Abstract: A method for actuating a controlled device in response to a pre-crash condition of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes at least two sensors each of which is capable of generating a signal, wherein the method includes the steps of monitoring the signals, determining a panic index based upon the signals and, when the determined panic index exceeds a predetermined threshold value, actuating the controlled device.

Abstract: A method is provided for warning the driver of a motor vehicle equipped with a distance-related cruise control system of a potentially hazardous situation. The motor vehicle is kept at a standstill during the distance-related cruise control using a braking torque applied by the distance-related cruise control system. Leaving of the motor vehicle, or an intention of the driver to leave the motor vehicle, is recognized. When the leaving or the intention to leave of the driver is recognized, the applied braking torque is changed and/or modulated in such a manner that the motor vehicle experiences a movement perceptible by the driver.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring a brake stroke of an air brake assembly utilize a sensor, such as an accelerometer, mountable on a movable component, such as a brake cam shaft, of the air brake assembly that is external of the brake chamber of the air brake assembly for detecting an acceleration of the movable component during a braking event. The sensor generates an output signal that depends on a magnitude of the detected acceleration, which is sent to a microcontroller coupled to the sensor. The microcontroller translates the sensor output signal to a value corresponding to a displacement of the movable component of the brake assembly during the braking event and calculates a brake stroke distance based on said value.

Abstract: A fixedly mountable event recorder for a railcar for monitoring performance of a brake system thereof includes (a) at least one port for receiving air from one or more brake system components; (b) at least one sensor for determining a pressure of the air received from the one or more brake system components; (c) a processor operative for analyzing the determined pressure to determine an operational condition of the brake system; and (d) an indicator configured to visually convey the operational condition of the brake system. The indicator includes a plurality of activatable visual indicia corresponding to a plurality of predefined operational condition status qualifiers associated with a corresponding plurality of predefined ranges of operational conditions. The predefined ranges of operational conditions are defined as a function of expected pressures associated with the respective one or more brake system components during corresponding operational conditions thereof.

Abstract: A sensor module adjustment circuit includes a device have a position between minimum and maximum positions. First and second position sensors sense the position of the device and generate first and second position values, respectively. A sensor module includes first and second signal conversion modules that generate first and second signal waveforms based on the first and second position values, that include first and second gain modules, and that vary a frequency and a duty cycle, respectively, of the first and second signal waveforms based on the first and second position values. A gain magnitude module determines first and second signal gains of the first and second gain modules, respectively. A signal preset module adjusts the first and second signal gains so that the first and second signal waveforms are equal to first and second predetermined signal waveforms, respectively, when the position of the device is fixed.

Abstract: A device for controlling a start of a vehicle by conducting the shifting operation of a transmission mounted on a vehicle by using a gear change actuator, that includes a starting gear change instruction device that instructs a change of a predetermined starting gear position, a brake operation detection switch for detecting the brake operation of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling the gear change actuator based on the detection signals from the starting gear change instruction device and from the brake operation detection switch. When a change for the starting gear position is instructed from the starting gear change instruction device, the controller controls the gear change actuator so as to shift the transmission to the instructed gear position only when the operation of the brake has been detected.

Abstract: Embodiments of an alarm circuit/device located in a livestock trailer that activates during the braking and/or turning of a trailer and tow vehicle combination is described along with a method of use. Upon activation, livestock in the trailer, such as horses, sheep and cattle, are alerted to further pending deceleration or centrifugal forces and can accordingly brace or otherwise prepare to avoid injury.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system and/or image editing process for presenting visual displays to the driver of a motor vehicle regarding the real time operating condition of the vehicle systems and components. These include the anti-lock braking system, the stability of the vehicle as to proximity to rolling over, the power consumed by vehicle components such as the heating system and lights and/or, for four-wheel drive vehicles, the torque and/or braking forces delivered to the wheels. The information is acquired from sensors and/or from signals generated by the vehicle and it processed by the vehicle CPU or, in another embodiment, by a display CPU, the information being presented in black and white or in color using an LED, LCD, vacuum fluorescent means, numerical display, gauge, meter or PDA.

Abstract: A control system includes a device having a position between minimum and maximum positions. A first position sensor senses the position of the device and generates a first position value. A second position sensor senses the position of the device and generates a second position value. A sensor module communicates with the first and second position sensors and generates a single signal waveform based on the first and second position values. A frequency of the waveform is varied based on the first position value. A duty cycle of the waveform is varied based on the second position value. A conductor has a first end that communicates with the sensor module and a second end that communicates with a control module. The sensor module transmits the waveform to the control module on the conductor. The control module decodes the waveform to determine the first and second position values.

Abstract: A collision prevention method for motor vehicles is provided, in which method obstacles in front of the vehicle are detected by an on-board positioning system, a collision probability is calculated from the position data, and one or more responses to prevent a collision are triggered as a function of the collision probability. At least one of the responses is a preparatory measure accelerating the implementation of a command, which may be output later, to decelerate the vehicle, without the preparatory measure itself having any significant decelerating effect on the vehicle.

Abstract: Method for monitoring an electrohydraulic braking system. The volume uptake is determined by the elasticity within the wheel brake that is subjected to certain fluctuations, on the one hand, and to a much greater degree by the clearance that is present, on the other hand. To make a reliable statement relating to the air charge, an estimation of the current clearance is first made, taking three ranges into consideration. If there is a normal clearance, a top evaluation threshold is taken as a basis, which assumes the clearance lies at the upper end of the normal range. When said evaluation threshold is exceeded, an alarm is triggered. If the clearance is assumed to lie at the bottom limit of the normal range, a bottom evaluation threshold applies, however, an alarm is only triggered in this case this situation has occurred several times in succession.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly includes a sensor mounted to a push rod which is in communication with a transceiver antenna. The sensor provides positional information of the push rod relative to the antenna. A clearance between a friction element and a rotating brake member is determined based on displacement of the push rod and known mechanical relationships within the brake actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one wheel and an associated brake. Especially if the vehicle is traveling down an incline, the brake may overheat from prolonged use. The present invention provides an operator warning device which alerts the operator to a possible or actual brake overheat condition, based on any number of chosen non-temperature vehicle conditions. These conditions may include incline, machine speed, brake application pressure, and brake application duration.

Abstract: A system for protecting the clutch of a vehicle from a harmful operating state. Included in the clutch protection system are means for monitoring the operating state of the clutch, along with means for estimating the amount of energy being dissipated by the clutch. A control unit compares the estimated amount of energy dissipated by the clutch to one or more predetermined threshold energy levels. One or more actions designed to reduce the amount of energy dissipated by the clutch are initiated when the estimated amount of energy dissipated by the clutch exceeds the one or more predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: A hand brake system (40) for a rail vehicle providing a hand brake position alarm (76) before a train is moved with a hand brake not fully released. A switch (56) detects the position of a hand brake drive chain (18) to provide a brake engaged signal (60). The weight of the drive chain is supported through a load path that bypasses the switch. A master controller reverser handle position detector (74) provides a reverser handle position signal (72) when the reverser handle is moved out of neutral in preparation for providing power to the locomotive drive motors (15). A relay (70) is used to actuate the multiunit wheel slip indicator (54) and the general alarm bell (52) in every locomotive of the train consist when the brake engaged signal is coincident with the master controller reverser handle position signal. This combination of alarms, which normally indicates a locked axle when the train is above a predetermined speed, is interpreted as a hand brake position alarm when the train is at rest.

Abstract: A mixed air amount alarm device is provided which determines the amount of air present in a hydraulic circuit between a hydraulic pressure source and an instrument driven by hydraulic pressure, and produces an alarm if the air amount is excessive, a situation is prevented in which an alarm is produced or not produced according to change of the air amount (volume) resulting from temperature change, and it is possible to stop an alarm if potential danger disappears and a safe state is recovered due to spontaneous release of air out of the hydraulic circuit. If the air amount is determined excessive, this is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and even if air amount excessiveness determination is not made at the next activation of the hydraulic device, the content of the nonvolatile memory is checked and an alarm is produced if air amount excessiveness determination has not been made before.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitoring system including processing units receiving signals from each of the several brake stroke sensors mounted on a vehicle. The sensors adapted to generate signal corresponding to stroke movement of the brakes. The system adapted to process the sensor signal, signal from the vehicle's stoplight and a time delay between changes in the stoplight signal and corresponding changes in the sensor signal to determine the current condition of a brake. This determination, whether made on a tractor or trailer, can then appear on the display of the data acquisition unit itself, or through data communications to a display in the vehicle's cab; or on a warning light in the cab if the unit detects a malfunctioning brake.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of a power spring of a pneumatic spring brake actuator of a vehicle by comparing the stroke of the push rod during normal braking and by actuating the parking brake, wherein a defective power spring is indicated when the difference in the push rod stroke falls below a predetermined minimum. The brake actuator may also include a sensor determining the push rod stroke and signal a defective power spring.

Abstract: A brake operation amount detection device detects an operation amount of a brake pedal, and a target deceleration computation device computes a target deceleration corresponding to an operation amount that the driver intends to achieve. Further, an actual deceleration calculation device calculates an actual deceleration. A deviation between the target deceleration and the actual deceleration is obtained as a difference level, and a warning issuing device generates a sound having a volume that increases in accordance with the magnitude of the difference level. Accordingly, in the case that the brake does not act, contrary to the driver's expectation, even when the driver presses down the brake pedal, the driver can recognize a degree of difference from the driver's braking intention, based on the magnitude of the sound. Therefore, the driver does not feel a sense of danger or fear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a drive motor and a gearbox with a device for automatically actuating a clutch in the drivetrain, and to a control method. According to said method, if the gear ratio is less than a threshold value and the actuation of a driving pedal is not equal to zero and is less than a threshold value, warning measures are initiated to alert the driver to misuse.

Abstract: A brake device includes an actuator which is provided on a wheel side of a vehicle having a suspension, the actuator generates a braking force by being electrically driven. A drive controller is also provided for receiving a signal regarding the braking force from a vehicle motion controller and sensors, and driving the actuator accordingly. To reduce the number of high cost bending wires necessary to communicate between the sensors, the drive controller and the vehicle motion controller, the drive controller and the sensors are attached to the actuator side (unspring-mass) and the drive controllercommunicates with the vehicle motion controller provided on the vehicle body side (spring-mass) of the vehicle by bidirectional multiplex communication.

Abstract: A park-brake monitoring-system monitors the selected and actual operational states of a park-brake system of a vehicle. The park-brake monitoring-system includes one or more selected-state sensor(s) that produce signals implicative of the selected operational state of the park-brake system and one or more actual state sensor(s) that produce signal(s) implicative of the actual-operational state of the park-brake system. Logic device(s) of the park-brake monitoring-system operate dependent upon input from both the selected state sensor(s) and the actual state sensor(s).

Abstract: A child monitor system that combines the functionality of a prenatal monitor and a conventional nursery room monitor in a single device. The device comprising a local unit and a remote unit. Each unit having the capability of receiving and outputting acoustic audio signals as well as the capability of transmitting and receiving these signals to and from the units. The device also comprises a selection device for allowing a user to select from a plurality of operating modes.

Abstract: A system and a method which measure and record brake pressure data representing the brake application and release timing of service brake systems and the brake application timing of parking brake systems. The brake pressure data are used to determine if a specific vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment meets the minimum performance requirements of FMVSS 121. As a result, compliance with the service brake and parking brake timing with the parameters set forth in FMVSS 121 may be verified, and other brake system diagnostic tests may be performed.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a condition of relatively moving vehicle components, particularly including the pushrod of a brake actuator, including a magnet on one of the components, a sensor on the other component within the magnetic field of the magnet generating a signal indicating a condition of the moving component, an electrically conductive coil preferably surrounding the magnet generating a current and an active RF chip connected to the coil and the sensor, thereby providing current to the active RF chip for signaling a receiver. In the disclosed embodiment of a brake actuator monitoring system, the magnet is fixed on the pushrod and the coil surrounds the pushrod and magnet.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the status of an anti-lock brake system in a tractor-trailer configuration. The device includes a connector that can be connected to the trailer or tractor separately or connected to both the trailer and tractor simultaneously. Once connected the device begins to operate self-sufficiently by monitoring the data transmissions in a communication medium. Initially from monitoring the data transmission, the device detects whether it is attached to the trailer, tractor or both. From this determination, it either continues to monitor or proceeds to transmit data.

Abstract: A system for protecting the clutch of a vehicle from a harmful operating state. Included in the clutch protection system are means for monitoring the operating state of the clutch, along with means for estimating the amount of energy being dissipated by the clutch. A control unit compares the estimated amount of energy dissipated by the clutch to one or more predetermined threshold energy levels. One or more actions designed to reduce the amount of energy dissipated by the clutch are initiated when the estimated amount of energy dissipated by the clutch exceeds the one or more predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: A brake operation amount detection device detects an operation amount of a brake pedal, and a target deceleration computation device computes a target deceleration corresponding to an operation amount that the driver intends to achieve. Further, an actual deceleration calculation device calculates an actual deceleration. A deviation between the target deceleration and the actual deceleration is obtained as a difference level, and a warning issuing device generates a sound having a volume that increases in accordance with the magnitude of the difference level. Accordingly, in the case that the brake does not act, contrary to the driver's expectation, even when the driver presses down the brake pedal, the driver can recognize a degree of difference from the driver's braking intention, based on the magnitude of the sound. Therefore, the driver does not feel a sense of danger or fear.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one wheel and an associated brake. Especially if the vehicle is traveling down an incline, the brake may overheat from prolonged use. The present invention provides an operator warning device which alerts the operator to a possible or actual brake overheat condition, based on any number of chosen non-temperature vehicle conditions. These conditions may include incline, machine speed, brake application pressure, and brake application duration.

Abstract: A solid-state brake condition monitoring system for a vehicle brake system having a rotor rotatable about an axis and a pad mounted on an extendable metal shoe that frictionally engages the pad with the rotor for creating braking force. The monitoring system includes at least one thermoelectric power converter cell secured on a heat absorbing surface of the brake system for producing electrical power in response to thermal energy, an electronic distance sensing transducer powered by the power converter cell for sensing the distance of the metal shoe relative thereto when extended and outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the sensed distance, the signal being indicative of pad wear, and a signal processing and RF transmitting module coupled with the distance sensing transducer and powered by the power converter cell for receiving the electronic signal from the distance sensing transducer and transmitting a RF signal corresponding to the signal indicative of pad wear to a remote RF receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitoring system including processing units receiving signals from each of the several brake stroke sensors mounted on a vehicle. The sensors adapted to generate signal corresponding to stroke movement of the brakes. The system adapted to process the sensor signal, signal from the vehicle's stoplight and a time delay between changes in the stoplight signal and corresponding changes in the sensor signal to determine the current condition of a brake. This determination, whether made on a tractor or trailer, can then appear on the display of the data acquisition unit itself, or through data communications to a display in the vehicle's cab; or on a warning light in the cab if the unit detects a malfunctioning brake.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a condition of relatively moving vehicle components, particularly including the pushrod of a brake actuator, including a magnet on one of the components, a sensor on the other component within the magnetic field of the magnet generating a signal indicating a condition of the moving component, an electrically conductive coil preferably surrounding the magnet generating a current and an active RF chip connected to the coil and the sensor, thereby providing current to the active RF chip for signaling a receiver. In the disclosed embodiment of a brake actuator monitoring system, the magnet is fixed on the pushrod and the coil surrounds the pushrod and magnet.

Abstract: A method of generating an error signal (F) in a motor vehicle having a brake actuating means (16) that is actuatable by the vehicle's driver, through which a brake system is activated, and detection means (16a), through which actuation of the brake actuating means (16) is detected, a gas pedal (18), a gas pedal position detector (18a), wherein a time at which the gas pedal is released (T0) is determined, a vehicle deceleration (av) is determined, which represents the longitudinal deceleration of the vehicle, a braking status (BSon/off) is determined, which represents the operating status of the brake actuating means (16a), an elapsed time since gas pedal release (Telapse) is monitored, and an error signal (F) is generated as a function of the vehicle deceleration (av), the elapsed time (Telapse), and the braking status (BSon/off).

Abstract: A brake monitoring system generally includes a plurality of brake monitors mounted on each of a plurality of brake actuators. Each brake monitor generally comprises a sleeve mounted to a push rod which moves relative to a stone shield on the brake actuator. The displacement of the sleeve relative to the stone shield is measured to determine the stroke of the brake actuator. This information is sent via an RF transmitter to a controller which determines the condition of each of the brakes.

Abstract: A monitoring and information system for a vehicle's brakes and tires. The system includes one or more position sensors and/or temperature sensors that are used to measure parameters of the vehicles brakes and tires. The measured parameters are compared to known threshold parameters with one or more comparitors. When one of the measured parameters is outside the limits of one of the threshold parameters, the system provides a signal indicating that an undesirable condition exists on one of the vehicles brakes or tires and provides information about the undesirable condition.

Abstract: A passive RF tag receives a number of varying inputs. The RF tag is preferably associated with a vehicle, and the inputs are indicative of diagnostic information from a vehicle braking system. The passive RF tag receives a signal from a transmitter that causes the RF tag to query the current status of the several inputs. The RF tag then sends a signal back to the transmitter/receiver indicative of the current status.

Abstract: A haptic braking method and system is disclosed. A controller operates a pump to apply brake fluid to a brake when it is necessary to decelerate a wheel during an active cruise control mode of a vehicle. The controller further operates one or more valves to cyclically vary a pressure level of the brake fluid to cause one or more haptic movements of the brake.

Abstract: A drum brake (10) comprising a drum (12); a first brake shoe (14) which is pivotally mounted at one end (30) thereof and having friction lining material (34) thereon; a second brake shoe (16) which is pivotally mounted at one end (32) thereof and having friction lining material (36) thereon; spring means (38) biasing the friction material of each brake shoe away from the drum; at least one actuator (18) engaging the other end of each brake shoe for moving the friction lining material of each brake shoe into contact with the drum on actuation thereof against the bias of the spring means; and a wear sensor (40) mounted on one of the brake shoes in a position circumferentially spaced from the friction lining material thereon, and having a free end (54) positioned adjacent the drum; wherein the free end of the wear sensor engages the drum to produce an audible signal solely when the or each actuator is actuated, and when the radial height of the friction lining material is at or below a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a brake monitor upon a brake actuator, wherein the brake monitor includes an annular push rod sleeve having a first sensor element, preferably a magnet, and a second sensor element fixed relative to the brake actuator housing. The installation apparatus includes a push rod sleeve adjustment member which supports the push rod sleeve and movable by a servomotor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), preferably including an analog card, operably connected to the second sensor element including a power supply having a predetermined voltage. The PLC controls the servomotor to adjust the axial position of the push rod sleeve on the push rod until the second sensor element senses a predetermined voltage, and the apparatus then fixes the push rod sleeve on the push rod. The installation apparatus also locates an annular sensor sleeve within the brake actuator housing and disposes the push rod through the sensor sleeve and aligns the components of the housing, push rod, return spring, etc.

Abstract: An emergency brake illumination system for a trailer illuminates the trailer brake lamps upon application of the emergency brakes. The system includes a pressure switch which senses pressure in the emergency brake system. The pressure switch is electrically connected between the blue circuit and the red circuit of a seven-way connector. If a loss of pressure is sensed by the pressure switch, the switch closes and power is provided by the blue circuit to the red circuit to illuminate the brake lamps.

Abstract: A microprocessor based control detects actuation of the vehicle's braking system and compares the actual magnitude of the lamp current drawn by the system's brake lamps during illumination with reference signals indicative of the nominal value of brake lamp excitation current required for illumination of a full complement of brake lamps and that associated with successively lesser numbers of operating lamps, to determine the presence and number of inoperative lamps and to record the existence of failed lamps in memory which may be accessed by external diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitor for a brake actuator including a housing, a reciprocal push rod extending through an opening in the housing and a stone shield mounted in the housing opening. An annular sleeve surrounds the push rod which is integrally formed of plastic including opposed sleeve portions which are generally semicircular in cross-section and a longitudinal integral flexible hinge portion interconnecting the adjacent sides of the sleeve portions, such that the annular sleeve may be received on the push rod, and an adjustable connector element interconnecting the opposed sides of the sleeve portions. The sleeve includes an elongated magnet, preferably a ceramic magnet having face portions which are magnetized with adjacent north and south poles and the stone shield includes a Hall-effect sensor which senses the location of the sleeve as the push rod reciprocates through the stone shield.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wear detection probe in which the deflection of a folded portion of an electric detection wire is suppressed so as to be able to cut the folded portion of the wire in a secure position. A truncated cone is formed at the edge part of a retention member, and a groove extending in a diametric direction is cut at the edge part. A supporting protrusion is formed by traversing the groove, and the electric detection wire is retained in a position in which the folded portion is securely mounted on the supporting protrusion which extends from both openings from which the electric wire extends. The wire is sandwiched by both side walls of the groove and the side walls operate as regulating walls so that when the folded portion of the electric wire begins to be exposed and contacts a brake drum, the folded portion will not be pulled out by a deflecting force in a sidewards direction.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system generally includes a plurality of brake monitors mounted on each of a plurality of brake actuators. Each brake monitor generally comprises a sleeve mounted to a push rod which moves relative to a stone shield on the brake actuator. The displacement of the sleeve relative to the stone shield is measured to determine the stroke of the brake actuator. This information is sent via an RF transmitter to a controller which determines the condition of each of the brakes.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a brake monitor upon a brake actuator, wherein the brake monitor includes an annular push rod sleeve having a first sensor element, preferably a magnet, and a second sensor element fixed relative to the brake actuator housing. The installation apparatus includes a push rod sleeve adjustment member which supports the push rod sleeve and movable by a servomotor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), preferably including an analog card, operably connected to the second sensor element including a power supply having a predetermined voltage. The PLC controls the servomotor to adjust the axial position of the push rod sleeve on the push rod until the second sensor element senses a predetermined voltage, and the apparatus then fixes the push rod sleeve on the push rod. The installation apparatus also locates an annular sensor sleeve within the brake actuator housing and disposes the push rod through the sensor sleeve and aligns the components of the housing, push rod, return spring, etc.

Abstract: A brake wear sensor in which a body of electrical insulating material mounts a pair of electrically conductive plates such that edges of the plates are spaced from each other at a surface of the body. The body has an external thread adapted to be received within an internally threaded opening in a brake pad to position the surface of the body and the edges of the plates adjacent to a braking surface of the brake pad. Electrical circuitry is connected to the plates for monitoring wear at the surface of the body as a function of changes in capacitance between the plates, and a gauge is coupled to the circuitry for indicating brake wear as a function of such changes in capacitance.

Abstract: A parallel resistor array for progressively detecting brake lining wear. A plurality of conductors are embedded within a brake lining or otherwise disposed between the brake surface and an actuator. Each of the conductors is connected to a resistor that is in turn connected to an indicator circuit. The indicator circuit is also connected to the brake surface. The conductors have progressively increasing lengths extending from the brake surface to the actuator. When the brakes are applied, the brake surface may contact at least one of the conductors to close the indicator circuit. As the brake lining wears, each of the conductors progressively contact the brake surface when the brakes are applied thus progressively adding a resistor to the indicator circuit. The conductors and resistors are arranged in parallel and thus as the brake lining wears, the overall resistance in the indicator circuit progressively decreases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring brake bias in a brake system on a vehicle includes a brake bias measuring pad, such that the brake bias measuring pad is operatively positioned within a brake caliper in the brake system. The apparatus also includes a load measuring mechanism disposed within the brake bias measuring pad, such that the load measuring mechanism measures a load applied by a brake caliper piston on the brake bias measuring pad. The method includes the steps of measuring a load applied by a brake caliper piston on a brake bias measuring pad operatively positioned within a brake caliper in a brake assembly of the brake system. The method also includes the steps of determining a brake caliper pressure based on the load applied by a brake caliper piston on the brake bias measuring pad and determining a load in the brake caliper based on the caliper pressure.

Abstract: A wheel control state display apparatus of the present invention has a vehicle state detector for detecting a state of a vehicle, a traction-braking force controller for adjusting braking force or traction at a plurality of wheels mounted on the vehicle, based on the result of detection of the vehicle state detector, and a control state display for displaying a wheel under adjustment of the braking force or the traction by the traction-braking force controller. The apparatus according to the present invention can present the conditions of the vehicle to the driver in more detail by displaying which wheel is under the adjustment of the traction-braking force.

Abstract: A contact free vehicle brake failure sensor receives IR emissions from a brake region of a vehicle to determine the temperature of the brake region. A determination of non-functionality of a brake is made based on whether the brake region is near the ambient temperature.