Abstract: A method for adjusting a bolster (22) on a seat (10) involves sensing upper and lower limits of several vehicle parameters to determine bolster condition.

Abstract: The invention provides a reluctance generator for an eddy current braking system in a vehicle. The reluctance generator has a field winding and a compensation winding, which induce magnetomotive forces. The magnetomotive force induced by the compensation winding balances the magnetomotive force generated by a rotor in the reluctance generator. The field winding has less inductance.

Abstract: A motor-driven feedback mechanism for a braking pedal. A pedal is linked to a shaft and a bi-directional motor capable of operating in a first and a second direction is linked to the shaft. A gearbox is driven by the bi-directional motor and the gearbox is attached to the shaft to effect rotation of the pedal. A motor controller is linked to the motor and a microprocessor capable of controlling the motor controller is linked to the motor controller. At least one sensor for measuring a parameter of the pedal and providing feedback to the microprocessor is provided.

Abstract: An actuation system controls the flow of electric power to electromagnetic actuators to control motion or movement of at least two shafts or bodies. The system is preferentially applied to braking systems in automobiles and trucks, and may also be applied to other areas, including clutches and drive systems for other power transmission purposes. The electromagnetic retarders may also be used in combination with friction brake systems. Principal advantages of the combination system are the reliability and simplicity of friction and hydraulic components, and the lower wear and longer life of electromagnetic components.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a bolster (22) on a seat (10) involves sensing upper and lower limits of several vehicle parameters to determine bolster condition.

Abstract: A method for tilting a seat of a vehicle based on a first thresholdlow and a first thresholdhigh for a first parameter of the vehicle and a second thresholdlow and a second thresholdhigh for a second parameter of the vehicle. The tilt angle of the seat is increased if the first parameter≧first thresholdlow and the second parameter≧second thresholdhigh or if the first parameter≧first thresholdhigh and the second parameter≧second thresholdlow.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an input parameter of an adjustable bolster (12) on a seat (10) of a vehicle (22). The preferred method includes (a) establishing a relationship between the input parameter and a feedback force on the adjustable bolster (12) and (b) adjusting the input parameter based on the relationship.

Abstract: A method of controlling a retarder brake system of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of determining an operator braking input indicative of a desired vehicle deceleration and generating a desired retarder torque value (DT) corresponding to the desired vehicle deceleration value. The method further includes determining a wheel speed value for each wheel of the vehicle and generating a front-to-rear wheel slip (FRS) value indicative of rear wheel lockup as a function of the wheel speed values. A retarder torque reduction (TR) value is also generated as a function of the FRS value. A desired retarder torque command (TC) is then generated as a function of the DT and TR values. The method also includes the step of controlling the retarder as a function of the retarder torque command to achieve the desired vehicle deceleration. Thus, the TR value reduced the retarding torque which would otherwise be applied in response to the driver input, to prevent driven wheel lockup.

Abstract: The seating system of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically designed for a vehicle having a deceleration sensor adapted to sense a deceleration event of the vehicle. The seating system of this preferred embodiment includes a seat assembly, a tilting mechanism adapted to tilt the seat assembly, and a control unit coupled to the deceleration sensor and adapted to activate the tilting mechanism upon the sensing of a deceleration event.

Abstract: A trailer control system incorporates sensors on both the trailer and a tow vehicle towing the trailer to measure operating parameters of both the trailer and the tow vehicle or prime mover. A computer mounted in the trailer or in the tow vehicle gathers input data from the sensors, including a variety of measurements of force, displacement, and temperature for the tow vehicle, the trailer, and their components. The computer may also be used to apply braking forces to the wheels of the trailer. Using the simulator, a variety of components on the trailer may be tested, their performance measured, and a better trailer may be designed. A trailer may also incorporate such a system for better control of the trailer and the combination vehicle of which it is a part.

Abstract: A method of controlling a retarder brake system of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of determining an operator braking input indicative of a desired vehicle deceleration and generating a desired retarder torque value (DT) corresponding to the desired vehicle deceleration value. The method further includes determining a wheel speed value for each wheel of the vehicle and generating a front-to-rear wheel slip (FRS) value indicative of rear wheel lockup as a function of the wheel speed values. A retarder torque reduction (TR) value is also generated as a function of the FRS value. A desired retarder torque command (TC) is then generated as a function of the DT and TR values. The method also includes the step of controlling the retarder as a function of the retarder torque command to achieve the desired vehicle deceleration. Thus, the TR value reduced the retarding torque which would otherwise be applied in response to the driver input, to prevent driven wheel lockup.