Abstract: A method is disclosed that comprises severing an I/O channel between a brake system controller and an aircraft component; sending a test signal to the brake system controller; receiving, from the brake system controller, a feedback signal to the test signal; and determining an appropriateness of the feedback signal. A system is disclosed that comprises a brake system controller wrapped in a BITE region, wherein the BITE region comprises a testing module, a safety interlock region having an I/O channel between the brake system controller and another system, and a testing module capable of sending a test signal to the brake system controller.

Abstract: A device which comprises a sensor and/or actuator and a connector for electrically and mechanically coupling the sensor and/or actuator. The connector comprises an individual electrical conductor having a core made from a first material and having a jacket made from a second material. The first material can have a lower thermal conductivity than the second material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake caliper of an electromechanical disk brake. According to the invention, in order to measure a widening of a brake caliper when the brake is activated, a rod-shaped holder which is clamped on one side, is arranged in a cavity in a yoke of the brake caliper, perpendicular to a brake disk and a movement of the free end of the holder is measured, for example by means of a magnetic sensor. The widening of the brake caliper is a measurement for the clamping force when the brake disk is actuated.

Abstract: A system for testing the air brake line of a train consist includes an airflow control device connected between the air brake line and a source of compressed air in a train yard. The system further includes a portable handheld device and an end-of-train pressure monitor that are able to wirelessly communicate with the airflow control device by means of a repeater. An airflow sensor in the airflow control device is used while charging the air brake line and also to perform an Air Flow Method of brake line testing.

Abstract: A brake pedal stroke sensor apparatus may include a frame, a hinge shaft fixed to the frame, a pedal arm pivotally coupled to the hinge shaft and rotating with respect to the hinge shaft, an angle sensor that is coaxially aligned to the hinge shaft and fixed to the frame, a sensor lever connected to a rotational shaft of the angle sensor and extending with a predetermined length, and a drive pin formed to the hinge shaft in a predetermined distance from a rotational axis of the hinge shaft and engaged to a distal end portion of the sensor lever so as to transmit change of a rotary angle of the pedal arm to the angle sensor in accordance with a rotation of the pedal arm.

Abstract: The present invention regards a tire braking characteristic test apparatus which can reflect the dynamic characteristics of a vehicle at the time of braking in order to evaluate the braking characteristics of tires. The test apparatus can also perform a test where a vehicle condition is changed in a manner which influences the braking characteristics of the tires.

Abstract: A control system for evaluating a brake booster system is provided. The control system includes an engine evaluation module that detects an engine off condition. A pressure evaluation module monitors hydraulic brake line pressure and detects changes in brake booster pressure during the engine off condition. A fault reporting module selectively detects a brake booster fault based on the brake line pressure and the changes in brake booster pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assembling a wear indicator on a brake, especially a drum brake. According to said method, a loop is to be formed in the warning conductor of the wear indicator, said loop is to be inserted through a recess in a lining support near a friction lining or between two friction linings, whereupon an insulating piece is to be hooked into the loop, and the insulating piece is to be inserted, particularly, snapped, into the recess.

Abstract: A method for detecting the operation of a foot brake pedal of a motor vehicle brake system including a vacuum brake booster having a working chamber and a vacuum chamber. The operation of the brake pedal is able to be detected already during free travel if the pressure present in the working chamber and/or in the vacuum chamber is measured and the measured pressure or a pressure difference is evaluated.

Abstract: A measuring unit for determining the material parameters of a solid material sample of a substance includes a sample holder for accommodating the material sample to be tested, an actuator for generating an excitation vibration, a measuring unit and a measured value analysis unit, the actuator including at least one piezoelectric element to be electrically excited, and the actuator and the sample holder having a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for determining the saturation point of a vacuum brake booster having a vacuum chamber and a working chamber that are separated from one another by a membrane. The reaching of the saturation point can be recognized simply and precisely if the vacuum prevailing in the vacuum chamber is measured using a pressure sensor, and the output signal of the pressure sensor is evaluated by an electronic evaluation system that calculates the saturation point using a mathematical function, taking into account only the pressure prevailing in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for a crosshead of a decoking plant arranged by means of a carrying device to be liftable and lowerable on profiles of a frame above a drum adapted to receive material, such as coke, and guided on guide rails of the profiles by means of rolls, and carried by a cable of a winch slung around return pulleys at the top of the frame and around a carrying pulley rotatably supported at the top end of the crosshead; and equipped with brakes for stopping the crosshead in an emergency, when the carrying device fails, and for intercepting the crosshead and fixing it on the guide rails or on the profiles. For a safety device, a test apparatus is provided for testing the brakes on site, comprising a carrying device, such as a brace, attachable on the frame, on which the crosshead is mountable for simulating a free fall of the same by means of a release device, and an arrestor device for the crosshead releasably attachable on the frame at a distance below the brace.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper, comprising a gear mechanism for converting the wear-induced displacement into a rotary movement, having a sensor for detecting the rotary movement, wherein a contact-free coupling is provided for transmitting the rotary movement to the sensor. The apparatus is designed in such a way that the sensor generates an analogue or pulse-width-modulated detection signal for determining the wear-induced displacement of the brake lining, wherein the detection signal corresponds to the respective displacement caused by the rotary movement. The invention also related to a corresponding method for measuring the wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensor 1 for a vehicle including a sensing element 10 for measuring the pressure of brake fluids in fluid passages, a sensor housing 20 for accommodating the sensing element 10, and contact probes 30 that are electrically connected to the sensing element 10 and an electronic control unit 300 (control unit). Each contact probe 30 includes a sleeve 31, a coil spring 32 (elastic member) housed in the sleeve 31, the rod 33 inserted into the sleeve 31. The sleeve 31 is connected to the sensing element 10 in a state that the sleeve 31 is fixed in the sensor housing 20, and the rod 33 is pressed to the electronic unit 300 by pressing force of the coil spring 32.

Abstract: Wheels of a two-wheeled motor vehicle are supported by support rollers corresponding to each wheel, respectively, and an antilock brake system is operated for each wheel. Measuring means 20 and 31 measure values related to the rotation speed of rollers supporting the wheel for which the antilock brake system operates. Based on the values obtained by the measuring means 20 and 31, the waveform accompanying the change in rotation speed of the wheel that occurs by the operation of the antilock brake system is computed by a computing means 44 based on the values obtained by the measuring means 20 and 31. A determination means 45 determines whether or not a portion of the waveform obtained by the computing means 44 falls within a predetermined range or not.

Abstract: A system for determining brake shoe effectiveness of a braking arrangement of a train during operation of the train including at least one brake database including braking data and at least one train database including train data. A control system is in communication with the at least one brake database and the at least one train database, and the control system dynamically determines brake shoe effectiveness data based upon the braking data and the train data, where the brake shoe effectiveness data includes the ability of the braking arrangement to retard the train to a specified level.

Abstract: A braking system including a brake, a brake actuator which is operable to apply a force to the brake to effect braking, an automatic braking controller, and a manually operable brake actuator control device, the brake actuator control device including a manually operable control part which is movable between a release position and an apply position and which is adapted such that movement of the control part by a user from the release position to the apply position causes the brake actuator to apply the brake and movement of the control part by a user from the apply position to the release position causes the brake actuator to release the brake, the brake actuator control device being characterized in that it further includes a control actuator which engages with the control part and which is adapted to effect movement of the control part from the release position to the apply position on receipt of an appropriate signal from the automatic braking controller.

Abstract: A brake (42) is tested in an elevator system (10) including a car (12) and a counterweight (14) connected to the car (12) by a rope (16). The car (12) is positioned at a reference position in the hoistway (HW) adjacent to a hoistway limit switch (23), and the brake (42) is engaged to hold the car (12) at the reference position. The rotating member (46) is then driven to provide a testing force on the brake (42) that simulates a load in the elevator car (12) of at least a maximum rated load for the car (12). The brake test is terminated if the hoistway limit switch (23) is actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for testing a brake rotor that is mounted on a hub for rotation with respect to a caliper housing. The apparatus includes a bracket having a first end and a second end. A first attachment member and a second attachment member are connected to the bracket and configured to engage the caliper housing. A first sensor is connected to the first end of the bracket for engagement with a first side of the brake rotor. A second sensor is connected to the second end of the bracket for engagement with a second side of the brake rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises an airflow manipulating device, a portable control device, and an air pressure sensor. The airflow manipulating device is disposed between a source of compressed air and an air brake line of a train consist. The portable control device is in wireless communication with the airflow manipulating device. The portable control device is transportable by a user along the train consist during inspection of the air brake line. The portable control device is adapted to transmit a control signal over a wireless communication channel to move a valve in the airflow manipulating device to a position that causes an increase or decrease of air pressure in the air brake line. The air pressure sensor measures an air pressure level in the air brake line for wireless transmission to the portable control device.

Abstract: A brake position sensor unit includes a unitary brake shaft that transmits braking torque to a article to be slowed, connects directly to a brake unit, connects to a resolver and has a plurality of planetary gears rotating thereabout to activate a sensor when the brake unit is set.

Abstract: A method for determining a type of brake fluid that includes contacting a colorimetric reagent on a substrate. An embodiment of the method reacts to the presence of a borate ester in brake fluid to produce a color contacted by DOT 4/5.1 brake fluid or a second color in the presence of pure DOT 3 fluid. In the event of mixtures of DOT 3 with DOT 4/5.1, a third color results when contacted by a mixture of DOT 3 and DOT 4/5.1 brake fluid in which the DOT 4/5.1 fluid is about 50% or less of the mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which comprises a sensor or actuator and coupling means for electrically and mechanically coupling the sensor or actuator. The coupling means comprise an electrical single conductor (30) having a core (31) from a first material and a jacket (32) from a second material, the first material having a lower thermal conductivity than the second material.

Abstract: In a method to test a brake of a robot that has a number of axes, an actuator associated with one of the axes, a brake associated with this axis that is set up to at least reduce a movement of this axis, and a torque sensor associated with this axis, which determines the torque acting on this axis. The brake is activated, the torque acting on the axis is determined by the torque sensor given an activated brake, and the functional capability of the brake is assessed in a processor based on an evaluation of the torque determined by the torque sensor.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring a normal force affecting a disk brake that is used particularly in motor vehicles. In order to further develop a device for measuring an effective normal force so as to significantly decrease the additional mounting space required in the area of a disk brake and reduce sensitivity to thermal influences, a shearing movement of a part of the disk brake relative to a reference is detected by a sensor such that a test signal-processing logic circuit can draw conclusions about an actually effective normal force based on a sensor test signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing a system for the braking or the auxiliary starting of a cable transport installation driving at least one vehicle, the cable being driven by a pulley cooperating with motor means, the testing method including at least a phase of testing said system during which, from a stabilized rating of the installation: the unloaded installation is driven by the motor means delivering a constant torque C; the braking or starting system is simultaneously activated and a velocity range curve V test is recorded. The invention also relates to software which can be directly downloaded into the memory of an automaton for controlling the steps of the testing method when said program is executed on a computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a parking brake tensioning apparatus, method, and system. Generally described, the device is for adjusting the tension cable of a parking brake in a vehicle. The device has an inner housing for receiving the handle of the parking brake. Also, the device has a deformable member attached to the housing, and is preloaded with a predetermined load. The device further has a force probe, or rod, having a first end connected to the deformable member and a second end in contact with a component of the vehicle. In addition, the device has a switch for generating a control signal when a predefined force value is applied to the deformable member by adjusting the tension of the tension cable through an adjustment tool. Furthermore, the device has a relay for transmitting the control signal to the adjustment tool once the predefined force value is reached, thus disabling the adjustment tool. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A system for determining brake shoe effectiveness of a braking arrangement of a train during operation of the train including at least one brake database including braking data and at least one train database including train data. A control system is in communication with the at least one brake database and the at least one train database, and the control system dynamically determines brake shoe effectiveness data based upon the braking data and the train data, where the brake shoe effectiveness data includes the ability of the braking arrangement to retard the train to a specified level.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for testing a brake rotor that is mounted on a hub for rotation with respect to a caliper housing. The apparatus includes a bracket having a first end and a second end. A first attachment member and a second attachment member are connected to the bracket and configured to engage the caliper housing. A first sensor is connected to the first end of the bracket for engagement with a first side of the brake rotor. A second sensor is connected to the second end of the bracket for engagement with a second side of the brake rotor.

Abstract: A brake wear measurement apparatus for use on a brake assembly equipped with a wear pin having a plunger slidably mounted in the plunger sleeve having a first end and second end and wherein when the brake wear measurement apparatus is placed over the wear pin, the wear pin contacts the plunger first end, and moves the plunger within the plunger sleeve to a retracted position corresponding to a retraction distance delta, and wherein the retraction distance delta corresponds to a wear pin exposed height indicating an amount of brake wear. A locking mechanism for locking the plunger in the retracted position may be provided. A brake wear correlation program whereby the input of a brake part number, a plunger retraction distance delta, and a number of performed landings will result in an output of an estimated number of remaining landings may also be provided.

Abstract: A test device includes a trainline connector for connecting the test device to a car trainline to which the electropneumatic brake device is connected and includes a power port to receive power for the trainline at a first voltage. A power switch selectively connects the power port to the trainline connector. A test switch selectively connects a test voltage smaller than the first voltage to the trainline connector. A sensor senses an electrical parameter of the trainline. A controller a) initially controls the power switch to disconnect the power port from the trainline connector, b) subsequently controls the test switch to connect the test voltage to the trainline connector and c) if the sensor senses an electrical parameter indicative of an acceptable trainline, controls the test switch to disconnect the test voltage from the trainline connector and controlling the power switch to connect the power port to the trainline connector.

Abstract: In a highway tractor trailer vehicle, a brake control sensor is operative to detect each activation of the manual trailer brake control, and a recorder receives and stores data comprising a speed of the tractor at each manual trailer brake control activation. Trailer brake wear is reduced by penalizing an operator of the tractor for each unauthorized activation of the manual trailer brake control. Testing of the connection of the tractor to the trailer is encouraged by tracking the activation of the manual trailer brake control and penalizing the operator for failure to test the connection.

Abstract: A brake wear measurement apparatus for use on a brake assembly equipped with a wear pin having a diameter and an exposed height, which comprises a plunger sleeve having a first end and a second end, and an inner diameter larger than the wear pin outer diameter; a plunger slidably mounted in the plunger sleeve having a corresponding first end and second end and wherein the plunger first end is exposed, such that when the brake wear measurement apparatus is placed over the wear pin, the wear pin contacts the plunger first end, and moves the plunger within the plunger sleeve a retraction distance delta, which corresponds to the wear pin exposed height; a plunger stop mechanism, which prevents the plunger from sliding out of the plunger sleeve when no external force is applied to the plunger; and, a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism acts to prevent the plunger from sliding within the plunger sleeve when the locking mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: A method for determining a performance parameter of a brake with a first (311) and a second (313) brake element can be made to interact to generate a friction force (FR) and a friction torque (NR), a first set (204a, 204b) of friction coefficients (?) being determined between the first (311) and the second (313) brake element in the field, the first set (204a, 204b) of friction coefficients (?) being compared with a predetermined second set (204) of friction coefficients (?), and the performance parameter being determined based on a deviation of the first (204a, 204b) and second set (204), the deviation being obtained from the comparison.

Abstract: A control system for evaluating a brake booster system includes an engine evaluation module that detects an engine off condition. A pressure evaluation module, during the engine off condition, monitors hydraulic brake line pressure, detects a change in brake booster pressure, and determines a brake booster vacuum decay rate based on the change in brake booster pressure. A fault reporting module detects a brake booster system fault based on the brake line pressure and the brake booster vacuum decay rate.

Abstract: Wheels of a two-wheeled motor vehicle are supported by support rollers corresponding to each wheel, respectively, and an antilock brake system is operated for each wheel. Measuring means 20 and 31 measure values related to the rotation speed of rollers supporting the wheel for which the antilock brake system operates. Based on the values obtained by the measuring means 20 and 31, the waveform accompanying the change in rotation speed of the wheel that occurs by the operation of the antilock brake system is computed by a computing means 44 based on the values obtained by the measuring means 20 and 31. A determination means 45 determines whether or not a portion of the waveform obtained by the computing means 44 falls within a predetermined range or not.

Abstract: A test unit is electrically coupled between a motion controller and each of first and second redundant brakes. The test unit is responsive to the motion controller for automatically selecting one of the brakes to be tested. A microcontroller receives a signal from the motion controller that identifies one of the redundant brakes for activation, or deactivation, by an associated microcontroller output. The microcontroller outputs may be coupled respectively to activation terminals of respective brake switches connected in parallel to a brake activation voltage.

Abstract: A device for determining the saturation point of a vacuum brake booster having a vacuum chamber and a working chamber that are separated from one another by a membrane. The reaching of the saturation point can be recognized simply and precisely if the vacuum prevailing in the vacuum chamber is measured using a pressure sensor, and the output signal of the pressure sensor is evaluated by an electronic evaluation system that calculates the saturation point using a mathematical function, taking into account only the pressure prevailing in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensor 1 for a vehicle including a sensing element 10 for measuring the pressure of brake fluids in fluid passages, a sensor housing 20 for accommodating the sensing element 10, and contact probes 30 that are electrically connected to the sensing element 10 and an electronic control unit 300 (control unit). Each contact probe 30 includes a sleeve 31, a coil spring 32 (elastic member) housed in the sleeve 31, the rod 33 inserted into the sleeve 31. The sleeve 31 is connected to the sensing element 10 in a state that the sleeve 31 is fixed in the sensor housing 20, and the rod 33 is pressed to the electronic unit 300 by pressing force of the coil spring 32.

Abstract: A test unit is electrically coupled between a motion controller and each of first and second redundant brakes. The test unit is responsive to the motion controller for automatically selecting one of the brakes to be tested. A microcontroller receives a signal from the motion controller that identifies one of the redundant brakes for activation, or deactivation, by an associated microcontroller output. The microcontroller outputs may be coupled respectively to activation terminals of respective brake switches connected in parallel to a brake activation voltage.

Abstract: A method for determining local departures of opposed friction surfaces that are spaced apart in parallel planes normal to the axis of the rotor. Displacement sensing probes are placed in opposing alignment adjacent the friction surfaces and rotor is spun. Instantaneous distances from each probe to the friction surfaces is made by repetitively sampling and converting the sample distances into digital form. The differences between contemporaneous sample distances are computed to determine rotor thicknesses and displayed. An analog measure of the instantaneous angular rotor position is provided for each instantaneous angular position. The angular rotor position and distance measures are correlated and the angular rotor position sample converted to digital form.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly service system configured to acquire measurements of the physical characteristics of a vehicle wheel assembly such as during a vehicle wheel balancing procedure, with the functionality to obtain and utilize a measurement of a vehicle wheel assembly offset or rear spacing. The vehicle wheel assembly service system is configured to display the wheel assembly offset or rear spacing measurement to an operator, and optionally, to display guidance and/or installation instructions to the operator associated with the installation of the vehicle wheel assembly on a vehicle. The displayed guidance and/or installation instructions may optionally include fitment information, vehicle performance data, or vehicle braking data.

Abstract: A method for providing an estimate of brake pad thickness. The method employs fusion of sensors, if used, and driver brake modeling to predict the vehicle brake pad life. An algorithm is employed that uses various inputs, such as brake pad friction material properties, brake pad cooling rate, brake temperature, vehicle mass, road grade, weight distribution, brake pressure, brake energy, braking power, etc. to provide the estimation. The method calculates brake work using total work minus losses, such as aerodynamic drag resistance, engine braking and/or braking power as braking torque times velocity divided by rolling resistance to determine the brake rotor and lining temperature. The method then uses the brake temperature to determine the brake pad wear, where the wear is accumulated for each braking event. A brake pad sensor can be included to provide one or more indications of brake pad thickness from which the estimation can be revised.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation is provided. The apparatus includes a test tire, a brake associated with the test tire, and an actuator operably connected to the test tire and configured to selectively apply a representative vehicle force to the test tire. The apparatus further includes a controller operably connected to the brake and configured to apply a representative vehicle braking algorithm to the brake. The apparatus also includes a sensor associated with the test tire and configured to provide feedback for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of determining an initial pressure which prevails between a master brake cylinder and an inlet valve of a wheel brake cylinder of a motor vehicle brake system. It determines the initial pressure taking into consideration the variation of a follow-up voltage of a clock-operated motor of a pump, which is used for the return delivery of brake fluid from a low-pressure accumulator into the master brake cylinder. Several characteristic quantities of the voltage variation are measured and in each case taken into account to determine an initial pressure value, and the quality and/or reliability of the measured characteristic quantities is evaluated. The characteristic quantities and/or the initial pressure values determined therefrom are filtered and/or conditioned in the event of lack in quality and/or reliability of the measured characteristic quanitites.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including a pressure-sensor element having a monolithic body of semiconductor material, and a first main face and a second main face acting on which is a stress resulting from a pressure, the value of which is to be determined; and a package enclosing the pressure-sensor element. The package has an inner chamber containing liquid material, and the pressure-sensor element is arranged within the inner chamber in such a manner that the first and second main faces are both in contact with the liquid material. In particular, the liquid material is a silicone gel.

Abstract: A cylinder lift detection device for compressed-air disk brakes includes a sensor for detecting the cylinder lift, a power source for feeding the sensor, an actuating device which is mounted between the sensor and the power source and is used to switch on the sensor, and a functional display that is connected to the sensor and displays the operative or defective state of the brakes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of adjusting an electronic stability program (ESP) for a motor vehicle. This method comprises various steps, including in particular: establishing the curve of the consumption values (Cesp) as a function of time, said curve being representative of the differences (dCM) of the measured yaw angles and the setpoint yaw angles (dCM=LM?LC) versus the measured triggering threshold values (St), modifying the nominal threshold values (Sv) by a percentage that is proportional to the consumption values (Cesp).

Abstract: A method for estimating the friction coefficient between the stator and the rotor in a braking device including the following method steps: measurement of the temperature of the braking device, establishment of the friction coefficient by calculating the relationship between a measure of thermal energy generated by the rotor and the stator during a time interval and a measure of braking energy absorbed by the rotor and the stator during the same time interval, in which the generated thermal energy is calculated from a function of the measured temperature. The method is preferably used in calculating a correction factor for trailer compensation.

Abstract: A rope brake for an elevator installation for braking a rope coupled to a car is provided, which has a stop that is immovable in the longitudinal direction of the rope and at least one brake shoe. The rope is led between the stop and the brake shoe, and the brake shoe is adapted to be moved back and forth between a braking position, pressing the rope against the stop, and a release position, releasing the rope. A drive coupled to the brake shoe is provided for releasing the rope. The drive is formed as a linear drive and the at least one brake shoe can be transferred by means of the linear drive into its release position against the action of a braking force acting on it in the braking position. Methods for testing a rope brake for an elevator car having a movable brake shoe are also provided.