Abstract: A diametral runout reducer adapted to drive a rotor for exciting a stator of a speed sensor located in a differential carrier. The rotor is driven by a diametral runout reducer. The runout reducer includes an annular axially extending member having a first end which engages a vehicle axle shaft driven by the differential case and a second end which drives the rotor. Intermediate the first and second end of the runout reducer is a radial protrusion disposed proximate the second end defining a peripheral surface which extends equidistantly from a central point. The rotatable axially extending flange defines a bore whose central axis is maintained coincident with a preferred axis of rotation by means of bearings supporting the differential case. The bore has a dimensional interrelationship with a radial protrusion which facilitates sliding, thereby maintaining the central point of the annular axially extending flange coincident with the preferred central axis.

Abstract: An axially compact rotational sensor adaptable to a drive axle for determining the rotational speed of the differential case which is the average speed of the wheels associated therewith. In a second embodiment dual rotational sensors are incorporated in the drive axle for determining the rotational speed of the differential and one axle shaft permitting calculation of the speed of both axle shafts.

Abstract: An air brake system for a truck includes a treadle valve, a pilot control isolation valve, an exhaust valve, a relay valve, an air pressure transducer, a wheel speed sensor, an electronic control unit (ECU) and an air brake chamber associated with a brake actuator. In heavy braking operations, the pilot system pressure rise rate is monitored and restricted by modulation of the pilot control isolation valve. During heavy braking operations, if braking of the vehicle wheel results in a wheel velocity change which exceeds a predetermined deceleration threshold, the pressure rise rate is further restricted in attempt to "creep" up on the brake system pressure at which the lock condition is expected to occur. At another predetermined deceleration threshold, the brake system pressure is vented. The brake system pressure decreases resulting in a reduction in the applied brake force thereby permitting the vehicle wheel to roll back up to speed. The roll up rate is a function of the friction force.

Abstract: Four embodiments of a reluctance type rotational speed sensor are disclosed. In the first embodiment, an annular magnet circumscribes a sensing coil having a unitary rotor nested within it, and is disposed between two elements which comprise the stator. In a second embodiment, a magnet is disposed between two halves which comprise a rotor, the entire assembly nesting within a sensing coil and being disposed between the two stator elements. In the third embodiment, the rotor carries multiple magnets in an axially opposed position with respect to teeth formed on the stator. The magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit increases and decreases as the rotor magnets alternate between aligned and non-aligned positions enabling measurement of angular speed in accordance with the increase and decrease of magnetic flux. Any of the first three embodiments may be used, with minor modifications, in environments where a rotating shaft turns within a stationary bore, or where a rotting bore turns about a stationary shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus which may be used to drivingly engage a rotating shaft, reduce the effect of the diametral runout thereof and drive a rotary sensor, including a sleeve placed coaxially about the shaft, drivingly engaging the shaft by means of mating splines. Any diametral runout (eccentric or displaced rotation) present in the shaft is directly imparted to the driven end of the sleeve. A spherical annular protrusion extends radially outwardly from the sleeve and slidingly engages a bore having a central axis coincident with the preferred axis of rotation. In this manner, the center of the spherical annular protrusion, and consequently that portion of the sleeve, is maintained coincident with the preferred axis of rotation. The opposing end of the sleeve drivingly engages a rotary sensor with mating splines. If diametral runout is present in the rotating shaft, the sleeve will gimble about the center point of the spherical annular protrusion 30.

Abstract: A modified fast fade rear axle housing of rectangular cross-section having a shortened neck shape to maximize the torsional strength of the housing in the expanded annular section where the transition zone joins the center differential receiving portion and the beam arms of the axle. Two U sections are welded after being bent to provide parallel legs joined to a web by arcuate corner sections. The axially extending curvature of the corner sections and the web are respectively convexly defined by a first radius R.sub.1 measured from a true origin at the vertical axis of the differential receiving portion where it intersects the longitudinal axis of the axle and a second eccentric radius R.sub.2 measured from a displaced origin and concavely by blending radii R.sub.4 and R.sub.3 which are substantially less than corresponding blending radii in drive axle housings in which the convex curvature is concentric with the true origin.

Abstract: A modified fast fade rear axle housing of rectangular cross-section having a shortened neck shape to maximize the torsional strength of the housing in the expanded annular section where the transition zone joins the center differential receiving portion and the beam arms of the axle. Two U sections are welded after being bent to provide parallel legs joined to a web by arcuate corner sections. The axially extending curvature of the corner sections and the web are respectively convexly defined by a first radius R.sub.1 measured from a true origin at the vertical axis of the differential receiving portion where it intersects the longitudinal axis of the axle and a second eccentric radius R.sub.2 measured from a displaced origin and concavely by blending radii R.sub.4 and R.sub.3 which are substantially less than corresponding blending radii in drive axle housings in which the convex curvature is concentric with the true origin.

Abstract: A new blank is provided for use in the manufacture of a modified fast fade rear axle housing of rectangular cross-section having a shortened neck shape which is bent by hot forming preferably at temperatures of 1350.degree. F.-1650.degree. F. to maximize the torsional strength of the housing in the expanded annular section where the transition zone joins the center differential receiving portion and the beam arms of the axle. Two U sections are welded after being bent to provide parallel legs joined to a web by arcuate corner sections. The axially extending curvature of the corner sections and the web are respectively convexly defined by a first radius R.sub.1 measured from a true origin at the vertical axis of the differential receiving portion where it intersects the longitudinal axis of the axle and a second eccentric radius R.sub.2 measured from a displaced origin and concavely by blending radii R.sub.4 and R.sub.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modified fast fade rear axle housing of rectangular cross-section having a shortened neck shape which is bent by hot forming preferably at temperatures of 1350.degree. F.-1650.degree. F. to maximize the torsional strength of the housing in the expanded annular section where the transition zone joins the center differential receiving portion and the beam arms of the axle. Two U sections are welded after being bent to provide parallel legs joined to a web by arcuate corner sections. The axially extending curvature of the corner sections and the web are respectively convexly defined by a first radius R.sub.1 measured from a true origin at the vertical axis of the differential receiving portion where it intersects the longitudinal axis of the axle and a second eccentric radius R.sub.2 measured from a displaced origin and concavely by blending radii R.sub.4 and R.sub.

Abstract: A brake shoe structure which provides resiliency and increased lateral strength at at least one end of the table of a fabricated brake shoe. A portion of the web at that one end of the brake shoe is spaced inward from the radially inner surface of the table to provide a relief area to accommodate deformation of the table at that end of the brake shoe under dynamic braking conditions. The table at that end of the brake shoe extends longitudinally beyond the circumferential edge of the web where it is formed as a lip extending laterally across the table and radially inwardly to provide lateral strength to that end of the brake shoe table.