Automatic Electric Patents (Class 303/16)
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Patent number: 11155286Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a passenger communication output control circuit for an unmanned metro train. The unmanned metro train is installed with passenger emergency communication units each having a communication button and a communication relay. The communication relay has a normally-closed contact pair and is linked with the communication button in a one-to-one correspondence. When the communication button is pushed down, the communication relay is energized to disconnect the normally-closed contact pair. The normally-closed contact pairs of all the coaches are connected in series to form an emergency communication circuit. Two terminals of the emergency communication circuit are respectively connected to a train power supply and an input/output module of a TCMS in the coach. When the passenger information system works normally, both a communication network and hardwire can transmitte the communication signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd.Inventors: Guofei Liu, Qi Gao, Meng Shi, Xianing Pan, Rujun Liang, Yaozheng Zeng
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Patent number: 11034340Abstract: A braking control system for a vehicle system includes a control chamber configured to control air pressure of a brake pipe of the vehicle system. The system also includes first and second charge valves and first and second vent valves. The first charge valve and the first vent valve are controllable to vent or charge the brake pipe, and the second charge valve and the second vent valve are separately controllable for the same purpose. The system also includes a controller configured to switch operation of the vehicle system between a first operation mode, where the first charge valve and the first vent valve are enabled, and a second operation mode, where the second charge valve and the second vent valve are enabled, in response to an input.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Gary Lee Bailey
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Patent number: 10682999Abstract: A vehicle brake system including a hydraulic brake device having two systems and configured to generate a braking force, wherein, in a failure condition of one of the two systems, one of the following two operation modes of the hydraulic brake device is selectively established: (a) a two-wheel mode in which master shut-off valves shut respective master fluid passages and a braking force that depends on a pressure of a working fluid supplied from a master cylinder is generated for each of right and left wheels; and (b) a one-wheel mode in which one of the master shut-off valves corresponding to the other of the two systems shuts off the corresponding master fluid passage and a braking force that depends on the working fluid supplied by a controlled-pressure supply device is generated for only one of the right and left wheels that corresponds to the other of the two systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Naoki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 10046778Abstract: A communication system uses a vehicle system controller to control operation of a vehicle system. An electronic air brake (EAB) controller and an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake controller control operation of a brake of the vehicle system. One or more network connections communicate data packets between the vehicle system controller and the brake controllers to allow the vehicle system controller to control the brake of the vehicle system using data packets communicated between or among two or more of the vehicle system controller, the EAB controller, or the ECP controller to allow the vehicle system controller to control the brake of the vehicle system.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen Michael Crane, David Bardo, Serkan Gitmez, Todd Yarrington, Phil Tullai, Misty Chambers, Chris Pallo
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Patent number: 9889829Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a brake system onboard a vehicle, a first actuation component, an automatic control system, and a second actuation component. The first actuation component is operably coupled to the brake system and is configured to cause actuation of the brake system to brake the vehicle when the first actuation component is activated. The automatic control system is onboard the vehicle and is configured to generate a first control signal for controlling the first actuation component to activate to upon occurrence of one or more designated conditions. The second actuation component is operably coupled to the brake system and is configured to cause actuation of the brake system to brake the vehicle upon receipt of one of the first control signal or a second control signal generated by the automatic control system.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Jess Austin Backes, Tim Rolbiecki, Michael Scott Mitchell, Kelly Nichols, Kristopher Smith
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Patent number: 9296378Abstract: A control valve for an indirectly acting compressed-air brake of a rail vehicle includes a pneumatic relay valve for controlling a brake cylinder pressure via a pilot-control circuit for generating a temporally defined pilot-control pressure for the proportional activation of the relay valve, wherein, connected upstream of the pilot-control circuit, there is provided a device for generating the braking and release times of the compressed-air brake, wherein the device for generating uniform braking and release times of the compressed-air brake has mechanisms for realizing a volume flow with constant pressure change for the compressed-air supply and the deaeration of the pilot-control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBHInventor: Christian Krauth
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Patent number: 9239090Abstract: A vehicle damper comprising a cylinder and a piston; a working fluid within the cylinder; a reservoir in fluid communication with the working fluid to receive working fluid from the cylinder in a compression stroke; and a remotely-operable valve, the valve operable to permit and restrict flow of the working fluid between the cylinder and the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: John Marking
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Patent number: 9238473Abstract: A system and method for incrementally accomplishing brake pipe reductions using an operator button, touch sensitive screen or other human machine interface. The system is preferably made available to the user when the brake handle is positioned in the ‘minimum’ brake application position and allows an operator to create a more precise target reduction value without having to manually move the brake handle to the location that the operator believes may result in the desired reduction. Using small, predetermined increments, the system allows for more precise control over brake pressure without an operator having to estimate what handle movement will accomplish the desired brake pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: New York Air Brake, LLCInventors: Erich Leonard, John Reynolds
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Patent number: 9132812Abstract: A method and a brake system, in which method a vehicle having a service brake and a parking brake is held by autonomous brake actuation, wherein in a first step, an actuation of the service brake is performed, and in the event of a predefined condition being met, a transfer from the service brake to the parking brake takes place. According to an aspect of the invention, during the transfer, both an actuation of the parking brake and also an additional actuation of the service brake takes place.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Patrick Treppenhauer, Erik Hartmanshenn, Alexander Mann-Wahrenberg
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Patent number: 9120477Abstract: A system for managing braking of an automotive vehicle including an assisted parking brake with at least one brake actuator capable of acting on at least one wheel of the vehicle and a mechanism applying the parking brake. The system includes a mechanism automatically increasing firmness with which the parking brake is applied after the vehicle engine stops, which includes a module that detects stopping of the engine and a module that commands an increase in the firmness of application. The module is configured to emit a signal characteristic of the stopping of the engine as a function of a status of the engine and of a status of an electrical supply. The module is configured to emit a signal demanding an increase in the firmness of application as a function of a status of the brake actuators and of signal characteristic of the stopping of the engine that comes from the module.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: RENAULT S.A.S.Inventors: Pascal Febrer, Arnaud Losq, Alessandro Monti
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Publication number: 20150008727Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a slave cylinder configured to drive an electric motor and generate a brake fluid pressure by moving pistons with a ball screw shaft; normally open type master cut valves that communicate/shut off between the slave cylinder and a master cylinder; and a control unit that controls the electric motor to close the master cut valves and limit a displacement of the ball screw shaft on the basis of a reference position during operation of a VSA device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuharu Kidera, Takashi Shimada, Soichiro Ueura
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Patent number: 8560198Abstract: The train braking device includes an air brake controller in which a plurality of friction coefficients corresponding to a brake command and a brake initial velocity are stored, an electropneumatic conversion valve that converts a pressure control signal transmitted from the air brake controller into a pneumatic signal, a relay valve that generates a predetermined brake cylinder pressure corresponding to the pneumatic signal, and a brake cylinder that controls brake shoes according to the brake cylinder pressure, wherein the air brake controller generates the pressure control signal based on the friction coefficients corresponding to the brake command and the brake initial velocity.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Yasuharu Itano
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Patent number: 8297297Abstract: A compressed air supply system and method of operating same for a commercial vehicle includes a compressed air inlet that can be coupled to a compressor, a filter unit that can be coupled to the compressed air inlet via a supply line, a discharge valve element that is coupled to a discharge outlet and the supply line, a first valve element and a second valve element. A control inlet of the discharge valve element is controllable by the first valve element and the second valve element is arranged in a regeneration air path for regenerating the filter unit. At least one pneumatically lockable overflow valve via which a consumer circuit coupled to the compressed air supply system is supplied with compressed air. The at least one pneumatically lockable overflow valve can be controlled by the second valve element.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbHInventors: Karsten Schnittger, Oliver Kaupert
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Publication number: 20120255817Abstract: In a method for displacing and storing brake fluid for a hydraulic brake system of a vehicle which brake system has at least one hydraulic accumulator, at least one brake booster and at least one brake circuit, the brake booster is configured in such a manner, that even without an action of the driver, actuation of the brake booster allows a volume of brake fluid to be automatically displaced. The brake fluid is displaced into the hydraulic accumulator and stored, by automatic actuation of the brake booster, and at least a portion of the stored brake fluid is emptied by the hydraulic accumulator into the brake circuit as a function of the operating state of the brake system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2010Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Herbert Vollert, Reinhard Weiberle
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Patent number: 8251461Abstract: To improve brake force in front and rear combined brake control, a brake control device includes a front wheel brake caliper having at least two front wheel cylinders, and a rear wheel brake caliper having a rear wheel cylinder. A front wheel brake conduit is disposed between a front wheel master cylinder and one of the front wheel cylinders, and a rear wheel brake conduit is disposed between a rear wheel master cylinder and the rear wheel cylinder. A pressure amplification conduit branches from a first position in the rear wheel brake conduit and merges with the rear wheel brake conduit at a second position downstream of the first position. A combined brake conduit branches from a third position in the rear wheel brake conduit positioned downstream of the first position and is coupled to the other of the front wheel cylinders. A first switch control valve is disposed between the first position and the third position in the rear wheel brake conduit.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Bosch CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Atsushi, Tohru Masuno
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Patent number: 8220877Abstract: An electric parking brake system is equipped with a parking brake driven by an electric actuator for braking wheels of a vehicle, a vehicle condition sensing section for detecting vehicle conditions, a target braking force setting section for setting a target braking force on the basis of vehicle condition detected, compared and weighted by the vehicle condition sensing section so as to overcome a trouble of a part of sensing section, a parking condition detecting section for sensing a change of the vehicle condition from a stopping condition to a parking condition, and a control section for increasing a braking force according to the change in the vehicle condition so as to avoid a creep movement of the vehicle. Thereby, the electric parking brake system with a highly improved reliability can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takaharu Makishima, Yukiya Uchimura, Katsufumi Ichikawa
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Patent number: 8000870Abstract: A brake system is provided for minimizing brake pulsation feedback caused by surface variations of a brake system corner component. The brake system includes at least one sensing device configured to measure a pressure pulse caused by the surface variation of a brake system corner component. A controller module is in communication with the at least one sensing device and a hydraulic brake circuit. The controller module is configured to receive an output from the at least one sensing device and to adjust line pressure in the hydraulic brake circuit to substantially minimize brake pulsation feedback.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Omar S. Dessouki, Brent D. Lowe, Mark T. Riefe
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Patent number: 7949441Abstract: Method for controlling the level of tractive efforts in a train having a first locomotive at a head end of the train, constituting a lead locomotive, and a second locomotive positioned in the train behind the lead locomotive, constituting a remote locomotive, with the remote locomotive being configured to selectively operate in either of two modes of operation, such as a first mode in which the locomotive operates at a full tractive effort level of operation and a second mode in which the locomotive operates in a partial tractive effort level of operation producing a tractive effort which is less than the full tractive effort of the locomotive. The method allows selecting (e.g., at the lead locomotive) one of the two modes of operation for producing a level of tractive effort appropriate for conditions as the train moves along a length of track. The method further allows transmitting a signal indicative of the selected mode of operation from the lead locomotive to the remote locomotive.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mirza Aref Ahmed Baig, Richard L. Evans, Scott Sexauer, Christopher E. Pallo, Ning Zhang, Steven Andrew Kellner, Leonard Hill, Bruce M. Sweeley, James Glen Corry
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Publication number: 20110115282Abstract: A brake system includes a main brake cylinder and a pedal decoupling unit provided with a holding piston, the first ring surface thereof together with a first primary brake cylinder piston defining a first hydraulic chamber that is hydraulically pressurized with an electrically controllable pressure supply device. In order to improve the pedal characteristics of the brake system, in particular in a brake-by-wire brake system, the holding piston is embodied as a differential piston, the second ring surface thereof defining a second, blockable hydraulic chamber, and a piston effect in the second chamber corresponds to a force that acts counter to the direction of actuation on the holding piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Dieter Dinkel, Hans-Jörg Feigel
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Publication number: 20110108375Abstract: A brake device for motor vehicles has at least two hydraulic brake circuits which are directly connected to a master brake cylinder, as well as an additional brake circuit, which is able to be actuated via a control device, independently of the master brake cylinder. Because of the separate hydraulic brake circuits in the region of the front axle, redundancy is provided, while the third brake circuit, that is able to be actuated independently of the master brake cylinder and typically acts on the rear wheels, during automatic actuation, permits taking into account a braking effect by additional active assemblies, such as a driven generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: Gebhard Wuerth, Volker Mehl, Michael Kunz, Matthias Leiblein, Werner Quirant
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Publication number: 20110043030Abstract: A circuit arrangement for switching two backup valves in a rear axle module of an electronic brake system of a utility vehicle is provided, in which the circuit arrangement includes a switch at which pulse width modulation for controlling magnetic fields of inductors of the two backup valves is applied, and a diode for a slow discharge of the two backup valves in correlation with a predetermined operating state of the two backup valves, in which the diode is connected in parallel with two branches, each containing an inductor of the two backup valves, of the circuit arrangement, and in which the diode switches the two backup valves simultaneously in correlation with the predetermined operating state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2008Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: Thomas Feucht
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Publication number: 20100283315Abstract: In a vehicle braking apparatus, a pressure control valve is controlled according to a brake operation amount of a brake pedal to thereby regulate hydraulic pressure and supply it to wheel cylinders. By controlling the pressure control valve by using hydraulic pressure output from a master cylinder as pilot pressure, the hydraulic pressure can be regulated and supplied to the wheel cylinders. A master cut valve capable of opening and closing a first hydraulic pipe that supplies the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders is provided. An external pressure supply pipe that supplies the pilot pressure to the pressure control valve is connected to the first hydraulic pipe on a side of the master cut valve closer to the wheel cylinders.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi Isono
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Patent number: 7744166Abstract: A process for operating the brake arrangement of a vehicle is presented, which comprises an electrically controllable service brake system, which is set to generate brake forces independently of driver actuation, and which comprises an electrically controllable parking brake system, which is set to generate brake forces and maintain these forces. So that the parking brake system or its electromechanical actuating unit only needs to cope with relatively small load situations, it is proposed that, when, for certain operating conditions, the parking brake system has to maintain brake forces which are greater than the brake forces it is able to generate itself, the service brake system generates the additionally required brake forces.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Ralf Leiter, Gregor Poertzgen
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Publication number: 20100148571Abstract: An actuator apparatus includes a booster creating an infinite boost ratio while a plunger valve does not contact with a reaction disc, and an oil reservoir and a pedal simulator unit forming a hydraulic circuit to follow hydraulic hysteresis characteristics. Therefore, it is possible to achieve insensibility of pedal changes transmitted from a master cylinder, minimize changes in pedal feel according to changes of pedal effort correspondingly generated, while blocking vibration transmitted to the pedal when achieving regenerative braking, and provide pedal feel following or simulating the hydraulic hysteresis characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: JONGSUNG KIM
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Publication number: 20100062897Abstract: Provided is a brake control apparatus for a vehicle which detects an amount of brake-pedal operation by means of an electric signal, and then calculates a braking force demanded by a driver from the electric signal, and thereby generates the demanded braking force. A control mode for a braking force is switched from a normal control mode to a stationary-vehicle control mode, if a determination that the vehicle is in a stationary state is followed by another determination that an electric signal corresponding to an actual braking force exceeds a command value for a stationary-vehicle braking force while the vehicle is in the stationary state. The control mode for a braking force is switched from the stationary-vehicle control mode to the normal control mode, if it is determined that the demanded braking force becomes smaller than the command value for the stationary-vehicle braking force.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Kimio NISHINO, Toshiyuki Innami, Norikazu Matsuzaki, Shingo Nasu, Ayuma Miyajima
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Publication number: 20100045097Abstract: To improve brake force in front and rear combined brake control, a brake control device includes a front wheel brake caliper having at least two front wheel cylinders, and a rear wheel brake caliper having a rear wheel cylinder. A front wheel brake conduit is disposed between a front wheel master cylinder and one of the front wheel cylinders, and a rear wheel brake conduit is disposed between a rear wheel master cylinder and the rear wheel cylinder. A pressure amplification conduit branches from a first position in the rear wheel brake conduit and merges with the rear wheel brake conduit at a second position downstream of the first position. A combined brake conduit branches from a third position in the rear wheel brake conduit positioned downstream of the first position and is coupled to the other of the front wheel cylinders. A first switch control valve is disposed between the first position and the third position in the rear wheel brake conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventors: Hiroaki Atsushi, Tohru Masuno
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Publication number: 20090326775Abstract: A brake control apparatus includes: a master cylinder; a wheel cylinder; a hydraulic pressure source; a control valve arranged to increase or reduce the pressure of the wheel cylinder; an outside gate valve arranged to connect or disconnect between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder; a brake operation sensing section configured to sense a driver's brake operation; and a control unit configured to control the hydraulic pressure source, the control valve, and the outside gate valve, to perform an automatic-brake pressure-increasing control to control the outside gate valve in a valve closing direction, to drive the hydraulic pressure source, and thereby to increase the pressure of the wheel cylinder in accordance with a vehicle condition, and to increase a driving quantity of the hydraulic pressure source when the brake operation is sensed during the automatic-brake pressure-increasing control.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: Shinichiro NISHIDA
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Publication number: 20090195060Abstract: A vehicle-use brake device for miniaturization of a base body and the simplification of brake liquid pressure passages formed in the base body. First electromagnetic open/close valves changing over communication/interruption between master cylinders which output liquid pressures due to the operation of brake operators and wheel brakes, and second electromagnetic open/close valves changing over communication/interruption between a liquid-pressure generation member which are configured to generate liquid pressures due to operations of electrically-operated actuators and the wheel brakes are arranged in the base body. An output port which is connected to a wheel brake is formed in one flat side surface of a base body, first and second electromagnetic open/close valves which arrange operational axes thereof on a first plane orthogonal to one side surface are mounted on one surface of the base body which orthogonally intersects with one side surface from the same direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yutaka NISHIKAWA, Kazuya TAKENOUCHI, Masaie KATO, Shinji TAKAYANAGI, Yoko UNO
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Patent number: 7559613Abstract: The automatic brake control unit can be applied to an automatic braking device including a reservoir that can suck a brake fluid discharged from a master cylinder, and a cut valve that can permit or prohibit the introduction of the brake fluid into the reservoir. The unit opens the cut valve during automatic brake control. Thus, the brake fluid discharged from the master cylinder according to a brake-pedal stroke is sucked into the reservoir by the maximum capacity of the reservoir during a brake override. Consequently, the relationship between the brake-pedal stroke and the wheel-cylinder pressure during the brake override can be brought close to that for the case where automatic brake control is not in operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koichi Kokubo
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Patent number: 7530649Abstract: When a stroke of a manually operated braking member is equal to or smaller than a predetermined stroke, a master pressure chamber of a master cylinder is communicated with an atmospheric pressure reservoir, and an electromagnetic valve and a hydraulic pressure pump are controlled to supply the hydraulic pressure to wheel brake cylinders according to an amount of operation of the manually operated braking member detected by a braking operation detection device. An orifice is provided in a passage between the master pressure chamber and the atmospheric pressure reservoir, and a check valve is disposed in parallel with the electromagnetic valve to allow a flow of the brake fluid from the master cylinder to the wheel brake cylinders, and prohibit its reverse flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akihito Kusano
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Publication number: 20080054716Abstract: A brake control apparatus includes an actuator configured to generate a braking force of road wheel; a first control unit configured to calculate a target braking controlled variable in accordance with an amount of brake manipulation of a driver; and a second control unit including a backup calculation section configured to calculate a backup target braking controlled variable, by receiving the amount of brake manipulation separately from the first control unit. The second control unit selects one of the target braking controlled variable and the backup target braking controlled variable in accordance with operating conditions of the first control unit and the second control unit. The second control unit outputs a drive signal to the actuator so as to bring the braking force of road wheel closer to the selected one of the target braking controlled variable and the backup target braking controlled variable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Akihiro SATO, Toshiyuki Innami, Hitoshi Kobayashi, Katsuhiko Wakabayashi, Katsuya Iwasaki
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Patent number: 7011377Abstract: An electronic unit for automatically activating a parking brake in dependence of at least one specified operating parameter or operating mode of a motor vehicle, which can be started without a mechanical key, is equipped with a device for arbitrarily preventing the automatic activation of the parking brake. In a first alternative, the unit is connected with a key button, which can be directly manually actuated, in the form of an OFF switch for the arbitrary prevention of the automatic activation of the parking brake. In a second alternative, the electronic unit in a motor vehicle, which can be started through an electronic authorization verification device with wireless code transmission, is equipped with a mechanism with which the arbitrary prevention of the automatic activation of the parking brake can be triggered by inserting the authorization verification device in a holding shaft that is provided for this purpose.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Ehrmaier, Anton Sappler, Reinhard Schmerer
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Patent number: 6937925Abstract: A method for controlling locomotive consists at slow speeds by independently controlling each locomotive is provided. The method comprises controlling the throttle settings and main generator excitation of a control locomotive, independently controlling, from the control locomotive, the throttle setting of each of the controlled locomotives, and compensating for a combined consist tractive effort change induced by a change in the throttle setting of each of the controlled locomotives by adjusting the main generator excitation of at least one of the locomotives to maintain a preset consist speed. The method further includes changing the throttle settings concurrently in the control and controlled locomotives, changing the throttle settings of the controlled locomotives only after the control locomotive reaches a maximum generator excitation, and changing the throttle settings according to a rule base.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Inventor: Eugene A. Smith
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Patent number: 6922619Abstract: Method for controlling the level of tractive efforts in a train having a first locomotive at a head end of the train, constituting a lead locomotive, and a second locomotive positioned in the train behind the lead locomotive, constituting a remote locomotive, with the remote locomotive being configured to selectively operate in either of two modes of operation, such as a first mode in which the locomotive operates at a full tractive effort level of operation and a second mode in which the locomotive operates in a partial tractive effort level of operation producing a tractive effort which is less than the full tractive effort of the locomotive. The method allows selecting (e.g., at the lead locomotive) one of the two modes of operation for producing a level of tractive effort appropriate for conditions as the train moves along a length of track. The method further allows transmitting a signal indicative of the selected mode of operation from the lead locomotive to the remote locomotive.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mirza Aref Ahmed Baig, Richard L. Evans, Scott Sexauer, Christopher E. Pallo, Ning Zhang, Steven Andrew Kellner, Leonard Hill, Bruce M. Sweeley, James Glen Corry
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Patent number: 6802574Abstract: An electronic control unit is provided for automatically activating a parking brake in dependence of at least one specified operating parameter or operating mode of a motor vehicle, which can be started without a mechanical key. The operating mode for the basic automatic activation of the parking lock is the fact that the internal combustion engine is shut off.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Ehrmaier, Anton Sappler, Reinhard Schmerer
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Patent number: 6746087Abstract: A control system which allows electro-pneumatic control of an equalizing reservoir with the capacity to create penalty applications in a purely pneumatic manner. A controller for the equalizing reservoir includes an electro-pneumatic source of pressure or atmosphere responsive to an electrical equalizing pressure control signal and a pilot valve selectively connecting the electro-pneumatic source or atmosphere to the equalizing reservoir in response to pressure in a pilot port of the first pilot valve. A magnetic valve is provided having a first input connected to a second source of pressure, a second input connected to atmosphere and an output connected to the pilot port of the first pilot valve. At least one penalty valve is connected to the pilot input of the first pilot valve and is responsive to a penalty signal to connect the pilot input to atmosphere. The pilot valve and the penalty valve pneumatically produce a brake application regardless of the state of the magnetic valve or its controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: New York Air Brake CorporationInventors: John M. Reynolds, D. Mark Pettit
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Patent number: 6435624Abstract: An integrated locomotive braking and ECP braking control on a lead locomotive for implementing braking effort on all locomotives in a manner relative to braking effort applied on ECP freight cars. On the lead locomotive, a data interface can be established between an head-end-unit and a brake controller. The head-end-unit can electrically signal each ECP freight car to carry out braking commands. The integrated brake control can include a CPU, as part of either the brake controller or the head-end-unit, which can be programmed to provide braking effort on the lead locomotive relative to the braking effort applied on the ECP freight cars. The braking on the lead locomotive is implemented by the brake controller by controlling the independent brake relative to the braking effort commanded on the ECP freight cars. The independent brake on non-ECP trailing locomotives is connected to the lead locomotive independent brake via a standard independent brake pneumatic connection.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventors: Robert C. Kull, Robert D. Dimsa
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Publication number: 20020021044Abstract: A vehicular brake control method and apparatus having a controller that controls a pressure of a supplied operating fluid to the wheels. The vehicle brake control apparatus includes brakes that apply braking forces corresponding to the pressure of the operating fluid to the wheels. A pump is provided that force-feeds the operating fluid. A valve is disposed to adjust the pressure of the operating fluid that is force-fed from the pump. The controller performs an operation control of the pump and the valve to control the pressure of the operating fluid to be supplied to the brakes when the controller determines that the braking forces are to be applied to the vehicle. The controller controls a pressure-increasing gradient of a fluid pressure by controlling both the pump and the valve during a pressure-increasing control for increasing the pressure in the brakes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kouichi Hara, Shoji Inagaki
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Patent number: 6340211Abstract: A method of changing between two operator stations in a cab of a locomotive for controlling the brakes of the locomotive and of a train of railway cars connected to the locomotive. The stations each have at least one brake handle and an associated selector switch, with each of the switches being electrically connected to a brake control computer. The method includes stopping the train if the train is in motion and placing the brake valve handles of the stations in a position to apply the brakes at full service. One of the operator stations is selected as an active station for braking the train while the other station is selected to be inactive. Signals are directed from the selector switches at the operator stations to the computer, the signals indicating which of the two stations is active and inactive. The computer is provided with the software that accepts a valid transition to the station selected by the operator as the active station.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventors: Michael J. Joyce, Jr., Charles L. Crawford, Daniel J. Wolf, David J. Pcsolar, Winslow K. Duff
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Patent number: 6302495Abstract: A railway car brake system includes a pneumatic brake cylinder and a relay valve for controlling pressure in the brake cylinder. The relay valve is responsive to a pilot pressure which is generated by a pilot valve connected to the relay valve, the pilot valve including at least one piezoelectric element. The system also includes a controller connected to the piezoelectric element to control the pilot pressure and thereby control braking. The pilot valve releases braking upon loss of power to the at least one piezoelectric element to thereby provide a failsafe release of braking. The pilot valve may also include a first piezoelectric element for controlling fluid flow from a pressure source to the relay valve, and a second piezoelectric element for controlling fluid flow from the relay valve to atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: GE Harris Railway Electronics, LLCInventor: David Peltz
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Patent number: 6126246Abstract: Towed vehicle braking systems which are flexible enough for use by rental agencies and provide good safety features use a compressor (15) to drive a fluid actuator (12) with a piston (11). The piston is attached to the towed vehicle's brake actuator (30), e.g., a brake pedal or hand grip. The free standing braking system case is positioned within the towed vehicle by a positioning mechanism (32), e.g., a scissors jack. The braking system is actuated by one or more of (a) a towed vehicle velocity decrease sensor (46 and 47) (46 and 52); (b) a separation of the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle sensor (63 and 64) and (c) coded signals from a transmitter (66), e.g., radio frequency, used by the driver to control the braking system of the towed vehicle when received by a towed vehicle receiver (67) and used to actuate the towed vehicle braking system.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventors: Dan Decker, Sr., Dan Decker, Jr.
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Patent number: 6035250Abstract: A locomotive brake control unit includes a manifold having a brake cylinder module for controlling pressure at the brake cylinder port in response to at least train braking signals and first and second ports on the control unit for receiving electropneumatic resetting and non-resetting dynamic brake interlocks respectively to control the train braking signals during dynamic braking, if an interlock module is present in one of the interlock ports.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: New York Air Brake CorporationInventors: Ronald O. Newton, Kevin B. Root
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Patent number: 5984427Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electro-pneumatic braking system on a railroad train having electronic brake control equipment including an operator display facility and brake handles located in a cab of a locomotive of the train. The method comprises interfacing an electrical brake control system with a locomotive interface unit and a cab control computer using an electro-pneumatic interface module. The locomotive interface unit is used to interface the electro-pneumatic interface module with a brake control computer associated with a pneumatic brake operating unit. The brake operating unit is connected in fluid communication with a brake pipe of a locomotive and train of railway cars connected to the locomotive.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventor: Paul J. Kettle, Jr.
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Patent number: 5927823Abstract: In a microprocessor-controlled electro-pneumatic brake control system for a railway train, pressure in the brake cylinder is maintained despite the loss of pressure in the "20 pipe" brake line, or failure of a key relay valve that controls pressure to that brake line. Feedback signals derived from the "20 pipe" brake line when found to be inappropriate after a predetermined amount of time are substituted for by brake command signals generated by the brake controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventors: Robert D. Dimsa, Vincent Ferri
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Patent number: 5810107Abstract: Foot operated safety driving system, that realizes slow down of vehicle by driver's pushing a gas pedal (10). A foot toe pressure piezoelectric sensor (12T) and a foot heel sensor (12H), joined with gas pedal (10), convert all driver's foot pressure impulses to an electric signal; a sensors' cord (78) transmits the signal to an electric device (74). An input processing circuit of the device (74) selects from the electric signal a brake pulse by comparators (28) and (30), verifies and forms the brake pulse by a strobing transistor (22) and a conjunction gate (32), and uses the processed brake pulse to actuate a group of output thyristor controllable electron valves (34), (36), (38).Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1995Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Alla KrelInventor: Aleksandr Krel
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Patent number: 5808370Abstract: A simplified dual connection system electrically interconnects the vehicles of a train. The train features a trainline to be formed through series interconnection of a wire on each vehicle. The simplified dual connection system includes a central computer, a connector control device on each vehicle and a pair of mateable connectors between each pair of vehicles of the train. Each pair of mateable connectors electrically interconnects the wires of each pair of adjacently disposed vehicles to form the trainline. When the mateable connectors are mated, a primary electrical path and a redundant electrical path are formed in that pair of connectors for the trainline. Each connector has a bidirectional circuit that interconnects a main node and a backup node for the wire on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventor: Angel P. Bezos
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Patent number: 5630565Abstract: An EP controller, which is located on the leading locomotive, is connected by a cable to the leading end trainline connector of the lead locomotive. This powers the EP controller and provides communication by the EP controller over the trainline. A second cable connects the EP line of the first car in the train to the trailing end trainline connector of the last locomotive for providing communication between the EP controller and the electro-pneumatic brakes on each car over the trainline and the EP line.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1995Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignee: New York Air Brake CorporationInventor: Anthony W. Lumbis
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Patent number: 5415465Abstract: An apparatus for initiating and latching a bail-off request for depleting the automatic brake pressure in the brake cylinders of a locomotive consist including a cab control unit having an automatic brake handle and an independent brake handle. A central processing unit receives a first input signal from the cab control unit which is indicative of the number of locomotives in the consist and receives a second input signal from the cab control unit which signifies a bail-off request. A display screen receives input signals from the central processing unit for exhibiting either a setup screen or a normal running screen in the locomotive. An electropneumatic unit receives an input signal from the central processing unit for initiating the bail-off of the automatic brakes on the locomotive consist when the independent brake handle is placed in a bail-off position.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventors: Elmer T. Skantar, Leonard Roselli
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Patent number: 5358315Abstract: A microprocessor-based, electropneumatic brake control system for a locomotive having a pneumatic back-up control valve which includes a quick release valve for maintaining a release condition of the control valve during dynamic braking. An arrangement is provided to prevent the control valve from applying during a trainline-initiated emergency application prior to the dynamic brake becoming ineffective following dynamic brake knockout, in order to avoid the possibility of a wheel skid.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventor: Richard F. Balukin
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Patent number: 5328251Abstract: An electronic braking system for wheeled vehicles comprising an electronic controller which produces, in response to driver braking demands, electronic signals for controlling the braking pressures applied to the vehicle wheels from a source of braking pressure. The system includes a second, back-up braking pressure source which can be selected when required, and means for switching over from the first-mentioned normal source of braking pressure to the back-up pressure source at selected occasions when the vehicle is being braked and has come to rest, provided that the prevailing driver's braking demand is above a predetermined minimum threshold. A test is then performed on the braking pressure signals generated by the system while it is energized by the back-up source and a warning signal is generated if the back-up source is found to be faulty.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1993Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Assignee: Lucas industries public limited companyInventor: Malcolm Brearley