| CPC B60T 8/176 (2013.01) [B60T 7/042 (2013.01); B60T 8/4081 (2013.01); B60T 13/686 (2013.01)] | 26 Claims |
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1. A fluid separator configured for inclusion in a brake system having normal non-failure and backup braking modes, the fluid separator comprising:
a separator housing defining a longitudinal bore having first and second longitudinally separated bore ends;
a first fluid passage extending through the housing in fluid communication with the bore at the first bore end;
a second fluid passage extending through the housing in fluid communication with the bore adjacent the second bore end;
a third fluid passage extending through the housing in fluid communication with a portion of the bore spaced apart from both the first and second bore ends;
a free-floating piston located inside the bore and configured for longitudinal movement with respect to the bore responsive to fluid pressure within the bore;
a biasing spring urging the piston toward the second bore end; and
an end cap located at the second bore end, the end cap being maintained on the housing via at least two retainers;
wherein, when the brake system is in the normal non-failure braking mode, a primary fluid route is defined between the first and third fluid passages through at least a portion of a body of the piston; and
wherein, when the brake system is in the backup braking mode, the piston is urged toward the first bore end by fluid pressure from the second fluid passage to at least partially close the primary fluid route, travel of the piston toward the first bore end being operative to raise fluid pressure within the bore adjacent the first fluid passage and urge fluid out of the bore through the first fluid passage.
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