Abstract: A system for determining an energy-optimum route for a vehicle to take between an origin and a destination includes a computer onboard the vehicle. A global positioning system (GPS) transceiver is also onboard the vehicle for receiving vehicle position data from the satellite. The computer access a database containing both topographical map information and vehicle energy consumption data, and based thereon the computer determines and displays an energy-optimum route. The computer can also display information regarding nearby refueling stations. Also, the vehicle energy consumption data can be modified as appropriate based on the operation of the vehicle, to account for the particular vehicle's actual fuel consumption characteristics.

Abstract: A device for controlling the magnitude of torque transmitted from a torque supply source to an output drive device utilizing a contained electrorheological fluid medium. A pair of wetted surface plates, each operably connected to one of the supply and drive device via a shaft, are immersed in the fluid medium. Electrical energy is applied to the fluid to cause a pseudo-solid to form between the plates thereby facilitating the transmission of torque.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering driving mechanism is provided for a vehicle having a front wheel steering system and a rear wheel steering system. The drive mechanism includes an input link adapted to be operatively connected to the front wheel steering system for translation thereby whenever the front wheel steering system is activated and an output link adapted to be operably connected to the rear wheel steering system to selectively transmit front wheel steering system activity to the rear wheel system.