotations made by the cart wheel and compares the count to a preprogrammed stored attribute that defines the allowable distance the cart is allowed to travel once outside the shopping facility. Depending on the direction the cart is travelling, the counter is "armed" or "disarmed" when the cart passes over low-frequency magnetic arrays placed at the entry and/or exit of the shopping facility.

Abstract: To insert insulated conductors or cables jacketed with an insulation or a sheath of a fluorinated ethylene polymer imperviously into a housing of thermoplastic material produced by means of extrusion, the conductor insulation or the sheath is provided with an external coating of a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: An improved drum brake assembly wherein the operating condition of the brake shoes and the automatic brake adjusting mechanism can be determined without removing any component from the associated vehicle includes a backing plate, a brake drum, and first and second brake shoes supported on the backing plate and movable into frictional engagement with the brake drum. Each of the first and second brake shoes includes a web portion, a table portion secured to the web portion, and a friction pad secured to the table portion. The drum brake assembly further includes a service brake mechanism for selectively moving the to brake shoes into frictional engagement with the brake drum, a parking and emergency brake mechanism for selectively moving the brake shoes into frictional engagement with the brake drum, and an automatic brake adjusting mechanism carried by the brake assembly and operatively connected to said first and second brake shoes.

Abstract: A conventionally constructed baby walker 5 having a lower support member 6 to which are attached front wheels 10 and rear wheels 12 in contact with floor surface 14 has further optically activated brake assemblies 21a and 21b both moveably attached to support member 6, the bottom surface of each is rollably in contact with floor surface 14. Brake assemblies 21a and 21b each contain an infrared emitter and photodiode disposed above surface 14 and connected to a control circuit. An optically encoded arc shaped strip 15 having a pattern of alternating reflective and non reflective bands is further attached to floor surface 14 using conventional screws 19. Preferably strip 15 is placed in front of a descending staircase 20 or other level drop such as may be encountered with a patio or porch. As walker 5 is propelled across surface 14 and over strip 15, the optically encoded pattern is detected by the infrared emitter--photodiode combination of braking assembly 21a.

Abstract: Measuring the force of a spring (28) in a spring brake actuator (10) comprising a housing (14) having an end wall (46), a spring plate (30) within the housing (14), the spring (28) being disposed between the spring plate (30) and the housing end wall (46) and a caging bolt (34) extending from the spring plate (30) through the housing end wall (46) and having a nut (44) thereon with a gauge between the caging bolt nut (44) and the housing (14). The gauge comprises a pressure-responsive element which detects the compressive force between the nut (44) and the housing (14) and generates a signal responsive thereto. An indicator (86) is coupled to the pressure-responsive element and visually displays the force on the spring (28) as a function of the compressive force signal. An embodiment of the gauge (50) comprises a body (52) having a bore (58), a piston (64) received within the bore (58) defining a chamber (74) between the piston (64) and the body (52) and a fluid (72) in the chamber (74).

Abstract: A vehicle braking system with an electronically controllable brake servo unit which comprises a first pneumatic working chamber (13) and a second pneumatic working chamber (14) which are separated from each other by a movable wall (11), wherein a travel sensor (20) is provided for the detection of displacements of the movable wall (11) relative to a stationary wall (5b) of at least one of the two working chambers (13, 14) is improved to simplify assembly and adjustment of the travel sensor in such a manner that a wall (11) is provided with an opening (19) through which a measuring element (10) being connected with another wall (5b) is projecting, and that the travel sensor (20) converts a relative movement between the measuring element (10) and the travel sensor (20) in the direction of the movement of the movable wall (11) into a signal used for controlling the brake servo unit.

Abstract: A brake adjustment indicator for a braking system including a pressure chamber, a pushrod extending longitudinally outwards from the pressure chamber and moveable when correctly adjusted between first and second positions, a brake arm and a pivot for pivotally mounting the pushrod to the brake arm. The brake adjustment indicator comprises an indicator adapted to be mounted for longitudinal movement with the pushrod, a support having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, the support configured to position the second portion opposite to the indicator and first and second reference pointers fixedly positionable on the second portion for marking the first and second positions. A spacer is provided for positioning the first reference pointer in a preselected position relative to the second reference pointer. The first and second reference pointers are mounted for simultaneous movement on the second portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake pad (1) having a wear indicator (5). The brake pad (1) has a first bore (20) opening out into the braking face (4) of the friction lining (2), a second bore (22) opening out into the first bore (20) and into the edge (23) of the lining, and a slot (24) which extends between the first bore (20), the second bore (22), the edge (23), and the braking face (4). The indicator (5) comprises a pellet (6) adapted to the first bore (20), a sleeve (14) slidably mounted on the conductors (12a, 12b) of the indicator (5) and urged against the pellet (6) by a resilient sheath (16) that bears against the connection terminal (15) of the indicator (5). The diameter of the sleeve (14) is substantially equal to the diameter of the second bore (22). The slot (24) serves to pass the conductor wires (12a, 12b) during installation of the indicator (5) on the brake pad (1), after the sleeve (14) has been moved away from the pellet (6).

Abstract: A brake monitor for monitoring air brake adjustment as measured by push rod travel distance is comprised of a bracket straddling the push rod clevis of the brake system. The clevis pin connecting the push rod clevis to the slack adjuster and secured to the slack adjuster by a socket set screw, extends beyond the boundary of the push rod clevis and is received within a transducer attached to the bracket. Clevis pin rotation causes transducer output, corresponding to specific angular rotation of the clevis pin, which output is received by a display device of any appropriate type and communicated to the user. The system can be equipped with a black box-type memory for use by accident investigative authorities.

Abstract: Wear warning elements are respectively provided in back plates of a pair of friction pads at the front side thereof with respect to a rotational direction of a disc rotor. A pad spring is disposed between the friction pads and a carrier. The pad spring includes a pair of spring portions. The spring portions are resiliently pressed against the wear warning elements to bias the friction pads away from the disc rotor, respectively. During a braking state, the friction pads are pressed against the disc rotor against the biasing force of the spring portions. When disengaging the friction pads from the disc rotor, the friction pads are moved by the biasing force of the spring portions of the pad spring, thereby enabling the friction pads to be reliably moved away from the disc rotor and preventing drag between the friction pads and the disc rotor.

Abstract: A method for reducing the brake pressure commanded by a traction control system of a machine is disclosed. The method includes the steps of estimating the instantaneous heat energy associated with an applied brake, estimating the accumulated heat energy associated with the applied brake during the time period that the brake is applied in response to the instantaneous heat energy; comparing the accumulated heat energy to a maximum allowable heat energy value; and reducing the magnitude of the braking command signal to reduce the applied brake pressure in response to the accumulated heat energy being greater than the maximum allowable heat energy value.

Abstract: A disc brake which allows immediate visual checking of the wear of the pad includes a caliper body straddling a disc, a pad supported in the caliper body by a metal plate in a position facing the disc, an indicator rod attached to the plate and extending outside the caliper body, and a visible reference associated with the caliper body and facing the indicator rod.

Abstract: A brake abrasion detection device in a drum-type brake is disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit for the electrical system of an automotive vehicle, such as a truck, interfaces a brake switch, a combination turn signal/hazard warning signal switch, and an engine electronic control module (ECM) that has two separate brake signal inputs. The circuit is especially useful when the vehicle engine has a power take-off (PTO) to prevent unintended interruption of power flow through the PTO to an accessory device, such as a salt spreader, hydraulic pump, air compressor, etc. The circuit can be fabricated from conventional circuit components. A pre-existing vehicle can be retrofitted with the circuit by a jumper harness.

Abstract: An air-operated combination diaphragm spring brake has a service chamber in tandem with a spring chamber. The service chamber being separated into an upper and lower section by a first elastomeric diaphragm. The spring chamber is separated into upper and lower sections by a second elastomeric diaphragm. A lever type stroke indicator is positioned within either or both the lower sections of the service chamber and the spring chamber.The stroke indicator in the service chamber pivots about a pin when contacted by a plate associated with the service push rod when the brakes are applied, resulting in a portion of the stroke indicator to extend beyond the periphery of the service chamber housing and provide a visual indication of the need to inspect the brake system.

Abstract: An indicator device for signalling that the wear limit has been reached for servo-operated clutches, particularly for motor vehicles. A servo housing comprises a servo piston, which can be moved forward and backward therein for disengaging and engaging the clutch respectively, and the servo piston's rest position, i.e. the position in which it is located when the clutch is engaged, in the event of an increase in clutch wear is gradually moved towards the rear end wall of the housing. The servo housing further comprises a control valve which controls the supply of pressurized fluid to a cylinder space which is located between the servo piston and the rear end wall.

Abstract: An anomalous braking element temperature-rise detector assembly detecting anomalous temperature rise of a braking element so as to prevent braking force from being lowered owing to occurrence of fade and also prevent the braking element from being inactive owing to occurrence of vapor-lock, which contributes to reliability and safety of a brake. The anomalous braking element temperature-rise detector includes a rotatable member and a temperature-rise member which is a part of a group of braking elements which act on the rotatable member so as to provide braking force thereagainst, the temperature-rise member rising in temperature when brake force is provided against the rotatable member. The anomalous braking element temperature-rise detector assembly further includes a hydrogen absorbing material for absorbing hydrogen at ordinary temperature and discharging hydrogen when the temperature-rise member rises to anomalous temperature.

Abstract: A brake lining temperature and wear sensor having a plurality of serially connected wire loops and a resistive temperature sensor having a lower range of resistance than any one resistor mounted in a cavity formed in the brake lining where a plurality of resistors are connected one to each wire loop to be sequentially connected to a sensor circuit as the brake lining wears and breaks each wire loop. A control unit provides an electrical current to the sensor circuit and monitors the electrical potential across the plurality of wire loops and the resistive temperature sensor and then generating an output signal representing the temperature and wear of the brake lining. In an alternate embodiment, a capacitor is connected across the plurality of wire loops and a resistive temperature sensor with a large range of resistance is used to monitor the brake lining temperature.

Abstract: A wear indicator for a disk brake having a caliper that slides in a carrier to apply friction pads against a disk. The wear indicator comprises a continuous variation sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, connected to a monitor. The capactive sensor has first and second electrodes having a variable overlap area. A guide pin for the caliper forms the first electrode. As the guide pin moves during a brake application, the monitor periodically measures the overlap area to define a current operational output signal which is compared with a predetermined signal and when the comparison differs from a normal result a failure signal is provided to indicate that the disk brake in not properly operating.

Abstract: A two-way safety trip is placed at selected locations along a railway track to demarcate a safety zone within which the travel of a railway vehicle is stopped upon entering the zone and is permitted to continue upon leaving the zone, the safety trip including a bracket for attachment to the track and a trip member selectively mounted upon the bracket in alternate mounting orientations for serving at either boundary of the safety zone.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis includes at least one inhibitor disposed within the vehicle wheel to selectively engage the vehicle wheel to prevent the vehicle wheel from rotating about its rotational axis. The anti-theft vehicle system also includes a rotatable structure disposed within the vehicle wheel and cooperating with the inhibitor for moving the inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengaged position with the vehicle wheel.