Abstract:
The disclosed vehicle braking system comprises a master control valve which includes first and second valves which are controlled by an inverted pendulum. When the pendulum rotates in one direction the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed and when the pendulum rotates in the opposite direction the valve operation is exactly opposite. The pendulum rotates in response to a reference braking signal from a vehicle controller as well as sensed deceleration of the vehicle. A direction signal provided from the vehicle controller controls the application of fluid to the input of the master control valve from a fluid supply as well as application of fluid from the output of the master control valve to the system brake valves. When the vehicle is to travel in the forward direction only the first valve receives fluid, and when the vehicle is to travel in the reverse direction only the second valve receives fluid. In each instance, the valve receiving fluid transmits fluid to the system brake valves for controlling the deceleration of the vehicle, the amount of fluid transmitted being dependent upon the amount of rotation of the pendulum.
Abstract:
An instrument for measuring the magnitude of an electrical current. A coil, through which the current to be measured flows, is positioned between two spaced plates constructed of a magnetic material, with each plate having a generally spirally-shaped opening therein. U-shaped magnetic members are positioned to complete a magnetic circuit through the plates. A movable magnetic member extends substantially vertically between the openings of the plates, providing a magnetic path between the plates for magnetic flux flowing through the center of the coil. The movable member is mounted for restrained rotation within the openings of the plates, with the angular movement being responsive to the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil. The rotation of the movable member with increasing current reduces the distance between the movable member and the adjacent surfaces of the plates which define their generally spirallyshaped openings.
Abstract:
In a multi-car vehicle system, there are transducer means operative with the coupler at each end of each car for sensing the coupling forces acting on the respective couplers. A common braking reference signal is applied to each of the cars, with the magnitude of the reference signal being indicative of the braking effort required for each of the cars. On a given car, the reference signal is modified an amount dependent on the coupling forces sensed. For example, if the sensed coupling forces tend to accelerate the given car, the reference signal is modified such that the brakes are released on the given car, and if the sensed coupling forces tend to decelerate the given car the reference signal is modified such that the brakes are applied on the given car.