Abstract: An infinitely self-adjusting mechanical brake system which has a caliper housing and actuator assembly partially surrounding a brake disk for making small brake adjustments automatically. A brake disk pad adjacent to a mechanical brake is connected to a brake activator. A brake adjuster is connected to the brake activator for automatically adjusting to substantially reduce the gap between the brake disk pad and the brake disk.

Abstract: A combination of a device connecting a yoke (1) and a caliper (2) of a sliding caliper disk-brake includes a key (7) engaged axially in housings of the yoke (1) and caliper (2). The key (7) and one of the housings (10) have non-circular cross-sections and the key (7) is acted upon resiliently by a wire spring (11) of the device so as to reduce the clearance with the housing (10).

Abstract: A duo-servo drum brake (10) includes an application adjuster mechanism (50). The application adjuster mechanism (50) comprises a threaded member (51) anchored to one brake shoe end (34), a socket member (61) anchored to the other brake shoe end (32), an opening (63) in the socket member (61) which freely receives a threaded shaft (53) of the threaded member (51), a starwheel (70) rotatedly mounted on the threaded member (51) and abutting an adjacent end (65) of the socket member (61), the socket member (61) having an axially extending button (64) and a torsion spring (90) disposed about its outer surface, the torsion spring having a hook end (95)engaging the button (64). A cable mechanism (60) has one end connected to the anchor pin (40) of the duo-servo drum brake (10) and the other end has a spring member (44) connected with a lever (80) of the adjuster mechanism (50).

Abstract: A brake lever for an S-cam brake has a worm wheel (3) engaging the S-cam shaft and a worm screw (4) meshing therewith. A clutch wheel (6) on the worm screw forms a clutch (8) therewith under the bias of a compression spring (9). A control movement is transmitted from an external reference point to the clutch wheel via a pinion (15), a carrier wheel (16) and a control screw (18), the common axis of these three parts being perpendicular to the worm screw, wherein the control screw meshes with the clutch wheel. The carrier wheel can be turned relative to the pinion an angular distance corresponding to the desired slack and is biassed to one end position by a torsion spring (17), which is also used to engage a one-way clutch (19) between the carrier wheel and the control screw.

Abstract: Device for automatically taking up the play in a braking mechanism comprising a cylindrical piece (30) rotatably movable about its own axis (x--x'), of which the rotation over a fraction of a revolution is ensured by a control member (41) able to pivot alternatively in one direction and the other, its pivoting taking up the play. The control member acts on said cylindrical piece by the intermediary of a spring-wire (38) rolled around the latter, in such a fashion that when it presses the spring-wire in one direction it engenders its tightening on the cylindrical piece and correspondingly the driving of the latter by friction, while in the other direction it engenders the release of the spring-wire and correspondingly its disengagement with respect to the cylindrical piece, the latter not being driven.

Abstract: A reciprocating axial movement of a drive member (18) in a force actuator is generated by a prestressed tool (17) of Terfenol material being exposed to a pulsating magnetic field. The reciprocating movement is transformed to an axial movement in an application direction of a push rod (21) coaxial therewith. The drive member and the push rod are connected by a connection member (22), which is in self-locking thread engagement with a drive member and the push road and is subjected to a torque from a spiral spring (23) for its rotation during the idle stroke of the reciprocating movement in the direction for advancing the push rod in the application direction.

Abstract: A brake motor subassembly comprises a control piston (10) having an internal cavity delimited by a base wall (18) and, at the periphery, by a stepped bore (20, 22, 24) and having a mechanical actuating device acting on the control piston via an automatic compensation device formed by a screw-nut device (34) stressed towards the base wall, via a washer (26) and an axial thrust ball bearing (32), by a resilient member (28) supported on a ring (30) fixed at the end of the control piston axially opposite the base wall, and a pilot piston (44) having a first cylindrical peripheral surface of larger diameter (46) sealingly slideably cooperating with an end of reduced diameter (20) of the stepped bore and, in the vicinity of its end (50) axially opposite to the first peripheral surface (46) and cooperating with the washer (26), a second peripheral surface of reduced diameter (54) sealingly slideably cooperating with an annular seal (38) associated with a retaining washer (40) resting axially against a shoulder (42)

Abstract: A continuous automatic adjustment device for a mechanically actuated sliding saddle disk brake (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) wherein the mechanically actuated device for moving the sliding saddle (1) vis-a-vis the brake disk (6) includes a diagonal-track spreading device (10, 11, 12) around an actuating shaft (7). The adjustment device has an adjustment nut (14) coupled with the actuating shaft (7) by a directional clutch (33) which operates in the direction of actuation when actuating shaft (7) turns and is formed by a wrap spring (33) or a freewheeling sleeve (34, 35). A force-dependent coupler (30) can be axially released from the action of a compression spring (23) when a given torque is exceeded by the actuation shaft, thereby preventing rotation from being transmitted to the adjustment nut.

Abstract: In a mechanical load brake for a hoist or other lifting device, a one-way device such as a helical wrap spring is fitted over the load brake shaft to automatically adjust for brake disc wear. A tang on the one-way device engages a drive hole in an input gear of the mechanical load brake. The diameter of the drive hole is selected so that the clearance of the tang in the drive hole corresponds to the optimal operating range. The one-way device moves around the shaft as the discs wear maintaining the optimal adjustment for the brake.

Abstract: In a hydraulic drum brake and parking brake assembly, when a hydraulic actuator is operated to engage an opposed pair of brake shoes with a brake drum after a predetermined amount of wear had occurred on the friction pads of the brake shoes, a torsion spring adjusts a cam in the parking brake portion of the mechanism to compensate for the wear. The parking brake will thus operate properly despite the wear.

Abstract: An adjusting device for automatically compensating for cable strand elongation in a vehicle parking brake utilizes a rotatable disc cam having a circumferential edge which spirals radially out to effect a displacement of a cable yoke in a cable tensioning direction as slack develops in a cable strand of the parking brake. The disc cam is tensioned by a torsion spring, the entire device having a small number of parts and high operational reliability even when dirty.

Abstract: A spring applied force actuator having an output member movable from a first position to a second output position, a first power spring by which can be generated on the output member an output force when the member is in its second position, first power means by which potential energy can be generated in the first spring therein to be held until the spring is released to apply its stored force as an output force on the output member, a second spring release of potential energy stored in which moves the output member from its first position to its second output position, and second power means by which the output member can be moved back from its second output position to its first position thereby, at the same time, generating in the second spring the potential energy subsequently to move the output member back to its second output position upon the subsequent release of that second spring.

Abstract: The brake motor subassembly with automatic play compensation limitation by way of a stepped pilot piston (20), comprising a first cylindrical peripheral surface of larger diameter (21) sliding in an inner bore (7) of the control piston (1) and a second cylindrical peripheral surface of reduced diameter (24) interacting sealingly slideably with an annular gasket (17) in the piston (1), has an intermediate radial shoulder (26) which, during the movement of the pilot piston (20) because of the opposing effective cross-sections (s.sub.1, s.sub.2), interacts with the annular gasket (17) so as thereby to present a new effective surface (s.sub.3) preventing the continuation of the movement of the pilot piston (20) and thus avoiding the compression of the elastic member (11) which normally stresses the automatic compensation nut (14).

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: 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: An electromagnetic friction device for torque transmission including an input member and an output member. A mechanism for transmitting torque from the input member to the output member is provided. The torque transmitting mechanism includes an adjustable friction ring member, an inner ring member threadably disposed in the friction ring member and a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism urges the adjustable friction ring member into engagement with the input member. An electromagnetic actuating mechanism is mounted adjacent to the output member to move the friction ring member into and out of engagement with the input member. An adjusting mechanism of the electromagnetic actuating mechanism is adapted to adjust the magnetic armature member with respect to the adjustable friction ring member. The adjusting mechanism includes a helical biasing member mounted on a connector which connects the armature member to the friction ring member.

Abstract: A first shaft is screwed with a second shaft. The first shaft is secured rotatively to a bearing through a spring and the second shaft is secured slidably to another bearing. A pushing force in a fixed direction is provided to the second shaft through the screwed portion by actuating a spring torque in a rotative direction to the first shaft, whereby a determined tension is given to a chain when a tensioner is slackened in use.

Abstract: A tension providing mechanism including two shafts, one having an external screw and the other having an internal screw, the shafts being connected by engaging the screwed portions with each other. One of the shafts is supported for axial translation without rotation, and the other shaft is supported for rotation and is restrained from axial sliding. The rotatable shaft includes a torsion spring for applying spring torque in a direction to cause the other shaft to extend in an axial direction against a member, such as a drive chain, in order to increase the tension thereof. A locking mechanism is provided for constraining movement of the rotatable shaft, the locking mechanism being in the form of a lever having one end removably engaged with a split groove provided in the end of the shaft, the other end of the locking mechanism being latched to a projection formed on the case in which the tension providing mechanism is housed.

Abstract: The parking brake cable is loaded and then maintained at a substantially constant tension force existing while the parking brake is not applied. This tension force maintains the parking brake in adjustment, permitting initiation of parking brake application with an increase in cable tension force which minimizes lost movement of the parking brake control mechanism to move the brake shoes into friction contact with friction braking surfaces.

Abstract: A clutch actuation system for a vehicle, comprises a first assembly adapted to be driven from a stop position by an actuating force, and a second assembly, which is driven by the first assembly, and drives in a certain direction a driven member which moves in such a way that a first part of its travel is accomplished against a relatively weak resisting force, and a following part of its travel is accomplished against a relatively strong restoring force. A clearance adjuster comprises means for biasing the first and second assemblies with respect to one another in such a direction as, if the first assembly remains in its stop position, to drive the driven member in said certain direction with biasing force strong enough to overcome said relatively weak resisting force but not strong enough to overcome said relatively strong restoring force, and means for locking the position of said first assembly with respect to said second assembly when said first assembly is moved off its stop position.

Abstract: A mechanical brake actuator comprises an output tappet (3) in screw-threaded engagement with a sleeve (7). In normal use, rotation of an operating member (17) by a rod or cable leads to axial advancement of the tappet (3) and sleeve (7) as a unit. Adjustment for wear is provided by rotating the sleeve (7) relative to the tappet (3) if, after a predetermined amount of rotation of operating member (17), the torque required to turn the sleeve (7) is below a predetermined value T. This is achieved by an adjuster comprising an input ring (25) coupled to an output member (29) by a torsion spring (28). The input ring (25) is coupled to operating member (17) by a lost motion connection (23,24) and output member (29) is coupled to sleeve (7) by a one-way clutch (30). After an amount of rotation of the operating member (17) predetermined by the lost motion connection (23,24) the operating member (17) entrains the input ring (25).

Abstract: An improved drum brake adjuster includes an adjustable strut with threadably engaged parts disposed between a pair of brake shoes to maintain a controlled spacing between the brake shoes. The adjuster includes an extendible member engaging one of the brake shoes and extending to lengthen the strut in response to the force of an adjusting spring. A pivot member engages the extendible member and the other brake shoe. The adjuster also includes a resilient member and a clutch device disposed between the extendible member and the pivot member. The resilient member and the clutch device cooperate to prevent change in the length of the strut unless brake lining wear occurs.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly for a vehicle comprises a first inboard and a second outboard rotatable disc which are both relatively fixed and spaced axially. Superimposed friction pads for engagement with opposite faces of the discs are guided in a common drag-taking member which takes the drag on the pads when the brake is applied. A mechanical expander mechanism is housed between and acts directly upon the oppositely directed inner friction pads for engagement with the adjacent faces of the discs to apply the said oppositely directed pads to the discs, and a clamp assembly extending over the peripheral edge of both discs comprises coupled beams. The clamp assembly incorporates an actuator acting between one of the beams and one of the remaining friction pads to apply that friction pad to the inboard face of the inboard disc, and the other beam acting on the other remaining pad to apply thereto a reaction force in turn to apply that pad to the outboard face of the outboard disc.

Abstract: A brake actuator comprising: a piston-cylinder arrangement having a piston member and a cylinder member arranged for sliding motion relative to one another by fluid pressure medium; an elongate plunger longitudinally movable by one said member and comprising two mutually screw-threaded parts arranged to vary the effective or overall length of the plunger upon relative rotation of said two parts; a resilient spring torque motor for effecting said relative rotation, the torque motor being coupled to one of the parts for driving that part relative to the other part; and rotation preventing means comprising friction clutch or brake members coupled to said one part and releasable when the stroke of the plunger exceeds a pre-set or predetermined amount to permit torque transmission from the torque motor to said one part in a direction tending to increase the effective or overall length of the plunger.

Abstract: A drum brake of the type comprising two brake shoes adapted to be spaced apart by a wheel cylinder. The distance between the ends of the shoes which cooperate with the wheel cylinder is automatically increased to compensate for the wear of the brake linings by an adjusting device which defines the rest position of the ends. The device comprises an extensible member of the screw and nut type, two annular resilient members which grippingly engage corresponding cylindrical portions of the extensible member, and a cam which rotates the resilient members one relative to the other in a first direction upon a brake application and in the opposite direction upon brake release to limit extension of the extensible member to a predetermined value.

Abstract: An internal shoe drum brake comprises a pair of brake shoes, return spring means, service brake means, manually actuated auxiliary brake means including an actuating lever with a finger and an adjustable, in length, strut. The strut includes relatively rotatable screw threaded parts, i.e., a screw-threaded spindle slidably received in a tube member, a ratchet wheel in threaded engagement with the spindle and stopper held in yielding contact with the wheel, so that the strut is adjustable in length to adjust shoe clearances, a pivoted adjusting lever with a pawl tooth for effecting rotation of the ratchet wheel relative to the spindle upon brake application by the auxiliary brake means, and a prestressed coil torsion spring arranged to transmit forces to urge the adjusting lever in a direction to effect shoe clearance adjustment as required in response to operation of the auxiliary brake means.

Abstract: A negative disc brake comprising a cylinder assembly having a thrusting mechanism wherein a thrusting force of an actuating spring is normally transmitted to a thrusting piston through an actuating piston and an adjustment screw which is in screwed engagement with the actuating piston; the thrusting piston normally pushes one friction pad against a rotor; however, when a fluid pressure is applied, the actuating piston moves against the thrusting force of the actuating spring in the direction of taking off the brake; and a caliper assembly having a reaction member which pushes another friction pad against the opposite side of the rotor by a reaction force resulting from the thrusting force exerted on the other friction pad to push it against the rotor in the brake applying action of the thrusting mechanism, the caliper assembly and the cylinder assembly being arranged as independent components mountable and dismountable separately from each other.

Abstract: A disc brake actuating and adjusting mechanism including both hydraulic actuation for service brake operation and mechanical actuation for parking brake operation. The brake apply mechanism is separated from the adjuster mechanism and a ball ramp arrangement is utilized for parking brake actuation. Adjustment is maintained by a spring motor driving an adjusting nut. Brake release results in a net motion of the bolt on which the nut is threaded, separating the nut and the ball ramp output member at a clutch face. The spring motor then runs the nut on the bolt until the clutch face is again tightly engaged. When the brake is mechanically applied, the clutch face is loaded to prevent adjustment. The same lockout arrangement prevents adjusting nut rotation during hydraulic apply.

Abstract: A mechanical disc brake comprising a caliper housing having a cylinder bore, with a piston slidably disposed therein which bears at one end against one of the friction pads. Mounted in the outer end of the cylinder bore is an end plate having a screw-threaded bore to receive a power screw. One end of the power screw extends outwardly beyond the end plate and has a lever fixed thereto, which is operated by an air cylinder or other power device. A radially extending head on the inner end of the power screw abuts against a thrust bearing on the end of an adjuster screw that is screw-threaded into the skirt of the piston. A spiral spring is attached at one end to the power screw and at the other end to the adjuster screw, and exerts torque on the adjuster screw tending to rotate the latter in the direction to advance the adjuster screw toward the power screw head whenever there is any axial clearance between the adjuster screw and the power screw. The piston is returned a predetermined small amount (0.010 to 0.

Abstract: An automatic adjusting device for a bicycle brake exerted by stretching a control cable comprising an outer cable and an inner wire, which is adapted to be provided at the retaining side of the outer cable thereof with an adjusting member, at the retaining side of the inner wire with an actuating member, and between both members with a clutch spring so that the length of the outer cable relative to that of the inner wire may automatically be corrected.

Abstract: A disc brake comprising: a caliper housing having axially aligned first and second cylinder bores; a first piston slidable within the first bore and bearing against one of the friction pads; a second piston slidable within the second bore and having an internally threaded tubular piston rod projecting into the first bore; a threaded clearance-takeup member screwed into the piston rod and having a head abutting against the bottom of the first piston; springs acting against one side of the second piston in the direction to apply the brakes; a hydraulic fluid connection for applying pressure fluid to the other side of the second piston so as to release the brake and compress the spring; and a torsion spring having one end connected through a housing to the second piston, and its other end connected to a tubular sleeve that is nonrotatably connected to the clearance-takeup member.