Abstract: A system controls use of a mobile device in a vehicle where the mobile device includes, a hands-on user interface and a wireless communication interface. The system includes a docking station that couples to the mobile device using a hardwired connection, and a controller that couples to the docking station and a vehicle-start system. The hands-on interface is inaccessible with the mobile device received in the docking station. The system allows operation of the vehicle with the mobile device coupled to the docking station via the hardwired connection and prevents a vehicle start when the mobile device is not coupled to the docking station. The wireless communication interface is operational with the mobile device coupled to the docking station via the hardwired connection, and the controller permits, once the vehicle is started, a continued operation of the vehicle following removal of the mobile device from the docking station.

Abstract: To prevent the immobilizer for a trailer vehicle of a vehicle train from intervening when the trailer vehicle is moving in traffic, the electronic trailer braking system switches the vehicle service braking system into a “brake closed” or “brake released” state when the parking brake in the towing vehicle is actuated in closing direction or in release direction. The immobilizer is activated such that the electronic trailer braking system is only actuated by remote-control by a control device in order to switch the parking brake of the braking system permanently into the “brake closed” state when the trailer vehicle is decoupled from the vehicle train and is parked. The immobilizer is deactivated when the trailer vehicle is coupled to the vehicle train and the parking brake in the towing vehicle is engaged.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for are disclosed for cleaning a vehicle wheel surface on a vehicle wheel with a brush. A brush may comprise a plurality of resilient brush elements having varying lengths. The methods may provide for rotating the brush elements such that at any time during at least some of the plurality of brush elements are in engagement with the wheel surface. The wheel surface may be engaged by brush elements that have a length that changes cyclically and the brush elements may also cyclically vary the contact pressure between brush elements and the vehicle surface.

Abstract: A brake pedal assembly for a brake-by-wire system or vehicle having a traction battery. The brake pedal assembly has both a pedal feel simulator and an adjustable brake pedal. The pedal feel simulator has a fixed cam surface and a moving cam follower that provides increased resistance that simulates that of an actual brake system as the brake pedal arm is depressed. The brake pedal assembly has a pivotal adjustment subassembly that the cam follower may extend from. The adjustment subassembly may also have a brake pedal arm adjustably connected to and extending therefrom. The adjustment subassembly provides a consistent path of rotation per brake pedal depress allowing for the cam follower to have substantially consistent movement across the fixed cam surface, providing substantially consistent pedal feel feedback, regardless of where the brake pedal has been adjusted to within a vehicle foot-well.

Abstract: In a rail guided vehicle system, unnecessary slowing down and stopping of a vehicle passing through a divergence point and a merge point is avoided. The rail guided vehicle system comprises a rail 100 including a guidepath wire 600 in a predetermined area including the divergence point and the merge point, and a plurality of vehicles 200 that travel while being supported and guided by the rail.

Abstract: An electronic control unit of a braking force control apparatus for a vehicle activates, as a first state, in-wheel motors in a regeneration state, thereby generating motor braking torques, and causes friction brake mechanisms to generate friction braking forces. Moreover, the unit activates, as a second state, the motors in a power running state, thereby generating motor driving torques, and causes the mechanisms to generate friction braking forces. Then, when the state is caused to transition between the first state and the second state, the unit changes magnitudes of the braking torques or the driving torques generated by the motors to one of increase and decrease, and changes magnitudes of the friction braking forces generated by the mechanisms to one of increase and decrease.

Abstract: An ECU which includes a receiving portion that receives a control signal related to braking of a vehicle transmitted from an external ECU installed outside the ECU and a yaw rate estimation portion that estimates a yaw rate of the vehicle, based on a vehicle speed and steering angles which indicate turning angles of a steering wheel of the vehicle or turning angles of a wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle brake hydraulic control apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a suction valve; a pump; a motor for driving the pump; and a control unit controlling the suction valve and the motor through connection/disconnection of power thereto. The control unit includes: a detection module configured to detect a back electromotive voltage generated due to an inertia rotation of the motor after disconnection of power; a voltage check module configured to check whether a voltage condition is satisfied or not that the back electromotive voltage is equal to or less than a given voltage; and a time check module configured to check whether a time condition is satisfied or not that a given time has passed after the voltage condition has been satisfied. And, the control unit closes the suction valve when the time condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pedal simulator for an active brake system. The pedal simulator includes a simulator block provided therein with a bore, a first reaction unit including a first reaction piston slidably installed in the bore, a first damping member installed at the first reaction piston, and a first reaction spring compressed by the first reaction piston, and a second reaction unit including a second reaction piston provided in the bore to support the first reaction spring and slide in the bore, a damping housing connected to the simulator block to be spaced a certain distance apart from the second reaction piston, a second reaction spring installed between the second reaction piston and the damping housing to be compressed by the second reaction piston, and a second damping member installed in the damping housing to contact the second reaction piston. The second damping member is configured with an upper damper and a lower damper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a master cylinder for brake systems including a cylinder body including a first cylinder having a first bore therein and a second cylinder having a second bore therein, the first and second cylinders being joined together by fastening members to allow the first and second bores to communicate with each other, a first and second piston installed to move forward and backward in the first and second bores, a first hydraulic pressure chamber adapted to be pressed by the first piston arranged in the first bore, and a second hydraulic pressure chamber adapted to be pressed by the second piston arranged in the second bore. Each of the first and second bores comprises a large diameter portion expanded to an inside of the cylinder body to increase a flow rate at an initial stage of braking and a small diameter portion narrowed from the large diameter portion.

Abstract: In a vacuum booster for a vehicular brake, at least one of flat front attachment portion and flat rear attachment portion has a central disc portion which is concentric with a fitting cylindrical portion and plural side disc portions which are disposed around the central disc portion so as to be continuous with the central disc portion and to be spaced from each other. Bolts are inserted through at least a pair of side disc portions of the plural side disc portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle compressed air supply device, comprising pressure maintenance valves for service brakes, which are positioned between a junction chamber and compressed air channels for primary brakes; a pressure maintenance valve for the parking brake, which is positioned between the junction chamber and a compressed air channel for the parking brake; and a pressure maintenance valve, positioned on a supply path that connects the pressure maintenance valve for the parking, brake with the junction chamber, and which is closed until the pressure of the compressed air that is supplied to the compressed air channels for the primary brakes reaches a prescribed pressure value. The pressure maintenance valve has the same structure as the pressure maintenance valves for service brakes and the pressure maintenance valve for the parking brake.

Abstract: A brake apparatus, which is configured to generate a hydraulic pressure in a master cylinder, sets a control position of a primary piston. According to a movement of an input piston in response to an operation of a brake pedal, the brake apparatus generates a hydraulic pressure in a primary chamber of the master cylinder by driving the primary piston by an electric motor to supply brake fluid to a brake caliper, thereby exerting a brake effect. The brake apparatus sets a first control position where the primary chamber is out of communication with a reservoir, and a second control position where the primary chamber is in communication with the reservoir as a holding position of the primary piston when no brake is applied. Then, the brake apparatus appropriately switches the holding position of the piston between the first control position and the second control position.

Abstract: An aftercooler bypass system for selectively allowing a portion of the hot compressed gases exiting an air compressor to bypass an aftercooler and intermix with the cooled compressed gases exiting the aftercooler in order to ensure that the cooled compressed gases are above a threshold temperature when the ambient air temperature is at or below freezing. The system includes a valve for controlling the amount of air diverted around the aftercooler and a mixing chamber for allowing the valved air supply to intermix with the aftercooler outlet stream. Temperature sensor may be used to measure ambient air temperature and downstream air temperature to control the opening and closing of the valve and maintain the desired mixed air temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are a computer-implemented method for determining safety factors or a safety factor formula for use in a braking model of at least one train, a computer-implemented method for determining a plurality of safety factors for use in a braking model of at least one train, and braking systems for use on trains.

Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes: an engine; a fluid power transmission device; a clutch disposed between an input side member and an output side member in the fluid power transmission device; and a torsional vibration reduction device disposed in a power transmission path between the engine and the fluid power transmission device in series with the fluid power transmission device, wherein when the clutch is put into slip engagement, the vehicle drive device has a minimum value set equal to or greater than zero for a differential rotation speed acquired by subtracting a rotation speed of the output side member from a rotation speed of the input side member and has a minimum value set less than zero for a differential rotation speed acquired by subtracting the rotation speed of the output side member from a rotation speed of an input side inertial body in the torsional vibration reduction device.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, battery capacity of an electric vehicle can be automatically determined. In an exemplary method, an instruction is received to determine a battery capacity value and one or more vehicle accessories are activated to discharge the battery to a first charge level. When the first charge level is reached, a generator in the vehicle is started and used to charge the battery to a second charge level, after which the battery capacity value can be determined and stored. In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, the vehicle comprises a controller adapted to cause a battery to be discharged and charged to determine a capacity value of the battery. A plurality of accessories are configured to activate and deactivate responsive to the controller to discharge the battery, while a generator is responsive to the controller to charge the battery so that the controller can determine the battery capacity value.

Abstract: In a vehicle that includes an engine, a motor, a generator, a battery electrically connected to the motor and the generator, and a transmission provided between the motor and an output shaft coupled to a drive wheel, an ECU executes “battery-less travel control” in which, at the time of a failure of the battery, the battery is isolated from the motor and the generator, the generator is caused to generate electric power by generating a torque, corresponding to an accelerator pedal operation amount, from the generator, and the vehicle is caused to travel by driving the motor using the electric power generated by the generator. The ECU suppresses losing a balance of input and output electric powers between the generator and the motor by filtering the accelerator pedal operation amount when a vehicle speed exceeds a limit vehicle speed during the battery-less travel control.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to a robotic system that includes a hydraulic actuator and an electric actuator both coupled to a joint of the robotic system. Operation of the actuators may be based on various factors such as based on desired joint parameters. For instance, such desired joint parameters may include a desired output torque/force of the joint, a desired output velocity of the joint, a desired acceleration of the joint, and/or a desired joint angle, among other possibilities. Given a model of power consumption as well as a model of the actuators, the robotic system may determine operating parameters such as hydraulic and electric operating parameters as well as power system parameters, among others. The robotic system may then control operation of the actuators, using the determined operating parameters, to obtain the desired joint parameters such that power dissipation in the system is minimized (i.e., maximizing actuation efficiency).

Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle, which is capable of improving reliability of an in-gear operation for switching a speed position to an in-gear state while ensuring the degree of freedom in design of the drive device and realizing reduction of manufacturing costs thereof. When a transmission condition for transmitting motive power of the engine to front wheels via a first-speed forward position is satisfied, the ECU controls a first speed synchronization mechanism such that the first-speed forward position is switched to the in-gear state. At this time, if a condition of output shaft rotational speed?predetermined detection lower limit is satisfied, the ECU controls the rotational speed of the front motor such that a ring gear speed is reduced, whereas if the condition is not satisfied, the ECU controls the same to a predetermined synchronization assist value for suppressing the rotational speed difference.

Abstract: A speed change system for work vehicle having a continuously variable transmission device selects a first change gear ratio which is set larger than a smallest change gear ratio, when an engine rotational speed is a first set rotational speed which is set equal or close to an idling rotational speed of an engine; retains the change gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission device at the smallest change gear ratio, when the engine rotational speed is equal to or above a second set rotational speed set on a high-speed side relative to the first set rotational speed; and makes the change gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission device larger between the first change gear ratio and the smallest change gear ratio, as the engine rotational speed at that moment becomes lower, when the engine rotational speed is between the first and second set rotational speeds.

Abstract: A powertrain system includes a torque machine rotatably coupled to an internal combustion engine via a pulley mechanism. The torque machine and the internal combustion engine are configured to transfer torque to a driveline and include a first sensor configured to monitor rotation of the engine and a second sensor configured to monitor rotation of the torque machine. The first sensor signally connects to a controller configured to control operation of the torque machine. A method for operating the powertrain system includes employing a signal output from the first sensor to monitor rotation of the torque machine to control operation thereof, said signal output from the first sensor adjusted for a pulley ratio of the pulley mechanism upon detecting a fault associated with the second sensor.

Abstract: A travel control device selects the travel modes of the hybrid vehicle that includes a battery configured to be charged with electric power from an external power source, an MG configured to generate a driving force for running with the electric power of the battery, and an engine configured to generate a driving force for running. The travel control device includes a second estimating unit and a drive switching unit. The second estimating unit estimates an expected charging time at a destination where the battery can be charged. The drive switching unit increases a usage frequency of the EV mode until reaching to the destination in a case where the expected charging time estimated by the second estimating unit is longer than a case where expected charging time is short.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a system for idle reduction in a hybrid vehicle. The system includes a control system for causing the vehicle to operate in a charge depletion mode, or a charge accumulation mode in response to job site data; the job site data can include an estimate of the amount of energy required at the job site.

Abstract: A control system including a method and apparatus for operating a hybrid vehicle. A disconnect clutch selectively separates an electric machine from a combustion engine. If a wide open throttle or high torque command is requested and the combustion engine is shut down, a 12 volt starter may be used to start the combustion engine while disconnected from the electric machine and all of the electric machine torque available may be used for traction.

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid vehicle in which a motor/generator 5 is positioned between an engine 1 and an automatic transmission 3, the engine 1 and the motor/generator 5 are connected through a first clutch 6 and a second clutch 7 is provided between the motor/generator 5 and a drive road wheel 2. In an HEV mode in which the first clutch 6 is engaged, when deceleration of a vehicle is determined to be rapid deceleration of a threshold value or greater, the first clutch 6 is released and at the same time fuel supply to the engine 1 is stopped through an engine controller 21. Even when, due to rapid decelerating, the engine speed Ne drops to an idling speed or lower due to delay in the release of the first clutch 6, there is no combustion or explosion and thus floor vibration does not occur.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure instruction-learning apparatus of a hybrid vehicle includes a power source including an engine and a motor. The engine clutch is disposed between the engine and the motor. The vehicle controller is configured to output a hydraulic pressure instruction to control engagement/disengagement of the engine clutch. The vehicle controller compares output performance of the engine clutch with predetermined dynamic target performance in a launch control, extracts a performance error function if a difference therebetween exceeds a predetermined allowable error range, and corrects the output performance of the engine clutch, such that the output performance falls within the predetermined allowable error range and is stored as a learned value.

Abstract: A method for assisting a driver in returning a vehicle to a roadway from a periphery or shoulder of the roadway includes the following steps. Data is received from a sensor that monitors a region ahead of the vehicle. The data is analyzed to detect a transition between the roadway and the periphery, and to detect a free space ahead of the vehicle on the roadway. It is assessed whether the transition at a transition point is suitable for returning the vehicle to the roadway, and a corresponding first signal is issued. It is assessed whether the free space is sufficient for returning the vehicle and/or whether obstacles are present, and a corresponding second signal is issued. An output signal is generated based on the first and second signals, and alerts the driver or autonomously or semi-autonomously controls the vehicle to return the vehicle onto the roadway.

Abstract: In order to control a behavior generated on a body as a result of a travel of a vehicle, an electronic control unit controls rotation of each of in-wheel motors, thereby generating a predetermined braking force or driving force approximately the same in magnitude on each wheel. Meanwhile, the electronic control unit uses respective pipelines and a direction control circuit depending on the behavior generated on the body to connect fluid pressure cylinders on a fluid pressure supplying side and fluid pressure cylinders on a fluid pressure supplied side to each other for communication. As a result, the fluid pressure cylinders convert vertical forces of the body acting as component forces of a predetermined braking/driving force into hydraulic pressures and supply the fluid pressure cylinders with the hydraulic pressures, and the fluid pressure cylinders convert the supplied hydraulic pressures into vertical forces, thereby exerting the vertical forces on the body.

Abstract: An automatic park-out system is provided for a vehicle to assist in automatically exiting a parking space. The vehicle is equipped with various sensors configured to sense the location of external objects, such as vehicles surrounding the parking space and vehicle in the adjacent lane of traffic. At least one controller receives signals from these sensors and commands the vehicle to automatically move and align itself for exiting the parking space. The operator of the vehicle can depress the accelerator pedal to signal a desire to move out of the parking space. Even if the driver increasingly depresses the accelerator pedal, the at least one controller is programmed to limit an actual speed of the vehicle based on a distance between the vehicle and the external objects. This constraint placed on the actual speed be removed or reduced based on the distance increasing.

Abstract: A method for control of an automatically controlled clutch when setting a vehicle in motion on a running surface: the vehicle includes a combustion engine for generating driving force transmitted to at least one powered wheel, and a throttle control for demanding driving force from the engine. The magnitude of the driving force demanded from the engine is controlled by a driver of the vehicle by means of the throttle control. The method includes a step, when a first criterion representing the grip of the powered wheels on the running surface is fulfilled, of opening the automatically controlled clutch if the driver uses the throttle control to reduce the demand for driving force from the engine.

Abstract: An indirect longitudinal acceleration calculation section indirectly calculates longitudinal acceleration by calculating the longitudinal acceleration, which is an acceleration in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, from change in the speed of the vehicle detected by a vehicle speed detection section. When an uphill travel detection section detects an uphill traveling state in which the vehicle is traveling on an uphill and a drive state determination section detects a no-driving-force state in which a vehicle driving force is not generated, a vehicle drawn down state detection section detects that the longitudinal acceleration indirectly calculated by the indirect longitudinal acceleration calculation section is oriented in an accelerating direction, and determines that the vehicle is in a drawn down state.

Abstract: Method for operating a driver assist system of an automobile providing information regarding a passing maneuver, in particular a recommendation discouraging a passing maneuver, with a camera arranged on or in at least one outside mirror and oriented in the driving direction of the automobile, wherein the camera data are evaluated by the driver assist system and a length of an automobile in front and/or of an automobile convoy in front is determined in particular from the camera data and taken into consideration when determining the recommendation.

Abstract: A driving mode recommendation method stores driving mode information in a database for each customer and recommends a driving mode based on customer characteristic and environment analysis information. The method includes receiving a starting point and a destination from a terminal of a corresponding customer vehicle by a server. A route from the starting point to the destination is divided into sections according to a road type and a road form. It is determined whether the driving mode information is stored in the database for the divided sections. The stored driving mode information is generated as recommendation mode information for a section where the driving mode information is stored in the database by the server. Average value information of a general customer is generated as the recommendation mode information for a section where the driving mode information is not stored in the database.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the performance of a work vehicle may generally include storing a reference transmission torque and a reference transmission speed for a transmission of the work vehicle. At least one of the reference transmission torque or the reference transmission speed may be determined based at least in part on drivetrain life data associated with at least one drivetrain component of the work vehicle. In addition, the method may include determining a current transmission speed for the transmission, determining a transmission output torque limit for the transmission based on the current transmission speed, the reference transmission torque and the reference transmission speed and controlling an engine of the work vehicle such that a transmission output torque of the transmission does not exceed the transmission output torque limit while the transmission is being operated at the current transmission speed.

Abstract: A mobile robot configured to move on a ground. The mobile robot including a contact angle estimation unit estimating contact angles between wheels of the mobile robot and the ground and uncertainties associated with the contact angles, a traction force estimation unit estimating traction forces applied to the wheels and traction force uncertainties, a normal force estimation unit estimating normal forces applied to the wheels and normal force uncertainties, a friction coefficient estimation unit estimating friction coefficients between the wheels and the ground, a friction coefficient uncertainty estimation unit estimating friction coefficient uncertainties, and a controller determining the maximum friction coefficient from among the friction coefficients such that the maximum friction coefficient has an uncertainty less than a threshold and at a point of time when the torque applied to each of the wheels changes from an increasing state to a decreasing state, among the estimated friction coefficients.

Abstract: A method for identifying roadway curvature that includes determining a range of interest and collecting shape points from a map database from a current position of the vehicle to an end of the range of interest that define the location of the roadway. The method converts the shape points from World Geodetic System 84 (WGS84) coordinates to UTM coordinates, and then fits a single set of polynomial equations to define a curve using the converted shape points. The method determines whether the single set of polynomial equations exceeds a predetermined curvature accuracy threshold, and if so, fits multiple sets of polynomial equations to multiple roadway segments over the range of interest using the converted shape points. The method then determines the roadway curvature at any roadway location using solutions to the multiple sets of polynomial equations.

Abstract: Provided is a driving model creating apparatus that can create a more desirable driving model for practical use, even when creating the driving model on the basis of driving track records, and a driving support apparatus that can execute a more appropriate driving support based on the driving model. The driving model creating apparatus creates a driving model for indicating the driving state of a vehicle (10). The driving model creating apparatus creates the driving model on the basis of road information that is information related to the driving environment of the vehicle (10), and driving information that is information related to the driving state of the vehicle, which will change as a result of a driver's driving operation. The driving model creating apparatus also makes the contribution ratio of the driving information with respect to the driving model to be created, to be variable in accordance with the road information.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a communication system for a consist having a locomotive and a tender car. The communication system may have a locomotive access point configured to be located onboard the locomotive, a locomotive controller connected to the locomotive access point, a tender car access point configured to be located onboard the tender car, and a tender car controller connected to the tender car access point. The communication system may also have at least one network component configured to be located onboard the locomotive or the tender car and connected with a corresponding one of the locomotive and tender car access points, and a communication coupling extending between the locomotive and tender car access points. The locomotive and tender car controllers may be configured to selectively affect operation of the locomotive and tender car, respectively, based on operational information obtained via the at least one network component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive arrangement for a wheel unit including a wheel unit defining an axial direction and a radial direction, a first torque transmission device and a second torque transmission device. The first torque transmission device is connected in a torsionally rigid manner to the wheel unit and the second torque transmission device is connected in a torsionally rigid manner to the first torque transmission device using a connecting device such that an arrangement substantially coaxial to the axial direction is formed. The wheel unit has a wheel unit end section protruding, along the wheel axis, into a receptacle of the second torque transmission device. A protective unit is arranged between the wheel unit end section and the second torque transmission device, the protective unit being configured to protect the wheel unit end section against damage by the second torque transmission device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated bogie brake including a brake beam, a brake cylinder, slack adjusters, levers, and brake shoe holders and having suspension links in order to be hanged under a bogie. In order to provide a device with a significantly lower weight and simpler design with the same and better braking characteristics compared to known types of bogie brake systems, the integrated bogie brake according to the invention needs only one single brake beam and the slack adjusters are aligned with the wheels of the bogie.

Abstract: A networking operation dispatch system based on electronic zones for rail vehicle comprises: a zone-end relay computer, a communication ranging antenna along rail, a locomotive-mounted response computer and a road networking computer, wherein: the zone-end relay computer is installed on an end of each electronic zone; the communication ranging antenna along rail has an equivalent length to the electronic zone, a first end of the communication ranging antenna along rail is connected with the zone-end relay computer and a second thereof is disposed in the air; the locomotive-mounted response computer is installed on each locomotive and communicates with the zone-end relay computer in the electronic zone occupied by the locomotive via the communication ranging antenna; and the road networking computer connects each zone-end relay computer to form a network. A rail security detecting sensor is provided in the electronic zone.

Abstract: A hand-truck pouring stand including a base frame with parallel horizontal forward and rearward stands, a connection member disposed perpendicularly therebetween, and wheels on the horizontal rearward stand. Leveling feet are disposed on the horizontal forward stand. Parallel vertical front and rear frames are perpendicularly disposed on the respective horizontal forward and rearward stand. A bucket support frame, pivotably attached between the horizontal forward and rearward stands, includes a U-shaped lower portion and an annular upper portion attached to lower portion front and rear outer slats. A crossmember slat, disposed on a central lower slat of the lower portion, has stop arms on each outer edge. The annular upper portion and lower portion receive and secure the bucket therein. A threaded set screw, engageable through a threaded hole through the vertical front frame to the front outer slat, selectively secures the bucket support frame in the upright or tilted position.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mobile cart which can be utilized as a cart for transporting beach supplies including toys, games, sporting goods, umbrellas, blankets, towels and food. Advantageously, the subject invention can be folded into a small suitcase like container and then opened to provide a cart as set forth herein. The cart according to the present invention may also include a self-propulsion system including a motor or motors for driving a tread, track or wheels along with a low friction skid surface or skis for directing the cart to a desired location. There may also be included a power source, for example batteries or solar panels, may be utilized to supply the power needed for self-propulsion and for powering or charging portable electronic devices, if desired.

Abstract: A modular cart includes a cart frame with a top and a bottom. A platform is secured to the top of the cart frame. Wheels are secured to the bottom of the cart frame. Receiver assemblies are secured to the cart frame. A cart module includes at least one handle with a lower end and an upper end. A shank is located at the lower end. The shank is removably secured within a receiver assembly secured to the cart frame.

Abstract: A restraining belt for children in a shopping cart is disposed in a housing. The housing is fastened on the shopping cart. A fastening element is provided by way of which a lattice bar of the shopping cart is enclosed in a U-shape. The fastening element has clip-like protrusions extending between the individual lattice bars and the clip-like protrusions have grooves and edges of the housing engage in the grooves.

Abstract: A foldable jogging stroller frame with an auto-swiveling mechanism for rear wheel sets thereof without return-springs, in which the foldable jogging stroller frame may include a front strut, a pair of push arms pivoted with the front strut by a pair of lockable joints, a pair of rear struts pivoted to the pair of push arms, a seat support rods pivoted between the front strut and the rear struts, and the auto-swiveling mechanism includes at least two sets of swivel sleeve assemblies, a pair of rear sets and a pair of connecting elements. While the pair of push arms is rotating, the association of the connecting elements shall cause the sleeves and the rear sets to swivel in ninety degrees (90°) from the longitudinally traveling direction to a transversally stowing direction thereby achieving a compact configuration for storage.

Abstract: A stroller (10) includes: a front leg (31); a middle leg (34) located rearward of the front leg; a rear leg (37) located rearward of the middle leg; a front-wheel holding mechanism (21) provided on the front leg; a middle-wheel holding mechanism (24) provided on the middle leg; and a rear-wheel holding mechanism (27) provided on the rear leg. The front-wheel holding mechanism is configured to rotatably and turnably hold a front wheel (22). The middle-wheel holding mechanism is configured to rotatably and unturnably hold a middle wheel (25). The rear-wheel holding mechanism is configured to rotatably and turnably hold a rear wheel (28).

Abstract: An element for providing bright, directed illumination is provided having a housing that can be attached to the handle of a child's stroller, thereby increasing visibility when walking at night. A small and compact housing contains a plurality of LED lights to allow others to see the child's stroller from a great distance away. Attached at the back of the head is an elasticized circular band that attaches to a push handle by wrapping tightly around and locking in place by engaging with impingement structures formed on the housing.

Abstract: A slideable transport device that can be used to move articles across or over horizontal and, in particular, inclined or angled structure or surfaces. More specifically, the subject invention provides one or more embodiments of a cushioned slider, or similar device, capable of moving articles up and down an incline, such as stairs or a hill, and also across more horizontal surfaces, such as floors or ground. Embodiments of the invention include a method by which articles can be transported by dragging up or down stairs or other inclined ground.