From inventing compression release technology to developing next-generation valvetrains and advanced engine braking systems, we are continually raising the levels of performance—for power, fuel economy, and reduced emissions—that commercial vehicles can achieve.
Since the Jake Brake® was introduced in 1961, we have been a partner in the trucking industry's quest for safe, reliable, and efficient commercial vehicles. Today, over 10 million Jake Brakes have been sold globally, and now the Jacobs Engine Brake® has a new home at Cummins. As part of the Cummins family, we will continue to supply you with industry-leading engine brakes as well as advanced valvetrain technologies to assist in meeting current and upcoming emission regulations.
Engine Braking
We lead the way in designing, testing, and manufacturing high-performing engine brakes for engine OEMs around the world. From Exhaust Brakes to High Power Density® Engine Brakes, we have a solution for your engine and vehicle application.
Valvetrain Solutions
Our advanced valvetrain technologies help OEMs around the world meet regulations by optimizing the engine and aftertreatment systems to improve emissions, fuel economy, and exhaust thermal management.
Year after year, we provide commercial vehicle OEMs around the world with engine braking and valve actuation advances that help them put market-leading trucks on the road.
Innovation Timeline
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1931
A coast-to-coast journey nearly ending in tragedy sparks the idea for what is now known as the Jake Brake®
Clessie Cummins was nearly hit by a train descending the mountainous terrain of Cajon Pass, CA, inspiring him to invent the engine brake, patented in 1957.
1955
Clessie Cummins develops original engine brake design
In retirement, Clessie Cummins begins studying how to turn his engine into a “brake” with his son, Lyle.
1958
First engine brake model evaluated on JN-6 Cummins Engine installed in a GMC Suburban and tested in the hills of Sausalito, California.
Clessie Cummins, his son Lyle, and Ray Hanson modified and lengthened the car by a foot to accommodate the engine.
1959
Clessie Cummins makes NH Engine brake prototype
1959
First commercial use of a Jacobs Engine Brake
The first retarder housings of the prototype design were installed on a Cummins engine at Sheldon Oil in California.
1959
Jacobs Manufacturing purchases Cummins' engine brake patent rights
After attending an engine brake demonstration on Clessie Cummins’ yacht, Jacobs agrees to manufacture engine brakes as a way to diversify its drill chucks business.
1960
The “Clessie L. Cummins Division” of the Jacobs Manufacturing Company established in West Hartford, Connecticut
The first logo had a double C configuration for Clessie Cummins and depicted a mountain peak with two mules.
1960
W. Page Wodell and Deloss Cummins, Clessie’s brother, conducts a 5-week marketing blitz during the summer of 1960
They traveled with the sample Model 20 and signing up 11 distributors.
1961
The Jacobs Engine Brake is officially introduced at an ATA convention in New York City
Manufacturing on the Model 20 engine brake for the NH 220 engine begins - 368 engine brakes were sold in its first year.
1962
New Models Developed: 1962-1965
1962: Model 25 for Cummins NH250, 1963: Model 71 for Detroit Diesel Series 71 1965: Model 67 for Mack 673
1965
Engine brake patent is granted
Clessie Cummins “Vehicle Engine Braking and Fuel Control System” patent is granted in November of 1965.
1977
The company began its move to the Allen Manufacturing facility in Bloomfield, Connecticut
During this time, a multi-million-dollar research and development laboratory was developed.
1980
Assembly and Testing moves from West Hartford, CT to Bloomfield, CT
1981
Lyle Cummins writes the history of the Jacobs Engine Brake
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1985
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) names the Jacobs Engine Brake® the 81st National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark
The first trucking industry product to be awarded with this honor.
1986
Million Mile engine brake – Cummins Model 25B
1986
Danaher Corporation purchases Jacobs in July of 1986
Company is renamed Jacobs Vehicle Equipment Company and celebrates 25th anniversary.
1987
Just In Time (JIT) manufacturing introduced to the Bloomfield facility
One-piece flow, continuous improvement, and more transform Bloomfield operations.
1992
1 Million Jake Brakes sold
Employees celebrate 1 Million Jake Brakes sold during its first 30 years. In that time, manufacturing time went from one brake every 18 days to one in less than two minutes.
1992
Begins Jacobs Exhaust Brake® business
1998
Introduction of Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) concept
Jacobs “eyes total integration with engine builders for valve control; actuating engine valves for any purpose”.
1999
2 Million Jake Brakes sold
Plus the production of the first fully integrated Dedicated Rocker Brake begins.
2004
3 Million engine brakes sold
2008
Open manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China
Jacobs Suzhou opens its doors to serve the local China market.
2009
4 Million engine brakes sold
Jacobs expands globally, gaining market penetration with new applications in Asia, Europe, and South America.
2011
Jacobs celebrates 50th anniversary throughout the year.
Also the first truck with a High Power Density® engine brake begins on highway testing.
2013
5 Million Jake Brakes sold
Employees celebrate a significant milestone for the company.
2016
A demonstration vehicle with a High Power Density® (HPD ®) engine brake launches in Europe
Vehicle showcases the benefits of the advanced Jake Brake® to drivers, fleets and engine manufacturers.
2016
Danaher Corporation spins off several subsidiaries, making Jacobs Vehicle Systems part of Fortive.
2017
Celebrates 7 Million Jake Brakes sold and the unveiling of the first Cylinder Deactivation (CDA) demonstration
2018
Altra Industrial Motion purchases Jacobs
Fortive announces agreement to combine automation and specialty businesses with Altra Industrial Motion Corp.
2021
Celebrates 60th Anniversary along with the 9 Million Jake Brakes sold milestone.
2021
Clessie Cummins inducted into the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame
The honor recognizes Cummins for his 33+ U.S. patents, including the compression release engine brake.
2021
Jacobs® Fulcrum Bridge technology launches in the off-highway market
The technology enables the use of Hydraulic Lash Adjusters and a Jake Brake.
2022
State-of-the-art dyno lab opens in the Suzhou, China facility
Lab supports local product development.
2022
Purchased by Cummins
The addition of Jacobs® technologies provides growth opportunities for Cummins’ current and future advanced engine platforms.
2022
Demonstration vehicle launches in the U.S., showcasing advanced valvetrain technologies
Exhibits Cylinder Deactivation, Active Decompression Technology®, and High Power Density® Engine Brake.
2022
Wins Diesel Progress Summit Engine Technology of the Year for High Power Density® Engine Brake
Jacobs® HPD® technology provides industry-leading engine brake power.
2023
10 Million Jake Brakes sold
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