Abstract: One embodiment includes a vehicle defined by a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal axis between the sides. The vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle supporting wheels consisting of a first wheel proximate the first side, a second wheel proximate the second side, and a plurality of tertiary wheels. The first and second wheels are not symmetrical with one another, nor with any tertiary wheel, across the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Electric vehicle charging methods, battery charging methods, electric vehicle charging systems, energy device control apparatuses, and electric vehicles are described. In one arrangement, an electric vehicle charging method includes receiving information regarding charging of an electric vehicle with energy from an electric power grid, determining an amount of energy stored by an energy storage device coupled to the electric power grid, and controlling a transfer of the energy stored by the energy storage device to the electric power grid using the information regarding the charging of the electric vehicle. Other arrangements are described.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, motors configured to input and output power, a power distribution integration mechanism, and a transmission. The power distribution integration mechanism has a sun gear connected with one of the motors, a carrier connected with the other motor, and a ring gear connected with the engine. The transmission includes a first speed change mechanism and a second speed change mechanism. The first speed change mechanism has a first speed gear train and a third speed gear train arranged to connect the carrier of the power distribution integration mechanism with a driveshaft. The second speed change mechanism has a parallel shaft-type gear train that is not used alone to set the speed ratio.

Abstract: When an accelerator opening Acc is equal to or more than a threshold value A2 upon a shift from a N position to a D position, a target torque T* is set to gradually change in comparison with when the accelerator opening Acc is less than the threshold value A2 based on a torque demand Trq corresponding to the accelerator opening Acc and a time constant T or a gradual change restriction until a satisfaction of a release condition. An Engine 22, motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled so as to ensure a driving torque equivalent to the target torque T*.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a hybrid vehicle capable of changing an amount to be charged to an electric power storage device in accordance with whether it is externally charged. The hybrid vehicle includes a control device inquiring of an occupant of the vehicle whether the occupant has an intention to go to a charging location for example at home. If so, the control device sets a target value for the electric power storage device's amount of a state (SOC) to have a value smaller than when the occupant does not have an intention to go to the charging location. This allows as much energy as possible to be received at the charging location and a vehicle can thus be obtained that less depends on an internal combustion engine and contributes to environmental protection.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a control system for a hybrid vehicle in which, even if during traveling of the hybrid vehicle, a battery defect arises in a high-voltage power source, battery-less emergency traveling can be achieved over a sufficiently long distance, and the steering assist force can be effectively prevented from changing rapidly during traveling. The control section includes high-voltage power source defect processing unit. During execution of a mode in which the high-voltage power source, is reduced so that the reduced voltage is supplied to an electric power steering device (EPS), when a defect occurs in the high-voltage power source, the high-voltage power source defect processing unit shifts to a mode in which the low voltage of a low-voltage power source is increased so that the increased voltage is supplied to the EPS. The high-voltage power source defect processing unit then disconnects the high-voltage power source and the driving circuit from each other.

Abstract: A fan unit for an agricultural machine includes a fan housing configured to define a plurality of fan chambers. Each fan chamber of the plurality of fan chambers has a respective air inlet port and a respective air outlet port. A shaft is rotatably mounted to the fan housing. The shaft has an axis of rotation that intersects the plurality of fan chambers. A plurality of fans is attached to the shaft for rotation with the shaft. Each fan of the plurality of fans is located in a separate respective fan chamber of the plurality of fan chambers.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension kinetic energy recovery system generates useful energy from the up-and-down motion of a vehicle suspension caused by roadway irregularities as the vehicle travels down the roadway. In one embodiment, a piston-type pump mounted between the frame and the suspension charges a high-pressure accumulator for driving hydraulic motors, e.g., power windows, power seats, alternator, etc. In another embodiment, electricity is generated directly by a conductor moving with respect to magnetic field as a result of the up-and-down motion of the vehicle suspension. In yet another embodiment, an air compressor mounted between the frame and suspension compresses air for storage in a pressure tank and, thereafter, to power pneumatic devices.

Abstract: A motor vehicle multi-stage integrated brake assist (MSIBA) system, which can provide at least one brake assist level of a plurality of predetermined levels of brake assist (i.e., deceleration) less than or greater than the required amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) calculated by the MSIBA to avoid a collision with an obstacle at the time the driver initiates braking, but allows the driver to increase or remove the provided predetermined level of brake assist.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprises a base; a seat mounted to swivel relative to the base; and a console having first and second segments, the first segment mounted to swivel with the seat relative to the base and the second segment being mounted to remain in fixed position as the seat and first console segment swivel. The console's two segments lie in a generally common horizontal plane and are separated by an arcuate spacing so that the first segment is located proximate the operator and the second segment is located distally of the operator. This arrangement of the seat assembly components allows the seated operator to rotate in the seat through a substantial arc, with the first console segment rotating as well while the second console segment remains stationary.

Abstract: A vehicle has an engine, an accelerator for controlling the rotary speed of the engine, an axle and a multi-speed transmission for transmitting power from the engine to the axle. The multi-speed transmission includes an odd-numbered speed drive train for an odd-numbered speed level, a first clutch for the odd-numbered speed drive train, an even-numbered speed drive train for an even-numbered speed level, and a second clutch for the even-numbered speed drive train. In correspondence to operation of the accelerator and an actual speed of the axle, either the odd-numbered speed drive train or the even-numbered speed drive train is selected so as to transmit power from the engine to the axle. A shift-up or shift-down timing between the odd-numbered speed level and the even-numbered speed level relative to variation of the actual speed of the axle is changed according to detection of a tilt angle of the vehicle or a weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering system is provided for controlling the turning angle of the steering wheels of a vehicle. The steering system includes two electro-hydraulic circuits each including an actuator, both actuators being mechanically coupled and acting simultaneously on the turning angle of the wheels. A first circuit is displacement-controlled relative to a position set point while a second circuit is stress controlled. The set point applied of the second circuit includes a component developed from the filtering of the position set point applied to the first circuit.

Abstract: A middle frequency horn and high frequency horn assembly having a straight pathway with a shared unitary terminus defined by shared side walls which approach a perpendicular angle compared to the horn axis. The two air columns are separated and partially defined by an internal horizontal baffle in which the top and bottom surfaces are angled to decrease in vertical separation in both upward and downward directions starting from the vertical distance between the respective throat openings and decreasing in separation while progressing toward the mouth, where the angled surfaces intersect and terminate the baffle substantially proximate to the horn mouth.

Abstract: A method is provided for making localized decisions and taking localized actions to achieve a global solution. In an embodiment of the present invention, acoustic impedances for impedance-tunable acoustic segments are adjusted. A first acoustic segment through an N-th acoustic segment are defined. To start the process, the first acoustic segment is designated as a leader and a noise-reducing impedance is determined therefor. This is accomplished using (i) one or more metrics associated with the acoustic wave at the leader, and (ii) the metric(s) associated with the acoustic wave at the N-th acoustic segment. The leader, the N-th acoustic segment, and each of the acoustic segments exclusive of the leader and the N-th acoustic segment, are tuned to the noise-reducing impedance. The current leader is then excluded from subsequent processing steps.

Abstract: In a vehicle exhaust device, rear wheels are disposed outside of rear side members extending in a vehicle front-rear direction. Opening portions are formed at side portions, in the vehicle width-direction, of a rear bumper. Diffusers extending into the rear bumper are mounted in the opening portions. Mufflers are disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle with axes of the mufflers extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and tail pipes connected to rear end faces of the mufflers are inserted into the diffusers while spaced from inner peripheries of the diffusers. The mufflers are disposed on rear sides of the rear wheels in the vehicle front-rear direction with outer peripheral faces of the mufflers protruding outside the rear side members in the vehicle-width direction, and with the rear end faces of the mufflers facing front end opening portions of the diffusers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement muffler that includes an improved inlet configuration having first and second sequential chambers with a perforated central pipe passing longitudinally through a central region of both chambers for directing the exhaust gases into the third chamber in which the deflection element is deployed. Additionally, the partition separating the first and second chamber has a hole that enables some of the gas to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber not through the central pipe.

Abstract: The acoustic muffler comprises a hollow body (10) defining at least one muffler chamber (11) which carries a gas inlet duct (20) and a gas outlet duct (30), at least one of the parts defined by the hollow body (10), by the gas inlet duct (20) and by the gas outlet duct (30) defining a gas passage (P) provided with at least one impurity filter (40) presenting a mesh surface (41) larger than that defined by the contour of the cross-section of said gas passage (P) and projecting to at least one of the sides of said cross-section.

Abstract: A sound-insulation component for a rigid structural member, of the type including a mass-spring system (12) includes at least one layer of a heavy mass (16) and one layer defining a spring (14), and a sound absorption system (18) with two layers having different air-flow resistances. The structural member is a metal sheet, the mass-spring system (12) is provided on one side of the rigid structural member (10), and the sound absorption system (18) is provided on the other side of the rigid structural member (10). The first layer (22) among the two layers of the sound absorption system (18) consists of a non-woven fabric having an adjustable air-flow resistance. Application in the sound insulation of automobiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety apparatus and process for use by a workman in the installation of roofing truss and roofs on buildings and especially to a fall protection safety apparatus for securing a worker during installation of a roof.

Abstract: A collapsible platform assembly for an extension ladder is disclosed that can be used to support the top of an extension ladder with respect to a roof. The collapsible platform assembly includes a platform that is rotatably connected to a rung of an extension ladder near the top. In a storage or retracted position, the platform is generally co-planar with the ladder; i.e fits between the side rails of the extension ladder. In a use position, the platform can be extended and directly supported by the roof, either flat against a roof or alternatively at an acute angle relative to the roof. Since the platform is configured to be directly supported by the roof, the platform acts as a rigid support for the top of the ladder which does not deflect under load as there is an even weight transfer from the ladder to the platform in use.

Abstract: A portable worker safety frame provides many of the benefits of a loading dock while enhancing worker safety. In one implementation, the safety frame provides a walking surface of adjustable height that may be placed adjacent to an arbitrary work surface of a transportation vehicle. The safety frame can provide a walking platform that has a similar length as the cargo bed itself, yet is portable by such conventional means as the forks of a lift truck. The portable worker safety frame also provides an overhead safety rail to which each worker may attach a safety harness cord.

Abstract: The oil pan arrangement of a motor vehicle has an oil pan in particular for a gearbox as well as an oil drain plug for closing a drain opening of the oil pan. On an exterior side of the oil pan, at least one rotation stop for the oil drain plug is arranged.

Abstract: A method for counting the pallets or loads moved by a lift truck using internal sensors is disclosed. The lift truck includes a weight sensor for weighing a load, a height sensor, for measuring a height of the forks, and a distance sensor for determining whether the vehicle has moved. When the data from each of these sensors exceeds a corresponding minimum value, a vehicle control system increments a pallet counter. A count of the number of pallets moved is therefore maintained without the need for tracking specific pallets of for adding expensive components and devices.

Abstract: A system continuously drives an elevator hoist motor during normal and power failure conditions. A regenerative drive delivers power from a main power supply to the hoist motor during normal operation. A rescue operation circuit includes a backup power supply and is operable in the event of a failure of the main power supply to disconnect the regenerative drive from the main power supply and connect the back up power supply to the regenerative drive to provide substantially uninterrupted power to the hoist motor.

Abstract: In an elevator system, an operation of a car is controlled by an operation control section. When a specific user in the car is certified by personal authentication of a personal authentication section after a landing call registration operation is performed by a user through a landing call operation section provided on a landing, the operation control section counts registered specific floors present in a traveling direction of the car according to the landing call registration operation in the registered specific floors based on registered floor information received from the personal authentication section, and performs a destination floor registration with the registered specific floor being a destination floor of the car if the number of the counted registered specific floors is one.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle in which the amount of energy collected by regenerative braking is increased and a decrease in reliability is prevented is provided.

Abstract: A piston valve assembly for a damper includes: a core assembly including a solenoid coil; an upper plate on the core assembly, the upper plate including a first through; a lower plate under the core assembly, the lower plate including a second through hole; and a flux ring surrounding the core assembly, the upper plate and the lower plate, the flux ring including a plurality of slots on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a shock absorber configured to couple a distal end of a piston rod of the shock absorber to a vehicle body includes a body having a recess formed therein, the recess configured to receive a bush assembly, a flange extending from the body, and at least one lateral reinforcement rib formed between the flange and the body to reinforce the bracket.

Abstract: A damping force variable valve includes a retainer having a main body connected at a central portion thereof to a high pressure part or portion of a shock absorber and having an outer peripheral region enlarging outwardly, and a spool rod integrally extending from the central portion and formed at a center thereof with a hollow portion having a spool inserted therein. The variable valve further includes a main disc disposed adjacent the retainer, a solenoid unit provided adjacent the spool rod and including a push rod for moving the spool when electrical power is applied, and an operating block installed adjacent the solenoid unit and including an enlarged portion coupled to the outer peripheral region of the main body.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a portable computing device carrier can include: (a) a first section, the first section having: (1) a top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side, the top portion, the bottom portion, the front portion, the back portion, the interior side, and the exterior side defining a computing device carrier cavity, the computing device carrier cavity sized to removably receive and accommodate the portable computing device; and (b) a second section, the second section having: (1) a top portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first section to form a carrier top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side, the second section sized to accommodate one or more personal items. The interior side of the first section is removably attached to the interior side of the second section. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.

Abstract: Electrical equipment EE arranged in the roof of an electrically driven railway vehicle, said vehicle being equipped with at least one pantograph (2) and a roof line L conveying the current, received from an catenary line (1), from the connection to said pantograph (2) to the electrical driving devices (4) of the vehicle, said electrical equipment EE comprising a circuit-breaking device (3) for protecting said electrical driving devices and being arranged on a mechanical support (40), characterised in that said electrical equipment EE comprises a measuring device DM comprising at least means (33) for measuring the amperage of the current transmitted from the catenary (1) to the roof line L, which means are arranged on said mechanical support (40), and in that said electrical equipment EE comprises a computer (D) which controls the actuation of said circuit-breaking device (3).

Abstract: A twin clutch system for a transmission, particularly for a twin clutch transmission, including at least two clutches each having a clutch cover to which at least one disengaging system that actuates the clutches is fastened. According to the invention, a fastening element is provided that couples both coupling covers.

Abstract: A clutch device of an oil pump in a power steering system includes a pulley shaft coupled with a pulley connected with a crankshaft of an engine via a belt, a body shaft coupled with a rotor rotatably installed in a pump body and provided with a vein, clutch plates provided in the pulley shaft and the body shaft, and transmitting a rotation power of the pulley shaft to the body shaft or blocking the rotation power therebetween, an elastic member provided in the body shaft, a check valve installed on a supply port connecting an airtight space, a solenoid valve installed on a return port connecting the airtight space in the pump body with an input port through which oil is supplied to the pump body, and a controller to control the operation of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a friction part for a frictionally acting device, having an annular friction face which has an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein at least one set of grooves is provided in the friction face, which set of grooves has a first groove which extends from the inner edge or the outer edge to a branching point between the inner edge and the outer edge, and a second and third groove which extend in each case from the branching point to the other edge. According to the invention, the second groove is inclined in the one peripheral direction and the third groove is inclined in the other peripheral direction of the direction face with respect to a radial line through the branching point. The present invention also describes a frictionally acting device having a frictions part of said type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical sprung anti-backoff device, capable of fixedly immobilizing or releasing a manual control handwheel (4) and a motor acting on one and the same rotation shaft, comprising a cylindrical spring (7, 16), a cylinder (9, 17) mounted so as to rotate on the rotation shaft, said spring being able to rotate with said cylinder, the turns of the spring being in contact with the surface of the cylinder and its ends being capable of coming into contact with said handwheel. The ends of the spring (7, 16) are curved inward or outward, said handwheel (4) may act on the curve of one or other of the ends of the spring (7, 16), and the rotation of the spring (7, 16) is limited by a stop acting against one or other of the ends of the spring. Application to manual control and motorized control valves, on fluid pipes.

Abstract: Coin lock comprising a lock housing (1) with two coin openings (2, 3) for insertion of coins (A, B) which enable operation of the coin lock, a bolt piece (8) which is connected to a bolt (9) and is arranged in the lock housing and able to move between a forward and a rear position, and a first and a second coin sensing device, each of which comprises a first (31, 31?, 34-, 34?) and a second (32, 32?, 35, 35?) carrier device to carry a coin with a predetermined minimum diameter, inserted through one of the coin openings, and a hook (14, 15) which; in absence of a coin with the predetermined minimum diameter, borne by the carrier device, and engaging with the bolt piece, prevents the bolt piece from being moved to the forward position, and which, in the presence of a coin with the predetermined minimum diameter, borne by the carrier device, allows the bolt piece to be moved into the forward position.

Abstract: Coin lock comprising a lock housing, a coin opening part (1) with a coin opening having an oblong cross section perpendicular to the direction of inserting the coin, for introducing a coin into the lock housing, and a coin limiting arrangement which is designed to prevent a coin with a diameter bigger than a defined maximum diameter from being introduced into the lock housing through the coin opening. The coin limiting arrangement comprises a blocking element (5, 50, 51) which can be inserted from the outside into the coin opening and which comprises first engaging units which are designed, in engagement with second engaging units arranged at the coin opening part, to enable a detachable fixation of the blocking element in the coin opening at various positions along the lengthways direction of the coin opening's cross section.

Abstract: A device for conveying a workpiece from a processing station and/or to a processing station, has a gripping device with gripping jaws which reach over the workpiece and move it along a conveying device from the processing station and/or to a processing station; the gripping jaws which reach over the workpiece are situated on a carrier in such a manner that the distance between them is adjustable, and at least one processing tool for the workpiece is also situated on the carrier.

Abstract: A diverter assembly for conveyor systems that moves in a substantially linear direction in and out of the path of loads on the conveyor system.

Abstract: Various exemplary systems and methods provide for the smooth conveyance of an article and transfer of an article on or off a conveyance path. In one example, a system comprises a first conveyance path having two ends, in which the conveyance path includes a plurality of conveyance rollers arranged to convey the article from the first end to the second end, and at least one of the rollers is configured to rotate at a first rate to drive the article. The system further comprises a transition mechanism disposed proximate to the second end of the first conveyance path. The transition mechanism includes a transition wheel positioned to receive the article from the second end, and the transition wheel is configured to be driven at a second rate that is coordinated with the first rate.

Abstract: This invention is a low profile, over-under conveyor with two continuously moving chain loops that form upper and lower tracks on which flexible work platforms ride. Each flexible platform includes two or more spaced metal slats joined by a thin flexible band. The slats include shoes that rest on and frictionally engage the moving chain loops. When one of the platforms reaches the end of one track, the flexible platform frictionally engages and compresses a pneumatic drive wheel and flexes to negotiate a low profile inversion and return on the other track. This allows the conveyor to handle long work platforms, while having a relatively low profile. Asynchronous accumulation and release of the freely moving flexible work platforms is accomplished using stop cylinders mounted inside the frame of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for feeding articles to a packing machine are disclosed. A conveyor belt is arranged prior to the belt feeder of the packing machine. The conveyor belt has at least two single lanes which are spatially separated from each other. A first sole driving motor allocated to the conveyor belt. A triggering mechanism connects the first driving motor with the single lanes of the conveyor belt so that the single lanes are driveable with different speeds.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus, which conveys a large-sized substrate and saves space, is provided. The vacuum apparatus of the present invention comprises pluralities of lower rollers, pressing rollers and pressing mechanisms. Since the substrate is sandwiched by the lower rollers and the pressing rollers at a position between the conveying roller and the conveying roller, the substrate does not fall down. The substrate contacts the pressing rollers and pushes the pressing roller back, and is sandwiched between the pressing roller and the lower roller, so that the substrate is not damaged when sandwiched.

Abstract: An apparatus for segregating electronic components that engages and stops each of a plurality of electronic packages passing down a singulation tube is disclosed. In addition, the segregating apparatus is cable of segregating the electronic packages even though some of them had been linked together during the sealing process. The segregating apparatus includes a first swing arm to clip a electronic component, a second swing arm to clip another electronic component, and a third swing arm to depart the two electronic components, where all of components of the segregating apparatus are driven by a single driving force, reducing the size of the apparatus and the time needed for the segregating process.

Abstract: A conveyor device is formed with roller units arranged continuously on conveyor frames (10, 10?). Each of the roller units includes a rotating body (110) having a cylindrical part (111) rotatably supported around a predetermined axis (A) and being rotationally driven, a roller (120) rotatably supported by an outer periphery of the cylindrical part to carry an object being conveyed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, a pair of thrust plates (140, 150) arranged so as to be capable of pressing both side surfaces of the roller while holding the roller therebetween and rotating integrally with the cylindrical part; and a pressing force adjusting mechanism (160, 170, 180, 190) arranged inside the cylindrical part to adjust a pressing force with which the paired thrust plates press the roller while holding the roller therebetween.

Abstract: A package stream indexer device for indexing a stream of packages being displaced thereon within a stream plane includes a first articulated track with live rollers and a second articulated track with depending pressure wheels for maintaining packages in contact with the first track and within the package path defined there between within the stream plane. The first and second articulated tracks are each composed of a plurality of interconnected links frictionally engaged together to allow adjustment in track orientation from one set position to another by means of dynamic movement on the track.

Abstract: A linear axle for contactless energy transmission has a belt with an electrical conductor, a movable carriage and a circuit that is movable with the carriage and which is electrically connected with the conductor. In addition, a locationally fixed circuit and an inductive coupling device are provided to inductively couple electrical energy from the locationally fixed circuit into the conductor of the belt.

Abstract: An alignment system for a conveyor having a conveyor belt trained over rollers on a conveyor frame, is provided and includes pivoting members each mounted on a corresponding support bracket, the pivoting members configured for supporting tracking rollers at corresponding tracking roller shaft ends, each shaft end pivotally and non-rotatably attached to corresponding pivoting members by a rotating bushing mounted in a corresponding pivoting member; and a guide control bar having two ends being pivotally connected at each end to a corresponding torque arm connected to the corresponding pivoting member. The bar includes guide rollers positioned at both edges of the conveyor belt for lateral control of the belt.

Abstract: A dust tight closed type belt conveyor for conveying dust contained materials to be scattered out during operation; which comprises the conveyor belt supported in a form of concave by a plurality of rollers and a plurality of glide plates and also the bulged cover roof closing the upside space over the conveyor belt, so that all make a dust tight and closed conveying space extending in the driving direction. Further, the belt conveyor is preferably provided with a system for avoiding the belt meandering motion causing a harder dust scattering.

Abstract: A conveyor chain comprising a plurality of substantially identical alternate elongated metal main links, each of which have a longitudinally extending opening therein which define U-shaped pivot pin receiving portions at the opposite ends thereof. A non-metallic U-shaped insert is positioned in each of the U-shaped pivot pin receiving portions. The chain also includes alternate pairs of substantially identical upper and lower metal links between the main links with metal pivot pins interconnecting the main links and the upper and lower links. The metal pivot pins are received by the U-shaped inserts. Modified forms of the pivot pins and inserts are also disclosed.