Abstract: An inventive hermetically sealed leaded package for in-line fiber optic devices, such as an optical fiber tap, is described. The package advantageously employs electrical feedthroughs that are compatible with batch processing of micromachined silicon wafers.

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: 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 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 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 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: A power brake apparatus includes a hydraulic pressure intensifier apparatus, having a hydraulic pressure intensifier controlled by a vacuum powered actuator. The hydraulic pressure intensifier defines a circuit for hydraulic fluid having an intensifier inlet for receiving hydraulic fluid from a master cylinder of the power brake apparatus at a master cylinder pressure, and an intensifier outlet for selectively delivering hydraulic pressure to a braking device at either the master cylinder pressure or at an intensified pressure higher than the master cylinder pressure. The vacuum powered actuator selectively controls the hydraulic pressure intensifier to deliver hydraulic fluid at the intensifier outlet at the master cylinder pressure when vacuum is available for providing power braking and at the intensified hydraulic pressure when vacuum is not available.

Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly of the kind comprises actuating means (6) for applying the brake linings (4, 5) to a brake rotor (1), adjusting means (13) adapted to be driven by the actuating means (6) for the purpose of maintaining the brake linings (4, 5) in close proximity to the brake rotor (1), and wear sensing means (60) responsive to actuation movement of the brake in a brake-applying direction. The wear sensing means (60) comprises a sensor (101) adapted to be operated by movement of an operating member (102) in a linear direction, a rotatable follower member (106) responsive to movement of the adjusting means (6), and a transmission mechanism (104) for translating rotary movement of the follower member (106) into linear movement of the operating member (102). The brake includes re-set means for resetting the relationship between a datum for the sensing means (60) and the brake during servicing of the brake.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are provided for delaying ignition or extinguishing an oil well rig fire through the injection of pressurized carbon dioxide, nitrogen, monoammonia phosphate, or Monnex into the flow of hydrocarbons from the drill pipe and casing through a spool apparatus located above the "Hydril" and blow-out preventers and above the casing but preferably below the mud return line, with untreated water being used as a back-up fluid after the chemicals have been dissipated. Such untreated water is inexpensive, readily available in most instances, and abundant in quantity. Such spool apparatus is equipped with a plurality of novel check valves which allow flow of chemicals upon actuation of the system while shutting off the flow of untreated water. After the chemicals have been dissipated, the novel check valves allow untreated water to flow into the system. The entire system may be activated by a mechanism at the control head of the well.

Abstract: A system for delaying the ignition of, or for extinguishing, an oil well rig fire, by injecting an admixture of for example pressurized CO.sub.2 and mono-potassium phosphate into the flow of hydrocarbons from the drill pipe and casing, through a plurality of holds in the wall of a spool apparatus located in the "stack" above the "Hydril" and blow-out preventers and above the casing but preferably below the mud return line element. The spool apparatus is equipped with a plurality of one-way check valves for receiving a plurality of conduits or chicksaw lines for transporting the chemicals from storage tanks to the spool apparatus. The entire system can be manually activated by a spring-loaded mechanism at the control head. Additionally, the system can be used to inject, for example, ammonium hydroxide to neutralize highly toxic gases, known as "sour" gases, arising during a blow-out.