Abstract: A braking device, for a motor vehicle brake system. The braking device has at least one movable activation element, at least one device for monitoring the position and movement of at least one activation element, and at least one compressible, electrically conductive device spring which is elastically prestressed between two abutments, wherein at least one of the abutments is of movable design, and the movement of the abutment is coupled at least partially to a movement of at least one activation element. The device spring is provided for moving at least one of the abutments into its unactivated release position. The invention proposes that the device spring be assigned a sensing function for monitoring the position and movement of at least one activation element. A degree of compression of the device spring can be sensed, and the device spring is arranged in an electrically insulated fashion between the two abutments.

Abstract: A ring-shaped thrust bearing extending in an axial direction having an inner surface includes a first axial groove in the inner surface having a first flat wall and a second flat wall; and a first principal strain sensor positioned on the first flat wall of the first axial groove to measure compression in the axial direction.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for an air disk brake includes an actuator housing having a pushrod that is extensible from the actuator housing. A lever arm is disposed inside a caliper housing. The lever arm is actuated by the pushrod for transferring motion from the actuator to a brake pad. A sensor element is disposed between the actuator housing and the caliper housing with the sensor element being sealably engaged to the actuator housing providing an air tight enclosure between the caliper housing and the actuator. An inspection port is disposed in the sensor element providing access to receive a visual sensor and a pressure sensor for identifying a condition of the brake actuator and for identifying a condition of the air tight enclosure.

Abstract: The monitoring of a brake is disclosed. The brake includes first and second braking surfaces and a magnetizing device arranged to move the braking surfaces to an open state, in which the braking surfaces are separated from each other, and to a closed state, in which the braking surfaces are connected to each other. During the monitoring of the brake, the time is measured that elapses from the change in the magnetic field caused by the magnetizing device to the shift of the braking surfaces from one state to another.

Abstract: In a method for providing the application force generated by a parking brake, which is at least partially generated by an electromechanical brake device having an electric brake motor, a retensioning process is terminated in the event that (i) the motor current exceeds a limit value or (ii) the rotational speed of the motor drops below a limit value.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for brake application force measurement of a disc brake, includes two components of the disc brake which can be displaced relative to each other along a travel path when a brake application force is applied, at least one brake application force sensor with a housing; a measurement object which can be permanently connected to one or the other of the two components and having at least one element or at least one target object which has at least one such element for contact-free interaction with the brake application force measurement sensor; and an evaluation unit. The brake application force sensor is designed for the detection of a displacement of the measurement object along the path with the evaluation unit for the conversion of the detected displacement in a measurement variable as a measurement for the brake application force. The brake application force sensor and the measurement object can be mounted with each of the two components in a removable manner.

Abstract: A method in which at least one piezoceramic sensor, which converts every mechanical force to which it is subjected into an electrical signal and having a Curie temperature higher than 200° C., is solidarized directly onto the surface of a metal support element of a vehicle braking element, which during use faces a vehicle element to be braked. While in contact with such a surface, an electrical circuit is implemented that picks up and eventually processes the electrical signal, the electrical circuit being connected with a connector integrated with the metal support element. An electrically insulating layer sandwiches the at least one piezoceramic sensor and the electrical circuit, and a block of friction material with an underlying damping layer is formed upon the electrically insulating layer. After forming the block of friction material, the piezoceramic sensor is polarized by applying a predetermined potential difference thereto by means of the connector.

Abstract: In combination with a railway car hand brake, there is an apparatus for sensing the hand brake release comprising a housing and a mounting mechanism for attaching the housing to a cover of such hand brake. An actuating mechanism is disposed in the housing. A sleeve member is disposed on the actuating mechanism and includes a flange. A flexible connecting mechanism engages the sleeve member and a winding gear portion of the hand brake. A sensing mechanism is disposed in the housing and aligned with the actuating mechanism. A securement mechanism is disposed on the sensing mechanism and mounted on the cover of the hand brake. A compression member is disposed in the housing and engages the flange of the sleeve member, whereby an electrical or magnetic signal will be received from the actuating mechanism by the sensing mechanism.

Abstract: A control method for a parking release apparatus of a shift-by-wire shifting device can improve the commercial value of a vehicle by improving safety of the vehicle and preventing robbery, by interfering with or preventing an attempt of abnormally and manually releasing a parking state of the vehicle when there is no problem in the electric system of the vehicle, using a part provided to be manually operated in the parking release apparatus such that a P-stage state and an N-stage state can be manually switched when a problem, such as discharge, occurs in the electric system, in the vehicle equipped with a shift by wire apparatus.

Abstract: A ring-shaped thrust bearing extending in an axial direction having an inner surface includes a first axial groove in the inner surface having a first flat wall and a second flat wall; and a first principal strain sensor positioned on the first flat wall of the first axial groove to measure compression in the axial direction.

Abstract: A spring loaded smart loading dock bumper has an indicator light that illuminates when the bumper is pressed. As a trailer backs up to a loading dock, for example, drivers often have a hard time judging when their trailer will be close enough to the loading dock, often resulting in bumping into the loading dock, damaging the dock and/or the trailer. With the spring loaded smart loading dock bumper, the backing trailer can bump into the dock bumper, causing the bumper to resilient move to depress a switch, illuminating a light that can be easily seen by the driver.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a liquid level in an aircraft shock strut includes a cylinder having an internal chamber sealed by a piston telescopically movable within the cylinder. The chamber contains a gas and a liquid, and a sensor assembly is provided for monitoring a condition of a level of the liquid in the chamber. The sensor assembly includes at least one probe within the chamber, and a fitting assembly allows one or more leads from the probe to pass through the wall of the strut while maintaining pressure in the chamber. The fitting assembly includes a plug molded to the one or more leads extending from the probe. The fitting assembly also includes a retainer for holding the plug in sealed relationship with a through passage in the strut.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the status of a railcar handbrake having a hand operated handle, which device has a magnet configured to he inserted in the linkage of a railcar handbrake system. A sensing component is mounted on the railcar to sense the proximity of the magnet when the handbrake is applied. A system and method using the monitoring device to provide communication of an alarm when the handbrake is applied and the railcar is moving.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a brake caliper which engages over a brake disc and which has a caliper head and a caliper back connected thereto by tension struts. Brake pads are received in the brake caliper, are radially secured by a retaining bracket that extends in the axial direction of the brake disc, and can be forced against both sides of the brake disc. The disc brake further includes a measuring device which is connected to an evaluation unit for determining the brake application force and which is designed such that the measuring device has two base elements that can be displaced relative each other in the direction of brake application, one of the elements being a sensor and the other being a corresponding element actively connected thereto. One base element is arranged on the retaining bracket which is clamped on one side of the caliper head or on the caliper back and the other base element is arranged on the brake caliper on the side opposite the side on which the retaining bracket is clamped.

Abstract: A device for indirectly sensing tension of a chain in a railroad handbrake includes an elongated bore formed through a holding pawl of the handbrake, sensor target attached to the holding pawl and a sensor mounted in close proximity to an upper end of the housing so as to sense the sensor target. The ratchet wheel of the handbrake positions the sensor target for operative sensing alignment with the sensor during at least partial handbrake application. A biasing member moves the sensor target away from the operative sensing alignment during handbrake release.

Abstract: An anti-lock braking system includes a sensor apparatus that includes a sensor body. In a first position, the sensor body is positioned such that a desired gap is maintained between the sensor body and a reference point located on a tone ring, which is rotatably coupled to a corresponding wheel hub. In the first position, a spring-loaded plunger holds the sensor body in place. When the sensor body is moved to a second position, a plunger pin is displaced within the plunger, putting tension on an internal spring. The tension in the spring returns the sensor body to the first position.

Abstract: A brake sensor apparatus is provided, including a base unit, a movement unit, a spring, a first buckle unit and a second buckle unit. The movement unit is partially confined inside the base unit so that the movement of the movement unit is restricted to a short distance and along the direction of the base unit. The spring is to allow the retracted movement unit to be moved to the original position. The first buckle unit and the second buckle unit are engaged respectively to the outer wall of base unit and movement unit, and can be hanged and buckled to the positions of brake wire of the brake. In this manner, when the bicycle brakes, the movement unit is retracted into the base unit so as to trigger the trigger switch to connect the connected circuit.

Abstract: The method and system for increasing accuracy of clamping force of electric aircraft carbon brakes, once braking has been commenced, provides a first pair of electric brake actuators with a range of low brake clamping force responsive to low brake clamping force commands, and a second pair of electric brake actuators with a range of high brake clamping force responsive to high brake clamping force commands. The first pair of electric brake actuators is actuated to apply a minimum residual braking force once wheel braking is commenced, and the second pair of electric brake actuators is actuated only when the commanded braking force is in the high range of brake clamping force.

Abstract: A detector for an electromagnetic brake, for example used in an elevator system, that, by quantitative judgment, determines whether the brake force of the electromagnetic brake is appropriate. Load cells for detecting the recovery forces of brake springs are arranged between brake springs, which energize brake arms with brake shooes installed on them toward the side of brake wheel, and spring sheets, which hold brake springs in a compressive deformed state, and, at the same time, judgment part judges whether the brake force of electromagnetic brake 4 is outside a prescribed normal range based on the outputs of load cells. If the brake force of electromagnetic brake is outside the normal rnage, judgment part sends a signal, for example to a monitoring center.

Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.

Abstract: A system for electrical braking of a vehicle comprises a power bus coupled to a first driver associated with a first electromechanical actuator (EMA). The power bus is also coupled to a second driver associated with a second EMA, and the first EMA and the second EMA are associated with a wheel of the vehicle. The power bus provides braking power to the first EMA via the first driver and to the second EMA via the second driver. A normal braking command interface provides a first braking signal to the first driver and a second braking signal to the second driver. An emergency/park brake interface bypasses the normal braking command interface and sends a first emergency/park braking signal to the first driver and a second emergency/park braking signal to the second driver. A sensor measures a current at a single location of the power bus that is proportional to a braking force exerted on the wheel.

Abstract: A control method for a parking release apparatus of a shift-by-wire shifting device can improve the commercial value of a vehicle by improving safety of the vehicle and preventing robbery, by interfering with or preventing an attempt of abnormally and manually releasing a parking state of the vehicle when there is no problem in the electric system of the vehicle, using a part provided to be manually operated in the parking release apparatus such that a P-stage state and an N-stage state can be manually switched when a problem, such as discharge, occurs in the electric system, in the vehicle equipped with a shift by wire apparatus.

Abstract: A system and device for estimating an amount of time needed for a vehicle brake assembly to cool to a predetermined temperature includes a first input for receiving data indicative of a temperature of the brake assembly, a second input for receiving data indicative of at least one environmental condition that affects cooling of said brake assembly, a processor and memory, and logic stored in said memory and executable by said processor. The logic stored in memory includes logic that simulates a temperature response of the brake assembly based on the brake assembly temperature and the at least one environmental condition.

Abstract: A system includes a first detector, second detector and processor section. The first detector is provided to a first wheel in a first position in a vehicle. The second detector is provided to a second wheel in a second position in the vehicle. The vehicle includes a brake system configured to brake the first wheel in response to a signal designating the first position. The first detector is assigned with a first identifier and the second detector is assigned with a second identifier. The first detector is configured to output the first identifier to the processor section, in response to a change in rotation of the first wheel. The second detector is configured to output the second identifier to the processor section, in response to a change in rotation of the second wheel.

Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.

Abstract: A motor-driven parking brake apparatus includes a load sensor (pressure sensor) for detecting axial load of a screw shaft. The pressure sensor includes a transmission member which receives the axial load via a circular surface of a plate, and a casing which accommodates the transmission member and receives the axial load via the transmission member. This casing has a circular opening having an opening area smaller than the surface of the circular surface. The pressure sensor detects a pressure generated due to a load received from an exposed portion of the transmission member which is exposed from the circular opening. Due to characteristics of the transmission member, the load received from the exposed portion is a portion of the axial load and proportional to the axial load.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical brake achieves a safe traveling and braking with a high accuracy device for detecting a piston position at which a brake pad and a disk rotor contact each other. A pad contact position detecting device in which an electric circuit is not formed to prevent an electric current from flowing therethrough when a pad pressing force is not generated and the electric circuit is formed to enable the electric current to flow therethrough when the pad pressing force is generated is applied to the electro-mechanical brake. A pad contact position can thereby be detected accurately.

Abstract: A brake mechanism having a chain locator comprises a chain coupled between a braking mechanism and a railway car brake system, a marker is releasably secured to the chain, and a sensor is coupled to the railway car proximate the chain for detecting the state of the railway car brake system. The chain is moveable between a first position in which the marker is not sensed by the sensor, and a second position in which the sensor detects the marker.

Abstract: An equalizing tank for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, with a housing including a housing upper part and a housing lower part, and with a device for monitoring the fluid level in the equalizing tank, the device including a switching unit which is fastened to the housing and has a plug-in connector and a contact carrier, a portion of which projects into a guide pipe which extends into an interior space of the tank, and a sensor element or switching element which is arranged on the contact carrier in the region of the guide pipe and which can be switched by a transmitter in a switching point at which the switching unit generates a signal for an electronic control unit.

Abstract: A compact aircraft brake actuation measurement unit (5) mountable between left and right brake pedals for measuring the position of each pedal. The unit (5) can generate a signal indicative of a position of a pedal that can be used to control a brake assembly. The unit (5) can be mounted to a floor, bulkhead, forward wall, or any other suitable surface of a cockpit. The unit (5) includes sensors (20; 22), such as linear variable transducers (LVDTs), connectable to the pedals for sensing the position of the pedals.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an input brake command that indicates a desired amount of braking for a vehicle. A brake control signal is then derived from the input brake command to facilitate applying a braking force to a wheel of the vehicle, and the braking force facilitates achieving the desired amount of braking for the vehicle. The method further comprises determining that data from a sensor associated with the wheel is unavailable, and then modifying the brake control signal in response to determining that the data is unavailable. The modification may be based on sensor data or controller output associated with a second wheel where data is available. Such modification facilitates the desired amount of braking for the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric brake actuator and force transducer for the brake system of an aircraft is presented. A brake actuator includes a piston driven by a cylindrical nut and screw arrangement, driven by an appropriate motor of the actuator. Application of brake force results in a reactionary force that deflects the top cover of the actuator. The axial component of this deflection correlates directly with the brake force applied. A beam is interposed between this cover and a top cap, such that deflection of the beam correlates to applied brake face. Piezo-resistive devices are connected to the beam and, through a whetstone bridge, provide an electrical output signal correlating to applied brake force.

Abstract: A system for determining brake shoe effectiveness of a braking arrangement of a train during operation of the train including at least one brake database including braking data and at least one train database including train data. A control system is in communication with the at least one brake database and the at least one train database, and the control system dynamically determines brake shoe effectiveness data based upon the braking data and the train data, where the brake shoe effectiveness data includes the ability of the braking arrangement to retard the train to a specified level.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a liquid level in an aircraft shock strut includes a cylinder having an internal chamber sealed by a piston telescopically movable within the cylinder. The chamber contains a gas and a liquid, and a sensor assembly is provided for monitoring a condition of a level of the liquid in the chamber. The sensor assembly includes at least one probe within the chamber, and a fitting assembly allows one or more leads from the probe to pass through the wall of the strut while maintaining pressure in the chamber. The fitting assembly includes a plug molded to the one or more leads extending from the probe. The fitting assembly also includes a retainer for holding the plug in sealed relationship with a through passage in the strut.

Abstract: A method for determining the friction value of a disk brake, in particular of self-energizing disk brakes, in which the friction value is determined on the basis of the: motor current for the application direction and retraction direction, idle current Io, wedge angle ?, transmission constant K, and clamping force.

Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.

Abstract: Method of detecting a braking state of a braking device of a robot drive, having a frame device which, if required, applies braking forces to a rotating component of the robot drive by means of a first movable frame element. As a result, the braking device is shifted into at least two operating states, in particular a closed state or an open state. In the process, during the transition of the braking device from one state into the other, at least one measuring signal is recorded and a braking state is determined by comparing the at least one measuring signal with reference values established beforehand.

Abstract: A piston damper assembly includes a piston damper and a relative position sensor. The piston damper includes a damper body and a piston rod. The piston rod is axially movable within the damper body. The relative position sensor includes an axially-extending magnetic core, an excitation coil, and a position-sensing coil. The axially-extending magnetic core is movable with the piston rod, is located outside the damper body, and has first and second protrusions extending toward the damper body. The excitation coil is wound around the first protrusion, and the position-sensing coil is wound around the second protrusion. A piston-damper dust tube subassembly includes an axially-extending piston-damper dust tube and a relative position sensor. The relative position sensor includes an axially-extending magnetic core, an excitation coil, and a position-sensing coil. The axially-extending magnetic core is attached to the dust tube and has first and second protrusions.

Abstract: A disk brake, in particular for a motor vehicle, is provided. The disk includes a rotatable brake disk, a brake caliper covering the brake disk, an actuator for applying an actuation force and a friction lining applicable to the brake disk by means of the actuation force, and a device for measuring the actual braking force. In order to obtain the more reliable and accurate actual braking force measurement, the device for measuring the actual braking force uses the elastic enlargement of the brake caliper in the form of a measuring parameter and comprises an element having a first end secured to the brake caliper and a second free end, wherein a gap is formed in the extension direction between the brake caliper and the element. The device for measuring the actual braking force produces a signal according to the actual measure gap width.

Abstract: An electrically actuated aircraft brake with a carbon-carbon composite heat pack and an electrical actuator for engaging the heat pack and operating the brake. When the brake is not being applied, the brake actuator is adjusted in dependence upon temperature, for example, by controlling the actuator to maintain a temperature regulated position.

Abstract: A method for the operation of a hydraulic vehicle brake is provided. The brake includes a brake housing in which a hydraulic working pressure chamber is delimited by a displaceable brake piston, which is movable into operative connection with a brake disc in order to achieve a braking effect. A parking brake device acts on the brake piston and, in a condition where the brake piston is in operative connection with the brake disc, is lockable by a locking device. The locking device is activated by a force-transmitting element, which is operable by an electromagnetic actuator with at least one coil, one yoke and one armature, wherein the position of the force-transmitting element connected to the armature is determined because the change in inductance of the coil is determined depending on the armature movement in such a way that the result of the determination is independent of the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A force measuring device for a parking brake of a vehicle has a housing, having a Bowden cable for actuating the parking brake and having a force measuring element for determining the cable force. The Bowden cable is guided through the housing and has first and second stops which are fastened to the Bowden cable, wherein under loading of the Bowden cable, the first stop is fixedly supported on a housing inner side and the opposite, second stop is supported on the force measuring element which is provided between the housing and the second stop, wherein a movement of the second stop is generated corresponding to the loading of the Bowden cable, which movement leads, at the force measuring element, to a corresponding measurement value for the force transmitted by the Bowden cable. The force measuring device is provided for parking brakes for passenger vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the usage of brake members of an aircraft braking system.

Abstract: In a brake-by-wire system, upon application of the brake pedal (3), the actuator (55) will deactivate the device (5), which connects and disconnects the simulator, during a predefined switching time (T2-T3). The movement of the brake pedal (3) in the direction of actuation, which movement occurs during the switching time, or the reaction of the connecting and disconnecting device (5), which reaction is caused by movement of the brake pedal (3), is sensed and evaluated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring electrically-actuated aircraft brakes includes measuring the break heat pack thickness to determine wear of the brake discs and adjusting the measurement so as to give ongoing compensation for temperature variations and hence expansion of the heat pack.

Abstract: In a disc brake control system for a vehicle, a control unit determines that a brake disc is in a condition of a thermal inclination of brake disc, and further determines that the brake disc is restored from the thermal inclination. The control unit operates an actuator of a disc brake devices to push a brake pad to the brake disc, when it determines that the brake disc is restored from the thermal inclination. According to such operation, the brake pad is moved to its normal position to the brake disc, so that a brake drag of the brake pad to the brake disc is suppressed.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the applications of carbon-carbon brakes of an aircraft to determine brake condition and operate a brake maintenance program or charge a brake system user. The system and method includes monitoring each actuation of the brakes and making a separate record of each actuation of the brakes in which there is relative movement of the facing friction surfaces that cause wear, and from that separate record determining brake usage. The monitoring may include measuring changes and processing the signals to distinguish between those which fall below and those which are above a threshold value. The method and system may comprise sensing a plurality of braking parameters having values dependent upon the wear in the system and different faults of the system, and identifying and recording wear and faults based on combinations of values of the parameters.

Abstract: A brake system includes a piston for applying an output force to a brake, a motor operatively connected to the piston and a controller receiving a braking request and sending a brake force signal commanding a level of brake force to the motor to cause the motor to move the piston and apply an output force to the brake. When the brake force signal remains at a first level for a given period of time, the controller automatically decreases, or increases and then decreases, the level of the brake force signal from a first value. Also a method of controlling such a brake system.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the application of a motor vehicle automatic parking brake by measuring a physical property (either resistivity or electrical conductivity) of a friction lining (3) of a brake pad (2) throgh a measurement apparatus (5) electrically connected to the friction lining and comparing the values measured during and after the application of the automatic parking brake with values prerecorded in memory to identify the position of the parking brake.

Abstract: An electromagnetic braking system includes a brake stack (20), a ram (18) shiftable in a first linear direction toward and against the brake stack (20) and in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction, a motor (12) having an output shaft (14) mechanically connected to the ram (18) and rotatable in a first rotation direction for moving the ram (18) in the first linear direction and in a second rotation direction for moving the ram (18) in the second linear direction, at least one friction member (32, 34, 41, 43, 52) having a friction surface (33, 35, 43, 55) mounted adjacent to the motor output shaft (14), and an friction surface (33, 35, 43, 55) for moving the friction surface (33, 35, 43, 55) of the at least one friction member (32, 34, 41, 43, 52) against the motor output shaft (14) in a non-locking manner and holding the friction member (32, 34, 41, 43, 52) against the motor output shaft (14) with a predetermined force to perform a park brake function, wherein the predetermined force is