Abstract: A braking apparatus for imparting constant mechanical torque to effect a braking action is capable of operating in a constant, smooth, and adjustable manner, yet operates essentially independent of friction and temperature, as well as independent of rotational speed. The braking apparatus includes a hub assembly having a hub, a collar, a plurality of torsional springs, a spring cap, a spring bushing, and damping means, and a sprocket assembly having a sprocket, a hub bearing, a retaining ring, and a plurality of roller assemblies each of which has a roller. The sprocket assembly is rotatably connected to the hub assembly by a hub assembly spring, a sprocket assembly spring, an adjustment cap, and an adjustment means. The apparatus provides braking by releasably contacting at least one of each of the rollers with at least one of each of the torsional springs so as to deflect and then release the torsional spring as the sprocket assembly rotates about the hub assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locking and unlocking a camper shell from the inside. The device can be purchased as an inexpensive after market part and easily and quickly installed without the need for expensive tooling. The device includes a handle having proximal and distal ends and fashioned with a lateral bore at its proximal end for connecting with a torsion bar already existing on the latching mechanism of the camper shell. The distal end of the handle includes a cam, pivotally connected thereto, which can move between a position which in which the cam is generally flush with the handle and other positions in which the cam extends laterally from the handle. A cam lock is provided to engage the cam and hold it in one or more selected positions, the positions providing corresponding amounts of lateral extension from the handle. The when extended, the cam prevents the handle from being turned, thereby preventing the camper shell from being opened.

Abstract: An illuminated display device (10) according to the present invention comprises an image sheet (48) comprising, in turn, a plurality of series of image portions (47a, 47b, 47c) etc. and a mask sheet (62) having alternative opaque strips (63) and transparent windows (61). The mask sheet (62) is located in face-to-face relation to the image sheet (48). First and second roller means (64, 66) are located in a substantially parallel spaced-apart arrangement relative to the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62) and are operatively associated with one of the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62). The device (10) is provided with means to oscillatingly move the one of the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62) relative to the other of the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically operated parking brake-by-wire system is disclosed. More particularly to a method and system for control of electrically operated parking brake-by-wire systems that interfaces with various elements and systems of a motor vehicle; processes information obtained from vehicle systems, parking brake by wire systems, and the driver/user; and uses this information to safely control the operation of the parking brake-by-wire system, alerting the driver/user to potential problems associated with operation of the parking brake-by-wire system and related vehicle systems. The present invention also includes provisions to provide feedback to users and handle situations where the parking brake is actuated while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: Undesirable vibrations are controlled in a mechanical structure by confining the vibrations to one or more specified areas of the structure and then dissipating the confined energy by damping. Vibration confinement is achieved using a confinement device which effectively applies both translational and torsional forces to the structure. The strength of the translational and torsional forces, and the position of the confinement device are chosen to select a vibrational energy confinement region. Damping elements are concentrated in the vibration confinement region to dissipate the confined vibrational energy. Judicious selection of the confinement region permits the structure to avoid the transfer of vibrational energy to particularly sensitive portions of the structure, or to direct vibrational energy to a portion of the structure. Optimization procedures are presented for designing structures having optimized placement and selection of the vibration confinement device and damping devices.

Abstract: A constant volume damper which has a very constant damping constant over a considerable range of frequencies by including check valves that prevent cavitation as a piston moves in a chamber. The damper is also sealed for use in space application and is temperature compensated.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a drum brake device which solves a problem of decreasing the strength of a back plate near an anchor block and reduces potential damage to the parking brake cable. A pivot lever 60 is pivotally mounted on one brake shoe 20. Upper and lower portions of the pivot lever functionally engage with the other brake shoe 30 via struts 81, 70. A parking brake actuator 90 which pivotally supports on the upper strut 81 and activates upon an activation of a parking brake is arranged to be adjacent to a service brake actuator which activates upon an activation of a service brake. Preferably an operational part of the parking brake actuator is projected out from the brake back plate.

Abstract: A brake disc for a wheel constituted by a peripheral section, forming a brake band with an interior form enabling it to be fitted to its wheel, the brake band forms two lateral flat and parallel surfaces on which a brake shoe can act, said peripheral section having a series of off-sets on its inside and outside edges.

Abstract: An invention (58) for attachment to a near frictionless fluid levitated transporter includes a guide wheel (18) integrated with a ground rubbing brake (20). Invention (58) both guides and stops transporter movement.

Abstract: A hydraulically-damping engine bearing includes a restrictedly deflectable diaphragm separating first and second fluid-filled primary chambers that are bordered at least partially by elastic walls. At least one channel is connected between the first and second primary chambers. An arrangement is connected for adjusting a characteristic of the bearing. The arrangement includes an auxiliary suspension spring that, with the wall of one of the chambers, forms an auxiliary chamber, whereby one of the primary chambers is connectable to the auxiliary chamber via a controllable flow connection.

Abstract: Active hydraulic anti-vibration support comprising two armatures joined by an elastomer body partially bounding a working chamber filled with liquid and communicating with a compensating chamber, an exciter member in contact with the working chamber, a control device designed to displace the exciter member and an elastic return device applying a force to the exciter member to return it to its non-operating position in accordance with a certain elasticity curve which has a tangent for a first displacement value corresponding to the non-operating position of the exciter member. The elasticity curve is located below this tangent in the vicinity of a second displacement value corresponding to the end stop position of the exciter member.

Abstract: An active suspension system for supporting a mass, such as a seat on a base of a vehicle includes a hydraulic actuator coupled between the seat and the base, an pneumatic off-load device between the seat and the base, and a control system which actively controls the hydraulic actuator and which controls the off-load member. The control system actively controls the hydraulic actuator as a function of a seat position error signal. The control system also controls the off-load member as a function of a signal used in the active control of the actuator. A compressor and a vent are coupled to the pneumatic device for controlling pressurization thereof. The control system comprises an electronic control unit which repeatedly executes a control algorithm at a predetermined rate, and which controls the operational status of the compressor and the vent as a function of the position error signal and the predetermined rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a friction damper, which has been specifically designed for washing machines or the like, comprising a hollow shell (1) and a rod (2), coaxially arranged with respect to one another, which define a telescopic construction. The rod is provided with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the shell (1) and, between the shell (1) and rod (2), a friction damper element (3) is arranged. The friction damper element (3) comprises at least two friction clamps (4,5) contacting the surface of the rod (2) and axially spaced from one another, along that portion of the rod (2) which is engaged in the shell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a brake system with electronic brake force distribution which includes additional criteria of deactivation of the electronic brake force distribution. Deactivation of the electronic brake force distribution is intended to occur, on the one hand, if a pressure increase phase lasts longer than a defined time (50). On the other hand, another criterion of deactivation (60) is deceleration-responsive, and an additional check is made whether or not braking is pedal operated (62).

Abstract: A card assembly or system is provided. The card assembly includes a rectangularly shaped card member defined by first and third opposite edges and second and third opposite edges. The card member has an underside that is formed with an adhesive layer applied therealong. The inventive assembly also includes a rectangular backing sheet having a shape identical to that of the card member and also being adhesively secured to the adhesive layer disposed along the underside of the card member.

Abstract: A gas shock absorber has a pressure tube which defines a working chamber. A piston divides the working chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. A series of extension passages extend through the piston and are opened and closed by an extension valve assembly. A first and a second series of compression passages extend through the piston and are opened and closed by a first and a second compression valve assembly, respectively. A rod guide assembly is located between the pressure tube and a piston rod. The rod guide assembly includes an oil chamber for sealing and lubricating the piston rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying a coast-down braking torque to a vehicle coasting. The system provides a controlled regenerative braking torque automatically applied when the vehicle is coasting to simulate the feeling of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine. When the driver lets off the throttle when a vehicle is either on a flat grade or driving down a hill, the amount of regenerative braking is automatically controlled. When utilized with an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, the coast-down braking torque is converted to stored electric energy which improves the efficiency of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive mass damper for broadband suppression of vibrations. The mass damper preferably includes a bob supported by nonlinear springs with high secant stiffness and low tangent stiffness. The mass damper is mounted on a machine or other source of vibration. The vibration generated by the machine is transmitted to the mass damper and induces off phase vibration of the bob which suppresses the inducing vibration.

Abstract: The safety brake system for a motor vehicle continuously monitors for a rear impact collision. If the rear impact is classified as one requiring responsive intervention, the system applies a braking force to the motor vehicle wheels. If the vehicle was stopped with the brake applied at the instant of the rear impact, then the brakes are completely blocked. As a result, the brakes are not released when the driver's foot is forced off the brake pedal upon impact and the resultant forward jerk of the vehicle is reduced or substantially suppressed. If the car was traveling a given speed at the instant of impact, the brakes are applied with a reduced braking force.

Abstract: Brake systems are disclosed for use in motor vehicles comprising a brake cylinder including a push rod, a brake key for activating a wheel brake on the motor vehicle, a braking lever having a first end for connection to the brake key and a second end for connection to the push rod, and a mount affixed to the push rod between the brake cylinder and the end of the push rod, the mount including a predetermined shape such as a pin and the braking lever including a predetermined shape such as an aperture so that the mount can be coupled to the push rod at a location between the brake cylinder and the end of the push rod by attaching the pin to the aperture. Methods for mounting brake systems in motor vehicles are also disclosed.