Abstract: A system and method for controlling the amount of torque generated by at least one torque generating device in a vehicle is provided. A vehicle layer transmits arbitrated torque request signals indicative of first and second amounts of torque and at least one torque reservation request signal indicative of whether the vehicle is in an anticipated vehicle dynamic state or in a non-anticipated vehicle dynamic state. A coordination layer controls the torque generating device to generate the first amount of torque in response to the arbitrated torque request signal and the torque reservation request signal indicating that the vehicle is in the non-anticipated vehicle dynamic state. The coordination layer controls torque generating device to generate the second amount of torque in response to the arbitrated torque request signal and the torque reservation request signal indicating that the vehicle is in the anticipated vehicle dynamic state.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating vehicle lateral velocity. The method uses a kinematic estimator constructed as a closed-loop Leunberger observer. The kinematic estimator is based on a kinematic relationship between lateral acceleration measurement and rate of change of lateral velocity. The method provides measurement updates based on virtual lateral velocity measurements from front and rear axle lateral force versus axle side-slip angle tables using the lateral acceleration, yaw-rate, longitudinal speed, and steering angle measurements. The method calculates front and rear axle lateral forces from the lateral acceleration and yaw-rate measurements. The method estimates front and rear axle side-slip angles from the calculated front and rear axle lateral forces using the tables.

Abstract: A power steering system is disclosed herein that includes an electronic control unit that determines a set-point value for a damping moment in the power steering system. The system also includes a first sensor connected to the control unit and operable to determine a sign of a steering angle. The sign of the steering angle refers to a clockwise angle from dead center being designated as positive or negative and a counter-clockwise angle from dead center being assigned the other designation. The system also includes a second sensor connected to the control unit and operable to determine the sign of a steering wheel angular velocity. The sign of the steering wheel angular velocity refers to movement of the steering wheel in the clockwise direction being designated as positive or negative and movement in the counter-clockwise direction being assigned the other designation.

Abstract: In a motorcycle engine, an air-intake port is opened upwardly, a throttle body is arranged so as to be inclined toward the front, and an idle-adjusting apparatus having an idle-adjusting lever is arranged at a position above a cylinder head and close to a cylinder head cover. The idle-adjusting lever is arranged at a relatively high position where a driver's hand reaches easily, thereby improving operability thereof. A fuel injection apparatus integrally includes the throttle body, an injector, and the idle-adjusting lever. The idle-adjusting lever is ergonomically arranged at a position substantially surrounded by the cylinder head cover, the throttle body and the injector, such that the idle-adjusting lever is arranged in a compact space, by which a compact layout of the engine is achieved.

Abstract: An adaptive control VGR steering system that varies the steering gear ratio between a vehicle hand-wheel angle and the road wheel angle based on vehicle speed and one or more of hand-wheel angle, driver attentiveness and a driver's driving style and skill.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission mountable to a frame of a vehicle for driving a left side or right side drive wheel. A motor portion of the transmission can extend outwardly from the frame and a pump portion can extend upwardly from the frame. The motor portion can be configured to be at least partially received within a wheel for direct mounting of the wheel to an output shaft of the motor. The pump portion can include an input shaft extending from a lower side thereof for connection to a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A differential steering control system and method for a machine includes a motor for steering the machine in a leftwards or a rightwards direction, a continuously variable transmission for moving the machine in a forwards or a backwards direction, and a control unit connected to the motor and the continuously variable transmission. The control unit determines the speed of the continuously variable transmission and based upon the determined speed, modifies a speed of the motor in order to achieve/maintain a desired turn radius for the machine.

Abstract: In a straddle type of vehicle having a fuel tank (30) with a built-in fuel pump (42), the fuel pump (42) is placed in the fuel tank (30) with the pump axis (A) directed nearly in the vehicle width direction. The straddling type of vehicle is provided that a nearly horizontal surface portion (31b) is formed on the bottom of the fuel tank (30) and the fuel pump (42) is placed on the nearly horizontal surface portion (31b) with the pump axis (A) directed nearly in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Handlebars for a motorcycle and a system for mounting the handlebars on the front fork tubes of the motorcycle. When mounted on the motorcycle, the handlebars extend the line of the fork tubes to terminate laterally in handgrips. The handlebars provide the illusion that the front fork tubes continue upwardly through the upper triple tree to form the handlebars. The handlebars and mounting system comprise a pair of handlebars attached to a base plate that anchors flush into a recess in the upper triple tree. The handlebars and mounting system provide means for concealing wiring, bolts, nuts, stem and fork tube plugs from sight while retaining the functionality of the handlebars.