Michael A Hardin

US Patent:

58971734, Apr 27, 1999

Filed:

May 21, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/861401

Inventors:

Michael A. Hardin - Ferguson MO

Assignee:

Brake Parts, Inc. - McHenry IL

International Classification:

B60T 1322

US Classification:

303 3

Abstract:

A parking brake control assembly for a motor vehicle is provided which includes a housing, a movable actuator disposed in the housing which is operable to apply or release parking brakes, and an actuator spring pivotably mounted in the housing. The actuator spring pivots in response to the movement of the movable actuator. A portion of the actuator spring is biased to a first position by a predetermined force, and if the force applied on the portion exceeds the predetermined force, the portion moves to a second position. The housing also houses a switch actuatable by movement of the movable actuator for indicating desired position of the parking brakes, and a piston in fluid communication with a source of fluid. The piston is positioned adjacent the portion of the actuator spring, and the piston is movable by the pivoting movement of the actuator spring to cause fluid to be ejected such that the ejected fluid indicates desired position of the parking brakes.