Abstract: A brake disc assembly including an inner hub (14) extending between a drive end (16) and a wheel end (18) and a disc flange (20) extending radially about the circumference of the inner hub (14) at the wheel end (18) with the inner hub (14) having a bore (22) extending between the ends for receiving a drive shaft. A brake disc has a base (26) attached to the disc flange (20) about the circumference of the inner hub (14) and a rotor (28) extends radially from the base (26) and presents parallel braking surfaces (30). A bearing assembly surrounds the hub (14) between the drive end (16) and the disc flange (20) for supporting the hub (14) with an outer race (32) presents a support flange (34) for attachment to a support structure (36) and an inner race member (58) is disposed about the drive end (16).

Abstract: In a vehicle wheel hub bearing unit and brake arrangement, the bearing forms a rotating radial flange (11) adapted for securing to a radial flange (12) of a brake member and rotate fixedly therewith. The brake member flange (12) is located substantially in the same radial plane of the bearing flange (11) and secured directly to the peripheral portion thereof. A form or splined connection (13, 14) couples the flanges (11, 12) in non-rotatable manner. The hub bearing flange (11) has a shoulder (15, 135) radially protruding from the axially inner side thereof so as to provide an axially inner abutment for the brake member flange (12). The brake member flange (12) is axially restrained from axial outward motion by the wheel rim (16, 21).

Abstract: A disc or drum brake member is usually connected to the flange of the bearing of a motor vehicle wheel; possible manufacturing errors in the flange of the bearing, and/or the brake member cause, on tightening the wheel to the flange, deformations in the bearing tracks and the active surfaces of the brake member; to avoid this, an elastically-yielding connection element is interposed, connected to the bearing on one side and the brake member on the other side, and constituted by a bell of sheet metal, dimensioned to present a high torsional rigidity associated with a limited axial rigidity to absorb and neutralise the tensions produced on tightening the screws holding the wheel to the flange of the bearing, even in the presence of manufacturing errors on the corresponding facing surfaces of the parts to be joined.

Abstract: An improved ductile iron vehicle hub and method for producing the same wherein the method includes the steps of (a) providing a vehicle hub formed from ductile iron and including a generally axially extending body having a centrally located opening formed therethrough, the body including an open inner end, an open outer end, and a generally radially outwardly extending flange; and (b) shot peening selected outer surfaces of the body of the vehicle hub to induce compressive stresses therein to improve the fatigue life the vehicle hub.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a brake disc assembly comprising the steps of inserting a fixture post (72) through a bore (22) in the hub (14) and disposing a nose-shaped pressure plate (74) into a pocket (73) within the circumference of the inner hub (14) with a washer/nut (78) over the pressure plate (74) to place the post (72) in tension against the bearing assembly to maintain a pre-load on the bearing assembly. The outer race (32) of the bearing assembly is clamped with the gage surface (54) drawn against a gage (84) to properly orient the outer race (32) about a fixed axis (A). A spoke or disc (77) extends radially from the pressure plate (74) and is disposed in axially spaced relationship to the base (26) of the brake disc to be in circumferential driving relationship with the studs (64).

Abstract: A convertible aircraft brake assembly (10, 60, 77, 78, 83, 85, 96, 120, 130) designed as original equipment to have heat sinks comprising a steel heat sink (20, 70, 80, 90, 91, 100, 110, 122) aircraft brake assembly and a carbon--carbon composite heat sink (40) aircraft brake assembly. When the aircraft brake assembly is converted from one type of heat sink to the other, the conversion is accomplished with minimal changes in component parts. The conversion can be accomplished without any changes in the piston housing (14), torque tube (12), and wheel (30) because the heat sinks include therein respective components which enable each heat sink to be utilized with the commonly used piston housing (14), torque tube (12), and wheel (30).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a brake disc assembly comprising the steps of machining a radially extending gage surface (54) on the support flange (34) of an outer race (32) of a bearing assembly disposed around a hub (14) and inserting a fixture post (72) through a spring washer (68) and through the bore (22) in the hub (14). A clamp plate (74) is disposed in engagement with the base (26) of the brake disc with a washer/nut (78) over the clamp plate (74) to place the post (72) in tension to urge the spring washer (68) against the bearing assembly tomaintain the pre-load on the bearing assembly. The outer race (32) of the bearing assembly is clamped with the gage surface (54) drawn against a gage (84) to properly orient the outer race (32) about a fixed axis A. Thereafter, the clamp plate (74) is engaged by rotating jaws (90) which rotate about a floating axis B.

Abstract: The brake system employs a ring braking member and a suspended brake caliper having a responsive linkage correcting the caliper and a knuckle support arrangement. The ring braking member is preferably die cast as a single component with a control hub and is of a lightweight, high temperature aluminum composite material. The brake system is designed to have a relatively thick ring brake member of this lightweight material to provide sufficient capacity to absorb the heat of braking and transfer of this heat to the surrounding air prior to the ring brake reaching a temperature where damage is likely to occur. The normal operating temperature is well below the theoretical maximum temperature or rated temperature of the composite material.

Abstract: A braking system for an automotive vehicle is provided which comprises, in combination, a wheel having a specifically-defined wheel rim for mounting a tire thereon, and a specifically-defined disc carrying the wheel rim for mounting the wheel upon a wheel support of the automotive vehicle. A cylindrical support is secured to the wheel. Radially-inwardly facing arcuate brake lining structures are secured to the cylindrical support. Brake shoes are mounted upon a non-rotatable part of the automotive vehicle in spaced positions around the rotational axis of the wheel support. A pressurized-fluid operating system of a specifically-defined structure is provided for moving the brake shoes in a braking action radially-outwardly from inactive positions towards, and frictionally-engaging, the brake lining structures, and for returning the brake shoes radially-inwardly to the inactive positions upon termination of said braking action.

Abstract: A unitary hub and exciter ring for a motor vehicle equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The exciter ring is unitarily formed in the hub by machining grooves into the exterior surface of the hub and creating spaced teeth about the circumference of the hub. To ensure roundness and concentricity in the hub, and to ensure close tolerances in spacing between the ABS sensor and the teeth, machining is gaged off of bearing cups mounted within the internal bore of the hub.

Abstract: An integral hub and exciter ring is disclosed for a motor vehicle equipped with an anti-lock braking system in which the exciter ring is integrally formed with the hub by machining grooves into the hub forming spaced teeth about the circumference of the hub. To improve the magnetic permeability of the teeth as compared to the cast iron of the hub, a steel band is insert cast into the hub resulting in a steel band having improved magnetic permeability and also being molecularly bonded to the cast iron to ensure retention of the band in the hub.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an integrated disc brake (50) and drum brake (120) construction. A support member (12) is supported by a vehicle axle (14) and extends radially outwardly to provide support for a housing (52) of the disc brake (50). The housing (52) is secured by bolts (93 or 94) to the support member (12), the housing (52) having through openings (54) for receiving rod members (75). The rod members (75) each have one end (76) secured to the support member (12) and a second part (90) and the other end has an opening (77) for an internal bore (78) extending therein. The disc brake (50) includes an axially movable yoke (60) attached to guide pins (82) extending into bores (78) of the rods (75) for slidable movement therein. The second part (90) extends radially to provide support for an inner brake pad (20) and may extend axially away from the housing (52) to provide an anchor support (91) for shoulders (132, 142) of drum brake shoes (130, 140).

Abstract: A relatively simple, lightweight, low cost brake assembly for relatively light weight vehicles, particularly so-called ultralight airplanes which may be quickly and easily installed on and removed from a vehicle. The brake assembly has a housing to be fixed on a vehicle wheel support, such as an axle, and rotatably mounting a brake rotor having means for compling to a wheel. Operable between the housing and rotor are selectively operable brake means for applying a braking force to the rotor.

Abstract: A front brake apparatus in a motorized three-wheeled vehicle of the type that a wheel hub supported rotatably on a front wheel axle is provided with a brake drum fixed thereto. A brake panel fixed to the front wheel axle is so provided as to be positioned axially outside the brake drum. The brake panel is provided with brake shoes arranged to be brought into internal contact with the brake drum. The invention is characterized in that the brake panel is provided with a drum cover which extends to cover a surrounding portion of the brake drum and serves to tightly seal the surrounding portion through a seal member. The seal member is positioned in an inside space defined by a wheel rim attached to the wheel hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulically operable brake, in particular, a servo brake, with a brake carrier arranged secure against turning on the vehicle, a wheel cylinder fastened to the circumferential zone of the brake carrier, which wheel cylinder is connected over hydraulic lines with a pressure medium source, an automatic resetting device fastened to the circumferential zone of the brake carrier lying opposite the wheel cylinder, a brake-jaw bracing angle piece fastened to the brake carrier, two brake jaws, the oppositely lying ends of which abut on the piston of the wheel cylinder and on the threaded bolts of the readjusting device, and with restoring springs that engage on the brake jaws and on the brake carrier.

Abstract: A suspension assembly couples a wheel assembly (16) and a brake assembly (60) to a frame (10). The suspension assembly includes a support (20) for receiving an axle (24). The axle carries the wheel assembly (16) at one end of the support (20) and forms a drum (46) at the other end of the support (20) for engagement with the brake assembly (60). Therefore, the support (20) separates the wheel assembly (16) from the brake assembly (60) so that the brake assembly (60) brakes the wheel assembly (16) via the axle (24).

Abstract: The electric retarder comprises a stator (1) mounted through a frame (11) to a casing (4) of a vehicle drive axle and a rotor with two disks (2) supported by a central plate (17), which plate is mounted on a collar (8) fitted on the end of a stub-shaft (3) extending from the casing and is coupled to a universal joint. For assembling the plate to the collar and the end flange (24) of the universal joint to the plate, and to close the jaw (23) of this universal joint formed by two bearing blocks (26) and two clamps (27), on the corresponding journals, recourse is had to twelve screws, namely four screws A, four screws B and four screws C staggered angularly by about 30.degree. with respect to each other about the axis X of the retarder.

Abstract: A brake-drum flange is bolted to a wheel disk by an interface surface structure which limits the engagement area and avoids contact around the fastening bolts. In the case of a twin-wheel configuration, the two wheels are placed back-to-back, whereby the contact area has larger diameters than the contact areas between the brake drum and the one-wheel disk.

Abstract: A spider for a brake having dual web brake shoes to be utilized at the wheel end of a heavy duty truck or trailer axle includes a pivoting end support plate mounted at a hole therethrough at a first axial location on the axle to extend radially outwardly therefrom to include at its extended end a pair of pivot pins for the support of each of the webs of each brake shoe. An actuation support plate is mounted at an opening therethrough at a second axial location on the axle which is separated from the first axial location. The extended end of the actuation support plate is capable of supporting a cam actuator which will operate on the opposite ends of the brake shoes from the pivot pins. There are included side plates which extend axially along opposite sides of the axle to secure the pivotal support plate and the actuation support plate to each other.

Abstract: A two piece brake drum for large off-the-road type vehicles having large and difficult-to-remove wheels, the brake drum comprising two substantially semi-circular halves with integral flanges for mounting to a wheel. The internal friction surfaces terminate in chamfers at each end and the halves, when mounted to a wheel, have gaps between the ends through which foreign material may be expelled.

Abstract: Backing plates are normally bolted to wheel gear housings and brake shoes are normally biased against such backing plates. Hydraulic or pneumatic lines normally proceed externally of the housing and over the backing plate to connect with a wheel cylinder which motivates the brake shoes. Such hydraulic lines can be easily damaged. A wheel brake arrangement (10) is disclosed which eliminates external hydraulic or pneumatic lines and eliminates such a backing plate. At least one conduit (33) is formed within a housing (12). The conduit (33) is connected directly to a wheel cylinder (28). The wheel cylinder (28) is mounted to one end (24) of the housing (12). A biasing structure (50) can serve for biasing a brake shoe (26) into contacting relation with one end (24) of the housing (12). A piloting arrangement (49) can serve for properly aligning the wheel cylinder (28) to motivate the brake shoe (26) and to receive pressurized fluid from the conduit (33).

Abstract: A brake and wheel assembly for vehicles having small diameter wheels and heavy axle loading requiring high capacity braking is disclosed. An axle extension shaft cantilevered transversely on a vehicle frame mounts rotatably a dual wheel hub which also serves as a brake rotor in coaction with a pair of wide brake shoes. A mounting unit for brake mechanism including a rigid backbone member is cantilevered from the vehicle frame across the axis of the axle extension shaft and brake rotor. The backbone member locates and supports front and rear brake cylinder bodies and associated anchor pins for the brake shoes and also supports a brake shoe upper guide. Brake shoe hold-down bases and other components are attached to a back plate of the brake mechanism mounting unit which also includes a side cover. A mechanical parking and emergency brake is included in the assembly along with required brake adjustment features.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00026 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 18, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 18, 1979, PCT Filed Jan. 18, 1979 PCT Pub. No. W080/01505 PCT Pub. Date July 24, 1980.A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (72) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing surface contact a face (68) and outer surface (66) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).

Abstract: A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (67) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing surfaces contact a face (94) and outer surface (92) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension member which cooperates with a bracket, a traction bar, and a shock absorber in order to connect a wheel assembly to a vehicle frame. The suspension member comprises a sheet of metal which is deformed to receive and fixedly secure a spindle which rotatably supports a wheel assembly. The suspension member is engageable with a brake assembly to support the latter relative thereto and also opposes torque developed during braking. In a preferred embodiment the suspension member comprises a pair of metal sheets which are deformed to form mirror images of each other so that upon fastening, they support the spindle and cooperate with the brake assembly to provide braking for the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A wheel brake assembly in which the webs of brake shoes are held in a planar alignment between and supported by a pair of parallel-spaced interconnected supporting plates, in turn supported by an axle or spindle. A pair of brake contracting springs interconnect the brake shoes, and these springs are positioned with one spring being against the outer surface of each plate. An inner edge of each of the plates is circular and independently adapted to attach to an axle housing, whereby the brake assembly may be readily welded to an axle housing.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a vehicle is mounted directly on the vehicle frame with the brake caliper straddling a brake disc carried directly on the vehicle drive line. The brake is spring applied to grab the disc and to prevent rotation of the drive line. Air pressure is used to release the brake such that loss of air pressure as when an air hose ruptures or when the air reserve is consumed by usage will permit the spring to lock the brake and prevent rotation of the drive line. The brake can be applied when the engine is running by releasing the air pressure on the brake.

Abstract: A wheel brake assembly in which the webs of brake shoes are held in a planar alignment between and supported by a pair of parallel-spaced interconnected supporting plates, in turn supported by an axle or spindle. A pair of brake contracting springs interconnect the brake shoes, and these springs are positioned with one spring being against the outer surface of each plate. An inner edge of each of the plates is circular and independently adapted to attach to an axle housing, whereby the brake assembly may be readily welded to an axle housing.

Abstract: A brake is disclosed for use with motor vehicles and particularly with motor vehicle trailers having heavy axles. The brake includes a brake ring which is connected securely to the wheel hub. At least two brake shoes act on the external peripheral surface of the brake ring. Each brake shoe is mounted on one end of a two-arm lever. The two-arm levers may be mounted on the axle. The other ends of the two-arm levers are actuated by a hydraulic operating device, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (72) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing .[.surface.]. .Iadd.surfaces (58,60) .Iaddend.contact a face (68) and outer surface (66) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).