Abstract: A method for monitoring a wheel system by comparing a wheel end temperature to a wheel end temperature threshold; generating a brake monitoring signal when at least one brake monitoring condition has occurred; and generating a wheel monitoring signal if a brake monitoring signal is generated when the wheel end temperature is greater than the wheel end temperature threshold. The brake monitoring conditions may include (i) a brake supply pressure is less than a brake supply pressure threshold; (ii) a brake control pressure is greater than a first brake control pressure threshold and a stop lamp power signal is not present; and/or (iii) the stop lamp power signal is present and the brake control pressure is not greater than a second brake control pressure threshold. A brake monitoring system configured to monitor a wheel system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a wheel system by comparing a wheel end temperature to a wheel end temperature threshold; generating a brake monitoring signal when at least one brake monitoring condition has occurred; and generating a wheel monitoring signal if a brake monitoring signal is generated when the wheel end temperature is greater than the wheel end temperature threshold. The brake monitoring conditions may include (i) a brake supply pressure is less than a brake supply pressure threshold; (ii) a brake control pressure is greater than a first brake control pressure threshold and a stop lamp power signal is not present; and/or (iii) the stop lamp power signal is present and the brake control pressure is not greater than a second brake control pressure threshold. A brake monitoring system configured to monitor a wheel system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that automatically purges contaminants from an air pressure tank when the emergency brakes of a vehicle are set. In one preferred embodiment, the system comprises a valve comprising an input port, an exhaust port, and a control port. The input port is in fluid connection with a drain on the pressurized air tank, and the control port is in fluid connection with an emergency brake line of the vehicle. When the emergency brakes are engaged, the valve is open such that the input port and the exhaust port are in fluid connection operable for air and contaminants from the pressurized air tank to be expelled from the pressurized air tank through the exhaust port. When the emergency brakes are not engaged, the valve is closed such that the input port and exhaust port are not in fluid connection.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring pressures on the service and emergency brakes, tires and suspension of a tractor trailer. The system also monitors electrical stoplight power to the ABS brakes as well as various additional vehicle systems listed within the claims. The monitoring system also provides visual and audible alarms to the operator as well as an additional output to signal a wireless device to warn the operator's employer if the warning is ignored.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a source of fluid pressure adapted to supply a braking force to at least one brake actuator and a modular valve unit fluidly coupling the brake actuator to the source of fluid pressure. The modular valve unit includes a plurality of valve modules. Each of the plurality of valve modules includes a housing in which working elements of the valve module are contained and at least one port in the housing adapted to be an input port or an output port, the at least one port being adapted to cooperate with and be directly fluidly connected to at least one port of another of the plurality of valve modules, thereby obviating the need for tubing or piping. Each of the plurality of valve modules is self-contained and defines a stand-alone unit capable of operating independently of any other of the plurality of valve modules.

Abstract: An air brake monitoring system for monitoring a pressure of the system and providing various alarms and/or warnings to a user including tire and brake status/alarms and providing for a backup alarm. The air brake monitoring system configurable to function with the existing wiring of the vehicle and including an air brake monitoring device to be positioned in the vicinity of a brake valve. The air brake monitoring system is further provided to monitor the electrical stoplight power transmitted to the ABS brakes as well as the vehicle static/dynamic condition.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring pressures on the service and emergency brakes, tires and suspension of a tractor trailer. The system also monitors electrical stoplight power to the ABS brakes as well as various additional vehicle systems listed within the claims. The monitoring system also provides visual and audible alarms to the operator as well as an additional output to signal a wireless device to warn the operator's employer if the warning is ignored.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that automatically purges contaminants from an air pressure tank when the emergency brakes of a vehicle are set. In one preferred embodiment, the system comprises a valve comprising an input port, an exhaust port, and a control port. The input port is in fluid connection with a drain on the pressurized air tank, and the control port is in fluid connection with an emergency brake line of the vehicle. When the emergency brakes are engaged, the valve is open such that the input port and the exhaust port are in fluid connection operable for air and contaminants from the pressurized air tank to be expelled from the pressurized air tank through the exhaust port. When the emergency brakes are not engaged, the valve is closed such that the input port and exhaust port are not in fluid connection.

Abstract: An air brake monitoring system for monitoring a pressure of the system and providing various alarms and/or warnings to a user including tire and brake status/alarms and providing for a backup alarm. The air brake monitoring system configurable to function with the existing wiring of the vehicle and including an air brake monitoring device to be positioned in the vicinity of a brake valve. The air brake monitoring system is further provided to monitor the electrical stoplight power transmitted to the ABS brakes as well as the vehicle static/dynamic condition.

Abstract: An air brake monitoring system for monitoring a pressure of the system and providing various alarms and/or warnings to a user. The air brake monitoring system configurable to function with the existing wiring of the vehicle and including an air brake monitoring device to be positioned in the vicinity of a brake valve. The air brake monitoring system is further provided to monitor the electrical stoplight power transmitted to the ABS brakes as well as the vehicle static/dynamic condition.

Abstract: An air brake monitoring system for monitoring a pressure of the system and providing various alarms and/or warnings to a user. The air brake monitoring system configurable to function with the existing wiring of the vehicle and including an air brake monitoring device to be positioned in the vicinity of a brake valve. The air brake monitoring system is further provided to monitor the electrical stoplight power transmitted to the ABS brakes as well as the vehicle static/dynamic condition.

Abstract: An air brake monitoring system for monitoring a pressure of the system and providing various alarms and/or warnings to a user. The air brake monitoring system configurable to function with the existing wiring of the vehicle and including an air brake monitoring device to be positioned in the vicinity of a brake valve. The air brake monitoring system is further provided to monitor the electrical stoplight power transmitted to the ABS brakes as well as the vehicle static/dynamic condition.

Abstract: An air brake monitoring system for monitoring a pressure of the system and providing various alarms and/or warnings to a user. The air brake monitoring system configurable to function with the existing wiring of the vehicle and including an air brake monitoring device to be positioned in the vicinity of a brake valve. The air brake monitoring system is further provided to monitor the electrical stoplight power transmitted to the ABS brakes as well as the vehicle static/dynamic condition.

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 full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.

Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.

Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.