Abstract: A system and method for detecting a pre-charge pressure of a hydraulic braking system are disclosed. A controller receives pressure readings from a pressure sensor indicative of the pressure of a hydraulic brake accumulator or the lower pressure of more than one accumulator. In response to fluid being provided to the hydraulic accumulator, the controller determines a first rate of pressure change, a second rate of pressure change different than the first rate, and a transition pressure between the first and second rates. The controller determines an approximate pre-charge pressure of the hydraulic brake accumulator based on the transition pressure. A warning can be provided to the operator or another when the determined pre-charge pressure is lower than a reference pressure.

Abstract: A rotary pump has a linear groove formed on an end surface of a second side plate of an outer rotor. Thereby, it becomes possible to generate a force for pushing back the outer rotor to a sealing member side, and thus it becomes possible to reduce load applied to the second side plate. As a result, contact resistance between the outer rotor and the second side plate becomes smaller, and smoother pumping operation becomes possible. Further, since the force for pushing back the outer rotor to the first sealing member side is generated in the linear groove, it is possible to reduce an amount of decrease in a contacting area with the outer rotor and the second side plate, thereby reducing an amount of wear of the outer rotor and the second side plate.

Abstract: A method of starting a vehicle may include providing power to a motor to spin the motor at a speed at least equal to a target engine cranking speed while a clutch configured to couple an engine and motor is open. The method may also include cutting power to the motor in response to the motor achieving the speed, and locking the clutch to couple the rotating inertias of the motor and a transmission with the engine to start the engine.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of propelling the vehicle. The electric machine is electrically connected to a high voltage traction battery. The state of charge of the battery can decrease if the battery is used to power the electric machine, and can increase if the electric machine supplies power to the battery via regenerative braking. Constraints are placed on the vehicle such that the battery operates within a preferred operating window, defined between minimum and maximum state of charge thresholds. At least one controller is programmed to alter the preferred operating window of the battery in response to various vehicular activities, such as when the vehicle is towing another object, or when the vehicle weighs above a certain threshold due to contents within the vehicle, for example.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a rotary electric machine, an inverter and an electronic control unit. The inverter is configured to supply current to the rotary electric machine. The electronic control unit is configured to set a control mode of the inverter to a first mode on a condition that the electronic control unit determines that there is no possibility of occurrence of the electrolytic corrosion. The electronic control unit configured to set the control mode of the inverter to a second mode and maintain output of the rotary electric machine at user request output on a condition that the electronic control unit determines that there is a possibility of occurrence of the electrolytic corrosion. The second mode is a mode in which occurrence of the electrolytic corrosion is further suppressed compared to the first mode.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a hybrid vehicle. An engine output shaft and a motor output shaft are coupled to a primary shaft of a continuously variable transmission installed in the power transmission apparatus. An output clutch is disposed between an output transmission shaft coupled to a drive wheel and a secondary shaft in order to switch these shafts between a coupled state and a released state, and a drive changeover clutch is disposed between the primary shaft and the output transmission shaft in order to switch these shafts between a coupled state and a released state. In a direct coupling mode where the output clutch is released and the drive changeover clutch is coupled, an engine output is transmitted to the drive wheel without passing through the continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is accelerated to a speed of a driveline integrated starter/generator before the engine is coupled to the driveline integrated starter/generator. Further, a driveline disconnect clutch application force is adjusted in response to torque of the driveline integrated starter/generator and a torque converter torque.

Abstract: A method for controlling torque reduction of a hybrid electric vehicle including a motor and an engine includes determining whether a demand torque of a traction control system (TCS) is generated. When the demand torque of the TCS is generated, the demand torque of the TCS and a motor output torque is compared. Based on a result of the comparison, torque reduction is performed by using only one of a motor torque. Also disclosed are an apparatus configured to perform the method for controlling torque reduction and a computer readable storage medium causing performance of torque reduction through the use of only one of a motor torque and an engine torque.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine torque estimate may be adapted in response to a torque converter impeller speed error. The methods and systems may reduce the possibility of driveline torque disturbances.

Abstract: Example systems and methods are disclosed for implementing vehicle operation limits to prevent vehicle load failure during vehicle teleoperation. The method may include receiving sensor data from sensors on a vehicle that carries a load. The vehicle may be controlled by a remote control system. The load weight and dimensions may be determined based on the sensor data. In order to prevent a vehicle load failure, a forward velocity limit and an angular velocity limit may be calculated. Vehicle load failures may include the vehicle tipping over, the load tipping over, the load sliding off of the vehicle, or collisions. The vehicle carrying the load may be restricted from exceeding the forward velocity limit and/or the angular velocity limit during vehicle operation. The remote control system may display a user interface indicating to a remote operator the forward velocity limit and the angular velocity limit.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a driver assistance system of a vehicle, including the following steps: formation of video data that correspond to an object in a surrounding environment of a vehicle, formation of at least one motion parameter of the object relative to the vehicle, based on the video data, and standardized to a distance between the vehicle and the object, calculation of a collision-related threshold value based on the standardized motion parameter, the driver assistance system carrying out an action as a function of a comparison between the threshold value and a collision-related parameter. A driver assistance system, a vehicle, and a computer program are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes one or more approach sensors, one or more collision detection sensors, an approach determination portion, a collision determination portion, and a braking determination portion. The approach determination portion determines whether a vehicle and an object are approached based on an output signal of one of the approach sensors, and generates a first information. The collision determination portion determines whether the vehicle collides with the object based on an output signal of at least one of the collision detection sensors, and generates a second information. The braking determination portion determines whether the vehicle is braked based on the first information and the second information.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control apparatus is provided. In particular, a storage configured to store a table (hereinafter, referred to an area table) recording an area corresponding to a speed of a vehicle and a condition of a road; an imaging device configured to take a front image of the vehicle; an image processor configured to calculate an area of a shape made by a driving lane of the vehicle and a preceding vehicle in the driving lane from the front image of the vehicle taken by the imaging device; a road information collector configured to collect condition information of the road; and a controller configured to set a speed corresponding to the condition information collected by the road information collector and the area calculated by the image processor as a driving speed of the vehicle, based on the area table.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling the speed of a vehicle comprising: during a pulse phase of cruise control, applying engine torque to raise speed, the amount and duration of which being responsive to engine speed; and during a glide phase of cruise control, discontinuing engine combustion. In this way cruise control may maintain a mean speed equivalent to a desired, threshold speed while reducing fuel consumption, and NVH effects felt by the end user compared to traditional cruise control methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operating modes may be adjusted in response to driving surface conditions. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving launching of a stopped hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods adjust speed of a motor to reduce lag between an increase in driver demand torque and torque being produced at vehicle wheels. In one example, motor torque is adjusted to a maximum motor torque to improve vehicle launch during select conditions where driver demand torque is not a maximum level.

Abstract: A method for processing data recorded during a data acquisition, the data defining a correspondence between values representing torque transmitted by a clutch and values representing a position of a clutch control member. The processing method includes modifying the recorded data to define a modified correspondence between the values representing the torque transmitted by the clutch and the values representing the position of the clutch control member, the modified correspondence to be used in a hill start assist device of a motor vehicle including a power train connected to drive wheels by a transmission system including the clutch and a braking system, whereby the release of the braking system is automatically controlled by the assist device.

Abstract: A method of determining a wade depth (dMax) in relation to a vehicle (1) when at least partially submerged in water. An attitude of the vehicle (1) is determined and a first height (dSensed) of the surface of the water measured relative to a first reference point on the vehicle (1). The wade depth (dMax) is determined based on the attitude of the vehicle (1) and said first height (dSensed). Alternatively, or in addition, the travel height (HS) of a vehicle suspension is determined. Aspects of the invention also relates to a system and a vehicle (1).

Abstract: A driver intention estimation arrangement is provided to estimate a level of overtaking intention of a driver of a vehicle hosting the arrangement. The arrangement includes a driver eye monitoring unit configured to monitor a gaze direction (g) of at least one eye of the driver, and a processing unit configured to analyze the gaze direction (g). The processing unit is configured to estimate the level of overtaking intention on the basis of the gaze direction (g). A forward collision warning system, an autonomous brake system, a vehicle, and a method of estimating a level of overtaking intention of a host vehicle driver are also provided.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a drive unit of a vehicle are provided in which, starting from the comparison of a first acceleration variable, which is calculated at least from the operating state of the drive unit, and a second acceleration variable, an error is detected. The second acceleration variable includes a first component, in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis, and a second component, perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A remote user can define one or more zone based driver/vehicle behavior definitions. Current vehicle location is analyzed at the vehicle or remotely to determine if the vehicle is approaching or has arrived at a location for which a zone based driver/vehicle behavior has been defined. For zone based driver behavior definitions, a display in the vehicle automatically displays the zone based driver behavior definition to the driver. In some embodiments driver compliance is tracked and non-compliance is reported to the remote user. For zone based vehicle behavior definitions, a vehicle controller at the vehicle responsible for controlling the defined behavior is reprogrammed to impose the defined behavior (no regeneration at location, max speed at location, no idle over 2 minutes at location, etc.). Once the vehicle has left the zone, the controller programming reverts to its prior state, and/or zone based driver behavior definition is no longer displayed.

Abstract: A railway tank car including a protective structure for the top of its cargo tank and surrounding a valve group mounting nozzle and a pressure relief safety valve nozzle, to protect the associated valves against damage resulting from the car being overturned, particularly while the railcar is moving along a railway. The protective structure includes an upstanding wall of metal plate that surrounds and is located at a radial distance outwardly apart from the tank top valve group mounting nozzle. A reinforcing band is attached to an upper portion of the upstanding wall to enhance its strength. Also disclosed is a method of protecting fittings mounted on a nozzle on the tank top of a railway tank car by providing and mounting such a protective structure to surround the tank top nozzle and associated fittings.

Abstract: A hopper car gate with a frame, a door supported by the frame and horizontally moveable between open and closed positions, a rack mounted to the door, and first and second shafts supported by the frame. A first gear mounted to the first shaft engages the rack. Second and third mating gears are mounted to the first and second shafts, respectively. A hopper car with first and second hopper car gates mounted to first and second hoppers, respectively. Doors of the gates move horizontally to an open position in opposite directions from each other with shaft rotation in the same direction. A hopper car gate opening and closing system including a hopper car gate with a pair of shafts, a gear mounted on each shaft, and racks that are positioned to engage the gears as the gate moves with respect to the racks.

Abstract: A railcar bogie includes: a cross beam supporting a carbody; a pair of front and rear axles sandwiching and arranged in front of and behind the cross beam in a railcar longitudinal direction to extend in a railcar width direction; bearings provided at both railcar width direction sides of each and rotatably supporting the axles; axle boxes accommodating the bearings; side members extending in the railcar longitudinal direction supporting both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam and each including both railcar longitudinal direction end portions supported by the axle boxes; contact members provided at both railcar width direction end portions and disposed on railcar longitudinal direction middle portions of the side members so as not to be fixed to the side members in an upper-lower direction; and supporting members provided at the axle boxes and supporting the railcar longitudinal direction end portions of the side members.

Abstract: A railcar damping device includes: a tank storing a liquid; a first opening/closing valve provided in a first passage connecting a rod side chamber to a piston side chamber, which are defined by a piston, to be capable of opening and closing the first passage; a second opening/closing valve provided in a second passage connecting the piston side chamber to the tank to be capable of opening and closing the second passage; and a pump that is driven to rotate at a predetermined normal rotation speed in order to supply the liquid from the tank to the rod side chamber, wherein a rotation speed of the pump is reduced when a thrust command value is smaller than a normal lower limit value, which is a lower limit value of a thrust that can be generated by the actuator when the pump is rotated at the normal rotation speed.

Abstract: A multi-car vehicle with a first car of the multi-car vehicle and a second car of the vehicle and having a connection device having an elongated body for transmitting the pushing force required to push the first car in front of the second car, when the second car is moving, the elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a connection to connect the elongated body to the first car or the second car and suitable to transmit the pushing force from the second car to the elongated body or from the elongated body to the first car, the first car and/or the second car having an underframe that comprises at least one longitudinal beam and/or at least one cross beam, wherein the elongated body is arranged approximately at the same vertical level as the longitudinal beam and/or the cross beam and/or is arranged in such a manner that with regard to the vertical direction the elongated body at least partially overlaps with the beam.

Abstract: A magnetic rail brake device includes a magnetic main part and pole shoes with friction surfaces. The friction surfaces of the pole shoes are made of the material of the main part in first regions and of a different material in second regions.

Abstract: A method optimizes operation of an electrically driven rail vehicle on a predefined route. In order to optimize the known method even further, the costs of the electrical energy which is fed into the route and/or the environmental loading are sensed during the generation of the electrical energy which is fed into the route. The method of locomotion of the rail vehicle on the route is set taking into account the level of the costs of the electrical energy and/or the environmental loading in the generation of the electrical energy for the route.

Abstract: A hand truck is provided with upper and lower frames; two hinges connecting the upper and lower frames; wheel assemblies connected to the lower frame; and a load support assembly connected to both the lower frame and the wheel assemblies to have an operative position extending forwardly of the lower frame. Each of the upper and lower frames includes two side rails each having two parallel frame members and a guide groove defined by the frame members. There are further provided an arcuate bar interconnected the hinges; and a lock assembly between the guide grooves of the side rails, the lock assembly including two opposite sliding members. The sliding member includes an insert section in the guide groove and having a first wing, a second wing opposite to the first wing, an extension extending out of the second wing, and a cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a specialized dolly that works with a hydraulic floor jack and together the assembly performs the lifting and moving of vehicles with ease and efficiency. The configuration and design of the dolly enables a standard hydraulic floor jack to be positioned within a frame of the dolly in a stationary position. A handle of a hydraulic floor jack can then be used to maneuver the combination dolly/floor jack assembly with ease on the floor of the repair shop. The combination dolly/floor jack assembly can then be positioned under the undercarriage of a disabled vehicle and used to move the vehicle to a desired location with greatly-reduced rolling resistance. The dolly may be designed an d configured to have stationary low resistance front rear wheel assemblies, both of which provide for convenient maneuvering and steering.

Abstract: A blade cart for a wind turbine blade for use during the manufacturing of such a blade is described. The cart presents an adjustable and adaptable support for the tip end of a blade after the blade is removed from the mold. The cart is rotatable, and comprises selectively actuatable and/or removable support surfaces to provided easy access to the surfaces of the molded blade for the performance of post-molding operations, e.g. blade surface grinding, coating, etc.

Abstract: A container for transporting articles and the method for using the same is disclosed herein. The container preferably has a rear wall with a bottom portion, a pair of sidewalls extending from the rear wall, and a baseplate extending from the bottom portion of the rear wall. An aperture may be placed on the rear wall to secure the container during transport. To allow for nesting of the containers, it is preferable that the sidewalls extend from the rear wall at an angle greater than 90 degrees. The rear wall may also contain a stabilizing rib for stabilizing the container during transport. In an exemplary embodiment, the aperture may contain a ledge which may correspond with a latch on a wheeled apparatus for quickly securing the container to the wheeled apparatus.

Abstract: A cart is provided for a watercraft including at least two apertures provided therein. the cart includes a transportation portion, and a carrying portion. The carrying portion includes at least two vertical shafts protruding from the transportation portion. The protruding end of each shaft is connected to, or received within, a watercraft engaging portion that tapers off in size as it extends further away from the transportation portion such that at least a section of each watercraft engaging portion deforms and compresses when received within one of the at least two apertures to create frictional engagement between the aperture and the section of the watercraft engaging portion.

Abstract: A control bar for removable attachment to a traction mechanism is formed by a plurality of elongated bar segments connected end to end, such that the control bar can be formed in a plurality of shapes, and is thereby adapted to be more easily manipulated by a user shifting their body weight to steer and maneuver the propulsion system.

Abstract: The telescopic connecting steering rod includes a mutually telescopically arranged main steering rod, a middle adaptor, and an upper extension. A lower end of the main steering rod is adapted to enable its mounting in a vehicle steering system. An upper extension is fitted with a connecting element adapted to connect the steering rod to the tailgate part of the vehicle and to connect it to the control element of the vehicle steering mechanism. An above-open bushing on the upper end of the main steering rod and a connecting element include a head. The outline shape of the head conforms to the inner hollow of the bushing. Both of these mutually insertable parts are fitted with fittings to connect the main steering rod and the connecting element with zero lash.

Abstract: A steering device includes: an upper column tube configured to rotatably support the steering shaft; a lower column tube fixed to a vehicle body, the lower column tube being configured to move relative to the upper column tube; a bracket coupled to the upper column tube, the bracket having a notch at the steering wheel side; and a capsule fixed to the vehicle body, the capsule engaging with the notch. A shock absorbing mechanism includes: a bracket fixing portion fitted to the bracket to be integrally fixed; a capsule fixing portion fitted to the capsule to be integrally fixed; and a breakable portion connecting the bracket fixing portion to the capsule fixing portion, the breakable portion being to be broken due to relative movement between the bracket and the capsule.

Abstract: A steering device includes a fixed bracket which includes a first plate, a movable jacket which rotatably supports a steering shaft, a movable bracket which includes a second plate, a suspension mechanism and a resin pin. The suspension mechanism includes a suspension shaft connecting the first plate and the second plate, and is configured to move in a column movement direction along with the second plate at the time of the secondary collision. The resin pin is inserted into a first hole provided in the first plate and a second hole provided in the second plate, and is configured to be broken at the time of the secondary collision. The resin pin has a predetermined amount of play in a direction orthogonal to the column movement direction with respect to at least one of the first hole and the second hole.

Abstract: A clutch apparatus is configured such that a first mode, a second mode and a third can be switched among these three modes. In the first mode, the rotating force is not transmitted between the steering-wheel-side housing and the tire-side housing. In the second mode, the steering-wheel-side housing and the tire-side housing are being mutually locked in place and, in this locked state, the rotating force can be transmitted to for the rotation in the both directions. In the third mode, the transmission of the rotating force can be canceled such that while the rotating force can be transmitted, between the steering-wheel-side housing and the tire-side housing, relative to the rotation in one direction, the rotation of either the steering-wheel-side housing or the tire-side housing in the other direction is allowed.

Abstract: A driver unit has a rotating electric machine and a frame member that is disposed on one axial end of the rotating electric machine. A substrate is fixed onto one surface of the frame member which faces away from the rotating electric machine. Switching elements constituting inverters for switching power supply to winding groups are mounted on a first surface for enabling heat dissipation toward the frame member. An Integrated Circuit (IC) is mounted on the first surface for enabling heat dissipation toward the frame member. An electronic component is mounted on a second surface at an overlapping position that at least partially overlaps a mounting position of the IC.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an AGV that includes a drive unit for propelling the AGV and a steering unit for steering the AGV. The drive unit has a drive motor, drive transmission, and a drive wheel. The steering unit has a steering motor. Both motors are fixedly mounted on the AGV and remain stationary relative to each other while the drive motor rotates the drive wheel and the steering motor steers the drive wheel. The drive transmission couples the drive motor to the drive wheel and can be at least partially mounted within a gear housing that is rotatably mounted via a bearing so that the drive motor can be operated to move the AGV via power transferred to the drive wheel via the drive transmission, and the steering motor can be operated to steer the drive wheel by rotation of the gear housing and drive wheel via the bearing.

Abstract: There is provided an reliable electric power steering system. The electric power steering system includes a torque sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a steering torque, and a controller. The controller computes a detected steering torque value based on the detection signal, and a torque differential value, which is a first-order time differential value of the detected steering torque value. The controller computes a current command value by providing compensation to a basic current command value based on the detected steering torque value with the use of a compensation value based on the torque differential value. When the detected steering torque value is held for a predetermined period, the controller holds the torque differential value at a value computed before the detected steering torque value is held, during the period in which the detected steering torque value is held.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle may include a knuckle assembled to a wheel, and a tie rod having one end assembled to a rack bar moving by operation of a steering wheel, another end assembled to the knuckle, and a linkage apparatus changing a pivot trajectory of the knuckle by moving a rotation center of a pivot trajectory of the tie rod when the vehicle bumps.

Abstract: A stability control device is provided that is capable of reducing an unpleasant sensation imparted to a driver in a steer-by-wire vehicle. The stability control device includes a steer-by-wire controller that controls a turning amount of the turning part based on a steer-by-wire turning amount that corresponds to a steering amount of the steering unit, a turning amount for suppressing the yaw angle, which is an angle formed by a white line and a traveling direction of a host vehicle, and a turning amount for returning the host vehicle to the center of a lane when the host vehicle has departed from the center of the lane. The controller controls a steering reaction force based on the steering amount without the yaw angle-suppressing turning amount and the lane-center-returning turning amount being reflected in the steering reaction force imparted to the steering unit.

Abstract: A computer in a vehicle is programmed to collect data related to an object; use the data to generate a virtual map of the object with respect to the vehicle; and provide output based on the virtual map that indicates a risk of the parking operation.

Abstract: A cowl-top cover capable of restraining a resistance force with respect to a load from a direction crossing a front glass face while improving its related appearance is provided. A cover main body portion is provided with a cover mounting portion adapted to be inserted into and engaged with, in a direction crossing a front glass face, an engagement receptacle portion disposed along a longitudinal direction at an edge part of a front glass from one end part in the longitudinal direction. The cover main body portion is provided with a low rigidity portion along the longitudinal direction at a position spaced from the cover mounting portion to an opposite side to the front glass.

Abstract: An attachment assembly is configured to couple a panel assembly to a support member. The attachment assembly includes a first attachment member and a second attachment member movably coupled to the first attachment member. As such, the second attachment member is configured to move relative to the first attachment member. The second attachment member defines a cavity portion. The attachment assembly further includes a locking member movably coupled to the first attachment member between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the second attachment member is movable with respect to the first attachment member. In the locked position, the locking member is at least partially disposed in the cavity portion, thereby fixing the position of the second attachment member with respect to the first attachment member.

Abstract: A tolerance compensator for a vehicle frame includes a base member having an upper portion in keyed engagement with a roof structure. The tolerance compensator also has an extension member that is threadably coupled with a lower portion of the base member. A fastener extends up from a body-side structure to threadably engage and move the extension member down into contact with the body-side structure before threadably engaging the base member.

Abstract: A resin part for a vehicle provided with: a panel body having a design surface; and stepped reinforcing ribs, which are vertically arranged on the inside surface of the panel body, in which the wall thickness of the base end portion is formed to be thinner than the wall thickness of the leading end portion, and in which the side ends at the end in the direction in which the ribs extend (arrow (X) direction) are open. Resin supply ports, to which molten resin is supplied prior to the base end portion, are formed in the leading end portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to thermoplastic-olefin-based roofing membrane comprising a polymer blend. The polymer blend may comprise a thermoplastic olefin elastomer at about 30% to about 75% by weight of the polymer blend and a thermoplastic vulcanizate at about 10% to about 40% by weight of the polymer blend. The polymer blend may further comprise a thermoplastic polyolefin copolymer at about 5% to about 10% by weight of the polymer blend. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic olefin-based roofing membrane may be a single ply membrane configured to remain substantially free of swelling when exposed to an elastomer polymer compound. The thermoplastic olefin-based roofing membrane may be about 20 mils to about 40 mils thick. The thermoplastic-olefin-based roofing membrane may comprise a stretchability of about 14 lbf to about 30 lbf.

Abstract: An exemplary system for use in a package delivery vehicle is provided that may include a hinge member that includes a first opening and a hinge body that includes a second opening that is pivotally coupled to the first opening so that the hinge body can pivot with respect to the hinge member. The hinge body also includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion that extends from the first protrusion. The first and second protrusions are slideable within a key structure that extends at least partway along a longitudinal axis of an edge railing of the package delivery vehicle.