Air Brakes (Emergency Parking Brake) & Air Brake Plunger Securing Device

The vehicles that are normally equipped with Air Brakes are Recreational Vehicles (RV), Commercial Public Transportation Buses, School Buses, Commercial Trucks and Tractor/Trailer(s) Combination (Big Rigs).  In addition, more and more of these types of vehicles are being equipped with automatic transmissions (predominately with an Allison product).  Equipping these vehicles with automatic transmissions make the vehicles less complicated to drive.  With commercial automatic transmissions, there is no park position – only reverse, neutral and drive.  The only mechanism that stops the vehicle from rolling away is the Emergency Parking Brake.  When the emergency parking brake is applied by pulling the controller valve’s plunger knob in an upward position, the air within the air lines is released and the calipers collapse against the discs.  This action immobilizes the vehicle making it safe and secure.  Unfortunately, there is a drawback.  When the plunger knob is in its extended position, it can be easily engaged accidentally by a pet, child or unaware individual within the vehicle.  By pushing down on the plunger knob, air is released back into the air lines, the calipers release and the vehicle becomes freewheeling. 

This is where the Absolute Brake® “Air Brake Plunger Securing Device” comes into play – eliminating the possibility of the vehicle becoming freewheeling.  The Air Brake Plunger Securing Device is easily applied by swiveling the device between the base of the air brake controller valve and the plunger knob.  Once in place, the spring loaded plunger keeps the Air Brake Plunger Securing Device secured to the shaft of the emergency parking brake controller valve, commonly known as a “Push/Pull Valve.”  Knowing that your vehicle is equipped with the Air Brake Plunger Securing Device, gives you peace of mind and limits the chance of personal property damage or bodily injury.

Each genuine Absolute Brake® Air Brake Plunger Securing Device embodies numerous innovative technological enhancements to make your driving and parking safer and more comfortable. The Air Brake Plunger Securing Device Contains functional elements that are protected by a pending United States Utility Patent. Each Absolute Brake® Air Brake Plunger Securing Device is warranted for one (1) year from the original date of invoice or bill of sale.

History of Air Brakes

The original Westinghouse Air Brake was founded in 1869 by George Westinghouse shortly after he successfully demonstrated the first straight air brake systems to the railroad industry.  Three years later, Westinghouse developed the first automatic air brake system, which had a built-in safeguard whereby the brakes on the entire train would apply automatically if the train should separate or if air pressure should escape due to leakage in the system.  This system was first installed on a Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train in Pittsburgh in 1872, and its efficiency dramatically improved the safety and popularity of rail transportation in North America.  Throughout the 20th century, Westinghouse Air Brake maintained worldwide leadership in rail equipment technologies designed to improve the safety and productivity of customers in the transportation industries.  In 1990, the company's assets and the WABCO name were purchased in a management buyout, and a new WABCO was created that went public in 1995.   Information was provided by Webtec Corporation.

More History & Detailed Information on How Air Brakes Work

Information is courtesy of HowStuffWorks.com

George Westinghouse and Air-brake History

The information provided within this section will show you why Air Brakes are preferred over hydraulic fluid systems in larger vehicles.  The section also touches on the basics of Direct Air Brake Systems and how the first Triple-Valve Air Brake system that was created by George Westinghouse, improved the operation of braking.

Understanding Brakes

This section takes you back to the basics.  It addresses all the elements that make the hydraulic brake system work.  In addition, you get an understanding on how the fundamentals of brakes in trains and cars work.

Air-brake Components in Trucks and Buses

The most common Air Brake System found in most trucks and buses are Foundation Brakes.  These brakes work the same way as in rail cars.  This section will discuss the use of the Triple-Valve Air Brake, the Graduated Release System and address all the components that make up the Air Brake System in trucks and buses.

Air Brakes: Preventative Maintenance

This can be one of the most important sections.  Maintaining proper operation of the Air Brake System is the key factor in preventing an accident.  Bleeding your Air Reservoir tanks on a regular basis prevents fluid build-up in the air lines.  The more modern systems have automatic drains valves, but once in a while it is good to manually drain the tanks – most tanks will have a pulley attached to the drain valve.

Lots More Information
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