Abstract: A combined regenerative and friction braking system for the road wheels of a vehicle includes a friction braking subsystem, a regenerative braking subsystem coupled to the road wheels equipped with the friction braking subsystem, and a brake system controller for controlling both the friction and regenerative braking subsystems such that regenerative braking is restored to a maximum practicable value following conclusion of an antilock braking event.

Abstract: A method and system that responds to non-propulsive needs of a hybrid vehicle by setting at least two thresholds related to engine support: one threshold to keep a running engine ON and a another threshold to turn the engine ON from an OFF state.

Abstract: A system and method for braking a towed conveyance. In one embodiment, a system is provided for use on a trailer (102) having an axle assembly (108). The system (100) includes a motor controller (124), a pair of electric motor/generators (120), a battery (122), a battery controller (126), and sensors (128). Controller (124) monitors the yaw rate of trailer (102) by use of sensors (128). Based upon the monitored yaw rate, controller (124) selectively activates motor/generators (120) which provide a regenerative braking torque to axle assembly (108), thereby braking trailer (102) and generating electrical energy which may be used to recharge battery (122).

Abstract: A method of braking an electric or hybrid vehicle 7 is provided. The vehicle (7) has electric regenerative brakes and friction brakes (94). In a normal braking situation regenerative brakes are applied. If a wheel (42) slip condition is sensed, a selectively operable clutch (76) tortionally connects an undriven axle (60) to the driven axles (44, 45) to alleviate the slip condition. The alleviation of the slip condition prevents the electric regenerative brakes from being shut off in favor of an antilock friction brake application.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and system to monitor vehicle operation state and operator requests. The invention combines into a single, easy to read, gauge information indicating the current vehicle operating state and the ability to increase power assist. This involves a display of instantaneous rate of consumption usage superimposed over the available rate of power consumption limits. The present invention can display whether an operator is requesting power assist, regenerative braking or battery charging while also showing the amount of power assist, regenerative braking or battery charging that is possible for the vehicle under present operating conditions. Through the use of a vehicle system controller (VSC) or similar type controller connected to the display of the present invention, the instantaneous rate of consumption usage or charge can be limited to the available rate of power consumption or charge limits.

Abstract: The invention is an improved method and system to monitor vehicle operation state and operator requests. It combines into a single gauge information indicating current vehicle operating state and ability to increase power assist using a display of instantaneous rate of consumption usage superimposed over available rate of power consumption limits. The invention can display whether an operator is requesting power assist, regenerative braking or battery charging while also displaying the available amount of each under present operating conditions. A vehicle system controller (VSC) or similar type controller is connected to the gauge, which can limit instantaneous rate of consumption usage or charge to the available rate of power consumption or charge limits. The invention can use analog needles or LEDs in various configurations as well as adding warning lamps or chimes when the instantaneous rate of consumption usage approaches or exceeds the available rate of power consumption limits.

Abstract: A method of braking an electric or hybrid vehicle 7 is provided. The vehicle 7 has electric regenerative brakes and friction brakes 94. In a normal braking situation regenerative brakes are applied. If a wheel 42 slip condition is sensed, a selectively operable clutch 76 tortionally connects an undriven axle 60 to the driven axles 44, 45 to alleviate the slip condition. The alleviation of the slip condition prevents the electric regenerative brakes from being shut off in favor of an antilock friction brake application.

Abstract: An electric or hybrid electric vehicle 7 is provided which includes a first wheeled axle 10 that is electrically driven and has only electric regenerative brakes. The vehicle 7 also includes a second wheeled axle (22, 32, 44) that has only friction brakes 26. The cost and complexity of friction brakes on the second axle (22, 32, 44) can be avoided.

Abstract: A system or method for compensating for low vacuum levels in a brake-by-wire system includes continually monitoring the level of vacuum in a vacuum booster. The state or condition of the vacuum source is also monitored to determine whether it is on or off. When the vacuum source is off, the level of vacuum is measured to determine whether it is at or below a critical level. If the level of vacuum is critically low, the vacuum source is turned on. If the vacuum level is not critically low, the hydraulic boost gain is modified in order to provide more braking pressure in response to brake force exerted at the brake pedal.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a brake system (20) of an automotive vehicle that has an airbag controller (12) which generates an airbag activation signal in response to a predetermined vehicle condition such as deceleration. A speed sensor (34) is used to generate a speed signal in response to vehicle speed. A brake controller receives the speed signal and the airbag activation signal. The brake controller (20) actuates brakes (24) of automotive vehicle (10) in response to the vehicle speed signal indicative of at least a predetermined speed and the airbag activation signal.

Abstract: An electric powered brake system (10) for braking road-engaging wheels of a motor vehicle. An ignition switch for turning a motor of the vehicle on and off also controls the application of electric power to the electric powered brake system. A control and method (FIGS. 2 and 3) for maintaining application of full electric power to the electric powered brake system when the ignition switch is operated from ON to OFF so long as at least one parameter (60, 62, 64, 66) related to a respective component of the vehicle and indicative of a need to maintain full electric power application to the brake system continues to exist and for discontinuing application of full electric power to the brake system when all of selected ones of several such parameters are indicative of lack of need to maintain full electric power application to the brake system.