Abstract: An electronic brake controller operates in both an automatic and manual mode. In the automatic mode, the electronic brake controller applies a pre-specified percentage of braking for the brakes of a towed vehicle. In the manual mode, the electronic brake controller is capable of applying one-hundred percent of braking regardless of the setting for the pre-specified percentage of braking set for the automatic mode.

Abstract: A brake arrangement for a machine that includes a locking element adapted to engage with an output shaft from a gearbox. The gearbox comprising at least two gearwheels utilized to obtain different gears. A gear clutch is provided for each gearwheel and is adapted to engage and disengage a respective gearwheel depending on the operating conditions of the machine. A control unit is arranged to control the gear clutches so that the gear clutches simultaneously engage at least two of the gearwheels thus to braking the output shaft. The control unit is adapted to control the locking element so that the locking element engages with the output shaft when the output shaft is at a standstill thereby causing the output shaft to be prevented from rotating when the locking element engages with the output shaft.

Abstract: A supplementary spring assembly (104) is fitted to three consecutive turns (86.1, 86.2, 86.3) of a vehicle suspension coil spring (102). The spring assembly (104) includes a central torsion-producing portion (105) having a pair of half-turn torsion springs (106, 108). The half-turn torsion springs (106, 108) are connected to each other by a C-shaped bight portion (109) which engages an intermediate turn (86.1) of the coil spring (102) in a clamping fit. First and second arms (110, 112) extend from opposite ends of the torsion springs (106, 108) and pass slidably through complemental apertures (114) formed in mounting blocks (116). The mounting blocks (116) include a clamping arrangement in the form of a C-shaped recess formed in the block (116) which is sized to fit around non-adjacent turns (86.2, 86.3) of the coil spring (102).

Abstract: A telescopic vibration damper, comprising a pressure tube filled with a damping medium, in which a piston rod is arranged such that it can move axially, the pressure tube being axially displaceably guided in an intermediate tube. An annular chamber between the pressure tube and the intermediate tube is likewise filled with the damping medium, there being a flow connection between the pressure tube and the annular chamber, and a compensating chamber accommodates the displaced volume of the components that can be telescoped toward one another. The annular chamber formed by the intermediate tube and the pressure tube, and the pressure tube, are hydraulically separated from the compensating chamber.

Abstract: A mechanical release for an electric parking brake has a first cable engaging a housing. A second cable is connected to a lever that is pivotally supported on the housing by a pivot pin. A locking member engages the lever and prevents rotation of the lever when tension is applied to the cables. When the locking member is released, the lever is free to rotate, reducing tension in the cables and freeing the parking brake system.

Abstract: A suspension spring arrangement for a vehicle having an upper elongated spring leaf (12) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) with an upper elongated spring leaf (12) is provided with a slot (22) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) is provided with a protuberance (24). When the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) are joined to one another, the protuberance (24) is accommodated within the slot (22) so as to prevent lateral displacement of the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) with respect to each other. Pounding and squeaking noises are prevented by the installation of a polymeric insert between the slot and the protuberance. The slot (22) and the protuberance (24) are configured in accordance with square, rectangular, and/or circular shapes, depending upon the particular application. A protuberance (24) and a slot (22) can be provided at each end of the suspension spring arrangement.

Abstract: A brake assembly utilizes a conical brake drum and matching conical brake lining assembly to provide a more efficient braking system. An adjuster mechanism with a pair of conical adjuster members is controlled by an electric motor and worm gear drive. As the lining wears, the adjuster mechanism pulls the conical adjuster members towards one another to force the brake linings outwardly to maintain a predetermined distance between the drum and the brake lining assembly.

Abstract: A monitoring system for brake disks, particularly of rail vehicles, having at least two sensors which are arranged in the brake disk or in the proximity of the brake disk and whose sensor signals relate to the temperature of the brake disk. The monitoring system includes at least one transmitter which transmits the sensor signals, and at least one receiver which receives the transmitted sensor signals in a wireless manner. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of monitoring the temperature of brake disks. The method includes measuring the temperature of at least one brake disk, converting sensor signals to processible values; transmitting the values or the sensor signals to a receiver in one or more of an encoded manner and successively in a timed manner; and processing the received values or sensor signals in one or more of the control unit and the regulating unit.

Abstract: A cylindrical vibration-isolating device including: an elastic body interposed between an inner and an outer metal sleeves disposed coaxial relationship with each other, such that at least one axial end portion of the inner sleeve is located axially outward of the elastic body, a connecting rubber layer integrally formed with and protruding axially outwardly from the elastic body and secured to an outer circumferential surface of the end portion of the inner sleeve; and an annular sealing-rubber member formed integrally with and protruding axially outwardly from the connecting rubber layer to protrude axially outwardly from an end face of the inner metal sleeve, which has a radially inner base portion rising with a concave surface from a first axial position on the outer circumferential surface of the end portion, which is axially inwardly spaced apart from the end face of the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A device for mounting the coil assemblies of solenoid valves in the ECU's housing of an electronically controlled brake system for automobiles is disclosed. When mounting a coil assembly in the ECU's housing using the mounting device of this invention, the coil assembly is received in a cylindrical holder formed at the bottom wall of the ECU's housing. In such a case, two bosses formed on the bobbin of the coil assembly pass through two holes formed at the bottom wall of the ECU's housing, and one of the two bosses is plastically deformed at its lower end projecting outside an associated hole, thus forming a stopper preventing an undesired removal of the coil assembly from the housing. Due to the mounting device of this invention, it is possible to improve work efficiency while mounting the coil assemblies of solenoid valves in the ECU's housing, and so the production cost of the brake systems is reduced.

Abstract: An anti-skid control system for an automotive vehicle includes a hydraulic modulator having electromagnetic solenoid valves for regulating a wheel-brake cylinder pressure at each of road wheels. A skid control unit prevents a wheel lock-up condition by controlling the wheel-brake cylinder pressure via on/off reaction of the solenoid valves in response to a pulse signal based on a wheel speed detected by a wheel speed sensor. The skid control unit has a data processing section that generates a desired wheel speed based on the wheel speed, calculates a desired brake-fluid pressure based on an integrated value of a wheel-speed deviation between the desired wheel speed and the wheel speed, sets a controlled ON pulse width based on the desired brake-fluid pressure, and outputting the pulse signal having the controlled pulse width to the solenoid valves after a lapse of a preset pulse width from a previous pulse signal output.

Abstract: A powerful high frequency shock absorber/accelerator uses compressed air but maintains a substantially uniform level of force throughout retraction and extension strokes. A piston moving in an inner chamber compresses gas in the chamber. Initially, an aperture allows compressed gas to be pushed to an outer storage chamber surrounding the inner chamber. As the piston moves further, sealing structure seals gas coming through the aperture thereby isolating the compressed air in the outer chamber from the inner chamber. At the end of the retraction stroke the small amount of remaining air is vented to outside and the piston faces a small counterforce-generating member. When the extension stroke is initiated the counterforce-generating member moves the piston a small distance until the seal is broken. The force of the compressed air rushing back into the inner chamber drives the extension stroke. Additional embodiments include replacing outer chamber with external source of gas.

Abstract: An intelligent input push rod assembly for applying an input force from a brake pedal to a power booster of a brake system. The input push rod assembly includes a sensor that is capable of generating an electrical output having a magnitude that varies with the amount of force applied to the input push rod by the brake pedal. Preferably, the sensor generates an output voltage signal that is generally proportional to the input force applied to the input push rod. A shunt is provided so that springs associated with the sensor operate in a generally linear force-deflection range of the springs. The output signal generated by the sensor is applied to a brake light control system that is supported by the input push rod assembly. The brake light control system uses the signal generated by the sensor to determine whether the vehicle brake lights should be illuminated and also to cause direct illumination of the brake lights during a braking operation.

Abstract: A trailer brake control system comprises a trailer. The trailer has brakes. The trailer also has a secondary electrical receiver. A towing vehicle is also provided. The vehicle has a steering wheel. The vehicle also has a secondary electrical transmitter. A steering wheel cover having a primary wireless signal transmitter is provided. The signal transmitter has a power source and a flexible torus-shaped tube. The tube has a hollow bore. Secured within the bore are a pair of wires, one flat and one toothed, offset from each other. Both wires are electronically coupled to the primary signal transmitter. A trailer brake processor is provided next. The brake processor has a trailer brake actuating switch. The actuating switch is electrically coupled with the brakes of the trailer. A primary signal receiver is coupled to the actuating switch and adapted to receive signals from the primary signal transmitter. A manual switch is also coupled to the actuating switch.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system for a freight car having a brake pipe, auxiliary and emergency reservoirs normally charged with pressurized fluid from the brake pipe, a fluid pressure activated brake cylinder device and an exhaust including an electronic controller, at least one pressure sensor, an electrically operated supply valve controlled by the electronic controller selectively communicating the brake cylinder with one of the reservoirs to perform a brake application, an exhaust valve selectively communicating the brake cylinder with the atmosphere thereby performing a brake release function, and an electronically operated exhaust latching valve controlled by the electronic controller to selectively signal the exhaust valve to connect the brake cylinder to the exhaust.

Abstract: The hydraulic antivibration support comprises two strength members interconnected by an elastomer body defining part of a liquid-filled working chamber which communicates via a constricted passage with a compensation chamber that is separated from said working chamber by a rigid partition. The compensation chamber is defined by an annular bellows presenting an annular fold which projects into the compensation chamber and which is of a shape that does not present circular symmetry.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a motor vehicle includes first and second pressure regulators that regulate a pressure of a hydraulic fluid supplied from a high-pressure fluid supply source to first and second wheel cylinders, and a communication control device that controls fluid communication between the first and second wheel cylinders. A controller of the apparatus includes first and second control units that control the first and second pressure regulators, respectively. The controller determines whether one of the first and second control units may be failing to operate normally, and places the communication control device in an operating position for communicating the first and second wheel cylinders with each other when it is determined that the first or second control unit may be failing to operate normally.

Abstract: An electric drive axle for use in hybrid vehicles has an electric motor driving a compact gearbox. The gearbox includes a planetary reduction unit and a differential assembly. The planetary reduction unit has compound planet gears supported from a planet carrier which mesh with a fixed ring gear and a sun gear driven by the electric motor. The planet carrier drives the differential which transfer motive power to a pair of output shafts adapted for connection to one set of wheels. When used with a conventional engine-based powertrain for the other set of wheels, the electric drive axle establishes a four-wheel drive powertrain for the hybrid vehicle. The electric motor and gearbox are mounted in a common housing assembly to provide a compact drive axle assembly.

Abstract: The amount of regenerative braking that is applied to the wheels (105) of a vehicle (100) is based on ambient temperature and a lift-throttle event. An ambient temperature sensor (108) monitors the temperature around the vehicle. Based on the temperature, a map is selected (204, 212, 214). If a lift-throttle event occurs, then the map is applied (206, 208). Compression regenerative braking is reduced to zero if an anti-lock braking system event occurs or if the throttle is re-applied, or both (216, 218, 220, 222).

Abstract: A solenoid valve for brake systems is disclosed. This solenoid valve is preferably used as an outflow control NC-type solenoid valve mounted on the oil return line of an electro-hydraulic brake system (EHB). This solenoid valve comprises a hollow valve housing having a radial inlet passage, a plunger movably received in the bore of the valve housing so as to axially move in the bore in opposite directions, and a valve seat set in the bore of the valve housing, with an orifice axially formed in the valve seat such that the orifice is opened or closed by a control ball of the plunger. A radial oil port is formed on the sidewall of the valve seat so as to allow oil from the oil inlet passage of the valve housing to flow into the valve seat, and flow from the valve seat toward the plunger through the orifice.