Abstract: The combination solenoid valve and shuttle valve (60) with self-cleaning orifice (92) comprises a shuttle valve (50) which is slidingly and sealingly received at an end (40D) of the solenoid valve (40). The shuttle valve (50) includes a stepped interior opening (54) which includes an insert (55) providing a shuttle valve seat (91) opposite a self-aligning solenoid valve seat assembly (94) of the solenoid valve (40). The valve seat (91) of the shuttle valve (50) includes an orifice (92) which extends from an end opening (70) of the insert and communicates with an insert passage (63) at an outer radial portion of the insert (55). An opposite radial side of the insert (55) includes a port (67) which communicates with a longitudinal passage (66) of the insert (55). Disposed within the longitudinal passage (66) is a brake-master cylinder check valve (59), and a stabilization check valve (58) adjacent a filter element (80) which permits communication with the insert passage (63).

Abstract: A differential pressure switch includes a housing which carries a switch assembly which is actuated by movement of a differential pressure responsive piston slidable within the housing. The piston shifts in response to pressure differentials between the pressure levels in the chambers defined between the ends of the piston and the corresponding ends of the housing. The piston includes a pressure responsive stop that responds to pressure levels above a predetermined pressure level to engage the housing to thereby prevent shifting of the piston and actuation of the switch assembly regardless of the pressure differential across the piston, thereby limiting operation of the pressure switch to pressure levels below the predetermined maximum pressure level.

Abstract: The present invention is a failure mode detection system for use in an anti-lock braking system which comprises a network of fluid level and fluid pressure responsive switches and logic circuitry connected to detect and analyze operating parameters of the adaptive braking system and generate a plurality of output signals for indicating and/or modifying operation of the braking system on the basis of detected failures therein.

Abstract: A brake actuation assembly (10) and its method of assembly wherein a connecting pin (173) between a movable wall (101) and a torque tube (66) is retained by a keyway (141) in a plunger (140). The pin (173) moves in a slot (69) in the tube (66) in response to a reaction force to provide an input push rod (196) with an indication of the pressurized fluid supplied to a wheel brake (22, 24, 26, and 28).

Abstract: A brake actuation assembly 10 having a master cylinder 12 attached to a stationary wall (14) of a vehicle and a power assist apparatus 16. Linkage 66 connects a movable wall 125 in the power assist apparatus 16 with pistons 64 and 68 in chambers 60 and 62 in the master cylinder 12. A valve 133 responds to an input from an operator to allow a pressure differential to be created across wall 125. The pressure differential moves the wall 125 while at the same time the linkage moves pistons 64 and 68 to pressurize fluid in the master cylinder 12. An adjustment mechanism 82 acts on the piston 68 to control the timing of the interruption of fluid communication between a reservoir 46 and chambers 60 and 62 as a direct function of movement of wall 125.

Abstract: A brake apparatus 10 having a master cylinder 16 with a flange 24 connected to a first shell 56 of a booster 18 and a stationary firewall 71 of a vehicle. A first wall 70 located between the flange 24 and first shell is connected to a piston 38 in the master cylinder 14. A second wall 144 located between the first shell 56, flange 24 and a second shell 121 is linked to the first wall 70 by a plurality of bolts 180 that pass through the flange 24. A valve 102 in response to an input controls the development of a pressure differential across the first and second walls 70 and 144. This pressure differential creates a force such that the first wall 70 pushes piston 38 while the second wall 144 pulls the first wall 70 to pressurize fluid in the master cylinder 16. Since the flange 24 fixes the master cylinder 16 to a stationary firewall 71, measurable axial deflection is eliminated and the entire input is used to operate valve 102 and effect a brake application.

Abstract: A variable displacement rotary pump includes a tiltable cam plate which varies the pump displacement as a function of the fluid pressure in a control chamber. The pump pumps fluid to a fluid motor via an orifice in an outlet passage. A spool valve meters fluid to the control chamber in response to the differential pressure across the orifice. Pressure on one side of the orifice acts upon the spool valve in a feedback chamber remote from the outlet passage. The orifice is defined by an annular space between the wall of the outlet passage and neck portion of the spool valve. A feedback passage in the spool valve communicates fluid pressure from the one side of the orifice to the feedback chamber. A leakage flow path extends through a bearing to provide for automatic bearing lubrication.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes shock absorbers with valves or damping orifices controlled by solenoids. The solenoids are connected to an electronic control unit which is activated in response to a predetermined rate of compression or extension of the shock absorber. A dash-mounted operator control and vehicle attitude sensors for sensing the load, pitch and roll of the vehicle are also connected to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit energizes the solenoid to control the opening and closing of the valves in response to changes in the vehicle attitude and in response to signals generated by the operator control.

Abstract: An automatic load-leveling pump is adapted for use with an air adjustable shock absorber to maintain a substantially constant vehicle height despite changes in vehicle loading. The pump includes a housing connected to the vehicle axle and a pump piston connected to the vehicle frame. A feedback device slides within the housing in response to air pressure and includes a cylinder, which, together with the pump piston, encloses a compression chamber. The feedback device moves in response to air pressure to control the compression ratio of the compression chamber.

Abstract: A remotely controlled manual hub clutch assembly includes an axle and a wheel hub rotatably mounted on a vehicle housing. A pair of relatively movable coupling portions provide an engageable and disengageable driving connection between the axle and the wheel hub. The vehicle operator may engage and disengage the coupling members by moving a linkage connected to a movable one of the coupling members. A synchronizer prevents engagement of the coupling members until the rotation speeds of the wheel hub and the axle are substantially equalized so that the hub clutch can be engaged or disengaged while the vehicle is in motion. A non-rotating sleeve surrounds the axle and acts as a linkage to operate the coupling members.

Abstract: A leveling device is attached to a vehicle to assist in maintaining a body assembly at its preferred height even when added weight is installed in the body assembly of the vehicle. The leveling device includes a housing which is connected to either the body assembly or a wheel mounting assembly and a piston which is movably supported in the housing extends therefrom to connect with the other of the body assembly and the wheel mounting assembly. The piston cooperates with the housing to substantially define a pair of chambers and a passageway within the piston connects the chambers with each other. A pressure source, such as a vacuum or low pressure air pump, is in communication with the passageway and a first valve normally closes communication between the pair of chambers and the pressure source.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a trailer to a tow vehicle. The hitch has a beam attached to the tow vehicle for transmitting a load having vertical and horizontal components between the trailer and the tow vehicle. A bearing retained in a guide is connected to the beam by a rack and pinion connection. A shaft retained by the bearing has a yoke pivotally attached to the end thereof for connecting a ground wheel to the beam. By changing the position of the rack with respect to the pinion, the distance between the beam and wheel can be adjusted to distribute a selected portion of the vertical component of the load into the wheel. A linkage connects the tow vehicle to the shaft for maintaining the wheel in alignment with the tow vehicle to allow the wheel to resist the development of lateral forces between the tow vehicle and the trailer as a function of the vertical component of the load carried by the ground wheel.

Abstract: A tow vehicle-trailer braking system having independently operated tow vehicle and trailer brakes. The tow vehicle brakes are actuated by a master cylinder. The master cylinder is responsive to an input force supplied by an operator. When the tow vehicle brakes are actuated, a deceleration force will be created in the tow vehicle. The trailer brakes are operated by a servomotor. The servomotor has a pivotally positioned lever arm on which an adjustable weight is located. The weight is moved in response to the deceleration force created by the tow vehicle. The weight pivots the lever around a pin and supplies a control valve in the servomotor with an input force to independently operate the wheel brakes in the trailer.

Abstract: A relay valve for transmitting an operational signal to a first brake applying servomotor in a trailer upon actuation of a second brake applying servomotor in a tow vehicle. The relay valve has a housing with a movable wall which sequentially interrupts the communication of vacuum to a power chamber in the first brake applying servomotor and thereafter allows air to be communicated to the power chamber. With air in the power chamber, an operational pressure differential will be developed which will operate the first brake applying servomotor.