Abstract: A wheel unit includes a motor, a pinion gear fixed to a rotating portion of the motor, a wheel including an annular ground surface and rotating about a final gear support shaft, a final gear fixed to the wheel directly or via another member, a speed reduction mechanism which decelerates rotation of the pinion gear and transmits the rotation to the final gear, and a gear case which accommodates the pinion gear, the speed reduction mechanism, and the final gear. A rotation support portion rotating along with the final gear and the wheel while being supported by the gear case is provided between the final gear and the wheel. An outside diameter of the rotation support portion is greater than an outside diameter of the final gear support shaft.

Abstract: The fuel tank opening-closing device has a tank opening forming member, a first flap valve mechanism and a second flap valve mechanism with a gasket GS. The tank opening-closing member includes: an insertion passage forming member including a passage forming main body for forming an insertion passage that connects the first opening and the second opening and for guiding the fueling nozzle from the first opening to the second opening, and a vent hole formed at an outer periphery of the first opening of the passage forming main body, a vent forming member having a gap with the insertion passage forming member at an outer periphery of the insertion passage forming member and disposed facing the vent hole, and a vent passage that connects the insertion passage with the outside through the gap and the vent hole.

Abstract: A method for a vehicle, comprising: depressurizing a fuel tank while restricting access to a fuel fill line responsive to receiving a refueling request from a refueling request module located external to a vehicle cabin; and allowing access to the fuel fill line responsive to the fuel tank pressure decreasing below a threshold. In this way, all of the steps of a refueling procedure can be carried out entirely outside of a vehicle.

Abstract: A support structure for a fuel lid attached by a hinge to a vehicle body is provided with an annular rubber seal, which is provided on the vehicle body to surround an oil filler port in the vehicle body. The rubber seal has a top surface and an inner circumferential surface. The support structure includes a contact plate provided on a back surface of the fuel lid. The contact plate contacts the rubber seal when the fuel lid is in the closed state. The contact plate has an upper surface contact portion for contacting the upper surface of the rubber seal, and an inner-surface contact portion for contacting the inner circumferential surface of the rubber seal.

Abstract: A canopy for a refuse collection vehicle wherein the canopy can be placed on the vehicle without adding additional height to the vehicle. The canopy has a frame attachable to the vehicle which holds at least one container of fuel. The fuel is typically a compressed natural gas and depending on the model of vehicle a plurality of containers can be housed to extend the service area of the vehicle.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle implements an automatic engine stop function that automatically stops an engine installed on a vehicle body. The industrial vehicle includes an engine starting battery arranged in the vehicle body to start the engine, an operator seat arranged on the vehicle body, a seating detector adapted to detect whether or not the operator seat is vacant, and a controller adapted to disable the automatic engine stop function if the engine is started when the seating detector detects that the operator seat is vacant.

Abstract: A lighting device of a motor vehicle includes a light guide having a closed configuration at least as seen from a top view. The light guide includes two sections which cross each other at a crossover. A first light source is linked to one end of the light guide to project light into the light guide. Arranged at the crossover is an adapter for adjusting a light intensity, measurable in a direction in opposition to the top view, to a light intensity of another section of the light guide in a region of the crossover.

Abstract: A control device for an electric vehicle includes a converter circuit that converts a voltage input from an external power supply to a direct current having a predetermined value and outputs the direct current to a power storage unit, an inverter circuit that receives an arbitrary power supply from the external power supply or the power storage unit and converts power to an alternating current having a predetermined value, a converter control unit that controls the converter circuit based on a detection result of an abnormal state of the converter circuit and generates a protection status signal based on the detection result, and a inverter control unit that executes emergency control with respect to the inverter circuit, when the protection status signal is input, which indicates that the converter circuit is in an abnormal state.

Abstract: According to a vehicle control apparatus of the invention, at a point in time when a driving mode switching part switches driving modes from any driving mode to another driving mode, a reference energy consumption amount calculation part multiplies a reference energy consumption amount by a driving mode switching coefficient which corresponds to the switching of the driving modes, whereby a reference energy consumption amount is compressed or expanded. An energy consumption rate calculation part calculates an energy consumption rate based on a reference mileage and the reference energy consumption amount.

Abstract: A control system for a generator of an electric drive is provided. The control system may include a converter circuit configured to communicate with one or more phases of a stator of the generator, and a controller in communication with the converter circuit and an engine associated with the electric drive. The controller may be configured to determine an operational state of the electric drive based on at least engine speed, and engage one of a map-lookup control scheme and a fixed-theta off control scheme for operating the generator based on the operational state of the electric drive.

Abstract: An electric or hybrid electric vehicle includes a battery coupled to a traction motor and a DC-DC power converter for managing transient current demands of vehicle accessories such as an electrical power assisted steering (EPAS) motor or antilock braking system (ABS) with a controller coupled to the power converter that generates a first duty cycle signal to supply current at a first level for a first time period to accommodate transient current for an EPAS, ABS, or other short duration event, and a second duty cycle signal that limits the current to a second level lower than the first level for a second time period upon expiry of the first time period to manage temperature of the converter. The controller may also generate a duty cycle signal based on measured or estimated transistor temperature of the DC-DC converter to lower the current limit when transistor temperature exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A shovel includes a power storage module; and an electric motor driven by electric power stored in the power storage module. The power storage module includes a plurality of cell units stacked to form a stacked structure. Each of the cell units has a power storage cell including a pair of electrode tabs; and a frame body configured to support the power storage cell. Each of the frame bodies has a screw-locking portion formed on a surface facing laterally and outwardly from the stacked structure. The plurality of power storage cells are electrically connected by screw-locking the electrode tabs of the power storage cells to the screw-locking portions.

Abstract: There is provided a self-propelled electronic device that is supplied with power from a charging base installed in a predetermined position and automatically travels to a position away from the charging base, the self-propelled electronic device including: a travelling control unit that makes the self-propelled electronic device move automatically by controlling the rotation of a wheel; a rechargeable battery that supplies power for performing travelling control during the automatic travelling; a charging base searching unit that searches for the position of the charging base; and a control unit; wherein, when the control unit determines that returning to the charging base is required, the control unit performs return processing by which the self-propelled electronic device is made to come to rest and then rotate in a resting state by the travelling control unit and, when the charging base searching unit searches for the direction in which the charging base lies and detects the direction in which the charging

Abstract: The invention judges a total power supply/demand condition of the electricity consumers 2 as a whole according to an individual power supply/demand condition of electricity consumers 2, judges a total usable capacity of all batteries 17 according to a usable capacity of the batteries 17 of electric vehicles 10 parked at electricity consumers 2, obtains required charge/discharge amounts of all the batteries 17 according to a result of comparison of the total power supply/demand condition of the electricity consumers 2 as a whole with the total usable capacity of all the batteries 17, subjects the batteries 17 to charge/discharge controls according to the required charge/discharge amounts, the power supply/demand conditions of the electricity consumers 2, and the usable capacities of the batteries.

Abstract: When detecting an abnormality, an in-vehicle wireless instrument in a plug-in vehicle sends an abnormality occurrence notification to a mobile terminal via an information center. The mobile terminal performs a notification to notify a user of the abnormality having occurred in the plug-in vehicle. When the user performs a charging forbiddance manipulation based on the notification, the mobile terminal sends a charging forbidding command to a power management ECU in the vehicle via the information center and the in-vehicle wireless instrument. When receiving the charging forbidding command, the power management ECU stops charging a battery using an external power source, and sends a setting completion notification to the mobile terminal via the in-vehicle wireless instrument and the information center. When receiving the setting completion notification, the mobile terminal notifies the user that the charging is stopped.

Abstract: An indicator apparatus for providing a status indicator to visibly indicate state of charge information of an electric vehicle is disclosed. The indicator apparatus may be an indicator plate including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an indicator positioned between the first and second ends. The indicator may provide an indication of a status of a battery of the electric vehicle by illuminating a portion of the indicator plate based on status information of the battery. The indicator apparatus may further comprise a power port coupled to the electric vehicle for receiving power from the electric vehicle to the illuminated portion of the indicator plate. The illuminated portion may be illuminated based on vehicle diagnostic data received from the electric vehicle and may be visible from outside the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a battery pack supplying power to propel a vehicle are disclosed. One example method comprises, adjusting a battery pack state of charge window in response to vehicle mass. Adjusting the battery pack state of charge window in response to vehicle mass may allow the battery pack to provide an increased amount of energy to a motor so that the motor may provide torque to a driveline for a longer period of time and/or absorb more vehicle generator produced power during vehicle operations.

Abstract: A method and system for heating a vehicle battery, such as the type used for vehicle propulsion in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Depending on the battery chemistry involved, such batteries may not perform well in extremely cold environments. For instance, a lithium-ion battery can exhibit a high internal resistance when the battery is extremely cold, which in turn can negatively affect the available power or other capabilities of the battery. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method and system take advantage of the high internal resistance in a cold vehicle battery by purposely cycling electrical current in and/or out of the battery so that heat is created. This heat warms up the vehicle battery and thereby improves its overall performance and capabilities.

Abstract: A battery system monitoring apparatus that monitors a battery system is provided having a cell group having a plurality of unit cells connected in series, including: a first control device that controls the cell group; and a plurality of voltage detection lines that connect positive electrodes and negative electrodes of the unit cells to the first control device, for measuring inter-terminal voltages of the unit cells. The first control device includes a balancing switch connected between the voltage detection line connected to the positive electrode of each unit cell and the voltage detection line connected to the negative electrode thereof for conducting balancing discharge of the unit cell, for each of the unit cells. A first resistor is disposed in series with each of the voltage detection lines, a first capacitor is connected between the voltage detection line, and a GND which is a lowest-level potential of the cell group.

Abstract: A power supply system for EV and a control method thereof are provided, the system including a high voltage battery generating a driving voltage to a motor of the EV, a low voltage battery generating a driving voltage for other electronic equipment, an LDC (low voltage DC-DC Converter) converting a high voltage generated by the high voltage battery to a low voltage, and generating a control power for charging the low voltage battery, an alternator generating a control power for charging the low voltage battery using a rotary power of the motor, and a control power selector selectively supplying the control power generated by the LDC or the alternator to the low voltage battery.

Abstract: A seat adjuster may include an end stop bracket and an adjustable end stop lever. An adjustable end stop lever may be configured to rotate between a first position in which the adjustable end stop lever engages the end stop bracket and prevents movement of a seat from a comfort range into an easy entry range, and a second position in which the adjustable end stop does not prevent movement of the seat from the comfort range into the easy entry range.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment and at least one seat located in the passenger compartment. The seat can be moved from a front-facing position to a rear-facing position for when the vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode. The vehicle may further include autonomous driving sensors and an autonomous controller that receives signals generated by the autonomous driving sensors and controls at least one vehicle subsystems according to the signals received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a seat part 1 and a backrest 2, wherein the angle formed between the seat part 1 and the backrest 2 can be set, wherein the backrest 2 consists of a backrest base 3 facing the seat part 1 and of a backrest upper part 4 adjoining the backrest base 3, wherein the backrest upper part 4 can be pivoted with respect to the backrest base 3 about a substantially horizontally aligned pivot axis 5, wherein the angular position of the backrest upper part 4 with respect to the backrest base 3 can be set with respect to the seat part 1 independently of the angular position of the backrest base 3, with a first locking device, by means of which the tilt of the backrest base 3 with respect to the seat part 1 can be fixed in at least two positions, wherein there is an operating lever 6 which operates the first locking device mechanically, with a second locking device 7, by means of which the tilt of the backrest upper part 4 with respect to the backrest base 3 can be fixed in at le

Abstract: In the left and right sides of the bezel, guide grooves are made, extending straight in the front-back direction. The cap has hinge pins, which are fitted in the guide grooves and which can slide along the guide grooves. Control pins protrude inward from the left and right sides of the bezel, and may abut on the back of the cap covering the opening of the bezel. If the cap is pushed, sliding the hinge pins along the guide grooves, the back of the cap slides on the control pins, and the cap swings around the hinge pins. As a result, the cap jumps up and is stored into the bezel.

Abstract: An automobile armrest is described. The armrest allows lateral movement in an outboard direction while resisting inboard movement. The armrest facilitates occupant egress and mitigates injury in a collision. Lateral outboard movement of the armrest is non-destructive and the armrest returns to a standard position upon removal of the outboard force.

Abstract: Links are provided, each between one of the side frames of the seat cushion and the support member, and can be swung. A band extends at a substantially center part of the seat cushion and between the side frames, and is provided beneath the seat pad. One end of the band is secured to the top of one side frame, and the other end (free end) hangs over the top of the other side frame. The free end of the band further extends via the direction changing member provided on the side frame, first passing by a first relay point, i.e., the axle of the link provided on the side frame, and then passing by a second relay point, i.e., the axle of the link provided on the support member. At an emergency, the traction device pulls and stretches the band.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a pump and a headrest. The headrest has a support base, a flexible foam layer coupled with the support base, a flexible substrate overlying the foam layer and defining an outer surface, and an inflatable bladder assembly positioned between the base and the foam layer. The bladder assembly has a plurality of cells corresponding to respective regions of the outer surface that are independently operable between inflated and deflated conditions by the pump. The seating assembly further includes a control operably coupled to the pump.

Abstract: A headrest for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, is proposed. The headrest includes a padded part facing the head of a seat occupant, a basic part and a comfort-adjustment device. When the headrest is in use, the padded part can be adjusted by the comfort-adjustment device relative to the basic part from a first position, in which it is further away from the head of the seat occupant, into a second position, closer to the head of the seat occupant. The comfort-adjustment device has two control elements which can be set in a locking position and in an unlocking position, the movement of the control elements being synchronized.

Abstract: A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers. The housing of the monitor is attachable to the headrest with screws, which provides a very sturdy connection and reduces the chances of the housing becoming detached from the headrest during a vehicle collision. The hinged connection between the screen structure and the housing is preferably constructed of interconnected components made from sturdy materials, such as metals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat cover with an underlay, a cover and an upholstered element which is provided between the cover and the underlay, wherein the underlay, the cover and/or the upholstered element are connected to one another by means of at least one longitudinal seam and at least one transverse seam. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a seat cover, and to a vehicle seat having the seat cover according to the invention.

Abstract: A seat back frame for use in a vehicle seat assembly including a first side member, a second side member, an upper cross member, and a lower cross member. The seat back frame also includes a load transfer member that transfers impact loads from a collision through the seat assembly.

Abstract: In a grommet for a vehicle floor cover, receptacles formed in a generally cylindrical inner surface of a female tubular body making up part of one grommet portion receive protrusions formed on a generally cylindrical outer surface of a male tubular body making up part of a second grommet portion.

Abstract: An affixation system for a vehicle floor cover prevents the misinstallation by a consumer of a vehicle floor cover in a vehicle foot well.

Abstract: A towable trailer has a main frame and an inner frame, and a scissors-type lift structure between them so as to elevate the inner frame above the main frame. A first hydraulic cylinder is used to actuate the scissor-type lift in order to raise the inner frame. A second hydraulic cylinder is also preferably provided in order to raise the front end of the inner frame, so as to provide a towable trailer having a tiltable and raisable platform which can be more easily loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A trailer ramp system which may be easily transitioned between a rested position against the inner wall of a trailer and a lowered position extending out of the trailer. The trailer ramp system generally includes one or more ramps which are adjustable between a first storage position against an inner wall of a trailer and a second lowered position extending out of the trailer for use in loading or unloading objects. A mount rod is utilized in combination with a rotational assembly and an L-bar to allow the ramp to be adjusted into various positions. An anchor on the inner wall of the trailer may be utilized with a locking pin to secure the ramp against the inner wall in its storage position. Two or more ramps may be utilized in combination with each other for loading or unloading vehicles such as ATV's or UTV's.

Abstract: A dry goods bulk trailer for transporting fluidic dry goods includes a frame supported on rear wheels and arranged for connection at a front end to a towing vehicle. A containment structure on the frame assembly for supporting the fluidic dry goods therein includes front and rear slope wall assemblies which slope downwardly and inwardly towards centrally located bottom discharge hoppers. Each slope wall assembly includes an inner panel, an outer panel and at least one internal structural member joined between the panels to provide sufficient structural support to enable the slope wall assembly to be only supported on the trailer frame about its perimeter. The inner panel is joined to the structural member without fasteners so that the inner surface thereof is substantially uninterrupted for easier cleanout. The outer surface of the outer panel is uninterrupted by frame members to minimize collection of snow and ice thereon.

Abstract: A watercraft trailer having a latching mechanism for receiving a watercraft connection member in order to secure the watercraft on the trailer is provided. The latching mechanism includes a main body having a channel for receiving the watercraft connection member in a receiving position, a latching member supported by the main body for rotational movement between the receiving position and a secured position, a plunger supported by the main body and biased generally toward the latching member, a block biased generally away from the latching member and positioned between the latching member and the plunger for engaging the latching member in the secured position whereby engagement of the latching member by the watercraft connection member causes rotational movement of the latching member which secures the watercraft.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a cargo lashing fitting having a substantially planar cover plate which can be readily installed/uninstalled to and from the fitting, which connects to the fitting in an impact-resistant manner, which can resist the forces incurred when subjected to loading from on-deck vehicles and equipment, and which provides a long lasting watertight seal of the socket cavity.

Abstract: A cargo retention apparatus for a vehicle includes a vehicle panel defining an interior, an exterior, and an elongate slot open between the interior and exterior that extends in a first direction therealong. A track member is disposed on the interior of the panel and is aligned with the slot in the first direction. The apparatus further includes a hook having a base received through the slot and slidably coupled with the track member.

Abstract: A cargo retainer system incorporates a load-bearing strap assembly having a load bearing strap that extends over a cargo element, and a strap-retainer clamped to the load bearing strap and having an elastic portion that is stretched to a stretched length and attached to a portion of the load-bearing strap. The strap-retainer has an elastic portion that extends from the clamp to a hook that is configured to attach to a portion of the load-bearing strap to secure the strap retainer under tension. The strap-retainer provides an elastic retaining force on the load-bearing strap wherein the force exerted on the load bearing strap increase when the cargo shift away from strap-retainer and the force decreases when the cargo shifts toward the strap-retainer. A cargo retainer system may incorporate a strap-retainer on either side of the cargo element to provide complimentary and corrective elastic retaining forces on the load-bearing strap.

Abstract: A moving frame structure of a hand puller is used for driving a ratchet to rotate with a turning of two side panels when a pressing portion is placed into a ratchet gear. When the pressing portion at the two side panels is separated from the ratchet gear, the two side panels are swung with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft. When the two side panels are moved to a circular arc surface and separated from the circumferential surface of the rotating shaft and a notch is aligned precisely with the rotating shaft, the pressing portion is placed into the ratchet gear to achieve a blocking effect. By pulling the fastening member backward, the pressing portions on both sides are retracted and separated from the ratchet gear of the ratchet completely, so that the rotating shaft can be withdrawn from the socketing hole through the notch.

Abstract: A front pin latching system for automatic securement of a container to a container chassis is provided. The front pin latching system includes a shelf configured to move vertically on an outer surface of the container chassis. The shelf and the container chassis have adjacent openings. The system also includes a pin configured to move horizontally through the adjacent openings and a linkage mechanism disposed on an inner surface of the container chassis. The linkage mechanism is operably coupled to the shelf and the pin. Placement of the container on the container chassis moves the shelf causing the linkage mechanism to move the pin such that the pin automatically secures the container to the container chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light emitting element and a light transmissive member disposed closer to a front side of the lamp than the light emitting element. The light transmissive member includes a front surface formed into a flat plane and a rear surface having a light entering area and an annular area situated on an outer circumferential side of the light entering area. The annular area has a plurality of curved planes and a reflecting film formed thereon. The light transmissive member has a lens portion provided on one of the front surface or the rear surface of the light transmissive member and configured to cause part of the light which is emitted from the light emitting element and enters the light transmissive member to be emitted towards the front side of the lamp as direct emitted light that is upwardly oriented.

Abstract: A method for increasing the illumination range of a vehicle, having a step of receiving high beam activation information via an interface, the high beam activation information indicating an option for the glare-free operation of the high beam. The method also includes a step of ascertaining a distance covered by the vehicle in response to receiving the high beam activation information, and a step of providing range-increasing information for increasing the illumination range when the covered distance after receiving the high beam activation information is greater than a predetermined minimum distance, and/or a step of providing at least one value of the increase in the illumination range (illumination range-increasing value) as a function of the distance covered.

Abstract: An automotive light is provided that includes a light-guide bar made of photoconductive-material, which is at least partially positioned substantially grazing a corresponding transparent or semitransparent portion of the front lenticular half-shell of the light, and a second light source which is structured so as to emit light when electricity powered, and is arranged inside the rear body, close to one end of the light-guide bar, so as to direct the light produced inside the body of said light-guide bar. The light-guide bar is provided with a longitudinal light-extractor band which extends along the lateral side of the bar, and a multitude of deflector prisms which have an approximately triangle-shaped cross-section and are conveniently arranged along the longitudinal light-extractor band. One or more deflector prisms are shaped so that the active deflector surface has a bulging/arched profile substantially over the whole width of the longitudinal band.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a towed implement proximity system, the system comprising: a first device comprising a transceiver, the first device configured to: transmit a signal; receive a first signal at a first angle and a second signal at a second angle responsive to the transmitted signal, the first and second signals comprising first information and second information, respectively, the first and second information each corresponding to respective positional information; and a controller coupled to the first device, the controller configured to determine a relative position in three axes between a first machine and a second machine based on the first and second information.

Abstract: An optical coupler for a vehicle lighting system includes a housing having first and second openings, each opening having an optical axis passing through the opening into the housing, with the optical axes of the openings forming an obtuse angle. The optical coupler has one or more optics carried by the housing and arranged between the openings such that light entering the first opening along its optical axis passes through the one or more optics and exits through the second opening along the other optical axis. The optic(s) may include a first Fresnellian surface adjacent the first opening and a second Fresnellian surface adjacent the second opening such that light passing through the optical coupler from the first opening to the second opening passes through both Fresnellian surfaces and is redirected from the optical axis of the first opening to the optical axis of the second opening.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes at least one light source configured to output a first light at a first wavelength. The system also includes a first photoluminescent material coupled to a first doorway structure, wherein the first photoluminescent material is configured to convert the first light into a second light characterized by a second wavelength.

Abstract: A warning alarm apparatus for a steering wheel includes at least one piezoelectric transducer provided in the rim of the steering wheel; a current supplier; one or more sensors, equipped in the steering wheel or a motor vehicle, sense a dangerous factor; and a controller that determines whether a sensor value sensed by the sensor is included in a warning alarm range, and controls operation of the current supplier according to the sensor value.

Abstract: A method and nodes for collision avoidance in a vehicular network comprising a plurality of vehicles and lower-speed users. Data from a plurality of position notification messages sent from the lower-speed-node is received (directly from the lower-speed-node or through a road-side-node) and processed, in a vehicle-on-board-node of a moving vehicle, with positioning data of the moving vehicle into collision avoidance instructions. The collision avoidance instructions may be provided inside the vehicle by displaying the instructions on a screen and/or broadcasting the instructions through a speaker in the vehicle. The collision avoidance instructions may also be automatically applied by modifying dynamic parameters of the vehicle (e.g., affecting the vehicle speed and/or changing direction of the vehicle). The position notification message may comprise a sequential number value; a temporary ID value; a geographic latitude value; a geographic longitude value; and a class-speed value.