Abstract: The invention relates to a friction brake (1) adjuster, comprising an elongated fastener (24) with first and second ends (27, 29). The fastener (24) is arranged in a bore (38) in a brake piston (7), which is displaceable relative to a brake housing (2) surrounding the friction brake (1) to a braking position and to a retracted position. The brake piston (7) can be displaced to the retracted position by a spring member (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a braking apparatus having an electric service motor, which serves to actuate a brake via an actuating device. To enable adjusting an air clearance, the invention sets forth a helical gear and a load moment block, which blocks the helical gear against adjusting itself independently and allows adjustment by means of a readjusting motor. To adjust or establish the air clearance, the brake is actuated with the readjusting motor, until a brake lining contacts a brake body, such as a brake disk, and then moves backward by a defined distance. If the service motor and/or the actuating device fails, the braking apparatus can be released with the readjusting motor. In order to achieve a parking brake function, the invention sets forth a second load moment block for the actuating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of carbon brake disks for an aircraft brake unit comprising stators coupled to a torsion tube alternating with rotors coupled to the corresponding wheel. The arrangement is organized in two configurations corresponding to operation over two successive wear strokes of the pistons of the brake ring, with a first of the configurations comprising a central group of rotors and stators arranged between a front lateral stator and a rear lateral stator, and with a second of the configurations comprising the same front lateral stator and the same rotors and stators of the central group, but arranged between a spacer disk of thickness less than the wear stroke of the pistons, and a new rear lateral stator of thickness greater than that of the preceding rear lateral stator.

Abstract: In a sealing arrangement between a tubular housing (2) and a rod (1) in a rail vehicle slack adjuster, a cup (3) is movable with the rod and extends along the rod over the free end of the housing. A sealing arrangement (6-9) is in sealing engagement with the housing (2). It comprises flange-like portions (6', 7), extending into close proximity with the inner wall of the cup for forming a labyrinth seal, and a sealing lip (9') in sealing contact with the end of the cup for preventing the intrusion of water and the like in the cup.

Abstract: The electric brake including a pad clearance adjusting mechanism comprises: ignition switch detecting member for detecting that an ignition key has been switched from its off position to its on position; brake instruction detecting member; a parking brake detecting member; a brake control device; a piston position sensor; and, an electric actuator.

Abstract: An automatic parking brake cable tension adjustment apparatus includes a first connecting member attached by a cable to a brake handle, a first pivoting member, a second pivoting member, a mechanical linkage between the first and second pivoting member, and a second connecting member attached by a cable to a parking brake. As the brake cable becomes extended past a certain point, the first pivoting member contacts a fixed stop and pivots, thereby pivoting the second pivoting member. A threaded connection between the second pivoting member and the second connecting member rotates, automatically adjusting the tension of the brake cable.

Abstract: In an automatic play compensation arrangement for a cable-operated parking brake including a brake operating element and a cable extending between the brake operating element and a vehicle brake for actuating the vehicle brake, a support bracket is mounted for movement with the brake operating element and has a spring-loaded clamping lever supported therein through which a cable end extends and by which the cable end is firmly engaged with the support bracket when the brake operating element is actuated, and a spring is provided for tensioning the cable when the brake operating element is in a brake-releasing rest position.

Abstract: A brake (30) includes a magnetically permeable body (38) having a pole face (40), an armature (42) axially movable toward and away from the pole face, an energization coil (44) energizable to magnetically attract the armature toward the pole face, biasing members (50) biasing the armature away from the pole face, a pressure plate (64) mounted to the body and axially spaced from the pole face, a friction disc (66) between the armature and the pressure plate and keyable to an axially extending rotary shaft (36), such that upon deenergization of the coil, the biasing members bias the armature to a braking position pushing the friction disc against the pressure plate to stop rotation of the disc and shaft, the armature in the braking position defining an air gap (80) between the pole face and the armature, and such that upon energization of the coil, the armature is pulled through the gap toward the pole face to a released position releasing the disc and permitting rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically compensating or adjusting for the slack or added travel as frictional material on brake pads wears during repetitive brake applications. A stack of snap rings each having a gap in its periphery is collapsed or compressed and assembled onto the inside diameter of a wall of a hydraulic pressure applied cylinder portion. The wall inside diameter has a shoulder with a first diameter that holds the snap rings in their compressed condition. Contiguous to that section is a second wall section having a diameter larger than the first section such that as the cylinder is extended further during a braking action because of wearing of the brake pads, one of the snap rings is forced into the larger diameter area thus expanding it and preventing the wall portion of the cylinder from returning to its original position, thus maintaining the gap constant.

Abstract: The external concentric aircraft brake piston adjuster assembly (10, 100, 200) comprises in a piston housing (12, 112, 21 2) a housing bushing bore (19, 119, 219) having disposed slidably therein a brake piston (30, 130, 230) with a shoulder (35) abutted by a deformable member or adjuster tube (40, 140, 240) of the assembly (10, 100, 200). The deformable member (40, 140, 240) has a second end (42, 142, 242) extending exteriorly of the bore (19, 119, 219) and is engaged by a brake piston adjuster (11, 11', 11", 111', 211') that includes a radially inwardly extending end (54) of a deforming member or collar member (50). The collar member (50) includes the first end (51) disposed opposite and adjacent a first end (62) of the nut member (60), first ends (51, 62) including steps (53, 63) receiving and positioning a resilient member or disc spring (70).

Abstract: A brake-adjusting system in particular for motor-vehicle handbrakes which allows quick adjustment of the handbrake using two freewheel units of which one is employed for driving-conditions proper. As a result unintended brake adjustment shall be prevented. The housing of the system sub-assembly used to adjust the brake cable is divided longitudinally and all parts relating to operation are displaceable solely in the single operational plane of the freewheel units to actuate or to adjust the brake.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electric brake having an actuator controllable for moving brake pads against and away from a friction brake surface comprising the steps of (i) retracting a brake actuator after a braking operation; (ii) measuring a parameter indicative of work during the retraction; and (iii) moving the brake actuator to a position at which the brake actuator is ready for a next brake operation, wherein step (iii) is responsive to the measured parameter, wherein the brakes are rehomed adaptively to compensate for brake wear.

Abstract: A multi-disc brake suitable for an aircraft has a stack of rotor and stator discs in which the discs of a set at one end of the stack each have a greater allowance for wear than the discs of a set at the other end of the stack whereby the group of discs are removed together from one end of the stack as a fully worn group at a brake servicing operation. An unworn group of discs is added to the other end of the stack.

Abstract: An automatic slack adjuster or manual slack adjuster conversion which automatically adjusts the brakes incorporating a monitoring system that monitors the operation and adjustment of air powered brakes as used on vehicles. The system monitors the travel of the brake components, and when needed uses electromagnetic or pneumatic power to provide adjustment of the vehicle's brakes. Using groups of visual indicators to create a visual dashboard display of all brakes on the vehicle, the driver is provided with immediate and accurate brake operation and adjustment information. The visual indicators are controlled by multi-range position detectors that are incorporated into the automatic slack adjuster or conversion unit. Each position of the multi-range position detector activates an individual visual indicator providing precise range of adjustment indications each time the brakes are applied.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism for a braking system employing multiple disc brakes to insure an air gap between the pressure plate of the brake stack and the piston head of a piston. The piston is mounted in a cylindrical housing with an end wall to which a rod is secured. The rod extends into the piston and has a hardened ball on its end for engagement by a deformable sleeve. The deformable sleeve is connected to an outer cylindrical tube for movement therewith. Such outer tube has a flange on one end that slidably engages the cylindrical wall of the piston and a ring on the other end that is adapted to engage an annular spring retainer member slidably mounted on the outer tube. The piston has an inwardly extending annular abutment that engages the retainer member with a coil spring encircling the outer tube having one end engaging the flange and the other end engaging the retainer member to provide widely spaced footprints for the spring.

Abstract: An aircraft multiple disc and brake assembly having an axle with a cylindrical wheel member journaled thereon. The inner peripheral portion of the wheel member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced splines to support axially spaced rotor discs which are interleaved with stator discs which are splined to axially extending ribs mounted on a torque tube which in turn is connected to the axle. A piston support member is secured to the axle via a hub member and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced cylinders with a piston slidably mounted therein. One end of each piston cooperates with the receiving cylinder to define a piston chamber that permits pressurization to actuate the braking action. The other end of the piston has a pair of discs with mating spherical contoured surfaces to permit a tilting therebetween to eliminate side loading and provide even wear.

Abstract: The brake piston adjuster mechanism includes an expandable or deformable tube (80) which is attached to the piston (60) and engaged by a deforming member comprising a pin (190) having a threaded end (194) receiving thereon a nut (193) and tube expander (192). The nut (193) biases the tube expander (192) against a chamfered pin shoulder (191). The tube expander (192) has at least one inner diameter chamfer (198) which engages the chamfered pin shoulder (191) in order to impose preload forces upon the chamfered pin shoulder (191) and reduce stresses at a smaller diameter portion (195) of the pin. The (193) nut may be a castellated nut (193) which receives a locking wire or pin (200) extending through an opening (199) in the threaded end (194) of the pin (190).

Abstract: An electrically actuated brake is provided with an adjustment mechanism to compenate for wear of the brake shoes. The brake in a preferred embodiment includes a motor driven actuator to apply the brake shoes and a first rotative member torsionally associated with a rotor of the motor. A spring returns the brake shoes from an actuated position to a release position causing the first rotative member to rotate in a releasing direction. A second rotative member having a first surface for making torsional transferring engagement with the first rotative member when the first rotative member is rotating in a friction member applying or releasing direction is provided. The second rotative member also has a second surface of a non-torsional transferring engagement. The second surface is exposed to the first rotative member when the first rotative member has rotated in an applying direction beyond a predetermined limit due to wear of the brake shoes.

Abstract: A torque and air gap adjustment mechanism is provided for a spring engaged electromagnetic brake or clutch, and consists of a plurality of hubs threaded to one another and to the brake casing for axial movement with respect thereto and with respect to each other. A plurality of detents are disposed within the hub positioned in cylindrical holes with springs forcing them away from each other and out of the holes. These detents are retained in the holes at one end by a hub provided for the torque adjustment and at the other end by the brake plate. In both the hub and the brake plate there are indentations to retain the detents. These indentations have differing angles as do the engaging surfaces of the detents to permit torque adjustment independent of air gap adjustment upon rotation of the torque adjusting hub.

Abstract: A multi-disc brake suitable for an aircraft has a stack of rotor and stator discs in which the discs of a set at one end of the stack each have a greater allowance for wear than the discs of a set at the other end of the stack whereby the group of discs are removed together from one end of the stack as a fully worn group at a brake servicing operation. An unworn group of discs is added to the other end of the stack.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of increasing and/or extending the operational service life of an aircraft brake disk stack by selectively limiting the number of brake assemblies which comprise the aircraft landing gear configuration and which are put into operation during the time the aircraft is on the ground and subject to taxi-snub braking cycles while also providing that all of the brake assemblies of the total available on the aircraft are operational during landing of the aircraft.

Abstract: An automatic length adjuster particularly for a clutch control cable comprises a tubular body telescopically engaged with a hollow cylindrical body traversed by the clutch cable which is anchored to the tubular body so as to be tensioned in use by a compression, compensation spring interposed between the bodies. The cylindrical body houses a mechanism for connecting the control cable operatively to the cylindrical body at different relative longitudinal positions so that control forces are transmitted from the cable to the clutch lever via the cylindrical body, in use, the said relative position changing with changes in the position of the clutch lever due to wear of the clutch disc linings. The adjuster is further provided with a system retaining it in a contracted condition to facilitate installation.

Abstract: A push-pull control with a housing and a push-pull rod displaceable in the housing. The rod is joined via a jointing piece to a control cable. The push-pull rod is provided at its end with a neck portion and a ball, which engages in a bore and a slot in the jointing piece. A sleeve which is limitedly displaceable on the push-pull rod engages the jointing piece and fixes it radially relative to the rod.

Abstract: The brake piston return mechanism (10) comprises a housing (22) which includes housing part (50) that forms with the housing a chamber (59) and an axially extending groove (55). Disposed within the axially extending groove (55) and forming a movable portion (58) of the chamber (59) is an annular actuation piston (70). The actuation piston (70) includes a pair of seals (74) to prevent leakage. Within the housing part (50) is a bore (40) enclosing brake tube (80) that includes an interior radially extending flange (84) and an exterior radially extending flange (82). The exterior radially extending flange (82) is engaged by the actuation piston (70). Located within the brake tube (80) is an adjuster mechanism (90). After the brake tube (80) has been displaced by the actuation piston (70) and braking has ceased, the brake tube (80) is returned to a running clearance (A) by way of the adjuster mechanism (90 ).

Abstract: A brake system for a rail vehicle provides a strain-gauge sensor in the brake-force path to be connected in a Wheatstone bridge control together with a variable resistance for setting the desired brake force. The latter includes an infrared photo FET bridged by a parallel-fixed resistor and forming another branch of the bridge, the photodiode being controlled by the vehicle operator. The Wheatstone bridge controls a motor connected by a spindle drive to the actuator for the brake mechanism.

Abstract: Mounted slideably on an outer connector structure (6), in which is received slideably an inner connector structure (5) having a toothed zone (8) for interaction with at least one locking member (13) mounted so as to be radially displaceable in the outer connector structure (6), is a tubular actuating member (14), on which bears an axially biasing spring (18) and which forms, together with the locking member (13), at least one pair of cooperating ramp surfaces (21, 23; 22, 24) controlling the radial displacement of the locking member (13).

Abstract: A disk brake in which the brake is assembled with the thickness of the available wear portions of a first group of disks being different from the thickness of the available wear portions of a second group of disks. After a predetermined number of brake applications, the first group of disks is replaced by a third group of disks. At the time of replacement, the thickness of the available wear portions of the third group of disks is greater than the thickness of the available wear portions of the second group of disks so that after another predetermined number of brake applications the second group of disks may be replaced by another group of disks. By maintaining disks of different thicknesses of the available wear portions, the piston travel is reduced and the size and weight of the brake may be reduced while at the same time the heat sink mass of the worn disks is not reduced excessively and worn brake operating temperatures are lowered.

Abstract: A cross-drive transmission has a hydraulic brake apply system and a mechanical brake apply system actuated through the same rotary input shaft of the vehicle operator. Rotation of the input shaft rotates a cam which controls a brake control valve which causes a regulated brake apply pressure to be delivered to the hydraulic portion of the brake system for service brake actuation. The cam is moved angularly through a desired angular range which will normally deliver the maximum hydraulic pressure used to actuate the brakes. After the angle is achieved, further rotation of the input shaft causes the cam to enter a dwell phase which permits additional stroke of the mechanical brake apply system if required. This may be required at times because of inadequate hydraulic pressure available from a suitable hydraulic pressure source or the inability of the hydraulic brake apply system to achieve the required braking effort.

Abstract: The locking device, situated between telescopic inner and outer ferrule structure (10, 12) of the cable conduit, consists of jaw structures (21) having external teeth (26) which cooperate with indentations (15) formed on an inside wall (14) of the outer ferrule structure (12), and internal ramp surfaces (27) which cooperate with a cam surface (11) formed on the inner ferrule structure (10). The jaws (21) are advantageously carried by a cage (16) connected to a control component (24) which is connected to the cable by frictional engagement.

Abstract: An electromechanically reciprocable load has a driving spring tending to displace it from a retracted position into a working position upon the release of a locking brake. The spring force is opposed by the countervailing force of an electric motor which, during the working stroke, is progressively reduced in keeping with the diminishing force of the relaxing spring. When the load includes a caliper of a power brake arresting a rotary element in its working positon, the motor is controlled by a bridge circuit with two potentiometers whose wipers are entrained, with a relative lag, by the load so as to establish a variable null position advancing with progressive wear of the brake linings in order to keep constant the travel of the load during a return stroke brought about by the energization of the electric motor with an overriding signal.

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: In a brake actuator device, wear of brake lining, which results in the increase of stroke of the brake actuator device consisting of piston and cylinder, is compensated by an adjuster which functions automatically when the brake is operated. The adjusting process takes place continuously and preferably at the onset of the actuation of the brake. A slip clutch turns the adjuster member which is connected by screw threads to the brake actuator piston to take up slack in the piston stroke. The slip clutch is driven by a rotary member that is in turn operated in response to actuation of the brake actuator.

Abstract: A duo-servo drum brake (10) includes an adjusting mechanism (40) for effecting brake shoe (18, 20) adjustment during application of the brake. The brake (10) includes a cable (42) connected to the anchor pin (28) and one of the brake shoes (20), and to an adjuster connector (46) attached at its end. The adjuster connector (46) contains an elongated slot (49) receiving therein an end (61) of an opposing force clutch spring (60) mounted upon the adjusting pivot nut (56) of an extendible strut (50). The adjuster connector (46) is connected to a resilient return spring (70) anchored to the one brake shoe (20). A second opposing force clutch spring (62) is secured at one end (63) to the one brake shoe (20) and is mounted about the adjusting pivot nut (56) in order to prevent retraction rotation of the nut (56).

Abstract: In a brake booster (10) for an aircraft having an adjuster mechanism (24) with a tubular member (54) that engages a head (62) of a stem (40) to hold an actuator (20) in a fixed rest position after each brake application. The tubular member (54) has a plurality of openings (58, 58' . . . 58.sup.N) located at various intervals along its axis. The head (62) engages the tubular member to sequentially expand the material between the openings (58, 58' . . . 58.sup.N) on movement of the actuator (20) toward the friction disc in a brake. After the head (62) has passed an opening (58, 58' . . . 58.sup.N), the modulus of elasticity of the material is such that the material contracts to a neck down diameter that is substantially equal to the initial diameter of the tubular member (54) to constrain the tubular member (44) with respect to stem (40). Thereafter, any force which attempts to move actuator (20) from the rest position must be substantially equal to the actuation force.

Abstract: In floating-caliper disc brakes, the friction in the caliper guides hinder movement of the caliper in the brake release direction, thus, increasing the drag of the brake when it is not operated. According to the present invention, the reaction portion of the caliper is provided with an applying piston of small axial length whose axial movement is limited to an amount equal to the required brake clearance. The applying piston is spring biased in the release direction, thus, producing the brake clearance without movement of the caliper.

Abstract: A drum brake adjuster having a spring biased lock plate cooperating with a parking brake strut having a lost motion connection with a parking brake lever. The lost motion determines the amount of shoe retraction, and the lock plate adjusts the effective length of the strut for brake shoe wear. The lock plate and its spring are mounted on one shoe web near one end of the strut, with the other strut end being connected to the parking brake lever.

Abstract: A cable assembly connects an input member (20) with a clutch assembly 10. The cable assembly comprises a sheath (30) enclosing a cable (34). An automatic adjuster 24 connects the cable (34) with a clutch lever (16) and the automatic adjuster is actuated by a bracket (92) to provide for extension between the cable (34) and the lever (16) in order to accommodate wear for the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A brake adjuster, including a pin interconnecting a brake pressure plate at one end and a metal swage at the opposite end and oriented within a deformable tube such as to radially deform the tube to the shape of the swage as the swage moves into the tube bore in response to brake wear, is rendered non-reversible to loading in the reverse direction by a washer mounted on the pin, relative to the swage, and having the circumferential geometric configuration of the tube bore such as to move easily within the bore in the swaging direction but stopped from movement in the opposite direction by the deformed portion of the tube. In alternative embodiments a tube is mounted on the pin or the pin diameter is increased to approximate the bore diameter of the deformable tube. The trailing edges of the tube or the pin adjacent the leading edge of the swage abut the deformed portion of the tube in the reverse direction to prevent motion in that direction.

Abstract: A spot-type disc brake unit which cooperates with a brake disc when in use to form a disc brake includes a brake shoe carrier member and at least one brake shoe carried by the carrier member for axial movement toward and away from the brake disc, and with freedom of limited circumferential displacement upon entrainment of the brake shoe by the brake disc during the braking operation. The brake shoe includes a lining having a friction surface facing toward the brake disc and a backing plate rigid with the lining and having a backing surface facing away from the brake disc, as well as disc entry and disc exit, substantially circumferentially facing, end surfaces. A braking-force bell crank lever is arranged at least at the disc exit end surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A brake adjuster wherein a solid or fluted rod is connected between the return mechanism and the pressure plate of a brake assembly. The rod passes through a draw ring of slightly less diameter than the major diameter of the rod. The draw ring may be part and parcel of, or operatively connected to, the spring follower. The rod is drawn through the draw ring under force imparted by the pressure plate on brake wear action, the draw ring swaging and reshaping the rod as the rod extends to compensate for brake wear. The rod may be either a smooth, solid one, or it may be fluted or ribbed.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly utilizing pelletized brake lining material in a torque absorbing chamber is disclosed. The chamber is positioned around and over the disc and radially inward on opposite sides of the disc. The chamber has an internal cavity for the storage of brake lining pellets therein and a mechanism for moving the brake lining pellets against the disc to transfer torque from the disc to the cavity. A mechanism replenishing the brake lining pellets in the cavity of the chamber when at least one of the brake lining pellets is expended is also provided. In the preferred embodiment, a magazine pellet feeder mechanism, coacting with a pawl, feeds the brake lining pellets from a reservoir to the cavity in the chamber. In an alternate embodiment, a screw type pellet feeder mechanism coacts with a pawl to feed the brake lining pellets from a reservoir to the cavity in the chamber.

Abstract: A self-adjusting cable control device for automatically compensating for wear in a control cable system. The device includes a termination member connected at one end of a control cable and a connecting member attached to an actuation member. The connecting member carries a clutch for locking with the termination member upon application of force to the actuation member. Spring means are provided to move the cable with respect to the actuation member when the clutch is disengaged from the termination member.

Abstract: Apparatus of increased simplicity, reliability and economy is provided for automatically maintaining the tautness of a mechanical coupling such as commonly employed, for example, between a vehicular brake and its actuating mechanism, which would otherwise be subject to loosening during normal use as a result of wear or the like. The apparatus, although also utilizable with mechanical couplings employing rigid connecting links, is especially suited for use with couplings employing flexible cables or the like, wherein it need only be interposed in series with the cabling between the actuating mechanism and the device actuatable thereby, thereby adapting the apparatus for use in a variety of applications in which control cable couplings are employed.

Abstract: A brake adjuster for implementation between the brake housing and pressure plate of a brake disk stack. A casing is fixedly secured to the brake housing and receives therein a spring follower. Maintained within the spring follower and engaged at one end thereof is a tubular member. Passing through the tubular member and through the casing is a shaft, the shaft being fixedly secured to the pressure plate at a first end thereof and maintaining a multi-sided broach on the other end thereof. The broach is of such geometry as to make contacting engagement with the interior surface of the tube. Upon successive brake applications, the broaching or cutting surfaces of the broach cut portions of the inner wall of the tube, allowing the shaft to telescope from the casing in order to maintain a fixed built-in clearance among the disks of the brake disk stack.

Abstract: A multi-member, variable configuration template (100) is provided as an aid for determining acceptable brake assembly mounting variables for an air operated, cam actuated brake assembly to be mounted on a vehicle of known configuration. The template comprises a first member (102) corresponding to the brake spider, a second member (104) corresponding to the air chamber mounting bracket, a third member (106) corresponding to the air chamber and a fourth member (108) corresponding to the slack adjuster. The second and fourth members are pivotably connected to the first member about a point (110) corresponding to the axis of the brake actuating cam, the third member is slidably mounted on the second member and the third member is removably connectable to the fourth member at a series of points on the fourth member. Various arrays (112, 116, 120 and 124) are provided to determine the brake assembly mounting variables corresponding to a particular template configuration.

Abstract: An adjuster for brake wear compensation. Fundamentally, the invention includes a casing affixed to a brake housing. Maintained within the casing, and operative between the ends thereof, is a spring follower. A hollow tubular member is received within the spring follower and in contacting engagement with one end thereof. A shaft passes through the tubular member and is connected at a first end to the brake system pressure plate and is characterized at the other end by a swage. The swage is of a perimeter substantially equivalent to the inside circumference of the tubular member. However, the swage and tubular member are of different geometrical configurations. As brake wear compensation is made, the pressure plate draws the swage through the tubular member and reshapes the same without stretching or enlarging the tubular member itself.

Abstract: An automatic wear compensator for the clutch friction faces of a diaphragm or Belleville spring-actuated clutch for an automotive vehicle to maintain optimum spring characteristics and uniform clutch release lever and bearing position through the utilization of a rotatable cam ring positioned on the backside of the clutch pressure plate and several levers pivotally mounted in slots in the pressure plate. One end of each lever is adapted to engage the clutch flywheel and the opposite end of the lever operatively engages a projection on the cam ring, with the spacing between the flywheel and the pressure plate determining whether the levers are pivoted to rotate the cam ring.

Abstract: A brake adjuster providing compensation for brake wear. Fundamentally, the invention includes a casing attached to a brake housing and maintaining a spring follower therewithin. A shaft or pin is connected to the pressure plate of a brake assembly and is interconnected with a reshapable tube. The shaft and tube pass through a die which makes swaging engagement with the tube. As the brakes wear, the tube is drawn through the die and is progressively swaged along the length thereof. The spring follower acts against the die to urge the die, tube, and shaft to a return position following release of brake pressure. Such action releases the pressure plate from forceful engagement with the brake disk stack. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft can be eliminated and one end of the reshapable tube can be connected directly to the pressure plate or to a suitable connection member on the pressure plate.

Abstract: A brake retractor assembly in which the automatic adjustment apparatus includes a slitted drag tube and a ball carried by an adjusting pin engageable with the tube. The ball is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the tube so that as the brake wears the ball is pulled through the tube causing progressive expansion of the tube and thereby providing the necessary adjustment for wear. Increased resistance to movement of the ball is created on the ends of the drag tube by a "V" notch with a disappearing taper, a flange, or a high friction inner surface of the tube.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated piston is slidably carried in a fluid pressure actuated cylinder which, in turn, is slidably carried in a fixed carrier. Movement of the cylinder is resisted by a deformable tube frictionally engaged with a fixed circular member. A predetermined fluid pressure acting across a differential area wall portion of the cylinder generates a force overcoming the frictional resistance of the deformable tube engaged with the fixed circular member thereby advancing the cylinder in the direction of movement of the pressurized piston. The output force of the piston is substantially unaffected by the force imposed on the cylinder.