Abstract: An integrated gladhand and quick-release valve for tractor-trailer highway vehicles is mounted on the tractor, as opposed to the trailer, so the operator of a particular tractor will uniformly have quick-release capability for any trailer drawn by the truck. The integrated gladhand and quick-release valve provides an inlet port for fluid communication from the tractor brake system and an outlet port for fluid communication to the trailer brake system. The intermediate passageway that provides fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ports contains a valve element. The valve element may be apertured to allow limited, continuous fluid communication between the tractor and trailer brake lines. During the quick-release mode, the tractor side is substantially isolated and the trailer side is vented through an exhaust port. The present invention provides a uniform and safe braking system for tractor-trailer highway vehicles where the tractor operator does not own or maintain the trailers.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved clutch retention feature of a hand control valve. The hand control valve has a rotatable control member and a stationary member. There is a rotatable plate or disc which interlocks with the rotatable hand control member and a stationary plate or disc which interlocks with the stationary member. Adjacent surfaces of the stationary and rotatable plates are in sufficient frictional contact to maintain the hand control valve in the position set against system forces and yet be overcome by hand rotation of the rotatable control member.

Abstract: A slack adjuster assembly for brakes includes a slack arm, ratchet wheel and pawl carrier all rotatable about a common axis in unison and relative to one another. The parts rotate in unison during normal operation when the slack arm rotates back and forth in brake apply and brake release directions. When an adjustment is required due to brake wear, the slack arm will overtravel in the brake apply direction. When overtravel occurs, rotation of the pawl carrier with the slack arm and ratchet wheel through the overtravel portion of the stroke is stopped to effect relative rotation between the pawl carrier and the ratchet wheel. Upon return of the slack arm in the brake release direction from an overtravel stroke, the pawl carrier is rotated relative to the slack arm and rotatably drives the ratchet wheel relative to the slack arm.

Abstract: A generally circular clamp band assembled from a pair of identical clamp band members each having an integral connection formed at one end for cooperation with a like connection on a like member to join a pair of members at one end without the use of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A locking device for a reciprocating rod brake actuator movable between brake applying and brake releasing positions includes a pivoted pawl movable between locking and releasing positions for releasably locking the rod in its brake applying position. A spring normally biases the pawl to its locking position, and a fluid cylinder is operative when pressurized for moving the locking device to its releasing position. The rod is movable toward and away from the pawl, and is normally supported against movement away from the pawl by a releasable support. Release of the support frees the rod for free movement between its brake applying and releasing positions even though the pawl is in its locking position.