Abstract:
A control valve for use in a tow vehicle-trailer system to synchronize the activation of the trailer brakes with the brakes of the tow vehicle. The control valve transfers an operational signal to a servometer which pressurizes a first fluid to activate the trailer brakes in response to a second pressurized fluid which activates the brakes of the tow vehicle. A piston within the control valve has a first face joined to a smaller diameter second face by a stem with an axial opening. The second pressurized fluid acts on the first and second faces to move the axial opening against a seat when the pressure of the second pressurized fluid reaches an initial predetermined value. An increase in the pressure of the second pressurized fluid will act on the second face and move the piston away from the seat to allow the increase to modify the operational signal to the servometer.
Abstract:
A surge brake actuator which includes two relatively movable members, one connected to a towing vehicle and the other connected to a trailer, is held in an extended position by spring means which is collapsible upon relative movement between the vehicle and trailer. Trailer brake applying means, including a hydraulic brake master cylinder, is operatively connected to one of said members to respond to relative movment between said members for applying the trailer brakes. A mechanism responsive to a backing maneuver of the vehicle and trailer is operatively connected to said brake applying means for rendering said brake applying means ineffective to apply said trailer brakes.