Abstract: Hydraulic or electro-hydraulic braking systems which include at least one wheel braking device and micro-machined technology, such as microvalves, are described herein. The use of the microvalves helps to eliminate audible noise produced in the hydraulic systems as well as allows for reduced package size of the system. In particular, many of the braking systems described herein have Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) capabilities, and as such employ apply microvalves, dump microvalves and changeover microvalves. The microvalves may be digitally or proportionally controlled for selectively controlling the pressure supplied to the wheel brake cylinders.

Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic system is disclosed comprising a pressure source supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a discharge header, a vehicle braking system having a hydraulically operated boost piston assembly for supplementing a force exerted by a vehicle operator to operate brakes of the vehicle braking system; a boost pressure control valve for selectively directing pressurized hydraulic fluid from the discharge header to boost piston assembly and venting hydraulic fluid from the boost piston assembly; and a sensor for receiving an input from a vehicle operator and supplying an electrical signal to the boost pressure control valve to control the operation thereof.

Abstract: Hydraulic or electro-hydraulic braking systems which include at least one wheel braking device and micro-machined technology, such as microvalves, are described herein. The use of the microvalves helps to eliminate audible noise produced in the hydraulic systems as well as allows for reduced package size of the system. In particular, many of the braking systems described herein have Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) capabilities, and as such employ apply microvalves, dump microvalves and changeover microvalves. The microvalves may be digitally or proportionally controlled for selectively controlling the pressure supplied to the wheel brake cylinders.

Abstract: A valve control unit for anti-lock and traction control systems for automotive vehicles and valve structures for the valve control unit. The valve control unit has a valve body housing having cylindrical cavities for receiving the internal portion of the valves and a counterbore forming an annular shoulder. Each valve has a radial flange received in the counterbore and seated on the annular shoulder. The periphery of the counterbore is swaged to form an inwardly directed annular lip securing the radial flange in the counterbore. The swaged annular lip also forms a fluid tight seal between the radial lip and the valve body housing. The annular lip is formed by a swaging tool orbited in a rosette pattern. The swaging of the annular lip permits closer spacing between the valves reducing the size and weight of the valve control unit.

Abstract: An antilock/traction control/vehicle stability braking system hydraulic circuit using a fluid flow intensifier to provide a rapid application of fluid pressure to brakes during a TC/vehicle stability control operation at a flow rate that is greater than is normally available from an ABS pump alone. The intensifier increases the fluid flow as a function of using a stepped piston operating within respective input and output chambers having different effective diameters. The intensifier also includes an intermediate chamber into which fluid dumped from a brake cylinder is drawn rather than being lost to a master cylinder reservoir. The fluid thus remains in the hydraulic circuit, ensuring that a desired ratio of pedal travel versus pressure is maintained after a transition from TC/vehicle stability braking to ABS-base braking.

Abstract: An accumulator assembly for a vehicle anti-lock brake system receives and temporarily stores fluid during pressure reduction phases of the anti-lock operation, and maintains fluid stored therein substantially at or near zero pressure during anti-lock operation. The accumulator enables the fluid pressure to the controlled brakes to be reduced to substantially near zero pressure. The accumulator is further operative, after braking of the vehicle, to apply a predetermined pressure above zero pressure to the brake fluid stored therein to enable the fluid to be returned to the brake system. The accumulator is advantageously used in a pumpless anti-lock system which is operative to control the rear disc brakes of a light pick-up truck.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic cut off switch which grounds the magneto-spark plug circuit of a small gasoline engine shutting the engine down when the quantity of lubricating oil within the sump falls below a predetermined quantity. The switch is operated by a balance beam float assembly housed within a protective shroud. The protective shroud acts to collect a relatively stable pool of oil, representative of the quantity of oil remaining in the sump, for activation of the balance beam float. Upon refilling of the oil sump the switch automatically resets thereby permitting re-start of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic cut off switch which grounds the magneto-spark plug circuit of a small gasoline engine shutting the engine down when the quantity of lubricating oil within the sump falls below a predetermined quantity. The switch is operated by a balance beam float assembly housed within a protective shroud. The protective shroud acts to collect a relatively stable pool of oil, representative of the quantity of oil remaining in the sump, for activation of the balance beam float. Upon refilling of the oil sump the switch automatically resets thereby permitting re-start of the engine.

Abstract: A hydraulic braking system is provided for vehicles which frequently experience variable loading conditions ranging from maximum to near minimum gross vehicle weights. The system comprises dual proportioning valves, hydraulically in series with one another, one valve includes a unique spring driven digital cam which, in response to compression of the vehicle suspension system, selects the desired master cylinder to brake pressure relationship for the vehicle load condition.