Abstract: A parking apparatus is provided for a vehicle. The apparatus comprises an electronic parking brake (EPB) valve having an air outlet port. The apparatus also comprises a pneumatic delivery line interconnecting the air outlet port of the EPB valve and a spring brake system to allow air pressure from the EPB valve to be applied to the spring brake system to maintain parking brakes of the vehicle in released position. The apparatus further comprises a normally-open solenoid valve having an air inlet port which is in communication with the delivery line which interconnects the air outlet port of the EPB valve and the spring brake system, wherein the solenoid valve is operable to vent air pressure from the delivery line and thereby to apply the spring brake system to park the vehicle in response to loss of electrical power to the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle parking brake control valve button including an elastomeric body and a plurality of elastic ridges. The body of the cover includes a rim and a recess designed to fit the contour of the control valve button. The ridges are designed to provide enough rigidity to support pressure applied thereto, and enough elasticity to absorb energy created by the actuation of the button. The absorption of the energy dampens the stinging sensation typically felt by the operator when actuating the parking brakes.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an air pressure system includes an inlet valve, a first control valve, and a second control valve. The inlet valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a control port. The inlet valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port when the inlet valve control port is above a threshold pressure. The first control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The first control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port. The first control valve outlet port communicates with one of the first control valve inlet port and the first control valve exhaust port as a function of a position of the first control valve control member. The second control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The second control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an air pressure system includes an inlet valve, a first control valve, and a second control valve. The inlet valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a control port. The inlet valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port when the inlet valve control port is above a threshold pressure. The first control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The first control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port. The first control valve outlet port communicates with one of the first control valve inlet port and the first control valve exhaust port as a function of a position of the first control valve control member. The second control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The second control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an air pressure system includes an inlet valve, a first control valve, and a second control valve. The inlet valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a control port. The inlet valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port when the inlet valve control port is above a threshold pressure. The first control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The first control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port. The first control valve outlet port communicates with one of the first control valve inlet port and the first control valve exhaust port as a function of a position of the first control valve control member. The second control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The second control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle parking brake control valve button including an elastomeric body and a plurality of elastic ridges. The body of the cover includes a rim and a recess designed to fit the contour of the control valve button. The ridges are designed to provide enough rigidity to support pressure applied thereto, and enough elasticity to absorb energy created by the actuation of the button. The absorption of the energy dampens the stinging sensation typically felt by the operator when actuating the parking brakes.

Abstract: A braking system control requires that a first or service braking system be actuated before a second or parking braking system can be released to prevent unexpected movements. A sensor senses that the service brakes are engaged and controls a device to release the parking brakes. A latch ensures that the parking brakes remain released. For example, a piston and check valve form the sensor and latch. Service brake pressure works against the piston. Above a threshold level, service brake pressure drives the piston to open a valve that provides pressurized air to a parking brake release system. Once released, the check valve directs parking brake release pressure to the piston to keep the valve open.

Abstract: A braking system control requires that a first or service braking system be actuated before a second or parking braking system can be released to prevent unexpected movements. A sensor senses that the service brakes are engaged and controls a device to release the parking brakes. A latch ensures that the parking brakes remain released. For example, a piston and check valve form the sensor and latch. Service brake pressure works against the piston. Above a threshold level, service brake pressure drives the piston to open a valve that provides pressurized air to a parking brake release system. Once released, the check valve directs parking brake release pressure to the piston to keep the valve open.

Abstract: A braking system is able to meet emergency stopping distance requirements associated with a failed rear axle service control line by modifying the service relay valve. The service relay valve incorporates a biased double check valve so that an additional or secondary control line from the foot control valve communicates with the service port of the relay valve. If the primary circuit is operational, a biasing force imposed on the double check valve permits normal operation via the primary service line. On the other hand, if the primary service line is lost, the biasing force is overcome and communication between the secondary service line and the service port of the relay valve is established.