Abstract: The brake motor comprises an inserted piston (26) slideably mounted in a passage (24) formed in the front wall (4) of the brake piston (1) which has, near the other end (31) of the inserted piston (26), a counter-bearing surface (34) facing inward, thus enabling the engagement of an actuating tool (0) to exert, via the inserted piston (26), an axial thrust on the rotating member (16) of the automatic adjustment device of the brake motor and, at the same tine, an axial load in the opposite direction on the brake piston (1) enabling the friction clutch (18, 19) to release between the brake piston (1) and the rotating member (16), after which an axial translation (F) of the assembly enables the resetting of the automatic adjustment device of the brake motor.

Abstract: An automatic adjustment arrangement for disk brakes has a flanged threaded nut and a threaded spindle threadedly coupled thereto arranged between the brake piston and the hand brake piston. The flange of the threaded nut is axially form-locked and radially displaceable relative to the brake piston. The threaded spindle is rotatably supported in a rolling bearing which is radially displaceable. The hand brake piston and threaded spindle are frictionally coupled. The extension of the adjustment member is produced by rotation of the threaded spindle. To avoid malfunctions, an automatic centering of the entire adjustment element relative to the brake piston as well as relative to the housing is provided. Manufacturing and assembly errors are thereby compensated for. The positions of the threaded spindle and threaded nut can be interchanged.

Abstract: A self adjusting wheel cylinder for a drum brake including a brake drum and a brake shoe for exerting braking pressure on the drum with a shoe gap formed therebetween comprising a cylinder including an opening therein, hydraulic piston slidably mounted in the opening for activating the brake shoe upon movement in one direction, and for releasing the brake shoe upon movement in the other direction, and multiple adjusting screws within the cylinder for automatically adjusting the limit of movement of the piston in response to changes in the shoe gap of the brake, the multiple adjusting screws including a spindle having external screw-threads on both ends, the spindle is threadably mounted within the piston to one end thereof, and has a pair of multiple drive screws on the other end of the spindle for defining a fixed movement limit of the piston.

Abstract: An automatic adjuster for a vehicle brake actuator has a non-rotatable brake shoe-engaging tappet, an adjuster member having a threaded shank threadedly engaged with a nut, the adjuster member co-acting with the tappet so that said rotation of the adjuster member causes axial movement of the tappet. The adjuster member is drivingly coupled by a coupling member to a shaft having an external reversible thread and a spring acting between the tappet and shaft urges the tappet against the shoe. A clutch ring has an internal reversible thread whereby it engages the corresponding thread on the shaft and is resiliently urged towards a fixed clutch face. The clutch ring controls rotation of the adjuster member during brake actuation and release to adjust the retracted position of the tappet to compensate for wear of the brake shoe.

Abstract: A friction coupling incorporating wear compensating comprises friction members and a plunger adapted to extend in response to wear of the friction members. The extension of the plunger is controlled by the rotation in a predetermined direction of a rotating member housed in the plunger. On this member are engaged two one-way circumferentially-acting friction members, each consisting of at least two-thirds of a turn of a spring. One of these, connected to the plunger, is adapted to prevent rotation of the rotating member relative to the plunger when the latter moves forward. The other, coupled to a control member such as a lever, is adapted to drive the rotating member in rotation in the previously mentioned predetermined direction when the plunger moves back, if the previous forward movement of the plunger has exceeded a substantially constant set point value.

Abstract: The mechanical actuating device for a disc brake has an automatic adjusting device to compensate for wear of the brake pads. The actuating device enables an easy resetting of the adjusting device for brake pad replacement and has a compact construction of all parts. The adjusting spindle extends axially through the actuating device and a clutch secures the adjusting spindle against rotation when the adjusting nut is turned to compensate for wear of the brake pads. To reset the adjusting device for brake pad replacement, the adjusting spindle is turned back by a turning tool.

Abstract: A parking brake mechanism in a disc brake includes a bottomed tubular adjusting nut slidably fitted in a bore defined in a cylinder bottom coaxially with a piston with a seal ring interposed and having a closed end projecting into the cylinder and coupled to piston, an adjusting bolt axially movably threaded in the adjusting nut and having a head projecting out of the cylinder, a first spring interposed between the head and the cylinder bottom for normally urging the adjusting bolt in a direction out of the cylinder, a thrust bearing interposed between the head and the first spring for ensuring smooth rotation of the adjusting bolt, a pusher disposed coaxially with the adjusting bolt and having in one end a slot substantially perpendicular to an axis of the adjusting bolt, the pusher serving as a clutch for selective engagement with the head, a second spring for normally urging the pusher in a direction out of the cylinder, a plate having an intermediate portion extending through the slot and interposed betwe

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake actuator with automatic adjustment of the type including a screw and nut actuating mechanism (32) the lengthening of which is controlled by a combined system with a screw and nut of reversible pitch and a unidirectional clutch (42) which is responsive to the relative axial movement between a control piston (14) and a fixed body (10) housing the control piston (14). The brake actuator includes a device for controlling (62) the rotation of the nut (34) of the actuating mechanism (32) so as to allow rotation of the nut (34) beyond a predetermined value of torque for rotating the latter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a brake actuator with automatic adjustment incorporating a screw and nut actuator mechanism (32, 34) whose elongation is controlled by a screw and nut device with reversible pitch (44) and a unidirectional clutch (56) sensitive to the relative movement between the fixed body (20) and a control piston (24). The brake actuator incorporates an automatic device (68) momentarily disengaging the actuator mechanism (32, 34) when the rotational torque of the nut (32) becomes too great. The brake actuator also incorporates a manual device for resetting the automatic adjustment to zero.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a vehicle brake incorporates an automatic adjuster which includes a strut of variable length formed by members which are threadedly interengaged by way of non-reversible screw thread connection. The member is an adjuster shaft which forms a reversible screw thread connection with a drive ring arranged to control rotation of the adjuster shaft during brake application and release. The non-reversible thread is subject, during brake application, to an axial force which is the resultant of forces derived from the braking pressure applied to different areas defined respectively by a seal on the piston and a further seal on the adjuster shaft. This ensures that random rotation of the adjuster shaft during brake application is resisted without the necessity for the application of axial spring load.

Abstract: The invention concerns a brake actuator with automatic adjustment, of the type incorporating a screw and nut system with reversible pitch (46, 48) situated between a working piston (40) and a control component (34), the screw and nut system transmitting a force between the control component (34) and the working piston (40) when relative rotation between the screw and the nut is locked by a locking device (50-54). The brake actuator incorporates an automatic relative axial positioning device (56) between the control component (34) and the working piston (40) providing a predetermined approach travel between the working piston (40) and a friction component (42) capable of being pushed by the brake actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc brake with automatic adjustment, of the type incorporating a calliper (10), a brake actuator (12) which is adapted to act directly upon a first friction component (14) and, by reaction through the calliper (10) upon a second friction component (16). The brake actuator (12) incorporates a mechanical control (32) acting upon a hydraulic control piston (20) through an automatic adjustment device, the latter being formed by a screw and nut device (46, 60) with reversible pitch which is actuatable by the hydraulic piston (20) beyond a predetermined travel of the latter which is defined by a clearance between an annular component (82) and a thrust bearing (92) which is adapted to act upon the screw and nut device (46, 60), the clearance being capable of varying as a function of the pressure applied to the control piston (20).

Abstract: A casing (10) has a bore (14) and a clutch face (48) concentric with the bore. In the bore (14) a tappet (30) of variable length is slidably guided and includes two threaded members (34,36) interconnected by a self-locking screw thread pair (38). A clutch member (50) connected to one of the two threaded members (34) by a non-self-locking screw thread pair (52) is associated with the clutch face (48). A support member (60 ) having an aperture (68) through which the other one of the two threaded members (36) extends is fixed to the casing (10). A clutch spring (70) is inserted between the support member (60) and the clutch member (50) and urges the clutch member (50) into abutment against the clutch face (48). A sealing boot (72) which is disposed outside of the support member (60) with respect to the casing (10) provides an external seal for the screw thread pairs (38,52) and the clutch member (50). The support member (60) and the sealing boot (72) are separately fixed to the casing (10).

Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a caliper member, a piston axially slidably disposed within a cylinder body of the caliper member to be actuated by hydraulic fluid under pressure, and a parking brake mechanism assembled within the cylinder body to actuate the piston in its operation.

Abstract: An adjustment device for a brake actuator including a spindle (20) is arranged between an hydraulically movable piston (12) and a mechanically movable tappet (18). The spindle (20) is formed at its outside with left- and right-hand threads (26) and (28), respectively, on which a collet (22) and an adjusting nut (24), respectively, are threaded in non-self-locking manner or, in other words, reversibly. The collet (22) and the adjusting nut (24) form a conical coupling (25) which, when engaged or closed prevents rotation of the structural members so that the adjustment device acts as a rigid member between the tappet (18) and the piston (12).

Abstract: A brake slack adjusting apparatus is disclosed which includes a threaded member at least partially extending coaxially within a tubular member. Threadedly engaging the threaded member is a first rotatable member for varying the relative position of the rotatable member with respect to the threaded rod member. A second rotatable member disposed adjacent the threaded rod member and the tubular housing member selectively couples the tubular housing member to the threaded rod member during a brake application stroke to transmit brake forces to the threaded rod member and to vary the relative axial position between the tubular housing member and the threaded rod member. A locking device is provided between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member to limit the relative movement between the first rotatable member and the threaded rod member when a predetermined force is transmitted through the second rotatable member.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a double-acting compression actuatable slack adjuster to adjust the slack in the brake rigging of a railway vehicle which includes a pair of elongated members movable with respect to each other in a longitudinal direction. One of the elongated members is hollow and the other member includes a threaded portion housed within the hollow member. A positioning device carrying a pair of opposed abutting surfaces is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the one member. A pair of opposite facing abutment surfaces are positioned within the hollow member. A first urging device is positioned to urge the positioning device into a disengaged position. A second urging device overcomes the force of the first urging device and urges an abutting surface on the positioning device into engagement with an adjacent abutment surface. An overtravel control device is provided which is activated by a trigger device.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a disc brake with automatic adjustment of the type incorporating a caliper (10) mounted to slide on a fixed support by way of at least one axial pin, a brake motor (34) acting directly on a first friction element (26) and as a result of reaction via the caliper (10) on a second friction element (30). The brake motor (34) incorporates a mechanical control (48, 50, 54) acting on a hydraulic control piston (36) via an automatic-adjustment device. The automatic-adjustment device is formed by a screw (68) -and-nut (88) system of reversible pitch, which is actuated by the piston (36) beyond a predetermined stroke of the latter. According to the invention, a monitoring piston (80) immobilizes a sleeve (114) fixed in rotation to the nut (88), when the hydraulic control pressure reaches a predetermined value. The invention is used for the braking of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A brake slack adjuster with axially aligned, first and second load members connectible at their free ends, respectively, to the brake rigging and a lever operable by the piston of the brake cylinder. First and second brakes act between the load members. The second load member is movable axially with respect to the first brakes which, in first relative positions thereof, permits axial movement of the load members relative to each other and which, in second relative positions thereof, prevents relative axial movement of the load members. The second brake is movable relative to the second load member and prevents relative movement of the load members until the braking force exceeds a value, such as 1000 pounds. The second brake is releasable by a spring loaded, axially movable actuator so that the second load member can move axially to its second position and cause actuation of the first brake.

Abstract: A vehicle brake actuator has actuator components in the form of a cylinder body and a piston operatively associated respectively with a non-rotatable adjuster shaft and a rotatable nut member threadedly interengaged by way of a reversible screw thread connection, the nut member being arranged to follow brake-applying movement of the component being movable axially along the shaft by rotating therealong when adjustment is required and being otherwise prevented from rotation by a clutch. The piston includes an auxiliary piston part axially and rotationally movable relative thereto and arranged to be manually operable from the exterior of the actuator. The piston part is provided with axial projections, which upon axially inward movement of the piston part, may be brought into engagement with recesses in the nut member, whereby the nut member may be wound along the shaft to de-adjust the adjuster without the necessity to rotate the piston.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a disk brake with automatic adjustment of the type incorporating a sliding calliper (10), a brake actuator (12) acting directly upon a first friction component (14) and, by reaction through the calliper (10), upon a second friction component (16), the brake actuator (12) incorporating a mechanical control (32) acting upon a hydraulic control piston (20) through an automatic adjustment device. The automatic adjustment device consists of a screw and nut system (46-60) of reversible pitch which is capable of being actuated by the hydraulic piston (20) beyond a predetermined travel of the latter, the adjustment device incorporating an annular component (76), firmly fixed in rotation to the nut and co-operating with a control piston (64), immobilizing the annular component (76) in rotation when the hydraulic pressure acting upon the hydraulic control piston (20) reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A rail vehicle slack adjuster in a brake unit has an axially movable piston rod (7), a non-rotatable, brake force delivering spindle (8), an adjuster nut (26) in non-self-locking engagement with the spindle and rotating on a bearing (18), and a barrel spring (29) between the unit piston (3) and the spindle, the adjuster nut being clutchable over a main clutch (27) to the piston rod for transmitting brake force. A non-rotatable locking sleeve (20), which is only axially movable a control distance (A) under the action of a locking spring (21), is clutchable to the adjuster nut over a control clutch (28).

Abstract: An automatic slack adjuster (60) employs a drive member (22) having a helical groove (28) into which a pin (42) extends from a fixed frame (10) to transfer a rotational torque to a reaction member (30) secured to an adjustment nut member (12) for rotating and enabling nut member (12) upon application of the brake to advance a thrust member (2) threadingly engaged with nut member (12) a distance sufficient to maintain a substantially constant clearance between a frictional layer (5) and a surface (6) to be braked. An engagement means such as frictional layer (33) is disposed between drive member (22) and reaction member (30) and groove 28 is provided with an inclination angle (.theta.) such that the combination enables slippage to occur between members (22) and (30) upon engagement between surface (6) and frictional layer (5).

Abstract: Disc brake with automatic adjustment incorporating a calliper (10) mounted so as to slide on a fixed support by way of at least one axial pillar, a brake actuator (34) acting directly upon a first friction component, and by reaction through the calliper, upon a second friction component, the brake actuator (34) incorporating a mechanical control (48-50-60) acting upon a hydraulic control piston (36) through an automatic adjustment device (66), the adjustment device (66) being formed by a screw and nut system (68-70), which has a pitch which allows reverse action, and is capable of being actuated by the hydraulic piston (36) beyond a predetermined travel of the latter, the adjustment device (66) incorporating a sleeve (104) firmly fixed in rotation to the nut (70) and cooperating with annular control piston (80) which is capable of moving so as to be sealed relative to the screw (68) and relative to the brake actuator (34), the control piston (80) immobilizing the sleeve (104) in rotation and in translation wh

Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a caliper cooperating with a pair of friction pads to oppose rotation of a rotor. The caliper defines a bore receiving a piston assembly and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly carries an actuator which is movable during a parking brake application.

Abstract: An automatic adjusting device for a hydraulically and mechanically actuatable disc brake is disclosed including an adjusting member interposed between a brake piston and a mechanical actuating device. The adjusting member includes an adjusting nut connected to the brake piston by a non-self locking threaded element and includes a conical friction surface cooperating with a friction surface on a hand brake piston. A stop on an axially adjustable sleeve supports the adjusting nut and provides for adjustment of the spacing between the friction surfaces in the inactuated position.

Abstract: A disc brake device including a piston, an automatic adjuster and a sleeve piston within the cylinder of a caliper body, wherein braking and automatic braking-gap adjustment are achieved by a hydraulic input, and said piston is pushed by a mechanical input through said sleeve piston and said automatic adjuster for braking.

Abstract: The device incorporates a tubular bearing component (20) having an end portion inserted into the bottom (11) of the piston (1) and a portion projecting into the cavity (9) of the piston, the uni-directional clutch-spring (14) for the tapped sleeve (12) engaged on the threaded rod (8) for the handbrake being mounted on this projecting portion of the bearing component and incorporating an end arm (15) joined to the sleeve (12).

Abstract: A disk brake actuator having a hydraulic slack-adjusting arrangement for maintaining a positive clearance between a brake shoe and a brake disk, includes a cylinder housing having disposed therein a brake-applying spring section, a hydraulic-operated release section, and an actuator piston spindle arrangement operably-connected to the spring section by way of a clutch arrangement. A flange, formed on the actuator piston, acts as a plunger during a brake application and draws a first amount of hydraulic fluid into a first storage area, such first amount corresponding in volumn to the clearance between the brake disk and brake shoe when a nonworn brake shoe is first used. Upon release of the brake, the actuator piston forces the hydraulic fluid back into a second storage area wherein is included a shuttle member movable with a shuttle chamber. Additional hydraulic fluid is drawn from a reservoir when actuator piston movement, beyond the original clearance value, occurs as a result of brake shoe wear.

Abstract: A railroad slack adjuster has a threaded adjusting screw, one end of which is adapted to be connected to one portion of a railroad car brake rigging. The slack adjuster also has a clutch housing assembly, telescopic with the adjusting screw and adapted to be connected to another portion of the brake rigging. A clutch disk is rotatably mounted on the adjusting screw for engagement with opposing clutch surfaces within the clutch housing. A trigger housing is telescopically positioned about the adjusting screw, clutch housing and clutch disk. A spring is positioned about the adjusting screw and effective between the clutch housing and adjusting screw to urge the screw outwardly of the clutch housing. There is a further trigger spring positioned about the clutch housing and urging the clutch housing outwardly of the trigger housing.

Abstract: A linearly infinitely variable mechanism comprises first and second portions which are relatively axially positionable to establish the effective length of the mechanism. A rotary element is axially captured on the second portion. The operative connection between the first portion and the second portion is via a threaded connection of the first portion with the rotary element. The axial capture of the rotary element comprises a twist lock which, when locked, forcefully abuts the ends of the rotary element to preclude its rotation and prevent a change in the effective length of the mechanism provided that the first and second portions are constrained against relative rotation. When unlocked, the rotary element can rotate within its axial capture so that axial forces applied to the mechanism are effective to change its length.

Abstract: A slack adjuster for a rail vehicle brake system, comprising a brake force receiving adjuster tube (1, 1A), a spindle (4; 4A) axially movable therein, and two nuts, an adjuster nut (5; 5A) and a leader nut (6; 6A), which are in non-self-locking thread engagement with the spindle and are held resiliently in clutch engagement with a clutch ring (7; 7A) and a control sleeve (16; 16A) respectively, the latter being axially movable in the tube a distance (A) corresponding to the desired slack. In order to transform this so called stroke-sensing adjuster into the so called clearance-sensing type being independent of the elasticity part of the application stroke the adjuster nut (5; 5A) and the clutch ring (7; 7A) in coaction are arranged to submit a force to the leader nut (6; 6A) for locking the latter against rotation under deformation of a resilient element (13; 30; 34; 38; 5A) at the occurrence of a counter-force on the spindle (4; 4A) during the brake application.

Abstract: A truck mounted air cylinder and slack adjuster incorporates an elongated brake operating member adapted to apply a brake applying thrust to the brake beams. An air cylinder is mounted to the truck and a threaded rod is attached to the brake operating member and extends into the air cylinder. A drive member is positioned within the air cylinder and is in sealing relationship with the cylinder walls. The drive member is movable within the cylinder in response to a brake application air pressure applied thereto. A clutch connecting the threaded rod to the drive member for concurrent axial movement with the clutch provides for rotation of the rod relative to the drive member. A slack adjuster is associated with the cylinder and the rod. The slack adjuster cooperates with the clutch to extend the rod relative to the elongated brake operating member in response to a slack condition sensed by the slack adjuster during a brake application.

Abstract: An automatic adjuster includes a pair of threadedly interengaged parts forming an extensible strut and a restraint device in the form of a washer locked to a head on one part and having a projecting tongue which, when the parts are near to their limit of retraction, engages in a groove of the other part to prevent relative rotation of the parts and thereby precludes engagement between respective potentially jamming adjacent surfaces of the parts.

Abstract: An automatic adjusting device which is disposed midway of a control wire connecting an actuating mechanism such as a brake and an operating lever. The automatic adjusting device automatically compensates not only the internal wear of the actuating mechanism but also the extension of the control wire so that it can always take up any excessive play or slack of the control wire to thereby impart to the operating lever a minimum play, which corresponds to the proper ineffective stroke of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A parking brake, primarily for use with railway vehicles, including a friction clutch associated with a fast-travel nut which is locked by the clutch against rotation on a threaded spindle connected to a brake head, under a force exerted by a plurality of stacked Belleville-type disc springs. The spring load may be overcome by air pressure acting on respective faces of a plurality of serially connected pistons, which, in effect releases the fast-travel nut for free spinning to thereby accommodate axial displacement of the spindle during normal service application and release of the brakes.

Abstract: An actuator for a shoe drum brake has a body containing a tappet engaging one of a pair of brake shoes, and a split tappet of which the outermost piston engages the other brake shoe. A mechanical wedge actuator acts between the tappets for emergency and parking operation. The piston cooperates with an automatic adjuster of which a component normally engages an abutment member which bears against a shoulder within the body to isolate the adjuster from the piston of the split tappet and thereby from the other tappet.

Abstract: An automatic braking-gap adjuster system for hydraulic brakes having an adjusting nut and bolt combination wherein the nut engages threadedly the bolt, the combination being disposed in the hydraulic chamber defined by a piston slidably inserted through an associated cylinder and a portion of the cylinder facing the piston, and the adjusting bolt abutting at its clutch section against a clutch face of the portion of the cylinder. A spring retainer having its legs fixed to the piston so as to be engageable with the adjusting nut such that the nut is restrained from turning, and a spring arranged in a contracted state between a spring seat of the spring retainer and the adjusting nut for biasing the adjusting nut toward the piston are provided. The spring retainer is mounted in place by inserting its legs through notches formed in the adjusting nut and holding them in openings formed in the piston.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly for a disc brake includes a nut (26) and a threaded stem (28). The threaded stem (28) defines a first diameter portion (72) and a second diameter portion (76) which cooperate to form a differential area sealingly engaging an inwardly extending partition (68). The partition (68) also forms a passage (88) to communicate fluid pressure to both portions (72, 76) so that the differential area and pressure communicating passage are compactly arranged at the partition (68).

Abstract: An improved braking piston for a disc brake is of the type which includes a disc mounted for rotation about an axle and a brake housing mounted on the axle in alignment with a friction surface of the disc. The braking piston has an interior end at least partially mounted within the housing and an external end outwardly of the housing adjacent the friction surface of the disc. A powershaft is mounted within the housing in coaxial alignment with the braking piston and is capable of selective rotation by an air disc brake actuator mounted on the housing. The powershaft has worm gear teeth engaged with mating teeth on the interior end of the braking piston.

Abstract: A slack adjuster is for a disc brake of the type which includes a disc mounted for rotation about an axle and a caliper brake having a housing mounted on the axle in alignment with a friction surface of the disc. A braking piston is mounted in the housing for axial movement toward and away from the friction surface of the disc. Brake actuation produces rotating movement of a powershaft mounted in the housing which will in turn produce a corresponding axial movement of the braking piston through a non-rotating powershaft nut. An adjusting sleeve is between the piston and the powershaft nut and is threadably coupled to the piston and capable of rotation relative thereto to adjust the axial position of the piston. The adjusting sleeve is capable of rotating in a direction which will cause the piston to be adjusted toward the disc and is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction by a one-way clutch shaft between the adjusting sleeve and the housing.

Abstract: An automatic brake resetting device for railway vehicle brakes has two telescopingly displaceable rod members which transmit a braking force. A rotatable coupling element having a threaded shaft with a non-self-locking thread is connected to one of the rod members and a rotary coupling connects the coupling element with the other rod member. The rotary coupling is actuated by axial displacement of the rotatable coupling element with respect to the other rod member and is urged by a spring into the engaged position between the rotatable coupling element and the other rod member. A lever transmits force between a control stop device slideably supported on a guide member and the rotatable coupling element and has such a transmission ratio so as to amplify the force transmitted from a spring of the control stop device to the coupling element.

Abstract: A power screw type disc brake having an internal automatic slack adjustor of the single acting, clearance sensing type is provided. The actuating/clearance sensing mechanism (10) of the disc brake includes a power screw (18) selectively rotatable by means of a lever (12) which power screw is threadably engaged with a power nut (42) axially moveable but rotationally fixed relative to a housing (22). The power nut is resiliently urged by a spring (70) into constant engagement with a push rod member (50) which carries a pressure member (16) threadably attached thereto. The push rod member is axially and rotationally moveable relative to the housing and the pressure member (16) is axially moveable but rotationally fixed relative to the housing whereby rotation of the push rod member will result in axial movement of the pressure member for slack or running clearance adjustment purposes.

Abstract: A disc brake having an improved automatic adjustment mechanism is disclosed. The preferred brake includes a rotary actuating assembly for axially translating a push rod which abuttingly urges a pair of friction element assemblies into engagement with a rotatable disc. A nonrotatable element of the actuating assembly threadably engages the push rod, such that when the push rod is rotated, it is axially advanced to decrease the friction element clearance. A clutch mechanism circumscribes the push rod and communicates, by way of a lost motion connection, with a rotatable element of the actuating assembly to effect rotation of the push rod after a predetermined rotation of the rotatable element. Thus, clearance adjustments are made in response to predetermined wear of the friction elements, thereby maintaining brake clearance within predetermined limits.

Abstract: An internal shoe drum brake having a pair of brake shoes mounted on a back plate with double ended expanders located one between each pair of adjacent ends of the shoes. The expander has a strut assembly slidable within itself so that when the expander is operated the strut assembly transmits braking loads from one shoe to the other so that the brake operates in a duo servo mode. With the expanders arranged to operate vertically the weight of the shoes and acts against the strut assembly. In order to support the upper brake shoe and prevent the shoes moving off-center a variable length support acts between the upper shoe and the wheel cylinder. The support has a spring therein so that the support can resiliently collapse when the sheos move during duo servo braking.

Abstract: A rail vehicle slack adjuster is provided with a barrel detented against rotation under normal working conditions. However, rotation of the barrel effects adjustment of the length of the adjuster. Thus, by means of a flexible clip ring splined to the barrel and detenting into a notch on the non-rotatable pull rod, manual force permits the clip ring to be distorted out of the notch for rotation of the barrel to accomplish manual adjustment when replacing brake blocks, or the like.

Abstract: The device automatically adjusts the slack in the brake linkage of railway vehicle during the braking process and has two telescoping rod members one of which is connected with a brake motor and the other is connected to the brake linkage. A nut, nonrotateably mounted on the brake linkage rod member, is threaded upon a rotateable spindle shaft which is axially moveable a limited distance within the brake motor rod member and is connected to this rod member by a control clutch. When the control clutch is stressed by torque, the control clutch member will become disengaged from the brake motor rod member to permit a relative adjustment between the two rod members to overcome any slack. When slack is overcome, a rotary clutch between the threaded spindle and the brake motor rod member will be engaged so that braking force can be transmitted between the rod members.

Abstract: A mechanical brake actuator has rotatable and non-rotatable cam components provided with confronting helical grooves between which ball bearings are arranged to form a helical thrust bearing. A push rod, connecting rod or the like acts generally tangentially on a lever arm on the rotatable cam component for turning the latter. The lateral reaction arising from the lateral force due to the push rod is transferred from the rotatable cam component to the non-rotatable cam component by the helical thrust bearing, thereby avoiding the need to provide a separate journal bearing for the rotatable cam component. The rotatable cam component acts on a tappet member via an axial thrust bearing and an automatic adjuster mechanism.

Abstract: A rail vehicle slack adjuster of the double-acting, clearance-sensing, axial type has an elongated barrel (4), a pull means (6, 48), a non-rotatable spindle (2), a leader unit (8-27) and an adjuster unit (29-52) cooperating with the spindle in the barrel, and a barrel spring (53) acting on the adjuster unit. A leader nut (8) in the leader unit can be clutched (13-16) to the barrel under the action of a pay-out spring (21). An adjuster nut (29) in the adjuster unit can be clutched to the pull means.The adjuster unit (29-52) includes a non-rotatable spline sleeve (40) acted on by the pulling brake force from the pull means (6, 48) and the opposite force from the barrel spring (53). The leader nut (8) is provided with a telescope sleeve (11) and a leader ring (27), both only axially movable on the leader nut and being clutchable to the spline sleeve. The leader nut is also provided with declutching means (13-15) enabling the nut to rotate in spite of the clutch engagement (16) with the barrel (4).

Abstract: A railroad slack adjuster has a threaded adjusting screw, one end of which is adapted to be connected to one portion of a railroad car brake rigging. The slack adjuster also has a clutch housing assembly, telescopic with the adjusting screw and adapted to be connected to another portion of the brake rigging. A clutch disk is rotatably mounted on the adjusting screw for engagement with opposing clutch surfaces within the clutch housing. A trigger housing is telescopically positioned about the adjusting screw, clutch housing and clutch disk. A spring is positioned about the adjusting screw and effective between the clutch housing and adjusting screw to urge the screw outwardly of the clutch housing. There is a further trigger spring positioned about the clutch housing and urging the clutch housing outwardly of the trigger housing.