Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle includes the following: (a) receiving route data regarding a desired trip; (b) determining a load distribution along the desired trip based on the route data; (c) determining a load threshold based on the load distribution along the desired trip; (d) determining a charge depleting operating threshold based on a state of charge of the energy storage device; (e) commanding the powertrain to shift from a charge-depleting mode to a charge-sustaining mode when a load of the hybrid vehicle is equal to or greater than the load threshold; and (f) commanding the powertrain to shift from the charge-sustaining mode to the charge-depleting mode when the hybrid vehicle has traveled a distance that is greater than or equal to the charge-depleting operating threshold since the powertrain shifted from the charge-depleting mode to the charge-sustaining mode.

Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a transmission torque converter lockup clutch is adjusted by way of adjusting a transfer function based on torque supplied by an electric machine to improve engine starting control. The approach may improve engine starting and vehicle drivability.

Abstract: A control device of a hybrid vehicle including an engine; an automatic transmission placed on a power transmission path between the engine and wheels, having a first friction engagement element engaged in a forward range and a second engagement element engaged in a reverse range based on a hydraulic pressure generated while the engine is stopped; and a rotary electric machine capable of driving the wheels without using the power transmission path. The rotary electric machine is driven when a shift range is the forward range or the reverse range while the internal combustion engine is stopped, and the driving of the rotary electric machine is restrained for a set time after the shift range is changed from the forward range to the reverse range or vice versa while the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A fail-safe device and a fail-safe method for an engine clutch actuator for a hybrid vehicle may facilitate conversion into a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode even upon failure of an engine clutch actuator by diagnosing a failure state of an electric vehicle (EV) mode due to failure of the engine clutch actuator using a pressure sensor mounted on an actuator master cylinder of the engine clutch actuator when a driving mode is converted from the EV mode to the HEV mode, transmitting a diagnostic signal to a hybrid control unit, and allowing hydraulic oil in the actuator master cylinder to be easily supplied into a concentric slave cylinder using a separate emergency actuator when the driving mode is converted from the EV mode to the HEV mode.

Abstract: An automated driving system and methods are disclosed. The automated driving system includes a perception system disposed on an autonomous vehicle. The automated driving system can detect, based on an audio recording captured by the perception system, an emergency vehicle operating in an emergency mode. After detection, an image of the environment surrounding the autonomous vehicle can be captured by the perception system. Based on at least one of the audio recording and the image of the environment surrounding the autonomous vehicle, a location of the emergency vehicle in respect to the autonomous vehicle can be determined. If the location of the emergency vehicle is such that the autonomous vehicle is required to comply with a traffic regulation, the automated driving system can send a command to one or more vehicle systems of the autonomous vehicle to implement one or more maneuvers to comply with the traffic regulation.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot body having forward and rearward portions, a sonar system, a drive system, and a control system. The sonar system is disposed on the robot body and has an array of emitters and an array of receivers arranged along a forward surface of the forward portion of the robot body. The emitters emit a sound wave and the receivers receive reflections of the sound wave. The array of emitters includes an odd number of emitters and the array of receivers includes an even number of receivers. The drive system supports the robot body and is configured to maneuver the robot across a floor surface along a path. The control system is supports by the robot body and is in communication with the drive system and the sonar system. The control system processes sensor signals received from the array of receivers.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method that recognizes vehicle lane departure in road conditions affected by environmental conditions. The system uses magnetic field flux detection to determine if a vehicle is departing from a projected vehicle trajectory or a determined vehicle position between lanes. A magnetic material is applied to the stripes painted on road surfaces or on other applicable lane boundary indicators. The system uses magnetic field flux sensors or Hall Effect sensors mounted in the vehicle to recognize changes in magnetic field flux from the magnetized road stripe. These changes in magnetic field flux are interpreted by the system to determine whether alarms should be initiated for vehicle lane departure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operation may be adjusted in response to operating the hybrid vehicle in a four wheel drivel low gear range. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.

Abstract: A system and method for improving vehicle performance on a grade comprises an engine, an acceleration sensor, a global positioning system, a controller and a torque transfer device. The controller determines the grade from information obtained from the global positioning system and the acceleration sensor. The controller calculates a dynamic weight shift of the vehicle from a first wheel to a second wheel due to acceleration and a static weight shift of the vehicle from the first wheel to the second wheel due to gravity and the grade. The controller then determines the maximum amount of torque that can be transmitted to the first wheel before the first wheel slips and avoids slipping by preemptively diverting torque from the first wheel to the second wheel before the first wheel slips.

Abstract: A method of operating a drive train for a hybrid electric vehicle, and a drive train, is disclosed. The drive train includes an internal combustion engine, a first electrical machine and electrical energy storage. The engine is coupled to drive the first electrical machine as a generator and the first electrical machine connected to supply electrical energy to the electrical energy storage. The electrical energy storage is arranged for supplying electrical energy to at least a second electrical machine for driving wheels of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes sensing a parameter indicating the voltage across the electrical energy storage and, in response to this sensed parameter, controlling the internal combustion engine and/or the first electrical machine such that the first electrical machine gives rise to a voltage output of the first electrical machine such that the electrical energy storage is charged without the need for power electronics.

Abstract: A method for detecting a narrow road includes calculating relative heights of points from a distance measuring sensor to a ground based on distance information. A left boundary point and a right boundary point, at which a difference in relative heights from adjacent points becomes maximal, are acquired. A road boundary line of a driving road is acquired based on the left boundary point and the right boundary point depending on a movement trajectory of the vehicle when a difference in relative heights at the left boundary point and the right boundary point is more than or equal to a reference value. A road width of the driving road is calculated based on the road boundary line. It is detected whether the driving road of the vehicle is a narrow road based on the road width.

Abstract: Vehicle onboard safety systems against deception during driving-under-influence (DUI) test, using cheiloscopy sensor or bite mark sensor as biometrics have been invented. The systems have an engine interlock system, which controls the engine ignition based on the onboard DUI testing result. The systems also have a smart phone locker designed to take the smart phone away from the driver in order to avoid any driving distraction, while allowing connection to external network and resource through tethering.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle running control apparatus and a vehicle running control method. The invention calculates a compensation torque for preventing the pulling of the vehicle by reflecting the speed difference between the driving wheel and the driven wheel of the vehicle, thereby enabling the vehicle to run more stably as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for limiting engine speed using any one of multiple engine components. The apparatus includes a user interface manually actuable to select at least one of the multiple engine components for limiting engine speed. The user interface includes an identification signal generator and transmitter that is configured to, upon selection of the multiple engine component(s), generate and transmit an identification signal that identifies the engine component(s) that was selected. The apparatus also includes a controller that is configured to, upon receipt of the identification signal, provide an instruction to the identified engine component(s), such that the identified engine component(s) operates to limit engine speed upon occurrence of conditions warranting that engine speed be limited.

Abstract: Lateral support elements for engaging an associated flexible wall of an associated gas spring assembly can be displaceably mounted along an associated end member of the associated gas spring assembly, such as by way of an elastomeric mounting element. The elastomeric mounting element can be formed as an endless annular ring, from an elongated length of elastomeric material wound helically about an axis, a plurality of support element sections disposed in peripherally spaced relation to one another about an axis or from a plurality of concentric element rings formed from elastomeric and comparatively rigid materials. Gas spring assemblies including one or more of such lateral support element as well as suspension systems that includes one or more of such gas spring assemblies and methods of manufacture are also included.

Abstract: A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both.

Abstract: A brake control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle, wherein the brake control device is designed to control at least one electromagnetic track brake device of the brake system on the basis of rail condition data. Also disclosed is a corresponding brake system, a rail vehicle, and a corresponding method.

Abstract: A train control system includes an on-board device 3 mounted on a train 2; a vehicle radio set 4; wayside radio sets 5 that are disposed on a ground; and ground devices 6 disposed in every control sections defined on the track. In each control section, the ground device 6 is connected to the wayside radio sets 5 in the control section. When one ground device 6 fails to transmit information to and receive information from another ground device 6, the one ground device 6 determines that said another ground device 6 has been failed, and then, the one ground device 6 calculates a possible travel distance to a control section of the failed ground device 6 to prevent the train 2 from entering the control section of the failed ground device 6, and then, the one ground device 6 transmits the possible travel distance to the on-board device 3.

Abstract: The apparatus transforms between a hand truck configuration and a tripod configuration. The apparatus includes a base frame, wheel axles, a base plate, a plurality of handle rods, and a center rod. The base frame is formed by lateral side supports, a top support member, upper and lower axle support bars, and a middle support member. The middle support member has a receptacle engaging a tool attachment. The base plate is made integral with the base frame, and the base frame extends orthogonally from a top planar surface of the base plate. The handle rods and center rod also extend orthogonally from the top planar surface in the hand truck configuration with the handle rods fixed to the top support member. Handle rods and center rod pivot at angles from the top planar surface in the tripod configuration. The apparatus transforms and inverts between configurations.

Abstract: A wheeled system for coolers including a wheel support and a handle support securable to a cooler using handle grips and tie-down anchor points defined on the cooler body. The wheeled system can include a telescoping handle, brake, lock, and connector tightener.

Abstract: An information presentation device transmits information of a car navigation system, installed in a vehicle, to a driver in form of tactile stimuli, wherein a controller controls a plurality of vibrators attached to a steering wheel. The vibrators are arranged in proximity to vibration transmitters, corresponding to holding parts of a steering wheel, so that they are controlled with desired vibration intensity and vibration start timing in response to drive signals from the controller. Two vibrators are arranged in the holding parts of a steering wheel which come in contact with driver's hands and are controlled to generate a virtual vibrating source, thus rendering a driver feeling a sensation as if a vibrating source is moving in upward-downward directions, left-right directions, and far-near directions in the front side of a driver. Thus, it is possible to present accurate information with a small amount of energy consumption in driving vibrators.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a telescope stop assembly for a steering column having a jacket is provided. The assembly includes a cam having a cam surface, the cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a pin operatively associated with the cam. The cam surface acts on the pin to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, an end of the pin is configured to extend into a telescope channel formed in the jacket to facilitate limited telescoping movement of the steering column, and in the retracted position, the end of the pin is located outside the telescope channel.

Abstract: A steering yoke is disclosed and includes a hollow cylindrical body that can be formed from a laminated sheet of metal and polymer. The hollow cylindrical body includes a substantially uniform wall thickness. Further, the hollow cylindrical body can include a first half, a second half, a seam extending at least partially along the body between the first half and the second half, an upper end having a surface, and a lower open end. The steering yoke can also include a bearing surface coupled to the surface of the upper end of the hollow cylindrical body and a spring perch disposed in the lower end of the hollow cylindrical body. The spring perch can include a spring pocket configured to support and retain a spring for supplying a biasing force to the yoke.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus for generating a PWM signal based on a calculated steering assist command value, PWM-controlling a motor via a motor drive circuit including switching elements, and assist-controlling a steering system that a motor relay is inserted between the motor drive circuit and the motor, includes a steering status detecting section that detects a steering status of a steering wheel, outputs a longtime steering holding signal when detecting that the steering status is a longtime steering holding status, and outputs a normal steering signal when detecting that the steering status is a normal steering status, and a motor current control section that determines a motor current control value for controlling a motor current flowing in the motor relay in accordance with the longtime steering holding signal or the normal steering signal.

Abstract: A control system for a power steering system is provided. The control system includes an amplitude calculation module and a command module. The amplitude calculation module receives a compensation command. The amplitude calculation module determines a command amplitude that is based on the compensation command. The command module generates a command to the power steering system. The command is based on the command amplitude.

Abstract: An assembly is provided comprising a twin I-beam front suspension system and a parallelogram steering linkage operatively coupled to the suspension system. A vehicle incorporating the assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a resisting force change mechanism that changes a resisting force exerted against a turning operation of each of an upper cross member and a lower cross member with respect to a body frame, and a resisting force that occurs when the upper cross member and the lower cross member are displaced from respective positions relative to the body frame in at least two different magnitudes. The resisting force change mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion that change a resisting force against a relative turning therebetween about a resisting force change axis which is parallel or substantially parallel with an upper middle axis. The first portion is non-turnably fixed to one member and the second portion is supported by another member, at least a portion of which is turnably supported by the one member, and the second portion turns relative to the first portion.

Abstract: A method for determining a cutting trajectory that enables a curve section of a lane to be cut by a vehicle. In the method, information about the curve section is received, and the curve section is divided into at least one curve segment having a segment length and a start curvature, the curve segment being a straight-line segment or a circular arc segment or a curve segment whose curvature is a function of an arc length of the curve segment. This is followed by determination of a cutting trajectory from the at least one curve segment, so that, at a specific point of the curve section, the cutting trajectory has a predetermined offset relative to a center of the lane.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an overlay torque command for an electric motor in an EPS system for use in a collision avoidance system. The method uses model predictive control that employs a six-dimensional vehicle motion model including a combination of a one-track linear bicycle model and a one-degree of freedom steering column model to model the vehicle steering. The method determines a steering control goal that defines a path tracking error between the current vehicle path and the desired vehicle path through a cost function that includes an optimal total steering torque command. The MPC determines the optimal total steering torque command to minimize the path error, and then uses driver input torque, EPS assist torque and the total column torque command to determine the torque overlay command.

Abstract: A vehicle body front section structure includes: a suspension tower; an apron upper member that extends in a vehicle front-rear direction along a top wall portion of the suspension tower, a pair of frames that are disposed to a vehicle front side and a vehicle rear side of the suspension tower, that extend from the apron upper member towards a vehicle lower side and vehicle width direction inner side, and that are integrally formed with a cast-formed suspension tower structural body together with the suspension tower and the apron upper member; a cross rib that is formed at the apron upper member and that extends along the apron upper member; and a pair of vertical ribs that are respectively formed at the pair of frames, that extend along each of the pair of frames, and that are connected to the cross rib.

Abstract: A hood and, in particular, a hood inner panel for increasing pedestrian safety during a collision between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle. The hood inner panel includes two regions separated by an angled wall or a reinforcing structure which increases local rigidity. The rigidity of the hood inner panel in the vicinity of the angled wall is then adjusted for energy absorption by the inclusion of apertures which can increase the deformability of the hood inner panel.

Abstract: A fender for a vehicle includes a body portion and a seal portion. The body portion presents an outer surface and an inner surface facing opposite the outer surface. The seal portion extends from the inner surface and is flexible relative to the body portion. The body portion is formed of a first material and the seal portion is formed of a second material different than the first material. The seal portion is integral with the body portion.

Abstract: One of more cross members of a pickup bed structure include a hole in a flange in a location that is advantageous for installation of aftermarket accessories. The hole does not extend through the floorpan itself. When customers install aftermarket accessories that require holes through the floorpan, the customers are encouraged to align the new holes with the holes in the cross members. Consequently, loads applied by the aftermarket accessories are efficiently transferred to the frame rails.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly of a truck includes an anchor on the truck and a cable attachable between the tailgate and the anchor. A clip of the cable defines an opening for receiving the anchor. A finger secures the clip to the anchor and is deflectable to allow disconnection of the clip and the anchor. A lock is disposed on the clip and is slidable between a blocking position that prevents deflection of the finger and a releasable position that allows deflection of the finger.

Abstract: A vehicle including a housing. The housing includes an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, a plurality of air inlets, an air outlet, and a spoiler surface or a spoiler. The air-flow channel is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion of the housing. The air inlets are disposed on the outer portion of the housing, and the air outlet is disposed at a rear of the outer portion of the housing. The air-flow channel communicates with the air inlets and the air outlet. The spoiler surface or the spoiler is disposed on a bottom of the outer portion of the housing, a top of the inner portion of the housing, or both the bottom of the outer portion and the top of the inner portion of the housing, for extending path of the air.

Abstract: A substantially flat fronted vehicle (10) such as a truck is provided with adjustable air deflector blades (24A-24D). The air deflector blades (24A-24D) provide upper (24A 24C) and lower (24B 24D) air deflector blades vertically mounted above one another and providing a gap (32) around the windscreen (8). The air deflector blades (24A-24D) are arcuate sheets in form and each supported by support arms (26) comprising vertically hinged first (38) and second (40) connected spring loaded arms that are urged to spring open but are held a selected angle and distance from the vehicle (10) front face (22) by wire rope length selection means and are thusly adjusted to promote least aerodynamic drag. Use on rail vehicles is also included. The apparatus has the unexpected effect of actually reducing forward vehicle aerodynamic drag in the presence of crosswinds.

Abstract: The system for holding a number of in-line two wheeled vehicles has a vertical support column. A lifting bracket has an end that engages a vertical channel of the vertical support. A counter balance system in the vertical support column is connected to the lifting bracket. A horizontal track runs perpendicular to a face of the vertical support column with the vertical channel. A horizontal bracket engages the horizontal track. A bike or other two wheel vehicle is held by the lifting bracket. Because the lifting bracket has a counter balance system a person can easily lift the bike up in the air. The horizontal bracket can also hold a bike. A bike on the horizontal bracket can be slid so that it is under the lifting bracket, which may be holding a second bike.

Abstract: A step structure for a saddle-ride vehicle includes a step that is turned in a freely derricking manner between a usage state raised in a vehicle width direction and a storage state falling along a lateral side of a vehicle. In the step structure for the saddle-ride vehicle, the step is turnably arranged with a shaft provided at an end of the step as the center. The step is also stored in such a manner wherein the shaft is positioned at the rear of the step in the storage state.

Abstract: A recumbent vehicle is disclosed, which generally consists of a front, seat and rear chassis. The seat chassis is operatively connected to upper and lower pivot joints, which allow for the seat chassis, and thus the rider, to move independently from the remainder of the vehicle. The upper and lower pivot joints are each comprised of subcomponents such as spherical axial bearings along with a coil to create the independent movement, which manifests itself during turns and when hitting obstacles on the terrain. The rider can control the direction of the recumbent vehicle by using a steering arm.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly that includes an upper frame member and a lower frame member that each extend between a head tube and a dropout. A seat tube extends between the upper frame member and the lower frame member. The seat tube is preferably connected to a bottom bracket of the lower frame member and is connected by a pivot to the upper frame member so that the seat tube can deflect from a rest position without altering an orientation of a top tube to a bottom tube of the upper and lower frame members, respectively.

Abstract: A straddle electric vehicle includes a battery case which accommodates a battery as an electric power supply for an electric motor, and is placed between a front wheel and a rear wheel; and a swing arm pivotably coupled at its front end portion to a vehicle body frame such that the swing arm supports the rear wheel by its rear end portion; wherein the electric motor is placed rearward relative to the battery case and forward relative to the rear wheel.

Abstract: A quick-assembly front wheel device of a bicycle is pivotally disposed on a single-bladed fork and includes a wheel and a brake disc. The single-bladed fork has a pivotal end, the pivotal end has a first surface and a second surface, a shaft hole is opened passing through the first surface and the second surface, the wheel is located on the first surface and has a first axle shaft passing through the shaft hole, and the brake disc is located on the second surface and has a second axle shaft to pass through the shaft hole. The first axle shaft and the second axle shaft can be butted together. Therefore, the front wheel is capable of being quickly disassembled and mounted.

Abstract: A bicycle includes at least one pedal and a flywheel. The flywheel rotates in accordance with movement of the pedal. A motor is configured to rotate a wheel. A battery powers the motor, and a throttle controls how much power is provided from the battery to the motor. Power from the battery is only provided to the motor while the flywheel is rotating.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting control apparatus comprises a transmission controller configured to control a guide actuator of a derailleur to move a chain guide of the derailleur between a plurality of shift positions in response to an input shifting signal. The transmission controller is configured to control, in a shifting operation of the chain guide between adjacent two shift positions of the plurality of shift positions, the guide actuator to temporarily decelerate the chain guide at a deceleration position defined between the adjacent two shift positions so that the bicycle chain engages with and/or disengages from one of the sprockets having a shift assist structure prior to completion of the shifting operation of the chain guide.

Abstract: A passively stable personal hydrofoil watercraft that has a flotation device, wherein a user can ride in a prone, kneeling, or standing position. The watercraft includes a strut having an upper end interconnected with the flotation device and lower end connected with a hydrofoil. The hydrofoil greatly reduces the power required to travel at higher speed. The watercraft also includes a propulsion system connected to the hydrofoil. Both longitudinal and directional control of the watercraft is via weight shift, eliminating the need of any movable surfaces. The flotation device, strut, and hydrofoil may be permanently interconnected or may be detachable.

Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms and a brace for the transom are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An inflatable boat platform floatation device having a “T” or “U” shaped opening in the front surface that receives the motor(s) and wraps around the motor(s) and sides of a boat allowing the front surface to engage the transom and side surfaces forming the opening at the front surface to engage the sides of the boat near the stern such that the platform rests against the boat in a manner that shields the propeller(s) from ropes, debris, hands and feet while providing a platform for the passengers outside the boat. The platform has top and bottom surfaces that are connected by stitched polyester fibers (“SPF”) which hold the surfaces together and determine the platform's thickness when inflated and keep the surfaces uniform and rigid when the platform is inflated. The upper surface includes at least one ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) pad.

Abstract: A vessel is provided with a hull that includes left and right side walls, a bottom, and a plurality of decks including a freeboard deck; a plurality of rooms divided back and forth in a longitudinal direction of the hull by a bulkhead inside the hull; and flood control watertight compartments that are disposed inside the plurality of rooms, divide a space from a double bottom upper deck or the bottom below the freeboard deck to the freeboard deck, and are in contact with the side wall of a port side or the side wall of a starboard side and the bulkhead.

Abstract: The method of mooring buoyant equipment at the surface of a body of water in a controlled position using a single line by connecting a first line from the buoyant equipment to a first diameter drum on a subsea mooring tower, connecting the first diameter drum to a second diameter drum, connecting a second line from the second diameter drum to a weight, such that when the depth of the body of water changes the tension on the first line remains the same and the vertical distance travelled by the weight is less than the change in the depth of the body of water.

Abstract: A tether device for pool floats includes a float attachment unit having an elongated cord with connectors permanently affixed to each end. A soft sleeve is positioned along the cord and between the connectors. The device also includes an anchor unit having a tether that is interposed between a weighted element and a hook.