Abstract: An inflatable tube ski vehicle with steering mechanism comprises an inflated, torus-shaped tube or bladder and a ski insert disposed in the central opening of the bladder. The ski insert may be dish-shaped, or it may partially wrap around the top and/or bottom of the bladder. In either case, the ski vehicle has a steering/braking mechanism comprising left and right lever arms pivotally attached to and extending down through the ski insert. To turn, a rider simply pulls on one of the lever arms, causing a lower portion of the lever arm to extend past a bottom of the insert. To brake, both arms are pulled simultaneously. Because the ski vehicle is round and because the weight of the vehicle and rider are largely uniformly distributed over the center of the vehicle, a pivot or fulcrum point occurs directly under the rider's seat, affording a significant degree of control.

Abstract: A combination vehicle passenger seat/child stroller apparatus is adapted to be releasably secured to floor-board seat tracks of a vehicle. The apparatus is selectively convertible between a stroller mode for use outside the vehicle and a seat mode for supporting an adult or child passenger inside the vehicle. The apparatus includes an upright body portion and a corresponding first cushion, a bottom body portion and a corresponding second cushion, where the bottom body portion is operatively coupled to the upright body portion. Also included are front wheels and rear wheels, and front arms and rear arms each having proximal and distal ends. The distal ends of the front arms are operatively connected to the front wheels, and the distal ends of the rear arms operatively connected to the rear wheels. The proximal ends of the arms are pivotally connected to either the upright body portion or the bottom body portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel for steering and braking an vehicle having a steering and braking system. A first steering wheel segment is spaced from and rotatably fixed to the hub. A second steering wheel segment is spaced from and rotatably fixed to the hub such that the second steering wheel segment is rotatable, in combination with the hub, about the steering axis to steer the vehicle. The second steering wheel segment is pivotably movable between an equilibrium position in which the second steering wheel segment is aligned with the first steering wheel segment to define at least a part of a steering wheel perimeter and a braking position. Wherein the second steering wheel segment is displaced from alignment from the first steering wheel segment to actuate the braking system so that the steering wheel can simultaneously steer and brake the vehicle.

Abstract: The rack and pinion vehicle steering assembly has a steering rack slidably supported in a rack and pinion housing. An inner tie rod housing has a shank that screws into a threaded rack bore. A housing chamber receives an inner end ball and an open end of the housing chamber is crimped to retain the inner end ball. An inner support nut screws onto the steering rack and into contact with the tie rod housing. An inner support clamp has a central passage that receives an inner rod that is fixed to the inner end ball. Internal clamp threads on the clamp rim of the inner support clamp engage male threads on the inner support nut to retain the clamp and encase the tie rod housing and the inner end ball.

Abstract: A running board assembly and a method of attaching the same to a tricycle includes a pair of running boards. Each of the running boards has a front end and a rear end. The rear end of each of the running boards is attached to a fender. A cross brace is provided which is adapted to underlie and be secured to a frame of the tricycle. The cross brace has opposed ends. The running boards are secured to and supported by the opposed ends of the cross brace.

Abstract: An extendable-retractable step system for a recreational vehicle (RV) has a step tread attached to a slider rod via side arms that include one or more locking tabs, and includes a pair of end plates having tab-receiving slots and notched slider slots that define extended and retracted positions. A method of assembling the step system and mounting same to a vehicle frame without using specially adapted tools includes the steps of mounting one of the end plates to the vehicle frame, inserting the ends of the slider rod into the slider slots, mounting the other end plate to the vehicle frame, and resting the locking tabs in the tab-receiving slots.

Abstract: A net shape filament winding manufacturing process and resulting products are disclosed. The manufacture of bicycle frame and their components from filament wound components which have been cut from a section of filament wound stock is disclosed. Also disclosed is a bicycle frame and its manufacturing process and a composite bicycle fork and components thereof.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with at least one safety bumper which is mounted to the frame of the wheelchair outwardly of one of the wheels. The outer surface of the bumper functions as a cam surface for contacting a door and maintaining the door open while the wheelchair passes through a doorway. The bumper could be adjustable in length and could be detachably mounted to the wheelchair.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (12) comprises a first assembly (16), a second assembly (26), and a mechanism (108). The first assembly (16) is operatively coupled to the steering wheel (12) and includes components (18 and 22) for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel. The second assembly (26) includes a steering gear (34) and components (28 and 30) for receiving the first signal and actuating the steering gear (34) in response to the first signal. The mechanism (108) when in a first mode of operation provides a mechanical connection between the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34). When the mechanism (108) is in the second mode of operation, the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34) lack a mechanical connection.

Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism to compensate for instabilities including a vehicle frame, a front axle coupled to the vehicle frame, the front axle further coupled to two front wheels, a rear axle coupled to the vehicle frame, the rear axle further coupled to two rear wheels, an actuator for changing the direction and angle of the two rear wheels, a trailer hitch coupled to the frame, at least one sensor for measuring instability in the trailer hitch, a controller processing the measured instability, and where the controller controls the actuator and the direction and angle of the two rear wheels to compensate for the measured instability.

Abstract: An air bag cover assembly is provided comprising a retainer panel having an aperture during the deployment of an inflatable air bag for the airbag to pass through. The aperture has a cross-sectional area during air bag inflation greater than the cross-sectional area of the aperture when the air bag is deflated after being inflated. A method of providing an air bag deployment aperture for an air bag cover assembly is also provided. The method comprises providing a retainer panel, forming an aperture in the retainer panel for the deployment of an inflating air bag from an air bag module, increasing the cross-sectional area of the aperture during inflation of the air bag, and decreasing the cross-sectional area of the aperture after the air bag has at least partially passed through the aperture.

Abstract: An inflator device having a chamber wherein a pressure dependant gas generant reacts to produce inflation gas and at least one orifice allowing the gas to pass and inflate an airbag. The at least one orifice is defined at least in part by a shape memory alloy having an austenite finishing temperature (Tf). The at least one orifice has a first fluid flow through area (A1) when at a temperature less than Tf and a second fluid flow through area (A2) when at a temperature greater than Tf. The second fluid flow through area (A2) is less than the first fluid flow through area (A1).

Abstract: An air bag provided with linear joined portions in the inflation section is disclosed. The linear joined portions linearly join the opposing wall portions of the inflation section. Each of the linear joined portions includes a body portion and end portions. The end portions extend from the body portion and gradually become wider than the body portion. The periphery surrounds the end portions and is provided with at least three straight portions. This air bag restrains mesh spreading and inflating gas leakage from the vicinity of any of the end portions of the linear joined portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag restraint device including a gas bag module which has a gas bag wall. The gas bag wall has a front wall upon which an occupant to be restrained can impact in a case of restraint and has a depression defined by a ring-shaped gas bag wall portion. The depression is generated in that a center portion of the front wall is attached to the module and is prevented from movement when the gas bag is inflated. A holder is provided at the ring-shaped gas bag wall portion that keep parts of the ring-shaped gas bag wall portion, which get in contact with each other when the gas bag is inflated, in contact with each other in a fully inflated condition of the gas bag, and at least partly close the depression.

Abstract: A plastic honey comb mounting bracket having a center passage surrounds a mast jacket of the steering column. The top of the plastic mounting bracket is clamped flush against a flat panel on a body of the motor vehicle by a pair of spring washers supported below respective ones of a pair of platforms on the mounting bracket by a pair of rigid studs on the vehicle body. The rigid studs are exposed through a pair of vertical slots in the mounting bracket. In some embodiments the spring washers release the plastic mounting bracket for linear translation as a unit with the mast jacket with the path traversed by the mast jacket being defined by the vertical slots in the mounting bracket. In another embodiment, the plastic mounting bracket remains stationary and the path traversed by the mast jacket during its collapse stroke is defined by the center passage in the plastic mounting bracket.

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorption device suitable for use with a collapsible steering column includes a first and second plastically deformable member have a traveling bight, a pusher proximate to a first part of the first member attached to a first body, a catch allowing the second member move a limited distance with respect to the pusher, and an anvil arrangement fixed to a second body. The anvil arrangement is positioned proximate the traveling bights, which have a shape corresponding with an anvil surface of thereof. The anvil arrangement forces the traveling bight of the first member to travel along a length of the first member upon initial relative movement between the first and second bodies, and then forces the traveling bight of the second member to travel along a length of the second member.

Abstract: A frame of an electric cart includes a front part, and a rear part. A head tube, a seat support, a securing combination, and front wheels are disposed at the front part. Rear wheels are disposed the rear ends of the rear part. Shock absorbers are connected to the rear part at lower ends. The rear part is connected to the front part with the front ends being pivoted to pivotal members formed at intermediate portions of the lateral sides of the base, and with upper ends of the shock absorbers being connected to the securing combination. The pivotal members are arranged nearer the front of the front part than the seat support so that distance from the rear wheels to the pivotal members is increased, thus helping reduce a range within which the rear part will vibrate when the cart moves along an uneven surface.

Abstract: The method and device of this invention immobilizes a person in a secure, upright restraint system in a police vehicle. It can be easily and safely applied by public safety officers including police or other law enforcement personnel and medical personnel to secure a person against undesired movement while maintaining them in an upright, sitting position which leaves the diaphragm free for natural, unrestrained breathing movement. The asphyxia-preventing restraining device comprises an ALR/ELR retractor. The ALR/ELR retractor comprises a shoulder harness having a pair of seat belt buckles, which significantly reduce the possibilities of injuries to police officers.

Abstract: Methods of creating tamper resistant informational articles and related products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens has a preformed transparent hologram, metallized portions are provided and may be altered through selective application of heat to predetermined parts thereof to create information which may be fixed or variable. Printing may be provided on the hologram before metallizing. A base portion underlies the metallized layer. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an opaque base portion has a hologram formed in the upper surface thereof with portions of the hologram being made readily visible by partial metallization covering only portions of the hologram with or without information provided as by printing overlying or underlying portions of the metallized sector or both. A transparent overlying lens is secured in overlying relationship. Metallizing may be such as to permit viewing underlying hologram portions or information or not. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: A lock for preventing one member from moving relative to another member has a housing securable to one member, and a plunger unit mounted in the housing. The plunger unit has a sleeve, a plunger slidably mounted in the sleeve, and a spring acting between the plunger and the sleeve to resiliently bias the plunger to a locking position in which a free end portion of the plunger projects from one end of the sleeve. The plunger also has a manually operable portion projecting from an opposite end of the sleeve. In the locking position, the free end portion of the plunger projects from the housing to extend into an aperture in the other member, when the housing is secured to the one member, and thereby prevent relative movement between the members. The plunger also has an unlocking position in which the free end portion thereof is withdrawn from the aperture in the other member by pulling the manually operable portion against the action of the spring.

Abstract: A front end for a motor vehicle includes a bumper configuration and is configured to absorb impact energy in the event of an impact by another motor vehicle. The front end has lateral longitudinal members having longitudinal-member heads which are in each case connected to bumper supports. At least one of the lateral longitudinal members is provided with at least one absorbing device for absorbing impact energy outside a longitudinal-member plane. The absorbing device has an active device for indirectly transmitting at least some of the impact energy to a longitudinal side of an associated one of the lateral longitudinal members.

Abstract: A versatile loading arc system for a pickup truck comprising a bed extending between a front end adjacent the truck's cabin and a rear end and two side walls, the system comprising a front arc having a top bar extending between two side legs fixed at a front end of the bed and a rear arc having a top bar ending between two side legs. The rear arc is swingably supported by two swinging arms each pivotally hinged to sides of the bed at a location intermediate the rear end and the front end of the bed. The rear arc is swingably displaceable between a front position in which it adjoins the front arc, and at least one rear position in which it extends parallel at or adjacent the rear end of the bed.

Abstract: A vehicle including a stationary floor and an upwardly extending exterior wall fixed relative to the stationary floor. An opening formed in the exterior wall receives a slide-out section disposed therein, The slide-out section is movable relative to the stationary floor between an extended position and a retracted position. An actuating mechanism controls the movement of the slide-out section. The actuating mechanism includes at least one hydraulic actuator having an extendible ram extendible from a cylinder. The extendible ram is fixed to at least one of the stationary floor and the slide-out section, and the cylinder is fixed to the other of the stationary floor and the slide-out section. Retraction of the extendible ram slidably moves the slide-out section to the extended position.

Abstract: An inertia locking system for a vehicle seat is disclosed. The seat has a C-shaped leg portion. The inertia locking system includes a pedestal mounted on the vehicle floor. The pedestal has an oblique, upwardly facing U-shaped receiving port for receiving the leg portion. A U-shaped clip having a second opening is provided for also receiving the leg portion. The second opening faces obliquely upward and has a width slightly narrower than the diameter of the lower section of the leg portion. A latch having an inverted J-shape has a lower base portion, a curved upper portion, and a jaw portion. The latch is pivotally supported at the lower base portion to a side portion of the pedestal and spring biased away from the receiving port. The curved upper portion faces the receiving port and the jaw portion protrudes beyond an inner surface of the receiving port.

Abstract: A canopy top for covering an open cargo area in a motor vehicle comprises a support frame having a plurality of elongated cylindrical support members forming the support frame and forming at least a portion of an outer periphery of said canopy top, a plurality of connectors connecting the plurality of elongated cylindrical support members together to form said support frame, a plurality of flanges, each individual member of the plurality of elongated cylindrical support members having at least one flange of the plurality of flanges extending along a lengthwise dimension of the member, a plurality of panels positioned on said support frame, each individual panel connected to at least two individual flanges of said plurality of flanges; and at least one access point in said canopy top to therethrough access the cargo area of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable tarpaulin that can cover the cargo of truck, either partially or entirely. This system comprises a pair of posts that slide in notches at the periphery of a trailer flat bed, at the desired position according to the size of the cargo to cover. The width is also adjustable and includes an overhang of up to 12″ on either side. The length may be reduced or extended at both front end and aft end if needed. The height of these posts can be adjusted to adapt to the cargo. A series of cables covers the distance from one post to the other to support the tarpaulin and a drum arrangement stretches the cables to provide tightness to support the tarpaulin. As the tarp is retracted a number of rings attached to the tarp are successively engaged in a cantilever hanger to keep the tarp in a small storage when not in use.

Abstract: An air conduction device suitable for a sports car motor vehicle extends in a lateral direction of the vehicle, adjacent to a tail lid. The air conduction device can be moved by an activation device out of a resting position into an operating position and vice versa. In order to optimize the air conduction device in functional and structural terms, it is hinged on the tail lid by a swing arm device which is separably connected with the activation device by means of which the air conduction device is moved out of the resting position into the operating position.

Abstract: A body structure of a vehicle having a cabin C and a compartment F.C, R.C is provided. The body structure includes a pair of laterally spaced side frame members 13,14 extending forwardly of the cabin at sides of the compartment. The side frame members 13,14 include widthwise rigidity lowering sections 21,52, respectively, to allow inward bending of a rear section 13R, 14R of each side frame member in a widthwise direction to provide an increased collapsible stroke for thereby effectively absorbing an energy in a wide range typically in a frontal impact.

Abstract: A bridge assembly for supporting a seat in a motor vehicle having opposing B-pillars and a floor extending therebetween. The bridge assembly includes a rear cross car beam having a rear length extending between a rear driver end and a rear passenger end. The rear driver and rear passenger ends are fixedly secured to each of the B-pillars such that the rear cross car beam extends over the floor spaced apart therefrom. A front support structure is spaced forward of the rear cross car beam. In addition, the bridge assembly includes a crossing support extending between the rear cross car beam and the front support structure for strengthening the bridge assembly.

Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide an automobile interior headliner member which is improved in the film forming property of a complex plastic material used as a base material of the automobile interior headliner member, and has high rigidity and excellent heat resistance, size stability and working efficiency upon attachment; and the base material. An automobile interior headliner molding or forming member which is obtained by kneading mica having a particle size of 10 to 100 &mgr;m with a polypropylene resin having a melt flow rate at 230° C. of 3 to 40 g/10 min to obtain the corresponding resin having a mica content of 15 to 40 wt. %, molding or forming the resin into a mica-containing polypropylene sheet of 100 to 300 &mgr;m thick and then stacking this sheet over each of both sides of an expanded polypropylene sheet of 2 to 6 mm thick obtained at an expansion ratio of 5 to 50 times; and an automobile interior headliner member molded or formed from the molding or forming member.

Abstract: An orthopaedic chair including a frame for supporting a contoured chair seat and chair back; each of which is mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis. Horizontal adjustment for the axis of the chair seat and vertical adjustment for the axis of the chair back are provided thereby holding the person in an orthopaedically beneficial position. The orthopaedic chair may be in the form of an arm chair or folding camp chair.

Abstract: A three-position leg rest mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a locking link and sector members rotatably supported on the locking link. The sector members are operably coupled to the drive rod for rotation therewith. A locking pin engages the sector members to selectively lock the drive member, and hence the leg rest assembly in one of three positions. The end of the locking link opposite the sector members is coupled to the support shaft of the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention involves a vehicle seat and headrest arrangement for use with a seat having a seatback in a vehicle. The vehicle seat and headrest arrangement comprises a headrest arrangement having a headrest. The headrest arrangement has one of a guide member and a follower. The seatback has the other one of a guide member and follower. The guide member has a guideway and the follower engages the guideway of the guide member such that upon impact to the vehicle forward inertia of the headrest will cause the follower to engage the guideway in such a manner as to cause the headrest to move in a manner so as to support the head of an occupant irrespective of whether occupant is in contact with the seatback.

Abstract: A disposable sanitary seat cover includes a base sheet having a seat cover area provided with passages that are adapted for providing an opening through the seat cover area for a child'legs. Passages are provided on the seat cover area through which a safety belt may be positioned.

Abstract: A nonabsorbing protective seat cover having a seat portion and a back portion, comprising a water-impermeable and gas-permeable layer laminated to a non-absorbent non-woven layer, whereby the nonabsorbing protective cover resists absorption of liquid contaminates from the user, hydrophobically repels liquid contaminants introduced thereto and protects the vehicle seat from damage.

Abstract: A retractable seat cover for providing temporary protection to a seat, such as an automotive seat or piece of furniture, includes a housing, a roll of fabric, a retraction mechanism, and a strap. The housing has a slit for enabling the fabric to be extended from the housing through the slit or be retracted into the housing through the slit. The fabric, which may be waterproof, moisture repellent and/or have anti-bacterial properties for providing additional protection to the seat, is used to cover the upholstery of the seat. The retraction mechanism includes a spring roller mechanism and a button for controlling rotation of the roll of fabric. The strap is attached to a top portion of the fabric and is used to secure the seat cover to the seat, such as a headrest of an automobile or the top of a piece of furniture.

Abstract: A strap arrangement constituting a brace having a fan-shaped configuration formed of fixed or adjustable straps for retaining a covering such as a towel securely to a chair. The brace consists of four fixed or adjustable straps which are secured to the chair by suitable fasteners. The strap arrangement is useful for the convenience and enjoyment of a person at the beach, pool or patio.

Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a seat cushion (3), a backrest (5) and an articulated seat frame (9, 11, 21, 29, 31) with feet (11, 21) which are to be fastened releasably to the vehicle structure, it is possible for the vehicle seat (1) to be adjusted between at least one seat position, which is suitable for conveying a person, and a folded position. In order for the vehicle seat (1) to be transferred from the seat position into the folded position, after the feet (21) present in the region of the backrest (5) have been released, the backrest (5) executes a shifting movement in the direction of the seat cushion (3).

Abstract: A sliding rail structure that allows the back and forth travel of the seat with respect to the vehicle floor surface, wherein the sliding rail 4 comprises a lower rail 8 and an upper rail 7 that is mounted on the seat in advance, and a groove 14 longer than the lower rail 8 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the floor panel 9 constituting the vehicle floor surface. The lower rail 8 and an extension 15 that continues from the lower rail 8 are installed in the groove 14, and the upper rail 7 slides inside the lower rail 8 and extension 15. This structure provides both satisfactory dimensional accuracy for installation of the seat and sliding rail as well as a long traveling distance in the longitudinal direction, facilitates passengers to get on and off the vehicle floor, and improves appearance.

Abstract: A motorcycle backrest has a back support cushion with a handhold aperture, and a support arm mounting for mounting the back support cushion on the motorcycle saddle or frame. The backrest can simultaneously function as a comfortable back support for the driver and a convenient handhold for the passenger.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with the pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.

Abstract: A locking/unlocking mechanism for headrest, provided in a headrest holder in which a headrest stay of the headrest is slidably inserted, which comprises: a lock element having a hole; a biasing element; and an unlocking hole formed in the headrest holder. The lock element is movable between a locking position for engagement with a stopper notch formed in the headrest stay and an unlocking position for disengagement from the stopper notch. The lock element is normally biased by the biasing means in a direction to the locking position. When the lock element is set in the unlocking position, an unlocking tool can be inserted in the unlocking hole of headrest holder and engaged in the hole of lock element so as to retain he lock element in the unlocking position, whereby the headrest can be easily removed from the headrest holder.

Abstract: The seat belt module is electronically controlled using magneto-rheological fluid. A CPU delivers a signal to an electromagnetic coil within the module at the beginning of a crash to cause the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid to increase sufficient to lock the spool on which the seat belt is wound against rotation. Thereafter, a subsequent signal is delivered by the CPU to the coil to reduce the magnetic field and the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid allowing the spool to be unwound in a programmed manner so as to reduce the forces imposed on an occupant by the seat belt. The CPU may be pre-programmed in response to signals from sensors throughout the vehicle that deliver signals corresponding to the characteristics of the occupant and may be programmed in response to signals from these sensors and from an air bag to respond in real time.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle seat having seat belt segments that are retained on first and second retractors. The retractors each have a spool on which seat belt segments are wound. The spools of the first and second retractors are linked together by a spring that biases the spools to retract the belt segments. Right and left seat belt presenters are provided to move the latches of seat belt segments between a retracted position and a presentation position where the latches are held at a convenient location to be grasped by a person seated in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: An emergency conveyance seat includes a frame for supporting a seat cushion and a back cushioning arrangement. The frame includes a pair of spaced apart channels connected by an enclosure adapted to receive a self-contained breathing apparatus. The channels provide attachment structure for mounting the back cushioning arrangement thereon. One of the channels provides a protective housing for an elongated seat belt webbing having one end attached to a retractor positioned within the channel and a second end attached to a lower portion of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a paint roller having a roller body comprised of a synthetic foam with an inner recess for placement on a support arm. The invention is characterized in that the roller body is expanded in a molding tool. Towards this end, the expansion pressure is set such that a closed compact covering of the synthetic material, preferably a polyester polyurethane foam, is formed on the outer surface of the roller body and/or on the wall of the inner recess. The coating is at least partially opened or removed in a successive method step.

Abstract: A polyurethane in-line roller skate wheel including a narrow hub mounting a polyurethane tire body having side walls curving axially inwardly from a major thickness to a minor thickness at the hub flange interface. In one embodiment, the hub is made of sections locked together by either adhesive or mechanical interlocks.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved fabricated vehicle wheel. According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle wheel includes a wheel rim having a plurality of holes formed therein; a wheel disc having a central mounting surface and a plurality of outwardly extending spokes, each of the spokes having at least two holes formed therein; at least one rim to disc interface area provided along each of the spokes wherein some portion of a surface of the rim and some portion of a surface of the spoke contact one another; and a fastener extending through each of the at least two holes of each of the spokes and through an associated at least two holes of the plurality of holes of the rim to secure the rim and disc together.

Abstract: An enhanced emergency brake assist system includes an accelerator pedal operated by the driver coupled to a braking system and used to control the overall vehicle speed. When a forward detection apparatus detects an imminent contact, the braking system automatically applies braking force to the vehicle after the driver fully releases the accelerator pedal. The braking force may be reduced when the driver or passenger are unbuckled.

Abstract: A combination valve assembly provides dual functionality within a single valve housing. In one example, the valve operates as a combination inversion valve and quick release valve. In another example, the combination valve operates as an inversion valve and a relay valve. The valve is particularly useful for controlling the operation of a spring applied, air release brake actuator in a heavy vehicle braking arrangement. A valve designed according to this invention preferably also provides anti-compounding features.