Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the brake system of a vehicle, in which pressure is built up and reduced in the wheel brakes by pulses having at least one changeable parameter. This at least one parameter is corrected as a function of at least one variable that influences the dynamics of the pressure change.

Abstract: The invented apparatus is designed for use with a tow vehicle and trailer combination. The apparatus comprises a controller, a vacuum supply sensor, and a sensor unit used to measure the barometric pressure and/or elevation of the current location of the tow vehicle/trailer combination. Using information from the sensor unit, the controller determines a vacuum pump activation level and/or deactivation level appropriate for the ambient pressure in which the apparatus is operating. By monitoring the signal supplied by the vacuum supply sensor and by operating a vacuum pump switch signal, the controller maintains a supply of vacuum between the activation and deactivation levels. In this manner, the controller can compensate for changes in local conditions so as to operate the vacuum pump in an efficient manner while maintaining an adequate supply of vacuum for operation of the trailer brake system.

Abstract: An elastomer spring, particularly for rail vehicles, comprises a core made of metal or plastic; an outer sleeve that also consists of metal or plastic; a cushion made of elastomer material, in the form of a layered spring that is arranged between the core and the outer sleeve; as well as a base chamber that is configured below a core offset. The elastomer spring is configured in multiple steps in the vertical direction X, specifically consisting of at least a first spring and a second spring, whereby a chamber is present between two springs, in each instance.

Abstract: A rotation-retarding device includes two members having rotational movement relative to each other to be retarded. The first member has an axle and the second member has a housing (25) adapted to receive the axle. A retarding arrangement includes at least a part of the wall (24) of the housing. The wall is made of elastically deformable flexible material, and has, facing the axle, at least one working surface (28) of cam form. The retarding arrangement also includes at least one projection on that axle, adapted to cooperate with the working surface (28) associated therewith to retard the movement with the resisting couple being adapted to the driving couple at each angular position.

Abstract: The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake pressure is compared with a predetermined threshold brake pressure. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to indicated the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A pressure bias modulator integrator responsive to brake pressure signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The pressure bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake pressure when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake pressure difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake pressure and a commanded brake pressure, and an adjusted brake pressure error signal is generated in response to the brake pressure difference signals.

Abstract: A damping force-variable shock absorber comprises a cylinder and a piston rod inside the cylinder. The piston rod is linearly moveable relative to the cylinder. An orifice valve plate having a plurality of valve holes is configured and mounted so as to form a circle about the piston rod. A rotary valve plate having a plurality of radially-protruding projections is mounted about the piston rod and is rotatable with respect to the piston rod and the orifice valve plate. The rotary valve plate has a first and at least a second rotating state with respect to the orifice valve plate, wherein the plurality of valve holes respectively define a first opening and at least a second opening. A guide means for rotating the rotary valve plate between the first and the at least second rotating states is located between the rotary valve plate and the cylinder.

Abstract: A brake assembly for inline skates. The brake assembly has a braking roller which is turned by one or more of the wheels of the inline skate when the roller is in a braking position. The braking roller then expands outwardly and causes its outer surface to rub against a braking surface causing a braking action. The braking roller may be carried by a pair of carrier plates movably positioned within the frame which holds the inline skate brake wheels.

Abstract: Braking device including a master cylinder (2), a primary piston (3), a control member (4), a booster (6) coupled to the control member (4), and an assist valve (VA) defined by a reaction piston (17) with a bore (18) therein for receiving a ratio control member (24). The control member (24) has a piston (29) with a head (25) located in a chamber (26) between the reaction piston (17) and a bushing (27) retained in the bore (18). The bushing (27) has an axial passage (28) that receives a head (25) of piston (29) to form a valve (36) for closing an inlet to a passage (30) in the piston (29). The bushing (27) slides within bore (18) to limit a pressure difference between the chamber (26) and a front part (18a) of the bore (18) to a value below a pressure difference that causes the valve (36) to open.

Abstract: A spring coil assembly having a first row of coils arranged in a first spacing pattern and a second row of coils adjacent the first row and arranged in a second spacing pattern that is different from the first spacing pattern. The spring coil assembly can be assembled using an apparatus comprising a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of coils along an axis, an assembler which is operable to intertwine a plurality of coils into a spring coil assembly, and a transfer station operable to move a plurality of coils from the main conveyor into the assembler. The transfer station includes a plurality of pusher arms each of which include a gripper which is operable to grasp an individual coil, a carriage supporting the gripper arms and means for shifting the carriage axially relative to the axis so that a plurality of coils carried by the gripper arms are displaced in the direction of travel of the conveyor.

Abstract: An eddy current deceleration device includes a rotor mounted on a rotary shaft; a first magnet ring arranged facing this rotor and including permanent magnets that are arranged at prescribed intervals in the circumferential direction and such that the poles thereof facing each other in the circumferential direction are of a same polarity, and magnetic members interposed between these permanent magnets; and a second magnet ring arranged between this first magnet ring and the rotor and including permanent magnets and magnetic members which are similar to those of the first magnet ring; at least one of the first and second magnet rings being freely rotatable. The permanent magnets of the first and second magnet rings can be magnetized separately between the first and second magnet rings.

Abstract: A mounting for a power unit for motor vehicles, comprises a support and a support plate fixed thereto, which may be detached in the case of a collision, whereby the support plate is connected to the support in a number of places. A power unit mounting may be achieved which guarantees a steady deceleration, whereby a separating device is provided, which separates the support plate from the support. The separating device can be a part of the support plate or fixed thereto and is forced between support plate and support in the case of a collision.

Abstract: A torsion bar suspension assembly is provided that includes a control arm supported by a frame. The torsion bar extends along a longitudinal axis having a first end portion connected to the control arm and a second end portion engaging the frame. A contact arm is connected to the torsion bar and is arranged between the first and second end portions. The contact arm is spaced from the frame in a first position and engages the frame in a second position. A first spring rate is provided when the contact arm is spaced from the frame between the first and second positions. Once the contact arm engages the frame between second and third positions, a second spring rate is provided that is different from the first spring rate.

Abstract: A brake control system includes a brake line with a supply line, a pump for supplying brake fluid to the supply line, branch lines branched from the supply line to wheel cylinders, a pressure controller for allowing independent control of brake-fluid pressures within the wheel cylinders, and an ECU for controlling the pump and the pressure controller. The ECU includes an estimate part for estimating the pressures within the wheel cylinders in accordance with a flow amount of brake fluid obtained out of signals indicative of braking conditions, wherein it is estimated an amount of brake fluid flowing from the supply line to the wheel cylinder during execution of brake-fluid pressure control of the ECU and when the control is switched to pressure-increase control for the wheel cylinder having the pressure lower than that in the supply line, and wherein it is estimated the pressure within the wheel cylinder in accordance with the amount of brake fluid as estimated.

Abstract: A trailer hitch cover assembly for a hitch receiver including a main body operatively connected to a hitch tube and adapted to allow insertion of a hitch into the hitch tube. The trailer hitch cover assembly also includes an insulating member disposed between the main body and the hitch tube. The trailer hitch cover assembly further includes a cover plate hingedly connected to the main body and being movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a compact and lightweight hybrid pneumatic-magnetic isolator-actuator capable of large force, substantial stroke and bandwidth actuation with near frictionless operation and vibration isolation with very low break frequency. Pneumatic and magnetic forces are applied to a single carriage comprised primarily of a coaxially arranged air piston and coil. The carriage is driven relative to a frame or housing including an internally mounted cylindrical piston sleeve and magnetic actuator body. A combination of air bearings and air bearing piston construction provide for frictionless motion of the carriage relative to the frame. The pneumatic piston provides the actuation force for both static loads and low frequency dynamic loads. An integrally mounted sensor and control unit determine the pressure error resulting at the pneumatic piston.

Abstract: A vehicle air spring assembly having a pair of spaced end members which sealingly engage a flexible bladder to form an internal air chamber having an internal volume. One of the end members is a bead plate which has an annular outer end portion which is crimped to the bladder to provide an air tight seal therebetween. The end plate has a recessed portion located between the outer end portion which projects into the air chamber to reduce the volume of the air chamber to change the spring characteristic of the air spring. A plurality of reinforcing gussets extend between the recessed portion of the bead plate and a surrounding upstanding wall which extends between the outer end portion and recessed portion to enable the bead plate to be clamped by fasteners against an adjacent vehicle component and resist deformation when subjected to internal pressure.

Abstract: An outer gripping portion of a bicycle handlebar includes a mounting section and a bracket section. The mounting section has a first cross-sectional shape. The bracket section has a second cross-sectional shape and is releasably coupled to the mounting section to form a first gripping section. The first and second cross-sectional shapes of the mounting section and the bracket section have flush longitudinal edges that mate together to form a first annular gripping surface of the first gripping section. Preferably, the bicycle handlebar includes a pair of outer gripping portions coupled to opposite ends of a transverse portion.

Abstract: A motor assembly, such as an electro-mechanical-brake (EMB) motor assembly includes an electric motor, a latch gear, a solenoid, and a spring. The latch gear is non-rotatably attached to the drive shaft of the motor. The spring is operatively connected to the solenoid and has a spring projection which is longitudinally-deflectable by energizing the solenoid. The gear tooth is shaped to longitudinally retain the spring projection when the latch gear rotates the gear tooth into engagement with the longitudinally-deflected spring projection. In one example, the latch gear is a parking-brake latch gear and the motor assembly provides a parking brake function for an EMB electric motor which also is used for applying and releasing a vehicle's driving brakes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring damper system for bicycles having a first load-applying segment, a second load-applying segment, at least one spring mechanism, a damping means, and a regulating mechanism that automatically effects a damping behavior of the damping means based on a tension or load present in the at least one spring mechanism. A method of spring suspension and damping of bicycles is also provided.

Abstract: A brake assembly including a brake pad; a selectively movable rotor, a backing plate which is coupled to the brake pad, at least a first roller which is coupled to the backing plate, a caliper, at least a second roller which is coupled to the caliper, a wedge member which is positioned between and which engages the at least first and the at least second roller, and a motor which is coupled to the wedge member and which selectively moves the wedge member, effective to brake a selectively movable assembly.