Motor Patents (Class 303/68)
  • Patent number: 11698117
    Abstract: A braking system that includes a translatable braking mechanism selectively engageable with a wheel assembly, one or more artificial muscles contacting a support plate and disposed adjacent the translatable braking mechanism. Each of the one or more artificial muscles includes a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing, the electrode pair having a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region, expanding the expandable fluid region thereby applying pressure to the translatable braking mechanism, inducing frictional engagement between the translatable braking mechanism and the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Max P. Herzog, Michael P. Rowe
  • Patent number: 11537118
    Abstract: The design of a novel digital controller for a motor driven aircraft arrestment system of the type used on aircraft carriers is described. The unique control and feedback design of the described controller has many advanced features, which provide many advantages over existing designs for controlling advanced arresting gear systems. Gain scheduling in engage/arrest controllers can be done based on estimated parameters such as speed, effective skew angle, and faults to allow optimized engage/arrest controllers, where the gain scheduling can be defined, discretely, for each “bin” as defined for a range of threshold values, or it can be defined, continuously, using interpolation and/or functions of speed and effective skew. Particularly, controller design gain values Kci and Kfi are picked to shape control loop transfer functions and dampen resonances in the aircraft arrestment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Electro Standards Laboratories
    Inventors: Raymond B Sepe, Jr., Yacine Boudria, Steven Bastien
  • Patent number: 9266516
    Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining valve may include spool valves or poppet valves. When the pressure in the brake cylinder drops below its original set pressure, such a maintaining valve may feed brake pipe (BP) pressure through a choke to replenish and maintain brake cylinder (BC) pressure up to a certain point. If the leak is too great, such as when it exceeds the capacity of the choke, the brake cylinder pressure will not be maintained. Such a maintaining valve may be either integrated into the control valve, or it may be mounted remotely to the brake system. If mounted remotely, it may be connected by multiple ways, including through a conventional 4-port access plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: New York Air Brake, LLC
    Inventors: Derick Call, Jason Connell, Steven R. Newton
  • Patent number: 9108603
    Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining valve may include spool valves or poppet valves. When the pressure in the brake cylinder drops below its original set pressure, such a maintaining valve may feed brake pipe (BP) pressure through a choke to replenish and maintain brake cylinder (BC) pressure up to a certain point. If the leak is too great (to the extent it exceeds the capacity of the choke), the brake cylinder will not be maintained. Such a maintaining valve may be either integrated into the control valve, or it may be mounted remotely to the brake system. If mounted remotely, it may be connected by multiple ways, including through a conventional 4-port access plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: New York Air Brake, LLC
    Inventors: Derick Call, Jason Connell, Steven R. Newton
  • Patent number: 8509964
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hetronic International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ecton, Torsten Rempe, Max Heckl
  • Patent number: 8483887
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hetronic International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ecton, Torsten Rempe, Max Heckl
  • Patent number: 8352142
    Abstract: A brake control apparatus includes: a master cylinder; a wheel cylinder; a hydraulic pressure source; a control valve arranged to increase or reduce the pressure of the wheel cylinder; an outside gate valve arranged to connect or disconnect between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder; a brake operation sensing section configured to sense a driver's brake operation; and a control unit configured to control the hydraulic pressure source, the control valve, and the outside gate valve, to perform an automatic-brake pressure-increasing control to control the outside gate valve in a valve closing direction, to drive the hydraulic pressure source, and thereby to increase the pressure of the wheel cylinder in accordance with a vehicle condition, and to increase a driving quantity of the hydraulic pressure source when the brake operation is sensed during the automatic-brake pressure-increasing control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Nishida
  • Patent number: 8262172
    Abstract: Derailment control system for railway vehicles that, in addition to detecting and issuing a warning of said derailment, provides control over the brake of the derailed vehicle or vehicles and provides additional emergency braking and/or a warning to the driver's cab, said system having a main unit (1) to which are joined: an inertia sensor or detector (8) designed to detect derailments, an indicator (9) or device responsible for indicating that the derailment control system has been triggered and for keeping the system activated, a stopcock (10) that deactivates the derailment control, and a bottom connection point (11) for testing that makes it possible to simulate a triggering of the system via a threaded eyebolt, facilitating verification of proper operation both during bench testing and when the system is installed on the vehicle (7), and a device (39) situated at the exhaust outlet through which the automatic brake pipe (ABP)(5) is vented when said derailment is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ametsis, Ingenieria y Asesoria Tecnica, S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Martin Jimenez
  • Patent number: 8000870
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Omar S. Dessouki, Brent D. Lowe, Mark T. Riefe
  • Patent number: 7401801
    Abstract: A remotely releasable brake hose coupler for pressure fluid operated brake systems, such as on a motor truck and semi-trailer unit, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving flexible hoses connected to the coupler. Pressure air from the truck tractor brake system is conducted through a valve to an actuator for effecting movement of a coupler member to release engagement with a corresponding coupler fitting mounted on a trailer. One or more air brake hoses connected to respective remotely releasable couplers are connected to tensioning mechanisms and to a movable boom mounted on the truck tractor for extending the hoses during a remote release operation and then retracting the hoses and couplers to a stored position when the remotely releasable couplers are disconnected from the trailer fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kalmar Industires USA, LLC
    Inventors: Merlin B. Halverson, Harold E. King, Gregory J. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7374252
    Abstract: A wheel slip assurance module comprises a device for disabling the wheel slip valve, a timing reservoir in communication with the disabling device, and a check valve and choke circuit providing parallel connections between the output of the wheel slip valve and the timing reservoir having a first connection path comprising a check valve and charging choke and a second connection path comprising a dissipating choke such that flow from the output of the wheel slip valve passes through the check valve and charging choke to charge the reservoir when the brake cylinders are pressurized and opposite flow passes through the dissipating choke allowing the reservoir to discharge when the brake cylinders are exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Schweikert, Robert N. Scharpf, James A. Wood
  • Patent number: 6695415
    Abstract: A brake fluid pressure relief assembly (50) for a brake system (10) including a pedal assembly (12) employs first and second valves (52, 54) to provide controlled collapse of a brake pedal pad (14) when both a predetermined deceleration limit is exceeded and a predetermined pressure level is exceeded in a hydraulic brake fluid. The first valve (52) is actuated by an inertial mass (84) acting against a first spring (86). With the first valve in the open position, hydraulic fluid passes into a reservoir (68) whose volume is a dependent on the position of the second valve (54). The second valve (54) opens when the fluid pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined pressure limit and compresses a piston (100) against a second spring (114). Accordingly, the forces that can be communicated through the pedal system 10 are reduced during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Hammann Stephan
  • Patent number: 6663193
    Abstract: A relay valve based accelerated brake pipe application and release system having an electronic control module. A source of fluid pressure is connected to a valve device for receiving and transmitting fluid pressure signals. The valve device is connected to an exhaust to atmosphere. An accelerator volume has a fluid connection to the valve device for storing a predetermined volume of fluid. A brake pipe transducer is electronically connected to the control module and has a fluid connection to the valve device for transmitting a first pressure signal to the control module. A cut-out solenoid valve is electronically connected to the control module and includes a fluid connection to the brake pipe transducer for receiving at least one of a cut-in and a cut-out signal. An emergency solenoid valve is electronically connected to the control module and has a fluid connection to the cut-out solenoid valve for receiving an emergency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Condrasky, James A. Wood
  • Patent number: 6609767
    Abstract: A pneumatic control system for a freight car having a brake pipe, auxiliary and emergency reservoirs normally charged with pressurized fluid from the brake pipe, a fluid pressure activated brake cylinder device and an exhaust including an electronic controller, at least one pressure sensor, an electrically operated supply valve controlled by the electronic controller selectively communicating the brake cylinder with one of the reservoirs to perform a brake application, an exhaust valve selectively communicating the brake cylinder with the atmosphere thereby performing a brake release function, and an electronically operated exhaust latching valve controlled by the electronic controller to selectively signal the exhaust valve to connect the brake cylinder to the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Dennis L. Mortenson, Neil E. Russell, Joseph E. Foster
  • Patent number: 6588857
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for brake systems is disclosed. This solenoid valve is preferably used as an outflow control NC-type solenoid valve mounted on the oil return line of an electro-hydraulic brake system (EHB). This solenoid valve comprises a hollow valve housing having a radial inlet passage, a plunger movably received in the bore of the valve housing so as to axially move in the bore in opposite directions, and a valve seat set in the bore of the valve housing, with an orifice axially formed in the valve seat such that the orifice is opened or closed by a control ball of the plunger. A radial oil port is formed on the sidewall of the valve seat so as to allow oil from the oil inlet passage of the valve housing to flow into the valve seat, and flow from the valve seat toward the plunger through the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Tae-Yeong Sim
  • Patent number: 6498448
    Abstract: A motor brake releasing device includes an electromagnetic brake for locking a motor shaft and a switch mounted between the electromagnetic brake and a releasing-power-supply for the brake. The switch can be operated by an AND signal produced by a motor driving signal and a motor-brake-release-permitting signal. This structure allows a motor brake to be released when a motor driving system encounters an obstacle, although the motor is left free. The structure also can prevent a final object of the motor shaft from dropping due to its own weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Shimogama
  • Patent number: 6375277
    Abstract: A release valve apparatus for use on freight railcars equipped with ECP brake equipment comprises a spool valve assembly and a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly features a lever with which a railroad worker can affect the pressure in a brake cylinder to which the spool valve assembly is connected. By operating the lever after a brake application, a worker can not only manually release the pressure from the brake cylinder but also lock the brake cylinder in a release state until the spool valve assembly is reset. The spool valve assembly can be reset merely by commanding the ECP brake equipment to depressurize a control chamber underneath the spool valve assembly, in response to which the ECP application and release valves are again placed in communication with the brake cylinder. The lever can also be used to manually blow down the auxiliary and emergency reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John B. Carroll
  • Patent number: 6318812
    Abstract: A vent valve made from a standard emergency brake valve portion. It includes an emergency portion body with an interface to be mated with the emergency portion interface of the pipe bracket. The body includes a casting with at least one cover and the casting including all the cast cavities and passages for an emergency portion. A vent valve selectively connects a first brake pipe port to a vent port on the body, A vent piston controls the vent valve and a discharge valve pneumatically controls the vent piston. An emergency piston is responsive to brake pipe pressure for controlling the discharge valve. The body does not include at least one of an in shot valve and an accelerated application valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. Newton, Steven R. Newton
  • Publication number: 20010028193
    Abstract: A hydraulic motor (2) with a braking device (8), is acted upon by means of a control fluid via a brake release line (6). The brake release line (6) is used to allow a continuous flushing flow of control fluid through the hydraulic motor at the same time as the release of the brake. The braking device (8) is connected to the casing of the hydraulic motor (2). An outlet opening (12) of the hydraulic motor (2) leads via a leakage-oil line (13) to the tank for the control fluid. In a hydraulic travel drive with a closed hydraulic circuit, the brake release line (6) can be connected to the shut-off device (4) for the servo adjustment system of the variable-displacement pump (1), and the leakage-oil line (13) of the hydraulic motor (2) can lead to the tank for the entire hydraulic fluid in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Axel Widemann
  • Patent number: 6249736
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling a braking system of a motor vehicle in open loop, in which the wheel-brake pressure in the individual wheel brakes is adjusted via closed pressure-control loops. Different secondary braking operations are initiated depending on the fault condition. The faults are detected on the basis of a model which takes into account the prevailing operating state of the braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Schmidt, Jürgen Binder, Hermann Winner, Ulrich Gottwick
  • Patent number: 6234587
    Abstract: A compressed-air disk brake for vehicles comprises an actuating device for applying brake blocks in the direction of a brake disk and a brake cylinder, which, on arrival of the compressed air, initiates a braking action via the actuating device. At least one control module, comprising individual pneumatic and electronic components, is incorporated into the brake and/or the associated brake cylinder. For example, the control module may be formed directly on the brake cylinder housing section which encloses the ventilation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Eduard Gerum, Armin Theiss, Hans Baumgartner, Dieter Bieker
  • Patent number: 6208926
    Abstract: A deceleration regulator which generates a nominal deceleration value, preferably a PID controller, can be adapted to the requirements of the brake engagement. A guidance magnitude filter is used, a preliminary control dependent on the nominal deceleration is performed, and the integral component of the regulator is activated only in certain states of operation. In certain courses of the nominal value, a portion of the regulator is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Wagner, Helmut Wiss
  • Patent number: 6003961
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a braking system of a vehicle. The braking action is established or regulated at at least one wheel brake, by electrical structure, as a function of a driver's braking input. A capability for conventional action by the driver is cut off by a valve. A pressure medium is enclosed in a portion of the braking system. In at least one operating state in which an expansion in the volume of the enclosed medium may be expected, the valve is briefly opened in order to reduce the expansion in volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Binder, Eberhardt Schunck, Ulrich Gottwick, Michael Schubert
  • Patent number: 5941611
    Abstract: An actuating device for a brake system of a vehicle a housing and at least one piston slide positioned in the housing for loading the brakes with a pressure medium. The brake system has brakes for the vehicle wheels and a control unit connected to the brakes for sending control signals to the brakes. The brakes are supplied via brake lines with the pressure medium and have wheel sensors connected to the control unit. The wheel sensors determine the rotational velocity of the vehicle wheels during a braking operation and send a signal related to the rotational velocity to the control unit. At least one piezoelectric element is positioned in the housing of the actuating device for actuating the at least one piston slide. The at least one piezoelectric element is connected to the control unit of the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring Antriebs- und Steuerungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Trzmiel, Gerhard Schmid
  • Patent number: 5833210
    Abstract: A control system for a press having a clutch and a brake includes a clutch control valve and a brake control valve. The clutch control valve operates the clutch by supplying pressurized air to the clutch. The brake control valve operates the brake by supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the brake. The brake control valve is activated by pressurized fluid from the clutch control valve in order to insure simultaneous release of the brake with engagement of the clutch as well as simultaneous application of the brake with disengagement of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Midwest Brake Bond Company
    Inventor: Gordon Maurice Sommer
  • Patent number: 5722737
    Abstract: A brake release for railroad cars allows all the brakes of a train to be released automatically instead of by the conventional, car by car method. The crewmember releasing the brakes does so by merely adjusting the air pressure in the train's air brake line to a predetermined level. The brake release system's valves open at this pressure allowing the system to be pressurized. This pressure provides the force needed to release the brakes when the pressure in the train's air brake line is released. The system then resets itself and is ready for its next use. This system can be installed on a rail car without interfering with the conventional method of releasing the brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventors: David Cooper, Charles Cooper, deceased
  • Patent number: 5716111
    Abstract: A rotary actuated braking system includes a motor driven shaft that operates two pairs of piston pumps and an allocation valve which, in combination with a single solenoid valve, effects ABS operation of the braking system. A combination of pressure operated control valves and pressure operated release valves for each control wheel brake respond to operation of the rotary actuator and solenoid valve to effect ABS pressure release and reapply from the corresponding wheel brake. A power boosted master cylinder provides base brake operation independent of the rotary actuator effected ABS operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Edward Schenk, Schuyler Scott Shaw, John Benjamin Hageman, Bryan Peter Riddiford
  • Patent number: 5628550
    Abstract: An anti-lock hydraulic brake system comprising a master cylinder and a wheel brake, with a flow control valve being inserted into the brake line. A non-return valve is inserted into the brake line. A direct connection is established between the wheel brake and the master cylinder, with a non-return valve opening towards the master cylinder. A pump supplies fluid into the brake line between the non-return valve and the flow control valve. A high-pressure accumulator is provided on the pressure side of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Itt Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Dalibor Zaviska, Peter Volz
  • Patent number: 5472266
    Abstract: An anti-lock hydraulic brake system is disclosed with a flow control valve in the brake line. To prevent the flow control valve from performing its control function during a normal braking operation, a retaining piston works in conjunction with a spring such that the retaining spring bears against a piston of the flow control valve and retains the flow control valve piston in its initial position during normal braking operation. The retaining piston also serves as a valve closure member for a valve in the return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Volz, Dalibor Zaviska
  • Patent number: 5435637
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake control system for a vehicle includes a return line for reducing a pressure built up in a wheel cylinder. The return line includes therein a switching valve for opening and blocking the return line. The return line further includes therein cylinders each having therein a piston for defining a piston chamber therein. Each piston has a first state where a brake fluid flowing from the wheel cylinder via the switching valve is allowed to flow into the piston chamber, and a second state where the brake fluid is allowed to be discharged from the piston chamber so as to be returned to a master cylinder. An operation control mechanism is provided for controlling the pistons into the first states and the second states, respectively, at different timings from each other in turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoo Harada, Makoto Imaeda
  • Patent number: 5409303
    Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Midland Brake, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Engelbert, Robert S. Taylor, Steven D. Wallestad
  • Patent number: 5388894
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Russ W. Holland, Patrick M. Carty
  • Patent number: 5356210
    Abstract: An anti-lock hydraulic brake system provides a phase of pressure increase, a phase of pressure decrease as well as a phase in which the pressure is kept constant. To this end, an outlet valve and a selector valve are provided. The selector valve is not connected to the pressure side of the pump as is usual but to the suction side of the pump. This arrangement produces the advantage that the selector valve is disposed in the low-pressure area of the brake system thereby eliminating the occurrence of great pressure surges which result in the emission of noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Maas
  • Patent number: 5350222
    Abstract: A railway car vent valve device having a nullifier valve that is selectively operable to disable the vent valve device during a single car test procedure in which the service stability of the car control valve is checked. The nullifier valve is automatically reset when the car brake pipe pressure drops below a predetermined value, such as occurs when the single car test apparatus is disconnected from the car brake pipe following completion of the single car test procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: John B. Carroll
  • Patent number: 5346292
    Abstract: An active compensation system for an anti-locking brake system eliminates undesirable brake fluid pressure buildup and, therefore, brake drag by controlling the normally closed valves within the anti-locking brake system through the anti-locking brake system electronic control module to allow the undesired pressure to be released as the brake fluid passes through the normally closed outlet valves into pressure relieving conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hall
  • Patent number: 5207486
    Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle which includes a master cylinder, and a wheel cylinder for braking a wheel with a brake fluid pressure supplied from the master cylinder. A pulsating-pressure absorbing apparatus is arranged between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder. The pulsating-pressure absorbing apparatus includes a main body, an inlet formed in the main body and connected to the master cylinder, an outlet formed in the main body and connected to a side of the wheel cylinder, and a stepped hole formed in communication with the inlet and outlet. A stepped plunger is slidably fitted into the stepped hole, and a check valve is arranged in a path defined within the plunger for permitting brake fluid to flow from the inlet towards the outlet and for inhibiting brake fluid from flowing from the outlet towards the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Air Brake Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5190359
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve for a railway emergency brake system that is simple in construction, easy to manufacture and to assemble and that, in operation, is self-cleaning of brake pipe dirt and debris. The inventive valve comprises a valve body having a hollow space being divided by a diaphragm into a first and a second chamber. Chambers are coupled via an orifice in the diaphragm, coupling pressure from the first chamber to the second. The valve comprises a peg aligned with the orifice, penetrating and cleaning the latter when the diaphragm moves from a closed position into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Pulse Electronics, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary W. Egerton
  • Patent number: 5152588
    Abstract: An anti-lock braking system (ABS) for a vehicle is provided which in a preferred embodiment includes a controller for signalling the system to an ABS mode, a master cylinder for supplying fluid, an actuator having a bore with a first port connecting the bore with the master cylinder and a second port spaced from the first port connecting the bore with a brake, a first check valve separating the bore into a first chamber exposed to the first port and a second chamber exposed to the second port, and an orifice restricting flow between the brake and the master cylinder via the first and second chambers. A piston is mounted in the second chamber, the piston in a fully actuated position open the first check valve. A threaded driver translates the piston and is powered by a motor. A parallel path connects the master cylinder with the brake parallel to the first and second chambers of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Bright, David A. Stradling
  • Patent number: 5094511
    Abstract: An anti-skid apparatus having a valve, which is embodied to form a pressure limiting device between the outlet of a return pump and a master brake cylinder. As a consequence, a high-pressure reservoir can be of smaller capacity and can therefore be less expensive, since the pressure limiting device protects the pressure reservoir and other hydraulic elements from a pressure overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Becker, Wolf-Dieter Jonner, Reinhard Gutzeit
  • Patent number: 5076647
    Abstract: The piloted pressure relief valve (90) comprises a valve body (92) having a stepped bore (96) which receives a stationary bearing member (110) with a central through opening (117) through which extends a longitudinal extension (137) of a movable piston (130). The movable piston (130) has one end (133) sealingly received within a reduced diameter section (97) of the bore (96) and the opposite longitudinal extension (137) engages a valve member (154) captured between the bearing member (110) and a shoulder of the bore (96). The moveable piston (130) has a longitudinal through passage (132) permitting fluid flow therethrough when the piston (130) moves away from the valve member (154). A spring (140) disposed within the stepped bore (96) biases the piston (130) toward the valve member (154). The relief valve (90) enables a pumpback traction control system (10) to relieve fluid pressure buildup to the master cylinder ( 12) when a predetermined pressure limit is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Grana, William J. Penninger
  • Patent number: 5058961
    Abstract: The vehicle brake system has a master brake cylinder to generate brake pressure in at least one wheel brake. To avoid wheel locking during braking, a pressure control valve assembly and a pump for drawing pressure fluid out of the wheel brake are disposed between the master brake cylinder and the wheel brake. With its outlet, the pump communicates with the master brake cylinder via a damper chamber and a throttle having a pressure limiting valve disposed to bypass the throttle. The throttle and the pressure limiting valve have a common sleevelike housing, in which a cylindrically embodiment closing element is guided longitudinally movably. This closing element has a hollow collar on its face end that in the closing position fits over an inflow opening for pressure fluid. The collar of the closing element, in order to form the throttle, is provided with at least one aperture open toward this face end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Mergenthaler, Heinz Siegel
  • Patent number: 5050940
    Abstract: A brake and anti-skid control utilizing optical input sensors for determining wheel speed or position and suitable for aircraft use is disclosed. A valve control has a continuous source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a hydraulically actuated wheel rotation brake device which responds to applied hydraulic pressure to apply a braking force to the wheel to arrest wheel rotation, a low pressure hydraulic fluid return, and a flow control servo valve interconnecting the source, the return, and the braking device for directing fluid from the source to the braking device when in a first state and for directing fluid from the braking device to the return when in a second state. Applied hydraulic pressure is monitored and if that monitored pressure exceeds a command pressure, further fluid from the braking device is diverted to the return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Bedford, Curtis L. Carson, David A. Kolberg, David E. Scott, Carol L. Stefano
  • Patent number: 5048899
    Abstract: A system applicable to motor vehicles having a master brake cylinder with a pressure fluid supply container and at least one pressure control valve assembly is associated with a wheel brake. A pump provided which in the anti-skid mode pumps pressure fluid drawn from the wheel brake to the master brake cylinder by use of the pressure control valve assembly. In a traction control mode, the pump draws pressure fluid from the master brake cylinder and forces it to the wheel brake. To this end, the pressure control valve assembly has a first line connection communicating with the master brake cylinder, a second line connection communicating with the wheel brake, and a third line connection through which quantities of pressure fluid flows in the anti-skid mode to reduce the wheel brake pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Schmitt, Norbert Rittmannsberger
  • Patent number: 5039176
    Abstract: The brake system has at least one valve assembly, disposed between a master brake cylinder and at least one wheel for controlling the brake pressure during anti-skid operation. A pump is also provided for pumping pressure fluid, withdrawn from the wheel brake during a pressure reduction phase, to the master brake cylinder. A valve assembly comprising two parallel-connected 2/2-way valves is provided between the master brake cylinder and the pressure control valve assembly. During anti-skid operation, the first 2/2-way valve can be switched into a position (b) that throttles the flow of pressure fluid both from the pump to the master brake cylinder and from the master brake cylinder to the wheel brake. As a result, pulsations at the brake pedal of the master brake cylinder are largely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hellmann, Heinz Siegel
  • Patent number: 5037161
    Abstract: The combination isolation and check valve includes a valve member (80, 180) which has a reduced diameter section (82, 182) and an enlarged diameter section (84, 184) disposed in respective bore sections (70, 74) separated by an intermediate diameter bore section (72). The valve member can be displaced by increased fluid pressure to sealingly engage a seal (95) that isolates a master cylinder (12) from an adaptive braking system (10, 120). A flapper valve mechansm (110) that places an rifice (114) at a valve member end opening (96A) communicating with a longitudinal opening (96) and a transverse opening (93). The orifice (114) reduces pressure transmitted from a pump (45) to the bore (22) containing the valve member (80) without restricting fluid flow between the master cylinder (12) and an associated wheel brake (50). The valve mechanism (210) may be disposed in a passage (41) that communicates with the valve member (180).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell D. Tackett
  • Patent number: 5020864
    Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a master cylinder, a wheel cylinder for braking a wheel or wheels with the brake fluid pressure supplied from the master cylinder and a pulsating-pressure absorbing apparatus arranged between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder. The pulsating-pressure absorbing apparatus includes a throttle for limiting the brake fluid flowing from the side of the wheel cylinder towards the master cylinder and a plunger arranged between the inlet and outlet of the main body. The plunger is movable in response to the brake fluid pressure difference between both sdes of the plunger. When the plunger is located at the first side of the outlet, the throttle becomes operative and when the plunger is located at the second side of the inlet, the throttle becomes inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Nippon Air Brake Co.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4971402
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes: a brake master cylinder having a cylinder body and a master cylinder piston slidably received in the cylinder body, a plurality of wheel cylinders connected to the cylinder body of the master cylinder, an oil reservoir filled with brake hydraulic oil formed on a rear portion of the cylinder body and a pressure-reducing cylinder mounted on the brake master cylinder. Whenever braking a car provided with such a brake system, a brake pedal may be trodden to actuate the master cylinder piston to compress the brake hydraulic oil to brake the car wheels. However, an oil flow will be by-passed from an outlet pipe of the master cylinder to move a depressing piston restored in the pressure-reducing cylinder to by-pass an oil flow to return into the oil reservoir of the master cylinder for reducing the hydraulic oil pressure in the brake system for preventing a sudden locking a sudden locking of the car wheels in order for a safer emergency brake operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Teh-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 4969697
    Abstract: The pressure differential release valve (130) comprises a three-part body having a first end member (132), an intermediate body member (133), and a second end member (134). The members (132, 133, 134) define an interior stepped bore (139) containing a differential area piston (141) and a poppet (161). The differential area piston (141) and poppet (161) have respective longitudinal through-openings (142, 162) and the poppet (161) engages a valve seat (168) of the body. The longitudinal through-opening (162) of the poppet (161) includes a ball valve (165) biased by a spring (166) into engagement with a valve seat (164) of the poppet (161). The piston (141) abuts the poppet (161) at an end (151) adjacent the valve seat (164) of the poppet (161). Fluid pressure received at an end (135) opening in the first end member (132) is transmitted through the body and exits an end opening (136) at the second end member (134).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Lindenman
  • Patent number: 4940295
    Abstract: A brake pressure control device for use in an anti-skid control system decreases the slipping of a car wheel by reducing the car wheel brake pressure when the slipping of the car wheel against the road surface is excessive at the time of applying a brake pressure to the car wheel brake. The brake pressure control device includes a valve body having a first input port, a second input port, an output port, a spool valve with an annular recess communicating the ports, a spring biasing the spool valve toward a first position, a pressure chamber connected to the output port for applying pressure to the spool to move the spool toward a second portion and an electric coil for applying a force to move the spool toward the first position. Thus, the car wheel brake pressure can be controlled in proportion to the current supplied to the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Adachi, Kazutaka Kuwana, Tsuyoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 4940292
    Abstract: A motor driven ball valve may be driven in two modes of operation; those modes are a normal or testing mode and an emergency mode. The ball valve, when in its full open position, has an air passage that allows for the rapid exhaust of air in the air pipe of the air brake system to atmosphere, thereby inducing the emergency application of the brakes. The rotating ball valve assembly is capable of infinite variation between its full closed and its full open positions. Thus, the motor drive, which is remotely controlled, can effectively modulate the reduction in air pressure in the air pipe for a variety of purposes, including normal operation of the brakes and testing the air brake system. The motor drive mechanism may be in a cam, gear, or follower configuration. When an emergency application of the brakes is required, the motor drive mechanism is disengaged to allow a spring or other torsion device to rapidly rotate the ball to full open position, while drawing minimal electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Pulse Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Angel P. Bezos, Gary W. Egerton