Abstract: A fluid control system for use with vehicles, in particular, trailers, includes a branch conduit which is to be connected to a pressure supply line and a control line to enable priming of the control line so that signals generated upon application of the vehicle brake pedal are more quickly transmitted to the trailer brakes. This overcomes problems associated with delay in application of the trailer brakes. An electrically operated solenoid valve controls fluid flow through the branch conduit so that upon application of the vehicle brake pedal the solenoid valve is operated to open the branch conduit to allow pressurized fluid to flow from the supply line to the control line for a predetermined time period to prime the control line. Pressurized fluid from the branch supply conduit is directed longitudinally down the control line by a longitudinally arranged outlet so that substantially all of the fluid is directed to backfill the control line.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a first container (12) for containing a component C and a cavity (30) for receiving a separate cartridge (60). A first piston (34) is received in the container (12) and a second piston (78) is received in the cartridge (60). A blade (48) extends between the piston (34) and piston (78) for slicing the separate cartridge (60) as the pistons move so that the component C and a second component C1 in the separate cartridge (60) are expelled from the dispenser. A valve arrangement (100) can be coupled to an outlet (18) for the dispenser in order to dispense the components C and C1 and a flexible sleeve (50) may be arranged in the container (12) between a sidewall of the container (12) and the piston (34) for sealing any space between the piston (34) and the sidewall of the container (12).

Abstract: A dispenser has a first container (12) for containing a component C and a cavity (30) for receiving a separate cartridge (60). A first piston (34) is received in the container (12) and a second piston (78) is received in the cartridge (60). A blade (48) extends between the piston (34) and piston (78) for slicing the separate cartridge (60) as the pistons move so that the component C and a second component C1 in the separate cartridge (60) are expelled from the dispenser. A valve arrangement (100) can be coupled to an outlet (18) for the dispenser in order to dispense the components C and C1 and a flexible sleeve (50) may be arranged in the container (12) between a sidewall of the container (12) and the piston (34) for sealing any space between the piston (34) and the sidewall of the container (12).

Abstract: A fluid control system for use with vehicles, in particular, trailers, includes a branch conduit (19, 25, 42, 80, 96) which is to be connected to a pressure supply line (20) and a control line (22) to enable priming of the control line (20) so that signals generated upon application of the vehicle brake pedal are more quickly transmitted to the trailer brakes. This overcomes problems associated with delay in application of the trailer brakes. An electrically operated solenoid valve (11) controls fluid flow through the branch conduit so that upon application of the vehicle brake pedal the solenoid valve is operated to open the branch conduit to allow pressurized fluid to flow from the supply line (20) to the control line (22) for a predetermined time period to prime the control line (22).

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator according to the invention is suitable for use as a master cylinder for a vehicle brake or clutch system. The actuator includes a housing having a bore extending therethrough and at least a primary piston movably disposed within the bore and extending out of the housing through one end thereof. The other end of the bore is closed by a removable end cap. A pressure chamber is defined within the bore between the end cap and the piston. Preferably a cylindrical cartridge is located within the housing and that cartridge defines the bore with which the piston is in engagement. The cartridge is removable from the housing when the end cap is removed and this facilitates maintenance or repair of the master cylinder. A fast fill seal assembly may be included on the piston and the actuator preferably a double piston and pressure chamber assembly with a secondary piston being located between the primary piston and the end cap.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system for an arrangement having a prime mover and at least one tandem trailer. The system includes a respective sub-system for the prime mover and each tandem trailer and each sub-system has a plurality of spring brakes which are held out of a park mode by pressurized air in a hold-back chamber and are caused to operate in a normal manner by pressurized air supplied to a service chamber. Each sub-system includes a service relay valve which is operable to connect pressurized air with the service chambers of the respective spring brakes and the prime mover sub-system includes a control relay valve which is operable to cause operation of the service relay valves of that sub-system and the adjacent tandem trailer sub-system. If there are two or more tandem trailers, each tandem trailer sub-system apart from the last includes a control relay valve and each succeeding control relay valve is operated as a consequence of operation of the control relay valve of the respective preceding sub-system.

Abstract: A relay valve for a vehicle brake system having an operating piston which moves in one direction in response to entry of a control pressure into one part of the valve and which by that movement causes an orifice to open whereby working pressure is allowed to enter another part of the valve and pass from there through various outlets. There are six outlets and each is connected to a respective brake assembly of the vehicle brake system. A damping piston is connected to the operating piston so as to move therewith and is subjected to the same pressure as that acting against one side of the operating piston but in a manner such as to provide resistance to movement of the operating piston in the aforementioned one direction.