Abstract:
A tow vehicle-trailer braking system wherein a first brake applying servomotor in the trailer is operated synchronously with a second brake applying servomotor in the tow vehicle through a control signal generated by sensing the operator input force applied to the brake pedal in the tow vehicle. The control signal, as derived from the sensed input force, can be modified to take into consideration change in weight in the trailer to provide optimum braking between the tow vehicle-trailer combination on any road surface.
Abstract:
An antiskid brake system for a vehicle having road engaging wheels is disclosed wherein a fluid is injected between the frictionally engaging brake surfaces to reduce the energy absorbing capacity of the brake when the wheel is sensed to be skidding or in imminent danger of skidding. The injected fluid forms a thin film between the engaged surfaces reducing the friction therebetween. Normal braking capacity is restored to the wheel when the fluid injection is terminated.
Abstract:
An antiskid brake system particularly suited for use with existing pneumatic brake systems having a wheel decelerometer to detect above normal wheel deceleration rates in combination with a pair of vortex valves, a first vortex valve for restricting the flow of air to the brake and a second vortex valve for relieving air pressure at the brake when above normal wheel decelerations occur.
Abstract:
A fluidic steering system for automobiles and the like to automatically compensate for lateral disturbances having a fluid rate sensor for providing a sensor signal representative of course deviations, a fluidic circuit for providing a generated signal in response to driver steering commands which is representative of expected course deviations due to the steering commands, and a fluidic circuit to sum the sensor and generated signals thereby providing a net signal which is representative of the automatic steering control necessary to maintain the vehicle on a desired course.
Abstract:
A tow vehicle-trailer braking system wherein a first brake applying servomotor in the trailer is connected to a second brake applying servomotor in the tow vehicle by a single conduit through which both an actuation signal and a release signal are carried to synchronize the operation of the wheel brakes on the tow vehicle-trailer combination.
Abstract:
A rate gyro providing a fluidic output signal corresponding to the yaw rate of a vehicle, for use in an adaptive steering system. The gyro rotor is hydraulically supported and spun via tangential reaction jets connected in parallel with flapper nozzles situated to provide both a differential pressure signal corresponding to yaw rate and a centering spring force creating gyro natural frequencies well above the disturbance frequencies encountered. The support, jet, and nozzle fluid supplies are all incorporated into the power steering supply circuit.
Abstract:
A servo actuator arrangement for incorporating an adaptive steering system into a conventional power steering mechanism, utilizing a fluidic signal controlled three-way open-center servo valve and a pressure relief bypass in parallel with each other, both in series with the power steering hydraulic supply circuit in order to eliminate the need for a separate actuator fluid pressure source. The servo actuator features a resilient, through-the-port mechanical feedback, and also features a connecting arrangement providing support for the rest of the steering linkage so as to be capable of being inserted into the existing steering gear without additional supports.