Abstract: A pneumatic tire is provided on the tread portion (2) with a pair of crown circumferential grooves (3) that extending on either side of the tire equator (C); a pair of shoulder circumferential grooves (4) each extending between the crown circumferential groove (3) and a ground-contacting end (2t); a crown rib (5) extending between the crown circumferential grooves (3); middle ribs (6) each extending between the crown circumferential grooves (3) and the shoulder circumferential grooves (4); and shoulder ribs (7) each extending between the shoulder circumferential groove (4) and the ground-contacting end (2t). The groove volume ratio Rc of the crown rib, which is a ratio of the total volume of the grooves and sipes provided on the crown rib to the rib volume of the crown rib (5), the groove volume ratio Rm of the middle rib (6), and the groove volume ratio Rs of the shoulder rib (7) satisfy the relationship, Rc<=Rm<Rs.

Abstract: An all-weather tire includes features that enhance safety and usability in a variety of driving conditions as well as some manufacturing processes that may be used during the production and provides an all-weather tire having selectively deployable and retractable studs for greater traction when needed. The tire includes a toroidal shell enclosing an air-filled chamber and a plurality of stud actuation chambers contained within the shell for selectively deploying studs to extend past the tire's outer radial surface for engaging a roadway or surface. The studs may be retracted when no longer needed. A mechanical pump assembly or plurality of such assemblies powered by compression of the tire engaging the roadway may be used as a power source for generating pneumatic pressure and an internal valve assembly or assemblies may be used to route the pneumatic pressure appropriately. The pump and valve assemblies may be controlled either mechanically or electrically.

Abstract: A lightweight spare tire system. The lightweight spare tire system includes a carbon fiber composite vehicle rim that is suitable for use with a spare tire and a lightweight tire that is suitable for use with the carbon fiber composite rim. The lightweight tire and rim creates a lightweight spare wheel that may be used on a vehicle.

Abstract: An in-tire sound absorber for a pneumatic wheel assembly including a wheel rim and a tire fitted to the wheel rim. The sound absorber comprises a first fibrous layer and a second fibrous layer with a higher air flow resistance than the first layer. The sound absorber is configured to fit around the wheel rim with the first layer in contact with a surface of the wheel rim and extending substantially between the second layer and the wheel rim.

Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. Tire inflation pressure may be adjusted based on a target tire pressure that may vary with vehicle load.

Abstract: An example method includes decreasing the pressure within at least one tire of a vehicle when the vehicle is moving. The decreasing is in response to a condition change. An example assembly includes a sensor and a tire pressure controller that causes a decrease in a pressure within at least one tire of a vehicle in response to a first condition detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A TPMS that uses a unique signature, such as RSSI signal levels and statistics or Doppler shift information, to identify the location of where the TPMS signal is being transmitted from. The TPMS includes a separate transmitter unit provided in each tire, where each transmitter unit transmits TPMS signals including an ID code identifying the tire and the pressure in the tire. The TPMS also includes a receiver unit that receives the TPMS signals from each of the transmitter units, where the receiver unit stores an average or other classification of the signature over time to identify the location of the transmitter unit for a particular ID code. The receiver unit compares the new received TPMS signals to the classified signals to identify whether the ID code indicates that the position of the tire has changed.

Abstract: A method for determining change of direction of a vehicle includes steps of maintaining a rolling window of ABS data indicative of ABS tooth count and capturing a relevant rolling window of ABS data at the predetermined one-measurement point; storing the rolling window of the ABS data indicative of ABS tooth in a buffer; monitoring the ABS data and detecting a valid stop event which causes the rate of change of ABS tooth count to substantially decrement to zero; and monitoring the ABS data and detecting a valid move event which causes the rate of change of ABS tooth count to substantially increment from zero.

Abstract: A flexible reinforced tire valve is disclosed. The flexible reinforced tire valve comprises a tube body, a flexible sleeve and a collar. The flexible sleeve is further disposed with a second blocking edge. When the flexible reinforced tire valve is installed on the wheel rim, the upper edge of the collar presses against the second blocking edge and the lower edge of the collar presses against an outer surface of the wheel rim so as to strengthen the durability of the tire valve against centrifugal force, whereby the tire will not leak even if the vehicle moves at high speed.

Abstract: A towing bar assembly that may convert from an articulated assembly extracting a vehicle in an inaccessible location to a rigid assembly for safely towing a vehicle on a road and having an automatic articulating mechanism for moving the towing assembly into and out of the articulated position.

Abstract: A bellows for an articulating vehicle has improved performance by using fewer discrete pieces of flexible material, and a multi-piece frame. By using fewer pieces of flexible material, less stitching is required, which results in improved performance and ease of manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an independent wheel suspension (1) for a steerable wheel (37) having a motor (3). The motor is connected via a linear guide (5), which is movable in an approximately vertical direction (A), to a revolute joint (7) which produces a steering connection, pivotable about an at least approximately vertically running axis of rotation (B), to a vehicle frame (39). The linear guide (5) is coupled to a fluidic spring and/or damping element (9) which forms a load-bearing constituent part of the revolute joint (7).

Abstract: A suspension arm mounting structure comprises: an arm body section (14) which is disposed between a wheel and a vehicle body and which is configured from a plate-shaped member; a rubber elastic body (46) which is provided between the arm body section (14) and the vehicle body; and a shaft section (16) which is extended from the arm body section (14) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, is press-fitted or fitted in the through-hole (48) of the rubber elastic body (46), and has a tube-like shape or a closed cross-sectional shape. The shaft section (16) has a pressing section (52) which causes both end surfaces of the plate-shaped member to face each other and press against each other so that the opposing end surfaces are in contact with each other so as to press against each other.

Abstract: A transverse leaf spring assembly for a motor vehicle includes a transverse leaf spring which is arranged transversely to the motor vehicle. A bearing unit connects the transverse leaf spring to a body of the motor vehicle and has a holder and elastic dampers. Accommodated in the holder is an adapter which has an interior space suited to a cross sectional geometry of the transverse leaf spring, with the transverse leaf spring being received in the adapter between the elastic dampers.

Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle with a lifting function includes an upper rolling piston and a lower rolling piston disposed opposite to each other. A rolling bellows encloses a compressed air space and has double rolling folds. The pressure effective surfaces of the rolling folds are coordinated with each other in such a manner that, during dynamic spring operation of the air spring over a predetermined spring travel, the pressure effective surface of the rolling fold on the lower rolling piston is larger than the pressure effective surface of the rolling fold on the upper rolling piston.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.

Abstract: A suspension control apparatus includes a damping force adjustable shock absorber disposed between a vehicle body and a wheel of a vehicle and capable of adjusting a damping force to be generated, a vertical movement detection device configured to detect a state regarding a vertical movement of a vehicle, and a controller including: a target damping force calculation section configured to calculate a target damping force based on a detection result of the vertical movement detection device, a correction section configured to calculate a corrected damping force, which is acquired by reducing the target damping force when a relative speed is a low speed between a sprung side and an unsprung side of the damping force adjustable shock absorber, and a control signal output section configured to output the control signal corresponding to the corrected damping force to the damping force adjustable shock absorber.

Abstract: An active road noise control system for a vehicle (10) comprising one or more inertial actuators (30) for suppressing vibrations in the chassis of the vehicle (10) and/or vehicle body (8).

Abstract: Various systems and methods for automated air suspension pressure drop are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for decreasing air pressure in an air spring is provided, comprising: providing a trailer, the trailer comprising: a first axle and a second axle, wherein at least one of the first axle and the second axle is operatively connected to at least one air spring; providing a strain gauge operatively connected to the trailer, wherein the strain gauge is configured to identify a lateral bending strain in the trailer; identifying the presence of the lateral bending strain in the trailer, wherein the lateral bending strain is about an axis substantially normal to the trailer's plane of travel; communicating the presence of the lateral bending strain in the trailer to a control unit operatively connected to the at least one air spring; and decreasing the air pressure in the at least one air spring.

Abstract: The inner peripheral side radial direction surface of the fixing portion of the dust cover is abutted to the outer peripheral side radial direction surface of the flange portion of the ball seat, and the end portion of the fixing portion is abutted to the side surface of the outer peripheral side of the ball seat. The outer peripheral side radial direction surface of the fixing portion is pressed toward the flange portion by the radial direction surface pressing portion of the die member, and the fixing portion of the dust cover is held by the radial direction surface pressing portion of the die member and the flange portion. The pressing by the radial direction surface pressing portion is appropriately performed to withstand an injection molding pressure of the resin injection.

Abstract: A semimanufactured product of a stopper includes: a plate-shaped bridging portion; a first curved portion extending from one end portion of the bridging portion integrally; and a second curved portion extending from the other end portion of the bridging portion integrally, and an entirety of the semimanufactured product is formed in a C-shape. The first curved portion includes a first locking part at the end portion. The second curved portion includes a second locking part that engages with the first locking part at the end portion. The first locking part includes a convex-shaped convex portion and a pair of receiving portions positioned so as to sandwich the convex portion. The second locking part includes: a concave-shaped concave portion which can accommodate the convex portion; and a pair of projecting portions positioned so as to sandwich the concave portion.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle air conditioning device including an air conditioning unit in which: a unit case (10) of the air conditioning unit is formed of a plurality of lower and upper divided cases (23, 24, 25); and the divided cases (23, 24, 25) are coupled integrally to each other through a mating portion (34) provided to division end surfaces (30A, 30B, 32). The vehicle air conditioning device also includes a space (35) having a given height in the top-bottom direction and a given width is formed between respective case inner division end surfaces (32, 30B) of the divided cases (24, 25) on one side and the divided case (23) on the other side, the divided cases (23, 24, 25) constituting the mating portion (34).

Abstract: An air distribution arrangement for distributing a flow of air produced by an HVAC system of a vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The body is configured for attachment to the vehicle downstream of the flow of air. The arrangement further includes a channel associated with the upper surface disposed to receive a first portion of the flow of air and configured to guide the first portion along a length of the upper surface. The arrangement further includes a duct associated with the lower surface and extending along a path corresponding with the length. The duct is disposed to receive a second portion of the flow of air and configured to guide the second portion along the path. The duct is in fluid communication with the channel at a plurality of locations along the path.

Abstract: Provided is a heater for vehicles, and more particularly, a heater for vehicles which can be easily manufactured and have a reduced thickness to implement miniaturization, by forming a heat radiating part using a plate-shaped first support part (and second support part) vertically disposed to the flow direction of air, and can fix the support part and the heat radiating part by a simple method to increase manufacturability.

Abstract: A vehicle air vent is provided that includes a plurality of air control vanes, the orientation of which determines the direction of air flow exiting the air vent; a shut-off door that allows air to flow through the air vent when it is in a first position and blocks air flow through the air vent when it is in a second position; a control tab mechanically coupled to the plurality of air control vanes; and a linkage assembly mechanically coupling the control tab to the shut-off door. Adjustment of the control tab within a first range of positions controls the orientation of the air control vanes while maintaining the shut-off door in an open position. Adjustment of the control tab within a second range of positions, however, moves the shut-off door between the first and second positions, thereby controlling air flow through the air vent.

Abstract: A D-ring for use with a visor in a vehicle is disclosed. The D-ring includes a body and a pin arranged between two surfaces of the body. The D-ring also includes a leg extending from the body and a first and second arm extending from a side of the body wherein the arms are generally parallel to the leg. The D-ring also includes a first and second flange extending from the body substantially parallel to and in spaced relationship to the arms for receiving and holding a planar object between the flanges and the arms.

Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes: a movable panel adjusted to open and close an opening formed on a roof of a vehicle; a guide rail extending on the roof in the vehicle front-rear direction; a driving shoe driven to move along the guide rail; a support bracket including a first engagement protrusion and a second engagement protrusion and supporting the movable panel; a rear-side guide member on which a guide-side engagement concave portion is formed and which is provided on the guide rail; and a rear-side link from which a link-side engagement protrusion which engages with the guide-side engagement concave portion to lift up and lower the rear portion of the support bracket protrudes in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a vehicle roof closure that can prevent pinching of obstructions within a roof opening. Example vehicles include a roof having an opening, a panel disposed adjacent to the opening and moveable by a first motor, a shade disposed below the panel and moveable by a second motor having a lower output than the first motor, and a controller configured to close the shade before closing the panel during a close panel operation, and stop the shade if an obstruction is detected within the opening. Example methods include upon receiving a command to close a panel over an opening, causing a shade motor to start closing a shade disposed below the panel by unrolling the shade; stopping the shade motor upon detection of an obstruction within the opening; and causing a panel motor to start closing the panel upon receiving a shade closed signal.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle box having a plurality of slats with each slat pivotally connected to at least one adjacent slat and end fittings attached to opposite ends of each of the plurality of slats. Side rails are attachable to the vehicle box. Locking elements associated with each side rail are movable to engage and hold the end fittings onto the side rails. The locking element including a hook on a roll rod pivotally positioned within an arc section of the side rail. The roll rod is movable from a first position wherein the hook projects into a slot in the end fittings to a second position wherein the hook is withdrawn from the slot.

Abstract: A vehicle has a motor and an engine each serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, and assembled batteries each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor. The assembled batteries include a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery, and the high-capacity assembled battery has energy capacity relatively larger than that of the high-power assembled battery. In running of the vehicle using output from the motor with the engine stopped, the high-capacity assembled battery supplies more electric power to the motor than that in the high-power assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is placed in a vehicle-inside space accommodating a passenger or baggage, and the high-capacity assembled battery is placed in a vehicle-outside space located on an outer face of a vehicle body.

Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle includes an input shaft configured to receive torque of an engine. A first motor/generator includes a first rotor directly connected to the input shaft and a first stator selectively connected to a first motor housing and the input shaft. An intermediate shaft is disposed in series with the input shaft and selectively connected to the first stator. A second motor/generator includes a second rotor directly connected to the intermediate shaft and a second stator directly connected to a second motor housing. A final reduction gear is configured to receive torque from the intermediate shaft and to output the torque. A battery supplies electricity to the first and second motor/generators or is charged by torque of the first and second motor/generators.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a fuel supply on a vehicle, which is specifically adapted for the operable support and positioning of an auxiliary fuel supply. The vehicle with which the mounting assembly is utilized may vary significantly, but is primarily structured for use on mine haul vehicles, bulldozers, and other heavy duty commercial vehicles, wherein the operation thereof is significantly benefited or enhanced through the provision of an auxiliary, or alternate fuel supply such as, but not limited to, liquid natural gas (LNG), selectively powering the engine of the vehicle as determined by an improved electronic control system. The mounting assembly comprises a containment structure in the form of at least one fuel tank and a housing is structured to enclose the fuel tank. A base supports the housing and provides a pivot point about which the housing may be disposed between a first and second orientation.

Abstract: A fuel tank structure of straddle type vehicle in which a wide space below the fuel tank can be secured and a clearance portion for avoiding the fuel tank interfering with the vehicle body side can be downsized. The fuel tank is supported on and disposed above a main frame with a fuel pump being installed to a bottom plate of the rear portion of the fuel tank. A maintenance space formed below the fuel pump when the rear portion of the fuel tank is lifted in a state wherein an installation portion of a front bracket installed to the front lower portion of the fuel tank is rotatably supported on the main frame. The fuel tank is configured such that the installation portion of the lower end of the front bracket is disposed below the bottom plate, simultaneously, and is installed to the main frame with a bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating fluid container for a motor vehicle, said container including a container body which is assembled from at least two injection-molded shells of thermoplastic plastics material which are complementary to each other. The shells are provided in each case with integrally molded structures which extend into the free container volume in such a manner that they bring about a restriction of a fluid surge created, for instance, in the container. At least some of the structures on each of the two shells are welded together at least in part or in a punctiform manner approximately in the joining plane of the container.

Abstract: A solar battery mounting structure for a vehicle mounts a solar battery module on the roof of a vehicle body. The solar battery module includes a glass panel and sealant located on a side of the glass panel that faces the inside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Solar battery cells are sealed in the sealant. A roof reinforcing member bridges over the roof of the vehicle body. The solar battery module includes a through portion that extends to the glass panel through the sealant. Adhesive is provided in the through portion. The adhesive bonds and fixes the glass panel to the roof reinforcing member.

Abstract: A powertrain can provide propulsive power to a vehicle and includes an electric motor/generator including a motor housing, and a final drive unit partially disposed in the motor housing. The final drive unit includes a gear case coupled to the motor housing. The final drive unit further includes a differential disposed in the gear case. The differential includes a differential housing. The final drive unit further includes a first final drive bearing disposed around the differential housing. The first final drive bearing is supported by the bearing support structure connected to the motor housing. The final drive unit further includes a second final drive bearing disposed around the differential housing. The second final drive bearing is supported by the gear case.

Abstract: A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, has a first device, which has at least one element, which can have an electric voltage which is hazardous to a human being in the event of such a human being coming into touching contact therewith. The first device is electrically connected to a conductor, which has a low voltage. An accident sensor system outputs a sensor signal in the event of an accident. On output of the sensor signal, the element of the first device can automatically be switched to zero potential.

Abstract: A method, a computer program and a computer program product for operating a vehicle, which includes as a drive device a least one electric motor, that is associated with at least one electric store, wherein the electric store is charged by an external energy source when the vehicle is at rest. During the charging process, at least initially at least one testing device of the vehicle is activated for monitoring the charging process as well as the rest state of the vehicle, and only when an error state is detected by the testing device at least one safety device of the vehicle is activated.

Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a charger configured to charge a battery of a vehicle from an external power supply source. A controller is configured to be activated when the charger starts charging in an ignition off state of the vehicle and blocks a high voltage system of the vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle receives a shock from outside the vehicle by using positional information transferred from a motor position sensor of a driving motor.

Abstract: The battery management unit for a vehicle includes a charger mounted on the vehicle, configured to connect to an external power source and charge an assembled battery including a plurality of cells with electric power from the external power source; a memory that records which cell is a lowest cell having the lowest voltage when the battery is fully charged; and a cell-balancer that carries out cell-balancing on the voltage of the battery by discharging, when the charger is not charging the battery, the cells having a voltage higher than a current voltage of the lowest cell to the current value of the lowest cell. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in dispersion of voltages and reduction in battery capacity.

Abstract: A power generation and charging device for continuous running of an electric automobile comprises generators, a charger and a storage battery. The generators are disk generators and are arranged on rims of wheels. The power generation and charging device is provided with the storage battery as same as an automobile-mounted power supply, and current leading-out wires of the generators are connected with the storage battery through the charger and a circuit converter. The original storage battery of the electric automobile is connected with an automobile power supply binding post through the circuit converter. Through the power generation and charging device, a replaced power supply is provided when the electric quantity of the automobile-mounted power supply of the electric automobile is insufficient, and the continuous running mileage of the electric automobile is greatly increased.

Abstract: A vehicle is capable of charging a power storage device mounted thereon using electric power from two power paths of an external DC power supply and AC power supply. The vehicle includes a DC charger for converting electric power from the DC power supply into charging electric power for the power storage device, and an AC charger for converting electric power from the AC power supply into charging electric power for the power storage device. A vehicle ECU selects an electric power path to be used for charging based on the state of the power storage device and efficiency of the DC charger and the AC charger.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus for vehicles is provided. This apparatus includes a battery mounted on a vehicle as well as first and second power transferring means and a power conversion unit. The first power transferring means transfers power between the battery and a first power supply section placed outside the vehicle, in a state where the battery is electrically connected to the power supply section. The second power transferring means transfers power between the battery and the power supply section placed outside the vehicle, in a state where the battery is electromagnetically connected to a second power supply section. The power conversion unit is used commonly in both the first and second power transferring means and used for transferring the power between the battery and the first power supply section and for transferring the power between the battery and the second power supply section.

Abstract: A charging control system includes a flattened charging speed calculation unit that calculates a flattened charge speed for fully charging EVs at a constant speed according to permitted charging time for the EVs and the amount of charging required by the EVs; a charging speed calculation unit that calculates a charging speed for the EVs by multiplying the flattened charging speed by a request demand ratio function based on change over time in electric power demand requested from the electric power supply side; and a control unit that controls the charging of the EVs on the basis of the charging speed calculated by the charging speed calculation unit.

Abstract: A planar electric generator using a magnetic levitation system includes an annular ferromagnetic guide rail and a rotary disk located above the annular ferromagnetic guide rail. The annular ferromagnetic guide rail includes an annular base and two annular wheel rails that protrude upward from the annular base and separated from each other. A plurality of first electromagnets protrudes between the two annular wheel rails. The first electromagnets are distributed at an equal interval around a circumferential direction of the annular base. An electromagnetic induction apparatus is provided at the top of each first electromagnet.

Abstract: A method includes trajectories of setpoints controlling a motor mechanism and auxiliary unit, the trajectory describing variation of the setpoint by position of the mobile system, the trajectories being calculated with respect to objectives according to an optimization algorithm, said method comprising: storing an approximate profile of the route as segments of straight lines, forming positions sampled along the route, a sampled position corresponding to passage from one segment to the following segment; sampling the profile according to a spatial pitch, forming a series of positions sampled along the route; the trajectories being recalculated at each sampled position by the optimization algorithm, the setpoints being constant over a given segment, a simulation predicting the energy environment of the mobile system at each sampled position as a function of the setpoints and the profile of the route, the optimization algorithm taking the simulation result to calculate the setpoints.

Abstract: An occupant detection system includes a controller, a sensing electrode, and a shield electrode, the electrodes disposed in a vehicle seat. The controller is electrically coupled to the sensing electrode and shield electrode by a sensing circuit. The controller is configured to send an input signal to the sensing electrode, the shield electrode, or both and measures current, impedance, or capacitance values to determine the presence of an object on the seat, to classify the object, or both.

Abstract: A seat having a hinge mechanism and a disabling system enabled to selectively allow and prevent a backrest from pivoting in relation to a seating portion. The hinge mechanism may have a case, a locking system, and a control member. The locking system may be locked and unlocked to prevent and enable pivoting of the backrest. The control member may be moveable between a rest position, locking the locking system, and an actuating position, unlocking the locking system. The disabling system may have a disabling member and a retaining member. The disabling member may have an active position, placing the control member in the actuating position. The retaining member may maintain the disabling member in the active position. The case may contain, in a radial dimension, at least half of both the disabling member and the retaining member.

Abstract: An infant restraint is coupled to a juvenile seat to restrain an infant seated in the seat. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back.

Abstract: A child safety seat assembly includes a base having two fixed anchoring hooks, a seat shell detachably installed with the base, two catching collars pivotally assembled with the seat shell, the collars being operable to respectively engage with the anchoring hooks to hold the seat shell with the base, and a release actuator operatively connected with the catching collars, the release actuator being operable to rotate the catching collars to disengage the catching collars from the anchoring hooks.