Abstract: An electronic antiskid control unit for an adaptive braking system of the speed reference type wherein a signal for controlling decay of pressure is generated in response to comparison of the wheel speed signal with another signal. In a first phase, the wheel speed signal is compared with a reference signal derived from the wheel speed signal for generating the decay signal as long as the wheel speed reference signal is greater than wheel speed signal. At the end of this first phase, the wheel speed and speed reference signals have the same value and the speed reference signal is overridden by another increasing signal for comparison with the wheel speed signal thereby increasing duration of the decay. The other signal has three portions and is derived from a base signal having an exponential characteristic. At the end of the third portion, corresponding to intersection of the other signal with the wheel speed signal, the decay signal is extinguished.

Abstract: A three way solenoid valve comprising a housing which contains a cylindrical cavity around which an electric coil is disposed. Two seats extend perpendicularly relative to the cavity axis and are arranged opposite one another. The seats communicate respectively with an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. A work orifice communicates with the cavity. A core of ferromagnetic material is mounted with axial clearance in the cavity and two valve closure members are mounted in the core and capable of cooperating with the seats in accordance with the reciprocations of the core. A return spring urges the core with a position in which one of the valve seats is closed.

Abstract: In an input control unit for a vehicle anti-skid braking system, a wheel-speed sensor delivers speed signals to the first input of a differential amplifier. Simultaneously, a capacitor is charged through a resistor and a diode. The capacitor is discharged at a constant rate into a device connected to the second input of the differential amplifier. Another diode prevents the voltage across the capacitor from becoming higher than the voltage of the speed signals. The braking pressure is released for the duration of output signals produced by the differential amplifier. The duration of these signals is kept within safe limits due to the fact that the additional diode limits the voltage across the capacitor.

Abstract: A pad in which an extension is formed with four sliding and bracing edges arranged in pairs to slidably cooperate with corresponding grooves provided in the torque taking member of a disc brake is characterized in that the extension forms a T of which each end comprises a first of the edges substantially parallel to the line of application of the tangential force generated during braking, and a second of the edges inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the line of application of the tangential force. The angle so defined is such that the forces transmitted to the torque taking member are minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tandem master-cylinder for a split braking system of an automotive vehicle. The master-cylinder comprises two pressure chambers, the first one between the control piston and the floating piston and the second or front chamber before the floating piston. The first chamber communicates with a first outlet port which is connected to a second outlet port through a by-pass valve. The by-pass valve is secured to a tappet-rod projecting into the second chamber to be engaged by the floating piston, upon pressure failure in the second chamber and so that the by-pass valve is opened. The first outlet port is adapted to be connected to a set of brake actuators through a braking correcting valve while the second outlet port is adapted to be directly connected to said set of brake actuators.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical control unit for a wheeled vehicle. A decay valve is energized by means of a generator which delivers a control signal resulting from the comparison between a speed signal and a reference signal derived from the speed signal. An isolation valve is energized by the signal at the output of monostable apparatus having a predetermined time period and initiated by the leading edge of the control signal. The signal at the output of the monostable apparatus can be interrupted before the end of its time period upon generation of a signal resulting from comparison of the speed signal and a signal increasing linearly. The isolation valve is further controlled by the signal at the output of the generator and also a signal at the output of multivibrator apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to a fixed support for a disc brake. According to the invention, the fixed support is formed in one piece from a metal sheet containing a central orifice, the sheet being, before forming of the support, in the form of two mutually facing, substantially C-shaped members F1, F2, connected at their ends by connecting portions J, J', lines of least resistance being formed at the joins between the connecting portions and the C-shaped members, the sheet then being bent along the lines of least resistance to form a U.

Abstract: The invention discloses a power-steering mechanism for an automotive vehicle, having a double acting actuator with two pressure chambers separated by an actuator piston. The actuator is connected both to the chassis of the vehicle and to a linkage associated with the direction controlling wheels of the vehicle. The pressure in the actuator chambers are controlled by a distributing valve operated by the steering wheel moved in either direction from a central, idle position. A reaction device adapted to create a return force biasing the steering wheel into its central position includes a circular cam eccentrically mounted on the rotating shaft of steering wheel and subjected to a thrust transmitted by a tappet. The tappet is projecting into a closed compartment to engage a reaction piston submitted to the pressure prevailing in a fluid accumulator. Two plungers are slidably mounted in the compartment and are submitted to the pressure prevailing in the actuator chambers.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for detecting an imbalance condition between a first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit. The switch apparatus has a housing with a bore therein in which a sleeve is located. The sleeve has a peripheral section which is electrically non-conductive and a central bore therethrough with a first diameter and a second diameter. A first piston is located in the first diameter and a second piston is located in the second diameter. A pin is connected to the second piston to limit the movement thereof in the central bore. When a pressure imbalance occurs, the sleeve will move and allow a plunger to move off the non-conductive peripheral surface to complete an electric circuit to inform an operator of a potential brake system failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical control device for a disc brake. The mechanical control device comprises two members 28, 32, 128, 132 extensible in an axial direction with respect to the brake disc upon relative rotation therebetween. These members are respectively connected to a control member 34, 134 and to a piston 20, 120 associated with a friction member 22, 122. Adjusting means 56, 156 comprise an annular element 58, 158 cooperating by way of one-way toothings 60, 62 with the member 28, 128 connected to the control member in order to turn relative to member 28, 128 upon brake actuation, when the wear of the friction member 22, 122 is greater than a predetermined value. Upon return of the control member 34, 134 to its idle position, a friction spring 48, 148 inserted between the piston 20, 120 and the member 28, 128 permits this member 28, 128 to turn relative to member 32, 132, thus adjusting for the wear of friction member 22, 122.

Abstract: A method of braking a vehicle having an antiskid brake circuit of the type having a modulator of which the modulator chamber is connected to a set of brake actuators, and a plunger projecting into the chamber, the plunger being moved by way of a driving assembly operated by a motor driven by an antiskid control device, responsive to rotary motion of the vehicle. The curve ploting the variation with time, in the volume of the modulation chamber from the position of maximum penetration by the plunger follows substantially the same course as the absorption curve for the set of brake actuators connected to the modulator. This absorption curve represents the increase in pressure in the brake actuator as a function of the increase in the volume of fluid contained in the brake actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc brake in which the brake pads are slidably mounted in an anchoring member straddling the disc. The pads co-operate with V-ribs formed in the anchoring member beyond the periphery of the disc. Each rib has an axial surface parallel to the force generated during braking and a surface perpendicular to the resultant of the braking force and of the braking torque. The ribs are slotted to permit the pads to be extracted radially after the pistons have been retracted beyong their idle position.