Abstract: A multi-directional pump is disclosed generally comprising a housing with inlet and outlet ports, a pumping device disposed therein, a first chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The first and second chambers are both in direct fluid communication with the outlet port, such that a double pumping effect is achieved while some of the fluid is compressed in multiple stages. In certain embodiments, one or more sealing mechanisms can be activated when particular conditions are desired in order to seal the first conduit by which the first and second fluid chambers communicate, or by which the second fluid chamber communicates with the inlet port, such that a standard double or single pumping effect is achieved.

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 sensor for a height control system uses a transducer to detect changes in position of an arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a source of fluid pressure adapted to supply a braking force a brake actuator including a parking brake chamber, and a combination valve fluidly coupling the brake actuator to the source of pressure, the combination valve having an inlet fluidly coupled to the source of pressure and an outlet fluidly coupled to the brake actuator. The combination valve includes within a single housing (i) a solenoid responsive to electrical signals to move from one position in which the parking brake chamber is fluidly coupled to the source of pressure in order to pressurize the parking brake chamber and release the parking brake, and another position in which the parking brake chamber of the brake actuator is vented in order to exhaust pressure within the parking brake chamber so that the parking brake is applied, and (ii) at least one of a manifold, an inversion valve, a double check valve and an anti-compounding valve.

Abstract: A reciprocating axial displacement mechanism is disclosed generally comprising a housing, a rotating device, a displacement device having first and second undulating surfaces disposed in the housing, and a cam connected to the rotating device and disposed between the first and second undulating surfaces. The cam either has an undulating shape or has first and second undulating surfaces such that, as the cam rotates with the rotating device, the cam slides along the first and second undulating surfaces of the displacement device to cause the displacement device to move back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the rotating device. In certain embodiments, the displacement device is a pumping device, or an actuator for a pumping device, in a compressor.

Abstract: The invention relates to valves for air compressors, and more particularly, to an unloading/venting valve having integrated therewith a high-pressure protection valve where a pressure reducing valve has a discharge port in communication with the air system and a vent. The valve utilizes a valve body biased to form a seal between the discharge port and the vent. A governor monitors the air pressure in the system and generates a signal to move the valve body against the bias and unloads the system when a first predetermined threshold pressure is reached. In the event of a failure of the valve body to move at the first threshold pressure, the valve body is movable against the bias in response to a second predetermined threshold pressure reached in the system, thereby unloading the system.

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 height control valve for use in a vehicle suspension system for controlling the ride height of the trailer, the height control valve provided with a universal mounting for allowing greater flexibility in the mounting of the height control valve to a vehicle frame, the height control valve also having a position indicator to aide an installer in aligning a valve element contained within the valve according to a selected mounting position.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension for a vehicle. The trailing arm suspension having a height control system for controlling the ride height of the suspension relative to the vehicle. The height control system preferably comprises a motor driven height control valve.

Abstract: A control system, primarily for use with a vehicle, which increases ride stability and minimizes cycling of the control system during normal operation of the vehicle by utilization of a restriction valve to restrict the fluid introduced into or exhausted from a fluid bag in response to a received control signal.

Abstract: A compressor is disclosed generally comprising a cylinder block at least partially enclosing a compression chamber, a swash plate housing mounted adjacent the cylinder block, the swash plate housing at least partially enclosing a swash plate chamber, an inlet port in the swash plate housing, and a passageway connecting the swash plate chamber and compression chamber. In certain embodiments, the passageway comprises a fluid channel in the cylinder block. In some embodiments, at least one bearing is disposed in the swash plate chamber such that air entering through the inlet port flows over the bearing before flowing to the compression chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a source of fluid pressure adapted to supply a braking force a brake actuator including a parking brake chamber, and a combination valve fluidly coupling the brake actuator to the source of pressure, the combination valve having an inlet fluidly coupled to the source of pressure and an outlet fluidly coupled to the brake actuator. The combination valve includes within a single housing (i) a solenoid responsive to electrical signals to move from one position in which the parking brake chamber is fluidly coupled to the source of pressure in order to pressurize the parking brake chamber and release the parking brake, and another position in which the parking brake chamber of the brake actuator is vented in order to exhaust pressure within the parking brake chamber so that the parking brake is applied, and (ii) at least one of a manifold, an inversion valve, a double check valve and an anti-compounding valve.

Abstract: A fluid operated brake actuator is provided composed of a common housing, a shaft rotatable within the housing, the shaft being rotatable to engage and disengage a brake, a vane connected to the shaft, the vane being responsive to fluid pressure to rotate the shaft, a torsion power spring for producing torque to bias the shaft in a first rotational direction; and an inlet port through the housing, the inlet port for introducing fluid pressure into the housing in order to exert a force on the vane in order to rotate the shaft against the bias of the spring.

Abstract: An air-operated brake actuator system of a vehicle comprises a spring brake actuator and a service brake actuator, the spring brake actuator including a sealed housing with a spring chamber and a pressure chamber, and a hollow actuator rod disposed in the spring brake actuator and axially moveable for applying a parking brake, the service brake actuator including a service pressure chamber for applying a service brake, in which a control valve of the brake actuator system includes a valve body placeable within the hollow actuator rod, the valve body including an opening formed therein for allowing fluid communication between the spring chamber of the spring brake actuator and the service pressure chamber of the service brake actuator through the hollow actuator rod, the control valve including a membrane formed of an elastic material and having a breathing hole formed there-through, the membrane positioned within the opening of the valve body and configured to seal the opening except the breathing hole when t

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: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for positioning components of a brake system, which includes a push rod, a ball end coupled to the push rod, and a force transfer member placed between the push rod and the ball end. The force transfer member has both a flowable property and a solidifying property, whereby the force transfer member is flowable when being placed between the push rod and ball end and, after a passage of time, the force transfer member solidifies.

Abstract: A height control valve for controlling the relative height between a vehicle frame and a trailing arm suspension. The height control valve comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and having an inlet port fluidly connecting to a source of pressurized air. An air spring port is provided in the housing for fluidly connecting to an air spring. Additionally, an exhaust port is provided in the housing for fluidly connecting to the atmosphere. A valve is disposed within the interior chamber and is selectively operable between a fill position, an exhaust position, and a neutral position.

Abstract: A sensor for a height control system in a trailing arm suspension uses a transducer to detect changes in position of a trailing arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the trailing arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.

Abstract: A brake actuator includes a flange case having a radially outwardly extending annular flange, a head having a radially outwardly extending annular flange, and a diaphragm having a widened outer periphery sandwiched between the annular flange of the flange case and the annular flange of the head. The diaphragm includes a reinforcing member embedded in or attached to an outer surface of the widened outer periphery thereof. The reinforcing member is formed of a material which is more resistant to deformation than a material of which the diaphragm is formed so as to inhibit the widened outer periphery of the diaphragm from pulling out from between the annular flange of the flange case and the annular flange of the head.

Abstract: An air suspension control system, primarily for use with a vehicle, which increases ride stability and minimizes air losses to the air suspension control system during normal operation of the vehicle by utilization of an air restriction valve to restrict the air introduced into or exhausted from an air spring in response to a received control signal.