Abstract: A vehicle launch control system for a vehicle (10) comprising an input for receiving an indication signal to indicate that vehicle launch is imminent; a sensor system (12, 22) configured to determine a terrain characteristic of the terrain in the path of the vehicle if the indication signal is received; and a processing module (33) configured to determine whether the terrain characteristic is likely to result in an unwanted level of wheel slip if the vehicle is launched, wherein the processing module (33) is further configured to provide an output to indicate that an unwanted level of wheel slip will occur based on the outcome of the determination.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for use in a vehicle for determining the terrain type in proximity to a vehicle. The system comprises a processor configured to receive primary output data from at least one vehicle-mounted sensor, and secondary output data from a secondary data source; and a data memory configured to store pre-determined primary data relating primary output data for the at least one vehicle-mounted sensor to a particular terrain type, and store at least one data set relating to one or more terrain types. The processor is configured to compare the primary output data with the pre-determined data to determine an indication of the particular terrain type corresponding to the primary output data, and compare the secondary output data with a data set corresponding to the indication of the particular terrain type.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for use in a vehicle for determining an indication of the type of terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle. The system comprises a processor arranged to receive acoustic sensor output data from at least one vehicle-mounted acoustic sensor, the or each acoustic sensor being arranged to receive a reflected signal from the terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle, the processor also being arranged to calculate at least one acoustic parameter in dependence on the acoustic sensor output data. The system also comprises a data memory arranged to store pre-determined data relating the at least one acoustic parameter to a particular terrain type. The processor is arranged to compare the at least one acoustic parameter with the pre-determined data to determine an indication of the particular terrain type based on the acoustic sensor output data only.

Abstract: A vehicle launch control system for a vehicle (10) comprising an input for receiving an indication signal to indicate that vehicle launch is imminent; a sensor system (12, 22) configured to determine a terrain characteristic of the terrain in the path of the vehicle if the indication signal is received; and a processing module (33) configured to determine whether the terrain characteristic is likely to result in an unwanted level of wheel slip if the vehicle is launched, wherein the processing module (33) is further configured to provide an output to indicate that an unwanted level of wheel slip will occur based on the outcome of the determination.

Abstract: A system for use in a vehicle for determining an indication of the type of terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle, the system comprising; means configured to receive sensor output data from at least one sensor on the vehicle; means configured to determine a plurality of parameters in dependence on the sensor output data; a neural network algorithm configured to receive the plurality of parameters; and means configured to execute the neural network algorithm to provide a plurality of outputs corresponding to a plurality of different terrain types, the neural network being further configured to associate the plurality of parameters with one of the plurality of outputs, so as to determine an indication of the terrain type.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for use in a vehicle for determining the terrain type in proximity to a vehicle. The system comprises a processor configured to receive primary output data from at least one vehicle-mounted sensor, and secondary output data from a secondary data source; and a data memory configured to store pre-determined primary data relating primary output data for the at least one vehicle-mounted sensor to a particular terrain type, and store at least one data set relating to one or more terrain types. The processor is configured to compare the primary output data with the pre-determined data to determine an indication of the particular terrain type corresponding to the primary output data, and compare the secondary output data with a data set corresponding to the indication of the particular terrain type.

Abstract: A system for use in a vehicle determining the type of terrain ahead of the vehicle, the system comprising; a processor configured to receive sensor output data from a plurality of vehicle-mounted sensors, including at least one radar sensor and at least one acoustic sensor, each for receiving a reflected signal from the terrain ahead of the vehicle; and a data memory configured to store pre-determined data relating sensor output data, for the or each acoustic sensor and the or each radar sensor, to a terrain type; wherein the processor is configured to compare the sensor output data with the pre-determined data to determine an indication of the terrain type corresponding to the sensor output data.

Abstract: The invention relates to determining the presence of flowing water (B) in the vicinity of a vehicle. It relies on a pair of sensors (6a) emitting periodic signals, receiving reflected signals and comparing them to each other to determine the presence of flowing water in the area surrounding the vehicle. Another approach relies on a single sensor and analyses perturbations in the signal of said sensor. Preferably, the invention uses sensors already installed, namely parking sensors and a radar.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a system for aiding driver control of the vehicle when the vehicle is wading in a body of water, the system comprising a measurement apparatus for determining a measured depth of water in which the vehicle is wading. The measurement apparatus is positioned and arranged relative to the vehicle such that the measured depth is indicative of the depth of water in a first measurement region relative to the actual vehicle. The processor is coupled to the measurement apparatus and is configured to calculate an estimated water depth in dependence upon the measured depth and in dependence upon the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A system for use in a vehicle for determining an indication of the type of terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle, the system comprising; means configured to receive sensor output data from at least one vehicle-mounted sensor (12, 22) which is configured to receive a reflected signal from the terrain; means configured to calculate at least two parameters from the sensor output data; means configured to convert the at least two parameters to a data point for a cluster model comprising a plurality of clusters of pre-determined data points, wherein each cluster corresponds to a different terrain type; and means configured to define to which one of the clusters the data point belongs, so as to determine an indication of the terrain type.

Abstract: A filter device for a conduit includes a gas-permeable pre-filter element and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable filter element. The filter device is configured to be fluidly coupled to a conduit such that a gas can flow, in sequence, through the pre-filter element, the filter element and then the conduit. The filter device can be used in each of a vehicle hollow driveshaft and a hollow wheel stub axle forming a CV joint having a compressed air supply line which passes therethrough. Compressed air can be supplied via the air supply line without the need for an additional fluid transfer device fluidly connecting the driveshaft and the stub axle's conduits.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the ground speed of a vehicle, comprising a plurality of sensing systems each of which is configured to provide a respective data source indicative of the ground speed of the vehicle; a controller configured to receive each of the data sources from the plurality of sensing systems; wherein the controller is configured to arbitrate between the received plurality of data sources from the plurality of sensing systems, determine a ground speed parameter from one of the data sources, and output the ground speed parameter for use within the vehicle. The invention also resides in a method for determining the ground speed of a vehicle and a computer program product that embodies said method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for use in a vehicle for determining an indication of the type of terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle. The system comprises a processor arranged to receive acoustic sensor output data from at least one vehicle-mounted acoustic sensor, the or each acoustic sensor being arranged to receive a reflected signal from the terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle, the processor also being arranged to calculate at least one acoustic parameter in dependence on the acoustic sensor output data. The system also comprises a data memory arranged to store pre-determined data relating the at least one acoustic parameter to a particular terrain type. The processor is arranged to compare the at least one acoustic parameter with the pre-determined data to determine an indication of the particular terrain type based on the acoustic sensor output data only.

Abstract: A vented gaiter (6) for mounting to a shaft (4) comprises: a rim (34) defining an opening (33) for receiving the shaft (4); and a separate venting element (40). The venting element (40) is disposed within said opening (33). The shaft (4) is received in the opening (33), and the rim (34) is mounted to the shaft by means of a circular clamp (22). The venting element (40) is thus retained in place between the shaft (4) and the rim (34) and allows any air accumulated inside a CV joint enclosure (28) formed by the gaiter (6) when the gaiter (6) is mounted to the shaft (4) to vent axially according to a direction substantially parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. The venting element (40) comprises a gas-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane (41).

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the ground speed of a vehicle comprising, two or more vehicle-mounted sensors including at least one radar sensor and at least one acoustic sensor, wherein the or each of the vehicle-mounted sensors is associated with a respective vehicle subsystem, a controller for calculating the ground speed of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to receive a data input from the or each vehicle-mounted sensor, to calculate a ground speed value based on the received data input and to provide ground speed output data signal to one or more client systems of the vehicle. The invention also resides in a method for determining the ground speed of a vehicle and a computer program product that embodies said method.

Abstract: A vehicle having a wading sensor may include a control unit adapted to implement an alternative or modified vehicle control strategy during wading. The wading strategy may change many vehicle functions, alone or in combination, and may be further responsive to depth of wading.

Abstract: A system for use in a vehicle for determining an indication of the type of terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle, the system comprising; means configured to receive sensor output data from at least one sensor on the vehicle; means configured to determine a plurality of parameters in dependence on the sensor output data; a neural network algorithm configured to receive the plurality of parameters; and means configured to execute the neural network algorithm to provide a plurality of outputs corresponding to a plurality of different terrain types, the neural network being further configured to associate the plurality of parameters with one of the plurality of outputs, so as to determine an indication of the terrain type.

Abstract: A gaiter (4) for a lubricated joint (1) comprises a sidewall structure (9) defining an enclosure (5) for receiving a lubricant and a passageway (24) for conveying a gas. In use, the passageway (12) conveys gas in isolation from said enclosure (5). Gaiters (4) in accordance with the invention find application in vehicle central tire inflation systems (CTIS).

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a driver display on which is displayed an advisory maximum wading speed according to the current wading depth of the vehicle. The advisory speed is in one embodiment displayed on the vehicle speedometer. The display may also include an elevation of a vehicle on which is indicated one or more of maximum wading depth, current wading depth and vehicle inclination.

Abstract: A wading sensor for a vehicle comprises an ultrasonic parking distance control. An embodiment detects wading by sensing the difference in the settling time of the diaphragm of a transmitter/receiver, in water and in air. Other embodiments are disclosed.