Abstract: A flow rate of unconnected first and second fluid flows is matched, such as, but not limited to, matching the flow rate of the replacement water stream with the waste water stream in kidney dialysis. The first and second flow paths are interconnected so substantially the same flow from a positive displacement pump in the first path encounters a flow-rate transducer in the second path. Transducer readings are taken for various values of the controllable pump speed of the pump. Then, the first and second flow paths are disconnected, a transducer reading is taken, and the flow rate of the fluid flow in the first flow path is controlled by controlling the pump speed using the value of the pump speed from the previous interconnected paths which corresponds to the value of the transducer reading from the previous interconnected paths which matches the transducer reading for the disconnected paths.

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 property of unconnected first and second fluid flows is matched, such as, but not limited to, matching the flow rate of the replacement water stream with the waste water stream in kidney dialysis. The first and second flow paths are interconnected so substantially the same flow from the first flow source encounters a first flow transducer which is in the first flow path and a second flow transducer which is in the second flow path. Transducer readings are taken for various identical values of the property of the first fluid flow. Then the first and second flow paths are disconnected, and the property, such as but not limited to flow rate, of one of the fluid flows in one of the flow paths is controlled using transducer readings and the previous interconnected-path transducer readings to match the property in the two flows. In one example, the transducers are uncalibrated transducers.

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: 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 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 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: A master cylinder assembly including a boost assembly. The hydraulic master cylinder includes a cylinder defining an elongated bore, a piston slidably positioned in said bore, inlet means in the cylinder for admitting hydraulic fluid into the bore from a reservoir, and an outlet fitting in said cylinder communicating with said bore and operative to convey hydraulic fluid out of the bore for delivery to a brake device in response to linear movement of the piston in the bore. The boost assembly includes an electric motor. A hollow ball nut and screw assembly is operably connected to the motor. A screw of the ball nut and screw assembly is positioned to advance the piston in response to actuation of the motor. An input rod extending through the screw includes a first end positioned to receive a brake input force and a second end positioned to advance the piston independently from the screw.

Abstract: A power booster for a brake system including a housing having an interior and a diaphragm separating the interior of the housing into at least two chambers. A power piston is coupled for movement with the diaphragm and includes an output member. A reaction member is coupled to the power piston, and an input member is adapted to be coupled to a movable brake pedal. An air valve assembly moves between open and closed positions to selectively admit atmospheric air into at least one of the chambers. This induces an output force on the diaphragm that is transferred to the output member of the power piston. The air valve assembly includes a portion adapted to engage the reaction member in response to an input force applied to the input member and is length adjustable between the input member and the reaction member.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for pneumatically interconnecting a brake booster to an engine and to an electrically-driven vacuum pump. A manifold housing has an engine port pneumatically communicable with the engine, a separate booster port pneumatically communicable with the brake booster, and an orifice pneumatically communicable with the vacuum pump inlet. An engine check valve substantially blocks pneumatic flow from the engine port to the booster port. A vacuum-pump check valve substantially blocks pneumatic flow from the engine port to the vacuum pump outlet.

Abstract: A vehicle roll control system including a torsion bar having a longitudinal axis and first and second end portions disposed along the longitudinal axis. A first arm includes a passive end fixed to the first end of the torsion bar and extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A second arm is provided having an active end rotatably coupled to the second end portion of the torsion bar and also extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. The opposite ends of the first and second arms are each configured to couple to the vehicle chassis. An actuator including a cam locking element is provided for selectively locking and unlocking the active end of the second arm to thereby selectively prevent and allow rotation of the active arm relative to the torsion bar.

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 hydraulic pressure intensifier for operating a vehicle braking system under conditions that are not conducive to the proper operation of a power assist for the braking system. The hydraulic pressure intensifier has an intensifier inlet fluidly connected to a master cylinder and an intensifier outlet fluidly connected to a wheel cylinder. A bypass valve has an input and output fluidly connected to the intensifier inlet and the intensifier outlet, respectively. With normal power assisted braking operation, the bypass valve is open and the master cylinder is fluidly connected to the wheel cylinder via the bypass valve. In a manual or nonpower assisted braking operation, the bypass valve is closed; and the hydraulic pressure intensifier is fluidly connected between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder.

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: 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 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: Apparatus, method and program product that controls the release of an electronically activated parking brake. An algorithm adjusts for cable stretch and limits the occurrence of over-release and wheel drag within the brake system. A controller monitors force incident on an actuator during a brake release operation. When a preset load is indicated, the controlling parameter of the algorithm transitions from force to position control. Once in position control, the controller uses previous position measurements and equipment specific constants to calculate a release point.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and program product that controls the release of an electronically activated parking brake. An algorithm adjusts for cable stretch and limits the occurrence of over-release and wheel drag within the brake system. A controller monitors force incident on an actuator during a brake release operation. When a preset load is indicated, the controlling parameter of the algorithm transitions from force to position control. Once in position control, the controller uses previous position measurements and equipment specific constants to calculate a release point.

Abstract: A power booster for a brake system including a housing having an interior and a pair of diaphragms separating the interior of the housing into three chambers. A power piston assembly is coupled for movement with the diaphragms and includes an output member. A reaction member is coupled to the power piston assembly, and an input member is adapted to be coupled to a movable brake pedal. An air valve assembly moves between open and closed positions to selectively admit atmospheric air into selected ones of the chambers. This induces an output force on the diaphragm that is transferred to the output member of the power piston assembly. The triple booster adds an additional working chamber with an added approximately 45% increase in power boost. The triple power booster retains many of the same components as prior dual or tandem boosters to provide an economical solution to increase booster output without the need for new tuning procedures or added booster diameter.

Abstract: An air valve assembly is provided for a power piston in a vacuum brake booster including an input element with a hollow axial extension. The hollow axial extension includes a retaining portion. An output element is provided that includes an input extension slidably positioned within the hollow axial extension. The input extension includes an outer groove formed thereon and a ring member is disposed in the outer groove, the ring positioned adjacent the retaining portion to prevent separation of the input element and outer element.