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Driver controlled air system moisture removal and pre-trip inspection system

  • US 5,936,154 A
  • Filed: 08/26/1997
  • Issued: 08/10/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In combination with a mobile vehicle an apparatus for use in testing integrity of an air system, comprising:

  • (a) a vehicle with an air system, a driver area, an engine, a transmission, and a pneumatic service brake system;

    (b) said air system, comprising;

    (i) an air reservoir comprised of three internal tanks;

    a wet tank, a primary rear end tank, and a secondary front end tank;

    (ii) a normally closed air-operated first drain valve engaged to said wet tank;

    (iii) a normally closed air-operated second drain valve engaged to said primary rear end tank;

    (iv) a normally closed air-operated third drain valve engaged to said secondary front end tank;

    (v) two one-way check valves, a first check valve separating said wet tank and said primary rear end tank and allowing for one-way passage from said wet tank to said primary rear end tank, and a second check valve separating said wet tank and said secondary front end tank and allowing for one-way passage from said wet tank to said secondary front end tank;

    (vi) a source of pressurized air functionally engaged to said first drain valve, said second drain valve and said third drain valve;

    (vii) a control means manually operated from within said driver area of said vehicle and interposed between said source of pressurized air and said first drain valve, said second drain valve and said third drain valve, respectively, said control means for allowing and maintaining passage of pressurized air there through for individual opening of said first drain valve, said second drain valve and said third drain valve, respectively;

    (viii) a compressor engaged to said wet tank;

    (ix) a pressure gauge mounted in said driver area and indicating pressure of said primary rear end tank and said secondary front end tank; and

    (x) a low pressure indicator mounted in said driver area and functionally engaged to said wet tank, said primary rear end tank, and said secondary front end tank; and

    (c) said service brake system comprising;

    (i) a front brake portion operatively engaged to said secondary front end tank;

    (ii) a rear brake portion operatively engaged to said primary rear end tank; and

    (iii) a foot pedal operatively engaged to both said front bake portion and said rear brake portion.

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