Michael D Stubblefield

US Patent:

6405635, Jun 18, 2002

Filed:

Oct 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/690789

Inventors:

Teddy D. Smith - Fresno CA
Greg Smith - Fresno CA
Ralph D. Russell - Yuma AZ
Michael D. Stubblefield - Fresno CA

Assignee:

TSE Brakes, Inc. - Fresno CA

International Classification:

F16J 302

US Classification:

92 98R

Abstract:

The present invention is an improved secure coupling for vehicle brake actuator units that allows for a stronger and more efficient units having the same or smaller overall profile. The coupling is used between the housing cup of either a service brake actuator or an emergency brake actuator, or both, and a corresponding adaptor where the housing cup(s) and adaptor are made of dissimilar metals. In the coupling, the cylindrical wall of the housing cup is substantially vertical, and the corresponding annular edges of the adaptor cup are provided with a uniquely shaped engagement structure. This structure allows the edges of the elastomeric diaphragm deployed in the actuator to extend away from the coupling at a substantially vertical angle, making available more surface area of the diaphragm to press against a pressure-transmitting plate inside. This allows the brake actuator unit to transmit more force, and/or to employ a stronger emergency brake spring, without increasing the size of the unit.

US Patent:

6694866, Feb 24, 2004

Filed:

Oct 22, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/012607

Inventors:

Teddy D. Smith - Fresno CA 93725
Michael D. Stubblefield - Fresno CA 93725

International Classification:

F01B 1900

US Classification:

92 98R, 92131, 92 63

Abstract:

Disclosed is a diaphragm-based spring brake actuator assembly which allows for the delivery of more force to the push rod without increasing the size of the actuator unit. The invention allows for the use of a stronger heavy main compression spring in the emergency brake chamber to provide greater emergency or parking brake force to the push rod. The invention also allows the service brake chamber to operate more efficiently when braking pressure is introduced. These functions are accomplished through modifications in the design of the actuators which allow for the deployment of a larger pressure plate inside either the emergency housing or the service brake housing, or both, allowing delivery of more force to the push rod of the actuator; and are made possible in actuator units having the same dimensional profile as existing weaker units.

US Patent:

6131501, Oct 17, 2000

Filed:

May 29, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/087429

Inventors:

Teddy D. Smith - Fresno CA
Ralph D. Russell - Yuma AZ
Michael D. Stubblefield - Fresno CA

Assignee:

TSE Brakes, Inc. - Fresno CA

International Classification:

F01B 1900
F16J 300

US Classification:

92 98R

Abstract:

A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing central aluminum or steel adaptors for air brake actuators to existing steel service brake housings, existing steel emergency brake housings, or both without major modification to either housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder is provided in the steel brake housing, and the aluminum adaptor is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is sandwiched between the shoulder of the steel brake and the annular lip of the adaptor. One or more C-shaped retaining pieces are then placed around the sandwiched shoulder, diaphragm and lip. A weld is then applied to connect the C-shaped steel piece to the steel-housing, thereby holding the aluminum or steel adaptor and diaphragm securely in place.

US Patent:

61290041, Oct 10, 2000

Filed:

Jun 2, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/088942

Inventors:

Teddy D. Smith - Fresno CA
Ralph D. Russell - Yuma AZ
Michael D. Stubblefield - Fresno CA

Assignee:

TSE Brakes, Inc. - Fresno CA

International Classification:

F16J 302

US Classification:

92 98R

Abstract:

A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing conventional central adaptors for air brake actuators to service brake housings, emergency brake housings, or both, that are made from a metal that is dissimilar to that of the adaptor without major modification to either the housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder with an elongated annular flange above it is provided on the steel part, and the aluminum part is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is first placed directly on the shoulder of the selected steel part. The aluminum part is then placed on top of the diaphragm such that the annular lip of the aluminum part fits inside the annular flange of the steel part. A slightly deformable annular steel piece is placed around the aluminum part so that it comes to rest against the annular aluminum lip while also touching the annular steel flange of the steel part. One or more breaks may be provided in the annular steel piece in order to allow it to be opened sufficiently to fit around the aluminum part.

US Patent:

63148617, Nov 13, 2001

Filed:

Jun 18, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/336867

Inventors:

Teddy D. Smith - Fresno CA
Michael D. Stubblefield - Fresno CA

Assignee:

TSE Brakes, Inc. - Fresno CA

International Classification:

F01B 700

US Classification:

92 62

Abstract:

Disclosed is a diaphragm-based spring brake actuator assembly which allows for the delivery of more force to the push rod without increasing the size of the actuator unit. The invention allows for the use of a stronger heavy main compression spring in the emergency brake chamber to provide greater emergency or parking brake force to the push rod. The invention also allows the service brake chamber to operate more efficiently when braking pressure is introduced. These functions are accomplished through modifications in the design of the actuators which allow for the deployment of a larger pressure plate inside either the emergency housing or the service brake housing, or both, allowing delivery of more force to the push rod of the actuator; and are made possible in actuator units having the same dimensional profile as existing weaker units.

US Patent:

57585644, Jun 2, 1998

Filed:

Jun 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/662993

Inventors:

Teddy D. Smith - Fresno CA
Ralph D. Russell - Yuma AZ
Michael D. Stubblefield - Fresno CA

Assignee:

TSE Brakes, Inc. - Fresno CA

International Classification:

F16D 6500
F16J 302

US Classification:

92 98R

Abstract:

A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing central aluminum or steel adaptors for air brake actuators to existing steel service brake housings, existing steel emergency brake housings, or both without major modification to either housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder with an elongated annular flange above it is provided in the steel brake housing, and the aluminum adaptor is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is first placed directly on the shoulder of the steel brake housing. The aluminum or steel adaptor is then placed on top of the diaphragm such that the annular lip of the adaptor fits inside the annular flange of the housing. A slightly deformable annular steel piece is then placed around the aluminum adaptor so that it comes to rest against the annular lip while also touching the annular steel flange of the housing. One or more breaks may be provided in the annular steel piece to facilitate placing it over the aluminum adaptor.