Abstract: A method for determining a start time for a recharging procedure for a plunger device of an electronically slip-controllable power brake system, and an electronically slip-controllable power brake system having a plunger device. Plunger devices have a plunger cylinder, a plunger piston, and a plunger working space and are operable by a drive motor. A recharging procedure of the plunger device is required from time to time. The start time for a recharging procedure of the plunger device is ascertained as a function of characteristic values that describe the driving state of a vehicle equipped with the power brake system, and/or the operating state of the plunger device when an actual position of the plunger piston lies within a specifiable working range of the plunger device.

Abstract: A method for initializing an electronically slip-controllable power braking system after a startup and an electronically slip-controllable power braking system. Power braking systems are equipped with a pressure generator for conveying pressure medium in a pressure medium circuit. The pressure generator includes a plunger unit made up of a plunger cylinder, a plunger piston, and a plunger work chamber enclosed by plunger cylinder and plunger piston. A characteristic, using which an actuation of the plunger piston is carried out by the motor during the initialization of the power braking system, is selected by the electronic control unit as a function of a piece of information present about the position of plunger piston at the start of the initialization and implemented by corresponding electronic activation of the motor.

Abstract: A trailer brake system that generates load-dependent braking forces. Variable trailer load information is used to generate load-dependent control signals which serve to control an electrically-controlled proportional valve. A load sensing valve serves to modify brake command signals in dependence on a control pressure that is regulated by the proportional valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an emergency braking system, an emergency braking method and a semitrailer, capable of improving the braking effect of the vehicle, thereby achieving improved safety for the vehicle. The system includes: a sensor component configured to collect sensed information on an environment where a semitrailer is located; and a braking controller configured to determine whether there is a risk of collision for the semitrailer based on the sensed information, and if so, calculate a maximum adhesive force that can be provided by a road surface the semitrailer is currently on, determine a first braking pressure corresponding to each wheel based on the maximum adhesive force and axle load information, and transmit to a braking system a first braking instruction carrying the first braking pressure for each wheel.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for automatic calibration of electronic trailer brake gain. An example apparatus includes a trailer brake gain calibration module programmed to compare a calculated trailer brake torque to at least one of a first or second threshold, adjust a gain value based upon satisfaction of at least one of the first or second threshold, and apply a pressure to a trailer brake based on the gain value.

Abstract: A method for the adaptive control of a driver operation-dependent actual vehicle deceleration in a commercial vehicle includes determining an operating variable that indicates a displacement of a brake pedal of a brake valve demanded by the driver as well as an assistance deceleration demand, providing a mass-dependent feeling curve that associates a driver's deceleration demand with the operating variable, adapting the mass-dependent feeling curve if there is no assistance deceleration demand so that the determined operating variable is associated with an actually prevailing actual vehicle deceleration, specifying a target vehicle deceleration depending on a driver operation-dependent driver's deceleration demand determined from the corresponding feeling curve and the assistance deceleration demand if there is an assistance deceleration demand, and actuating a brake pressure corresponding to the target vehicle deceleration for adaptively adjusted, driver operation-dependent control of the actual vehicle dece

Abstract: A driver braking demand indicator apparatus comprises a brake valve including (i) a brake valve member movable in response to a driver moving a brake applicator member, and (ii) a delivery pressure line to operate a vehicle service brake circuit. The apparatus also comprises a travel sensor arranged to (i) sense movement of the brake valve member, and (ii) provide a first signal indicative of the extent of travel of the brake valve member when movement of the brake valve member is sensed. The apparatus further comprises a delivery pressure line sensor arranged to (i) sense pressure in the delivery pressure line of the brake valve, and (ii) provide a second signal indicative of the pressure in the delivery pressure line. The apparatus also comprises a controller arranged to process the first and second signals to provide a driver braking demand signal for at least one external device.

Abstract: A brake ECU acquires the vehicle load (WW) (step S142), and sets a higher start-time criterion value (KT2) when the load (WW) is heavy than when the load (WW) is light (step S144). The brake ECU initiates auxiliary control when the period since the deceleration of the vehicle exceeded a first deceleration determination value is less than or equal to the start-time criterion value (KT2) and the G sensor value exceeds a second deceleration determination value.

Abstract: A braking device for braking a moving mass includes a movably guided coupling member for pressing a brake lining against a braking surface, a brake cylinder, filled with a hydraulic liquid, a brake piston which is movable inside the brake cylinder and which is connected to the coupling member. At least one hydraulic line can be connected to the brake cylinder. The device ensures the moving masses to be reliably decelerated. For that purpose, a fluidic-mechanical safety brake device is used to connect the brake cylinder to the one or more hydraulic lines.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle brake system includes first and second groups of wheel brakes belonging, respectively, to first and second brake circuits having first and second compressed air storage tanks for providing first and second stored pressures. At least one first circuit brake cylinder is a combined spring-store/diaphragm cylinder with a spring store part for providing a parking brake and a diaphragm part for providing a service brake. If the first circuit fails, the spring store part is deaerated to engage the parking brake. A pressure sensor for measuring the first stored pressure is connected to a control unit that controls a modulator for aerating and deaerating the spring store part. The control unit generates a signal for an electrically actuatable modulator solenoid valve if the value measured by the sensor falls below a minimum value, such that the spring store part can be aerated and deaerated via the valve.

Abstract: In a method for applying a parking brake of a vehicle depending on the roadway conditions, at least one electromechanical braking system has a parking brake and an operational brake function. An operational brake force is produced on each wheel to slow the vehicle down to a standstill. A parking brake force is generated on at least two wheels of the vehicle. The parking brake forces have an amount that corresponds to the total of the previous parking brake forces applied to all of the wheels and subsequently the stopping of the vehicle is tesste. When the vehicle is maintained in the stop position, the amount of the parking brake force on the at least two wheels is reduced and simultaneously, the service brake forces that are reduced by a certain amount corresponding to the parking brake forces are built up at least on the other wheels.

Abstract: A brake system is provided for minimizing brake pulsation feedback caused by surface variations of a brake system corner component. The brake system includes at least one sensing device configured to measure a pressure pulse caused by the surface variation of a brake system corner component. A controller module is in communication with the at least one sensing device and a hydraulic brake circuit. The controller module is configured to receive an output from the at least one sensing device and to adjust line pressure in the hydraulic brake circuit to substantially minimize brake pulsation feedback.

Abstract: Brake pedal input is modulated to produce a consistent relationship between the brake pedal input and a deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A stepwise brake control is automatically performed when TTC obtained according to a relative distance and a relative speed between a vehicle and an object is lower than a predetermined value. For example, a brake pattern is modified according to the weight of a cargo and passengers. Alternatively, a driver selects a brake pattern of different (rapid or slow) speed reduction according to the type or weight of the passengers and cargo. Furthermore, the driver's psychology is acquired according to the alarm distance between vehicles set by the driver and an optimal brake pattern is selected according to this. Alternatively, an operation state of the vehicle by the driver is detected and if the detection result does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the set value of the TTC is increased. For example, the predetermined condition indicates the normal state of the driving by the driver.

Abstract: A wind energy plant with a hydraulically actuated rotor brake for a drive train, which has at least one hydraulically actuated brake cylinder, the braking moment of which gets stronger when the hydraulic pressure increases, wherein a volume of hydraulic fluid is tensioned by a pressure reducing valve in the brake cylinder and in the pressure line thereof when the brake is actuated, wherein an accumulator with hydraulic fluid is provided, which is connected to the pressure line.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hydraulically actuated rotor brake for a drive train of a wind energy plant, wherein the rotor brake is realised as an active rotor brake, which exerts a braking moment getting stronger when the hydraulic pressure increases, wherein in a first phase, a brake cylinder is pressurised with a first pressure via a first pressure reducing valve, in a second phase, the brake cylinder is pressurised with a second pressure via a second pressure reducing valve, and a switchover equipment is provided, which switches over from the first pressure to the second pressure.

Abstract: A method for controlling a force exerted by an actuator on a load, the actuator being driven by a motor, the method including the steps of modeling the force as a function of at least one parameter, the parameter having an initial value, determining a new value for the parameter, determining an observed force based at least in part upon the new value for the parameter and controlling a positioned of the actuator based at least in part upon the observed force.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating information over a pressurized fluid-carrying pipe connecting a plurality of serial nodes. A sounder node (i.e., transmitter) creates variable pressure patterns within the fluid-carrying pipe, which pressure patterns are identified and detected by other nodes. The patterns convey information or solicit responses from the receiving nodes. The receiving nodes reply to the pressure fluctuations by inducing reply pressure fluctuations in the fluid-carrying pipe or by communicating with the sounder node via a separate radio frequency communications system. The apparatus and method can be used as an information-carrying communications medium or a train linking methodology for a railroad train.

Abstract: The parking brakes on a truck or other vehicle having plural axles are applied such that at least one wheel at a first end of a first axle receives a parking brake force without applying a parking brake force to any wheel at the opposite end of the first axle. In addition, at least one wheel at a second end of a second axle, the second end of the second axle being opposite to the first end of the first axle, receives a parking brake force. Desirably, any wheels at the opposite end of the second axle from the second end of the second axle are not the recipient of a parking brake force such that diagonally disposed parking brake forces are applied upon activation of the vehicle parking brakes. The first axle in one example is forwardly of the second axle and the first end of the first axle may be at the longitudinal side of the vehicle which is the heaviest.

Abstract: A control handle for electro-mechanical devices, such as the brakes of a train or other vehicle, is disclosed. The control handle incorporates elements for electrical switching as well as elements for measuring the angle of rotation between the control handle's rotating portion and its stationary portion. Some of the switching elements and measuring elements are combined onto a single printed circuit board in order to reduce size, complexity, and cost.

Abstract: In a hydraulic brake pressure control device of a load responsive type, a housing is attached to one of a rear wheel side member and a vehicle body side member which are connected with each other through a suspension mechanism and a lever is carried on the housing through a pivot axis to be pivotable toward the housing for direct or indirect abutting engagement with a piston formed with a valve portion. A spring member is interposed between a free end portion of the lever and the other of the rear wheel side member and the vehicle body side member for urging the lever toward the piston by means of a spring force depending on the distance between the rear wheel side member and the vehicle body side member. Further, an anti-vibration member is provided between the lever and the housing for moderating the collision of the lever with the piston when the lever is repetitively disengaged from, and engaged with, the piston during the vehicle running a bumpy road.

Abstract: A digital multi-point electronic load weigh system is used with a railcar truck control unit to provide a digital all electrical/electronic system, which will perform the brake load weigh function for an electro-pneumatic brake system. The digital multi-point electronic load weigh system is primarily to be used with a distributed electronic control system using neuron style communication/control microprocessors. However, the digital multi-point electronic load weigh system can also be integrated with existing electro-pneumatic brake control components.

Abstract: An empty-load system including a first housing having brake cylinder, control valve, equalization volume reservoir and pilot ports. The first housing also has a ratio means for controlling the connection between ports and has a piston responsive to a pilot pressure to operate the ratio means. The system also includes a second housing having a brake cylinder port and a pilot port connected, respectively, to the brake cylinder port and the pilot port of the first housing. The second housing also has a sensor means, having a sensor piston, for sensing the load of a railcar and has a sensor valve for connecting the brake cylinder port to the pilot port for a first position of the sensor piston.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake assembly for a vehicle having an air spring wherein a brake signal operates a brake cylinder of the vehicle. A proportioning valve, having its load responsive element disabled and being responsive to the brake signal, provides a proportioned brake signal to the brake cylinder. A switch, responsive to an air spring pressure signal selectively connects the brake signal to the brake cylinder. The present invention further relates to a method for retrofitting a brake system by disabling the load sensing element of a proportioning valve and inserting a switch in parallel with the proportioning valve.

Abstract: A method of controlling the empty/load setting on cars having electropneumatic brakes. A first signal is set to an empty/load status. The first signal and a second signal is transmitted to the cars. The cars set their empty/load status to the status and in response to the receipt of both signals. The cars transmit their empty/load status, and the empty/load status of the cars is received and displayed.

Abstract: A compressed air operable wheeled trailer braking system includes a braking electronic control unit (ECU) having an electronically operable control valve which derives suitably proportioned load and vehicle speed dependent service brake pressure for brake chambers of the trailer wheeled. The braking ECU has a data memory storing specific braking parameters normally installed therein prior to commissioning the trailer. The trailer has a further diagnostic ECU responsive to vehicle operational sensors, the further ECU also having memory capacity. The specific braking parameters are stored via a communication link consequent upon installation thereof to the braking ECU. Upon recognizing installation of a replacement braking control unit, the parameters from the further ECU are installed in the replacement ECU.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load-responsive brake force regulator which, for the installation into the vehicle, has a clearance compensation element in the shape of an elastomeric element that automatically moves the actuating lever into the required stop position. After the installation of the brake force regulator into the vehicle, a fixing device is fixed on the pin by means of a screw so that a defined distance is adjusted between the housing of the brake force regulator and the end of a load-responsively acting tension spring. The rubber band is redundant after the fixation. In contrast to the state of the art which proposes the provision of a clearance compensation spring on the lever-side end of the pin and, after fixation, the dissection of the pin at its redundant end by way of a nominal breaking point, the present invention prevents damage to the pin due to transport or improper handling because no nominal breaking point is required.

Abstract: An electronic braking system (WBS) suitable for commercial vehicles which tow trailers, which has on the towing vehicle, braking control of all the axles and a device for setting the braking demand for the trailer which is so adjusted as to equalize the utilization of adhesion between said towing vehicle and trailer. The system includes two adaptive control loops (30a, 30b) which are adjusted sequentially in a co-ordinated manner in order to set respectively the towing vehicle and trailer braking to levels where overall train mean decelerations approximate closely to those corresponding levels demanded by the driver and at the same time set the distribution of braking to seek to achieve equal utilization of adhesion between the tractor and trailer. The system also uses deceleration errors to sequentially adjust the two adaptive control loops.

Abstract: A braking force control valve for an air brake system. The air brake system includes an air compressor for generating compressed air, an air tank for storing the compressed air supplied from the air compressor, an air bellows connected to the air tank, a load sensing valve connected to the air bellows to equilibrate braking force applied to front and rear wheels of the vehicle, a brake valve for operating the load sensing valve, a brake chamber for supplying braking force by receiving the compressed air from the air tank when the brake valve is operated. The braking force control valve comprises a valve body provided with a first port connected to the air tank, a second port connected to the air bellows, a third port connected to the load sensing valve, and a valve mechanism for selectively connecting the third port to either the first port or the second port according to a height variation between a body and an axle shaft of the vehicle.