Pressurized gas to release spring applied hydraulically released brakes

• US 6,170,922 B1
• Filed: 05/18/1999
• Issued: 01/09/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deere & Company
• Original Assignee: Deere & Company
• Inventors: Vannorsdel, Randy Scott, Fjellman, Henry Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Oberleiter, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): PEZZLO, BENJAMIN A
• Application Number:
  US09/313,853
• Time in Patent Office: 602 Days
• Field of Search: 188/352, 303/85, 303/71, 731/21, 604/03, 604/04, 604/05
• US Class Current: 303/71
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 13/22 Brakes applied by springs or weights and released hydraulically
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 17/221 Procedure or apparatus for checking or keeping in a correct functioning condition of brake systems hydraulic pressure systems in general F15B19/00, F15B21/04; testing structures or apparatus G01M

Abstract

A simple hand held carbon dioxide applicator having a pressurized carbon dioxide cartridge is used to release spring applied hydraulically released brakes. The hydraulic line extending between the hydraulic pump and the brake control valve is provided with a first coupler of a quick coupling with the corresponding second coupler being hydraulically positioned between the hydraulic line and the pump. An auxiliary line is provided having an auxiliary coupler identical to the second coupler so that the auxiliary line can be attached to the first coupler. The auxiliary line is also provided with a gas check valve in the form of a schraeder valve to which the hand held carbon dioxide applicator is pneumatically coupled.

Claims

1. A method of releasing spring applied hydraulically released brakes when pressurized hydraulic fluid is not available, the method comprising the following steps:

attaching a source of pressurized gas to a gas check valve being mounted to a hydraulic line that is coupled to the spring applied hydraulically released brakes;

injecting pressurized gas into the hydraulic line through the check valve for releasing the brakes.

2. A method as defined by claim 1 comprising the additional step of attaching the gas check valve to the hydraulic line.

3. A method as defined by claim 2 wherein the source of pressurized gas is a hand held pressure source having a pressurized gas cartridge.

4. A method as defined by claim 3 wherein the pressurized gas cartridge is a conventional carbon dioxide cartridge.

5. A method as defined by claim 4 comprising the additional step of removing the hand held pressure source from the gas check valve.

6. A method as defined by claim 5 wherein the hydraulic line is provided with a quick coupler for easily attaching the gas check valve to the hydraulic line.

7. A work vehicle for performing a work operation, the vehicle comprising:

a frame;

ground engaging means for supporting and propelling the vehicle across a surface;

a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid;

a spring applied hydraulically released brake for braking the vehicle, the brake being released by the application of hydraulic pressure to the brake;

a hydraulic line extending between the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and the spring applied hydraulically released brake;

a first coupler being attached between the hydraulic line and the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid;

an auxiliary conduit having an auxiliary coupler that mates with the first coupler, the auxiliary conduit also being provided with a gas check valve;

a source of pressurized gas adapted to be coupled to the auxiliary conduit;

whereby if the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid fails the auxiliary conduit is attached to the first coupling and the source of pressurized gas is attached to the auxiliary conduit for supplying pressurized gas to the hydraulic line and releasing the brakes.

8. A work vehicle as defined by claim 7 wherein the source of pressurized gas is a hand held pressure source having a pressurized gas cartridge.

9. A work vehicle as defined by claim 8 wherein the pressurized gas cartridge is a conventional carbon dioxide cartridge.

10. A work vehicle as defined by claim 9 wherein the first coupler is a quick coupler and the auxiliary coupler is a corresponding quick coupler.