Abstract: A redundant brake unit for a motor vehicle comprises: an inlet port configured to receive fluid under pressure from an external source; an outlet port connected to a supply passage and configured for fluid connection to a wheel brake; a reservoir port connected to a return passage and configured for fluid connection to a fluid reservoir; a boost valve configured to selectively control fluid communication between the inlet port and the supply passage; and a pressure supply unit including a pump element configured to pump fluid between the return passage and the supply passage. The pump element has an inlet directly connected to the reservoir port with no actuated valves therebetween. A normally-closed valve and a throttle valve are disposed in a series configuration between the supply passage and the return passage, with the throttle valve being operable to control a fluid pressure in the supply passage.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake system includes a master cylinder (MC) fluidly coupled to an MC fluid passageway and configured to supply fluid into the MC fluid passageway in response to pressing force on a brake pedal. A pressure supply unit (PSU) includes an electric motor and a PSU piston disposed within a piston bore, the PSU piston is movable through the piston bore by the electric motor and divides the piston bore into a first chamber and a second chamber. A pedal feel emulator (PFE) includes a PFE piston movable through a PFE bore and separating an upper chamber from a lower chamber. Fluid is conveyed from the lower chamber of the PFE to the second chamber of the PSU in response to a compression of the PFE. The MC fluid passageway provides a fluid path from the master cylinder into the upper chamber of the PFE.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a vehicle suspension includes: a pump assembly including an electric motor coupled to first and second pumps to transfer hydraulic fluid to a discharge header; a first isolation valve having an elastomeric seat and configured to selectively block fluid flow from a port in fluid communication with a height-adjustable damper to the discharge header; and a second isolation valve having a metal seat and connected in series with the first isolation valve to selectively block fluid flow from the port to the discharge header. The first pump transfers hydraulic fluid from a supply fluid passage to a first discharge header, and the second pump transfers hydraulic fluid from the supply fluid passage to a second discharge header. A recirculation valve selectively controls fluid flow from the second discharge header to the supply fluid passage.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake assembly comprises a hydraulic control unit (HCU) body having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and defining a master cylinder bore and a pressure supply bore. A fluid reservoir is disposed on the top surface. A primary piston is slidably disposed in the master cylinder bore and configured to supply brake fluid to a wheel brake in response to pressing of a brake pedal. A pressure supply unit includes: a pressure supply piston disposed within the pressure supply bore; a motor located on the bottom surface of the HCU body and having a motor shaft. An actuator mechanism includes a threaded shaft configured to be rotated by the motor shaft, and a nut coupled to the pressure supply piston, together causing the pressure supply piston to translate linearly through the pressure supply bore in response to rotation of the motor shaft.

Abstract: An integrated air supply unit comprises a compressor housing, a pressure control unit (PCU) body, and a desiccant housing extending between the compressor housing and the PCU body. The desiccant housing defines a desiccant cavity holding a desiccant container for removing moisture from air passing therethrough. A piston is slidably disposed within a piston bore of the compressor housing. The PCU body defines a plurality of fluid passages with solenoid valves selectively controlling airflow therethrough. The integrated air supply unit may also comprise: a manifold, a discharge control valve, a compressor supplying pressurized air in a first pressurized air passage, a dryer configured to remove moisture from the pressurized air in the first pressurized air passage and to supply dried pressurized air in a second pressurized air passage, a supply control valve to control airflow between the second pressurized air passage and the manifold, and a piloted exhaust valve.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake system comprises a master cylinder block in fluid communication with a reservoir tank containing a brake fluid. The master cylinder block defines a bore and primary and secondary openings. A protrusion extends outwardly from a rear surface of the master cylinder block. A pressure supply unit coupled to a front surface of the master cylinder block and in fluid communication with the reservoir tank for supplying the brake fluid from the reservoir tank. A master cylinder electronic control unit couples to the rear surface and in an abutment relationship with the protrusion. At least one isolation valve disposed on the rear surface, spaced apart from the protrusion and received by the master cylinder electronic control unit, for regulating brake fluid flow from the master cylinder block to the wheel brakes.

Abstract: A solar tracker system is a system and method to integrate the solar cells to a greenhouse. The solar tracker system comprises solar tracker modules that include solar cells, racks, gears, pinons, motors, and mounting brackets to efficiently and conveniently be installed to the roofs and walls of a new greenhouse and/or an existing greenhouse for retrofit application. Additionally, the solar tracker system uses various sensors to provide real-time conditions to the greenhouse. The method uses actual or system default values to adjust the angle and position of solar cells according to various environmental factors, such as DLI, weather, date, time, direction of sunlight, or type of plant.

Abstract: A brake system comprises an electronic stability control (ESC) module defining a first interconnect passage, and a pressure supply unit (PSU) module defining a second interconnect passage in fluid communication with the first interconnect passage. The ESC module includes a first pump configured to transfer brake fluid from the PSU module and to a plurality of wheel brakes, and a prime valve configured to selectively control fluid communication between the first interconnect passage and an inlet of the first pump. The PSU module includes a second pump configured to transfer the brake fluid from a fluid reservoir to the first interconnect passage, and a bypass fluid passage from the fluid reservoir to the ESC module with an inline check valve allowing fluid flow through the bypass fluid passage from the fluid reservoir and to the ESC module while blocking fluid flow in an opposite direction.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake system includes a master cylinder (MC) configured to supply fluid into a first MC fluid passageway in response to pressing force on a brake pedal; a pressure supply unit (PSU) assembly having a PSU motor coupled to a ball screw actuator, a PSU housing defining a piston bore having a terminal end opposite the PSU motor, and a PSU piston dividing the piston bore into a first chamber and a second chamber and movable by the ball screw actuator, with each of the first chamber and the second chamber containing a hydraulic fluid; and a backup pump assembly including a pump for supplying the brake fluid to at least one of the wheel brakes. The ball screw actuator includes an actuator nut assembly having a plurality of ball bearings each disposed within the piston bore and submerged in the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An integrated air supply unit comprises a compressor housing, a pressure control unit (PCU) body, and a desiccant housing extending between the compressor housing and the PCU body. The desiccant housing defines a desiccant cavity holding a desiccant container for removing moisture from air passing therethrough. A piston is slidably disposed within a piston bore of the compressor housing. The PCU body defines a plurality of fluid passages with solenoid valves selectively controlling airflow therethrough. The integrated air supply unit may also comprise: a manifold, a discharge control valve, a compressor supplying pressurized air in a first pressurized air passage, a dryer configured to remove moisture from the pressurized air in the first pressurized air passage and to supply dried pressurized air in a second pressurized air passage, a supply control valve to control airflow between the second pressurized air passage and the manifold, and a piloted exhaust valve.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake system comprises a single-circuit master cylinder (MC) fluidly coupled to a first MC fluid passageway and configured to supply fluid into the first MC fluid passageway in response to pressing force on a brake pedal coupled thereto. The electro-hydraulic brake system also comprises a pressure supply unit (PSU) assembly including an electric motor coupled to a ball screw actuator, a PSU housing defining a piston bore having a terminal end opposite the electric motor, and a PSU piston disposed within the piston bore and movable by the ball screw actuator through the piston bore and dividing the piston bore into a first chamber and a second chamber, with each of the first chamber and the second chamber containing a hydraulic fluid. The ball screw actuator includes an actuator nut assembly having a plurality of ball bearings each disposed within the piston bore and submerged in the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A solar tracker system is a system and method to integrate the solar cells to a greenhouse. The solar tracker system comprises solar tracker modules that include solar cells, racks, gears, pinons, motors, and mounting brackets to efficiently and conveniently be installed to the roofs and walls of a new greenhouse and/or an existing greenhouse for retrofit application. Additionally, the solar tracker system uses various sensors to provide real-time conditions to the greenhouse. The method uses actual or system default values to adjust the angle and position of solar cells according to various environmental factors, such as DLI, weather, date, time, direction of sunlight, or type of plant.

Abstract: A pressure supply unit for a brake system including a booster body that defines an axially extending cylinder. A piston is slideable within the cylinder. The piston defines a bore that receives a spindle. The spindle is rotationally fixed and axially moveable for providing the axial movement of the piston. A motor is positioned about the spindle and is configured to axially translate the spindle and piston. A ball and socket joint connects the piston and spindle while accommodating pivoting movement of the spindle. The ball and socket joint includes a ball at a front end of the spindle and a socket in the bore of the piston which receives the ball.

Abstract: A pressure supply unit for a brake system including a booster body that defines an axially extending cylinder. A piston is slideable within the cylinder. The piston defines a bore that receives a spindle. The spindle is rotationally fixed and axially moveable for providing the axial movement of the piston. A motor is positioned about the spindle and is configured to axially translate the spindle and piston. A ball and socket joint connects the piston and spindle while accommodating pivoting movement of the spindle. The ball and socket joint includes a ball at a front end of the spindle and a socket in the bore of the piston which receives the ball.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control unit for a vehicle brake system includes a hydraulic control unit including an HCU block defining a motor bore containing an electric motor and an eccentric chamber containing a rotating eccentric driven by the electric motor. The HCU block also defines a pump bore containing a piston pump including a piston rod having a generally cylindrical shape with a smooth exterior surface extending substantially its entire length. An end cap is press fit around an end of the piston rod and includes a flange portion extending annularly outwardly for engaging a return spring. A piston guide includes a tubular portion guiding the piston rod and a shoulder for engaging the return spring. A throat of the piston guide holds a gland seal surrounding the piston rod. An outlet valve housing includes a tubular protrusion extending into the throat of the piston guide to hold the gland seal.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake system includes a master cylinder (MC) fluidly coupled to an MC fluid passageway and configured to supply fluid into the MC fluid passageway in response to pressing force on a brake pedal. A pressure supply unit (PSU) includes an electric motor and a PSU piston disposed within a piston bore, the PSU piston is movable through the piston bore by the electric motor and divides the piston bore into a first chamber and a second chamber. A pedal feel emulator (PFE) includes a PFE piston movable through a PFE bore and separating an upper chamber from a lower chamber. Fluid is conveyed from the lower chamber of the PFE to the second chamber of the PSU in response to a compression of the PFE. The MC fluid passageway provides a fluid path from the master cylinder into the upper chamber of the PFE.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a vehicle suspension includes: a pump assembly including an electric motor coupled to first and second pumps to transfer hydraulic fluid to a discharge header; a first isolation valve having an elastomeric seat and configured to selectively block fluid flow from a port in fluid communication with a height-adjustable damper to the discharge header; and a second isolation valve having a metal seat and connected in series with the first isolation valve to selectively block fluid flow from the port to the discharge header. The first pump transfers hydraulic fluid from a supply fluid passage to a first discharge header, and the second pump transfers hydraulic fluid from the supply fluid passage to a second discharge header. A recirculation valve selectively controls fluid flow from the second discharge header to the supply fluid passage.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake assembly comprises a hydraulic control unit (HCU) body having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and defining a master cylinder bore and a pressure supply bore. A fluid reservoir is disposed on the top surface. A primary piston is slidably disposed in the master cylinder bore and configured to supply brake fluid to a wheel brake in response to pressing of a brake pedal. A pressure supply unit includes: a pressure supply piston disposed within the pressure supply bore; a motor located on the bottom surface of the HCU body and having a motor shaft. An actuator mechanism includes a threaded shaft configured to be rotated by the motor shaft, and a nut coupled to the pressure supply piston, together causing the pressure supply piston to translate linearly through the pressure supply bore in response to rotation of the motor shaft.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake system includes a master cylinder block in communication with a reservoir tank containing a brake fluid. A protrusion extends from the master cylinder block to a terminal end. The master cylinder block defines a channel extending along a center axis into the protrusion. A pressure supply unit includes a housing defining a chamber and is in communication with the reservoir tank. A displacement piston, slidably disposed in the channel, extends between a primary end located in the chamber and a secondary end located in the channel. An actuator is disposed in the chamber, rotatably coupled to the displacement piston, for axial movement along the center axis. A first anti-rotational member is disposed in the channel, coupled to the terminal end, for engaging the secondary end to prevent rotation and translate rotational movement of the actuator into the axial movement.

Abstract: An air management system including at least one air spring and a compressor. The compressor defines a compartment having an inlet and an outlet. A reservoir is fluidly connected to the air spring and the compressor. A piston is moveable in the compartment and is reciprocally moveable in a compression stroke and an extension stroke in response to actuation of the motor in order to build-up air pressure at the outlet. The piston defines at least one passage extending between the extension chamber and the compression chamber, and at least one check valve positioned in the at least one passage such that air pressure in the compression chamber biases the piston toward the extension chamber to reduce a torque load on the motor during movement of the piston.