Abstract: A system ECU (9) executes a collision avoidance operation in the following manner when a moving object that has suddenly appeared from a shadow of a predetermined object present around a vehicle moves toward a determination area set around the vehicle. That is, the system ECU (9) executes the collision avoidance operation at an early timing that is after a camera (6) detects the moving object, but before a radar (5) detects the moving object and the predetermined object, or more specifically, when an object expanding toward the determination area is detected by the radar (5). As a result, the collision avoidance operation is able to be performed quickly when a moving object that has appeared suddenly from the shadow of an object moves toward the determination area, while avoiding as much as possible unnecessary execution of the collision avoidance operation.

Abstract: A method of assisting a driver of a vehicle includes identifying a road to be driven by the driver using a position determination unit. A parameter is selected to assist a driver of the vehicle in driving a segment of the road. The parameter includes information on the location of a boundary along the road and a preferred trajectory to be driven along the road. A controller determines whether a driven trajectory of the vehicle while travelling the road is deviating from the preferred trajectory of the vehicle along the road. A feedback operation is provided while travelling the road to assist the driver in guiding the vehicle from the driven trajectory nearer to the preferred trajectory based on the selected parameter. The preferred trajectory is updated based on the driven trajectory of the vehicle along the road.

Abstract: Provided are a cruise control system for controlling a driving device and a corresponding method. The cruise control system includes: an information collector configured to obtain road information and driving information; a first path generator configured to generate a first change path connecting a first lane changing start point and a first lane changing end point on a straight road, based on the road information and the driving information; and a second path generator configured to generate a driving road corresponding to an actual road from the straight road, based on the road information, and generate a second change path connecting a second lane changing start point and a second lane changing end point on the driving road.

Abstract: A method and device for regulating the speed of a motor vehicle, wherein an electronic device a) compares deceleration of a vehicle with a threshold value immediately after a driver switches off a cruise control system and b), if the deceleration exceeds the threshold value, sends a torque demand signal to a powertrain component to reduce the vehicle deceleration to the threshold value or below. The electronic device may further c) compare vehicle acceleration with a second threshold value when the driver switches off the cruise control system, and d), if the acceleration exceeds the second threshold value, send a braking demand signal to a vehicle brake to reduce the vehicle acceleration to the second threshold value or lower.

Abstract: A traveling stop control device for a transport vehicle includes: a torque command value setting module that sets a torque command value for the transport vehicle based on a target speed and an actual speed of the transport vehicle; a threshold value setting module that sets an upper limit threshold value for the torque command value based on information regarding the state of the transport vehicle; and a traveling stop determination module that determines the traveling stop of the transport vehicle. The traveling stop determination module determines the traveling stop of the transfer vehicle on condition that the torque command value exceeds the upper limit threshold value and that the actual speed of the transport vehicle is zero or close to zero.

Abstract: A calculation method and apparatus for calculating a starting point for acceleration/deceleration operation of a vehicle with high accuracy using more input values while at the same time keeping calculation cost and time to a minimum is disclosed herein. An ECU making up a system calculates a start point for acceleration/deceleration operation of a vehicle on the basis of traveling condition information that changes as the vehicle travels and vehicle information that changes only slightly as a result of the travel of the vehicle. As a result, if the driver maintains a throttle operator at a given opening angle or more at a point before the start point, an actuator applies a force in the direction of closing a throttle valve to the throttle operator, thereby notifying the driver that the vehicle is close to the start point.

Abstract: A power-split gearbox device in an agricultural work vehicle. The gearbox device includes a compounded gearbox, an electrical variator for the continuous varying of a ratio of the compounded gearbox, and a gearbox with an adjustable ratio to connect a drive motor with a propulsion of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A transmission system of a vehicle includes a starting clutch, a change clutch, a stepped transmission, a single spindle, a gear position sensor, an actuator, and a transmission controller. The change clutch and the stepped transmission are operated via the single spindle. The gear position sensor is to detect a shift stage of the stepped transmission. The actuator is to rotate the single spindle. The transmission controller, in a case where an engine is started in a state in which the shift stage of the stepped transmission is set in second gear or higher, is configured to control the actuator to carry out shift-down operation and configured to limit output of the engine so that an engine rotation speed becomes a value smaller than a predetermined value until the shift stage of the stepped transmission is set in neutral or first gear.

Abstract: A method (600) for exiting a sailing mode of a vehicle (100) is described. The vehicle (100) comprises a clutch unit (103) which is disengaged in order to decouple a driving shaft (102) of the vehicle (100) from a driven shaft (105) of the vehicle (100), when the vehicle (100) is operated in the sailing mode. The method (600) comprises predicting (601) that a trigger for an exit of the sailing mode will occur, and initiating (602) the preparation of the clutch unit (103) for engagement, subject to predicting that a trigger for the exit of the sailing mode will occur. Furthermore, the method (600) comprises detecting (603) a trigger for the exit of the sailing mode, and adapting (604) a shaft speed (230) of the driving shaft (102), subject to detecting a trigger for the exit of the sailing mode. In addition, the method (600) comprises engaging (605) the clutch unit (103), subject to preparing the clutch unit (103) for engagement and subject to adapting the shaft speed (130), in order to exit the sailing mode.

Abstract: A control system is for a vehicle. The control system includes an electronic control unit configured to perform a coast downshift, and execute blipping control during performance of the coast downshift. The electronic control unit is configured to determine whether blipping abnormality occurs. The electronic control unit is configured to disengage an engagement element on an engagement side when the blipping abnormality occurs during the performance of the coast downshift. The electronic control unit is configured to increase a speed of the engine in the blipping control. The blipping abnormality is a state that the blipping control is not executed normally during the performance of the coast downshift. The engagement element on the engagement side is an engagement element that is changed from a disengaged state to an engaged state in the coast downshift.

Abstract: The embodiment provides a vehicle control unit including a road surface friction coefficient estimation module. The road surface friction coefficient estimation module estimates a road surface friction coefficient based on a parameter other than a body speed. The vehicle control unit further includes first and second torque increment setting modules. The first second torque increment setting module sets an initial value of a torque increment to be used in the torque control when a start thereof is detected. The initial value of the torque increment is set based on the road surface friction coefficient. The second torque increment setting module sets a current value of the torque increment after the initial value has been set. The current value of the torque increment is set based on the previous value thereof and a change in the slip amount.

Abstract: A method of preheating a hybrid vehicle including storing reserve coolant in an insulated reservoir fluidly coupled to a coolant circuit of an engine of the hybrid vehicle; powering a fluid pump fluidly coupled to the coolant circuit with a power source external to the hybrid vehicle; pumping line coolant through the coolant circuit with the fluid pump; powering a heater thermally coupled to the coolant circuit with the power source external to the hybrid vehicle; heating the line coolant with the heater as the line coolant is pumped through the coolant circuit to increase a temperature of the line coolant; and mixing the line coolant with the reserve coolant to accelerate preheating of at least the engine of the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for detecting, in real time, a fatigue level of a vehicle operator. Multiple physiological indicators of an individual vehicle operator can be monitored at different instances when the operator's level of fatigue is known and can be quantified. A statistical model of the vehicle operator's fatigue can be developed from the data from the multiple instances. In future instances, the statistical model can be applied to real-time physiological data collected from the operator during operation of the vehicle to determine a fatigue level. A warning can be provided when the statistically-calculated fatigue level exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed to provide a sensor unit configured to sense a living body within a vehicle and to control the vehicle according to the sensed data. A sensor unit is configured to sense infrared light emitted from one or more areas inside the vehicle. A blocking unit is located between the sensor unit and the one or more areas inside the vehicle. A controller is configured to control at least one of the blocking unit or the sensor unit so as to vary an amount of infrared light that the sensor unit is able to receive through the blocking unit from the one or more areas inside the vehicle. The controller determines, based on a variation in the amount of infrared light received by the sensor unit, whether or not a living body is present inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A traveling history learning section circuitry stores learning information based on the traveling history of the vehicle in association with the position of a to-be-learned zone and with the traveling direction of the vehicle in the to-be-learned zone. A learning information obtaining section circuitry obtains learning information corresponding to the position of a host vehicle from the learning information storage section. A display control section circuitry displays a learning status display showing a learning status corresponding to a traveling direction of a host vehicle.

Abstract: During a self-driving control, when an acquisition failure occurs in traveling environment information acquisition required for performing self-driving, and a failure of a steering system of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle driving control apparatus is detected, a brake controller sets an evacuation course along which the vehicle is to travel safely within traveling environment, based on traveling environment information detected last time before the acquisition failure of the traveling environment information, and executes a deceleration of the vehicle and a yaw brake control that applies a yaw moment to the vehicle based on the evacuation course.

Abstract: A spark control module, for an engine speed and an engine load: for a first predetermined period, supplies spark to each cylinder of the engine at a predetermined spark timing set for the engine speed and the engine load. For a second period following the first predetermined period, the spark control module: provides spark to a first one of the cylinders at a first spark timing that is retarded relative to the predetermined spark timing; and supplies spark to all of the other cylinders of the engine at the predetermined spark timing. The storage module selectively stores in memory: a first torque output of the engine measured during the first predetermined period; and a second torque output of the engine measured during the second period.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a road paver with at least one operating module to enter operating commands. The operating module comprises a plurality of buttons that can each be pressed in a contact-based way to enter the respective operating commands in order to activate relevant operating functions of the road paver. According to the disclosure, the road paver further comprises a sensor unit that is designed to detect a distance of an operator to the operating module, whereby this distance determines a space from the operating module to any body part of the operator. The sensor unit is connected to a control unit of the road paver that is configured to already activate at least one of the operating functions of the road paver by means of the output signal as soon as the operator undercuts a predetermined threshold distance in relation to the operating module.

Abstract: A vehicle interface input receiving method comprises operating a controller to selectively enter or refrain from entering a user input device controlling mode. While in the user input device controlling mode, the method determines a presence of first and second contact conditions at first and second predetermined locations, respectively, with the first contact condition being on a vehicle steering wheel, and controls a user input device to change from a deactivated state to an activated state in response to the simultaneous existence of the first and second contact conditions. Also, an indicator provides an indication of the activated state, and the user input device is maintained in the activated state while the first contact condition continues to exist. The user input device provides input to the controller in the activated state and refrains from providing such input in the deactivated state, and afterward returns to the deactivated state.

Abstract: A touch vehicle control system having a gesture interface device with one or more touchless sensors that detect a position of a driver's appendage within a range of movement detected by the sensors. The touchless sensors send a signal to the controller that is indicative of the position of the driver's appendage within the range of movement which is then interpreted to be a vehicle command signal for a vehicle's mechanical system. Command signals include, but are not limited to acceleration, braking, parking brake, turn signals, etc.

Abstract: A vehicle system may include a thermal sensor; and a vehicle connectivity module in communication with the thermal sensor and a plurality of vehicle systems configured to receive an indication, from the thermal sensor, indicative of detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle, and responsive to the detection, utilize at least one of the plurality vehicle systems to perform at least one assistance feature to provide notification of the thermal event. A computer-implemented method may include activating a vehicle connectivity module responsive to detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle by a vehicle thermal sensor, confirming, by the vehicle connectivity module, the detection of the thermal event by utilizing other thermal sensor inputs of the vehicle, and responsive to the confirmation, commanding a vehicle system to perform at least one assistance feature to provide notification of the thermal event to a user.

Abstract: A hanger trolley system includes: a driving chain provided in a power rail; a hanger trolley including a hanger dog attached to and detached from a chain dog provided in the driving chain and moving along a free rail formed below the power rail; and a sensor confirming coupling between the chain dog and the hanger dog. A coupled state between the chain dog provided in the driving chain and the hanger dog provided in the hanger trolley is confirmed through the sensor, such that judgment on succession when the hanger trolley is succeeded from a pre-process driving chain to a post-process driving chain becomes clearer as compared with the related art.

Abstract: A method and system determine, during movement of a vehicle system along a route, a tractive load demanded by the vehicle system to propel the vehicle system along the route. The vehicle system includes a propulsion-generating vehicle having plural individually controllable traction motors. A first selected set of the traction motors for deactivation is identified during the movement of the vehicle system along the route based at least in part on the tractive load demanded by the vehicle system. The traction motors in the first selected set are deactivated while at least one of the traction motors in a first remaining set of the traction motors continues to generate tractive effort to propel the vehicle system. The traction motors that are selected for deactivation may all be on the same vehicle in the vehicle system, or may be on different vehicles of the same vehicle system.

Abstract: A construction kit for a rail vehicle contains at least one bodyshell for a body of the rail vehicle, at least one door for the rail vehicle and at least one first window for the rail vehicle. The bodyshell has a first door field for fitting the door, which door field is delimited by two adjacent door columns of the bodyshell. The construction kit further contains a frame to be fitted into the first door field, which can be detachably connected to the bodyshell and which has at least one window bar, which, in conjunction with the door columns, delimits a first window field for fitting the first window in the fitted state of the frame in the first door field.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an elastic side bearing assembly system for railway vehicles, including a side bearing body, a side bearing seat, a first ball hinge assembly, a connecting rod and a second ball hinge assembly, side bearing body connected to side bearing seat via first ball hinge assembly, connecting rod and second ball hinge assembly, first ball hinge assembly provided below one end of side bearing body, second ball hinge assembly provided above side bearing seat at different end with respect to first ball hinge assembly, first ball hinge assembly connected to second ball hinge assembly via connecting rod; side bearing springs provided between side bearing body and side bearing seat, stoppers provided above side bearing seat, and side bearing springs connected to side bearing body and side bearing seat respectively by extending through stoppers; a side bearing wear plate provided above side bearing body.

Abstract: A coupler system includes: a coupler main body attached to a longitudinal direction end of a carbody of a railcar so as to be rotatable in a yaw direction; a curvature information acquiring portion configured to acquire curvature information of a track, the railcar being located on the track; a control portion configured to determine a target rotation angle of the coupler main body in accordance with the acquired curvature information and output a rotation signal regarding the determined target rotation angle; and a rotation angle changing portion configured to rotate the coupler main body to the target rotation angle based on the output rotation signal. When the railcar is stopped or when the railcar is traveling at a coupling speed, the control portion outputs the rotation signal to start rotating the coupler main body.

Abstract: An event recorder playback system for a plurality of locomotives in a consist is described, including a processor configured to receive and save a first dataset and a second dataset associated with operation of a first locomotive and a second locomotive, respectively, in the consist. The processor may determine, using the processor, a point of synchronization of the first dataset and the second dataset with respect to time, and align the first dataset and the second dataset using the point of synchronization. The event recorder playback system may be further configured to output the first dataset and the second dataset on an output device. The output is aligned with respect to time.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle system control movement of the vehicle system along a route. The vehicle system includes one or more propulsion-generating vehicles. A propulsion-generating helper vehicle is temporarily added to the vehicle system such that the helper vehicle increases one or more of an amount of tractive force or an amount of braking effort generated by the vehicle system. The helper vehicle may be added during movement of the vehicle system. The system and method may add the helper vehicle without de-linking the propulsion-generating vehicles in the vehicle system from each other. The system and method optionally may control movement of the propulsion-generating vehicles and the helper vehicle according to a trip plan that designates operational settings as a function of at least one of time or distance along the route.

Abstract: A system includes a track system having a first rail and a second rail, a track activity detection circuit electrically connected to each of the first rail and the second rail, a track shunt circuit electrically connected to the first rail and the second rail, wherein the track shunt circuit is configured to selectively electrically connect the first rail and the second rail through a shunt. A method includes receiving an instruction to apply a shunt between a first rail and a second rail of a track system, and electrically connecting the first rail to the second rail through a controllable track shunt circuit.

Abstract: Trailer hitch attachable carts are disclosed. Methods of making trailer hitch attachable carts, and methods of using trailer hitch attachable carts are also disclosed.

Abstract: The system assisting the movement on steep surfaces provided with a cam mechanism is characterized in that the cam mechanism (5), which is a bistable system holding the wheels (1) in contact with the substrate (2) and the second one raised vertically above the first one, wherein the wheel (1) is connected with the connector (3), through which the axis (4) of the cam mechanism (5) passes in the middle of its length, which is composed of the ellipsoidal cam (8) rigidly fixed on the axle (4), which is positioned in one of two stable positions by means of the clamp (7), through the spring (6) resting on the body (9) of the mechanism (4). The ellipsoidal cam (8) and the clamp (7) are made of the material providing a low coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A rim of the steering wheel includes a core member, a cladding layer mounted around the core member, a decorative garnish which covers an outer circumference of the rim, and a mounting base on which the decorative garnish is mounted. The decorative garnish includes a decorative region covering the outer circumference of the rim, a positioning projection which protrudes out of the back surface of the decorative region for positioning against the mounting base, and a rib which protrudes out of the back surface of the decorative region in a vicinity of a root region of the positioning projection. The mounting base includes an insert recess for receiving the positioning projection. The cladding layer is disposed in an entire inner circumference of the insert recess and at an abutment seat against which the rib abut when the positioning projection is inserted into the insert recess.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arm stopper mechanism mounting apparatus including: an output shaft; a housing that is provided with a hole for inspecting the sealability of the interior thereof; a sealing member that seals the hole, and can be detached from the hole when the sealability is inspected; and an arm stopper mechanism that has a steering arm and a stopper. The steering arm includes an output shaft hole into which the output shaft is fitted; two tie rod holes to which the tie rods are respectively attached; and two striking surfaces which strike against the stopper. The stopper includes two contact surfaces. An angle made by the two contact surfaces of the stopper is greater than an angle made by the two striking surfaces of the steering arm, and is 90° or greater.

Abstract: A fail safe apparatus for an MDPS system may include: a vehicle speed sensor configured to measure a vehicle speed; a gear stage input unit configured to receive a gear stage from a transmission of the vehicle; a GPS vehicle speed calculation unit configured to calculate a GPS vehicle speed based on location information of the vehicle; and a control unit configured to determine whether the vehicle speed is an error, based on one or more of the vehicle speed, the gear stage, and the GPS vehicle speed, and determine vehicle speed data of the MDPS system based on one or more of the gear stage and the GPS vehicle speed.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes steering mechanisms that direct left and right front wheels of a vehicle equipped with the electric power steering apparatus according to rotation of a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is coupled, a first motor and a second motor that give an assist torque to the steering mechanisms, and a controller that controls the assist torques generated by the first motor and the second motor. The controller causes the first motor to generate the torque in a direction of the steering operation when a generation of the assist torque is started. The controller causes the second motor to generate the torque after a rotation of the first motor is detected. The torque of the second motor is smaller than the torque of the first motor and opposite from the direction of the steering operation.

Abstract: A friction compensation logic of an MDPS (motor driven power steering) system to receive and to process a column torque signal and to output a friction compensation torque comprises: an accumulation speed adjusting portion to adjust an accumulation speed of a compensation section information set in the column torque signal; and a compensation amount adjusting portion in accordance with a vehicle speed to control so that the accumulation speed adjusting portion adjusts the accumulation speed of the compensation section information fast or slow in accordance with the vehicle speed, to adjust a compensation amount gain small or large in accordance with the vehicle speed, and to output a friction compensation torque.

Abstract: A vehicle steering knuckle includes a body part to which an axle is attached, an arm portion including one end integrally connected with an outer periphery of the body part and spreading outwardly from the body part along an extending axis, and a connecting portion configured to be connected with a vehicle component. The arm portion includes a first portion, a second portion, and a hollow portion. The first portion including a peripheral wall configured to enclose around the extending axis. The second portion including a peripheral wall including an opening partially opened around the extending axis. At a cross-section intersecting the extending axis, an end portion of the peripheral wall of the second portion on a side of the opening includes an enlarged portion which is enlarged in width as compared with side portions adjacent to the end portion.

Abstract: A vehicle steering knuckle includes a body part to which an axle is attached, an arm portion including one end integrally connected with an outer periphery of the body part and spreading outwardly from the body part along an extending axis, and a connecting portion configured to be connected with a vehicle component. The arm portion includes a first portion, a second portion, and a hollow portion. The first portion including a peripheral wall configured to enclose around the extending axis. The second portion including a peripheral wall including an opening partially opened around the extending axis. At a cross-section intersecting the extending axis, an end portion of the peripheral wall of the second portion on a side of the opening includes an enlarged portion which is enlarged in width as compared with thickness of side portions adjacent to the end portion.

Abstract: A method of informing a driver of a motor vehicle of the position of a steering wheel of the vehicle includes sensing a rotational position of the steering wheel, and determining where on a spectrum of possible steering wheel positions the sensed rotational position lies. A bar indicator is provided on an in-vehicle display screen. The bar indicator includes a plurality of horizontally aligned bars. At least one bar on the bar indicator corresponding to the sensed rotational position on the spectrum of possible steering wheel positions is colored or highlighted.

Abstract: A rear sub-frame supporting a portion of left and right suspension devices on the rear side is connected to left and right rear side frames. A pair of left and right braces, the front end portions of which are joined to side sills and the rear end portions of which are joined to a middle area of the rear sub-frame in the vehicle width direction, are provided. Support recesses that swingably support control arms of the suspension devices are provided on the rear sub-frame. Intermediate areas of the left and right braces are each connected to a corresponding one of the left and right support recesses.

Abstract: This vehicle subframe (15) includes a main body section (32) that results from a top section (41) and a bottom section (42) being provided with a predetermined gap in the vertical direction by means of being formed in a hollow shape by means of a core unit (80). A central joining section (38) is provided to the front-half section (32g) at the center (32h) in the vehicle widthwise direction of the main body section (32). Furthermore, in the main body section (32), a rear partition wall (64) is joined to the top section (41) and the bottom section (42) at the rearwards direction of the vehicle with respect to the central joining section (38). The rear partition wall (64) extends in the front-back direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body reinforcing structure for coping with a front collision may include a cowl panel extended in a width direction of a vehicle, cowl side upper members coupled to front end portions of both sides of the cowl panel in the width direction of the vehicle and extended in a length direction of the vehicle, fender apron upper members extended in the length direction of the vehicle and coupled to front end portions of a front of the cowl side upper members in the length direction of the vehicle, and side outer panels extended in a height direction of the vehicle and connected to the front end portions of both sides of the cowl panel in the width direction of the vehicle and the cowl side upper members.

Abstract: Provided is a carrier for a vehicle of which a replacement cost is minimized at the time of collision of the vehicle at a low speed by configuring head lamp mounting parts of the carrier in which head lamps are to be mounted in a separable form and allowing the head lamp mounting parts to be coupled through both ends of a bumper beam coupled to the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle rear structure located between a backrest and a luggage space includes a first cross member and fixation members. Each fixation member has a joint portion, a first plate and a second plate. The length of a first path extending from a first intersection point of a line passing through a fixation portion at which the second plate is fixed to the vehicle body and an upper side of the second plate through an upper side of the first plate up to the joint portion is as long as a second path extending from a second intersection point of the line and a lower side of the second plate through a lower side of the first plate up to the joint portion.

Abstract: An axle support for a motor vehicle is provided. The axle support includes an at least approximately planar fiber composite reinforcing element which is secured to individual supports of the axle support. The reinforcing element is multi-layered, with a lower and an upper cover layer and at least one intermediate layer extending analogously to the cover layers over the entire surface. Continuous fiber strips having directionally oriented fibers which are narrow relative to the cover layers are introduced above and below the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a driver's seat in a front section of the vehicle body. A rear seat is behind the driver's seat and includes a seat portion and a back portion. A link member is supported by the vehicle body to allow switching between a seating mode and a storage mode. The seating mode arranges the back portion behind the seat portion. The storage mode arranges the back portion in a position anterior to the position in the seating mode. A carrier bed is in a rear section of the vehicle body. The link member is disposed on an outer side and can act or function as an arm rest.

Abstract: A latch structure for a tail gate comprises a housing having an opening groove; a catch having a locking groove disposed in the housing; a pole rotatably mounted on the housing that restricts the rotation of the catch when a protruding portion thereof enters the locking groove; a rail fixed to the housing and having a sliding groove; a link arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the catch, and a second end mounted to be movable along the sliding groove based on the rotation of the catch; a striker; and a stopper disposed in the sliding groove, wherein when the catch is an open position, the striker is configured to enter and exit the locking groove, when the catch is in a locked position, the striker is restricted from entering and exiting the locking groove, and the stopper restricts the movement of the link arm to prevent the catch from rotating.

Abstract: A system for inspection of the undercarriage of a vehicle. The system may comprise a mobile unit or a stationary unit configured to fit in a space below the vehicle for gathering and transmitting data, images and or recordings, of the undercarriage of the vehicle. The system comprises at least one camera and preferably a plurality of cameras and at least one light source and preferably a plurality of light sources mounted on a device configured to fit in the space below a vehicle without hindering the inspection of the undercarriage of the vehicle. Photoelectric lasers or laser scanning systems may also be incorporated into the device. Data gathered by the cameras and/or laser systems can be transmitted to a controller and in some embodiments compared to standard data for recognition and potentially warning of an unexpected condition of the undercarriage without requiring physical human inspection.

Abstract: A system comprising a self-propelled device and an accessory device. The self-propelled device includes a spherical housing, and a drive system provided within the spherical housing to cause the self-propelled device to roll. When the self-propelled device rolls, the self-propelled device and the accessory device magnetically interact to maintain the accessory device in contact with a top position of the spherical housing relative to an underlying surface on which the spherical housing is rolling on.

Abstract: A bus is provided, including: a frame assembly including a front frame, a rear frame and a hinge turntable therebetween; carriages including a front carriage having a front carriage body and a front carriage floor, and a rear carriage having a rear carriage body and a rear carriage floor; a front axle and a middle axle disposed at a bottom of the front frame; a rear axle disposed at a bottom of the rear frame; a first group of battery packs including a first battery pack disposed within a rear cabin in the rear of the rear carriage body and a second battery pack disposed on the rear frame; a second group of battery packs disposed on upper surfaces of top roof of the front and rear carriage bodies; a third group of battery packs disposed on the front carriage floor and between the front axle and the hinge turntable.