Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a brake actuator containing a spring and including a flange case having an outwardly facing receptacle, and a head having an inwardly facing receptacle. The head fits over the flange case such that the inwardly facing receptacle corresponds to the outwardly facing receptacle, and the actuator also includes a key positioned within the receptacles, whereby the head is rigidly secured to the flange case. According to one embodiment, the inwardly facing receptacle comprises a plurality of spaced-apart dimples, and the outwardly facing receptacle comprises a continuous, annular groove. According to another embodiment, the flange case includes an outwardly facing groove above the outwardly facing receptacle, and the brake actuator further includes a diaphragm having an outer periphery clamped within the groove in an airtight manner by the head. The present invention also provides a method of securing a head of a brake actuator to a flange case of the brake actuator. The method includes the steps of providing the head with an inwardly facing receptacle, and the flange case with an outwardly facing receptacle. The head is positioned onto the flange case such that the inwardly facing receptacle corresponds to the outwardly facing receptacle. Then the inwardly and the outwardly facing receptacles are substantially filled with molten material, and the molten material is allowed to harden. According to one embodiment, the molten material is injected into the receptacles under pressure.

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First Claim