Alliedsignal Inc.

The Bendix Corporation

Michael E Gatt

Arthur K Brown, Jr

James J Colpaert

Jerry L Cage

Henry Dorsett

Michael G Pickett

Robert S Rudolph

Donald E Meyer

Frederick R Fischer

David P Koehler

Thomas J Hoffman

Charles J Bannon

A brake control system which provides both adaptive braking operation and traction control operation includes a brake lining temperature prediction mechanism which enables the control system either to permit traction control operation or to disable traction control operation so that the brake linings will not be worn out prematurely by traction control operation when the linings are above a temperature threshold.

Brake lining temperature prediction for a traction control system

An adaptive braking system (10, 210) for an automotive vehicle provides a three-channel split pump-back system which may be utilized with either two- or three-chamber master cylinders. The three-channel adaptive braking system (10, 210) includes a first braking circuit (40) for controlling one of the front wheel brakes (25), a second braking circuit (60) for controlling the other of the front wheel brakes (27), and a third braking circuit (80) for controlling the rear wheel brakes (24). A two-section pump (110) provides hydraulic pressure for the first and second braking circuits (40, 60) and for the third braking circuit (80). Alternatively, a three-section pump (310) can provide hydraulic pressure for each of the circuits (40, 60, 80).

Three-channel adaptive braking system

A vehicle braking system equipped with an adaptive braking system with traction control to control drive wheel slip during vehicle acceleration includes a conventional vacuum brake booster having a vacuum chamber normally connected to engine manifold vacuum and an atmospheric chamber connected to the vacuum chamber when the brakes are released but which is connected to atmosphere when a brake application is effected. The traction control system includes a control unit which actuates a solenoid valve under wheel slip conditions during vehicle acceleration to cut off communication between the vacuum chamber and engine manifold vacuum. The traction control system also cuts off communication between the vacuum chamber and the atmospheric chamber and initiates communication of the atmospheric chamber directly to engine manifold vacuum, thereby effecting a brake application proportional to engine manifold vacuum, which varies as a function of engine power.

Brake vacuum modulator traction control with pressure source variable as

A method of fastening a first shell to a second shell to form a housing. The first shell which has a radial wall with a projection adjacent its peripheral surface is positioned in a fixture. A bead on a diaphragm assembly is located in a groove in the projection. The opened end of an annular wall on the second shell is placed around the bead and peripheral surface. The second shell is moved toward the first shell until the peripheral surface contacts a stop on the second shell. Thereafter, the opened end of the second shell is crimped into engagement with the radial wall to hold the peripheral surface in engagement with the stop. The fixture is rotated while a tool is brought into contact with the annular wall. The tool deforms the wall by creating a rib that radially compresses the bead into the groove and seals the housing.

Method of fastening a first shell to a second shell with a diaphragm

The present invention relates to a suspension member and the process for constructing the suspension member. The suspension member comprises a folded single sheet of metal which is enlarged at one end to couple to a wheel assembly and U-shaped at the other end to pivotally connect with a vehicle frame. The process of constructing the suspension member comprises the steps of stamping a single sheet from a piece of stock, deforming the sheet to form a pocket defining the enlarged end, folding the sheet to form a substantially rectangular cross section and welding the seam between adjoining edges of the folded sheet. In order to support a spring assembly a tube extends through the folded sheet and cooperates with the spring assembly to attach the latter to the folded sheet.

Growing community of inventors

Osceola, IN, United States of America

Michael E Gatt