Patent ID: 6679135
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for actuating a braking system of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:a brake pedal supported on the vehicle for movement between a plurality of positions and engageable by a foot of the vehicle occupant to effect actuation of the braking system; an actuating member movable to actuate the braking system; a release mechanism connected between said brake pedal and said actuating member, said release mechanism having a first condition connecting said actuating member for movement with said brake pedal, said release mechanism having a second condition releasing said brake pedal for movement relative to said actuating member under load applied to said brake pedal by the vehicle occupant, said release mechanism when in said second condition resisting movement of said brake pedal relative to said actuating member; at least one sensor operative to sense a vehicle condition or an occupant condition and to provide a first output signal; and a controller for receiving said first output signal and for in response controlling said release mechanism to control the resistance of said release mechanism to movement of said brake pedal relative to said actuating member.