Internal air assisted brake actuator

Claim 2

In a brake actuating device having spring emergency and parking functions and having operable connection with the braking mechanism of a motor vehicle and comprising, a closed housing divided into inner and outer compartments, a flexible diaphragm peripherally secured in the outer compartment, a brake operating rod surmounted by a diaphragm abutment plate extending axially through the inner and outer compartments and having attachment to the braking mechanism, a movable wall mounted within the inner compartment equipped with a tubular axial extension surrounding and having abutting engagement at its inner end with said rod, an annular member forming the partition between the inner and outer compartments, a power compression spring unit between said annular member and movable wall, a rod return compression spring between the diaphragm abutment plate and annular member, separate air inlets for introducing compressed air to the inner compartment between the movable wall and the inner end of the housing and to the outer compartment between the diaphragm and the outer end of the housing, the improvements which comprise said movable wall, centrally thereof, slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to the brake operating rod, said annular member also slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to said brake operating rod, said annular member and movable wall seals on the brake operating rod, together with the member and wall, defining therebetween a sealed air assist chamber, the tubular axial extension of the movable wall extending through the inner end of the housing in sliding sealed fashion whereby to define peripherally thereof within the housing and between the inner end of the housing and the inner face of the movable wall a movable wall pressurization chamber, at least one passage through said movable wall having inlet valve means permitting air flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber into the air assist chamber when the pressure in the movable wall pressurization chamber reaches a certain predetermined level, and check valve means therein checking flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber into the air assist chamber and permitting flow in opposite direction under Certain conditions.

Claim 3

A brake actuating device as in claim 1 including a vent valve from the air assist chamber exterior of said closed housing operative to vent pressure from said air assist chamber outside of said housing at a predetermined pressure level within said air assist chamber.

Claim 4

A device as in claim 1 wherein the check valve means and the inlet valve means through the movable wall communicating between the air assist chamber and the movable wall pressurization chamber are positioned within separate passages through said movable wall.

Claim 5

In combination, a housing, said housing having inner and outer ends with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, one end of said housing closed by an inner wall member having a central opening therethrough, the other end of said housing closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall within said housing with the outer face thereof next to the outer wall member of said housing, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and housing outer wall member, a rod connected at one end thereof centrally of said movable wall, extending inwardly of the latter and having a sliding fit through the inner wall member central opening, an air inlet into said housing between the inner wall member and the inner face of the movable wall whereby to permit pressurization of a movable wall pressurization chamber defined between said movable wall and inner wall member, the movable wall outer face and outer wall member defining therebetween an air assist chamber, at least one opening through said movable wall communicating from said movable wall pressurization chamber to said air assist chamber and having inlet feed valve means operative at a predetermined pressure level to pass air pressure from said movable wall pressurization chamber into said air assist chamber, and check valve means therein checking flow into the air assist chamber and permitting flow therefrom under certain conditions.

Claim 6

In combination, a housing, said housing having inner and outer ends with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, one end of said housing closed by an inner wall member having a central opening therethrough, the other end of said housing closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall within said housing with the outer face thereof next to the outer wall member of said housing, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and housing outer wall member, a rod connected at one end thereof centrally of said movable wall, extending inwardly of the latter and having a sliding fit through the inner wall member central opening, an air inlet into said housing between the inner wall member and the inner face of the movable wall whereby to permit pressurization of a movable wall pressurization chamber defined between said movable wall and inner wall member, the movable wall outer face and outer wall member defining therebetween an air assist chamber, at least one opening through said movable wall communicating from said movable wall pressurization chamber to said air assist chamber and having inlet feed valve means operative at a predetermined pressure level to pass air pressure from said movable wall pressurization chamber into said air assist chamber, and check valve means therein checking flow into the air assist chamber and permitting flow therefrom under certain conditions.

Claim 7

A device as in claim 4 including a relief valve in said outer wall member operative to relieve the air assist chamber defined between the movable wall outer face and outer wall member at a predetermined pressure therein.

Claim 8

A device as in claim 4 wherein the check valve means and the inlet valve means through the movable wall communicating between the air assist chamber and the movable wall pressurization chamber are positioned within separate passages through said movable wall.

Claim 9

Brake actuating mechanism comprising a closed housing having inner and outer walls, said walls inner and outer with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, a flexible diaphragm within said housing peripherally secured in place, means for introducing fluid under pressure to said housing adjacent the outer wall thereof and on the outer side of said diaphragm, a brake operating rod on the other, inner side of said diaphragm axially arranged relative thereto, said rod projecting through the inner end wall of the housing for reciprocatory movements, a pad on the outer end of said brake or rod operable to bear against said diaphragm an auxiliary compartment at one end of said housing, the outer end wall of said housing constituting the inner end wall of said compartment, the inner end wall of the compartment having a central opening therethrough, the outer end of said compartment closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall within said compartment with the outer face thereof facing the outer wall of said compartment, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and compartment outer wall member, a rod connected centrally with said movable wall, extending inwardly thereof and having a sliding fit through the housing outer end wall central opening, means for introducing fluid under pressure to said compartment adjacent to the housing outer wall for normally holding the movablE wall in the region of the compartment outer wall thereby to hold said coil compression spring means under compression, said fluid under pressure introduced into a movable wall pressurization chamber between the movable wall inner face and the housing outer wall outer face, at least one passage through said movable wall connecting the movable wall pressurization chamber and the air assist chamber with check valve means therein checking flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber to the air assist chamber while permitting flow in the other direction under certain pressurization conditions and inlet valve means operative to pass fluid under pressure from the movable wall pressurization chamber to the air assist chamber when the pressure level within the movable wall pressurization chamber rises above a predetermined level.

Claim 10

Brake actuating mechanism comprising a closed housing having inner and outer walls, said walls inner and outer with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, a flexible diaphragm within said housing peripherally secured in place, means for introducing fluid under pressure to said housing adjacent the outer wall thereof and on the outer side of said diaphragm, a brake operating rod on the other, inner side of said diaphragm axially arranged relative thereto, said rod projecting through the inner end wall of the housing for reciprocatory movements, a pad on the outer end of said brake or rod operable to bear against said diaphragm an auxiliary compartment at one end of said housing, the outer end wall of said housing constituting the inner end wall of said compartment, the inner end wall of the compartment having a central opening therethrough, the outer end of said compartment closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall within said compartment with the outer face thereof facing the outer wall of said compartment, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and compartment outer wall member, a rod connected centrally with said movable wall, extending inwardly thereof and having a sliding fit through the housing outer end wall central opening, means for introducing fluid under pressure to said compartment adjacent to the housing outer wall for normally holding the movablE wall in the region of the compartment outer wall thereby to hold said coil compression spring means under compression, said fluid under pressure introduced into a movable wall pressurization chamber between the movable wall inner face and the housing outer wall outer face, at least one passage through said movable wall connecting the movable wall pressurization chamber and the air assist chamber with check valve means therein checking flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber to the air assist chamber while permitting flow in the other direction under certain pressurization conditions and inlet valve means operative to pass fluid under pressure from the movable wall pressurization chamber to the air assist chamber when the pressure level within the movable wall pressurization chamber rises above a predetermined level.

Claim 11

A brake actuating mechanism as in claim 7 including a vent valve in the outer end wall of said compartment operative to vent the air assist chamber defined by the movable wall outer face and the inner face of the compartment outer wall.

Claim 12

A device as in claim 7 wherein the check valve means and the inlet valve means through the movable wall communicating between the air assist chamber and the movable wall pressurization chamber are positioned within separate passages through said movable wall.

Claim 13

In a brake actuating device having spring emergency and parking functions, operable connection with the braking mechanism of a vehicle and comprising, a closed housing divided into inner and outer compartments, a flexible diaphragm peripherally secured in the outer compartment, a brake operating rod surmounted by a diaphragm abutment plate extending axially through the inner and outer compartments and having attachment to the braking mechanism, a movable wall mounted within the inner compartment equipped with a tubular axial extension surrounding and having abutting engagement at its inner end with said rod, an annular member forming the partition between the inner and outer compartments, a power compression spring unit between said annular member and movable wall, a rod return compression spring between the diaphragm abutment plate and annular member, separate air inlets for introducing compressed air to the inner compartment between the movable wall and the inner end of the housing and to the outer compartment between the diaphragm and the outer end of the housing, the improvements which comprise said movable wall, centrally thereof, slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to the brake operating rod, said annular member also slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to said brake operating rod, said annular member and movable wall seals on the brake operating rod, together with the member and wall, defining therebetween a sealed air assist chamber, the tubular axial extension of the movable wall extending through the inner end of the housing in sliding sealed fashion, whereby to define peripherally thereof within the housing and between the inner end of the housing and the inner face of the movable wall a movable wall pressurization chamber, at least one air flow passage having inlet valve means therewithin permitting air flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber into the air assist chamber, when the pressure in the movable wall pressurization chamber reaches a certain predetermined level.

Claim 14

In a brake actuating device having spring emergency and parking functions, operable connection with the braking mechanism of a vehicle and comprising, a closed housing divided into inner and outer compartments, a flexible diaphragm peripherally secured in the outer compartment, a brake operating rod surmounted by a diaphragm abutment plate extending axially through the inner and outer compartments and having attachment to the braking mechanism, a movable wall mounted within the inner compartment equipped with a tubular axial extension surrounding and having abutting engagement at its inner end with said rod, an annular member forming the partition between the inner and outer compartments, a power compression spring unit between said annular member and movable wall, a rod return compression spring between the diaphragm abutment plate and annular member, separate air inlets for introducing compressed air to the inner compartment between the movable wall and the inner end of the housing and to the outer compartment between the diaphragm and the outer end of the housing, the improvements which comprise said movable wall, centrally thereof, slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to the brake operating rod, said annular member also slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to said brake operating rod, said annular member and movable wall seals on the brake operating rod, together with the member and wall, defining therebetween a sealed air assist chamber, the tubular axial extension of the movable wall extending through the inner end of the housing in sliding sealed fashion, whereby to define peripherally thereof within the housing and between the inner end of the housing and the inner face of the movable wall a movable wall pressurization chamber, at least one air flow passage having inlet valve means therewithin permitting air flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber into the air assist chamber, when the pressure in the movable wall pressurization chamber reaches a certain predetermined level.

Claim 15

A device as in claim 10 including check valve means in a passage communicating between the movable wall pressurization chamber and air assist chamber checking air flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber into the air assist chamber and permitting air flow in opposite direction under certain conditions.

Claim 16

A brake actuating device as in claim 10 including a vent valve from the air assist chamber exterior of said closed housing operative to vent pressure from said air assist chamber outside of said housing at a predetermined preSsure level within said air assist chamber.

Claim 17

A device as in claim 10 wherein the check valve means and the inlet valve means communicating between the air assist chamber and the movable wall pressurization chamber are positioned within separate passages.

Claim 18

A brake actuating device as in claim 11 including a vent valve from the air assist chamber exterior of said closed housing operative to vent pressure from said air assist chamber outside of said housing at a predetermined pressure level within said air assist chamber.

Claim 19

In combination, a housing, said housing having inner and outer ends with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, one end of said housing closed by an inner wall member having a central opening therethrough, the other end of said housing closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall within said housing with the outer face thereof next to the outer wall member of said housing, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and housing outer wall member, a rod connected at one end thereof centrally of said movable wall, extending inwardly of the latter and having a sliding fit through the inner wall member central opening, an air inlet into said housing between the inner wall member and the inner face of the movable wall, whereby to permit pressurization of a movable wall pressurization chamber defined between said movable wall and inner wall member, the movable wall outer face and outer wall member defining therebetween an air assist chamber, and at least one air flow passage communicating between said movable wall pressurization chamber and said air assist chamber and having inlet (feed) valve means positioned therein operative at a predetermined pressure level to pass pressurized air from said movable wall pressurization chamber into said air assist chamber(.) when, and only when, the fluid pressure in said chamber exceeds a predetermined level which is beyond that required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the movable wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the chamber into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 20

In combination, a housing, said housing having inner and outer ends with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, one end of said housing closed by an inner wall member having a central opening therethrough, the other end of said housing closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall within said housing with the outer face thereof next to the outer wall member of said housing, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and housing outer wall member, a rod connected at one end thereof centrally of said movable wall, extending inwardly of the latter and having a sliding fit through the inner wall member central opening, an air inlet into said housing between the inner wall member and the inner face of the movable wall, whereby to permit pressurization of a movable wall pressurization chamber defined between said movable wall and inner wall member, the movable wall outer face and outer wall member defining therebetween an air assist chamber, and at least one air flow passage communicating between said movable wall pressurization chamber and said air assist chamber and having inlet (feed) valve means positioned therein operative at a predetermined pressure level to pass pressurized air from said movable wall pressurization chamber into said air assist chamber(.) when, and only when, the fluid pressure in said chamber exceeds a predetermined level which is beyond that required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the movable wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the chamber into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 21

A device as in claim 15 including check valve means in a passage communicating between the movable wall pressurization chamber and air assist chamber checking air flow into the air assist chamber from the movable wall pressurization chamber and permitting air flow therefrom under certain conditions.

Claim 22

In combination, a housing, said housing having inner and outer ends with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, one end of said housing closed by an inner wall member having a central opening therethrough, the other end of said housing closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall within said housing with the outer face thereof next to the outer wall member of said housing, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and housing outer wall member, a rod connected at one end thereof centrally of said movable wall, extending inwardly of the latter and having a sliding fit through the inner wall member central opening, an air inlet into said housing between the inner wall member and the inner face of the movable wall, whereby to permit pressurization of a movable wall pressurization chamber defined between said movable wall and inner wall member, the movable wall outer face and outer wall member defining therebetween an air assist chamber, and at least one air flow passage communicating between said movable wall pressurization chamber and said air assist chamber and having inlet feed valve means therein operative at a predetermined pressure level to pass pressurized air from said movable wall pressurization chamber into said air assist chamber(.) check valve means in a passage communicating between the movable wall pressurization chAmber and air assist chamber checking air flow into the air assist chamber from the movable wall pressurization chamber and permitting air flow therefrom under certain conditions, and (A device as in claim 20 including) a relief valve operative to relieve the air assist chamber defined between the movable wall outer face and outer wall member at a predetermined pressure therein.

Claim 23

In combination, a housing, said housing having inner and outer ends with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, one end of said housing closed by an inner wall member having a central opening therethrough, the other end of said housing closed by an outer wall member a movable wall within said housing with the outer face thereof next to the outer wall member of said housing, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and housing outer wall member, a rod connected at one end thereof centrally of said movable wall, extending inwardly of the latter and having a sliding fit through the inner wall member central opening, an air inlet into said housing between the inner wall member and the inner face of the movable wall, whereby to permit pressurization of a movable wall pressurization chamber defined between said movable wall and inner wall member, the movable wall outer face and outer wall member defining therebetween an air assist chamber, and at least one air flow passage communicating between said movable wall pressurization chamber and said air assist chamber and having inlet feed valve means therein operative at a predetermined pressure level to pass pressurized air from said movable wall pressurization chamber into said air assist chamber(.), and (A device as in claim 19 including) a relief valve operative to relieve the air assist chamber defined between the movable wall outer face and outer wall member at a predetermined pressure therein.

Claim 24

Brake actuating mechanism comprising a closed housing having inner and outer walls, said walls inner and outer with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, a flexible diaphragm within said housing peripherally secured in place, means for introducing fluid under pressure to said housing adjacent the outer wall thereof and on the outer side of said diaphragm, a brake operating rod on the other, inner side of said diaphragm axially arranged relative thereto, said rod projecting through the inner end wall of the housing for reciprocatory movements, a pad on the outer end of said brake or rod operable to bear against said diaphragm, an auxiliary compartment at one end of said housing, the outer end wall of said housing constituting the inner end wall of said compartment, the inner end wall of the compartment having a central opening therethrough, the outer end of said compartment closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall within said compartment with the outer face thereof facing the outer wall of said compartment, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and compartment outer wall member, a rod connected centrally with said movable wall, extending inwardly thereof and having a sliding fit through the housing outer end wall central opening, means for introducing fluid under pressure into a movable wall pressurization chamber between the movable wall inner face and the housing outer wall outer face, thus normally holding the movable wall in the region of the compartment outer wall thereby to hold said coil compression spring means under compression, a passage interconnecting the movable wall pressurization chamber and the air assist chamber; inlet valve means in said passage so positioned and so functioning as to pass fluid under pressure from the movable wall pressurization chamber to the air assist chamber when and only when the pressure level within the movable wall pressurization chamber rises above a predetermined level which is beyond thAt required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 25

Brake actuating mechanism comprising a closed housing having inner and outer walls, said walls inner and outer with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, a flexible diaphragm within said housing peripherally secured in place, means for introducing fluid under pressure to said housing adjacent the outer wall thereof and on the outer side of said diaphragm, a brake operating rod on the other, inner side of said diaphragm axially arranged relative thereto, said rod projecting through the inner end wall of the housing for reciprocatory movements, a pad on the outer end of said brake or rod operable to bear against said diaphragm, an auxiliary compartment at one end of said housing, the outer end wall of said housing constituting the inner end wall of said compartment, the inner end wall of the compartment having a central opening therethrough, the outer end of said compartment closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall within said compartment with the outer face thereof facing the outer wall of said compartment, coil compression spring means seating between said movable wall outer face and compartment outer wall member, a rod connected centrally with said movable wall, extending inwardly thereof and having a sliding fit through the housing outer end wall central opening, means for introducing fluid under pressure into a movable wall pressurization chamber between the movable wall inner face and the housing outer wall outer face, thus normally holding the movable wall in the region of the compartment outer wall thereby to hold said coil compression spring means under compression, a passage interconnecting the movable wall pressurization chamber and the air assist chamber; inlet valve means in said passage so positioned and so functioning as to pass fluid under pressure from the movable wall pressurization chamber to the air assist chamber when and only when the pressure level within the movable wall pressurization chamber rises above a predetermined level which is beyond thAt required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 26

A device as in claim 19 including check valve means in a passage interconnecting the movable wall pressurization chamber and the air assist chamber checking air flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber to the air assist chamber while permitting air flow in the other direction under certain pressurization conditions.

Claim 27

A brake actuating mechanism as in claim 19 including a vent valve operative to vent to atmosphere the air assist chamber (defined by the movable wall outer face and the inner face of the compartment outer wall) at a predetermined pressure level therein.

Claim 28

In a brake actuating device having emergency and parking functions, operable connection with the braking mechanism of a vehicle and comprising, a closed housing divided into inner and outer compartments, a flexible diaphragm peripherally secured in the outer compartment, a brake operating rod surmounted by a diaphragm abutment plate extending axially through the inner and outer compartments and having attachment to the braking mechanism, a movable wall mounted within the inner compartment equipped with a tubular axial extension surrounding and having abutting engagement at its inner end with said rod, an annular member forming the partition between the inner and outer compartments, a rod return compression spring between the diaphragm abutment plate and annular member, separate air inlets for introducing compressed air to the inner compartment between the movable wall and the inner end of the housing and to the outer compartment between the diaphragm and the outer end of the housing, the improvements which comprise said movable wall, centrally thereof, slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to the brake operating rod, said annular member also slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to said brake operating rod, said annular member and movable wall seals on the brake operating rod, together with the member and wall, defining therebetween a sealed air assist chamber, the tubular axial extension of the movable wall extending through the inner end of the housing in sliding sealed fashion, whereby to define peripherally thereof within the housing and between the inner end of the housing and the inner face of the movable wall a movable wall pressurization chamber, at least one air flow passage having inlet valve means therewithin permitting air flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber into the air assist chamber, when the pressure in the movable wall pressurization chamber reaches a certain predetermined level.

Claim 29

In a brake actuating device having emergency and parking functions, operable connection with the braking mechanism of a vehicle and comprising, a closed housing divided into inner and outer compartments, a flexible diaphragm peripherally secured in the outer compartment, a brake operating rod surmounted by a diaphragm abutment plate extending axially through the inner and outer compartments and having attachment to the braking mechanism, a movable wall mounted within the inner compartment equipped with a tubular axial extension surrounding and having abutting engagement at its inner end with said rod, an annular member forming the partition between the inner and outer compartments, a rod return compression spring between the diaphragm abutment plate and annular member, separate air inlets for introducing compressed air to the inner compartment between the movable wall and the inner end of the housing and to the outer compartment between the diaphragm and the outer end of the housing, the improvements which comprise said movable wall, centrally thereof, slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to the brake operating rod, said annular member also slidingly sealed in pressure retaining fashion to said brake operating rod, said annular member and movable wall seals on the brake operating rod, together with the member and wall, defining therebetween a sealed air assist chamber, the tubular axial extension of the movable wall extending through the inner end of the housing in sliding sealed fashion, whereby to define peripherally thereof within the housing and between the inner end of the housing and the inner face of the movable wall a movable wall pressurization chamber, at least one air flow passage having inlet valve means therewithin permitting air flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber into the air assist chamber, when the pressure in the movable wall pressurization chamber reaches a certain predetermined level.

Claim 30

A device as in claim 22 including check valve means in a passage communicating between the movable wall pressurization chamber and air assist chamber checking air flow from the movable wall pressurization chamber into the air assist chamber and permitting air flow in opposite direction under certain conditions.

Claim 31

A device as in claim 22 including a vent valve from the air assist chamber exterior of said closed housing operative to vent pressure from said air assist chamber outside of said housing at a predetermined pressure level within said air assist chamber.

Claim 32

A device as in claim 22 wherein the check valve means and the inlet valve means communicating between the air assist chamber and the movable wall pressurization chamber are positioned within separate passages.

Claim 33

In combination, a housing, said housing having inner and outer ends with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, one end of said housing closed by an inner wall member having a central opening therethrough, the other end of said housing closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall withIn said housing with the outer face thereof next to the outer wall member of said housing, a rod connected at one end thereof centrally of said movable wall, extending inwardly of the latter and having a sliding fit through the inner wall member central opening, an air inlet into said housing between the inner wall member and the inner face of the movable wall, whereby to permit pressurization of a movable wall pressurization chamber defined between said movable wall and inner wall member, the movable wall outer face and outer wall member defining therebetween an air assist chamber, at least one air flow passage communicating between said movable wall pressurization chamber and said air assist chamber and having inlet feed valve means positioned therein and so functioning as to be operative at a predetermined pressure level to pass pressurized air from said movable wall pressurization chamber into said air assist chamber(.) when, and only when, the fluid pressure in said compartment exceeds a predetermined level which is beyond that required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 34

In combination, a housing, said housing having inner and outer ends with respect to a vehicle brake mechanism, one end of said housing closed by an inner wall member having a central opening therethrough, the other end of said housing closed by an outer wall member, a movable wall withIn said housing with the outer face thereof next to the outer wall member of said housing, a rod connected at one end thereof centrally of said movable wall, extending inwardly of the latter and having a sliding fit through the inner wall member central opening, an air inlet into said housing between the inner wall member and the inner face of the movable wall, whereby to permit pressurization of a movable wall pressurization chamber defined between said movable wall and inner wall member, the movable wall outer face and outer wall member defining therebetween an air assist chamber, at least one air flow passage communicating between said movable wall pressurization chamber and said air assist chamber and having inlet feed valve means positioned therein and so functioning as to be operative at a predetermined pressure level to pass pressurized air from said movable wall pressurization chamber into said air assist chamber(.) when, and only when, the fluid pressure in said compartment exceeds a predetermined level which is beyond that required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 35

A device as in claim 26 including check valve means in a passage communicating between the movable wall pressurization chamber and air assist chamber checking air flow into the air assist chamber from the movable wall pressurization chamber and permitting air flow therefrom under certain conditions.

Claim 36

A device as in claim 26 including a (relief) vent valve operative to relieve to atmosphere the air assist chamber (defined between the movable wall outer face and outer wall member of the) at a predetermined pressure level therein.

Claim 37

Brake operating equipment of the kind comprising a brake actuating member reciprocable in brake applying and brake releasing directions, the brake operating equipment being divided into two sections respectively operating as service and emergency braking devices, the service braking device including a fluid pressure chamber having a supply connection providing for introduction of pressure fluid and having a reciprocable fluid pressure responsive wall element for imparting brake applying motion to the brake actuating member, the equipment being characterized in that the emergency braking device includes a fluid pressure chamber, a reciprocable element forming a wall dividing the pressure chamber of the emergency device into two compartments, said wall being movable in one direction to effect emergency application of the brake, a supply connection normally providing for introduction of pressure fluid into that one of the compartments in which pressure acting on said wall tends to move the wall in the other direction, a passage interconnecting said two compartments, and an inlet valve in said passage positioned and so functioning as to provide for fluid flow from said one compartment into the other when, and only when, the fluid pressure in said compartment exceeds a predetermined level which is beyond that required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 38

Brake operating equipment of the kind comprising a brake actuating member reciprocable in brake applying and brake releasing directions, the brake operating equipment being divided into two sections respectively operating as service and emergency braking devices, the service braking device including a fluid pressure chamber having a supply connection providing for introduction of pressure fluid and having a reciprocable fluid pressure responsive wall element for imparting brake applying motion to the brake actuating member, the equipment being characterized in that the emergency braking device includes a fluid pressure chamber, a reciprocable element forming a wall dividing the pressure chamber of the emergency device into two compartments, said wall being movable in one direction to effect emergency application of the brake, a supply connection normally providing for introduction of pressure fluid into that one of the compartments in which pressure acting on said wall tends to move the wall in the other direction, a passage interconnecting said two compartments, and an inlet valve in said passage positioned and so functioning as to provide for fluid flow from said one compartment into the other when, and only when, the fluid pressure in said compartment exceeds a predetermined level which is beyond that required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 39

A device as in claim 29 including a vent valve from one of said compartments exterior to atmosphere thereof operative to vent pressure therefrom at a predetermined pressure level within said compartment.

Claim 40

Brake operating equipment of the kind comprising a brake actuating member reciprocable in brake applying and brake releasing directions, the brake operating equipment being divided into two sections respectively operating as service and emergency brAking devices, the service braking device including a fluid pressure chamber having a supply connection providing for introduction of pressure fluid and having a reciprocable fluid pressure responsive wall element for imparting brake applying motion to the brake actuating member, the equipment being characterized in that the emergency braking device includes a fluid pressure chamber, a reciprocable element forming a wall dividing the pressure chamber of the emergency device into two compartments, said wall being movable in one direction to effect emergency application of the brake, a supply connection normally providing for introduction of pressure fluid into that one of the compartments in which pressure acting on said wall tends to move the wall in the other direction, a passage interconnecting said two compartments, and an inlet valve in said passage positioned to provide for fluid flow from said one compartment into the other but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced(.), and check valve means in a passage interconnecting the two compartments checking air flow from one compartment into the other and permitting air flow in the opposite direction under certain conditions.

Claim 41

Brake operating equipment of the kind comprising a brake actuating member reciprocable in brake applying and brake releasing directions, the brake operating equipment being divided into two sections respectively operating as service and emergency brAking devices, the service braking device including a fluid pressure chamber having a supply connection providing for introduction of pressure fluid and having a reciprocable fluid pressure responsive wall element for imparting brake applying motion to the brake actuating member, the equipment being characterized in that the emergency braking device includes a fluid pressure chamber, a reciprocable element forming a wall dividing the pressure chamber of the emergency device into two compartments, said wall being movable in one direction to effect emergency application of the brake, a supply connection normally providing for introduction of pressure fluid into that one of the compartments in which pressure acting on said wall tends to move the wall in the other direction, a passage interconnecting said two compartments, and an inlet valve in said passage positioned to provide for fluid flow from said one compartment into the other but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced(.), and check valve means in a passage interconnecting the two compartments checking air flow from one compartment into the other and permitting air flow in the opposite direction under certain conditions.

Claim 42

Brake operating equipment of the kind comprising a brake actuating member reciprocable in brake applying and brake releasing directions, the brake operating equipment being divided into two sections respectively operating as service and emergency braking devices, the service braking device including a fluid pressure chamber having a supply connection providing for introduction of pressure fluid and having a reciprocable fluid pressure responsive wall element for imparting brake applying motion to the brake actuating member, the equipment being characterized in that the emergency braking device includes a fluid pressure chamber, a reciprocable element forming a wall dividing the pressure chamber of the emergency device into two compartments, said wall being movable in one direction to effect emergency application of the brake, a spring acting on said wall to urge it to move in said one direction, a supply connection normally providing for introduction of pressure fluid into that one of the compartments in which pressure acting on said wall tends to move the wall in the other direction to thereby provide for compression of said spring, a passage interconnecting said two compartments, and an inlet valve in said passage positioned and so functioning as to provide for fluid flow from said one compartment into the other when, and only when, the fluid pressure in said compartment exceeds a predetermined level which is beyond that required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 43

Brake operating equipment of the kind comprising a brake actuating member reciprocable in brake applying and brake releasing directions, the brake operating equipment being divided into two sections respectively operating as service and emergency braking devices, the service braking device including a fluid pressure chamber having a supply connection providing for introduction of pressure fluid and having a reciprocable fluid pressure responsive wall element for imparting brake applying motion to the brake actuating member, the equipment being characterized in that the emergency braking device includes a fluid pressure chamber, a reciprocable element forming a wall dividing the pressure chamber of the emergency device into two compartments, said wall being movable in one direction to effect emergency application of the brake, a spring acting on said wall to urge it to move in said one direction, a supply connection normally providing for introduction of pressure fluid into that one of the compartments in which pressure acting on said wall tends to move the wall in the other direction to thereby provide for compression of said spring, a passage interconnecting said two compartments, and an inlet valve in said passage positioned and so functioning as to provide for fluid flow from said one compartment into the other when, and only when, the fluid pressure in said compartment exceeds a predetermined level which is beyond that required to compress the power spring, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced.

Claim 44

A device as in claim 32 including check valve means in a passage interconnecting said two compartments checking air flow from one compartment into the other and permitting air flow in opposite direction under certain conditions.

Claim 45

Brake operating equipment of the kind comprising a brake actuating member reciprocable in brake applying and brake releasing directions, the brake operating equipment being divided into two sections respectively operating as service and emergency braking devices, the service braking device including a fluid pressure chamber having a supply connection providing for introduction of pressure fluid and having a reciprocable fluid pressure responsive wall element for imparting brake applying motion to the brake actuating member, the equipment being characterized in that the emergency braking dEvice includes a fluid pressure chamber, a reciprocable element forming a wall dividing the pressure chamber of the emergency device into two compartments, said wall being movable in one direction to effect emergency application of the brake, a spring acting on said wall to urge it to move in said one direction, a supply connection normally providing for introduction of pressure fluid into that one of the compartments in which pressure acting on said wall tends to move the wall in the other direction to thereby provide for compression of said spring, a passage interconnecting said two compartments, and an inlet valve in said passage positioned to provide for fluid flow from said one compartment into the other but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced(.) , and a vent valve from one of said compartments operative to vent pressure from said compartment to atmosphere outside thereof at a predetermined pressure level within said compartment.

Claim 46

Brake operating equipment of the kind comprising a brake actuating member reciprocable in brake applying and brake releasing directions, the brake operating equipment being divided into two sections respectively operating as service and emergency braking devices, the service braking device including a fluid pressure chamber having a supply connection providing for introduction of pressure fluid and having a reciprocable fluid pressure responsive wall element for imparting brake applying motion to the brake actuating member, the equipment being characterized in that the emergency braking dEvice includes a fluid pressure chamber, a reciprocable element forming a wall dividing the pressure chamber of the emergency device into two compartments, said wall being movable in one direction to effect emergency application of the brake, a spring acting on said wall to urge it to move in said one direction, a supply connection normally providing for introduction of pressure fluid into that one of the compartments in which pressure acting on said wall tends to move the wall in the other direction to thereby provide for compression of said spring, a passage interconnecting said two compartments, and an inlet valve in said passage positioned to provide for fluid flow from said one compartment into the other but to prevent flow in the opposite direction and thereby provide a force tending to move the dividing wall to apply the brake upon reduction of pressure in the compartment into which the supply of pressure fluid is normally introduced(.) , and a vent valve from one of said compartments operative to vent pressure from said compartment to atmosphere outside thereof at a predetermined pressure level within said compartment.