Abstract: A antilock brake system utilizes a microprocessor controller to monitor the rate of speed decay of a braked wheel of a vehicle and to cause release of braking force under incipient wheel lock-up conditions. The microprocessor receives a single digital wheel speed input signal and processes the latter in accordance with a program whereby a reference signal is generated and is periodically compared with the wheel speed signal to determine if a lock-up condition is in progress. The microprocessor compares the speed signal with the reference signal at frequent sampling intervals and when the wheel speed decreases at a rate exceeding a desired value, the reference signal is varied by the microprocessor to decrease at a predetermined first rate of decrement until the wheel speed signal and the reference signal correspond to each other, indicating that the wheel speed is dropping at a rate in excess of a desired rate of speed decay.

Abstract: A low power electric motor slowly leads a spring, which rapidly operates a two speed axle shift. An electric motor drives a nonreversing worm gear which engages a gear rack on a shaft. The shaft supports a caged spring. The motor moves the shaft, compressing the spring against one end of the cage, storing energy required for shifting. A solenoid piston holds the cage in position. When the shift is desired, the solenoid is tripped, the piston is raised and the spring moves the cage. An arm on the cage moves the shift lever. The solenoid piston engages the opposite detent in the cage and holds the cage in the new position. As the cage arrives at the new position, a lug trips a microswitch which completes a circuit to operate the motor in the reverse direction. The motor worm slowly drives the gear which slowly drives the rack to move the shaft in the reverse direction, compressing the spring against the opposite end of the cage.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a preferred position for mounting an antilock control system that uses a single wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor is mounted to sense speed of rotation of the main differential gear in a differential gear assembly and generates a wheel speed signal indicative of the average rate of rotation of at least two wheels of the vehicle. The sensing point is beyond the final reduction in gear ratios so as to eliminate any need to accommodate different axle ratios. The preferred mounting position also reduces velocity fluctuations caused by oscillations of the truck driveline. A microprocessor controller is mounted in close proximity to the wheel speed sensor so as to minimize the length of sensor leads and, hence, the susceptibility of the antilock controller to electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: A low power electric motor slowly load to spring, which rapidly operates a two speed axle shift. An electric motor drives a nonreversing worm gear which engages a gear rack on a shaft. The shaft supports a caged spring. The motor moves the shaft, compressing the spring against one end of the cage, storing energy required for shifting. A solenoid piston holds the cage in position. When the shift is desired, the soleniod is tripped, the piston is raised and the spring moves the cage. An arm on the cage moves the shift lever. The solenoid piston engages the opposite detent in the cage and holds the cage in the new position. As the cage arrives at the new position, a lug trips a microswitch which completes a circuit to operate the motor in the reverse direction. The motor worm slowly drives the gear which slowly drives the rack to move the shaft in the reverse direction, compressing the spring against the opposite end of the cage.

Abstract: A limited slip differential includes a rotatably mounted differential casing with a pair of side gears rotatably mounted therein. One of the side gears includes an annular clutch plate having a frusto-conical clutch surface. A clutch ring is generally mounted for rotation with the differential casing and is capable of axial movement between a biased non-engaged position and an engaged position against biasing wherein a mating surface thereon is brought into contact with the frusto-conical clutch surface of the clutch plate. An inertial ring is mounted for rotation with the differential casing but is capable of circumferential movement relative thereto between a neutral position and an actuated position. When either of the side gears experiences a slipped condition, it rapidly accelerates to cause the differential casing to exceed a predetermined rate of acceleration.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for adjusting the relative position of an automotive seat with respect to the floor of the automobile. The mechanism has a first member having a pair of flat converging surfaces of substantial length defining a path of movement between the seat and the floor. At least one locking member is provided and includes a groove having converging side walls complementary with the flat converging surfaces of the first member. The locking member is capable of movement toward and away from the flat converging surfaces of the first member. A spring is provided to bias the locking member toward the flat converging surfaces of the first member thereby wedging the flat converging surfaces of the first member into the groove on the locking element. This prevents relative movement between the seat and the floor. A release mechanism is provided for moving the locking element away from the flat converging surfaces on the first member to permit movement of the components along the path of adjustment.

Abstract: The invention consists of an infinitely variable seat reclining mechanism which is composed of a first arm attached to the seat cushion frame and a second arm attached to the seat back frame. A pivot pin rigidly secured to the second arm extends to at least one side thereof on an axis of rotation. The first arm is rotatably mounted on the pivot pin to be capable of relative rotation with respect to the second arm. A pair of locking pawls are rotatably mounted on the first arm. The locking pawls are capable of rotation toward and away from one another about separate pivot points and into contact with a circular friction surface on the second arm. The circular friction surface on the second arm has its center at the axis of rotation between the first and second arms. A spring is included for biasing the locking pawls toward one another. Each of the locking pawls has a substantially V-shaped groove on one end thereof which is capable of engaging the friction surface on the second arm.

Abstract: An infinitely variable seat recliner mechanism is provided for automobile seats. The mechanism has a first arm having a generally V-shaped camming surface thereon. The mechanism has a second arm having a pivot pin rigidly attached thereto. The first arm is mounted on the pivot pin of the second arm to enable relative rotation therebetween. There are two wedge blocks having a generally V-shaped friction surface at one end thereof slidably mounted on and retained in the generally V-shaped camming surface on the first arm. A friction surface is provided on the second arm having a generally V-shaped cross section with an included angle equal to the included angle of the friction surfaces on the wedge blocks and is capable of mating therewith.