Abstract: Plate members 17 are respectively rested on first and second tables IA and IB relatively movable toward and away from each other. The plate members 17 are caused to abut against reference positioning members 16a and 16b of reference positioning devices protruded ahead of and over opposing ends 1? of the tables IA and IB so that opposing ends of the plate members 17 are positioned in protrusion ahead of the opposing ends 1? of the tables IA and IB, and the plate members 17 are positioned laterally. Then, the positioned plate members 17 are locked on the tables IA and IB. After the reference positioning devices are retracted, the tables IA and IB are relatively moved toward each other to cause the opposing ends of the plate members 17 to abut together for formation of weld line X.

Abstract: Plate members 17 are respectively rested on first and second tables 1A and 1B relatively movable toward and away from each other. The plate members 17 are caused to abut against reference positioning members 16a and 16b of reference positioning devices protruded ahead of and over opposing ends 1? of the tables 1A and 1B so that opposing ends of the plate members 17 are positioned ahead of the opposing ends 1? of the tables 1A and 1B, and the plate members 17 are positioned laterally. Then, the positioned plate members 17 are locked on the tables 1A and 1B. After the reference positioning devices are retracted, the tables 1A and 1B are relatively moved toward each other to cause the opposing ends of the plate members 17 to abut together for formation of weld line X.

Abstract: It is made possible to position plate members to be butt-welded for formation of weld line in a small amount of time so as to enhance working capacity of butt welding. Plate members 17 are respectively rested on first and second tables 1A and 1B relatively movable toward and away from each other. The plate members 17 are caused to abut against reference positioning members 16a and 16b of reference positioning devices protruded ahead of and over opposing ends 1? of the tables 1A and 1B so that opposing ends of the plate members 17 are positioned in protrusion ahead of the opposing ends 1? of the tables 1A and 1B, and the plate members 17 are positioned laterally. Then, the positioned plate members 17 are locked on the tables 1A and 1B. After the reference positioning devices are retracted, the tables 1A and 1B are relatively moved toward each other to cause the opposing ends of the plate members 17 to abut together for formation of weld line X.

Abstract: It is made possible to position plate members to be butt-welded for formation of weld line in a small amount of time so as to enhance working capacity of butt welding. Plate members 17 are respectively rested on first and second tables 1A and 1B relatively movable toward and away from each other. The plate members 17 are caused to abut against reference positioning members 16a and 16b of reference positioning devices protruded ahead of and over opposing ends 1? of the tables 1A and 1B so that opposing ends of the plate members 17 are positioned in protrusion ahead of the opposing ends 1? of the tables 1A and 1B, and the plate members 17 are positioned laterally. Then, the positioned plate members 17 are locked on the tables 1A and 1B. After the reference positioning devices are retracted, the tables 1A and 1B are relatively moved toward each other to cause the opposing ends of the plate members 17 to abut together for formation of weld line X.

Abstract: In a four wheel steering system, the rear wheel turning mechanism is connected to the front wheel turning mechanism by way of a rear wheel turning angle ratio changing mechanism which is mechanically connected to both the front wheel turning mechanism and the rear wheel turning mechanism and transmits the mechanical displacement input thereinto from the front wheel turning mechanism to the rear wheel turning mechanism to drive the same by an amount the ratio of which to the amount of mechanical displacement input into the rear wheel turning angle ratio changing mechanism gives a predetermined rear wheel turning angle ratio. The rear wheel turning angle ratio changing mechanism is controlled in such a way that, when the front wheels are turned from the neutral position in a middle vehicle speed range, makes the rear wheel turning angle ratio negative for a moment immediately after initiation of turning of the front wheels and thereafter turns the same positive.

Abstract: Two support members which are supported swingably to the vehicle body through the medium of the support axis extending in up and down direction are provided at the vehicle body end portions of two left and right suspension arm members connecting left and right rear wheels to the vehicle body. Lever parts are extended from the support members toward the opposing direction to each other and are interconnected by a link member. One of the two support members is driven by one actuator for rotation around an support axis, whereby left and right two suspension arm members move in vehicle widthwise direction, opposite to each other, and in synchronism with each other and thus left and right rear wheels are steered symmetrically in toe-in direction or toe-out direction.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering system includes a front wheel turning mechanism which turns the front wheels in response to the turning of the steering wheel, a rear wheel turning mechanism which turns the rear wheels in response to the turning of the steering wheel, and a power steering mechanism. The rear wheel turning mechanism changes the rear wheel turning angle ratio, which is the ratio of the rear wheel turning angle to the front wheel turning angle on the basis of predetermined rear wheel turning angle ratio characteristic curve. A selecting switch selects one of a plurality of rear wheel turning angle ratio characteristic curves according to the running condition of the vehicle and causes the rear wheel turning mechanism to change the rear wheel turning angle ratio on the basis of the rear wheel turning angle ratio characteristic curve selected. The assisting force of the power steering mechanism is changed according to the rear wheel turning angle ratio characteristic curve selected by the selecting switch.

Abstract: A reference position detection method of a vehicle rear wheel steering apparatus in the present invention, is provided with steps of setting an input shaft and the yoke assembly at arbitrary angular positions rotating the input shaft by an arbitrary angle to pass a neutral angular position measuring a rotational angle .theta. of the input shaft and a moving amount .delta.1 of an output rod assembly upon rotation of the input shaft rotating the yoke assembly to pass a neutral angular position so that the output rod assembly is stroke-moved by a moving amount -.delta.1 from a stroke position defined by the moving amount .delta.1 of the output rod assembly rotating the input shaft by an angle -.theta. after rotating the yoke assembly, and measuring a moving amount .delta.2 of the output rod assembly; and determining, as a reference position of the yoke assembly, an angular position obtained by rotating the yoke assembly from the rotated state of the input shaft so that the output rod assembly is displaced by -.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with both a traction control system which reduces driving torque for driving wheels of the vehicle when the driving wheels slip, and an active suspension system which has a cylinder disposed between the vehicle body and each of the wheels of the vehicle and in which suspension properties can be changed by controlling feed and discharge of the hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinders. A control gain of the active suspension system is increased when the traction control system is operating.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an active suspension mechanism for providing a rolling property of a vehicle in a cornering operation of the vehicle and a suspension control device for controlling the vehicle in accordance with the rolling property provided by the active suspension mechanism and changing from one rolling property to another. A rear wheel steering mechanism steers a rear wheel in connection with steering of a front wheel, and a steering control device controls the steering of the rear wheel in accordance with a predetermined steering property and changes the steering property for the rear wheel. One of the steering property and the rolling property is changed in synchronism with a change in the other of the steering property and the rolling property.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering device for a vehicle which is provided with a rear wheel steering shaft which steers rear wheels by its displacement, a neutrally holding means which constantly biases the rear wheel steering shaft to the neutral position, a motor which is linked with the rear wheel steering shaft and changes the steering angle ratio which is a ratio of the rear wheel steering angle to the front wheel steering angle by displacing the rear wheel steering shaft and an oil pressure assist means which assists displacement of the rear wheel steering shaft by the motor by oil pressure force. This device is further provided with oil pressure supply means which supplies oil pressure to the oil pressure assist means and oil pressure control means which, when working the motor at the initial check, controls the oil pressure supply means to make the oil pressure assist means supply oil pressure to the oil pressure assist means before working of the motor.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering system includes a front wheel turning mechanism which turns the front wheels in response to the turning of the steering wheel, a rear wheel turning mechanism which turns the rear wheels in response to the turning of the steering wheel, and a power steering mechanism. The rear wheel turning mechanism changes the rear wheel turning angle ratio, which is the ratio of the rear wheel turning angle to the front wheel turning angle, on the basis of predetermined rear wheel turning angle ratio characteristic curves. The assisting force of the power steering mechanism is changed when the rear wheel turning mechanism fails.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying device for a diesel engine comprising an outer casing accommodating a catalyst-carrying honeycomb having a dustfree structure, and a baffle plate arranged in the outer casing of the device between an gas inlet of the case and the catalyst-carrying honeycomb. The honeycomb structure has open cells having a size equal to or less than 100 cells per square inch, to allow particles to pass therethrough. The baffle plate directs the exhaust gas over surface of the catalyst-carrying honeycomb, with a uniform distribution thereof.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering device for a vehicle has a steering control mechanism which steers rear wheels of the vehicle on the following formula:TG.theta..sub.R =-K.sub.F .multidot..theta..sub.F +K.sub.R .multidot.V.multidot..psi.whereTG.theta..sub.R : target steering angle of rear wheels.theta..sub.F : steering angle of front wheelsV: vehicle speed.theta.: yaw rateK.sub.F, K.sub.R : coefficients determined by the properties of vehicle.To achieve slip angle .beta.=0, the device further includes a vehicle condition detecting mechanism which detects various conditions of the vehicle, and a changing mechanism being connected with the steering control mechanism and the vehicle condition detecting mechanism for changing at least one of the coefficients K.sub.F, K.sub.R based on the conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rear wheel turning mechanism in a four wheel steering system includes a rear wheel turning rod which is connected to the rear wheels of the vehicle and is adapted such that it can be displaced and thereby turn the rear wheels. An electric motor is operatively connected to the rear wheel turning rod and the steering wheel and displaces the rear wheel turning rod, thereby causing the rear wheels to turn in response to operation of the steering wheel. A rear-wheel-neutralizing spring urges the rear wheel turning rod to the neutral position in which the rear wheels are held in the straight-ahead position. A pair of clutches are interposed in series between the electric motor and the rear wheel turning rod and are adapted such that they disconnect the latter from the former, which permits the latter to return to the neutral position under the force of the rear-wheel-neutralizing spring.

Abstract: Rotaton of a steering wheel is transmitted to a steering ratio changing mechanism which displaces an output displacement member according to the steering wheel turning angle to obtain a desired steering ratio. A displacment transmission member transmits the displacement of the output displacement member to a valve member of a hydraulic switching valve and a wheel turning rod is displaced under the force of a hydraulic power cylinder in response to displacement of the valve member.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering apparatus for a vehicle consisting of a steering mechanism that includes a steering wheel. A front wheel turning mechanism is operatively connected to the steering mechanism to turn the front wheels according to the turning angle of the steering wheel. A rear wheel turning mechanism is operatively connected to the steering mechanism to turn the rear wheels in response to operation of the steering wheel. A hydraulically operated power assist is connected with the rear wheels turning mechanism. A rear wheels steering ratio changing mechanism is provided for changing the ratio of the turning angle of the rear wheels with respect to the turning angle of the steering wheel. A return mechanism is provided for returning the rear wheels to a neutral position. A valve mechanism drains the oil applied from an oil pump to the power assist mechanism. An engine stop mechanism is provided for stopping the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle four-wheel steering apparatus including a manually operated steering member and front and rear wheel steering mechanisms coupled with the steering member for producing steering movements in the vehicle front and rear wheels. The rear wheel steering mechanism includes a power assist actuated by an oil pump driven by the vehicle engine. A return spring returns the rear wheels to a neutral position when the power assist is off. A steering condition detector detects the condition of the rear steering mechanism. An engine output power increase mechanism increases the engine output power responsive to a control signal for increasing the engine output power when the rear steering mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering system has a front wheel turning mechanism for turning front wheels in response to operation of a steering wheel, a rear wheel turning mechanism for turning rear wheels, a controller for controlling the rear wheel turning mechanism to turn the rear wheels according to preset four-wheel steering characteristics and a relay shaft which is connected to the controller to transmit turning of the front wheels to the controller. The front wheel turning mechanism and the rear wheel turning mechanism are caused to bring the front wheels and the rear wheels to the respective straight-ahead positions while the relay shaft is disconnected from the controller. Then the controller is brought into the state corresponding to the straight-ahead positions of the front and rear wheels on the basis of the preset four-wheel steering characteristics. Thereafter, the relay shaft is connected to the controller.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering system for a vehicle in which the rear wheels of a vehicle are turned in response to the turning of the front wheels of the vehicle upon operation of a steering wheel. The rear wheel steering is derived from the front wheel steering by way of a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft is supported rotatably and for sliding movement in the axial direction by way of a bearing fixed on the vehicle body. A stopper ring is fixed on the transmission shaft a short distance forward from the bearing to limit the backward sliding of the transmission shaft.