Fluid handling – Convertible – Unit orientable in a single location between plural positions
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-20
2001-04-24
Lee, Kevin (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Convertible
Unit orientable in a single location between plural positions
C137S636100, C137S636200, C251S251000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220276
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a control valve body assembly, and more particularly, to a trailer control valve body assembly finding application in a brake system used in different original equipment manufacturer's heavy vehicles.
2. Discussion of the Art
In trailer brake systems, it is conventional to mount a control valve assembly on the dashboard of the tractor compartment. For example, a common form of valve actuator is a pivoting lever used to control the trailer brakes. The lever is rotated about a horizontal axis, i.e., in a vertical direction, to selectively apply and release the trailer brakes as desired by the operator.
The trailer control valve assembly is intended for use with a number of different tractor or vehicle systems. For example, a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) build vehicles that use pneumatic brake systems but have varying styles or design platforms. One manufacturer may locate the air lines or plumbing on the left side of the vehicle compartment while another manufacturer mounts the air lines on the right, above, or below the dashboard mounting opening. Thus, although various dashboard mounted control valve assemblies are readily accepted, the brake system must be easily adapted to various fitting locations, orientations, etc. As such, brake manufacturers such as the present applicant maintain an inventory of different types or styles of connectors, fittings, and the like so that the control valve assembly is easily connected to the OEMs plumbing arrangement. If the air lines are fed from above, below, left, or right of the dashboard mounting opening, it may be necessary to employ straight fittings with one manufacturer and right angle fittings extending in different directions to interconnect the air lines with the port extending from the valve body. Likewise, different component options mounted behind the dashboard may necessitate a certain orientation of the ports even in the same vehicle model. Alternatively, unique valve components may be required to interconnect the control valve body to the remainder of the air line system. Thus, even though the air brake system is easily accommodated into the OEM equipment, a slight increase in cost is associated with these special types of fittings or more specialized valve components. A need exists to provide a more universal arrangement for various or different vehicle platforms while addressing the need to improve assembly and reduce manufacturing costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a control valve assembly that uses low cost valve components and provides greater flexibility without using adapter valve components.
An exemplary embodiment of the control valve assembly includes a valve body having a longitudinal axis and symmetrically dimensioned surfaces disposed thereabout. Plural ports extend from the valve body at an angle between zero (0°) and ninety (90°) degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the body, and preferably from thirty degrees (30°) to forty five degrees (45°). An actuator extends from the body for selectively operating the control valve assembly.
The symmetrically, dimensioned surfaces permit selective orientation of the valve body relative to a control panel of the heavy vehicle.
The actuator can be mounted in various orientations relative to the valve body so that if the valve body is disposed in a different orientation, the actuating lever operation remains unchanged to the end user.
A primary benefit of the invention is the flexibility of the control valve assembly for use on different vehicle platforms.
Another benefit of the invention resides in the elimination of special fittings or unique valve components.
Still another benefit of the invention resides in the low cost of installation.
Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent to others upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3677281 (1972-07-01), Tennis
patent: 3882883 (1975-05-01), Droegemueller
patent: 4098286 (1978-07-01), Prime
patent: 4131126 (1978-12-01), Chromik
Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Co.
Lee Kevin
LandOfFree
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