Indian Head Industries, Inc.

Thyssen-bornemisza Inc.

Graydon J Choinski

David W Brooks

Allen L Gummer

Ronald S Plantan

Alan C Lesesky

Richard J Rink

Bob Weant

Henry T Dangson

Richard F Zarybnicky, Sr

Greg W Jensen

James D Goates

Dave W Brooks

Duane L Angeli

A brake monitoring system generally includes a plurality of brake monitors mounted on each of a plurality of brake actuators. Each brake monitor generally comprises a sleeve mounted to a push rod which moves relative to a stone shield on the brake actuator. The displacement of the sleeve relative to the stone shield is measured to determine the stroke of the brake actuator. This information is sent via an RF transmitter to a controller which determines the condition of each of the brakes.

Brake monitoring system

An improved brake actuator and method of assembling a cup-shaped housing on a housing member of a brake actuator, wherein the housing member has an open end, an annular radially projecting rib adjacent to and surrounding the open end and a plurality of spaced channel-shaped transverse depressions in the radial rib extending toward the open end of the flange case, a cup-shaped metal cover including a tubular open end having an inside diameter initially less than the outside diameter of the annular radial rib of the housing member, wherein the tubular end portion of the cover is pressed telescopically over the radial rib of the housing member, thereby simultaneously deforming the tubular end portion of the cover into the channel-shaped depressions in the rib of the housing member and stretched over the radial rib, thereby preventing rotation of the cover relative to the housing member. In the preferred embodiment, the channel-shaped depressions in the radial rib include a bottom wall, an open end opening toward the end of the housing member and side walls tapering toward the open end of the depressions. The diameter of the rib measured between the bottom walls of the depressions is less than the inside diameter of the tubular end of the cover, whereby the open end and tapered side walls of the depressions channel the tubular end portion of the cover into the depressions and over the enlarged radial rib of the housing.

Brake actuator and method of forming same

A brake actuator includes an inelastically deformed separate clamp band holding the brake actuator housing portions together. The actuator is formed by cutting the clamp band from a roll of thin stainless steel. The cut portions are formed to have an L shaped section. The short L end is then placed on one of the flanges of the brake actuator housing members. The other end of the clamp band is then deformed inwardly to secure the brake actuator housings together. The invention results in a relatively low cost clamp band. The clamp band has particular application on the service side of the spring brake actuator, although it would also be useful on the emergency side.

Deformed clamp band made from continuous roll

A small envelope is achieved for an inelastically deformed connection between a spring cover and a central housing in a spring brake actuator. The connection is deformed radially inwardly and then extends radially outwardly from the radially inwardly extending portion. This eliminates the radially outwardly extending portion and flanges as are typically utilized in the prior art. Thus, a much smaller envelope is provided. In preferred embodiments of this invention, a seal groove is positioned axially adjacent a securement groove in the central housing. A seal is positioned in the seal groove to ensure an air-tight seal. In addition, a unique diaphragm guiding structure is incorporated into one embodiment of this invention.

Small envelope tamper-resistant spring brake actuator

A brake release tool incorporates a two-part structure wherein a portion accessible from outside the brake actuator does not move axially away from the brake actuator during caging. In this way, less room is necessary outwardly of the brake actuator housing than has been required in the prior art. An operator turns an outer bolt, which turns a threaded inner nut. The threaded inner nut moves axially to contact a piston, and moves the piston to cage the power spring. The bolt need not move axially outwardly, although in one embodiment it may move slightly axially inwardly as the spring is caged to provide a visual indication that the spring is not uncaged.

Spring brake actuator with release tool requiring limited axial space

The present invention provides a tamper-resistant fluid-operated brake actuator having a power spring housed within a head or cap which is attached to a flange case having one or more diaphragms or pistons responsive to changes of fluid pressure within the brake actuator chambers. In one embodiment, the head is attached to the flange case by a substantially continuous curvilinear annular metal retaining member which must be inelastically deformed or destroyed in order to remove the head from the flange case, thus rendering tampering more difficult. In another embodiment, the annular metal retaining member of the present invention is integral with the actuator head and which is metal-spun or the like onto the flange case.

Tamper-resistant brake actuator

Method of making tamper-resistant brake actuators

Method of forming a tamper-resistant brake actuator

Tamper resistant brake actuator

A method and apparatus are disclosed for assembling a protective boot in an air brake actuator. A mounting tube extends into the nonpressurized air chamber of the actuator and is formed with a groove in an outer peripheral surface. The end of the boot serves as a sleeve which is slipped over the end of the tube. A retainer ring, preferably carried by the boot, is forced downwardly to compress portions of the boot into the tube groove to thereby secure the boot in place.

Growing community of inventors

Utica, MI, United States of America

Graydon J Choinski