Abstract: A pipe joint with earthquake-proof function is provided. A lock ring engages with an accommodating groove of a socket. A tapered surface converging toward the opening side of the socket is formed on at least one of a portion of the lock ring engaging the accommodating groove and a portion of the accommodating groove engaging the lock ring. When a disengagement prevention force in a pipe axial direction for preventing a spigot from being disengaged from the socket by the engagement is transmitted from an accommodating groove to the lock ring through the tapered surface, a line of action of a component force of the disengagement prevention force in a direction perpendicular to the tapered surface passes the opening side of the socket of a contacting point between a socket bottom end part of the lock ring and the outer periphery of the spigot along the outer surface of the spigot.

Abstract: A universal pipe connector for forming a connection with at least one pipe end includes a connector body having an opening for receiving the pipe end. A clamping ring, extending around, and mechanically engaging, the opening, features a tightening mechanism for tightening it between a first maximum diameter and a second minimum diameter which differ by at least a length d. An annular sealing element is deployed around an inner surface of the clamping ring for sealing around the pipe end. The sealing element is formed with a primary inner surface and at least one roughly cylindrical coaxial layer of thickness ½ d. The layer is connected to the primary inner surface by a readily severable connection such that, by selectively removing the layer and tightening the tightening mechanism, the pipe connector forms a sealing connection with pipes having diameters varying over a continuous range of at least 2 d.

Abstract: The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. The first band end portion includes a plurality of slots, and the second band end portion includes a first and second aperture. A locking member is a separate element adapted to fit within the first and second apertures and includes a first tab for extending through the first aperture and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter and a second tab for engaging the second aperture. The second tab is designed not to interfere with the first band end portion while expanding the band. The locking member may also include at least one rib or protrusion.

Abstract: A threaded connection includes a continuous pin thread including at least a first step, a mid-step, and a second step formed sequentially thereon. A continuous box thread includes at least a first step, a mid-step, and a second step formed sequentially thereon, wherein the steps on the box thread correspond generally in axial position with the steps on the pin thread. The first step has a first wedge ratio, the mid-step has a transition wedge ratio, and the second step has a second wedge ratio, wherein thread leads are substantially constant within each of the steps. The connection is designed such that at make-up of a pin member with a box member, a clearance exists between at least one of corresponding load flanks and corresponding stab flanks on at least one of the first step, the mid-step, and the second step.

Abstract: A connection system is described for connecting parts of an apparatus. A first part having one or more pin receptacles cooperatively mates to a second part housing one or more spring-biased pin assemblies to provide a fluid-tight seal. The second part further provides one or more pin assembly housings. The first and second parts assemble such that at least one pin assembly housing aligns with at least one pin receptacle. At least one pin assembly disposed through the at least one pin assembly housing selectively engages the pin receptacle to secure the connection of the first part to the second part of the apparatus. Each pin assembly may include a pin assembly sleeve having a spring stop; a spring seated within the sleeve; a pin, also having a spring stop, axially disposed through the spring, and a pin handle connected to the pin distally from the pin spring stop.

Abstract: A seal clamp assembly for sealing an opening in a piping system includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a base having a first side, a second side and an aperture extending therethrough from the first side to the second side, and a brace coupled to the base. The brace includes a distal pad hingedly coupled to a distal end portion of the brace. The seal clamp assembly also includes a spring bridge coupled to the base first side. The bridge includes a substantially rectangular U-shaped frame and an aperture extending through the spring bridge frame such that the spring bridge aperture is in substantial lineal alignment with the base aperture. A clamping assembly is coupled to a proximate end portion of the brace.

Abstract: A door latch device has a hook lever 50 for switching a lock lever 36 residing at a locked position L to an unlocked position U when an inner open lever 29 is rotated, and a pressing spring 45 for coupling the lock lever 36 and an open link 41. When the lock lever 36 is switched to the unlocked position U from the locked position L while an outer open lever 28 is in an actuated position Y, although the open link 41 is not displaced to an engaging position, the pressing spring 45 is compressed. The open link 41 is pushed out to the engaging position by elasticity of the pressing spring 45 when the outer open lever 28 is returned to a stand-by position X while the pressing spring 45 is compressed.

Abstract: A door lock device for vehicle includes a latch mechanism adapted to be a vehicle door at an inner space of the vehicle door for holding the vehicle door in closing condition against a vehicle body and sifted between an engaging condition and a disengaging condition, a link mechanism for shifts the latch mechanism from the engaging condition to the disengaging condition by an operation of a door handle mechanism which includes a handle member and a frame member arranged in the inner space of the vehicle door for supports the handle member to the vehicle door and connection means for detachably connected with the frame member of the door handle mechanism.

Abstract: A locking belt is used with a container having an annular end portion defining a top opening and a removable cover overlying the opening. The locking belt comprises a split circular ring, generally U-shaped in cross section, having first and second ends and including an outer circumferential wall. A through opening is in the outer circumferential wall proximate the fist end. An arm extends outwardly from the outer circumferential wall proximate the second end to define a notch opening away from the second end. A lever arm has a near end and a distal end. The lever arm comprises an arcuate handle having sides proximate the near end to be received in the split circular ring and includes a tongue connected between the sides and extending outwardly from the near end. A connecting strap is provided for integrally connecting the split circular ring second end and the lever arm. The ring, the connecting strap and the lever arm are of one piece plastic construction.

Abstract: A security seal having a locking body and a thread having a first end attached to the body and a second free end, the body having an entry opening for insertion of the second end of the thread and further, inside it a locking device that permits passage of the second end of the thread in the insertion direction and prevents withdrawal of the thread in the opposite direction. The locking device is in the form of wedges (14) to open and close the passage for the thread (2). The wedges (6) are linked to the rest of the body by spring connection portions (20) and molded together with the body in order to facilitate its manufacture.

Abstract: A truck mounted attenuator (TMA) is constructed to minimize length during use in a horizontal position and height in a vertical transport position, as well as to minimize wind resistance and buffeting at highway speeds. A modular construction is employed, so that only damaged portions of the TMA can be removed and replaced in the field after a vehicle impact. The TMA comprises a plurality of outwardly curved tubular structural members which are designed to buckle upon application to the TMA of forces resulting from vehicular impact. The rigid tubes buckle at a high initial force, then proceed to crush at a lower force once the sides have buckled outwardly sufficiently to protect vehicle occupants during the critical first two feet of travel after impact. This design also provides increased protection for errant vehicles which impact the TMA device from an angle (i.e. “coffin corner” impact).

Abstract: A truck bed camper shell and hard tonneau cover device is provided which is activated for movement between a raised truck bed camper shell position and a lowered hard tonneau cover position by remote activation of actuators such as pneumatics or hydraulic cylinders or a screw drive mechanism.

Abstract: A portable component assembly device for extending the length of the pickup bed for hauling objects longer than the bed of the pickup is adapted to the receiver hitch attached to the rear end of a pickup with a primary support bar inserted within the receiver hitch with a first upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the primary support bar beyond the tailgate to support objects up to ten feet in length with a second upright horizontal support bar connected to the primary bar having a second upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the secondary support bar to support objects longer than ten feet. Each first and second upright horizontal support bar includes a set of adjustable width anchor chocks attached to each support bar, with the second upright horizontal support bar including running lights with brake and turn indicators connected to the vehicle wiring system by a wiring harness.

Abstract: A fire wall for defining an engine room and a tank chamber is disposed in a body. The fire wall is provided with a tool storage section. Direct conduction of heat from a hydraulic oil tank to the tool storage section is prevented. Even if hydraulic oil stored in the hydraulic oil tank becomes hot, increase in the temperature of the tool storage section is limited. A sufficient space for storage of tools is ensured.

Abstract: A multi-functional cargo area assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a first and a second sidewall disposed in a transversely spaced relationship, and an integrally formed guide track in the first and second sidewalls. The cargo area assembly also includes extendible sidewall portions. The cargo area assembly further includes a movable divider panel supported with the guide track by a support rod, and extending transversely between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the divider panel includes a positioning mechanism for fixedly locating the divider panel.

Abstract: A modular storage apparatus having a base member comprised of an outer shell and an interior support frame. The outer shell has a bottom surface configured to attach to the tie down bolts of a rear seating support of a typical Sports Utility Vehicle. A top surface may be reversibly inset within lateral support walls to serve as a base for cargo contained in various attachments. One or more compartments contained within the outer shell may be actuated between an open and closed position by sliding each compartment along an opposing pair of interior support frame members. The outer shell, in combination with moveable magnets and threaded engagement means, provides support for various cargo containing attachment members.

Abstract: A lid operating device for switching a lid between a closed position and an open position relative to a main body includes a first urging device for urging the lid from the closed position to a mid position before reaching the open position, and a second urging device for urging the lid from the open position to the mid position. A striker is disposed on the lid or main body, and a latching device is disposed on the main body or lid for engaging the striker to hold the lid at the closed position. The lid is automatically rotated from the closed position to the mid position by the first urging device, and manually rotated from the mid position to the open position against the urging force of the second urging device.

Abstract: Clip for attaching a bed liner to a cargo area of a vehicle such as a pickup truck can include a body to which is attached an ear, and attached to the ear, a toe that can engage a vertical portion of a wall of the bed liner; optionally, a hole may be provided in the body to disengage the toe from the bed liner wall opposite the toe. The clip in another embodiment can include a body to which is attached a biasing upper extension arm, and a laterally directed retaining member, and between the body and the laterally directed retaining member is provided at least one gap for receiving a wall portion of the bed liner; optionally, a recess may be provided to accommodate a blind lip tab of the pickup truck cargo area wall.

Abstract: A vehicle body panel structure comprises an outer panel, an inner panel facing the outer panel, and a trim of a cabin interior. In the vehicle body panel structure, at least one surface of a back surface of the outer panel, both surfaces of the inner panel, and a surface of the trim facing the outer panel has both functions of heat insulation and heat dissipation by partially providing a heat insulation section to insulate heat for the at least one surface.

Abstract: A closure assembly is mounted on a vehicle and moveable between a closed position and at least one open position. The closure assembly includes a closure structure mounted to an associated vehicle for movement between the closed position and the at least one open position. A first lock assembly is selectively locking the closure structure to the associated vehicle. A second lock assembly is selectively locking the closure structure to the associated vehicle. One of the first and second lock assemblies includes a latch that requires overstroking to lock the latch in a latched position.

Abstract: A locking devices may include a striker and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a base plate having a slot that can receive the striker, a latch rotatably attached to the base plate, a pawl rotatably attached to the base plate, and a cam member rotatably attached to the base plate. The locking mechanism includes a force transmitting path for transmitting a force that urges the locking mechanism in a locking condition to be disengaged from the striker. The force transmitting path passes through the cam member and includes a force interrupting portion positioned therein. The force interrupting portion is arranged and constructed to interrupt the force transmitting path when the force exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective cover having a first panel superimposed over and connected to a second panel. The first panel is connected to the second panel such that the first panel is slidably moveable relative to the second panel so that the first panel will be sheared relative to the second panel upon the first panel being impacted by a force having a component which is non-perpendicular to the first panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel has a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet to form an air chamber. A valve is disposed through the panels and manually operable between an open condition and a closed condition to allow air to be selectively removed from and drawn into the air chamber of the first panel. The air chamber is provided with a resilient, open-celled, foam panel to cause air to be drawn into the air chamber upon expansion of the foam panel from a collapsed condition.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus for an opening and closing body of a vehicle. The opening and closing apparatus includes a reciprocating member connected at its connecting portion to a motor so as to be moved to reciprocate along a plane perpendicular to a hinge shaft, the reciprocating member having a side surface parallel with the plane perpendicular to the hinge shaft. A connecting member is provided having a first end section pivotally attached to an end portion of the reciprocating member, and a second end section fixed to the opening and closing body. A deflection-suppressing device is provided to a stationary body connected to the vehicle body. A part of the side surface of the reciprocating member is slidably contacted with the deflection-suppressing device and is located between the connecting portion of the reciprocating member and the connecting member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle is provided. The door assembly includes a guide track attached to a door, a slider positioned within the guide track, and a connecting member connecting the slider to the vehicle door frame. The connecting member has a vehicle end and a slider end and is arranged to be attached to the vehicle at the vehicle end and to the slider at the slider end. The connecting member and the slider are arranged to enable the door to translate relative to the vehicle along the guide track.

Abstract: A recreational utility trailer having a subfloor and a fold-up top deck creating a storage space therebetween for storing a fabric shelter. The trailer also has movable suspension and hinged tongue for raising the trailer to a transit position and for lowering the trailer to a loading position. The suspension uses fluid cylinders to raise and lower the trailer. A hinged frame supports the fabric shelter when erected, and is storable between the subfloor and top deck. Attachment points may be provided to secure one or more accessories or a load to the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle air drag reduction system is provided for mounting on the rearward facing surface of a vehicle, and in particular a truck trailer, that provides improved efficiency. The system comprises a flexible panel that will assume a cone-shape at the rearward end of the trailer, and which is held in place by a plurality of support rods fitted within the flexible panel, and which attach to brackets mounted on said trailer. An inexpensive and simple air drag reduction system is provided which is easily attached or removed from a vehicle is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly including a portion that is subject to deformation during vehicle impact events includes a body component, and at least one deformation control plate carried by the vehicle body assembly to engage the body component and inhibit deformation of the body component beyond a threshold amount. The deformation control plate is arranged to engage with the frame component only when the frame component is deformed beyond a first amount. Further deformation of the frame component bends or otherwise deforms the deformation control plate which provides a force resisting further deformation of the frame component and also dissipates the kinetic impact energy away from the deforming area of the frame component.

Abstract: An operator's cab for a work machine includes a ceiling structure and a floor structure. An operator's station is disposed between the ceiling structure and the floor structure, and is configured to position an operator in a driving position. First and second vertical support bars extend from the ceiling structure to the floor structure. The first and second vertical support bars are disposed forwardly of the operator's station and are spaced a substantially equal distance from a longitudinal axis of the work machine. Third and fourth vertical support bars also extend from the ceiling structure to the floor structure. The third and fourth vertical support bars are spaced a substantially equal distance from the longitudinal axis. The distance from the first and second vertical support bars to the longitudinal axis is less than the distance from the third and fourth vertical support bars to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A retractable pillar is used in a convertible vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a pillar is automatically retracted and extended. A further aspect of the present invention rotates at least a portion of the pillar during its movement. In still another aspect of the present invention, a retractable B-pillar provides weatherstrip sealing to a door-mounted window.

Abstract: In a floor panel structure of a vehicle body in which a floor of an automotive vehicle is formed by a floor panel coupled to a plurality of frame members extending in substantially longitudinal and width directions of the vehicle, there are provided a panel area formed by being enclosed at least by the frame members, a heavy-weight area located at a substantially central portion of the panel area, and a peripheral area located substantially around the heavy-weight area, wherein the heavy-weight area is configured so as to be heavier than the peripheral area. Accordingly, the vibration energy transmitted from the frame members to the floor panel can be reduced and thereby the acoustic emission generated from the floor panel can be reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle structure, preferably applied to a vehicle with 2-door automobiles with the intention of inhabitation of center pillar deformation, particularly intrusion inside the vehicle, as a side impact collision, including: a rear roof rail which is placed in a reward position of a center pillar and which forms a rear end of a roof of a vehicle; and a connector which connects a closed section formed on the center pillar and a closed section formed on the rear roof rail so that the first and the second closed sections are formed into a continuous closed section and which includes a side roof rail part which forms a portion of a side roof rail that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A process for spot-welding hydroformed members allows at least one hydroformed member to be positioned with an end butted against a lateral side of the second hydroformed member. A structural shell member sandwiches the joint around the two hydroformed members to provide a surface to which each of the hydroformed members can be spot-welded. The U-shaped structural support receives the lateral side of one hydroformed member in the bight portion thereof and has arms that are positioned against the perpendicularly positioned second hydroformed member. Each of the hydroformed members are formed with access openings therein to allow spot-welding electrodes to be positioned against an appropriate wall of the hydroformed member and the adjacent portion of the U-shaped structural shell member. The joint is rigidly formed by spot-welding each of the hydroformed members to the structural support. The process is particularly adapted for utilization in the manufacture of automotive frames.

Abstract: An area-reducing surface texture applied to a noise-prone portion of a vehicle panel or part where it makes contact with an unsecured length of wire harness, duct or other conduit. A plurality of small spaced structures is formed on or in the surface with their distal ends in contact with the wire harness, duct or other conduit. The total area of the contact ends of the structures is less than the original noise-prone surface area. This reduces the area of contact between the noise-prone portion of the panel and the wire harness, duct or other conduit.

Abstract: A roof unit having an outer skin, an inward facing ceiling, whereby the outer skin and the ceiling are combined to form a unit ready for installation, a base structure having longitudinal frames. The ceiling and the outer skin along with the basic structure have joining configurations that mate the ceiling and the outer skin to the base structure at mutual places for joining. The ceiling has a sandwich structure including a middle layer of foam, at least one side of the middle layer being provided with one of a fiber mat and a glass fiber fleece and at least one of a plastic film, a cover film, a decorative overlay and a functional overlay.

Abstract: An open roof construction of a vehicle comprises a closure element that mates with a roof opening, which closure element is movable along a first longitudinal guide and a second longitudinal guide. To this end, the closure element includes a front support, which is supported in the first longitudinal guide, and a guide element, which is slidable in the second longitudinal guide. An adjusting element, which is movable in the longitudinal direction by means of an actuating element being driven from the drive unit, is disposed under said closure element, which adjusting element is fitted with the guide element and which is arranged for moving the guide element into and out of engagement with the second longitudinal guide. Optionally, the adjusting element moves laterally during the longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A sunshade apparatus for shading a chair has a pair of vertical support legs, a pair of attachment elements, a pair of horizontally extending arms, and a flexible canopy element for shading the chair. Each of the attachment elements is attached to a bottom end of one of the support legs and is adapted for mounting the sunshade apparatus on the chair. Each of the pair of horizontally extending arms is attached to one of the support legs with a hinge. A locking element functions to lock the pair of horizontally extending arms in the extended configuration with respect to the pair of vertical support legs. A folding element joins the horizontally extending arms and folds between a collapsed configuration wherein the arms are adjacent, and a spread configuration wherein the arms are laterally spaced.

Abstract: An improved foodstuffs container configured to be readily received with a cup holder having a relatively standard size recess such as that commonly provided in armrests of many theater chairs so as to hold the container while the patron is not eating or optionally, drinking from the cup is disclosed. The container includes a walled tray structure supported by a contiguous container base sized and shaped to be supported within the standard cup holder. The walled tray structure may be configured with a planar or other shaped bottom, with or without partitions to received the desired foodstuffs either in volume or in discretely separated portions. The container base has an interior recess contiguous with the volume of the walled tray structure to receive and support additional foodstuffs readily accessed from above.

Abstract: The structure of the seat proper of a vehicle seat comprises: a frame for a seat proper, the frame including a side cheek plate; and a coupling system comprising a link mounted to pivot on a base to enable the seat proper to move at least vertically relative to said base. The coupling system has a first latch surface. The seat structure further comprises an anchoring element provided with a second latch surface. The anchoring element is mounted to move on the cheek plate between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A chair has a backrest and a pair of armrests. A pair of support struts for supporting the backrest is connected to a shaft of a base under a seat. The armrest is supported by an arm post. An operating lever is mounted on the upper front end of the arm post. When the backrest is tilted, it is held at a desired angle by pressing up the operating lever.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a continuously operable seat-reclining device having an improved actuator to substantially carry out a reclining operation of the reclining device such that an actuating force of a shaft is uniformly transmitted to the entirety of a coupling. The continuously operable seat-reclining device basically comprises an upper teeth bracket and a lower teeth bracket securely fixed to a seat back frame and a cushion frame, respectively, the upper teeth bracket being provided with upper teeth, the lower teeth bracket being provided with lower teeth, the upper teeth of the upper teeth bracket being engaged with the lower teeth of the lower teeth bracket, a cam hole formed at the center of the lower teeth bracket, and an actuator disposed between the cam hole and the cam-maintaining ring for moving the upper teeth bracket relative to the lower teeth bracket.

Abstract: A second row seat is guided by a vehicle-longitudinal-direction sliding mechanism and a vehicle-width-direction siding mechanism supported on the vehicle-longitudinal-direction sliding mechanism. The vehicle-width-direction sliding mechanism is configured such that a length thereof is set within a width of a recess portion formed at the bottom face of a seat cushion so as to allow the vehicle-width-direction sliding mechanism to be placed within the recess portion when the seat cushion has been moved forward and downward by a moving mechanism. Accordingly, a load floor formed by a back face of a seat back according to a forward movement of the seat back with its lower and horizontal position can be obtained.

Abstract: A power folding seat for installation within a vehicle includes a seat cushion mountable to the vehicle, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion, and a power actuator disposed within the seat back for automatically rotating the seat back between an upright position and a folded position. The power actuator includes a power seat recliner, a latch assembly, a power head restraint adjuster, and a control system coupled to the power seat recliner, the latch assembly, and the power head restraint adjuster. The control system includes a signal receiver which is configured to receive commands from a remote transmitter, and a data processor coupled to the signal receiver. The data processor controls the power seat recliner, the power latch actuator and the power head restraint adjuster, and is configured to move the seat back between the upright position and the folded position in accordance with the received remote commands.

Abstract: The invention herein allows for manually positioning telescoping members relative to each other in a variety of positions within a given range of motion such as for movable chair backs or arms. A strut is engaged with and telescopically slides in a mounting member while deformable guide members provide for frictional engagement of the strut within the mounting member. A détente limits the range of motion of the strut relative to the mounting member. The détente comprises a stud or tab which engages a slot in the mounting member.

Abstract: The frame of the automobile vehicle seat back comprises a body extending over a general plane and functional components joined to the body, serving notably to attach or reinforce it. It is made in one piece from an overmoulded plastic material that forms the body, reinforced by a reinforcing strip comprising a woven band of mineral and plastic material fibers, the reinforcing strip extending in the general plane of the frame and interconnecting at least two of the functional components comprising inserts at least partially embedded in the body.

Abstract: An integrated dump body storage compartment is provided. The integrated dump body storage compartment includes a dump body and a framed assembly. The framed assembly further includes at least one access opening and has its longitudinal axis mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the dump body. The framed assembly defines a storage area therewithin.

Abstract: A rider surface maintenance vehicle with variable dynamic braking, in contrast to a mechanically-engaged braking system that uses a brake cable. A brake pedal engages a sensor that encodes the pedal position as an electronic signal. The electronic signal, along with the vehicle velocity, determines a machine deceleration rate, or braking rate, either by calculation, lookup table, or a combination of the two. The braking rate may be tuned so that the of the brake mimics or approximates the feel of a conventional mechanically-engaged brake that uses a brake cable. During stopping, once the vehicle passes below a threshold velocity, a parking brake is automatically engaged. The braking rate is converted to a duty cycle, and the braking is preferably accomplished by pulse width modulation (PWM) of an electrical load applied in parallel to the motor.

Abstract: A braking system comprises one or more brake cylinders (100, 200, 300, 400) each associated with one or more wheels, a fluid supply (10), and a brake control (14) for commanding the feeding of fluid to the cylinder or cylinders via one or more brake valves and one or more brake pipes (44, 46). The system also comprises a function selector (50) adapted to adopt an antislip mode position (50A) or antilock mode positions in which it connects a branch pipe (52) to a fluid feed pipe (54) or to a return line (56) and a control valve (110, 210, 310, 410) for the or each brake cylinder adapted to adopt a normal braking position (100A, 210A, 310A, 410A) to connect the cylinder to the brake pipe (44, 46) and one or more special mode positions (110B, 210B, 310B, 410B) to connect the cylinder to the branch pipe (52) that the function selector connects to the return line or to the feed.

Abstract: A brake-by-wire type vehicle brake system is arranged to return a piston of a master cylinder to a normal position by opening a shutoff valve so as to supply a hydraulic pressure of a pump to the master cylinder when the shutoff valve is closed and a stroke simulator is put in shutoff state and to close the shutoff valve when the stroke simulator is put in communicating state by returning the pistons of the master cylinder to the normal position.

Abstract: The brake lining and wear estimation system operates using extant vehicle sensors such as those used to implement height and stability control systems or anti-lock brake systems. This minimizes, or eliminates, the need to modify the brake units themselves. Compressed air systems used on heavy duty vehicles to support the operation of various systems, including air brakes, provide pressure monitoring features in various pneumatic circuits, which can be monitored to estimate brake lining application pressure or vehicle loading. Vehicle speed and brake actuation periods are derived from other commonly employed sensors. Data collected from the sensors is supplied to a central, programmable computer over a data bus to generate the heat and wear estimates.