Glenn R Bower

US Patent:

62311352, May 15, 2001

Filed:

Apr 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/302766

Inventors:

Glenn R. Bower - Barneveld WI
Michael D. Koplin - Madison WI

Assignee:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation - Madison WI

International Classification:

B60T 1374

US Classification:

303152

Abstract:

A hybrid brake system for a vehicle propelled at least by a rotating electric motor powered by a storage battery and in communication with at least one ground-engaging wheel. The hybrid brake system includes a vehicle braking control device and an electrical brake system including the electric motor and the battery, the battery providing an electrical load on the motor during times when the vehicle braking control device is actuated. Rotation of the motor during actuation of the vehicle braking control device provides electrical power to the battery, whereby the battery receives an electrical charge. The motor rotation is slowed by the electrical load, whereby the vehicle is braked by the motor. The hybrid brake system also includes a mechanical brake system including a hydraulic cylinder, a piston sealably and slidably disposed therein and partially defining with the cylinder a chamber of variable volume, the pressure of the fluid in the chamber varying with movement of the piston in the cylinder. A mechanical brake arrangement is in fluid communication with the chamber and is operatively coupled to at least one ground-engaging wheel for slowing the rotation thereof.