Abstract: A wheel of a roller includes a roller axis, the wheel being driven by an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is a hub motor which drives a hub body, which extends with circumferential. spacing and surrounds the wheel axle, relative to the fixed wheel axle, wherein furthermore the wheel has a running surface. The running surface is formed on a running surface carrier and the running surface carrier is supported flush on the hub body at the back of the running surface. Further, a manually movable load truck includes one or more rollers, of which at least one roller has a driven wheel. Further, an operating device, in particular for a manually movable load truck, is formed having a substantially annular cross-section having a central through opening.

Abstract: A HEV cooling system includes an engine cooling circuit configured to cool an engine by circulation of coolant cooled by an engine heat exchanger using an engine water pump. An engine reservoir tank is configured to temporarily store the coolant cooled by the engine heat exchanger and replenish insufficient coolant. A HEV cooling circuit is configured to cool an inverter and motor by circulation of coolant cooled by an HEV heat exchanger using an HEV water pump. An HEV reservoir tank is configured to temporarily store the coolant cooled by the HEV heat exchanger and replenish insufficient coolant. A connector (30) configured to intermittently connect the engine cooling circuit to the HEV cooling circuit. An engine coolant amount detection sensor and an HEV coolant amount detection sensor are respectively configured to detect amounts of the coolant stored in the engine and HEV reservoir tanks.

Abstract: A method for depressurizing a vehicular fuel storage system including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being in fluid communication with a closable filler head opening, the first portion being separated from the second portion by a valve, the method including: in a first time period, depressurizing the first portion by bringing the first portion in communication with the atmosphere, while the valve and the filler head opening are closed; in a second time period, depressurizing the second portion by bringing the second portion in communication with the atmosphere; and obtaining readiness for access to the filler head opening as from the end of the first time period.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a motor, two front wheels, a first driveshaft operatively connected to the motor, and a first gear assembly operatively connected to the first driveshaft. The first gear assembly includes a first bevel gear operatively connected to the first driveshaft, a second bevel gear meshed with the first bevel gear, and a third bevel gear meshed with the second bevel gear. Two intermediate wheels are operatively connected to the second bevel gear. A second driveshaft is operatively connected to the third bevel gear. A second gear assembly is operatively connected to the second driveshaft. Two rear wheels are operatively connected to the second gear assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating an advised driving speed of a vehicle traversing a particular portion of a road network is disclosed. The method comprises accessing first predetermined data indicative of the variation in average fuel consumption for the vehicle with speed of the vehicle, using the first predetermined data to determine data indicative of average fuel consumption for the vehicle for a plurality of speeds within a range based on a speed limit for the portion of the road network being traversed, and evaluating the advised driving speed of the vehicle based at least in part on the determined data indicative of average fuel consumption for the vehicle for the range of speeds. The evaluation of the advised driving speed may further be based on second predetermined data indicative of the variation in a likelihood of the vehicle being in the highest gear with speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a system for a vehicle including a personal electronic device in communication with a vehicle head unit, the personal electronic device synchronized with the vehicle head unit for controlling which application icons appear on the vehicle heat unit. Also disclosed is a computer storage media having embodied thereon computer-useable instructions that, when executed, perform a method, the method includes synchronizing the display of a plurality of applications that each operate a respective vehicle system between a vehicle head unit and a personal electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is inter alia a channel selection interface includes a plurality of sectors, each of the sectors including a number of tunable service identifiers divided by the plurality of sectors, and a plurality of channel markers that separate the plurality of sectors. The channel selection interface provides an even allocation of channels for a gesture recognition interface.

Abstract: An integrated controller system includes an information processor configured to display driving information on a display. A rotary knob includes an upper plate button having a plurality of buttons arranged thereon for operating the information processor and a cylindrical body for rotating by a user's hand in a dial mode. A rotation detecting sensor is connected to the rotary knob for detecting the amount of rotation. A controller is configured to set a function selection of the plurality of buttons to match with user interface (UI) frame arrangement according to the UI frame arrangement displayed on the display.

Abstract: At least one display device in a motor vehicle displays graphic information from graphic applications that generate, independently of one another, display contents for an information data set. The graphic applications synchronize themselves by exchanging the information data set or by mutual referencing to the information data set, with the result that firstly one of the applications generates and displays its display content for the information data set in a first region, and then another of the applications generates its display content for the information data set and displays its display content in another region in the passenger compartment. A signaling device signals the synchronization by at least one optical and/or acoustic signal, which is different from the display contents, in the passenger compartment.

Abstract: The present technology discloses an apparatus for protecting a passenger who boards a vehicle at the time of thunder and a method thereof. An apparatus for protecting a passenger includes a receiver configured to receive positional information of a vehicle and weather information, a gas detection sensor configured to detect an electrolyte gas within a battery duct, an air pressure sensor configured to detect an air pressure of tire, and a controller configured to control an opening and closing of the battery duct depending on the positional information, the weather information, the detected result of the gas detection sensor, and the detected result of the air pressure sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for torque of a fuel cell electric vehicle includes: a storage configured to store a first look-up table in which pedal amount correction coefficients corresponding to degradation rates of a fuel cell stack are recorded and a second look-up table in which torques corresponding to pedal amounts are recorded; a degradation rate calculator configured to calculate a degradation rate based on a maximum voltage and an output voltage of the fuel cell stack; a correction coefficient searcher configured to search for a correction coefficient corresponding to the calculated degradation rate using the first look-up table; a pedal amount detector configured to detect a pedal amount indicating a degree to which an acceleration pedal is pressed; and a torque compensator configured to compensate for torque by compensating for the detected pedal amount based on the searched correction coefficient using the second look-up table.

Abstract: A state display section of a work vehicle is configured to display whether an electricity storage apparatus is in an electricity charging or discharging state. A state determination unit is configured to determine the state to be displayed on the state display section on the basis of a parameter corresponding to electricity supplied to or discharged from the electricity storage apparatus. The state determination unit is configured to change a threshold for a parameter for determining if the state to be displayed on the state display section is to be set to the charging state (discharging state) based on whether or not the state displayed on the state display section most recently is the charging state (discharging state). Until a predetermined first time period elapses, the state determination section is configured to determine the state after the change as the state to be displayed on the state display section.

Abstract: A vehicle includes traction wheels, an electric machine configured to provide regenerative braking torque to the traction wheels, wheel brakes configured to provide friction braking torque to the traction wheels, and at least one power source configured to provide drive torque to the traction wheels. The vehicle additionally includes, a sensor configured to detect a forward object, and at least one controller. The controller is configured to control the power source, wheel brakes, and electric machine according to an adaptive cruise control (ACC) algorithm. The ACC algorithm is configured to command the electric machine to provide regenerative braking torque without application of the wheel brakes in response to a detected forward object and a maximum regeneration braking distance. The maximum regeneration braking distance is calculated based on a powertrain regenerative braking limit and a distance to the forward object.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrically operated vehicle with power supply system having wind based charging unit with load isolation. The power supply nit has one or more energy storage device with an inverter for supplying AC loads. Two such power supply units are used in an electric vehicle application for supplying the drive load. The power supply units when operated through an intermediate section and an output combiner, supplies to the load with complete isolation from the recharging unit of the system. Due to which, the energy storage devices serves for large distance range.

Abstract: A converter system for electrically driving a vehicle, including a grid-side converter, a DC link with at least a first and second potential conductors, and a motor-side converter. The motor-side converter allows a bidirectional flow of energy. The grid-side converter has a single phase on the input side and is connected to a supply grid. The grid-side converter is unidirectional and allows a flow of energy from the supply grid into the DC link. The DC link connects the grid-side converter to the motor-side converter and has a first electrical energy storage between the first and second potential conductors. The electrical energy storage is connected to the DC link via an electrical connection. The flow of energy from the DC link into the further electrical energy storage and the flow of energy from the further electrical energy storage into the DC link is able to be controlled.

Abstract: A bridge rectifier having AC voltage terminals, two DC voltage terminals, and a number of half-bridges corresponding to the number of AC voltage terminals. Each half-bridge has two activatable switching elements, connected in series between the DC voltage terminals and between which one of the AC voltage terminals is connected in each case. Each half-bridge includes a control circuit configured to detect an output voltage applied between the DC voltage terminals and switch a first switching element of the two switching elements of the particular half-bridge to be conductive by activation using a first control signal until the output voltage falls below a lower threshold value, after it has previously exceeded an upper threshold value, and to activate it in a clocked manner by activation using a second control signal, until the output voltage exceeds the upper threshold value, after it has previously fallen below the lower threshold value.

Abstract: An electric vehicle disclosed in the specification includes a main battery, a main electric power supply wire connected with the main battery, an electric power control unit including a smoothing capacitor that smooths a voltage of the main electric power supply wire, a switch that switches the main electric power supply wire between conduction and non-conduction, a sub battery having a lower voltage than the main battery, a sub electric power supply wire connected with the sub battery, a first DC-DC converter that can perform a boost operation from the sub electric power supply wire to the main electric power supply wire on the electric power control unit side relative to the switch, and a second DC-DC converter that can perform a buck operation from the main electric power supply wire on the main battery side to the sub electric power supply wire.

Abstract: A vehicular wireless power feeding system includes a portable apparatus, a vehicle-side wireless power feeding system and a notifier. The portable apparatus operates using power, which is stored in an attached battery. The vehicle-side wireless power feeding system has a wireless power feeder arranged in the vehicle and for wirelessly feeding power to a wireless power receiver of the portable apparatus. The notifier notifies of, as wireless power feeding information, information related to wireless power feeding from the wireless power feeder to the wireless power receiver.

Abstract: A shield apparatus is used during wireless power supply from a power-transmitting coil to a power-receiving coil of a vehicle, and includes a multilayer magnetic shield member installed around the power-transmitting coil and arranged so as to surround a space between the power-transmitting coil and the power-receiving coil during supply of electric power.

Abstract: A smart charging system for charging a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) includes an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) configured to supply electrical power to the PEV through a smart charging module coupled to the EVSE. The smart charging module comprises an electronic circuitry which includes a processor. The electronic circuitry includes electronic components structured to receive electrical power from the EVSE, and supply the electrical power to the PEV. The electronic circuitry is configured to measure a charging parameter of the PEV. The electronic circuitry is further structured to emulate a pulse width modulated signal generated by the EVSE. The smart charging module can also include a first coupler structured to be removably couple to the EVSE and a second coupler structured to be removably coupled to the PEV.

Abstract: A method of charging an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a battery, an inverter, and a motor including at least three-phase coil windings. When the electric vehicle is in a driven state, a direct current output from the battery is converted into a three-phase alternating current by a forward operation control of the inverter. The three-phase alternating current is output to the motor and drives the motor to operate. When the electric vehicle is in a charging state, an external three-phase alternating current is input into the inverter via three charging inductors and converted into the direct current by a reverse operation control of the inverter to charge the battery.

Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing the charging protocol used when charging the battery pack of an electric vehicle, where optimization is based, in part, on the user's intended departure time and intended travel distance. Based on the user's travel information the process determines (i) an optimal charge level that maximizes the battery pack's lifetime while assuring that there is sufficient energy for the vehicle to travel the intended distance and (ii) an optimal charging rate that maximizes the battery pack's lifetime while assuring that the battery pack is charged to the optimal charge level prior to the intended time of departure. Safety margins may be added to the user's travel information, thus insuring that the car is charged and ready for use if the user decides to leave earlier than expected, or if the travel takes a larger charge than expected.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus and method of an electric vehicle are provided. The battery charging apparatus includes a temperature sensor that is configured to sense a temperature of a battery. In addition, a controller is configured to discharge the battery and then charge the battery using any one of a low voltage converter and a motor based on the temperature.

Abstract: A three phase regulator rectifier for automotive battery charging applications of a two wheeled vehicle having a few discrete components and providing programmable feedback control for improved efficiency in battery charging applications.

Abstract: A door assembly for a charging port of an electric vehicle includes a housing accommodating the charging port and a door connected to one side of the housing. A link bracket is mounted inside the door, and a link portion connects the housing with the link bracket. A crushing portion removes foreign materials being introduced in a slot formed at the link bracket.

Abstract: A base station for automated battery pack or payload exchange and methods for using the same. The base station provides a landing surface for receiving a mobile platform and includes a manipulator controlled by a manipulator compartment for accessing resource storage. The base station is operable to ascertain a location of the mobile platform on the landing surface and move the manipulator to the mobile platform. Thereby, the base station system advantageously accommodates low-accuracy landing of the mobile platform and further enables extended and autonomous operation of the mobile platform without the need for user intervention for exchanging battery packs and payloads.

Abstract: A system and method for charging an electric vehicle includes identifying vehicle information corresponding to the electric vehicle based on an electronic image of the electric vehicle, retrieving from an electronically stored database a location of a charging port on the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information, and robotically moving a charging connector according to the retrieved location to engage the charging port of the electric vehicle to charge a battery.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for battery management, wherein a magnitude of a current that can be provided by the battery within a prediction period is determined from an available magnitude of a status variable, which is predicted within the prediction period, wherein the predicted available magnitude of the status variable is determined by means of a difference between a permissible magnitude of the status variable, which is determined for a first reference period, and an obtained magnitude of the status variable, which is determined for the first reference period. The disclosure also relates to a computer program and a battery management system suitable for carrying out the method and to a motor vehicle having such a battery management system.

Abstract: A charging system is provided for use with the battery pack of an electric vehicle, where both the charge level and the charging rate may be specified over a range of available levels and rates, respectively. A system controller coupled to the charging system determines the optimal charging level and the optimal charging rate, where optimization is based on maximizing battery lifetime while insuring that there is sufficient power for the vehicle to travel the user's intended distance and that the charging process will be completed prior to the user's intended departure time.

Abstract: A system and method for power distribution of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle are provided. The method includes measuring current-voltage performance of a fuel cell and determining a deterioration state of the fuel cell based on the current-voltage performance of the fuel cell. After the deterioration state is determined a battery charging timing, a battery assist quantity, a battery charging quantity, and battery assist timing are variably adjusted based on the deterioration state of the fuel cell.

Abstract: According to this vehicle and control method for the same, an electric motor control device sets a target left power and a target right power, on the basis of the power suppliable by a power supply, power loss dependent on the respective rotation state quantities of a left electric motor and a right electric motor, the target power difference between the left electric motor and the right electric motor, and the target sum of power of the left electric motor and the right electric motor, and controls the left electric motor and the right electric motor using the target left power and the target right power.

Abstract: A method of managing an operating state of an electrified powertrain includes a controller identifying a plurality of available operating regions defined by at least one available operating state of the powertrain, each operating region representing a distinct range of operating conditions. The available operating regions include an avoidance region defining a plurality of unwanted operating conditions and separating a first allowable operating region from a second allowable operating region such that the first and second allowable operating regions are noncontiguous. The method identifies at least one ideal operating condition in each of the available operating regions, determines a preferability factor and stabilization factor for each of a current and each of the ideal operating conditions, and arbitrates the factors to identify one of the current and ideal operating conditions as an optimized operating condition to produce a required parameter value.

Abstract: An apparatus for classifying a passenger in a vehicle includes a seat cushion for a seat in the vehicle, the seat cushion having an adult detection area and a child detection area. A first chamber is disposed in the adult detection area and a second chamber is disposed in the child detection area. A margin improvement unit includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a first pressure based on a first weight applied to the first chamber and a second pressure based on a second weight applied to the second chamber. The margin improvement unit is configured to output a first adjusted pressure value based on the first pressure and a second adjusted pressure value based on the second pressure. The first adjusted pressure value is greater than the second adjusted pressure value when the first weight is substantially equal to the second weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjusting drive (1), in particular a height-adjusting drive, for a vehicle seat and having a drive part (2) that is connected to a lever and having an output part (11) that is connected to an adjuster, for example the height adjuster, for the vehicle seat, an actuator (3) being arranged between the drive part and the output part. The actuator is rotatably driven by the drive part (2) and, in turn, rotatably drives the output part (11).

Abstract: In order to improve steering operation operability during cornering while maintaining a driver holding property, a seat apparatus is provided with: a seat back frame; a cornering sensor for detecting a cornering direction of a vehicle; and a control unit that controls the seat back frame on the basis of the result of detection by the cornering sensor. The seat back frame is provided with: left and right side frames disposed on both sides of the seat back frame; a back plate disposed between the left and right side frames; and a swinging mechanism for swinging the back plate with respect to the direction of movement of the vehicle. The control unit controls the swinging mechanism such that, upon detection of a cornering direction of the vehicle by the cornering sensor, the inner one of the sides of the back plate with respect to the cornering direction is positioned rearward of the outer one of the sides with respect to the cornering direction.

Abstract: A seat cushion extension apparatus comprises a slide rail disposed on a lower side of a cushion frame; an extension panel coupled to a front end of the slide rail and disposed on a front side of the cushion frame; an extension motor having a lead screw, disposed on the lower side of the cushion frame; a first hinge bracket coupled to the end of the slide rail and disposed at a rear upper side of the extension panel; and a second hinge bracket coupled to the end of the lead screw and disposed at a rear lower side of the extension panel, wherein the extension panel is configured to slide forward along the slide rail and to extend forward while rotating in a front upper direction through actuation of the lead screw driven by the extension motor.

Abstract: A power transfer seat base includes a top fixed plate having a fixed stop attached to an upper surface thereof, a rotating plate mounted on the top fixed plate, the rotating plate having a rotating stop attached to a bottom surface thereof, and a user control interface box mounting bracket mounted on the rotating plate. An operating control having a rotation control switch and a directional control switch disposed on a user control interface box body that is mounted on the mounting bracket. The rotating plate is configured so that the rotating stop and the mounting bracket may be connected to the rotating plate at different positions. The power transfer seat also includes a mounting system that is configured to be connected to the base at different locations in a fore/aft direction and at different locations in a lateral direction.

Abstract: System comprising a slide track for motor vehicle seat and a support. The slide track comprises a fixed rail and a movable rail which has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a through-window. The support comprises a body having a contact surface attached to the outer surface of the movable rail, and a tongue extending from the body to pass through the window of the movable rail and be attached to the inner surface of the movable rail. The tongue has a maximum extension into the hollow interior space E that is less than or equal to a thickness of the tongue.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the seat inclination of a motor vehicle seat, includes a seat frame and a seat shell, which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by two fastening elements. The fastening elements each extend through a respective accommodating opening on the seat frame and a respective bearing opening on the seat shell. In order to provide a device for adjusting the seat inclination for a motor vehicle seat that can be produced simply and installed fully automatically, has a lower total weight, and has especially high stability, the material of the seat shell has a greater material thickness in the region of the bearing openings than in the other regions of the seat shell.

Abstract: A vehicular seat capable of housing a seat back and a seat cushion connected to the seat back in a housing floor provided in a position lower than a vehicle body floor is described. The vehicular seat includes a support base connected to the vehicle body floor and to a lower end side of the seat back, a support leg having an upper end side mounted to the seat cushion and a lower end side connectable to the support base, and a leg holding member mounted to the support base and that detachably holds the lower end side of the support leg. The seat back is connected to the support base via right and left connecting brackets disposed on sides of the seat back and having first end sides mounted to corresponding lower end sides of the seat back and second end sides pivotally connected to the support base.

Abstract: A raising mechanism is adapted for a child safety seat. The child safety seat includes a base and a backrest disposed on the base. The raising mechanism includes a front raising block, a rear raising block, and a driving member. A front end of the front raising block is connected to the base. A rear raising block is connected to the front raising block. The front raising block and the rear raising block form a seating portion cooperatively. The driving member is movably disposed on the base or the backrest. The driving member drives the front raising block and the rear raising block to raise the seating portion. Therefore, the raising mechanism improves sitting comfort and safety and has advantages of simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and easy operation.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) includes a structural part (3) which has a lock connecting plate (60), and a locking unit (10) secured to the lock connecting plate (60). The locking unit (10) includes at least one bearing bolt (51, 52) having a through opening (55) through which a securing device (65) passes. The at least one bearing bolt (51, 52) projects through a securing opening (61) of the lock connecting plate (60).

Abstract: The child seat lock device according to the present invention has: an anchor that is secured to a vehicle body frame and retains a catch of a child seat in a removable manner; and a seat cushion that is attached to the vehicle body frame independently of the anchor. The seat cushion has: a cushion pad that is provided with a groove portion that houses the catch retained by the anchor and extends in a front-rear direction of the seat; a skin for covering the cushion pad and having, at a location in front of the groove portion, an insertion slit into which the catch is inserted; and a guide portion for guiding the inserted catch from the insertion slit toward the anchor at the position of the groove portion, the guide portion being harder than the cushion pad.

Abstract: The child safety seat (1) for use in a vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises a seat member (3) configured to hold a child (2), a base member (4) adapted to be attached to a seat (15) of the vehicle, and a deformable energy absorbing element (20), wherein the seat member (3) is slidably mounted to the base member (4) in such a way that the seat member (3) is displaceable from an initial position to a shifted position by sliding the seat member (3) relative to the base member (4) and in such a way that crash-induced inertial forces acting on the child safety seat (1) during a frontal collision of the vehicle tend to slide the seat member (3) from the initial position to the shifted position, wherein the deformable energy absorbing element (20) is arranged to be deformed when the seat member (3) is slid from the initial position to the shifted position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback and a seat bottom having a seating surface. A child car seat anchoring system is provided behind the vehicle seat and extends between the seatback and seat bottom. A guide ramp on the seat bottom is aligned with an anchor point of the child car seat anchoring system to aid an individual in connecting a child car seat to the child car seat anchoring system.

Abstract: Vehicle seat with a ventilating device comprises (a) a ventilating insert (5) that is placed into a recess on the side of an upholstery core facing a seated person, (b) an air-permeable upholstery layer covering the side of the ventilating insert facing the seated person, and (c) a ventilator (12), at least partially inserted into an indentation in the side of the upholstery core facing the seated person, that sucks in the air from partial areas of the seating surface and provides it to those partial areas. At least a portion of the air flow between the ventilator and the upholstery covering occurs via an air-distribution layer (10) of the ventilating insert (5). The ventilating insert (5) is sub-divided into at least a first section of the surface (7) as viewed crosswise or along the seat direction, and at least a second section of the surface (8), whereby at least the first and the second surface sections (7, 8) possess separate flow.

Abstract: A seat cushion with a rapid cooling and heating function comprises a hollow cushion body (1). The hollow cushion body (1) is provided with an air-inlet hole (11) and made of a breathable material. The air-inlet hole (11) is connected with a gas-guide tube (2), and a front end of the gas-guide tube (2) is provided with a seal cover (3). The seal cover (3) is formed by a conical spring (31) and an outer cover cloth (33), and a first clamp (35) is fixed to an end of the conical spring (31). The hollow cushion body (1) is internally provided with an atmolysis device (4), the atmolysis device (4) is formed by an atmolysis block (41) and a group of atmolysis pipes (43), air-outlet ends of the group of atmolysis pipes (43) are respectively arranged in each area of the hollow cushion body (1).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a seat cushion for vehicles which is excellent in recyclability, fitting feeling and cushioning properties when an occupant is seated. A plurality of independent rod-like or plate-like supporting bodies are constructed by a synthetic resin foam having a bending deflection amount equal to or larger than 20 mm and a load between 2 and 100 N at the 20 mm bending deflection time, a seat cushion pad is structured such as to be mounted, fitted or fixedly provided in the edge-like member or be integrally formed with the edge-like member so as to be supported at one point or a plurality of points in a direction of bridging between the edge-like members, a plurality of supporting bodies 3 are structured such as to be lined up at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A two-wheeled wheelbarrow, cart or transporter has an assisted lift dumping barrow providing continuously biased forward tilting of the barrow relative to the frame thereof through two gas springs while maintaining the legs and wheels on the ground. A first gas spring is connected to a right side handle of the frame of the wheelchair and to a right rear underside of the barrow. A second gas spring is connected to a left side handle of the frame of the wheelbarrow and to a left rear underside of the barrow. Each gas spring provides a continuous bias or pressure against the rear of the barrow for assisting in pivoting and lifting the rear of the barrow for dumping its contents. A latch keeps the barrow from raising until released. A separate rear barrow handle aids in overcoming bias of the gas springs for lowering the rear of the barrow.

Abstract: A van ramp is disclosed which may be affixed to a conventional van which has a large opening with doors in either the rear or the side of the van. The van ramp may be operated horizontally to act as a loading ramp or vertically to operate as a door to allow easy access to the interior of the van.