Abstract: A remotely activated electro mechanical device is mounted in the dual chamber brake system of a vehicle or trailer. The device includes a solenoid valve and a receiver decoder which controls the valve in response to a coded signal ideally available only to law enforcement to vent pressure in the emergency chamber of a dual chamber brake system to automatically apply the brakes thereby bringing a moving vehicle to a stop. The device is also responsive to a second, different coded signal, available only to authorized users to vent pressure in the emergency chamber and to lock the brakes by preventing pressurized air from being supplied to the dual chamber brake system of a stopped or parked vehicle. The device is also responsive to coded signals which reverse the above-noted actions.

Abstract: A brake actuating assembly includes a cam member that has first and second cam surfaces. A first piston in a first hydraulic circuit is selectively enabled to axially translate the cam member from a released position to an actuation position while an actuation piston moves friction surfaces into engagement with a rotor to effect a brake application. During a brake application, pressurized fluid is diverted away from a second piston in a second hydraulic circuit that is later enabled to return the cam member to the released position. A resilient assembly selectively engages the second cam surface to obliquely move the cam member toward the actuation piston during a brake application. An electrically actuable valve supplies pressure fluid that acts on and moves the resilient assembly away from the second cam surface and thereafter allow a second hydraulic piston to return cam member to the released position.

Abstract: A control process can be carried out during parking braking by way of a parking brake arrangement. The brake is applied by way of a service brake cylinder, and a position of a piston rod is fixed by rotation of a self-locking rotating spindle and application of the rotating spindle to the piston rod or an element connected in front of the piston rod. By additionally rotating the rotating spindle during parking braking, compensation can be made for shrinkages, particularly of a brake disk and/or brake linings, which occur during brake cooling.

Abstract: The device for electrically locking the brake of an automobile according to the present invention is a device for theft prevention provided with a system of mechanism for acting on the brake system to stop the wheel from moving and thereby disabling movement of the car. This device is provided with a burglar alarm system for alerting the owner of automobile, persons, or organization concerned by transmitting radio waves to a radio receiver circuit carried by the owner of automobile and instructing the system to make a telephone call to a predetermined number, further including other means of communication. The device for electrically locking the brake of an automobile with execute the locking the brake and informing the owner of automobile, persons, or organization concerned only when the burglar alarm system is activated.

Abstract: A lockout device couplable between a pneumatically-operable vehicle parking brake and a plunger-actuated control valve. The plunger is movable between a brake-disengaging position in which pressurized air flows through the control valve to the parking brake, and a brake-engaging position in which such air flow is prevented. The device has a shaft which is rotatable with respect to the plunger. The shaft has recessed and non-recessed portions. The plunger has a second recess. A key is removably couplable to the shaft and is rotatable between an engaged position in which the shaft's non-recessed portion protrudes into the second recess while the plunger is in the brake-engaging position, preventing movement of the plunger into the brake-disengaging position; and, a disengaged position in which the recessed portion of the shaft intersects the second recess, permitting movement of the plunger between the brake-disengaging and engaging positions.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety-enhancing automatic brake control system that automatically applies and maintains the brakes in the applied state, in response to sensors at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment that signal an invented controller when conditions exist that make vehicle movement potentially dangerous. The controller validates the signals and then actuates a mechanism that manages the air, brake fluid, or mechanical brake linkage/cable that applies the brakes. The control system preferably includes a vehicle motion override system that prevents automatic application of the brakes if the vehicle is in motion above a set speed, and a manual brake-releasing override that allows a driver to override the controller temporarily at the driver's discretion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of automatically braking a vehicle in a stop state by using a signal of a vehicle-speed sensor in a vehicle, and can be used as an alternative to a parking brake. A stop signal conversion means (20), an accelerator pedal sensing means (40), a stopping/running judgement means (50), a switch means (60) and a electromagnetically operated switching valve (70) are comprised. One of a high-level signal and a low-level signal from the vehicle-speed sensor (10) in the stop state of the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal is detected as it is, and the other one of a high-level signal and a low-level signal from the vehicle-speed sensor (10) is converted by a stop signal conversion means (20) and detecting the converted one. A brake line (L) is closed and the vehicle is braked by detecting the stop state using a single signal from the vehicle-speed sensor (10) although the pressing of the brake pedal may be released.

Abstract: Wheeled vehicles such as semi trailers, trucks, and automobiles are typically outfitted with a braking system. This braking system can effectively be used to discourage or prevent theft of the wheeled vehicle. A method and apparatus utilizing a valve is inserted in a brake line to disallow pressure information to pass to the brakes from the source of pressure. For air brakes, the valve can be used to block the flow of air from the air compressor to the brakes; or it can be used to vent the air to the atmosphere. For vehicles with hydraulic brakes, an actuated check valve which (when actuated) permits the flow of brake fluid to the brakes but will not permit the relief of pressure in the slave cylinders is used. In either case (pneumatic or hydraulic brakes), the command for actuating the valve can be received from a remote device such as a keypad in the cab of the vehicle or elsewhere, a key-fob transmitter, a cell phone, a radio frequency device, or a web-based communications device.

Abstract: 2.1 Proposed is a simple and cost-effective method that enables a safe operation of a motor vehicle comprising an electrical braking system with a parking brake.

Abstract: An electric parking brake system has an electric motor, an output shaft, a frictional member, a drive circuit and a controller. The output shaft is reciprocated by the electric motor. The output shaft presses the frictional member against a rotor of a vehicle such that the frictional member applies brake to a wheel of the vehicle with a predetermined baking force. The drive circuit supplies a voltage to the electric motor to drive the electric motor. The controller controls the drive circuit. For a predetermined period that is required for the frictional member to generate the predetermined braking force, the controller causes the drive circuit to supply a predetermined constant voltage to the electric motor.

Abstract: A brake control device prevents movement of a vehicle, when an unsafe condition exists, by automatically applying the parking or other brake. The brake control system may prevent movement should the unsafe condition exist within, on or around, a towed device such as a trailer, a trailer-house or other recreational or non-recreational equipment. The brake control system may set a brake or parking device on the towed device whenever the towed device is disconnected from the motorized vehicle, or whenever equipment on the towed vehicle is extending outward or is otherwise un-stowed in a position unsafe for traveling, whether or not the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle. Interface connections from the towed device to the powered towing vehicle may include wireless, electrical wire, fiber optics, analog, digital, or others.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronically controlled parking brake for a motor vehicle, comprising a switch-on device (35) for generating an electronic activation signal, a release device (35) for generating an electronic deactivation signal, an electronic control device (25) that processes said signal, a pressure fluid source (14, 16, 21) and brake modules (2) that can be optionally linked with the pressure fluid source (14, 16, 21) via on-off valves (11, 12) and that generate braking forces on the wheels of the motor vehicle. Each brake module is provided with a first pressure compartment (34) that is contiguous with a tensioning member of the respective brake module, said pressure compartment being linkable with a main braking cylinder (23) via service brake circuit (22).

Abstract: An automatic parking brake actuation system for a truck or other heavy vehicle, including:

Abstract: A locking system for trailer air brakes of the type having a supply air line with a gladhand. The locking system comprises a valve connected to the supply air line. The valve is actuatable between an open position, wherein the valve enables air conveyed in the supply air line to disengage the air brakes from the actuated position, and an exhaust position, wherein the valve exhaust air through an exhaust port thereof from the supply air line such that the air brakes remain in the actuated position. A locking device has a portion being automatically displaceable to a locking position when the valve is actuated to the exhaust position so as to lock the valve in the exhaust position, and being displaceable to a disarmed position by manual disarming means for unlocking the locking device and displace the valve to the open position.

Abstract: A locking device for immobilizing trailers to prevent unauthorized movement or theft of the trailer by venting the compressed air that is used to release the brakes. The locking device has a controller unit, a control valve and power source mounted inside a housing. A control mechanism, such as a keypad or key lock system, is located outside of the housing, preferably on a trailer wall. The inlet on the control valve connects to the brake line that delivers compressed air to the trailer's compressed air-operated brakes. In the locked condition, the control valve is set so compressed air vents out the control valve's outlet, preventing release of the brakes. When the proper lock code, key or other signal is received, the control valve closes the outlet to stop the venting and allow the brakes to be released.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for motor vehicles. The preferred embodiment is designed to prevent theft by preventing a vehicle's wheels from turning when the system is activated. In the preferred embodiment, there are inhibitors in the disc rotors of each wheel. Next to each wheel, there is a solenoid, within which is a locking pin or piston rod. When the user enters an activation coded key in an ignition, the solenoids are energized, causing the piston rods to move outward into arcuate recesses, thus preventing the rotor discs from turning. A deactivation code must be entered in the ignition to de-energize the solenoids, causing the piston rods to move back into the solenoids and releasing the rotor discs. Optionally, the parking brake may also be locked when the system is activated.

Abstract: An emergency brake lever system for a recreational vehicle with a lever-actuated braking mechanism for precluding movement of the recreational vehicle upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a tether for wearing by a rider of the recreational vehicle. A release mechanism is coupled to the braking mechanism and the tether for actuating the braking mechanism upon the rider inadvertently falling off of the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: A combination valve assembly provides dual functionality within a single valve housing. In one example, the valve operates as a combination inversion valve and quick release valve. In another example, the combination valve operates as an inversion valve and a relay valve. The valve is particularly useful for controlling the operation of a spring applied, air release brake actuator in a heavy vehicle braking arrangement. A valve designed according to this invention preferably also provides anti-compounding features.

Abstract: An electronic automobile anti-theft apparatus having high reliability includes a motor, which moves a lock pin to lock a steering shaft of an automobile. A solenoid maintains the lock pin in a state released from the steering shaft and operates to permit the lock pin to lock the steering shaft by receiving power. An ECU controls the operations of the motor and the solenoid. A mechanical switch stops supplying the solenoid with power to prevent unintentional locking by the lock pin when the automobile is being driven or when driving of the automobile is enabled.

Abstract: A lockout device couplable between a pneumatically-operable vehicle parking brake and a plunger-actuated control valve. The plunger is movable between a brake-disengaging position in which pressurized air flows through the control valve to the parking brake, and a brake-engaging position in which such air flow is prevented. The device has a shaft which is rotatable with respect to the plunger. The shaft has recessed and non-recessed portions. The plunger has a second recess. A key is removably couplable to the shaft and is rotatable between an engaged position in which the shaft's non-recessed portion protrudes into the second recess while the plunger is in the brake-engaging position, preventing movement of the plunger into the brake-disengaging position; and, a disengaged position in which the recessed portion of the shaft intersects the second recess, permitting movement of the plunger between the brake-disengaging and engaging positions.

Abstract: An air reservoir for an air brake system is provided. The air reservoir includes a housing that has a first air chamber, a second air chamber, and a supply air chamber. A first valve is disposed between the supply air chamber and the first air chamber and is configured to allow air to flow from the supply air chamber to the first air chamber. A second valve is disposed between the supply air chamber and the second air chamber and is configured to allow air to flow from the supply air chamber to the second air chamber.

Abstract: A service brake actuator (1), preferably for a heavy road vehicle, comprises in a housing (3, 4) a fluid actuated piston (5) with a piston rod (6). A lock actuator (2) combined with the service brake actuator comprises an axially movable push rod (13) for actuating the piston (5), a rotatable screw rod (18) in self-locking thread engagement with the push rod for axially transferring the push rod, and an electric motor (25) for rotating the screw rod (18).

Abstract: A hydraulic braking system for wheel-borne devices permits brake actuation independent of operator-actuation of a normal brake valve. A braking circuit includes a flow line, a return line, and one or more wheel brakes. An electrically actuated valve system is installed parallel to the brake valve, which connects the wheel brakes to the flow line when actuated, and closes off the return line. Motor vehicles represent an important area of application for the invention.

Abstract: An electrical brake with a holding function, in particular for an electromechanical brake in motor vehicles, is described. The brake contains an electric motor having a holding brake function. To generate the holding brake function, an electric motor with salient stator poles and rotor poles is provided. The motor is acted upon by a defined holding current in such a way that the poles of the motor thereby are brought into a locked position and held there, or are held in a locked position. Advantageously, after activation of the holding brake function and after a locked position has been reached, the current delivered to the motor for braking is very substantially decreased. The electrical brake can optionally act on the brake caliper with a spindle and a linkage, the electric motor driving and braking the spindle.

Abstract: A safety-enhancing automatic brake control system automatically applies and maintains the brakes in the applied state, when one or more conditions exist at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment that make vehicle movement dangerous. A preferred controller electrically, electronically, or otherwise connects to various sensors at the vehicle stations, validates the signal(s), and then actuates a mechanism that manages the air, brake fluid, mechanical brake linkage/cable, electric, or other mechanism that applies the brakes. In an air brake system, a solenoid valve blocks and vents the air line to release a piston that normally counteracts a spring mechanism. In a hydraulic brake system, a piston or spring, for example, powers a secondary piston rod and piston in a master cylinder to apply the brakes. In the case of a spring-actuated system, a release unit such as a piston may be used to counteract the spring for releasing the brakes.

Abstract: In a theft deterrent security device for trailers and like equipment having a dual chamber brake system that operates with compressed air an electro mechanical device, such as servomotor or a solenoid, is mounted within the interior of the dual chamber brake system housing in which an expanded high spring-rate spring biases and keeps a brake actuator in a locked “brakes on” position when there is no compressed air supplied to the system. The servo motor or solenoid is connected to members which in one position mechanically block movement of the brake actuator to prevent its normal operation even when there is compressed air available to the system and the high spring-rate spring is compressed. In a second position of the servo motor or solenoid the members do not block movement of the brake actuator and thereby allow normal operation of the brakes. The servo motor or solenoid is responsive to coded signals which control its position and which are normally available only to an authorized user.

Abstract: A parking brake for a rail car vehicle including an electric motor driving a hydraulic pump fluidly connected to and controlling a bidirectional hydraulic actuator coupleable to the rail car's wheel brakes. An electric controller is connected to the pump and controls activation/deactivation of the pump with the controller including various switches. Also included is a coupler for coupling the actuator to one of a brake beam or an actuator of the parking brake.

Abstract: A braking force retaining unit, which retains braking force until driving force for starting a vehicle increases to a certain value such that the braking force continues to act on the vehicle after releasing a brake pedal, wherein said braking force retaining unit having a device for decreasing the braking force in accordance with the increasing driving force.

Abstract: There is disclosed a theft prevention system for trailers interacting with the customary pneumatic trailer braking system having spring actuated parking brakes that apply when in absence of pressure in an air supply line to the trailer from a tractor-mounted compressed air tank. A normally closed solenoid valve is connected in series with the pressurized air supply line that supplies air to release the trailer parking brakes and a signal receiver adapted to receive an electrical signal from a transmitter in the tractor cab must be caused to actuate the solenoid to open the valve to release the trailer parking brakes. The signal from the transmitter to the receiver may be a dc, ac, or high frequency signal transmitted over the normally provided electrical cable from tractor to trailer or may be a radio transmitted signal wherein of the kind employed for garage door openers.

Abstract: The safety brake system for a motor vehicle continuously monitors for a rear impact collision. If the rear impact is classified as one requiring responsive intervention, the system applies a braking force to the motor vehicle wheels. If the vehicle was stopped with the brake applied at the instant of the rear impact, then the brakes are completely blocked. As a result, the brakes are not released when the driver's foot is forced off the brake pedal upon impact and the resultant forward jerk of the vehicle is reduced or substantially suppressed. If the car was traveling a given speed at the instant of impact, the brakes are applied with a reduced braking force.

Abstract: There is disclosed a theft prevention system for trailers with the customary pneumatic trailer braking system. A normally closed solenoid valve is connected in the line that supplies air to release the trailer parking brakes and a signal receiver adapted to receive an electrical signal from a transmitter in the tractor cab must be caused to actuate the solenoid to open the valve to release the trailer parking brakes. The signal from the transmitter to the receiver may be transmitted over the electrical cable from tractor to trailer or may be a radio transmitted signal . The solenoid valve is provided with a pneumatic latch so that the parking brakes will remain released as long as air pressure is provided. The signal transmitter is provided with security to prevent unauthorized use which may be a key switch, a key pad for entry of an identification number, a magnetic strip card reader or other device.

Abstract: A brake fluid pressure retaining unit for a vehicle comprises a solenoid valve SV arranged in a brake fluid passage FP between a master cylinder MC and a wheel cylinder WC so as to shut off or communicate the brake fluid passage FP. In the case that a transmission of the vehicle is shifted to a driving position, the solenoid valve SV is switched to a shut-off position when the vehicle stops with a brake pedal BP depressed. The solenoid valve SV is switched to a communicating position when driving force is exerted on the vehicle. Brake fluid pressure is retained within the wheel cylinder WC when the solenoid valve SV is in the shut-off position. The brake fluid pressure within the wheel cylinder is retained after releasing the brake pedal so that braking force continues to act on the vehicle.

Abstract: In most vehicles, it is necessary to manually operate the parking brake whenever the vehicle is stopped. The manual brake operation is fatiguing and liable to make the driver feel that the operation is troublesome. A controller 10 controls a cut-off valve 8 to close in a vehicle stopping condition, and even if a brake pedal 1 is released, a pressure within a wheel cylinder 6 is held to thereby maintain a braking force. Also, when an accelerator pedal 11 is depressed when the brake hydraulic pressure is maintained within the wheel cylinder 6, the controller 10 controls the cut-off valve 8 in the open condition so that the pressure within the wheel cylinder 6 is reduced to release the brake.

Abstract: A locking device for immobilizing trailers to prevent unauthorized movement or theft of the trailer by venting the compressed air that is used to release the brakes. The locking device has a controller unit, a control valve and power source mounted inside a housing. A control mechanism, such as a keypad or key lock system, is located outside of the housing, preferably on a trailer wall. The inlet on the control valve connects to the brake line that delivers compressed air to the trailer's compressed air-operated brakes. In the locked condition, the control valve is set so compressed air vents out the control valve's outlet, preventing release of the brakes. When the proper lock code, key or other signal is received, the control valve closes the outlet to stop the venting and allow the brakes to be released.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety-enhancing automatic air parking brake actuator system that automatically actuators the air brakes in an engaged condition when one or more dangerous conditions exist at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment. The preferred actuator system operates on the principle that the brake actuator system is electrically connected to the various stations, and, when a circuit including the actuator unit is interrupted, a solenoid valve of the actuator system closes and vents, to cut off the air supply to the air brakes to engage the brakes. The stations may include the vehicle ignition, one or more doors, a wheelchair lift, a dump truck bed, a backhoe arm, or other equipment.

Abstract: A parking braking system in a vehicle not having EBS wherein, for parking braking, the brakes are arranged to be supplied with actuating fluid from a pressure source under the control of a manually operated electrical device and wherein, upon selecting parking braking by actuation of the electrical device, the brakes are arranged to be applied and mechanically locked or latched in place.

Abstract: A parking brake system for a motor vehicle has a control for activating the parking brake, an electrical parking brake control unit for controlling braking devices which are assigned to the parking brake, a brake booster function control unit for controlling brake booster functions which promote traveling comfort and safety. When the control is activated at a vehicle velocity above a predefined minimum velocity, the braking devices assigned to the service brake are controlled by the brake booster function control unit.

Abstract: A method for producing a deceleration setpoint value of a motor vehicle with an electropneumatic brake actuatable by a brake pedal, especially a compressed-air-actuated brake, with a sustained action brake and with at least one device for actuating the brake independently of the driver's desire (external actuation) is characterized by the fact that, with external actuation of the brake and with a simultaneous change in the brake pedal, a resultant deceleration setpoint (z_res) is formed in such fashion that, beginning with the externally set deceleration setpoint (z_ext) with simultaneous actuation of the brake pedal, a curve of the resultant deceleration setpoint (z_res) with the pedal travel is produced which reaches complete deceleration upon full brake pedal travel.

Abstract: A parking brake lock-in key switch system for a truck or bus brake system. The system has two parking brake lock-in valves. One parking brake lock-in valve is installed in the air line piping between the primary air tank and the push pull double check valve and the second parking brake lock-in valve is in the air line piping between the secondary air tank and the push pull double check valve. The parking brake lock-in valves are air operated valves which when closed will look in actuated parking brakes. The parking brake lock-in valves are operated by a solenoid operated pilot valve which provides air from an air supply to close the lock-in valves when the ignition key is moved to the ‘off’ position. An actuated parking brake will be locked in because new air from the respective tanks will be prevented from flowing to the push pull double check valve and hence the brake chambers. The parking brake lock-in valve does not vent off downstream piping when it closes.

Abstract: An anti-theft system prevents release of the brakes of a tractor/trailer land vehicle after the manual brake control has been set and after the anti-theft system has been activated. With the anti-theft system activated, any attempt to release the brakes of the vehicle will not be successful and will activate an alarm. The anti-theft system cannot be activated until after the manually operated brake control has been activated. The anti-theft system can be applied to the brakes of either or both the tractor and/or the trailer of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is based on a system for controlling the braking action in a motor vehicle by means for adjusting the braking action independently of the driver's actuation. Upon recognition of a preselectable operating mode, for which at least the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle is found to be zero, a certain braking action is exerted. An operating mode of the type in question can be present when, for example, the above-mentioned creep suppression or the above-mentioned hillholding is desired. The core of the invention consists in that, upon determination of a preselectable longitudinal vehicle velocity during this operating mode, the braking action is increased independently of the driver. As a result of the monitoring of the longitudinal vehicle velocity according to the invention during the operating mode (creep suppression mode or hillholder mode), any motion of the vehicle unwanted by the driver is reliably prevented.

Abstract: A hill-holder function is initiated when the brake pedal is actuated while the vehicle is in at least one operating state. The braking force is thus locked into at least one wheel brake independently of the extent to which the pedal is actuated. This braking force is decreased again when the brake pedal is released.

Abstract: A parking brake lock-in key switch system for a truck or bus brake system is disclosed. The system has two parking brake lock-in valves. One parking brake lock-in valve is installed in the air line piping between the primary air tank and the push pull double check valve and the second parking brake lock-in valve is in the air line piping between the secondary air tank and the push pull double check valve. The parking brake lock-in valves are air operated valves which when closed will lock in actuated parking brakes. The parking brake lock-in valves are operated by a solenoid operated pilot valve which provides air from an air supply to close the lock-in valves when the ignition key is moved to the `off` position. An actuated parking brake will be locked in because new air from the respective tanks will be prevented from flowing to the push pull double check valve and hence the brake chambers. The parking brake lock-in valve does not vent off downstream piping when it closes.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device that blocks and unblocks the flow of hydraulic fluid between a vehicle's master brake cylinder and wheel brake cylinder. When the invention is in a fluid blocking position, it locks the brakes and prevents movement of the vehicle on its wheels. Conversely, when the invention is in the nonblocking position, the brakes are unlocked and the wheels turn freely as in normal operation. The anti-theft device can be deactivated within the vehicle or by remote control.

Abstract: A method for preventing unwanted rolling away of a stationary vehicle maintains a brake pressure in wheel brake cylinders. The brake pressure is maintained in dependence on the actuation of the brake pedal, and is maintained only if the current brake pressure exceeds a brake pressure corresponding to the holding pressure by a certain amount. This brake pressure can be applied at will by the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilizing system for engaging a brake pedal of a vehicle and locking the brakes of the vehicle in an activated position, but which does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle's brakes when the vehicle is being operated. The vehicle immobilizing system includes a standard vehicle brake pedal assembly, a retractable locking shaft, a solenoid, for extending and retracting the retractable locking shaft, a locking tumbler to prevent the retractable locking shaft from being physically forced open to deactivate the vehicle's brakes, and an activation switch for the immobilizing system. The retractable locking shaft is attached to the sidewall of a standard vehicle brake pedal assembly so as to prevent the upward movement of the brake pedal arm when the vehicle's immobilizing system is activated. Once the vehicle immobilizing system is activated all four (4) brakes of the vehicle will be locked and function as an anti-theft device.

Abstract: A parking brake system for use on a railway car includes an actuator which is adapted to be attached to a service brake actuating lever arm of the railway car and to receive a flow of non-compressible holding liquid from a reservoir through a first valve unit. The first valve unit permits the liquid to freely flow to and from the actuator in a first position and only permits flow of the liquid towards the actuator in a second position. With this arrangement, movement of the service brake actuating lever arm automatically causes the actuator to be supplied with holding liquid from the reservoir, which liquid can be selectively retained by shifting of the first valve unit to the second position. Furthermore in accordance with the invention, the actuator can be shifted by supplying pressurized holding liquid thereto through the use of a motor driven pump circuit including a pressurizable reservoir.

Abstract: An antitheft device is provided for a vehicle such as a tractor/trailer combination, with an engine operable to develop pneumatic pressure in a reservoir during operation of the engine, and a pneumatic conduit leading from the reservoir to an operational load, preferably a brake release mechanism. The antitheft device preferably has at least two controllable valve along the pneumatic conduit, each with at least two positions including a first position at which the pneumatic conduit is open through the valve from the reservoir to the operational load, and a second position at which the fluid conduit is closed between the reservoir and the load by the valve means to disable the operational load. Air pressure is diverted at the valve to a branch coupling the reservoir through to an alarm such as an air horn. The antitheft device can be included in a tractor or a trailer, and preferably valves and alarms are provided in both.

Abstract: A brake lock system is used in a vehicle having a brake line which feeds brake fluid to at least one brake member. The system comprises a brake line fittable housing having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet. A flow control which controls the flow of brake fluid from each inlet to each outlet is provided within the housing. The flow control is movable from a first position which allows two way flow between the inlet and the outlet to a second position only allowing one way flow from the inlet to the outlet. Also provided within the housing is an operating member for moving the flow control. A controller which controls the operating member is provided remotely of the housing and a flexible drive shaft connects the controller to the operating member. The use of the flexible drive shaft permits a mounting position for the controller at a location different from that of the housing within the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake apparatus of a motor vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission includes a brake circuit for applying a fluid pressure to wheel brakes to allow the wheel brakes to generate braking forces. The hydraulic pressure is generated by fluid pressure generating means according to an operated state of a brake pedal. The brake apparatus further includes a shift operating unit having a selector member that is placed in a selected shift position including a parking position for establishing a selected shift position of the automatic transmission. A control valve is disposed between the fluid pressure generating means and the wheel brakes in the brake circuit, such that the control valve is selectively placed in a first state wherein the wheel brakes communicate with the fluid pressure generating means, and a second state wherein the wheel brakes are disconnected from the fluid pressure generating means.