Abstract: A webbing take-up device includes a spool and a spiral spring that biases the spool in a take-up direction and a motor provided with an output shaft. The webbing take-up device further includes a first clutch that transmits forward direction rotation of the output shaft to the spool, rotating the spool in the take-up direction. The webbing take-up device further includes a second clutch including: weights that are rotated by the output shaft and that open out under their own centrifugal force; a connection-disconnection mechanism that receives force from the weights opening out and connects so as to enable rotation of the output shaft to be transmitted to the spool; and projection portions serving as load limiting portions that limit the load imparted to the connection-disconnection mechanism so as not to become a specific value or greater.

Abstract: A microcomputer performs communication in conformity with the CAN standards to capture seating signals detected by seating sensors and seatbelt fastening signals by buckle switches. If determining from the captured seating signals that there is an unoccupied seat, the microcomputer displays a seatbelt state image at the unoccupied seat position in a vehicle image in gray presentation. If determining that there is an occupied and non-fastened seat, the microcomputer displays the seatbelt state image at the non-fastened seat position in the vehicle image in red presentation and displays the seatbelt state image at an occupied and fastened seat position in black presentation.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device includes an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove in which a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end thereof, with the interposition of a joint part, wherein the windscreen wiper device comprises a cover element mounted movable onto the connecting device between a closed position wherein an open end of the connecting device is covered and an open position wherein the oscillating arm can be mounted onto or removed from the connecting device through the open end.

Abstract: A vehicle roof cleaner is provided with a pair of vertical supports, an upper cross bar, a cleaner assembly, and an adjustment mechanism. The upper crossbar connects the pair of vertical supports, and the cleaner assembly is movable along the pair of vertical supports and positionable below the upper crossbar by the height adjustment mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism includes a load bearing mechanism, a spring load assembly, and an activation mechanism.

Abstract: A method of quickly supplying electric energy to electric vehicles and the power supply device thereof are provided. The method includes providing a rechargeable battery pack on an electric vehicle and providing a battery replacement device, a charging room and a battery storeroom in a power exchange station. The rechargeable battery pack includes a battery box and standardized standard battery units. The standard battery units are located in the battery box during operation, and are capable of being smoothly loaded into and unloaded from the battery box along the guiding rails. The rechargeable battery pack is pre-installed in the electric vehicle and the drained standard battery units within the battery box are replaced with fully-charged standard battery units upon payment when the electric vehicle in need of electric power supply is driven into the power exchanging station.

Abstract: A trailer hitch jack for rapidly raising and lowering the tongue of a trailer.

Abstract: A system for locking a Park device in a transmission in an out-of-Park mode of operation includes a valve body that defines a bore, a solenoid connected to the valve body, a lock feature disposed in the valve body and interconnected with the solenoid, and a servo piston disposed within the bore of the valve body. The servo piston has a detent and the servo piston is interconnected to the Park device and is moveable between a first position and a second position. The detent is radially aligned with the lock feature when the servo piston is in the first position. Activation of the solenoid locks the lock feature into the detent of the servo piston to lock the Park device of the transmission in the no-Park mode.

Abstract: A “brake-by wire” brake system for motor vehicles, with a brake master cylinder which can be actuated by a brake pedal and has a housing and a piston, which is arranged displaceably in the housing and, together with the housing, delimits a pressure space. The piston of the brake master cylinder is designed as a stepped piston with at least two hydraulic active surfaces A1, A2 of differing size, wherein a first, small active surface A1 is assigned to the pressure space, and a second, large active surface A2 is assigned to a filling space, and, after a closing travel has been overcome, the second, large hydraulic active surface A2 is effective and the active surface A2, A1 are switched over in dependence on a hydraulic pressure in the pressure space and on the pedal force, respectively.

Abstract: A motor control system for wear compensation between a disc and a pad in an electromechanical brake is disclosed. The system includes a switching unit configured to select a force control loop when a state of the electronic pedal is an applied state and select a velocity control loop when the state of the electronic pedal is a released state, an angular displacement amount calculation unit configured to calculate an angular displacement amount for reverse rotation of a motor for the wear compensation using a clamping force measured by a clamping force sensor of the force control loop when the velocity control loop is selected, and an angular velocity profile generation unit configured to generate an angular velocity profile having an area of the calculated angular displacement amount, generate an angular velocity command value at every sampling time from the generated angular velocity profile, and apply the generated value to the velocity control loop.

Abstract: An automatic braking control device includes a temperature obtaining section for obtaining an index value of a temperature of brake fluid, a collision prediction time calculation section for calculating collision prediction time of a vehicle with an object, a collision determination section for determining whether the collision prediction time is less than or equal to a threshold, and a pressure control section for controlling a start timing of pressurization of the brake fluid when the collision prediction time is less than or equal to the threshold. The pressure control section sets the start timing to a first timing when the index value is a first temperature and to a second timing when the index value is a second temperature higher than the first temperature. Time from determination of the collision determination section to the first timing is shorter than time from the determination to the second timing.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting the clamping force exerted by a parking brake, which force is applied by an electric-motor braking apparatus that encompasses an electric braking motor and power-supply and control units, and as necessary by an additional braking apparatus, an equivalent resistance is ascertained from a measurement of current and voltage and is used as the basis for calculating the maximum generatable clamping force.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a speed-sensing device outputting a signal indicating a velocity of the vehicle, a brake system outputting a signal for indicating when the brake system is being commanded to a brake torque providing state, and a trailer brake controller coupled to the speed-sensing device and the brake system. The trailer brake controller utilizes the signal of the speed-sensing device to determine when the vehicle is in a zero-velocity state and utilizes the signal of the brake system to determine when the brake system is being commanded to the brake torque providing state. The trailer brake controller transitions a brake-actuating output signal thereof from a speed-dependent zero-velocity output signal value to a trailer hold zero-velocity output signal value greater than the speed-dependent zero-velocity output signal value when it is determined that the brake system is in the brake torque providing state while the vehicle is in the zero-velocity state.

Abstract: A global positioning signal based learned control event prediction method and apparatus includes a learning auxiliary module connected to a communication bus of a vehicle. The arrangement stores events and event locations using global positioning signals for a vehicle traveling along a path. When the vehicle travels the same path a second time, the detected events and event locations are determined. When the events match at the same event locations, a predictive action is determined for a future occurrence of the vehicle approaching the event location. Thus, as the vehicle approaches the event location, the predictive action, for example pre-filling of the vehicle brakes or pre-tensioning of the seat belts occurs.

Abstract: A master cylinder including: a primary chamber; a first piston which is provided in the primary chamber, and has one portion that is moved to the outside of the primary chamber by pressing a pedal; a secondary chamber which is provided to be adjacent to the primary chamber; a second piston which is provided in the secondary chamber, and has one portion that protrudes to the outside of the secondary chamber and is provided to be spaced apart from the first piston at a predetermined interval; and a hydraulic line which connects the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, and is connected with a wheel cylinder, in which the first piston is moved by pressing the pedal, and after the first piston is moved at a predetermined interval, the first piston and the second piston come into contact with each other, and are moved together.

Abstract: A reservoir tank of a brake master cylinder, in which the reservoir tank includes a reservoir body to store oil therein, the reservoir body being provided with an oil introduction port, a filter interrupted by a fixing step arranged at a lower portion of the oil introduction port, and a reservoir cap arranged at an upper portion of the oil introduction port, wherein a vent member is provided between the fixing step and the filter, to allow inflow of air through during introduction of oil.

Abstract: A plunger assembly for use as a pressure source for a brake system includes a housing having first and second ports. A motor is mounted on the housing for driving an actuator. A piston is connected to the actuator. The piston is slidably mounted within the housing. The piston pressurizes a first chamber when the piston is moving in a first direction to provide fluid out of the first port. The piston pressurizes a second chamber when the piston is moving in a second direction to provide fluid out of the second port.

Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic system with a plurality of consumers an electrically controllable pressure supply device and an electrically actuable inlet valve, per consumer, which inlet valve is arranged between the pressure supply device and the consumer, wherein a pressure/volume relationship is predefined or determined for each consumer, wherein each consumer is assigned to a first group or a second group of consumers, wherein the first group of consumers includes at least one consumer, and wherein, in order to set predefined consumer-specific setpoint pressures, the first group of consumers is connected via the respectively opened inlet valve to the pressure supply device, and the inlet valves of the consumers of the second group are closed, wherein the inlet valve of a single, selected consumer of the second group is opened while being regulated to build up a pressure, and a brake system for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining valve feeds brake pipe (BP) pressure through a choke to replenish and maintain brake cylinder (BC) pressure up, when the pressure in the brake cylinder drops below its original set pressure. In one embodiment, the brake cylinder maintaining valve may be a differential type valve having an input diaphragm and an output diaphragm having different surface areas.

Abstract: An approach is provided in which a powertrain synchronizer analyzes condition data that corresponds to impending conditions external to a vehicle. The powertrain synchronizer predicts a driver's future action in response analyzing the condition data and adjusts the vehicle's powertrain subsystem based upon the predicted driver action.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes a transmission, a clutch, and a shift execution portion. The shift execution portion operates the shift actuator to control the connecting portion in an engaged state engaged with the idler gear of a present gear stage to disengage from the idler gear of the present gear stage while gradually decreasing the engine torque while the clutch is still engaged, when a shift operation from the present gear stage to a subsequent gear stage is executed.

Abstract: A method and a system for choosing a transmission mode in a vehicle over the course of a road section, in which a simulation of at least one future speed profile vsim for the road section ahead of the vehicle is conducted on the basis of a road slope for the road section. A time period Tappl is determined on the basis of the at least one simulated future speed profile vsim, which ensures that a lower transmission mode is chosen before a lowest permitted speed vmin defined for the road section and/or a set speed vset for a speed control is reached. During the determined time period Tappl, the transmission mode which is utilized when the simulation is made is applicable for the vehicle. After this, it is evaluated whether a lower transmission mode than the currently used transmission mode shall be chosen. A lower transmission mode shall be chosen if the time period Tappl for which the current transmission mode is applicable is shorter than a first threshold period Tlim.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an engine in a hybrid vehicle based on the use of a calculated combustion stability value to modify a pulsewidth signal to fuel injectors of the engine to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, especially following an engine start. The calculated combustion stability value is determined as a function of a torque signal obtained from an electric motor of the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine that can selectively provide drive torque to propel the vehicle. An electric machine also selectively provides drive torque. A differential transfers the torque to and amongst wheels. A planetary gearset is coupled to the engine and has a ring-gear for transmitting ring-gear-torque to the differential. A continuous torque transfer member operatively couples the ring-gear and the electric machine to the differential. At least one controller is configured to alter engine output based on a ring-gear-torque-threshold. This enables a desired torque to transfer through the continuous torque transfer member to the differential.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be operated at an idle speed while a driveline disconnect clutch separating the engine from a driveline is open in response to a reduction in driver demand torque. Engine torque may be applied to the driveline by simply closing the driveline disconnect clutch.

Abstract: An engine clutch control system for a hybrid vehicle has a power source including an engine and a motor, an engine clutch between the engine and the motor, a traveling information detector that detects traveling information including at least one of the vehicle speed, shift gear, displacement of the accelerator pedal, and displacement of the brake pedal, and a hybrid controller that selects an EV mode or HEV mode by controlling disengagement or engagement of the engine clutch. A method of controlling the engine clutch includes determining whether there is a request for changing into the HEV mode from the EV mode; determining a reference speed from traveling inertia of the vehicle and inertia of the engine and the motor; determining a desired speed for controlling the determined reference speed; and calculating transmission torque of the engine clutch.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle includes: specifying a time-related target power demand for the vehicle to an internal combustion engine; and switching in an additional powering device in addition to the internal combustion engine when a time-related actual power demand of the vehicle on the internal combustion engine deviates from the time-related target power demand. The present invention makes it possible to operate the internal combustion engine in a diagnosis mode largely independently of the specific driving situation.

Abstract: A system and method for opening an engine clutch of a hybrid vehicle are provided. The method and system enhance fuel efficiency by saving a fuel injection amount based on a fuel injection time of an engine, by adjusting an input torque of an engine clutch to be zero by applying a Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) torque connected to the engine while reducing the fuel injection time into the engine from the time when the opening of the engine clutch starts to adjust.

Abstract: Provided is a control device for a hybrid vehicle, capable of suppressing a drive torque variation during engine start control. The hybrid vehicle has an engine (Eng) and a motor/generator (MG). The control device has: an engine start control part that performs engine start control to start the engine (Eng) from an EV mode by increasing a motor rotation speed of the motor/generator (MG), while allowing slippage of a second clutch (CL2), and bringing a first clutch (CL1) into slip engagement; and a drive torque upper limit setting part (600) that sets a drive torque upper limit value (Tdrlim) in the EV mode based on an added motor rotation speed (Nad), which is given by adding an additional rotation speed (N+) to the motor rotation speed (Nmot), as an upper limit of a drive torque transmitted to drive wheels through the second clutch CL2.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, application of a driveline disconnect clutch to start an engine is described. The approach applies the driveline disconnect clutch to rotate an engine and at least partially disengages the driveline disconnect clutch to reduce the possibility of a reduction in torque applied to vehicle wheels.

Abstract: The present invention provided a sliding mode trajectory voting strategy module. The sliding mode trajectory voting strategy module integrates a reaction time and a relative distance into an obstacle feature sliding surface by utilize sliding mode control theory, and calculates the obstacle feature sliding surface and a road curvature value in combination with fuzzy theory to obtain an orientation angle of a safety path.

Abstract: A method for compensating for the change in longitudinal dynamics variables in a motor vehicle brought about by a braking intervention of an electronic stability program (ESP) includes: identifying the change in longitudinal dynamics variables; defining a filter to filter the identified value of the change in longitudinal dynamics variables; filtering the identified value of the change using the defined filter, in order to obtain a filtered value; identifying the difference between the identified raw value and the filtered value of the change in longitudinal dynamics variables; modifying the engine torque that is requested by the driver and is acting on the drive wheels of the motor vehicle, by an amount equal to the identified difference value, in order to obtain a compensating engine torque.

Abstract: A railroad crossing barrier estimating apparatus and a vehicle that incorporates therein such a railroad crossing barrier estimating apparatus are provided. When at least one of an external object the transverse width of which increases over time and an external object having a given length at a certain height from the ground is detected, the vehicle or the railroad crossing barrier estimating apparatus estimates the detected external object as a railroad crossing barrier.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a feature of map information. For example, data identifying an object detected in a vehicle's environment and including location coordinates is received. This information is used to identify a corresponding feature from pre-stored map information based on a map location of the corresponding feature. The corresponding feature is defined as a curve and associated with a tag identifying a type of the corresponding object. A tolerance constraint is identified based on the tag. The curve is divided into two or more line segments. Each line segment has a first position. The first position of a line segment is changed in order to determine a second position based on the location coordinates and the tolerance constraint. A value is determined based on a comparison of the first position to the second position. This value indicates a likelihood that the corresponding feature has changed.

Abstract: First support control for determining lane deviation on the basis of a predicted lane deviation time is selected when a vehicle lateral position is within a region on the outer side of a dead zone and on a lane center side further inward than a predetermined position. Second support control for determining the lane deviation on the basis of the vehicle lateral position and a yaw angle to lane is selected when the vehicle lateral position is within a region on the lane end side on the outer side of the predetermined position.

Abstract: A regenerative braking apparatus has an inverter. The inverter uses the rotational energy of the wheels to let the motor generator generate electric power for the purpose of providing regenerative braking. The regenerative braking apparatus also includes a refrigeration cycle unit and a heating cycle unit. The refrigeration cycle unit compresses a refrigerant with the electric power of the battery in order to heat a heat exchanger. The heating cycle unit is a unit in which a medium heated by the heat exchanger flows to heat the battery. When the battery is in a fully charged state where the battery cannot be charged with regenerative electric power of the motor generator, the regenerative braking apparatus exercises electric power consumption control to force the refrigeration cycle unit and the heating cycle unit to consume the electric power of the battery.

Abstract: A track system that uses a truck that can negotiate curves to allow a curved track system to be used. The track can be all curved or can be a combination of straight and curved tracks. The track can be run also as a straight track if desired. One key element of this system is an attachment bracket that is suspended from the truck that can accept different mounting systems. Thus, a buyer does not necessarily have to purchase a new harness for use with this system. The system is designed to be purchased as a kit. As such, buyers can choose from models that have a complete system including a harness, or just a track system that can be used with an existing harness.

Abstract: Force control system. The system includes a first pair of permanent magnets for providing a normal force on the wheel of a robot adapted for n-pipe inspections. A second pair of magnets is provided with opposite polarity so that a rotor containing magnets may be rotated with a minimum of torque required and therefore with a minimum of energy expended.

Abstract: A fuel assembly and a method of providing fuel is disclosed. The fuel assembly includes a frame, a first fuel storage tank sized to fit within the frame and configured to store one of a liquid and a gaseous fuel, and a fuel control assembly configured to regulate delivery of the gaseous fuel to an external power unit. The fuel control assembly includes a first fuel assembly memory module having stored thereon identifying information of the interchangeable fuel assembly.

Abstract: A locomotive brake controller that has a body configured to interconnect to a desktop location in the cab of a locomotive and a mount that can attach the base of the controller to a vertical stand in the cab of a locomotive. The controller also includes an operator interface adaptor that can be clocked relative to the body and an operator face plate that can be clocked relative to the mount depending on the location of installation to ensure proper tilting of the interface relative to the operator and proper orientation of the operator display. Alternatively, the adaptor may include a fixed face plate that includes a moveable display and an adhesive membrane with operator buttons to properly orient the display.

Abstract: A system and method provides for expanded monitoring and control of a railroad wayside interlocking system that monitors a plurality of track side and train systems and controls a plurality of train and track control devices with a primary control panel system communicating with the interlocking system over a first communication interface and with a remote control panel over a second communication interface, receiving interlocking status messages for visually displaying a current status state of the monitored systems, replicating the received interlocking status messages, determining a current status state for the control devices, communicating replicated interlocking status messages or the determined current status state over the second communication interface to one or more remote control panel systems, and receiving requests from the one or more remote control panel systems, which are then transmitted to the wayside interlocking system by the primary control panel system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing advanced object collision avoidance for vehicles traveling on a constrained path, including rail vehicles traveling on tracks as a track intrusion detection system (TIDS). The disclosed schemes leverage certain commonly-installed communications nodes to provide a communication network between a plurality of laser detector scanner units, a remote monitoring facility and one or more vehicles operating on a constrained path, including a track. A detection of a track intrusion event is made by the laser detector scanner unit and communicated to the remote monitoring facility for analysis. As a result of the analysis, an automated warning may be communicated directly to a vehicle in-cab warning device and/or to fixed warning beacons on track sections in a vicinity of the track intrusion event to alert the operator of a need to take emergency action.

Abstract: A hand truck is designed to include three separate frame components: (1) a main component, which is defined as a conventional hand truck frame; (2) a pivoting frame component connected along one end termination of the main frame via a hinge (allowing for the pivoting frame to be raised with respect to the main frame component and create a platform at a raised elevation); and (3) a back frame component that is connected to a rear portion of the main frame and may be extended to allow for the frame to have a four-point (i.e., “four-wheeled”) configuration. A removable jack may be positioned between the back frame and the pivoting frame and used to raise/lower the pivoting frame.

Abstract: A cart with a pair of wheels (14) connected via a tilt mechanism (16) on opposing sides of a cart body (12). The cart body is releasably attachable to a frame (99) of a pedal cycle or other tilt-cornering vehicle so that the pair of wheels function as front wheels of a tricycle configuration. When separate from the pedal-cycle, the cart (10, 100, 150, 170, 200) forms a free-standing cart with a tilt lock (18) deployed to lock tilting of cart body (12).

Abstract: There is provided a carrying cart suitable for carrying a rider. The cart includes a cargo basket, a plurality of wheels, and a frame. The cargo basket is mounted to the frame and the wheels are connected to the frame. A pair of handles are connected to the frame at the rear of the carrying cart. A rearward facing seat is located between the cargo basket and the pair of handles. Each handle includes a rotatable grip portion The grip portions are enabled to rotate to a substantially horizontal position and to a substantially vertical position. When the grip portions are in the substantially horizontal position the shopping cart is enabled to be pushed. When the grip portions are in the substantially vertical position, the rider is able to enter and exit the seat.

Abstract: The invention provides a theft-inhibiting carrier which includes a body 12 having a chassis 16 on which three wheels 18, 20 and 22 are mounted. The carrier 10 includes theft deterrent means 12. The theft deterrent means is configured, when activated, to dismount the wheels 20, 22 from their respective axles 44 but to retain them connected to the chassis 16 by an elongate flexible tether to impede the movement of the carrier. Two containers 60, 62 are provided and contain chemicals which are fed via pistons 68 to a mixing device 76 and into a valuables receiving chamber in which they foam and set thereby encasing valuables contained therein. A pair of arms 88 are pivotally displaced from a retracted position to an extended position in which they protrude from the containers 60, 62. Sharpened teeth 94 are provided on the arms to further inhibit displacement of the carrier.

Abstract: A riding board apparatus configured to be mounted to a stroller is provided. The riding board apparatus includes a platform, at least one mounting arm extending from the platform, and a seat mounted onto the platform and is configured to be convertible between a sitting configuration and a stowable configuration.

Abstract: A steering apparatus is provided for reducing its size by reducing a load applied to a driving unit, and configuring an electrically operated tilt mechanism which is small in size and easily mounted on a vehicle. A driving unit adjusting a relative position of a steering column to a fixing bracket, and a biasing member (e.g., tension coil spring) having one end supported on the fixing bracket, and holding the steering column at a predetermined neutral position when the driving unit is not actuated, are provided, so that the driving unit adjusts the steering column to be placed at a tilt position with a desired tilt angle relative to the fixing bracket.

Abstract: A rack bar support device supports a rack bar of a steering device of a vehicle toward a pinion shaft, and includes a rack bearing which is disposed opposite the pinion to contact the rack bar and a biasing assembly providing a force of pushing the rack bearing along a biasing axis toward the rack bar to urge the rack bearing to push the rack bar is engaged with the pinion shaft. The biasing assembly includes an adjustment plug, an adjustment assembly and a support plate assembly. The support plate assembly includes a support plate which is movably disposed between the adjustment member and the rack bearing in a state of being supported by the adjustment member, and a gap is formed between the support plate and the rack bearing.

Abstract: A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a bearing assembly disposed in a rack housing and carried by a ball nut assembly for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to a steering member; and a spanner nut carried by the rack housing for securing the bearing assembly in the rack housing. A first isolator, a second isolator and a first shim are provided wherein the first isolator is disposed between an inner surface of the housing and a first surface of an outer race of the bearing, the second isolator is disposed between an opposite second surface of the outer race of said bearing and the first shim, the first shim is disposed between the second isolator and the spanner nut. The first shim is provided with a member configured to be coupled to the housing to allow for axial movement but prevent rotational motion of the shim during installation of the spanner nut.

Abstract: A power steering waste heat recovery system for a vehicle and method of operating is disclosed. The system may include a power steering system and a waste heat absorption system. The power steering system may include a power steering pump, a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger located downstream of the power steering pump and configured to allow power steering fluid flow therethrough, and a steering rack operatively engaging the heat exchanger to receive the power steering fluid therefrom. The waste heat absorption system may include an auxiliary heater loop configured to direct a liquid through the heat exchanger; and an automatically controllable heat control valve having an inlet, a first outlet for directing the liquid to bypass the auxiliary heater loop, and a second outlet for directing the liquid through the heat exchanger in the auxiliary heater loop.