Patent ID: 7967393

Claim:
A vehicular brake system for providing at least one of (i) traction control functions and (ii) vehicle stability control functions, the brake system including: a master cylinder having an output line connected thereto to supply pressurized brake fluid to vehicle brakes, a pump having a pump inlet, and a low pressure accumulator (LPA)/supply valve assembly, the LPA/supply valve assembly including an LPA reservoir connected to the pump inlet and configured to allow fluid flow both to and from the LPA reservoir and the pump inlet, the LPA/supply valve assembly defined in part by an LPA piston, a supply valve for controlling fluid flow between the master cylinder output line and the pump inlet, the supply valve coupled to the LPA piston and operable to move to an open position to connect the master cylinder output line to the pump inlet when the volume of the LPA reservoir falls below a predetermined amount, wherein the supply valve includes an axially moveable valve element having one end which functions to open a supply passageway connecting the master cylinder output line to a pump inlet line, and having an opposite end exposed to fluid pressure when the valve is open to thereby at least partially pressure balance the moveable valve element.