Abstract: A system and method for controlling wheel brakes on a trailer in a tractor-trailer are provided. Upon receiving a command to apply a trailer wheel brake, the system determines a speed of the tractor-trailer responsive to a speed signal generated by a vehicle speed sensor. The system also estimates a threshold speed based on a level of friction between the tractor-trailer and a road surface on which the tractor-trailer is travelling. The system then generates a control signal to control delivery of fluid pressure to the trailer wheel brake. The control signal causes delivery of a first fluid pressure to the trailer wheel brake when the speed meets a predetermined condition relative to the threshold speed and a second fluid pressure, less than the first fluid pressure, when the speed does not meet the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A controller for a host vehicle having adaptive cruise control comprises control logic that determines an actual time gap behind a detected target object and transmits a deceleration message having a deceleration value in response to the actual time gap being less than a predetermined minimum time gap. The control logic receives a torque message from a vehicle retarder indicating that the vehicle retarder is at a limit. If the actual time gap is less than the predetermined minimum time gap, the control logic transmits a transmission control message requesting the transmission to shift to a lower gear. The control logic transmits another deceleration message if the actual time gap is still less than the predetermined minimum time gap, wherein at least one of an associated transmission and an associated braking system respond to decelerate the host vehicle in response to the transmission control message and deceleration messages.

Abstract: When a vehicle experiences an instability event, an instability event trigger (e.g., a failed modulator, unexpected yaw or lateral acceleration, unexpected steering wheel position change, etc.) is monitored and the magnitude thereof is compared to a corresponding predetermined threshold above which corrective action is initiated. Depending on the magnitude and type of instability trigger, one or more wheel ends are identified as candidates for brake activation. Braking force at the identified wheel ends is gradually increased until the vehicle becomes stable or comes to a stop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminate material having a polyester film and a web of polyester fibers cohesively bonded directly thereto, such that portions of the fibers are bonded to the polyester film and portions of die fibers are free from the polyester film. The invention may also include a glass reinforced polymer layer formed on the laminated facer where the polymer of the glass reinforced polymer layer is commingled with the nonwoven of the laminated facer. The laminate may further include a second polymer layer having a thickness joined to the fiber layer and/or a layer of hot melt adhesive applied to the poly ester fibers. Also presented is a composite material having a polyester film, a layer of polyester fibers bonded to the second polymer layer; a second polymer layer joined to the polyester film; and a glass reinforced polymer layer formed on the laminated facer, where the polymer of the as reinforced polymer layer is commingled with the nonwoven of the laminated facer.

Abstract: When a vehicle is determined to be traveling on a rough road, wherein increased air consumption is expected by vehicle components, a warning threshold that triggers an alert regarding excessive air consumption is increased. A duty cycle for an on-board air compressor is also increased to a level just below the increased warning threshold. In this manner, the air compressor duty cycle can be increased to meet the increased air pressure demand caused by the rough road conditions without triggering false positive alerts or distracting the driver.

Abstract: A controller for a host vehicle having adaptive cruise control comprises control logic that determines an actual time gap behind a detected target object and transmits a deceleration message having a deceleration value in response to the actual time gap being less than a predetermined minimum time gap. The control logic receives a torque message from a vehicle retarder indicating that the vehicle retarder is at a limit. If the actual time gap is less than the predetermined minimum time gap, the control logic transmits a transmission control message requesting the transmission to shift to a lower gear. The control logic transmits another deceleration message if the actual time gap is still less than the predetermined minimum time gap, wherein at least one of an associated transmission and an associated braking system respond to decelerate the host vehicle in response to the transmission control message and deceleration messages.

Abstract: When detecting a maladjusted brake component on a commercial vehicle, wheel end temperature is determined as a function of resistance measured by a wheel speed sensor at a wheel end. The measured temperature is compared to low and high temperature thresholds defined by a thermal model, as well as to one or more other wheel speed sensor temperatures. If the measured temperature is below the low temperature threshold and substantially different than the one or more other wheel speed sensors, the brake is determined to be under-adjusted and brake force at the under-adjusted brake is increased. If the measured temperature is above the high temperature threshold and substantially different than the one or more other wheel speed sensors, then the brake is determined to be over-adjusted, and brake force is reduced or modulated at the over-adjusted brake to prevent overheating.

Abstract: A controller for a parking brake system for a commercial vehicle is disclosed. The controller receives a signal indicative of a request to park a tractor, a signal indicative of a request to supply air to a trailer and a signal indicative of a vehicle operating condition. The controller transmits a control signal to a tractor parking brake device and a trailer air supply device in order to park the tractor and maintain the air supply to the trailer to suspend the parking of the trailer in response to the signals.

Abstract: A controller comprises a memory, including a maximum rated driveshaft torque for a driveshaft on a vehicle, and an electrical output transmitting an output signal for limiting a torque on the driveshaft of the vehicle during an event while the vehicle is attempting to at least one of maintain and increase velocity. The torque on the driveshaft is limited by controlling braking pressure to at least one brake associated with driven wheels and/or controlling motor torque delivered to the driveshaft.

Abstract: A controller comprises a memory, including a maximum rated driveshaft torque for a driveshaft on a vehicle, and an electrical output transmitting an output signal for limiting a torque on the driveshaft of the vehicle during an event while the vehicle is attempting to at least one of maintain and increase velocity. The torque on the driveshaft is limited by controlling braking pressure to at least one brake associated with driven wheels and/or controlling motor torque delivered to the driveshaft.

Abstract: A controller for a parking brake system for a commercial vehicle is disclosed. The controller receives a signal indicative of a request to park a tractor, a signal indicative of a request to supply air to a trailer and a signal indicative of a vehicle operating condition. The controller transmits a control signal to a tractor parking brake device and a trailer air supply device in order to park the tractor and maintain the air supply to the trailer to suspend the parking of the trailer in response to the signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a method, system and controller for determining whether to actuate the service brakes of a trailer are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, the controller includes an input for receiving a stop lamp signal from an associated tractor, an input for receiving a control line pressure signal of the trailer, a control output for transmitting a braking control signal and control logic. The method includes receiving a stop lamp signal, receiving a control line pressure signal and determining whether to transmit a braking control signal to the service brakes of the trailer in response to the stop lamp signal being on and the control line pressure signal being less than a pressure threshold.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a method, system and controller for determining whether to actuate the service brakes of a trailer are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, the controller includes an input for receiving a stop lamp signal from an associated tractor, an input for receiving a control line pressure signal of the trailer, a control output for transmitting a braking control signal and control logic. The method includes receiving a stop lamp signal, receiving a control line pressure signal and determining whether to transmit a braking control signal to the service brakes of the trailer in response to the stop lamp signal being on and the control line pressure signal being less than a pressure threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain system and a friction braking system, the powertrain system including a hybrid transmission operative in one of a fixed gear operating range state and a continuously variable operating range state to transmit torque between an input member and a torque machine and an output member coupled to a driveline.

Abstract: A method minimizes a driveline vibration and reduces stopping distances in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having a plurality of drive wheels, a friction braking system having antilock braking system (ABS) capability, and an electronically variable transmission (EVT) with two EVT modes. The method automatically shifts the EVT to a predetermined high speed/low torque EVT mode when the ABS is active and when a calibrated maximum deceleration rate is not exceeded. An HEV has a friction braking system with ABS capability and an EVT including a plurality of modes. A controller automatically activates the friction braking ABS in response to a threshold level of slip between the drive wheels and the road surface when the brake pedal is actuated. An algorithm automatically shifts the EVT into one of the high speed/low torque EVT modes when the ABS is activated and the calibrated maximum deceleration rate is not exceeded.

Abstract: An impregnated fibrous veil comprises a nonwoven fibrous veil including a prebinder and reinforcing fibers. The fibers are selected from a group consisting of glass fibers, ceramic fibers and mixtures thereof. The nonwoven fibrous veil has at least one face impregnated with a surface finish formulation. The surface finish formulation includes about 50 to about 95 weight percent filler, about 5 to about 50 weight percent binder and about 0 to about 10 percent optical brightener.

Abstract: A method minimizes a driveline vibration and reduces stopping distances in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having a plurality of drive wheels, a friction braking system having antilock braking system (ABS) capability, and an electronically variable transmission (EVT) with two EVT modes. The method automatically shifts the EVT to a predetermined high speed/low torque EVT mode when the ABS is active and when a calibrated maximum deceleration rate is not exceeded. An HEV has a friction braking system with ABS capability and an EVT including a plurality of modes. A controller automatically activates the friction braking ABS in response to a threshold level of slip between the drive wheels and the road surface when the brake pedal is actuated. An algorithm automatically shifts the EVT into one of the high speed/low torque EVT modes when the ABS is activated and the calibrated maximum deceleration rate is not exceeded.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain system and a friction braking system, the powertrain system including a hybrid transmission operative in one of a fixed gear operating range state and a continuously variable operating range state to transmit torque between an input member and a torque machine and an output member coupled to a driveline.

Abstract: A foam core structural laminate material is made by reacting a polymer matrix material with a blowing agent contained on a dry fiber preform within a mold. The laminate material formed therefore has a fiber reinforced core material and a foamed outer region. To add toughness to the laminate material, a glass fiber matting may be introduced to the mold such that the dry fiber preform is centrally located within the mold and the matting is located along the outer periphery.

Abstract: A multifarious cargo carrier system for mounting on the rear of a vehicles having hitch receivers, step bumper hitches, custom hitches, or other means of attachment. The carrier system includes a base member having one end connectable within a hitch receiver and the other end attachable to a step bumper hitch or custom hitch. A tightening pin is used to tightly secure the base within a hitch receiver. Tightening pins are also used to connect the proximal end of a support arm to either end of the base and to attach the carrier assembly to the distal end of the support arm. The use of tightening pins allows the base to be folded up against the support arm and the carrier assembly to be folded down against the support arm for shipping and storage, as well as permitting access to the rear of the vehicle by pivoting the support arm down and and away from the vehicle.