Abstract: A force sensor includes a shaft to which a magnet is fixed, and a case which can reciprocate with respect to the shaft and to which a Hall IC element is fixed. The Hall IC element outputs an output voltage which changes in accordance with relative displacement between the Hall IC element and the magnet. A main spring is interposed between the shaft and the case and elastically deforms in accordance with force produced between the shaft and the case in the reciprocating direction. A sub spring is provided in order to impart a preload such that when the amount of elastic deformation of the main spring is substantially zero, no axial clearance is formed between a flange portion of the shaft and one end portion of the main spring, and no axial clearance is formed between the case and the other end of the main spring.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a primary braking system located in a towing vehicle. A towed vehicle is releasably attached to the towing vehicle. A towed vehicle braking system is mounted in the towed vehicle. An auxiliary braking device is configured to activate the towed vehicle braking system and to sense at least one parameter of the auxiliary braking device or of the towed vehicle braking system. A transmitter is in communication with the auxiliary braking device. The transmitter is configured to send a signal about the parameter. A receiver is located in the towing vehicle. The receiver is configured to receive the signal from the transmitter. A display is located in the towing vehicle and is in communication with the receiver. The display is configured to display a message to a towing vehicle occupant about the parameter.

Abstract: A warning system is adapted to indicate disc brake and wheel component incompatibility. The system includes an element having a section that is disposed so as to extend between a non-rotating disc brake component and a rotating contour of the wheel component at a location of minimum clearance between the non-rotating disc brake component and the wheel component. Optionally, the warning system defines part of a brake pad wear indication device.

Abstract: A method of detecting the braking of a vehicle comprising a push rod (200) intended to transmit an amplified braking command to a master cylinder. A plunger (220), arranged parallel to the primary piston (200) so as to reproduce the movements of this piston, and a sensor (230) which senses the movements of the plunger (220), this sensor (230) being fastened to the booster (250), are used to detect a braking operation by detecting a movement of the plunger (220).

Abstract: A brake system includes an electric brake force generator for braking a wheel of a vehicle by a driving force of an electric motor. A problem determination device is provided in which the problem determination device sends an electrical signal to the electric motor such that the electric motor rotates in a direction opposite that of the direction of rotation to generate a brake force. If a rotation of the electric motor is not detected, then the problem determination device determines that a problem has occurred.

Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a dust tube that surrounds a shock body. The shock body is movable relative to the dust tube in response to road load inputs. A plurality of magnets is mounted to one of the dust tube and shock body, and a module is mounted to the other of the dust tube and shock body. The module interacts with the plurality of magnets to determine a position of the dust tube relative to a position of the shock body. This position information can be used to adjust suspension ride height as needed.

Abstract: An electric parking brake control apparatus includes: an electric parking brake actuator that pulls cables connected to respective parking brake units of wheels; a brake actuator that controls braking pressures applied to the wheels by service brakes; a pressure-increase control unit that controls the brake actuator to increase the braking pressures to a predetermined value, when a tension of the cables falls below a predetermined target tension after the cables are pulled until the target tension is achieved; and a tension-increase control unit that controls the electric parking brake actuator to pull the cables until the tension of the cables exceeds the target tension, after the brake pressures are increased by the pressure-increase control unit.

Abstract: A device in a vehicle brake arrangement for determining the applied brake force comprises an enclosed elastically deformable medium (20), on which the reaction force from the brake force is to act. An axially movable push rod (22) is in contact with the medium (20) for transmitting a force therefrom, and sensor means (26; 28) are provided for sensing the force in the push rod.

Abstract: A method for warning a driver of a moving vehicle of potential imminent unintended application of a park brake because of an indication that a motorized lift (12) is out-of-stow. A processor (68) executes an algorithm for issuing an alarm to signal the driver when air pressure in a line (46) to a device (50) that is holding the park brake released has decreased to pressure somewhat greater than that which will cause the park brake to be automatically applied, allowing the driver some measure of time to park the vehicle before the park brake is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a control system for applying defined clamping forces in a brake that is electrically operable by means of an actuator and includes a first friction surface (friction lining) and a second friction surface (brake disc). In the method, a correlation exists between the actuator position and the clamping force, and values of the clamping force as well as of the actuator position are determined by a clamping force sensor and a position sensor, and a value of the actuator position is determined, which corresponds to the application of the first friction surface on the second friction surface.

Abstract: A force sensor for an electromechanical brake has a closed ring having a C-shaped profile that is open inwardly. Force is introduced along the inner circumference of the ring.

Abstract: A brake force detecting device having a sensor plate fixed to a knuckle. A straight line connecting the centers of two bolts for fixing a caliper bracket to the knuckle is perpendicular to a straight line connecting the centers of two bolts for fixing the sensor plate to the knuckle as viewed in side elevation. A strain gauge is attached to the sensor plate.

Abstract: An electric braking apparatus which first moves a piston in a detaching direction or passes a current to move the piston in the detaching direction in order to detect a pad contacting position. Furthermore, while the piston moves in the detaching direction, pad non-contact judgment is performed. After a pad non-contact state is confirmed, the piston is moved in a pressing direction to detect the pad contacting position. When the piston does not move in the detaching direction, it is judged that a parking brake has an ON-state, and it is waited until a host system instructs parking brake release.

Abstract: A disc brake (10) is described, comprising a brake disc (12) and two brake shoes (20), which are pressable against both sides of the brake disc (12) and which in relation to a peripheral force (C?) generated upon application of the brake shoes (20) against the brake disc (12) are supported against a vehicle-fixed carrier (14). The disc brake (10) moreover comprises at least one device (34) for measuring and/or converting the peripheral force (C?), which device is disposed in a force transmission chain between the brake shoe (20) and the carrier (14). A force transmission member in the form of e.g. a swivel element (30) is disposed between the brake shoe (20) and the device (34) for measuring and/or converting the peripheral force (C?) and is movable under guidance parallel to the brake disc (12).

Abstract: A device for controlling the brake lights in a motor vehicle having a brake system, designed to be operated by outside forces, is described. The device includes a control device for actuating the brakes of the vehicle in such a manner that an automatic braking operation can be carried out as a function of the vehicle operating conditions, and at least one brake lamp which can be actuated by the control device or by a separate control unit. The control device or the control unit may be designed in such a manner that during an automatic braking operation, the brake lamp is switched on below a predefined boundary speed, as a function of a braking pressure determined in the activated brake of the vehicle, or as a function of a parameter correlating to the braking pressure.

Abstract: An operating system for a parking brake, in particular of a motor vehicle, includes an operating element which is manually brought from a release position to a brake position for engaging the parking brake and which can be removed from the brake position without disengaging the parking brake. The operating system includes a follower element which is connected to the operating element such that the follower element follows any movement of the operating element. Further, the operating system includes a releasable locking mechanism with a locking element to lock the follower element in the brake position and a separating element which allows to separate the connection between the operating element and the follower element independently from the releasable locking mechanism.

Abstract: Energy distribution box (1) for an electrically controlled system of a vehicle, the said energy distribution box including: a set of inputs (E1, E2) intended to be connected to sources (6, 8, 30, 31, 33, 34) for supply of electrical energy, a set of outputs (S1 to SN) intended to be connected to electrical loads (11, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 20A, 21A, 22A, 23A) of the said system and switching means (I1 to IN) arranged between the said set of inputs and the said set of outputs, the said energy distribution box being able to communicate with a unit for control of the switching means.

Abstract: A method for brake pressure apply in a hydraulic brake system includes commanding a cage clearance reduction phase and commanding a wheel control phase subsequent to the cage clearance reduction phase. Accordingly, the cage clearance is reduced prior to entering the wheel control phase. A method for cage clearance reduction in a hydraulic brake system for roll stability control is also provided.

Abstract: In a measuring device for the measurement of forces in a vehicle undercarriage, more particularly of the brake torque on a vehicle undercarriage, e.g. an aircraft landing gear, a sensor is introduced into a hollow connecting element that is transversally loaded by said forces, which sensor produces a measuring signal in function of a deformation of said connecting element. Distance measuring elements which detect the distance of the inner wall of said connecting element from said sensor are used as measuring elements.

Abstract: A brake application for a rail vehicle brake includes a brake actuator for application and release of the rail vehicle brake. Also included is a force converter for converting energy supplied by the brake actuator to a brake application movement. The force converter includes: (1) a shearing force measuring bolt arranged in a power transmission path; (2) at least one measuring sensor measuring breaking force either indirectly or directly; and (3) at least two mutually swivellable force transmission elements having passage openings. The shearing force measuring bolt forms a hinge bolt of a hinge, which hinge bolt penetrates the passage openings.

Abstract: Exciter rings, wheel assemblies and methods of assembling. In some aspects, a wheel assembly includes a brake rotor including a barrel section having an interior surface defining a barrel cavity, and a projection extending from the interior surface of the barrel section into the barrel cavity. The wheel assembly also includes an exciter ring formed separately from the brake rotor and engagable with the projection within the barrel cavity to removably connect the exciter ring to the brake rotor. In other aspects, an exciter ring is formed separately from and removably connectable to a brake rotor and includes a body portion having an outer surface, the body portion including a detent protruding outwardly from the outer surface and extending around the outer surface of the body portion. The exciter ring also includes a flange extending radially outwardly from the body portion and having a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: An acceleration sensing unit (1) includes an acceleration sensor element (4), wherein said sensing unit (1) emits an electric signal at a signal output (k3, k4), the sensing unit (1) is electrically active and supplied with electric energy through the signal output. In an assembly composed of the above-mentioned sensing unit and a control unit, the sensing unit includes at least one signal line (3) connected to control unit (2), with said control unit being in particular an electronic motor vehicle brake control unit, and the control unit (2) transmits the energy for the connected sensing unit(s) (1) by way of the signal lines (3).

Abstract: In combination with a railway car hand brake, there is an apparatus for sensing the hand brake release comprising a housing and a mounting mechanism for attaching the housing to a cover of such hand brake. An actuating mechanism is disposed in the housing. A sleeve member is disposed on the actuating mechanism and includes a flange. A flexible connecting mechanism engages the sleeve member and a winding gear portion of the hand brake. A sensing mechanism is disposed in the housing and aligned with the actuating mechanism. A securement mechanism is disposed on the sensing mechanism and mounted on the cover of the hand brake. A compression member is disposed in the housing and engages the flange of the sleeve member, whereby an electrical or magnetic signal will be received from the actuating mechanism by the sensing mechanism.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a braking system for a positioner in a medical imaging apparatus comprises a brake coil coupled to a power supply, a first control circuit coupled to a top side of the brake coil, a second control circuit coupled to a bottom side of the brake coil, and a current sensor coupled to at least one of the first control circuit and the second control circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback with position sensing are described. In one described system, a first and second brake surfaces are configured to contact each other. An actuator may be configured to exert a force on at least one of the first and second brake surfaces in order to produce a haptic effect. The actuator comprises an actuator surface. The actuator surface defines a cavity configured to receive a sensing device. The first brake surface may comprise a coding from which the sensing device can sense relative movement of the first brake surface with respect to the sensing device. The described system may comprise a processor in communication with the actuator and the sensing device to control the actuator in providing the haptic effects.

Abstract: Pistons 3 and 7 are pressed to a friction member 11 at two points that are positioned at a rotating-in side and a rotating-out side in a rotating direction of a brake rotor 10. An axial force control is performed for the piston 3 on the rotating-out side, and a position control based on the position of the piston 3 on the rotating-out side is performed for the piston 7 on the rotating-in side.

Abstract: An object is to provide a wheel action force detection system and a wheel action force detection method for finding braking force of a vehicle having a disc brake at the time of braking with high accuracy.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a brakeshoe housing that shifts in a predetermined direction relative to a vehicle frame as brakeshoes it carries wear has a brakeshoe-wear monitor with a proximity sensor mounted on the frame and responsive to a position of the brakeshoe housing relative to the direction. Circuitry connected to the sensor evaluates a proximity signal therefrom.

Abstract: A disc brake, especially for utility vehicles, which includes a caliper enclosing a brake disc, a pneumatically or electromotively operated tensioning device for tensioning the brake, which is located in the caliper, a magnet wheel rotating with the brake disc, and a stationary sensor for detecting the angle of rotation and the speed of the magnet wheel. The sensor is mounted at a distance from the magnet wheel and at least one line is connected to transmit pulses between the sensor and the magnet wheel. As a result, the sensor can be mounted on the housing protected from the action of heat and other environmental influences and so as to be easily accessible.

Abstract: It has been shown that the effectiveness of the brake (3, 4) can be reduced not only due to external foreign materials on the brake linings, but also due to the coefficient of friction of a brake lining that can vary. This is the case, for example, when a brake lining is not yet worn in, when it exhibits tapered wear, or when its surface changes due to chemical influences. Influences of this type can alter the coefficient of friction of a brake lining by 20% and higher entailing, under certain circumstances, negative consequences during a possible brake operation. An object of the present device is to improve the coefficient of friction of a brake lining under certain conditions. This object is achieved by a program for improving the coefficient of friction of the brake lining that is initiated depending on a first parameter and is terminated depending on a second parameter.

Abstract: An aircraft brake control system for controlling operation of a plurality of carbon brakes is provided. Each brake includes at least one brake actuator that is responsive to an electrical drive control signal for applying squeeze force to a brake disk stack for effecting a braking torque on a wheel of a vehicle. The control system includes a controller for providing electrical drive control signals to one or more of the brake actuators in response to an input brake command signal from a pilot to effect application of squeeze force to the brake disk stack to effect a braking operation. The brake controller is configured for taxi mode operation during aircraft taxiing to provide electrical drive control signals to one or more of the brake actuators that cause some or all of the brake actuators to provide continued light braking during taxiing even when the controller is not commanded by the input brake command signal from the pilot to effect a braking operation.

Abstract: A brake system with an integral proximity sensor for providing an indication of a condition of the brake system. The brake system includes a brake drum, a brake shoe, a brake pad, and a position sensor. The brake pad is connected to a pad mounting surface of the brake shoe. The brake pad and brake shoe are movable from a disengaged position, where the brake pad is spaced apart from the brake drum to an engaged position, where the pad is in forcible engagement with the brake drum. The position sensor is coupled to the brake shoe for sensing the position of the brake shoe with respect to the position sensor. The position of the brake shoe with respect to the position sensor provides an indication of one or more conditions of the brake system.

Abstract: A spring storage cylinder, for the generation of braking forces for the auxiliary and parking brake effect, comprises a piston, arranged in a housing, which may be displaced for the operation of a brake lever. The piston is pretensioned against the brake lever by a spring. A release spindle is provided, by which the piston may be moved from an extended position, operating the brake lever, in the braking position, against the force of a spring into a withdrawn position, releasing the brake. A primary chamber is provided in the housing, pressurized to a certain pressure, in which, when an operating pressure is exceeded, the piston is moved into the withdrawn position against the pressure of the spring. At least one contact switch is provided to determine the position of the piston in the housing. The operating status of the spring storage cylinder may be monitored by the contact switch(es), the storage function and the release function controlled and any damage to the storage spring determined.

Abstract: Elevator brake or other drag is checked by establishing (10-13) baseline motor currents at plural determined positions as the car is moved up and down both empty and with full load. In a normal run (21), the load is recorded (22) and the motor current required to drive the load at rated speed at the next determined position is both predicted (28) and measured. If the difference between the predicted and actual current exceeds a tolerance (33, 34), the car stops at the next floor (35), the system is shut down (39) and a message generated (40). When the brake is in proper operating condition, baseline motor current required to move a car with the brake engaged is recorded. Thereafter, a high fraction (such as 90%) of baseline motor current is applied to attempt to move the car. If the car moves, the system is shut down (101) and a message generated (102).

Abstract: An acceleration sensing unit (1) includes an acceleration sensor element (4), wherein said sensing unit (1) emits an electric signal at a signal output (k3, k4), the sensing unit (1) is electrically active and supplied with electric energy through the signal output. In an assembly composed of the above-mentioned sensing unit and a control unit, the sensing unit includes at least one signal line (3) connected to control unit (2), with said control unit being in particular an electronic motor vehicle brake control unit, and the control unit (2) transmits the energy for the connected sensing unit(s) (1) by way of the signal lines (33).

Abstract: A modular electrical resistance sensor is positionable in gaps between brake linings for a drum brake. The modular sensor is worn with the brake linings resulting in steadily increasing electrical resistance of the modular sensor. A measurement circuit associated with the modular sensor is programmed to equate electrical resistance to the degree of wear when the sensor has assumed a steady state temperature at or near the ambient temperature. Otherwise, particularly during periods of use of the brakes, resistance and the degree of wear last calculated become arguments into a function for determining brake lining temperature.

Abstract: A screw actuator comprises a housing (1), a screw mechanism (4) with a nut (6) and a screw (5), as well as a motor (7) which is drivingly connected to the screw. The screw (6) is rotatably and translatably supported with respect to the nut (5), which is fixed with respect to the housing (1). The screw engages a translatable, non rotatable actuating head (29) through a swivel connection. The swivel connection comprises a pair of conformed surfaces (41, 42) having a common rotational axis of symmetry which is aligned with the axis of the screw mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback with position sensing are described. In one described system, a first and second brake surfaces are configured to contact each other. An actuator may be configured to exert a force on at least one of the first and second brake surfaces in order to produce a haptic effect. The actuator comprises an actuator surface. The actuator surface defines a cavity configured to receive a sensing device. The first brake surface may comprise a coding from which the sensing device can sense relative movement of the first brake surface with respect to the sensing device. The described system may comprise a processor in communication with the actuator and the sensing device to control the actuator in providing the haptic effects.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a shaft to which a magnet is fixed, and a case which can reciprocate with respect to the shaft and to which a Hall IC element is fixed. The Hall IC element outputs an output voltage which changes in accordance with relative displacement between the Hall IC element and the magnet. A main spring is interposed between the shaft and the case and elastically deforms in accordance with force produced between the shaft and the case in the reciprocating direction. A sub spring is provided in order to impart a preload such that when the amount of elastic deformation of the main spring is substantially zero, no axial clearance is formed between a flange portion of the shaft and one end portion of the main spring, and no axial clearance is formed between the case and the other end of the main spring.

Abstract: A brake system including a brake pad shaped and located to apply pressure to a brake rotor and an actuator shaped and located to apply pressure to the brake pad to cause the brake pad to apply pressure to the rotor. The system further includes a sensor material which varies in resistance when the actuator applies pressure to the brake pad, wherein the sensor material include an electrically insulating material with electrically conductive particles distributed therein. The system further includes a controller operatively coupled to the sensor material to detect a change in resistance of the sensor material.

Abstract: A method for detecting a contact point of a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism includes an actuator controlled by a motor. The method includes the steps of establishing a parameter of the motor and a derivative of the parameter and, if the parameter has passed a previous value under no load conditions and the amplitude of the derivative of the parameter has passed a predetermined threshold, responsively establishing a zero position of the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc brake (10) having two brake shoes (12, 14), which for generating a clamping force (A, A?) are pressable against both sides of a brake disc (16), and having an actuator device (26) for actuating at least one of the brake shoes (12, 14). The disc brake (10) has a detection device, which detects the coming-into-abutment of at least one of the brake shoes (12, 14) against the brake disc (16) and during the coming-into-abutment adopts a characteristic state. This discrete state may be a switching state electrically evaluable for open- or closed-loop control purposes and may be used for open- or closed-loop control of a brake system comprising the disc brake (10).

Abstract: An electronic package includes a circuit board and a capsule layer encasing the circuit board and forming an immersible electronic module. A housing receives the electronic module and forms a protective shell around the electronic module.

Abstract: A braking system for electric vehicles that gives a driver the feel of a conventional hydraulic braking system while maximizing the recuperation of electrical power is described herein. A single brake pedal is used to control both electric and hydraulic braking assemblies. A feedback force generator is provided to give the driver the impression that a completely hydraulic braking system is used. Therefore, the driver is not inclined to further depress the pedal, thereby preventing the premature activation of the hydraulic braking system.

Abstract: An escalator brake torque monitoring apparatus comprises a brake having a brake arm with a mounting point for pivotally affixing the brake to a fixed element of the escalator. A torque sensor is mounted to the brake arm at the mounting point and is affixed to the fixed element. The torque sensor, which may preferably be torque-sensing bolt, generates an output proportional to torque generated by the brake during brake operation. The output of the sensor is compared to at least one reference value corresponding to a minimum acceptable level of torque. In the event the sensed torque is below the minimum, the escalator can be shut down to prevent restart until the failure condition is corrected.

Abstract: A driving axle assembly includes an anti-lock braking system sensor, a carrier having an opening, a differential assembly including a housing rotatably mounted to the carrier and a cover pan mounted to the carrier to enclose the opening. The cover pan includes a boss having a generally planar mounting surface with an aperture therethrough. The anti-lock braking system sensor is disposed within the aperture and coupled to the cover pan.

Abstract: A park-brake monitoring-system monitors the selected and actual operational states of a park-brake system of a vehicle. The park-brake monitoring-system includes one or more selected-state sensor(s) that produce signals implicative of the selected operational state of the park-brake system and one or more actual state sensor(s) that produce signal(s) implicative of the actual-operational state of the park-brake system. Logic device(s) of the park-brake monitoring-system operate dependent upon input from both the selected state sensor(s) and the actual state sensor(s).

Abstract: A brake stroke sensor is disclosed. In particular, a digital brake stroke sensor capable of indicating a position of pushrod linear displacement is disclosed. The brake stroke sensor includes a prism attached to the pushrod. The prism includes a number of markers to code position information. Sensors read the coded position information and electronics convert the position information to a form useable humans.

Abstract: A device in a vehicle brake arrangement for determining the applied brake force comprises an enclosed elastically deformable medium (20), on which the reaction force from the brake force is to act. An axially movable push rod (22) is in contact with the medium (20) for transmitting a force therefrom, and sensor means (26; 28) are provided for sensing the force in the push rod.