Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm-based spring brake actuator assembly which allows for the delivery of more force to the push rod without increasing the size of the actuator unit. The invention allows for the use of a stronger heavy main compression spring in the emergency brake chamber to provide greater emergency or parking brake force to the push rod. The invention also allows the service brake chamber to operate more efficiently when braking pressure is introduced. These functions are accomplished through modifications in the design of the actuators which allow for the deployment of a larger pressure plate inside either the emergency housing or the service brake housing, or both, allowing delivery of more force to the push rod of the actuator; and are made possible in actuator units having the same dimensional profile as existing weaker units.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm-based spring brake actuator assembly which allows for the delivery of more force to the push rod without increasing the size of the actuator unit. The invention allows for the use of a stronger heavy main compression spring in the emergency brake chamber to provide greater emergency or parking brake force to the push rod. The invention also allows the service brake chamber to operate more efficiently when braking pressure is introduced. These functions are accomplished through modifications in the design of the actuators which allow for the deployment of a larger pressure plate inside either the emergency housing or the service brake housing, or both, allowing delivery of more force to the push rod of the actuator; and are made possible in actuator units having the same dimensional profile as existing weaker units.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved secure coupling for vehicle brake actuator units that allows for a stronger and more efficient units having the same or smaller overall profile. The coupling is used between the housing cup of either a service brake actuator or an emergency brake actuator, or both, and a corresponding adaptor where the housing cup(s) and adaptor are made of dissimilar metals. In the coupling, the cylindrical wall of the housing cup is substantially vertical, and the corresponding annular edges of the adaptor cup are provided with a uniquely shaped engagement structure. This structure allows the edges of the elastomeric diaphragm deployed in the actuator to extend away from the coupling at a substantially vertical angle, making available more surface area of the diaphragm to press against a pressure-transmitting plate inside. This allows the brake actuator unit to transmit more force, and/or to employ a stronger emergency brake spring, without increasing the size of the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an easily removable and replaceable filter cap for attachment the caging tool opening in the top of the upper housing of an emergency brake actuator. The cap includes a plurality of ventilation holes and a membrane preferably made of oilophobic and hydrophobic material which allows air to pass into and out of the emergency brake housing, while keeping foreign material out. The present invention may be easily adapted for use on any of a large number of existing emergency brake housing assemblies at minimal cost. When the filter cap of the present invention is installed, breather openings in the housing are plugged so that all air is filtered through the membrane in the cap. In an emergency or service situation, the cap may be easily removed to allow a caging tool to be inserted into the upper housing to release the emergency spring brake. After removal, the cap may be reused or replaced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm-based spring brake actuator assembly which allows for the delivery of more force to the push rod without increasing the size of the actuator unit. The invention allows for the use of a stronger heavy main compression spring in the emergency brake chamber to provide greater emergency or parking brake force to the push rod. The invention also allows the service brake chamber to operate more efficiently when braking pressure is introduced. These functions are accomplished through modifications in the design of the actuators which allow for the deployment of a larger pressure plate inside either the emergency housing or the service brake housing, or both, allowing delivery of more force to the push rod of the actuator; and are made possible in actuator units having the same dimensional profile as existing weaker units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing central aluminum or steel adaptors for air brake actuators to existing steel service brake housings, existing steel emergency brake housings, or both without major modification to either housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder is provided in the steel brake housing, and the aluminum adaptor is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is sandwiched between the shoulder of the steel brake and the annular lip of the adaptor. One or more C-shaped retaining pieces are then placed around the sandwiched shoulder, diaphragm and lip. A weld is then applied to connect the C-shaped steel piece to the steel-housing, thereby holding the aluminum or steel adaptor and diaphragm securely in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing conventional central adaptors for air brake actuators to service brake housings, emergency brake housings, or both, that are made from a metal that is dissimilar to that of the adaptor without major modification to either the housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder with an elongated annular flange above it is provided on the steel part, and the aluminum part is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is first placed directly on the shoulder of the selected steel part. The aluminum part is then placed on top of the diaphragm such that the annular lip of the aluminum part fits inside the annular flange of the steel part. A slightly deformable annular steel piece is placed around the aluminum part so that it comes to rest against the annular aluminum lip while also touching the annular steel flange of the steel part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing central aluminum or steel adaptors for air brake actuators to existing steel service brake housings, existing steel emergency brake housings, or both without major modification to either housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder with an elongated annular flange above it is provided in the steel brake housing, and the aluminum adaptor is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is first placed directly on the shoulder of the steel brake housing. The aluminum or steel adaptor is then placed on top of the diaphragm such that the annular lip of the adaptor fits inside the annular flange of the housing. A slightly deformable annular steel piece is then placed around the aluminum adaptor so that it comes to rest against the annular lip while also touching the annular steel flange of the housing. One or more breaks may be provided in the annular steel piece to facilitate placing it over the aluminum adaptor.

Abstract: An emobodiment of a process for filtration of a slurry containing fine particles is a process comprising:(a) filtering phosphoric acid containing sludge-forming particulate impurities through a fabric filter whereby particulate impurities are separated from the phosphoric acid and retained on the surface of the fabric filter to form a filter cake comprising particulate impurities and entrained phosphoric acid;(b) contacting the filter cake with a wash fluid (e.g., water) to remove a major portion of the entrained phosphoric acid from the filter cake, thereby forming a washed filter cake; and,(c) removing the washed filter cake to expose a fresh surface of the fabric filter, for contacting with additional phosphoric acid containing particulate impurities.Preferably, the washed filter cake is removed by the introduction of pressurized air to the side of the fabric filter opposite the washed filter cake.