Abstract: An installation/removal tool is provided for a night vision camera. An elongated handle includes a tool head at one end having drive recesses that mate with drive lugs on a nut of the aiming assembly. The tool is a simple design that is incorporated in a retrofit or aftermarket night vision system kit for the end user and allows the nut to be easily turned without damage for installing/removing the camera to the aiming assembly.

Abstract: A serviceable design for a pressure vessel or reservoir includes a removable retainer accessible from a location external to the reservoir. Many existing, commercially available components can be used with only slight modification while providing ease of access to repair/replace seal members if so desired.

Abstract: A reciprocating air brake compressor includes a crank case housing a crank shaft and a piston assembly operatively connected to the crank shaft via a connecting rod. The piston assembly includes a piston moveable within a bore of the crank case, a piston ring disposed on a peripheral surface of the piston, and a wrist pin rotatably connecting the connecting rod to the piston. A means is provided for generating an air stream free of oil. In one embodiment, the means includes a channel extending through the crank shaft and connecting rod for delivering oil to the crank shaft and wrist pin bearings. The means further includes first and second sealing assemblies disposed adjacent the crank shaft and wrist pin bearings respectively. In another embodiment, the means includes crank shaft bearings and wrist pin bearings packed and sealed with grease.

Abstract: A purge reservoir for an air dryer in an air brake system of a vehicle is disclosed. The purge reservoir or volume (24) is separate from the associated primary and secondary reservoirs of the air brake system. The purge volume (24) is secured directly to the air dryer housing (12) by fasteners (22). Purge volume (24) is operatively connected to air dryer housing (12) by opening (30) through which compressed air flows into purge reservoir (24) during the air dryer charge cycle, and through which purge air is supplied to the air dryer during the air dryer purge cycle. No air hoses are required for connecting the purge reservoir with the air dryer. Additionally, a desiccant cartridge (14) is fully accessible and may be replaced without otherwise disturbing the air dryer-purge reservoir module. Purge reservoir (24) also includes fastening capability (40) for securing the air dryer to the vehicle, thereby eliminating the need for a separate air dryer mounting bracket.

Abstract: A bus door/service brake interlock system having a warning system is provided. The interlock system includes a foot valve assembly to effect a service brake application when warning lights are activated, a vehicle door is open, and minimum speed conditions are met. An auxiliary line is positioned between a source of pressure and the foot valve assembly and includes a valve and a low pressure indicator. Should the operator leave the driver seat with the interlock system engaged, the parking brake is automatically applied.

Abstract: An isolation mechanism is provided for a trailer air dryer to limit transfer of forces from a trailer frame to the dryer. In a first embodiment, elastomeric bushings are interposed between the trailer frame and the dryer to reduce the forces transferred to end covers of the trailer dryer. In another embodiment, the mounting assembly is modified to include a connection directly to a central body of the air dryer. In yet another embodiment, U-shaped fasteners couple the body of the air dryer to the frame.

Abstract: A serviceable filtering oil removal cartridge for use in a compressed air assembly of a vehicle air brake system includes a housing having a first end and a second end. A filtering element is disposed within the housing for agglomerating and removing oil from compressed air entering the oil removal cartridge. A load plate is disposed within the housing for supporting the filtering element. The load plate includes a connecting portion dimensioned to allow the oil removal cartridge to be removed and installed as a single unit. The connecting portion is preferably a threaded annulus.

Abstract: A night vision clearance light assembly includes a shell, an array of visible light emitting elements, and a night vision device. The visible light emitting elements are preferably LEDs mounted on a ring received in the shell. The night vision device is operatively connected to an associated night vision camera and sees through an opening in the ring and the lens. The assembly is easily mounted in a standard factory-cut clearance light housing in the exterior of a truck cab.

Abstract: A braking system control requires that a first or service braking system be actuated before a second or parking braking system can be released to prevent unexpected movements. A sensor senses that the service brakes are engaged and controls a device to release the parking brakes. A latch ensures that the parking brakes remain released. For example, a piston and check valve form the sensor and latch. Service brake pressure works against the piston. Above a threshold level, service brake pressure drives the piston to open a valve that provides pressurized air to a parking brake release system. Once released, the check valve directs parking brake release pressure to the piston to keep the valve open.

Abstract: A control system for a container chassis latching assembly of a trailer provides for initial pressurization of the latching assembly via the trailer supply line. Once a trailer reservoir is sufficiently charged, pressure is maintained for the latch assembly by the trailer reservoir. A preferred control valve interconnects the supply line with a supply port of the valve to provide the desired pressure at a delivery port. A control port of the valve is connected with the trailer reservoir and shuts off this flow once the trailer reservoir has reached a predetermined pressure. Thereafter, the latch assembly is maintained via air supplied from the trailer reservoir.

Abstract: A compressed air system for an air brake system includes a heat generating element operating at an elevated temperature to maintain water in vapor state. The heat generating element is preferably an air brake compressor. A discharge oil filter is disposed downstream from the compressor for filtering oil from a stream of compressed air. The discharge oil filter is positioned close enough to the compressor to maintain water in the compressed air stream in a vapor form. The oil filter preferably includes an oil filtering media formulated to agglomerate oil as the stream of compressed air is filtered. The agglomerated oil and compressed air are passed downstream where the agglomerated oil and water from the air stream are removed. Alternatively, the agglomerated oil is filtered to a sump in a housing of the discharge oil filter.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the traction of a vehicle uses weight distribution control to improve wheel to driving surface friction. A driven axle and a non-driven axle support a vehicle load through adjustable suspension members. The suspension members are, for example, air bags. Actuators and controllers adjust the suspension members in a selectable predetermined manner. The selection can be based on operator preference, vehicle operating mode, or a sensed loss of traction. The driven axle carries a drive axle maximum rated load in order to maximize drive wheel traction at all times.

Abstract: A proportional load transfer valve is disclosed to shift a predetermined ratio of approximately fifty percent (50%) of the weight on a tag axle to the drive axle. The load transfer valve acts in response to a pneumatic signal indicative of a traction event. The valve alters the ratio of supply port pressure associated with the air suspension bags of the drive axle that is forwarded to the delivery port associated with the air bag suspension assembly of the tag axle. As the weight imposed on the drive axle approaches a predetermined maximum, the load transfer valve transfers less weight so that the drive axle is not overloaded.

Abstract: First and second collars cooperate with first and second seal members separated by a retaining ring assembled onto a valve piston. The collars selectively engage the valve housing at one end and the retaining ring at the other end to limit the travel of the piston between first and second positions. Moreover, the assembly offers a cost effective alternative to the bonded rubber seals provided on known piston arrangements.

Abstract: A treadle assembly for supplying an electrical signal to an electronic controlled engine includes a treadle pivotally mounted to a treadle lever. The treadle lever is pivotally secured to a housing, and operatively connected to a drive shaft through a drive link member. The drive shaft is operatively coupled to a potentiometer to provide a proportional electrical signal dependent on the rotational position of the treadle lever.