Abstract: A solenoid flow control valve includes: an inlet passage that allows an inlet port to communicate with a pilot pressure chamber; an outlet passage that allows the pilot pressure chamber to communicate with an outlet port; a fixed restrictor provided on the outlet passage; a pilot spool that closes the inlet passage when a solenoid is in a non-excitation state, whereas when solenoid is in an excitation state, opens inlet passage at an opening degree corresponding to an input current value to generate a pilot pressure corresponding to the input current value in pilot pressure chamber, the pilot spool opening a bypass passage when input current value is less and closes bypass passage when input current value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value; and a main spool that controls a flow rate from inlet to outlet port in accordance with the pilot pressure chamber's pilot pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a motor vehicle with an electric parking brake. The system includes a clutch sensor, generating a clutch sensor signal representing operation of a clutch of the motor vehicle. A gear selection sensor generates a sensor signal indicating a particular gear selection or position of a manual gearbox of the motor vehicle. Using these and if needed other various inputs, the system generates a deactivation signal for releasing the electric parking brake when a clutch operation is detected and the vehicle gearbox is positioned or has a gear selection other than a neutral position of the manual gearbox.

Abstract: A method of operating a drive-train (1) of a motor vehicle, in particular an agricultural or municipal utility vehicle, having a drive engine (2), a motor vehicle transmission (4) and at least one drive axle (6). A connection between the drive engine (2) and the at least one drive axle (6) of the motor vehicle is separate automatically by way of a function, and a service brake (11) of the motor vehicle has to be actuated for activation of the function. To ensure an appropriate starting gear selection in various operating situations, during the course of the function triggered by a braking process, a brake pressure (pBrems), applied during the process, is determined and a starting gear is automatically determined as a function of the brake pressure (pBrems).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling movement of an active payload support system. In one example, a seat system for a vehicle includes a seat, a support structure coupled to the seat and including an actuator configured to move the seat at a command angle relative to a floor of the vehicle responsive to movement of the vehicle, at least one sensor positioned to detect movement of the vehicle, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor, generate a command signal to instruct the actuator to move the seat relative to a floor of the vehicle, determine whether the command signal will cause the seat to exceed a limit, scale the command signal to conform to movement of the vehicle within the limit, and provide a force command to the actuator to move the seat based on the scaled command signal.

Abstract: An enteral pump system for delivering medical fluids unidirectionally includes a disposable fluid delivery set having a repeatable compression portion and an enteral feeding pump. The repeatable compression portion is helically coiled around a central axis to define a cylindrical shape. The compression portion is configured to pump a large volume of medical fluids per stroke. The compressing portion includes at least two adjacent tubing walls joined around the central axis for repeatable compression. The enteral feeding pump is configured to repeatedly and reliably compress the compression portion of the fluid delivery set along the central axis. In operation, the compression portion is repeatably compressed without distortion along the central axis by the enteral feeding pump to flow unidirectionally through the fluid delivery set.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to an input member of a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque to an output member coupled to a ground wheel with the internal combustion engine in an ON state generating an input torque. A method for controlling the vehicle includes identifying an undesirable operating region including an input/output torque region for operating the multi-mode transmission. In response to an operator request for creep torque, motor torque is controlled from a torque machine coupled to the multi-mode transmission such that the multi-mode transmission is operating outside the undesirable operating region while a mechanical braking torque to the ground wheel is coincidentally controlled in response to an operator-commanded braking, the input torque from the engine, and the motor torque from the torque machine.

Abstract: An air brake locking device for a vehicle includes a main body having a pair of internal channels capable of connecting to a vehicle air line, a valve interposed between the internal channels for controlling the flow of air, and a control unit for regulating the operation of the valve.

Abstract: A vehicle with a braking force retaining unit, which retains braking force after releasing the brake pedal, wherein driving force of the vehicle is increased if displacement of the vehicle is detected while the braking force retaining unit is in operation.

Abstract: A pressure-holding valve for a brake system having a body with a blind bore therein. The body has a first passage which connects the blind bore with a variable pressure inlet port and a pressure outlet port. The blind bore is closed by seals carried on a plug having an axial passage therein connecting said inlet port with a second passage connected to the first passage. A non-return valve is located in said blind bore between the plug and the bottom of the blind bore while a valve controlled by an electromagnet is locate in the plug. In response to an operational signal the valve controlled by the electromagnet is moved into engagement with a seat to interrupt communication between the inlet port and the first passage.

Abstract: An automobile brake system includes a master cylinder, a wheel cylinder and a solenoid actuated valve between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder. The solenoid actuated valve is actuatable for maintaining high fluid pressure in the wheel cylinder after a brake pedal associated with the master cylinder has been released in order to prevent unwanted rearward rolling movement of a vehicle once it has stopped.

Abstract: A brake fluid control cylinder assembly for use in a brake system of an automobile comprises a cylindrical housing, two coaxially-spaced chambers therein and an internal flange wall therebetween, a coaxial opening in the flange wall, front and rear pistons slidable in the respective chambers, each having respective piston rods extending therefrom, brake fluid inlets and outlets for each chamber, check valves in the outlets to allow flow of pressurized brake fluid to the wheel cylinders, a bracket for mounting the housing on the vehicle body, a lever arm pivotally mounted on the bracket and engageable by a member extending from the clutch pedal, a push rod on the lever arm engageable with the rear piston so that operation of the clutch pedal moves both pistons in the direction to pressurize brake fluid in the chambers and cause flow through the check valves to actuate the brakes, and a sliding pin spring-urged into the rear of the rear cylinder chamber to engage the rear end of the rear piston upon return ther

Abstract: This invention relates to a hill-holder which prevents backward rolling of a vehicle when starting the vehicle on a hill facing upwardly. The hill-holder comprises a solenoid valve assembly having a cylindrical core, in its central portion and a bobbin surrounding the cylindrical core. The cylindrical core has two opposite grooves for communication on its outer surface and comprises a rod having a conical-shaped head. Even when the solenoid valve assembly is energized, it is possible for the fluid pressure to flow from the master cylinder assembly to the wheel cylinder assembly. However, the fluid having passed will not be returned unless the switch for a side brake is off or the clutch pedal is depressed.

Abstract: A braking force holding device for an air brake system, maintains a braking force when a vehicle is stopped facing upwardly on a hill to facilitate the start of the vehicle on the hill. The braking force holding device includes a main body having an inlet port connected to a brake valve, an outlet port connected to a pneumatic relay valve, a control port connected to the pneumatic actuator of a clutch operating device, and a passage interconnecting the inlet port and the outlet port; a valve device capable of intercepting the flow of air from the outlet port toward the inlet port; and a control unit for controlling the valve device.

Abstract: A liquid pressure operated braking system comprises a valve assembly with a first valve operatively coupled to a clutch pedal for confining the liquid pressure applied to the associated group of wheel cylinders when the clutch pedal is depressed and a second valve. The second valve includes a stepped piston having a large pressure acting area and a small pressure acting area and an elastomeric valve body adapted to close a valve bore when the stepped piston assumes a predetermined position. The valve body defining a third pressure acting area when the second valve is closed which is exposed to the liqiud pressure in the valve bore. The valve bore is connected to the associated source of liquid pressure, i.e., a tandem master cylinder.

Abstract: A brake control device for preventing backward movement of a vehicle on an uphill road during operation of the clutch pedal after release of the brake pedal, the device including a cylinder body having oil passages for connection between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinders of the vehicle. A spring biased hollow plunger is reciprocably received within the cylinder body to provide flow communication between the oil passages in a first position thereof when the brake pedal is actuated, and to prevent the oil from returning from the wheel cylinders in a second position thereof when the clutch pedal is actuated upon release of the brake pedal. An electromagnetic switch-activated system moves the hollow plunger from the first position to the second position when the clutch pedal is actuated.

Abstract: A brake control mechanism (14) includes a housing (20) with a stepped bore (22). A valve member (44) cooperates with a seat (46) to close communication from a master cylinder (10) to a brake assembly (12) when a vehicle is going up a hill. An actuator assembly (78) is operatively coupled to a clutch assembly (16) and is comprised of a plate (50) to control operation of the valve assembly in response to actuation of the clutch assembly (16). The plate (50) includes a relatively small axial dimension and forms a central opening (54) for receiving the valve member (44).

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device which maintains the braking function of the braking fluid by preventing reverse flow thereof through a closed main valve opening from the wheel cylinder back to the master cylinder until, following an authorized procedure, the main valve opening is cleared. As an improvement over the prior art, the main valve opening is closed manually by a member being seated therein, and this member is then held in place under pressure, the member, however, having an internal pressure-releasing valve for releasing the "holding pressure" when it is necessary to move the member into a clearance position off of the valve opening.