Abstract: A remote braking apparatus has a vacuum conduit network that operably connects a vacuum source to both the power boost of the towed-vehicle and a pair of solenoid valves. A vacuum cylinder receives vacuum from the solenoid valves as directed by an electronic circuit connected to the vehicle's battery. The vacuum actuates the vacuum cylinder causing it to move between a resting position and a braking position. A cable mechanically interconnects the vacuum cylinder and a brake pedal of the towed-vehicle. The cable passes through a cable shield tube that is anchored to both the vacuum cylinder and the firewall of the vehicle, thereby directing the movement of the vacuum cylinder to the brake pedal, allowing the vacuum cylinder to control the movement of the brake pedal.

Abstract: An electronic braking system for trailers. A control system is incorporated into the braking equipment of a towing vehicle to provide a trailer braking command signal. This signal is regulated so as to balance the braking between the towing vehicle and the trailer through the assessment of forces in the coupling between the two vehicles. The assessment is made indirectly and is calculated from forces measured in the suspension components of at least two axles of the towing vehicle and the changes occurring therein during braking.

Abstract: A brake pedal actuator having a tubular member and a stem telescopically mounted in the tubular member. A J-shaped hook is mounted on the stem for attachment to a segment of a steering wheel of a vehicle. A pedal clamping mechanism is mounted on the tubular member for attachment to the brake pedal of the vehicle. A handle is mounted on the tubular member for allowing a manual pushing and pulling of the brake pedal by a user standing outside the vehicle. In another aspect of the invention, the actuator has a wedge-type locking sleeve and nut affixed to the clamping mechanism for selectively locking the mechanism and for preventing a loosening or clapping of the latching mechanism when the brake pedal is manually actuated back and forth. In a further aspect of the present invention, the brake pedal actuator comprises a ring which is movably mounted on the stem and restrictively positional along the stem.

Abstract: A fully protective multi-unit railroad freight car for carrying motor vehicles on two or three levels with the lowest level being in a cargo well between a pair of deep side sills. A pair of vehicle-carrying decks are adjustable in height and are counterbalanced against each other during adjustment of their locations. A roof structure is light in weight and constructed of corrugated sheet metal with a self-supporting central portion. The ends of the car are equipped with three-panel folding doors, and a flexible diaphragm closes the space between articulated adjacent car units supported by a shared truck. A modular brake operating system is mounted on the car body. An easily removable brake system module incorporates a compressed air reservoir, a dummy reservoir, a brake control valve, train line and brake cylinder connector lines, and a support structure. The module is easily removable and replaceable, allowing for repair and system testing at a shop.

Abstract: An apparatus for operator controlled purging of the tanks of a pressurized air reservoir of a vehicle air system comprises an air actuated normally closed drain valve mounted to an underside of each tank, a source of pressurized air engaged to each drain valve, and a controller for each valve engaged downstream of the source, and within a driver area of the vehicle, the controller when activated, allowing for communication between the source and the drain valve for opening of the valve. The method for using the apparatus in testing air system integrity includes the steps of draining and refilling each tank individually in a pre-defined sequence while monitoring driver area mounted indicators of air pressure levels and testing functionality of an air system operated service brake system of the vehicle by carrying out the pre-defined sequence.

Abstract: A towing/towed vehicle braking system translates towing vehicle braking fluid pressure into air pressure. An actuator is driven by this air pressure to depress the towed vehicle brake pedal in response to an elevated level of towing vehicle brake fluid pressure. A three-way valve controlled by the brake light wire of the towing vehicle releases the air pressure in the conduit when the towing vehicle brakes are released.

Abstract: A system that allows a driver of a towing vehicle to control self contained brakes of towed vehicle thorough application of towing vehicle brakes. When driver applies towing vehicle brakes and brake light switch is activated a solenoid in conjunction with compressor and air tank in towed vehicle releases air pressure to an air cylinder depressing towed vehicle's brake pedal. If the towed vehicle detaches from towing vehicle while traveling a second solenoid will be activated by a breakaway switch to bring the towed vehicle to a rapid stop.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake apparatus is disclosed for braking a vehicle. The apparatus includes a reservoir for the reception therein of hydraulic fluid and a master cylinder hydraulically connected to the reservoir. A pedal actuator is pivotally secured to the vehicle and operably connected to the master cylinder. The arrangement is such that when the pedal actuator is pivoted from a retracted first location to a depressed second location thereof, hydraulic fluid is drawn by the master cylinder from the reservoir towards the master cylinder. A slave cylinder is hydraulically connected to the master cylinder such that when the pedal actuator moves from the retracted first location to the depressed second location, hydraulic fluid is pumped from the master cylinder towards the slave cylinder for actuation thereof.

Abstract: A trailer braking system for applying hydraulic brake pressure to a trailer includes a master brake cylinder mounted to a flange body carried by the trailer frame. The master cylinder is hydraulically connected to the trailer brakes as well as to a feedback control cylinder. An electronic brake controller is electronically connected to an electromagnet positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from an iron bar carried by a control system lever. When the electronic brake controller forwards a signal to the electromagnet, it is energized and attracts the iron bar thereby moving the control system lever toward an energized stop. Movement of this control system lever forwards a signal to a control valve which exhausts air from an air spring. As air is exhausted from the air spring, an actuator lever and an interconnected actuator rod are moved toward the master cylinder. Movement of the actuator rod applies brake pressure to the trailer brakes, and also supplies pressure to the feedback control cylinder.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a towed vehicle brake system and more particularly to a brake control system which slaves the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. The system is preferably utilized with existing hydraulic braking systems of the towing and towed vehicles, although the concepts of the disclosure can be adapted to other types of braking systems. The system is easily mounted and removed from both the towing and towed vehicles. When utilized with hydraulic braking systems, the existing hydraulic systems are not penetrated by the disclosed system.

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 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: An apparatus for simultaneously applying brakes of a trailer when brakes of a towing vehicle are applied is described. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump which communicates with a vacuum booster in a braking system of the trailer thereby providing vacuum pressure to the vacuum booster. A servomotor is linked to an activating arm that moves a plunger that acts through the vacuum booster upon a master brake cylinder of the trailer. Upon activation, the servomotor provides force to move the plunger thereby sending braking fluid from the master cylinder to brakes in the trailer. A pedal position sensor communicates with a brake pedal in the towing vehicle, whereby the brake pedal position of the towing vehicle is sensed. An encoder communicates with the pedal position sensor. The encoder receives data from the pedal position sensor regarding the brake pedal position of the towing vehicle and encodes such data. A decoder communicates with the encoder and the servomotor.

Abstract: A trailer surge brake actuator comprises a plurality of stacked slider asblies. At least one rigid first tubular body is affixed by suitable means to the front end of a trailer. A first rigid cylinder slider attached to the towing vehicle extends longitudinally and reciprocates inside the first tubular body. Attached to the first slider is a rigid member connecting the first slider with at least one second cylinder slider which reciprocates within a second tubular body attached to the top of the first tubular body. The rigid member prevents the first and second sliders from rotating when the towing vehicle's pintle rotates. The second slider's end within the second tubular body is in contact with a pushrod that actuates a brake master cylinder attached to the aft end of the second tubular body.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously applying brakes of a towed vehicle having a self contained braking system when brakes of a towing vehicle are applied is described. This apparatus includes a vacuum pump linked with a vacuum booster in the braking system of the towed vehicle thereby providing vacuum pressure to the vacuum booster. A servomotor linked with a brake pedal in the braking system of the towed vehicle. Upon activation, the servomotor provides force to move the brake pedal thereby applying the brakes in the towed vehicle. A pedal position sensor is linked with the brake pedal in the towing vehicle, whereby the brake pedal position of the towing vehicle is sensed. An encoder is linked with the pedal position sensor. The encoder receives data from the pedal position sensor regarding the brake pedal position of the towing vehicle and encodes such data. A decoder is linked with the encoder and the servomotor.

Abstract: A device for applying the brake of a towed vehicle when towed by a towing vehicle equipped with an air brake system having a power brake operator operative to supply operating air under pressure to apply a brake on the towing vehicle and also having a reservoir of operating air under pressure. The device is connected to the brake pedal of the towed vehicle. It comprises a first piston-cylinder assembly with a spring for urging the piston therein to an advanced position, and a second piston-cylinder assembly having a spring urging the piston therein to a retracted position. The brake on the towed vehicle is applied only when one of the pistons is advanced. An air line supplies air from the reservoir to the first piston-cylinder assembly to urge the piston to a retracted position against the action of the spring.

Abstract: A braking system for use on a towing vehicle and on a towed vehicle comprises a vacuum capture mechanism for capturing vacuum from a towing vehicle. A vacuum delivery mechanism is provided for delivering vacuum to a towed vehicle. A switch mechanism is also provided for allowing controlled transfer of vacuum to a towed vehicle. A vacuum reception mechanism is coupleable with the vacuum delivery mechanism for receipt of vacuum. An air pressure mechanism is adapted to be coupled to a towed vehicle for generating air pressure when actuated. A ram mechanism is coupled to the air pressure mechanism for depressing a brake pedal of a towed vehicle when the air pressure mechanism is actuated. A vacuum switch mechanism is coupled to the vacuum reception mechanism. The vacuum switch mechanism has one orientation for actuating the air pressure mechanism upon receipt of vacuum.

Abstract: A receiver hitch for a motor home or other towing vehicle, adapted to actuate the brake system of a vehicle being towed by the motor home. The apparatus comprises three portions the first of which moves forwardly, to actuate a master brake cylinder of the third portion, which master cylinder will then dispense fluid to the brake system of the vehicle being towed. The intermediate portion of the apparatus is used for mounting it to the motor home or other towing vehicle and for the reception of the first and third portions.

Abstract: An AND-type control valve useful in a vehicle braking system to prevent application of the vehicle brakes when only the right-hand or left-hand vehicle brakes are applied for the purpose of steering the vehicle. The control valve has two input flowpaths corresponding to the hydraulic braking circuit on different sides of the vehicle and a control output port for connection to the vehicle brake valve. Each input flowpath contains a non-return valve having associated therewith a flow sensitive device to provide a restricted flowpath which gives rise to a pressure drop which will tend to close or assist in closure of the non-return valve. A device is provided to prevent simultaneous closure of both non-return valves.

Abstract: Car towing apparatus having a surge brake system on a tow bar adapted to be coupled to the brakes of the towed vehicle to actuate the same upon actuation of the brakes of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: The brakes of a towed vehicle can be applied remotely responsive to braking of the towing vehicle. An air compressor driven by the motor of the towing vehicle can supply compressed air to a compressed air storage tank with a pneumatic line extending from the compressed air storage tank rearwardly to a braking assembly which is positioned in the passenger compartment of the towed vehicle. The braking assembly is adjustable and includes a rod positioned between the steering wheel and the brake pedal of the towed vehicle and is secured to both. A pneumatic control device is connected to the pneumatic line to receive a signal therethrough to actuate the braking assembly through an actuation device such as a pneumatic piston to exert pressure to expand the length of the bar and apply the brakes of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The system in accordance with the invention provides braking while an aircraft (1) is being towed on the ground by a tractor vehicle (2) which is mechanically connected to the aircraft and which is fitted with a brake device under the control of a brake pedal (27), with the aircraft being fitted with a braking circuit. The system comprises a towing brake member (7) disposed in the aircraft's braking circuit line (34) for connecting the brake control member (27) of the vehicle to the towing brake member (7) of the aircraft.

Abstract: Heavy duty hydraulic surge brakes for carrying high front end loads includes a fixed section for mounting on the tailer draw bar or frame and a movable section connected to the coupler. The fixed section has a frame for mounting to a trailer frame and a pair of end plates. A pair of rigid rods extend between the end plates. The hydraulic master cylinder mounts on the fixed section and has a push rod which is operated by the movable section. The movable section includes a pair of slide tubes on the rods guided by low friction bearings. A cross member joins the tubes to the draw bar, and a brake adjusting screw is carried on the tubes for coaction with the cylinder push rod. Springs urge the tubes forward on the rods, and bumpers cushion the forward position of the tubes. In another embodiment, automotive-type shock absorbers add further control of the surge-induced movement of the movable section to the fixed section.

Abstract: An improved remote braking system (10, 100) is provided which allows simultaneous actuation of the braking system of a motor home (12) and an automobile (14) towed behind the motor home. An advantage of the present invention is the incorporation of the system within the self-contained hydraulic brake system of the automobile, which permits the braking system of the automobile to be operated in the normal manner. The system includes an actuator (26, 102) which is secured between the vacuum booster (18) and the master cylinder (20) of the automobile. Within the actuator is a piston (38, 114) which separates the interior of the actuator into two chambers. A pressure differential is created between the chambers when the brakes of the motor home are applied to generate a force on the piston (38, 114), to apply the brakes of the towed automobile as well. The system is operable with either air brakes or hydraulic brakes in the motor home.

Abstract: Hydraulic brake system between two vehicles provides for simultaneously braking both vehicles with equal intensity. An auxiliary master cylinder in the towing vehicle controls, through fluid pressure, four auxiliary brake cylinders, the middle two being part of a removable unit. The fourth auxiliary cylinder exerts fluid pressure during a towing mode, on the conventional brake system of the towed vehicle through a valve that shuts down the pressure exerted by the towed vehicle's master cylinder during the towing mode.

Abstract: An arrangement in articulated vehicles for avoiding uncontrolled articulation movements between participating vehicle units. A transducer, sensing instantaneous speed of at least one driven vehicle wheel on the trailing vehicle unit, sends a signal in response thereto to a comparator circuit where the signal is compared with a reference signal representing a normal value for the wheel speed. If a predetermined speed difference is indicated, the comparator circuit activates means such as an operating power control means and/or an articulation brake, for limiting the articulation movement.

Abstract: A trailer brake actuator and method of operation in which the actuator is interposed between a towing vehicle and a trailing vehicle and is operable upon a change in the distance between the vehicles to displace actuating fluid to the trailer brakes. The actuator is effective in both directions of relative movement between the vehicles, and in each direction of movement, the development of pressure above a predetermined minimum pressure or relative movement of the actuator parts beyond a predetermined amount will cause the pressure in the brake system to be released.