Abstract: A sequential gear shift system for two-way operated speed change gear units of manually propelled vehicles. Mirrored, spaced-apart lever operators, are provided with increasing lever stroke ratio, and actuate sequentially with twin mirrored one-way multi-tooth rack-clutch mechanisms, that rapidly engage with a shift element and convert linear torque to rotate the shift element in diametrically opposite directions. The rack-clutch mechanisms may be disengaged from the shift element when returning to normal. The actuating may occur via independent hydraulic operation of an actuator. The actuator housing and load bearing axle of the speed change gear hub are selectively, releasably, and coaxially interconnected into a rigid gear system load bearing axle, and may be combined at any angle, and a shift direction is selectively reversible.

Abstract: A slack adjuster assembly and systems, components, and methods can comprise a sensing piston assembly that includes a housing, a piston slidably provided in the housing, and a biasing member provided in the housing. The biasing member can be configured to bias the piston away from an end wall of the housing. The piston can have an end wall opposite the end wall of the housing, where the end wall of the piston can have at least one orifice that extends from a first side of the end wall of the piston to a second side of the end wall of the piston.

Abstract: A combined cycle thermodynamic heat flow process for the high efficiency conversion of heat energy into mechanical shaft power is disclosed. This process is particularly useful as a high efficiency energy conversion system for the supply of electrical power (and in appropriate cases thermal services). The high efficiency energy conversion system is also disclosed. A preferred system comprises dual closed Brayton cycle systems, one functioning as a heat engine, the other as a heat pump, with their respective closed working fluid systems being joined at a common indirect heat exchanger. The heat engine preferably is a gas turbine, capable of operating at exceptionally high efficiencies by reason of the ability to reject heat from the expanded turbine working fluid in the common heat exchanger, which is maintained at cryogenic temperatures by the heat pump system.

Abstract: The hydraulic brake adjuster (10) intensifying and piston assembly (30) include an exterior pressure device (11) which is disposed separate from a piston (32). The exterior pressure device (11) includes a differential area piston (12) receiving actuation fluid pressure and an outlet (26) which communicates fluid pressure to the piston assembly (30). The piston assembly (30) includes a piston bushing (40) received within the piston (32) to define substantially therebetween a pair of longitudinal pressure chambers (50, 95), a recessed piston (60) received within the piston bushing (40) to define therebetween an axial pressure chamber (70), the axial pressure chamber (70) communicating with one (50) of the pair of longitudinal pressure chambers (50, 95), and the one longitudinal pressure chamber (50) receiving actuation fluid pressure. A piston valve (90) is located within an interior opening (97) in the piston (60), the interior opening (97) communicating with the axial pressure chamber (70).

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic brake actuator arranged with a slack adjuster piston and one-way check valve device in the hydraulic path between a hydro-pneumatic actuator and a power piston, to which a friction brake element is connected for engagement with a vehicle wheel tread or brake disc during a brake application. During a brake release, the one-way check valve closes a passage through the slack adjuster piston to cause the piston to shift from its one extreme position to the other extreme position with the fluid flow, as the hydro-pneumatic actuator is moved from its application position to its release position. This in turn draws hydraulic fluid from the power piston chamber into a clearance volume created by shifting of the slack adjuster piston, and accordingly forces the power piston to retract a predetermined distance corresponding to the capacity of the clearance volume and the effective area of the power piston, thereby maintaining a constant brake shoe clearance during brake release.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly provides a pair of brake shoes which are movable by a hydraulic actuator to a braking position. The hydraulic actuator is carried by a backing plate and the pair of brake shoes is movable relative to the backing plate. A piston is slidably mounted within a bore on the hydraulic actuator and pressurized fluid communicated to the bore acts against the piston to move the piston and pair of brake shoes. A partition is also disposed within the bore to substantially define a secondary chamber which receives pressurized fluid from the bore. The partition is movably disposed within the bore and resiliently engaged with the piston so that increased pressure within the bore is transmitted to the piston via the partition and the resilient engagement. Moreover, the partition controls venting of the secondary chamber so that upon contact of the pair of brake shoes with a drum, backlash or retraction of the pair of brake shoes is limited.

Abstract: In a tandem master cylinder main and secondary pistons are interconnected by a rigid sleeve. One end of the sleeve is secured to one of the pistons, and an inwardly projecting lip or flange on the other end of the sleeve provides an abutment for a head on an axial stem extending from the other piston towards the said one piston. The head is axially slidable in the sleeve and is introduced into it through an opening in the wall of the sleeve, which opening is connected by a longitudinal slot to the end of the sleeve which is provided with the lip or flange.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a hydraulic slack adjuster useful in the brake circuits of railway as well as road vehicles, and improved brake circuits and apparatus particularly suited to the needs of railway rapid transit service. One type of circuit incorporates the slack adjuster in combination with a simple air-to-hydraulic booster and defines a portion of a service brake, and another type utilizes this apparatus in combination with a hand brake control unit and a double check valve and enables the brake cylinders to perform both service braking and hand braking functions.