Abstract: Tire-pressure monitoring apparatus for use with either single or dual tires for signaling deterioration of tire pressure by connecting tire pressure, upon actuation of a valve device by such reduced pressure, to a cylinder device which, in turn, moves a pin member into a space between two adjacent teeth of a rotatable member affixed to the tire, rotatable therewith, and having a plurality of teeth peripherally arranged thereon and alternately interspersed with equal spaces, except one, therebetween. Under normal conditions, the rotating member generates a magnetic field in the proximity of a sensing device which cooperates with the magnetic field for transmitting a series of signals of equal magnitude. If the magnetic field is interrupted by movement of the pin into the spaces, the sensing device transmits either control signals to an anti-skid device or tire-pressure indicating signals to a display panel, depending upon the magnitude of the signals.

Abstract: A full disk brake including a pair of disks, brake pads, and a closed external housing. In order to facilitate removal of the housing for changing brake pads, the housing is segmented, such as in the form of a pair of semi-cylindrical segments which are secured to the respective peripheries of oppositely facing disks. The housing segments may be removed independently of the brake actuating mechanism, that is, the wheel cylinder, to permit the pads to be changed. The housing segments may also be mounted such that they may be partially unsecured and then swung out of the way of access to the brake pads.

Abstract: A vehicle load responsive brake control device for adjusting the braking force according to the varying load of the vehicle in each braking range; its purpose is also to ensure control of the braking action in such a manner that, independently of the existing vehicle load, the actuating force required is always approximately the same. Another purpose of the brake control device is to adjust the braking forces in accordance with the dynamic shifting of the axle loads.

Abstract: A brake valve device including a valve-actuating piston for contacting and effecting operation of a valve member, the valve-actuating piston being provided with a stepped bore in which a spring-biased spring seat member is engaged by and axially slidably movable by a push rod for actuating the valve device. The peripheral surface of a guide flange formed on the spring seat member for stabilizing axial movement thereof in the stepped bore, is spherically-shaped for permitting such axial movement without hang-up or jamming in the bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for pressure medium brake systems for controlling the motor-vehicle brake valve and an electric switching arrangement for continuously switching on the individual braking steps of a third brake system.

Abstract: A load-controlled fluid pressure regulating valve device for tractor-trailer type vehicle brake systems which combines in a single housing a unitary piston valve assemblage capable of performing the functions of a relay valve device and a regulating valve device. The unitary valve assemblage is acted upon under normal circumstances by the brake valve control fluid pressure and is further arranged for direct actuation by an emergency piston in the event of fluid pressure loss in the trailer supply line due to uncoupling or to a broken pipe. The valve assemblage is adjustably positioned in accordance with the vehicle load condition such that the relay valve function reflects the load regulating control valve.

Abstract: A vehicle load-controlled brake pressure regulating valve device which combines in one housing a unitary valve device performing dual functions of a vehicle load responsive control valve and of a relay valve, whereby the relay valve function is effected by pressure regulated by the vehicle load function. The dual purpose valve device functions as a unit in a single housing to thereby reduce manufacturing costs and installation space required.

Abstract: A two-circuit brake system, operable either pneumatically or hydraulically, for motor vehicles including an operator-controlled brake valve for effecting supply of brake-operating pressure via a vehicle load-responsive device for regulating brake-operating pressure to the rear axle according to vehicle load, and a relay valve responsive to such regulated pressure for effecting supply of brake-operating pressure to the front axle according to a predetermined ratio. The relay valve includes certain pressure area members which may be replaced by others for varying the rear axle to front axle braking-pressure ratio to suit the particular vehicle on which it is used, and the operator-controlled brake valve is operable for maintaining effectiveness of at least one of the brake circuits, either front or rear, in the event of failure of the other.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated disc brake having one brake disc affixed to the housing of a brake cylinder unit and the other disc affixed to a service brake piston of the brake cylinder unit, which further includes an auxiliary brake piston between the service brake piston and cylinder head, thereby forming on opposite sides thereof a service brake actuating chamber and an auxiliary brake actuating chamber to which fluid pressure may be admitted via separate service and parking brake valve devices. A filling piece disposed between the brake cylinder housing and auxiliary piston is operatively connected with an actuating cylinder to which the parking brake valve also supplies auxiliary brake pressure to operate the filling piece following an auxiliary brake application, thereby mechanically locking-up the brake discs in the brake application condition to provide a parking brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic load-dependent brake power regulator for motor vehicles and trailers in which the regulator automatically assumes a condition to provide a braking force for a half-loaded vehicle in the event the regulator control linkage between the regulator and vehicle axle should break.

Abstract: An antiskid brake control system in which an electronic evaluation circuit subject to dynamic behavior signals produced by a wheel sensor associated with one wheel of an axle controls modulator valve device in the brake cylinder fluid pressure conduit to adjust the brake cylinder pressure at the sensed wheel as well as at the non-sensed wheel of the axle independently of an operator controlled brake valve device. There is provided in alternate arrangements of the invention an electrical delay element via which either the supply or exhaust valve comprising the modulator valve device associated with the non-sensed wheel is controlled so that the non-sensed wheel brake pressure development is inhibited relative to the sensed wheel brake pressure to provide better stability of the non-sensed wheel.

Abstract: A combined vehicle antiskid and load-dependent brake control system in which digital control of the individual wheel brake pressure regulating valves is provided. These regulating valves may be operated individually or on a per axle basis to vary the brake pressure independent of the operator-controlled brake valve device. The load-dependent brake control portion of the system includes electronic control circuitry that is subject to the output signal of sensors, which monitor pressure supplied by the brake valve device, actual brake cylinder pressure and the load supported by the vehicle rear axle, in order to operate the regulating valve of at least one wheel brake cylinder such as to cause the wheel brake pressure to follow a predetermined curve that differs from a normal brake pressure buildup curve.

Abstract: A wheel anti-skid brake control system for an automotive type vehicle in which diagonally opposed wheels on different axles of the vehicle are provided with a sensor device whose output signals represent different dynamic wheel behavior conditions. An electro-pneumatic modulator valve is operative in a common line via which fluid pressure is delivered to each brake cylinder device of an axle or in a separate line connected directly to each individual brake cylinder device of the axle to influence the brake pressure delivered to each brake cylinder via an operator's control valve device in accordance with the output signals of the sensor device of one wheel of the axle, as monitored by an evaluation circuit to which the modulator valve or valves of the axle are operatively connected.

Abstract: A vehicle load responsive linking device for controlling operation of a brake pressure regulator in effecting supply of pressurized fluid to the brake system at a pressure commensurate with the prevailing vehicle load, and including a fulcrumed lever for actuating the brake pressure regulator according to a resultant force of a pair of opposing spring forces exerted thereon by respective tensionally opposingly disposed springs having adjacent ends secured to the lever and the opposite ends secured to sprung and unsprung portions, respectively, of the vehicle, the distance between the sprung and unsprung portions, as determined by the vehicle load, determining the tension of the springs, which tension acts to dampen and isolate axle vibrations from the pressure regulator device.

Abstract: A wheel anti-skid brake control system in which a safety circuit is provided to monitor critical circuit functions of each wheel control channel and to interrupt power to a circuit having a malfunction in order to prevent adverse influence of the anti-skid control system on the brake pressure, wherein the safety circuit of one wheel is incorporated in the integrated electronic control circuitry of a different wheel control channel so as to remain operative when a malfunction occurs in the control channel circuitry of the one wheel in order to assure that such malfunction is detected.

Abstract: A disc brake unit embodying a pair of adjusting members confined in an opening between the application piston and a thrust member carried by the application piston for transmitting the brake application forces to the disc brake shoes. The adjusting members are contiguous along their adjacent frontal faces from which projects a plurality of inclined surfaces that coact to expand the adjusting members axially when relative rotation is imparted to the adjusting members, as by springs acting peripherally therebetween. The springs are only able to effect such rotation of the adjusting members when the space in which these members are confined is enlarged due to the thrust member being held stationary by a cramp ring when the piston is returned to release position following a brake application during which brake shoe wear occurred.

Abstract: An antiskid brake control system for an automotive vehicle of the type having for each wheel signalling apparatus to scan and sense its dynamic behavior characteristics during braking and electronic evaluation circuitry whose output signals operate electro-pneumatic modulator valves to override the operator controlled fluid brake pressure at a respective wheel when the signalling apparatus indicates an impending wheel skid. The invention features a pulse generator for each wheel of a pair of wheels that is cross-connected with the evaluation circuitry of the opposite wheel so as to effect intermittent operation of one wheel modulator valve only when the evaluation circuit of the other wheel indicates an impending wheel skid in the absence of an impending wheel skid condition of the one wheel.

Abstract: An electronic anti-skid brake control system for regulating an individual wheel brake pressure independently of an operator controlled brake valve device in such a manner that when a predetermined brake pressure difference between a skidding and non-skidding wheel arises, the higher wheel brake pressure of the non-skidding wheel is reduced. Pressure transducers produce an electrial signal representative of each wheel brake pressure. These signals are connected to different inputs of a pair of differential amplifiers, which algebraically sum the signals to provide different polarity output signals according to the difference in wheel brake pressure. These difference signals are then compared at operational amplifiers with a predetermined bias signal that establishes the differential pressure at which at least one operational amplifier is operated to control modulator valve means associated with the non-skidding wheel.

Abstract: A fluid pressure braking system for an articulated vehicle wherein the system includes a supply line and a service brake line interconnecting the tractor and trailer portions of the vehicle. A trailer control valve controls communication through the service brake line. A throttle valve is located in the supply line, and is adapted to restrict communication therethrough when the pressure differential across the trailer control valve exceeds a predetermined level during a brake application.