US3790223A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control system for brakes
Assignee: NEW PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT GROUP Inc
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Filing: 1972-09-26
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Granted: 1974-02-05
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Expires: 1992-09-26
Abstract
Abstract A control system for controlling the brakes of a motor vehicle including a seat switch for incorporation in the driver''s seat of the vehicle, a second switch to be controlled by another function of the vehicle, and a solenoid valve to control a vacuum circuit. The two switches and the coil of the solenoid valve are connected to the battery of the vehicle so that the coil is energized when both switches close and deenergized when either of the switches opens. A vacuum operated metering valve and the solenoid valve are connected in a vacuum circuit with a vacuum source such that deenergization of the coil of the solenoid valve in response to opening of either or both of the switches operates the solenoid valve and the metering valve to apply the main brakes of the vehicle. Thus, if the driver of the vehicle should leave his seat, the brakes are automatically applied. Likewise, if the other predetermined function causes the second switch to be actuated, the brakes are automaticaly applied. This function might be the opening of a door, such as the door of a school bus, or the removal of a nozzle from its cradle on a gas or gasoline truck, by way of example.
Inventors
- 👤 J Fontaine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 11:07
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60T; B60T11/00; B60T11/10; B60T11/103; B60T13/00; B60T13/10; B60T13/66; B60T13/72; B60T7/00; B60T7/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
A control system for controlling the main brakes of a motor vehicle having a battery and a vehicle function distinct from the brakes comprising: a seat switch for incorporation in the driver''s seat of the vehicle, a second switch to be controlled by said last-mentioned vehicle function, a solenoid valve having an electrical coil for operating the same to control a vacuum circuit, means for connecting said switches and said coil to the battery of the vehicle so that the energization of said coil is controlled by both of said switches, a metering valve to control fluid pressure supplied to the main brakes of the motor vehicle, said metering valve having a vacuum operated actuator controlling its operation, a vacuum source, and vacuum conduit means for connecting said solenoid valve and said metering valve actuator in a vacuum circuit with said source so that operation of said solenoid valve coil in response to operation of either or both of said switches operates said solenoid valve and said metering valve actuator for operating said metering valve to apply the main brakes of the vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
A control system for controlling the main brakes of a motor vehicle having a battery and a vehicle function distinct from the brakes comprising: a seat switch for incorporation in the driver''s seat of the vehicle, a second switch to be controlled by said last-mentioned vehicle function, a solenoid valve having an electrical coil for operating the same to control a vacuum circuit, means for connecting said switches and said coil to the battery of the vehicle so that the energization of said coil is controlled by both of said switches, a metering valve to control fluid pressure supplied to the main brakes of the motor vehicle, said metering valve having a vacuum operated actuator controlling its operation, a vacuum source, and vacuum conduit means for connecting said solenoid valve and said metering valve actuator in a vacuum circuit with said source so that operation of said solenoid valve coil in response to operation of either or both of said switches operates said solenoid valve and said metering valve actuator for operating said metering valve to apply the main brakes of the vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The control system as claimed in claim 1 in which said vacuum operated actuator is adjustable and can be set to cause the brakes to apply with the same force each time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The control system as claimed in claim 2 in which said actuator includes a piston and a plunger threadably connected together so that the adjustment of said plunger controls the force of the brakes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
The control system as claimed in claim 1 in which said switches are closed in the normal operation of the vehicle to energize said solenoid valve for venting said metering valve actuator through said solenoid valve to atmosphere to release the brakes, and the solenoid valve is operated by de-energization of said coil in response to opening of either or both of said switches to apply vacuum to said metering valve actuator and thus apply the brakes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
204 words
A control system for controlling the main brakes of a motor vehicle having a battery and vacuum operated brakes and another vehicle function comprising: a normally open seat switch for incorporation in the driver''s seat of the vehicle and adapted to be closed when the driver sits on the seat, a second normally open switch adapted to be closed by said other function of the vehicle, a solenoid valve having an electrical coil for operating the same to control a vacuum circuit, means for connecting said switches and said coil to the battery of the vehicle so that the energization of said coil is controlled by both of said switches, a metering valve to control pressure supplied to the vacuum brakes of the vehicle, said metering valve having a vacuum operated actuator controlling its operation, a vacuum source, and vacuum conduit means for connecting said solenoid valve and said metering valve actuator in a vacuum circuit with said source so that deenergization of said solenoid valve coil in response to opening of either or both of said switches operates said solenoid valve to supply vacuum to said metering valve actuator to in turn operate said metering valve to apply the brakes of the vehicle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
204 words
A control system for controlling the main brakes of a motor vehicle having a battery and vacuum operated brakes and another vehicle function comprising: a normally open seat switch for incorporation in the driver''s seat of the vehicle and adapted to be closed when the driver sits on the seat, a second normally open switch adapted to be closed by said other function of the vehicle, a solenoid valve having an electrical coil for operating the same to control a vacuum circuit, means for connecting said switches and said coil to the battery of the vehicle so that the energization of said coil is controlled by both of said switches, a metering valve to control pressure supplied to the vacuum brakes of the vehicle, said metering valve having a vacuum operated actuator controlling its operation, a vacuum source, and vacuum conduit means for connecting said solenoid valve and said metering valve actuator in a vacuum circuit with said source so that deenergization of said solenoid valve coil in response to opening of either or both of said switches operates said solenoid valve to supply vacuum to said metering valve actuator to in turn operate said metering valve to apply the brakes of the vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The control system as claimed in claim 5 in which said vacuum operated actuator is adjustable and can be set to cause the brakes to apply with the same force each time.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The control system as claimed in claim 6 in Which said actuator includes a piston and a plunger threadably connected together so that the adjustment of said plunger controls the force of the brakes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
98 words
In a control system for fluid pressure-responsive vehicle brakes which has a metering valve for operating the brakes, the improvement which comprises: a reciprocable actuator operable by a fluid pressure differential to operate said metering valve to apply the brakes; switch means on the vehicle for controlling the operation of said actuator; a stop for limiting the movement of said actuator in the direction in which it operates said metering valve to apply the brakes; and means for adjusting the extent of movement of said actuator in said direction to thereby determine its operation of said metering valve.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
98 words
In a control system for fluid pressure-responsive vehicle brakes which has a metering valve for operating the brakes, the improvement which comprises: a reciprocable actuator operable by a fluid pressure differential to operate said metering valve to apply the brakes; switch means on the vehicle for controlling the operation of said actuator; a stop for limiting the movement of said actuator in the direction in which it operates said metering valve to apply the brakes; and means for adjusting the extent of movement of said actuator in said direction to thereby determine its operation of said metering valve.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
A control system according to claim 8, wherein said metering valve is opened to apply the brakes, and said stop limits the movement of the actuator in the direction in which it opens said metering valve.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
A control system according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle brakes are vacuum operated, and said actuator is vacuum operated.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
A control system according to claim 10, wherein said switch means comprises a driver''s seat switch and a second switch on the vehicle connected so that either can cause the movement of the actuator in the direction in which it operates said metering valve.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
114 words
A control system according to claim 10, and further comprising: means connecting the side of said actuator that is away from said metering valve to the atmosphere; spring means biasing the actuator away from the metering valve; and an electrically-operated valve having a fluid connection to the side of the actuator that is toward the metering valve, said electrically-operated valve being controlled by said switch means to connect said last-mentioned side of the actuator either to the atmosphere for movement of the actuator away from the metering valve by said spring means or to a vacuum source for movement of the actuator toward said metering valve to operate the latter to apply the brakes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-04 | 1977-08-06 | 1978-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-04 | 1981-08-06 | 1982-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-04 | 1985-08-06 | 1986-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |