Abstract: A piston pump assembly for pumping a fluid including a pump housing defining a bore. The pump housing further defines a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a fluid flow path extending therebetween for conveying the fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A piston is slidably disposed in the bore of the pump housing, and an eccentric engages the piston to propel the fluid through the fluid flow path. An inlet check valve and an outlet check valve body are disposed in the bore for only allowing the fluid to flow in one direction from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A filter is disposed in the fluid flow path downstream of the inlet check valve and the outlet check valve body and adjacent to a damper orifice for filtering debris from the fluid before the fluid is conveyed to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A piston pump assembly for pumping a fluid including a pump housing defining a bore. The pump housing further defines a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a fluid flow path extending therebetween for conveying the fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A piston is slidably disposed in the bore of the pump housing, and an eccentric engages the piston to propel the fluid through the fluid flow path. An inlet check valve and an outlet check valve body are disposed in the bore for only allowing the fluid to flow in one direction from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A filter is disposed in the fluid flow path downstream of the inlet check valve and the outlet check valve body and adjacent to a damper orifice for filtering debris from the fluid before the fluid is conveyed to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A hybrid brake apparatus for a vehicle includes a front hydraulically actuated brake circuit, a rear electrically actuated brake circuit, and a controller. The front hydraulically actuated brake circuit includes a master cylinder for providing pressurized fluid to the front brake circuit in response to an input applied to the master cylinder for applying a frictional front braking force. The rear electrically actuated brake circuit is controllable in response to the input for providing a frictional rear braking force. The rear brake circuit is controlled in accordance with a first predetermined relationship between the input and rear braking force during normal operation of the front brake circuit. If the controller detects a degradation of front braking force, the rear brake circuit is controlled in accordance with a second predetermined relationship between the input and the rear braking force, to thereby compensate for the degradation of front braking force.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a braking apparatus for a vehicle having a brake pedal. The braking apparatus includes a master cylinder having a reservoir for retaining a brake fluid. At least one hydraulically actuated brake is in fluid communication with the master cylinder and a control unit is in electrical communication with the hydraulically actuated brake. A replenishment system is in fluid communication with the master cylinder and in electrical communication with the control unit for feeding the brake fluid into the replenishment system during a first condition and feeding the brake fluid from the replenishment system into the hydraulically actuated brake during a second condition after initial depression of the brake pedal to provide consistent pedal feel and braking pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit for a motor vehicle having a motor providing a drive shaft driving a rotatable piston bearing surface at a proximal end of the motor, a hydraulic block providing cavities housing a pumping assembly and fluid control valves, and a control section providing solenoid coils receiving portions of the fluid control valves, with the pump cavity being disposed on a first end of the hydraulic block and the valve cavities being disposed on an opposite end of the hydraulic block, and the pumping assembly being reciprocalably driven by the rotatable piston bearing surface along an axis radially disposed from and otherwise parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable piston bearing surface. In another aspect, a pump element having a ball bearing assembly mounted at an oblique angle with respect to the axis of rotation of a seat, and a pumping assembly reciprocally bearing against an outer portion of the ball bearing assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect, a brake pump assembly including a plurality of pairs of pumping elements configured in a horizontally opposed arrangement, and a rotatable eccentric assembly located between the pumping elements. The pairs of pumping elements abut the eccentric assembly and are reciprocally driven to provide an output of pressurized fluid. In another aspect, a brake pump assembly including a hydraulic block defining a piston bore, and a pumping element received in that bore. The pumping element includes a polymer piston, and a circumference of the polymer piston defines a high-pressure seal slideably engaging adjacent structure. In another aspect, a hydraulic block coupled to an electronic control unit, the hydraulic block including a plurality of pairs of pumping elements located in a horizontally opposed arrangement, and an embedded pressure sensor, the pressure sensor being adjacent to but vertically separated from the pumping elements.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump assembly including a fluid reservoir, a body defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a radially opposed piston pump assembly at least partially housed within the body and including a first piston pump mechanism and a second piston pump mechanism, the first piston pump mechanism being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and having a first pump outlet, the second piston pump mechanism being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and having a second pump outlet, wherein the first pump outlet and the second pump outlet are both in fluid communication with the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A linear dual channel hydraulic control unit for a motor vehicle, having a motor section with an output shaft having a first output shaft end and an opposing second output shaft end. A rotationally adjustable wobble plate having an apex portion is fixed onto either end of the output shaft. A hydraulic block is mated onto either end of the motor section. Each hydraulic block includes an inlet for fluid communication with a braking fluid source and an outlet for fluid communication with a braking system brake, a pump cavity housing a pumping assembly and having an opening disposed on a first end, and first and second valve cavities housing first and second fluid control valves. Mated to each hydraulic block is a control sections providing first and second solenoid coils receiving portions of the first and second fluid control valves.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit for a motor vehicle having a motor providing a drive shaft driving a rotatable piston bearing surface at a proximal end of the motor, a hydraulic block providing cavities housing a pumping assembly and fluid control valves, and a control section providing solenoid coils receiving portions of the fluid control valves, with the pump cavity being disposed on a first end of the hydraulic block and the valve cavities being disposed on an opposite end of the hydraulic block, and the pumping assembly being reciprocalably driven by the rotatable piston bearing surface along an axis radially disposed from and otherwise parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable piston bearing surface. In another aspect, a pump element having a ball bearing assembly mounted at an oblique angle with respect to the axis of rotation of a seat, and a pumping assembly reciprocally bearing against an outer portion of the ball bearing assembly.

Abstract: A brake-by-wire braking system including a braking unit, an electro-hydraulic actuator in fluid communication with the braking unit by way of a first fluid path, a master cylinder in fluid communication with the braking unit by way of a second fluid path, a normally open solenoid valve operatively associated with the second fluid path, and a control unit adapted to actuate the normally open solenoid valve, wherein actuation of the normally open solenoid valve generally fluidly isolates the master cylinder from the braking unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a brake apparatus includes a combination valve and a motor connected to the combination valve. Output by the motor in a first direction places the combination valve in a first configuration, and output by the motor in a second direction opposite the first direction places the combination valve in a second configuration different from the first configuration. In the first configuration, the control valve allows hydraulic fluid to flow along a first fluid path. In the second configuration, the control valve allows hydraulic fluid to flow along a second fluid path different from the first fluid path.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a braking apparatus for a vehicle having a brake pedal. The braking apparatus includes a master cylinder having a reservoir for retaining a brake fluid. At least one hydraulically actuated brake is in fluid communication with the master cylinder and a control unit is in electrical communication with the hydraulically actuated brake. A replenishment system is in fluid communication with the master cylinder and in electrical communication with the control unit for feeding the brake fluid into the replenishment system during a first condition and feeding the brake fluid from the replenishment system into the hydraulically actuated brake during a second condition after initial depression of the brake pedal to provide consistent pedal feel and braking pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus wherein the apparatus includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The housing also includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture is positioned to communicate with a first fluid source at a first pressure. The second aperture is positioned to communicate with a second fluid source at a second pressure. The first pressure is greater than the second pressure. The apparatus also includes a first piston disposed in the housing. The first piston is moveable between the first and second ends. The first piston includes a front surface communicating with the second aperture and a back surface communicating with the first aperture. The first piston also includes a first passageway communicating with the front and back surfaces. The apparatus also includes a three-way valve fluidly disposed between the first aperture and the back surface and between the front surface and the back surface.

Abstract: A brake-by-wire braking system including a braking unit, an electro-hydraulic actuator in fluid communication with the braking unit by way of a first fluid path, a master cylinder in fluid communication with the braking unit by way of a second fluid path, a normally open solenoid valve operatively associated with the second fluid path, and a control unit adapted to actuate the normally open solenoid valve, wherein actuation of the normally open solenoid valve generally fluidly isolates the master cylinder from the braking unit.

Abstract: In one aspect, a brake pump assembly including a plurality of pairs of pumping elements configured in a horizontally opposed arrangement, and a rotatable eccentric assembly located between the pumping elements. The pairs of pumping elements abut the eccentric assembly and are reciprocally driven to provide an output of pressurized fluid. In another aspect, a brake pump assembly including a hydraulic block defining a piston bore, and a pumping element received in that bore. The pumping element includes a polymer piston, and a circumference of the polymer piston defines a high-pressure seal slideably engaging adjacent structure. In another aspect, a hydraulic block coupled to an electronic control unit, the hydraulic block including a plurality of pairs of pumping elements located in a horizontally opposed arrangement, and an embedded pressure sensor, the pressure sensor being adjacent to but vertically separated from the pumping elements.

Abstract: A master cylinder housing including an outer shell having an open end and a closed end, a polymeric inner lining received within the outer shell, and a mounting flange extending from the open end of the outer shell.

Abstract: In an automotive vehicle braking system, a hydraulic brake actuator includes a wedge for locking a hydraulic piston in a brake position for purposes of applying a park brake. To apply the park brake, hydraulic pressure is increased to advance the piston to urge the brake pads against the rotor. With the piston in the brake position, an electrical solenoid is energized to advance the wedge to engage the piston. The wedge includes an inclined surface that contacts an inclined surface connected to the piston or the housing, with sufficient frictional force to maintain the wedge in the advanced position without requiring hydraulic pressure or electrical power. Thus, the park brake remains applied even when the vehicle is turned off.

Abstract: A braking system including a pre-charge with a plurality of pumps disposed in parallel with respect to one another. The pumps can direct pressurized brake fluid to the brakes during a controlled braking maneuver. The pumps operate with offset operating cycles such that a first pump is drawing fluid while a second pump is pushing fluid to the brakes. The invention provides an embodiment having three pumps operated in parallel, wherein the pumps define operating cycles offset 120 degrees from one another. The invention also provides a separate master cylinder reservoir feed circuit to improve response of the system, especially cold weather response.

Abstract: A compact controlled braking system including a hydraulic control unit having a first housing and a motor positioned within the first housing and an electronic control unit connected to the hydraulic control unit, the electronic control unit having a second housing, wherein at least a portion of the motor is received within the second housing.

Abstract: A pump used in vehicle controlled braking systems provides a reverse direction of flow through a cylinder bore of the pump and utilizes an inlet check valve located outside of the piston at the end of the cylinder bore opposite the piston, in conjunction with an outlet check valve located in an outlet extending through a sidewall of the cylinder bore of the pump. The inlet check valve is assembled and tested as a module prior to being installed in the pump. A fluid reservoir, having a movable wall, is connected to the inlet to facilitate priming the pump module. The piston is driven by a self-supporting drive apparatus with an eccentric element affixed to a stub shaft, or by other forms of a drive apparatus having an eccentric element fixed to a motor drive shaft.