Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle comprises a vacuum pump mounted to an engine, wherein the vacuum pump is selectively connected to be driven by the engine. A clutch is mounted within a housing for the vacuum pump. The clutch can be selectively engaged to drive the vacuum pump with the engine. A sensor is connected to the clutch such that the clutch is actuated to engage when the sensor determines that one of a vacuum within the pump is below a predetermined vacuum threshold and when the engine speed is below a predetermined speed threshold.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle comprises a vacuum pump mounted to an engine, wherein the vacuum pump is selectively connected to be driven by the engine. A clutch is mounted within a housing for the vacuum pump. The clutch can be selectively engaged to drive the vacuum pump with the engine. A sensor is connected to the clutch such that the clutch is actuated to engage when the sensor determines that one of a vacuum within the pump is below a predetermined vacuum threshold and when the engine speed is below a predetermined speed threshold.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first axle forming a first pivot axis and a first booster link pivotable about the first pivot axis. A control pedal has a second axle forming a second pivot axis, a pedal arm pivotable about the second pivot axis, and a pedal at a lower end of the pedal arm. A second booster link is pivotably connecting the pedal arm with the first booster link so that pivoting motion of the pedal arm about the second pivot axis pivots the booster link about the first pivot axis. A support member has a first end supporting the second axle on opposite sides of the pedal arm and the support member is pivotable about its second end. A drive assembly is operably connected to the control pedal to move the second axle in a fore-aft direction to adjust the control pedal in a fore-aft direction.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first axle forming a first pivot axis and a first booster link pivotable about the first pivot axis. A control pedal has a second axle forming a second pivot axis, a pedal arm pivotable about the second pivot axis, and a pedal at a lower end of the pedal arm. A second booster link is pivotably connecting the pedal arm with the first booster link so that pivoting motion of the pedal arm about the second pivot axis pivots the booster link about the first pivot axis. A support member has a first end supporting the second axle on opposite sides of the pedal arm and the support member is pivotable about its second end. A drive assembly is operably connected to the control pedal to move the second axle in a fore-aft direction to adjust the control pedal in a fore-aft direction.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a booster link, a support having a slot formed therein, a guide moveable along the slot, and a single lead screw and nut connected to the guide to move the guide along the slot. A brake pedal includes a brake lower pedal arm pivotally connected to the guide, a first pedal at a lower end of the brake lower pedal arm which is adjustable upon movement of the guide, and a brake link pivotably connecting the brake lower pedal arm with the booster link. An accelerator pedal includes an accelerator upper pedal arm pivotably connected to the guide, an accelerator link pivotably connecting the accelerator upper pedal arm to the support, an accelerator lower pedal arm pivotably connected to the accelerator upper pedal arm, and a second pedal at a lower end of the second lower pedal arm which is adjustable upon movement of the guide.

Abstract: A brake pedal emulator mechanism includes a foamed plastic elastomeric piece compressed by a brake pedal which piece has a variable spring rate and produces hysteresis when compressed to emulate the brake pedal feel of a conventional hydraulic brake system. The foamed plastic may comprise microcellular urethane or a foamed silicone elastomer. Various combinations of the foamed plastic piece with mechanical springs, solid elastomeric pieces, or gas springs can be used to create a particular reaction force characteristic, as well as various shapes of the foamed plastic elastomeric piece itself.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a booster link, a support having a slot formed therein, a guide moveable along the slot, and a single lead screw and nut connected to the guide to move the guide along the slot. A brake pedal includes a brake lower pedal arm pivotally connected to the guide, a first pedal at a lower end of the brake lower pedal arm which is adjustable upon movement of the guide, and a brake link pivotably connecting the brake lower pedal arm with the booster link. An accelerator pedal includes an accelerator upper pedal arm pivotably connected to the guide, an accelerator link pivotably connecting the accelerator upper pedal arm to the support, an accelerator lower pedal arm pivotably connected to the accelerator upper pedal arm, and a second pedal at a lower end of the second lower pedal arm which is adjustable upon movement of the guide.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first control pedal including a first pedal adjustable in a fore-aft direction upon operation of a first motor and a second control pedal including a second pedal adjustable in a fore-aft direction upon operation of a second motor. The first pedal and the second pedal have a predetermined fore-aft relationship. A controller is operably connected to the first motor and the second motor. The controller is programmed to operate the first and second motors to simultaneously move the first and second pedals in the fore-aft direction and to reestablish the predetermined relationship if the predetermined fore-aft relationship is not maintained as a result of the movement of the first and second control pedals.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle includes a support structure, a pedal arm pivotally mounted to the support structure and carrying a pedal, and a sensor for detecting rotation of the pedal arm and sending an electrical signal to a control device indicating the rotation of the pedal arm. The pedal assembly also includes a hysteresis device adapted to generate a desired feel in response to pivotal movement of the pedal arm. The hysteresis device is secured to the support structure and includes a plunger engaging the pedal arm and is movable within a chamber between an extended position and a depressed position upon rotation of the pedal arm. A pair of coaxial compression springs resiliently bias the plunger to the extended position. The chamber forms a first friction surface and the plunger has a plurality of prongs forming a second friction surface engagable with the first friction surface to resist pivotal movement of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first support and a second support adjustable in a fore-aft direction relative to the first support. At least one guide is carried by the second support and has a tapered engagement surface engaging the first support and moving along the first support as the second support is adjusted in the fore-aft direction. A spring member biases the tapered engagement surface of the at least one guide into engagement with the first support. A pedal is supported by the second support and is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. The second support carries the pedal as the second support is adjusted in the fore-aft direction.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a motor vehicle an upper arm having a pivot axis and first and second generally planar members, and a lower arm having a lower end carrying a pedal and an upper end operatively connected to the upper arm for selected movement relative to the upper arm. The first and second members are generally parallel and spaced apart. The first and second members each form first and second camming surfaces at a peripheral edge thereof. The upper arm carries first and second cam pins laterally extending from the lower arm and engaging the first and second camming surfaces respectively. The first and second camming surfaces and the first and second cam pins are adapted to mechanically lock the upper and lower arms together for mutual rotation about the pivot axis upon application of a load to the pedal. Preferably a spring operably connects the upper and lower arms to resiliently bias the first and second cam pins into engagement with the first and second camming surfaces.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first control pedal including a first pedal adjustable in a fore-aft direction upon operation of a first motor and a second control pedal including a second pedal adjustable in a fore-aft direction upon operation of a second motor. The first pedal and the second pedal have a predetermined fore-aft relationship. A controller is operably connected to the first motor and the second motor. The controller is programmed to operate the first and second motors to simultaneously move the first and second pedals in the fore-aft direction and to reestablish the predetermined relationship if the predetermined fore-aft relationship is not maintained as a result of the movement of the first and second control pedals.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a motor vehicle an upper arm having a pivot axis and first and second generally planar members, and a lower arm having a lower end carrying a pedal and an upper end operatively connected to the upper arm for selected movement relative to the upper arm. The first and second members are generally parallel and spaced apart. The first and second members each form first and second camming surfaces at a peripheral edge thereof. The upper arm carries first and second cam pins laterally extending from the lower arm and engaging the first and second camming surfaces respectively. The first and second camming surfaces and the first and second cam pins are adapted to mechanically lock the upper and lower arms together for mutual rotation about the pivot axis upon application of a load to the pedal. Preferably a spring operably connects the upper and lower arms to resiliently bias the first and second cam pins into engagement with the first and second camming surfaces.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle includes a support structure, a pedal arm pivotally mounted to the support structure and carrying a pedal, and a sensor for detecting rotation of the pedal arm and sending an electrical signal to a control device indicating the rotation of the pedal arm. The pedal assembly also includes a hysteresis device adapted to generate a desired feel in response to pivotal movement of the pedal arm. The hysteresis device is secured to the support structure and includes a plunger engaging the pedal arm and is movable within a chamber between an extended position and a depressed position upon rotation of the pedal arm. A pair of coaxial compression springs resiliently bias the plunger to the extended position. The chamber forms a first friction surface and the plunger has a plurality of prongs forming a second friction surface engagable with the first friction surface to resist pivotal movement of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle includes a support structure, a pedal arm pivotally mounted to the support structure and carrying a pedal, and a sensor for detecting rotation of the pedal arm and sending an electrical signal to a control device indicating the rotation of the pedal arm. The pedal assembly also includes a hysteresis device adapted to generate a desired feel in response to pivotal movement of the pedal arm. The hysteresis device is secured to the support structure and includes a plunger engaging the pedal arm and is movable within a chamber between an extended position and a depressed position upon rotation of the pedal arm. A pair of coaxial compression springs resiliently bias the plunger to the extended position. The chamber forms a first friction surface and the plunger has a plurality of prongs forming a second friction surface engagable with the first friction surface to resist pivotal movement of the pedal arm.