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:
Jan. 20, 2004
Filed:
Sep. 14, 2000
Ernst M. Faigle, Dryden, MI (US);
Thomas Osentoski, Marysville, MI (US);
Tracy S. Sparks, Attica, MI (US);
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
An apparatus ( ) for actuating a braking system of a vehicle ( ) comprises a brake pedal ( ) and an actuating member ( ) movable to actuate the braking system. A release mechanism ( ) is connected between the brake pedal ( ) and the actuating member. The release mechanism ( ) has a first condition connecting the actuating member ( ) for movement with the brake pedal ( ). The release mechanism ( ) has a second condition releasing the brake pedal ( ) for movement relative to the actuating member ( ) under load applied to the brake pedal by the vehicle occupant. The release mechanism ( ) when in the second condition resists movement of the brake pedal ( ) relative to the actuating member ( ). The apparatus ( ) further comprises at least one sensor ( ) operative to sense a vehicle condition or an occupant condition and to provide a first output signal. A controller ( ) receives the first output signal and in response controls the release mechanism ( ) to control the resistance of the release mechanism to movement of the brake pedal ( ) relative to the actuating member ( ).