Abstract: A system for demodulating and decoding a data body in a message transmitted along a vehicle power line is provided. First and second logic symbols in the data body include distinctive positive and negative peaks, respectively, assuming maximum positive and negative amplitudes for the data body. A peak detector circuit receives the data body and generates a peak indicator signal indicating each time the data body reaches a positive or negative peak having an amplitude equal to or greater than the previous largest positive or negative amplitude in the data body. A sampling circuit generates a data signal responsive to the peak indicator signal. The sampling circuit ignores portions of the peak indicator signal occurring prior to an indication of one of the distinctive positive and negative peaks and the data signal assumes values indicative of the distinctive positive and negative peaks in the peak indicator signal.

Abstract: An apparatus controls release of a parking brake of a parking brake system of an associated vehicle. A processor of an electronic control system of the apparatus executes parking brake control logic stored in a non-transient memory device to selectively generate a parking brake release (PBR) signal based on receiving a set of predetermined PBR interlock override signals in an absence of receiving fully all of a set of predetermined PBR interlock standard satisfaction signals, wherein receiving fully all of the set of predetermined PBR interlock standard satisfaction signals causes the processor executing the parking brake control logic to generate the PBR signal. The sets of predetermined PBR interlock override and interlock standard satisfaction signals are mutually different, and the PBR signal is deliverable for use by the associated vehicle to effect the release of the parking brake of the parking brake system of the associated vehicle.

Abstract: A braking system with redundant trailer communication is provided. In one embodiment, a braking control system for a tractor-trailer comprises a primary brake controller in a tractor configured to communicate with a trailer brake controller in a trailer via a first communication channel, and a redundant brake controller in the tractor configured to communicate with the trailer brake controller via a second communication channel. The primary brake controller is further configured to serve as a master brake controller for the trailer and communicate with an automated driving computer in the tractor. The redundant brake controller is further configured to take over as the master brake controller in response to determining that the primary brake controller can no longer serve as the master brake controller.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for disabling a retarder during a gearshift at low speeds for improved driver comfort. These embodiments recognize that power flow is interrupted during a shifting process and use that opportunity to disable the retarder at low speeds, thereby eliminating an additional, uncomfortable jolt to the driver. Several embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A system for braking a vehicle includes an operator interface that transmits a brake command signal when actuated by a vehicle operator. When the interface is not actuated and does not transmit the signal, a controller receives signals indicative of whether the vehicle is in an active or inactive state from two different sources and determines that the vehicle is in the inactive state if both of the signals indicate the vehicle is in the inactive state. The controller receives another signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle and determines whether the speed of the vehicle meets a predetermined condition relative to a predetermined speed of the vehicle. The controller generates a control signal to apply a wheel parking brake on the vehicle after determining that the vehicle is the inactive state and determining that the speed of the vehicle meets the predetermined condition relative to the predetermined speed.

Abstract: Driver fatigue can increase a driver's reaction time and result in a collision. A system and method are provided for assessing driver alertness based on a braking request and forward vehicle distance information. Based on the assessed driver alertness, a warning can be issued to the driver to take a break from driving. In one embodiment, the system predicts a time when the driver should take a break based on a curve representing the driver's circadian rhythm.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a vehicle air compressor having compressor oil to track water content in the compressor oil due to condensation during operation of the compressor over a plurality of time intervals. The apparatus comprises a data storage unit arranged to store a condensation control algorithm. The apparatus also comprises a processing unit arranged to apply the condensation control algorithm to calculate a net rate of condensation of water in the compressor oil during operation of the compressor over a first time interval of the plurality of time intervals, and maintain a running total of how much water is in the compressor oil at any given time over the first time interval to enable the compressor to operate in different modes of operation based upon the running total of how much water is in the compressor oil.

Abstract: The following embodiments relate to an air disc brake tapered tappet for brake pad wear reduction. In one embodiment, an air disc brake tappet assembly is provided comprising: a top surface; and a support member coupled with the top surface; wherein the top surface is tapered at an angle with respect to an axis perpendicular to an axis running through the support member. In another embodiment, an air disc brake tappet is provided comprising: a tapered top surface; and a support member coupled with the tapered top surface; wherein the tapered top surface comprises at least one interface feature positioned and shaped to mate with a corresponding at least one interface feature in a brake pad backing plate. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: The following embodiments relate to air disc brake tappet and brake pad backing plate with interface features. In one embodiment, an air disc brake tappet is provided comprising: a top surface; and a support member coupled with the top surface; wherein the top surface comprises an interface feature that is configured to engage with a corresponding interface feature of a brake pad backing plate. In another embodiment, an air disc brake pad assembly is provided comprising: a friction material; and a backing plate coupled with the friction material; wherein the backing plate comprises an interface feature that is configured to engage with a corresponding interface feature of a top surface of an air disc brake tappet. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Some vehicles can be equipped with a safety system that provides audible and/or visual alerts in response to excessive speed or other safety violations. The system can also generate a report of a safety violation. In some situations, the alerts and/or reports that are generated are false alarms. In other situations, the condition that triggered a true alarm can be prevented if advance warning is given to the driver. In the embodiments herein, a system and method for geolocated in-vehicle false alarm filtering and proactive true alarm early warning are provided that can address these issues.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for increasing sensitivity of a collision avoidance system of a vehicle based on driver awareness state. In one embodiment, a determination is made regarding whether or not the driver is alert based on an output of a sensor in the vehicle, such as a driver-facing camera or a sensor that detects a state of the vehicle. If the driver is found not to be alert, a lower confidence level threshold is used by a collision avoidance system of the vehicle (e.g., to more aggressively apply automatic braking). Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to driver assistance systems, such as blind sport detection systems, that integrate driver facing imaging devices. In one form, a system includes an imaging device configured to capture images of a face of a driver; at least one sensor positioned on the vehicle and configured to detect a distance from the vehicle to an object; and at least one processor configured to analyze the images and determine that the driver is in a drowsy state; determine, based on information received from the at least one sensor, that a distance between the vehicle and the object is decreasing or that the distance between the vehicle and the object is less than a threshold; and in response to the determinations, provide an alert to the driver of a potential side collision.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly includes a steering column mounting bracket configured to support a steering column and a vehicle body mounting bracket for attachment to the vehicle body. The assembly further includes an apparatus for mounting the steering column in the vehicle. The apparatus includes a body defining a first interface configured to receive a first plurality of fasteners coupling the steering column mounting bracket to the body in a fixed position and side brackets coupled to each side of the body in a manner permitting translational movement of the body relative to the side brackets along a first axis and rotational movement of the body relative to the side brackets about a second axis. The side brackets define a second interface configured to receive a second plurality of fasteners coupling the vehicle body mounting bracket to the side brackets.

Abstract: A multi-sensor advanced driver assistance system and method are provided for generating a conditional stationary object alert. In one embodiment, a vehicle has a first sensor configured to detect a stationary object in a path of the vehicle and a second sensor configured to determine whether or not the detected stationary object is another vehicle. If a determination cannot be made about whether or not the detected stationary object is another vehicle, a stationary object alert is generated. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for disabling a retarder during a gearshift at low speeds for improved driver comfort. These embodiments recognize that power flow is interrupted during a shifting process and use that opportunity to disable the retarder at low speeds, thereby eliminating an additional, uncomfortable jolt to the driver. Several embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A park brake system and method for corroborated pressure reporting are provided. In one example implementation, primary and redundant park brake controllers read their respecting pressure sensors along an air channel to a parking brake. The controllers exchange the sensor readings, and each controller determines whether or not the sensor readings are in agreement. The controllers provide their determinations to an automated driving system. If the sensor readings are not in agreement, the automated driving system can partially or completely disengage or take some other action. Other implementations are provided.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided comprising: an air supply port; an air delivery port; a guide sleeve; and a piston positioned in the guide sleeve and movable between first and second positions to allow air to flow from the air supply port to the air delivery port, wherein a gap is defined between a minor outer diameter of a shaft of the piston and the guide sleeve; wherein the shaft defines an inner bore for passage of air and comprises a plurality of raised surfaces around a circumference of the shaft that narrows the gap and thereby reduces tilting of the piston as it moves in the guide sleeve between the first and second positions. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for optical detection of driver tampering of a camera in a vehicle. In one embodiment, an indication is provided that the camera is in a potentially-blocked state. In response, a determination is made regarding whether the driver tampered with the camera (e.g., using pixel comparison or by determining that the camera is in the potentially-blocked state on a plurality of occasions over a period of time). In response to determining that the driver tampered with the camera, the driver can be reported and/or a change can be made to the operation of the vehicle. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A system for demodulating and decoding received messages transmitted along a vehicle power line includes a reference signal generator, a timer, and a demodulation and decoding circuit. The circuit determines whether a message is present on the power line by identifying a symbol indicative of a message preamble, subsequently setting the timer to a time corresponding to a predetermined length of the message preamble, detecting, during the time, a plurality of symbols and determining whether the symbols indicate the presence of a message preamble. The circuit then extracts data from the message by activating the reference signal generator, adding the reference signal to the message to produce an equivalent signal, detecting a symbol in the equivalent signal indicative of the message data body, subsequently setting the timer to a time corresponding to a predetermined length of the message data body and detecting, during the time, a second plurality of symbols.

Abstract: A friction pad carrier for a vehicle disc brake includes a frame having an aperture through which a portion of a rotor rotating about a rotational axis extends. The frame mounts friction pads on opposite sides of the rotor. The frame includes lugs proximate each end that receive fasteners coupling the frame to an anchor plate mounted on an axle of the vehicle. The fasteners permit some amount of surge movement and sway movement between the frame and the anchor plate in a plane at the interface between the frame and the anchor plate and yaw movement about an axis perpendicular to the plane. A first alignment pin between one of the lugs and the anchor plate inhibits the amount of surge movement and sway movement and a second alignment pin between one of the lugs and the anchor plate inhibits the amount of yaw movement.