Abstract: An apparatus for warning a loading excess of vehicle includes: a motion conversion mechanism which is mounted to a lower arm rotatably mounted in a body of a vehicle, and converts a motion of the lower arm by a drooping body to a rotational motion; a rotation disc which rotates by receiving a torque from the motion conversion mechanism, and has two slit holes whose lengths are different from each other along a circumference; an overload sensing device for sensing an overload through a medium of the slit holes of the rotation disc; and an attention calling device which are operated by selectively receiving a power supply through the overload sensing device, and calls the driver's attention to the overload.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to provide a monitoring device for detecting problems associated with the wheels of trucks and trailers. The apparatus comprises one or more individual axle spindle sensors, a programmable micro processor for receiving and processing the sensor signals to detect an alarm condition and alarm means to alert the driver of a problem with one or more of the wheels.

Abstract: In accordance with an output signal from a weight sensor mounted on a vehicle, a display control section causes a display unit to display weight calculated at predetermined intervals by a weight calculating section. The display control section adds, to the weight which is being displayed, the difference in the weights sequentially calculated by the weight calculating section from detection of start of a loading/unloading operation performed by a detection section to start of running of the vehicle and causes the display unit to display the obtained weight. A power supply control section for controlling a power supply circuit for supplying operating electric power for the sensor, the display unit, the display control section and the detection section controls to interrupt supply of operating electric power from the power supply circuit when an ignition switch is switched off.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveying an article on a loading platform of a vehicle by installing sensor switches on the top surface of the loading platform so that the proper loading of an article on the vehicle can be monitored and ensured in such a way that the movement of the vehicle can be stopped when the sensor switches sense an improper positioning of the article.

Abstract: The axial load of the mechanically spring-supported drive axle of a lifting axle structure aggregate is defined by the compression of the suspension spring and the pressure of the lifting bellows. A two-dimensional contour of a signal body is employed to engage a signal pin. The signal pin is axially shiftable based on the pressure and rotatable based on the spring support. A two-dimensional contour (20, 21) is disposed at the signal body. The shiftability of the stator (25) of the distance path sensor (24) is provided depending on the pressure of the lifting bellows (1). The pressure-dependent setting of the immersion depth is superposed to the setting of the immersion depth of the signal pin (22) by the contour (20, 21).

Abstract: A stability monitoring and alarm system for a motor vehicle (e.g., a truck or a tractor trailer) provides an early warning to the driver of unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions. Front wheel desynchronization and rear load distribution are each monitored, and an alarm is generated if either the front wheels become desynchronized or the load is unevenly distributed in the rear of the vehicle. Various filtering and averaging techniques avoid false alarms and increase reliability and sensitivity. Thresholding of the front wheel desynchronization comparison is based on a model which takes turning lateral G force for particular speeds into account so that an alarm based on front wheel descynchronization is not generated because of taking turns too rapidly. Rather, such alarm is generated by monitoring shifting rear load distribution --a better and more accurate measure of vehicle stability. The resulting indications provided by an easy to read user interface warn the driver of a variety of conditions (e.g.

Abstract: A system for retaining a battery on a frame of a vehicle has a retaining device which is movable between a first position at which the battery is free to move in a passing relationship relative to a side of the frame and second position at which the battery is retained on the frame and from passing movement relative to the frame side. A sensing device delivers electromagnetic radiation, receives electromagnetic radiation and delivers a first control signal in response to receiving electromagnetic and delivers a second control signal in the absence of receiving electromagnetic radiation. An obstructing device is movable to block the sensing device from receiving electromagnetic radiation in response to the retaining device being at the first position. A controller receives the first and second signals and delivers a vehicle disabling signal in response receiving the second signal. The system is particularly suitable for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a lift axle suspension wherein two or more axle suspensions are mounted on a vehicle frame and a liftable axle is automatically raised or lowered depending on the load on another of the axle or axles. An override to the automatic lift system is provided when the vehicle is fully loaded to lift a liftable axle selectively for a limited, relatively short period of time to assist in maneuvering the vehicle. The control system detects the load on one axle and automatically raises the second axle to the raised position when the load on the first axle is below a first predetermined value and automatically lowers the second axle to the lower position when the lower load on the first axle is above a predetermined value which is greater than the first predetermined value. A delay is provided in the operation of the control system to lower the second axle upon the detection of the load on the first axle to compensate for road bumps.

Abstract: A road vehicle has a transducer which provides an output signal representing movement of an axle relative to a chassis of the vehicle. The output signal is compared with a reference signal to produce an indicator signal which is applied to means for indicating the axle load numerically and for providing a visual indication when the maximum prescribed axle load is exceeded. For initial calibration, the reference signal is temporarily substituted for the output signal and the numerical display is adjusted to display in selected units the prescribed maximum load. The output signal is then restored and the vehicle is loaded to subject the axle to the prescribed maximum load. While this load is maintained, the reference signal is varied until the numerical indication of the prescribed maximum load is restored.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for varying the inflation pressure in the tires of a vehicle in order to obtain an operator selected tire deflection. The system includes a source of pressure which is fluidly connected through an inflation valve to the tires which, upon actuation, increases the tire pressure. Conversely, a deflation valve is also connected to the tire and, upon actuation, exhausts fluid from the tires thus decreasing the tire pressure. A pressure sensor detects the pressure representative of the pressure within the tires and a further sensor detects the vehicle load while a switch arrangement allows the operator to select between at least two different tire deflection levels. An electronic control unit receives input signals from the pressure and further sensors as well as from the switch arrangement and selectively actuates the inflation or deflation valves until a tire pressure corresponding to the desired tire deflection is obtained.

Abstract: An axle weight load indicator device for mounting on a motor vehicle to detect when a pre-set axle weight has been exceeded. The device includes an electrical switch, an axle-mounted permanent stop and a retractable probe mounted in a housing which is operably associated with the electrical switch and permanent stop. When not in use, the probe is retracted into the housing to ensure that false signals are not emitted during movement of the motor vehicle. When operable, the probe is positioned to make contact with the permanent stop when a pre-set load limit has been exceeded. Continued loading causes activation of the electrical switch. The electrical switch trips an alarm to warn of the excess load.

Abstract: A booster unit for moving a vehicle on a slope and having a booster and a master cylinder coupled to the booster, comprising a brake fluid pressure holding valve having an actuator and provided at a brake fluid pressure piping system for either maintaining or releasing the brake fluid pressure in accordance with the conditions of the vehicle on a slope, a plurality of sensors for detecting the vehicle conditions and a control unit including a microprocessor having a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM so as to receive detected signals from the sensors and to calculate and produce control signals to the actuator of the brake fluid pressure holding valve in accordance with the conditions of the vehicle on a slope, and a method of controlling the booster unit. With this construction, a smooth moving of the vehicle can be realized on a slope.

Abstract: A load control (24) for a vehicle (10) having a frame (14), a load-bearing body (12) mounted on the frame (14) and rear wheel-bearing axles. The rear wheel-bearing axles support the frame (14) through suspension systems. The load control (24) selectively renders one of the rear axles non-load-bearing or load-bearing and includes a sensor for sensing a load between the load-bearing body (12) and frame (14) and an actuator for rendering one of the rear axles load-bearing when the load sensed by the sensor is above a predetermined level and for rendering the rear axle non-load-bearing when the load sensed by the sensor is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system of the type including a pneumatic booster which includes a shell casing, a flexible diaphragm, a power piston connected to the diaphragm to define a constant pressure chamber and a variable pressure chamber in the shell casing, an input shaft, a valve mechanism provided in the power piston and associated with the input shaft to control the pressure in the variable pressure chamber, an output shaft receiving the output force from the power piston, and a reaction mechanism for transmitting reaction force of the output shaft to the input shaft. The booster further includes a control chamber, and a control piston partitioning the interior of the control chamber into a second constant pressure chamber and a second variable pressure chamber.

Abstract: A brake proportioning system for a motor vehicle is responsive to the presence or absence of loads exceeding a threshold at passenger and cargo-carrying locations in the vehicle and includes load presence sensor switches, a signal processing system such as an onboard computer, and an electrically controllable brake proportion valve that has a plurality of finite settings controllable in response to passenger and cargo-load presences in the vehicle. The ratio of rear-to-front braking effort is controlled by the proportion valve so that the ratio increases as the number of passenger and cargo-load presences increases. The location of the loads in the vehicle can also influence the brake proportion ratio.

Abstract: An automatic controlling method of a transmission for shifting a higher speed-changing stage in use to a lower side in regular sequence according to an increase in a loaded weight, and to widen a high-speed operable range at each position of gear shift used; in a vehicle having a transmission system transmitting an engine power to driving wheels through the means of a clutch and a staged-gear transmission.

Abstract: A system for preventing a vehicle from turning sideways comprises a unit for measuring the weight of a cargo on the vehicle, a unit for measuring the height of gravitational center of the cargo on the vehicle, a unit for measuring the steering angle of the vehicle, and a unit for measuring the running speed of the vehicle. The static stability of the vehicle is derived from the weight and the height of gravitational center of the vehicle and the measured weight and height of gravitational center of the cargo. The dynamic instability of the vehicle during turning is derived from the measured steering angle and running speed. First and second allowable limits are determined according to the static stability. When the dynamic instability exceeds the first allowable limit, the clutch of the vehicle is disengaged, and when the instability exceeds the second limit, the vehicle is braked. Upon the dynamic instability exceeding each allowable limit, information to that effect is given.

Abstract: A brake system for motor cycles is disclosed which includes a hydraulic master cylinder supplying a front brake and a rear brake and a pressure-regulating valve having a calibrating spring adapted to limit the maximum pressure on the rear brake to a predetermined value. The compression of the calibrating spring of the pressure-regulating valve is controlled by the relative motion of two distinct points on the rear shock spring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing air pressure in pneumatic suspension units for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, comprising: air pressure sensors capable of sensing air pressures in pneumatic suspension units to generate an output signal when the air pressures are below a predetermined level; a vehicle speed sensor capable of sensing vehicle speed to generate an output signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined level; a signal processor adapted to receive output signals from the pressure sensors and the vehicle speed sensor and generate an output when the air pressures in the pneumatic suspension units are below a predetermined level while the vehicle speed continues to be in excess of a predetermined level for more than a predetermined period of time. An indicating device produces an indicating signal when it receives an output signal from the signal processor.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to steerable vehicles, particularly fork lift trucks, which include one or more travel drive motors adapted to be controlled in a predetermined manner, and a steerable swivelled wheel assembly. To increase the safety of such vehicle in operation, an electrically controlled drive control system is provided which is simple and free from elements that are susceptible to wear. For this purpose, two speed sensors are provided on opposite sides of the vehicle and cooperate with respective coaxial road wheels and are connected by a comparator to a switching system for controlling the travel drive, e.g., to a travel control signal generator. Elements for applying at least one additional speed-influencing input signal are associated with the comparator.

Abstract: A damping system (43) for use in a lift truck (10) to damp oscillating motions of the vehicle frame (14). The system includes a pair of hydraulic tilt cylinders (46a, 46b) which sense moments of force of a carried load (12). A pair of second hydraulic cylinders (72a, 72b) are in communication to a rear axle (28) of the vehicle. The rear axle is resiliently mounted from a second end portion (18) of the vehicle frame (14), and is moved by the second cylinders in directions substantially normal to the vehicle frame. Such movement is responsive to sensed moments of force of the lifted load.

Abstract: A vehicle load-sensing assembly for use with a vehicle fluid-pressure braking system comprises an input member subjected to a force in a road spring and a valve which has a movable valve member for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. A thrust transmitting mechanism is located between the input member and the valve member. The thrust transmitting mechanism comprises relatively movable parts, and a camming device is disposed between the parts to transmit movement between the parts to control operation of the valve member.

Abstract: A force-moment compensating apparatus, particularly adapted for use with load handling apparatus, including stabilizing means, sensing means for sensing a change in value of a force-moment acting on the apparatus, and actuator means responsive to the sensing means for restoring the force-moments acting on the apparatus to a stable condition.

Abstract: An installation in a vehicle for indicating the load distribution and for warning against overloads with load-value transmitters coordinated to the vehicle axles; in which a first load-value transmitter coordinated with a vehicle axle for respective lateral sides of the vehicle includes a load-dependent threshold switch whereby the two threshold switches connect the positive terminal of the battery by way of the ignition lock with a filter, and the filter output is connected with a switching device which turns on the load-distribution indication and/or the overload warning.

Abstract: A control system for a work-performing vehicle such as a lift truck, front end loader, or the like, including a source of motive power for driving the vehicle, performing work, or the like, and of the type including a sensor having an electrical output providing an electrical output signal having a characteristic whose magnitude varies according to load distribution on the vehicle. A level detector receives the output signal and provides a further signal, in response thereto, indicative of an unstable load distribution on the vehicle and there is a circuit connected to the output of the level detector responsive to the signal therefrom for disabling the motive power source when the load distribution on the vehicle is unstable to prevent an intensification of the unstable condition.

Abstract: A snowmobile drive train includes a chain case which supports one end of a drive shaft and includes a flange which surrounds a brake disc carried by the drive shaft. The chain case is provided with a three-sided pocket which extends radially inwardly toward the shaft from an entrance located in the periphery of the chain case. The pocket opens toward the brake disc and shaped similarly thereto and releasably retained therein is a brake puck carrier. A stationary brake puck is received in the radially inner end of the carrier and is supported for being withdrawn therewith through the entrance of the pocket. Fasteners for releasably retaining the carrier also connect a brake actuator to the chain case, the actuator including a movable brake puck for engaging the brake disc and moving the latter into engagement with the stationary puck.

Abstract: A load-sensing device for sensing strain on the rear drive housing responsive to draft loads on the vehicle for generating a signal for controlling the raising and lowering of an implement through a hydraulic system of distributing vehicle weight or vehicle and implement weight.

Abstract: As a clutch between a motor and a vehicle transmission is progressively engaged through the region of slipping engagement, the jolt effect produced is measured and at the same time the jolt effect that would be produced if the clutch were at once grippingly (fully) engaged is predicted. The higher of the respective measured and predicted jolt effects is subtracted from a signal representing maximum permissible jolt, and the resulting difference is used as the input of a three-term (PID) controller, the output of which produces a displacement of an electrically actuatable clutch control member. The controller and control member are so designed that when the controller is shut off, the clutch goes at once into full engagement. The circuit compares motor speed with transmission input speed in order to shut off the controller when these two speeds are equal, thus fully engaging the clutch, and also to shut off at the same time the jolt-measuring and predicting circuits.