Device for operating vehicle brakes

A method for operating vehicle brakes, the vehicle brakes coupled to a pulling element, wherein the pulling element is coupled to a slide capable of axial movement relative to a rotatable drive axis, the method comprising:

• releasing, from a substantially fixed state, the slide so as to enable the slide to move along the rotatable drive axis;
• rotating the rotatable drive axis with a motor, the rotatable drive axis being coupled to a centrifugal assembly that is coupled to the slide, wherein the centrifugal assembly rotates and at least a portion of the centrifugal assembly moves in a radial direction relative to the rotatable drive axis in response to the rotatable drive axis rotating, and wherein the radial movement of the centrifugal assembly pulls, via a pulling arm, the slide in the direction of the motor so as to place tension on the pulling element and place the vehicle brakes in an engaged state;
• holding, after pulling the pulling element, the slide in an engaged position so as to maintain the vehicle brakes in the engaged state;
• and
• ceasing to rotate the motor after the vehicle brakes are in the engaged state.

An apparatus for operating vehicle brakes, wherein the vehicle brakes are coupled to a pulling element, the apparatus comprising:

• a translational element adapted so as to couple with the pulling element, wherein the translational element is capable of sliding along an axis from a disengaged position to an engaged position while pulling the pulling element so as to place the vehicle brakes in an engaged state;
• means for pulling the translational element from a disengaged position to the engaged position;
• and
• means for holding the translational element in the engaged position and disengaged positions and releasing the translational element so as to allow the translational element to move between the engaged and disengaged positions.