Abstract: A range detection apparatus comprising a transmitter adapted to transmit a microwave signal and a receiver adapted to receive an echo signal reflected from a target which corresponds to a portion of the transmitted signal; a signal generating means adapted to generate a drive signal to be applied to the transmitter to produce the transmitted signal, the signal generator producing a drive signal which includes a first signal frame comprising at least two frequencies and a second signal frame comprising at least two frequencies, the second signal frame differing from the first, and a processor adapted to process the echo signal together with the transmitted signal so as to determine the distance to the target that produced the echo signal. The apparatus may reduce ambiguity in range measurements and is particularly suited for Frequency Shift Key (FSK) radar in automotive, typically adaptive cruise control functions.

Abstract: A range detection apparatus comprising a transmitter adapted to transmit a microwave signal and a receiver adapted to receive an echo signal reflected from a target which corresponds to a portion of the transmitted signal; a signal generating means adapted to generate a drive signal to be applied to the transmitter to produce the transmitted signal, the signal generator producing a drive signal which includes a first signal frame comprising at least two frequencies and a second signal frame comprising at least two frequencies, the second signal frame differing from the first, and a processor adapted to process the echo signal together with the transmitted signal so as to determine the distance to the target that produced the echo signal. The apparatus is particularly suited for Frequency Shift Key (FSK) radar in automotive, typically adaptive cruise control functions. It may reduce ambiguity in range measurements. An equivalent method of reducing ambiguity is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rear axle braking system for a vehicle has a primary electronic braking circuit supplied with a source of primary braking pressure and a mechanical back-up braking circuit supplied with a source of back-up braking pressure. The braking actuator receives braking pressure and thereby brakes a wheel on a vehicle axle. During braking, a changeover valve is normally actuated to apply the primary braking pressure to the braking actuator. In the event of an electronic system failure, the changeover valve is not applied and instead the source of back-up braking pressure is supplied to the actuator. A regulating valve is located in the back-up braking circuit between the source and the changeover valve and is operable as a function of axle loading and back-up brake pressure to control the supply of back-up braking pressure to the changeover valve. The application of additional braking pressure to a wheel can be limited if the loading on the axle is likely to result in vehicle instability when braking.

Abstract: An electronic braking system (WBS) suitable for commercial vehicles which tow trailers, which has on the towing vehicle, braking control of all the axles and a device for setting the braking demand for the trailer which is so adjusted as to equalize the utilization of adhesion between said towing vehicle and trailer. The system includes two adaptive control loops (30a, 30b) which are adjusted sequentially in a co-ordinated manner in order to set respectively the towing vehicle and trailer braking to levels where overall train mean decelerations approximate closely to those corresponding levels demanded by the driver and at the same time set the distribution of braking to seek to achieve equal utilization of adhesion between the tractor and trailer. The system also uses deceleration errors to sequentially adjust the two adaptive control loops.

Abstract: An output stage for an electronic sensor including two transistors connected in series to a junction therebetween to form a push/pull arrangement relative to a pair of supply lines provided with fixed supply voltages that are different for each line that are connected with different ones of the two transistors. The junction between the two transistors being connected to a sensor output line. Each of the transistors is driven by a respective drive line from an amplifier which receives an input signal corresponding to a sensor input signal. A fault detecting circuit is provided which includes circuitry to detect an open circuit fault condition in either of the two fixed voltage supply lines to disconnect the signal drive line leading to the associated one of the two transistors which is connected to the respective supply line that has been detected to have an open circuit fault.

Abstract: An electronic braking system for trailers. A control system is incorporated into the braking equipment of a towing vehicle to provide a trailer braking command signal. This signal is regulated so as to balance the braking between the towing vehicle and the trailer through the assessment of forces in the coupling between the two vehicles. The assessment is made indirectly and is calculated from forces measured in the suspension components of at least two axles of the towing vehicle and the changes occurring therein during braking.

Abstract: A system for measuring loads in a vehicle comprising strain and/or displacement sensing elements and a local electronic interface which are adapted to be linked to a main electronic unit in a vehicle with which the load measuring system is associated. The load measuring system comprises an internal micro-controller within the interface which is adapted to receive signals from the main electronic unit to switch elements of the load measuring system into both zero setting and calibration modes. The micro-controller has electrically alterable, non-volatile memory which is adapted to store zero setting and calibration data for subsequent use in a normal operating, load measurement mode of the system.