Abstract: The invention consists of a slack-adjuster for a brake which comprises a pair of interengaged screw threaded members which are urged towards an extended relative position by an axial bias applied to one member. The screw thread has a high helix angle to permit adjustment to take place on release of the brake and reverse rotation is prevented by frictional engagement of the leading member with a brake applying plunger part and by the use of a saw-tooth screw thread.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly (10) for an electrically powered vehicle (12). The assembly includes a transaxle (16) having a two-speed transmission (40) and a drive axle differential (46) disposed in a unitary housing assembly (38), an oil-cooled prime mover or electric motor (14) for driving the transmission input shaft (42), an adapter assembly (24) for supporting the prime mover on the transaxle housing assembly, and a hydraulic system (172) providing pressurized oil flow for cooling and lubricating the electric motor and transaxle and for operating a clutch (84) and a brake (86) in the transmission to shift between the two-speed ratios of the transmission. The adapter assembly allows the prime mover to be supported in several positions on the transaxle housing. The brake is spring-applied and locks the transmission in its low-speed ratio should the hydraulic system fail. The hydraulic system pump is driven by an electric motor (212) independent of the prime mover and transaxle.

Abstract: A piston stroke adjusting arrangement for disc-type friction clutches or brakes used most advantageously in forging machines and presses where rapid engagement and disengagement of clutches and brakes is essential. The arrangement includes a housing and a cylinder flange, fast with each other, the cylinder receiving the piston reciprocating therein. Axial displacement of the piston is limited by a washer arrangement in a groove made in the housing and having radially running recesses of different depths. The flange of the cylinder carries an abutment engageable in one of the radial recesses of the washer. The disclosed construction simplifies the structure of the arrangement, as a whole, and provides for both rapid and reliable adjustment of the piston stroke value.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic compensation for wear in a brake which has floating shoes acting on each side of a disc; has a rear shoe carrying guides parallel to the axis of the disc and these guides pass through the front shoe and a yoke. Each guide carries stops to limit the withdrawal of the yoke and the front shoe and the front shoe and the yoke engage these stops through intermediate wedges. This apparatus is useful for brakes applied by springs and disengaged by electromagnet.

Abstract: The hydraulic activators are provided with a relief valve which serves to permit communication between the disengaging cylinder chamber and the work cylinder chamber. The open position of the relief valve occurs when the release apparatus for the rotatable friction brake member is closed. The closed position of the relief valve occurs after the rotating brake is released. The relief valve can be mounted in the release apparatus of the working piston.

Abstract: A piston stroke adjusting arrangement disc-type friction clutches or brakes used most advantageously in forging machines and presses where rapid engagement and disengagement of clutches and brakes is essential. The arrangement includes a housing and a cylinder flange, fast with each other, the cylinder receiving the piston reciprocating therein. Axial displacement of the piston is limited by a washer arrangement in a groove made in the housing and having radially running recesses of different depths. The flange of the cylinder carries an abutment engageable in one of the radial recesses of the washer. The disclosed construction simplifies the structure of the arrangement, as a whole, and provides for both rapid and reliable adjustment of the piston stroke value.

Abstract: A cam actuated brake adjuster reduces automatically the clearance between the brake lining and the brake drum which exists when the brakes are released, if this clearance exceeds a predetermined value. A one-way drive mechanism which adjusts the angular position of a camshaft with the aid of a worm gear is actuated by an adjusting rod assembly, which yields to a given adjusting force corresponding to a given brake force, to prevent an excessive adjustment which might result from a drum distortion caused by the application of a great braking force.

Abstract: A self-adjusting brake having a brake drum, primary and secondary brake shoes, a brake cylinder and a stationary brake shoe support for floatingly mounting the brake shoes. The latter are arranged interiorly of the brake drum and coact with it, the ends of the brake shoes being curved and pressed against the brake cylinder and the brake shoe support by means of return springs which also serve to lift the brake shoes off the brake drum when the brake is in non-actuated condition. Each brake shoe carries a brake lining and has a web which has associated with it an inclined surface that coacts with a respective pin, the inclination of the surfaces being such that the amount of play between the brake lining and the brake drum, when the brake is in non-actuated condition, remains substantially constant during displacement of the brake shoe as a result of wear of the brake lining.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid pressure operated disc brake assembly that includes a tandem-arranged spring-applied fluid-pressure-related brake operating unit and an automatic slack adjuster mechanism which is actuated by a pair of springs to so compensate for wear of a disc brake rotor and/or brake shoes therefor that the brake shoes, while the brakes are released, are constantly lightly pressed against the brake rotor notwithstanding prior wear of the shoes and/or the rotor.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly for a vehicle comprising an annular disc and a flange adapter for coupling the disc to the wheel of the vehicle for rotation with the wheel around the axle and for supporting the disc for axial movement. Two housing members are located on opposite sides of the disc and connected together and to the axle. A stationary brake shoe with a lining is located between one housing member and the disc and a further brake shoe with a lining is located between the disc and the other housing member and supported for axial movement. A camming arrangement is actuated by a pneumatic system for actuating the disc brake assembly for braking purposes. Removable shims are provided for spacing the two housing members apart and which may be removed for adjustment purposes as the brake lining wears.