System and method for controlling an electromagnetic device

• US 6,545,852 B1
• Filed: 10/06/1999
• Issued: 04/08/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ormanco
• Original Assignee: Ormanco
• Inventors: Arnold, James H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jackson, Stephen W.
• Application Number:
  US09/413,356
• Time in Patent Office: 1,280 Days
• Field of Search: 361/115, 361/18, 361/1, 361/160, 361/152
• US Class Current: 361/160
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 17/22 Devices for monitoring or checking brake systems; Signal devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/885 using electrical circuitry

Abstract

A system and method for controlling an electromagnetic device is disclosed. The system includes provisions for diagnosing problems, sensing malfunctions, and monitoring faults that may occur within the system and the controlled electromagnetic device. The system provides various forms of feedback to a user. The system includes back-up operating systems in cases of failure.

Claims

1. A parking braking system for use in a vehicle comprising:

(a) an initiator for sending a control signal,

(b) a power management system, adapted for connection to a power source and a force generating system comprising at least one magnetically biased device, wherein the power management system controls energy delivered to the force generating system from the power source,

(c) a force transfer system connected to the force generating system, the force transfer system adapted to transfer force from the force generating system to a parking brake system;

wherein

(d) the parking braking system performs at least one diagnostic check.

2. A parking braking system for use in a vehicle comprising:

(d) an initiator for sending a control signal,

(e) a power management system, adapted for connection to a power source and a force generating system comprising at least one magnetically biased device, wherein the power management system controls energy delivered to the force generating system from the power source;

(f) a force transfer system connected to the force generating system, the force transfer system adapted to transfer force from the force generating system to a parking brake;

wherein the power management system monitors current in said force transfer system.

3. The parking brake system of claim 2 wherein said power management system monitors current profile.

4. The parking brake of system of claim 2 wherein said power management system monitors changes in current.