Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. More particularly, a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforcement structure with one or more spacers is provided along with a method of placement of a spacer between reinforcing bands of a non-pneumatic tire. A jig can be used to facilitate placement of the spacer.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a wheel assembly. In this regard, a wheel assembly is provided comprising a wheel base having a side rim disposed about a circumference of the wheel base, and a lock ring disposed within a cavity between the wheel base and the side rim. An air seal may be disposed between the wheel base and the inside surface of the side rim. Lock ring has two non-contiguous surface contacts with the wheel base and two non-contiguous surface contacts with the side rim each enabling various torque paths of lock ring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a composite rim used in spoked wheels, such as bicycle wheels, having molded-in spoke holes along with a method of fabricating the composite rim. Advantageously, the present invention dramatically improves the bearing and loading strength of prior art composite rims, which drill the spoke holes therein after fabrication of the rim hoop.

Abstract: A tire includes a carcass, a belt structure, and a tread band. The belt structure includes at least two belt plies and at least one belt layer radially external to the belt plies. The at least one belt layer extends at least for an axial width of the at least two belt plies and includes at least one first elongated element and at least one second elongated element. The elongated elements form turns substantially oriented in a circumferential direction of the tire. The turns are alternately disposed along an axial development of the at least one belt layer. The at least one first elongated element is a hybrid cord including at least one high-elastic-modulus filament and at least one low-elastic-modulus filament that are twisted together. An elastic modulus of the at least one second elongated element is lower than an elastic modulus of the at least one first elongated element.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a carcass and a belt reinforcing structure wherein the belt reinforcing structure is a composite belt structure having at least one radially inner spiral layer and at least one zigzag belt reinforcing structure located radially outward of said spiral layer. The zigzag belt width is preferably narrower than the spiral layer.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a tread portion that includes a shoulder main groove and a plurality of shoulder lateral grooves. The shoulder main groove is disposed in the nearest side of a tread edge on the tread portion and extends continuously in a circumferential direction of the tire. The shoulder lateral grooves each extend from the shoulder main groove to the tread edge to form a plurality of shoulder blocks. The shoulder lateral grooves have a first portion extending from the shoulder main groove axially outside the tire and including at angle of not less than 70 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to a circumferential direction of the tire, and the second portion extending from the first portion axially outside the tire and inclining in a reverse direction of the first portion at angle of from 40 to 70 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A circumferential narrow groove of a pneumatic tire is disposed at a position that partitions an outer side second land portion and an outer side shoulder land portion. A center land portion is a rib that is continuous in a tire circumferential direction, and an inner side second land portion and the outer side second land portion are rows of blocks divided in the tire circumferential direction by pluralities of lug grooves. Additionally, a groove area ratio S2 of the center land portion, a groove area ratio S1 of the inner side second land portion, and a groove area ratio S3 of the outer side second land portion have a relationship such that S2<S3<S1. Moreover, a groove width Wd of the circumferential narrow groove and a maximum groove width Wmax of the other three circumferential main grooves to have a relationship such that 3.1?Wmax/Wd?5.0.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a tread portion, side wall portions, and bead portions includes at least one row of blocks constituted by a plurality of blocks aligned in a tire circumferential direction formed in a vehicle inner side region and a vehicle outer side region of the tread portion. Sipes extend in a tire width direction in each of the blocks. A pitch count of the blocks constituting the row of blocks in the vehicle inner side region is greater than the pitch count of the blocks constituting the row of blocks in the vehicle outer side region. Sipes formed in the blocks in the vehicle outer side region are provided with a structure extending in a linear manner along the depth direction thereof and sipes formed in the blocks in the vehicle inner side region are provided with a structure extending while curving along the depth direction thereof.

Abstract: An automatically traveling floor dust collecting appliance has at least one running wheel having an axis of rotation, a hub, and a tire forming a tire contact area merging radially inwardly into two oppositely situated side faces. The tire, which includes elastic material, has profile blocks, each forming a part of the tire contact area and provided one after the other in the peripheral direction. A running wheel is also provided, in particular for a floor dust collecting appliance. The part of the tire contact area formed by a profile block has a profile which in its cross-section slopes downwardly toward the center. This profile block at the same time forms a part of an associated side face. The profile block, at this transition, radially and in the direction of the axis of rotation, forms a farthest protruding portion of the tire contact area of the tire.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire where a plurality of main grooves extending along the tire circumferential direction, lateral grooves extending in the direction inclined with respect to the tire width direction, and land portions partitioned by the main grooves and the lateral grooves are formed in a tread portion. The land portion includes an obtuse angle portion defined at an obtuse angle by the main groove and the lateral groove, and an acute angle portion defined at an acute angle by the main groove and the lateral groove. A plurality of holes are formed in a side wall of the land portion facing the main groove at intervals in the tire circumferential direction. The holes formed on an obtuse angle portion side are arranged at positions closer to a ground contact surface of the land portion than the holes formed on an acute angle portion side.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is disclosed. In one sidewall part, a sidewall rubber is formed by a black rubber over the whole circumference in a tire circumferential direction. In the other sidewall part, a different color rubber part for indicating marks on a tire outer surface is provided. The different color rubber part is divided into several sections in the circumferential direction, and the different color rubber part and the black rubber part are alternately and adjacently arranged in the circumferential direction. Side surfaces at both sides in the circumferential direction of the different color rubber part are formed into inclined surface shapes in a direction such that the side surfaces approach each other toward a tire inner surface side, thereby a size in the circumferential direction of the different color rubber part is decreased toward the tire inner surface side.

Abstract: A spare tire body for the tire cavity of run-flat tires comprises: a plurality of circumferentially arranged combining blocks each being a hollow member that has two lateral sides each with a through hole, a bottom, two lengthwise ends on the bottom diagonally formed with projecting portions, and a top formed as an engaging valley; and either a) a C-shaped lining piece and two C-shaped holding pieces or b) a C-shaped lining piece or c) two C-shaped holding pieces or d) a C-shaped lining piece and one C-shaped holding piece. A connecting assembly of two pairs of fine tuning members, an adjusting member, a pressing bolt, a pressing screw bolt, and two reinforcing plates may be provided.

Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. The tire inflation system may include a damped valve that moves from a closed position to an open position faster than from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: An automatic tire inflation system or wheel end assembly may be provided with a pressure reduction valve to allow rapid deflation of a tire. A method of rapidly reducing tire pressure may include use of a pressure reduction valve.

Abstract: A pneumatic connector is provided. The pneumatic connector includes: a body having two ends; a first connecting structure at one end of the body; a second connecting structure at the other end of the body, wherein the first and second connecting structures are substantially in line with each other; and a third connecting structure located in between the first and second connecting structures at an angle that is not in line with the first and second connecting structures, wherein the first second and third connecting structures are fluidly connected to an interior of the body, wherein the first, second and third connecting structures are adapted to permit substantially leak free connections between pneumatic components. A method of creating an accessory connection for a bead seater is provided.

Abstract: A method for shifting tandem axle loads on a vehicle including an air suspension circuit having a three way valve, a first air spring connected between a drive axle of a tandem and a vehicle frame and a second air spring connected between a tag axle of the tandem and the vehicle frame. A diameter of the first air spring is larger than a diameter of the second air spring. The system also has an air supply, a first fluid line connected between a port one of the three way valve and the first air spring and a second fluid line connected between a port three of the three way valve and the second air spring.

Abstract: An integrated bumper stopper may include a dust cover and a bumper stopper constituting a shock absorber of a vehicle. The bumper stopper may be formed on an upper portion of the dust cover and continuously extend from the upper portion of the dust cover. The dust cover and the bumper stopper may be integrally molded by using a material comprising a thermoplastic ether ester (TPEE) elastomer.

Abstract: An air supply device for a pneumatic spring system of a vehicle includes an air filter as a processor for incoming air, an inlet air line, an outlet air line, a compressor, and, optionally, an air drier. The inlet air line and the outlet air line are decoupled by a first and a second check valve, and the processor is arranged between the compressor and the first or second check valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of a suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a locking assembly. The locking assembly inhibits tipping of a frame of the vehicle when tipping of the frame is detected.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle having a primary circuit having a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor and configured to transfer heat between a refrigerant and the environment, a first expansion element in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first expansion element and the compressor, the second heat exchanger configured to dehumidify intake air of the passenger compartment and a secondary circuit having a first flow pathway and a second flow pathway, the first flow pathway having a third heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor and configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the passenger compartment and a second expansion element in fluid communication with the third heat exchanger, and a third expansion element.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner (1A) includes: an external air introduction port (33) for introducing external air into a vehicle interior; and a duct (3) having an inlet port (31) for drawing internal air into the duct and an outlet port (32) for blowing air into the vehicle interior. In the duct (3), a first indoor heat exchanger (12A) and a second indoor heat exchanger (12B) of a heat pump circuit (2A) are disposed. The first indoor heat exchanger (12A) contributes mainly to heating, and the second indoor heat exchanger (12B) contributes mainly to cooling. The duct (3) is provided with at least one of a heating exhaust port (34) for discharging air cooled in the second indoor heat exchanger (12B) to the outside of the vehicle interior in heating operation and a cooling exhaust port (35) for discharging air heated in the first indoor heat exchanger (12A) to the outside of the vehicle interior in cooling operation.

Abstract: A secondary loop air conditioning system for a vehicle that includes a condenser and an integrated assembly is disclosed. The condenser has a first condenser header spaced from a second condenser header, a condenser core extending between the first and second condenser headers, and a refrigerant inlet operatively engaging the first condenser header. The integrated assembly includes a chiller mounted to the first condenser header and having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet configured to be in fluid communication with a secondary loop of the air conditioning system, and an expansion device in fluid communication with the condenser and mounted adjacent to the chiller for directing refrigerant into the chiller, and a refrigerant outlet. Also, a receiver/dryer area may be located in one of the condenser and the integrated assembly.

Abstract: [PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED] To provide a vehicle door, in which the arrangement of the reinforcing bracket is not limited, and the strength of the joined portion between the door frame and the door panel can be improved. The vehicle door has a portion of a door frame that forms a window opening inserted into the inside of a door panel. The door frame is provided with a stepped portion which separates a surface area on the frame forming portion side and a surface area on the insertion portion side from each other; the surface area on the insertion portion side that is continuous with the stepped portion is formed as an inner-panel facing surface facing the inner panel; the inner-panel facing surface is shifted in a direction away from the inner panel by the stepped portion; and the reinforcing bracket is made to overlap the shifted inner-panel facing surface therealong.

Abstract: An impact bar includes a U-shaped portion formed by a vertical face portion and upper-and-lower lateral face portions at its front end. The impact bar further includes upper-and-lower outer face portions. A pair of first joint portions which are formed so as to extend upward and downward from respective front ends of the upper-and-lower lateral face portions are joined to a lateral face portion of a door inner panel. A pair of second joint portions which are formed so as to extend forward from respective front ends of the upper-and-lower outer face portions are joined to a longitudinal face portion of the door inner panel.

Abstract: A door stop is provided for a door of a motor vehicle. The door stop includes a latching rod guided by a housing. Springs in the housing act on the latching rod from all four sides so that the door can be held in designated positions.

Abstract: A vehicle roof having a roof structure with a roof opening, which, by a roof opening mechanism, can be closed or at least partially uncovered as desired, said roof opening mechanism being designed as an interchangeable insert. Additionally, a roof opening mechanism is proposed, being designed as an interchangeable insert, for unlockable fixation at a roof structure of a vehicle roof, and comprising a frame, which can be placed upon an edge region of the roof structure, said edge region limiting a roof opening.

Abstract: A motorized rolling cover system for covering the top of an open-top vehicle. The system includes a cover, a shaft, a motor assembly, an arm assembly and a motor mount that supports the motor assembly on the arm assembly. The motor mount is pivotally attached to the end of the arm assembly to provide pivotal movement of the mount in a single plane. The plane of pivotal movement is either the same as (i.e., parallel to) the plane defined by the arm and the shaft, or is perpendicular to the arm-shaft plane.

Abstract: A tonneau cover and a method of attachment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a self-energizing clamp can be used to retain a tonneau cover onto a side wall of a truck bed, or other vehicle bed. In some embodiments, the clamp can be rotated between a usage position and a storage position in order to prevent the clamp from incidental movement or harm while accessing the truck bed.

Abstract: A vent assembly is disposed within an interior space of a vehicle for opening and closing fluid communication between the interior space and an exterior of the vehicle. The vent assembly includes a housing defining a plurality of openings and a plurality of vanes disposed in the openings. An actuator mechanism moves the vanes between an open position and a closed position, and includes a shaped memory alloy (SMA) member for actuating the vanes between the open and closed positions. The SMA member is activated when a hatch of the vehicle is opened to move the vanes into the open position and thereby open fluid communication between the interior space and the exterior to alleviate excessive air pressure buildup during closure of the hatch.

Abstract: Electric vehicles usually inherit a chassis of a pressed steel construction from a conventional vehicle design. This imposes a substantial weight penalty on the vehicle. We disclose a chassis element for a vehicle, formed of an outer skin material, an inner core material enveloped by the outer skin material, and at least one array of aligned fibres, and comprising a restraint for an electrical battery adapted to locate the battery over the at least one array. There can be multiple arrays of aligned fibres, preferably disposed at a transverse angle relative to each other of less than 90°. We particularly prefer three arrays of aligned fibres, which can be disposed relative to each other at an angle of 60°. The fibres can be disposed within the skin material.

Abstract: Fail-safe methods for utilizing an over-center pump/motor in a hydraulic hybrid vehicle are disclosed. A high-pressure fluid shutoff valve and an optional electrically or manually operated valve are additionally provided as means to ensure disconnection of the high pressure source in the event of a failure. Displacement stroke position and pressure differentials across the pump/motor are continually monitored. On detection of various modes of failure or irregularity in control of displacement, actions are taken including any of: the high pressure and low pressure accumulators are shut off automatically or manually, a check valve between the high and low pressure ports of the pump/motor is activated, and a small amount of pressurized fluid is released from the high pressure circuit to depressurize the captive fluid. Safe startup and shutdown procedures are also specified.

Abstract: A shutter abnormality notification apparatus issues a notification of an abnormality in a shutter of a variable duct that is provided in a vehicle front end to be capable of adjusting an amount of introduced outside air by moving the shutter. The apparatus includes: an electric circuit that becomes conductive when the shutter and a receiver that receives the shutter contact each other in a duct seal constituted by the shutter and the receiver while the shutter is in the closed position; and a notifier that issues a warning when the electric circuit becomes non-conductive even though an opening operation instruction has not been issued in relation to the shutter in the closed position.

Abstract: An exhaust assembly that includes an exhaust pipe extending rearward from a vehicle into an exhaust passage, and a fascia coupled to the vehicle defining the exhaust passage. The exhaust assembly further includes a bezel defining an exhaust opening substantially aligned with the pipe, and a sleeve configured within the exhaust opening, which may define an exhaust plane. The sleeve extends rearward, flush or sub-flush, with the rearmost portion of the exhaust opening or exhaust plane, and substantially parallel to an exit portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A valve device includes a first passage opened by a first valve member, a second passage opened by a second valve member, and a specific chamber in which an asymmetrical state is caused. When the second valve member is open, escape fluid flows through the specific chamber just before flowing into a second passage and collides a collision part located in the specific chamber. The escape fluid flowing in the specific chamber collides the collision part and is divided into two divided flows, and the two divided flows are joined again at downstream of the collision part. In the asymmetrical state, a difference is caused in a pressure loss between the two divided flows. By the asymmetrical state, a pressure loss as an entire of the specific chamber decreases, and frequency in using a valve mechanism can be reduced. Therefore, the valve mechanism can be used longer without omitting the specific chamber.

Abstract: An arrangement for an assembly member of a vehicle includes a power unit for generating a driving force; a pair of left and right driving wheels; a propeller shaft extending in the forward and backward direction of the vehicle; a differential for transmitting the driving force to the pair of left and right driving wheels via a pair of left and right drive shafts; a switch for switching the diff-lock of the differential on and off; an exhaust pipe disposed on one side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the propeller shaft; and an assembly member for operating the switch via each of a plurality of operation side transmission members and a device side transmission member using an operating force applied to each of a plurality of operating elements; wherein the assembly member is disposed on the opposite side of the propeller shaft as the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having: a prime mover; first and second groups of one or more wheels; and a driveline to connect the prime mover to the first and second groups of wheels such that the first group of one or more wheels is driven by the prime mover when the driveline is in a first mode of operation and the second group of one or more wheels is additionally driven by the prime mover when the driveline is in a second mode of operation, the driveline including an auxiliary driveline comprising releasable torque transmitting means operable to connect the second group of one or more wheels to the prime mover when the driveline transitions between the first mode and the second mode, wherein when in the first mode the driveline is operable to transition to the second mode responsive to an output of a reactive evaluator and a predictive evaluator.

Abstract: A driveline component that includes an input member, a differential case, a differential gearset housed in the differential case, a first clutch and a second clutch. The first clutch is configured to selectively transmit rotary power between the input member and the differential case. The second clutch is configured to selectively transmit rotary power between the input member and the differential case. The first clutch has a first engagement time and that is less than a second engagement time of the second clutch.

Abstract: A motorcycle cruise control system intended for cooperation with a rotary throttle grip of a motorcycle, comprises a clamping device with a stationary clamping part and a movable clamping part which is movable between a clamping position for clamping the throttle grip and maintaining it in a desired rotary position, and a release position allowing a rotation of the throttle grip, an operating mechanism for moving the movable clamping part between its clamping and release positions and a holding arrangement for holding the clamping device substantially stationary with respect to the motorcycle. The operating mechanism comprises an eccentric mechanism with a first arm and a second arm of which respective first ends are pivotably connected to the stationary clamping part and movable clamping part, respectively, and of which the second ends are pivotably connected to each other.

Abstract: An operation input device for a vehicle includes: a first operation unit for executing an operation of an in-vehicle device on the vehicle; and a second operation unit for executing a negative operation of the in-vehicle device so that the operation of the in-vehicle device is cancelled. An operation direction of the second operation unit has a directional component. The directional component of the operation direction of the second operation unit is opposite to an extending direction of an arm of a user, who sits down on a predetermined seat. The user extends the arm along with the extending direction in order to touch the operation input device.

Abstract: A system for displaying the relative air pressure in an air suspension system for a vehicle comprises an intake line connecting from the air suspension system to a manifold. One or more pressure switches are connected to the manifold. A corresponding light is attached to each of the pressure switches. When the pressure within the manifold reaches preconfigured levels, one of the pressure switches is closed, and a corresponding light is illuminated. The lights are located on the side of the vehicle such that they can be easily seen.

Abstract: In a vehicle control apparatus, a display device displays a vehicle image showing a vehicle shape viewed from a virtual view point, and a user interface accepts a user's operation. When the user interface accepts the user's operation that issues an instruction for changing the vehicle image, a display control unit causes the display device to display the vehicle image after the changing of the virtual view point. Simultaneously, the display control unit causes the display device to display command buttons corresponding to portions of the vehicle shown by the vehicle image after the changing of the virtual view point.

Abstract: A vehicle information provision device comprises an on-board device having a device unit with a display unit that displays each type of vehicle status to a user, and a first control means that operates the display unit; and a communications unit that communicates between the device unit and the external device that outputs external information about the vehicle to the device unit. The communications unit is configured so as to be connectable to the device unit via an attachment/detachment means, and outputs to the device unit signals including at least either a video signal or an audio signal, as the external information for the vehicle, when the device unit is connected to the communications unit via the attachment/detachment means.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical system having a DC-to-DC converter with a high-voltage side and a low-voltage side, wherein at least one traction battery is connected to the high-voltage side and electrical loads are connected to the low-voltage side, wherein the DC-to-DC converter can be switched on or woken up by a control signal of an electrical device, wherein the electrical device is arranged on the high-voltage side or is designed with an electrical energy store locally associated with the electrical device. Also disclosed is a method for operating such a motor vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A non-rail bound vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle or a bus, has a current collector for feeding electrical energy from a two-pole overhead line. The contact wires of the overhead line are configured as forward and return conductors, and each can be contacted by at least one contact strip of the current collector. Due to the fact that the current collector is provided with two support extension arms, which are tiltably and rotatably hinged to both the vehicle and a rocker bearing the contact strips such that the rocker can be both raised and lowered and also can be moved transversely to the direction of travel, the current collector can be safely coupled to and decoupled from the contact wires, even at higher driving speeds of the vehicle. Furthermore, lateral inaccuracies with respect to a lane while steering the vehicle can be permanently compensated for by the current collector.

Abstract: An energy estimation device includes: an energy change quantity estimation unit that estimates an energy change quantity of a vehicle for each of links; an axle torque calculation unit that calculates, based upon the estimated energy change quantity, an axle torque of the vehicle for a regeneration link in which energy is regenerated upon traveling of the vehicle; an allocation ratio calculation unit that calculates, based upon the calculated axle torque, an allocation ratio of a regeneration brake relative to a friction brake of the vehicle for the regeneration link; and a regeneration energy estimation unit that estimates regeneration energy of the vehicle for the regeneration link based upon the energy change quantity and the allocation ratio.

Abstract: A first power converter connected to a plurality of motors is configured to operate as a DC/AC converter or an AC/DC converter. A second power converter connected to a generator is configured to operate as a DC/AC converter or the AC/DC converter. A control device is configured to cause the first power converter to supply alternating-current power from the first power converter to at least one motor among the motors and cause the second power converter to supply alternating-current power from the second power converter to a motor other than the motor to which the alternating-current power from the first power converter is supplied.

Abstract: A method for emergency driving is carried out in a hybrid vehicle which includes an engine, a first motor connected to the engine through an engine clutch, and a second motor directly connected to the engine so that power transmission is possible, where a DC-link is charged with a counter electromotive force of the first and second motors, generated by driving energy of the vehicle or power of the engine when a main relay is off during driving of the vehicle. The DC-link of which voltage control is performed is used as a power source for the emergency driving of the vehicle. In the emergency driving of the vehicle using the DC-link as the power source, the engine clutch between the engine and the first motor is separated, and the vehicle is then driven by a driving force of the first motor.

Abstract: Charge units for charging an electric vehicle and methods for cloud access and programming of data for charge units is provided. In one example, a charging unit is connectable to a charge source (e.g., electricity) and has an connector (cord) for coupling the charge unit to the electric vehicle. The charge unit including a port for interfacing with and charging an auxiliary battery. A display has a graphical user interface (GUI) for providing charge status information of a main battery of a vehicle and/or the auxiliary battery when connected to the port of the charge unit. The charge unit further including a communications port for providing data of the charge unit to the cloud services, for access and control by a remote computer. An advertising system will serve ads to the charge units, vehicle displays and/or the remote computers while charging or after charging.

Abstract: A charge/discharge system is mounted on an electric vehicle using a motor as a driving source, which is driven by electric power charged in a battery, and controls at least one of charge from the outside of the vehicle to the battery and discharge from the battery to the outside of the vehicle. The charge/discharge system comprises a power supply unit for controlling power supply to supply power only to a unit contributing charge/discharge among units connected to a wiring system of driving power for the motor when charge/discharge to/from the battery from/to the outside of the vehicle is performed.

Abstract: An in-vehicle device includes: a terminal to which a vehicle-side connector is connected; a hood portion surrounding the terminal; a protection cover functioning with a purpose of holding or protecting constituent components of the in-vehicle device; and a damper mechanical portion formed integrally with the protection cover and installed on a periphery of the hood portion. The damper mechanical portion has an cuter wall portion linked to a base portion of the protection cover and an inner wall portion spaced apart from an outer surface of the hood portion and held on an inner side of the outer wall portion.