Abstract: A vehicle solenoid valve includes an inlet port circumscribed by a rounded cup-shaped valve seat and an outlet port. A two-piece poppet is installed within the valve and includes a non-magnetic poppet shaft connected to a frustum-shaped poppet head. The poppet head includes an integrally formed, rounded nose that is sized and shaped to engage the rounded cup-shaped valve seat. The poppet is movable between an open configuration, wherein the rounded nose is distanced from the valve seat, and a closed configuration, wherein the rounded nose engages the valve seat to block fluid communication through the valve.

Abstract: A fluid pump assembly for pumping hydraulic fluid through a controlled brake system includes a housing defining a pumping chamber. The chamber communicates with a hydraulic fluid circuit that operates the controlled brake system. A piston plunger is disposed within the chamber with a shaft affixed to the plunger. An electric coil is affixed to a casing having the shaft inserted therethrough. The coil is coaxially aligned with the shaft. The coil generates a magnetic field through an armature affixed to a distal end of the shaft disposed outside the chamber when receiving electrical current. The magnetic field draws the armature towards the casing for pumping hydraulic fluid from the chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system has a self-apply control which is effective to control the vehicle wheels under braking situations, traction control situations and chassis control situations. The self-apply control includes an electronic control unit (ECU) to establish the operation of the brakes. A positive displacement pump is utilized to provide fluid during self-apply operation. The output pressure of the pump is controlled by a variable pressure isolation valve which is controlled by the ECU to establish the maximum pressure required during each situation such that excess fluid pressure is not generated at the pump. the isolation valve has a stepped diameter bore in which a valve spool is disposed. The valve spool and the bore cooperate to form a unique dampening structure. The valve land and the bore wall form a flow restriction to and from a dampening chamber formed by the bore step and the valve land.

Abstract: A two-position, three-way solenoid-actuated valve includes a valve assembly having an axial opening and a valve member fixed in the axial opening with a first valve seat and a second valve seat disposed in the axial opening. The valve assembly including a ball disposed in the axial opening and moveable between the first valve seat and the second valve seat. The two-position, three-way solenoid-actuated valve also includes an electromagnetic coil assembly engaging the valve assembly to move the ball between the first valve seat and the second valve seat to open and close a fluid path through the valve assembly to provide directional flow control.

Abstract: A braking system includes a wheel brake, a master cylinder, and a modulator interposed in the braking system and interconnected with the wheel brake and the master cylinder so that fluid pressurization effected in the braking system by the master cylinder is communicated to the wheel brake through the modulator. An isolation valve is positioned in the modulator normally permitting an unrestricted fluid flow and pressure exchange between the master cylinder and the wheel brake through the modulator. The isolation valve is operable to isolate the wheel brake from the master cylinder by the repositioning of a moveable element in the isolation valve. A solenoid valve is associated with the modulator and is normally closed. The solenoid valve is openable so that fluid pressure is released from the wheel brake through the solenoid valve and substantially simultaneously, the moveable element of the isolation valve moves to close the isolation valve to isolate the wheel brake from the master cylinder.

Abstract: A solenoid coil attachment mechanism includes a coil assembly with a wire end that projects from the coil assembly and an extending elongated leg that includes a latching mechanism. A carrier has a wall with an opening receiving the leg of the coil assembly and has a wire guide that is funnel shaped, has an open end and receives the end of the wire. A circuit board is attached to the carrier and the wire end is soldered directly to the circuit board.

Abstract: A braking system includes a master cylinder that is operational to introduce a manually effected braking pressure in the braking system and includes a wheel brake that is responsive to the manually effected braking pressure. A modulator is interconnected in the braking system between the master cylinder and the wheel brake and includes a pump that has an inlet and an outlet wherein the inlet is in continuous open fluid communication with the wheel brake through a first fluid passageway. The first fluid passageway is free of any flow restrictive orifices and the first fluid passageway is not in fluid communication with an accumulator. The modulator also includes a normally open valve that is positioned in a second fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway extends between the wheel brake and both the pump outlet and the master cylinder.

Abstract: A braking system generally provides pressure equalization between the sides of a split braking circuit. The amount of equalization provided is limited to enable the introduction of purposely induced pressure variances. A result is that unintentional pressure variations are moderated and intentional target pressure variations are easily obtainable. The braking system provides power braking operation in response to a manually actuated master cylinder. Fluid pressure is transmitted through isolation valves directly to the wheel brakes. The braking system also provides power operation in response to a powered pump. The pump delivers pressurized fluid through a controllable supply valve. When the supply valve is open, the isolation valve(s) are shifted to provide open fluid communication path between proportional pressure control valves and the wheel brakes. The pressure equalization effecting device is isolated from the master cylinder pressurized circuit during base brake operation.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve includes a first subassembly that carries a coil having its terminal pins attached to a structure such as a circuit board or lead frame. A second subassembly is provided for mating with the first subassembly and carries the valve body. The first subassembly has a solenoid spool including the coil, and a case surrounding the spool. An end plate is suitably locked to the case. A bias spring is provided between the spool and the end of the case. The spool assembly is designed to be freely floating both radially and axially within the coil case and end plate, as restricted by the bias spring. This permits proper location of the coil case to the hydraulic valve body assembly.

Abstract: An integral power booster and master cylinder assembly interactively operates with a braking system to effect conventional braking operation, anti-lock brake operation, traction control operation and stability enhancement system functions in a cost effective manner. The incorporation of a low pressure hydraulic booster provides a manner of enhancing first cycle response times of the traction control and stability enhancement system functions. Fluid separation is maintained between the stability enhancement system and the braking channels through the use of a pump priming accumulator to provide a pre-charge to the wheel brake pressure effecting pump assembly, in direct response to the power booster.