Abstract: A vented rotor for caliper disc brakes and the like includes an outer friction portion having two ring sections with a plurality of radially extending ribs extending therebetween. The ribs include support ribs extending from the hat wall, and secondary ribs space radially from the hat wall. The support ribs and secondary ribs fixedly interconnect the ring sections in a mutually parallel, spaced apart relationship in such a manner that the inner diameter of each the ring section is spaced apart from the hat wall. Vents are formed between the support ribs and secondary ribs. The vents have a constant cross sectional area along their length to enhance the airflow therethrough. As a result, cooling air is permitted to flow into the vents between the inboard and the outboard ring sections from both the inboard and outboard sides of the outer friction portion of the rotor, providing enhanced overall air flow past the ring sections.

Abstract: A disc rotor for a disc brake which is designed to make it difficult to cause brake squeal includes inner and outer discs, and first and second radially extending long holes formed in the outer and inner discs. The angular intervals between the long holes are made to differ between the outer disc and the inner disc, and two vibration modes are produced to interfere with each other during braking operation by which the occurrence of a steady-state vibration mode is restrained. In addition fins are provided between the two discs, with the fins including several fins arranged to reinforce both the inner and outer discs.

Abstract: A brake disk has a thickness D1 and includes two friction plates disposed parallel to each other, between which an airflow duct having a width D2 is located in a substantially central position. The brake disk is made of a gray cast iron material containing molybdenum. The ratio of the disk thickness D1 to the airflow duct width D2 is 3.0.ltoreq.D1/D2.ltoreq.5. The brake disk has a great resistance to temperature change and a long operating life.

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

Abstract: A disc of a disc brake for vehicles in general and for high-performance cars in particular, which is of unusually low weight, comprises a hub and an annular brake member traversed by ventilation ducts extending between an internal annular face element and an external annular face element of the annular brake member interconnected by bridging columns, a projecting portion of the brake member being embedded in the hub during the manufacture of the hub by casting in a light alloy.

Abstract: A front disk brake, which includes a brake disk fixedly mounted on a hub at the front fork of a bicycle, and a brake caliper mounted on lugs at the front fork of the bicycle by a mounting frame and pulled by a brake line to stop the brake disk, wherein the brake caliper includes a body mounted on the mounting frame, the body having a narrow slot, which receives the brake disk, two inside annular grooves at two opposite sides of the slot, and two sets of steel balls moved in the slot, two cam shafts mounted in the body, the cam shafts each having a head and ball grooves equiangularly spaced at the head, the ball grooves receiving the steel balls and each having a depth gradually deeper from one end toward the other end, and a pull bar driven by the brake line to turn the cam shafts, enabling the cam shafts to be respectively forced outwards by the steel balls toward two opposite side walls of the brake disk.

Abstract: A ventilated rotor to be disclosed has a first slide board, a second slide board which faces the first slide board and N-numbered (N: natural number, not less than 2) ribs provided between the first and second slide boards. The first and second slide boards have a common central axis, and the N-numbered ribs include ribs, which are in reference providing positions separated from each other at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction and are elongated in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis, and N/n-numbered (n: natural number, not less than 2, N/n: natural number) ribs, which are shifted from the reference providing positions by a prescribed angle in one direction of the circumferential direction and are elongated in the radial direction. In another way, the N-numbered ribs includes N/n-numbered ribs which have divided portions divided with separation from each other in the radial direction.

Abstract: An improved vehicle disc brake rotor is disclosed having a unique vented design. The rotor includes a pair of brake friction plates maintained in spaced relationship by a plurality of radially extending fins. Each friction plate is tapered radially from the outer peripheral end to the inner peripheral end thereof such that the friction plates have an increased cross-sectional thickness at the outer end. In addition, each fin is "blended" into the friction plates. Such a configuration increases the heat capacity and stiffness at the outer end of the rotor. A separate radially extending cooling air passageway is defined between each pair of the fins. The air passageway is configured to define a cross-sectional area which is substantially uniform throughout its entire length. This results in the velocity of cooling air being increased as it flows through the passageway, thus improving cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A stationary disc for use in a wet disc brake assembly includes a plurality of holes drilled through the disc. The holes change the mass of the disc, and thus change the frequency of the entire disc brake assembly. This portion of the invention is particularly useful to modify the frequency such that it is not approximately equal to the frequency of an associated stationary member. In addition, the holes may be plugged with a material that becomes viscous at expected operational temperatures of the brake. This is valuable to provide a vibration dampener, that inherently becomes actuated when the brake heats.

Abstract: A brake disk has an inner annular portion or hub area and an outer annular portion or rub area that are interconnected by a number of spaced arms extending radially and circumferentially between the inner and outer annular portions. The arms can be formed (e.g. stamped) in a number of configurations, whereby the stress on the disk caused by the heat generated in the outer annular portion during braking is relieved by arm deflection, thus preventing warping of the disk. The arms are also configured to distribute stress relatively evenly throughout the arms during expansion and contraction of the outer annular portion, thereby preventing cracks and fractures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a protective coating to the surfaces of air vents in a vented brake rotor wherein the method includes the steps of rotating the rotor, directing coating material along with a stream of air toward the inlets of the vents to flood the vents with coating material to coat the surfaces, applying a suction to the outlets of the vents to remove and recover the excess material, and curing the coating. The apparatus includes fixtures for mounting the rotors that are driven to rotate the rotors during the coating operation, and for automatic operation a conveyer for advancing the rotors through a vent coating station, an exterior coating station for coating exterior rotor surfaces, and a curing station.

Abstract: A wheel hub and brake disc arrangement for a vehicle wheel includes a wheel hub with alternately following grooves and teeth with inclined flanks, and a brake disc, carried on the part of the wheel hub, having a concentric opening which is formed with corresponding teeth and grooves which are adapted to the grooves and teeth of the hub, the brake disc being locked against rotation on the hub and having a slip fit between the disc and the hub. In order to reduce the heat transfer between hub and disc and minimize the stresses in the disc caused by the temperature distribution and the mechanical effects, the tip arc length for each tooth is less than the root arc length for each groove which is delimited by two opposing flanks of adjacent teeth, the flanks each merge at the respective root side of the teeth into a first radius Ra, which in turn emerges into a second radius Rb which forms the bottom of the groove and is common for the two opposing flanks.

Abstract: An improved structure for a brake rotor and method for producing the same wherein the brake rotor includes a mounting flange and a pair of opposed friction plates spaced apart from one another by a plurality of intermediate fins. The friction plates have generally parallel outwardly facing surfaces adapted to be frictionally engaged by a pair of brake pads of the disc brake assembly. Each of the friction plates defines an outer plate diameter and an inner plate diameter. At least one of the friction plates includes a pair of asymmetrically spaced apart cuts formed therein. The cuts extend radially inwardly from the outer plate diameter toward the inner plate diameter.

Abstract: A brake rotor includes a disc-shaped carrier and friction rings arranged on or on top of the carrier, so that the friction rings and carrier form a single piece construction. The carrier and friction rings are made from carbon/carbon materials and ceramic materials respectively. The carrier has a hat-shaped cross-sectional shape with a flanged outer edge and the friction rings are attached to each side of the flanged edge of the carrier. The brake rotor may be directly mounted onto the wheel flange via the carrier using bolts.

Abstract: A disc brake rotor (10; 50) provides two oppositely-facing annular friction surfaces (20, 22). The rotor (10; 50) comprises a first portion (16) which provides one of said annular surfaces (20), and a second portion (18) which provides the other of said annular surfaces (22). The first and second portions (16, 18) ar arranged in spaced parallel relationship and are joined by vanes (32) between which are defined cooling ducts (34). The ducts (34) extend radially of the rotor (10; 50) and are arranged so that, as the rotor (10; 50) is rotated, air passes through the ducts (34) and acts to cool the rotor (10; 50). In order to increase cooling efficiency, the transverse cross-sectional area of each duct (34) decreases progressively between an inlet (36) to the duct (34) and an intermediate region (40) thereof and increases between said intermediate region and an outlet (38) of the duct (34).

Abstract: A disc brake rotor comprises mounting portion, a first friction portion which provides an annular friction surface, a second friction portion which provides the other of annular friction surface, a connecting portion which joins the mounting portion to the first friction portion, and vanes which extend between the friction portions and support the second friction portion. The vanes define cooling ducts extending radially outwardly of the rotor. The first and the second friction portions vary in thickness in radial directions, the first friction portion having its greatest thickness at a radius which is greater than the radius at which the second friction portion has its greatest thickness.

Abstract: A brake disk, particularly a ventilated brake disk, has at least one friction ring connected with a brake disk chamber by fastening screws. Each fastening screw is provided with a cylindrical projection which is adjoined on the end side by a threaded portion. The cylindrical projection of the fastening screw is arranged in a bore of the friction ring. The threaded portion of the screw can be screwed into the brake chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus of reducing unwanted brake noise has a ring damper affixed around a periphery of brake drum in a drum brake system in a manner that permits relative motion and slippage between the ring damper and the brake drum when the brake drum vibrates during braking. In a preferred embodiment, the ring damper is an almost circular ring that is inserted in a groove formed in the periphery of the brake drum. The ring damper is held in place by the groove itself and by the interference pre-load or pre-tension between the ring damper and the brake drum.

Abstract: There is described a method of producing a flat friction disk, where first of all a sintered friction lining is applied onto a flat steel disk (1) and is then sintered, before the sintered friction lining (2) is compacted and sized by simultaneously pressing grooves (4) into the same. For simplifying the production method it is proposed that upon sizing the friction disk localized recesses (5) should be pressed into the steel disk (1) over its surface through the sintered friction lining (2).

Abstract: In a brake disk for rail vehicle brake systems, a friction ring is made of a light metal such as aluminum (aluminum alloys), etc. to reduce weight. In order to reduce the weight further by approximately an additional 10%, the hub that supports the friction ring and is connected with the shaft of the rail vehicle is also made of light metal, such as aluminum. It is necessary to keep the temperature of such hubs below 120-140.degree. C. to prevent the shrink or press fit between the hub and shaft from loosening. To prevent such heat transmission, heat insulating layers are inserted between the inner circumference of the friction ring connected with the hub preferably by bolts. In the vicinity of the bolts, these layers can consist of insulating disks, insulating plates, or continuous insulating rings.

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

Abstract: A metal-matrix composite material includes a matrix having magnesium in an amount of more than about 0.3 weight percent but no more than about 2.5 weight percent, an alloying element of about 0.8 to about 2.5 weight percent iron or from about 1.0 to about 2.5 weight percent manganese, and the balance aluminum and impurities. Dispersed throughout the matrix is a plurality of metal oxide particles present in an amount of more than about 5 volume percent but no more than about 25 volume percent of the total volume of the matrix and the particles. This material may be cast into casting molds. After casting is complete and during solidification of the matrix alloy, a high volume fraction of intermetallic particles is crystallized in the matrix alloy. The total of the volume fractions of the metal oxide particles and the intermetallic particles is from about 10 to about 40 volume percent, preferably from about 25 to about 40 volume percent.

Abstract: In known SiC/C--C composites the SiC layer is implemented as a diffusion layer so that Si occurs even comparatively far within a C--C basic body having an SiC boundary layer. The present invention aims at providing friction discs consisting of an Sic/C--C composite and having essentially the mechanical properties of C--C discs but a longer service life and a broader field of use than said C--C discs. This is achieved by a graphitized, machined basic body (2) provided with an SiC coating consisting of a subsequently applied melt. In addition, a manufacturing method for such discs is provided.

Abstract: A brake disc (10) has a cover (12) made of a cast aluminium alloy and a brake ring (14) made of cast steel or cast iron. The cover (12) is cast onto pockets (22) which have a radially inwardly facing pocket opening next to the pocket edge (26), formed on the internal circumference (U.sub.i) of the brake ring, creating a radial distance (b) between the cover (12) and the brake ring (14). The pocket edge (26) is surrounded by the cast cover (12) and the pockets (22) are substantially filled with the cast aluminium alloy. Because of this method of connecting the brake ring (14) to the cover (12), umbrella-like distortion can be largely avoided.

Abstract: A hub flange and rotor assembly, both having cut out openings or scallops, wherein the scallops aid in accessing the outward facing bolt heads of the bearing flange to knuckle bolts. This configuration allows the rotor to be machined after it is installed on the hub, prior to installation of the unified assembly into the steering knuckle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of high temperature composites made by the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition of a binding matrix within a porous structure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure, apparatus for carrying out those processes, and the resulting products. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: A disc brake rotor for motor vehicles, having a dual web structural support for connecting a pair of brake discs to a rotor hub that is positioned centrally within the brake rotor without lateral offset. The dual web structural support creates a fanning effect that draws a flow of cooling air between the brake discs. Air flow is further promoted by providing connective ribs located between the brake discs with a shape that produces a pressure drop across the discs and thereby draws cooling air between the discs.

Abstract: A multi-part brake disk consists of a friction ring and a bowl-shaped holding part formed from sheet metal and connected in a form-fitting manner to the friction ring by plastic deformation. To ensure an especially simple and inexpensive connection, the holding part is provided with stamped tabs that are distributed over its circumference and project radially outward out of the peripheral face and can be shaped in the holding part by a simple stamping operation directed radially outward.

Abstract: A method for changing a brake disk of a disk brake, wherein the brake disk includes a friction ring and a brake disk hub for connecting the brake disk to a wheel hub that is rotatably connected to a steering knuckle and has a wheel flange for detachably connecting a wheel, wherein a brake saddle support has two brake pads with pad supports connected thereto, wherein the brake pads cooperate with the friction ring, and wherein the brake saddle support is connected to a fastening flange of the axial body, includes a first step of removing the wheel hub from the steering knuckle by separating the wheel hub from the brake disk hub of the position-secured brake disk. The brake pads and the brake pad supports are then removed from the brake saddle support. The brake disk is then released and lowered onto the steering knuckle. The end of the brake disk opposite the brake saddle support is tilted toward the free end of the steering knuckle.

Abstract: A wheel end hub assembly for a motor vehicle incorporating mechanical retention features. The assembly accurately and positively orients the motor vehicle brake component, such as a disc brake rotor or brake drum with respect to its wheel hub. Accordingly, the machining operations for the brake component braking surfaces can be accurately based from a datum surface of the hub. The assembly incorporates a retention nut threaded onto the wheel mounting bolts which exerts a clamping force on the brake component and further establishes the relative positions of the hub and brake component. The retention nut features a generally conical surface which contacts a generally conical surface of the brake component to establish the radial and rotational relative position of these components.

Abstract: A brake disc capable of being used in an as quenched state, excellent in rusting resistance, toughness and resistance to softening resulting from heat generation caused by braking, and preferably useful as a brake disc for a two-wheeled vehicle, which is produced from a martensitic stainless steel comprising 0.02 to 0.10% of C, up to 0.03% of N, up to 0.05% of Si, 0.5 to 1.5% of Mn, up to 0.5% of Ni, 10 to 15% of Cr, 0.5 to 2.5% of Cu, up to 0.1% of Al and the balance substantially Fe and unavoidable impurities provided that the amount of C+N is from 0.05 to 0.1% and .gamma.p is at least 90, and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: Method of mounting a brake rotor to a wheel hub, the mounting establishing a sealed but removable fixed bearing therebetween; it comprises the steps of: (a) forming mating metallic mounting surfaces on the respective rotor and hub that at least in part extend in a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the hub (for example, within a tolerance .+-.0.

Abstract: In the ventilated holes of the brake ventilated rotor are formed seven thick portions each having equal mass and separated at an equal distance in the circumferential direction from a reference line which is an arbitrary diameter, six thick portions each having equal mass and separated at an equal distance in the circumferential direction from the same reference line, five thick portions each having equal mass and separated at an equal distance in the circumferential direction from the same reference line, and four thick portions each having equal mass and separated at an equal distance in the circumferential direction from the same reference line. In other words, in the ventilating holes of the ventilated rotor are formed a plurality of thick portions which can be classified into four groups, each group having equal mass. The thick portions in respective groups are arranged at an equal distance in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A disc rotor formed of flaky graphite cast iron in which the natural frequency of the disc rotor is set by the graphite length in the flaky graphite cast iron structure.For preventing resonant vibrations ascribable to the self-excited vibrations of the component parts of disc brakes, such as pads, the natural frequency of the disc rotor are shifted from the frequency of excited vibrations of the component parts of disc brakes, such as pads.

Abstract: A bicycle brake system includes a flexible brake disk, a fixed mount single acting caliper, fixed and moveable brake pads and a brake actuator. The caliper is mounted on the bicycle frame in a position to straddle the brake disk. The fixed brake pad is mounted on one side of the caliper, and the moveable brake pad is mounted on the other side of the caliper. The brake actuator is on the moveable brake pad side of the brake disk and is aligned with the flexible brake disk. Upon actuation of the brake actuator, the flexible brake disk is flexed into engagement with the fixed brake pad.

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

Abstract: A brake lining for partial-lining disk brakes, particularly of rail vehicles, wherein several friction or lining elements are provided which can be fastened to a support plate individually or in groups, in which case several support plates are arranged either directly on the lining holder of the disk brake arrangement or on a lining support which can be fastened to the lining holder. For rendering the surface pressure generated during the braking uniform, the support plates are swivellably linked to the lining support or lining holder, in the case of a group-like assignment, several (at least two) lining elements being swivellably arranged on the support plate.

Abstract: A wheel mounting for a vehicle, which includes a rotatable wheel flange connected by an antifriction bearing with a stationary part of the wheel mounting. The wheel flange has pluralities of first and second mounting regions circumferentially around the wheel flange and axially spaced at different respective first and second axial locations along the wheel flange. Each of the regions includes fastening areas to which either a brake disk or a wheel rim may be attached. Rivets, pins, or the like may permit axial mounting of the brake disk with play. Radially inwardly facing, generally semicircular holes in the brake disk enable the brake disk to expand without interference.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a rotor having a vented hat section and a method of forming the same. Such a rotor includes a hat section having a central mounting face and a cylindrical shoulder or hat wall extending axially from the mounting face to an annular peripheral section having friction surfaces disposed on opposite sides. A plurality of spaced apart vents are defined in the wall of the hat section. The vented rotor is formed by first casting a rotor to the desired configuration including at least the hat section. The initial casting is formed in such a manner that one or more depressions are provided in the radially inner surface of the wall of the hat section. These depressions do not extend through the wall of the hat section. Then, material is removed in one or more machining steps from the radially outer surface of the wall of the hat section proximate the depressions.

Abstract: Brake rotors each having a brake ring, first and second opposing braking surfaces, and inner and outer peripheral surfaces connecting the braking surfaces. A plurality of apertures may be disposed through the brake ring, extending between the two braking surfaces. A ceramic coating, for providing thermal insulation, is disposed at least on the two braking surfaces. In one preferred embodiment, the brake ring is formed from a composition comprising a substantial proportion of titanium.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a brake disc assembly comprising the steps of machining a radially extending gage surface (54) on the support flange (34) of an outer race (32) of a bearing assembly disposed around a hub (14) and inserting a fixture post (72) through a bore (22) in the hub (14). A pressure plate (74) presents tabs (90) simulating a vehicle wheel and is disposed in engagement with the base (26) of the brake disc with a washer/nut (78) over the pressure plate (74) to place the post (72) in tension against the bearing assembly to maintain a pre-load on the bearing assembly. The outer race (32) of the bearing assembly is clamped with the gage surface (54) drawn against a gage (84) to properly orient the outer race (32) about a fixed axis (A). Thereafter, the pressure plate (74) is engaged by a rotation member (86) which rotates about a floating axis (B).

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of high temperature composites made by the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition of a binding matrix within a porous structure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure, apparatus for carrying out those processes, and the resulting products. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: A friction-wear aluminum part which includes a metal substrate and friction-wear coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface to said substrate. The coating is a mixture of both aluminum and stainless steel. On a preferred basis, the surface of the substrate is intentionally roughened or grooved to facilitate bonding of the coating thereto. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel end hub assembly for a motor vehicle incorporating mechanical retention features. The assembly accurately and positively orients the motor vehicle brake component, such as a disc brake rotor or brake drum with respect to its wheel hub. Accordingly, the machining operations for the brake component braking surfaces can be accurately based from a datum surface of the hub. The assembly incorporates a retention nut threaded onto the wheel mounting bolts which exerts a clamping force on the brake component and further establishes the relative positions of the hub and brake component. The retention nut features a generally conical surface which contacts a generally conical surface of the brake component to establish the radial and rotational relative position of these components.

Abstract: A brake rotor includes a radially inner hub or hat section having a central mounting face for mounting the rotor on an associated drive member, with an outer friction portion extending from the cylindrical hat wall. The outer friction portion includes a pair of opposite, flat annular friction rings adapted to interface with associated friction members. The outer friction portion of the rotor further includes a core extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical hat wall of the hat section. A layer of a sound dampening material is secured between the pair of outer friction ring sections and the core. The rotor of the invention transmits less noise than conventional rotors.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming a vented rotor for caliper disc brakes and the like. Such a vented rotor includes an outer friction portion having one or more ring sections with opposed friction surfaces adapted to interface with associated friction members. The vented rotor is formed by first casting a rotor to the desired configuration including at least the ring section. This initial casting is formed in such a manner that one or more depressions are provided a surface of the ring section. Then, material is removed in one or more machining steps from portions of the friction surface opposite the friction surface having the depressions, to the point that the depressions extend completely through the ring section to form the vents.

Abstract: A ventilated brake rotor includes two spaced apart annular disks each having an inner diameter and an outer diameter with a locus radius defined radially between the inner diameter and the outer diameter. A series of alternating longer and shorter vanes is distributed around the rotor between the annular disks defining a series of flow passages between each adjacent pair of vanes. Each vane is defined about a curved line with a curvature that is measured from the locus radius, wherein the curved line's curvature is defined by the incoming air flow angle at the flow passage, and wherein the vane profile varies along the curved line so that a non-uniformly curved profile results that maximizes the flow rate through the flow passage. The vane angle and the vane profile result in minimized incidence, viscous and profile flow losses.

Abstract: A process for producing a brake disc (1) for a disc brake is disclosed; in said process two separating regions (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2) are provided in a one-piece, circular brake disc (1). Said separating regions divide the brake disc (1) into two parts (1a, 1b), whereupon a fastening device (2.sub.1, 2.sub.2), which encompasses the separating region, is designed in each separating region (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2); and finally the brake disc (1) is broken apart into two parts (1a, 1b) in the separating regions (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2). Thus, a brake disc that is easier to mount and to exchange is provided.

Abstract: A composite rotor for caliper disc brakes and the like includes an outer friction portion having two ring sections, with a plurality of supports extending therebetween to fixedly interconnect the ring sections in a mutually parallel, spaced apart relationship defining a cavity therebetween. The ring sections have opposite friction surfaces which interface with associated friction members. The rotor also includes an inner hub portion having a central mounting section which mounts the same on a drive member, and a peripheral section cast into the cavity of the outer friction portion to integrally interconnect the inner hub and outer friction portions of the rotor with primarily mechanical bonds formed at an unfused interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing unwanted brake noise has a ring damper affixed around a periphery of a brake rotor in a disk brake system in a manner that permits relative motion and slippage between the ring damper and the rotor when the rotor vibrates during braking. In a preferred embodiment, the ring damper is disposed in a groove formed in the periphery of the disk and is pre-loaded against the rotor both radially and transversely. The ring damper is held in place by the groove itself and by the interference pre-load or pre-tension between the ring damper and the disk brake rotor.