Abstract: A method may be used to monitor the health of a belt in an elevator system. The belt may include first and second terminal ends, a plurality of conductive load carrier strands that extend between the first and second terminal ends, and a polymer material surrounding the strands. A measuring connection point may be located between a pair of adjacent carrier strands at each terminal end of the belt. The method may involve electrically connecting a measuring apparatus between the pair of strands at the measuring connection point at each terminal end and measuring an electrical characteristic at each connection point between at least one pair of strands. The electrical characteristic measured over the complete width of the belt gives a complete overview of the health of the belt, as a change in the measured electrical characteristic over time will be indicative of damage within one or more strands.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generation of lower-frequency tactile energy (e.g., vibration) of a vehicle system based on different signals. In one example, a method may include: acquiring an audio signal from an audio source and, responsive to acquiring the audio signal, generating a first motor input command for a first traction motor driving a wheel of a vehicle system; acquiring a vehicle tactile feedback signal from the vehicle system and, responsive to acquiring the vehicle tactile feedback signal, generating a second motor input command for the first traction motor; and acquiring a drive signal from a controller of a vehicle and, responsive to acquiring the drive signal, generating a third motor input command for the first traction motor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generation of lower-frequency tactile energy (e.g., vibration) of a vehicle system based on audio signals. In one example, a method may include acquiring an audio signal from an audio system, generating a motor input command, and applying the motor input command to at least a first traction motor and a second traction motor to create a resultant vibrational force.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generation of lower-frequency tactile energy (e.g., vibration) of a vehicle system based on audio signals. In one example, a method may include acquiring an audio signal from an audio system, generating a motor input command, and applying the motor input command to at least a first traction motor and a second traction motor to create a resultant vibrational force.

Abstract: A method may be used to monitor the health of a belt in an elevator system. The belt may include first and second terminal ends, a plurality of conductive load carrier strands that extend between the first and second terminal ends, and a polymer material surrounding the strands. A measuring connection point may be located between a pair of adjacent carrier strands at each terminal end of the belt. The method may involve electrically connecting a measuring apparatus between the pair of strands at the measuring connection point at each terminal end and measuring an electrical characteristic at each connection point between at least one pair of strands. The electrical characteristic measured over the complete width of the belt gives a complete overview of the health of the belt, as a change in the measured electrical characteristic over time will be indicative of damage within one or more strands.

Abstract: A scuff plate for a vehicle includes a sloped front side in physical contact with a cargo-area floor panel. The cargo-area floor panel can have a slope angle greater than zero in a downward direction and the sloped front side can have a ramp angle at least equal to the slope angle in an upward direction.

Abstract: A scuff plate for a vehicle includes a sloped front side in physical contact with a cargo-area floor panel. The cargo-area floor panel can have a slope angle greater than zero in a downward direction and the sloped front side can have a ramp angle at least equal to the slope angle in an upward direction.

Abstract: A pushbutton shifter interface is provided that includes a movable assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface also includes a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys and interfacing with one of the keys and an actuator actuating the movable assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate the pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface further includes a display showing a sensed position of the user relative to the plurality of pushbutton keys.

Abstract: A shifter interface is provided that includes a user interface panel. The shifter interface also includes a plurality of proximity sensors arranged to provide proximity switches on the panel, wherein the proximity switches form fixed input keys that are selectable by a user to enter an operating mode of the vehicle. The shifter interface further includes a controller processing signals generated by the proximity sensors to detect activation of one or more of the proximity sensors.

Abstract: A pushbutton shifter interface is provided that includes a movable assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface also includes a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys and interfacing with one of the keys and an actuator actuating the movable assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate the pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface further includes a display showing a sensed position of the user relative to the plurality of pushbutton keys.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for customizing the sound emitted from an automotive vehicle during operation. Specifically, the vehicle operator uses a controller to vary the sound emitted from the engine exhaust and intake or engine compartment sounds during vehicle operation. In addition, the operator can control the sound level, sound type and sound aspect in the vehicle interior or passenger compartment and the vehicle exterior. Further, the apparatus uses an active sound control system, such as those using microphones and speakers, to customize and/or tune the sound emanating from the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for making toothbrushes includes the steps of, providing a toothbrush, and providing an end-rounder secured to a support. The support is substantially fixed against movement. The toothbrush is moved towards the end-rounder such that free ends of bristles secured to a head of the toothbrush are rounded by the end-rounder.

Abstract: A component of a fluid-flow machine including a flow-deflecting device which is connected in a root region to a platform, the penetration of the flow-deflecting device with the platform being provided by a pressure-side profile line, a suction-side profile line, and a leading edge base point and a trailing edge base point, and the top view of the platform essentially exhibiting the shape of a parallelogram on which there is arranged a nose running in the circumferential direction, wherein a long side of the parallelogram is arranged as a tangent to the suction-side profile line.