Abstract: The open bore of a disc brake caliper assembly is protected by a resilient boot and retainer assembly (92). The piston (38) which forces the friction elements (26, 32) against the friction faces (14, 16) of the rotor (12) is provided with a circumferentially extending groove (118) which receives the bead (96) circumscribing one end of the boot (94). The bead (98) circumscribing the other end of the boot (94) is clamped against a land (122) of the piston 38 by a boot retainer (110). The boot retainer (110) is provided with a radially projecting portion (112) which is held against a circumferentially extending face (108) on the wall of the caliper housing (22) by the oil seal (116). Accordingly, the boot (94) may be removed and a new one installed when the brake is serviced without disassembly of the caliper assembly by withdrawing the piston (38) until the groove (118) is brought into registry with the projection (106), thereby permitting removal of the old boot and installation of a new one.

Abstract: Mechanism for cleaning and drying compressed gas (10) includes a housing (12) having an open end closed by an end cover (14). A desiccant canister (16) is mounted on a plate (24) which is clamped between the end cover (14) and the housing (12) so that the canister (16) is received within the housing (12). A circuitous passage (78) communicates an inlet port (76) with a sump cavity (68) which is communicated with the canister (16). Heat is transferred from the gas to the walls of the passage (78) as the gas passes therethrough. The passage (78) cants toward the sump (68) so that moisture tends to drain into the latter. A dump valve (110) periodically communicates the sump cavity (68) with atmosphere to thereby regenerate the desiccant in the canister (16) and to void the contaminants from the sump cavity (68).

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve is constricted with a stepped piston affording a pressure responsive area on one side responsive to the pressure at an output port and a smaller pressure responsive area on the other side, contained between the seals of the two piston diameters and responsive to the pressure at an input port, the piston carrying a self lapping valve assembly connected via a passage to the smaller area for controlling the pressure at the output port in relation to that at the input port.

Abstract: Separating device for separating the liquid components of a liquid mixture comprising an annular coalescing medium (84) for causing the liquid component to be removed from the mixture to coalesce into droplets, and a conical separating medium (102) tapering toward a liquid collecting sump (98). A heating element (46) heats the liquid mixture when the temperature of the mixture is below a predetermined temperature. An open, fibrous batt of filtering material (100) circumscribes the coalescing medium (84) to collect wax crystals which form during cold temperature conditions. A relief valve (108) permits liquid to bypass the separating medium (102) when the pressure differential across the separating medium (102) exceeds a predetermined amount. Accordingly, initial flow through the separating device is established, permitting the heater to heat the liquid to a temperature above that at which wax crystals form.

Abstract: A fan clutch for a vehicle engine connects the engine cooling fan with the engine when the cooling effect of the engine fan is necessary and disconnects the fan when its cooling effect is not necessary. The clutch includes a driven member and a driving member and a belt carried by the driving member and rotatable therewith which is adapted to engage the driven member when the clutch is to be engaged. The driven member comprises a pair of relatively rotatable, axially extensible portions, so that when the belt is in driving engagement with the driven member, relative rotation between the portionsextends the same so that engagement surfaces on one of the portions and on the driving member are brought into engagement, thus connecting the driven and driving members.

Abstract: The pressure pick-up is of the type comprising an elastic metal diaphragm deformable between a first and a second state according as the pressure in the tire is lower or higher than a predetermined value, and an electrical switch controlled by the diaphragm. In accordance with the invention the metal diaphragm has the form of a spherical dome mounted to bear with its edge free at the periphery of its concave face against a seating, its convex face being subjected to the pressure in the tire.

Abstract: A fluid pressure braking system for an articulated vehicle having a towed unit and a towing unit includes a source of fluid pressure carried on the towing unit and a supply line (58) and a service line (62) which communicate the braking system on the towing unit with the braking system on the towed unit. A first proportioning valve (76) controls communication to the relay valve (84) which controls communication of braking pressure to the rear wheel service brakes on the towing unit. The proportioning valve (76) is controlled by an inversion valve (90) which is responsive to the pressure level in the supply line (58). When the pressure level in the supply line (58) is below a predetermined level indicating that the towing unit has been disconnected from the towed unit, the inversion valve (90) causes the proportioning valve (76) to proportion communication to the relay valve (84).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake shoe and brake assembly for automotive vehicles, comprising a pair of brake shoes (14) having ends pivotably mounted on a brake spider (12), and a actuator cam (26) located between the opposite ends of the brake shoes (14). The webs (24) of brake shoes (14) have adequate apertures in the pivoting ends, to engage rotational anchor pins (16). The apertures have radial sections and lateral flats to engage radial sections and lateral flats in the ends of the anchor pins (16). The apertures form slidable, but not rotational, connections with anchor pins (16), to support brake shoes (14), and allow a pivoting movement of brake shoes (14), through anchor pins (16), when an application and release of the brake is effected.

Abstract: An annular fluid seal element for use in an air drier or condenser has a section which provides lips which, when assembled to an aperture in a member, lie to either side of the aperture, one shorter lip acting as a compression seal between the latter member and another and the other longer lip sealingly covering a plurality of passages on the member but permitting fluid flow via the passages in the event of pressure build-up inside them.

Abstract: A vehicle emissions control system includes an air pump (12), a catalytic converter (22) communicated to the air pump, and a bleed control valve (28) which controls the quantity of air communicated from the air pump to the catalytic converter. The bleed valve includes a support arm (50) which suspends a valve element (40) adjacent a tapered valve surface (36). The support arm relaxes in response to repeated flexing due to the pulsating output of the air pump. Accordingly, when the vehicle is new, the valve element is held away from the valve seat to permit substantially uninhibited communication through the bleed valve so that almost all of the air which would otherwise be communicated to the catalytic converter is bled off.

Abstract: A rotary air compressor includes a rotor which rotates within a housing and controls communication through inlet and outlet ports provided on the housing and compresses air communicated through the inlet port for delivery to the outlet port. The inlet and outlet ports are provided with check valves controlling communication therethrough. After the rotor rotates through a dead-center position, the check valves in both the inlet and outlet ports are closed. The rotor then rotates into a position in which the apex seals carried by the rotor wipe across the inlet and outlet ports simultaneously, thereby opening a communication path bypassing the apex seals so that the pressure levels in the chambers across the rotor are equalized. As the rotor continues to rotate, air is compressed and communicated to the outlet port.

Abstract: A fluid pressure braking system for the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer combination vehicle includes valving mechanism which permits the vehicle spring applied, fluid pressure released parking brakes to be released after a single brake system failure. The system requires a pair of fluid pressure reservoirs, and includes the necessary interlock to permit both of the reservoirs to be charged while protecting the reservoirs in case of a leak in the system. The system also permits the vehicle parking brakes to be charged with the fluid pressure stored in either of the reservoirs. Both of the reservoirs normally provide the fluid pressure to actuate the vehicle service brakes.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake booster is disclosed which includes an integral accumulator to provide fluid pressure source for emergency failsafe braking. The accumulator includes a bore defined within the booster housing, and a piston slidably mounted in the bore which divides the latter into a pair of fluid compartments between opposite ends of the piston and corresponding ends of the bore. One of the compartments is communicated to the booster inlet port so that the compartment is charged with fluid pressure whenever the pressure level at the inlet port is above some predetermined low value. In one embodiment of the invention, the other compartment is communicated to the fluid pressure reservoir, and a relief valve is carried within the piston which controls flow of fluid between the two compartments.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device for a pneumatic brake system, more particularly for use in heavy vehicles. The control device of the hydraulic type is provided between the brake pedal and the pneumatic control valve of the brake circuit, this device comprising a master cylinder associated with the brake pedal and a hydraulic receiver cylinder comprising at least one piston capable of displacing the inlet element of the pneumatic control valve. The receiver cylinder comprises a housing provided with a bore, at least one piston slidable in the bore and an abutment for restricting travel of the piston towards the inlet control element of the control valve.

Abstract: An ambient pressure sensor generates an electrical signal which varies in response to changes in ambient pressure level. The sensor includes a sealed bellows or aneroid which varies in length as the ambient pressure varies. A fluid motor including a piston slidably mounted within the housing carries a tube which extends to a position adjacent one end of the aneroid. The end of the tube defines a valve seat which cooperates with a valve member carried on the end of the aneroid to control communication of atmospheric pressure through the tube and into the power chamber defined between the piston and the end of the housing. The power chamber is connected with a vacuum source, so the atmospheric pressure communicated through the tube varies the pressure level in the power chamber as a function of ambient atmospheric pressure, since the aneroid controls communication through the tube. Consequently, the piston and tube move relative to the housing as the ambient pressure changes.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying a person with breathable fluid in an irrespirable atmosphere. A package which is attached to a person holds a container having a valve which is activated upon removal of a protective cover. The valve allows a breathable fluid to flow at a variable rate to a supply conduit. The supply conduit is connected to a reservoir. An inhalation check valve connects the supply conduit to the person. Upon inhalation, the check valve will open and allow breathable fluid to flow from the supply conduit. Upon exhalation, the inhalation check valve closes and an exhalation check valve opens to permit the breathed air to flow through a filter where carbon dioxide is removed before returning to be mixed with breathable fluid in the supply conduit.

Abstract: A cover for a retention chamber in a master cylinder reservoir which will permit a probe to pass through a tab and pressurize a piston in a pressurizing chamber with a test fluid under pressure. This test fluid will allow an operator to visually inspect the master cylinder for fluid failures at various pressures. In the normal operation, the tab of the cover will allow fluid to flow from a supply chamber into the retention chamber. However, during a brake application when fluid is transmitted through the compensator port as the pressurizing piston moves past the compensator port, the tab will prevent this fluid from being squirted into the supply reservoir. This will assure that a minimum quantity of fluid is always present in the retention chamber to operate the brake system even though a low fluid level indicator in the supply chamber presents a failure warning signal to the operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical control unit for a wheeled vehicle. A decay valve is energized by means of a generator which delivers a control signal resulting from the comparison between a speed signal and a reference signal derived from the speed signal. An isolation valve is energized by the signal at the output of monostable apparatus having a predetermined time period and initiated by the leading edge of the control signal. The signal at the output of the monostable apparatus can be interrupted before the end of its time period upon generation of a signal resulting from comparison of the speed signal and a signal increasing linearly. The isolation valve is further controlled by the signal at the output of the generator and also a signal at the output of multivibrator apparatus.

Abstract: An altitude compensated vacuum control system for regulating the vacuum servo mechanism of an internal combustion engine of the type having a distributor with a vacuum servo controlled advance mechanism incorporating a positive stop for maximum spark advance, a carburetor to provide a source of vacuum to operate said vacuum servo mechanism and a vacuum control valve assembly for regulating the vacuum servo mechanism of said distributor. The vacuum control valve assembly receives a spark port vacuum signal from the carburetor to maintain a predetermined vacuum spark advance as the engine begins to accelerate.