Abstract: A circuit breaking device includes a socket provided on the way of a circuit, a plug movably disposed in a direction that the plug is inserted into and removed from the socket, an explosive exploding in response to a trigger signal given thereto to thereby drive the plug by explosion force to move advanced, and the plug which is normally disposed in a retreated position at where the plug is in a conductive state with said socket, while the plug is in a non-conductive state with said socket when the plug moves to an advanced position.

Abstract: An impact sensor for a motor vehicle has a plurality of sensing members disposed on a motor vehicle which are effective for sensing an impact with an obstacle and generating a signal in response thereto. The sensing members include a respective telescoping support member which is fixedly supportable by the motor vehicle and has a first telescope member and a second telescope member. The first telescope member is dimensioned and configured to slideably move relative to the second telescope member in a telescoping manner. A rigid member, which is supported by each of the telescoping support members, and which extends therefore from the vehicle, is effective for transferring a force of impact occurring between the rigid member and an obstacle to at least one of the sensing members. Thus, when an obstacle contacts with the rigid member, the rigid member deflects causing the telescoping support member of at least one of the sensing members to compress in response to the force of impact.

Abstract: A brake fluid distribution control system for use in closed antilocking brake systems includes a switch in communication with low pressure accumulators for cyclically activating pumps that evacuate the low pressure accumulators of brake fluid under desired conditions. The method associated with this invention can be implemented by providing an indicator for indicating the amount of fluid within the accumulator and a switch for cyclically activating the pump when the fluid within the accumulator reaches a preselected capacity level. Alternatively, the antilocking brake system electronic controller is provided with appropriate software for cyclically activating the pump that evacuates the accumulators under preselected conditions.

Abstract: The temperature-dependent pressure detection switch according to the present invention comprises a pressure receiving member to receive hydraulic pressure, on which spring force of the predetermined value is permanently applied to the direction reverse to the operating direction of said hydraulic pressure and the spring force is varied according to temperature change, and a switch unit, which is operated by the movement of said pressure receiving member against said spring force when predetermined hydraulic pressure is received. Accordingly, when ambient temperature changes, spring force is changed, and the switchover setting pressure related to the on-off switchover operation of the switch unit can be changed according to temperature change. Namely, the pressure detection switch can be provided with temperature-dependent property.

Abstract: A master cylinder (12) having a switch (70) which is activated by either a magnet (78) carried by a float (76) in a reservoir (40) or a pin (66) moved by a differential area piston (52). The switch (70) had a first blade (82) connected a source of electrical current (106) through an indicator light (124) and a second blade (88) connected to an electrical ground (114). A reed switch (100) is connected to the first (82) and second (88) blades and responds to the magnet to close an electrical circuit to operate the indicator light (124) if a low fluid level is present in the reservoir (40). A first contact (96) on the first blade (82) is positioned in switch 70 by a non-electrical conductive actuation pin (66) that extends through the housing (22) of the master cylinder (12).

Abstract: A condition settable combination gas cylinder and electric switch, the switch being mounted on the extended piston rod of the cylinder. The switch has an internal retainer within the switch housing and engageable by the cylinder housing in the first compression stroke of the cylinder, to shift the retainer and two electrical contacts thereon to a set position exactly suiting the cumulative buildout tolerance of the vehicle or other machine on which the novel combination is mounted. The retainer is locked there against reverse movement when the cylinder again extends and thereby withdraws from the switch. Another electrical contact is located on a switch plunger that moves axially back and forth with the retainer and switch housing. Thus, each repeat extension by the cylinder causes interengagement of the three electrical contacts.

Abstract: An electrical switch adapted to be mounted on a gas strut assembly employed with a liftgate, for example, on an automotive vehicle. The switch is open or non-conducting when the strut is compressed and the liftgate is in the closed position. The switch is closed or conducting when the strut is extended enough to allow the liftgate to be unlatched and opened a predetermined distance as measured at the bottom of the liftgate. In one embodiment, the switch is affixed to the strut by an already existing fastener at the end of the strut that tightens the switch against a shoulder on the strut. In another embodiment, the switch fits snugly on the strut and is correctly positioned by the strut during initial assembly and actuation. Internally, the switch is provided with a pair of sleeve-like members that move longitudinally with respect to each other. One of the members has a pair of elongated contact fingers, while the other member is encircled by a metallic band.

Abstract: An automotive alarm system that provides the driver of a following vehicle with two different brake signals, related to the foot pressure that the driver of the leading vehicle is applying to his brake pedal. The multi-signal brake signal system alerts the driver in the following vehicle when the leading vehicle is undergoing a panic stop action, thereby enabling the driver in the following vehicle to possibly avoid a rear end collision with the leading vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the position of a movable member relative to a stationary member, the stationary member being one of the walls of a booster housing (14), and the movable member being a piston mechanism (16) dividing the housing into a front chamber and a rear chamber, comprising a movable first mechanism (42) which is movable together with the movable member (16) and the movement of which is detected in relation to a second mechanism (26) stationary relative to the stationary member (14). According to the invention, the stationary second mechanism (26) is fastened to the stationary member (14) outside the housing (14) of the booster, the movable first mechanism (42) sliding relative to the stationary second means (26), so as to vary at least one electrical quantity as a function of the position of the movable first mechanism (42) relative to the stationary second mechanism.

Abstract: Length-adjusting device is provided on a switch, intended to indicate the shift of an object from a normal position. The switch comprises a fixed part, intended to be assembled securely in a chassis for example, and a switch part which is movable relative to the latter and which can be changed between different positions for switching the switch depending on the position of the object. The length-adjusting device comprises a first part, which interacts with the object in its positional shifting movements, and a second part which interacts with the movable switch part such that the said second part attempts to hold the movable switch part in one of its positions. The length-adjusting device comprises at least one fluid chamber which changes volume upon relative movement between the first and the second part.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an electrical switching mechanism for circuits associated with hydraulic systems in automotive vehicles. The switching mechanism comprises at least one switch (13, 15) disposed on a printed circuit board (1), which switch (13, 15) includes a sliding contact (23, 24) fixed to a hydraulically movable carrier (25). The sliding contact (23, 24), along its path of displacement, in various positions (27, 28, 29, 51), between contacts (11, 12; 14, 16) stationarily disposed on the printed circuit board in oppositely spaced relationship, provides for electrically conductive connection or disconnection.

Abstract: The invention is a hydraulic failure compensating switch which incorporates a differential pressure valve which responds to a hydraulic failure in one of a pair of vehicle braking circuits and altering the pressure reducing function of the braking system proportioning valve(s) in response thereto to increase braking torque at the vehicle's rear wheels.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic switching device for emitting electric control signals in dependence on supplied pressure signals. The switching device has a housing wherein a piston pressurizable by the inlet pressure is arranged so as to be axially displaceable. The piston is spring-loaded against the inlet pressure by means of a compression spring arranged between a spring plate and a guide means. The spring plate is secured at the piston by means of a snap ring, and the switching device has an actuating plate for actuating an electric switching mechanism. The actuating plate is positively connected with the piston, with the compression spring at its end facing the switching mechanism being axially guided by the guide sleeve.

Abstract: A differential pressure switch includes a housing which carries a switch assembly which is actuated by movement of a differential pressure responsive piston slidable within the housing. The piston shifts in response to pressure differentials between the pressure levels in the chambers defined between the ends of the piston and the corresponding ends of the housing. The piston includes a pressure responsive stop that responds to pressure levels above a predetermined pressure level to engage the housing to thereby prevent shifting of the piston and actuation of the switch assembly regardless of the pressure differential across the piston, thereby limiting operation of the pressure switch to pressure levels below the predetermined maximum pressure level.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring is arranged with a view to putting a piece of electrical equipment into operation as soon as it reaches a given geometrical condition corresponding to a determined relative position of its piston rod, the device being equipped for this purpose with elastic strips which are arranged so as to be in contact at one time with the conducting wall of its tube, and to be separated from the latter at another time. The elastic contact strips are controlled by an insulating cam which is movable relative to them, and which is designed either to apply them against the wall of the tube if they are separated from it when at rest, or the reverse, that is to say to separate them from the wall of the tube if they are in contact with it when at rest. Such a spring can be used for automobiles.

Abstract: The contactor incorporates, in a cavity (70), a fixed contact blade (20) and a movable contact blade (21) pushed elastically away from the fixed contact blade (20) in the opposite direction to the direction in which the follower (13) is pushed, the follower (13) being capable of cooperating in thrust with the piston mechanism (2) of the casing of the servomotor in which the contactor is mounted, the movable contact blade being coupled to a plunger (15) mounted so as to slide in the follower (13) and incorporating a shoulder (16) which is capable of cooperating with an abutment (18) of the follower. The cavity (70) isoldated hermetically from the outside, communicates freely and permanently with the rear working chamber (4) of the servomotor through passages (12).

Abstract: An oil level sensing device is provided for use in conjunction with an engine having a cycling vacuum source, an oil reservoir and a dip stick guide tube extending upwardly from the oil reservoir. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber while a valve plate having a port divides the housing chamber into upper and lower chambers. An elongated fluid conduit is secured to the housing and open to the lower chamber while the other end of the conduit is insertable into the dip stick guide tube and the end of conduit is positioned at a predetermined level with respect to the oil reservoir. A piston is slidably mounted within the upper chamber and is movable between an upper and a lower position. A spring urges the piston towards its lower position during low vacuum mode while the engine vacuum source, connected to the upper chamber, urges the piston towards its upper position during high vacuum mode.

Abstract: A differential pressure switch is disclosed. The switch functions through a conductive path formed within the fluid of a single cavity of a housing having passages for communicating high and low pressure fluid to the cavity. The switch has a cantilevered post with movable conducting and nonconducting members mounted thereabout and being movable between conductive and nonconductive states according to the differential pressure within the cavity. One of the movable members provides sealing between the post and the cavity wall to separate the high and low pressure fluids.

Abstract: A gas spring arrangement in which conductive terminals on the cylinder and piston rod of a gas spring are connected by a conductive path insulated from the cylinder and piston rod. The path may be provided in part by contact elements on the cylinder and piston rod outside the cylinder cavity which engage each other when the piston rod approaches its axially terminal position during inward movement into the cavity. The path may also be provided in part by an insulated conductor helically wound on the piston rod in the cavity or outside. It may also include an axially elongated conductor secured to the axial cylinder wall outside the cavity.

Abstract: A self-resetting warning actuator (42) for a vehicle brake system includes a housing (27) having a bore (44) which defines a recess (58). A pair of pressure responsive pistons (50, 54) are received in the housing bore and each is exposed to the pressure in one brake circuit. A roller member (48) is disposed in the housing recess and between the pistons. When the brake system is operating normally, the pressures in the two brake circuits are substantially equal and the pistons define a neutral position. Should one of the circuits fail, the pistons are shifted from their neutral position by the resulting pressure difference between the circuits. The housing recess defines a ramp which forces the roller member between the pistons when the pistons shift from their neutral position. A signaling device, by its response to the movement of the pistons, provides a warning to the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A detector for providing an audible indication of the vacuum condition for use in promoting the economic operation of a vehicle including a vacuum detector for detecting the magnitude of the vacuum condition in the manifold vacuum line of a vehicle to effect a switch closure which energizes an audible alarm. The vacuum detector comprises a piston reciprocally mounted within a piston chamber and movable responsive to changes in vacuum. A piston rod is arranged between combination switch and guide means for maintaining the axial alignment of the piston rod and for cooperating with conductive means arranged along the piston rod for establishing a conductive path for energizing the audible alarm when a predetermined vacuum condition is present. The contact design provides automatic silencing of the alarm when the engine is turned off or upon demand of engine power beyond a predetermined value. The small size allows for an out-of-sight dashboard mount without affecting operator recognition of the alarm.

Abstract: In the illustrative embodiments disclosed, one or more independent current paths are provided in a gas spring by use of printed circuit-type conductors. The printed conductor or conductors are preferably formed on a strip of insulating material using known printed circuit techniques, and the strip is then affixed to the cylinder member of the gas spring by an adhesive or, alternatively, by a heat-shrunken surrounding, plastic tube. A current path may be connected to provide a switch function or to establish a closed circuit over a substantial portion of or the entire stroke of the piston rod member. Where plural current paths are provided, the different paths can be given different functions.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensing switch for a motor vehicle has a piston axially slidable in a housing and exposed at each end to the pressure in separate brake circuits. At one end, the piston has a smaller diameter exposed to fluid pressure than at the other end and a sleeve and seal are slidable on said smaller diameter to have a combined diameter greater than that of the other end. A spring biases the sleeve toward the one end so that on cycling, the piston moves first in one direction and then in the other direction to provide positive movement between each seal and its adjacent sealing surface.

Abstract: The tail gate of a station wagon carries an electric lamp for automatically illuminating the adjacent portion of the body compartment when the tail gate is open. The lamp is energized from the battery of the vehicle through a pneumatic spring which biases the tail gate toward the open position. The two fastening eyes of the spring insulate the piston rod and cylinder of the spring from the tail gate and body of the vehicle respectively. A switch sealed in the spring conductively connects the piston rod and cylinder, otherwise insulated from each other, when the spring holds the tail gate open, terminals on the piston rod and cylinder outside the cylinder cavity being connected to the battery and the lamp respectively.

Abstract: A piston overtravel indicator for indicating overtravel of a piston from a rest position adjacent one end of a cylinder to working positions displaced from the rest position toward the other end of the cylinder. The indicator includes an elongated indicator rod slidably extending through a hole in the other end of the cylinder and having an inner rod end located within the cylinder adjacent the working positions of the piston. Overtravel of the piston beyond working positions causes engagement of same with the inner rod end for moving the rod outwardly through the hole. The indicator rod has a circumferential groove adjacent the inner end thereof for cooperation with a yieldable abutment extending into the hole for preventing complete outward displacement of the indicator rod through the hole.

Abstract: An overtravel indicator for a piston received in a cylinder having an end wall toward which the piston moves includes an elongated indicator rod slidably mounted through a dielectric bushing in the end wall. A conductive garter spring is compressed between the indicator rod and a groove in the cylinder end wall. An electric circuit including an electrically operated indicator is connected for completion through the indicator rod, end wall and garter spring. In an inward armed position of the indicator rod, dielectric material carried by the rod is interposed between the rod and garter spring for opening the electric circuit. In an outward operated position of the rod, a conductive surface on the rod engages the garter spring to complete the circuit and operate the indicator.

Abstract: An overtravel indicator for a piston received in a cylinder having an end wall toward which the piston moves includes an elongated indicator rod slidably extending through the end wall. The rod has an armed position extending inwardly of the end wall and an operated position extending outwardly of the end wall. An electrically operated indicator is positioned in a circuit connected for completion through the indicator rod and end wall when the rod is in its operated position. In the armed position of the rod, dielectric material surrounds that portion of the rod extending through the end wall for opening the electric circuit. In the operated position of the rod, its outer surface engages the end wall for completing the electric circuit.

Abstract: An inwardly opening valve type, fuel injection nozzle is provided with a part or parts thereof electrically insulated relative to its housing and the movable injector valve therein so that when the injector valve is closed an electrical circuit can be completed through the injector valve and housing and when the injector valve is moved to an open position, the continuity of this circuit is broken, By connecting an electrical continuity tester to this circuit, the opening and closing of the injector valve can be detected and can be used to set the timing of a diesel engine.

Abstract: In a piston actuated valve, means for determining the position of the operating piston by means of at least one insulated contact probe which is inserted through the wall of the cylinder. Two or more can be used, one in each extreme position of the piston. As the piston moves into its extreme position, contact is made with the probe and a suitable signal is sent, indicating that the piston is in that extreme position.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for activating a passenger restraining system in a vehicle comprising, a dash-pot assembly arranged to be operatively mounted between the vehicle structure and a bumper on the vehicle, the dash-pot assembly including a cylindrical tube, a closure across the tube and a piston movable in the tube to form with the closure a chamber for pressure fluid in the tube, throttle means in communication with said chamber arranged to control exit of pressure fluid from the chamber and to damp movement of the piston relative to the tube whereby to dissipate energy, and a sensor mounted as an assembly with said tube, the sensor including an electrical switch operable in response to fluid pressure in said chamber.

Abstract: In a pressure differential warning actuator for detecting when a differential between the pressure of separate brake circuits of an hydraulic braking system exceeds a predetermined value, at least two separate pistons work in separate bore portions in a common housing and are movable between a neutral position when the predetermined value of the differential pressure is not exceeded and an operative position, in which an indicator mechanism is actuated, when the predetermined value is exceeded, and the pistons act through a lever ratio change mechanism to restore them from the operative position to the neutral position when the differential is reduced to less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A headlamp delay device comprising a switch having spaced contacts, a switch contact member movable to successively engage the contacts at different positions and detent means for holding the contact member in each of the positions. A housing has a piston and diaphragm dividing the housing into two chambers. A passage associated with one of the said chambers for connection to a source of vacuum and an inlet is provided to the one chamber. An orifice is associated with the inlet to the chamber for connection to a source of pressure higher than that supplied through the vacuum. A spring yieldingly urges the piston means in a direction opposite to that which the vacuum tends to move the piston. A shaft extends through the housing through the piston means and is connected to the switch contact member.

Abstract: A fault alarm device for a vehicle dual brake system including front and rear master cylinders, front and rear wheel cylinders and a proportioning valve which functions to develop proportioned rear wheel braking fluid pressure at a reduced rate relative to the rear wheel braking fluid pressure from the rear master cylinder. The fault alarm device comprises a fault alarm circuit for indicating the fault in the dual brake system when energized, and a control valve interposed between the master cylinders and the wheel cylinders and associated with the proportioning valve. The control valve includes a body, a stepped cylinder formed in the body, a stepped piston slidably inserted in the stepped cylinder, and a sleeve slidably interposed between the stepped cylinder and piston. The alarm device further comprises a switch engaged with the stepped piston for energizing the alarm circuit in response to the sliding movement of the stepped piston from its neutral position.

Abstract: A hollow, imperforate chamber arranged to be connected to a cylinder, includes a gas pressure deformable membrane detector providing means to actuate a signal indicating pressure in the cylinder produced by a piston moving in its compression cycle. The detector is connected into the electrical system of the engine to utilize its lights or horn as an indicating signal.

Abstract: A dual circuit brake system has a failure warning section in which the pressures in each of the circuits are sensed by a pair of pistons having a switch actuating shuttle positioned between the pistons by a pair of springs. The ends of the shuttle are telescoped in the pistons for guidance and relative movement. The switch pistons are relatively small with little travel, minimizing displacement loss. The centering springs do not have sufficient load to force the shuttle to the off position once failure in one system has occurred and the pressure in the remaining system has been released. Repair of the failed system allows pressure actuation to move the shuttle back to the deactuated position for automatic reset.

Abstract: A dual hydraulic brake system incorporating a dual master cylinder for separately pressurizing the front and rear brakes of a vehicle. A device for varying the proportion of brake pressure applied to the front and rear brakes of a vehicle is positioned between the master cylinder and the front and rear brakes. The device includes a differential area piston for decreasing the proportion of brake pressure delivered to the rear brakes above a first preselected inlet pressure. Positioned within the differential area piston is a second valve assembly which is actuated in response to attainment of a second preselected brake pressure and which blends back the pressure in the rear brake system until it attains the pressure in the front brake system.

Abstract: In a pressure differential warning actuator for detecting when a differential between the pressure of separate brake circuits of an hydraulic braking system exceeds a predetermined value, at least two separate pistons work in separate bore portions in a common housing and are movable between a neutral position when the predetermined value of the differential pressure is not exceeded and an operative position, in which an indicator mechanism is actuated, when the predetermined value is exceeded, and the pistons act through a deformable assembly to restore them from the operative position to the neutral position when the differential is reduced to less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A dual circuit brake system has a failure warning section in which the pressures in each of the circuits are sensed by a pair of pistons having a switch actuating shuttle positioned between the pistons by a pair of springs. The ends of the shuttle are telescoped in the pistons for guidance and relative movement. The switch pistons are relatively small with little travel, minimizing displacement loss. The centering springs do not have sufficient load to force the shuttle to the off position once failure in one system has occurred and the pressure in the remaining system has been released. Repair of the failed system allows pressure actuation to move the shuttle back to the deactuated position for automatic reset.

Abstract: The invention relates to a failure detector for a dual hydraulic circuit such as a dual brake circuit in a motor vehicle. The detector comprises a movable piston assembly so as to define in a bore on opposite sides thereof two pressure chambers. Switch means are provided to make electrical contact when the movable assembly moves in certain direction from a central idle position due to pressure imbalance between the chambers. The movable assembly comprises a sleeve acting with the switch means and two resilient discs. The sleeve is mounted in a core fixed to a plug mounted in the bore and having the same axial length as the sleeve. The two discs are sealingly slidable along the bore and mounted in a fluid-tight manner on two axial projections attached to the opposite sides of the core and being smaller in diameter than the core.

Abstract: An electric switch for use in a braking fluid pressure fault alarm device for a vehicular dual brake system, which device includes a body having a cylinder, a piston slidably inserted in the cylinder and receiving front and rear wheel braking fluid pressures for sliding movement from its inoperative position to its operative position in response to leakage of either of the braking fluid pressures, and an electric alarm circuit for generating an alarm signal when deenergized. The electric switch is engaged with the piston and is switched from its conductive condition to its non-conductive condition in response to sliding movement of the piston in order to deenergize the electric alarm circuit.

Abstract: The brake force regulator device is for a dual circuit brake system in which the function of the regulator is suppressed if an uncontrolled brake circuit fails. A locking piston is provided which serves this purpose as well as at the same time to release a differential pressure warning signal should one of the two circuits fail. The advantages achieved with the arrangement disclosed are that only a small amount of pressure fluid is drawn from the intact brake circuit in case of the failure of the other circuit so that the locking piston performs a dual function.

Abstract: A pressure monitor for an enclosed body possessing an internal pressure differential utilizing a chamber having a piston disposed for travel therewithin. The piston includes a transversely mounted electrical conductor which forms an electrical bridge with a pair of contacts disposed on either side of the piston. A monitor means electrically connects between the pair of contacts to indicate the internal pressure of the enclosed body.

Abstract: A pressure converter for converting and intensifying pneumatic pressure to hydraulic pressure includes a pneumatic piston movable in a cylinder and connected by a rod with a smaller hydraulic piston. The pneumatic piston is movable from a rest position to normal working positions. Indicator means includes a first electrically operated signal and a second visual signal for respectively indicating overtravel and degree of overtravel of the pneumatic piston beyond the normal working positions. The pneumatic piston is engageable with the indicator means upon movement of such piston beyond its normal working positions for actuating the electrically operated signal and the visual signal.

Abstract: A differential pressure warning switch comprising a housing defining a chamber, hydraulic conduits communicating the master cylinder and front and rear fluid brake actuators of an associated vehicular brake system with the chamber, a shuttle piston movable within the chamber between opposed translated positions in response to differential pressure conditions existing between the front and rear brakes of the vehicle, and a pair of pressur responsive flexible diaphragm elements arranged adjacent the opposite ends of the shuttle piston and adapted to effect shuttle movement of the piston in response to predetermined differential pressur conditions in the brake system, whereby to complete an electrical circuit to an associated warning lamp or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing an indication to a vehicle operator of failure of either of separated fluid braking circuits by means of an electric circuit, which electric circuit is further enabled to provide such indication in response to self-deactuation of the electric circuit.

Abstract: A dual braking system for industrial vehicles of the type in which only two wheels on a common axis are normally braked, and which includes a hydraulic disc brake system in which each wheel has two separate sets of brake cylinders which are connected by separate lines to a common master cylinder. In case of failure of one of the supply lines, a valve interposed between the master cylinder and the brake cylinders closes off the failed line in response to the pressure imbalance caused by the failure. The movable element of the valve is also adapted to close a switch which can be connected in a suitable indicator circuit to warn the vehicle operator that a failure has occurred. According to another aspect of the invention, a floating brake disc is disclosed.

Abstract: A dual hydraulic brake system incorporating a dual master cylinder for separately pressurizing the front and rear brakes of a vehicle. A pressure limiting device is positioned in the brake system for the front wheels which have disc-type brakes. The device prevents the front brakes from being energized until the rear drum-type brakes are functioning and then proportions the pressure applied to the front brakes. Also, an apparatus for providing an indication to the operator of failure of either the front or rear brakes, which apparatus will automatically reset itself upon correction of the failure, is positioned adjacent the pressure limiting device and is responsive to fluid pressure in both systems.

Abstract: A fluid pressure device usable in a vehicle brake system which includes a dual master cylinder inserted into two mutually independent fluid lines which are connected between the front and rear wheel brakes. The device is arranged across the fluid lines between the brake master cylinder and the rear wheel brakes and includes a pair of differential pistons slidably accommodated in a cylinder bore and a balance piston slidable in the bore between the differential pistons, a pair of input fluid chambers being defined between the balance piston and the differential pistons and connected with respective upstream portions of the fluid lines while a pair of output fluid chambers are defined on the outer sides of the differential pistons and connected with the adjacent input fluid chambers through fluid control valves and with respective downstream portions of the fluid lines.

Abstract: In a brake system including two independent hydraulic lines extending from a dual type brake master cylinder and connected to the respective rear wheel brakes, a novel pressure control device provided for automatically adjusting the ratio of the front to the rear wheel brake pressure for maximized overall braking efficiency and including failure alarm for warning the driver of any trouble in operation of the device or of any fluid leakage on the hydraulic lines without delay. The device includes a cylinder bore fitted with a pair of annular pistons and a balance piston extending axially therethrough. A pair of sealing rings are mounted on the balance piston at the opposite ends thereof to define each an input and an output hydraulic chamber, respectively connected with the upstream and downstream portions of the associated one of the two hydraulic lines and adapted to be placed in communication with each other with displacement of the balance piston from its neutral position.

Abstract: The pneumatic spring which holds the rear gate of a station wagon in the open position transmits electric current to heating filaments in the window of the rear gate by way of terminals on the piston rod and the cylinder of the spring, the terminals being connected by a contact spring in the cylinder cavity in the closed position of the rear gate.