Abstract: A vehicle braking system master cylinder that can handle pressure pulses within the brake fluid of a vehicle braking system without the destruction of components internal to a master cylinder. A vehicle braking system master cylinder that allows for component subassembly external to the master cylinder and is self-aligning when assembled. Finally, a vehicle braking system master cylinder that allows for variable travel of the primary piston and the secondary piston within the master cylinder and greater fluid flow in the vehicle braking system.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system master cylinder that can handle pressure pulses within the brake fluid of a vehicle braking system without the destruction of components internal to a master cylinder. A vehicle braking system master cylinder that allows for component subassembly external to the master cylinder and is self-aligning when assembled. Finally, a vehicle braking system master cylinder that allows for variable travel of the primary piston and the secondary piston within the master cylinder and greater fluid flow in the vehicle braking system.

Abstract: A master cylinder comprises a primary piston, a secondary piston, and a proportioner valve. The secondary piston is engaged with the primary piston, and the proportioner valve is disposed within the secondary piston.

Abstract: A master cylinder comprises a primary piston, a secondary piston, and a proportioner valve. The secondary piston is engaged with the primary piston, and the proportioner valve is disposed within the secondary piston.

Abstract: A brake master cylinder-sensor system and method are provided. The system includes a master cylinder, a piston slidably positioned in the master cylinder, a magnet positioned on the piston, and a sensor disposed on the master cylinder. A change of piston linear position causes a linear change in a magnetic field position sensed by the sensor, and a brake control signal proportional to the change of piston linear position is generated. A method of operating a brake master cylinder-sensor system includes applying a brake pedal force, changing a piston linear position within a master cylinder, determining a change in a linear magnetic field position proportional to the change of the piston linear position, and generating a brake control signal based on the change in the linear magnetic field position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for detecting lining wear and fluid level in a dry interface corner actuator for a single wheel brake including a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir for containing fluid for the actuator and a sensor assembly positioned in the reservoir having a single set point to indicate both low reservoir fluid level and a need for brake lining replacement.

Abstract: A brake master cylinder-sensor system and method are provided. The system includes a master cylinder, a piston slidably positioned in the master cylinder, a magnet positioned on the piston, and a sensor disposed on the master cylinder. A change of piston linear position causes a linear change in a magnetic field position sensed by the sensor, and a brake control signal proportional to the change of piston linear position is generated. A method of operating a brake master cylinder-sensor system includes applying a brake pedal force, changing a piston linear position within a master cylinder, determining a change in a linear magnetic field position proportional to the change of the piston linear position, and generating a brake control signal based on the change in the linear magnetic field position.

Abstract: A brake pedal feel emulator that produces a pedal characteristic not unlike conventional vacuum boosted or hydraulic brake systems. The system includes a master cylinder, a first and second piston slidably carried in the master cylinder, a gas-filled bellows emulator and a spring emulator operably attached to the master cylinder, and a reservoir carrier near the master cylinder. When a brake force is manually applied, a gas within gas-filled bellows compresses thereby generating a first stage of emulator travel. Once a pre-load force is surpassed, a coil spring within the spring emulator compresses thereby generating, along with the gas-filled bellows, a second stage of emulator travel. The two stages of emulator travel comprise a characteristic rate of pedal travel versus pedal force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for detecting lining wear and fluid level in a dry interface corner actuator for a single wheel brake including a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir for containing fluid for the actuator and a sensor assembly positioned in the reservoir having a single set point to indicate both low reservoir fluid level and a need for brake lining replacement.

Abstract: A brake master cylinder reservoir diaphragm has a vent slit therein to operate as a vent valve to equalize air pressure when a pressure differential is impressed across the diaphragm as the brake fluid level in the reservoir changes. The vent slit has an omega or bell curve shape so that the movable valve member is the tongue-like part formed on the inner curvilinear part of the curved vent slit. The tongue valve member acts as a cantilever supported valve which bends at its base to open in either direction under a differential pressure acting on one side or the other of the diaphragm. The opening and closing action of the tongue valve member can be fine tuned by modifying the bending resistance of the base of that member. Such modifications can include a partial base slit extending only part way into the thickness of the base to form a groove in alignment with the straight ends of the omega slit and located between them.