Abstract: A composite rotor and an improved hat section structure therefor, wherein the hat section is formed to include a rim having a non-planar, rotor-engaging periphery. A rotor discoid is then cast around the hat section so that a portion of the rotor discoid encloses or covers at least the non-planar periphery of the rim and bonds thereto. Composite rotors so produced have been shown to have exceptionally uniform stress distribution during vehicle braking.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system such as an anti-lock brake system and/or a traction control utilizes a separate solenoid-actuated, two position, three-way valve in each controlled channel of the brake system for controlling the application of pressure to the respective wheel brake circuit. The valve includes a first port connected to the controlled wheel brake(s), a second port connected to an outlet of a hydraulic pump, and a third port connected to the inlet of the hydraulic pump. The valve is only moveable between a first position wherein the outlet of the pump is connected to the wheel brake to increase pressure to the wheel brake, and a second position wherein the wheel brake is connected to the inlet of the pump to decrease pressure to the wheel brake. An electronic control is provided for operating the valve to control the application of pressure to the selected wheel brakes.

Abstract: A generally hat-shaped disc for a disc brake system is provided with an inner cylindrical surface serving as the drum of a drum in hat parking brake. A unitary backing plate supports the parking brake assembly and provides integral mounting parts for the fist type sliding caliper of the disc brake assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic cut off switch which grounds the magneto-spark plug circuit of a small gasoline engine shutting the engine down when the quantity of lubricating oil within the sump falls below a predetermined quantity. The switch is operated by a balance beam float assembly housed within a protective shroud. The protective shroud acts to collect a relatively stable pool of oil, representative of the quantity of oil remaining in the sump, for activation of the balance beam float. Upon refilling of the oil sump the switch automatically resets thereby permitting re-start of the engine.

Abstract: A filament wound wheel is shown having a high percentage of continuous fiber oriented in the optimum load bearing direction for maximum strength. Also shown is a manufacturing method for the wheel including the steps of polar winding a continuous filament on a split mandrel to form a filament winding, slitting the filament winding on the mandrel to form two preforms, placing the two preforms in a back-to-back configuration, pressing each preform upon its split mandrel under heat to cure and join the preforms and separating the split mandrels from the joined preforms.

Abstract: A control valve for an anti-lock brake system includes a one-piece valve body having an inlet opening in one end and an outlet opening in an opposite end. The valve body is provided with four other openings extending into the body and defining separate associated chambers for respectively receiving an isolation valve assembly, a pressure differential switch assembly, a dump valve assembly and an accumulator assembly. The inlet, outlet, and the four internal chambers are connected by appropriate internal passageways. The control valve is used to selectively hold, dump, or reapply brake fluid pressure to selected wheel brakes to prevent lock-up of the associated wheels.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly with a pivotable caliper is disclosed. The disc brake is a dual pin type, floating caliper disc brake wherein the caliper can be pivoted about one of the pins to facilitate servicing thereof while the caliper remains supported by that pin. Also disclosed is a novel outboard brake shoe assembly including spring clips having a retaining surface for engaging a stop provided on the outboard caliper leg to restrict radial movement of the caliper. The outboard brake shoe assembly can further comprise at least one projection for engaging the outboard caliper leg to restrain undesired circumferential movement of the caliper. The spring clips may further be configured to bias the brake shoe assembly against the caliper to prevent rattle of the brake shoe assembly.

Abstract: An electric door lock actuator includes an outer casing which houses a reversible electric motor. The motor is coupled to a inertial clutch assembly and a gear train to reciprocally move a rack which extends outwardly from the casing between an advanced and a retracted position. The clutch assembly includes a drive gear coupled to the electric motor, and driven gear connected to operate the rack through the gear train. The clutch also includes an inertially operated clutch plate eccentrically mounted on the clutch drive gear and having a pair of arcuately spaced driving teeth alternately operably engageable with the driven clutch gear when the motor is driven in either a forward or a reverse direction. The clutch is operative to connect the motor to either advance or retract the rack when the motor shaft is operated in either a forward or a reverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a vehicle anti-lock brake control system which does not require the use of an auxiliary hydraulic pump and, in the preferred embodiment, is adapted to control only the rear brakes of a four-wheel vehicle. The control system includes a normally open solenoid actuated isolation valve connected between the master cylinder and the rear wheel brakes, and a normally closed solenoid actuated dump valve connected between the rear wheel brakes and a fluid accumulator. A computer control is connected to monitor the rear wheel speed and deceleration and, during breaking of the vehicle, functions to control the application of hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes via the isolation and dump valves in order to prevent lock-up of the brakes. In the event excessive rear wheel deceleration is detected during a vehicle stop, the computer control closes the isolation valve to hold pressure to the rear brakes at a relatively constant level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-contained electric brake controller for energizing electrically operated brakes in a towed vehicle in response to a demand by a driver in a towing vehicle. The controller includes a unique deceleration sensing unit for generating a signal proportional to the magnitude of deceleration of the towing vehicle. The deceleration sensing unit includes an outer housing adapted to be secured relative to the towing vehicle, and a pendulum mounted on an axis for pivotal movement relative to the housing. The pendulum is movable in one direction from a resting position to a predetermined extended position when the vehicle is subjected to a predetermined magnitude of deceleration. The pendulum includes a magnet spaced from the pivot axis of the pendulum.

Abstract: An electric brake control circuit is responsive to an activation signal and a vehicle deceleration signal for generating a brake control signal representing a predetermined amount of braking. A comparator compares the voltage level of the brake control signal with the voltage level of a sawtooth waveform to produce a pluse width modulated signal having a duty cycle corresponding to the predetermined amount of braking. This pulse width modulated signal is supplied to an output driver for generating a brake driving signal to energize the brakes. The activation signal is generated at the voltage level of the vehicle power supply when the driver actuates the vehicle stop light switch. The circuit is responsive to the activation signal for disabling the output driver when the voltage level of the activation signal is below a predetermined level. The circuit also senses the current load on the brake driving signal to protect the output driver in the event of a full or partial short circuit condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying proper operation of a vehicle anti-lock braking system includes pressure measuring devices which are releasably attached to an exterior surface portion of the flexible wheel brake hoses. Each measuring device senses changes in the external diameter of the associated hose, which changes are representative of fluid pressure changes within the hose. The valving in the braking system is tested by applying fluid pressure to the system, operating the associated valves in a predetermined sequence, and monitoring the pressure changes in the associated wheel brake hoses to determine whether the valving is operating properly.