Abstract: Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle performance and efficiency attributes are presented. In one example, an electric machine maximum available torque is controller limited so as to improve conservation of battery charge and driveline performance consistency. The electric machine torque may be limited as a function of driveline speed, battery discharge limit, and other parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle using a driving tendency are provided. The method includes determining a driving tendency level based on data to determine a driving tendency of a driver and determining a target engine torque using an engine torque map based on a vehicle speed and a required torque. Whether the driving tendency level corresponds to a predetermined level is determined as well as whether the required torque is equal to or greater than a torque that corresponds to an optimal operating point of an engine when the driving tendency level corresponds to the predetermined level. The target engine torque is then adjusted when the required torque is equal to or greater than the torque that corresponds to the optimal operating point of the engine.

Abstract: Provided is a power-generation control device and a power-generation control method for a hybrid vehicle, which are capable of suppressing a temperature rise of an electric motor while controlling a field-weakening current to flow through the electric motor to protect the electric motor and a battery even when an induced voltage increased by an increase in rpm of the electric motor exceeds an allowable voltage of the battery. Power generation by an electric motor is stopped when a voltage of a battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined first voltage, and an in-vehicle electric load is supplied with power generated by the electric motor and a power-generation amount by the electric motor is controlled so that the voltage of the battery becomes equal to a predetermined second voltage, when the voltage of the battery is lower than the predetermined second voltage.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a mechanical oil pump that is driven by an engine and an electric oil pump that is driven by an electric motor, and is configured to activate the electric oil pump when traveling in an electric traveling mode, in which the engine is stopped and traveling is executed by a driving force from a driving motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation for a driveline disconnect clutch is provided. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances.

Abstract: A straddled vehicle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, an engine which generates a driving force and rotates the rear wheel with the driving force, a front wheel brake and a rear wheel brake which lowers the rotation speed of at least the rear wheel, a first detector which acquires and outputs a pitch rate, a second detector which detects and outputs information concerning rotation of the front wheel, and an ECU including a front wheel lift determination circuit which monitors respective outputs from the first detector and the second detector to determine whether a front wheel lift exists based on at least one of the pitch rate and information concerning rotation of the front wheel. When the front wheel lift exists, the ECU controls the driving source or the braking device so that the driving force is lowered or the rotation speed of the rear wheel is lowered.

Abstract: A driver warning system automatically detects the existence of in-the-road, passable obstructions and provides timely notification to a driver in proximity of such an in-the-road, passable obstruction prior to it being encountered with sufficient warning time for the driver to avoid the in-the-road, passable obstruction. To detect in-the-road, passable obstructions, the warning unit of a driver whose vehicle hits an in-the-road, passable obstruction will automatically generate a signal that is indicative of the existence of the in-the-road, passable obstruction and its location. This signal may be transmitted to a server, which contains a database of located obstructions. The collected information about the detected in-the-road, passable obstructions are provided to various warning units, so that they, knowing the driver location, e.g.

Abstract: An example method includes controlling a hybrid vehicle to maintain a set speed, and adjusting the set speed from a first value to a different, second value in response to a change in a road grade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the control of an actual speed for a vehicle, wherein the system is arranged to be able to carry out the control based on a manual control of the actual speed or based on an automatic control of the actual speed. According to the present invention, an automatic control device is arranged to permit that the automatic control may actively control the actual speed to a higher value than a manual control device is arranged to permit the manual control to actively control the actual speed to.

Abstract: A system for controlling the distance between a first moving vehicle and a second moving vehicle comprising: A distance sensor for measuring the distance between the first and second moving vehicles; A speed sensor for measuring the speed of the first moving vehicle; A speed control unit connected to the distance and speed sensors for determining a safe distance threshold as a function of the deceleration rate and speed; A notification unit connected to the speed control unit for notifying the driver of the first moving vehicle of any breach of the safe distance threshold; An authority alert unit connected to the speed control unit and to the traffic authorities via a wireless data network for alerting the traffic authorities of any violation of the safe distance threshold by the first moving vehicle, and a process for controlling the distance between a first moving vehicle and a second moving vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for implementing inter-vehicle distance control of a vehicle carrying the apparatus behind a preceding vehicle. In the apparatus, an offset storage is configured to calculate an offset that is a difference between detected distances to first and second targets, and store the offset associated with the first target forward of the second target. The inter-vehicle distance control may be implemented based on a distance calculated by subtracting the offset from the detected distance to the first target. An offset eraser is configured to, based on the presence or absence of relative displacement between the first and second targets, determine whether or not the first and second targets belong to different vehicles, and when the first and second targets belong to different vehicles, erase the offset stored by the offset storage.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for implementing inter-vehicle distance control of a subject vehicle carrying the apparatus behind a preceding vehicle based on reflected waves from a target that is a reflecting portion of the preceding vehicle. In the apparatus, a controller is configured to implement the inter-vehicle distance control based on an inter-vehicle distance between a rear end of the preceding vehicle and the subject vehicle acquired from the detected distance. A control switcher is configured to, when target information for identifying the rear end of the preceding vehicle becomes unacquirable during implementation of the inter-vehicle distance control, suspend the inter-vehicle distance control and make a switch to the direct operation by the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for implementing inter-vehicle distance control of a subject vehicle carrying the apparatus behind a preceding vehicle based on reflected waves from a target of the preceding vehicle. A target-pair distance is a distance between the target and a non-target reflection point that is closer to the subject vehicle than the target. A corrected distance calculator is configured to, in the presence of the target-pair distance being recognized, calculate a first corrected distance by subtracting the target-pair distance from a detected distance between the target and the subject vehicle, and in the absence of the target-pair distance being recognized, calculate a second corrected distance by subtracting an offset that is the previously set target-pair distance from the detected distance. A controller is configured to implement the inter-vehicle distance control based on the first or second corrected distance depending on the presence or absence of the target-pair distance being recognized.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for implementing inter-vehicle distance control of a subject vehicle carrying the apparatus behind a preceding vehicle based on reflected waves from a target that is a reflecting portion of the preceding vehicle. In the apparatus, a distance estimator is configured to calculate an estimated distance as an inter-vehicle distance between a rear end of the preceding vehicle and the subject vehicle based on an inter-vehicle distance variation calculated based on a relative speed of the target. A target determiner is configured to determine whether or not the target is displaced forward of the rear end of the preceding vehicle. A controller is configured to, when the target of the preceding vehicle is displaced forward of the rear end of the preceding vehicle, implement the inter-vehicle distance control based on the estimated distance calculated by the distance estimator.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for implementing inter-vehicle distance control of a vehicle carrying the apparatus behind a preceding vehicle. In the apparatus, an offset storage is configured to calculate an offset that is a difference between detected distances to first and second targets, and store the offset associated with the first target forward of the second target. The inter-vehicle distance control may be implemented based on a distance calculated by subtracting the offset from the detected distance to the first target. An offset updater is configured to determine whether or not a relative distance between the first and second targets has increased or decreased, and when the relative distance between the first and second targets has increased or decreased, update the offset stored by the offset storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for preventing damaging of a gear box of a vehicle provided with a servo-actuated clutch system and a servo-actuated gear shift system, the servo-actuated clutch comprising a clutch-servo housing a pneumatic piston, movable between a first and a second positions corresponding to an open and a closed system of the clutch. The functioning of servo-actuated gear shift system is enabled when the pneumatic piston position exceeds, toward said disengagement state, a third predefined position.

Abstract: A stepless transmission 1 is provided for preventing drive wheels from being driven despite the driver's intention during vehicle deceleration. A control device 40: when the required drive force of the vehicle is 0, controls the output rotational speed Ne of a travel drive source 50 to be Ne2, and controls the transmission gear ratio i of the transmission 1 so that the transmission 1 in the case where the Ne is Ne1 changes from a first state to a second state; and when the vehicle speed V is less than a boundary speed Vgn, controls the ratio i to be a state maintaining transmission gear ratio ign that enables the first state to be maintained even during vehicle deceleration. In the second state a rotational drive force is transmitted from an input shaft 2 to an output shaft 3. In the first state the transmission is prevented.

Abstract: A method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle is provided, wherein the drive train has a drive motor and an automatic or automated transmission connected between the drive motor and the drive wheels. The transmission automatically changes gear in an automatic mode. The transmission changes to a higher or lower gear in a manual mode on the basis of an up-shift or a down-shift requested by the driver via control element. At least in automatic mode, a coasting mode of the drive train, in which the operative connection between drive motor and drive wheels is separated, is engaged under defined operating conditions and the coasting mode is disengaged upon the driver requesting a downshift and the manual mode of the transmission is engaged. The coasting mode is maintained in automatic mode in the case of the driver requesting an up-shift during coasting mode.

Abstract: An example trailer road grade estimating method includes calculating a road grade beneath a trailer vehicle based on a difference between a first estimated mass and a second estimated mass.

Abstract: A method for avoiding a tunnel vision of a motor vehicle driver includes detecting an instantaneous viewing direction of the driver; comparing the instantaneous viewing direction with at least one previous viewing direction; detecting a tunnel vision if a rate of change between the viewing directions and/or if an angular range of the viewing direction is not reached; and stimulating the motor vehicle driver to avoid the tunnel vision. A device for avoiding a tunnel vision of the driver includes a camera for detecting an instantaneous viewing direction of the motor vehicle driver; a control unit for comparing the instantaneous viewing direction with at least one previous viewing direction and for detecting a tunnel vision if a rate of change between the viewing directions and/or if an angular range of the viewing direction is not reached, and a device for stimulating the motor vehicle driver to avoid the tunnel vision.

Abstract: A method and system monitor a plurality of operating parameters for a tire over time during usage of the tire as the tire is exposed to actual operating conditions. The system and method may also determine a tire health parameter for the tire that provides an indication of the condition of the tire based upon the data collected for the tire over time during usage of the tire. The plurality of operating parameters includes, in the least, a temperature associated with the tire during usage of the tire and a duration of usage of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a user interface device and an autonomous mode controller. The user interface device receives a user input representing a driving mode selection. The autonomous mode controller commands one or more vehicle subsystems to operate in accordance with characteristics associated with the driving mode selection. Examples of characteristics can include how aggressively the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, a minimum distance from the vehicle to a front vehicle, or how frequently the vehicle changes lanes, among others.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a control unit configured to execute free-run traveling in which an engine is stopped and a clutch that transmits power of the engine to a drive wheel is disengaged, at a time acceleration is not requested during traveling. The control unit is configured to prohibit upshifting of a continuously variable transmission at least during execution of the free-run traveling, drive the engine from the free-run traveling state in response to an acceleration request, and upshift the continuously variable transmission at a time of returning to a normal traveling state in which the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The electrically motorized vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. A user of the device for the electrically motorized wheel can be profiled by receiving data from a sensor system of the device and creating a profile of the user operating the vehicle from the data.

Abstract: A computing device and methods for restricting driver interactions with vehicle functions based on a challenging driving environment are disclosed. One example method for restricting driver interactions with vehicle functions based on a challenging driving environment includes identifying a challenging driving environment based at least in part on information regarding a driving condition; and preventing a driver from accessing one or more vehicle functions based on the challenging driving environment exists. Example implementations include identifying a challenging driving environment based on information received from on-vehicle sensors and/or external communication links; identifying a driver's skill level; and selectively blocking vehicle functionality, selectively presenting information to a driver, and selecting available driver interactions based on the driving environment.

Abstract: An on-vehicle situation detection apparatus may include a detection unit to identify a driver and acquire driver status data and data about vehicle driving information or vehicle surrounding obstacles, a driving pattern learning unit to learn and store a driving pattern of a driver, based on the data acquired by the detection unit, a weighted value determination unit to determine a weighted value assigned to the information data acquired by the detection unit, based on the driving pattern learned by the driving pattern learning unit, a determination unit to determine a safe driving state of the driver, based on the data to which the weighted value determined by the weighted value determination unit is assigned, and a warning unit to warn the driver when the driver is determined to be not in the safe driving state.

Abstract: In an information providing apparatus, a controller is configured to: (i) acquire traveling environment information indicating a traveling environment of the vehicle; (ii) acquire, from a predetermined server via a network, a determination condition that is used to determine whether or not use of a vehicle function included in the vehicle is suitable; and (iii) provide, to a user of the vehicle, a message suggesting use of the vehicle function in a case where the traveling environment indicated by the acquired traveling environment information satisfies the acquired determination condition.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed that includes a monorail (or other vehicle) along a column-supported rail wherein a linear induction motor's (‘LIM’) connection to an assembly, to which the monorail/vehicle is attached, enables the LIM to essentially assist an air bearing, positioned between the rail and assembly, such that less air pressure is required. In some embodiments, a control system assists in adjusting the air pressure supplied—e.g., based on LIM data and/or weight (of vehicle and/or cargo). Further disclosed is a compliant air bearing that minimizes air loss during vertical and lateral curves, including embodiments where the air bearing is positioned relative to the rail such that a plenum area is smaller than a semi-enclosed cavity area. Additionally disclosed is a brake system that includes a brake pad attached to the air bearing that is engageable without the need to adjust the air bearing's air pressure.

Abstract: A rail vehicle includes electric equipment with electrical components and at least one container unit which is provided to accommodate the electrical components. The container unit of the rail vehicle enables the electrical equipment to be mounted in a non-complex manner and the components thereof being maintained in a simple and reliable manner. The container unit has several voltage regions which are adjacent to each other and which are spatially separated from each other. A different voltage is associated with each respective region.

Abstract: A car air-conditioning duct guides air to a suction side of an air conditioner mounted on a car or guides the air flowing from a blow-off side of the air conditioner. The car air-conditioning duct includes a duct wall having a tubular shape and forming a duct outer surface and a duct inner surface. The duct wall is made of a composite foamed resin material containing polystyrene resin and polyolefin resin.

Abstract: A sensing system includes a leading sensor, a trailing sensor, and a route examining unit. The leading sensor is onboard a first vehicle of a vehicle system that is traveling along a route. The leading sensor measures first characteristics of the route as the vehicle system moves along the route. The trailing sensor is disposed onboard a second vehicle of the vehicle system. The trailing sensor measures second characteristics of the route as the vehicle system moves along the route. The route examining unit is disposed onboard the vehicle system and receives the first characteristics of the route and the second characteristics of the route to compare the first characteristics with the second characteristics. The route examining unit also identifies a segment of the route as being damaged based on a comparison of the first characteristics with the second characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pit cover and method of installing the same. The pit cover includes a plate having a hole defining an area. A block having a threaded hole may be affixed to a bottom surface of the plate such that the threaded hole aligns with the area. A support is associated with the foundation and a groove is defined by one of the pit cover or the support. A protrusion is defined by the other one of the pit cover or the support. The groove narrows from a first width towards a second width. The first width is disposed relative to the second width such that insertion of the protrusion into the groove causes an end of the protrusion to pass the first width prior to passing the second width. The protrusion interacts with the groove to align the pit cover at a predetermined position relative to the foundation.

Abstract: A system and method for separating a vehicle system into separate vehicle segments, separately moving the vehicle segments, and re-connecting the vehicle segments without initiation of a brake penalty application are provided. The system and method communicate a suspend command signal between vehicle segments to suspend operations of vehicles in a cooperative mode. The vehicles in the vehicle system are decoupled into plural separate vehicle segments. The system and method also move one or more of the vehicle segments separately from one or more other vehicle segments. The vehicle segments are reconnected to form the vehicle system, and the system and method communicate a reconnect command signal between the vehicle segments to resume operations in the cooperative mode, without incurring a penalty brake application of the vehicle system.

Abstract: A system for monitoring railcars includes a memory operable to store data associated with monitoring a location of a train. The system also includes a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to receive location signals from a plurality of location devices. Each location device is associated with a respective railcar of a plurality of railcars. The plurality of railcars form the train. The processor is further operable to monitor the location of the train based on received location signals from one or more of the plurality of location devices.

Abstract: A system includes a first controller, a data acquisition device, a friction modification unit, and a friction management controller. The first controller is configured to obtain an operational setting for a vehicle, and to output a first signal relating to the operational setting for controlling the vehicle. The data acquisition device is configured to obtain operational data of the vehicle as the vehicle travels, and to provide the operational data to the first controller. The first controller is configured to obtain a difference between the operational data and the operational setting, and to adjust the first signal based on the difference. The friction modification unit is configured to modify a friction characteristic of a surface of the route. The friction management controller is configured to direct the friction modification unit to modify the friction characteristic of the surface of the route based on the operational setting.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow apparatus that includes a frame assembly, a tub, a wheel assembly, and at least one auxiliary storage device and/or transport pin. In one embodiment, an auxiliary storage devices is a tube for storing elongated items, such as tools with elongated handles (e.g., rakes and shovels), and thin pieces of wood, metal, etc. In another embodiment, an auxiliary storage devices is a storage bin for storing smaller items, such as small hand tools, hardware, adhesive, rope, tool belt, papers, etc. In another embodiment, a transport pin is used to stabilize items during transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved electrician's cart having a set of wheels capable of rolling over various terrain types, ranging from indoors to outdoors. Vertical support rails extended upwards from the base are formed with spool bar receivers that are sized to removably receive a spool bar and retain it in place during use. The spool bars may be removed and replaced with different wire spools, and may be configured to accommodate any size or number of wire spool, depending on the need of an electrician. The present invention also may accommodate tools and other accessories, such as an umbrella for use when working outside, to be incorporated into the cart of the present invention. The present invention further includes an electrician's cart having a single layer of wire spools, and an electrician's cart which can be stood upright on its side provide a vertical array of wire spools.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a storage bag for holding equipment that is not easily stored on a utility cart. The storage bag may include a storage compartment having an opening, the storage compartment configured to accept equipment, a handle sleeve attached to an outer surface of the bag, the handle sleeve configured to engage with a handle on a utility cart, and a barrier positioned on a bottom surface of the storage compartment. The storage bag may additionally include a closing mechanism to secure the equipment in the bag. In embodiments, the storage bag has dimensions configured not to interfere with the functionality of the utility cart.

Abstract: An example stroller disclosed herein includes a joint carried by a frame. The joint includes a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing disposed between the first housing and the second housing. The first, second, and third housings respectively include first, second, and third openings. The stroller includes a lock including a lever and a bar. The bar is to simultaneously mater with the first, second, and third openings of the first, second, and third housings when the lever is in a first position to prevent rotation of the first housing and the second housing relative to the third housing, and to disengage from the first, second, and third openings of the first, second, and third housings when the lever is in a second position to enable the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to the third housing to fold the stroller.

Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire the cage pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski. Additional embodiments are illustrated.

Abstract: A steering device is disclosed in which multiple notches are formed at two edge portions of a sheet-shaped base member by partially cutting out the sheet-shaped base member. An enlarged portion that is an enlarged part of each notch is formed at a leading end position of the notch. The two edge portions of the base member are wound along a cover portion while facing each other at an inner side of a curved portion of the cover portion. The enlarged portions cancel out a difference in length between the outer and inner sides due to the curved portion of the cover portion, thereby enabling suppression of formation of a wrinkle of the base member. The steering device can have a good appearance and provide a good touch-feeling to a driver when the driver holds the steering device in a state where the heater is covered by a skin portion.

Abstract: The friction clutch includes a first clutching surface and a second clutching surface configured to be pressed against each other. Friction between the surfaces needs to be overcome for one surface to rotate relative to the other. The first clutching surface is configured to be axially and rotationally fixed relative to the steering shaft. The second clutching surface is configured to allow relative rotational movement between such surface and the steering shaft. When unlocked the second clutching surface rotates with the first clutching surface and steering shaft due to friction. When locked, the rotational position of the second clutching surface is fixed so as not to rotate with the first clutching surface and steering shaft. The friction must be overcome for the steering shaft to rotate. The friction can be overcome by application of sufficient external torque at the steering wheel. A controller controls locking and unlocking.

Abstract: A limiting device for the steering angle input in an electrical steering system includes a gearing that is arranged on a steering shaft to enable for a threaded piece an adjustment path corresponding to the maximum permissible number of revolutions of the steering wheel, and steering stops for limiting the adjustment path of the threaded piece. A motor-driven drive mechanism is provided for the steering stops, by which the steering stops can be moved uniformly towards or away from one another.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes an electric motor and a worm speed reducer. The worm speed reducer includes a worm shaft, a worm wheel, and a ring member. The worm wheel includes an annular tooth portion and an annular support formed of a material that is softer than a material of a shaft. The ring member includes an outer periphery press-fitted with the annular support so as to form plastically deformed portions in part of the annular support, and an inner periphery with which the shaft is press-fitted. The ring member is formed of a material with a hardness equivalent to a hardness of the material of the shaft.

Abstract: A motor controller includes a temperature estimator that estimates a temperature of an element in a motor driver circuit that drives a motor, or a temperature of a winding of the motor, and a non-volatile memory that provides a first area and a second area for storing the estimated temperature. The temperature estimator writes the estimated temperature to both of the first area and the second area.

Abstract: A steering gear pad for a steering gear of a sector and pinion or rack and pinion steering system. The steering gear pad has a plastic body and a rim with a plurality of plastic gear teeth positioned adjacent a plurality of metal gear teeth on a sector gear or rack mounted to a support plate. The plastic gear teeth may have width dimensions larger than the metal gear teeth. One or more resilient spacers urge the steering gear out of contact with the support plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a control system for a machine having first and second traction devices and a cabin. The control system has a first actuator driving the first traction device and a first interface device to generate a first input indicating a desired movement of the first actuator. The control system also has a second actuator driving the second traction device and a second interface device to generate a second input indicating a desired movement of the second actuator. The control system has a controller that causes the first actuator to operate according to the first input and the second actuator to operate according to the second input when the cabin faces a first direction. The controller also causes the first actuator to operate according to the second input and the second actuator to operate according to the first input when the cabin faces a second direction.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a haptic device including a flexible and deformable tube, a liquid or gel-like substance, a sensor and an actuator. The flexible and deformable tube is affixed to a grip area to be gripped by a user. The liquid or gel-like substance is sealed within the tube and configured to transmit a pressure or/and pressure vibration vibration/pressure therethrough. The sensor is configured to detect the pressure or/and pressure vibration vibration/pressure generated in the tube. The actuator is configured to generate a haptic signal in the tube and/or the substance so as to be transmitted to the user.

Abstract: A collision avoidance assistance device configured to perform driver steering assistance to avoid a collision between a vehicle and an obstacle, the device includes a steering control unit configured to perform the steering assistance in a case where it is determined that there is a possibility of the collision between the vehicle and the obstacle. During a period from commencement of the steering assistance to elapsing of a first time determined by response characteristics of a lateral acceleration of the vehicle, the steering control unit is configured to rotate a steering wheel of the vehicle in a collision avoidance direction by a control amount determined based on a steering holding force of the driver.

Abstract: A sheet metal component such as a car door is disclosed. The component includes an outer metal sheet having a groove formed therein, and an inner metal sheet having an edge forming a flange received into the groove. A filling material layer is inserted into the groove between the outer metal sheet and the flange. The outer metal sheet and the flange are welded to one another in holes of the filling material layer.