Road Vehicle Patents (Class 188/152)
  • Publication number: 20110175437
    Abstract: A brake control apparatus is equipped with a plurality of fluid pressure adjusting valves that have opening degrees thereof adjusted through energization control to adjust the fluid pressures, a plurality of valves that are provided in series with at least two of the fluid pressure adjusting valves are closed during stoppage of energization to hold the fluid pressures, and a brake ECU. The brake ECU controls fluid pressure adjustment achieved by supplying the fluid pressures to the wheel cylinders respectively, opening the communication valves and adjusting the opening degrees of the fluid pressure adjusting valves to adjust the fluid pressures respectively, and fluid pressure holding achieved by closing the communication valves opening the fluid pressure adjusting valves and holding the fluid pressures by means of the communication valves respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamamoto, Koji Watanabe, Takashi Satou
  • Publication number: 20110147141
    Abstract: A valve device is provided for a pneumatic brake system of a commercial vehicle and comprises a pilot piston, radial seals and at least one valve seat, which can be displaced in the direction of motion of the pilot piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten SCHNITTGER, Oliver Kaupert, Mustafa Uslu
  • Publication number: 20110147142
    Abstract: A braking control system is provided for a towing vehicle and trailer vehicle combination, each vehicle being equipped with pneumatic brakes controlled by the towing vehicle, the towing vehicle being connected to the trailer vehicle by separable and lockable coupling means (4, 5), and the trailer vehicle brakes being connected to the towing vehicle brakes by means of separable air connectors. The system comprises a controller (9) mountable in or on the towing vehicle, detector means (7) associated with the coupling means for detecting locking thereof, and pneumatic control means (15, 24) regulating the pneumatic brake supply to the trailer, the controller (9) being arranged to control operation of the pneumatic control means in response to the output of the detector means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: John Paul Standen
  • Publication number: 20110132703
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid brake system to perform a braking operation for a vehicle by generating hydraulic pressure in a master cylinder. The hybrid brake system includes an input shaft, a pedal simulator connected to the input shaft, a master cylinder provided therein with first and second pistons, an oil supply part supplying oil to the pedal simulator and the master cylinder, a power piston connected to the first piston, and a first chamber formed between the power piston and an inner surface of the master cylinder. The pedal simulator includes a simulation housing, a simulation rod provided at one end of the simulation housing, a second chamber formed at a lateral side of the first chamber to receive the simulation rod, and a boosting part communicated with the second chamber to generate the repulsive force as the brake pedal is pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Hong Ki Kim, Chang Bok Ko, Seung Hyup Bae
  • Publication number: 20110108377
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic active booster capable of easily adjusting the structure of a simulator. The simulator of the hydraulic active booster includes a simulator housing having a first receiving part for receiving a control plunger, a second receiving part for receiving a part of a first piston into which the control plunger is inserted, and a third receiving part for receiving a simulator piston. The third receiving part is separated from the first and second receiving parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Seung Hyup BAE, Chang Bok KO
  • Publication number: 20110100771
    Abstract: Braking systems and methods having above atmospheric pressure applied to the working hydraulic fluid of the braking system. In certain preferred arrangements, the braking system includes at least one source of pressure, which pressurizes a fluid. The pressurized fluid acts on respective pressure surfaces of the master plunger(s) and the slave piston(s) that are opposite the active or working surfaces of the master plunger(s) and the slave piston(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Robert W. Henricksen
  • Publication number: 20110079472
    Abstract: A brake actuating device has an actuator functionally connected between a piston and a brake pedal lever. The actuator is capable of varying the path length of a force-conducting connection between the brake pedal lever and the piston of the brake cylinder via a displaceable element. A spring element acts on the brake pedal lever. The spring force varies during the variation of the path length such that a sum of the spring force and a force acting on the brake pedal lever from the brake cylinder remains essentially unchanged. The spring element is fastened with one end to the displaceable element and with the other end to the brake pedal lever with the interposition of a tensioning mechanism, which is guided by a cam track provided on the brake pedal lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Roland Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20110073420
    Abstract: The present inventor devised, among other things, an exemplary pressure switch that includes a low-pressure switch housing portion and a high-pressure fitting portion. The low-pressure switch housing, which is formed of plastic for example, includes an electrical switch that can be turned on or off by moving a first contact between a pair of stationary contacts. The high-pressure fitting portion, which is formed of metal for example, has first and second barbed or threaded connector ends, which respectively engage an opening in the switch housing and a fluid line of an external system. An axial bore extending through the high-pressure fitting contains a piston which extends into the switch housing and is fastened to the first contact of the electrical switch. In operation, the piston travels within the bore in response to positive or negative pressure, moving the first contact toward or away from the stationary contacts to open or close the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Engineered Products Company
    Inventor: Douglas Jon Nagel
  • Publication number: 20110067962
    Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic control device for driving a parking rod to a parking disengagement position and a parking engagement position, and switching a shift range at least between a parking range and a non-parking range by switching an engagement state of a parking gear and a parking pole. The vehicle hydraulic control device includes a parking cylinder and a switch valve. The parking cylinder receives an oil pressure for driving the parking rod to the parking disengagement position. The switch valve is driven based on an electric actuator and switches an operation state between a parking disengagement state in which a source pressure from an oil pressure supply source is supplied to the parking cylinder as a disengagement pressure for disengaging the parking gear and the parking pole from each other, and a parking engagement state in which the disengagement pressure is not supplied to the parking cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayoshi YONEZU, Yuhei Yoshioka, Kazuyuki Noda, Kazuhito Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20110048874
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical brake booster with an electric motor and a helical gearing. The brake booster is used for coupling an auxiliary force via a driver into a piston rod. The invention proposes connecting a spindle of the helical gearing elastically via a spring element to the piston rod such that, in the event of rapid actuation of the brake, the helical gearing and a rotor of the electric motor do not have to be accelerated entirely muscle power. The muscle power required for actuating a brake is reduced as a result in the event of a rapid actuation of the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Herbert Vollert, Jochen Mayer
  • Publication number: 20110006594
    Abstract: An electronically controlled boosted brake system including an isolation valve between a source of pressurized fluid and a boost valve for selectively restricting the flow of fluid from the source to the boost valve. Another feature of the brake system relates to an accumulator valve connected between the boost valve and the accumulator for controlling when the operating pressure of the accumulator is supplied to the boost valve. Yet another feature is a unique master cylinder design including at least one primary piston positioned within a housing in an overlapping relationship with portions of a pair of secondary pistons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Blaise J. Ganzel
  • Publication number: 20100327653
    Abstract: An air braking unit for use in an air braking system. The air braking unit is arranged to be positioned, in use, at a vehicle wheel, and comprises an inlet for receiving, in use, compressed air from a central source. At least one first valve is arranged to selectively allow compressed air from the inlet to enter a wheel brake chamber in use. At least one second valve is arranged to selectively allow air from the brake chamber to be released via an outlet to the atmosphere in use and control means controls the first and second valves to operate to selectively control the air pressure in the brake chamber in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: CAMBRIDGE ENTERPRISE LIMITED
    Inventors: Wladyslaw Wygnanski, David Cebon, Frank Kienhofer, Robert Prescott
  • Publication number: 20100295362
    Abstract: A method for detecting the operation of a foot brake pedal of a motor vehicle brake system including a vacuum brake booster having a working chamber and a vacuum chamber. The operation of the brake pedal is able to be detected already during free travel if the pressure present in the working chamber and/or in the vacuum chamber is measured and the measured pressure or a pressure difference is evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Rafael Gonzalez Romero, Frank Kaestner, Otmar Bussmann
  • Publication number: 20100292049
    Abstract: A method for braking a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle includes a circuit adapted for transmitting a brake signal from an operator controlled braking element to brake devices arranged at a plurality of the vehicle's ground engaging elements via a brake fluid. The method includes detecting a fluid pressure in the circuit, using the detected fluid pressure level as an input for determining a brake power for at least one auxiliary brake in the vehicle, and controlling the auxiliary brake responsively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Mikael Petersson
  • Publication number: 20100200342
    Abstract: A brake system of the brake-by-wire (BBW) type for a vehicle having a brake pressure signal generator which can be activated by a brake pedal and can be connected to wheel brakes outside the BBW operating mode, having a pressure source which can be actuated by an electronic control unit and can be connected to the brakes of the vehicle in the BBW operating mode, having provisions for sensing a driver's deceleration request and having a pedal travel simulator which interacts with the brake pedal. A restoring force acting on the brake pedal can be simulated in the BBW operating mode independently of the actuating of the pressure source, and having a device which can be actuated by the electronic control unit and which permits activation of the pedal travel simulator in the BBW operating mode and deactivation of the pedal travel simulator outside the BBW operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & CO. oHG
    Inventors: Peter Drott, Thomas Sellinger, Holger Von Hayn, Horst Krämer
  • Publication number: 20100181152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a braking control system for automotive vehicles comprising a braking control member (1), a brake booster (4) and a brake master cylinder (5). The system of the invention further comprises a simulator (3) coupled pneumatically to the piston (42) of the brake booster (4). Said simulator (3) receives at least one braking command from the braking control member (1) and makes it possible to establish, in return, a difference in pressure between the front chamber (40) and the rear chamber (41) of the brake booster so as to control the displacement of the piston (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Chris Anderson, Raynald Sprocq, Carole Charpentier
  • Publication number: 20090252586
    Abstract: A wheel loader having good operability. The wheel loader has a machine body travelably supported on wheels; a working device supported on the machine body, the working device having a boom swingably supported at its base end side on the machine body, an arm swingably supported at and connected to the forward end side of the boom, and a working tool swingably provided on the forward end side of the arm; travel operation means for performing travel operation of the machine body; and a brake for braking, when the travel operation means is not operated and the arm is swung, the wheels in operative association with the swing of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Kunihiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20080289917
    Abstract: The device 1 for supplying a hydraulic brake fluid, termed a downstream hydraulic fluid, to a hydraulic brake circuit of a motor vehicle equipped with a clutch comprises an enclosure 2 intended to contain said hydraulic fluid, said enclosure 2 being provided with at least one outlet nozzle 20 and with an inlet orifice 21. The enclosure 2 forms a downstream portion 30 of a reservoir 3, said reservoir 3 comprising an upstream portion 31 forming an upstream enclosure 4 intended to collect a hydraulic fluid, termed an upstream hydraulic fluid, from the clutch of said vehicle; the upstream enclosure 4 comprises at least one nozzle, termed an inlet nozzle 40, serving to transfer said upstream hydraulic fluid toward the upstream enclosure 4; the inlet orifice 21 is an intermediate orifice 21? whereby the upstream enclosure 4 opens into the downstream enclosure 2?, the intermediate orifice 21? being equipped with a means 5 for filtering the upstream hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jean-Michel L'Aot, Sylvain Lenczner, Christophe Duchossoy, Olivier Beaures-D'Augeres
  • Publication number: 20080271964
    Abstract: The electro-pneumatic latching valve system having an electrical switch unit that further includes an “apply” or “activate” switch, a “release” or “deactivate” switch, and a power supply. A first solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the activate switch and a second solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the deactivate switch. A pneumatic latching valve is in pneumatic communication with the first and second solenoid valves and a source of pressurized control and supply air is in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic latching valve and the solenoid valves. A terminal device, e.g., a spring brake, is in pneumatic communication with the latching valve, and the device is released or applied in response to pressurized supply air delivered to the device through the pneumatic latching valve in response to pneumatic control signals delivered to the pneumatic latching valve from the solenoid valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Bennett, Robert J. Herbst
  • Publication number: 20080236962
    Abstract: A pressure regulating valve unit 7 is configured to be electrically driven according to a detection value of a detection unit 74 adapted to detect an amount of brake application effort made by a brake operation member 5 so as to switch states of the vehicle brake apparatus between a state where a boosted hydraulic pressure chamber 9 is made to communicate with a hydraulic pressure generating source 6 while a communication between the boosted hydraulic pressure chamber 9 and a reservoir R is interrupted, a state where the communication between the boosted pressure chamber 9 and the hydraulic pressure generating source 6 is interrupted while the boosted pressure chamber 9 is made to communicate with the reservoir R, and a state where the boosted hydraulic pressure chamber 9 is disconnected from both the hydraulic pressure generating source 6 and the reservoir R.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: NISSIN KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiro SUZUKI, Koji Sakai, Kazuhiro Tagata
  • Publication number: 20080223670
    Abstract: A cylinder mechanism includes a housing, a piston slidably held in the housing for defining a fluid chamber for introducing a working fluid thereinto, and a plurality of disc springs for urging the piston toward the fluid chamber. At least two of the disc springs have respective bottom ends facing each other. A ring has an arcuate surface held against respective inner slanted surfaces of the at least two of the disc springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Toyohira, William Allan Johnstone
  • Publication number: 20080173504
    Abstract: A device for the brake application of a motor vehicle comprising a master cylinder and a pneumatic brake booster, with one of the pistons of the master cylinder having a stepped design with two differently sized hydraulically active effective surfaces, and change-over of the effective surfaces takes place by means of a valve assembly upon failure of the brake booster. An annular chamber, delimited by the stepped piston and the housing, is connectable by means of the valve assembly either to the pressure chamber associated with the stepped piston or to a pressure fluid reservoir. The valve assembly comprises a first and a second valve, which are switchable depending on the pressure of the working chamber of the brake booster. The first valve in its activated position connects the pressure chamber to the annular chamber, and the second valve in its activated position closes the connection between the annular chamber and the pressure fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Peter Drott, Michael Vogt, Stephan Krebs
  • Patent number: 7354119
    Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle has a brake pedal and at least one rotational part. The brake system further includes a shaft connectable to the rotational part, and a first fluid control unit configured for being filled with fluid and actuating in response to manipulation of the brake pedal. In addition, at least two cylinders in fluid communication with the first fluid control unit are provided. Each cylinder has a first cylinder end having an associated reciprocating piston and a second cylinder end configured for connection to the vehicle. The brake system also includes a linkage, connected to the at least one first cylinder end of a respective reciprocating piston and to the shaft to provide balanced operation of the reciprocating pistons upon rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Joel Nazara
  • Patent number: 7341318
    Abstract: A circulating fluid regulated braking device for a vehicle includes a piston pump mounted directly on the hub of each vehicle wheel. The pumps mounted on front wheels are connected by pipes to a primary two-way valve, which, in turn, is connected by pipes to a primary storage tank to define a completely independent front wheel brake hydraulic circuit. The pumps mounted on rear wheels are connected by pipes to a secondary two-way valve, which, in turn,is connected by pipes to a secondary storage tank to define a completely independent rear wheel brake hydraulic circuit. A moveable inner body located in each of the primary and secondary two-way valves is linked to a vehicle brake pedal lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Clemar Eleuterio Bucci
  • Patent number: 7303051
    Abstract: A brake device for a vehicle such as an all terrain vehicle includes a brake disk fixed to a drive shaft, and a brake caliper for braking by a nipping action of the brake disk. The brake caliper is fitted to a final gear case on an outer side of the vehicle body frame. The brake device permits maintenance work to be easily carried out and with few obstructions from neighboring parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Bunzo Seki
  • Patent number: 7159696
    Abstract: A pressure generating apparatus includes a first piston moved in response to operation of a brake pedal, an elastic member for providing a stroke of the first piston in response to braking operation force of the brake pedal, a second piston accommodated in a housing for defining a master chamber in front of it and a simulator chamber behind it, and an atmospheric pressure reservoir for storing brake fluid. A changeover device is provided for selectively communicating the simulator chamber with the reservoir, or blocking the communication between them. And, a stroke restriction device is provided for restricting a maximal stroke of the first piston relative to the housing to be smaller than the sum of a maximal stroke of the second piston relative to the housing and a maximal stroke of the first piston relative to the second piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihito Kusano
  • Patent number: 7077482
    Abstract: A simulator piston is slidably fitted in a control piston to form a stroke liquid chamber between itself and an end wall of a control piston. A port which is closed at a forward limit of the control piston with respect to a backup piston is provided in the end wall of the control piston. A first reaction piston which constantly abuts against the end wall of the control piston and a second reaction piston which abuts against the end wall of the control piston when the control piston advances toward the backup piston through a predetermined travel distance or more, are relatively slidably mounted on the backup piston so that hydraulic pressure of the boosted hydraulic pressure chamber acts on their front ends. Thus, it is possible to curb increase in a stroke and reaction of a brake operating member which would be invalidated by a brake stroke simulator when a hydraulic power source fails, and avoid insufficient strokes of the brake operating member even if spikes are inputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignees: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Matsuno, Kazuhiro Tagata, Yasushi Aoki, Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6978869
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a master cylinder having a braking stroke simulator, wherein a master piston is slidably accommodated in a housing having an atmospheric pressure chamber and a master pressure chamber, and a simulator piston is slidably accommodated in the housing to define a simulator chamber. An elastic member is provided for applying a stroke of the simulator piston in response to braking operation force applied to a manually operated braking member. Thus, the braking stroke simulator transmits the braking operation force to the master piston through the simulator piston and elastic member. A cut-off seal member is disposed in the housing for supporting the master piston, and placed to be applied with the pressure in the master pressure chamber in front of it and applied with the atmospheric pressure behind it. And, a passage is formed in the master piston to communicate the simulator chamber with the atmospheric pressure chamber when the master piston is placed in its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihito Kusano
  • Patent number: 6966614
    Abstract: The invention relates to an architecture for a hydraulic circuit associated with actuators (100), such as actuators for airplane brakes, the architecture comprising a main hydraulic circuit (C) having hydraulic components (4, 5 101, 6) and adapted to convey hydraulic fluid pressurized by at least one pressure generator (2) associated with a main supply (1) to the actuators (100). The architecture includes an emergency system comprising an auxiliary supply (8) permanently fed by a return circuit (R) collecting the returns from all of the hydraulic components (4, 5,101, 6), the auxiliary supply (8) being connected to the main supply (1) via a relief valve (9). The emergency system further comprising an electrically driven pump unit (10) arranged to take fluid from the auxiliary supply (8) and to inject it into the main circuit (C) downstream from a general check valve (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti
    Inventors: Walid Hamzeh, Jérôme Libourel
  • Patent number: 6935469
    Abstract: A ball-joint connection for a braking system comprising a male element (2) and a female element (4). A first end (14) of the male element (2) includes pegs (30,30?) that are automatically radially extracted when the first end (14) is mounted in a female element (4) defined by a housing (16). The pegs (30,30?) collaborate with the interior surface (18) of the housing (16,66) to define a ball-joint connection between the male element (2) and the female element (4). The female element (4) being formed on one end of a piston (66) of for a master cylinder and the male element (2) forms the actuating rod of the master cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Philippe Bourlon
  • Patent number: 6929104
    Abstract: A dual circuit pilot master cylinder for a full power brake system provides a minimally sized package for installation in a vehicle cab interior. The master cylinder utilizes a side-by-side disposition of the primary and secondary cylinders and a brake pedal linkage to the pistons allowing flexibility in location of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: James A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040238298
    Abstract: A brake caliper mounting assembly and an adjustable torsion arm are retrofitted or designed into the construction of a motorcycle or other vehicle in order to provide multiple functions related to the braking and suspension of the vehicle. The caliper housing assembly and torsion arm are attached to the axle and frame of the motorcycle in one embodiment in order to provide a simultaneous combination of lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and safer braking and control while the motorcycle is in forward motion as the rear brakes or the rear and front brakes are applied together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Charles Nash
  • Publication number: 20040231946
    Abstract: A friction-based clutch actuation system includes a rotatable input shaft, an output shaft, at least one input clutch plate operatively supported by the input shaft, and at least one output clutch plate operatively supported by the output shaft and moveable thereon. The friction-based clutch actuation system also includes at least one electric motor and at least one piezoelectric actuator operatively connected to the at least one electric motor. The friction-based clutch actuation system further includes a controller electrically connected to the at least one electric motor and the at least one piezoelectric actuator to activate said at least one electric motor to move the piezoelectric actuator relative to the at least one output clutch plate and to activate the piezoelectric actuator to apply a force to the at least one output clutch plate to engage the at least one input clutch plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20040159508
    Abstract: A ball-joint connection particularly for a braking system comprising a male element (2) and a female element (4), characterized in that a first end (14) of the male element (2) comprises means (28) that can be radially extracted automatically as said first end (14) of the male element (2) is mounted in a housing (16) of the female element (4. The extractable means (28) collaborating with the interior surface of the housing (16) in such a way as to produce a ball-joint connection between the male element (2) and the female element (4). The male element (2) forming one end of a piston of for a master cylinder and the female element (4) forms the actuating rod of the master cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Philippe Bourlon
  • Patent number: 6772864
    Abstract: A motorized cycle includes a base board, a brake crank, a first operation member, a first drive plate, two front brake wires, an oil pump, a second operation member, a second drive plate, and a rear brake wire. Thus, the two rear wheels are braked independently, and the four wheels are braked synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Tai-Yang Luh
  • Publication number: 20040074714
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydraulic brake apparatus capable of reducing a hysteresis caused by increase and decrease of braking input force, wherein a regulator chamber is defined ahead of a control piston, and a counter-force pressure chamber is defined to communicate with the regulator chamber. An auxiliary pressure source is provided for supplying hydraulic brake pressure to the counter-force pressure chamber, to move a pressure increase valve and a pressure decrease valve in a direction opposite to a direction thereof moved by the control piston. A first check valve is provided for normally preventing the flow of brake fluid from the counter-force pressure chamber to the regulator chamber, and allowing the reverse flow of brake fluid when the pressure in the regulator chamber has become equal to or more than the pressure in the counter-force pressure chamber by a first predetermined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Nohira, Satoshi Kaminaka, Kyosuke Hata
  • Publication number: 20040069578
    Abstract: A load-transmitting arrangement (14) with articulated function for taking up and transmitting a pedal force, in particular a brake pedal force, is described. A braking device (10) of a brake system comprising the load-transmitting arrangement (14) is further described. The load-transmitting arrangement (14) has a first load-transmitting member (20), which has a receiving sleeve (20A) for a second load-transmitting member (22), an end of the second load-transmitting member (22) that projects into the receiving sleeve (20A) engaging behind a snap element (30B), which locks the second load-transmitting member (22) against withdrawal from the receiving sleeve (20A). The end of the second load-transmitting member (22) that engages behind the snap device (30) is a joint head, which is supported pivotally inside the receiving sleeve (20A). The second load-transmitting member (22) is is coupled movably to a support device (32), against which the snap element (30B) is non-pivotally supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Boris Koth
  • Publication number: 20040060782
    Abstract: A master cylinder (10) for a vehicle hydraulic brake system has a housing (12), which has a bore (14), which extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and is sealingly closed at one end by an end wall forming part of the housing (12) of the master cylinder (10) and at the other, opposite end by a closure element (16). A piston (18), which is guided in the bore (14), extends in a sealing and axially displaceable manner through the closure element (16). A central valve (20) is formed on the piston (18) and enables a fluid connection between a fluid reservoir and a pressure chamber (28) delimited in the bore (14) by the end wall and the piston (18) and, in the non-actuated state of the piston (18), is held in open position by an abutment component (34) acting upon the closure element (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Rudolf Cohen, Frank Goerlitz, Leopoldo Palacids Gonzalo, Christoph Munz
  • Publication number: 20040045777
    Abstract: An actuating device for a brake unit of a vehicle EBS includes a tappet positioned in a housing of the brake unit for actuating a piston to operate a brake valve. A displacement sensor slide measures axial movement of the tappet. So that moving parts of the actuating device are guided with minimal friction and that torque acting on the tappet is compensated for, the tappet includes a cylindrical attachment having a bottom with holes and a shell, a groove on the outer surface of the shell having openings, a spacer ring in the cylindrical attachment between the tappet and the piston having projections which extend into the holes, a guide ring in the groove having raised portions on its inner surface which extend into the openings and a window on its outer surface protruding through an opening into a slit on the housing to receive the displacement sensor slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Olaf Leske, Bernd Christoffers
  • Patent number: 6698558
    Abstract: A brake system for garage doors including a piston assembly movable within a longitudinal housing assembly and including a central through opening and a threaded bushing rigidly mounted to the piston assembly. A threaded axle is cooperatively received by the threaded bushing so that the rotation of the axle causes the piston assembly to move at a predetermined speed longitudinally within the housing assembly. Longitudinal connecting apertures permit the flow of fluid adjacent to the ends of the piston assembly to flow through. A flapper valve assembly is mounted to one of the ends of the piston assembly by a separating spring member. When the movement of the piston assembly exceeds a predetermined magnitude, the spring member is compressed eliminating the clearance and closing the connecting apertures. This prevents any additional flow and rotational movement of the threaded axle, which in turn is mechanically connected to the counterbalance axle of an opening and closing mechanism for garage doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Abelardo Caraballo
  • Publication number: 20030188931
    Abstract: A wheel and brake system is provided for a vehicle having a wheel with an inner wheel, an outer wheel generally concentric with the inner wheel, and a plurality of resilient members connecting the inner and outer wheels together for resilient movement therebetween. The wheel and brake system comprises a brake mechanism having a rotor and a caliper. The rotor rotates with the inner wheel and the caliper is rotationally fixed in position relative to the resilient wheel. An actuation system causes first and second rotor-engaging surfaces of the caliper to move toward one another to squeeze the rotor therebetween and to thereby resist rotation of the inner wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Richard LaBrash, Edward L. Arnell
  • Publication number: 20030094853
    Abstract: A method and system for operating an electrically controlled pressurized-fluid vehicle brake system having a brake cylinder for actuating a brake, a braking-pressure sensor for obtaining braking-pressure data which indicate the braking pressure in the brake cylinder, a valve device for influencing the braking pressure by which the brake cylinder can communicate optionally with a supply pressure or with a set pressure in order to feed pressurized fluid, and a set-pressure sensor for obtaining set-pressure data. Braking pressure is adjusted as dictated by the set-pressure data and/or by the braking-pressure data. The set-pressure data are checked by temporarily switching the pressurized-fluid feed path to the brake cylinder from the supply pressure to the set pressure by actuation of at least one part of the valve device, and then monitoring the resulting braking pressure based on the braking-pressure data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Hans Holst, Axel Stender, Norbert Witte
  • Patent number: 6502014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control circuit for controlling the driving stability of a vehicle where the input quantities determining the course of track are input in a vehicle model circuit which determines at least on nominal value for a control quantity subject to parameters memorised in the vehicle reference model on the basis of a vehicle reference model reproducing the characteristics of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventors: Torsten Herrmann, Mile Jokic, Ulrich Lüders, Holger Duis, Ralf Endress
  • Patent number: 6502029
    Abstract: A system and method for ABS stability control is provided, the method comprising the steps of determining whether a first wheel is in an ABS mode; determining whether the first wheel is in an apply mode; determining whether a second parallel wheel is in the release mode; calculating an adjusted wheel slip if the first wheel is in the ABS mode, the first wheel is in the apply mode, and the second parallel wheel is in the release mode; and determining a control mode for the first wheel using the adjusted wheel slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. O'Dea
  • Patent number: 6478103
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle comprises a compact layout for a brake system. The all terrain vehicle includes a front fender assembly, which is positioned above at least one front wheel, and a rear fender assembly, which is positioned above at least one rear wheel. An engine is supported by a frame assembly and is positioned between the front wheel and the rear wheel. A longitudinal plane extends along an outer lateral surface of the engine and a transverse plane extends along either a rearmost portion of the front fender assembly, a forwardmost portion of a foot step or an intersection between the front fender assembly and the foot step. A master cylinder of the braking system is disposed forward of the transverse plane and inward of the longitudinal plane. The master cylinder is independently operated by a hand actuator and a foot actuator. Movement of either of the actuators does not move the other of the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuya Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6439354
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to increase the degree of freedom in laying out vehicle parts by decreasing a space in which a brake pipe is laid out. A control unit of a foot parking brake in accordance with the present invention is installed to an attachment bracket fixed to a dash panel, a connection joint is provided in a space between the dash panel and the foot parking brake, and the connection joint is installed to the dash panel. A cabin-side connector of the connection joint is disposed so as to face to the direction in which the dash panel extends. An outside connector of the connection joint is disposed so that one end of an outside brake pipe is disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the surface of the dash panel extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20020092719
    Abstract: Hydraulic fluid is supplied to hydraulic brake cylinders for calipers and brake shoes of a motor vehicle through brake line assemblies each including a flexible multi-layer high pressure brake hose having an end portion receiving an inwardly forged end portion of a small diameter high pressure steel tube. A metal collar receives each tube and is secured to the tube by a crimp or threads and/or a spring retaining washer, and is also crimped onto an end portion of the hose. The opposite end portion of each metal tube is flared and receives a tubular flare nut which may be threaded directly into a brake caliper or a brake control valve. The collar may be progressively formed from sheet metal, and may be secured to the tube by a non-circular crimp. Circumferentially spaced ears may be formed on the tube and project into corresponding grooves within the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Harco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Merle T. Brumfield, James A. Poeppelman, Alan F. Meckstroth
  • Publication number: 20020092717
    Abstract: Hydraulic fluid is supplied to hydraulic brake cylinders for calipers and brake shoes of a motor vehicle through brake line assemblies each including a flexible multi-layer high pressure brake hose having opposite end portions each receiving a forged or inwardly swaged end portion of a small diameter high pressure steel tube. A metal collar receives each tube and is locked on the tube by a spring retaining washer or a forged stop rib on the tube and is crimped onto the end portion of the hose to form a direct tube-to-hose connection having high tensile strength. The opposite end portion of each metal tube is flared and receives an externally threaded tubular flare nut. The flare nut on one tube is threaded directly into a brake caliper, and the flare nut on the other tube is threaded into a brake control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Harco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Merle T. Brumfield
  • Publication number: 20020092718
    Abstract: Hydraulic fluid is supplied to hydraulic brake cylinders for calipers and brake shoes of a motor vehicle through brake line assemblies each including a flexible multi-layer high pressure brake hose having opposite end portions each receiving an inwardly forged or swaged ribbed end portion of a small diameter high pressure steel tube. A metal collar receives each tube and is locked on the tube by a crimp or threads and/or a spring retaining washer or push nut and is crimped onto the end portion of the hose to form a direct tube-to hose connection having high tensile strength. The opposite end portion of each metal tube is flared and receives an externally threaded tubular flare nut. The flare nut on one tube is threaded directly into a brake caliper, and the flare nut on the other tube is threaded into a brake control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Harco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Merle T. Brumfield
  • Patent number: 6386650
    Abstract: An ABS actuator bracket 5 is formed by a bracket base 20 on which an ABS actuator 2 is mounted and vehicle body attachment elements 21a to 21c which is attached to a vehicle body panel 4. A space portion 32 having a distance L corresponding to the dimension of a vehicle part such as a harness (main harness 33) is provided between the vehicle body panel 4 and the ABS actuator bracket 5 in a state in which the ABS actuator bracket 5 is attached to the vehicle body panel 4, so that the vehicle part is arranged so as to pass through the space portion 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Kouzuki