Abstract: The annular disk brake comprises a rotor disk and at least one brake pad provided on each side of the rotor disk. The brake pad or pads on one side are connected to a substantially axially-guided brake pad carrier. The brake has a force transmitting arrangement creating a force increasing amplification between an axially-actuated member and the carrier. This arrangement can increase the brake compactness and provide an even distribution of the braking force around the circumference of the rotor disk. A method of increasing a brake pad clamping force is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle self-supporting monocoque body assembly comprising a base frame structure is provided. The body assembly also comprises a pair of wheel axles interfaces located at generally front and rear locations of the base frame structure for receiving a pair of wheel axles. The body assembly also has an energy storage element compartment positioned between front and rear wheel axles interfaces. The body assembly also includes an engine compartment for completely housing an engine system. The body assembly also comprises a vehicle outer frame interface. The body assembly also includes front and rear suspension arm interfaces for interfacing with two pairs of front and rear symmetrical suspension arms extending along a length of the base frame structure. The bottom surface of the base frame structure is positioned at or below a horizontal plane between the wheel axles. Preferably, the vehicle outer frame interface is shaped to receive a cabin frame structure.

Abstract: A vehicle self-supporting monocoque body assembly comprising a base frame structure is provided. The body assembly also comprises a pair of wheel axles interfaces located at generally front and rear locations of the base frame structure for receiving a pair of wheel axles. The body assembly also has an energy storage element compartment positioned between front and rear wheel axles interfaces. The body assembly also includes an engine compartment for completely housing an engine system. The body assembly also comprises a vehicle outer frame interface. The body assembly also includes front and rear suspension arm interfaces for interfacing with two pairs of front and rear symmetrical suspension arms extending along a length of the base frame structure. The bottom surface of the base frame structure is positioned at or below a horizontal plane between the wheel axles. Preferably, the vehicle outer frame interface is shaped to receive a cabin frame structure.

Abstract: The annular disk brake comprises a rotor disk and at least one brake pad provided on each side of the rotor disk. The brake pad or pads on one side are connected to a substantially axially-guided brake pad carrier. The brake has a force transmitting arrangement creating a force increasing amplification between an axially-actuated member and the carrier. This arrangement can increase the brake compactness and provide an even distribution of the braking force around the circumference of the rotor disk. A method of increasing a brake pad clamping force is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the braking of a vehicle having a brake system. The apparatus comprises a brake actuating member (10) mounted to the vehicle within hand reach of a driver. Strain gages (17S, 18S) are adapted for being disposed in communication with the brake actuating member (10). A processing unit is connected to the strain gages (17S, 18S) for receiving input therefrom and for proportionally power-assisting the brake system of the vehicle, whereby the driver, by exerting varying pressure (A) by hand on the brake actuating member (10), controls the braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention describes an innovative IBS braking system in which the regulation components are integrated with the brakes. The specific location of the fluid inlet components at the bottom of the brake and the return components positioned at the top of the brake present advantages for the renewal of the brake fluid. In the case of electronic failure, braking control is assured by a specific isolation device integrated within the brake. The general architecture of the control system can be totally decentralized due to the ability to integrate the various regulation methods of the brake: sensors, computers, and solenoid valves. This new concept, “intelligent brake”, uses the various signals supplied by the vehicle's computers to self-regulate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vehicle braking activation system (10), which provides faster response time by using a hand operated steering wheel mounted braking control system. A centralized end ball (90) underneath a pressure plate (12) within the steering wheel (52), depresses an underlying deformable sensing beam (46) when force is applied by the driver on the pressure plate (12). The signal output of a strain gauge sensor (98) on the sensing beam (46), could then provide the input or a braking controller to electronically control braking proportionally.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the braking of a vehicle having a brake system. The apparatus comprises a brake actuating member (10) mounted to the vehicle within hand reach of a driver. Strain gages (17S, 18S) are adapted for being disposed in communication with the brake actuating member (10). A processing unit is connected to the strain gages (17S, 18S) for receiving input therefrom and for proportionally power-assisting the brake system of the vehicle, whereby the driver, by exerting varying pressure (A) by hand on the brake actuating member (10), controls the braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A process for the microbiological degradation of noxious matters in a fluid loaded with noxious matters, wherein an immobilized ensemble of microorganisms (biocoenosis) is employed for microbiological degradation, said biocoenosis being alternately subjected to submerged and non-submerged conditions in a device for the microbiological degradation of noxious matters in fluids, and a device for the microbiological degradation of noxious matters in fluids comprising at least two intake spaces (1, 2) for the fluid, immobilized microorganisms being provided in at least one intake space (1, 2). The device is characterized in that said at least two intake spaces (1, 2) can be brought in mutual fluid connection through a communication duct (3), and that means (4) are provided by which the fluid can be transferred alternately from one intake space (1) to the other intake space, wherein said microorganisms in said at least one intake space (1, 2) can be alternately subjected to submerged and non-submerged conditions.