Abstract: A pneumatic brake system that includes at least one pneumatic latching valve; a single device, such as a solenoid, for providing momentary pilot signals to pneumatic latching valve; a source of pressurized supply air in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; a spring brake or other pneumatic device in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; and, optionally, an indicator device for monitoring and displaying the state of the pneumatic latching valve. Upon receiving a first momentary pilot signal the pneumatic latching valve changes from closed to open and delivers pressurized air to the spring brake. Upon receiving a second momentary pilot signal, the pneumatic latching valve changes from open to closed and exhausts pressurized air from the spring brake to the external environment. The valve remains “latched” in its current state until the signaling device is energized and the next momentary pilot signal is received.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system and process for treating waste water received in a batch tank. The waste water is discharged in a headwork screen for removing large solids in the water. The solids are into a sludge drying bin. The screened water is transferred into a top of an influent surge tank with an oil/water separator. The oil/water separator includes a plurality of coalescing plates for separating free oil from the waste water. Heavy solids in the surge tank are drained into the sludge drying bin. The waste water is now dropped into a containment pan. From the containment pan, the waste water is pumped into a water treatment tank. The water treatment tank includes two or more electrodes mounted in the top thereof. The electrodes are separated using insulating support spacers for providing proper electrode spacing and insulation between the electrodes. The electrodes are used for providing current to the waste water and separating the contaminates in the water by electrocoagulation.

Abstract: A valve for use in a pneumatic fluid system, such as an air brake system, is disclosed. The valve provides for fast release of pneumatic fluid from the delivery cavity through the exhaust port upon cessation of flow from the pneumatic fluid reservoir through the supply cavity. The valve includes a flow diverter that restricts fluid flow from the delivery cavity to the supply cavity when pneumatic fluid pressure in the supply cavity is less than that in the delivery cavity with minimal restriction of flow from the supply cavity to the delivery cavity when pressure in the supply cavity is greater than in the delivery cavity.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve includes a housing having an inlet port and a delivery port and an exhaust port. A valve element is movable in the housing to control air flow between the inlet port and the delivery port and the exhaust port. The valve includes a rolling element actuator for converting a rotary actuation force to linear movement of the valve element.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an air brake system is provided. The assembly includes a modulator housing, a valve assembly, and a clamp for holding the valve assembly in an operative position on the modulator housing. One leg of the clamp is fit over retaining bosses on the housing. Another leg of the clamp is bent or advanced toward a retainer that cooperates with a retaining opening on the leg to maintain the clamp in a tensioned state and secure the valve assembly to the modulator housing.

Abstract: The electro-pneumatic latching valve system having an electrical switch unit that further includes an “apply” or “activate” switch, a “release” or “deactivate” switch, and a power supply. A first solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the activate switch and a second solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the deactivate switch. A pneumatic latching valve is in pneumatic communication with the first and second solenoid valves and a source of pressurized control and supply air is in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic latching valve and the solenoid valves. A terminal device, e.g., a spring brake, is in pneumatic communication with the latching valve, and the device is released or applied in response to pressurized supply air delivered to the device through the pneumatic latching valve in response to pneumatic control signals delivered to the pneumatic latching valve from the solenoid valves.

Abstract: A valve for use in a pneumatic fluid system, such as an air brake system, is disclosed. The valve provides for fast release of pneumatic fluid from the delivery cavity through the exhaust port upon cessation of flow from the pneumatic fluid reservoir through the supply cavity. The valve includes a flow diverter that restricts fluid flow from the delivery cavity to the supply cavity when pneumatic fluid pressure in the supply cavity is less than that in the delivery cavity with minimal restriction of flow from the supply cavity to the delivery cavity when pressure in the supply cavity is greater than in the delivery cavity.

Abstract: A high volume electrolytic water treatment system and process for treating wastewater. The system and process is designed to treat waste streams that are both complex and with variable contaminate compositions. The system includes pumping influent water to a headworks screen for removing solids in the water. The screened water is then discharged into primary and secondary surge tanks. The tanks include electrocoagulation electrodes. The electrodes, using alternating current, destabilize materials such as fats, oils, greases and surfactants. The pretreated influent water is then pumped to one or more elongated flow-through modules. The flow-through modules also include electrocoagulation electrodes for further treating of the influent water. From the flow-through modules, the treated water is sent to a foam removal apparatus and then to a clarifier. Clear water from the clarifier then flows into an effluent weir and discharged from the system thereby completing the water treatment process.

Abstract: An inlet/exhaust valve having a cylindrical portion with a cavity therethrough for use in a pneumatic control valve is disclosed. The inlet/exhaust valve has at least two seats, one of which is on an inner diameter of the cylindrical portion and the other of which is on an outer diameter of the cylindrical portion. Both seats are rounded for self-aligning seating with corresponding seating surfaces.

Abstract: A high volume electrolytic water treatment system and process for treating wastewater. The system and process is designed to treat waste streams that are both complex and with variable contaminate compositions. The system includes pumping influent water to a headworks screen for removing solids in the water. The screened water is then discharged into primary and secondary surge tanks. The tanks include electrocoagulation electrodes. The electrodes, using alternating current, destabilize materials such as fats, oils, greases and surfactants. The pretreated influent water is then pumped to one or more elongated flow-through modules. The flow-through modules also include electrocoagulation electrodes for further treating of the influent water. From the flow-through modules, the treated water is sent to a foam removal apparatus and then to a clarifier. Clear water from the clarifier then flows into an effluent weir and discharged from the system thereby completing the water treatment process.

Abstract: A modulator relay valve assembly for selectively controlling brake application to an associated brake chamber is provided. The modulator relay valve assembly comprises a housing having a supply port, a delivery port, a control port, and an exhaust port. A piston is received in the housing defining a control volume in communication with the control port and is movable to control communication among the supply, delivery, and exhaust ports. A quick release valve with a direct passage to atmosphere communicates with the control volume, allowing contaminants to be expelled form the control volume during service and ABS braking. The quick release valve is biased toward an open position allowing communication from a control volume to atmosphere during service brake and ABS brake applications to decrease a pressure exerted by the control volume on the piston.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an air brake system is provided. The assembly includes a modulator housing, a valve assembly, and a clamp for holding the valve assembly in an operative position on the modulator housing. One leg of the clamp is fit over retaining bosses on the housing. Another leg of the clamp is bent or advanced toward a retainer that cooperates with a retaining opening on the leg to maintain the clamp in a tensioned state and secure the valve assembly to the modulator housing.

Abstract: A modulator relay valve assembly for selectively controlling brake application to an associated brake chamber is provided. The modulator relay valve assembly comprises a housing having a supply port, a delivery port, a control port, and an exhaust port. A piston is received in the housing defining a control volume in communication with the control port and is movable to control communication among the supply, delivery, and exhaust ports. A quick release valve with a direct passage to atmosphere communicates with the control volume, allowing contaminants to be expelled form the control volume during service and ABS braking. The quick release valve is biased toward an open position allowing communication from a control volume to atmosphere during service brake and ABS brake applications to decrease a pressure exerted by the control volume on the piston.

Abstract: A simplified, quick exhaust assembly is provided for a proportional modulator for an electropneumatic braking system. A proportional valve has an enlarged diameter opening that permits direct communication between the delivery port and the exhaust port of the assembly. The opening is dimensioned to be substantially equal to the valve seat area provided by the piston and either meets or exceeds quick exhaust times over present arrangements.

Abstract: A self-cleaning feature is provided for a trailer ABS modulator. Direct exhaust is provided through the piston or diaphragm to establish control line and control volume drain capabilities. This provides for moisture removal from the control line or control volume. Quick exhaust during normal service braking is also improved and, likewise, exhaust during the ABS mode is improved.

Abstract: An improved, air tight valve seat for a pneumatic brake system is achieved by using a plastic valve seat that is coined by the valve member. The valve member is a harder material, for example metal, than the thermo-plastic valve seat. The valve member is brought to an elevated temperature less than the melting point of the valve seat. The valve member engages the valve seat, coining the desired surface of the valve seat to conform it to the valve member. The heated valve member then remains in the valve assembly after coining.

Abstract: A pilot operated relay valve (10) for an air pressure braking system includes a relay piston (16) which is responsive to the pressure at a control port (20) to open the valve (10) so that it's inlet port (38) is in free communication with it's outlet port (24). The relay piston (16) includes a balance orifice (26) which permits the outlet port (24) to communicate with the control port (20) to equalized or balance the pressure differential therebetween. A shut off valve arrangement (80,82) or a check value (90 or 92) is provided to shutoff or control flow through the balance orifice during rapid release modulation of the pressure signal for braking applied to the control port (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic treatment of liquid waste streams and a method for treating waste streams using the apparatus. The apparatus includes improved design to maximize the efficiency of electrolytic treatment of the waste stream.

Abstract: A compressed air system includes an air dryer which dries compressed air before the compressed air is communicated to a reservoir. The air dryer includes a desiccant which is purged by using air stored in the reservoir. A pressure reference purge control valve is installed between the air dryer and the reservoir and includes a housing which defines a pressure reference volume. A pressure which is a function of the highest pressure level communicated to the reservoir is trapped in the reference volume. The valve permits purging only until a pressure is reached which is a predetermined pressure drop below the reference pressure level, whereupon purging is terminated.

Abstract: A relay valve for a fluid pressure braking system includes a relay piston and a load piston which is responsive to the pressure at the inlet port of the relay valve to exert a biasing force on the relay piston loading the latter against the inlet/exhaust valve. The biasing force is opposed by fluid pressure at the inlet port acting across the effective area of the inlet/exhaust valve. The biasing force is greater than the spring force holding the inlet/exhaust valve closed, so that the valve responds immediately to pressure signals transmitted through the control port of the relay valve.