Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking force modulator for an anti-lock system for pneumatic brakes for vehicles in which a hydraulic circuit accomplishes the anti-lock function. A sensor sensing the state of rotation of a wheel emit signals for controlling a modulator valve (34) which, in response to such signals modulates the pressure in one or more counter-pressure cylinders (27). A closing valve is inserted into the pressurized-air conduit (4) between the control valve (5) for the brake operated by the driver and one or more braking cylinders (8) and this closing valve closes the pressurized-air supply to the braking cylinder or cylinders (8) subsequent to a sensor signal ordering release of the brakes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic sensor for determining the start time and duration of the brake relief phase in brake force modulation cycles in vehicles with so-called anti-lock brake systems. A tachometer detects the rotation speed of the wheels. A signal from the tachometer is compared to a reference signal from a reference value generator. A switch is controlled by an output signal from the comparator and in turn controls a brake force reduction operation of a brake force modulator. The slope of the reference signal may be controlled by a vehicle operating condition such as the modulated brake force.

Abstract: This invention is a braking force modulator for hydraulic vehicle brakes which is intended to be inserted into the braking fluid conduit between the main cylinder or the like and one or more of the wheel braking cylinders and controlled by a sensor system for performing braking force modulation. The braking force modulator comprises a piston pump unit (12) with normally open inlet and outlet valves (37, 38) adapted to be closed under the action of a solenoid device (47, 48, 49, 52) whereby the unit is conditioned to act as a piston pump. The inlet and outlet valves (37, 38) are two mutually independent units adapted to be operated individually by one solenoid device each.

Abstract: A sensor for responding to the rate of change of changing rotational speeds of a rotating vehicle wheel and including a flyweight coupleable for rotation in response to wheel rotation and decoupleable in response to a rate of change of a changing rotational speed of the wheel which exceeds a certain threshold rate. In accordance with the present invention, a brake device is operatively connected with the flyweight for constantly exerting on the flyweight a torque resisting rotation of the flyweight. Provision is made for signalling of any occurrence of an excessive rate of change of rotational speed of the wheel continuously for the interval of time during which a threshold rate is exceeded, and the brake device may be operable in response to such signalling for changing the level of torque exerted.

Abstract: In the combination of a rotating member such as an automotive vehicle wheel, a brake operative for slowing the rotating member or wheel, and a sensor for signalling any occurrence of an excessive rate of retardation of the rotating member or wheel, an improvement which facilitates optimum response of the sensor by varying the sensitivity or responsiveness of the sensor upon variations in a vehicle operating condition such as the weight imposed on the rotating member or wheel or the braking pressure. In specific forms disclosed, variation in sensitivity of the sensor is accomplished by a variable ratio transmission means mechanically interposed between the sensor and the rotating member or wheel and which is responsive to vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A sensor for responding to the rate of change of changing rotational speed of a rotating member such as a vehicle wheel and including a flyweight coupleable for rotation in response to wheel rotation and selectively decoupleable in response to the exertion on the flyweight of an inertia torque having a magnitude greater than a threshold magnitude due to a change in rotational speed of the member. In accordance with the present invention, control means for exerting on the flyweight torques resisting decoupled rotation of the flyweight takes the form of a restraining mechanism, while signalling of any occurrence of an excessive rate of change of rotational speed of the member is accomplished through a magnetically actuable electrical switch.

Abstract: A sensor for responding to the rate of change of changing rotational speeds of a rotating vehicle wheel and including a flyweight coupleable for rotation in response to wheel rotation and selectively decoupleable in response to the exertion on the flywheel of a torque having a magnitude greater than a threshold magnitude due to a change in rotational speed of the wheel. In accordance with the present invention, a control device is operatively connected with the flyweight for exerting on the flyweight torques resisting decoupled rotation of the flyweight and is operable for changing the level of torque from a first level to a second level. Provision is made for signalling of any occurrence of an excessive rate of change of rotational speed of the wheel, and the control mechanism is operable in response to such signalling for changing the level of torque and thereby for causing the sensor to signal continuously for the interval of time during which the threshold rate is exceeded.

Abstract: In a braking arrangement for a rotating member such as an automotive vehicle wheel and which has a fluid pressure actuated brake for slowing the rotating member together with a booster for increasing the fluid pressure imposed on the brake to a pressure higher than the pressure imposed by an operator, a sensor for signalling the occurrence of an excessive rate of retardation of the braked rotating member and a booster spoiler operatively connected with the booster and the sensor and responsive to a signalled occurrence of an excessive rate of retardation for decreasing the increased fluid pressure imposed by the booster. The booster may be either pneumatic or hydraulic, with corresponding variations in the specific form for the booster spoiler.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for braking a rotating member in which braking force for retarding rotation of the rotating member is transmitted through an arrangement including a mechanical linkage and a fluid pressure cylinder while a sensor detects the rate of retardation of the rotating member and signals the occurrence of a rate of retardation in excess of a predetermined rate. In accordance with the present invention, relieving force opposing the braking force is applied to the mechanical linkage in response to a signalled excessive rate of retardation, thereby relieving the braking force otherwise retarding rotation of the member.

Abstract: Apparatus for braking a rotating member which has a fluid pressure responsive brake to which pressurized fluid is supplied for braking the rotating member, an anti-locking device interposed between the brake and the source of supply of fluid pressure for cyclically decreasing and increasing the fluid pressure supplied to the brake, and a control interposed between the brake and the fluid pressure source for limiting the rate of rise of fluid pressure supplied to the brake. Limitation of the rate of rise of fluid pressure applied to the brake governs reapplication of braking forces by the brake and thereby aids in optimizing brake performance.

Abstract: A modulator apparatus for use in a rotating member braking arrangement which has a fluid pressure responsive brake to which pressurized fluid is supplied for braking the rotating member, with the anti-locking modulator interposed between the brake and the source of supply of fluid pressure for cyclically decreasing and increasing the fluid pressure supplied to the brake. The modulator valving is constructed in such a way as to control the rate of rise of fluid pressure applied to the brake, thereby governing reapplication of braking forces by the brake and aiding in optimizing brake performance.