Whitfield, Jack Stephen

The invention related to a control system (10) for a brake (100) of a vehicle (200) with an electric actuator (110) that is configured to modify the distance between a brake lining (120) and a brake surface (130), the controller (10) comprising one or more processors (11) collectively configured to:monitoring at least an electrical quantity of the electric actuator (110) for an activation of the brake (100),determining a running clearance target value between the brake lining (120) and the brake surface (130) depending at least on the monitored electrical quantity,driving the electric actuator (100) to modify the distance between the brake lining (120) and the brake surface (130) according to the determined running clearance target value.The invention further relates to a brake (100), a vehicle (200), a method and computer readable instructions.

An axle assembly (5) comprises a sensor (18) and provision of an electrical ground connection from a sensor to a vehicle ground potential in order to provide data about an axle (10) and/or a wheel hub connected to the axle. In particular, an inner surface (14) of an internal cavity (16) of an axle (10) is used as an electrical grounding point for a sensor (18), thereby protecting the ground connection and sensor from harsh environments. In an embodiment, an axle assembly (5) comprises a support member (12) adapted to be disposed within the interior cavity (16) of the axle (10), and the sensor (18) is operatively connected to said support member (12). The sensor (18) comprises an electrical ground input (20) electrically connected to a surface (14) of the axle (10) within the cavity (16). Such an axle assembly (5) may be provided as a constituent component in a vehicle.

A brake system and a method of control. The brake system comprises a friction brake, a sensor unit, and a controller. The sensor unit is disposed on a brake pad assembly of the friction brake and comprises a first sensor and a second sensor that is electrically connected to the first sensor.

The present invention relates to a motor winding design method that enables the implementation of high parallel paths per phase in both high-speed and low-speed electric motors. The method involves using multiple parallel paths per phase, where each parallel path occupies one slot per pole and the winding configuration incorporates both forward and backward parallel paths. The design features a layer-group winding configuration with at least two layers, with jumper wires connecting different layer groups. Additionally, the method includes a flexibility mechanism that supports scalable configurations for various motor types, including 3-phase and 6-phase systems. This approach enhances motor performance and efficiency while providing adaptable design options.

A tang on a spindle nut washer of a wheel end assembly facilitates retention and alignment of bearing and seal components within a wheel hub during installation and removal of the hub onto and/or from a wheel spindle. In one embodiment, the tang protrudes from an outer circumferential portion of the washer to interact with a circumferential slot in the wheel hub. The washer is installed within the hub at an offset orientation to position the tang within the slot, which assures axial retention of the washer within the hub. The washer can then engage an outboard wheel bearing cone to facilitate wheel hub installation on the spindle, and can also facilitate subsequent hub removal from the spindle. Upon completion of wheel end assembly, the washer thickness can also provide confirmation that wheel bearings and seal components are fully seated to recommended bearing preload and/or wheel end play limits.

A wet disc brake (16) for an off-highway vehicle is provided. The wet disc brake (16) includes a brake caliper (20); a disc pack (22) located within the brake caliper (20) and rotatably fixed to a vehicle shaft, the shaft having a longitudinal axis extending in an inboard-outboard direction; a service piston (24) actuatable within the brake caliper (20) during a brake operation to compress the disc pack (22) to inhibit rotation of the shaft and slow the vehicle; and a parking piston (30) coaxial with the service piston (24) and actuatable within the brake caliper (20) during a parking operation to apply a force to the service piston (24) to actuate the service piston (24). At least a portion of the parking piston (30) axially overlaps the service piston (24) in the inboard-outboard direction.

A method of lubricating a transmission system including: scavenging, via a lubrication tube of a lubrication system disposed within the transmission system, oil from at least one of a plurality of gears; directing the scavenged oil from the lubrication tube to a plurality of oil conduits extending from the lubrication tube; and translating a shift assembly in a longitudinal direction such that the shift assembly actuates a plurality of poppet valve assemblies disposed in the plurality of oil conduits between a closed position and an open position. The scavenged oil circumventing the plurality of poppet valve assemblies in the open position and the plurality of poppet valve assemblies form a seal with the plurality of oil conduits in the closed position.

A brake system and method of control. A brake pad assembly is actuatable from a retracted position to an extended position with a fluid. The method includes determining whether a running clearance is acceptable based on a first fluid supply pressure associated with the brake pad assembly being in a retracted position and a second fluid supply pressure associated with the brake pad assembly being in an extended position.

An axle assembly comprising a support structure, a mounting plate, an electric motor module, a transmission module, and a wheel end assembly. The electric motor module extends from a first side of the mounting plate. The transmission module extends from the second side of the mounting plate. The wheel end assembly extends from the transmission module.

Moisture is removed from particulate material using an apparatus comprising a dryer having a drying chamber for directing a flow of gas-entrained particulate material between first and second ends of the drying chamber. The dryer is configured for directing gas under pressure into the drying chamber, for interacting with a flow of gas-entrained particulate material within the drying chamber. The dryer comprises a body of modular construction, which defines a plurality of guide passages arranged for fluid communication between the drying chamber and a source of gas under pressure. The body of modular construction comprises a plurality of discrete annular elements, arranged in series, one adjacent another, each having a body defining a central aperture, and wherein the annular elements are arranged together with the central apertures aligned.