Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved servo brake drum adjustment mechanism which automatically adjusts the brake shoes for wear of the friction pads and drum surface. The mechanism comprises a screw thread adjustment link activated by movement of a pawl finger upon a star wheel. The pawl finger is activated by a wire like push rod. Upon a predetermined circumferential movement of the primary brake shoe the push rod effects rotation of the star wheel and adjustment of the brake shoe assemblies.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a normally open isolation valve is connected between a master cylinder and the selected wheel brakes, and a normally closed dump valve is connected between the selected wheel brakes and a fluid accumulator. A computer control module is connected to operate the isolation valve and the dump valve. In operation, when a slip condition of the controlled wheels is detected, the computer control module closes the isolation valve to hold fluid pressure to the controlled brakes at a relatively constant level. If the deceleration of the controlled wheels exceeds a predetermined amount, the computer control module will selectively open the dump valve to enable fluid to flow into the accumulator, thereby reducing the deceleration of the associated wheels.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a control valve for use in a vehicle anit-lock braking systm adapted to control the application of pressurized brake fluid to at least one selected vehicle brake. The valve includes an outer housing having an inlet coupled to receive pressurized brake fluid from the vehicle master cylinder and an outlet coupled to supply pressurized brake fluid to the selected vehicle brakes. A passageway is formed in the housing for connecting the inlet to the outlet. A normally open isolation valve is located in the passageway and is utilized to control the flow of fluid through the passageway between the inlet and the outlet. When an incipient wheel lock condition is detected, the isolation valve can be closed to prevent a further increase in pressure to the controlled brakes and to hold the pressure supplied to the controlled brakes at a relatively constant level.

Abstract: A trailer having a plurality of sliding side doors as well as conventional rear doors permits side access to the trailer interior, enhancing cargo loading and unloading speed and flexibility. At least one side of the trailer includes full length upper and lower tracks, each upper and lower track slidably receiving a set of trolleys which support and guide an individual door. The trolleys are coupled to the doors by pivoting arms which move between two positions. In the first, closed position, the door is in substantial vertical alignment with the tracks and may be latched to the trailer proper such that it functions as a portion of the sidewall; in the second, open position, the door is spaced laterally from the tracks and the other doors such that it may be slid along the full length of the trailer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a landing gear assembly having legs extending downward from the underframe of a trailer and having a sand shoe at the ground engaging end thereof. The shoe is articulately joined to the ground engaging end of the leg by a collar circumscribing the ground engaging end of the leg. Compressed between the base of the leg and the bottom of the shoe is a wedge-shaped resilient member biasing the shoe into a tilted position relative to the plate.

Abstract: An internal shoe drum brake having a pair of hydraulically actuated brake shoes and an automatic brake adjusting mechanism. The brake adjusting mechanism includes a variable length strut disposed between the two brake shoes and actuated to increase in length by use of of a notched wheel which is rotated through engagement with a lever pivotally connected to one of the brake shoes and biased to rotate the wheel by use of a compression spring. The action of the one lever is controlled by a second lever also pivotally connected to the brake shoe and engageable by the strut and the one lever so that pivotal movement of the second lever permits a pivotal movement of the one lever of approximately three times the movement of the second lever away from the strut as great of the first lever.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic cut off switch which grounds the magneto-spark plug circuit of a small gasoline engine shutting the engine down when the quantity of lubricating oil within the sump falls below a predetermined quantity. The switch is operated by a balance beam float assembly housed within a protective shroud. The protective shroud acts to collect a relatively stable pool of oil, representative of the quantity of oil remaining in the sump, for activation of the balance beam float. Upon refilling of the oil sump the switch automatically resets thereby permitting re-start of the engine.