Having Separately And Manually Operated Structure For Charging, Discharging Bleeding, Or Adjusting Pulsator Volume Patents (Class 60/584)
  • Patent number: 10302151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrostatic clutch actuator for a clutch, in particular a wet clutch, of a motor vehicle, wherein the clutch actuator has a drive unit, a master cylinder-piston-cylinder unit driven thereby, a hydraulic reservoir fluidically connected to the master cylinder-piston-cylinder unit, and a hydraulic system for actuating the clutch, wherein, by use of the master cylinder-piston-cylinder unit, hydraulic medium can be conveyed out of the hydraulic reservoir into the hydraulic system and the hydraulic system can be pressurized, and the hydraulic reservoir has an overflow, via which hydraulic medium can be discharged from the hydraulic reservoir and the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Simon Hor, Eduard Muller
  • Patent number: 9874253
    Abstract: A bicycle brake caliper apparatus comprises a caliper housing and a plug. The caliper housing includes a fluid chamber and an opening for receiving the plug therein, wherein the opening extends to an outside of the housing at a first location. The housing also includes a fluid passage in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, wherein the fluid passage is in fluid communication with an outside of the housing at a second location offset from the first location. The fluid passage is closed when the plug is in a first position. The fluid passage is open when the plug is in a second position so that fluid is allowed to flow from the fluid chamber, through the fluid passage and to the outside of the housing at the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Kim Hong Kuan
  • Publication number: 20150135704
    Abstract: A brake fluid reservoir includes in its upper portion a bottleneck with a thread and a top for receiving a cap with an edge and a top. The top of the bottleneck has channel opens into the atmosphere, one end of the channel leading into the atmosphere, one end of the channel leading into the interior of the bottleneck and the other end communicating with the outside atmosphere via a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Vincent Maury, Jean-Michel L'aot, Sylvain Lenczner
  • Publication number: 20150083531
    Abstract: A brake system for a bicycle is disclosed. The brake system comprises an actuation mechanism shown as a master cylinder assembly and a brake or brake mechanism for the wheels of the bicycle. The mechanism/assembly comprises (among other parts, components and assemblies) a body or housing, a piston assembly, an actuating lever on a pivot pin, a bladder, a retainer and a primary seal. The bladder is fixed at a first end to the piston and fixed at a second end to the retainer. A reservoir is defined by the piston, the body, and the bladder. Advancement of the piston along the stroke causes the piston to seal against a primary seal and separate the reservoir from a pressure chamber in the body. A retainer may be provided to seal the bladder to the body, act as a piston guide bushing, act as a pivot bushing, and act as a stroke limiter. Upon advancement the piston will contact the primary seal and separate the reservoir from the pressure chamber as the bladder rolls out thus pressurizing the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Hayes Bicyle Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Jerome Abhold, John Larry Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140157770
    Abstract: An auxiliary device for vehicle maintenance including a pneumatic cylinder and a multi-mode control vale unit at least having a foot vale is provided. One end of a cylinder body and a first end of an axial rod of the pneumatic cylinder are to be coupled to a steering wheel and a brake pedal, respectively. The foot vale is connected between an inlet and outlet portions and selectively permits the inlet and outlet portions to be communicated pneumatically with each other. When the inlet and outlet portions are communicated pneumatically with each other, pressurized air goes into the cylinder body and drives the axial rod moving away from the cylinder body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Ying-Chieh LIAO, Yu-Kuo Liao
  • Patent number: 8615995
    Abstract: A fluid reservoir for a motor vehicle hydraulic brake system, having a housing with at least one fluid chamber, the housing preferably having a housing upper part and a housing lower part, a reservoir warning device for monitoring the reservoir filling level of the fluid reservoir, a filler neck for filling the fluid reservoir, a cap for fluid-tight closure of the filler neck, provisions for pressure balancing of the fluid reservoir and preferably a canister-shaped filling filter arranged in the area of the filler neck and having a wall and a base. In order to provide a cost-effective and easily assembled fluid reservoir, the filling filter, which reliably prevents the ingress of dirt, extends into the fluid chamber and includes a wall molded onto the housing of the fluid reservoir that adjoins the reservoir filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Neumann, Peter Tandler, Stephan Schlicht
  • Patent number: 8607563
    Abstract: Hydraulic fluid is supplied from a hydraulic fluid supply opening to a hydraulic fluid supply portion. The hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid supply portion is supplied to a primary hydraulic fluid storage chamber and to a secondary hydraulic fluid storage chamber via a hydraulic fluid supply passage. An oblong cylinder-shaped portion that has a chamber is formed between the hydraulic fluid supply opening and the hydraulic fluid supply portion. Further, a volume-augmented chamber forming portion that has a volume-augmented chamber that is communicated with the chamber is disposed in this oblong cylinder-shaped portion. In that case, at least part of the volume-augmented chamber is positioned above a MAX line of the hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8505295
    Abstract: A reservoir device is provided, which prevents water from flooding in an accumulation tank and improves on-vehicle installation capability. The reservoir device 10 includes a catch tank 13 connected to an airspace “A” formed above an oil surface of working oil accumulated in an accumulation tank 12, which has a bottom surface formed with an external-air communication aperture 32. Liquid entering from the external-air communication aperture 32 is allowed, to be accumulated in the catch tank 13 once, and then is suitably discharged through the external-air communication aperture 32. This precludes the accumulation tank 12 from flooding with water and improves on-vehicle installation capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michinobu Suzuki, Yasuhiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8122713
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit of a servo-assisted mechanical transmission, which is provided with a number of hydraulic actuators provided with corresponding actuation chambers adapted to be filled with pressurized oil; the hydraulic circuit is provided with: a number of solenoid valves, each of which is coupled to a corresponding actuation chamber of a hydraulic actuator; a tank, which contains the oil at atmospheric pressure and is provided with an upper loading aperture; the cap, which closes the loading aperture of the tank and is provided with a through venting hole which puts the tank into communication with the external environment; a filtering element, which is coupled to the cap and is arranged under the venting hole; a hydraulic accumulator containing the pressurized oil; and an electric pump which draws from the tank and feeds the hydraulic accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Pepe, Pasquale Palumbo
  • Patent number: 7784491
    Abstract: A reservoir assembly of a power steering system includes a reservoir tank defining a tank chamber for holding a power steering fluid and an opening fluidly connected to the tank chamber for allowing power steering fluid to be added to the tank chamber. A breathable cap covers the opening and limits passage of power steering fluid thereby. The breathable cap allows airflow between the tank chamber and ambient. A cover is disposed over the breathable cap for preventing contaminants from entering the tank chamber through the breathable cap. The cover includes a disc section and a skirt depending axially from the disc section. The disc section and skirt cover the breathable cap. Legs protrude radially inwardly from the skirt. The legs include a first leg and a second leg which extends radially inwardly a greater amount than the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luke C McKee
  • Patent number: 7712844
    Abstract: A master cylinder assembly includes a housing and a cover coupled to the housing, defining a reservoir adapted to contain fluid at a level. The cover includes an aperture. A sight glass is received within the aperture and adapted to indicate the fluid level. The sight glass has a top portion, bottom portion, and middle portion between the top and bottom portions. The top and bottom portions each have a perimeter sized to be received within the aperture and to seal the reservoir. The middle portion has a reduced perimeter. The sight glass is movable between a raised position where the bottom portion is received within the aperture, sealing the reservoir and a lowered position where the top portion is received within the aperture, sealing the reservoir. The middle portion allows fluid flow through the aperture when the sight glass is moved from the raised position to the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Jensen, Michael Murphy, Paul Murray
  • Publication number: 20090205330
    Abstract: A master cylinder assembly for a hydraulic actuation system for a handlebar-steered vehicle including a fluid cavity having an adjustable length. The master cylinder assembly generally includes a housing, a piston assembly, an actuator and an adjuster. The housing is mountable to a frame member and includes a chamber having a fluid cavity with first and second regions. The first region is in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuation system. The piston assembly includes a piston slidably disposed within the fluid cavity. The actuator is operatively connected to the housing and operatively connected to the piston to slidably displace the piston between an open fluid circuit position permitting fluid flow between the first and second regions and a closed fluid circuit position blocking fluid flow between the first and second regions. The adjuster is operatively connected to the housing to adjust a length of the fluid cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Emmett Dunlap, III
  • Patent number: 7516616
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic brake actuation device includes a hydraulic master cylinder housing having a bore and a push rod guide surface, a master piston and a radial seal received in the bore, a push rod and a lever. The push rod is supported by the push rod guide surface for sliding movement within the hydraulic master cylinder housing. The push rod is configured to move the master piston and the radial seal from a neutral position to a braking position. The lever is pivotally attached to the housing for pivotal movement between an at rest position and a brake actuation position. The lever is also configured and arranged to move the push rod and the master piston from the neutral position toward the braking position as the lever is pivoted between the at rest position and the brake actuation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Osamu Kariyama
  • Patent number: 7487638
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic brake actuation device includes a hydraulic master cylinder housing having a bore, a master piston and a radial seal received in the bore a push rod and a lever. The push rod is configured to move the master piston and the radial seal between a neutral position and a braking position. The lever is pivotally attached to the housing for pivotal movement between an at rest position and a brake actuation position. The lever includes a contact surface configured and arranged to move the push rod as the lever is pivoted between the at rest position and the brake actuation position. Further, the push rod includes at least one roller configured to contact to the contact surface of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Osamu Kariyama
  • Publication number: 20090025384
    Abstract: The feed line for a hydraulic system, in particular of a motor vehicle, is formed, at least over part of its longitudinal extent, by a dimensionally variable body. The wall of the dimensionally variable body is elastically deformable, at least in regions, so that, when the flow passes through the dimensionally variable body, the cross section of the dimensionally variable body can be varied as a function of the pressure of the hydraulic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Rainer Gebhardt
  • Patent number: 7412829
    Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus such as a bleeder screw comprises an inner end, an outer end, and a main body extending between the inner end and the outer end. The main body includes a first section having a threaded outer peripheral surface a second section disposed between the first section and the inner end. The second section has a smaller diameter than the threaded outer peripheral surface of the first section, and an axial length of the threaded outer peripheral surface is less than an axial length of the second section. An internal fluid passage opens through an outer peripheral surface of the second section at a location between the inner end and the threaded outer peripheral surface, and the internal fluid passage opens through the main body at a location between the threaded outer peripheral surface and the outer end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Matsushita, Osamu Kariyama, Shinichi Takizawa, Toshiyuki Ueda, Kenichi Kikuno
  • Patent number: 7219495
    Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder includes a housing having a fluid connection for connecting to a hydraulic system and an after-running connection for connecting to a fluid after-running vessel, and a piston which is axially displaceable in the housing to define a variable pressure space having a gas collecting portion, the piston being fixed against rotation in the housing and having at least one after-running groove which is oriented substantially toward the gas collecting portion. A primary seal arranged in the housing and receiving the piston therethrough is bridged by the after-running groove when the piston is in an extended end position, whereby the gas collecting portion of the pressure space communicates with the after-running connection when the piston is in the extended end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Sven Ludsteck, Dieter Gebauer, Boleslaw Tulaczko
  • Patent number: 7197875
    Abstract: A compact hydraulic cylinder may include a pressure chamber and a reservoir in coaxial, in-line arrangement relative to one another. The pressure chamber and reservoir are separated from one another in use by a piston and hydraulic seal. The piston may be withdrawn to a position in which the pressure chamber and reservoir are in fluid communication through a channel formed in the wall of the cylinder, which may be used for bleeding the pressure chamber. The piston may include a actuator shaft that extends through the reservoir. A follower adjacent the distal end of the shaft seals the reservoir from the exterior of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Philip S. Henifin
  • Patent number: 7159399
    Abstract: A device for rendering a hydraulic actuating device operational. A motor vehicle clutch with an emitter-receiver system located in the transmission path of the actuating device comprising two pistons whose positions, relative to one another, can vary as a function of the desired operating behavior of the actuating device and is developed further such that in relation to the emitter-receiver system that is to be filled with fluid, operationality can be established comparatively quickly and by simple way. A fluid supply unit (24) comprises one impulse valve (25) that serves to release an essentially constant volume flow, acted upon by an impulse valve control device (26) which is constructed such that the fluid volume flow released by the fluid supply unit (24) and flowing into the emitter-receiver system (5) does not exceed a limiting volume flow QK.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Schwenger, Otto Ebner, Klaus Schweiger, Christoph Rüchardt, Marcus Gansohr
  • Patent number: 7152406
    Abstract: The invention relates to a master cylinder with a pressure chamber formed in a housing of the master cylinder and a reservoir bore for accommodating a pressure fluid reservoir, a valve with a closing element being provided which due to a pressure difference prevailing between the pressure chamber and the pressure fluid reservoir can be moved into an opening position or a closing position, the valve in its opening position allowing a pressure fluid flow from the pressure fluid reservoir into the pressure chamber and throttling or preventing, in its closing position, a pressure fluid flow from the pressure chamber into the pressure fluid reservoir. Means are provided which maintain the closing body in its opening position when it is acted upon by a closing pressure difference during vacuum filling of the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Holger von Hayn, Jürgen Schonlau, Manfred Rüffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Milan Klimes, Torsten Queisser, Ralf Jakobi, Michael Vogt, Dieter Merkel, Bernhard Hammes, Hans-Jörg Feigel, Jose Gonzalez, Stephan Krebs, Oliver Kugland, Thomas Sellinger, Guido Schell
  • Patent number: 7013642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch bleeder tool assembly to force air bubbles from a clutch hydraulic control assembly of a standard vehicle transmission. The clutch bleeder tool assembly includes an adaptor cap to replace the factory cap on the hydraulic fluid reservoir of the clutch assembly. The adaptor cap has a hose attached at one end to the adaptor cap. The other end of the hose is attached to a bulb pump having a check valve. When the bulb pump is operated a positive pressure is maintained in the fluid reservoir. The hydraulically closed clutch hydraulic control assembly is opened at the slave cylinder to allow air bubbles to be forced out, so that proper operation of the clutch hydraulic control assembly is maintained when the hydraulic fluid reservoir is filled and the factory cap is reinstalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Frederick Riley Smith
  • Patent number: 6986250
    Abstract: A tool for bleeding a master cylinder when the master cylinder is unattached to a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment a bleeding tool includes a shaft attached by means of clamp rods to a master cylinder flange, a clamp handle rotatable with respect to the shaft, and a push rod coupled to the clamp handle through a movable rotatable joint. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum motion of the push rod during a bleeding cycle is defined by a set of two pins disposed on a ring concentric with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: AutoZone, Inc.
    Inventor: Ilidio Dasilva
  • Patent number: 6912851
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake valve comprising a body, a passageway defined in the body, an inlet to the passageway, an outlet from the passageway and a movable valve member in the passageway, the valve member is movable between a first position blocking the passageway to prevent communication between the inlet and the outlet, and a second position opening the passageway to allow communication between the inlet and the outlet in response to a pressure differential exceeding a predetermined value. The valve member remains in its second position once it has been moved to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Batchelor, Michael Williamson, David Parry
  • Patent number: 6892536
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump unit (1), for a vehicle, that is unusually capable of precise and effective bleeding, comprises a reservoir (2) for the brake fluid, a master cylinder (3) in the said pump connected to the said reservoir, and a bleed circuit (15) connected at one end to the said master cylinder and fitted with a bleed nipple (19, 119, 219, 319, 419) that is normally closed in order to shut the said circuit off, and it is constructed in such a way that the said bleed circuit (15) is connected at the other end, downstream of the said bleed nipple (19, 119, 219, 319, 419), to the said reservoir (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Lavezzi
  • Patent number: 6647953
    Abstract: A volume reducer for a hydraulic system, particularly useful for low pressure hydraulic systems such as used in engine compression braking systems. The hydraulic system has an actuator and a pressurizer, with a hydraulic line interconnecting the actuator and the pressurizer. A substantially straight section of the hydraulic line is provided, and a slidable body is provided in the substantially straight section. The body slides in the hydraulic line in response to pressure changes in the hydraulic line, and occupies hydraulic line volume, to stiffen the hydraulic system and reduce system sluggishness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Edwin H. Langewisch
  • Publication number: 20030159440
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump unit (1), for a vehicle, that is unusually capable of precise and effective bleeding, comprises a reservoir (2) for the brake fluid, a master cylinder (3) in the said pump connected to the said reservoir, and a bleed circuit (15) connected at one end to the said master cylinder and fitted with a bleed nipple (19, 119, 219, 319, 419) that is normally closed in order to shut the said circuit off, and it is constructed in such a way that the said bleed circuit (15) is connected at the other end, downstream of the said bleed nipple (19, 119, 219, 319, 419), to the said reservoir (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Roberto Lavezzi
  • Publication number: 20030140628
    Abstract: A hydraulic control arrangement including a hydraulic driving pump including a tank and vent; a cylinder to facilitate air bleeding and purging in a hydraulic circuit, the cylinder including a jacket, cylinder heads at opposite ends of the jacket, a piston movable in the jacket, drive rods connected with opposite sides of the piston and protruding from the cylinder heads, cylinder chambers in the jacket on opposite sides of the piston, a by-pass in the jacket which connects the cylinder chambers, and a valve associated with the by-pass; fluid coupling fittings at opposite ends of the jacket; pipes connected with the fittings to independently connect the cylinder chambers to the hydraulic driving pump; and a valve arrangement fluidly connected between the pipes and the hydraulic driving pump to speed up and simplify hydraulic fluid feed and air purging operations of the cylinder chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Giorgio Gai
  • Patent number: 6467268
    Abstract: A brake master cylinder which prevents a contact between a projection of a spring retainer and a stopper of a sleeve when a piston is suddenly retracted by an operation of a pressure applying device of a brake system or by an air relieving operation to offer a high reliability without deformation and damages of the spring retainer and the sleeve. A groove extended in axial direction is provided on the sleeve. A distance between a rear end surface of the groove and a radial projection of a first spring retainer when the brake is not applied corresponds to the total of a distance of a retracting distance of a second piston from the position defined by the non-braking operation to a position where a piston port and an opening of a reservoir communication conduit are overlapped and a predetermined additional distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Nakano, Kaoru Tsubouchi, Akimoto Okada
  • Patent number: 6405534
    Abstract: A non-powered evacuation and fill valve assembly is provided that is suitable for use in connection with hydraulic brake system. The assembly utilizes a pressure differential and/or the properties of material expansion to provide a tight seal. During evacuation of air from the system, the assembly is in an “open” position to permit air to pass. After the air has been evacuated from the system and the system has been filled with fluid, the valve assembly will assume a “closed” position. Thereafter, a tight seal is provided as long as the system is filled with a requisite amount of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim Boeing, Dalibor Zaviska, Vaughn Swanson
  • Patent number: 6237334
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuation device for the adjustment of units in motor vehicles includes a piston-cylinder unit with a housing and a piston displaceably arranged in the cylinder portion of the housing and/or in a guide sleeve in the housing. The piston-cylinder unit may be a slave cylinder or a master cylinder. The cylinder has a connection channel along one of its surface lines with an outer channel wall which is located in a portion of the connection channel located farthest from a center axis of the cylinder. The outer channel wall approximately follows a straight line and has an angle of inclination relative to the center axis which is greater than zero and preferably equal to or greater than a maximum installation angle of the installed position of the housing. The described arrangement of the deaeration bore hole at the highest possible location in the pressure space of the cylinder is advantageous for a deaeration of the hydraulic system for repairs and servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Boleslaw Tulaczko, Volker Stampf
  • Patent number: 6233933
    Abstract: An arrangement for feeding hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic system includes a nozzle equipped with a metering valve. The nozzle is connected to a pressure bleeder containing hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Phoenix Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jon A. Petty
  • Patent number: 6212888
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus having a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, and a conduit connecting the master cylinder to the slave cylinder is constituted as separate modular units interconnected by a quick connect coupling including a female coupler member and a male coupler member. In addition to providing part of the quick connect coupling between the modular units the female coupler member is provided with a bleed system to facilitate removal and addition of hydraulic fluid to the system as required in relation to initial manufacturer and installation and in relation to field maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Automotive Products (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Nix, Scott Lee Loring, David C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6199958
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic unit for an automotive vehicle brake system according to the recirculation principle, wherein each brake system in the area of the hydraulic unit includes a prefilling location which opens into the pump suction conduit to take up brake fluid. Thus, filling of the hydraulic unit can be simplified by prefilling of the secondary circuit in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventor: Martin Baechle
  • Patent number: 6189319
    Abstract: An arrangement for removing contaminants from a hydraulic system includes a portable fluid pump for introducing fluid into or evacuating fluid from the hydraulic system and a resilient adapter capable of conforming to openings of different size in the hydraulic system and provide a sealed fluid connection between the pump and the hydraulic system. Contaminants are removed by applying the resilient adapter to an opening in the hydraulic system to provide a sealed fluid connection and by either introducing fluid into the hydraulic system or evacuating fluid from the hydraulic system, as appropriate to effect the removal of contaminants from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Phoenix Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jon A. Petty
  • Patent number: 6101811
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling for use in a hydraulic clutch control system including a hydraulic master cylinder and a hydraulic slave cylinder. One of the coupler members of the quick connect coupling includes a central axial passage defining an inlet at one end of the passage and including a diaphragm positioned at the other end of the passage at right angles to the passage in fluid communication with fluid flowing through the passage. The passage further includes a radial passage portion communicating with the central passage and extending to a fluid port for the coupler member. Hydraulic fluid flowing through the coupler member communicates with an inboard face of the diaphragm so that the diaphragm functions to attenuate pulsations in the hydraulic fluid and preclude transmission of the pulsations rearwardly in the system to the clutch pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Automotive Products (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Nix, David C. Peterson, Scott Lee Loring
  • Patent number: 5964326
    Abstract: Apparatus for bleeding and refilling hydraulic brake system, particularly, automotive hydraulic brake system, includes a bleeding unit and a refilling unit. The bleeding unit comprises a peristaltic pump having an inlet and an outlet tubing for removing brake fluid and entrapped air in a hydraulic system. A collection container is provided for holding the brake fluid removed. A first electronic timer operates the pump for a predetermined length of time. An opto-sensor attached to the inlet tubing serves as an air bubble detector, on each air bubble detected, a signal is issued to start a second electronic timer which operates the pump for an additional predetermined length of time simultaneously with the first timer. When the first timer almost reaches resetting, each air bubbles detected, thereafter, will trigger the second timer to operate the pump until no more air bubbles are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventors: Kin Bong Lee, Steven K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5960922
    Abstract: A cylinder for pressure media, in particular a hydraulic master or slave cylinder in motor vehicles, having a bleed element which can be screwed into an aperture in the cylinder casing and which bleed element is sealed against the casing. The bleed element is functionally connected in the vicinity of that end inserted in the casing to a round sealing element, which is pressed axially against a shoulder in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Riess, Olaf Pagels, Boleslaw Tulaczko, Wolfgang Grosspietsch
  • Patent number: 5899065
    Abstract: An arrangement for bleeding or flushing a hydraulic system includes a portable pump and a hydraulic fluid packet. The hydraulic fluid packet comprises a flexible receptacle which contains a body of hydraulic fluid. A spout is located at one end of the receptacle and an opening is provided at the opposite end of the receptacle. The spout can be connected to the pump and the opening allows the receptacle to be suspended with the spout facing down. As hydraulic fluid is withdrawn from the receptacle, the receptacle collapses around the remaining hydraulic fluid to inhibit the formation of air pockets in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Phoenix Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jon A. Petty
  • Patent number: 5865280
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling two hydraulic transmission lines to one another is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member comprises a body having first and second passages. The first passage extends from the connection to the first line to the second passage. A plug is movably positioned in the first passage for selectively opening and closing the first passage between the first line and the second passage. A first and second passage similarly extends through the second coupling member, and a plug is movably positioned in the first passage for selectively opening and closing the first passage between the second line and the second passage. The first and second coupling members are selectively joinable via a sleeve extending between the second passages thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Kurachi, Mineo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5853071
    Abstract: A bleed valve for bleeding fluid from a hydraulic circuit comprises a valve body having a valve passage therethrough adapted for fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit, a valve seat on the valve body, and a sealing assembly. The sealing assembly has a valve closure connected to a valve stem and adapted for sealing engagement with the valve seat. The sealing assembly is moveable between a closed sealing position in which the valve closure sealingly engages the valve seat to block fluid flow through the valve passage and an open position in which the valve closure is spaced from the valve seat to permit fluid flow through the valve passage. A valve fitting on the valve body has an outlet port for exhausting fluid from the valve passage. The fitting is moveable relative to the valve body for selectively positioning the outlet port with respect to the valve body. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the valve passage regardless of its relative position with respect to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Norman F. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5653316
    Abstract: A system for bleeding brakes or other hydraulic systems includes a control valve actuator that can be selectively moved to communicate a common port with either a vacuum port in communication with a vacuum source or a fluid port in communication with a hydraulic fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Michael J. Kane
  • Patent number: 5647212
    Abstract: A dual acting master cylinder and reservoir assembly includes a pair of bayonets on the reservoir that are received within primary and secondary bosses of the master cylinder. The bayonets each include disks within their central openings wherein each disk has a control orifice for controlling the pressure rise in the associated primary and secondary braking circuits during the initial filling process of the master cylinder and reservoir assembly. Through means of the control orifices, the initial filling process of the braking system through the reservoir is effected while minimizing pressure differential establishment across the secondary piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: John Russell Coleman
  • Patent number: 5638680
    Abstract: A double acting hydraulic system including a master cylinder and a slave cylinder. Each of two slave cylinder spaces has a nipple boring (12, 22), for a nipple valve (40, 50), with an internal section in a form of a seat (16, 26) cooperating with an end (41, 51) of the nipple valve. A sealing section (19, 29) in each nipple boring located outside the seat slidingly and sealingly abuts a sealing section (44, 54) of the respective nipple valve. There is an annular space between each nipple valve and nipple boring, between the seat and the sealing section; and a connecting channel (35) provides communication between the annular spaces. One of the nipple valves has a nipple channel (60) with one opening (61) into the corresponding annular space and a second opening (62) to outside the nipple boring; and a device (63) that cooperates with the nipple channel to prevent fluid flow from outside the nipple boring to the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive A/S
    Inventor: Bj.o slashed.rn Scholz Iversen
  • Patent number: 5605384
    Abstract: A braking system is provided with the addition of a normally closed access valve that is held in the open position during assembly of the braking system providing a path for the evacuation and fluid filling process of the braking system. Through the additional access valve, all areas, including otherwise inaccessible areas of the hydraulic circuit of the braking system are filled from one access point such as at the master cylinder assembly. After completion of the evacuation and fill process, the valve is closed and remains closed during all braking operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Johnston, William C. Kruckemeyer, James W. Zehnder, II, Michael L. Oliver
  • Patent number: 5497864
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake bleeder apparatus for bleeding hydraulic brake fluid from a vehicle hydraulic brake system is provided. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump for drawing brake fluid from a vehicle brake cylinder and a pneumatic motor for driving the vacuum pump. A brake fluid recovery reservoir is located beneath the vacuum pump for emptying hydraulic brake fluid drawn by the pump from a brake cylinder. A brake fluid supply container is provided for replenishing the master cylinder hydraulic brake fluid which is drawn from the brake cylinders during a bleeding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Gene Oien
  • Patent number: 5410881
    Abstract: A vacuum activated brake reservoir refilling apparatus and a vacuum activated brake fluid recovery apparatus. The invention utilizes vacuum created during the normal brake bleeding procedure and includes a holding container filled containing fresh brake fluid and an adjustable fluid distribution attachment which is clamped to a vehicle reservoir. An unobstructed path connects the bleeder valve to be bled and a fluid collection container. Both containers utilize check valves. The holding container can only valve air into its chamber, and the collection container can only valve air out of its chamber during the brake bleeding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Martin J. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5381662
    Abstract: A hand-held bleeder stroke tool for bleeding gas from a cylinder/piston assembly, such as a vehicle master brake cylinder assembly. The present invention utilizes a rod with a push member at one end of the rod. The push member is generally spherical and contacts the piston of the assembly to force or stroke the piston into the cylinder and forcing the gas from the cylinder. At an end generally opposed to the push member, the rod is secured to a handle to provide effective gripping. Furthermore, the present invention utilizes a stroke indicator assembly comprising a slider movably mounted to the rod as well as length markings on the rod as visual gauging features for determining equal length strokes of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Echlin Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Ethen, Timothy P. Connelly
  • Patent number: 5363742
    Abstract: An air over oil intensifier has an oil chamber having first and second ports (C) and (E), respectively, opening into a highest collection point of the cylindrical interior of the oil chamber defined by an upwardly and inwardly tapering surface (D) at a top of the cylinder in both a vertical and a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Lawrence F. Yuda
  • Patent number: 5313796
    Abstract: A remote compensation valve (20) through which pressurized fluid from a master cylinder (14) is communicated to the wheel brakes (24, 26) of a vehicle. The compensation valve (20) has a housing (200) with a bore (202) therein for retaining a shuttle piston (210). The shuttle piston (210) has a first land (212) separated from a second land (214) by a groove (216) and an axial bore (218) connected to the groove (216) by a radial bore (224). A first spring (250) carried by the piston (210) urges a poppet valve (244) toward a seat (230) to control the communication of pressurized fluid through the axial bore (218) to an outlet port. A second spring (254) located in the housing (200) urges the piston (210) toward a rest position where the first land (212) engages a pin (234) of a tilt valve (232) to establish communication between the source of fluid and the bore (202) and the poppet valve (244) is seated on the piston (210) to prevent communication through the axial bore (218).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Crumb, Robert K. Wilson
  • Patent number: RE34987
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus, more particularly for operating a motor vehicle clutch release mechanism, comprising a master cylinder, a slave cylinder and a conduit connecting the master cylinder to the slave cylinder. The apparatus is in the form of separate modular units which are separately filled with hydraulic fluid, and the filled modular units are shipped unconnected to a user. Each modular unit is provided with a leakproof quick-connect connector member, through which filling of the modular unit may be effected, and which mates with a complementary leakproof quick-connect connector member of another modular unit, such that after installation on a utilization device, a motor vehicle for example, complementary connector members are reconnected, thus opening ports in each connector member placing each member in fluid communication with the other. Preferably, the two connector members are provided with a one-way locking arrangement preventing separation of the connector members after coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Automotive Products plc
    Inventors: David J. Compton, Richard A. Nix, Keith V. Leigh-Monstevens