Abstract: A dual head horizontal automatic flexible spacer and/or sealant applicator for a glass work piece that applies the flexible spacer and/or sealant along a single axis and will operate on a range of work pieces sizes. The machine will automatically square a work piece and pivot about a virtual pivot point of a corner of the work piece for any of a range of work piece sizes. A method of applying spacer and/or sealant is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stage positioning system and method for aligning optical components according to a figure of merit is disclosed. The system includes a stage assembly having six axes of freedom wherein the pivot point of the stage assembly motion is user definable and preferably outside the envelope formed by the stage assembly. The stage assembly includes three sub-assemblies. A base sub-assembly provides x and z axes motion, a yaw stage provides yaw about the y axis, and a three-axis stage provides y motion as well as pitch and roll about the x and z axes, respectively.

Abstract: In a pedal assembly for a brake-by-wire vehicle braking system, feedback reaction means (10) is provided so that feedback to the driver through the pedal (3) provides comfortable feel, similar to the pedal feel achieved in a conventional hydraulic braking system fitted to a non-EBS equipped vehicle. The feedback reaction means may comprise a two-rate spring assembly (24, 26) or a variable rate spring assembly, in combination with a damper (40).

Abstract: In a pedal assembly for a brake-by-wire vehicle braking system, feedback reaction means (10) is provided so that feedback to the driver through the pedal (3) provides comfortable feel, similar to the pedal feel achieved in a conventional hydraulic braking system fitted to a non-EBS equipped vehicle. The feedback reaction means may comprise a two-rate spring assembly (24, 26) or a variable rate spring assembly, in combination with a damper (40).

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic braking system for motor vehicles. The system includes a brake pedal and a braking device associated with at least one vehicle wheel which is brought into communication with an electronically controlled valve arrangement in order to apply hydraulic fluid under pressure to the braking device. A fluid pressure accumulator fed by the pump provides a pressurized hydraulic fluid which can be passed to the braking device by way of an electronically controlled valve arrangement in order to apply hydraulic fluid in proportion to the driver braking demand as sensed at the brake pedal in the “brake by wire” mode. A first device within the system provides a level of fluid pressure supply within the electro-hydraulic system whose highest value is less than that sufficient for the maximum possible braking demand level which may be required.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system in which a stored volume of working fluid is used by a brake control system to apply the brakes under the control of an electronic control unit. The stored volume is replenished by pumping additional working fluid using a pump driven by an electric motor. The electric motor is periodically energized. An inferred value is established for the accumulator pressure based on an assessment of the motor response during the periods of energization. The electric motor can be arranged to be energized for short periods at predetermined intervals and the motor response during these periods assessed.