Abstract: A clip-type wear indicator suitable for use with a disk brake. The disk brake includes a rotor, a pair of slidable friction pads located on opposite sides of the rotor, the friction pads including a lining and a backing plate attached thereto and extending radially therefrom, a stationary support member radially spaced from the rotor and having a mating guide, and a caliper adjacent to the backing plates for urging the linings against the rotor. The clip is secured to the stationary support member when the upper, lower, left and right suppressing pieces are brought into elastic engagement with the mating guide on the stationary support member. The upper suppressing piece has a notch that is positioned so that when the caliper urges the lining against the rotor and edge of at least one of the backing plates is aligned with the notch when the lining is worn to such an extent that the friction pads should be replaced.

Abstract: A brake holding apparatus for vehicles with conventional hydraulic systems for the purpose of locking the least loaded brakes only, after the vehicle has been braked to a stop which permits unloading, during stops, the most loaded brakes, thereby prolonging their life and making driving easier for the operator. A hold mode indicator light is provided to alert the driver that the system is in the holding mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and signaling the function and the status of an electronically actuated two-circuit safety disk brake for elevators includes an axially moveable spring centering bolt and a sliding block attached to each of a pair of brake shoes for actuating position sensors. A force imbalance due to breakage of a brake pressure spring displaces the spring centering bolt from its neutral position and actuates a microswitch of a first position sensor by way of sliding block attached to the bolt to generate a signal to a monitoring circuit. A double switching arm formed on the sliding blocks attached to the brake shoes signals not only the normal closure and opening movements of the brake, but causes, on exceeding an admissible wear of the brake lining for the first time, an alarm switching cycle of a microswitch of a second position sensor.

Abstract: Three adjacent disks carried by an "S" cam shaft of a truck brake system sense motion of system components beyond predetermined limits to indicate need for adjustment and parts replacement and annunciate such information at a distance from the brake system. A first outer disk journaled on the "S" cam shaft is interconnected to the slack adjuster arm to rotate responsive to motion of the slack adjuster arm. A second medial disk journaled on the "S" cam shaft is supported by external structure to remain stationary relative to that shaft. A third outer disk is irrotatably carried by the "S" cam shaft to rotate with it. The second medial disk carries two Hall effect switches to sense the rotary position of magnets carried in the first and third adjacent outer disks to determine motion of the slack adjuster arm and the "S" cam shaft beyond predetermined limits to indicate need for brake adjustment and brake shoe replacement. Sensed data is transmitted to an annunciator at a distance from the braking system.

Abstract: An air brake stroke length gage in cooperative arrangement with an air brake system. The gage consists of a stroke length indicator and a reference marker. The stroke length indicator is mounted upon and moves with the push rod of the brake system. The reference marker is fixably attached to the air brake system adjacent to the push rod at a distance which corresponds to the appropriate stroke length for the brake system when properly adjusted. When the brake is fully actuated, the spacial relationship between the stroke length indicator and the reference marker provides a visual indication of the brake system's adjustment.

Abstract: The position of an adjusting ring used in a clutch adjustable for wear is monitored by an indicator comprised of a pin having a first end biased into engagement with the adjusting ring and a second end which is visible from outside of the clutch housing. As the adjusting ring is turned to compensate for clutch wear, the adjusting ring moves axially with respect to the clutch housing and the pin moves progressively into the clutch housing. When the end of the pin is no longer projecting from the housing, the mechanic knows that clutch wear can no longer be compensated for by axially advancing the adjusting ring. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the indicator pin is made of nylon and is retained in a nylon sleeve while being biased by a coil spring. The assembly is initially held together by abutment between a rib projecting from the pin and an end surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A brake pressure controller, for example an anti-lock control system, is disclosed which includes fault monitoring. If a fault occurs, limited control operation is maintained initially and only later is the controller shut down. The limited control operation and the shut-down controller are indicated by different warning signals.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the speed and/or position of a piston in relation to that of the cylinder it moves inside of in a dashpot of shock absorber for motor vehicles. The sensor consists of a permanent magnet (10) connected to the cylinder (1) and of a sensor winding (9) in the form of a cylindrical coil that operates in conjunction with the magnet. The sensor winding has leads at the ends. Additional leads for a shorter winding component (7 and 8) extend out separately upstream of the ends of the sensor winding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the position of a push rod (30) of a pneumatic booster consisting of a housing (10) divided into a front chamber (20) and a rear chamber (22) by way of a moveable wall (18) returned to its rest position by a restoring spring (34), the booster actuating a piston (84) of a master cylinder (86) by means of the push rod (30), the measuring device comprising a first part (40) stationary relative to the housing (10) of the booster and a moveable second part (60), the first part (40) and second part (60) carrying electrical contacts (46, 46', 48, 48', 84; 76, 78).According to the invention, the first part (40) and second part (60) are cylindrical and coaxial, and they are arranged round the push rod.

Abstract: A Brake Travel Indicator for use on a vehicle having a plurality of air brake assemblies secured to the undercarriage of the vehicle and stationary with respect thereto, responsive solely to the linear movement of the push rod clevis of each air brake assembly to provide a visible indication of excess linear movement of the push rod clevis and probable need for brake maintenance as well as an indication of the particular wheel where such maintenance is probably needed and comprising a travel indicator tube which slideably engages with a fixed reference tube to slide in and out of said reference tube to provide visible indication of probable need for brake maintenance and an electrical monitoring system cooperating with the travel indicator tube comprising a continuous electrical circuit connected to a remote display panel with a plurality of multicolored lamps to indicate excess brake travel by one colored lighted lamp, to indicate open circuit or power loss condition by lack of lighted colored lamps, and to

Abstract: A brake system tool for measuring the slack adjustment between an air cylinder and the brake shoe engagement with the drum of a conventional braking system. The tool includes an elongated tubular body carrying a bushing which slidable supports an indicator. The tool or slack adjustment tester as it is commonly called is held in place by a base releasably attachable to the air cylinder of an air brake system. The base is connected to the indicator. A sliding pin body is adjustably held on the tubular body by a set screw and carries a removeable pin which engages a slack adjuster arm or equivalent throughout its movement. The movement is displayed on the indicator as the tubular body is moved uncovering the indicator for a reading of the indicia.

Abstract: A hydraulic positioner for seats includes a cylinder and piston structure with a piston rod secured to the piston and extending from the cylinder. A reservoir is provided in the cylinder by a gland jointly biased by a first spring located within the cylinder and a second spring which also urges the piston rod to an extended position. A sleeve is movable by the gland for visual indication of the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder.

Abstract: A brake actuating device is furnished with a device for slack readjustment of a brake, in particular of a vehicle brake. Defects in the area of the slack readjustment device can result in an erroneous and defective brake behavior. The invention device furnishes a continuous control of the brake release gap and of the brake lining wear. The motion of the brake mechanism is used for the generation of a first measurement distance (s). The motion of the slack readjustment device (5, 7) is used for the generation of a second measurement distance (n). A regulating distance (q), formed by a superpositioning of the measurement distances (s) and (n), can be scanned and recorded with a distance sensor (17) of a signal generator (18). The signal, corresponding to the regulating distance (q), can be transformed into signals corresponding to the measurement distances (s) and (n) in an evaluation device.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring brake condition for an air actuated diaphragm spring brake actuator provides a visual or audible signal when brake wear causes a brake push rod to move past a pre-determined distance with respect to the brake actuator housing. The indicator includes an engaging mechanism to retain the indicator in its operative position irrespective of subsequent movement of the push rod. A continuous record of brake failure or serious brake wear or misalignment is thereby provided.

Abstract: A brake switch abnormality detection device is provided for use in a motorcycle. The device includes brake switches for producing brake signals indicative of the respective operations of the brake switches, an estimated vehicle speed calculation, unit, a brake signal detector for detecting the presence or absence of the brake signals, a comparator for comparing the estimated vehicle speed with a first predetermined speed and a second predetermined speed which is smaller than the first predetermined speed, and an abnormality detector. The abnormality detector detects abnormalities and produces an abnormality signal when the estimated vehicle speed is reduced from the first predetermined speed to the second predetermined speed without any detection of the brake signal.

Abstract: A fail safe self-adjusting brake is disclosed in which a service piston selectively actuates brake discs to contact shaft discs and apply braking to the shaft. The service piston is hydraulically actuated. Should there be a system failure an emergency piston forces the service piston to brake shaft rotation. The service and emergency pistons are uniquely mounted such that they are properly guided within the brake housing. In a further feature of the present invention, the location of the brake discs relative to the shaft discs is adjustable to vary the amount of movement necessary to cause braking. This adjustment allows the brake discs to move relative to the housing to accommodate wear on the brake or shaft discs. A gage is mounted within the housing to monitor the amount of adjustment of the brake discs, and thus to give an indication of the wear on those discs.

Abstract: A compound or multi-function tool facilitates manually moving of the brake rod of a motorized land vehicle, and provides a dimensional scale integrally therewith by which the distance of travel of the brake rod between its brake-off and brake-on positions is visually observed and measured.

Abstract: A lock indicator for a caster having a push-button engaged in a push-button mounting hole formed from the outer periphery of a frame to the interior of the frame to be freely pressed for operating a stopper for locking a wheel, wherein the push-button engaged within the push-button mounting hole has cap shape, a transparent portion formed on the top portion thereof, and an indicator having indicating portions for respectively indicating a wheel locking state and a wheel lock releasing state in such a manner that the indicating portions of the indicator correspond to the transparent portion of the push-button to be internally mounted along the inner peripheral surface from the body to the top of the push-button, and one end of the indicator is secured into the frame. Thus, the lock indicator for the caster can simply and accurately confirm the locking state and the lock releasing state of the caster without special attention by precise indicating portions associated with a push-button thereof.

Abstract: This invention is a cam operated rail clamping device for preventing movement of a structure on a rail comprising a base, a vertically disposed post secured to and projecting upwardly from the base, a tube rotatably and slidably mounted on the post, an air (or hydraulically) operated lift cylinder for raising the tube, a vertically disposed beam extending upwardly from the base and secured thereto, a horizontally disposed flange secured to the lower end of the tube, a clamping jaw carried by the flange and provided with a high point and a plurality of teeth for engagement with a first side of a rail, the flange being mounted for rotation about the post to bring the high point of the jaw into wedging action with the first side of the rail when the flange engages a top portion of the rail, a wearing shoe carried by the base for engagement with a second side of the rail, and a microswitch for indicating the position of the clamping jaw.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brake adjustment indicator which is suited for the retrofit installation on pneumatic or the like brakes systems. The indicator comprises of a plastic scratch resistant sleeve that is of three colors and fits securely over the push rod of the pneumatic actuator between the push rod attachment at the diaphragm and the clevis locking nut at the slack adjuster. The sleeve has an outside diameter permitting it to be received in the aperture of the ambient brake chamber which receives the push rod. The inside diameter of the sleeve is that of the outside diameter of the push rod. The memory of the plastic material holds the indicator on the push rod. The length of the indicator is that of the push rod between the attachment at the diaphragm and the locking nut of the clevis at the slack adjuster, with color lengths corresponding to type of application and design. When the brake is applied the sleeve travel observed outside the brake chamber is the same as that of the push rod.

Abstract: The wear indicator of the friction lining (10) of a brake consists essentially of a loop of conductive wire arranged in a sleeve (18) closed by way of an insulating bush (20) of cylindrical form and having a longitudinal axis (16). The loop is in contact at least once with substantially all the generatrices of the inner wall of the bush (20). Preferrably, the loop consists of a substantially straight first part (24) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (16) and a second part (26) wound helically round the first part (24) and connected to the latter.

Abstract: A spring strut including a work cylinder with a slider in the work cylinder. Electrical contacts are applied on the slider and cylinder and in an inward stroke, a first electrical loop, which extends via the slider, is electrically closed and a second electric loop is broken. In an outward stroke, the second electric loop is closed via the slider, and the first loop is opened. Thus, with the aid of an electrical circuit, it is simple and easy to recognize whether the work cylinder is operating in an inward or in an outward stroke.

Abstract: A brake wear indicating device (10) including an insulated electrical conductor (12) with an electrical connector (16) at one end (18) for electrical connection with a warning device and, an end cap (20) of electrically insulating material on the other end (22) of the electrical conductor. The electrically insulating material secures the brake wear indicating device of an aperture (24) in a backing plate (26) of a brake pad (28) or brake shoe with the other end of the electrical conductor passing through an aperture in the backing plate from an outer surface (30) thereof to protrude from an inner surface (32) thereof. The end cap includes an abutment edge (38) for engaging the outer surface of the backing plate, a cap portion (40) secured to the other end of the electrical conductor.

Abstract: A vehicle brake controller includes a variable pulse-width modulator operating at a constant frequency and with a variable pulse width to provide control pulses to a MOSFET element which actuates vehicle braking. The controller further includes a visual indicator which displays different colors to representatively indicate the amount of current applied to the brakes, and also to indicate whether an operable connection exists between the electronic controller and the vehicle brakes.

Abstract: A brake wear indicator, which in one aspect is clampable to a push rod of a brake and having an indicator member contactable with or affixable to a brake housing or other member of a vehicle, the indicator member contained in and freely movable from a hollow cartridge and being exposed upon actuation of the brake and movement of the push rod and being returned into the cartridge upon deactivation of the brake; in one aspect the indicator indicating brake overadjustment and having readjustment indicia; and in another aspect the hollow cartridge having a closure member for closing off an end thereof after the insertion of an indicator member or other items e.g. a spring, therein.

Abstract: In an anti-lock brake control system having a vacuum brake power booster and a tandem master cylinder, in which the brake pedal is controlled to be positioned forwardly of the initial return position during the anti-lock control mode. This is achieved by variation of the rate of delivery of an auxiliary pump as by switching the pump motor on and off by a switch actuated by the diaphragm of the power booster to provide a signal of the pedal position at the start of an anti-lock control phase. Various switching arrangements described include a Bowden-cable pulled by the diaphragm, a mechanical or an optical switch actuated by the rolling lip of the diaphragm, or an approach switch detecting the approach of the diaphragm and cam-assembly. The core (53) of the Bowden cable (54) is connected with the diaphragm plate (52) of the vacuum brake power booster. The core (53) moves the trigger cam (64). The switch (18) is actuated by the movement of the trigger cam (64).

Abstract: A vehicle braking indicator system that provides a continuous lighting of the vehicle stop light under normal braking conditions but causes the stop light lamp to be intermittently lighted at a relatively high frequency when the anti-lock braking system of the vehicle is activated and maintains the intermittent lighting of the stop light lamp after the anti-lock braking system is deactivated.

Abstract: A brake block for automotive drum brake systems having a visible wear indicator indicating the remaining usable thickness of the brake block. The wear indicator may be molded or machined into the side of the brake block and also may indicate where the tops of the fasteners for the brake block are located when fasteners are used to affix the brake block to a backing plate.

Abstract: A brake lining wear indicating device is inserted into an aperture (7) of a brake lining carrier (8) of a drum or disc brake from the side facing away from the brake lining (1) and secured in the aperture. The indicating device includes a slotted (16) sleeve shaped holder (2) and a contact member (3) inserted into and axially secured to the holder and has an electrical conductor (4) therein. In order that the indicating device can be fitted into brake lining carriers of different thickness, holder (2) has on its side facing away from the brake lining (1) a frustonconical section (13) having an outwardly narrowing inner frustoconical area (14) and several axially extending slots (16). When contact member (3) is inserted into holder (2), frustoconical part (13) of the holder is forcibly radially expanded and wedged into aperture (7) of brake lining carrier (8).

Abstract: An overload warning system for a trailer brake cylinder of a trailer brake system having a nominal deceleration rate. It has been found that previous temperature sensing overdue warning systems have a disadvantage that undue delay occurs and that no warning signal is initiated until after damage to the trailer brakes occurs. The present invention proposes that the tractor brake system and the trailer brake system compare their received operating control signals from which they form a ratio factor and then produce a warning signal when the ratio factor changes beyond a predetermined critical change velocity. The present invention employs the rapid drop in braking force caused by a brake overload and uses the rapid drop and increase brake demand for readjusting the brake deceleration. The present invention is used for uniquely recognizing the "Fading" effect of the trailer brake system.

Abstract: The instantaneous load sensor of a motor vehicle is incorporated in a suspension assembly of the vehicle, and comprises a suspension element (1) fastened via an elastic mechanism (3) to a rod (5) carried by a yoke (7). The rod (5) is a blind hollow tube, in which a slot (12) has been made substantially in the axis of the suspension element (1) and opposite the latter, so as to allow the elastic mechanism (3) to penetrate into the tube (5), a sensor (10) of the pressure prevailing in the tube hermetically closing the open end of the tube.

Abstract: An electric brake system for a motor vehicle has a plurality of braking force generating mechanisms associated with respective road wheels and including electronic actuators mechanically separate from a brake pedal. In the event of a failure of at least one of the braking force generating mechanisms, the electric brake system selects and operates normal braking force generating mechanism or mechanisms for braking the motor vehicle stably with boosted braking forces. The braking force generating mechanisms are mechanically separate from the brake pedal and operable independently of each other. Failure detecting circuits are associated respectively with the braking force generating mechanisms, for detecting a failure of the braking force generating mechanisms and producing a failure signal representing the failure. The electric brake system includes a controller for controlling the braking force generating mechanisms in response to the signal from the brake pedal.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a rotating disc, a friction pad having a backing plate and a lining fixedly attached to one surface of the backing plate, and a wear sensor for sensing a limit of wear of the lining. The wear sensor is a bent elongate metal plate mounted on the backing plate with one end thereof projecting beyond the front surface of the backing plate. The disc brake is further provided with structure for preventing excessive deflection of the sensor.

Abstract: A technique for acoustically communicating through existing air brake lines between a tractor and a trailer. The diagnostic status of the trailer antilock system is communicated via acoustic signals from the trailer antilock system through the air brake lines of the trailer and into the tractor air brake line. A piezo crystal located in the tractor air brake line converts the acoustic signal into an electrical signal which may be used to illuminate a lamp providing a display on the tractor dashboard.

Abstract: The planetary assembly with wet disk brake of the invention comprises a hollow spindle (3) rigidly fixed to an axle house (1) of a running gear of a vehicle, a hollow wheel hub (5) carrying a wheel (7), the wheel hub (5) being rotatably supported in a roller bearing (8, 9) mounted to the spindle (3), an input axle-shaft (4) passing through a bore made in the spindle (3), a hollow ring gear support member (11) arranged on the periphery of the spindle (3) secured against angular displacement and prepared with splines (3) arranged on its internal side, a planetary mechanism linked up with the input axle-shaft (4) on its input side and with the wheel hub (5) on its output side, and being fitted with a ring gear (32) coupled in torque transmitting way to the splines (13) of the ring gear support member (11), wet disk brake assembly (16) fully accommodated in the ring gear support member (11i) as a self-contained unit, where the wet disk brake assembly (16) is arranged so that the external splined disks (26) and th

Abstract: A friction lining warning device for a pin-guided spot-type disc brake whose caliper housing, brake carrier is slidingly arranged at a pin. A stud which engages an opening of the pin and is arranged in alignment with the pin. A switch housing surrounds the pin and is connected to the caliper housing, to the brake carrier, the pin and the stud and is movable relative to the switch housing and to the caliper housing. Electric switches in the stud, in the switch housing release when the stud has travelled a predetermined distance relative to the switch housing. The switch housing and the stud can be brought in abutment with each other to provide a basic adjustment. The switch housing is connectable to the caliper housing, brake carrier within a range of tolerance after the basic adjustment has been assumed. The stud (19, 61, 62, 91, 101, 102, 121, 141, 190, 201) is provided with a stop (29, 105) which abuts against the pin (4) in the axial direction.

Abstract: A roller skate and brake utilizes a generally flat rectangular road surface engaging base which pivots about the rear wheel through an arc of approximately twelve degrees to achieve full facial engagement with the road surface to achieve safer, more controlled braking. The brake pad is provided with an internal plate which provides an audible and vibrating wear indicator to alert the skater to replace the brake pad. The pad has an upright, arcuate protuberance and a transverse rib which are mateably received within an arcuate cross section socket and a slot adjacent the socket to closely restrain and confine the brake pad within a brake pad housing when the brake pad is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A brake wear indicator having a hollow cartridge clampable to a push rod of a brake and having an indicator member within the cartridge spring biased at one end and contractible with the brake housing or other stationary member of a vehicle. The indicator member being exposed upon actuation of the brake and movement of the push rod. Warning indicia on the indicator member being exposed after the push rod has been moved a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An excessive wear indicator for a brake system having a fluid actuated linearly moving piston which is disposed in an opening of a housing and is associated with at least one moveable brake friction element is disclosed. The brake wear indicator comprises a manually actuated, spring biased plunger pin which is slidably disposed in a bore formed in the housing which extends traversely with respect to the direction of movement of the piston. The plunger pin includes a distal feeler end and an actuator end and is disposed in the bore such that the distal feeler end is disposed adjacent a piston wall portion at least when the piston is in its brake actuating position for so long as excessive piston travel associated with excessive brake wear is absent and the actuator end extends outside the housing.

Abstract: A brake friction pad is provided with a recessed portion in one side of a backing plate and a riveting projection on the other side of the backing plate and a wear limit warning piece for a lining secured to the one side of the backing plate is riveted to the projection. The projection is formed with a plurality of steps. The wear limit warning piece is secured to the backing plate with an uppermost projecting portion of the projection fitted in a hole formed in the wear limit warning piece.

Abstract: A brake wear warning system includes detectors embedded in brake pads such that when a predetermined level of wear is reached, an alarm is activated alerting the vehicle driver that the brake pads are in need of replacement.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission gear system which selectively actuates a plurality of frictional elements by oil pressure such as clutches and brakes that are provided in the transmission gear system in order to obtain different gear ratios, one frictional element is disengaged concurrently with engaging of another frictional element for switching the gear ratio (speed change). At that time, it is important to adjust the timing for actuating the frictional elements depending on the conditions of the engine and the vehicle itself. The present invention relates to a control device for an automatic transmission gear system which assures smooth gear shifting at all times by adequately controlling the overlap of the torque capacities of the frictional elements.

Abstract: An improvement in a conventional air-operated diaphragm spring brake is provided by a guide (100) being disposed in registry with an aperture (26) in a service brake housing (16). A push-rod (10) extends from a diaphragm (58) within the housing (12) through the bushing (102) to pivotably connect to a slack adjuster (6). The bushing (102) serves to maintain the push-rod (10) at a preselected angle relative to the slack adjuster (6) when the push-rod is in the inoperative position.

Abstract: A vehicle brake has a fixed backplate carrying a pair of friction elements and an actuator operable to urge the elements into braking engagement with a rotary braking surface. An abutment for the elements has a portion which is deflectable by load on the elements arising from braking torque. A radiation input device directs radiation at a surface of the deflectable portion and a device is provided to sense radiation after its impingement on the portion and to transmit the sensed radiation to a device producing a responsive electrical output representing deflections of the portion.

Abstract: A brake stroke indicator for use on an air brake having an elongated brake pushrod that travels a linear distance when the brake is applied. The length of the linear distance travelled depends upon the condition of the brake. The indicator comprises an elongated gauging probe having a plurality of grooves spaced at intervals along the length of the probe. Each such groove extends in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the probe. A pushrod bracket is also provided having a flange for engaging the probe in the grooves as the probe is slid longitudinally across the flange. The pushrod bracket has clamping arms to allow attachment of the bracket at a preselected position along the length of the pushrod such that the flange extends in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pushrod.

Abstract: A brake wear indicator for an air brake system that includes an actuator having a diaphragm adapted to move within the actuator in response to air pressure, and a push rod mechanically coupled to the diaphragm and extending from the actuator through an opening in the actuator wall. The brake wear indicator comprises marking means having a generally cylindrical outer surface, a longitudinal axis, a distance indicator on the outer surface, and means for securing the marking means to the push rod within the opening. The marking means thereby provides a visual indication of the position of the push rod along such axis at the opening. In a preferred embodiment, the marking means comprises a tubular member having an internal diameter large enough to accommodate the push rod, and an outside diameter small enough to permit the tubular member to move through the opening, and a flange having an outside diameter too large to fit through the opening. An indicator formed integrally with the push rod is also disclosed.

Abstract: A strap controlling the motion of weft yarn grippers in shuttleless looms, allowing to detect its state of wear, is provided with layers or inserts distributed according to the thickness and positioned along the length of the strap, adapted to supply optic, electric or magnetic signals indicating the wear of the strap.

Abstract: A dynamic diagnostic operational transducer fault detection system including a first logic network which is connected to a low level pressure offset circuit and to an operational transducer to transducer equivalence check circuit. The low level pressure offset circuit is connected to a second logic network. The operational transducer to transducer equivalance check circuit is connected to the first logic network and to an operational transducer to transducer comparison check circuit. The second logic network is connected to a pair of transducer offset test check circuits. The pair of transducer offset test check circuits are connected to a third logic network. The third logic network is connected to a pair of high level transducer fault detector circuits which differentiate between a transducer failure and a dragging and/or stuck brake condition.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for controlling a brake system in a heavy-duty vehicle provide for continuously measuring parameters which are characteristics of the state of the vehicle, such as the velocity of the vehicle, the inclination of the roadway, the axle load, and the transverse acceleration. Furthermore, the braking capability is being monitored continuously. To that end the temperature of the brakes, their condition of wear, the state of a compressed air reservoir, and the tire pressure are measured. For any given state of the vehicle and brakes it is determined whether or not the stopping distance to be expected will be longer than a predetermined rated stopping distance. If that is so, the driver is warned and/or a reduction of the travelling speed is initiated automatically.

Abstract: A first visual indicium (44) and a second visual indicium (50) are provided on a push rod (10) in an air operated diaphragm spring brake. The push rod (10) is mounted for reciprocal movement between an operative position and an inoperative position through an opening (26) in a service brake housing (16). The first indicium (44) comprises a discontinuity (45) in the surface of the push rod (10) having a leading edge (46) and grooves (48). The first indicium is positioned on the push rod such that the leading edge (46) will be exterior to the service chamber (12) only when the push rod is in the operative position and the brakes are substantially out of adjustment. The second visual indicium (50) comprises a second discontinuity formed of at least a leading edge (52) and a trailing edge (54). The second visual indicium (50) is positioned on the push rod whereby the trailing edge (54) will normally be exterior of the service chamber 12 adjacent the opening (26) when the push rod is in the inoperative position.