Fluid-pressure and analogous brake systems – Supplementary reservoir
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-20
2001-11-20
Oberleitner, Robert J. (Department: 3613)
Fluid-pressure and analogous brake systems
Supplementary reservoir
C280S124160, C280S124157, C280S005503
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318813
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This application relates to a heavy vehicle or truck brake system, and more particularly to a low cost compressed air backup system should difficulties be encountered with the primary compressed air reservoir and/or charging system.
2. Discussion of the Art
Conventionally, heavy vehicles or trucks use compressed air for their braking needs. A compressor charges primary and secondary reservoirs. A control valve, such as a foot control valve, regulates the application of the pressurized air from reservoirs to brake chambers associated with the vehicle wheels to effect braking.
As will be appreciated, the secondary reservoir provides a desired redundancy or backup in case the primary reservoir fails or becomes functionally inoperative, or the charging system fails in a manner well know in the art. The secondary reservoir provides a first level of redundancy or backup operation of the air brakes if the primary reservoir fails.
Although not required by regulation, an additional emergency backup system is always desirable. This is particularly true if such a system can be incorporated into the system at low cost and without substantial modification to existing designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an emergency backup system or secondary/tertiary compressed air reservoir for heavy vehicle brake systems.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention used in association with a vehicle air brake system includes at least one air actuated brake assembly. A primary reservoir provides pressurized air for the brake system. A suspension assembly includes an air spring reservoir for supporting at least a portion of the vehicle load. A valve assembly is interconnected with the primary reservoir and the suspension assembly for selectively connecting an air spring reservoir of the suspension assembly to the brake in response to malfunction of the primary reservoir or charging system.
According to another aspect of the invention, the valve assembly is preferably a check valve that isolates the brake assembly from the air spring reservoir and communicates with the primary reservoir during normal operation. If the primary reservoir or charging system malfunctions or fails, the brake assembly is then isolated from the primary reservoir and communicates with the air spring reservoir.
The backup assembly incorporates at least one check valve into the existing tractor brake system components, and two check valves if used in association with a trailer braking system, in conjunction with additional air lines or plumbing.
A primary advantage of the invention resides in the additional backup in response to failure of the primary reservoir or charging system.
Another advantage of the invention resides in the low cost associated with incorporating the backup reservoir into initial manufacture or after-market conversion of an existing brake system.
Still another advantage is the enhanced safety offered by the backup system.
Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following specification.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 5738417 (1998-04-01), Wood et al.
patent: 5788339 (1998-08-01), Wood et al.
patent: 6149246 (2000-11-01), Terborn et al.
Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Co.
Nguyen Xuan Lan
Oberleitner Robert J.
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