Abstract: A work holding device includes a first jaw piece having an elongated first connection member for connecting the work holding device to a support. The first connection member defines a first passage. A second jaw piece has an elongated second connection member positionable within the first passage. The second connection member defines a second passage in communication with the first passage. A spindle assembly movably couples the second jaw piece to the first jaw piece. The spindle assembly is configured to move the second jaw piece with respect to the first jaw piece to create a clamping pressure when an object is placed between the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece.

Abstract: A work table apparatus is disclosed for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus including a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object. A magnetic assembly can be positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field extending exterior to the magnetic assembly to secure a ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table. The magnetic assembly can be configured to alternate between an active mode where the magnetic field is produced and an inactive mode wherein magnetic fields produced by the magnetic assembly are retained within the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: A vise for securing a work piece is disclosed which includes a base. A first jaw piece and a second jaw piece can be disposed on the base, at least one of the first and second jaw pieces movable on the base such that the first and second jaw pieces are moveable toward and away from one another. A magnetic assembly can be positioned on the base and configured to produce a magnetic field that extends beyond the base to secure the vise to a magnetically permeable or ferromagnetic work surface. The magnetic assembly can be operable to alternate between an active mode and an inactive mode. The magnetic assembly can produce a magnetic field when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode to secure the vise to a magnetically permeable or ferromagnetic work surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for predicting response time of a particulate matter (PM) sensor and resetting the PM sensor upon completion of response time prediction, independent of actual or predicted soot load on PM sensor. Soot accumulation data collected during steady state vehicle operation may be fitted with a time-based polynomial function and sensor output and regeneration schedule may be estimated from the curve fit even if the overall signal is noisy.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a PM sensor. In one example, a method comprises flowing exhaust gas to a cone-shaped PM sensor having a pair of openings arranged across from one another and a plurality of outlets distal to the pair of openings.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to access a train schedule to determine active train crossings along an original route, based on a predicted vehicle-arrival time at a given crossing. The processor is also configured to determine that a driver identity has an avoidance parameter associated therewith and determine a new route avoiding active train crossings, if possible, responsive to the avoidance parameter and determination of at least one active train crossing along the original route.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive weather data including a plurality of measured data points in an area around a vehicle, from a remote weather server. The processor is also configured to receive a path from a vehicle subsystem. The processor is further configured to combine the data points and path to form a predictive model reflecting expected weather conditions along the path at future times, the model based on predefined parameters defining expected weather behavior and send the model to a requesting vehicle subsystem.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a PM sensor. In one example, a method comprises flowing exhaust gas to a cone-shaped PM sensor having a pair of openings arranged across from one another and a plurality of outlets distal to the pair of openings.

Abstract: A first phantom vehicle is projected into one of a branch and a circle lane of a roundabout in association with a first autonomous vehicle. The first autonomous vehicle is caused to enter the circle lane upon predicting no collision with oncoming vehicles. The first autonomous vehicle is caused to exit from the roundabout.

Abstract: A work holding device includes a first jaw piece having an elongated first connection member for connecting the work holding device to a support. The first connection member defines a first passage. A second jaw piece has an elongated second connection member positionable within the first passage. The second connection member defines a second passage in communication with the first passage. A spindle assembly movably couples the second jaw piece to the first jaw piece. The spindle assembly is configured to move the second jaw piece with respect to the first jaw piece to create a clamping pressure when an object is placed between the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece.

Abstract: A blade clamp with first and second gripping members configured to hold a cutting blade, a lever connected to the clamp by a connection member, and a head that receives the connection member that extends through an aperture of the head. The connection member can move along a first axis through the aperture of the head and move the clamp along the first axis based on a position of the lever. The first and the second gripping members of the clamp can clamp the cutting blade along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis based on a position of the clamp along the first axis. The lever can include an eccentric cam surface that engages a cam follower. The eccentric cam surface can cause the clamp to provide a clamping force and tension to the cutting blade.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to access a train schedule to determine active train crossings along an original route, based on a predicted vehicle-arrival time at a given crossing. The processor is also configured to determine that a driver identity has an avoidance parameter associated therewith and determine a new route avoiding active train crossings, if possible, responsive to the avoidance parameter and determination of at least one active train crossing along the original route.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive weather data including a plurality of measured data points in an area around a vehicle, from a remote weather server. The processor is also configured to receive a path from a vehicle subsystem. The processor is further configured to combine the data points and path to form a predictive model reflecting expected weather conditions along the path at future times, the model based on predefined parameters defining expected weather behavior and send the model to a requesting vehicle subsystem.

Abstract: Improvements in luggage systems that better address the ways in which many people like to travel, in a style they feel most comfortable, while enjoying an unprecedented level of convenience which they will naturally welcome, while overcoming the shortcomings and drawback of prior art luggage systems, methods and technologies. Such improvements include a telescopic-handle assembly supports a rechargeable battery power module, a set of USB DC electrical power supply ports and a DC power recharging port configured with the rechargeable battery module, to provide improved performance.

Abstract: Improvements in luggage systems that better address the ways in which many people like to travel, in a style they feel most comfortable, while enjoying an unprecedented level of convenience which they will naturally welcome, while overcoming the shortcomings and drawback of prior art luggage systems, methods and technologies. Among such improvement are a telescopic-handle assembly supports a rechargeable battery power module, a set of USB DC electrical power supply ports and a DC power recharging port configured with the rechargeable battery module, as well as compression pad subsystem and a laundry bag subsystem which cooperate to provide improved performance and reduced complexity.

Abstract: A blade guide for a band saw tool includes an adjustment channel mounted to a blade housing. The adjustment channel has a bracket plate with two recesses at an angle to one another. A roller bracket has a ridge that fits into one or the other recess, the roller bracket including rollers to guide the band saw blade. A single screw holds the roller bracket to the bracket plate. The roller bracket may be moved to the other recess to impart a twist to the blade. The blade is used without a twist when the band saw tool is configured for vertical cutting and is used with a twist when the band saw tool is configured for horizontal cutting.

Abstract: A tool to measure resistance of a wire harness is disclosed herein. An example disclosed tool includes a connector with first and second plugs. The example disclosed tool also includes a resistor. A first terminal of the resistor is electrically coupled to the first plug. Additionally, the example disclosed tool includes a thermal switch attached to the resistor with a thermally conductive adhesive. A first terminal of the thermal switch is electrically coupled to a second terminal of the resistor, and a second terminal of the thermal switch is electrically coupled to the second plug.

Abstract: A band saw that is convertible between a vertical cutting position and a horizontal cutting position includes a work table extension that extends from a work table when the band saw is used in the horizontal cutting position. The work table extension is removable from the work table and is attachable to a blade guide when the band saw is used in the vertical cutting position.

Abstract: A work holding device, such as a vice, includes first and second jaws and a spindle connected between them to change the distance between the jaws for holding a work piece. An elongated connection member extends from the first jaw and is shaped to fit into a receiver member of a receiver hitch on a vehicle. Adjustable projections are provided on the elongated connection member for reducing movement of the vice in the hitch. The adjustable projections may be set screws. An end cap is provided on the end of the elongated connection member. The work holding device may be mounted in a receiver member or bracket on a workbench or other work area.