Abstract: A double wrap brake band having three bands, friction facings fastened to each band and a connecting member connecting the outside bands of the three bands with the intermediate band of such bands. A first bracket member secured to both outside bands, and a second bracket member secured to the intermediate band. The three bands, the connecting member, and the first and second bracket members are made of sheet metal, respectively. Edges, receiving a piston, or an anchor, at their backsides, are integrally formed on the first and second bracket members, respectively. The connecting member and the first and second bracket members are secured to the three bands by rivets.

Abstract: In a brakeband, two side bands extend from a connecting portion in one circumferential direction and a middle band located axially between these side bands extends from it in the other circumferential direction. The band ends of the two side bands (located opposite the connecting portion) are widened in the direction of the middle band, while the middle band is narrowed at its circumferentially corresponding band region. This provides a larger cross-section for the welded joint between the respective widened band ends of the two side bands and a circumferentially adjacent thrust piece of the brake actuating device.

Abstract: A single spring clutch mechanism is disclosed providing for equal holding power in opposite directions of application of torsional forces thereto. The clutch includes a single torsional spring mounted for always being in tension regardless of the direction of application of torsional forces. The clutch provides for infinite angular positioning and retention of a member controlled by the clutch and is particularly adapted for use in an automotive reclining seat mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanical lock normally preventing axial motion of a rod with respect to a housing includes a coil spring which normally encircles and grips the rod tightly. The coil spring is mounted on the rod between a fixed bushing and a rotatable bushing. The two bushings are identical and interchangeable to reduce the cost and complexity of the device. The rotatable bushing is rotated by an actuating lever to unwind the spring so as to increase its diameter and thereby to release its grip on the rod. Both the fixed bushing and the rotatable bushing include beveled faces which permit the last few turns at both ends of the spring to become cocked on the rod to provide a true locking engagement with the rod. The last few turns of the spring adjacent the rotatable bushing are immediately released by a minimum of rotation of the bushing since it is not necessary for the unwinding of the spring to be transmitted through the entire length of the spring.

Abstract: A mechanical lock of the type in which axial translational movement of a rod is prevented by a coil spring which encircles the rod and grips it and being readily released by application of a relatively small force through a relatively short stroke, thereby permitting the mechanical lock to be controlled by a pushbutton control. Rotating bushings adjacent the ends of the springs have beveled faces which cause the locking turns at the ends of the spring to become cocked on the rod to provide a true locking action. The device is unlocked by rotation of the rotating bushings, which unwind the locking turns of the spring, thereby releasing the grip of the spring on the rod. The rotating bushings are rotated in opposite directions by actuating levers which extend outside of the housing of the device. The actuating levers are provided with rollers and are located at the same station along the axis of the rod.

Abstract: A coaster brake for a bicycle has a brake operating lever consisting of a yoke and integral arm coupled to the pedal crankshaft of the bicycle by a self-acting unidirectional friction clutch, formed by a coil spring embracing the crankshaft. In order to facilitate its insertion into the crankshaft housing, the lever has no dimension greater than the internal diameter of the housing. The spring has two portions, one on either side of the yoke, the wire forming the part of each portion nearer the yoke being of greater cross section than the part further from the yoke. The lever moves a brake actuating rod or cable actuating a wheel brake which may be of several different types.

Abstract: A brake for quickly stopping the cutting chain of a chain saw in the event of a kickback or other mishap comprises a narrow band of spring steel which wraps at least 11/4 turns around the drum of the centrifugal clutch by which the chain is driven. One end of the band is anchored while the other end is connected to an operating lever which is rotatable between a released position in which the brake band is released from the drum and an applied position in which the brake band is applied to the drum. The operating lever has a peripheral portion which has an interfering engagement with a cooperating portion on a rotatable actuating lever to which a guard or other sensing member is connected. By reason of this interfering engagement the operating lever remains in one or the other of its positions until forcibly moved to the other position by the guard member operating through the actuating lever.

Abstract: A clutch-brake assembly includes input and output hubs, respectively, fixed and journaled on a rotatable shaft. A coil spring secured for movement with the output hub normally is wound into driving engagement between the input and the output hubs. A sleeve telescoped over the spring is fixed to the output hub and a low inertia braking member loosely mounted on the free end of the sleeve is held against substantial movement in both radial and axial directions with respect to the sleeve. In one form of the invention, a tang on the spring projects into a slot in the braking member and thus connects the member with the spring so the member normally rotates with the shaft but, when a braking torque is applied to the member, the spring is unwound from between the two hubs to disengage from them and subsequently to transmit the braking torque to the output hub to retard rotation thereof. In another form of the invention, a tang is integrally formed with the braking member to engage the input end of the spring.