Abstract: A first vehicle autonomous brake-apply system includes a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a solenoid valve operatively connected to the vacuum booster assembly, and an automatic controller including an output signal operatively connected to the solenoid valve. A second system uses a lateral-acceleration-sensor assembly in place of the automatic controller. A third system includes a braking controller, an electrical braking device, and at least one distance sensor. A method for assisting driving of a vehicle includes applying a braking force to stop the vehicle before the vehicle strikes an obstacle whose distance to the vehicle is measured using at least one distance sensor.

Abstract: A pressure locking master cylinder including a fluid reservoir for storing a hydraulic fluid, a housing, a piston slidably received within the housing and defining a working chamber and a blocking chamber, wherein the blocking chamber is in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a valve positioned between the blocking chamber and the reservoir, the valve being adapted to selectively trap the hydraulic fluid within the blocking chamber to lock the piston in a position with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An electronic control system 310 is provided for independent actuation of a plurality of hydraulic actuators 38, 39. The electronic control system 310 employs an electronic driver 314 connected to a first parallel circuit or first low side driver 316, and a second parallel circuit or second low side driver 330. Each parallel circuit 316, 330 contains a first and a second actuator L1, L2, respectively, connected in series to a first and a second low side MOSFET Q9 and Q10, respectively. Pulse width modulation of the electronic driver 314 in conjunction with selective actuation of either low side driver 316, 330 results in rapid response to system control algorithms whereby each actuator L1 or L2 may be de-activated in a relatively quick manner thereby improving vehicular control.

Abstract: A control system for controlling energization of a plurality of valves in a vehicle hydraulic system. The control system includes a plurality of sensors for measuring various dynamic conditions and operational aspects of the vehicle, a signal processing circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors for determining a desired energization of the plurality of valves dependent upon measurements by at least a portion of the plurality of sensors, and a driver circuit coupled to the signal processing circuit for generating, responsive to the desired energization of the plurality of valves as determined by the signal processing circuit, a control signal to energize the plurality of valves to the desired energization. The control system receives inputs from the plurality of vehicle sensors. These inputs are processed, and the processed inputs and signals derived from the inputs are forwarded to the driver circuit for use in generating a control signal for operating the vehicle valve system.

Abstract: A tilt sensor system (10) is provided comprising a housing (12), a magnetized region (13) within the housing (12), and a magnetized, articulated pendulum (14) magnetically coupled to the magnetized region (13) for suspending the pendulum (14) within the housing (12). In a particular embodiment, the tilt sensor system (10) is incorporated into a park brake system (50) including a park brake for securing a portion of a vehicle in a static condition, and a control system for actuating the park brake responsive to a tilt measurement from the tilt sensor system. In addition, the tilt sensor system (10) may be incorporated into (or functionally coupled to) other vehicle control systems adapted for receiving tilt-related information from the tilt sensor system for use in performing respective vehicle control functions.

Abstract: A method for controlling the release of a brush motor which has applied a load includes several steps. One step includes applying a release current to the brush motor to rotate the brush motor in a direction toward releasing the applied load of the brush motor. Another step includes sensing the commutator bar ripple current of the brush motor. Another step includes determining when to remove the release current using at least the sensed commutator bar ripple current.

Abstract: A method is directed to controlling an electric caliper brake system. The method provides for receiving an ignition voltage signal, receiving a caliper position signal, sending a motor shut down signal, sending a back drive control signal based on the received ignition voltage signal and the caliper position signal, and releasing stored energy from a non-linear device to a caliper brake system motor responsive to the back drive control signal. The non-linear device may be implemented as a capacitor. The step of sending a back drive control signal based on the received ignition voltage and the capacitor position signal includes analyzing the ignition voltage signal for an ignition voltage failure, analyzing the caliper position signal for caliper engagement, and transmitting the back drive control signal responsive to the ignition voltage failure and caliper engagement. Ignition voltage failure occurs when the ignition voltage signal is a low value.

Abstract: An intelligent input push rod assembly for applying an input force from a brake pedal to a power booster of a brake system. The input push rod assembly includes a sensor that is capable of generating an electrical output having a magnitude that varies with the amount of force applied to the input push rod by the brake pedal. Preferably, the sensor generates an output voltage signal that is generally proportional to the input force applied to the input push rod. A shunt is provided so that springs associated with the sensor operate in a generally linear force-deflection operating range of the springs. The output signal generated by the sensor is applied to a brake light control system that is supported by the input push rod assembly. The brake light control system uses the signal generated by the sensor to determine whether the vehicle brake lights should be illuminated and also to cause direct illumination of the brake lights during a braking operation.

Abstract: A flow control system and a valve for controlling a fluid flow in a flexible conduit. The valve includes a movable member movable to compressingly contact the outer surface of the flexible conduit to adjust the flow cross-sectional area of the flexible conduit. The flow control system includes the flexible conduit, the valve, and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the movable member for controllably moving the movable member.

Abstract: A torque sensing apparatus for use with a brake caliper having opposing brake pads positioned on opposite sides of a rotor. The brake caliper causes the brake pads to apply a braking force against the rotor that generates a braking torque. A torque transfer device is supported by the brake caliper and is in contact with one of the brake pads. The torque transfer device is resiliently movable with respect to the brake caliper in response to the braking torque. A torque sensor is positioned in a sensing relationship relative to the torque transfer device. Thus, the torque sensor provides an output signal related to a change of position of the torque transfer device and the braking torque. The torque sensor includes a magnet mounted on the torque transfer device and a magnet field sensor, for example, a Hall Effect sensor, is mounted on the brake caliper.

Abstract: An assembly for actuating a parking brake comprises a screw, a nut mounted for translation on the screw, and a cable connected between the brake and the nut. A compliant element is mounted on the screw, and is adapted to expand axially with a change in tension in the cable.

Abstract: A brake caliper comprises a motor having a shaft, at least one first planetary gear, and at least one second planetary gear. The at least one first planetary gear is rotatably engaged with the shaft and with a piston, and is operatively engaged with a first carrier. The at least one second planetary gear is operatively engaged with the first stage carrier and with a second carrier. A ball screw is engaged with the second stage carrier for rotation therewith, and a ball screw nut is operatively engaged with the ball screw. A parking brake for the caliper is also provided.

Abstract: An intelligent input push rod assembly for applying an input force from a brake pedal to a power booster of a brake system. The input push rod assembly includes a sensor that is capable of generating an electrical output having a magnitude that varies with the amount of force applied to the input push rod by the brake pedal. Preferably, the sensor generates an output voltage signal that is generally proportional to the input force applied to the input push rod. A shunt is provided so that springs associated with the sensor operate in a generally linear force-deflection range of the springs. The output signal generated by the sensor is applied to a brake light control system that is supported by the input push rod assembly. The brake light control system uses the signal generated by the sensor to determine whether the vehicle brake lights should be illuminated and also to cause direct illumination of the brake lights during a braking operation.

Abstract: A flow control system and a valve for controlling a fluid flow in a flexible conduit. The valve includes a movable member movable to compressingly contact the outer surface of the flexible conduit to adjust the flow cross-sectional area of the flexible conduit. The flow control system includes the flexible conduit, the valve, and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the movable member for controllably moving the movable member.

Abstract: A linear position sensor that includes a plurality of Hall effect transducers enables reliable positioning of a parking brake cable. Coarse positioning sensing is provided by longitudinally spacing the Hall effect transducers such that not more than one transducer has a positively sloped output signal for a given position of a magnet connected to a parking brake cable actuator. Fine position sensing is provided by linear approximation of the output signal with an offset appropriate for the specific transducer having the sensed positively sloped output signal.

Abstract: An assembly for actuating a parking brake comprises a screw, a nut mounted for translation on the screw, and a cable connected between the brake and the nut. A compliant element is mounted on the screw, and is adapted to expand axially with a change in tension in the cable.

Abstract: A brake caliper comprises a motor having a shaft, at least one first planetary gear, and at least one second planetary gear. The at least one first planetary gear is rotatably engaged with the shaft and with a piston, and is operatively engaged with a first carrier. The at least one second planetary gear is operatively engaged with the first stage carrier and with a second carrier. A ball screw is engaged with the second stage carrier for rotation therewith, and a ball screw nut is operatively engaged with the ball screw. A parking brake for the caliper is also provided.

Abstract: A torque sensing apparatus for use with a brake caliper having opposing brake pads positioned on opposite sides of a rotor. The brake caliper causes the brake pads to apply a braking force against the rotor that generates a braking torque. A torque transfer device is supported by the brake caliper and is in contact with one of the brake pads. The torque transfer device is resiliently movable with respect to the brake caliper in response to the braking torque. A torque sensor is positioned in a sensing relationship relative to the torque transfer device. Thus, the torque sensor provides an output signal related to a change of position of the torque transfer device and the braking torque. The torque sensor includes a magnet mounted on the torque transfer device and a magnet field sensor, for example, a Hall Effect sensor, is mounted on the brake caliper.

Abstract: An intelligent input push rod assembly for applying an input force from a brake pedal to a power booster of a brake system. The input push rod assembly includes a sensor that is capable of generating an electrical output having a magnitude that varies with the amount of force applied to the input push rod by the brake pedal. Preferably, the sensor generates an output voltage signal that is generally proportional to the input force applied to the input push rod. A shunt is provided so that springs associated with the sensor operate in a generally linear force-deflection range of the springs. The output signal generated by the sensor is applied to a brake light control system that is supported by the input push rod assembly. The brake light control system uses the signal generated by the sensor to determine whether the vehicle brake lights should be illuminated and also to cause direct illumination of the brake lights during a braking operation.

Abstract: An intelligent input push rod assembly for applying an input force from a brake pedal to a power booster of a brake system. The input push rod assembly includes a sensor that is capable of generating an electrical output having a magnitude that varies with the amount of force applied to the input push rod by the brake pedal. Preferably, the sensor generates an output voltage signal that is generally proportional to the input force applied to the input push rod. A shunt is provided so that springs associated with the sensor operate in a generally linear force-deflection operating range of the springs. The output signal generated by the sensor is applied to a brake light control system that is supported by the input push rod assembly. The brake light control system uses the signal generated by the sensor to determine whether the vehicle brake lights should be illuminated and also to cause direct illumination of the brake lights during a braking operation.