Abstract: A lift axle control valve (200) for controlling a vehicle lift axle is provided. The valve (200) includes a vehicle port (103) configured to receive a vehicle pressure and a suspension port (106) configured to receive a suspension pressure. The valve (200) is configured to receive a lift axle control signal, actuate the lift axle control valve (200) to connect one or more lift bag output ports (121) to the vehicle port (103) and to connect one or more load bag output ports (131) to the vent port (118) if the lift axle control signal comprises a lift command, and actuate the lift axle control valve (200) to connect the one or more load bag output ports (131) to the suspension port (106) and connect the one or more lift bag output ports (121) to the vent port (118) if the lift axle control signal comprises a load command.

Abstract: A selector valve (102) having at least first and second ports (108 and 110) is provided. The selector valve includes a closure element (120) selectively displaceable between a first position, wherein the closure element (120) sealingly engages the first port (108), and a second position, wherein the closure element (120) sealingly engages the second port (110). The selector valve (102) further includes a cam assembly that is configured to bias the closure element (120) into at least the first or second position in a manner such that the closure element (120) does not come into substantial contact with the first or second port (108 or 110) when being moved into the first or second position.

Abstract: A lift axle control module is disclosed that is simpler than prior art lift axle control systems, and does not require cycling the input pressure to the regulator. The module includes a housing fluidly connected to a first pressurized air supply and having one chamber with a load bladder port, a second chamber with a lift bladder port, and a common vent port. A pilot pressure is selectively provided for switching the module between the retracted and deployed modes. When the control module is set to the retracted mode, the lift bladders are pressurized to the system pressure, and the load bladders are vented. When the control module is set to the deployed mode, the lift bladders are vented and the load bladders are inflated and maintained at the regulated pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leveling valve including a first port, a second port, a third port, a valve, and a clutch. The clutch is provided with an engaged position and a disengaged position. At least a portion of the clutch may move relative to the valve when the clutch is in the disengaged position. The clutch moves the valve when the clutch is in the engaged position. The valve is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the valve is in the first position, the valve blocks a first pathway, which extends from the first port, from connecting with a second pathway, which extends from the second port. When the valve is in the second position, the valve allows the first pathway to connect with the second pathway. When the valve is in the third position, the valve allows the second pathway to connect with a third pathway, which extends from the third port.

Abstract: A force amplifier comprising a housing is provided. The force amplifier includes a force assembly positioned in the housing. The force assembly comprises an input force component, an output force component, and an intermediate force component rigidly coupling the input force component to the output force component. An assist piston is positioned in the housing. The assist piston is coupled to the force assembly. A regulating piston is positioned in the housing. The regulating piston is coupled to the force assembly. The regulating piston controls the supply of a pressurized fluid acting on the assist piston.

Abstract: A selector valve (102) having at least first and second ports (108 and 110) is provided. The selector valve includes a closure element (120) selectively displaceable between a first position, wherein the closure element (120) sealingly engages the first port (108), and a second position, wherein the closure element (120) sealingly engages the second port (110). The selector valve (102) further includes a cam assembly that is configured to bias the closure element (120) into at least the first or second position in a manner such that the closure element (120) does not come into substantial contact with the first or second port (108 or 110) when being moved into the first or second position.

Abstract: A fuel selector valve (100) in communication with at least first and second fuel tanks and an engine is provided. The fuel selector valve (100) includes a drive system (106), and a fuel draw valve (102) coupled to the drive system (106). The fuel draw valve (102) includes a first fuel tank draw port (108) adapted to be coupled to the first fuel tank, a second fuel tank draw port (110) adapted to be coupled to the second fuel tank, and an engine draw port (112) adapted to be coupled to the engine. The fuel selector valve (100) further includes a first closure element (120) operably coupled to the drive system (106). The first closure element (120) is selectively displaceable between a first position, wherein the first closure element (120) sealingly engages the first fuel tank draw port (108), and a second position, wherein the first closure element (120) sealingly engages the second fuel tank draw port (110).

Abstract: A knob attachment assembly formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided. The knob attachment assembly includes a control device housing (105) and an actuation member (106) coupled to the control device housing, the actuation member including a first engagement surface (140). The knob attachment assembly further includes a gripping device (104) including a first interference surface (158), the gripping device being selectively coupled to the actuation member and positionable between a locked position, wherein the gripping device is coupled to the actuation member by interference of the first engagement surface and the first interference surface, and an unlocked position, wherein the gripping device is removable from the actuation member.

Abstract: A lift axle control module is disclosed that is simpler than prior art lift axle control systems, and does not require cycling the input pressure to the regulator. The module includes a housing fluidly connected to a first pressurized air supply and having one chamber with a load bladder port, a second chamber with a lift bladder port, and a common vent port. A pilot pressure is selectively provided for switching the module between the retracted and deployed modes. When the control module is set to the retracted mode, the lift bladders are pressurized to the system pressure, and the load bladders are vented. When the control module is set to the deployed mode, the lift bladders are vented and the load bladders are inflated and maintained at the regulated pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the motor driven valve 100 are suitable for selectively allowing or restricting fluid flow through a cavity, orifice, passageway, etc. Generally described, the motor driven valve 100 includes a motor 120, a pintle valve 140 drivenly connected to the motor 120 through a transmission assembly 160, and a casing 102 that houses at least one of the aforementioned components of the motor driven valve 100.

Abstract: In a valve assembly (18) of the type having a housing, a pole piece (16) disposed within the housing, and an exhaust port (50), one embodiment of an exhaust port protective device (10) comprises a flow restrictor assembly coupled at least in part to the pole piece (16). The flow restrictor assembly provides fluid flow in a first direction and restricts fluid flow in a second direction.

Abstract: A modular selector valve (100) for selectively directing a flow of a fluid. The modular selector valve includes one or more three-way valves (110, 112, or 113)removably coupled to one another. The modular selector valve also includes an actuator assembly (126) actuatable to simultaneously actuate each of the one or more three-way valves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a fluid is directed along a first path through each of the one or more three-way valves. In the second position, the fluid is directed along a second path through each of the one or more three-way valves.

Abstract: A deformable fastener is provided. The fastener includes a first member having a cavity and a second member sized to be rotatably attached within the cavity. The fastener further includes a protrusion disposed on either the first or second member for locking engagement with a corresponding portion of the other of the first or second member when the first member is attached to the second member. The protrusion is sized and configured to deform both an inner and outer surface of the corresponding portion to assist in maintaining the locking engagement.

Abstract: A relatively rugged and simple solenoid-actuated valve (100) is disclosed having a coil assembly (150), including a bobbin (152), a winding (160) for generating a magnetic field, and a flux path bracket (162). A fixed pole piece (110) extends into the axial volume defined by the bobbin. The coil assembly may be encased in a plastic outer body (101). An armature (120) is slidably disposed in the axial volume and a valve seat (130) closes the opposite end of the axial volume. A conical spring (140) biases the armature toward a first position against the valve seat. An inlet fitting (106) and an outlet fitting (104) fluidly connect to the axial volume. The armature is movable by the magnetic field generated by the winding from the first position to a second position away from the valve seat, such that the valve can be selectively opened and closed.

Abstract: A first normally open solenoid valve “A” is connected to passageway (32). A second normally open solenoid valve “B” is connected to a passageway (36). A latching valve (24) includes a valve spool chamber (26) and a valve spool (50) within the chamber. An air-delivery conduit (20) delivers pressurized air to both a first passageway (32) and a second passageway (36). Passageway (32) is connected to one end of the valve spool chamber (26). Passageway (36) is connected to the opposite end of the valve spool chamber (26). The valve spool (50) has two positions. In the first position, passageway (32) is connected with a passageway (40) that extends to an air-operated device (44). Flow through the valve (24) to and from passageway (36) is blocked. In the second position, flow from passageway (32) to passageway (40) is blocked. Also, flow through the valve (24) to and from passageway (36) is blocked.

Abstract: A contactless control switch (20) for a vehicle for actuating a system between an open and a first closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (22) and a pivot assembly (24) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a switch actuator (26) having first and second ends. The switch actuator is coupled to the pivot assembly for producing pivoting motion of the switch actuator in response to a force (84) applied to the switch actuator. The switch also includes first and second proximity sensors (80a and 80b) and a first magnet (70). The proximity sensors are disposed within the housing and the first magnet is fastened to the switch actuator second end. The first magnet is adapted to be selectively displaced into and out of close proximity with one of the proximity sensors when the force is applied to the switch actuator.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve (10) for use in a pneumatic seat (12) of a vehicle is disclosed. The pneumatic valve includes an upper housing (32) and a lower housing (38). The lower housing is slidably received within the upper housing. The lower housing has an upper surface (78) and a lower surface (79). The lower surface has an inlet stem (88), a seat air inlet/outlet stem (90), and at least a first exhaust port (94). The pneumatic valve also includes an elongate poppet (108) slidably mounted within the seat air inlet/outlet port on a first spring (106) to control air flow through the seat air inlet/outlet port. The poppet has an enlarged head portion (110) located at one end and a cam projection (113) located at the other end. A slide member (34) is supported on the upper surface of the lower housing for reciprocating movement relative to the housing to selectively control air flow therethrough. The slide member has an upper surface and a lower surface.

Abstract: A cyclic flow valve (20) for cyclically controlling the flow of combustants into a combustion furnace. The cyclic flow valve includes a valve housing (26) having a chamber (30), an inlet (36), and an outlet (46). The cyclic flow valve also includes an aperture plate (52) rigidly fixed within the chamber of the valve housing. The aperture plate has first and second apertures (68a and 68b) extending through the plate. A rotor member (54) is rotatably secured within the chamber. The rotor member is held in spaced disposition from the aperture plate. The space defines a low flow gap (92) of predetermined width between the rotor member (54) and the aperture plate (52).

Abstract: A rollover vent valve for use in a pneumatic seat mounted in a vehicle. The rollover vent valve allows air to vent from the air bag(s) in the pneumatic seat in the event the vehicle in which the seat is mounted is severely tilted or overturned. The rollover vent valve includes a housing enclosing a pressure chamber and a valve member. The interior of the pressure chamber is in fluid connection with the air bag(s). The rollover vent valve also includes a vent port that connects the interior of the chamber to the ambient environment. The valve member is located within the pressure chamber above the vent port and forms a seal with the vent port when the pneumatic seat in which the valve is mounted is in an upright position. The valve member includes a weight cage in which a spherical weight is movably mounted. One end of the weight cage includes a valve seal that forms a seal on the valve seat of the vent port.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air valve (10) for inflating and deflating an inflatable. The air valve (10) includes a housing floor (16) with air ports (36, 38), and a slide bar (12) with an air passageway (54) formed therein. The slide bar (12) is supported on the floor (16) by seal rings (92) surrounding the ports (36, 38) and is biased into a center position by a spring (94) positioned in a spring well (28) in the slide bar (12) or the floor (16). Pins (50, 52) project into the spring well (28) and engage opposite ends of the spring (94). A stem extends from a tilt button (66) into a socket (48) on the slide bar (12). When the button (66) is tilted, it moves the slide bar (12), compressing the spring (94) and aligning the ports (36, 38) and the passageway (54) to allow air to pass through the valve (10). The slide bar (12) is prevented from tilting by a stabilizer frame (82) or housing shoulders (220).