Abstract: A device for separating a pair of electric contacts which tend to weld and consist of a stationary contact 11 and a contact 12 which is movable away from the stationary contact, particularly in a circuit breaker is provided. The device includes a tripping lever 17, which is biased in a contact-separating direction and serves to actuate the movable contact 12, and means 19 for holding the tripping lever 17 in its stand-by position. The movement of the tripping lever 17 from its stand-by position involves a displacement of a lever fulcrum to a first position where a strong separating force is exerted on the movable contact 12 and then to a second position where a weaker separating force is exerted on the movable contact 12.

Abstract: The improved parking brake lever arrangement includes a pair of cooperating lobe members for effecting a mechanical advantage between the operating lever and the parking brake cable, use being made of a spring clutch associated with the drive lobe member for locking the lever in the brake-applied position, and a self-adjust device associated with the driven lobe member for removing cable slack when the operating lever is in the brake-released position. In the preferred embodiment, the lobe members comprise lobe cams that are connected by a flexible strap or belt that extends between the cooperating cam surfaces and is secured at opposite ends to the cams, respectively.

Abstract: A variable ratio parking brake lever mechanism includes a brake lever connected with a support for pivotal movement about a lever pivot axis, a cable track member connected with the support for rotation about a cable track axis spaced from the lever pivot axis, a connecting link connected at one end with the cable track member adjacent the cable track axis, and a slot and pin arrangement connecting the other end of the connecting link with the lever to afford a mechanical advantage such that pivotal movement of lever through a given angle in the brake-applying direction produces a controllably variable rotational angle of displacement of the cable track member in the cable-tensioning direction. The connection between the connecting link and the cable track member is released when the lever is in the brake-released position, whereby the cable track member is free for rotations by a biasing spring to remove slack from the cable.

Abstract: A parking brake actuator for a cable-operated vehicle parking brake, comprises a mounting bracket on the vehicle, a sector gear mounted on the mounting bracket for rotation about an axis to variably tension the cable. A pedal lever is coaxially pivoted on the mounting bracket for independent rotation between a brake release position and a plurality of brake apply positions. A spiral-wound spring extends between the operating lever and the drive plate for rotating the drive plate relative to the lever to apply an initial tension on the cable. A drive clutch couples the drive plate to the lever upon initial rotation of the lever out of brake release position to enable rotation of the lever to increasingly tension the cable and apply the parking brake. The drive clutch includes a pinion gear mounted on the lever in engagement with the sector gear.

Abstract: A foot operated actuator is provided for actuating a cable operated vehicle parking brake. The actuator comprises an input lever pivotally mounted on a support for movement to a plurality of brake applied positions where it is held by a pawl-and-sector latch. The lever is standardized and is adapted to receive a plurality of different interchangeable sectors. The sectors have outer peripheral cable-receiving grooves which can have a variety of outer profiles which determine the constant or variable output/input ratio of output cable travel per unit of input lever travel. The lever has a hub having an arcuate surface which receives a mating arcuate surface on the sectors. The sectors each have a radially inwardly depending lobed tab that is axially received in an axially open mating slot on the hub to lock the sectors to the hub.

Abstract: A parking brake apparatus for use in a motor vehicle, mounted on a floor member which operatively connects a hand-operated brake actuator to a wheel brake is disclosed. The parking brake apparatus comprises a link member for reversing and transmitting an input force from the brake actuator to an output force on a cable linkage. The apparatus allows a hand operated parking brake actuator to be used in a vehicle with a cable linkage routed into the front of the actuator rather than into the rear of the actuator.

Abstract: A mechanical force enhancement device which both amplified an input force to produce a larger output force while also reducing the speed of an output member during the latter part of the output stroke. The device employs a sequential pivoting operation which is capable of providing the above results while being uncomplicated in its design and construction. The device includes a housing having a pair of spaced-apart camming plates. Each camming plate has a pair of opposing camming contours formed therein so as to define two sets of spaced-apart camming contours. At one end of each camming contour is a recess so as to define two sets of spaced-apart recesses. A linkage member is disposed between the camming plates and includes a driven end adjacent one of the sets of spaced-apart camming contours and a driving end adjacent the other set of spaced-apart camming contours.

Abstract: A cam and follower mechanism for connecting a vehicle accelerator pedal to an engine throttle body throttle valve for varying rates of movement of the throttle valve, including a washer-like cam operatively connected to the vehicle accelerator pedal by a pivotal connection to a cable assembly connected to the pedal, the cam having an internal surface adapted to be engaged progressively on a point-to-point basis by a one-piece tang follower to provide an infinite number of fulcrums about which the follower and throttle lever and throttle valve are forced to rotate as the accelerator pedal is progressively moved, the follower moving as the cam is pulled in one direction to thereby change the fulcrum progressively and thereby provide initially a slow rate of opening of the throttle valve in response to a large movement of the accelerator pedal, followed by a faster rate of movement of the throttle valve as the pedal moves in essentially a constant manner, to provide more nearly a movement in proportion to the an

Abstract: A device for operating a clutch, especially an automotive clutch, has a clutch lever with two end positions, a past-dead-center spring that acts on the clutch lever, which spring exerts a force on the clutch lever when the clutch lever is positioned between the dead-center position and an end position, such that the force is directed towards this end position, and finally, additional spring mechanisms, which act on the clutch lever to reduce the pedal force that must be applied to it between the end position corresponding to the engaged state of the clutch and the dead-center position. The additional spring mechanisms are designed and mounted in such a way that they are in actual working contact with the clutch lever only from the end position of the clutch lever corresponding to the engaged state of the clutch to the dead-center position of the clutch lever.

Abstract: A brake operator for a vehicle having a cable-operated park brake mechanism comprises a pedal lever pivotally mounted on a mounting bracket for movement between a brake-released position and a range of brake-applied positions, and a lever latch for selectively releasably latching the lever in any selected brake-applied position. The cable is attached to the lever by a reel having a circular cable-engaging surface, the reel being pivotally mounted on the lever eccentrically of the lever pivot and being pivotable to wrap the cable onto the circular surface to move the cable relative to the lever to remove slack. The eccentric mounting provides a predetermined ratio of cable travel per unit of lever movement. The cable tangentially engages the reel surface at the same location on the lever in all positions of the reel to provide the same predetermined variable ratio in all positions of the reel.

Abstract: A memory cartridge unloading system in which a memory cartridge inserted into a connector provided in a main body of an apparatus using a memory cartridge can be pulled out from the connector by use of a leverage mechanism. In the unloading system, the memory cartridge is moved in the discharge direction thereof by the leverage mechanism. In the leverage mechanism, the leverage thereof can be changed according to the positions of movement of the memory cartridge in the discharge direction, so that a first force can be generated until the memory cartridge is generated which can pull out the memory cartridge from the apparatus main body the second force being an amount necessary for a finger catch.

Abstract: A memory cartridge unloading system in which a memory cartridge inserted into a connector provided in a main body of an apparatus using a memory cartridge can be pulled out from the connector by use of a leverage mechanism. In the unloading system, the memory cartridge is moved in the discharge direction thereof by the leverage mechanism. In the leverage mechanism, the leverage thereof can be changed according to the positions of movement of the memory cartridge in the discharge direction, so that a first force can be generated until the memory cartridge is pulled out from the connector. Thereafter, a second force less than the first force is generated which can pull out the memory cartridge from the apparatus main body, the second from being an amount necessary for a finger catch.

Abstract: A shift apparatus for shifting a transfer case between a High-Range operating mode and a Low-Range operating mode. The shift apparatus includes a sector plate supported within the transfer case for rotation about an axis. A range pin member extends into a range slot formed in the sector plate. The range pin member is adapted to move a first shift fork in response to selective rotation of the sector plate between first and second positions corresponding to the High-Range operating mode and the Low-Range operating mode of the transfer case. The range slot has a first camming edge provided for moving the range pin and first shift fork toward the first position upon rotation of the sector plate in a first direction, and a second camming edge for moving the range pin and first shift fork toward the second position in response to rotation of the sector plate in a second direction.

Abstract: A fluid transmission linear actuator having a chamber with a cylindrical boundary and a central axis. An output plunger has a head in the boundary. A neck is formed on the chamber with a passage entering it. An input plunger is axially movable in the neck. The input plunger and the ouput plunger are coaxial. A transmission capsule has a continuous skin forming a first reentrant fold between the output plunger and the boundary, and a second reentrant fold between the neck and the input plunger. A substantially incompressible fluid fills the capsule so that movement of either plunger results in proportional movement of the other plunger. This input plunger can be formed with an exponential surface so that its movement can result in a non-linear response, or in some circumstances can provide a linear output in response to a non-linear input.

Abstract: The disclosed lever-type gear works on a variable transmission ratio, with the degree of transmission being respectively dependent on the position of the levers and the position of the roller element between the levers. According to a preferred arrangement, the gear can be so designed as to provide a state of indifferent equilibrium once a force F.sub.P is applied to the associated lever by a rod located on the driving side, which force F.sub.P changes along with the stroke s.sub.p of the rod while a constant force is applied to rod applying force to the other lever, irrespective of the stroke s.sub.M thereof.

Abstract: An actuating cylinder having a fluid pressure operated piston member connected by a friction member to a push rod to which a brake shoe, or the like, may be attached as the output member. A force transfer lever is arranged between the piston and push rod to transmit the piston force to the output member with mechanical advantage only after the friction connection is overcome by resistance at the push rod, such as occurs by engagement of the brake shoe with the wheel of a railway vehicle.

Abstract: In a brake-operating device for cycles, motorcycles and the like, of the type comprising a lever articulated to a support structure and connected to a flexible brake-operating cable by an auxiliary member is provided for adjusting the distance between the axis of articulation of the lever and the axis of the flexible cable near the point of connection of the flexible cable to the lever.

Abstract: A fluid-operated actuator for collets, vises, chucks and other workpiece engagement devices, for example, the actuator having a piston which moves the engagement device toward the workpiece with a force equal to product of the area of the face of the piston times the pressure of a fluid applied to the face. When the engagement device has engaged the workpiece, additional, relatively slight movement of the piston causes a force multiplying mechanism to provide increased engagement force without increasing the pressure of the actuating fluid. The overall travel of the actuator mechanism is not limited by the force-mulitplying mechanism which begins to function only after the unrelated distance of travel of the engagement device to the workpiece. Thus, for example, compressed air at ordinary shop pressures may be used to actuate collets or chucks on automatic lathes or the like to provide relatively high clamping forces.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a machine element of the type including a fixed part and a movable part movable between two limit positions, e.g. an automotive vehicle clutch. A spring biasses the movable part to one of its limit positions. The control mechanism comprises a linkage for controlling the displacement of the movable part between its limit positions. A motor drives the linkage, and a resilient device is coupled to the linkage for reducing the force applied by the motor for displacing the movable part between its limit positions.

Abstract: A clutch lever engageable with a release bearing includes a portion supported by a first stationary fulcrum and an extension (3a) extending beyond the first fulcrum. The extension (3a) includes an end remote from the release bearing for contact with a second stationary fulcrum. The end of the extension is spaced from the second fulcrum before the clutch reaches a predetermined released condition in a releasing operation and engages the second fulcrum after the clutch reaches the predetermined condition for increasing the released spacing between the clutch facing and the flywheel and pressure plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for varying the effective length of the levers which actute a collector ring in a clutch. Each of the levers includes a pair of noses which are angled toward the inner end of the levers and toward the collector ring to provide a point contact which moves along the surface of the nose as the levers are rotated by a throw-out bearing. Thus, the force required to actuate the throw-out bearing and/or the force applied to a pressure plate can be varied in accordance with the geometry selected for the noses and the collector ring.

Abstract: A cam and cam follower mechanism for connecting a vehicle accelerator pedal to the throttle body throttle valve for varying rates of movement of the throttle valve, including a washer-like cam operatively connected to the vehicle accelerator pedal and having an internal cam surface adopted to be engaged by a number of pins fixed to a throttle lever at different radial distances from the lever and throttle valve pivot, the pins each constituting fulcrums about which the throttle lever and throttle valve are forced to pivot one at a time as the accelerator pedal is moved angularly between closed and open throttle valve positions, the pins shifting as fulcrums upon continued movement of the accelerator pedal to provide initially a slow rate of opening of the throttle valve in response to a large angular movement of the accelerator pedal followed by a faster rate of movement of the throttle valve more nearly in proportion to the angular movement of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A control linkage for a coupling device such as a clutch is designed to be coupled to an operating device. It comprises an output lever and, associated with and generally aligned with the output lever, a wear compensator. This comprises an actuator lever pivoted to the output lever and adapted to be constrained to pivot with the output lever by disengagable detent device. The detent device is operative through a demultiplier lever pivoted to the actuator lever and coupled to the output lever by a lost motion connection.

Abstract: Reset mechanism comprises a base, a spring arm rotatable about an axis through the base, and an extension spring fixed to the base at one end and the spring arm at the other end. The spring passes around two ball bearings on studs on the base to permit use of a long spring in a small space without binding. The spring arm is limited to rotation between first and second angular positions, the angle between the spring and the spring arm becoming more acute as the arm is rotated from the first position to the second position. The torque required to hold the arm at the second position is considerably less than the torque required to initiate rotation from the first position.

Abstract: An operating lever mechanism 10 for a hydraulic brake cylinder 28 includes a pedal 12 and a link 26 operable connected at one end to a hydraulic piston 29 and the cylinder 28 and at the other end to the pedal 12. Movement of the pedal 12 is transferred to the link 26 by means of a complementary abutment surface 22 on pedal 12 and abutment surface 34 on link 26. A shaft 36 extends from the end of the link 26 through an aperture 24 in the pedal by an amount "a" when surfaces 22 and 24 abut; the distance "a" being equal to or greater than the distance "b" through which the pedal 12 about aperture 24 travels when the pedal moves between its rest and engaged positions. The shaft 36 and aperture 24 retain the abutment surfaces 22 and 34 in alignment even when the abutment surfaces are separated by distances equal to or greater than the travel of the lever at the point of the abutment surface 22 about aperture 24.

Abstract: Wherever large forces have to be applied over short distances it is useful to employ a force multiplier device. Very large transmission ratios are, according to the present invention, obtained by interruption of the axis of rotation (2) and insertion of an only slightly displaced force transmission axis (4). The force transmission axis (4) can be continuously displaced to both sides of the axis of rotation (2) by means of positioning facilities, preferable an adjusting screw (5) or two wedges. This way variable force generation is obtained with a widely variable range of transmission ratio.The invention can be employed e.g. for the manufacture and operation of presses, clamping, bending and tension devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the connection of a bucket to a boom arm in a manner that provides increased break out power and increased speed as the bucket travels through its operational cycle for overall increased ground removal. This is accomplished by offsetting the hinge point of the bucket relative to the standard pivot position and providing a modified linkage assembly that automatically adjusts the bucket radius as measured between the bucket and its hinge point.

Abstract: The variable pedal ratio brake actuating mechanism has a first lever pivotally mounted on an arcuately movable brake pedal arm. The lever is guided pivotally by a pivot control lever which pivots about a fixed point at one end and is connected at its other end to a first pivot on the first lever spaced from the first lever pivotal mount. An output member is pivotally connected to a second pivot on the first lever spaced from the first lever pivot mount and first pivot. The first lever is moved translatorily and also arcuately about its pivotal mount as the brake pedal arm moves in the brake actuating direction to change the effective pedal ratio.

Abstract: Diaphragm type control valve comprising an inert material coated and profiled diaphragm motivated against a shaped valve orifice by a mechanical amplifying mechanism following the command signal of an external controlling device and wherein the combination--profiled diaphragm and shaped valve orifice--is capable of forming an annular flow passage having a smooth entrance and a sharply expanding exit portion thereby reducing pressure recovery of the passing fluid to avoid cavitation.

Abstract: A parking brake releasing mechanism for used in a vehicle which has solved an apparently illogical problem, that is, minimizing the operating power of the brake releasing rod (or lever in some case) without increasing the stroke thereof, by ingeniously combining a first lever secured to a pawl for restraining the quadrant or toothed portion and a second lever operated by a brake releasing rod, in their constructing way such that the lever ratio is maintained large while the pawl is in engagement with the quadrant and is lowered after the engagement has been released.

Abstract: Braking device comprising a brake motor provided with a mechanically actuated device of the rotary type (a mechanism of the screw-and-nut type with reversible pitch) and a control jack of the "spring cylinder" type connected by a power transmission mechanism to this actuation device. According to the invention, the power transmission mechanism comprises a cam (50) keyed on the spindle of the actuation mechanism of the brake motor (10), and a cable (52) attached at one of its ends to the rod (38) of the control jack (30) and at its other end held wound round the cam, the profile of the latter being determined so as to compensate the weakening of the drive force generated by the spring of the jack during its relaxation. The invention is used especially in brake systems for heavy vehicles.

Abstract: In a mechanical gear selector for a synchronized gear change, there is disposed an automatic force amplifier--primarily a hydrostatically operating automatic amplifier--that amplifies or amplifies the force introduced depending on the magnitude thereof, no separate energy such as a fluid pump being needed therefor, and the amplification also taking place only when needed, primarily for the synchronization of gears. Between a force input shaft and a casing disposed concentrically thereto, which casing also transmits the amplified force, there is situated in connection with an annular and a pressure space the force amplifier proper and a spring element for the defined amplification threshold. On the design depends from what input force amplification starts. From a defined amplified pressure, the amplifying action is terminated by a pressure-reducing valve so that the transmission of force is continued practically with this pressure that has been reached or a pressure therebelow.

Abstract: A variable mechanical advantage/variable effective length shifting mechanism (30) is provided, preferably for shifting a synchronized positive clutch transmission. A compound mechanism comprises a first member (34) in the form of a variable mechanical advantage/variable effective length first class lever having a first lever portion (34), a second lever portion (42) and a fixed pivot axis (38), and a second member (44) in the form of a second class lever pivotably mounted about a pivot axis (70) extending substantially parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis. A pivot pin (48) extending substantially parallel to the first and second pivot axis is slidably received in axially extending slots (46 and 84) provided in the first and second members, respectively. A resilient biasing member (58) is provided for resiliently biasing the pivot pin axially away from the first pivot axis and axially toward the second pivot axis.

Abstract: The invention comprises a gate or other load operator which provides non-linear torque/angular velocity characteristics over approximately a ninety degree gate travel range wherein the torque/velocity characteristic is reversed for opening and closing. The mechanism, a dual four-bar linkage with slotted pivots, provides high starting torque and lower running torque regardless of whether the gate or load is opening or closing. The mechanism is not constrained to be located on a particular side of the gate post.

Abstract: A variable mechanical advantage/variable effective length torque arm assembly (100) for a synchronized transmission is provided. The torque arm assembly comprises a substantially rigid body (102) fixedly mounted to a shift shaft (36) at one end (104) thereof for axial and rotational movement therewith. The body is provided with an axially extending elongated slot (106) in which a pivot pin (124) is received for pivotably attaching an axially movable control rod (22) to the body of the torque arm assembly. A biasing spring (134) bias the pivot pin to a first end of the slot closer to the axis of the shift shaft to define a first effective length (138) of the torque arm assembly which biasing force may be overcome by a sufficient resistance to rotation of the shift shaft (36) allowing the pivot pin to move away from the axis of the shift shaft to define a second effective length (140) of the torque arm assembly greater than the first effective length.

Abstract: A drive lever mounted adjacent a throttle shaft is connected through a link to a throttle lever secured to the throttle shaft. The link is contorted to initially engage the throttle lever at a location which provides a large lever arm for initial throttle opening movement and to thereafter engage the throttle lever at a location which provides a smaller lever arm for subsequent throttle opening movement. The link further engages the throttle lever in a manner which assures throttle closing movement of the throttle lever over the entire range of throttle closing movement of the drive lever.

Abstract: Lever mechanism with progressive transmission for increasing the force in presses and the like consisting of a retaining plate fastened to the ram of the machine, a movable mechanism component connected with the retaining plate and a support plate for a stationary mechanism component, comprising a lever yoke (6) with fulcrum points (7, 8, 11) arranged in a generally triangular array, one of said fulcrum points being pivotally to the movable mechanism component (3) by means of an equilibration link (9), the second fulcrum point (7) being pivotally connected to the retaining plate (2) and the third fulcrum point (11) being pivotally connected to the support plate (4) by means of another equilibrium link (12).

Abstract: A linkage system is disclosed adapted to be connected between a pilot's input lever and an engine power output lever. The linkage system is operative to vary the displacement ratio characteristics between the input and output levers. More specifically, during the first portion of input lever stroke, wherein shaft horsepower is raised from a ground idle speed to flight speed, the output lever is displaced an amount greater than the amount the input lever is displaced. In contrast, during the second portion of the stroke, corresponding to the upper range of shaft horsepower used in flight, a fixed amount of displacement of the input lever results in a smaller displacement of the output lever. By this arrangement, the control of the aircraft in flight is facilitated.

Abstract: A dual ratio accelerator arm assembly is disclosed. The assembly provides a slow first throttle opening rate through a first arc of movement of the arm assembly and then a discrete change to a higher throttle opening rate through a second arc of movement of the arm that noticeably signals a higher fuel consumption. The assembly comprises an accelerator arm, a bracket supporting the arm for operable movement, a pair of pivot pins carried by the arm, and means in the bracket for defining at least one pair of first and second pivot pin receptacles. Each receptacle is associated with one of the pins, has a fulcrum segment, and is effective to allow limited movement of the pin therein. The first segment, with its fulcrum segment engaged by its associated pin, defines a force applying lever arm which is shorter than the force applying lever arm defined by the second receptacle with its associated pin in engagement with its fulcrum segment.

Abstract: A throttle valve driving mechanism comprising an actuator disposed near a throttle valve shaft, and an oscillating slide block mechanism disposed between an actuator shaft and said throttle valve shaft. Said oscillating slide block mechanism comprises a throttle lever provided at one end thereof with a roller, an actuator shaft disposed in a position on a straight line between said throttle valve shaft and said roller at the time when the throttle valve is fully closed and a certain distance away from the center of said roller toward the center of said throttle valve shaft, a rotatable lever secured to said actuator shaft, said rotatable lever having a groove within which said roller slides freely with small clearances, the center of said throttle valve shaft, the center of said roller and the center of said groove being arranged in the same direction when the throttle valve is fully closed.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an impulse sealer includes a pair of drive arms pivoted on a flat base member and a pressure arm pivoted about the same pivot between the drive arms. Complimentary pressure members are located at the free ends of the drive arms and pressure arm for clamping a member to be heat sealed. A pair of levers are pivoted intermediate their ends on the drive arms between the clamping member and the pivot. The levers are comprised of two arms disposed at oblique angles relative to each other with the end of the lower arm sliding on the flat surface of the base member. The free end of the upper arm of the lever is connected to the pressure arm at a point between the clamping member and the pivot by means of a connecting rod so that depression of the drive arm will cause the ends of the lower lever arm to slide along the surface of the base member.

Abstract: An improved throttle valve assembly of the type which includes a throttle body provided with a throttle lever and a second, intermediate lever interconnected with each other by a roller/cam slot mechanism, said throttle lever being adapted to be moved by said second lever which is connected through the throttle linkage to the accelerator. The improvement comprises means disposed between the throttle lever and the second lever for adjusting the clearance existing between the cam slot and roller when the throttle valve is located in the vicinity of the idle position thereof, so that the excessive play that would otherwise arise at the accelerator when the throttle valve is in the idle position is reduced or avoided.

Abstract: A device for pulling upon a parking brake actuating cable in response to movement of a pedal actuated lever in a selected path between a brake release first position and a brake engaging second position wherein the device comprises a motion translating element having first and second mechanical couplings spaced from each other for securing to the lever and to the actuation cable, respectively, mechanism for moving the first mechanical coupling in a selected first path by the pedal lever and a cam coacting with the motion translating element for causing the second mechanical coupling to move in a selected second path controlled jointly by movement of the first coupling and the cam. In this device, the motion translating element is a link and the cam includes a curvilinear surface on the link and a fixed rotary pin against which the cam surface is biased by the pulling force of the cable against the link so that the fulcrum formed by the pin and surface progressively changes as the pedal lever is depressed.

Abstract: A variable ratio brake pedal mechanism providing a relatively short pedal stroke. A projection on a pivoted pedal lever bears on a second oppositely pivoted lever, providing conjoint movement of the two levers. A push rod brake actuator is pivotally connected to the second lever. The push rod and a portion of the second lever jointly form a toggle linkage which decreases the ratio of movement of the brake actuator relative to the pedal lever, and increases the mechanical advantage, as brake application occurs.

Abstract: A brake pedal linkage includes a pair of levers (18,20), a first connecting member (26) and a second connecting member (28). The first connecting member defines a lost-motion connection with a master cylinder and the second connecting member defines a lost-motion connection with one of the pair of levers. The first connecting member extends between a brake pedal and a master cylinder and cooperates with the pair of levers such that the master cylinder travel is greater than the brake pedal during an initial stage of braking, less than the brake pedal during an intermediate stage of braking, and equal to the brake pedal during a final stage of braking.

Abstract: A band brake assembly comprises a friction element (12) engageable with a rotatable member (10) and an input linkage assembly (30) controlling engagement of the friction element with the rotatable member. The input linkage assembly (30) is carried by a mounting bracket (32) and includes a first lever (34), a bearing assembly (38) and a second lever (40) engageable with an end plate (42) secured to the ends of the friction element (12). The end plate (42) carries pins (22, 24) secured to the friction element and extending into slots (52, 54) on the mounting bracket (32). The pins transfer braking torque to the mounting bracket (32) and are guided by the slots to provide a servo assist during braking.

Abstract: An operating force transmitting apparatus adapted to be used for brake or clutch operation of a vehicle which is capable of reducing required operating force. The apparatus comprises a pair of brackets fixedly secured to a vehicle frame, a first shaft mounted on said pair of brackets, a first cylinder rotatably mounted on the first shaft, the first cylinder having an operating member and a lever fixedly secured thereto, a cam follower mounted for rotation on the lever, a second shaft mounted on the pair of the brackets, a second cylinder rotatably mounted on the second shaft, a cam link fixedly secured to the second cylinder, and a spring for urging the cam link to always contact with the cam follower.

Abstract: Servo control of a butterfly valve or the like, in which fluid flow is inherently non-linearly related to angular orientations of a vane or plug member, is effected through a function-generator mechanism interposed to render the system transfer function substantially constant. A function generator serving those purposes includes a mechanical cam-and-follower unit through which valve-controlling angular movements are maintained in a cosine-related slaving with angular movements of the rotor of an electrical servo motor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an engine throttle control for marine propulsion devices and the like, which control includes a main control lever mounted for movement between a neutral or idle position and a full throttle position, a throttle lever adapted to actuate the engine throttle in response to rotational movement of the throttle lever, an actuation member operably connected to the control lever and mounted for movement in response to movement of the control lever, and means connecting the throttle lever to the actuation member for rotating the throttle lever in response to the movement of the actuation member and for effecting gradually increasing rotational movement of the throttle lever relative to incremental movement of the actuation member during at least a portion of control lever movement from the idle position toward the full throttle position.

Abstract: A parking brake operating mechanism is disclosed which includes a ratchet link and an operating lever pivotally connected with a bracket housing so as to effect a mechanical advantage when displacing the brake cable operating pin in the brake-engaged direction. The ratchet link is pivotally connected intermediate its ends with the housing by a first pivot axis, and the operating lever is pivotally connected intermediate its ends with one end of the ratchet link by a second pivot axis, one end of the operating lever being connected with the pin that operates the parking brake cable. The first and second pivot axes are arranged generally on opposite sides of the brake cable pin, the distance between said axes being greater than the distance between the pin axis and the first axis, thereby to effect the desired mechanical advantage. A pawl cooperates with ratchet teeth on the ratchet link to normally prevent pivotal movement thereof in the brake-released direction.