Abstract: In a four-wheel steering system for a wheeled vehicle, a rear-wheel steering mechanism includes an input shaft drivingly connected at its front end to a front-steering wheel mechanism through a mechanical linkage, a lateral relay rod arranged perpendicularly to the input shaft and being drivingly connected to the input shaft to be rotated in accordance with a rotation angle of the input shaft, the relay rod having an intermediate portion formed thereon with a screw groove containing therein a plurality of balls and being operatively connected at the opposite ends thereof to a pair of dirigible rear road wheels, a ball nut assembled with a rear end of the input shaft and having an axial bore formed with a screw groove containing therein the balls, the ball nut being coupled over the intermediate portion of the relay rod through the balls to effect axial displacement of the relay rod in accordance with rotary motion of the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for absorbing mechanical shock is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber having first and second portions operable to store damping fluid. The apparatus further comprises a first sensor for generating a first electrical signal in response to the difference in pressure between the damping fluid in the first and second portions of the working chamber. A second sensor is also provided which is able to generate a second electrical signal in response to the movement of the body of the automobile. A computer is used for generating an electrical control signal in response to the first and second electrical signals. Finally, the apparatus further comprises a solenoid for regulating the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber in response to the output of the computer.

Abstract: An air-bag device includes an air-bag proper mounted to a center pad of a steering wheel, the air-bag proper having therein upper and lower portions with respect to a condition wherein the air-bag proper is practically expanded; an inflator having gas blow openings exposed to the interior of the air-bag proper, the inflator generating gases which are to be blown into the air-bag proper through the gas blow openings; a trimmed cover covering the air-bag proper in a folded up condition; an ignitor for actuating the inflator to generate the gases; and a unique structure for restricting a flowing of the gases toward the upper part of the air-bag proper.

Abstract: A suspension cylinder control system for motor vehicles for preventing a body roll occurring when a vehicle is rounding a curve at a high speed, a nose dive on braking, and a nose up occurring when a dumping body is raised in an unloading position, and also for acquiring the optimum suspension characteristics in accordance with a vehicle load and speed. The control system comprises suspension cylinders 4 mounted between a vehicle body 1 and right and left front and rear wheels 2, 3; a pressure sensor 6 which detects the inside pressure of these suspension cylinders; a steering angle sensor 7 of a steering wheel 5; a brake sensor 8; a vehicle speed sensor 9; a dump lever position sensor 14; and a controller 10 which receives signals from these sensors and outputs a damping force changeover signal to an air solenoid valve device 11 which controls a damping force changeover actuator 12 of the suspension cylinders in accordance with the input signal.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension system for a vehicle has a hydraulic cylinder-piston device connected between the vehicle body and each of the wheels, and a plurality of gas springs which exert a spring force according to the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber of the cylinder-piston device. Each gas spring has a fluid chamber and a gas chamber which are defined in a casing and are separated from each other by a movable partition wall, and the fluid chamber is communicated with the hydraulic chamber of the hydraulic cylinder-piston device. The upper end portion of the piston rod is supported by the vehicle body by way of a mount. The piston rod is provided with a fluid passage which axially extends through the piston rod and the lower end of which opens to the hydraulic chamber of the cylinder-piston device. A support member is fixed to the piston rod at an upper portion below the mount.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping the movement of the body of an automobile. The apparatus includes a shock absorber having a pressure cylinder which forms a working chamber and a first and second portion. A first sensor is used to generate an electrical signal in response to the pressure differential between the damping fluid stored in the first and second portions of the working chamber. A second sensor is used for determining the movement of the body on the automobile. An electrical control module is used for generating an electrical control signal in response to the outputs of the first and second sensors. Finally, the solenoid is used for regulating the flow of damping fluid between the first and second portions of the working chamber.

Abstract: In an automotive four-wheel steering system having a control unit for operating in response to various sensors associated with the front-wheel and rear-wheel steering systems to control the steering of the rear wheels. The control unit includes a first sensor for detecting front-wheel steering force or front-wheel assist (power) steering force, or cornering force occurring in the front wheels, a second sensor for detecting front-wheel steering speed, and a sensor abnormality determination device for operating, when a difference occurs between the values detected by the first sensor and the direction of the front-wheel steering speed detected by the second sensor, to indicate that an abnormality has occurred in either of the first or second sensors. Thus fail-safe operation is assured.

Abstract: In a damping force control system for switching over a shock absorber in the suspension of a vehicle from a low damping force operation to a high damping force operation when a vehicle height difference exceeds a determinate limit value, the shock abosrber is switched over from the low damping force operation to the high damping force operation after the lapse of a delay period so that the shock absorber is continually maintained at the high damping force operation from a time point at which the vehicle height difference generally reaches a peak amplitude of its variation for a time duration which is increased as a peak amplitude of the vehicle height difference exceeding the determinate limit value increases.

Abstract: An an actively controlled suspension system includes a fail-safe system which is associated with a pressure control valve and detective of failure of a control circuit to perform fail-safe operation. The fail-safe system operates the pressure control valve in response to failure of the control circuit, to fix the valve position corresponding to a working fluid pressure in a working chamber defined in a suspension cylinder disposed between a vehicular body and a suspension member rotatably supporting a vehicular wheel, at a pressure value at or in the vicinity of a predetermined initial or neutral pressure.

Abstract: A medically equipped mini-ambulance for use in providing emergency medical treatment and in transporting the injured and sick from a remote site to a medical treatment facility is disclosed. A material transport is adapted to accommodate emergency and scene lighting, housings for medical equipment and supplies, patient cot platform, attendant chair, and convertible roof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for motor vehicles in the form of an impact protection arrangement, wherein the pot-shaped housing of the sensor for the activation of the ignition device of the gas generator, has a form fitting with the flange of the gas generator housing, and is attached to it in such a way that part of the gas generator housing is contained in the sensor housing, thereby forming an air gap which is electromagnetically shielded against interfering influences. An example embodiment is described and shown in the figures of the drawings.

Abstract: An accelerometer for sensing velocity changes particularly suited for passenger restraint systems in a motor vehicle for the deployment of an air bag includes a housing with contact blades and a contacting element. The contacting element is arranged to move toward the contact blades when a deceleration exceeding a threshold level is sensed. A retaining element is provided to set the blades in a preselected position so that the blades are contacted by the contacting element simultaneously thereby improving the response time of the accelerometer.

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: A digital suspension for a wheeled vehicle incorporates digital hydraulic actuators at each wheel and includes a system for sensing lateral and longitudinal accelerations of a body portion of the vehicle and the position of each wheel relative to the body provides this information to a computer. The computer computes the forces required at each wheel and controls the digital hydraulic actuator at each wheel by adjusting in increments the force applied at each actuator between the wheel and the body to maintain the body portion of the vehicle in a substantially stable position.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a suspension arm. The outer end portion of the suspension arm is connected to a wheel support for rotatably supporting a wheel. The inner end portion of the suspension arm is bifurcated and has first and second branch arms spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Each of the inner end portions of the first and second branch arms is supported by a slide member so that the inner end portion is slidable relative to the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the same. A coil spring is provided for at least one of the first and second branch arms and urges forward the suspension arm. A stopper defines the foremost position of the suspension arm which is urged forward by said coil spring.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for monitoring the operability of at least a pair of pyrotechnic transmission lines connected to an actuatable safety device. The apparatus includes a conduit in the form of an optical fiber, which extends through one pyurotechnic transmission line, through the actuatable safety device, and through the other pyrotechnic transmission line. One end of the conduit is coupled to a signal source for receiving a signal from the signal source. The signal is directed through the conduit. A sensor coupled at the other end of the conduit senses receipt of the signal directed through the conduit. If the sensor senses the signal directed through the conduit has decreased to or below a predetermined level, then an indicator operates to warn of a break or interruption in at least one of the pyrotechnic transmission lines.

Abstract: An accelerometer for sensing velocity changes particularly suited for passenger restraint systems in a motor vehicle for the deployment of an air bag includes a housing with contact blades and a magnetically biased contacting element. The contacting element is arranged to move toward the contact blades when a deceleration exceeding a threshold level is sensed. The contact blades are spaced away from each other so that one is bent toward the other by the contacting element to form a direct electrical path, thereby deploying the restraint system.

Abstract: A tiltable steering device comprises a support bracket fixed to a vehicle body, a steering column having one end pivotally secured to the support bracket by means of first horizontal shafts, a first engaging member fixed to the underside of the steering column and having a lower surface projecting downward in an arcuate form centered at the axis of the first horizontal shafts and having first engaging teeth formed on the downwardly projecting lower surface thereof, a second engaging member pivotally supported at its one end on a second horizontal shaft provided on the support bracket and provided with second engaging teeth provided on the upper edge of the other end thereof and engageable with the first engaging teeth; and a hanger plate rockable to cause the first and second engaging teeth to be brought into and out of engagement with each other and having a slot formed in one end thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for modifying motor vehicle frames to provide for the installation of drive line components that are different, heavier or larger than the drive line components originally installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle or drive line components that were not originally present in the vehicle. Accessory hangers to provide support for those, different, heavier, larger or additional drive line components are attached to the frame without adversely affecting the structural integrity of the frame. The accessory hangers are easily removable to provide for the reinstallation of the original drive line components. The engine compartment is enlarged when necessary by providing spacers between the body of the vehicle and the frame to enlarge the height of the engine compartment.

Abstract: A passive safety harness for use in a vehicle comprises a safety belt portion one end of which is attached to a retractor reel and the other end of which is attached to a carriage movable along a rail formed in the door of the vehicle. The carriage carries a tongue which is received in a latching or locking element secured to the vehicle so as to ensure that in an accident situation the end of the belt attached to the carriage is securely retained in the desired position. The locking mechanism comprises a safety belt buckle which is pivotally mounted in position, but which normally occupies a position in which the plane of the buckle is parallel with the plane of the rail to enable the tongue to be easily inserted into the buckle. However, the arrangement is such that in the event that an accident arises the buckle can pivot so that the force applied to the buckle by the safety belt is axial of the buckle, the buckle being designed primarily to withstand forces in this particular direction.