Abstract: A pressure control solenoid based vehicle braking system utilizes intensifiers to permit the hydraulic control components to operate at lower pressures. A method of selectively locking the intensifiers in position is provided. Unique pressure regulators provide predictable control of load pressure and are isolated in the system by a combination of enable valves and the locking method.

Abstract: A manually backdrivable ball screw assisted braking system includes a ball drive operated by a reversible electric motor to effect linear translation of the piston resulting in selected pressurization of a wheel brake. The ball drive is assisted in operation by a manually backdrivable ball screw assembly operated by actuation of a hydraulic master cylinder by the manual application of force to the brake pedal.

Abstract: A variable screw-driven system includes a rotatable drive screw powered by a motor actuator. A nut is disposed about the drive screw and is linearly translatable in response to rotation of the drive screw. The nut carries a cam follower which travels within a cam track. Linear translation of the nut is altered by tracking of the cam following within the cam track such that rotation of the nut is effected simultaneously with rotation of the drive screw resulting in an effective variable pitch of the variable screw-driven system wherein linear translation of the nut results from both rotation of the drive screw and rotation of the nut.

Abstract: A rebound cutoff feature is provided for a strut-type suspension damper which includes a hydraulic stop feature in combination with a mechanical stop to limit rebound travel. The strut's piston rod carries a valve collar which interacts with the sole flow passage between the compression and rebound chambers of the strut to hydraulically decelerate movement as the rebound travel limit of the strut is approached.

Abstract: A roll peening device includes a shank having a head with an annular groove that carries at least one ball which is held therein by a retainer such that the application of the ball to a workpiece in combination with rotating motion causes deformation of the workpiece and is particularly useful in a process of retaining a part in an opening.

Abstract: A dual acting master cylinder and reservoir assembly includes a pair of bayonets on the reservoir that are received within primary and secondary bosses of the master cylinder. The bayonets each include disks within their central openings wherein each disk has a control orifice for controlling the pressure rise in the associated primary and secondary braking circuits during the initial filling process of the master cylinder and reservoir assembly. Through means of the control orifices, the initial filling process of the braking system through the reservoir is effected while minimizing pressure differential establishment across the secondary piston.

Abstract: An adjustable damper is provided with a variable electrically controlled damping rate being effected through the use of a sliding spool control valve carried on the piston in cooperation with a passive damping valve also carried on the piston to provide a compact and unitized assembly. Damping fluid flow through the piston passes through both the control valve and the passive damping valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for spin closing an open end of a tube of a suspension strut comprising a throughbore having a longitudinal axis; a first pair of rollers, each roller of the first pair being rotatably mounted in a bore opening into the throughbore, having a contact surface at a first predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis and which extends into the throughbore, and being biased such that the contact surface can retract from the throughbore against the action of biasing means; and a second pair of rollers, each roller of the second pair being rotatably mounted in a bore opening into the throughbore, and having a contact surface at a second predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis and which extends into the throughbore; wherein the second predetermined angle is greater than the first predetermined angle; and wherein the first pair of rollers is offset from the second pair of rollers along the longitudinal axis such that, on insertion, the open end of the tube of the suspension strut will make contact with t

Abstract: A suspension damper includes an integral one-piece reservoir tube arrangement which provides a self-centering feature for the internal components of the damper, supports the loading on those internal components for proper functioning of the twin-tube type damper and applies for a preload force through the internal components.

Abstract: A cinching mechanism for interaction with a substantially conventional latch assembly includes a cinching gear selectively power driven by an actuator and includes a link between the cinching mechanism and the latch assembly providing a means of manually releasing the cinching mechanism to permit the latch assembly to open regardless of the condition of the cinching mechanism.

Abstract: An integrated master cylinder and vacuum power booster provides a brake apply system wherein the master cylinder and power booster are structurally and functionally combined together to provide a uniquely packaged system. The integral system includes a master cylinder housing having a tubular extension that carries the power booster housing with at least two operating chambers. A power piston is movable by variable pressure levels between the two chambers. The power piston cooperates with a translating element carried within the tubular extension to communicate sliding movement of the power piston to the master cylinder piston.

Abstract: A brake module including an integrally formed manifold and accumulator provides a way of simplifying assembly, increasing packaging flexibility and reducing the total number of individual components.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper for a motor vehicle comprising a longitudinally extending tube and a separately formed spring seat positioned on the tube, wherein the tube is formed from extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy, and the spring seat is formed from aluminium or aluminium alloy.

Abstract: A brake system includes a hydraulic module that controls fluid flow between the master cylinder and a wheel brake by means of a two-stage valve and a single release solenoid valve. The two-stage valve includes an outer poppet that carries an inner poppet both of which are normally open during base brake operation by means of an interacting piston that carries an integral ABS release orifice. During the ABS operation of the system, the inner and outer poppers are independently operable.

Abstract: A brake system with a direct connection between the master cylinder and wheel brake through an isolation valve and dual normally closed poppet style control valves provides efficient, proportional and independent wheel control suitable for use in achieving anti-lock braking and traction control braking intervention functions.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper for a motor vehicle comprising a longitudinally extending tube and a separately formed steering knuckle secured to the tube, wherein the tube is formed from extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy, and the steering knuckle is formed from aluminum or aluminum alloy. The steering knuckle includes a tubular portion that overlies and is secured to a portion of the tube through the use of a groove in the tubular portion and a groove in the tube. Adhesive may be injected into the grooves to aid in securing the steering knuckle to the tube.

Abstract: An ABS hydraulic modulator concept designed for application in vehicle braking systems is presented. The design utilizes an integrated hybrid approach of dual apply/release solenoid control and single solenoid/isolation valve assembly control. Opening of the single solenoid induces an ABS release and causes the isolation valve assembly to close effecting wheel brake pressure reduction.

Abstract: A braking system is provided with the addition of a normally closed access valve that is held in the open position during assembly of the braking system providing a path for the evacuation and fluid filling process of the braking system. Through the additional access valve, all areas, including otherwise inaccessible areas of the hydraulic circuit of the braking system are filled from one access point such as at the master cylinder assembly. After completion of the evacuation and fill process, the valve is closed and remains closed during all braking operation of the system.

Abstract: A normally open solenoid valve is provided for brake system operation which includes a poppet utilizing a spherical end in conjunction with a valve seat to provide the primary control orifice of the valve. A sleeve is inserted into the main body of the valve with an annular edge provided on the poppet near the spherical end which operates in conjunction with the sleeve to provide a secondary control orifice downstream of the primary control orifice.

Abstract: A compliant master cylinder includes a primary piston and a secondary piston which are movable to provide fluid pressure to effect wheel braking in a vehicle. In addition, the master cylinder includes a compliant assembly which supplies conventional pedal feel and travel characteristics when the primary and secondary pistons are substantially immovable due to isolation the master cylinder from the wheel brakes. The compliant assembly includes a push rod piston that is movable against a selected amount of fluid pressure and spring force while the primary piston remains stationary. The fluid force is supplied by controlling the flow of fluid from behind the push rod piston through a flow restrictive orifice to a conventional fluid reservoir on the master cylinder assembly.