Abstract: A duo servo drum brake shoe anchor having a T-shaped configuration in which the inner recess corner surfaces define a pocket on each side, each of which receives a rounded end of one of the shoes in force transmittable engagement. The crossbar part of the anchor is located on one end of the keystone-shaped main body part of the anchor. The main body part has slanted sides which contract the tendency of the secondary shoe end, for example when forward braking is in process, to move outwardly in a wedging action, and the crossbar part lower sides forming part of the pockets prevent the shoe end in the pocket from moving outwardly toward the drum being braked.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drum brake with two shoes, each having a web (16) and a rim (18), of which the face confronting the drum receives a friction lining (20). The drum brake is arranged on a supporting plate (10) and also includes a mechanical control lever (34) comprising a body of considerable length and of small thickness in relation to its width, the body having, at a first end (36), an orifice (38) intended for receiving an articulated connection with the web (16) of one of the shoes (14) at an intermediate point near the orifice, and a notch intended for interacting with a spacer (62) making it possible to subject the shoes (12, 14) to a stress moving them away from one another, and at the second end (40), a fastening point for an actuating cable (54) of the lever. The cable is equipped with a ferrule (60) at its end interacting with the lever.

Abstract: A brake assembly, for a vehicle axle having a beam, including a spider mounted on the beam, a camshaft mounted on one end of the spider, a pair of anchor pins mounted on an opposite end of the spider, and a pair of brake shoes. Each of the brake shoes has at least one bearing surface disposed at one end thereof mounted on an outer portion of one of the anchor pins and a roller mounted on an opposite end thereof operatively engageable with the camshaft. A spring interconnects upper portions of the brake shoes and pivotally biases the upper ends of the brake shoes toward each other into retracted positions. A retainer adjacent the anchor pin ends of the brake shoes biasingly urges the bearing surfaces of the brake shoes into engagement with the anchor pins. The retainer is a U-shaped spring element having a hook section at each of its free ends encompassing the anchor pin ends of the brake shoes.

Abstract: A spring clutch assembly has an input clutch member (2), an output clutch member (3), and a spring (12) disposed over a coaxial arbor (9). The spring clutch assembly further includes an independently rotatable shaft (16) disposed in a passage extending through the arbor. The shaft includes a splined surface (19) engaged by an axially movable collar (23) having a mating splined surface. The collar is mounted a chamber (20) in the input member, and has extending ears (25) and (26) located in slots (21) and (22) in the chamber sidewall. A cap (30) is fitted to an output end of the shaft and has an arm (38) extending into engagement with an end coil (41). The arm includes a projection which engages a recess in the coil. Axial movement of the collar causes the shaft to turn, relative to the arbor, with the arm forcing the coil spring to compress, disengaging the teaser coils from the output drive surface.

Abstract: An improved clutch shoe of the type that is mounted on the rotor of a centrifugal clutch for coupling engagement with an outer clutch housing. The shoe is formed by two similar L-shaped shoe half sections which are stamped of sheet metal. Each shoe half section has an arcuate-shaped configuration comprising a web and an integral outer shoe table portion with an annular boss formed on each of the webs. A plurality of annular projections are formed to one of the shoe half webs and extend outwardly therefrom in a direction opposite from the annular boss formed on the web. The other shoe half web is formed with a plurality of holes into which the annular projections are press fitted to connect the two shoe halves together with the webs being placed in abutting relationship. The shoe half table portions lie in juxtaposition with respect to each other and form an outer shoe table on which a strip of friction material is attached.

Abstract: A mechanical brake actuator for a shoe drum brake including a pair of brake shoes carried by a back plate wherein one pair of adjacent ends of the shoes engage an abutment fixed relative to the back plate, comprises an assembly including a pair of pivotally interconnected parts for co-action respectively with the brake shoes, one part being a force-applying lever engaging one shoe and the other part engaging the other shoe and extending therefrom to the lever to form a pivot member pivotally interconnecting the lever and strut, a pair of rollers on the pivot member, an opening in the abutment, and a pair of spaced surfaces on the abutment on opposite sides of the opening, the rollers being in rolling engagement with the spaced surfaces, and the lever and strut being movably disposed in the opening so that force applied the lever in one direction to pivot the lever about the pivot member urges the one shoe into engagement with the drum and urges the strut to displace the other shoe into engagement with the dru

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch comprises a driving plate having oppositely facing surfaces secured to an input shaft operatively connected to a driving source, a cylindrical bottomed drum detachably secured to an end, projecting from the input shaft, of an output shaft concentrically and relatively rotatably disposed within the input shaft, the cylindrical bottomed drum surrounding the driving plate, and a plurality of clutch springs each connected to each of a plurality of shoes which are supported on the plate for movement toward and away from an inner peripheral surface of the drum respectively by a plurality of stub shafts parallel to the input shaft, the clutch spring providing a spring force in a direction away from the inner peripheral surface of the drum.

Abstract: For the control of the drive slip of a motor vehicle a first rotation rate sensor produces a first rotation rate signal corresponding to the rotation rate of the driven wheel or the output rotation rate of the change-speed gear. A second rotation rate sensor generates a second rotation rate signal corresponding to the rotation rate of a non-driven wheel. The friction clutch of the motor vehicle is engageable and disengageable through a controllable servo drive, and a control system controls the clutch in the release direction when the first rotation rate signal represents a rotation rate higher by at least a pre-determined difference value than the second rotation rate signal. The control system controls the clutch in the engagement direction when the rotation rates represented by the first and the second rotation rate signals differ by less than the pre-determined difference value.

Abstract: A mechanically-operated drum brake device which comprises a pair of brake shoes each coming in contact with an anchor at one end portion on the same side and engaging with a floating type actuator and a brake lever rotatably supported on the actuator at their other end portions, respectively. There is provided structure for holding in place the brake shoes and the actuator relative to a back plate at a predetermined distance therebetween in the axial direction of a brake drum. There is also provided a stop member to control the inward contracting movement of the brake shoes when the brake is released.

Abstract: A hub drive assembly includes three pairs of pivoted arms, each supporting a friction pad, which may be clamped against the inner cylindrical surface of a tape supply reel. The assembly also includes a central sleeve, rotatably driven by a motor, and a second sleeve concentric with the central sleeve. The second sleeve is provided with gear teeth, which couple with gear teeth of one arm, which in turn couple with gear teeth of the other arm of each pair. Means are also provided to rotate the two sleeves relative to each other, thereby causing rotation of the arms about their pivot points via the gear couplings, so as to bring the frictional pads into, and out of, frictional engagement with the reel.

Abstract: A shift control for an automatic countershaft type transmission includes a memory device which stores a plurality of maps representing optimum speed ratios for various vehicle conditions. The control selects from the maps based on the speed of the vehicle, the position of the accelerator pedal and on the state of operation of a brake. The control further determines whether the position of a shift lever corresponds to the optimum gear ratio obtained from the selected map. The transmission is shifted to the optimum gear ratio when the shift lever doesn't correspond to the optimum gear ratio position.

Abstract: For automobile drum brakes of the simplex and duo-duplex forms of construction, each having two brake shoes (10) floatingly mounted on a brake bracket (1), a special support is proposed for the one end of the brake shoe web (10) of each brake shoe (8), this support being constituted basically of a support pin (26) rotatable about its central axis, which possesses a recessed bearing surface, on which a corresponding counter-surface (35) of the brake shoe web (10) is slidably journalled. The new support makes possible the maintaining of a constant brake coefficient throughout the full range of wear of the brake lining (12).

Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle provided with a continuously variable transmission and with an electromagnetic clutch for transmitting torque of an engine to the transmission. The transmission has a line pressure control valve having ports and a spool, a hydraulic circuit for supplying oil to the line pressure control valve so as to shift the spool to control the line pressure. When the clutch is slipping at the start of the vehicle, the line pressure control valve is controlled in accordance with a clutch transmitting torque. When the clutch is engaged, the control valve is controlled in accordance with an engine torque.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated starting clutch adapted for a continuously variable transmission which is located at the output of the transmission to couple the vehicle wheels to the engine upon a signal from the throttle induced system oil pressure. The clutch includes a cover connected to the drive shaft through a hub forming a pressure chamber behind a piston, a Belleville spring acted upon by a pressure disc extending between the spring and the piston and urging a pressure plate against the clutch plate and an end plate secured in the cover, and retractor fingers on said pressure disc engaging said pressure plate. A cooling oil impeller is positioned between the end plate and a clutch plate hub and operatively connected to the end plate, and the clutch plate is operatively connected to a sleeve shaft to drive the differential for the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A multiple-disk visco-clutch is arranged in the drive line of the front axle and the rear axle of a four wheel-drive motor vehicle. In order to prevent an overheating of the multiple-disk visco-clutch, such as when the vehicle is being towed, the visco-clutch is separable from the drive line by means of a shiftable toothed clutch. The lubricating-oil pressure, the intake pipe vacuum or other characteristic quantities of the motor vehicle may be used for actuating the toothed clutch when the internal-combustion engine is stopped, thereby automatically causing the separating of the multiple disk visco-clutch from the drive line.

Abstract: A belt or chain-operated clutch and brake apparatus for lawnmowers which is mounted above the blade shroud or housing, and includes a shaft with a cooperating split drum assembly having a hub keyed to the shaft and oppositely-disposed, spring-loaded brake shoes bolted to opposed drum segments and pivoted to the hub plate attached to the hub. At least one drive pulley is freely rotatable on the shaft above the split drum assembly and carries a pulley drum which is shaped to define a round, downwardly extending drum flange located between the brake shoes and the drum segments in the split drum assembly. The brake shoes are biased into contact with the drum flange of the pulley drum in order to effect rotation of the split drum assembly and the shaft when the pulley is driven by a V-belt. A brake band encircles the drum segments in the split drum assembly and is secured to a fixed post at one end and a movable post at the opposite end for selectively tightening on the drum segments.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly incorporates unitary retainers for anchor pins about which a pair of brake shoes may pivot. In a preferred form, the anchor pin retainers are spring steel structures formed of drawn heat treated wire, each retainer defining a pair of spaced legs joined at one end by an arcuate or bowed portion adapted to engage one of a pair of spaced grooves in one of the associated anchor pins. Each brake shoe contains a web portion which includes a cradle for pivotal support against an anchor pin. Each web has a pair of apertures disposed for engagement by a hook formed at the end of each retainer leg.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electromagnetic clutch for a vehicle having an infinitely variable transmission which has a high engine speed drive range (Ds range) for increasing the transmission ratio when selected. The system is provided with a control unit for producing a pulse train for controlling the clutch torque of the electromagnetic clutch. The duty ratio of the pulse train temporarily varies so as to decrease the clutch torque, when the Ds range is selected.

Abstract: A system for controlling the clutch torque of an electromagnetic clutch for a vehicle, having an accelerator pedal switch for producing an output signal when an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is released. A clutch current circuit including a transistor is provided for controlling the clutch current passing through a coil of the electromagnetic clutch. A logic gate circuit is provided to be responsive to the output signal of the accelerator pedal switch for controlling the transistor so as to decrease the clutch current to a low value approximating zero for a moment and thereafter to gradually increase the current to a predetermined value. The second circuit comprises a logic gate circuit and a pulse train generating circuit responsive to the output signal of the accelerator switch for producing a pulse train controlled by the logic gate circuit, and the duty ratio of the pulse train gradually varies so as to gradually increase the clutch current.

Abstract: A system for controlling the clutch torque of an electromagnetic clutch for a vehicle having an accelerator pedal switch for producing an output signal when an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is depressed. A clutch current circuit including a transistor is provided for controlling the clutch current passing through a coil of the electromagnetic clutch. A logic gate circuit is provided responsive to the output signal of the accelerator pedal switch for controlling the transistor so as to decrease the clutch current to a low value and thereafter to gradually increase the current to a rated value.

Abstract: A hydraulic control pressure assembly is provided which indicates the position of an intake throttle valve below a predetermined value. The control pressure is used for a control valve which controls a lock-up clutch arranged parallel to a torque converter, a timing valve for speed change or the like. First and second throttle valves are provided which produce respectively first and second throttle pressures according to a force relating to an intake throttle position. Hydraulic auxiliary pressures are provided which act on the first and second throttle valves in the same direction as the force.

Abstract: A fan clutch having an engaged and disengaged mode of operation comprising: a plurality of centrifugal force responsive friction shoes for drivingly engaging an engagement surface; of the engagement and disengagement of the friction shoes controlled by plurality to disks, one of the disks rotatable relative to the other disk.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch has a carrier and at least two centrifugal weights which are each connected to the carrier by means of at least one spring. These centrifugal weights are pivotally mounted on the carrier and are preloaded radially inwardly with respect to the carrier by means of the springs. In this way, the centrifugal weights have a defined pivot axis so that they can pivotally move from their rest position to the coupling position when the rotational speed exceeds a predetermined speed above no-load speed. By preloading the centrifugal weights, the latter are prevented from pivoting outwardly at speeds below no-load speed so that the centrifugal weights do not strike the clutch drum at rotational speeds beneath a predetermined value.

Abstract: To prevent jolts or shocks interfering with smooth operation of an automotive vehicle upon disengagement of an automatic free-wheeling arrangement and reestablishment of engine braking, a control element (22, 23) is provided, controlled by the system, typically coupled to the brake light switch, which reestablishes positive drive connection between engine and wheels to permit engine braking, to reduce the torque supplied by the engine at the re-engagement instant, to thereby insure smooth transition from free-wheeling to engine braking. Preferably, the engine speed is sensed, and the speed of the shaft beyond the free-wheeling arrangement is sensed (points A, B), and engine torque is reduced just before synchronism is achieved.

Abstract: An electronic control method for vehicles, wherein, when exercising control to start a vehicle from rest, the vehicle engine and clutch are controlled in a very low speed control mode, if the amount by which an accelerator pedal is depressed is less than a set value. If, however, the amount of accelerator pedal depression is greater than the set value, the engine and clutch are controlled in an ordinary start control mode. When the vehicle is travelling and the speed thereof is less than a set value, the clutch is controlled in a start control mode. When the travelling speed of the vehicle is greater than the set value, the clutch is controlled in a shift mode.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electromagnetic clutch for a vehicle, the system has a pulse generating circuit responsive to ignition pulses for an engine for producing pulses, an accelerator switch for sensing the depression of an accelerator pedal of the engine and for producing a first signal.An accelerator position switch is provided for sensing a deep depression of the accelerator pedal and for producing a second signal, and an accelerator pedal switch failure detecting circuit is provided to respond to the inverted signal of the first signal and to the second signal for producing a third signal which is applied to a gate circuit for opening it to pass the pulses thereby enabling the start of the vehicle, even if the accelerator switch is out of order.

Abstract: An automotive accessory clutch driven by a pulley engaged by a rubber belt driven from the engine includes an electrical coil which when energized causes a friction plate to be drawn into engagement with the pulley and to rotate lever arms about pivots which produce tangentially directed forces on brake assemblies that pivot an additional friction surface into engagement with other surfaces of the driven pulley. The connection between the pulley and the accessory driven from the engine is selectively connected and disconnected as the coil is electrically energized and deenergized.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly with a center guide backing plate, channeled web brake shoe assemblies slidably received on the center guide braking plate. A wheel cylinder assembly mounted in a notch on the center guide braking plate and engaged by a first set of adjacent brake shoe ends. A brake adjuster mounted between a second set of adjacent brake shoe ends, and retractor springs attached to the shoe assemblies and holding the shoe assemblies, wheel cylinder and brake adjuster in position on the center guide backing plate. The brake shoes are made of two identical shoe halves symmetrically formed about an axis so that the shoes also provide integral push rod-like which cylinder and adjuster engaging end.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated starting clutch and more particularly a starting clutch for a continuously variable transmission which is located at the output of the transmission to couple the vehicle wheels to the engine upon a signal from the throttle induced system oil pressure. The clutch includes a cover connected to the drive shaft through a hub forming a pressure chamber behind a piston, a Belleville spring acted upon by the piston and urging a pressure plate against the clutch plate and an end plate secured in the cover. Weights are mounted on the Belleville spring to compensate for the centrifugal effect of the oil in the pressure chamber. The clutch plate is operatively connected to a sleeve shaft to drive the differential for the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A control system for a belt-drive continuously variable transmission. The transmission is connected to a crankshaft of an engine through an electromagnetic powder clutch. The control system has a vacuum switch which is closed by rapid release of an accelerator pedal for producing engine braking effect, a gate circuit including a NOR gate, and an astable multivibrator. The NOR gate is opened for a short time decided by a time constant circuit, and the multivibrator supplies pulses through the NOR gate to a switching transistor provided in a circuit of the electromagnetic clutch for periodically opening the transistor during the opening of the NOR gate. Thus, the electromagnetic clutch is intermittently engaged for providing partial engagement of the clutch for the short time.

Abstract: An improved expanding shoe drum brake (10) is provided. The brake includes a pair of brake shoes (20) pivotably retained on an anchor structure (18). The shoes include brake tables (22) and webs (26), the webs are resiliently urged by a spring (132) into constant sliding engagement with three guide surfaces (78, 88 and 114) to locate the webs on a plane (P) relative to the spider and to retain a substantially parallel relationship between the shoe friction material (24) and the brake drum (12) thereby minimizing the required running clearance (44) or slack of the brake.

Abstract: A control circuit for an automatic power transmission mechanism for use with an internal combustion engine in a vehicle driveline including fluid pressure operated clutches and brakes that are applied selectively to effect various ratio changes, a forward clutch being applied to effect a forward driving mode and being released to effect a neutral condition, and a clutch pressure regulator valve assembly for controlling distribution of actuating pressure to the forward clutch whereby the clutch pressure is regulated at a threshold value to effect minimum frictional engagement during coasting operation of the vehicle and during engine idling wherein provision is made for quickly increasing the pressure in the forward clutch to establish a maximum torque capacity when the coasting and idling mode is interrupted at the onset of driving torque delivery through the driveline thereby effecting a smooth transition from the coasting and idling condition to the driving mode.

Abstract: An improved expanding shoe drum brake (10) is provided. The brake includes a shaft-like mounting structure (42) for retaining the hook ends (40) of a heavy duty brake return spring (28). The retaining assembly includes a fixed portion (44) and an axially movable portion (46). The axially movable portion is normally abutting with the fixed portion but may be selectively axially moved away therefrom for assembly and disassembly of return spring (28) from the brake assembly (10).

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a city bus and other highway vehicles comprises an engine-mounted gearbox with a laterally offset drive output to the rear wheels through a propeller shaft and differential drive unit. The gear box has four layshafts grouped round the drive input shaft. Multiplate pneumatic clutches, one on each layshaft, select transmission ratios under the control of a driver's selector switch acting through an electronic control unit and an electro-pneumatic valve supplied with air by a compressor. The control unit includes a retarder function provided by simultaneous partial engagement of the first and second gear clutches when the vehicle is in third or fourth gear. Access to the clutches for servicing is provided by end covers on the gearbox whereby the clutch elements can be replaced without stripping the gearbox.

Abstract: A recentering device for a drum brake is provided in an opening of the strut placed between the shoes and includes a spring placed between two cups which are capable of sliding in the opening and both engage a fixed bearing element on the brake support plate and are supported by one of the shoulders formed in the opening. During braking, the strut compresses the spring through one of the two cups by way of the corresponding shoulders. On termination of braking, the spring recenters the strut, driving it back until one of the cups regains its bearing on the associated fixed bearing element, thus recentering the shoes bearing on the strut.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for power saws. The clutch includes a rotating driven centrifugal weight carrier, and a clutch drum which is concentric to the axis of rotation of the carrier. At least one centrifugal weight engages the clutch drum at predetermined speed of the carrier. The centrifugal weight is coupled with at least one return weight in such a manner that the return weight opposes the pressing force of the centrifugal weight when the speed increases over a certain level.

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

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for operating a motor vehicle wherein a flywheel mass for eliminating or minimizing nonuniformity of rotational motion is engageable with and disengageable from a crankshaft for an internal-combustion engine which includes, in an operating condition when the motor vehicle is in motion but the engine does not drive the motor vehicle, including deceleration, braking and coasting, interrupting a driving connection between driving wheels of the motor vehicle and the engine while maintaining rotation of the engine at a nominal speed with the flywheel mass engaged therewith whereas, in a condition when the motor vehicle is briefly stopped, as at a traffic light, interrupting the driving connection between the driving wheels of the motor vehicle and the engine but disengaging the flywheel mass from the engine so that the flywheel mass continues to rotate and shutting down the engine and, for restarting the engine, reengaging the flywheel mass with the engine while maintaining the interruption

Abstract: A system for controlling an electro-magnetic powder clutch of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle comprises a transmission, a 2nd switch adapted to be closed in the 2nd speed stage of the transmission, a thermo switch adapted to be closed at a predetermined temperature of the clutch, and a control circuit. The control circuit is so arranged that the current to the magnetizing coil of the clutch increases with an increase of the rotational speed of the engine and that when the 2nd switch and the thermal switch are closed, the current in the 2nd speed stage steeply increases so as to be impossible to start the vehicle in the 2nd speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an externally engagable clutch which comprises an inner rotating hub member operably attached to a rotating back plate upon which is pivotly mounted an eccentric arm and a circular shaped clutch assembly provided with a clutch lining. An outer rotating clutch drum hub is provided which is rotatably attached to and in alignment with the inner rotating hub. Clutch drum hub eccentric cam means are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer drum hub. Cam follower means is rotatably mounted upon the eccentric arm in constant rolling contact with a cam surface. As the cam follower means is displaced over the peripheral surface of the cam the eccentric arm is caused to shove the clutch assembly outwards into frictional contact with the clutch drum thereby connecting the driving source with the driven member. A throw out lever assembly is rotatably mounted upon the outer portion of the outer rotating clutch drum hub for laterally displacing the cam or cam follower.

Abstract: An internal shoe-drum brake is disclosed in which a pair of arcuate shoes can be applied to a rotatable drum by an hydraulic actuation system for normal service braking when the brake acts as a brake of the "two-leading" shoe type and a mechanical actuation system for parking or emergency braking when the brake acts as a brake of the "duo-servo" type. The hydraulic system comprises two hydraulic pistons, each of which acts on the leading end of a respective shoe, and first and second abutments are provided against which the trailing ends of the shoes are adapted to rest. One abutment is fixed but the other abutment includes an auxiliary hydraulic piston which is adapted to be urged against a fixed stop by hydraulic pressure applied to the pistons. The reaction from the trailing end of a respective shoe tends to urge the piston away from the stop, but the area of the piston is sufficient to prevent this happening when the hydraulic pressure is acting on the piston.

Abstract: A wheel cylinder and torque plate construction is provided for a drum brake. The wheel cylinder comprises a molded plastic cylindrical member in a steel shell. The steel shell can be part of a torque plate which can be stamped in two parts which are substantially identical and then affixed together. The torque plate parts have semicylindrical shells which form the wheel cylinder shell when the parts are assembled. The plastic cylinder can be molded in the shell in a suitable die or mold in a plastic molding machine.

Abstract: A brake support assembly to be mounted on a vehicle axle housing for supporting a brake shoe assembly and an actuator therefor comprising a backing plate adapted to be fixedly mounted on a vehicle axle housing and two anchoring plates removably attached to the backing plate for pivotally supporting the brake assembly. Each anchoring plate includes projections which correspond to bores in the backing plate for positioning the anchoring plate at a predetermined position on the backing plate whereby the anchoring plate may be removed and replaced while maintaining a constant positioning of the brake assembly. In a first embodiment, the anchoring plate includes integral projections extending therefrom. In a second embodiment, the anchoring plate includes a tapered bore extending therethrough for supporting a pin. The pin extends from the plate defining the projection which corresponds with the bore in the backing plate.

Abstract: A vehicle drum brake has a shoe mounted on a back plate, one end of the shoe engaging an actuator and the other end engaging an abutment. To avoid the use of a fluid pressure control valve to vary the braking effort of the brake in dependence upon vehicle loading, the abutment is in the form of a roller which engages an arcuate member on the shoe, the roller being movable laterally of the shoe to vary the braking effort for a given actuating force. The roller may be connected to a pivoted lever which is rotatably mounted in the back plate and which is connected to a sprung part of the vehicle by a linkage. Movement of the sprung part due to changes in vehicle loading rotates the lever and moves the roller.

Abstract: In a drum brake assembly a hydraulic actuator is engageable with a pair of brake shoes to move the same into engagement with a rotatable member. A parking lever also cooperates with the pair of brake shoes to move the same into engagement with the rotatable member and an anchor plate forms a connecting member between the pair of brake shoes. A backing plate supports the pair of brake shoes and the anchor plate. The anchor plate is movably supported by the backing plate and a latch cooperates with the anchor plate in a first position to fix the anchor plate to the backing plate. The latch is movable to a second position spaced from the anchor plate to permit the latter to move relative to the backing plate. In order to control the position setting of the latch, the latch is coupled to the parking lever so that the latch remains in the first position until the parking lever is moved whereupon the latch is also moved to the second position.

Abstract: A wheel brake assembly in which the webs of brake shoes are held in a planar alignment between and supported by a pair of parallel-spaced interconnected supporting plates, in turn supported by an axle or spindle. A pair of brake contracting springs interconnect the brake shoes, and these springs are positioned with one spring being against the outer surface of each plate. An inner edge of each of the plates is circular and independently adapted to attach to an axle housing, whereby the brake assembly may be readily welded to an axle housing.

Abstract: A drum brake includes a wheel cylinder which cooperates with a pair of brake shoes to urge the latter to a braking position. In order to attach the wheel cylinder to a backing plate, a flange is disposed in abutment with the backplate and the wheel cylinder and a nut cooperates with the flange and the wheel cylinder to prevent separation between the wheel cylinder and the backing plate. Moreover, the nut and flange include openings for receiving a fitting communicating with the wheel cylinder. The nut extends through the flange opening to engage the wheel cylinder and the nut opening is dimensioned to receive the fitting in spaced relation thereto.

Abstract: A clutch control system for a manual transmission comprises a servo cylinder for selectively engaging a clutch engagement mechanism, and a shift valve for connecting a source of oil pressure to the servo cylinder upon shifting of the transmission to operate the servo cylinder and for connecting the servo cylinder to an oil reservoir after shifting of the transmission to release the operation of the servo cylinder. The control system further comprises a thermostatically operated valve associated with the shift valve for controlling the flow of oil discharged from the servo cylinder to the oil reservoir in accordance with changes of the oil temperature.

Abstract: A countershaft-type automatic power transmission in which a countershaft gear assembly is operated by a hydraulic control system controlled by electric control means responsive to various operational variables of a vehicle and in which a clutch assembly is operated between the coupled and uncoupled conditions by clutch control valve means which is also controlled by the electric control means, the power transmission further featuring throttle valve control means adapted to move the carburetor throttle valve to a position to produce an idling condition in the engine independently of the accelerator pedal when the clutch assembly is in the uncoupled condition.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly includes a torque member which supports a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is engageable with a pair of brake shoes and is operable to move the pair of brake shoes into a braking position. The torque member comprises a central portion which attaches to an axle assembly and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central portion. In the preferred embodiment the plurality of arms cooperate with the central portion to substantially form a Y-shaped member. One of the arms substantially forms the hydraulic actuator to integrally form the latter with the one arm. The other arms are provided with slots to direct the movement of the pair of brake shoes and a resilient spring within the slots opposes axial movement of the pair of brake shoes.