Abstract: A steering wheel 1 includes a rim section having a rim section main body section and a covering member that covers at least a part of the rim section main body section. The steering wheel 1 includes a decorative section attached to the rim section. The rim section main body section includes an attaching section to which the decorative section is attached in a direction intersecting a direction in which the rim section main body section extends. The covering member includes one split body and the other split body for covering one part and the other part of the rim section main body section with the attaching section as a reference. The one split body and the other split body are configured such that at least parts of end portions and facing each other in the attaching section have shapes complementary to each other.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle include an object detection device configured to detect external information about the autonomous vehicle, a communication device configured to receive user information from a remote device, and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to: determine internal information about the autonomous vehicle; change control of the autonomous vehicle based on at least one of the external information, the user information, or the internal information; and transmit, to the remote device, monitoring information corresponding to the changed control of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A steering system for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The steering system includes, in some embodiments, a steering shaft, a steering column jacket encircling at least a portion of the steering shaft, an emulator enclosed within a housing, the emulator coupled to the steering shaft, and a travel limiter assembly enclosed within the housing and coupled with the steering shaft, the travel limiter assembly comprising at least one rotational member having a pin and a groove configured to receive the pin, the groove including a stop portion. In some embodiments, the at least one rotational member and at least a portion of the steering shaft rotates within the housing and the pin travels within the groove until the pin encounters the stop portion after a predetermined degree of rotation of the steering shaft.

Abstract: A device for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle comprising a wheel hub support for defined positioning of a wheel hub of the wheel axle. The wheel hub support comprises a wheel hub dome formed correspondingly to an outer side of the wheel hub and encompassing the wheel hub dome in a precise fit.

Abstract: Provided are a driving assistance apparatus and a steering control method thereof, which are capable of reducing impact on a steering wheel. The driving assistance apparatus includes a steering sensor that measures a steering manipulation signal based on a driver's manipulation of a steering wheel during control of a parking assistance device; and a control unit that, when the steering manipulation signal measured by the steering sensor is received, stops the control of the parking assistance device, changes a control torque value, which corresponds to a required steering angle when the control of the parking assistance device is stopped, to a target torque value based on the driver's manipulation of the steering wheel, wherein a torque variation is changed at a preset slope or for a preset time.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a navigation device installed in a vehicle includes an obtainer, a controller, and a reproducer. The obtainer obtains at least one of vehicle information related to the vehicle and driver information related to a driver of the vehicle. The controller controls, based on at least one of the vehicle information and the driver information, localization direction of a playback sound which is to be reproduced for the driver. The reproducer reproduces the playback sound using a three dimensional sound based on control of the localization direction.

Abstract: A single drive three pivot fork lift truck includes a steering bridge, a steering motor that drives the steering bridge, and at least one rear wheel that is connected to the steering bridge. The forklift truck also includes a first sensor that senses rotational position of a steering wheel, a second sensor that senses rotation of the steering motor, and a controller that receives signals from the first sensor and second sensor and controls the steering motor. The forklift truck also includes a battery carried by the truck frame in a battery compartment located at the rear of the forklift truck, which can take the place of counterweight blocks.

Abstract: A control method for a vehicle includes: predicting a position of an eye point of an occupant after a state of a vehicle seat is changed based on amount of adjustment of an adjusting mechanism due to change in state of the vehicle seat; determining whether or not the predicted position of the eye point is located within a measurement range of a camera member installed to a steering member; and if it is determined that the predicted position of the eye point is not located within the measurement range of the camera member, moving the measurement range of the camera member toward the predicted position of the eye point synchronously with the steering member.

Abstract: A rudder position indicator that is gravity driven, designed to reduce the opportunity for misalignment, and can be recalibrated without being detached in the event that misalignment occurs. The rudder position indicator includes a gear assembly having an angle indicator and a position indicator assembly that are housed within an indicator case. A dampening fluid is filled within the indicator case as well, and acts to reduce the possibility of misalignment by reducing wobble of the angle indicator as a ship wheel is rotated. The indicator case is attached to the ship wheel by means of a mounting case; the mounting case being attached to the ship wheel using an adhesive. The indicator case is rotatably positioned into the mounting case and is stepped, such that the indicator case can be locked in and out of position to calibrate the angle indicator.

Abstract: A system includes a camera, a weigh-in-motion scale, and a processor. The camera is configured to capture one or more images of a vehicle as the vehicle goes over the weigh-in-motion scale. The weigh-in-motion scale is configured to generate one or more weight measurements of the vehicle as the vehicle goes over the weigh-in-motion scale. The processor is operatively coupled to the camera and the weigh-in-motion scale. The processor is configured to determine an acceleration of at least a portion of the vehicle based at least in part on the one or more images of the vehicle. The processor is also configured to adjust at least one of the one or more weight measurements based on the acceleration.

Abstract: A steering wheel position control system includes a head position acquisition part for acquiring a position of a head part of a driver, a seat movement detection part for detecting movement of a seat, on which the driver is seated, a steering wheel position calculation part for calculating a position of a steering wheel based on the position of the head part acquired by the head position acquisition part when the movement of the electric power seat is detected by the seat movement detection part, and a steering wheel position change part for moving the steering wheel to the position of the steering wheel calculated by the steering wheel position calculation part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving assistance apparatus for assisting a driving operation by outputting a reverse sound at the time of a reversing maneuver of a vehicle. The apparatus includes an information acquisition unit for acquiring driving assistance information including a vehicle condition and a vehicle surrounding condition, a reverse sound management unit for managing reverse sounds belonging in a musical scale including the reverse sound as the tonic note thereof as musical scale reverse sounds, an output reverse sound determination unit for determining a sequence of musical scale in the form of temporal sequence corresponding to the driving assistance information, and a reverse sound output control unit configured to select from the reverse sounds managed by the reverse sound management unit and output to a speaker reverse sounds suitable for the sequence of the musical scale determined by the reverse sound determination unit.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus that can prevent a large returning torque from acting when a steering wheel is turned. Through processing of an assist control program, rotational torque (assist torque) of an electric motor is calculated by adding returning torque g·Trto to turning torque Tc (in actuality, subtracting the returning torque g·Trto from the turning torque Tc). The electric motor is driven and controlled in accordance with the calculated assist torque. When the steering torque is large, the calculated returning torque gain g decreases, and therefore, the returning torque g·Trto decreases or becomes zero. With this control, the greater the force (torque) required to operate the steering wheel, the smaller the influence of the returning torque, and steering feel at the time of turning the steering wheel is improved.

Abstract: A system of signal emitting modules is disclosed. The modules emit light or other signals to warn oncoming traffic that a road or other pathway has changed or is traversing a tortuous pathway. The modules are interconnected in a sequence so that they flash on and off in a pattern that leads the driver or observer along a path with less confusion than with randomly flashing or steady lights or reflectors. The modules are self-powered and can be arrayed first and programmed following deployment. The programming can be done with “mesh” technology, an external controller, or by dialing a specific number in each of a plurality of distributed controllers. The modules can improve highway safety by reducing driver confusion. The modules are arrayed to prevent a driver from seeing them from an oncoming direction. The driver coming from the opposite direction will have his or her own guiding system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle steering system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a desired front road wheel angle signal at a controller. The desired front road wheel angle signal is indicative of a desired front road wheel angle of vehicle wheels. The method further includes receiving a parking assist request signal at the controller indicating a parking assist operational mode is desired. The method further includes generating a desired motor torque signal for controlling a power steering motor in the parking assist operational mode utilizing the controller, based on the desired front road wheel angle signal and the parking assist request signal.

Abstract: A display unit for representing a steering-wheel angle, to be modified, of a vehicle is provided, which has a multitude of adjacently arranged indicator elements. One or more of these indicator element(s) is/are illuminated to indicate a modification in the steering-wheel angle and possibly the steering direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle steering system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a desired front road wheel angle signal at a controller. The desired front road wheel angle signal is indicative of a desired front road wheel angle of vehicle wheels. The method further includes receiving a parking assist request signal at the controller indicating a parking assist operational mode is desired. The method further includes generating a desired motor torque signal for controlling a power steering motor in the parking assist operational mode utilizing the controller, based on the desired front road wheel angle signal and the parking assist request signal.

Abstract: A method for compensating a steering system exhibiting dead-zone characteristics estimates the dead-zone parameters of the steering system and establishes a dead-zone inverse function utilizing the estimated parameters. The dead-zone inverse is utilized to transform steering orders in the dead-zone. Parameters of the dead-zone inverse are continuously up-dated with the utilization of the transformed steering order, the existing dead-zone parameters, and the present heading.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle steering system includes a user interface for receiving a user input and transmitting a control output signal associated with the input signal. The interface is located within the vehicle. A mechanism is included for rotating a vehicle's front wheels along an arcuate path offset 90 degrees from equilibrium. The front wheel rotating mechanism includes grooved plates that have tapered outer edge portions extending along an outer perimeter thereof. A mechanism is included for rotating a vehicle's rear wheels along an arcuate path offset 90 degrees from equilibrium. The rear wheel rotating mechanism includes grooved plates that have tapered outer edge portions extending along an outer perimeter thereof. A controller is coupled to the interface that receives the control output signal and instructs the front wheel and the rear wheel rotating mechanisms to contemporaneously register the wheels orthogonal to the vehicle so that same can be laterally displaced.

Abstract: A rotary light switch for motor vehicles is presented that ensures a feel that is not susceptible to mechanical influences. The rotary light switch has an actuator that can be rotated around an axis and that can be moved in the axial direction, and that is non-rotatably coupled to a rotational position indicator and axially coupled to an axial position indicator. Moreover, it has an electronic evaluation circuit to which the signals from the rotational position indicator and from the axial position indicator are fed and, according to a permanently stored decision matrix, said evaluation circuit uses the signals to derive discrete switching states that are converted into switching signals that serve to actuate the lighting system of the vehicle. The rotational position indicator comprises a potentiometer that generates a negligible resistance to the rotational movement, so that no mechanical influences are caused by the rotational position indicator.

Abstract: The steering angle of a vehicle is monitored using position sensors of an electric motor of an electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system. A position of the electric motor corresponding to the straight-ahead, center position of the steering system is stored in non-volatile memory during a steering calibration procedure, such as an end-of-line calibration in a vehicle assembly plant. Following power loss due to a dead battery, a steering angle zeroing procedure performed in a vehicle stability control (VSC) system generates a center position with enough accuracy to be within one electrical cycle of the motor. The pre-stored electric motor position is then used to determine the electrical cycle where the center position was located, and accurate monitoring of steering angle is resumed.

Abstract: In a structure for mounting a steering angle sensor for a steering wheel for detecting a steering angle of a steering wheel, a fitting recessed portion 6 is provided in a side surface of a column (4) to which a steering-signal transmitting unit (3), a turn signal lever (1), and a wiper control switch lever (2) are attached, and a steering angle sensor (5) is inserted and fitted into the fitting recessed portion (6) from the side surface of the column (4).

Abstract: An informing apparatus informs an operator of procedures for adjusting control parameters used in a control apparatus that controls an electric power steering apparatus based on various control parameter data. The power steering apparatus is used for the steering wheel of a vehicle. A storage portion stores various data. The data includes evaluation data, steering state data, control parameter data of the power steering control apparatus, and adjusting procedure data. The evaluation data is related to steering of the steering wheel. The steering state data represents the steering state when the evaluation data is obtained. The steering state data is related to the evaluation data. The control parameter data is related to the steering state data, and the evaluation data, and is being used when the evaluation data is obtained. The adjusting procedure data is used for adjusting the control parameter data such that the evaluation data is resolved.

Abstract: A device responsive to angular rotation of an object, such as provided by a driving unit, to produce a geared-down pivotal measuring movement by including a reduction gear formed by a differential planetary gear mounted on a frame plate jointly with a rotatably supported angle diaphragm which enables the rotational angle and/or the number of rotations of the object to be measured to be indicated opto-electronically. The differential planetary gear has an input gear in the form of a change gear which engages the shaft rotation to be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus intended to relay to a vehicle operator the position of the vehicle steering wheels and simultaneously the distance traveled such that the vehicle operator is provided with an accurate guide to precisely move the vehicle through the ideal path for curbside parking. The apparatus is intended to be mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle and connected via cable mechanisms to the steering and drive mechanisms. The apparatus having a fixed cable connected to the steering mechanism the other end of which is connected to a transparent faceplate having a pre-drawn mapping affixed thereon while the drive mechanism having a rotate able cable one end of which is attached to a contact wheel the other attached to a threaded shaft and nut assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle steering command module as disclosed wherein the command module is necessary to start and control the motion of a vehicle, and once removed from the vehicle the command module can function as a personal computer. The vehicle steering command module includes a housing having a computer processing unit and a connection port. The connection port releasably connects the command module to one of a pair of spaced apart mating connection ports on an instrument panel of the vehicle, thereby completing a steer by wire circuit of the vehicle. Rotation of the command module controls the direction of travel of the vehicle when the command module is connected to one of the mating connection ports. The command module includes at least one input device operably connected to the computer processing unit. A cover of the steering command module is moveable between a closed position and an opened position, and includes a display screen operably connected to the computer processing unit.

Abstract: Steering wheel lash and suspension play are checked by comparing predefined movements of the steering wheel and the road wheels. A steering wheel fixture adapted to be mounted to the steering wheel particularly facilitates the steering wheel lash determination. Quickly mountable and removable road wheel angle sensors also facilitate the method.

Abstract: An automobile front-wheel orientation and turning-angle indicator is arranged at the center of the steering wheel to indicate the orientation and turning-angle of the front-wheel. The indicator comprises a rotating disk, a scale disk, an indicator disk, and a housing. Wherein the scale disk has a dead weight to maintain at all times a constant orientation. A rotating disk is located at the lower part of the whole indicator and is mounted on the steering wheel. The indicator is driven by the rotating disk through transmission means, so as to produce a rotation relative to the scale disk, and to achieve the purpose of indicating orientation and turning-angle of the front-wheel.

Abstract: A steering angle sensor for accurately detecting the steering angle of a vehicle, which has a signal pattern based on partial changes of the electromagnetic characteristics formed at part of the steering rack bar of the steering gear box and reads the same by a signal detector provided opposing the steering rack bar so as to detect the absolute position of the steering rack bar.

Abstract: A rudder position indicator attachable to the steering wheel of a boat for rotation with the wheel, in which a ball, held in a substantially constant position by gravity, rolls in a spiral groove as the wheel and the indicator are turned. The ball is seen against indicia in the groove, the indicia locations being indicative of the position of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A directional guidance device is provided for use on pleasure boats to indicate the direction of propeller thrust of an outboard motor or inboard/outboard steerable mechanism that are hidden from the view of the pilot by the transom during docking. The device includes an upright member with a rigged directional flag member pointing in the direction of thrust with an attachment device at the lower end of the upright member to attach and detach the device to the top of or to the top of the inboard/outboard steerable propeller.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device for an air bag of a motor vehicle is disclosed. An inner cylinder is secured to a steering wheel, and an outer cylinder is secured to a steering column for the steering wheel. A flexible helical stirp is disposed between the inner and outer cylinder. A sun gear is formed on an outer periphery of the inner cylinder, a ring gear is formed on a side of the outer cylinder, and planet pinion is engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear. A stopper is provided for stopping the planet pinion at revolution ends thereof, and a mark provided at a neutral position diametrically opposite to the stopper.

Abstract: An indicator unit which can be fixed on a tilted steering wheel for indicating the turn condition of the wheel. The indicator mainly includes a base member secured to the wheel, a bias-weighted member pivotally mounted on the base member to maintain itself in an upright position during rotation of the base member with that wheel, a ball-shaped member laid between the base member and the bias-weighted member, constrained by a spiral groove and a radial slot separately furnished on the two members so that the relative rotation between the two members causes the ball-shaped member to move along the radial slot of the bias-weighted member, and a pointed member pivoted on the bias-weighted member and having a curved slot which crosses the ball-shaped member so as to convert the radial movement of the ball-shaped member into swing motion of the pointer member, thus indicating the corresponding turning direction of the car wheel relative to the turning of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An indicator which is attached to the steering wheel of a vehicle and which has a boat indicia and a front wheel position indicator that rotate with the steering wheel and which has a gravity weighted disk-shape member upon which a towing vehicle is indicated as well as a roadway and which remains in the vertical position as the wheel is rotated so that a position of the vehicle and the trailer can be continuously observed.

Abstract: A steering sensor is installed in a vehicle by utilizing a clearance between a steering wheel and a turn signal switch assembly. This makes it possible to provide a steering sensor having a high degree of universality, since the sensor can be simply retrofitted on an existing vehicle not already having such a sensor. The steering sensor can be utilized widely in navigation or other systems requiring such a sensor.

Abstract: Steering wheel with an electric lead to a protective gas bag impact device located in the steering wheel bowl of an automotive vehicle including a current conductor formed by a conducting strip arranged with several windings within a fixedly mounted housing surrounded a steering wheel hub. One end of the cable terminates in a core fastened to the steering wheel hub while the other terminates in the housing. A disk toothed over at least part of its circumference is mounted on the housing and an actuating element engaging the toothed disk is mounted on the hub or spindle. The toothed disk is located radially in relation to the axis of the hub and the spindle and the actuating element is formed by a flange-like transport disk surrounding the spindle or the hub and equipped with a radial slot which is provided with bevelling in the area of the slot. The edges of the slot are spread to form an opening corresponding to the tooth division of the toothed disk.

Abstract: A steering angle detection device of the type wherein a computer (12) calculates a steering angle. When a steering shaft (20) is turned, pulse signals (SS1, SS2) are generated from an encoder (10). In response to these pulses signals (SS1, SS2), the computer (12) detects the rotational direction and angle of the steering shaft (20). When a sampling signal is generated in relation to the running of a vehicle, the computer (12) calculates a mean value of a cumulative past rotational angles and further calculates the rotational angle of the steering shaft (20) relative to a neutral position indicated by the mean value.

Abstract: The indicator is especially useful for an industrial truck with a steerable wheel which can be turned through a steering arc of as much as one hundred eighty degrees. The indicator includes a potentiometer mechanically coupled to be rotated in synchronism with the steering rotation of the steerable wheel, and a multiple voltage threshold detector circuit connected to receive the variable voltage from the potentiometer and operable to provide one out of N discrete output signals in response to potentiometer voltages which have predetermined voltage level relationships to the respective voltage thresholds. At least N discrete indicator lamps are arranged in an array for indicating steerable wheel direction, and the indicator lamps are connected to receive the discrete output signals from the multiple voltage threshold detection circuit for indicating travel direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a steering angle and a steering angular velocity of a steering mounted in a vehicle. The apparatus has a sensor mounted on a steering column tube, and a disc secured onto the outer periphery of a steering shaft. The steering column tube has a projecting form in which a luminescent element and a light receiving element are provided. The projecting form is designed not to contact with the disc.

Abstract: Steering wheel with an electric cable to a protective gas bag impact device located in the bowl of the steering wheel of an automotive vehicle, having a conductor formed of several concentric windings of a conducting strip arranged in a housing surrounding the steering wheel spindle and hub. One end thereof terminates in a core fastened to the steering wheel hub and rotates therewith, while the other end terminates in a fixedly mounted housing. A spring-loaded two arm rocker with arms at an angle to each other, is mounted on the hub or spindle. One arm of which projects into the path of a nut securing the steering wheel on the spindle. A recess located in the hub within the pivoting range of said arm and a recess located in the housing within the pivoting range of the other arm. The spring is loading the rocker in a rotating direction against the housing.

Abstract: A steering wheel mechanism which provides a driver with absolute confirmation of the direction of the orientation of the front wheels by a differential gear reduction mechanism which provides for a reduced amount of rotation of a buffer pad in comparison to the rotation of a steering wheel in which the buffer pad is located. The buffer pad contains display and switching groups which, because of the limited rotation, are easily accessible for purposes for control and ease of reading by the driver.

Abstract: A front wheel indicator for a motor car comprises a liquid filled capsule for mounting at the steering wheel of a car so a shaft in the capsule, in mounted position, will be inclined with respect to the plumb-line. A pointer including the symbol of two spaced-apart, parallel bands is rotatably mounted on the shaft, and is connected to a float by a link mechanism. The float strives to maintain a high position in the capsule, and will tend to rotate the pointer when the steering wheel is turned. With a suitably selected link mechanism the two bands of the pointer will indicate the occasional position of the front wheels of the car as a result of a turning of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A device for detecting steering angle and steering direction of a steering wheel in an automotive vehicle, includes a pair of fixed contacts and a movable contact. The movable contact is arranged in connection with the fixed contacts in such a way that, when the steering wheel rotates in one direction, the movable contact engages only the first fixed contact, and when the steering wheel rotates in the opposite direction, the movable contact engages only the second fixed contact. Upon the basis of signals produced whenever the movable contact contacts one of the fixed contacts, the steering angle and steering direction are detected.

Abstract: Position indicating device for constantly visually indicating angular disposition of the rudder of a marine vessel. The device employs a first ball screw cylinder which converts the linear motion from a second ball screw cylinder into rotary motion, which rotary motion is transmitted by a rotatable flexible shaft to the needle pointer of the device. Linear motion of the second ball screw cylinder is generated when the vessel's steering wheel is turned which rotates another flexible shaft connected to the second ball screw cylinder. Linear motion of the second ball screw cylinder controls the position of the rudder simultaneously with conversion of said linear motion into rotary motion by the first ball screw cylinder.

Abstract: A steerable wheeled assembly for a vehicle such as a harvesting or windrowing machine of the type adapted to be drawn over crop rows in the ground is disclosed. The assembly includes rotatable vertical members and a horizontal axle member which are arranged in a "C" frame supportingly connected to the vehicle and which provides clearance under the axle. Ground engaging wheels rotate on stub axles which pivot in steering movement when the vertical members are rotated. Steering or pivot arms are mounted on each of the vertical members and are connected together by a tie rod. A fluid power actuated cylinder connected to one of the arms is used to pivot the arm and stear the vehicle.

Abstract: A cotton harvester having a hydrostaticly steered rear guide wheel assembly is provided with a steering arm having a raised horizontal segment which moves with the guide wheel. When the guide wheel off center, the raised horizontal segment contacts one of a pair of contact arms and grounds an electric circuit from one of a pair of indicator lamps in the operator's compartment turning the lamp on and informing the operator of the direction in which the harvester will steer.

Abstract: A device which, when secured to a non-horizontal planar rotatable wheel, will display the position of rotation of the wheel with respect to a reference position. The device utilizes a flat member defining in a plane a spiral path of constant cross-sectional area and constantly increasing radius. The member has a solid central area at which the spiral terminates and has a free end at which the spiral starts. Suitable bases secure the member to the center of the wheel in a position spaced thereabove. A loop element slidably engages the member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a trailer guide for visually assisting the driver in manually operating the steering mechanism of a vehicle-trailer combination during travel in the reverse direction. The indicator comprises a frame for being coupled to the steering mechanism of the car and two spaced pivots coupled to the frame. A first longitudinal indicator is pivotally coupled to the first pivot and a second longitudinal indicator is pivotally coupled to the second pivot. One end of the first longitudinal indicator is movably coupled to an adjacent end of the second longitudinal indicator such that the combination of the first and second longitudinal indicators will predict the movement of the motorized vehicle and the trailer coupled thereto when the combination is moving in a reverse direction and the steering mechanism is operated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering control device comprising a shaft for operative attachment to a steering system, said shaft rotatably mounted on a housing, a pinion gear means mounted on said shaft to rotate therewith, said housing including a hub member, with a hole therethrough for rotatable passage of said shaft, an indicator disc rotatably mounted on said hub coaxial with said shaft, an idler gear rotatably mounted on said disc, said pinion gear meshing with and driving said idler gear about a ring gear means outward of and surrounding and meshing with said pinion gear in response to the rotation of said shaft, said idler gear thereby driving said indicator disc.