Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring device is equipped for attaching to a wheel of a vehicle provided with pneumatic tires. The device measures the tire air pressure present in the pneumatic tire or a change of the tire pressure. An electrical circuit controls the tire pressure monitoring device. A memory stores a program for the electrical circuit. A first transmitter operates in a first frequency range for transmitting data out of the tire pressure monitoring device to a first receiver located outside the tire pressure monitoring device. In the memory initially a basic version of the program is stored, out of which multiple different versions of the program for multiple vehicle types can be developed. Subsequently, a fitting full version for a selected vehicle type is created in that program parameters intended for the selected vehicle type are subsequently stored in the memory of the tire pressure monitoring device.

Abstract: A method for correcting ID after installation of tire pressure sensors on a vehicle includes: ID reading, ID comparison, ID group setting up and ID burning. An ID setting device reads and compares ID codes of tire pressure sensors of all tires of the vehicle, then confirms the ID group of the ID codes and stores them in a memory module. Reading the ID code of one of the tire pressure sensors can obtain ID codes of the rest tire pressure sensors in the same ID group, therefore all tire pressure sensors can be reproduced without subjecting the receiver to the learning procedure. Or, when some of the sensors break down and the corresponding ID codes cannot be read, the ID codes of all the tires in the same ID group can be obtained by reading other ID codes of the rest tires in the same ID group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recording and storing identification information of tire pressure monitoring sensors and transmission of the stored identification information to a tire pressure monitoring system. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of integrating one or more tire pressure monitoring sensors with a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle. The method includes programming and/or configuring a tire pressure monitoring sensor with a suitable program software for a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle. The method also includes utilizing a configuration tool to cause the tire pressure monitoring sensor to generate a signal including an identifier. The method further includes recording the identifier on a memory device of the configuration tool. The method further includes transmitting the recorded identifier from the configuration tool to a memory device of a vehicle when the vehicle enters a learning mode.

Abstract: A tire debris containment and wrapping system including a frame mountable to a vehicle or trailer. An engagement arm deploys a wrapping material that surrounds and contains the tire upon tire damage or imminent tire failure. The wrapping material prevents tire debris from separating from the tire and entering the roadway. An in-cab monitoring and alarm system is optionally provided to signal the operator of a tire failure.

Abstract: A safety lock for a trailer hitch is disclosed which not only eliminates the need for safety chains but also which prevents the theft of the trailer when the trailer has been disconnected from a vehicle.

Abstract: A combined submersible vessel and unmanned aerial vehicle preferably includes a body structure, at least one wing structure, at least one vertical stabilizer structure, and at least one horizontal stabilizer structure. A propulsion system is coupled to the body structure and is configured to propel the flying submarine in both airborne flight and underwater operation. Preferably, the propulsion system includes a motor, a gearbox coupled to the motor and configured to receive power generated by the motor and provide variable output power, a drive shaft coupled to the gearbox and configured to transfer the variable output power provided by the gearbox, and a propeller coupled to the drive shaft and configured to accept power transferred to it from the drive shaft. The propeller is further configured to rotate and propel the flying submarine in both an airborne environment and in an underwater environment.

Abstract: A ball joint comprising: a housing having an inner cavity defined inward of a seat end, a side wall and a closure end having an opening, an edge about the opening in an assembly position extending upwardly; a ball stud having: a lower ball end with an outer convex spherical surface, a middle portion, and a connector end; a first bearing, slidably housed within the cavity, having an inner concave spherical surface; a retention plate, housed within the cavity inward of the edge about the opening, wherein the edge of the opening extends inwardly engaging an outer surface of the retention plate in a closed position; and a first disc annular recess in at least one of: an outward surface of the first bearing; and an inward surface of the retention plate.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially form a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first, second and third damper elements that are telescopically interconnected with one another. At least one of the first and third damper elements can be operatively connected to the first and second end members by way of a low-profile misalignment mount capable of undergoing resilient angular deflection. The second damper element can be operatively supported between the first and third damper elements. A method of assembling a gas spring and gas damper assembly is also included.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle includes a wheel attachment component for attaching the assembly to the wheel, a chassis attachment component for attaching the assembly to the vehicle chassis, and a suspension component. At least one adjustment element is coupled with the chassis attachment component and with a first portion of the suspension component, and is configured to shift the first portion of the suspension element between a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassis attachment component. A single strut bar is rigidly coupled with the wheel attachment component and with a second portion of the suspension component, and is configured to pivot relative to the chassis attachment component. The suspension component is configured to regulate motion transfer between the wheel attachment component and the chassis attachment component.

Abstract: Wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a wheel, at least one lower suspension link and an upper attachment joint, both being able to be attached to the vehicle, the wheel being able to rotate at 360° to steer the vehicle around a pivot line positioned by said at least one lower suspension link and said upper attachment joint once attached to the vehicle, a projection of the pivot line onto a vertical projection plane comprising a vertical axis passing through a contact point between the wheel and ground defining a caster angle with said vertical axis. The caster angle can be adjusted within a predetermined range, whatever the orientation of the projection plane. A distance between the upper attachment point and the contact point between the wheel and ground in relation to the adjusted caster angle can be adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle infrared heating assembly including an infrared energy source within a housing. A first conduit extends from the housing to direct infrared energy generated by the infrared energy source to a windshield of a vehicle. A second conduit extends from the housing to direct the infrared energy to a passenger cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric heater for an automobile vehicle, with an electronic controller and a heat transmitting net, whereby the heat transmitting net contains a multitude of PTC-heating elements, a multitude of contact sheets, a multitude of heat dissipating fins and a multitude of distance elements. At least one PTC-heating element and at least one distance element is arranged between two adjacent contact sheets, whereby the PTC-heating elements and the distance elements between the adjacent contact sheets and the adjacent contact sheets themselves form a heating element, whereby the heating elements are connected to the electronic controller through connectors, which are arranged at the electronic controller and are connected to a power supply, whereby the heat transmitting net is divided in a first area, which contains only distance elements, and a second area, which contains PTC-heating elements and/or distance elements.

Abstract: An air outflow device for a motor vehicle, having at least one fed-in air stream, wherein an outflow characteristic of the air outflow device can be changed between a dispersal characteristic and a spot characteristic, with the outflow characteristic being changed by an adjustable swirl on at least one outflowing air stream. Also an air outflow method using an adjustable swirl to adjust an outflow characteristic of an air stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air filter element of a passenger compartment for the driver's cab of agricultural and work machines, in particular with spraying and atomizing devices for pesticides and fertilizers, comprising an adsorption filter layer with activated carbon, a fine filter layer in particular for separating aerosols and a circumferential sealing for separating the raw side from the clean side during installation into a filter housing.

Abstract: A vehicle sun visor includes a support shaft; a sun visor body; an urging member that applies an urging force to the sun visor body; a damper that applies a damping force to rotational movement of the sun visor body when the sun visor body rotates to a stored position; and a damper operating portion that operates the damper. The damper operating portion includes a first operation element that rotates in conjunction with the sun visor body; a second operation element that converts rotational movement of the first operation element to linear movement; and a third operation element that is moved linearly via the second operation element. The damper is configured to be operated by linear movement of the third operation element in a prescribed range set between a use range and the stored position, when the sun visor body rotates to the stored position.

Abstract: An overhead door assembly configured to be coupled to a storage container, such as a truck trailer, including an overhead door including a plurality of door panels hingedly coupled to one another and a bottom roller assembly coupled to a bottom panel of the door. The bottom roller assembly includes a hinge and a roller coupled to a lower hinge plate of the hinge. The roller includes a shaft and a roller wheel coupled to one end of the shaft. Illustratively, the lower hinge plate and the roller thereon are configured to pivot about a pivot axis of the hinge relative to the bottom panel of the door between a first position generally adjacent the bottom panel of the door and a second position spaced-apart from the bottom panel of the door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hardtop bus having at least six seats. The bus includes a chassis and a body with a U-shaped roof construction, which covers at least some of the seats of the bus. The roof construction can be retractable over at least some of the at least six seats such that the U-shaped roof construction has an open and closed position. The U-shaped roof construction comprises at least two substantially shape retaining, nestable roof elements having a U-shaped cross-section, which are movable relative to each other and which are positioned at least substantially one behind another, at least in the closed position.

Abstract: An open roof construction is provided for a vehicle having a roof opening in a stationary roof part of the vehicle. The roof opening comprises forward and rearward roof opening edges which each extend transversely and two opposite, longitudinally extending roof opening side edges. At least at some of said roof opening side edges and forward and rearward roof opening edges have roof opening flanges extending substantially downwardly from the respective roof opening side edges and forward and rearward roof opening edges. A stationary roof panel permanently closes part of the roof opening, while a movable panel closes and opens a remainder of the roof opening. The stationary panel has panel edges extending along the roof opening side edges and along one of the forward and rearward roof opening edges and near to some of which downwardly extending panel brackets are provided which are attached to corresponding roof opening flanges.

Abstract: A sunroof device comprising: a drive cable having driving teeth arranged in a longitudinal direction and being driven to move in the vehicle front-rear direction along a guiderail; and a sliding member that controls the posture of a functional bracket together with a movable panel, in conjunction with movement in the vehicle front-rear direction. The sunroof device also comprises: driven teeth formed on the sliding member, that are meshed with the driving teeth and restrict relative movement of the drive cable and the sliding member in the vehicle front-rear direction; and a mounted portion formed on the guiderail. The drive cable and the sliding member, in which the driving teeth are meshed with the driven teeth, are mounted on the mounted portion, and the mounted portion holds these in the vehicle lateral and vertical directions.

Abstract: A shelter structure for a load deck includes: parallel arches each formed by facing uprights connected together by a cross-member and movable along a guide path between a deployed position of the structure, forming a shelter for the deck, and a more compact folded position releasing at least a portion of the deck; connection elements between the facing uprights of two adjacent arches; and a plurality of spreaders, each connected to an arch by a hinged connection so as to pass from a folded position in which it presses against the arch to a deployed position in which it forms an additional cross-member, and vice versa. The hinge connection, for at least one spreader, is a pivotal connection of the spreader to the arch about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cross-member, and a sliding connection of the spreader along an upright of the arch.

Abstract: A retractable pickup truck box cover system includes a pivot joint with improved strength, durability, and manufacturability between panels of a panel assembly of the cover system. A sealing system between the panels and along ends of the panel assembly provides improved weather resistance to the cover system. A lateral support system provides resistance to binding loads when opening and closing the panel assembly. The lateral support system may also aid installation of the cover system. A ramp adjustment system allows fine tuning of the ramps that guide folding and unfolding of the panel assembly. An improved locking system and the pivot joints allow more compact storage of the panel assembly. The improved locking system includes lock rods that engage rails of the cover system. Connecting structures connect adjacent panel pairs when the cover system is deployed and do not connect the adjacent panels when the cover system is stowed.

Abstract: A gasket for placement between a glass pane and a vehicle body may include a glass pane-receiving channel and a body-receiving channel. The glass pane-receiving channel and the body-receiving channel may be formed on opposite sides of a gasket body. The gasket may also include a plurality of bulb seals defined in the gasket body. The plurality of bulb seals may include a first bulb seal and a second bulb seal positioned in the glass pane-receiving channel, and a third bulb seal and a fourth bulb seal positioned in the body-receiving channel.

Abstract: A protective mirror cover removably-coupleable to a vehicle side mirror system includes a protective mirror cover assembly including a first fitted sheath for fitting a first vehicle side mirror having a first outer wall, a first inner wall, a first right sidewall, a first left sidewall, a first bottom wall, a first inner volume, a first opening; and at least one first adjustable securing band; a second fitted sheath for fitting a second vehicle side mirror having a second outer wall, a second inner wall, a second right sidewall, a second left sidewall, a second bottom wall, a second inner volume, a second opening, and at least one second securing band.

Abstract: Hybrid aircraft propulsion systems are disclosed comprising an electrically driven ducted fan, a peripheral duct or enclosure, a combustion-produced source of radiant energy, radiant energy receivers or cold mirrors, and thermophotovoltaic or thermoelectric cell energy converters. An electric motor drives a partially or completely duct enclosed fan. Downstream and within the duct enclosure, radiant energy emitters irradiated receiver fins and thermophotovoltaic cells or thermoelectric cells. The receiver fins heat and expand the fan air, and the thermophotovoltaic cells or thermoelectric cells convert the radiant energy into electrical energy which is available to charge batteries and energize the fan motor. Thrust is provided via the acceleration of air by the fan and by the acceleration of air due to heat driven expansion.

Abstract: The vehicle speed is set as the intermittent operation prohibition vehicle speed before the accumulated charge amount condition where each accumulated charge amount of the master battery and the slave battery becomes each preset value is satisfied, and the vehicle speed that is less than the vehicle speed is set as the intermittent operation prohibition vehicle speed after the accumulated charge amount condition is satisfied. Then, when the vehicle speed is less than the intermittent operation prohibition vehicle speed, the engine and the motor are controlled so that the hybrid vehicle is driven with the priority to the motor travel where the hybrid vehicle is driven with input and output power to and from the motor before accumulated charge amount condition is satisfied, and the engine and the motor are controlled so that the hybrid vehicle is driven with the intermittent operation of the engine corresponding to the power demand after the accumulated charge amount condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A control system and method for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain supplies battery power boost torque to vehicle traction wheels to modify shift points for a multiple ratio transmission in the powertrain. A shift schedule is adjusted to avoid a downshift for small changes in torque demand, thus reducing shift frequency due to small transient changes in torque demand.

Abstract: An electric vehicle having an in-wheel motor drive system including: a wheel bearing unit rotatably supporting a drive wheel; a motor unit; and a reducer unit interposed between the motor unit and the wheel bearing unit, a motor torque command value Tmr being calculated from: (i) an estimate ^Te of external force influence on the drive wheel, which is estimated from the motor torque command value Tmr and a rotational frequency ?1 of a driven wheel; and (ii) a correction value Tc which is calculated from a rotational frequency ?2 of the drive wheel, an accelerator signal Tr and the estimate ^Tc.

Abstract: A capless fuel system having an elongated tubular and cylindrical housing open at each end and in which the housing defines a first and a second longitudinally spaced fluid ports. A first flapper valve is associated with the first fluid port and a second flapper valve is associated with the second fluid port. A pair of diametrically opposed latches pivotally mounted to the housing adjacent the second fluid port retain the second flapper valve in a closed position until a fuel nozzle of a predetermined size is inserted towards the second port. The fuel nozzle engages camless surfaces which pivot the latches away from the second flapper valve allowing the fuel filling nozzle to pass through the second port.

Abstract: A vehicle structure includes a first member extending obliquely beneath an outer surface of an underbody component, and a second member extending at an acute angle to the first member. The second member is arranged to form an apex near an end of the first member. The vehicle structure also includes an interconnecting member connected to both the first and second members at locations offset from the apex. The first member, the second member, and the interconnecting member cooperate to enclose a portion of the underbody component.

Abstract: Noise reduction baffle for a fuel tank comprising a lower carrier and an upper sliding part which can slide relatively to the carrier thanks to compression springs mounted on retainers, said lower carrier having a hollow foot comprising two vertical or inclined walls defining an open cavity of elongated shape having a longitudinal axis, said cavity comprising at least one rib making an angle with the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a bracket and surrounding structure for mounting a front end accessory drive component, such as an alternator, to an engine. Hanging heavy components on brackets may be dangerous and difficult for human operators as well as violate assembly standards. To securely hold the component to the engine in order to withstand vibrations and to protect the operator, an open bracket with a curved lip and surrounding support structure is used to mount the component to the engine.

Abstract: A dual stage accelerator pedal spring assembly is provided that allows the transition point between stroke stages to be set, thereby controlling pedal travel within the first stroke stage, and notifies the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a pedal feedback system. The spring assembly, which uses two springs exhibiting different spring force, allows adjustment of the relative positions of the two springs in order to control the transition point between the first and second pedal stroke stages. The change in pedal resistance used to notify the driver of a change in a monitored vehicle characteristic is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the spring assembly.

Abstract: An alcohol detection system incorporates a resistive touch sensor mountable in a vehicle for determining presence of alcohol based on changed skin resistance. An ignition interlock is provided in the vehicle and a microcontroller is connected to and receives data from the touch sensor and provides a signal to open the interlock to disable the vehicle upon receipt of data from the touch sensor exceeding a predetermined value. The system also employs operator identification and vehicle location systems with a data logger allowing the microcontroller to store data on test results, operator identification and vehicle location. Additionally, the system may employ a cellular communication system to allow reporting of the data to a remote location.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure builds on integrating existing technology with new devices, methods, and systems to provide a complete vehicle ecosystem.

Abstract: A system for powering a vehicle includes a traction bus, an auxiliary bus, chopper devices, and a control unit. The traction bus is coupled with traction motors of the vehicle to supply a first voltage to power the traction motors. The auxiliary bus is coupled with non-traction motors of the vehicle to supply a different, second voltage to the non-traction motors to. The chopper devices are conductively coupled with both the traction bus and the auxiliary bus to control conduction of the first voltage on the traction bus to the auxiliary bus as the second voltage using first and second duty cycles. The control unit is coupled with the chopper devices to control the first and second duty cycles of the chopper devices, respectively, such that the first voltage on the traction bus is changed (e.g., reduced) to the second voltage on the auxiliary bus.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes implementing regenerative braking of the vehicle using discounted regeneration energy based on physical route conditions and base regenerative braking parameters for the vehicle.

Abstract: A charging device for an energy store, e.g., a lithium ion battery in an electric vehicle, may include a circuit for adjusting the charging device in a full charging mode or a parked charging mode, wherein the charging device is set up for producing a fully charged state of the energy store in full charging mode, and for producing a parked charged state of the energy store in parked charging mode, wherein the parked charging state corresponds to a reduced charge state of the energy store. Methods for operating such a charging device, and an electric vehicle having such a charging device, may also be provided.

Abstract: An EVSE assembly convertible between a charge cord and a charge station includes a charge unit having a connector of a first type, a charge station sub-assembly having a connector of a second type, and a cord set sub-assembly having a connector of the second type. The connector of the charge station sub-assembly is hard-wired to an (240V) electrical circuit. The charge unit electrically connects to the charge station sub-assembly while the connectors of the charge unit and the charge station sub-assembly are connected to one another to thereby form a (240V) charge station. The cord set sub-assembly further includes a power plug connectable to (one of a 120V and 240V) electrical outlet. The charge unit electrically connects to the cord set sub-assembly while the connectors of the charge unit and the cord set sub-assembly are connected to one another to thereby form a (120V or 240V) cord set.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems, devices, and components for inductively charging an electric energy store of an electric vehicle (1) via a charging section (2). The device includes a registration device (20) for localizing the electric vehicle (1) on the charging section (2), an electrical energy source (3) preferably embodied as a high-frequency-energy source, a system of primary conductor loops each with at least one primary winding provided in the charging section (2) for supplying AC current via the electrical energy source (3), a secondary conductor loop arranged on the electric vehicle (1) having at least one secondary winding at least partially permeated by the induction flux, an energy supply line (4), and switching devices (5) for connecting the energy supply line (4) and the system of the primary conductor loops to the electrical energy source (3). All primary conductor loops of the charging section (2), and the secondary conductor loop may be implemented as double dipole loops (6,7,8).

Abstract: Provided is a charging apparatus for vehicles which charges a vehicle provided with a charging control circuit via a charging cable, comprising a charging control device which controls electrical charging to the vehicle by transmitting a charging control signal to the charging control circuit on the vehicle side, a charging control signal transmission restricting device which restricts transmission of the charging control signal, and a resetting device which forcibly resets the charging control signal when said restriction on transmission of the charging control signal is withdrawn.

Abstract: A battery powered vehicle may include a battery power source, an electric drive motor, a charging receptacle, and a drive controller. The electric drive motor may be powered by the battery power source. The electric drive motor may be operably coupled to a wheel of the battery powered vehicle to provide drive power for the battery powered 5 vehicle. The charging receptacle may be configured to enable charging of the battery power source via a battery charging assembly connectable to the charging receptacle. The charging receptacle may include circuitry forming a detection loop closed responsive to operable coupling of the charging receptacle with a charger plug of the battery charging assembly. The closing of the detection loop may generate an indication that the charging 10 receptacle is operably coupled to the charger plug.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charging apparatus whereby charging can be suitably performed even in the cases where a plurality of electric vehicles are connected to a charging station. The charging apparatus has: a charging cable (4), which is configured of a power supply line (6) that charges an electric vehicle (2) and a pilot line (8) that detects connection of the electric vehicle (2); a power supply unit (10), which supplies power to the charging cable (4); a voltage detecting unit (11), which detects, via a pilot line (8), a voltage pattern that corresponds to identifying information of the electric vehicle (2); and a power line communication unit (12), which performs, with the electric vehicle (2), data communication in the state wherein the identifying information of the electric vehicle (2) is added, said identifying information having been acquired by means of the voltage detecting unit (11).

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a controlling device and a battery unit. The controlling device is connected to a switch, an electric motor, an accelerator controller, and a generator unit. The switch is connected to the generator unit. The battery unit includes a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery is connected to the controlling device. The secondary battery is connected to the generator unit. When the switch is turned on, the controlling device and the generator unit are activated, and when the accelerator controller activates the generator unit via the generator unit controlling device, the controlling device firstly supplies power to the electric motor by the generator unit. After the electric motor has been started, the controlling device cuts off power supply from the generator unit to the electric motor, and the primary battery supplies power to the electric motor.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a motor that is connected to a storage device. The motor is configured to provide drive torque and the storage device is configured to receive power from an external supply for facilitating charging. The vehicle also includes a user interface and a controller. The user interface is configured to provide a charge level selection. The controller is configured to receive input that is indicative of a present charge value. The controller is further configured to disable charging when the present charge value corresponds to the charge level selection.

Abstract: A traction battery assembly includes a battery array having a plurality of stacked cells and a pair of thermal plates arranged to sandwich the array therebetween. Each thermal plate includes a plurality of fins. Each fin extends out from one of the thermal plates into the array and is interleaved with the cells to cool or heat the cells. Also, disclosed is a vehicle including the traction battery assembly described above.

Abstract: A fuel-cell vehicle includes a storage container, a fuel cell system, a state detector, a transmitter, a request detector, and a controller. The controller includes a signal generator and a communication starting device. The signal generator is configured to determine a transmission value indicating a physical state detected by the state detector so as to generate a data signal in accordance with the transmission value. The signal generator is configured to set the transmission value to a reference value preset based on the physical state detected by the state detector if the fuel cell system is not running and configured to set the transmission value to a value obtained by correcting the reference value so that an amount of the fuel gas to be monitored by an external filling device increases if the fuel cell system is running.

Abstract: An electric vehicle may include a first drive axle to drive a first wheel of the electric vehicle, a first electric motor mounted directly on the first drive axle, a power supply such as a battery to power the first electric motor, and a controller to control the electric motor. The electric vehicle may include a second drive axle to drive a second wheel and a second electric motor mounted on the second drive axle. The electric motor may be only mounted on the first drive axle. The battery may be formed from an array of batteries.

Abstract: A conveyance seat includes a slide mechanism. The slide mechanism includes an upper rail, and a lower rail provided with a cutout. The cutout is formed so that no corner is formed by a front edge and an upper edge of the lower rail.

Abstract: A spiral spring for a reclining adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat in which ridges are formed on both ends in a direction perpendicular to a coiling direction of a surface of a spring plate member formed by a band-like steel plate having high hardness so that the ridges project from the surface, projected surfaces of the ridges are curved, and the spring plate member is spirally formed into a coil. The spring plate member has a pitch coiled structure in which a gap between an intermediate spring plate member and an inner spring plate member is formed to be smaller than a gap between an outer spring plate member and the intermediate spring plate member. An engagement piece bent in the radial direction is formed at the end of the outer spring plate member, and an engagement coiled core section is formed in the inner spring plate member.