Abstract: An early braking system for a vehicle having wheels comprising, a friction element, a brake pedal and a sensor. The friction element inhibits rotation of the wheels of the vehicle with the braking system having a dormant state wherein the friction element is at a first position spaced a first distance from the wheels. The brake pedal is adapted to be depressed to move the friction element into engagement with a portion of the wheels of the vehicle. The sensor senses an operational parameter of the vehicle. The friction element moves from the first position to a second position spaced a second distance from the wheels in response to a predetermined measurement of the operational parameter and before depression of the brake pedal, wherein the second position is closer to the wheels than the first position.

Abstract: An early braking system for a vehicle having wheels comprising, a friction element, a brake pedal and a sensor. The friction element inhibits rotation of the wheels of the vehicle with the braking system having a dormant state wherein the friction element is at a first position spaced a first distance from the wheels. The brake pedal is adapted to be depressed to move the friction element into engagement with a portion of the wheels of the vehicle. The sensor senses an operational parameter of the vehicle. The friction element moves from the first position to a second position spaced a second distance from the wheels in response to a predetermined measurement of the operational parameter and before depression of the brake pedal, wherein the second position is closer to the wheels than the first position.

Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing energy dissipation in a vehicle steering column in a high energy impact. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a variable energy dissipation system on the vehicle steering column; (b) sensing at least one occupant condition; and (c) adjusting the variable energy dissipation system based upon the sensed occupant condition to optimize energy dissipation.

Abstract: A pedal apparatus provides quick and secure assembly of a pedal lever and an interconnecting mechanism. The pedal apparatus includes the pedal lever (18) and a fixed end (32) of a cylindrical member (30) is attached to the pedal lever. An interconnecting mechanism (40) is disposed between the device to be actuated by the operators efforts on the pedal lever and has a first end attached the cylindrical member. A snap lock (50) is provided having a body portion (52) disposed adjacent to a free end of the cylindrical member. The snap lock also includes at least one retaining leg (54) projecting outward from the body portion toward the pedal lever. The retaining leg has a predetermined length and width to allow installation of the first end of the interconnecting mechanism onto the cylindrical member and retention thereafter of the first end of the interconnecting means between a tip of the retaining leg and the pedal lever.

Abstract: A system and method that monitors four wheel sensors of an automotive vehicle to determine changes in the effective rolling radii of any wheel and a low pressure tire condition. Certain vehicle operating conditions, such as excessive or very low speeds, driven wheel torque, braking, and turns, are determined from the sensor outputs and are used to prevent erroneous detection of changes in effective rolling radius. Data from the sensors that is determined to be acceptable is accumulated over time as displacement values for each wheel. When the displacement values exceed a predetermined value, a metric function is used to compare differences detected in accumulated displacement values for the front pair of wheels and for the rear pair of wheels. If the difference between compared pairs of wheels is excessive, as compared with a predetermined baseline metric value, a low tire condition is detected.