Abstract: A sanding system for a rail vehicle includes a housing of a cellular wheel sluice having an inlet located at the top and an outlet located at the bottom, a pivotably mounted cellular wheel having a plurality of cells, and a motor that is coupled with the cellular wheel. The sanding system further includes a container connected to the inlet of the cellular wheel sluice for receiving brake sand, or a feed line connected to the inlet of the cellular wheel sluice for transporting brake sand, and a discharge line connected to the outlet of the cellular wheel sluice for transporting brake sand. The motor for driving the cellular wheel is thereby arranged above the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a bedliner ballast system for pick-up trucks, vans and other vehicles to allow the operators of vehicles to increase traction on the driving wheels by adding and removing weight to the bed of their vehicle and therefore adjusting the traction of the driving wheels without sacrificing load carrying space. The design permits the owner to easily and quickly add or remove weight as needed by using a liquid contained within the bed liner. Liquid may be added to directly weight, for example, the rear wheels with a garden hose or water faucet at a filling station while preserving the entire rear bed for passengers or freight and the additional load may be easily and quickly removed. The design permits custom modification for a variety of vehicles and vehicle configurations.

Abstract: A deployable traction assembly comprising a studded mud flap mounted for retraction and extension on the vehicle by operation of a motor. The motor may have a shaft connected via spools and straps to the studded mud flaps. The studded mud flap may be mounted on the vehicle behind or in front of a set of wheels within a distance such that when the studded mud flap is extended and the vehicle moved backward or forward, the studded mud flap may extend under a set of wheels. The deployable traction assembly may include one or more sensors connected to sense position of the studded mud flap or load on a part of the deployable traction assembly, such as the shaft of the motor. A processor may be connected to receive signals from the one or more sensors and provide output for controlling the motor based on the received signals.

Abstract: A system and method to reduce water spray from one or more truck tires of a truck driving through rain on a water covered road. A combination centrifuge and air compressor device collects a mixture of air and rainwater, to separate the air from the rainwater and to compress the air. An air distribution manifold system directs the compressed air from the combination centrifuge and air compressor device onto an area of the water covered road in front of one or more of the truck's tires so that the water from the area rises up from the road. Then a shield barrier channels the water that rises up from the area on the road away from one or more of the truck's tires.

Abstract: This invention is a control device to vary the contact conditions of the tread of a vehicle to improve driving functions, such as skid prevention, noise reduction, road surface protection or road marking, by the choice of the appropriate trodden tips in given road conditions. The trodden tips and connected parts are unified to make a unit which is attached or detached with a simple connection such as the insertion at a convenient position, which enables the device to function properly with a lowered safety factor, reducing the size only to avoid damages of the device and around.

Abstract: A balancing system for an agricultural vehicle includes a balance weight which has take-up pins at its sides. The pins are oriented coaxially to a common pivot axis so that the balancing weight can be taken up by the lower links of a three point implement hitch. When the balance weight has been taken up, it can be moved from a position of the center of gravity (S) of the balance weight close to the vehicle to a position distant from the vehicle. In order to attain a balance as optimal as possible, the position of the center of gravity of the balance weight in its position close to the vehicle is located below the pivot axis. Pivoting devices are provided so that the balance weight can be pivoted about the pivot axis so that it can also be brought from a position close to the vehicle to a position distant from the vehicle, where the balance weight occupies a lower position of the center of gravity in the position close to the vehicle than in the position distant from the vehicle.

Abstract: In a wheel pant device (12), wheel pant plates (34 and 36) that form this wheel pant device are able to be rotated in at least a vehicle width direction. By detecting a driving state of a vehicle using a detecting device and rotating the wheel pant plates of the wheel pant device (12) in response to that detected driving state, the airflow acting on the vehicle can be controlled, thereby enabling the driving performance of the vehicle to be improved.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus 2 for generating electrical charge from a motive power source 3. The apparatus 2 comprises an alternator 3a and a worm drive assembly 4 connectable to the motive power source 3. The worm drive assembly 4 comprises a drive shaft 14 a worm gear 20; and, a worm wheel 32 configured so as to mesh with the worm gear 20 and as is further arranged so as to be operatively associated with the alternator 3a. During use, rotation of the drive shaft 14 by the motive power source 3 effects generation of electrical charge by the alternator 3a.

Abstract: The invention discloses an anti-skid mechanism operating device (1) for vehicles comprising an operating unit (2) and an operating arm (3) pivotally supported thereby and intended to carry a rotary anti-skid device (4) and to operate the latter between an active and a passive position. The operating device (2) comprises a worm gear (6) and a driven worm (5) adapted to engage said worm gear (6) for operation of the operating arm (3). The driven worm (5) is resiliently displaceable along an axis (A) of said worm (5).

Abstract: An anti-skid device for a vehicle for positioning a traction member beneath a vehicle wheel includes a support member that is attached to the vehicle, a pivoting swing arm with a traction wheel with traction members thereon, and a drive assembly attached to the support member and to the swing arm so as to extend and retract the swing arm. The drive assembly includes a gear-reduced electric motor that is coupled to a worm that meshes with a worm gear that is attached to the swing arm shaft. As the motor moves in a first direction, the gear mesh causes the arm to deploy and, in a reverse direction, the swing arm retracts. Spring-biasing is provided so as to maintain pressure of the traction wheel against the vehicle wheel and limit switches are provided so as to turn the drive motor on and off.

Abstract: A method for determining a triggering decision for restraint device of a motor vehicle, in response to a preceding skidding maneuver. A yaw rate, a first driving dynamics parameter set and a context parameter set are made available. The triggering decision being determined using the yaw rate, the first vehicle parameter set and the context parameter set.

Abstract: A truck bed accessory for accommodating weights and stored articles. At least one panel is adapted to be situated between the wheel wells of the truck and over the rear axle of the truck. A receptacle is defined within the interior of the main panel over the rear axle. A weight holder for disposition in the receptacle includes a plurality of weight receiver bins adapted to secure weights therein so that the weight over the rear axle can be varied to increase traction. When the weight holder is not in use, the accessory can store other articles for covered transport.

Abstract: An automobile ballast device includes a bladder member configured to hold various amounts of matter and having an inlet for selectively allowing the matter to enter the bladder member. The automobile ballast device further includes a plurality of lower panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform below the bladder member, each lower panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective lower panel. Similarly, the automobile ballast device includes a plurality of upper panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform atop the bladder member, each upper panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective upper panel. The ballast device also includes a plurality of spacers, each spacer being coupled to respective lower upper panels for maintaining a selected distance therebetween. Each spacer includes indicia indicative of a volume or weight of ballast matter.

Abstract: A vehicle ballast system for providing added weight over the wheels of a vehicle for increased traction and to also serve as a storage container. The system also acts as a storage or utility container when the internal bladder is removed. The vehicle ballast system includes a base container, a liner removably positioned within the base container and a bladder unit removably positioned within the liner. The bladder unit includes a nozzle and is able to retain a volume of a liquid substance. The vehicle ballast system also includes a cover that is removably attached to an upper end of the base container.

Abstract: Each of a pair of skid plate assemblies attaches by a mounting plate to the axle and leaf springs of a trailer using inverted U-bolt. The steel skid plate mounts to the mounting plate by a vertical steel tube and two welded angled brace tubes. The front end of the bottom skid plate hooks around and attaches to a crossbar on a bracket hanging down from a forward end of the trailer spring. The back end of the bottom skid plate is formed with a dove tail tip that touches the pavement to create sparks when the trailer tire is disabled to warn other motorists.

Abstract: A truck bed ballast system for providing incremental amounts of extra weight over the rear drive wheels of a pick-up truck that doubles as a storage container for traction-enhancing media, such as salt, sand, gravel, and the like. One example of the truck bed ballast system comprises at least one elongated cylindrical body member that is permanently capped at one end and may either be permanently capped or removably and resealably capped at the other end. At least one cylindrical body member is positioned in the bed of a pickup truck that is expected to need extra traction (such as in icy weather) between the rear wheel wells and the tailgate. If the truck were to lose traction and become stuck, despite the presence of the extra ballast weight, one or more cylindrical body members may be removed from the truck bed and their contents applied under the drive wheels to enhance traction and allow the truck to become unstuck.

Abstract: A single unit of the new deployment system includes a housing to which an electric drive motor is externally mounted. The deployment system for each vehicle requires at least a pair of deployment units: one each for right and left wheels. Each unit includes a reversible electric drive motor having an armature shaft; an intermediate drive shaft; a worm axially affixed to the intermediate drive shaft; an output shaft; a shock damper affixed to the output shaft; a worm gear affixed to the shock damper, the worm gear meshing with the worm, and providing rotational locking for said output shaft; and a deployment arm coupled to the output shaft, the deployment arm having rotatably mounted thereto a friction drive disc, said friction drive disc having peripherally attached thereto a plurality of chain segments.

Abstract: When feedback control is carried out to ensure that the drive torque of an electric motor for driving each wheel of a vehicle should be equal to a motor torque instruction value, micro-vibration is applied to each tire by superposing a micro-vibration signal to a drive signal for the above electric motor to change the slip ratio-friction characteristics themselves of the tire to control friction force between the tire and the surface of a road, thereby controlling the running performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A unitary ballast device for attachment to the rear portion of a pickup truck cargo bed using mounting pins, chain links, shackles and affixed eyelets in the interior of the vehicle cargo bed. The ballast device is composed of steel or other heavy metal, and the surface coated in rubber to reduce damage to the cargo bed and any cargo present in the cargo bed. The device is positioned laterally at the rear of the vehicle bed and is releasable by detaching from affixed eyelets in the cargo bed and can be modified to include a second metal base for increased dampening effect. The device can remain in place with cargo loads present with little risk of damage to the load due to the beveled edges and rubber coating of the base, thereby increasing ease of use and efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traction control system for a vehicle. The traction control system includes an energy radiator positionable in proximal relation to at least one of the vehicle tires. The traction control system further includes a control system having a signal generator, with the signal generator generating an activation signal to selectively activate the energy radiator. The activated energy radiator generates an energy to heat the tire in response to the activation signal, thereby increasing the fraction of the tire.

Abstract: A ballast assembly for vehicles is mounted on one vehicle portion to balance the vehicle and counterbalance the weight of an implement such as a snowplow assembly on another portion of the vehicle. The ballast assembly includes a ballast member having a predetermined weight and a contour coordinated to the vehicle shape. A vehicle mounting member removably mounts the ballast member to the vehicle such as at a hitch receiver socket or to the vehicle frame at the rear end of the vehicle. The ballast member may comprise one or more metal plates stacked and secured to one another, or a hollow enclosure either temporarily or permanently filled with a weighted material such as sand, gravel, or concrete.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for use in cooperation with a vehicle wheel for positioning a traction member beneath the vehicle wheel includes a frame assembly constructed and arranged to be attached to the vehicle, a swing arm pivotally connected to the frame, and an electric, linear actuator having an extendable shaft. The anti-skid device includes a double pivot link where one end is attached to the frame assembly and the opposite end is attached to the swing arm. The linear actuator is attached to a movable pressure plate and a biasing spring is positioned between the movable pressure plate and a back plate for applying and maintaining contact pressure of the traction wheel against the vehicle wheel. In the preferred embodiment, the traction member is a length of chain that is connected to the traction wheel for positioning between the vehicle wheel and the road surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizing weight assembly for a vehicle, such as a tractor. The stabilizing weight assembly, in one embodiment, includes a weight holder rotatably connected to a weight holder wheel. The weight holder wheel can make contact with the driving surface, depending upon the driving conditions. The stabilizing weight assembly enhances the traction, safety and performance of vehicles such as tractors.

Abstract: A snow chain mechanism for easily applying snow chains to the wheels of a vehicle and dismounting the snow chains therefrom. The mechanism includes a chain assembly mounted with a plurality of chains rotated by a chain assembly driving unit mounted to an axle of a vehicle via a bracket. Also included is a control unit for controlling the chain assembly driving unit, thereby allowing the chains to be positioned between the wheels and road bed when the driver commands the snow chain mechanism to operate once the vehicle has been started.

Abstract: The invention is of a vehicle traction enhancement system, primarily intended for use with boat towing vehicles for increasing the traction between the vehicles wheels and the driving surface (usually a “boat ramp”) during boat launching and retrieval operations. The system includes a vehicle-mounted liquid holding tank and associated conduits and pump(s) for moving water into and out of the holding tank, respectively for increasing and decreasing weight of the vehicle as needed for traction requirements during and after boat launching and retrieval operations.

Abstract: A plurality of electrodes in a solid object are located proximate to the contact interface between an ice layer and the surface of the solid object. A power source provides a potential difference across the electrodes to generate an electric field at the contact interface, thereby increasing the friction force between the solid object and the ice. Preferably, the power source is in AC power source. A capacitor in series between the power source and the electrodes creates an additional impedance for limiting the AC current to a level safe for human exposure.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension (10) with a height control valve (70) in combination with an anti-creep device (12) having an automatic reset mechanism (90) that pressurizes the air spring of the trailing arm suspension until the rotatable arm (60) of the anti-creep device (12) is free to rotate from an extended position to a retracted position, even if the ride height is set too low. The automatic reset mechanism (90) adjusts the trailer height to prevent the binding of the trailing arm suspension and the anti-creep device when the height control valve (70) is improperly adjusted.

Abstract: An mounting system for chain traction systems installable on wheeled vehicles having a beam or live axle. Includes four threaded coupling nuts, each of which is threadably secured to a threaded end of one of the U-bolt shackles which secure the axle to either a set of leaf springs or to an air bag assembly. A cross plate ties each lateral pair of coupling nuts together. A mounting tube bolts to the cross plates, a mounting plate bolts to the mounting tube, and the traction system components bolt to the mounting plate. Elongated bolt holes provide a wide range of adjustability between the bolted-together components for proper positioning of the mounting bracket within an x-y plane. For adjustability in a “z” direction, spacers of varying thickness may be inserted between the coupling nuts and the cross plates. The components may be welded together when properly positioned.

Abstract: A snow chain mechanism for easily applying snow chains to the wheels of a vehicle and dismounting the snow chains therefrom. The mechanism includes a chain assembly mounted with a plurality of chains rotated by a chain assembly driving unit mounted to an axle of a vehicle via a bracket. Also included is a control unit for controlling the chain assembly driving unit, thereby allowing the chains to be positioned between the wheels and road bed when the driver commands the snow chain mechanism to operate once the vehicle has been started.

Abstract: Tandem drive axles include a pair of drive axles interconnected by a thru-shaft. An inter-axle differential allows speed differentiation between the pair of axles. Differences in tire rolling radii and variations in axle load distribution between the pair of drive axles are examples of why axle differentiation is needed. By measuring and monitoring wheel speed and/or tire pressure, tire rolling radii differences can be determined and appropriate adjustments can be made to tire pressures to provide a common tire rolling radii range for all tires. In addition to tire pressure adjustment, by adjusting other axle parameters that affect axle performance, such as suspension height and weight distribution, the need for axle differentiation is eliminated.

Abstract: A ballast attachment for a tractor three-point hitch includes a cubical, rotational molded polyethylene shell filled with steel reinforced concrete. The front side of the attachment includes a forwardly opening receptacle for receiving a transverse hitch bar carried by the lower links of a tractor three-point hitch, the rear portion of the receptacle including a semi-cylindrical seat for the hitch bar. The center of gravity of the attachment causes the lower part of the attachment to tend to pivot about the hitch bar toward the tractor to the point where it engages the lower three-point hitch draft links. A chain secures the attachment in place.

Abstract: Tandem drive axles include a pair of drive axles interconnected by a thru-shaft. An inter-axle differential allows speed differentiation between the pair of axles. Differences in tire rolling radii and variations in axle load distribution between the pair of drive axles are examples of why axle differentiation is needed. By measuring and monitoring wheel speed and/or tire pressure, tire rolling radii differences can be determined and appropriate adjustments can be made to tire pressures to provide a common tire rolling radii range for all tires. In addition to tire pressure adjustment, by adjusting other axle parameters that affect axle performance, such as suspension height and weight distribution, the need for axle differentiation is eliminated.

Abstract: An anti-hydroplane system for tires that includes a blower assembly in front of each of the tires of a vehicle. Each blower assembly discharges a high pressure stream into a water dispersal area in front of a respective one of the vehicle tires.

Abstract: When feedback control is carried out to ensure that the drive torque of an electric motor for driving each wheel of a vehicle should be equal to a motor torque instruction value, micro-vibration is applied to each tire by superposing a micro-vibration signal to a drive signal for the above electric motor to change the slip ratio-friction characteristics themselves of the tire to control friction force between the tire and the surface of a road, thereby controlling the running performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-tire-slide onboard road gripping media dispensing safety system that dispenses road gripping media (such as salt, sand, and any other solid, liquid, or gaseous media which allows tires to grip the road during slippery road conditions (such as ice, snow, rain, mud, etc. . . . ). The vehicle anti-tire-slide onboard road gripping media dispensing safety system provides a safer, faster, more controlled deceleration of a vehicle when braking during slippery road conditions. It reduces potential accidents, reduces deaths, reduces insurance claims/rates, reduces salt truck expenses for cities and makes a driver feel safer when riding on slippery roads. It increases tire traction, allows for increased acceleration when taking off from a stand still, and it allows the driver to have more control on slippery roads at higher speeds. It allows a vehicle to become unstuck in snow, mud, on rainy, on icy ground and during other bad weather conditions.

Abstract: An emergency braking system employing viscous or adhesive substances is disclosed for use with a vehicle operated on a road surface. The braking system produces at the rear wheels of a moving vehicle a molten substance that will effectively increase the coefficient of friction at the interface of tire and road. A coolant may also be supplied to cool the molten substance and further increase the coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle that includes a mechanism for positioning the cab assembly and any loads supported by the cab assembly forward or rearward along the tracked chassis so that the weight of the cab assembly and load is more evenly distributed onto the earth contacting surfaces of the tracks of the tracked chassis and thereby minimize the chance of the tracked vehicle becoming bogged down.

Abstract: An anti-skid mechanism operating device includes an operating unit and an operating arm pivotally supported thereby and intended to carry a rotary anti-skid and to operate the latter between an active position and a passive position. The operating unit is formed with a linear drive and a rotationally mounted rotary device, which is connected to the operating arm. A string-like drive transmission element extends essentially along the longitudinal axis of the drive, between the drive and the rotary device, in order to translate a linear movement of the drive into a pivotal movement of the operating arm in two opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a vehicle equipped with the apparatus for preventing slip and keeping a good running on the ground including a road covered with frozen water such as ice and/or snow by cooling a wheel surface of the vehicle and/or a ground surface just in front of a point where the wheel comes into contact therewith by using cold air directly produced by expansion of compressed air in the running of the vehicle in response to change in the vehicle driving condition and further, dealing with a hydroplaning of the wheel on a wet ground surface at not freezing seasons by injection of the compressed air.

Abstract: The coefficient of friction &mgr;s between the wheels of the vehicle and the road surface is identified as a function of the slip, and the maximum drive torque MAmax which can be transmitted is determined as a function of this slip-dependent coefficient of friction &lgr;. &lgr; is corrected when there is an increased slip requirement &lgr;erf as a result of the speed of the vehicle and/or the tire mixture used.

Abstract: An automotive brake control system with an ABS system employing a hydraulic modulator, wheel-speed sensors, and a skid control unit. A vehicle deceleration &Dgr;Vi is calculated on the basis of a first speed V0 corresponding to the pseudo vehicle speed calculated at a time when the vehicle starts to decelerate and a second speed Vp corresponding to the pseudo vehicle speed calculated at a time when the pseudo vehicle speed is changed from an increasing state to a decreasing state at each cycle of the skid control, from a predetermined expression &Dgr;Vi=(V0−Vp)/T, where T denotes a derivative time.

Abstract: A traction weight assembly, for mounting traction weights on a utility vehicle, has a weight bar that is inserted into a tubular receptacle. The tubular receptacle is secured to the vehicle frame. A retainer pin is inserted through a retainer pin passage through the tubular receptacle and an aligned adjustment bore through the weight bar. Traction weights are mounted on a portion of the weight bar that extends to the rear of the tubular receptacle. A retainer plate is attached to the weight bar by at least one bolt that clamps the traction weights between the tubular receptacle and the retainer plate. If needed a spacer is provided between the tubular receptacle and the traction weights.

Abstract: An improved snow chain system for wheeled vehicles that can be rapidly deployed and rapidly retracted, includes a rotatably-mounted friction drive disc having a circumferential edge that is pressure biased against the sidewall of a tire. Multiple arcuate chain attachment plates, which interlock much like a laminar puzzle, are placed end-to-end to form a ring-shaped unit. The ring-shaped unit is held together and to a planar surface on the friction drive disc by a plurality of bolts, each of which passes through a single attachment plate and through the friction drive disc. Each arcuate attachment plate has either one or two chain segments attached thereto. In the case where only a single chain segment is attached, a U-shaped anchoring chain link is welded to the attachment plate. In the case of attachment of a pair of chain segments, a M-shaped anchoring link is employed.

Abstract: A vehicle traction enhancing apparatus is provided having a rectangular base designed to fit between the wheel wells of a vehicle cargo area with extensions in juxtaposition with the front and rear faces of the wheel wells. The base is constructed of four restraint members welded together and sized to hold an array of concrete/cinder blocks over the rear axle of the vehicle. A removable rack fits into sockets, and supports construction sheets, such as wall board, plywood, ladders, lumber or the like. An auxiliary holder for round containers may be attached to the base or an extension member.

Abstract: A mechanism adapted for reducing damage to a tire of a vehicle caused by execution of sharp turns, the tire being adapted to roll across the ground surface during forward vehicle travel, and said tire slides across the surface of the ground laterally with respect to forward vehicle travel during execution of sharp turns such that the tire encounters large laterally directed forces during execution of said sharp turn. A sprayer is carried by said vehicle for lubricating said tire with a lubricating fluid such that the fluid lubricates the tire for reducing friction between the tire and the ground as the tire slides laterally across the ground surface during execution of a sharp turn. An operator engagable control is provided for allowing the operator to selectively actuate the sprayer.

Abstract: A traction device for a wheeled vehicle comprises a rotor mounted to a supported component of the vehicle and displaceable between a deployed position, in which the rotor is close to the ground and in contact with the tire of a driven wheel of the vehicle so that when the tire rotates, the rotor rotates through frictional engagement therewith, and a stowed position, in which the rotor is farther from the ground and is spaced from the wheel. At least one elongate traction element is attached to the rotor at a location spaced from the axis of rotation of the rotor, so that when the rotor rotates due to frictional engagement with the rotating tire, the traction element is subject to centrifugal force and is extended from the rotor and passes between the tire and the ground.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the advance recognition of the hydroplaning of a vehicle tire on a wet road, in which the rotational speed of the wheel carrying the tire is sensed by a rotational speed sensor and the frequency spectrum of the rotational wheel speed is evaluated. According to the invention, in the frequency range above 20 Hz, the natural resonance behavior of the rotational tire vibrations is evaluated continuously, and a conclusion on hydroplaning of the tire is drawn from detuning of the rotatory natural frequencies.

Abstract: A molded shell with a hinged cover for carrying ballast or other items in pick-up truck beds. The shell is designed to fit into the bed of a truck and is formed to fit around the wheel wells. The shell is designed to be half the height of the side walls. This permits large flat objects to be placed on top of the container for convenient hauling. The entire lid is hinged in the front end (i.e., the end nearest the cab). This allows the entire hinge to be lifted and opened, giving access to the entire shell. A second hinge is provided that allows the rear one-third of the lid to open. This gives access to the back of the storage unit from the tailgate. This door can be used to remove sand to place under the wheels if more traction is needed, for example. It also can be used for quick access to frequently used items.

Abstract: A sand delivery system for use in automobiles, or other vehicles. The device uses the hollow front bumpers found on most modern vehicles today to store bags of sand, which is delivered through a number of nozzles located in the front of the vehicle. A blower system forces the sand through the nozzles and projects the sand in a wide pattern out in front of the vehicle. The system is designed to operate when the vehicle is braking. Because the sand is disbursed out in front of the vehicle, the tires can better utilize the sand for braking. Because the sand is projected out in front of the vehicle only a moderate amount of sand is needed to improve traction, thereby reducing the need for large quantities of sand. The sand delivery system can be tied to a manual switch, the vehicle's brake pedal, or to a computer that is tied into the anti-lock brake systems of a car. In the latter case, sand is only be applied when the anti-lock brake system is activated.

Abstract: In a method for detecting a hydroplaning risk for vehicle tires the sequential deformations of tread elements of the vehicle tire in the circumferential direction during contacting the road surface are measured. A sequence of corresponding signals is generated. The sequence of corresponding signals is processed to produce processed signals. The processed signals are compared to predetermined evaluation standards, and a warning signal for indicating the imminent danger of hydroplaning is sent as a function of the predetermined standards.