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: A brake actuator assembly includes a housing defining a spring chamber. A spring is disposed in the spring chamber, the spring being biased toward an extended position and movable against the bias toward a caged position. A release assembly is provided for selectively moving and retaining the spring against the bias toward the caged position, the release assembly comprising a hollow release bolt having a fluid passage passing therethrough by which fluid passage the spring chamber is in fluid communication with an environment surrounding the housing. A filter is disposed within the fluid passage in the hollow release bolt for filtering fluid passing through the fluid passage.

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 brake actuator assembly includes a housing defining a spring chamber. A spring is disposed in the spring chamber, the spring being biased toward an extended position and movable against the bias toward a caged position. A release assembly is provided for selectively moving and retaining the spring against the bias toward the caged position, the release assembly comprising a hollow release bolt having a fluid passage passing therethrough by which fluid passage the spring chamber is in fluid communication with an environment surrounding the housing. A filter is disposed within the fluid passage in the hollow release bolt for filtering fluid passing through the fluid passage.

Abstract: 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: 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 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: A brake system valve having an anti-compounding feature is provided, comprising: a brake housing; a vent port in the housing; first and second control ports in the housing; a piston mounted within the housing, the piston having a passage connecting the vent port in fluid communication with the first control port when the piston is in a first position, the piston moveable to a second position to seal the vent within the housing.

Abstract: A long-stroke fail-safe spring brake assembly for heavy duty vehicles comprises aligned first and second cups secured adjacent one another to form a housing for a compressed power spring which biases a spring piston, a hollow tubular push rod having one end open and sealingly secured, preferably by press fitting, to the spring piston and the other end closed and extending sealingly through the second cup for reciprocal control of a brake actuator by the power spring, an annular-shaped flexible diaphragm having an outer periphery radially-sealingly secured adjacent between the cups and an inner periphery sealingly secured adjacent the outer periphery of the spring piston, the intermediate portion of the diaphragm being disposed radially-outwardly of the spring piston. The spring piston is disposed to compress the compressed spring still further toward the first cup under the influence of a compressed fluid medium, the push rod, and the spring piston being sealingly secured to each other.

Abstract: The invention presented is a tapered joint thread system, especially for use in a fluid handling device, and a fluid handling device containing the inventive tapered joint thread system. More particularly, the invention presented includes a plastic female end segment having an opening sized to receive a male fitting, and having a first tapered segment which tapers from a first internal diameter to a second internal diameter, and which is gauged from the opening of the female end segment to a controlled depth; the female end segment also has an unthreaded non-tapering segment having the second internal diameter which extends from the controlled depth to a second controlled depth, and an angled shoulder which tapers from the second internal diameter to a third internal diameter and which extends from the second depth to a third controlled depth.

Abstract: This apparatus is a fastener assembly for retaining a spring, such as used in the brake actuators of heavy-duty trucks, in a compressed state, including a fully-compressed state, the assembly being variably adjustable to accommodate variations in actual spring dimensions and tolerances. The compressed spring is held between first and second members by a fastener assembly comprising a washer and a clip, the washer having an opening therein for receiving the clip. The clip has an enlarged head with sloping shoulders which ride on the periphery of the opening in the washer, and a shank which engages the second member and maintains the clip stationary with respect thereto.