Patent ID: 8011347

Claim:
An exhaust brake comprising: a body having a passageway for exhaust gases therein; a valve member movably located within the passageway for selective movement between an open position where the valve member opens the passageway and exhaust gases are free to move through the passageway and a closed position where the valve member blocks the passageway and the passage of exhaust gases through the passageway, the valve member having an aperture therethrough to permit a limited flow of exhaust gases through the aperture when the aperture is open; an exhaust valve actuator mechanism coupled to the valve member for moving the valve member between the open position and the closed position; a closure member positioned adjacent to the aperture, the closure member having an open position where the closure member is spaced apart from the valve member and permits a flow of exhaust gases through the aperture, and the closure member having a closed position where the closure member contacts the valve member about the aperture and inhibits a flow of exhaust gases through the aperture; and a relief actuator mechanism, the relief actuator mechanism including an actuator member with an arm upon which the closure member is mounted, the relief mechanism bringing the closure member into operative engagement with the valve member with sufficient force, when the valve member is closed, to maintain the closure member in the closed position when the exhaust gases are below a predetermined pressure.