Abstract: A braking system in a hybrid vehicle is provided. The braking system includes a master cylinder having a first outlet, a second outlet, and a piston disposed therein and translatable from a proximal end to a distal end in response to brake pedal displacement. A brake fluid reservoir supplies hydraulic fluid to the master cylinder. A first fluid circuit connects the first outlet of the master cylinder to the brake fluid reservoir. A second fluid circuit connects the second outlet of the master cylinder to wheel brakes and supplies hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the wheel brakes in response to brake pedal displacement. The first outlet of the master cylinder is disposed between the second outlet and the proximal end of the master cylinder such that initial brake pedal displacement transfers brake fluid from the master cylinder to the fluid reservoir to inhibit hydraulic braking during regenerative braking.

Abstract: This invention demonstrates the formation of a novel polarized membrane lipid raft signaling module in neurons, in response to several diverse neurotoxic stimuli. This polarization occurs well before neurons commit to die, and is an early mechanism in death signaling. The formation of this signaling module is dependent on cholesterol for its formation and provides a mechanistic explanation for the protective effects of cholesterol depleting drugs in several non-neural models of cell death. As such, the formation of the signaling module lends itself as a novel screen for the identification of new drugs and therapeutics which would retard its formation and protect against neuronal injury and death.

Abstract: A brake pedal assembly includes an assembly frame, a pedal arm pivotally carried by the assembly frame, a booster input rod, a booster washer carried by the booster input rod, a rod actuating element carried by the pedal arm and engaging the booster input rod and a biasing device interposed between the booster washer and the rod actuating element.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake-by-wire system includes a brake pedal, an electronic booster coupled to the brake pedal, a master cylinder coupled to the electronic booster, at least one hydraulic brake circuit disposed in fluid communication with the master cylinder, at least one front hydraulic brake disposed in fluid communication with the at least one hydraulic brake circuit and at least one rear hydraulic brake disposed in fluid communication with the at least one hydraulic brake circuit.

Abstract: A pedal assembly using a non-contacting position sensor utilizing a spring-biased roller on a cam surface to simulate the feel of a conventional brake pedal is provided. The pedal assembly includes an elongated brake support bracket having a cam surface and a pedal arm having a spring-biased roller. A spring-biased roller assembly is mounted to an inward side or beside the pedal arm or on both sides of the pedal arm. The roller assembly includes a fixed leg extending on from an inner side of the pedal arm and a movable leg which is pivotally mounted to the pedal arm. A biasing member extends over the support between the fixed leg and movable leg to generate a biasing force against the roller. When the pedal is depressed, the roller is moved along the cam surface of the support bracket thereby creating the ‘feel’ of a traditional pedal assembly.

Abstract: A pedal assembly using a non-contacting position sensor utilizing a spring-biased roller on a cam surface to simulate the feel of a conventional brake pedal is provided. The pedal assembly includes an elongated brake support bracket having a cam surface and a pedal arm having a spring-biased roller. A spring-biased roller assembly is mounted to an inward side or beside the pedal arm or on both sides of the pedal arm. The roller assembly includes a fixed leg extending on from an inner side of the pedal arm and a movable leg which is pivotally mounted to the pedal arm. A biasing member extends over the support between the fixed leg and movable leg to generate a biasing force against the roller. When the pedal is depressed, the roller is moved along the cam surface of the support bracket thereby creating the ‘feel’ of a traditional pedal assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating pedal feel. The system includes a brake pedal having a support, a brake pedal arm pivotably attached at a pivot connection to the support, and a torsion spring mounted at the brake pedal arm pivot connection. In addition, a compression spring, spaced apart from the pivot connection, is connected to the support and to the brake pedal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various vehicle braking assemblies with gap management devices to manage the distance between the pedal arm and power booster under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various vehicle braking assemblies. Brake pedal arms include, for example, a cam block that is configured to simplify the engagement between the power booster and pedal arm. Cam block can be movable with respect to the pedal arm to manage the gap between the pedal arm and power booster in by-wire braking assemblies.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating pedal feel. The system includes a brake pedal having a support, a brake pedal arm pivotably attached at a pivot connection to the support, and a torsion spring mounted at the brake pedal arm pivot connection. In addition, a compression spring, spaced apart from the pivot connection, is connected to the support and to the brake pedal.

Abstract: A pedal assembly using a non-contacting position sensor utilizing a spring-biased roller on a cam surface to simulate the feel of a conventional brake pedal is provided. The pedal assembly includes an elongated brake support bracket having a cam surface and a pedal arm having a spring-biased roller. A spring-biased roller assembly is mounted to an inward side or beside the pedal arm or on both sides of the pedal arm. The roller assembly includes a fixed leg extending on from an inner side of the pedal arm and a movable leg which is pivotally mounted to the pedal arm. A biasing member extends over the support between the fixed leg and movable leg to generate a biasing force against the roller. When the pedal is depressed, the roller is moved along the cam surface of the support bracket thereby creating the ‘feel’ of a traditional pedal assembly.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake-by-wire system includes a brake pedal, an electronic booster coupled to the brake pedal, a master cylinder coupled to the electronic booster, at least one hydraulic brake circuit disposed in fluid communication with the master cylinder, at least one front hydraulic brake disposed in fluid communication with the at least one hydraulic brake circuit and at least one rear hydraulic brake disposed in fluid communication with the at least one hydraulic brake circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various vehicle braking assemblies with gap management devices to manage the distance between the pedal arm and power booster under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various vehicle braking assemblies. Brake pedal arms include, for example, a cam block that is configured to simplify the engagement between the power booster and pedal arm. Cam block can be movable with respect to the pedal arm to manage the gap between the pedal arm and power booster in by-wire braking assemblies.

Abstract: A brake system for a hybrid vehicle includes a master cylinder, such as an active booster master cylinder, and a brake pedal mounted upon a pivoted brake pedal arm. A compliance device extends between the brake pedal arm and the master cylinder and includes a push rod and clevis assembly mating with the brake pedal arm. A composite drive pin including a resin sheath and a metallic core functions as part of the compliance device, by allowing limited motion between the brake pedal arm and brake pedal and the master cylinder push rod, so as to permit selective use of regenerative braking.

Abstract: This invention demonstrates the formation of a novel polarized membrane lipid raft signaling module in neurons, in response to several diverse neurotoxic stimuli. This polarization occurs well before neurons commit to die, and is an early mechanism in death signaling. The formation of this signaling module is dependent on cholesterol for its formation and provides a mechanistic explanation for the protective effects of cholesterol depleting drugs in several non-neural models of cell death. As such, the formation of the signaling module lends itself as a novel screen for the identification of new drugs and therapeutics which would retard its formation and protect against neuronal injury and death.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel application for ?-cyclodextrin, a cholesterol depletor, as an inhibitor of viral outbreak. Topical applications of ?-cyclodextrin are recommended to inhibit or reduce the severity of viral outbreaks such as oral or genital herpes. This invention also provides a novel technique for the creation of immunogens. Viral entry and outbreak also occurs at specialized lipid raft domains and disruption of rafts with cholesterol depletors blocks viral entry and outbreak (budding). Lipid microdomains (lipid rafts) are mobile regions of the plasma membrane and exist in all mammalian cell membranes. They are produced by the preferential packing of cholesterol and sphingolipids into the plasma membrane and are identified by their low solubility in detergents and enrichment with gangliosides such as GM1. The size and composition of rafts can be dynamically altered during transmembrane signaling. Depletion of membrane cholesterol disrupts lipid rafts and inhibits viral entry and outbreak.