Abstract: A spring brake chamber for pneumatic braking systems used in heavy commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, trailers and tractors, includes a power spring configured to detect the parking position, the driving position and the situation in which the power spring is broken. The present invention allows the driver to be notified by sending a signal.

Abstract: A reservoir tank includes a reservoir body defining a storage chamber for an operating fluid; and a float guide in the storage chamber. The float guide forms a float chamber on the inner side. The reservoir tank further includes a fluid level detection device that has a float moving up and down in the float chamber in accordance with fluctuations of a fluid level, and has a detector detecting when the float is below predetermined position. The reservoir tank is provided with a slit in the float guide. The slit is in communication with the storage chamber and the float chamber. An operating fluid passage is provided on an inner face of the float guide which is continuous with the slit, which is in communication with the slit and the float chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic block for brake control of an automotive hydraulic braking system, including a main brake cylinder bore. A permanent magnet is connected to the main brake cylinder piston via a rod, so that the permanent magnet moves together with the main brake cylinder piston. A Hall sensor with which a position and/or a stroke of the main brake cylinder piston is measurable is situated in a signal range of the permanent magnet in a sensor bore in the hydraulic block transversely to the rod.

Abstract: An ECU (19) outputs control signals to an electric booster (16) of a fluid-pressure generating device (5) and to an ESC (22). In this way, the establishment and cutting off of communication through pressure-increase control valves (29), (29?), (31), and (31?) of the ESC (22) are controlled to connect each of wheel cylinders (1) to (4) in turn to the master cylinder (8). In doing so, the electric booster (16) is controlled for each of the wheel cylinders (1) to (4) to measure a stroke of a piston (10), (11) of a master cylinder (8), or a volume of brake fluid proportional to the stroke of the piston (10), (11), and a fluid pressure detected by fluid-pressure sensors (20) and (21). The fluid volume-pressure characteristic of each of the wheel cylinders (1) to (4) so determined is used for comparison to detect any atmospheric air in each pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an light emitting diode (LED) package, includes: a heating unit heating an LED package array in a lead frame state in which a plurality of LED packages are installed to be set in an array on a lead frame; a testing unit testing an operational state of each of the LED packages in the LED package array by applying a voltage or a current to the LED package array heated by the heating unit; and a cutting unit cutting only an LED package determined to be a functional product or an LED package determined to be a defective product from the lead frame to remove the same according to the testing results of the testing unit.

Abstract: A system to diagnose a health of a hydraulic accumulator is provided. The hydraulic accumulator includes a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, and a separator. The hydraulic accumulator has an associated pre-charge pressure. The system further includes a pressure sensor, a fluid source, a data processor, and a comparator. The pressure sensor and the fluid source are connected to the first fluid chamber. The data processor is configured to determine a first and second rate of pressure changes, and a transition pressure between the first and second rates. The approximate pre-charge pressure is determined based on the transition pressure. The comparator is configured to compare at least one of the determined pre charge pressure and the frictional forces with a pre-determined threshold range of pre-charge pressure and the frictional forces associated with the hydraulic accumulator to diagnose the health of the hydraulic accumulator.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating tactile messages to a user, such as a racecar driver, yacht crewmember, or other athlete. The system can include a tactile vest having tactile activators for conveying tactile messages to the user, including real time messages for helping the user assess and improve physical performance. The messages may be generated based on various types of sensor data, including, for example, data collected by vehicle sensors of a racecar or yacht.

Abstract: A fluid level monitoring system may include a control panel having a plurality of input devices, each corresponding to a monitored fluid of a machine, and a plurality of indicators, each corresponding to one of the input devices. The indicators may provide visual displays of fluid level statuses for the monitored fluids. The fluid level monitoring system may further include a message display device that may display a fluid level status message for one of the monitored fluids based on the actuation of the corresponding input device of the control panel.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the connection of a trailer to a vehicle. The apparatus is connected to a pneumatic pressure line of the trailer's service braking system, and measures the pressure of the system to determine if the trailer is properly connected to the vehicle when the vehicle's engine is running. Further, the apparatus also contains an algorithm that monitors the signals from other vehicle systems, and uses that information to determine the trailer characteristics. The vehicle engine control system receives information from the apparatus and adjusts the various vehicle systems accordingly.

Abstract: A control circuit for activating at least one emergency light when a vehicle's brakes are applied is described. The control circuit includes a pressure switch configured to selectively couple a power source and an electronically-operated actuator to facilitate selectively energizing the electronically-operated actuator. The electronically-operated actuator includes at least one contact set configured to couple the power source to the at least one emergency light when the electronically-operated actuator is not energized. The control circuit also includes a manual reset circuit coupled to the pressure switch and to the electronically-operated actuator. The manual reset circuit configured to facilitate energizing the electronically-operated actuator upon receipt of an operator input.

Abstract: A monitoring system for driver's braking habits comprising a sensor connected to brakes of a vehicle provided to sense and evaluate the following levels of pressure being applied to the brakes by a driver: normal pressure, above normal pressure and an excessive pressure level. The sensor is adapted to activate a warning signal element connected to the sensor and is provided to warn the driver when the pressure level exceeds the above normal pressure level and the excessive pressure level which facilitates correction of bad driving habits of the driver and development of preventive driving techniques. The sensor comprises a first sensor adapted to sense and evaluate the above normal pressure level, and a second sensor adapted to sense and evaluate the excessive pressure level.

Abstract: A collision prevention method for motor vehicles is provided, in which method obstacles in front of the vehicle are detected by an on-board positioning system, a collision probability is calculated from the position data, and one or more responses to prevent a collision are triggered as a function of the collision probability. At least one of the responses is a preparatory measure accelerating the implementation of a command, which may be output later, to decelerate the vehicle, without the preparatory measure itself having any significant decelerating effect on the vehicle.

Abstract: An alarm for a hydraulic system, a hydraulic system incorporating an alarm, a vehicle having a hydraulic system which incorporates an alarm, and a method of giving an alarm in a hydraulic system, where the hydraulic system comprises hydraulic fluid which is put in contact with a pressure detector, the pressure detector being for giving a signal in response to a condition of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system. An alarm generator integral with said pressure detector is provided for giving an audible alarm in response to a said signal.

Abstract: Method for monitoring an electrohydraulic braking system. The volume uptake is determined by the elasticity within the wheel brake that is subjected to certain fluctuations, on the one hand, and to a much greater degree by the clearance that is present, on the other hand. To make a reliable statement relating to the air charge, an estimation of the current clearance is first made, taking three ranges into consideration. If there is a normal clearance, a top evaluation threshold is taken as a basis, which assumes the clearance lies at the upper end of the normal range. When said evaluation threshold is exceeded, an alarm is triggered. If the clearance is assumed to lie at the bottom limit of the normal range, a bottom evaluation threshold applies, however, an alarm is only triggered in this case this situation has occurred several times in succession.

Abstract: A mixed air amount alarm device is provided which determines the amount of air present in a hydraulic circuit between a hydraulic pressure source and an instrument driven by hydraulic pressure, and produces an alarm if the air amount is excessive, a situation is prevented in which an alarm is produced or not produced according to change of the air amount (volume) resulting from temperature change, and it is possible to stop an alarm if potential danger disappears and a safe state is recovered due to spontaneous release of air out of the hydraulic circuit. If the air amount is determined excessive, this is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and even if air amount excessiveness determination is not made at the next activation of the hydraulic device, the content of the nonvolatile memory is checked and an alarm is produced if air amount excessiveness determination has not been made before.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a condition of relatively moving vehicle components, particularly including the pushrod of a brake actuator, including a magnet on one of the components, a sensor on the other component within the magnetic field of the magnet generating a signal indicating a condition of the moving component, an electrically conductive coil preferably surrounding the magnet generating a current and an active RF chip connected to the coil and the sensor, thereby providing current to the active RF chip for signaling a receiver. In the disclosed embodiment of a brake actuator monitoring system, the magnet is fixed on the pushrod and the coil surrounds the pushrod and magnet.

Abstract: A vehicular anti-theft system with brake line valve including a valve mechanism connected to the plurality of brake lines between a master cylinder and the associated brakes of a vehicle. The valve mechanism includes a housing with a solenoidal valve therein associated with the brake lines. The solenoidal valve has a first orientation with the solenoidal valve preventing control of the brakes by the master cylinder. The solenoidal valve further has a second orientation with the solenoidal valve thereby allowing control of the brakes by the master cylinder. The solenoidal valve includes a relay adapted to transfer between the first orientation upon and the second orientation. The solenoidal valve is adapted remain in a present orientation thereof without consuming power. Lastly, control circuitry is connected to the valve mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for detecting lining wear and fluid level in a dry interface corner actuator for a single wheel brake including a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir for containing fluid for the actuator and a sensor assembly positioned in the reservoir having a single set point to indicate both low reservoir fluid level and a need for brake lining replacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for detecting lining wear and fluid level in a dry interface corner actuator for a single wheel brake including a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir for containing fluid for the actuator and a sensor assembly positioned in the reservoir having a single set point to indicate both low reservoir fluid level and a need for brake lining replacement.

Abstract: A reliable capacitive oil deterioration and level sensor has a conductive housing member that includes a conductive shielding member defining a ground electrode, and a conductive inner member defining a measuring electrode. The shielding member protects the sensor from moving objects that could adversely affect its performance. The housing member is adapted to provide a fluidic connection between an oil container and a space between the ground electrode and the measuring electrode. The sensor also includes electronics adapted to employ this capacitor geometry to generate signals indicative of a degree of deterioration and a level of the oil within the gap. The electronics further include at least one isolating capacitor to eliminate a flow of current between the electrodes that may cause a build up of material on the two electrodes that define the capacitor. This build up of unwanted material may cause an undesirable effect in the sensor output signal.

Abstract: A voice warning system for automobiles includes a microprocessor connected with the battery of an automobile, a plurality of sensors arranged on different parts of the engine and connected with the microprocessor, and two voice integrated circuits for storing voice messages, whereby the microprocessor will give voice messages to notify the driver of the conditions of the car thereby ensuring the safety of the driver.

Abstract: An advance warning device for monitoring the working conditions of a hydraulic braking system of a motor vehicle is composed of a plurality of sensors and a controller in communication with the sensors for processing the signals transmitted by the sensors so as to provide the operator of the motor vehicle with an advance warning signal as to likelihood of the brake failure. The sensors are intended to monitor respectively the temperature of the brake lining piece, the temperature of the brake fluid kept in the distribution pump, the water content of the brake fluid of the hydraulic braking system, and the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic braking system.

Abstract: In at least one operating situation, especially while the vehicle is stopped, pressure is built up in a defined manner and then released for test purposes without waiting for a steady state value to be reached. On the basis of the pressure-time or force-time curve in at least one wheel brake, a determination is made on whether or not an unacceptable amount of undissolved gas is present in the brake system.

Abstract: An apparatus for triggering a warning device, in particular in a vehicle with an on-board controller to influence braking pressure and/or engine torque and/or steering as a function of the movement behavior of the vehicle wheels and/or of the vehicle, is described. In the event of a fault in the controller, ground is applied to the warning device by a control unit of the controller and the fault is thereby indicated. At least one comparator is provided, to which on the one hand a comparison voltage and on the other hand a further voltage can be applied, such that the comparator becomes conductive and applies to the warning device the ground applied to it, if the further voltage is less than a first comparison voltage and/or if the further voltage is greater than a second comparison voltage.

Abstract: In combination with a tractor and a trailer, an apparatus and method are provided for monitoring various operating conditions of at least the trailer by a driver positioned on the tractor. The apparatus preferably has a pneumatic braking system carried by the tractor and the trailer to permit the driver to supply pneumatic braking pressure from the tractor to the trailer. The pneumatic braking system preferably includes at least one pair of air hoses connected to the tractor and the trailer and a coupler connected to the pair of air hoses. The coupler has interconnecting first and second coupler portions arranged to facilitate connecting and disconnecting the pair of air hoses. The apparatus also has a data communications system which preferably includes a respective pair of transceivers connected to the first and second coupler portions for communicating signals representative of monitoring data from the trailer to the tractor so as to in turn be monitored by a driver positioned on the tractor.

Abstract: A monitoring and safety system for air-operated parking brakes and foot brakes on a vehicle employs electric contacts to provide alarms when movement of the actuators occurs in a manner indicative of failure or malfunction in the actuators or in the brakes themselves. The system also includes a number of air pressure sensors for monitoring and alarm functions. In addition, parking brake air pressure is monitored for purpose of overriding a movement sensor alarm when air pressure in the actuator indicates that the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: This invention relates to vehicle theft alarm and prevention devices, and in particular discloses a system that operates on the brakes of a vehicles to prevent the unauthorized use of a vehicle. Upon an unauthorized use of the vehicle, the system causes the brakes of the vehicle to remain engaged to the degree to which the user causes them to be engaged by operation of the brake pedal. The harder the brakes are applied, the less mobile the vehicle becomes. The system may be combined with audible delayed alarm signals.

Abstract: A method for detecting trouble in a fluid pressure system which has a fluid pressure source including a fluid pump, a pressure tank connected to the pump, a pressure detector for detecting fluid pressure in the pressure tank, and a control device for controlling the operation of the fluid pump on the basis of an output signal from the pressure detector, comprising the steps of operating such fluid pressure systems with output fluid pressure from the fluid pressure source, detecting variation in the output signal from the pressure detector and when the output signal is less than a first predetermined value during operation of the fluid pressure system driving said fluid pump regardless of the output signal from the pressure detector, and when the variation in output signal from the pressure detector is less than a second predetermined value as a result of such driving of said fluid pump energizing a signal to indicate that the system is out of order.

Abstract: An overload warning system for a trailer brake cylinder of a trailer brake system having a nominal deceleration rate. It has been found that previous temperature sensing overdue warning systems have a disadvantage that undue delay occurs and that no warning signal is initiated until after damage to the trailer brakes occurs. The present invention proposes that the tractor brake system and the trailer brake system compare their received operating control signals from which they form a ratio factor and then produce a warning signal when the ratio factor changes beyond a predetermined critical change velocity. The present invention employs the rapid drop in braking force caused by a brake overload and uses the rapid drop and increase brake demand for readjusting the brake deceleration. The present invention is used for uniquely recognizing the "Fading" effect of the trailer brake system.

Abstract: A railroad brake pressure recorder for use with both analogue and digital break pressure manifolds monitors the signal on its analogue air brake pressure input connector. If the signal on this input exceeds a predetermined frequency, inputs are processed as coming from an analogue manifold. If it is less than this frequency, the inputs are processed as coming from a digital manifold.

Abstract: A master cylinder (12) having a switch (70) which is activated by either a magnet (78) carried by a float (76) in a reservoir (40) or a pin (66) moved by a differential area piston (52). The switch (70) had a first blade (82) connected a source of electrical current (106) through an indicator light (124) and a second blade (88) connected to an electrical ground (114). A reed switch (100) is connected to the first (82) and second (88) blades and responds to the magnet to close an electrical circuit to operate the indicator light (124) if a low fluid level is present in the reservoir (40). A first contact (96) on the first blade (82) is positioned in switch 70 by a non-electrical conductive actuation pin (66) that extends through the housing (22) of the master cylinder (12).

Abstract: A master cylinder having a housing with a first bore therein for retaining a pair of pistons which move in response to an input force and develop fluid pressure to effect a brake application. A second bore in the housing carries a differential area piston connected to the pressure chambers. A reed switch retained in the housing is aligned with a first magnet located on a float in a reservoir and a second magnet is attached to the differential area piston. A ferromagnetic shield located between the reed switch and second magnet has first and second openings located in a plane on either side of the reed switch. Should a failure occur in either pressure chamber, the differential area piston moves to allow magnetic field to pass through the openings in the shield and activate the reed switch to develop a warning signal and inform an operator of a failure mode condition in the master cylinder.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic device is suggested for continuously monitoring the pressure in a hydraulic brake system for automotive vehicles, in particular for outputting electric control signals in dependence upon applied pressure signals, the said device being composed of a housing containing two coaxial bores, a receiver arranged in the housing and applicable by the inlet pressure, as well as a converter for converting the hydraulic pressure into an electric output signal.To devise a structurally simple, reliable device of cost-efficient manufacture, the instant invention provides that the receiver is formed of a membrane made of amorphous metal with changing permeability which coacts with a coil system used as a converter, the output signals of which can be supplied to an evaluating electronic system.

Abstract: A pressure supply system for the generation of the auxiliary pressure of a hydraulic brake system for motor vehicles comprises an accumulator, a hydraulic pump driven by electromotive force and a pressure switch (1) controlling the turning on and off of the hydraulic pump. The pressure switch (1) includes a switch piston (2) having a piston rod (5) mechanically actuating in a pressure-responsive manner, successively, two or three switches (8,9,10). The pump motor (26), by way of these switches, and by way of a relay, is turned on when a bottom pressure limit value (P.sub.U) is reached, and turned off when the upper pressure limit value (P.sub.O) is reached and exceeded. A holding circuit is connected in the electric circuit, in which are provided the switches (8,9,10) of the pressure switch (1), which holding circuit ensures an abrupt switch-over of the relay into the other switching position when a slow approach of a pressure (p) to the pressure limit values (p.sub.U, P.sub.

Abstract: A safety relay circuit for operating electric systems of automotive vehicles is disclosed. The circuit includes two series-connected change-over relays connecting the vehicle's electrical system to the operative voltage. The change-over relays are actuated by switches acted upon by a control circuit. The control circuit assures that the change-over relays are actuated alternatively.

Abstract: An anti-lock hydraulic brake system which includes a brake pressure generator composed of a master cylinder, a brake power booster inserted upstream thereof and a pressure modulator interposed between the master cylinder and the brake power booster. A resetting unit is formed by supplementing the pressure modulator with a valve assembly which connects a resetting chamber of the pressure modulator to either a pressure-compensating reservoir or an auxiliary-pressure source. The braking pressure in the wheel brakes is controlled, according to a time-multiplex method, by wheel valves inserted into the pressure-fluid conduits and by the pressure modulator. In order to check the operability of the brake and of the anti-lock control system, a pressure switch is connected to the pressure modulator and a test circuit is provided which, at predetermined points of time, initiates a test cycle, actuates the valves and compares the valves' operation with the reaction of the pressure switch.