Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.

Abstract: A device for fixing a housing (1), especially a housing pertaining to a motor vehicle battery, to a carrier plate (3). The device consists of a fixing bracket (4) and a separate fixing element (9). The fixing bracket (4) is fixed or moulded onto a edge of the carrier plate (3) projecting past the housing (1), and comprises a vertical limb (5) which extends at a distance from the housing wall, parallel to the same. The separate fixing element (9) is inserted into the intermediate region between the housing wall and the vertical limb (5) of the fixing bracket (4), and is wedged fast therein. According to the invention, the housing (1) can be fixed to the carrier plate (3) with few, simple movements and without using a tool. All parts of the fixing device can be reused if the housing (1) needs to be replaced. No scrap or other waste elements are accumulated, thus also solving the recycling problem.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide incremental automotive transportation to a person wearing a pair of identical motorized shoes. Each shoe houses in its sole an assembly of electrically powered set of wheels clasped over longitudinally by a conveyor from heel to toe. The assembly, skewed at an adjustable angle from the longitude towards the instep, is initially in an elevated no-contact position with an underlying surface. When lowered and switched on, the assembly operates and transports the shoe forward, which is in contact with the surface through it only. The assembly is designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt its operation during walking while the sole is equipped to provide stability by absorbing impacts. Further, multiple assemblies can be housed in one sole wherein some of them can be tilted, twisted, reflexively twisted, recessed and all have electronic sensors. Additionally, all electro-mechanical operations can be remote and computer controlled.

Abstract: A hydrostatic propulsion system includes a hydrostatic circuit fluidly connecting left front and right front motors in parallel with an outlet of a pump, left rear and right rear motors in parallel with an inlet of the pump, left front motor and right rear motor in series, and the right front motor and left rear motor in series. A valve system has a first relief valve line providing flow from a right rear motor inlet side to a left rear motor inlet side, and a second relief valve line providing flow from a left rear motor inlet side to a right rear motor inlet side. A first check valve line provides flow from a right rear motor outlet side to the right rear motor inlet side, and a second check valve line provides flow from a left rear motor outlet side to the left rear motor inlet side.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a battery that is shaped to expand or otherwise modify the space available within an operator's compartment. As a result, operator accommodations may be satisfied within the space requirements of the vehicle. The present invention further provides an industrial vehicle having an adjustable feature, such as a repositionable operator's seat and/or repositionable control element or operator control surface, and a shaped battery that enables or otherwise corresponds with the repositioning capability of the adjustable feature.

Abstract: A drive train is proposed for a motor vehicle which is driven by an internal combustion engine, having a single friction clutch which has an input element and an output element, wherein the input element is to be connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine; a step-by-step variable speed transmission which has an input shaft connected to the output element of the friction clutch; and an electric machine which can be connected via a clutch to an output shaft of the step-by-step variable speed transmission in order to be able to apply traction force to the output shaft when the friction clutch is opened or closed, and which can be connected as a starter generator to the crankshaft in order to start the internal combustion engine or be driven by the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell for generating electric power by electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and a hydrogen tank which stores pressurized hydrogen to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell, the fuel cell and the hydrogen tank being arranged at an underfloor region of the vehicle. Based on the detection results in a side G sensor arranged on the side of the fuel cell and a rear G sensor arranged on the side of the hydrogen tank, a side air bag device is made expandable and a cut-off valve and a contactor are operated to cut off.

Abstract: A child transport air filtering system comprising: a child transport device; an air filtering device removeably coupled to the child transport device; a power supply removeably coupled to the child transport device, and removeably coupled to the air filtering device.

Abstract: A vehicle having a transmission for transmitting a torque from a drive machine to drive wheels, with the transmission having an transmission output shaft and a transmission input shaft, in which the torque can be transmitted from the drive machine to the transmission output shaft, and having an electrical machine which has a rotor and a stator, which means being provided in order to connect the electric-motor torque of the electrical machine optionally to the transmission input shaft or to the transmission output shaft.

Abstract: A battery cooling system includes a depression-shaped battery accommodating section formed at a bottom surface of a floor panel of a vehicle and dented to side of a passenger compartment so as to accommodate therein a battery. An introduction device is disposed in front of the battery in a vehicle traveling direction, to introduce travel air flow into the battery accommodating section. Here, the battery is accommodated within the battery accommodating section in a condition where a bottom surface of the battery is located at a level above or at a substantially same level as a level of a bottom surface of the vehicle which bottom surface is around the accommodating section. Additionally, the battery includes a plurality of thin cells which are electrically connected with each other, and disposed in a posture that a major surface of each thin cell extends substantially parallelly with the vehicle traveling direction.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel system for an automotive vehicle includes a gaseous fuel storage tank and an associated pressure sensor for monitoring pressurized gas contained within the storage tank. A parameter-driven routine monitors the integrity of the tank by tracking filing cycles marked by the increase of the tank pressure from a first threshold to a second threshold. Mitigation actions may be taken in the event that the filling cycles exceed a predetermined number, or in the event that other system integrity monitoring indicates that mitigation is in order.

Abstract: In the case of mounting a liquid storage tank or an intake air resonator on a substantially frame-shaped resin shroud panel (1) with an opening (11d) in which a radiator (2) is disposed, the shroud panel (1) is integrally formed at its both lateral sides with body fastening parts (12, 12) which will be fastened to right and left front side frames (4, 4), respectively, and the body fastening parts (12, 12) are integrally formed on their outsides in the vehicle width direction with casing placement parts (15a, 16a) on which will be placed a casing (15) for a liquid storage tank and a casing (16) for an intake air resonator in proximity to the body fastening parts (12, 12), respectively.

Abstract: A reconfigurable medical workstation enables efficient arrangement of medical equipment used to provide care to a specific patient. The workstation contains a comportment space that can be divided into compartments as needed to house the medical equipment. The compartment configurations can be uniquely created to house the specific medical equipment for the patient. Because the needs of patients are different and require different kinds of medical equipment the compartment configuration for one patient can be different in the present invention from the compartment configuration for another patient.

Abstract: A stroller apparatus for exercising the arms and a portion of an upper torso of a user includes a seat to receive and support a rider. A frame is coupled to the seat to support the seat in an elevated position above a ground surface. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the frame. A crankshaft is rotatably coupled to the frame and releasably engages a pair of the wheels. The crankshaft rotates the associated pair of the wheels when the crankshaft is rotated with respect to the frame and engages the associated pair of the wheels. A pair of handle assemblies is operationally coupled to the crankshaft and pivotally coupled to the frame. One of the handle assemblies pivots in a direction opposite the other one of the handle assemblies in a substantially scissor like motion to rotate the crankshaft with respect to the frame.

Abstract: Heat exchanger systems for go-karts include a heat exchanger and a plenum that channels air to the heat exchanger to increase cooling efficiency while reducing drag. The plenum has an intake with an area less than a cross-sectional area of a portion of the plenum where the heat exchanger is located to allow velocity air pressure to decrease while increasing static air pressure. The plenum and heat exchanger may be located at various sites on the go-kart including in front of the driver position, beside the driver position, and behind the driver position. Additionally, a centrifugal fan may be included in the plenum to increase the velocity air pressure to overcome internal losses. Also, a plenum body portion may be included on the rear side of the heat exchanger to channel air away from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A skateboard apparatus wherein a torsion bar containing an inner pipe, outer pipes and flexible, rubber inserts therebetween assist the user in determining the direction and speed of the skateboard. The torsion bar is connected to platforms on which the user places his feet, and the underside of said platforms contain casters which enable the skateboard and its user to move in linear or non-linear directions as desired with just one initial push from the ground.

Abstract: An adjustable patient transport system transports a patient in a comfortable, safe manner by allowing the operator to adjust the head support portion of the apparatus to suit the patient's height. The adjustable patient transport system broadly comprises a patient transport chair having an adjustable back comprising a seat portion, back portion, head support portion, rear leg portion, front leg portion, and material roller system. The back portion comprises an outer frame having a hollow insert and a cloth backing adapted to support a patient's back; the head support portion comprises an inner frame adapted to be received in the hollow insert of the outer frame. The head support portion further comprises a horizontal cross bar having adjustable support material fixedly attached thereto connecting to the material roller system. The adjustable patient transport system can be folded for convenient storage.

Abstract: An exhaust control apparatus for a motorcycle includes an exhaust collection pipe, which collects and combines exhaust gas from a plurality of exhaust pipes, and an exhaust valve. The exhaust valve is operatively attached to the collection pipe and controls flow of exhaust gas within the collection pipe. A pivot shaft of the exhaust valve is situated at an angle and is displaced from the centers of the exhaust pipes, such that the shaft is not aligned with the centers of the exhaust pipes. This arrangement of the pivot shaft provides a smooth, non-turbulent flow of exhaust gas, and reduces impedance to the flow of exhaust gas. The exhaust control apparatus may be mounted to reside within a recess formed in a motorcycle body frame, to reduce vehicle width.

Abstract: A retractable running board assembly is mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The running board is selectively extendable between a retracted position, which is close to the vehicle's frame, a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle and a roof-access position, higher and outward from the entrance position. A selectively-operable driving mechanism actuates a link to extend and retract the running board. When the driving mechanism is not operated, each link resists actuation and holds the running board in a fixed position relative to the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mudguard for motor vehicles in general, comprising an external body (10) and an intrados (17) between which a curved cavity (16) extending from a front sector to a rear sector of the mudguard is defined, with reference to the wheel (2, 3) where it is mounted. The mudguard is further provided with a manifold (18) and a pair of deflectros (19, 20) which convey air into the cavity, so as to evacurate the water sprayed by the vehicle wheels and preventing sprays towards the outside.