The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 12, 2002
Filed:
Feb. 22, 1999
Luigi Tessitore, Savona, IT;
Automotive Products (Italia) SpA, Savona, IT;
Abstract
A brake adjuster comprises a variable length strut ( ) having two end portions ( ) and an intermediate portion ( ) therebetween which is in screw threaded engagement with one of the end portions ( ). A pawl ( ) is attached to the other end portion ( ) and engages an array of ratchet teeth ( ) the intermediate portion ( ). As the end portions of the strut ( ) move apart during a brake application the pawl ( ) rides up a flank of a ratchet tooth ( ) and if the movement apart exceeds a predetermined amount engages behind the tooth ( ). When the end portions ( ) move towards each other in the next brake disengagement, the intermediate portion ( ) is rotated relative to said one of the end portions ( ) to increase the effective length of the strut ( ). The pawl ( ) may be bi-metallic and arranged to disengage the ratchet teeth ( ) if the temperature of the adjuster rises above a predetermined level.