Abstract: A wheel for a pneumatic tire has a rim with one monolithic bead seat and a removable beat seat. The removable bead seat has two halves that embrace the rim and engage a groove to retain the tire. The removable bead seat may have a second lip either monolithically formed or as a part of a separate retainer that bolts to the bead seat. The wheel may be made from aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A wheel braking apparatus includes components that inhibit the rotation of a wheel when a ball bearing is placed in a braking position between a bearing wall of a non-rotating component and a bearing barrier of a hub interface component that is at least resistively connected to a hub of the wheel. In response to a wireless signal, the ball bearing is moved from a non-braking position and allowed to travel to a braking position between a bearing barrier of one side of a bearing groove and the bearing wall of the non-rotating component.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire according has an inner liner layer formed with an overlap splice at the end portions in the tire circumferential direction of a laminated sheet in which a film whose main component is thermoplastic resin and tie rubber are laminated, wherein a laminated sheet with at least one of the end portions in the tire circumferential direction having an edge line formed from straight lines continuously in the tire width direction exhibiting a zigzag shape of a triangular wave form is used as the overlap spliced laminated sheet.

Abstract: A metal cord is rubberized in situ by a rubber composition. The rubber composition includes an organic polysulphide.

Abstract: A tire cord fabric (1) which comprises alternate cords (2,3) with different tensile extensibilities is used as carcass reinforcement in radial pneumatic tires. The tire cord fabric (1) is formed by cords (2, 3) having different tensile extensibilities and is used as reinforcement in radial pneumatic tires to provide a sidewall area with an ondulated carcass structure.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire, comprising at least sidewall portions and rim guards each provided at the corresponding sidewall portion, wherein: in a cross section in the width direction of the tire assembled with a prescribed rim, an outer contour line, of the rim guard, situated on the outer side in the tire radial direction than the radially outermost peak of the rim guard has an arcuate configuration of which the center of curvature is located on the external side of the tire; radius of curvature R of the outer contour line is in the range of 5 mm?R?40 mm; and provided that H represents a distance in the tire radial direction measured from the radially innermost peak to the outermost position in the tire radial direction of a rim flange, 2 mm?H?40 mm.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread, sidewalls, clinches, beads, a carcass, and strips. Each bead includes a core, a first apex and a second apex, the carcass includes a carcass ply which is turned up around the core from the axially inner side toward outer side such that the carcass ply is divided into a main portion and a turn-up portion, each strip has radially inner edge positioned between the main and turn-up portions, the second apex is positioned between the turn-up portion and each clinch, each strip has outer edge positioned to correspond to or on inner side of a point of maximum width of the tire in radial direction, the second apex has outer edge positioned on radially inner side of the outer edge of each strip, and the second apex includes crosslinked rubber and has complex elastic modulus in range of from 60 MPa to 70 MPa.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless sensor for sensing temperature and pressure within a dual passage shell. The wireless sensor comprises a dual passage shell, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, a power supplying module, and a circuit board. The dual passage shell includes a cover, a base body, and a fixing receptacle. A receiving space is formed by assembling the cover and the base body. An air chamber is formed by disposing the fixing receptacle in the receiving space and by combining the base body. The base body is provided with an intake passage and an exhaust passage both communicating with the air chamber. The intake valve is provided and integrally formed within the intake passage. The exhaust valve is provided and integrally formed with the exhaust passage. Thus, a user can inflate the tire without disassembling wireless sensor, and the usage convenience of the wireless sensor is enhanced.

Abstract: A tire inner liner-based estimation system and method for a vehicle includes a tire pressure sensor mounted to a vehicle tire for detecting a measured tire air cavity pressure; a vehicle speed sensor mounted to provide a measured vehicle speed; a tire identification device mounted to the tire for conveying a tire identification; a tire inner liner deflection sensor mounted to detect and measure a loaded inner liner radius. An estimation of an inner liner-based parameter is iteratively made from the measured tire pressure and the loaded inner liner radius measurement.

Abstract: A gooseneck coupler is shown and described. The gooseneck coupler may include a first member having at least one aperture, a second member having at least one aperture, the second member telescopingly engaged with the first member where the aperture of the first member is generally aligned with the aperture of the second member, and a base member attached with the second member, the base plate having a socket shaped to accept a hitch ball. The gooseneck coupler may also include a locking member pivotally attached with the base member, and a fastening device securing the first and second members. The fasting device may include at least one nut attached with at least one elongated member, where the nut and elongated member are positioned within the second member, and a fastener inserted into the apertures of the first and second members and selectively engaged with the nut.

Abstract: An industrial tank transport system used to transport an industrial tank without the use of a trailer. The industrial tank transport system is comprised of four components; a semi-tractor truck, a removable lift system, a dolly, and a tank. When these four components are combined together, the tank can be transported without the use of a conventional semi-tractor trailer. Various combinations of these four components are used to practice the various methods of raising and lowering the tank between a horizontal position and vertical position using the semi-tractor truck, transporting the dolly using the removable lift system and semi-tractor truck, attaching and removing the removable lift system to the semi-tractor truck, and attaching and removing the dolly to and from the tank using the removable lift system and semi-tractor truck.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus has a base with rearward extending upper and lower jaws. A pin extends upward from a rear end of the lower jaw. A lock plate is pivotally attached to a rear portion of the upper jaw limit can pivot through a pivot range from a closed position through a balanced position to an open position. When the lock plate is between the closed and balanced positions, gravity biases same toward the closed position where a locking portion of the lock plate extends downward into the gap and the closed stop prevents rearward movement thereof. The locking portion moves forward and upward as the lock plate pivots from the closed position to the open position, and when the lock plate is between the balanced and open positions, gravity biases same toward the open position where the locking portion extends upward.

Abstract: A railroad trailer chassis comprising two or more road axles, two or more rail axles operable to be moved between first and second positions, and a work unit. The railroad trailer chassis is operable to be driven or towed in a road mode when the two or rail axles are in their respective first positions. The railroad trailer chassis is operable to be driven or towed in a rail mode when the two or more rail axles are in their respective second positions. The work unit is operable to perform one or more railroad maintenance or operation functions when driven in the rail mode.

Abstract: The Environment Adaptive Electric Vehicle (EAEV) is capable of operating in a number of operating environments such as on a conventional highway, or on an elevated mainstream transportation infrastructure and also on a variety of local, low velocity, low volume, automated and semi-automated transportation infrastructures that may serve as collector roads for vehicles to access the mainstream elevated integrated bimodal infrastructures. The EAEV has a variety of sensors, receivers, cameras, monitoring devices, magnetic readers, GPS built into the vehicle. In a typical vehicle all of this information would be interpreted and applied in the same way. In the EAEV the vehicle wants to know what environment it is in. It then uses the software that defines that environment for all of its decisions. As a result, the EAEV uses the same equipment and similar information that is received over the equipment but applies it differently depending on what kind of system the vehicle is travelling on.

Abstract: An unmanned air module includes one or more rotors, engines, a transmission and avionics. Any of several different ground modules may be attached to the air module. The air module may fly with and without the ground module attached. The ground module may be a vehicle ground module and may be manned. The vehicle ground module may transport the attached air module across the ground. The air module may have two rotors, which may be ducted fans.

Abstract: The sliding characteristic of a ball portion is improved, the durability of a ball sheet is improved, and an impact on the ball portion is absorbed. A ball joint includes a ball stud and a supporting body housed in a housing. Between a ball portion and the supporting body, a ball sheet is provided. The ball sheet is constituted by fabric impregnated with rubber or resin.

Abstract: A leaf spring arrangement for a motor vehicle axle includes a leaf spring which is made of a fiber composite and has ends, each end having a flat underside to provide a joining surface. Bonded flatly by an adhesive against the underside of each end of the leaf spring in an area of the joining surface is a mount for attachment onto a further axle component. The mount has an opening for receiving a metallic bearing or screw bolt.

Abstract: An auxiliary rubber spring for an automobile suspension, comprising: N layers of metal partitions, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1, and a transverse section of each metal partition being arc-shaped; N+1 rubber layers, the rubber layers being alternately lapped with the metal partitions, and a transversal section of each rubber layer being arc-shaped; a supporting plate provided with a first convex arc surface on one side thereof, the first convex arc surface being bonded to a first concave arc surface of an outermost rubber layer; and a connecting plate provided with a second concave arc surface on one thereof, the second concave arc surface being bonded to a second convex arc surface of another outermost rubber layer. The auxiliary rubber spring for an automobile suspension according to the present invention may increase fatigue resistance of the rubber spring and effectively extend service life thereof.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (200) can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially forms a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first and second damper elements (278, 280) as well as a damper element assembly that are telescopically interconnected with one another. The damper element assembly can include an outer side wall portion that at least partially defines a cavity and a biasing element extending into the cavity. A suspension system and a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: A vehicle system comprising an antilock braking system (ABS) having a first hydraulic actuator for braking a wheel of the vehicle, and an ABS unit with a pump, an electronic controller and a brake circuit for delivering hydraulic pressure to the first hydraulic actuator. The vehicle system further comprises a second hydraulic actuator for acting on a moveable wheel carrier, to which the vehicle wheel is mounted, so as to actively adjust an alignment angle of the vehicle wheel. The second hydraulic actuator is connected to the brake circuit of the ABS unit, and the ABS unit is configured to deliver hydraulic pressure also to the second hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: Agricultural vehicle comprising a body to which a front axle is pivotally connected. The agricultural vehicle includes a hydraulic cylinder is mounted as a suspension system between the body and the axle. The hydraulic cylinder is fluid-connected, via a steerable valve, to one of an open oil reservoir and an accumulator.

Abstract: An air spring system comprising at least one air spring with at least one compressed air chamber with a variable volume. The at least one air spring is connected to a compressor unit as a compressed air supply device with a compressed air storage device. A compressed air space of at least one of the air spring or the compressed air storage device is provided with an adsorptive material.

Abstract: In response to extension and compression of a piston rod, a piston slidingly moves in a cylinder, causing a flow of hydraulic oil. The hydraulic oil flow is controlled by a disk valve to generate a damping force. An elastic seal member fixed to the rear side of the disk valve is fitted to a recess in a pilot body to form a pilot chamber. The valve-opening operation of the disk valve is controlled by the pressure in the pilot chamber. The elastic seal, member has an extension extended and fixed to the front side of the disk valve. Thus, forces acting on the rear and front sides of the disk valve due to shrinkage of the elastic seal member during fixing process balance and cancel each other out. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent warping of the disk valve and to obtain stable damping force characteristics.

Abstract: A first-pump arrangement flow path, temperature-adjustment target-device arrangement flow paths, and a second-pump arrangement flow path are connected to a communication flow path in this order from one end side to the other end side of the communication flow path. A first heat exchanger is disposed in the first-pump arrangement flow path among numerous flow paths, which is connected to the communication flow path at a position on a side of the first-pump arrangement flow path, rather than the flow path in which a second heat exchanger is disposed. The switching portion is operated to establish communication between plural flow paths, starting from the flow path connected to the communication flow path at the position closest to the one end side among the numerous flow paths, up to the flow path connected to the communication flow path at an n-th position counted from the one end side among the numerous flow paths.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an electric vehicle that is used in the electric vehicle driven by an electric motor includes a refrigerant loop for an air conditioner, a refrigerant loop for a battery that allows a refrigerant for the battery to circulate among the battery, an evaporating unit and a heating device, and thermal management controlling means that, during charging of the battery, heats the refrigerant for the battery by using the heating device when temperature of the refrigerant for the battery is lower than target temperature of the refrigerant for the battery, and that allows the refrigerant for the air conditioner to circulate and to absorb heat from the refrigerant for the battery, in the evaporating unit, when the temperature of the refrigerant for the battery is higher than the target temperature of the refrigerant for the battery.

Abstract: A cross-car structure integrates an HVAC duct with a structural beam. An upper steel beam has opposing ends attached to opposite body sides. A pair of center brackets extend downward from the upper steel beam. An HVAC unit secured to a center bracket has an outlet for an air flow for ventilating a floor region. A plastic cross member has a center plate secured to the center brackets, a first hollow beam extending from the center plate to one steel beam end, and a second hollow beam extending from the center plate to the other steel beam end. Each hollow beam has an in-board opening fluidically coupled to the HVAC outlet and at least one floor outlet directed toward the floor region thereby providing a respective HVAC duct between the outlet of the HVAC unit and each of the floor outlets.

Abstract: A heat pump system for a vehicle, which makes refrigerant bypass an external heat exchanger and turns off a fan mounted on the external heat exchanger when temperature of the outdoor air is lower than setting temperature and the vehicle enters into an idle state in a heat pump mode, thereby continuously operating the heat pump mode even in the below zero temperature so as to keep heating performance, reducing consumption of electrical power without needing to operate an electric heater, and preventing excessive noise of a fan when the vehicle enters into an idle state in the below zero temperature.

Abstract: A cooling and heating air conditioner installed in an electric vehicle, having a cooling and heating air conditioning unit including a cooling device that produces cooled air, and a heating device that produces heated air, wherein the cooling and heating air conditioning unit sends the cooled air produced by the cooling device or the heated air produced by the heating device to a vehicle interior, a cooling and heating air conditioning controller that sets the cooling and heating air conditioning unit to a cooling mode for sending the cooled air produced by the cooling device, a heating mode for sending the heated air produced by the heating device, or an AUTO mode for automatically selecting the cooling mode or the heating mode at least based on a temperature of the vehicle interior so as to control the cooling and heating air conditioning unit according to a set mode.

Abstract: A heat pump system for a vehicle having a complex valve device including a three-way valve, an on-off valve, expansion means and connection blocks are formed integrally with one another, the three-way valve part being connected to the refrigerant circulation line of an inlet of the exterior heat exchanger such that the refrigerant selectively bypasses the exterior heat exchanger, the on-off valve part being connected to an inlet of the bypass line to open and close the bypass line. Connection blocks connect the three-way valve part and the on-off valve part with the refrigerant circulation line of an outlet of the exterior heat exchanger to communicate with each other. Expansion means are connected to an inlet of the three-way valve part to selectively expand refrigerant discharged from an interior heat exchanger. All functions of the heat pump system are thus conducted through a refrigerant control of the complex valve device.

Abstract: A window-mounted motor vehicle ventilation system has a duct, a fan, and a battery that allows for hot air in a parked car to be ventilated to the car's surroundings. In some embodiments, a thermostat allows the user to charge the device less frequently and a removable USB battery pack allows the user to charge the device using most smartphone chargers.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner has a blowoff mode door provided at a position where a rear seat blast passage is branched into a vent blowoff passage and a foot blowoff passage, and the blowoff mode door has a main door portion and a sub-door portion. The blowoff mode door is displaced by rotation among positions: a full-closed mode position where both the blowoff passages are closed; a vent blowoff mode position where the vent blowoff passage is opened and the foot blowoff passage is closed; a foot blowoff mode position where the vent blowoff passage is closed and the foot blowoff passage is opened; and a bi-level position where both the blowoff passages are opened.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the device is provided for constructing a hardware-free, non-marking shade for square or horizontally-elongated, top-hinged boat portholes, comprising a panel of lightweight, yet durable material that is capable of filtering or blocking light and views, that can be rolled onto itself, and that has horizontal spaces across the top end of said panel, and; short and long ties, made of material that holds a knot, and where the short ties are used to secure the panel to the hinges of the porthole cover and the long ties are used to adjust the panel to either an opened or closed position over the porthole cover, and said ties can either be sewn directly to the panel or can be inserted through spaces at the top of the panel. Method steps related to installation, use and removal are also recited.

Abstract: A door system for a vehicle comprises a first vehicle door (16) hingedly mountable to a vehicle for articulation about a pivot axis (123) between a closed position and an open position, the door comprising a cavity; an actuator mechanism (100) disposed within the cavity, the actuator mechanism being pivotally coupleable to the vehicle at a position offset from the pivot axis; and drive means for driving the actuator mechanism to articulate the first vehicle door between said closed and said open positions.

Abstract: A device for a motor vehicle transmission assembly comprising a support element (16) for supporting a stator (9) of an electric machine (3) and a fluidically operated clutch bearing (15), these being coaxial about an axis X, in which: the stator support element has a housing defined by an axial skirt (205) and an end wall (212) provided with a bore (202) for the passage of a shaft, coaxial with the axis X, the housing (201) comprising at least one locking cavity; and the clutch bearing extends at least partially inside the housing, the clutch bearing comprising an orifice for the passage of a shaft (7), coaxial with the axis X, and a body comprising at least one elastic locking tab (106) provided with a protuberance (107) collaborating with the locking cavity (207) to fix the clutch bearing on the stator support element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for adjusting at least two sets of shutoff elements of an air intake of a motor compartment of a motor vehicle. The system comprises at least two adjustment units. Each adjustment unit comprises a drive unit comprising an electric motor and a drive train for adjusting a set of shutoff elements. One adjustment unit is a primary adjustment unit and a further adjustment unit is a secondary adjustment unit. The primary adjustment unit is arranged for primary connection with a central control unit, such as an onboard computer of a motor vehicle. Also, the primary adjustment unit is arranged for secondary connection with the secondary adjustment unit. In the system the secondary adjustment unit has no direct connection with the central control unit.

Abstract: Provided is a working vehicle comprising: a fuel tank; a tank support member configured to receive and support the fuel tank from below; and an inverse U-shaped hood support member provided upright in a state of spanning left and right of the fuel tank, the hood support member including an elastic member that acts on an upper portion side of the fuel tank so as to hold the fuel tank at a predetermined position on the tank support member.

Abstract: A fuel tank for an automobile, which is formed by blow molding, in which a built-in part is mounted, and which has an outer wall composed of a synthetic resin, includes a plurality of mounting members adapted to mount the built-in part provided on the built-in part so as to be fusion-bonded to an inner surface of an outer wall of the fuel tank. An abutment portion is formed on each of the mounting members for abutting the inner surface of the outer wall of the fuel tank, and the abutment portion has an abutment surface and a plurality of abutment pins, each projecting from the abutment surface towards the inner surface of the outer wall of the fuel tank. A stress-absorbing part is provided in the abutment pins, the abutment surface or the outer wall of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A tank ventilation system for a motor vehicle has a fuel tank, a fuel vapour store which is connected to a fuel tank, and a ventilating device which is connected to the fuel vapour store, in order to ventilate the latter. The ventilating device has an aeration line which opens in an interior space of the motor vehicle, which interior space is delimited on all sides by vehicle body parts from the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A fuel cap lock comprising a base plate having a circular opening to accommodate the a diesel fuel tank fill pipe, two steel hinges mounted to vertical hinge supports welded to opposing sides base plate, a two strap hasp lock is hingedly mounted to the vertical hinge supports, wherein the hasp straps overlap, and lock together over a fuel tank's fuel cap, thus securing the cap and preventing its removal.

Abstract: A support structure for a fuel lid attached by a hinge to a vehicle body is provided with an annular rubber seal, which is provided on the vehicle body to surround an oil filler port in the vehicle body. The rubber seal has a top surface and an inner circumferential surface. The support structure includes a contact plate provided on a back surface of the fuel lid. The contact plate contacts the rubber seal when the fuel lid is in the closed state. The contact plate has an upper surface contact portion for contacting the upper surface of the rubber seal, and an inner-surface contact portion for contacting the inner circumferential surface of the rubber seal.

Abstract: I have tried to anticipate the next advance in respect to the automobile. In my invention, I want the automobile to become more of a family member and for everyone in the family to enjoy the automobile even more. In a park like setting, every family member would enjoy certain aspects of my invention. The parents could watch a movie on the large DVD screen in the front of the car while the kids can enjoy the rumble seat and the computer monitor, playing video games while sitting in chairs at the rear of the car. I have not seen an automobile in the market like my invention. I believe families will enjoy this automobile. I hope so! This invention is for all automobiles, including passenger automobiles, pick-up trucks and SUV's.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical power distribution system includes a plurality of distribution sub-systems, an electrical power storage sub-system and a plurality of switching devices for selective connection of elements of and loads on the power distribution system to the electrical power storage sub-system. A state transition initiator provides inputs to control system operation of switching devices to change the states of the power distribution system. The state transition initiator has a plurality of positions selection of which can initiate a state transition. The state transition initiator can emulate a four position rotary ignition switch. Fail safe power cutoff switches provide high voltage switching device protection.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrical system in a vehicle. The electrical system (11) comprises: at least a first switch (ES2) arranged such that operating the switches will isolate a part of the electrical system; and a control unit, the control unit being arranged to operate the switches. The method comprises: putting the control unit into a first operational mode, the first operational mode comprising at least a first arrangement of switches; receiving a request to enter a second operational mode, the second operational mode comprising at least a second arrangement of switches; determining the priority of the first and second operational modes at least in part by consulting a database of operational modes and their priorities; switching the control unit into the second operational mode if the second operational mode has a higher priority than the first operational mode; and continuing in the first operational mode otherwise.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle high voltage bus is connected to a power source by a circuit having a main contactor and a precharge contactor. To energize the bus, the precharge contactor is closed and then the main contactor is closed. Upon completion of precharging, the main contactor is opened and energization of the bus is complete.

Abstract: A regenerative braking control system includes at least one sensor adapted to sense a front tire impact event and transmit a sensor signal responsive to the front tire impact event during vehicle braking and a regenerative powertrain interfacing with the at least one sensor and adapted to reduce regenerative braking torque responsive to receiving the sensor signal from the at least one sensor. A regenerative braking control method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The vehicle braking device has a hydraulic braking force generating device, a regeneration braking force generating device, a braking operation amount detection portion and a required braking force calculation portion. The vehicle braking device controls the hydraulic braking force generating device and the regeneration braking force generating device so as to apply the required braking force to the wheels. The vehicle braking device has a braking force adjustment control portion for executing braking force adjustment control for limiting the rate at which the regeneration braking force is increased and increasing the hydraulic braking force before the current regeneration braking force reaches a maximum regeneration braking force, that is, the maximum braking force that can be generated by the regeneration braking force generating device.

Abstract: In an electric vehicle, an automatic transmission is provided between a differential unit and drive wheels. The differential unit includes a motor-generator and a power split device, and the motor-generator is cooled by lubricant of the automatic transmission. A battery charger is operable to charge a power storage device using a power supply outside the vehicle. When the temperature of the lubricant is lower than a predetermined temperature upon execution of charging of the power storage device using the charger, and the automatic transmission is in a neutral state, or a power cutting-off state, the controller rotates the motor-generator of the differential unit so as to perform warming control for raising the temperature of the lubricant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement of an electric vehicle, in particular a circuit arrangement of an electric vehicle for inductive power transfer to the vehicle, and a method of operating the named circuit arrangement. The circuit arrangement includes an impedance and at least one rectifier for rectifying an AC voltage. An AC part of the circuit arrangement includes the impedance. The rectifier connects the AC part to a DC part of the circuit arrangement. The circuit arrangement further includes at least one current control means for controlling a current flow in the AC part vehicle.

Abstract: A charging station includes a plurality of electric power transmission portions and a power supply ECU controlling electric power transmission from the plurality of electric power transmission portions. The power supply ECU performs pairing processing for determining a first electric power transmission portion after a vehicle completes positioning with respect to the first electric power transmission portion, checks whether or not positional relation between the first electric power transmission portion and a electric power reception portion of the vehicle satisfies an electric power reception condition after the pairing processing is performed and immediately before electric power transmission from the first electric power transmission portion to the vehicle is started, and allows the first electric power transmission portion to start electric power transmission to the vehicle when the positional relation satisfies the electric power reception condition.

Abstract: A charging station includes a plurality of electric power transmission portions and a power supply ECU. When a second vehicle is parked at a position where it can receive electric power from a first electric power transmission portion and when the second vehicle receives weak electric power from the first electric power transmission portion, the second vehicle transmits to the power supply ECU, an occupation signal which allows determination that the parking position corresponds to the first electric power transmission portion. When the power supply ECU receives the occupation signal of the first electric power transmission portion from the second vehicle, the power supply ECU stops transmission of weak electric power from the first electric power transmission portion and guides a first vehicle to a second electric power transmission portion.