Fluid-pressure and analogous brake systems – Multiple fluid-receiving devices – Multiple motors
Patent
1997-03-14
1998-10-20
Butler, Douglas C.
Fluid-pressure and analogous brake systems
Multiple fluid-receiving devices
Multiple motors
60412, 303 12, 417 53, 188356, B60T 1346
Patent
active
058236376
ABSTRACT:
The invented apparatus is designed for use with a tow vehicle and trailer combination. The apparatus includes a controller, and can also include a vacuum sensor and a vacuum pump. The vacuum sensor is communicatively coupled to sense the vacuum supply available to operate a trailer brake system that is interfaced to the tow vehicle's brake system to coordinate braking of the trailer and vehicle. The vacuum sensor generates a vacuum pressure level signal supplied to the controller. The controller periodically determines whether the vacuum pressure level is less than a first predetermined vacuum pressure level. If so, the controller activates the vacuum pump by generating a vacuum pump switch signal. On the other hand, if the vacuum pressure level is greater than the first predetermined level, the controller does not activate the vacuum pump switch signal. If the vacuum pump switch signal is activated, the controller periodically determines whether the vacuum pressure level has risen to or above a second predetermined pressure level that is greater than the first level, and that corresponds to a maximum vacuum supply level. If so, the controller deactivates the vacuum pump. On the other hand, if the vacuum pressure level has not risen above the second level, the controller does not deactivate the vacuum pump. The invented apparatus also can include a control valve used to interface and coordinate the tow vehicle and trailer brake systems, as well as a display that visually indicates the vacuum pressure level to the driver, and an alarm that warns the driver of a low-vacuum condition. The invention also includes a related method.
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