Abstract: A brake stroke sensor and an steering sensor are individually and collectively provided. A brake stroke sensor includes a force-receiving plate, a second plate movable relative to the force-receiving plate, a spring disposed between the plates and operatively connected to the pushrod, a strain gauge bridge mounted on the force-receiving plate and a microcontroller capable of converting the strain gauge bridge signal into digital data. A steering sensor includes a mechanical interface operatively connected to a nonmoving member and a moving member, an encoder capable of transforming the rotational motion of the mechanical interface into an electrical signal, and a microcontroller capable of calculating, from the electrical signal, a count indicative of the relative positions of the members. A combined brake stroke and steering sensor may include individual and common elements of both the brake stroke and steering sensors described above.

Abstract: A support shaft is non-rotationally inserted into bearing plates of support member. Accelerator rotor is attached to support shaft and can rotate, and a driver rotates it by means of the actuation of the accelerator pedal. Sensor rotor of accelerator opening sensor is attached to support shaft and can rotate. Protruding portion of sensor rotor is engaged with recess portion formed in accelerator rotor. Because plate spring inserted into recess portion sandwiches protruding portion in a direction opposite of the direction of rotation, with respect to sensor rotor, shift or deviation in the direction of rotation of accelerator rotor is prevented. Further, with respect to sensor rotor, accelerator rotor can slide in contact with plate spring while sliding in the direction of support shaft and the radial direction of accelerator rotor.

Abstract: In a pedal-travel sensor device with a kick-down mechanism, when the gas pedal is actuated, an electrical signal should be produced at the same time as a clearly perceptible jump in force. The pedal-travel sensor device proposed here is provided with leaf springs (5) which provide electrical contacts. As a result, the production of the electrical signal can occur completely without play and at the same time as the production of the jump in force. The clearly perceptible jump in force is provided by a spring biased detent means. The pedal-travel sensor device is provided for controlling the power of a drive engine of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle brake leakage detector installs between a vehicle brake pedal and a reference point such as a steering wheel, for testing vehicle hydraulic brake systems, and, specifically, for detecting brake fluid leaks. A brake contact at one end of the detector contacts the vehicle brake pedal and a reference end at the opposite end of the detector contacts any tangible reference location, such as a steering wheel. Force means are associated with the detector for applying force for pressurizing the vehicle brake fluid when the detector is installed. A sensor detects relative movement between the brake contact and reference end to determine whether any brake fluid leaks are present. An output source indicates whether any brake fluid leaks are detected.

Abstract: The present invention a pedal depressor is for use in a vehicle having a steering wheel and control pedals. The pedal depressor includes an apparatus for applying downward actuating forces to at least one of said vehicle control pedals, using said steering wheel as a counterforce to said downward actuating force. The pedal depressor further includes a longitudinal rail plate, at one end of said rail, for bearing and applying force against said vehicle control pedal; and a car adapted to slidably move along said rail, said car cooperating with and connected to a device for adjusting said counterforce against said steering wheel, thereby adjusting said force against said control pedal and maintaining said control pedal at a preselected position.

Abstract: A pedal stroke sensor a rotor that rotates with a brake pedal with a pair of brushes fixed on the rotor. The brushes are inclined oppositely to each other along rotating direction of the rotor and contact a circuit printed on a circuit board to generate output voltages V1A and V1B which increase and decrease oppositely to each other in response to the brushes sliding over the circuit board. A difference signal |V1A−V1B| is output as a signal corresponding to pedal stroke S of the brake pedal. When any kind of vibration changes the contacting positions of the brushes on the board, the output voltages V1A, V1B change in the same direction, so that, even if the contacting positions of the brushes change because of a vibration, the difference signal |V1A−V1B| does not change greatly, allowing accurate detection of the position of the brake pedal even if such vibrations occur.

Abstract: The monitor for uncommanded braking controls uncommanded brake application on one or more wheels during takeoff of an aircraft. Brake pedal application is determined, brake pressure is measured, and brake pressure is compared with a selected threshold brake pressure. A brake pressure applied signal is generated when the brake pressure exceeds the threshold brake pressure. The pedal application signal and brake pressure applied signal are received by a fault latch logic circuit that generates a fault latch output signal when uncommanded braking has occurred. A test inhibit signal is also generated when weight is not applied on the wheel. The test inhibit signal is also input to the fault latch logic circuit so that uncommanded braking can occur when the aircraft is in the air and weight is off the wheel. The monitor disables or latches off the shutoff valve when pressure is detected without pedal application.

Abstract: The monitor for uncommanded braking controls uncommanded brake application on one or more wheels during takeoff of an aircraft. Brake pedal application is determined, brake pressure is measured, and brake pressure is compared with a selected threshold brake pressure. A brake pressure applied signal is generated when the brake pressure exceeds the threshold brake pressure. The pedal application signal and brake pressure applied signal are received by a fault latch logic circuit that generates a fault latch output signal when uncommanded braking has occurred. A test inhibit signal is also generated when weight is not applied on the wheel. The test inhibit signal is also input to the fault latch logic circuit so that uncommanded braking can occur when the aircraft is in the air and weight is off the wheel. The monitor disables or latches off the shutoff valve when pressure is detected without pedal application.

Abstract: For the detection of undissolved gas in the brake system; hydraulic pressure is built up and at least one characteristic value for the pressure buildup such as the master cylinder pressure, the brake pedal distance, the drop in storage chamber pressure, etc., is checked to see if it exceeds a predetermined limit value. If this limit value is exceeded, it is assumed that there is an unacceptable amount of undissolved gas in the hydraulic component of the brake system.

Abstract: A brake warning system for vehicles with pneumatic air brakes monitors various factors to provide an indication of a pending or actual brake failure condition. According to one embodiment, vehicle brakes are tested by determining a delay time between pressure changes in a control brake line from a treadle valve and the response of the brake. According to another embodiment, brake performance is measured by monitoring applied brake line pressure versus known brake performance values. Measurements are taken with the brakes in a known good condition, during a "training mode," and data is then compared, on a continuous basis, with data acquired by ongoing measurements. The invention provides an on-board, real-time, assessment of vehicle brake performance, through measurement of a relatively small number of parameters.

Abstract: A brake fit adjuster supports a brake drum on a rotatable drum support 20. A brake shoe unit is locked on a mounting mechanism 40. A brake fit is adjusted by applying a pulling force on a wire harness and pressing a brake shoe unit against the inner surface of the rotating brake drum by applying a preset force on the brake shoe unit connected to one end of the wire harness.

Abstract: The monitor for uncommanded braking controls uncommanded brake application on one or more wheels during takeoff of an aircraft. Brake pedal application is determined, brake pressure is measured, and brake pressure is compared with a selected threshold brake pressure. A brake pressure applied signal is generated when the brake pressure exceeds the threshold brake pressure. The pedal application signal and brake pressure applied signal are received by a fault latch logic circuit that generates a fault latch output signal when uncommanded braking has occurred. A test inhibit signal is also generated when weight is not applied on the wheel. The test inhibit signal is also input to the fault latch logic circuit so that uncommanded braking can occur when the aircraft is in the air and weight is off the wheel. The monitor disables or latches off the shutoff valve when pressure is detected without pedal application.

Abstract: A resiliently biased plunger extends through a hole completely through the brake shoe and into a hole partially into the brake pad. The hole in the brake pad is of a depth that leaves the desired brake pad wear intact. When the brake pad is worn to the desired depth the plunger is resiliently urged through the brake pad to complete an electrical circuit which in turn gives a warning signal.

Abstract: A process to determine the response pressure of a brake in a braking system of a vehicle comprises: measuring the existing vehicle deceleration of the vehicle to determine a value of ground-vehicle deceleration, supplying a test pressure to the brake, measuring the deceleration of the vehicle after the test pressure has been supplied to the brake to determine a value of vehicle test deceleration, and comparing the value of ground-vehicle deceleration and the value of vehicle test deceleration. If the value of vehicle test deceleration is greater than the value of ground-vehicle deceleration by more than a predetermined tolerance value, the steps of the process are repeated with a reduced test pressure until the difference between the values of ground-vehicle deceleration and vehicle test deceleration is no more than the predetermined tolerance value.

Abstract: A combination brake light testing device and tire billy is provided for use with a vehicle, such as a school bus or any C.D.L. (Commercial Driver License) vehicle. The device includes an elongated tube having an elongated rod telescopically received within it so that the rod is movable between an extended and a retracted position. A compression spring is compressed between the rod and tube and resiliently urges the rod toward its extended position. The device is dimensioned so that, with one of the tube or the rod in abutment with the driver's seat and the other of the tube or the rod in abutment with the brake pedal, the brake pedal is actuated thereby allowing inspection of the brake lights. A handgrip portion is also provided around the tube adjacent one end while a tire impact member is secured at the opposite end of the tube so that the device can be used as a tire billy.

Abstract: In order to study the aerodynamic phenomena occurring around structures of an aircraft, particularly during ground and flight tests, an automated multichannel pressure measuring system is proposed. This system, which is entirely contained in a very small box or case (10), incorporates the pressure transducers (14) and processing software (54) for the approximate values supplied by the transducers. A multichannel or multiway valve (32) places the system in a blowing or blasting state purging the circuits in the case or rain. In this state, it is possible to check the satisfactory operation of the transducers and carry out their calibration. Therefore, the frequency with which recalibration of the system has to take place in the laboratory is greatly reduced. Advantageously, the transducers (14) are temperature-controlled.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring the wear of a multiple disk brake while a wheel hub is rotationless. A measuring instrument is provided having a screw-like component and a spindle. A plug element located in a predetermined bore of the wheel hub is replaced with the screw-like component. The brakes are actuated, the spindle is moved while the brakes are actuated until the spindle comes into contact with a supporting disk that axially supports the multiple disks. The distance the spindle was moved is ascertained to form a first measured value. The brakes are then released, and the spindle is moved again, until the spindle again comes into contact with the supporting disk. The distance the spindle was moved is ascertained to form a second measured value. The difference between the first measured value and the second measured value is determined to ascertain a piston stroke, and the wear of the multiple disk brakes is ascertained from the piston stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the performance of an accelerator pedal of an automotive vehicle includes a torso member which is seated in a driving position of an automobile. The torso member has a leg mechanism connected thereto for actuating an accelerator pedal. The torso member has a hip portion which rotates about an axis which remains fixed relative to the seat despite the position of the leg. Various transducers are strategically located to measure certain performance characteristics of the accelerator pedal such as the force for operating the pedal, the angle of the foot while operating the pedal, and pedal scrub. Because the lengths of the members and the angles of the joints are measured, the movement of each portion of the apparatus are related to movement relative to the axis.

Abstract: A vehicle testing device and method are provided whereby a mechanic can easily test the pneumatic brake system of a tractor, converter dolly and trailer. In addition, electrical circuitry is supplied to allow the mechanic to check the electrical circuits from the tractor to the trailer which supply power for the turn signals, brake lights, clearance lights, auxiliary lights and turn signals. The testing device is compact and portable and affords a mechanic a convenient tool for efficiently carrying out the necessary safety tests on both the tractor and trailer which may be disconnected at the time the testing occurs.

Abstract: A robot driver for a motor vehicle, which has a central casing (4) to be mounted in the passenger compartment (1) and actuating elements (5) for pedals (6) and, if appropriate, gear lever, can be mounted in the passenger compartment in a stable and uncomplicated way and without the risk of damage in that the casing is supported on the seating surface and back rest surface (8,9) of the driver's seat (2) and is connected to a rod (17) which is held on a steering wheel frame (19) mounted on the steering wheel (3) and is flush with the center of the steering column (18).

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the brake system of a motor vehicle has a housing which can be coupled to the rails for the driver's seat and supports a drive for a reciprocable depressing unit for the brake pedal. The depressing unit has a rear section which is movable by the drive and a front section which is movable with and relative to the rear section. When a cap at the front end of the front section engages and depresses the pedal, the cap is first moved against the opposition of a weak coil spring relative to a rear portion of the front section to thus close a switch in the circuit of two potentiometers, and the front section is thereupon moved relative to the rear section against the opposition of a helical compression coil spring. One of the potentiometers measures the distance which is covered by the rear section and the other potentiometer measures the distance which is covered by the front section relative to the rear section of the depressing unit.

Abstract: Length-adjusting device is provided on a switch, intended to indicate the shift of an object from a normal position. The switch comprises a fixed part, intended to be assembled securely in a chassis for example, and a switch part which is movable relative to the latter and which can be changed between different positions for switching the switch depending on the position of the object. The length-adjusting device comprises a first part, which interacts with the object in its positional shifting movements, and a second part which interacts with the movable switch part such that the said second part attempts to hold the movable switch part in one of its positions. The length-adjusting device comprises at least one fluid chamber which changes volume upon relative movement between the first and the second part.

Abstract: A brake test method measures the brake force per axle of a vehicle by having an operator linearly depress the vehicle brake pedal while the axle's left and right wheels positioned on torque motor driven, constant speed rollers. The roller drive torque magnitude is periodically sampled and the samples are filtered to remove ovality discontinuities, the left and right side filtered samples are then compared to detect the maximum brake force imbalance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing motor vehicle anti-skid braking systems is disclosed which is particularly well suited for production line verification of the anti-skid braking system integrity. The method comprises monitoring the operation of a pressure generating device which operates intermittently to generate brake actuating pressure independently of application of the vehicle brake pedal while simultaneously and cyclically applying a predetermined operating force to the vehicle brake pedal and measuring the distance of travel thereof for each successive operation. The first phase of the test procedure enables verification of the operation of the pressure generating device and associated controls therefor whereas the second phase of the test sequence verifies the absence of fluid or pressure leakage in another portion of the braking system.

Abstract: Transmission gear and clutch shifting apparatus for the automatic operation of manual shift mechanisms in an automotive vehicle include gear and clutch actuation mechanisms mounted onboard the vehicle and coupled by cables to control actuation mechanisms mounted offboard the vehicle. The onboard gear shift actuator includes two intersecting movable slot means for causing movement of the shift lever.

Abstract: A universally fitting and reusable grip assembly for non-destructive and removable attachment to a pedal, such as a rudder pedal of an aircraft or flight simulator. The grip assembly includes two hingedly connected clamps whose frame members are fitted, respectively, over the top edge and under the bottom edge of the pedal, with clamp screws threadedly adjusted to secure the clamp frames to the pedal; and, an artificial pedal member which incorporates a load cell and which is attached to the lower disposed one of the two clamp frame members. The load cell measures the force applied to the pedal, such as by a pilot's foot or other sources, including a remotely located, interconnected, conventional load applying device. If the grip assembly is used on a rudder pedal of an aircraft or flight simulator, the grip assembly need not be removed in order to fly the aircraft (or flight simulator) in the conventional manner.

Abstract: Tension in a cable of a parking brake assembly is measured by way of a force measuring transducer device which is removably attachable to the lever arm bracket of the assembly located in the cabin of the automobile. The lever arm is lifted and the transducer device is positioned such that the arm presses against the load receiving surface of the transducer, such pressure being a function of the cable tension. Preferably, the transducer includes at least one flexure element connected to the load receiving surface operative to convert the force applied by the lever arm to electrical signals as a function thereof. The transducer device incorporates a retractable pin which engages an opening in the mounting bracket for the lever arm. The transducer is thus wedged between portions of the bracket and a pawl on the lever arm in a predetermined orientation such that the forces exerted by the pawl are applied generally perpendicularly to the flexure element.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the force necessary to pull the lever arm of an automobile parking brake to a predetermined position. An elongated body includes a cavity for receiving the lever arm of the parking brake assembly. The body includes a switch arranged to come into contact with portions of the parking brake assembly when the lever arm is lifted to a predetermined position. A transducer is operative to measure the amount of force required to lift the lever arm to the position at which the switch contacts the parking brake assembly.

Abstract: A strain gauge force transducer having a mounting surface and a bearing surface and responsive to compressive loading therebetween is attached at the mounting surface to the sole of a slipper which is adapted to releasably engage the foot of a human operator, the transducer being attached at a force transmitting portion of the sole which receives the force applied by the operator, the bearing surface of the transducer being adapted for contact with the brake pedal of an automobile, the transducer providing, in response to compressive loading resulting from the transmittal of operator-applied force from the sole to the brake pedal, a signal at a magnitude representative of the force applied by the operator to the brake pedal.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a testing device for testing the hydraulic braking system of a motor vehicle. Each embodiment includes a supporting portion that is adapted to be fixed relative to a component of the vehicle in proximity to the brake pedal, such as the steering column and a force applying portion that is adapted to apply pressure to the brake pedal. Sensing means are provided that sense both the pressure applied to the brake pedal and the degree of travel of the brake pedal during a given time period.

Abstract: A self-propelled pnuematic burrowing device having an axially reciprocating percussion plunger arranged inside a tubular casing so as to strike a percussion head at the forward extremity of the casing, thereby advancing the device through the ground by crushing and/or displacing the material in the path of the device, the percussion head being freely displaceable between axial abutments defined by a guide sleeve of the casing, the displaceability being slightly in excess of the advance of the device per stroke and adjustable through the insertion and removal of split spacer rings. The air controls of the device, located in the rear portion of the casing, include a control barrel with an enlarged control head and a gradually widening central air supply channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the performance of wheeled, land vehicle brake systems is described wherein means are provided for driving the vehicle wheels at a predetermined speed and the operator or computer controlled brake actuator selectively applies the brakes in a series of simple successive steps comprising the test sequence. The pedal force, or other actuating force, the brake effort exerted by each wheel, and the imbalance between the braking effort of opposite wheels is measured and recorded on a strip chart or fed to a computer, to determine if the measured values fall outside of a predetermined range of values representing acceptable deviations from standard values. Any deviation of the brake effort from the acceptable values, or excessive imbalance between opposite wheels at any point in the test sequence, may be used as a basis for diagnosing and identifying a specific brake malfunction. The system can be enlarged to simultaneously test the brakes on all wheels of a land vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the performance of wheeled, land vehicle brake systems is described wherein means are provided for driving the vehicle wheels at a predetermined speed and the operator or computer controlled brake actuator selectively applies the brakes in a series of simple successive steps comprising the test sequence. The pedal force, or other actuating force, the brake effort exerted by each wheel, and the imbalance between the braking effort of opposite wheels is measured and recorded on a strip chart or fed to a computer, to determine if the measured values fall outside of a predetermined range of values representing acceptable deviations from standard values. Any deviation of the brake effort from the acceptable values, or excessive imbalance between opposite wheels at any point in the test sequence, may be used as a basis for diagnosing and identifying a specific brake malfunction. The system can be enlarged to simultaneously test the brakes on all wheels of a land vehicle.

Abstract: A brake testing apparatus and method are disclosed which utilize a hydraulic subsystem as a stroke-limiting memory unit and as a position-holding means during the brake test sequence. The hydraulic subsystem is designed for inclusion in a brake testing means which performs a series of analyzable brake tests using a controlled force application system which applies the brakes under different, but predetermined, conditions in a series of successive brake applications. The stroke measuring memory unit uses the hydraulic subsystem to measure the distance of one brake application stroke and limits the next brake application stroke to that distance. The position-holding means utilizes the hydraulic subsystem to retain a given brake-applying position of the testing apparatus for the length of time desired in certain brake applications in the testing series.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the performance of wheeled, land vehicle brake systems is described wherein means are provided for driving the vehicle wheels at a predetermined speed and the operator or computer controlled brake actuator selectively applies the brakes in a series of simple successive steps comprising the test sequence. The pedal force, or other actuating force, the brake effort exerted by each wheel, and the imbalance between the braking effort of opposite wheels is measured and recorded on a strip chart or fed to a computer, to determine if the measured values fall outside of a predetermined range of values representing acceptable deviations from standard values. Any deviation of the brake effort from the acceptable values, or excessive imbalance between opposite wheels at any point in the test sequence, may be used as a basis for diagnosing and identifying a specific brake malfunction. The system can be enlarged to simultaneously test the brakes on all wheels of a land vehicle.

Abstract: A portable vehicle testing unit which can be placed on the floor of the driver's compartment of any vehicle to be tested and which can be adjusted to the toeboard of the vehicle in such a way that a fluid pressure actuator mounted on the testing unit is almost in engagement with a vehicle control member, such as the brake pedal or accelerator treadle, so that the fluid pressure actuator will immediately move the control member upon build up of fluid pressure in the actuator. A feature of the design permits measuring the reaction force of the pedal (or treadle) against the fluid pressure actuator during the actuating stroke of the vehicle control member.

Abstract: A rate control system is disclosed for use in a brake testing apparatus which applies an automatically controlld force to the vehicle braking system being tested. The rate control system varies the rate of flow of hydraulic fluid displaced as the brake pedal moves on its brake application stroke, in response to the rate of increase of a feedback signal which represents the vehicle stopping force, or brake effort, measured at a vehicle wheel. Varying the rate of flow of hydraulic fluid controls the rate of application of the vehicle braking system during the test.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the performance of wheeled, land vehicle brake systems is described wherein means are provided for driving the vehicle wheels at a predetermined speed and the operator or computer controlled brake actuator selectively applies the brakes in a series of simple successive steps comprising the test sequence. The pedal force, or other actuating force, the brake effort exerted by each wheel, and the imbalance between the braking effort of opposite wheels is measured and recorded on a strip chart or fed to a computer, to determine if the measured values fall outside of a predetermined range of values representing acceptable deviations from standard values. Any deviation of the brake effort from the acceptable values, or excessive imbalance between opposite wheels at any point in the test sequence, may be used as a basis for diagnosing and identifying a specific brake malfunction. The system can be enlarged to simultaneously test the brakes on all wheels of a land vehicle.

Abstract: The equipment tests kinesthesic abilities of the tested person's extremities. Although it tests psychologically drivers of all kinds of motor vehicles, this equipment can be also used in a variety of different situations.The equipment consists of the following elements: (a) controlling and recording module; (b) dynamometer with a pressure indicator, which is connected with the recording module; (c) an adjustable seat for the tested person. In the testing method the dynamometer pedal is pressed with a certain strength. The tested person must remember this strain and repeat the procedure several times. The preliminary pressure and the subsequent ones are registered on the recording module in numerical form.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the performance of wheeled, land vehicle brake systems is described wherein means are provided for driving the vehicle wheels at a predetermined speed and the operator or computer controlled brake actuator selectively applies the brakes in a series of simple successive steps comprising the test sequence. The pedal force, or other actuating force, the brake effort exerted by each wheel, and the imbalance between the braking effort of opposite wheels is measured and recorded on a strip chart or fed to a computer, to determine if the measured values fall outside of a predetermined range of values representing acceptable deviations from standard values. Any deviation of the brake effort from the acceptable values, or excessive imbalance between opposite wheels at any point in the test sequence, may be used as a basis for diagnosing and identifying a specific brake malfunction. The system can be enlarged to simultaneously test the brakes on all wheels of a land vehicle.