Michael A Rabas

US Patent:

20080191546, Aug 14, 2008

Filed:

Feb 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/705403

Inventors:

Louis Gino Plantamura - Peoria IL, US
Michael A. Rabas - Bishop Hill IL, US

International Classification:

B60T 7/12

US Classification:

303 28

Abstract:

An automatic braking system for a motor vehicle includes a spring actuated parking brake, a service brake, a vehicle sensor, and a controller. When the service brake is in a switch applied actuated state, if it is determined that the energy source for the service brake is not sustainable, the controller controls the parking brake and the service brake so as to automatically actuate the parking brake and to automatically release the service brake from the actuated state. Also, when the vehicle is stopped, in order to ensure that only one brake is securing the vehicle, and in order to ensure that the brake securing the vehicle is the brake with the most sustainable energy source, whenever the parking brake is applied, even if the energy source could maintain the service brake in the actuated state, the service brake will be automatically released in order to confirm functionality of the parking brake and prevent the service brakes from masking a problem with the parking brake at a time when the driver may not be in the driver's seat and able to take remedial action.

US Patent:

53684346, Nov 29, 1994

Filed:

Apr 30, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/055815

Inventors:

Edward S. Kress - Brimfield IL
Dennis R. Thomas - Peoria IL
Michael A. Rabas - Bishop Hill IL

Assignee:

Kress Corporation - Brimfield IL

International Classification:

B60P 300

US Classification:

414460

Abstract:

A self-propelled straddle carrier for straddling, lifting, supporting and carrying heavy loads directly under the structure of the vehicle. A main frame including a pair of spaced-apart, longitudinally extending side beams and arch-shaped cross beams is supported on wheels and strut assemblies. The interior sides of the wheels, strut assemblies, side beams and the cross beams form a tunnel-shaped load carrying space defining the inner envelope of the carrier, while their exterior sides define the outer envelope of the carrier. A tong assembly, including a tong actuator and a pair of depending tongs is suspended from the main frame for vertical movement up and down in the tunnel-shaped load carrying space. All components are removable from the tunnel for straddling loads, yet remain within the outer envelope during normal transport. Additionally, a steering system utilizing gear pumps designed for supplying hydraulic fluid to the head and rod ends of the steering cylinders in the same ratio of volumetric flows as the ratio of effective internal areas of the respective head and rod ends of the steering cylinders is provided for the vehicle, and a stabilization system is provided to stabilize the tong assembly when transporting a load.