Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

John W Pennala

Eric Edward Krueger

Steven J Weber

Todd J Brinkman

Robert L Nisonger

Phanu Amatyakul

Harold B Thibodeau

Frank R Bruneel, Ii

The present application generally relates to a method and apparatus for application of a park hold assist system in a motor vehicle. In particular, the system is operative to receive an activation signal and to determine that the vehicle is in a park hold assist condition, such as inclined road surface, attached trailer or wheel rotation while transmission is in the park position. The system is operative to apply the hydraulic brakes in response to this condition thereby engaging a brake mechanism on all wheels.

Method and apparatus for parking brake hold assist in a motor vehicle

A brake pad monitoring sensor includes an erodible, electrically non-conductive body, and an electrical circuit disposed within the body. The electrical circuit includes a first wear indicating portion. Electrical continuity of the first wear indicating portion is broken when the body erodes, in response to abrasion against a brake rotor, beyond a first depth relative to a contact surface of the body, to sense a first degree of wear. The electrical circuit includes a first thermocouple that is operable to generate a temperature dependent voltage signal for sensing a temperature of the brake pad. The brake pad monitoring sensor may be used to determine both brake pad wear, and brake pad temperature.

Brake pad wear and temperature sensor

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Howell, MI, United States of America

John W Pennala