A vehicle braking system comprising a spring brake actuator having a spring brake chamber, a spring brake control assembly and an immobiliser valve which is movable between brake release position in which the spring brake control assembly is operable to cause the flow of pressurised fluid into the spring brake chamber or to vent the spring brake chamber to a low pressure region, and an immobilise position in which the spring brake control assembly is operable to connect the spring brake chamber to a low pressure region but cannot be operated to cause the flow of pressurised fluid into the spring brake chamber.
B60T 7/20 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger specially adapted for trailers, e.g. in case of uncoupling of trailer
B60T 13/68 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems by electrically-controlled valves
B60R 25/08 - Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on brakes or brake systems
2.
A CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR INDUCTIVE LOADS IN VEHICLES, COMPRISING CURRENT SENSE-, CURRENT COMPARATOR- AND CURRENT RECIRCULATION CIRCUITS
A control circuit for controlling the operation of a main switch device which manages an electrical current delivered to an inductive load device, the control circuit including: a current sense circuit configured to be coupled to the switch device and to output a signal representative of an electrical current through the inductive load device; a current comparator circuit configured to receive an actuation command signal, compare the signal representative of the electrical current through the inductive load device with a signal representative of a predetermined current, and to output a control signal based on the comparison for controlling the operation of the main switch device when the actuation command signal indicates that the inductive load device is to be activated; and a recirculation circuit configured to recirculate current through the inductive load device, such that the current used to activate the inductive load device is selectively provided by the main switch device and the recirculation circuit.
A current load circuit configured to provide a predetermined current load on a current load line of an electrical supply system of a vehicle, the current load circuit comprising: a switching boost converter configured to be charged from the current load line and to discharge to a return line of the electrical supply system of the vehicle; and a current load control circuit configured to control the operation of the switching boost converter to maintain a current load on the current load line above a predetermined current during operation of the switching boost converter, such that a portion of the current drawn from the current load line is returned to the return line of the electrical supply system of the vehicle.
B60R 16/023 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
B60R 16/03 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems
B60Q 11/00 - Arrangement of monitoring devices for devices provided for in groups
A regulator control circuit which is configured to control a switching regulator: a feedback comparator configured to compare a signal representative of a reference voltage with a signal representative of a voltage output of the switching regulator and to output a control signal for controlling the operation of the switching regulator dependent on the signals received by the feedback comparator; and a current feedback controller connected to the feedback comparator and configured to receive a signal representative of a current output by the switching regulator and determine whether the regulator control circuit adopts a first or second mode of operation based on the signal representative of a current output, such that, in the first mode of operation, the control signal is for controlling the switching regulator in accordance with a constant voltage control scheme and, in the second mode of operation, the control signal is for controlling the switching regulator in accordance with a constant current control scheme.
H02M 3/156 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators
G05F 1/565 - Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is DC using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices sensing a condition of the system or its load in addition to means responsive to deviations in the output of the system, e.g. current, voltage, power factor
H02M 3/335 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
An electromagnetic valve comprises a yoke, a magnet having pole pieces defining a gap, a flexure assembly having one end attached to the yoke such that part of the flexure assembly extends into the gap, and a mechanism configured to polarize the magnetizable portion so that the extending part of the flexure assembly is attracted towards a pole piece by a magnetic force, thereby defining a valve state. The flexure assembly has at least one resilient portion and at least one magnetizable portion, wherein the extending part of the flexure assembly is movable between the pole pieces through an intermediate position towards which it is resiliently biased such that a resilient mechanical force is generated by deflecting the resilient portion from an undeflected position. The magnetizable portion and the resilient portion are configured such that the magnetic force defining the valve state is greater than the resilient mechanical force.
F16K 11/044 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only lift valves with movable valve members positioned between valve seats
F16K 31/08 - Operating meansReleasing devices electricOperating meansReleasing devices magnetic using a magnet using a permanent magnet
F16K 31/06 - Operating meansReleasing devices electricOperating meansReleasing devices magnetic using a magnet
A security system for a trailer, the security system comprising: a detection arrangement (40) to detect activity relating to the trailer; a communication arrangement for two-way communication between the trailer and a remote control centre; and a security arrangement (32, 36, 38) which is selectively activatable, wherein: the communication arrangement is operable to receive an authorisation message indicating whether activity of a certain type is authorised or unauthorised; and upon detection by the detection arrangement of activity relating to the trailer, if an authorisation message is received indicating that the activity is unauthorised, the security arrangement is activated.
A trailer control system for a trailer comprising: an electronic braking system (EBS); an electrical connection, by which electrical power may be provided to the trailer from an external source; and a fluid connection, through which pressurised fluid may be supplied to the trailer from an external source, the control system comprising a fluid sensor, positioned to sense the introduction of pressurised fluid into the fluid connection, and wherein, if the fluid sensor senses the supply of pressurised fluid into the fluid connection when no external power source is connected to the electrical connection, power is provided to the EBS from an on-board power source to activate the EBS.
B60T 7/20 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger specially adapted for trailers, e.g. in case of uncoupling of trailer
B60T 15/22 - Triple or other relay valves which allow step-wise application or release and which are actuated by brake-pipe pressure variation to connect brake cylinders or equivalent to compressed-air or vacuum source or atmosphere controlled by two fluid pressures with one or more auxiliary valves, for braking, releasing, filling reservoirs
A power system for a vehicle trailer, the trailer comprising an electronic braking system (EBS) and a telematics unit having a battery, wherein a power connection is provided from the telematics unit to the EBS to provide power from the rechargeable battery of the telematics unit to the EBS to power the EBS when the trailer is not connected to an external source of electrical power.
B60T 8/18 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle weight or load, e.g. load distribution
A method of vehicle stability control including the steps of: a) applying a test braking pulse to a wheel on a first side of the vehicle and to a wheel on a second, opposite, side of the vehicle, the application of the test braking pulse comprising operating a brake actuator to apply a low level braking pressure to the wheel, b) measuring the rotational speed of both wheels during the test braking pulse, c) calculating a change in wheel speed during the test braking pulse for each wheel, d) calculating the difference between the change in speed of the wheel at the first side of the vehicle and the change in speed of the wheel at the second side of the vehicle, e) carrying out a stability control intervention if the said difference exceeds a predetermined threshold.
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
B60T 8/1755 - Brake regulation specially adapted to control the stability of the vehicle, e.g. taking into account yaw rate or transverse acceleration in a curve
A valve assembly comprising an inner housing in which is provided a first port, a second port, and a third port there being located in the inner housing a valve member assembly which is movable between a first position in which the second port is connected to the third port whilst the first port is closed, a second position in which the first port is connected to the second port whilst the third port is closed, and a third position in which at least two of the first, second and third ports are closed, wherein the valve assembly further comprises an outer housing which Is separate from and encloses at least part of the inner housing, the outer housing having a first port and a second port, the Inner housing and outer housing each being provided with first mating parts, which engage to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the Inner housing and the outer housing whilst enclosing a conduit for fluid communication between the first port of the inner housing and the first port of the outer housing, and second mating parts, which engage to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the inner housing and the outer housing whilst enclosing a conduit for fluid communication between the second port of the Inner housing and the second port of the outer housing.
B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
A valve assembly (10) including a housing (24) and a first movable member (26) which divides the housing into a control chamber (22) and a main chamber (30), the housing (24) being provided with an inlet port (12), a delivery port (14) and an exhaust port (16) which connect the main chamber (30) with the exterior of the housing (24), the valve assembly (10) further including a second movable member (32) which has a first valve part (34) and a second valve part (36) and which is movable parallel to an axis of the valve assembly to engage the first valve part (34) with a corresponding inlet valve part (12a) secured relative to the housing (24), engagement of the first valve part (34) with the inlet valve part (12a) substantially preventing flow of fluid into the main chamber (30) via the inlet port (12), the first movable member (26) being provided with an exhaust valve part (26c) and movable so that the exhaust valve part (26c) engages with the second valve part (36) of the second movable member (32), engagement of the exhaust valve part (26c) with the second valve part (36) substantially preventing flow of pressurised fluid out of the main chamber (30) via the exhaust port (16), characterised in that the valve assembly (10) is further provided with a support part (46a) which is secured relative to the housing (24), there being a first seal between the second movable member (32) and the support part (46a) and a second seal between the support part (46a) and the first movable member (26).
B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
An electromagnetic valve comprises a yoke (10); a magnet (30a, 30b) having pole pieces (50a, 50b) defining a gap; a flexure assembly (40) having one end attached to the yoke, such that part of the flexure assembly extends into the gap, the flexure assembly having at least one resilient portion formed of a resilient material and at least one magnetisable portion, wherein that part of the flexure assembly that extends into the gap is movable between the pole pieces through an intermediate position towards which it is resiliently biased such that a resilient mechanical force is generated by deflecting the resilient portion from an undetected position; and means (20) for polarising the magnetisable portion of the flexure assembly so that the part of the flexure assembly that is movable between the pole pieces is attracted towards a pole piece by a magnetic force, thereby defining a valve state; wherein the magnetisable portion and the resilient portion of the flexure assembly are configured such that the magnetic force defining the valve state is greater than the resilient mechanical force.
A vehicle braking system (10) comprising a brake actuator (23) which is operable to adopt a brake apply position in which the actuator (23) may apply a braking force to a vehicle wheel and a brake release position in which the actuator (23) may release any braking force applied to a vehicle wheel, the brake actuator (23) having a spring brake chamber (23a) and a spring and being configured such that supply of pressurised fluid to the spring brake chamber (23a) causes the brake actuator (23) to move against the biasing force of the spring to the brake release position and release of pressurised fluid from the spring brake chamber (23a) causes the brake actuator (23) to move under the action of the spring to the brake apply position, the system (10) further including a supply line (2) whereby the spring brake chamber (23a) is, in use, connected to a supply of pressurised fluid, and an emergency brake apply valve (20) which has a control port (20c) which is connected to the supply line (12), the emergency brake apply (1) valve (20) being configured automatically to connect the spring brake chamber (23a) to a low pressure region when the pressure at the control port (20c) falls below a predetermined level, wherein the system further includes an electrically operable emergency braking override valve (36), (36') which has a first port (36a), (36a') which is connected to the supply line (12) and a second port (36b), (20) (36b') which is connected to the control port (20c) of the emergency brake apply valve (20) and which, when supplied with sufficient electrical power, acts to prevent loss of fluid pressure at the control port (20c) of the emergency brake apply valve (20).
A vehicle braking system (110) comprising a brake actuator (112), a braking control valve assembly (114) and an emergency apply valve (122) having a control port (122d) which is connected to the supply line (116) by means of a further control line. According to the invention, the braking system (110) is also provided with a electrically operable brake apply valve (134) in the further control line for roll -over protection and/ or stability control, the brake apply valve (134) being movable between a first position in which fluid flow along further control line is permitted and a second position in which fluid flow along the further control line is substantially prevented and the control port (122d) of the emergency apply valve (122) is connected to a low pressure region.
B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
B60T 8/24 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle inclination or change of direction, e.g. negotiating bends
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
A valve assembly (110) having a housing (124) into which are provided a first port (112), a second port (114) and a third port (116), and in which are located a first movable member (126), a second movable member (132) and a third movable member (152), the first movable member (126) being movable between a first position which causes the second movable member (132) to close the first port (112) to prevent any substantial flow of fluid through the first port (112), whilst the second (114) and third (116) ports remain open, a second position which causes the third movable member (152) to close the third port (116) to prevent any substantial flow of fluid through the third port (116), whilst the first (112) and second (114) ports remain open and flow of fluid between the first (112) and the second (114) part is permitted, and a third position which causes the second movable member (132) to close the first port (112) and the third movable member (152) to close the third port (116) to prevent any substantial flow of fluid through either the first port (112) or the third port (116), wherein the second movable member (132) and the third movable member (152) are separate such that relative movement between the second movable member (132) and the third movable member (152) is permitted.
B60T 8/36 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration having a fluid pressure regulator responsive to a speed condition including a pilot valve responding to an electromagnetic force
B60T 15/18 - Triple or other relay valves which allow step-wise application or release and which are actuated by brake-pipe pressure variation to connect brake cylinders or equivalent to compressed-air or vacuum source or atmosphere
A method of operating a braking system for a trailer (16) having at least one axle on which are mounted two ground-engaging wheels (26, 26', 28, 28'), one of which is provided on a first side of the trailer (16) whilst the other is provided on a second side of the trailer (16), each wheel (26, 26', 28, 28') having a brake which is operable independently of the other by means of a brake actuator assembly (26b, 26b', 28b, 28b', 46, 46'), the method including controlling the difference between the brake pressure applied by the brake to the wheel (26, 28)on the first side of the trailer (16) and the brake pressure applied by the brake to the wheel (26', 28') on the second side of the trailer (16) so that it does not exceed a predetermined maximum pressure differential.
B60T 7/12 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger
B60T 7/20 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger specially adapted for trailers, e.g. in case of uncoupling of trailer
B60T 8/1755 - Brake regulation specially adapted to control the stability of the vehicle, e.g. taking into account yaw rate or transverse acceleration in a curve
B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
B60T 8/34 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration having a fluid pressure regulator responsive to a speed condition
An air braking unit for use in an air braking system. The air braking unit is arranged to be positioned, in use, at a vehicle wheel, and comprises an inlet for receiving, in use, compressed air from a central source. At least one first valve is arranged to selectively allow compressed air from the inlet to enter a wheel brake chamber in use. At least one second valve is arranged to selectively allow air from the brake chamber to be released via an outlet to the atmosphere in use and control means controls the first and second valves to operate to selectively control the air pressure in the brake chamber in use.
B60T 13/16 - Pressure supply arrangements using pumps directly, i.e. without interposition of accumulators or reservoirs
B60T 8/36 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration having a fluid pressure regulator responsive to a speed condition including a pilot valve responding to an electromagnetic force
B60T 8/34 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration having a fluid pressure regulator responsive to a speed condition
A braking control system comprising a first source of pressurised fluid (82a), a second source of pressurised fluid (82b, 90), a modulator (70), a brake actuator (10), and a plurality of valves (84, 94, 96, 98), the modulator (70) having a supply inlet (72) which may be connected to either of the sources of pressurised fluid via a first fluid flow line which extends between a first one of the valves (84) and the supply inlet (72), and a control inlet (78) which may be connected to either of the sources of pressurised fluid via a second fluid flow line and a second one of the valves (94), a delivery port (74) which is connected an inlet (11) of the actuator (10), and an exhaust outlet (76) which vents to a low pressure region, the modulator (70) being operable to move between a build position in which flow of fluid from the supply inlet (72) to the delivery port (74) is permitted whilst flow of fluid through the exhaust outlet (76) is substantially prevented, and an exhaust position in which flow of fluid between the delivery port (74) and the exhaust outlet (76) is permitted, whilst flow of fluid through the supply inlet (72) is substantially prevented, wherein a portion of the fluid flow line connecting the second source of pressurised fluid (82b, 90) to the first valve (84) also provides a proportion of the connection between the second source of pressurised fluid (82b, 90) and the second valve (94).
B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
B60T 13/68 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems by electrically-controlled valves
A brake actuator and control valve assembly, the brake actuator (10) having a housing (12) in which is provided a movable assembly (18, 20, 30) including: a brake actuating element (20) which is adapted, in use to be connected to a vehicle brake, the movable assembly (18, 20, 30) being movable from a brake apply position which, in use, results in the application of the brake, and a brake release position which, in use, results in the release of the brake, the brake actuator (10) further including a lock (34, 44, 46) which is operable to change from a locked configuration in which movement of the movable assembly (18, 20, 30) from the brake apply position to the brake release position is prevented, and a released configuration in which movement of the movable assembly (18, 20, 30) from the brake apply position to the brake release position is permitted, wherein the lock (34, 44, 46) includes a fluid pressure operated actuator (34), supply of pressurised fluid to which results in the lock changing from either the locked configuration to the release configuration or vice versa, and the control valve assembly includes an electrically operable lock control valve (100) by means of which supply of pressurised fluid to the lock actuator (34) is controlled, the lock control valve (100) having an inlet port (100a) which is connected to a source of pressurised fluid (80), a delivery port (100b) which is connected to the lock actuator (34) and a valve member which is movable between a first position in which the inlet port (100a) is substantially closed, and a second position in which the inlet port (100a) is connected to the delivery outlet (100b), the valve member being movable between the first and second positions only on the supply of an electrical current to the lock control valve (100).
A brake actuator (10) having a housing (12) in which is provided a movable brake actuating assembly (18, 30), the brake actuating assembly (18, 30) being movable between a brake apply position which, in use results in the application of a brake to which the actuator (10) connected, and a brake release position which, in use, results in the release of the brake, the brake actuator (10) further including a lock (34) which is operable to prevent movement of the brake actuating assembly (18, 30) from the brake apply position to the brake release position, the brake actuating assembly (18, 30) including a first movable member (18), a second movable member (30) and a resilient biasing element (32) which extends between the second movable member (30) and the first movable member (18) and which, if one of the first or second movable members (18, 30) is moved relative to the other from an equilibrium separation, exerts a force tending to return the first (18) and second (30) movable members to the equilibrium separation, the brake actuator (10) further including compliance control chamber (50) between the first movable member (18) and the second movable member (30), the compliance control chamber (50) having a port (58a) and being sealed such that flow of fluid into or out of the compliance control chamber (50) other than through the port is substantially prevented.
A valve assembly including a housing (24') provided with an inlet port (12'), a delivery port (14'), and an exhaust port (16'), the valve assembly further including a first movable element (32'), a first valve member (34a') and a second valve member (26a'), the first movable element (32') being engageable with the first valve member (34a'), engagement of the first valve member (34a') and first movable element (32') substantially preventing flow of fluid between the inlet port (12') and the delivery port (14'), and the first movable element (32') also being engageable with the second valve member (26a'), engagement of the second valve member (26a') with the first movable element (32') substantially preventing flow of fluid between the delivery port (14') and the exhaust port (16'), the valve assembly further including a second movable element (26') which divides the housing (24') into a control chamber (22') and a main chamber (30') and which is movable relative to the housing (24') under the influence of fluid pressure in the control chamber (22') and main chamber (30'), wherein the first valve member (34a') extends from the housing (24') towards the first movable element (32') through an aperture provided in the second movable element (26').
B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
B60T 8/36 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration having a fluid pressure regulator responsive to a speed condition including a pilot valve responding to an electromagnetic force
B60T 8/38 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration having a fluid pressure regulator responsive to a speed condition including valve means of the relay or driver controlled type
B60T 13/68 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems by electrically-controlled valves
A valve assembly (10) having a supply inlet (12) which is adapted to be connected to a source of pressurised fluid, a delivery port (14) which is adapted to be connected to a working volume, and a exhaust outlet (16) which vents to the atmosphere, wherein the exhaust outlet (16) is provided with a valve member (60, 60') which is movable between an open position in which flow of fluid through the exhaust outlet (16) is permitted, and a closed position in which the valve member (60, 60') substantially prevents flow of fluid through the exhaust outlet (16), characterised in that a resilient biasing means (62) is provided which biases the valve member (60, 60') into the closed position.
A braking system including a source of pressurised fluid, an actuator, and a fastener for securing the source of pressurised fluid to the actuator, the fastener comprising a substantially hollow portion to enable fluid communication between the actuator and the source of pressurised fluid.
B60T 13/00 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems
B60T 17/04 - Arrangement of piping, valves in the piping, e.g. cut-off valves, couplings or air hoses
B61G 5/06 - Couplings not otherwise provided for for, or combined with, couplings or connectors for fluid conduits or electric cables
B61G 5/08 - Couplings not otherwise provided for for, or combined with, couplings or connectors for fluid conduits or electric cables for fluid conduits
A method of providing an indication of the performance of the braking system of a vehicle comprising a tractor and a trailer in which, during a braking event, a braking control pressure signal is generated in response to driver demand for braking, the braking control pressure signal indicating a braking control pressure which is representative of the degree of braking required by the driver, and is transmitted to braking systems provided on the tractor and trailer, the method including the steps of determining an average value of the braking control pressure during the braking event, determining an average value of the vehicle deceleration during the braking event, and using both the average braking control pressure and average vehicle deceleration to assign the braking event to one of a plurality of categories.
B60T 7/20 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger specially adapted for trailers, e.g. in case of uncoupling of trailer
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
B60T 8/88 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration with failure responsive means, i.e. means for detecting and indicating faulty operation of the speed responsive control means
B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
A vehicle (10) having a braking system comprising a braking demand input device (30) which is operable by a driver to generate a braking demand signal indicative of the level of vehicle braking required, an electronic braking control unit (32) which receives an electrical input signal representative of the level of vehicle braking indicated by the braking demand signal and which generates an appropriate brake operation output signal for transmission to at least one brake actuator assembly (34, 38), transmission of a brake operation output signal to a brake actuator assembly (34, 38) causing a brake to operate to apply a braking force to the vehicle (10), wherein the vehicle (10) also comprises a switch (40) which is connected to the electronic braking control unit (32) and which is operable to transmit a signal to the electronic braking control unit (32) which causes the electronic braking control unit (32) to transmit a brake operation output signal to the brake actuator assembly (34, 38), the brake operation signal causing the brake actuator assembly (34, 38) to apply a low level braking force to the vehicle (10), characterised in that the braking system is further configured such that during the application of the low level braking force, operation of the braking demand input device causes the electronic braking control unit (32) to modify the brake operation signal so as to increase the braking force by a predetermined amount.
B60T 7/08 - Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation hand-actuated
B60P 1/04 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load supporting or containing element
26.
METHOD OF MONITORING A VEHICLE AND APPARATUS THEREFOR
A method of monitoring a vehicle (10) using a sensor to measure a parameter which depends on the forces acting on the vehicle (10) generally normal to the surface over which the vehicle is travelling, transmitting a force signal from the sensor to a processing apparatus (16), the processing apparatus (16) processing a plurality of said force signals to determine a value indicative of the forces acting on the vehicle generally normal to the surface over which the vehicle (10) is travelling over a specific period of time.
B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
B60G 17/0165 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input to an external condition, e.g. rough road surface, side wind
B60G 17/0185 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the use of a specific signal treatment or control method for failure detection
A vehicle braking system including an electrical braking control unit (18) having an electrical input for an electrical braking demand signal, the electrical input being electrically connected to an electrical signal transmitting device (24), wherein the system further includes a fluid flow line (34) and a pressure sensor (36) which is connected to an electrical input of the electrical signal transmitting device (24) and is adapted to transmit an electrical pressure signal indicative of the pressure in the fluid flow line (34) to the electrical input of the electrical signal transmitting device (24), the electrical signal transmitting device (24) being operable to transmit the electrical pressure signal received from the pressure sensor (36) to the electrical braking control unit (18).
B60T 8/88 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration with failure responsive means, i.e. means for detecting and indicating faulty operation of the speed responsive control means
B60T 13/66 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
A method of controlling travel of a vehicle equipped with an antilock braking system, the method comprising the steps of determining if there is potential for one or more wheels (14a, 14b, 14c, 16a, 16b, 16c) of the vehicle to lift off the ground, and if such a potential exists, deactivating the anti-lock braking system in respect of the wheels with the potential to lift off the ground so that the speed of these wheels is not taken into consideration when determining if anti- lock braking control is required, applying a low-level test braking force to the wheel or one of the wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) that has the potential to lift off the ground, monitoring the speed of the said wheel or wheels (14a, 14b, 14c), and if the test braking force causes the speed of the or one or more of the monitored wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) to fall below a predetermined percentage of the vehicle speed, triggering a stability alarm signal and/or applying a controlled braking force to one or more of the wheels (16a, 16b, 16c) which do not have potential to lift off the ground so as to reduce the vehicle speed.
B60T 8/1755 - Brake regulation specially adapted to control the stability of the vehicle, e.g. taking into account yaw rate or transverse acceleration in a curve
A braking system comprising a first braking demand signal generator, a modulator which is connected to a source of pressurised fluid via a first fluid flow line, the modulator being connected to and having an input for receipt of a braking demand signal from the braking demand signal generator and further connected to a first braking chamber in a fluid operated brake actuator via a second fluid flow line, the modulator being adapted, on receipt of a braking demand signal from the first braking demand signal generator, to allow pressurised fluid to pass from the source of pressurised fluid to the actuator, the actuator being configured such that passage of pressurised fluid from the modulator into the first chamber causes the actuator to move to a brake apply position, the system further comprising a second braking demand signal generator which is connected to a controller, the controller having an input for receipt of a braking demand signal from the second braking demand signal generator and controlling flow of fluid from the source of pressurised fluid to a second chamber of the brake actuator, the brake actuator being further provided with a mechanical biasing element which biases the actuator into a position which causes the vehicle brake to be applied and being configured such that the passage of pressurised fluid into the second chamber causes the actuator to be moved against the force of the mechanical biasing element out of the position which causes the vehicle brake to be applied, wherein the second chamber is connected to the source of pressurised fluid via at least a portion of the first fluid flow line.
A braking system (10) including a brake (12), a brake actuator (14) which is operable to apply a force to the brake (12) to effect braking, an automatic braking controller (16), and a manually operable brake actuator control device (18), the brake actuator control device (18) including a manually operable control part (22) which is movable between a release position and an apply position and which is adapted such that movement of the control part (22) by a user from the release position to the apply position causes the brake actuator (14) to apply the brake (12) and movement of the control part by a user from the apply position to the release position causes the brake actuator (14) to release the brake (12), the brake actuator control device (18) being characterised in that it further includes a control actuator (26) which engages with the control part (22) and which is adapted to effect movement of the control part (22) from the release position to the apply position on receipt of an appropriate signal from the automatic braking controller (16).
A valve (40) comprising an inlet port (44), an outlet port (48), an exhaust port (60) and a diaphragm (50) disposed between the inlet (44) and exhaust (60) ports which is moveable, in response to air pressure within the valve (40), between a first position in which it seals the exhaust port (60) and a second position in which the exhaust port (60) is open, there being one or more projections (64) associated with the exhaust port (60) on which the diaphragm (50) is able to rest in its first position.
F16K 7/17 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with flat, dished, or bowl-shaped diaphragm arranged to be deformed against a flat seat the diaphragm being actuated by fluid pressure
F16K 11/02 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
B60T 11/32 - Automatic cut-off valves for defective pipes
Disclosed is a system providing tracking and wireless communications for remote diagnostics of a vehicle which transmits data communicated over a vehicle system's CAN bus to a remote location, which is adapted to use data received from a vehicle in order to compare the performance of the vehicle and/or of the operator of the vehicle with the performance of other vehicles and/or operators of other vehicles, which incorporates advanced power management functionality for conserving power, particularly when the system is disconnected from a main power supply, and which facilitates the identification of vehicles that have not reported back to the system or that have not moved within a specified time period.
