The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 17, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 18, 1998
Dennis A. Kramer, Troy, MI (US);
Mark E. Malinowski, Farmington Hills, MI (US);
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A system for determining the amount of material in a brake lining includes a frictional brake surface and a brake lining having a sensor for producing an output signal indicating the temperature of the sensor. A brake actuation system actuates the brake lining against the frictional brake surface and, thereafter, releases the brake lining from the frictional brake surface. A timer measures a time period beginning when the brake lining is released from the frictional brake surface and ending when the sensor output signal reaches a return point indicative of the brake lining having cooled. A controller compares the measured time period to electronically stored predetermined values to determine the thickness of the brake lining. The invention further includes a method for determining the amount of brake lining material based upon this structure.