Abstract: A fuel cell powered vehicle fuel storage system is disclosed having a suspension system, a fuel tank, and a support system, wherein the suspension system, fuel tank, and support system cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and the reaction loads of the suspension system and to maximize a volume of the fuel tank.

Abstract: An actuator system for use in selectively engaging an input to an output. The actuator system includes an input sub-system having an input component configured to connect to an input element which is in turn connected to a work source. The actuator system also includes an output sub-system being connectable to the input sub-system for receiving work from the work source via the input sub-system. The actuator system further includes an actuator sub-system having an active material and an actuating component. The actuator sub-system is configured so that the active material, when activated, causes the actuating component to move from a first state to a second state to disengage the input and output sub-systems. In another embodiment, the present technology includes a pinch-protection system that determines whether a present value for a work-source physical characteristic exceeds a running average by at least a preset offset value.

Abstract: A method of dynamically reconfiguring a distributed computing architecture having a plurality of processing nodes, where each processing node hosts a respective plurality of virtual machines, includes detecting a fault condition on a first processing node, assessing the criticality of a software function performed by each of the respective virtual machines on the first processing node, and reassigning at least one of the plurality of virtual machines on the first processing node to a second processing node if the at least one virtual machine is deemed critical.

Abstract: Multiple cell tabs are effectively joined in a cost-effective and more consistent manner that can result in less mass and volume per interconnect. Cell tabs can be made of a material that is sufficiently thick enough to be able to carry several times the current of other tabs. The tabs are notched to engage an interconnecting member where the notching is performed in the same stage as making individual cell tab bends. Once the cell tabs are notched and bent, they are then positioned together such that the notched portions lie on the interconnecting member in a flat, side-by-side manner, all at the same height. The cell tabs are then held closely to the interconnect and laser-welded.

Abstract: A method of making modified carbon materials for use in fabricating fuel cell components. The modified carbon may comprise pendant fluorocarbon groups bonded covalently bonded thereto. In one embodiment, a mixture is formed and comprises carbon material suitable for use in a fuel cell component, an organic solvent, a compound having the general formula I-R wherein R is a fluorocarbon, and a reductant.

Abstract: A cover device is provided for an engine compartment of a motor vehicle, with at least one, in particular extensive, attenuator, at least a first section of which rests and/or abuts against at least one first engine compartment element situated in the engine compartment, and with at least one fastener, with which the attenuator can be secured or is secured directly or indirectly to the vehicle body, the at least one engine compartment element and/or at least one second engine compartment element situated in or on the engine compartment, in particular in a movable manner.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system and method that may be used to detect a potential tailgating event involving another vehicle and to send a corresponding warning to the driver. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle safety system monitors the area behind the host vehicle when it is being driven in the forward direction and determines if the host vehicle is being tailgated by a target vehicle. If such a tailgating event is detected, then the vehicle safety system sends a corresponding warning to the driver and, according to an optional feature, checks the availability of an adjacent lane so that the system can perform an automatic lane change maneuver, if so authorized.

Abstract: A seat arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a vehicle seat that can be shifted in the longitudinal and transverse direction. A rail guide has a guide component fixedly anchored to the seat or vehicle and a guide rail fixedly anchored to the vehicle or seat along which the guide component is rail-guide. An installation section has a locking device that is moved from a release position in which the guide component is guided along the installation section or introduced into the installation section, into a locked position, in which the installation section is locked relative to the guide component by the locking device.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system adapted for use by an internal combustion engine, and for selectively diverting a recirculated portion of the engine exhaust away from the EGR cooler, includes a by-pass conduit and/or feed line shiftable between open and closed conditions, and an active material actuator.

Abstract: An interlocking seal assembly includes a panel having a first side and a second side and defining a hole. The seal assembly also includes an outer seal and an inner seal. A shaft extends through the outer seal, the inner seal, and the hole. The outer seal is mounted with respect to the panel such that the outer seal contacts the first side of the panel and thereby forms a first face seal around the hole. The inner seal is mounted with respect to the panel such that the inner seal contacts the outer seal and thereby forms a second face seal around the hole. The inner seal contacts the second side of the panel and thereby forms a third face seal around the hole.

Abstract: A method and system of navigating a vehicle is provided. The method includes activating a navigational system that provides guidance to a destination point of interest (“POI”). The method also includes providing a database that stores at least one familiar POI and a plurality of standard POIs. The standard POIs represent stock locations. The method includes receiving a signal indicating a current geographical position of the vehicle. The method also includes determining if the current geographical position of the vehicle requires a maneuver within a specified distance. The method also includes selecting a plurality of proximate POIs. The proximate POIs are a portion of the standard POIs located within a proximate distance to a location where the maneuver will occur. The method includes comparing the familiar POI with the proximate POIs. The method includes determining if the familiar POI matches one of the proximate POIs.

Abstract: A tool measures the vertical distance and lateral distance between a brake pedal pad and an accelerator pedal pad. A base plate lies atop the brake pedal pad. A first measuring plate is mounted on the base plate for movement laterally toward and away from the accelerator pedal pad. A second measuring plate is mounted on the first measuring plate for movement laterally with the first measuring plate to engage a lateral edge of the accelerator pedal pad and for movement vertically to engage with a top surface of the accelerator pedal pad. First measuring indicia provided on the base plate and the first measuring plate reads the lateral distance between the brake pedal pad and the accelerator pedal pad. And a second measuring indicia provided on the first measuring plate and the second measuring plate reads the vertical height between the brake pedal pad and the accelerator pedal pad.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a rear flap, pivotable about a horizontal axis, to which a sensor, operating in a contactless manner, is associated, which on an approach to an obstacle present in the pivoting range of the rear flap actuates a device that prevents or interrupts the pivoting of the rear flap.

Abstract: Copper conductor members or other copper-based workpieces are welded using a suitable copper alloy material that is reactive with the joining surfaces of the copper members. The reactive metal material may be applied as a thin metal foil strip between assembled facing joining surfaces. The members are pressed together against the reactive material and electrical resistance heated in forming the weld. Practices are adapted for forming many such welds in the pairs of facing ends of conductor bars or wires assembled, for example, in slots in a stator for a vehicle traction motor. Practices are disclosed for shaping and automated placement of suitably sized and shaped foils of reactive metal. Practices are also disclosed for use of a resistance welding tool in aligning and heating the many pairs of conductors to be welded.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a crashbox is provided. The motor vehicle includes a side member, a bumper, and a crashbox that connects the bumper to the side member. A wall of the crashbox in section along a section plane extending in longitudinal direction of the crashbox has waves. The amplitude of the waves in longitudinal direction of the crashbox is variable.

Abstract: A detection apparatus is provided for detecting a carrier of a mobile transceiver relative to a vehicle, which is provided in a vehicle, that includes, but is not limited to a transmitting/receiving device, which is configured to communicate with a mobile transceiver to be detected, an environment sensor device for detecting information on the environment of the vehicle, an evaluation device, which is configured, depending on the communication and the detected information, to determine a type of carrier of the mobile transceiver and an impending collision of the carrier of the transceiver with the vehicle, and a control device, which is configured in such a manner as to control a device of the vehicle depending on the determined type of carrier in order, in the event of an impending collision of the carrier of the mobile transceiver with the vehicle determined by the evaluation device.

Abstract: A rear attachment unit is provided for a motor vehicle body having a support and at least one connecting part connected thereto for fastening to a rear-end support structure of the body. The connecting part can be connected to the support structure by way of at least one fastening section and includes, but is not limited to a deformation structure with a geometrical shaped design for the absorption of mechanical forces.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for the operating assistance of a driver of a convertible vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to receiving weather data, for a predeterminable surroundings of a current position xa, ya of the vehicle and/or for a predeterminable surroundings along a current route from the current position of the vehicle to a destination, and generating a warning, as soon as the following conditions are satisfied: the roof is in the open state, or the roof is in the closed state and the roof is brought into the transition state, and in the forecast period at least one value of the forecast precipitation probability is greater than the limit value nG.

Abstract: A tubular frame structure is provided for a three-wheeled motor vehicle with an top upper frame extending in the vehicle longitudinal and vehicle transverse direction, and with a lower frame extending in vehicle longitudinal direction and vehicle transverse direction, which is structurally connected with the upper frame via several connecting tubes extending substantially in the vehicle vertical direction, to form at least one energy absorption structure.

Abstract: A cylinder head is provided for an internal combustion engine, defining a plurality of exhaust ports and an exhaust outlet and an exhaust manifold internally defined by the cylinder head. The exhaust manifold includes, but is not limited to, a collector volume in communication with the exhaust ports, through a plurality of exhaust runners, and with the exhaust outlet. A turbocharger housing is defined by the cylinder head and includes, but is not limited to a turbine volume internally defined by the cylinder head in fluid communication with the exhaust outlet of the exhaust manifold.