Abstract: A fluid compensator is provided in a hydraulic control unit of vehicular brake system. The fluid compensator permits additional displacement of a master cylinder piston during anti-lock braking events only by storing fluid in the hydraulic control unit. The additional displacement moves a seal mounted on the master cylinder piston away from a compensator port orifice, thereby preventing repeated “nibbling” of the seal which can cause premature seal failure.

Abstract: A supply valve for use in a vehicular braking system includes a housing. A sleeve is disposed within a bore in the housing. A piston is slidably disposed within the bore. A valve element is disposed within the sleeve and includes a valve seat and check element for sealing against the valve seat to close the valve element. A lip seal is disposed on the sleeve for allowing fluid to flow from a low pressure accumulator to a pump, but not in the opposite direction. The supply valve is particularly adapted for use in an anti-lock braking system equipped with traction control.

Abstract: A hydraulic braking system providing anti-lock braking ("ABS") and traction control ("TC") incorporates a normally closed pilot-operated traction control switching valve to permit brake pressure in the driven wheel greater than master cylinder pressure. A dual flow return path can be used during brake release. The system also uses a normally open pilot-operated supply valve between the pump inlet and the master cylinder. The normally open pilot-operated valve references a low pressure fluid source and uses low friction seals.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve control unit includes a valve body having an inner end, an outer end, and a fluid passageway. A housing has a bore which receives the inner end of the valve body. A sleeve has an open end which is placed over the outer end of the valve body. An armature is slideably mounted in the sleeve. A coil surrounds the sleeve for selectively moving the armature. A flux ring is disposed between the coil, housing and sleeve. The flux ring secures the sleeve to the valve body. The flux ring has a circumferential groove. A protrusion formed from the housing engages the groove to secure the flux ring, sleeve and valve body to the housing. A method of assembling the hydraulic control unit includes forming a bore in a housing, and inserting an inner end of a valve body into the bore. A sleeve is placed over an outer end of the valve body. A flux ring is pressed between the sleeve and the bore.

Abstract: A brake proportioning valve displaying low restriction to fluid flow and short fluid shear path is suitable for use in vehicular traction control systems and capable of supplying a high volume of fluid to the traction control system high pressure pump under atmospheric pressure. The proportioning valve employs a plunger of two diameters against which hydraulic pressure operates, and a plunger-located check ball held off its seat under low outlet pressure conditions by a control member. The brake proportioning valve provides proportioning of brake fluid pressure to the vehicle non-proportioned brakes relative to the vehicle proportioned brakes during both brake apply and brake release.

Abstract: A vehicular brake booster using fluid pressurized by a hydraulic power steering system hydraulic pump. Fluid pressure is controlled by using a pressure regulator in the pump output and by electronically switching fixed orifices in a boost developing valve controlling fluid flow within the power steering system. Additional control is effected by electronically opening and closing apply and relief valves controlling fluid flow respectively to and from a brake power booster for differing periods.

Abstract: A brake proportioning valve displaying low restriction to fluid flow and short fluid shear path is suitable for use in vehicular traction control systems and capable of supplying a high volume of fluid to the traction control system high pressure pump under atmospheric pressure. The proportioning valve employs a plunger of two diameters against which hydraulic pressure operates, and a plunger-located check ball held off its seat under low outlet pressure conditions by a control member. The brake proportioning valve provides proportioning of brake fluid pressure to the vehicle non-proportioned brakes relative to the vehicle proportioned brakes during both brake apply and brake release.

Abstract: An actuator for use with vehicle door locks or the like includes a housing and an electric motor positioned in the housing. A shaft is journaled in the housing and extends outwardly therefrom with an actuator member being attached to the shaft outside of the housing. A drive connection between the motor and the shaft includes a second shaft journaled in the housing and a dual gear rotatable with the second shaft. The dual gear is in driving relationship with the first shaft and with the electric motor through a bevel gear freely mounted on the first shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling strut of the type comprising a direct-acting hydraulic shock absorber provided with a reciprocable piston rod having a dirt shield mounted thereon, a tubular rolling diaphragm member secured at one end to the shock absorber and at the opposite end to the dirt shield and defining therewith a variable volume chamber adapted to be selectively pressurized and de-pressurized for controlling the distance between the sprung and unsprung portions of an associated vehicle; located interiorly of the pressurizable chamber and fixedly mounted to one wall thereof is a support member which is fabricated of a relatively flexible or compliant material which is provided with solid state electronic sensing means for sensing the relative axial displacement between the shock absorber dirt shield and reserve tube and provide a control signal which is communicated via a connector assembly secured to the support member to an electrical conductor, to effect energization of a suitable source of pressurized fluid.