Abstract: A solenoid coil formed by winding a conductive foil tape upon a sleeve and method for making same. The coil includes a free standing wire termination which is wound into the coil. Alternately, the end of the foil tape can be folded to form a coil termination.

Abstract: An improved compensation piston arrangement for use with a dual circuit master cylinder having a single service piston for simultaneously pressurizing a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, wherein the compensation piston arrangement provides for pressure balancing between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber to compensate for minor normal differences between the first and second fluid chamber. The compensation piston arrangement includes a movable compensation piston slidably disposed within a bore of a compensation housing, wherein the housing defines a pair of end stops positioned on opposing sides of the compensation piston. The bore is in fluid communication with the fluid chambers such that the pressure within the first fluid chamber acts on a first side of the compensation piston, and the pressure within the second fluid chamber acts on a second end of the compensation piston which is opposite the first end.

Abstract: An improved force transfer arrangement for use in a dual circuit master cylinder having a pair of nested concentric pistons for pressurizing a pair of respective fluid chambers, wherein the force transfer arrangement imparts an input force from an input piston on a pair of pistons such that the pair of pistons can move relative to each other to compensate for different travel lengths. The invention discloses three embodiments of the improved force transfer arrangement. A first embodiment includes a hydraulic fluid chamber in fluid communication with the input piston and the pair of pistons. A second embodiment includes a circumferentially arranged ball mechanism positioned between the input piston and the pair of pistons. A third embodiment includes a notched lever ring assembly positioned between the input piston and the pair of pistons.

Abstract: A quick-connect arrangement for retaining a plurality of hydraulic lines to counterbored openings in an anti-lock unit body for a hydraulically operated braked system that includes a seal in each of the counterbored openings, a chamfered end on each of the hydraulic lines, each one being sufficiently small to guide the hydraulic line past the seal and an expanded bead on each of the hydraulic lines remote from its respective chamfered end. The quick-connect arrangement further includes a retaining member having a single fastener receiving portion and radially extending slot portions for receiving a respective one of the hydraulic line. Further included is a single fastener which is receivably connected to the anti-lock control unit body through the fastener receiving portion of the retaining member for securing the retaining member and the plurality of hydraulic lines to the anti-lock control unit body.

Abstract: An anti-lock brake system for a wheeled vehicle having pressure-operated wheel brakes (26',28') with discrete anti-lock brake pump circuits including a solenoid-operated isolation valve (64',66') for each of the wheel brakes, a pressure hold-and-dump control solenoid valve (92',98') for each wheel brake, and a common attenuator (184) for the discrete anti-lock pump circuits, the attenuator providing sound energy absorption and pressure pulse energy dissipation and comprising an elastomeric element that attenuates pressure pulses in each of the discrete circuits, the attenuator action for one circuit complementing the attenuator action of the other circuit, thereby doubling the attenuator effectiveness and improving noise reduction potential.

Abstract: A combination high pressure pump/attenuator suitable for use in vehicle control systems employs a high pressure pump outlet check valve located in the attenuator cavity and compressively loaded against its seat by the compressive force of a volumetrically and axially compressible attenuator element. In one preferred embodiment, the check ball is replaced by a projection molded into the attenuating element itself.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit for a vehicle anti-lock brake system is disclosed which comprises a bore defining a chamber symmetrical about an axis and having a sidewall and a bottom wall. A fluid inlet passage is open to the bore from one of the walls and a damping orifice of substantially restricted diameter relative to the inlet passage is in open communication with the inlet passage. An attenuator is seated within the chamber and is sealed relative to the chamber to preclude the flow of brake fluid from the control unit. The attenuator includes a compressibly deformable solid core member that substantially fills the chamber.

Abstract: An anti-lock brake system having an electronic control responsive to wheel speed sensors associated with each wheel of the vehicle. The electronic control generates a pedal inhibit signal activating a hydraulic cylinder to inhibit further depression of the brake foot pedal in response to detecting at least one of the wheels approaching a locked state. The electronic control will also generate brake pressure control signals activating an anti-lock brake actuator connected between the brake foot pedal and the input to the vacuum power booster of the brake system. The anti-lock brake actuator, in response to the brake pressure control signals, will maintain a maximum friction between the wheels of the vehicle and the road surface.

Abstract: An antilock brake system for an automotive vehicle having a master brake cylinder and wheel brakes hydraulically connected to the master brake cylinder during normal vehicle braking including a power cylinder having an adjustable piston, an electric motor connected drivably to the piston through a selectively enagageable electromagnetic clutch, a solenoid operated valve situated in fluid communication with the wheel brakes and adapted to connect the master brake cylinder to the wheel brakes for a normal braking action and for isolating the master cylinder from the wheel brakes and connecting the wheel brakes to the power cylinder for antilock cycling of the wheel brakes, and an electronic controller and wheel speed sensors for detecting wheel slip whereby the controller triggers the operation of the solenoid valve to isolate the master cylinder from the brakes and to dump pressurized fluid from the brakes when a threshold wheel slip is detected, the clutch being disengaged during the pressure dumping stage of

Abstract: A mounting bracket for an anti-lock brake/traction control system control valve including a three point suspension. The bracket includes a base portion adapted for attachment to a vehicle. Three supporting members extend perpendicularly from the base portion. Resilient annular isolators are disposed within apertures formed through two of the supporting members. Mounting pins for securing the control valve to the bracket are carried by the isolators. A third resilient isolator having a recess formed therein is carried by the third supporting member. An extended portion of the control valve is received in the isolator recess and supported thereby. The isolators cooperate with the mounting pins and the control valve extended portion to absorb acoustical and vibrational noise.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-lock brake system control unit having a control valve for a housing with a control valve bore therein. The control valve includes a sleeve with a moveable armature, and a coil surrounding the sleeve for moving the armature. The control valve also includes a valve body having an outer end attached to the sleeve and an inner end seated within the control valve bore of the housing. The valve body has an outer diameter no greater than the outer diameter of the coil such that minimum spacing between multiple control valves in the control unit is not limited by the outer diameter of the valve body.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-lock brake system control unit having a control valve for a housing with a control valve bore therein. The control valve includes a sleeve with a moveable armature, and a coil surrounding the sleeve for moving the armature from a normally open valve position to a normally closed valve position. The control valve also includes a valve body having an outer end attached to the sleeve and an inner end seated within the control valve bore of the housing. A pole piece concentrically located within the valve body defines the flow passage through the valve and is fixed to the valve body by a swaged joint, thereby eliminating a threaded joint. The control valve is likewise held to or within the control unit by a non-threaded connection thereby eliminating altogether threaded connections in the control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solenoid having a pole and armature construction wherein, when a predetermined constant current is applied to the solenoid winding, the magnetic force attracting the armature toward the pole decreases as the armature is moved in one direction relative to the pole and, the distance the armature is moved is substantially proportional to the current applied to the winding. These operating characteristics are achieved by a solenoid having a field member provided with a pole portion on one end thereof, and having an armature connected to the opposite end for movement relative to the pole portion. The armature is provided with an edge portion which is spaced from the pole portion to define an air gap therebetween. The pole portion produces a magnetic field which exerts a magnetic force on the armature edge portion in one direction relative to the pole portion.

Abstract: Pneumatic valve construction comprising a valve chamber having opposing inlet ports with opposing axially located valve seats, and a ball therebetween constructed and arranged to move off of one valve seat into engagement with the other valve seat upon an unbalance in pressure. The construction includes a bottom outlet port that extends to the top of another larger cylindrical chamber having an elastomeric piston therein with fluid flow clearance between the piston and the side walls of the chamber. A tubular exhaust port extends axially inwardly from the bottom side of the chamber to abut the bottom side of the rubber piston. An annular fluid flow chamber exists between the tubular exhaust seat and the side walls of the cylindrical chamber to allow flow past the piston through the space to a delivery port.