Abstract: A strut (12) is configured for an active suspension system (142) which provides electronic control for both the force applied by the strut (12) and the dampening characteristics of the strut (12). A compressible fluid (18) is used within the strut (12), and preferably includes a compressible base fluid and electromagnetic field responsive particles (132) which are suspended in the compressible base fluid. The electromagnetic field responsive particles (132) are preferably closely matched in density and modulas of elasticity to that of the compressible base fluid to prevent sedimentation of the particles (132) and to maintain the elasticity of the compressible fluid (18). The amount compressible fluid (18) within the strut (12) is electronically controlled to determine the force applied by the strut (12) and a field strength applied to the compressible fluid in a fluid flow passage is electronically controlled to determine the dampening characteristics of the strut (12).

Abstract: The method and system for increasing accuracy of clamping force of electric aircraft carbon brakes, once braking has been commenced, provides a first pair of electric brake actuators with a range of low brake clamping force responsive to low brake clamping force commands, and a second pair of electric brake actuators with a range of high brake clamping force responsive to high brake clamping force commands. The first pair of electric brake actuators is actuated to apply a minimum residual braking force once wheel braking is commenced, and the second pair of electric brake actuators is actuated only when the commanded braking force is in the high range of brake clamping force.

Abstract: A rubber part having a metal fitting in which the metal fitting and the rubber part are integrated through an anti-corrosion chemical film formed on a surface of the metal fitting. The anti-corrosion chemical film is a zirconium-based chemical film that is harmless to human body and environment, and is transformable following the squeeze of the metal fitting. The rubber part having a metal fitting is produced by the steps of: degreasing an outer peripheral surface of the metal fitting, subjecting the surface to shot blasting treatment, degreasing the treated surface, and water washing the treated surface; forming a zirconium-based chemical film on the treated surface; water washing and drying an outer peripheral surface of the zirconium-based chemical film; forming an adhesive layer on the outer peripheral surface of the zirconium-based chemical film; and integrating the rubber part on the outer peripheral surface of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A brake disc/hub assembly is provided consisting of a hub and a brake disc axially displaceable with respect thereto. A sliding sleeve is guided in such a way that it is axially displaceable on the hub and the brake disc is mounted on the sliding sleeve in such a way that it is fixed with respect thereto.

Abstract: An air spring assembly for a vehicle includes a spring seat adapted to be secured to vehicle structure of the vehicle. The spring seat has a post extending therefrom. The air spring assembly includes an inflatable air spring having a mounting cap for attachment to the spring seat. The mounting cap has a cavity extending therein to receive the post. The air spring assembly further includes a retaining member extending through the mounting cap and over the post to prevent the post from exiting the cavity to attach the mounting cap to the spring seat.

Abstract: A relay valve configuration which can be used with various cars in an electropneumatic train and under the control of one of the electropneumatic brake control valves. The improved brake control valve includes a relay valve mounted at an interface of the manifold. The valve has a source inlet connected to the reservoir interface port, an inlet connected to atmosphere, an outlet connected to the brake cylinder interface port and a control inlet connected to the exhaust interface port. The valve is responsive to the control inlet connected to the exhaust interface port to selectively connect the brake cylinder interface port either to the reservoir interface port or atmosphere. The exhaust interface port in AAR is known as the retainer port. A check valve/choke is also mounted on the manifold of the interface and is in the same housing as the relay valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a redundant braking system for a vehicle. A controller may monitor a status of a hydraulic braking system, and during vehicle travel, automatically switch to a modulated electric braking system which is separate from the hydraulic braking system when the hydraulic braking system fails. The modulated electric braking system may utilize a brake acting on a drive shaft of the vehicle, and an operator-actuated switch may set a mode of the modulated electric braking system to a non-modulated parking brake mode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an elastomeric bush bearing. A bearing of this type is substantially unaffected by torsional loads and has a simple design. The proposed bush bearing includes, in a conventional manner, an inner sleeve formed as a hollow cylinder, a sleeve-like outer element surrounding the inner sleeve, and an elastomeric bearing support disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer element. The elastomeric bearing support is formed as two parts, having an inner bearing support and an outer bearing support, with an inner element enclosed between the inner and outer bearing support. For improving the torsion characteristic, the inner bearing support according to the invention is formed by at least one elastomeric formed part which is inserted from one axial end of the support between the inner sleeve and the inner element, which is connected with the outer bearing support.

Abstract: An improved valve for use in a heavy vehicle pneumatic braking and parking system is disclosed. The valve includes a solenoid coil assembly, a valve seat, an armature, and a spring. The solenoid coil includes a pole piece and produces a magnetic field when energized. The valve seat has a valve seat surface and defines a flow passage. The armature has a first end and a second end and includes a spherical shaped elastomeric seal sized to engage the valve seat to block air flow through the flow passage. The spring is engaged around an exterior of the armature and resiliently biases the armature toward the valve seat. When energized, the solenoid coil displaces the armature to an open position away from the valve seat and toward the pole piece to allow air flow through the flow passage.

Abstract: A device (15) for slowing the movement of a drawer (2) urged by unidirectional thrust means (4), including a casing (17) fixable to a structure (S) and defining a chamber (18) filled with a viscous fluid, and a rotor (31). The rotor (31) includes a disc portion (32) and a shaft portion (33) protruding through the lid (21) of the casing (17) in such a way as it can be associated with the door (2). The base surface (23a) of the chamber (18) has a recess (51) operable to house a pivotable arm (52). The arm (52) has a pin portion (54) protruding into the chamber (18). The lower surface (62) of the disc portion (32) of the rotor (31) has a groove (70) for engaging the pin portion (54) of the arm (52). At one end (73), the groove (70) has a cam (76) dividing it into a return path (75) and a forward path (74) for the pin portion (54) so as to define a locking position for the rotor (31) in cooperation with the thrust means (4).

Abstract: A bushing assembly adapted for application in vehicle suspension systems includes an embedded position sensor and an embedded speed sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a parking brake that can reduce an operation stroke. A connecting member has shoe insert grooves with brake shoes inserted into both sides thereof. A first operation lever has one end rotatably combined with one side face of the connecting member and contacts with one of the brake shoes. A second operation lever has one end combined with the other end of the first operation lever and the other end rotatably combined with the other side face of the connecting member and contacts with the other one of the brake shoes.

Abstract: A spring perch assembly for automatically centering a load applied to a spring is provided. The assembly includes a body portion and a base portion which when engaged may tilt relative to one another. When disposed between a spring and an applied load, the assembly automatically centers the load along the spring's natural centerline.

Abstract: An abutment block for mounting between ends of a brake pad and a caliper housing is formed as a monolithic structure to prevent relative movement between the block and the caliper housing. The abutment block has a front face directed toward the end of the associated brake pad, and the front face has a recess formed therein. The recess has a mounting hole extending therethough, with the mounting hole being at an acute angle to the front face. The abutment block is received in a recess in the caliper housing, and is securely fastened to the caliper housing by a fastener.

Abstract: A door damper. The door damper includes a rotational shaft rotatably coupled to a door, a rotating resistance unit to generate rotating resistance to the rotational shaft, and a latching device latched to the rotational shaft and the door so as to allow the door and the rotational shaft to rotate together in a predetermined region. The latching device includes a free rotating section enabling free rotation of the door at an initial stage of opening the door, and a latching section enabling the latching device to be latched to the rotational shaft and the door at a final stage of opening the door so as to allow the door and the rotational shaft to rotate together. With the door damper, the door of electronic appliances can be smoothly opened without impact, and can be easily closed.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing member includes tabular ribs extending in a direction orthogonal to an impact load input direction, and disposed spaced apart in the impact load input direction and parallel to one another; and a load transmitting member connected with width-wise opposite ends of the respective tabular ribs to extend between the tabular ribs on a diagonal with respect to the impact load input direction, for transmitting to each of the tabular ribs an impact load in a form of tensile load directed in a lateral direction, wherein differing levels are established for at least one of: tensile stiffness in the plurality of tabular ribs per se; and transmission efficiency of the tensile load by the load transmitting member, so that load-deformation characteristics of some of the plurality of tabular ribs differ in the impact load input direction.

Abstract: A damper device includes a housing; a viscous fluid filled inside the housing; a rotor rotatably disposed inside the housing; and a sealing member for preventing the viscous fluid from leaking through the rotor and the housing. A rotational wing with a viscous-fluid passage is provided on one of the housing and the rotor. The rotational wing moves relative to the viscous fluid in a circumferential direction, and extends in a radial direction for dividing a housing portion of the housing filled with the viscous fluid. A valve is provided on the rotational wing, and is formed of an elastic member capable of deforming elastically. The valve opens the viscous-fluid passage when the rotor rotates in one direction, and blocks the viscous-fluid passage when the rotor rotates in the other direction.

Abstract: A tape-spring shaped, articulating member used in deployable structures having a resilient, compliant hinge region and rigid non-hinge regions, thereby enabling a smaller fold radius and greater packaging efficiency. The increased compliance in the hinge region may be obtained by using a more compliant material in the hinge region or reducing the cross-sectional area in the hinge region. The hinge region may be reinforced with integrated shape memory alloy features serving as folding mandrels, to enhance structural stiffness and strength performance of the hinge, and to exhibit authority over the rate and sequencing of strain release when deployed.

Abstract: A novel brake assembly is provided for a bicycle. The assembly is composed of an arrangement of a pair of brake pads each connected to a rod member in turn guided for axial movement by a base fixed on the bicycle frame. A bifurcated control cable actuates wedge members causing movement of the pads against a wheel rim. Return springs on the rod members cause the assembly to return to the original non-braking position in response to release of the control cable. As an option, a second wedge action can be incorporated that is activated by the frictional forces generated from the contact of the brake pads with the wheel rim. The second wedge action is limited by a mechanical stop within the brake assembly to prevent jamming of the brakes.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle has a brake pedal and at least one rotational part. The brake system further includes a shaft connectable to the rotational part, and a first fluid control unit configured for being filled with fluid and actuating in response to manipulation of the brake pedal. In addition, at least two cylinders in fluid communication with the first fluid control unit are provided. Each cylinder has a first cylinder end having an associated reciprocating piston and a second cylinder end configured for connection to the vehicle. The brake system also includes a linkage, connected to the at least one first cylinder end of a respective reciprocating piston and to the shaft to provide balanced operation of the reciprocating pistons upon rotation of the shaft.