Abstract: A compressor is disclosed generally comprising a cylinder head mounted to a cylinder block having a cooling chamber and a piston channel via a bolt. A piston is disposed in the piston channel and has a contact portion that contacts the channel wall, which is integrally formed with the cylinder block, as it slides within the channel. The bolt and the cooling chamber each extend from at least as high as the highest contact point between the contact portion of the piston and the channel wall to at least as low as the lowest contact point between the contact portion of the piston and the channel wall. In certain embodiments, the cooling chamber is located between the bolt and the piston channel. In some embodiments, a crankcase is integrally formed with the cylinder block.

Abstract: A compressor is disclosed generally comprising a housing, a shaft disposed therein, and a swash plate part that is mounted at a fixed angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In some embodiments, the swash plate part is coupled to a second, inner swash plate part via a bearing. In other embodiments, the swash plate part is coupled directly to the shaft via the bearing. The bearing is adapted to accommodate both the radial and axial loads of the compressor in order to eliminate the need for a separate thrust bearing.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve includes a housing having a passage therein, a valve body disposed within the passage, and a piston slideably disposed within the passage. The valve body includes a wall arranged transverse to the passage and dividing the passage into an input side and an output side, the wall having a plurality of openings passing therethrough, a portion of the wall between the openings and facing the output side defining a sealing surface. The piston includes a channel passing longitudinally therethrough with a sealing ledge surrounding the channel on a first end, a flange surrounding the channel on a second end, and an annular shoulder surrounding the sealing ledge. Fluid pressure at the input side acts on the shoulder and biases the piston toward the output side and fluid pressure at the output side acts on the flange and biases the piston toward the input side.

Abstract: A modular swash plate compressor is disclosed generally comprising a housing and a swash plate disposed in the housing. Typically, the housing includes a cylinder block with a plurality of piston channels therein, and a plurality of pistons are slidably disposed in the piston channels and are coupled to the swash plate, which is mounted on a drive shaft. The drive shaft is selected from a plurality of drive shafts, each of which is designed for a different type of vehicle and all of which can disposed in the housing and a channel in the swash plate. The housing is mounted to a mounting flange selected from a plurality of mounting flanges, each of which is designed for a different type of vehicle and all of which can be fastened to the housing.

Abstract: A system for regulating the supply of power to a brake system is disclosed generally comprising an engine, an intermediate device driven by the engine, a power source driven by the intermediate device, a brake system powered by the brake source, and a controller that communicates with the intermediate device to regulate the supply of power to the brake system. In some embodiments, the intermediate device includes a supply device and a motor for receiving an agency, such as fluid or electricity, from the supply device.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed generally comprising first and second valve plates mounted between the housing for a pump mechanism and a cover, the first plate having flexing flaps corresponding to apertures in the second plate, and the second plate having flexing flaps corresponding to apertures in the first plate. The flexing flaps and apertures create inlet and outlet valves for fluid being received into and discharged from the pump mechanism. In some embodiments, the valves facilitate the flow of air received and discharged through inlet and outlet ports in a compressor head. In some embodiments, the valves facilitate the flow of air received from an inlet port in a compressor housing.

Abstract: A full-function value for the tractor-trailer vehicle is provided with a unitary valve body enveloping service brake, pressure-protection, at least one solenoid, modulator and delivery pistons actuatable to be displaced between respective rest and operative positions within the body to provide a regular braking and ABS braking modes of the full function valve.

Abstract: A contaminant-ejecting relay valve for a pneumatic brake system is disclosed. Two embodiments of the valve are disclosed: in one embodiment, the valve is actuated by pilot air pressure, which is either supply air pressure or control air pressure; in another embodiment, the valve is solenoid-actuated. In both embodiments, the valve comprises a housing enclosing a chamber; a control port in the housing in fluid communication with the chamber; an exhaust port in the housing permitting removal of contaminants from the chamber; a main piston mounted within the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position; an exhaust passage through the main piston connecting the chamber and the exhaust port in fluid communication; and a blocking member movable between an open and closed position for opening and closing the exhaust passage, such that when the blocking member is in the open position it permits pressurized air from the control port to eject contaminants from the chamber.

Abstract: A contaminant-ejecting relay valve for a pneumatic brake system is disclosed. Two embodiments of the valve are disclosed: in one embodiment, the valve is actuated by pilot air pressure, which is either supply air pressure or control air pressure; in another embodiment, the valve is solenoid-actuated. In both embodiments, the valve comprises a housing enclosing a chamber; a control port in the housing in fluid communication with the chamber; an exhaust port in the housing permitting removal of contaminants from the chamber; a main piston mounted within the chamber and movable between a first position and a second position; an exhaust passage through the main piston connecting the chamber and the exhaust port in fluid communication; and a blocking member movable between an open and closed position for opening and closing the exhaust passage, such that when the blocking member is in the open position it permits pressurized air from the control port to eject contaminants from the chamber.

Abstract: A contaminant-ejecting, pneumatically-controlled brake booster valve is disclosed. The valve comprises an exhaust piston slidably mounted within the stem of a main piston of the valve, wherein the exhaust piston is actuated by supply air pressure to periodically open and close an exhaust passageway leading from the main piston chamber to an exhaust area. Pressurized supply air normally forces the exhaust piston in the exhaust passage blocking position thereby preventing the escape of control air through the exhaust passageway. When supply pressure is released (e.g. when the parking brake is applied), pressurized control air forces the exhaust piston upward, allowing some of the control air to escape through the exhaust passageway to the exhaust area. The escaping control air expels any moisture or other contaminants that may have accumulated in the main piston chamber. Additionally, a check valve is positioned in an orifice of the main piston.