Abstract: A method and system for controlling an eddy current braking system in a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle includes a prime mover linked to the eddy current braking system to provide torque thereto, and the eddy current braking system has a retarder assembly including at least a rotor and a stator. The method includes the steps of detecting a feedback current from the retarder assembly, detecting a rotor speed of the rotor, providing a signal indicative of a desired retarding torque, and determining a command current for the retarder as a function of the feedback current, rotor speed and desired retarding torque using a closed-loop sliding-mode control algorithm. The command current is provided to the retarder to control application of torque to the prime mover.

Abstract: The invention comprises a retarder system for use with road vehicles. The retarder system discloses two improvements. The first is a system incorporating a self-excited electromagnetic and hydraulic retarder combination. The second is a retarder system incorporating the use of a PMG Gear ratio which permits use of a permanent magnet generator on a secondary shaft which is coupled by the gear ratio to a drive train.

Abstract: A dynamic damper for absorbing vibrations in a rotary driveshaft, including a mass member assembly having a plurality of mass members, each mass member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an affixing member to affix the mass member to another mass member of the assembly, the mass member assembly being affixable to a rotary shaft.

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.

Abstract: An electric or hybrid electric vehicle 7 is provided which includes a first wheeled axle 10 that is electrically driven and has only electric regenerative brakes. The vehicle 7 also includes a second wheeled axle (22, 32, 44) that has only friction brakes 26. The cost and complexity of friction brakes on the second axle (22, 32, 44) can be avoided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the brake system of electric drive vehicles are proposed, in which the control of a friction brake and of an electric regenerative brake is divided between two pedals. The regenerative brake is controlled as a function of the actuation of the accelerator, independently of the extent to which the brake pedal is actuated.

Abstract: A regenerative braking control system for an electric vehicle which can be driven by operating an electric motor with electric energy supplied from an electric energy supply source mounted on the vehicle. A control unit (7) is designed so that regenerative braking force of the electric motor (2) is controlled in accordance with an inclination detected by an inclination detecting unit (28). This has made it possible to provide the electric vehicle with improved drivability and running performance.

Abstract: A brake system for a motor vehicle with four wheels has four electrically controlled wheel brake devices. Each of the wheel brake devices has a control part and an actuator, with which the various wheel brakes are activated independently of one another in response to actuations of the brake pedal by the driver. The brake system has two separate electrical control units, each for a respective two of the four wheel brake devices. Both of the separate control units receive control signals separately from a brake force simulator, and they each have their own energy supply circuit. An additional central control unit controls additional functions of the system (ABS, traction control, etc.) at each of the four wheel brake devices which serve safety or comfort purposes of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A braking system consisting of coil assemblies (6) which move in relation to a rotor magnet assembly (9) by using an actuator assembly (2). As the coil assemblies (6) are moved closer to the rotor magnet assembly (9), a current will develop in the coil assembly (6) which will generate a magnet field. This magnet field will in turn induce a torque on the rotor magnet assembly (9). The developed current can then be used to recharge the onboard energy storage system.

Abstract: In an electric vehicle capable of being regeneratively braked, driven wheels connected to and driven by a motor are connected to and capable of being regeneratively braked by a brake control unit. When the regenerative braking of the driven wheels is being conducted by the brake control unit, the gear-shifting of an automatic transmission by a motor/AT control unit is prohibited. Thus, the need for continuance or control of the regenerative braking during gear-shifting is eliminated, thereby preventing a reduction in braking force during the gear-shifting and the generation of a shock.

Abstract: A regenerative and friction brake blend control method for use in a vehicle with at least one positionable hydraulic brake actuator for achieving friction braking and an electric propulsion motor with regenerative braking capability wherein an amount of regenerative braking achieved is indicated by a signal, wherein the method comprises the steps of determining a hydraulic actuator position command indicating a desired vehicle braking, determining responsive the hydraulic actuator position command a regenerative braking command, commanding the electric propulsion motor to regeneratively brake the vehicle responsive to the regenerative braking command, receiving the signal indicative of regenerative braking achieved, converting the signal indicative of regenerative braking achieved to an actuator position reduction signal, subtracting the actuator position reduction signal from the hydraulic actuator position command to determine a difference command, and commanding the hydraulic actuator according to the diff

Abstract: The electric motor vehicle of this invention is an electric motor vehicle which is provided with a drive motor (13) driven by electric power from a storage battery (11), an air conditioner (1), and a regenerative brake means which temporarily uses the motor (13) as a generator when decelerating the vehicle to generate regenerative electric power and to charge the storage battery (11). It is further provided with an excess regenerative electric power judging means (18) for judging excess regenerative electrical energy based on regenerative electrical energy by the regenerative brake and allowable regenerative electrical energy of the storage battery at that time, and an electric power distribution means (14) for distributing the excess regenerative electric power based on the excess regenerative electrical energy.

Abstract: In an electric vehicle capable of regenerative braking of wheels, a differential pressure regulating valve is interposed between a master cylinder for generating a hydraulic braking pressure by operation of a brake operating element and a brake cylinder for a driven wheel. In a first region in which an input hydraulic pressure into the differential pressure regulating valve is equal to or less than a predetermined value, an output hydraulic pressure from the differential pressure regulating valve is maintained at zero, and in a second region in which the input hydraulic pressure exceeds the predetermined value, the output hydraulic pressure is lower than the input hydraulic pressure by the predetermined value.

Abstract: In a brake system in an electric vehicle comprising a follower wheel capable of being hydraulically braked by the operation of a brake operating element, and a driving wheel connected to and driven by a motor using a battery as an energy source and capable of being hydraulically braked and regeneratively braked by the operation of the brake operating element, the regenerative braking force for the driving wheel exceeds a theoretic distribution characteristic of the braking forces for the follower and driving wheels at least during an initial braking. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently perform the recovery of the kinetic energy of the vehicle by the regenerative braking to increase the possible travel distance of the vehicle. In addition, at least during an initial braking, the hydraulic braking of the driving wheel and the hydraulic braking of the follower wheel are inhibited, and substantially only the regenerative braking of the driving wheel is performed.

Abstract: A vehicle powered by an electric motor which may be operated as a generator to effect regenerative braking of certain vehicle wheels in combination with individual friction brakes associated with other wheels. A commanded vehicle deceleration is apportioned among the wheels by determining the maximum regenerative braking deceleration achievable by drive wheels, and braking the vehicle occurs solely by regenerative braking so long as the commanded deceleration is less than the determined maximum deceleration. When a commanded deceleration exceeds the determined maximum, the regenerative braking is supplemented with friction braking of the other wheels while the maximum regenerative braking is maintained.

Abstract: A regenerative brake device increases its regenerative brake power during high-speed driving, without impairing driveability. A regenerative brake device includes a driving wheel linked with a rotary shaft of an electric motor through a power transmission system and a battery charging circuit provided between the electric motor and a set of batteries. The battery charging circuit is switched OFF and ON to execute the regenerative braking in response to the duty factor of control pulse signals inputted to the battery charging circuit. The duty factor of control pulse signals inputted to the battery charging circuit decreases as the rotational speed of the rotary shaft of the electric motor increases, thereby increasing the braking power within a range that does not exceed a predetermined braking power.

Abstract: A brake controlling apparatus in an electric vehicle comprising a hydraulic brake including a fluid pressure generating and applying device having a characteristic in which the fluid consumption rises in the fluid-pressure range of 0 to P.sub.0, and brakes the driving wheels by the fluid pressure of the fluid pressure applying device. A regenerative brake brakes the driving wheels by the regeneration of the power of a driving motor. A fluid flow cut-off device cuts off the flow of hydraulic fluid from the fluid pressure generating device to the fluid pressure applying device when the fluid pressure of the fluid pressure generating device exceeds P.sub.0. A fluid flow inducing device induces the flow of hydraulic fluid from the fluid pressure generating device to the fluid pressure applying device while maintaining the pressure difference between the fluid pressure generating and applying devices when the pressure difference exceeds .DELTA.P.sub.r.

Abstract: A brake control system mounted in an electrical vehicle for controlling a hydraulic brake and a regenerative brake. The hydraulic brake generates a hydraulic pressure depending on an amount of depression of a brake pedal so as to mechanically brake at least drive wheels. The regenerative brake brakes the drive wheels due to a regeneration of a running motor. A reducing valve is provided in a hydraulic pressure transmission path to the drive wheels to be braked by the hydraulic brake. The reducing valve is opened when the hydraulic pressure genrated in a cylinder is at least a valve open value to allow a hydraulic pressure transmission to drive wheel pipings. An ECU calculates a regenerative torque command value depending on a pressure difference between the front and rear of the reducing valve, detected by a sensor, and controls the regenerative brake on the basis of the regenerative torque command value.

Abstract: A magnetic brake is provided having a combined collar and flywheel with a braking disc and a fan which are all rotatably mounted on a shaft fixed between a pair of frames. The magnetic brake further includes an electromagnetic coil wound on an electromagnetic ferrite core, a plurality of permanent magnets mounted on an inner surface of the collar, and a stator coil wound on a stator ferrite core disposed in a stator ferrite core seat. An electrical circuit is provided having a rectifying circuit coupled to a first voltage regulating circuit for powering the stator winding and the other circuitry. A digital-to-analog converter is included for converting an input digital control signal to an analog control signal. The output of the converter is coupled to a second voltage regulator, the output of which is coupled to a current regulating circuit for driving the stator winding.

Abstract: A regenerative brake device increases its regenerative brake power during high-speed driving, without impairing driveability. A regenerative brake device includes a driving wheel linked with a rotary shaft of an electric motor through a power transmission system and a battery charging circuit provided between the electric motor and a set of batteries. The battery charging circuit is switched OFF and ON to execute the regenerative braking in response to the duty factor of control pulse signals inputted to the battery charging circuit. The duty factor of control pulse signals inputted to the battery charging circuit decreases as the rotational speed of the rotary shaft of the electric motor increases, thereby increasing the braking power within a range that does not exceed a predetermined braking power.

Abstract: A rotor for an eddy current type retarder produces a brake force by producing eddy current using magnets mounted on a stationary member of the retarder. The rotor is mounted on a rotatable shaft and faces the magnets. The base member is made from a material containing steel. A thin film is formed on that face of the base member which faces the magnets. The film is made from a material containing rust-preventative material. A plurality of fins are formed on the base member by casting, using a material of good castability, with the base member as an insert. The rotor can be manufactured inexpensively and has the same characteristics as a rotor made from low-carbon-made steel.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system for a car in which when a hydraulic circuit is not operated, effective maximum displacement controlling current and minimum displacement controlling current for a pump/motor in the hydraulic circuit are studied on the basis of a variation of the sensed displacement angle when the maximum permissible current and the minimum operating current previously given to a displacement angle controlling electromagnetic proportional control valve are respectively decreased and increased stepwise. A displacement controlling current per a unit capacity for the control valve is determined.

Abstract: The electromagnetic braking arrangement comprises an exciting winding which is supplied from a generator winding which on the one hand excites the generator winding and on the other hand induces a braking torque in a short-circuited winding moved with the generator winding. The excitation current of the exciting winding is controlled by a transistor of a current-regulating circuit which holds the excitation current and thus the braking torque at a level adjustable at a reference voltage source. The iron circuit of the exciting winding has residual magnetic properties which ensure an initial self-excitation. The components of the control circuit are supplied with operating voltage from the generator winding via a rectifier circuit. A resistor, which is directly connected to the rectifier circuit, controls the transistor in the conductive state even when the operating voltage is insufficient for proper operation of the control circuit.

Abstract: A sorter in which a stepwise bin driving mechanism which includes helical cams moves bins, which are arranged in multiple steps, sequentially and intermittently to a sheet delivery position for loading the respective bins with sheets. The sorter includes pin guides and support frames which are constituted by side plates each being provided with an elongate slot for guiding a pin, which is provided on each side of the base end of a bottom plate of each bin. Cam members are provided at both sides of the other or free end of each bin. The cam members of the lowermost one of the bins have a greater height than those of the other bins so that, while the sorter is in a sort mode, the space available above the bottom plate of the lowermost bin for receiving sheets becomes greater than those available above the other bins. A bin drive motor which serves as a drive source for the bin driving mehanism is implemented with an AC reversible motor.

Abstract: A hand-held scanner, namely, a hand-operated optical reader, capable of selectively and partially reading a necessary portion of a document. The hand-held scanner is equipped with a speed control device capable of producing a load for controlling the moving speed of the hand-operated scanning unit for approximate uniform motion to enable a compact and inexpensive apparatus to reproduce an original picture easily and accurately.

Abstract: A vehicle supported for rolling movement on a track by a first set of wheels driven by an electric motor and a second unpowered set of wheels is provided with an improved braking system. The braking system includes a brake pedal which can be depressed to generate a brake demand signal, a regenerative braking system associated with the electric motor, and a friction braking system attached to the unpowered wheels. Control circuitry which regulates the operation of the two brake systems serves normally to actuate the regenerative braking system in response to the brake demand signal and to actuate the friction braking system only when the brake demand signal exceeds a predetermined level which corresponds normally to the maximum regenerative braking available. Under slippery rail conditions, a detector indicates slippage of the wheels relative to the rails during regenerative braking, and immediately actuates the friction braking system to produce additional braking in proportion to the brake demand signal.

Abstract: A cross blending brake system for a multi-car train having power cars that provide regenerative braking through the electro-dynamic action of the car's traction motors, as well as friction braking through an electric/friction brake blending valve, and non-power cars that provide friction braking only through an electric/friction brake blending valve. Since the regenerative brake effort on the power cars is limited only by the available wheel to rail adhesion on these cars, the regenerative action of the electro-dynamic brake provides brake effort in excess of the power car brake requirement, thus reducing the friction brake requirement of the non-power cars, which is limited by the lower threshold energy absorption ability of the wheels. The cross blending control utilizes the excess power car regenerative braking to avoid overheated wheels, while at the same time realizing a net energy savings and reduced brake shoe wear, particularly at maximum levels of regeneration.

Abstract: An undercarriage (250) is provided for supporting and propelling a mechanism (252). The undercarriage (250) includes a main frame (256) and side frames (258) pivotally mounted at the fore and aft ends of the main frame and on either side thereof. Two axles (270) are rotatably supported on each side frame (258) and on opposite sides of the pivotal axis of the side frame. An inner wheel (266) and an outer wheel (268) are mounted on the axles (270). A double-acting fluid cylinder (284) is interconnected between the main frame (256) and each side frame (258). Pressurized fluid may be provided to the chambers within the fluid cylinders (284) to lock the side frames in a position so that the inner wheels (266) extend below a plane defined by the bottom surfaces of the outer wheels (268) to facilitate skid steering.

Abstract: In a charge/float vehicle electrical system, heavy battery charging is effected during periods of engine deceleration and the float voltage is adjusted so as to maintain the battery state of charge at the level in existence at the initiation of the float mode.

Abstract: Control system for electro-pneumatic compressed air brakes for rail vehicles with a servo valve (1) for control of a pilot pressure and for actuation of electrical contacts (40, 41) operable over a coupling (4) such that, at the beginning of an adjustment of the servo valve in the braking direction, at least one contact (40) is always closed while, at the beginning of an adjustment in the releasing direction, a different contact (41) is closed. The two contacts control the excitation of a brake and release contactor (50, 51) monitoring a brake and release circuit (56, 62) which, when switching, interrupts the circuits monitored by the contacts (40, 41) of the servo valve (1) by opening the coupling (4). Holding circuits for the brake and the release contactor (50, 51) are monitored by contacts of a second switching system (34); a piston (25) actuated by the pilot pressure against the main air line pressure serves to control the latter contacts.

Abstract: A propulsion unit for span scaffolds having vertical castered columns at the four corners thereof. The propulsion unit includes a first elongated frame member extending between the columns on one side of the scaffold, a second elongated frame member extending between the columns on the other side of the scaffold, and a third, wheeled, frame member extending crosswise between the first and second frame members, the third frame member being mounted on the first and second frame members for limited free vertical movement relative thereto.

Abstract: A generator adapted to be driven by rotational forces applied to the wheel of an automotive vehicle or the like comprising a stator coupled to the vehicle frame and a rotor which includes wheel mounting structure so that the rotor is adapted to be effectively driveably coupled to the wheel. The rotor includes a cup-shaped body telescopically received over the stator coaxially with the axis of rotation, with a plurality of axially spaced circumferential arrays of magnets being mounted internally of the cup-shaped rotor body. A plurality of core assemblies are mounted on the stator in axially spaced positions corresponding to the circumferential magnet arrays. A disc brake flange projects from the rotor body and is adapted to cooperate with disc brake calipers carried by the vehicle frame for applying braking forces to the wheel.In a charging system for the energy storage batteries of an electrically powered vehicle or the like, the batteries comprise individual low voltage batteries connected in series.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system having one brake circuit actuated directly by pressure generated in a master cylinder and a second brake circuit actuated, by pressure generated by actuation of the master cylinder, to the extent that regenerative braking effort acting on the wheels having brakes in the second brake circuit is insufficient to provide the desired total braking effort on those wheels. When regenerative braking on those wheels is sufficient to meet the braking effort demand, the service brake system does not supply any additional braking effort. A compliance control member provides the feel of input travel and force equivalent to the regenerative braking effort actually at the wheels of the second brake circuit when regenerative braking is occuring while the vehicle is being braked.

Abstract: An electrical generating system for land vehicles comprising an electrical generator operatively connected to the vehicle drive train, a battery and a system interconnecting the brake pedal to a switching arrangement which connects the generator output into the battery for charging purposes upon depression of the brake pedal and also provides for increasing the generator output as a function of brake pedal depression, thus utilizing the back EMF of the generator as a load on the drive train to assist in braking the vehicle and utilizing the momentum of the vehicle during braking to furnish energy to the generator.

Abstract: A combined hydraulic and regenerative braking system and method for an electric vehicle, with the braking system being responsive to the applied hydraulic pressure in a brake line to control the braking of the vehicle to be completely hydraulic up to a first level of brake line pressure, to be partially hydraulic at a constant braking force and partially regenerative at a linearly increasing braking force from the first level of applied brake line pressure to a higher second level of brake line pressure, to be partially hydraulic at a linearly increasing braking force and partially regenerative at a linearly decreasing braking force from the second level of applied line pressure to a third and higher level of applied line pressure, and to be completely hydraulic at a linearly increasing braking force from the third level to all higher applied levels of line pressure.

Abstract: A magnetic particle device such as a magnetic particle brake in which the flux producing means are mounted in a stationary member, said device having improved means for dissipating heat, improved means for locating the heat sensitive members including the bearing members relatively remote from the region where most of the heat is generated, the rotatable portions of the subject devices being mounted between stationary portions thereof, and means forming an improved magnetic gap construction for such devices. The device may also include improved means for circulating a liquid coolant from an external source through stationary portions of the device and simplified relatively trouble free means for making the electrical connections to the flux producing means.