Abstract: A circuit arrangement for protecting the antilocking electrical system from overvoltages developed in the vehicle's electrical systems. Such overvoltages can be caused by a load dump and can lead to destruction of the vehicle's electrical system. To sense an overvoltage condition, a test circuit is provided which is connected to the vehicle's electrical system. The voltage test circuit provides an output signal when the voltage of the vehicle's electrical system exceeds a first threshold value. This output signal is used to switch the final stage of the antilocking electrical system. The overvoltage is thereby conducted directly to one or more low-resistance solenoid valves which limit the voltage in such a way that it no longer presents any danger to the vehicle's electrical system.

Abstract: A gearshift range preconditioning system includes a gearshift device which, when manually-operated to effect a gear-change, initiates a signal to an electronic logic circuit which is coupled to the vehicle to receive vehicle-operating characteristics such as speed and engine RPMs. The electronic logic circuit evaluates this change request and the received operating characteristics in relation to predetermined optimum operating characteristics associated with optimum neutral gear ranges. The electronic logic unit then generates a neutral gear signal which is transmitted to a solenoid-valve-controlled neutral gear cylinder to effect operation of the vehicle transmission into the neutral position best suited for the specific vehicle-operating characteristics. An auxiliary range cylinder can effect selection of active gear positions between a high and a low state to achieve a doubling of possible active gear positions.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for the acquisition of speed of rotation and/or angle of rotation signals on a shaft, on which there is a pulse transmitter on the circumference of the joint and a sensor which measures the pulses produced by the pulse transmitter located on a pivot part, which defines a pivot axis, around which the shaft portions of a cardan shaft can be pivoted in relation to one another.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a valve seat, and a valve tappet that moves relative to the valve seat. A stop member for limiting the stroke of the valve tappet. The valve tappet includes an elongated shaft having a reduced mid-section for the purpose of increasing flexibility. The stop member for the valve tappet is a flexible ring-shaped element which functions like a spring washer. As a result of the shape of the valve tappet and of the stop member, any sudden excessive forces or stresses occurring during the opening and closing of the valve are partially suppressed by the elastic characteristics to avoid damage to the valve assembly. The energy-absorbing features avoid breakage of the shaft and eliminate deformation of the valve piston and the stop member in the area of the stop communicating surfaces, and also reduce damage to the sealing surfaces between the tappet head and the valve seat.

Abstract: A preselected parameter of the wheel brakes of a motor vehicle, to be equalized with respect to their braking force, is sensed. Such parameter is correlated with the amount of braking force being applied. A signal is generated by the preselected sensor, which is then used to control supplemental pressure-regulating valves, positioned in the brake pressure feed line to the respective wheel brakes. The parameter selected to be sensed can be, among other things, either the braking force or torque being applied or the wheel brake temperature.

Abstract: A relay valve device having a first control surface and a second control surface. A shut-off device is located in the line feeding the control pressure into the second control surface throughout the period in which a signal pressure is present, and connecting the second control surface to atmosphere at other times. Thus, the relay valve device releases a greater pressure into a load circuit when actuated during effectiveness of the signal pressure than while the signal pressure is not effective. The shut-off device having a pressure relief valve with a switch-off device so that when the signal pressure is effective, the switch-off device switches OFF the pressure relief function of the pressure relief valve and so that when the signal pressure is not effective, the pressure relief valve is opened as long as the control pressure remains below the relief pressure and is closed when the control pressure moves above the relief pressure.

Abstract: A fastener arrangement for clamping a sensor element to a member whose deformation is to be monitored so as to elimiate signal distortions due to the clamping process and to settling phenomena. The sensor element is formed at its contact point with the member to be monitored by pressing between a die and counter-die as the clamping screws are tightened to provide a form-fit closure of the sensor element with the member to be monitored. The die and counter-die are formed on the adjacent surfaces of the member to be monitored and a torsion member; between which surfaces, the sensor element lies. The screw support member can be arranged to isolate the screw turning moments from the sensor element jointly with the form-fit closure feature.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for measuring and controlling the wear of the first member which is subject to wear during frictional contact with the second member. The unique arrangement employs a simple process which allows a direct measurement of wear with a minimum expenditure. The invention involves a method of measuring the temperature which is generated in the first member or in the second member or in an adjacent member, which is representative of the above-mentioned wear which occurs during frictional contact, and an evaluation circuit for converting the temperature values into wear signals.

Abstract: A fluid pressure responsive brake system for the trailer of a vehicle. The brake system includes a trailer supply circuit, which can be connected with the supply circuit of the tractor and which can be connected with an electrical trailer brake circuit, which is connected with the brake system emitting electrical brake signals and the electrical feed of the tractor. There is an electro-fluidic switching apparatus with an OR circuit, by means of which and in connection with an electronic control unit of the trailer, the brakes of the trailer are set if the trailer brake system is separated from the supply circuit of the tractor and/or from the electrical brake signals or the power supply of the tractor.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus having an adjustable throttling arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid between working cylinders associated with sections of an articulated vehicle, has a housing which is essentially symmetric in shape. Two working connections are formed at symmetrically opposite ends of the housing and connect to the working cylinders. Two passageways, formed in the housing to connect the two working connections, are also symmetrically formed and are approximately equivalent in length. The first passageway uses a check valve arrangement to restrict fluid flow from the first working connection to the second working connection while the second passageway uses a similar check valve arrangement to restrict fluid flow in the opposite direction. The two passageways interconnect at a crossover duct which acts as a guide for the throttling arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analog non-contact distance sensor which includes a fixed stationary annular magnetized armature. The stationary armature member is provided with an air gap into which is disposed an element which is sensitive to a magnetic field. The moving portion is a rod-shaped magnetic core member which can be inserted into the annular armature member. Depending on the depth of insertion of the core member, the amount of diversion of the magnetic field from the air gap of the armature is controlled. Consequently, the magnetic sensing element emits an electrical signal which corresponds to the distance travelled by the movable core member.

Abstract: A combination gear-selector, sensor device for use with vehicle transmissions having a plurality of gear positions and certain special gear functions and being controlled by an electronic circuit includes a shift lever having a first, square magnet which, when moved over distinct gear position sensors, indicates selection of a certain gear. A rod coaxially disposed within the shift lever has a second, rectangular magnet, displaced to one side of the first magnet, which when vertically moved over a first function sensor, indicates selection of that function which can be to skip a gear. A coaxial tube surrounds the rod member within the shift lever and has a third, rectangular magnet, displaced to an opposite side of the first magnet, which can be moved over a second function sensor to indicate selection of a second special function.

Abstract: A protection circuit for monitoring and recognizing an undervoltage condition in the electrical system of a motor vehicle having an anti-skid brake control system in order to minimize and reduce any adverse effects on the braking action of the vehicle wheels. The protection circuit includes at least one comparator circuit to recognize if the voltage falls below a predetermined reference threshold voltage. When the supply voltage falls below the threshold voltage, the comparator circuit deactivates at least one of two diagonal switching circuits to remove automatic brakes on at least two wheels of a vehicle by the anti-skid brake control system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetically-operated multi-way valve, which exhibits two valves (an inlet and an outlet) opposite one another. Corresponding to each of the two valves, there is an armature which interacts with a coil, located between the two valves. A coil bracket, disposed through the coil, has a passageway which, upon certain valve conditions, allows communication from the inlet valve to the outlet valve. One of the two valves can be activated against the force of a first spring by the first armature, and the other of the two valves can be activated against the force of a second spring by the second armature. The two springs are designed so that different magnetic forces are required to operate the two valves. The different magnetic forces are produced by a change of the current flowing in the coil. Since there is a separate armature for each valve, which can be operated by one current-controlled coil, it is possible to operate the two valves independent of one another.

Abstract: A relay valve device which is actuated by the presence of a control signal pressure to a higher pressure supply into a consumer circuit than when the control signal pressure is not present. The relay valve device includes a first control surface and a second control surface, and includes a shut-off device disposed in the feed line of the control pressure to the second control surface. The shut-off device is opened when the control signal pressure is present and is closed when the control signal pressure is not present, and also causes the second control surface to be connected with atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the protection of a clutch against overheating, specifically a clutch which is located between a combustion motor and a transmission. To ensure protection of the clutch against overheating for most operating conditions, there is an apparatus to determine the drive torque for the determination of the clutch torque or the drive torque transmitted by the clutch, an apparatus for the determination of the slip between the clutch input speed and the clutch output speed, a computer apparatus to determine the product of the clutch or drive torque to be transmitted and the slip, and a monitoring apparatus which combines the value of the product of the clutch torque to be transmitted and the slip with alarm delay times and compares the current slip time with the alarm delay times, and when the alarm delay times are exceeded by the slip times, gives an alarm signal.

Abstract: A transmission control is disclosed for a road vehicle for the determination of shift signals on downhill slopes. The invention includes a device for the determination of the stationary or constant speed drive torque M.sub.stat, which is necessary for the unaccelerated drive of the vehicle. The transmission control also includes a downhill gear classification device to coordinate the selection of a gear which is suitable for the downhill slope in question with a torque comparator in which various values of the stationary torque M.sub.stat are classified with the suitable downhill gear i.sub.x. A blocking element prevents a gear shift if a gear to be engaged by a shift command transmitter is higher than the suitable gear with the transmission ratio i.sub.x.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining the position of a core within a coil improves a voltage across the coil upon generation of an initiating voltage pulse. The initiating voltage pulse can originate from a microprocessor or other electrical timing logic circuit. The charging current in the coil is developed from this initiated time until either a predetermined current level is reached in one embodiment or a predetermined time duration is reached in another embodiment. A microprocessor or other electrical measuring circuit measures either the time duration to reach the predetermined current level or the discharge time following current charging for the predetermined time duration. A microprocessor or other electrical logic circuit derives the core position from the measured time to reach the predetermined current level or the measured discharge time following current charging for the predetermined time duration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load-dependent brake pressure system for a pneumatically activated motor vehicle and/or motor vehicle trailer brake apparatus with an entrance device having an initial entrance phase in which the full control pressure is delivered to the cylinders of the wheel brakes. In an emergency situation, the supply pressure which is available on the vehicle must be able to be conveyed in a graduated and controlled manner as the brake pressure is applied to the wheel brakes. The present load-dependent brake pressure system which, in an emergency situation, makes possible the application of brake pressures which are higher than that corresponding to the control ratio up to the available delivery pressure, includes an entrance valve and piston, a control valve, a brake control piston, a relay valve, auxiliary valves, a control, delivery, brake pressure connections and chambers, and a valve tappet for controlling brake pressures in multiple phases.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating signal values that are representative of the vehicle engine's momentary drive torque, the weight of the vehicle, and the acceleration of the vehicle. The constant speed drive torque is then determined in a computing device which subtracts the product of the signal value of the vehicle weight and the signal value of the vehicle acceleration from the signal value for the momentary drive torque and a signal value that is representative of the constant speed drive torque of the vehicle engine is generated. This constant speed drive torque signal value is applied in the method for governing a vehicle control device.