Abstract: A vehicle receives sensor data from at least one of its sensors as it approaches an intersection and determines whether a traffic flow control device for the intersection is detected. When detected, a detected type, a detected state, or both of the traffic flow control device is determined. Using a type of the intersection, at least one of an existing type or an existing state of the traffic flow control device is determined, where the traffic flow control device is undetected or the detected type, the detected state, or both are determined with a detection confidence less than a defined level of detection confidence. The traffic flow control device is tagged with a label including its location and existing type, the existing state, or both within at least one control system for the vehicle. The vehicle is operated within vehicle transportation network using a control system that incorporates the label.

Abstract: A vehicle receives sensor data from at least one of its sensors as it approaches an intersection and determines whether a traffic flow control device for the intersection is detected. When detected, a detected type, a detected state, or both of the traffic flow control device is determined. Using a type of the intersection, at least one of an existing type or an existing state of the traffic flow control device is determined, where the traffic flow control device is undetected or the detected type, the detected state, or both are determined with a detection confidence less than a defined level of detection confidence. The traffic flow control device is tagged with a label including its location and existing type, the existing state, or both within at least one control system for the vehicle. The vehicle is operated within vehicle transportation network using a control system that incorporates the label.

Abstract: There is disclosed a modular assembly and method of forming the assembly. The assembly is particularly suitable as at least part of a front end of a transportation or automotive vehicle. The assembly preferably includes one or more plastic structures adhesively secured to one or more metal structures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a modular assembly and method of forming the assembly. The assembly is particularly suitable as at least part of a front end of a transportation or automotive vehicle. The assembly preferably includes one or more plastic structures adhesively secured to one or more metal structures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a modular assembly and method of forming the assembly. The assembly is particularly suitable as at least part of a rear end of a transportation or automotive vehicle. The assembly preferably includes one or more plastic structure adhesively secured to one or more metal structures.

Abstract: There is disclosed an air bag system and a method of forming the same. The system preferably includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion that are adhered to each other to form a laminate member. An air bag of the air bag system is preferably configured for opening the laminate member upon inflation of the air bag.

Abstract: There is disclosed an instrument panel assembly and a method of forming the same. The instrument panel assembly preferably includes one or more frames or structures that are at least partially formed of plastic. The assembly also preferably includes a reinforcement structure for assisting the instrument panel assembly in supporting a peripheral component such as a steering wheel column.

Abstract: A plastic pickup truck box fabricated from a plurality of separately molded sections, wherein each section is molded of a plastic material, and the molded sections are joined together with an adhesive, has advantages over conventional metal pickup truck boxes and plastic pickup truck boxes molded as a single piece. Advantages over metal pickup truck boxes include lighter weight, improved corrosion resistance, and improved impact resistance. Advantages over conventional one-piece plastic pickup truck boxes include lower production costs, lower shipping costs, and improved mechanical properties and durability.

Abstract: A plastic pickup truck box fabricated from a plurality of separately molded sections, wherein each section is molded of a plastic material, and the molded sections are joined together with an adhesive, has advantages over conventional metal pickup truck boxes and plastic pickup truck boxes molded as a single piece. Advantages over metal pickup truck boxes include lighter weight, improved corrosion resistance, and improved impact resistance. Advantages over conventional one-piece plastic pickup truck boxes include lower production costs, lower shipping costs, and improved mechanical properties and durability.

Abstract: Structure is provided for joining and bonding together two halves of a plastic upper body member which in turn are joined and bonded to a fiber reinforced lower member to comprise a monocoque vehicle assembly. The joint designs facilitate side-to-side and fore-and-aft alignment for quick and easy assembly of the upper body member to the lower member. Spacer surfaces are provided for controlling adhesive reservoirs between adjoining surfaces to facilitate positive bonding.

Abstract: A plastic monocoque body useful with small vehicles, such as lawn and garden tractors. A lower fiberglass reinforced plastic frame member is bonded to two upper body members to form a monocoque body. The assembly incorporates attaching, pivot and support structures for the engine, transaxle and drive wheels, steerable front wheels, steering mechanism, clutch and brake pedals and control linkages, shift and throttle controls and linkages, adjustable mower deck, adjustable seat and battery. Through utilizing the net shape manufacturing process, no metal skeleton is required, thereby reducing the expense and complexity of manufacture, assembly and paint operations.

Abstract: A horizontally extending plate-like member having a power source, transaxle and belt arrangement coupled thereto. The member mounts the power source, transaxle, and belt arrangement to a vehicle frame, and establishes a lever arm between first and second coupling means for transferring relatively small concentrated loads to the vehicle frame. The power source, transaxle, belt arrangement and member can be removed from the vehicle frame for service as a single unit or module.

Abstract: A mower deck within which a blade coupled with a vertical shaft rotates for cutting vegetation. The deck includes a generally horizontal central portion, and side walls downwardly extending from the central portion. The central portion and side walls form a compartment within which the blade rotates to cut vegetation. A vertically extending and generally cylindrical portion is formed integral with the central portion for operatively supporting the vertical shaft for rotation during mowing operation. Two bearings are positioned within the cylindrical portion for rotatably supporting the vertical shaft. A radially inwardly extending portion is formed within the cylindrical portion and is positioned between the bearings for vertically locating the bearings within the cylinder. The inwardly extending portion is formed integral with the cylindrical portion. The radially inwardly extending portion includes a plurality of vertically extending support ribs for vertically locating the bearings within the cylinder.