Abstract: A braking torque sensor of a brake is provided, the braking torque sensor includes: a long circular shaft hole arranged on a brake arm of the brake; a connecting plate configured to detect a braking displacement which is generated by the hinge shaft of the brake element in a long circular shaft hole and varies with the magnitude of the friction force when the braking action is performed by the brake, and convert the detected displacement into a plate deformation of the connecting plate; and a tension sensor configured to convert the plate deformation generated due to the braking action on the connecting plate into force information, and transmit the force information outwards in a form of electrical signal or digital signal. The detection result of the braking torque sensor is consistent with the actual result, so that an abnormal condition of the brake can be detected in time.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an attachment structure (such as an EOT) to a railroad coupler includes a base, a locking member (J-hook), a bolt and one or more spring elements. The base includes a mounting portion for the attachment structure and a sleeve insertable through the attachment structure. The base, the J-hook and the bolt cooperate such that the J-hook is rotated from an unlocked position to a locked position by torque applied via the bolt head. Consequently, the J-hook shaft is pulled inside the sleeve and the J-hook aligns with a clamp face of the base to clamp a portion of the coupler therebetween. Responsive to the applied torque, the one or more spring elements are compressed to allow mechanical engagement between a first surface and a second surface, producing a mechanical torque opposing the applied torque, which reduces axial forces on the J-hook.

Abstract: A device adapted for attachment to a coupler of a trailing railcar of a train includes an enclosure defining an internal compartment, a port adapted for connection to an air brake hose receiving air from a brake pipe of the train, a handle extending from the enclosure, a communication device disposed within the internal compartment of the enclosure, and at least one antenna connected to the communication device and extending at least partially through the internal compartment of the enclosure and into an internal cavity of the handle.

Abstract: A multi-function portable optoelectronic apparatus to determine the profile of a brake disk and the profile of the tread of a tyre comprising an optoelectronic assembly for emitting a laminar beam of light along an optical emission axis so as to project onto the brake disk or onto the tread a luminous line and acquire an image containing the projected luminous line, a tubular case which can be gripped by hand, which contains optoelectronic assembly and is designed to be arranged resting on the brake disk during determination of the profile of the brake disk and an angular adapter member designed to be coupled in a stable but easily removable manner to the case and shaped to be arranged resting on the tread during determination of the profile of the tread; an electronic system configured to receive the image and determine the profile of the brake disk or the profile of the tread on the basis of the luminous line contained in the image.

Abstract: In some examples, a device configured to determine an estimated remaining use of a brake assembly includes a magnet configured to move in response to movement of a wear pin indicator of the brake assembly, a sensor configured to generate an output signal based on a position of the magnet relative to the sensor, and processing circuitry configured to determine the estimated remaining use of the brake assembly based on the output signal generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for determining brake wear of a vehicle. A brake wear estimation includes determining, for each of one or more time periods during which a vehicle brake is actuated, a speed of the vehicle at a start time of the respective time period and a speed change parameter indicative of a change of speed of the vehicle during the respective time period. The estimation additionally includes determining, for each of the one or more time periods, a respective brake wear parameter indicative of brake wear of one or more vehicle brakes during the respective time period based on the speed of the vehicle at the start time of the respective time period, the speed change parameter indicative of the change of speed of the vehicle during the respective time period, and the mass or weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an installation structure for a pedal stroke sensor, including: a piston configured to move forward and backward by an operation of a pedal; a mounting member disposed on the piston; a first shaft coupled with the mounting member; a second shaft including a second gear engaged with a first gear of the first shaft; and a measuring portion disposed on the second shaft.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the wear behavior of brake pads of a brake system has at least the following steps: a) providing a brake system with at least one or more brakes, each with one or more brake pads which each have a pad carrier plate and a friction lining composed of at least two or more friction material layers which are composed of different friction materials; and at least one evaluation device; b) determining the wear which is brought about per brake during braking operations with at least one wear sensor per brake; c) determining the braking energy which is brought about per brake during braking operations with the evaluation device; d) repeated determination of an instantaneous gradient of a curve which relates the values determined in steps b) and c) and preferably a route information item to one another; and e) outputting a signal at an output device if the gradient changes.

Abstract: Provided is a brake inspection device of a motor that includes a load torque measurement unit configured to measure a load torque of the motor; and a determination unit configured to determine a state of a brake based on the load torques measured by the torque measurement unit, the load torques including a load torque measured when the brake being put on a rotor with respect to a stator of the motor and another load torque measured when actuation of the brake is canceled.

Abstract: A hybrid drive train for a self propelled power trowel includes a frame having a centerline from front to rear, an engine-generator set, a pair of rotors with trowel blades tiltably connected to the frame and positioned to support the frame above a concrete surface being finished, electric motors for driving the rotors, means for tilting each rotor toward and away from the centerline, and means for tilting a rotor fore and aft, parallel to the centerline. A rectifier and inverter in series at the engine-generator output allows engine speed to be regulated by a capacitor bank, and usage of highly efficient brushless AC synchronous motors to drive the rotors. A rechargeable battery may be connected in parallel with the capacitor bank.

Abstract: A method locates an installation position of vehicles wheels in a motor vehicle having at least one vehicle wheel containing a wheel electronics unit. The method includes: determining from the wheel electronics unit a first rotational angle position of the vehicle wheel associated with the wheel electronics unit; transmitting a transmission signal with a first piece of rotational angle information dependent on the determined first rotational angle position; determining from the vehicle second rotational angle positions of the vehicle wheels, and depending thereon, providing second rotational angle information. The first rotational angle information is compared with the second rotational angle information. The installation position of the vehicle wheel associated with the wheel electronics unit is determined depending on the comparison. A device is provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A brake control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle, wherein the brake control device detects strain during a braking process on at least one friction brake device actuated during the braking process, the brake control device further stores wear data based on the detected strain in a memory device. Also disclosed is a brake system for a rail vehicle having such a brake control device, a rail vehicle having such a brake system and/or such a brake control device, and a method for operating a brake control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle.

Abstract: An improved railroad coupler mount for attaching equipment, such as an end-of-train device (EOT), marker light, test gear, etc., to a railroad coupler. The mount is comprised of a pivoting lever with brace (a V- or U-shaped notch) that grips the rib between vertically spaced coupler coring holes and a lever tip that contacts the inner wall of the coupler top coring hole, a pad that bears against the exterior face of the coupler guard arm side and a mechanism that forcibly pivots the lever tip towards the pad on an axis roughly parallel to the coupler axis.

Abstract: A sensor module for use with a master cylinder of a brake system is described, wherein the master cylinder has an input-side activation element and an underpressure region for communicating with an underpressure brake booster. The sensor module comprises an underpressure sensor for detecting an underpressure in the underpressure region of the master cylinder as well as at least one further sensor for detecting a signal transmitter which is rigidly coupled to the activation element. The underpressure sensor and the at least one further sensor are accommodated in a housing of the sensor module. An opening in the housing permits communication between the underpressure sensor and the underpressure region of the master cylinder.

Abstract: A main brake cylinder, for use within an electronic braking system for motor vehicles, having a device for contactless monitoring of a position of a piston that can be linearly moved along a piston axis. The device includes a movable element and a sensor unit. The sensor unit is fixedly arranged on a housing of the main brake cylinder and is connected to an electronic evaluation unit for processing signals from the device. According to the invention, in order to further increase function precision, to lower manufacturing expenditure, number of components, and costs, to reduce overall length, and to improve calibration options, a magnetic field is realized such as to be emittable from the sensor unit, and a yoke is dedicated to the piston for position-dependently changing the magnetic field such that said change can be detected by the sensor unit.

Abstract: A differential travel sensor for a braking system of a vehicle includes: a field generation component, with the aid of which a first electrical and/or magnetic field having a predefined intensity distribution is generated in a spatial axis system fixedly definable with respect to a first body which is a driver brake force transmission component or an actuator force transmission component; and a sensor unit detecting at least one intensity variable of a second electrical and/or magnetic field generated due to an interaction of the first electrical and/or magnetic field with a second body, the second body being different from the first body and being the driver brake force transmission component or the actuator force transmission component.

Abstract: A device for measuring undulation of a brake disc in a railway wheel with brake discs includes a wheel support supporting a hub's bore of the railway wheel; a first displacement gauge for measuring a height displacement of the brake disc frictional surface for one round to follow rotation of the wheel support; and a second displacement gauge for measuring a height displacement of a railway wheel rim surface for one round to follow rotation of the wheel support. A computing unit calculates a difference between maximum and minimum values of the height displacement of the frictional surface by acquiring measurement data from the first displacement gauge, calculates a difference between the maximum and minimum values of the height displacement of the rim's surface by acquiring measurement data from the second displacement gauge, and derives a difference between the both calculated differences as brake disc undulation.

Abstract: An assembly (1) for detecting the wear of a brake pad of a disk brake, wherein said assembly comprises at least one sensor body (2) and at least one spring (4), said assembly being suitable for cooperating with said pad (10) which comprises a support plate (11), suitable for being supported by the disk brake, and to which there is associated friction material (12), suitable for to coming into contact with braking surfaces of a disk-brake disk, and wherein said at least one sensor body (2) is coupled geometrically to said support plate (11), said at least one spring (4) surrounding said at least one sensor body (2) so that said at least one spring (4) is positioned in said geometric coupling between said at least one sensor body (2) and said plate (11) and presenting projections (41) for the snap-coupling to said support plate (11), and wherein said at least one spring (4) has indentations (42) bent towards the at least one sensor body (2) for constraining said at least one spring (4) to said at least one sens

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a brake cable tensioning system and method. In one embodiment, the system generally comprises a sensor mounted on a support structure for engagement with the cable in sensing a load applied thereby on the sensor, and a tensioning tool for adjusting a tension of the cable responsive to the sensor.

Abstract: A system for simulating wet runway conditions by using a liquid container that is placed inside an aircraft. The liquid container is connected to a nozzle that sprays water in front of the wheels of the aircraft. A valve is used to control the flow of water from the nozzle. Systems, such as the braking system of the aircraft, can then be tested in wet runway conditions simulated by the system. The amount of water sprayed from the nozzle can also be electronically controlled in relation to the speed of the aircraft, such that the nozzle sprays a nearly uniform layer of liquid in front of the wheels. The system can also be modified to include two tanks to manipulate the center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: A device (1) for testing pneumatically operated brakes of a first vehicle (22) and of a second vehicle (23) being connected and having interconnected brake systems. A device supply line (3b) and a device control line (4b) are arranged for connection to respective corresponding supply and control lines (3a, 3c, 4a, 4c) in the vehicles such that the device (1) is fluidly connected into and between the brake system of the first vehicle (22) and the brake system of the second vehicle (23). A method of activating the brakes (5) of a trailer unit (23) which is connected to a tractor unit (22), without activating the brakes of the tractor unit (22), provides braking action by employing the device (1), and includes remotely activating the first valve means (9) in order to provide braking action.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a brake rod and a flexible dielectric membrane wrapped around the brake rod. The membrane has a plurality of substrate cutouts at precise locations for strain gage substrates.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor configured to be mounted on a brake slack adjustor and to cooperate with a magnet associated with a brake clevis for detecting the position of the brake clevis relative to the brake slack adjustor during vehicle braking. The sensor is unconnected to the clevis for remotely detecting the position.

Abstract: A method of testing a braking device in a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes at least one tractive element coupled to a traction motor. The method includes: (a) applying the braking device to a tractive element of the vehicle; (b) using an electronic controller, causing the traction motor to apply a predetermined force to the tractive element; and (c) using the controller, monitoring the tractive element for movement while the force is being applied. A dynamic braking or “retarder” function may also be tested. A system for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: In a highway tractor trailer vehicle, a brake control sensor is operative to detect each activation of the manual trailer brake control, and a recorder receives and stores data comprising a speed of the tractor at each manual trailer brake control activation. Trailer brake wear is reduced by penalizing an operator of the tractor for each unauthorized activation of the manual trailer brake control. Testing of the connection of the tractor to the trailer is encouraged by tracking the activation of the manual trailer brake control and penalizing the operator for failure to test the connection.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating loading in a structure having exceeded a predetermined threshold is disclosed in which deformation of a structural element is identified by the torque required to rotate a gauge assembly integrated in the structure.

Abstract: In a measuring device for the measurement of the brake torque on an aircraft landing gear, a connecting element that is transversally loaded by the brake torque is provided with measuring elements which produce a measuring signal in function of a deformation of the connecting element. In one of two preferred variants, the measuring elements are attached to the surface of a cavity in the connecting element, and in the second preferred embodiment, a corresponding sensor is introduced into the connecting element as a whole, the sensor being so designed that deformations affect its enclosure and deform the latter as well.

Abstract: A device for mounting a driving robot in a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having two driver's seat tracks and a floor, utilizing the two seat tracks of the driver's seat for anchoring purposes, the device including: a length-adjustable adapter plate that engages into both seat tracks in a hook-like manner; at least one first locking element for locking the adapter plate in the seat tracks; and at least one second height-adjustable locking element for bracing the adapter plate against the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A method for providing an estimate of brake pad thickness. The method employs fusion of sensors, if used, and driver brake modeling to predict the vehicle brake pad life. An algorithm is employed that uses various inputs, such as brake pad friction material properties, brake pad cooling rate, brake temperature, vehicle mass, road grade, weight distribution, brake pressure, brake energy, braking power, etc. to provide the estimation. The method calculates brake work using total work minus losses, such as aerodynamic drag resistance, engine braking and/or braking power as braking torque times velocity divided by rolling resistance to determine the brake rotor and lining temperature. The method then uses the brake temperature to determine the brake pad wear, where the wear is accumulated for each braking event. A brake pad sensor can be included to provide one or more indications of brake pad thickness from which the estimation can be revised.

Abstract: A brake measurement system that utilize angular and/or linear displacement sensors to measure movement of a member operatively coupled to a movable member of a brake, wherein displacement of the movable member of the brake is indicative of brake wear. The system can include a twisted spline member operatively coupled to a moveable member of a brake assembly, and an angular displacement sensor operatively coupled to the twisted spline member. Movement of the moveable member is converted by the twisted spline member into an angular displacement sensed by the angular displacement sensor.

Abstract: A load pin brake cell apparatus includes a load pin element that can be machined with a pair of external grooves in order to create independent load locations. A sleeve can be installed over the load pin element and can be welded at each edge of the grooves to relocate the pair of grooves to interior of the load pin element. The sleeve and the load pin act as one homogenous component to ensure a predictable and total transfer of stress and strain to a strain gauge located within the load pin. The ratio of a cross-sectional area between the sleeve and the load pin can be kept to a minimum in order to minimize the non-linearity due to bending stresses. The sleeve wall preferably possesses a sufficient thickness to prevent yielding at the grooves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a measurement device, in particular a flow measurement device, and to a measurement device itself. In order in this case to reliably preclude measurement errors resulting from incorrect installation, the invention proposes that a characteristic variable is calculated from a time series s(t) of the measurement signal of a measurement device and is compared with previously recorded reference values, with this being used as the basis to automatically generate a message as to whether the measurement device has been installed correctly or incorrectly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensor 1 for a vehicle including a sensing element 10 for measuring the pressure of brake fluids in fluid passages, a sensor housing 20 for accommodating the sensing element 10, and contact probes 30 that are electrically connected to the sensing element 10 and an electronic control unit 300 (control unit). Each contact probe 30 includes a sleeve 31, a coil spring 32 (elastic member) housed in the sleeve 31, the rod 33 inserted into the sleeve 31. The sleeve 31 is connected to the sensing element 10 in a state that the sleeve 31 is fixed in the sensor housing 20, and the rod 33 is pressed to the electronic unit 300 by pressing force of the coil spring 32.

Abstract: A vacuum signal diagnostic system that diagnoses operation of a vacuum sensor of a brake booster system that is in fluid communication with an engine includes a first module that determines whether a vacuum signal of the vacuum sensor is increasing and a second module that compares an engine vacuum signal of the engine to the vacuum signal. A third module indicates a HI fault of the vacuum sensor when the vacuum sensor is increasing and a difference between the engine vacuum signal and the vacuum signal is greater than zero for a first threshold time.

Abstract: A system for determining the shortest time needed for a driver to switch the foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal in case of emergency and to push on the brake pedal. When the danger-imitating signal lamp is ignited, preferably, at random, the first photo-receiver receives the light signal and sends it to the signal amplifier, wherefrom the amplified signal is sent to the computer via the time counter. The computer begins to register the length of the light signal. As soon as the driver reacts to the light signal of the signal lamp, he or she moves his or her foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal and pushes on the brake pedal, thus igniting the brake lights. Thus, the time interval between the moment of initiation of the first photo-receiver and the initiation of the second photo-receiver corresponds to the time of the driver's response to the light signal that imitates a danger plus time of transfer from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the functionability of a brake lining (10, 12) comprising the following steps: measuring a value that characterizes the dielectric constant of the lining material; comparing the measured value with a reference value for the new material; and determining the functionability when the measured value is within a specified tolerance range.

Abstract: In a measuring device for the measurement of the brake torque on an aircraft landing gear, a connecting element that is transversally loaded by said brake torque is provided with measuring elements which produce a measuring signal in function of a deformation of said connecting element. In one of two preferred variants, said measuring elements are attached to the surface of a cavity in said connecting element, and in the second preferred embodiment, a corresponding sensor is introduced into said connecting element as a whole, said sensor being so designed that deformations affect its enclosure and deform the latter as well.

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 brake evaluation gauge is useful to determine a brake lining thickness and/or brake drum wear. Depending on the particular embodiment selected, one of a thickness measurement, a percentage of brake life left, a pass or a fail indication may be indicated for the thickness of the brake lining. A first end of a gauge is inserted between a brake shoe table and a brake drum of applied air brakes to provide this reading. Furthermore, a recess in the gauge is placed over a ridge created by wear of the brake lining on the brake drum. If the ridge contacts the interior surface of the recess, then excessive wear of the brake drum is indicated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting degradation of a sensor in a vacuum brake booster coupled to a manifold of an internal combustion engine include measuring an engine or vehicle operating parameter to detect operating or control conditions and detecting degradation of the sensor based on the engine or vehicle operating parameter. In one embodiment the operating parameter is a measured or estimated manifold pressure. A pressure drop across a check valve disposed between the brake booster and the intake manifold may also be considered.

Abstract: A system in the form of a database allowing operators of aircraft or any other equipment where components are subject to wear to manage all the maintenance, analysis and provisioning aspects of such components e.g. brake and wheel components. The system is able to predict component, e.g. tyre, life to a high degree of accuracy based on the measured wear rate of the component or a related component such as each tyre's related brake unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a failure in a heavy vehicle air brake system where a failure initiation switch is connected to a failed system selector switch and both switches are connected to a first valve associated with a primary braking system and a second valve associated with a secondary braking system of a vehicle. The failure initiation switch and the failed system selector switch are used to selectively interrupt a braking signal to either said primary braking system or said secondary braking system.

Abstract: A transducer calibration apparatus and method for transforming both previously established transducer parameters for a transducer calibrated to a first target object material and measured transducer parameters for the transducer monitoring a second different target object material into a calibration parameter and transforming the output of the transducer and thus, the use of the transducer, from the first target object material used to calibrate the transducer to the second different target object material being subsequently monitored by the transducer by linearizing the output of the transducer into gap values as a function of the calculated calibration parameter and then, generating alarms based on the linearized output of the transducer exceeding established limits and using the alarms to automatically shut down a machine being monitored by the transducer and/or automatically annunciate machine problems to personnel.

Abstract: In a brake device for vehicle brake systems, having at least one pressure sensor for measuring the brake pressure and having an electronic control unit for evaluating measured values and generating control signals, for the sake of simplified fully automatic assembly of the brake device, the electronic control unit is accommodated in a housing fitted over the at least one pressure sensor and establishes the electrical connection between the pressure sensor and the electronic control unit by means of spring contact pins, which are braced with spring force on their face ends on opposed contact faces associated with the pressure sensor and the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A force detecting load cell, which is designed to be a direct replacement for existing anchor pins, is used as the load-bearing member and measuring and diagnostic device in brake systems. The working dimensions of the cell and the parts replaced are the same, except that the cell has short zones of decreased diameter so that strains are concentrated in these zones. Electrical strain gages are positioned within these zones with connections to exterior measuring and monitoring instrumentation. The arrangement and orientation of the gages in the concentrating zones permit measurement of the applied brake loads both as to magnitude and direction, which the vehicle having the brake system is being operated and moving, i.e., being driven.

Abstract: A method for estimating an admission pressure prevailing between a main brake cylinder and an intake valve of a wheel brake cylinder of a motor vehicle brake system, with the admission pressure being estimated, taking into account a run-on voltage of a clocked-mode motor of a pump for recirculating brake fluid from an accumulator, located at the output end of the wheel brake cylinder, to the main brake cylinder of the brake system, and also taking into account an accumulator pressure determined in the accumulator.

Abstract: The method includes reducing pressure of a charged brake pipe to a predetermined pressure value. The brake pipe is then charged only from the head end unit. Each intermediate brake pipe monitoring and charging device sequentially reports on the network a pressure which is an increase if the brake pipe is continuous between it and the head end unit. Subsequent to receipt of a report of an increased pressure on the network from an intermediate unit, the head end unit commands that intermediate unit to participate in charging the brake pipe. The head end unit determines the brake pipe continuity from the pressure increases reported by the intermediate units.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a rolling wheel testing apparatus includes driving a tire and wheel assembly about an axis of rotation with a tire in rolling contact with a rotatable drum. Torque is sensed about the axis of rotation and rotation of the drum is inhibited so as to develop a selected amount of torque about the axis of rotation as the tire and wheel assembly is rotated.

Abstract: A brake stroke sensor and an steering sensor are individually and collectively provided. A brake stroke sensor includes a force-receiving plate, a second plate movable relative to the force-receiving plate, a spring disposed between the plates and operatively connected to the pushrod, a strain gauge bridge mounted on the force-receiving plate and a microcontroller capable of converting the strain gauge bridge signal into digital data. A steering sensor includes a mechanical interface operatively connected to a nonmoving member and a moving member, an encoder capable of transforming the rotational motion of the mechanical interface into an electrical signal, and a microcontroller capable of calculating, from the electrical signal, a count indicative of the relative positions of the members. A combined brake stroke and steering sensor may include individual and common elements of both the brake stroke and steering sensors described above.

Abstract: A relatively simple and inexpensive apparatus for testing at least the air brakes of trailers includes a portable air-brake governing or actuation system and a hand-held control pendent, operating off an independent compressed air supply. Without the coupling of, and connections with, a tractor, the air brakes of a trailer can be applied and released, and held in a charged mode for a period of time during which any loss of air pressure can be monitored. Using the apparatus a single person can conduct the entire air brake test process, including applying and releasing the brakes while simultaneously visually and manually inspecting the brakes.