Abstract: A vehicle travel control apparatus includes a sensor that obtains preceding vehicle speed information representing a vehicle speed of a preceding vehicle, and preceding vehicle information representing at least one of a lateral position and a lateral speed of the preceding vehicle with respect to a traveling direction of a host vehicle, and a controller that, during a following mode in which the host vehicle follows the preceding vehicle, determines a target value related to acceleration/deceleration of the host vehicle based on the preceding vehicle speed information such that the host vehicle follows the preceding vehicle, and controls the acceleration/deceleration of the host vehicle such that the target value is implemented. During the following mode, the controller corrects the target value related to the acceleration/deceleration of the host vehicle based on the preceding vehicle information.

Abstract: A system for controlling equipment according to different modes includes an input device configured to be engaged by a user and a control circuit coupled to the input device and configured to control operation of equipment based on engagement of the user with the input device. The control circuit controls operation of the equipment according to a first mode when the degree of engagement between the user and the input device is within a predefined range. The control circuit controls operation of the equipment according to a second mode different from the first mode when the degree of engagement between the user and the input device is outside of the predefined range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle speed control system operable to cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the system being operable automatically to perform a direction change operation wherein the system causes a transmission of the vehicle to adopt a configuration corresponding to travel in an opposite direction to the instant configuration when the vehicle speed does not exceed a prescribed transmission direction change speed.

Abstract: Provided is an electric vehicle control system capable of securing good response and slip stopping property with respect to changes in a road surface condition. The system includes a vehicle controller configured to calculate a driver's demand torque command value according to a driver's accelerating or braking operation, a first communication device capable of communicating between a hydraulic controller and a motor controller, and a second communication device capable of communicating between the vehicle controller and the motor controller. The system includes a control system in which the hydraulic controller transmits a motor torque command value to the motor controller through the first communication device; the vehicle controller transmits the driver's demand torque command value to the motor controller through the second communication device; and the motor controller selects either one of the received motor torque command value and the received driver's demand torque command value as the command value.

Abstract: There is provided a hand operable device for handicapped persons driving a car. More particularly, there is provided a hand operated device for actuating vehicle acceleration and brake pedals. The device includes a brake bar having in a first end attaching means for attachment to a brake pedal of the vehicle, said brake bar having in a second end a joint to a handle bar for transversely supporting the brake bar. The handle bar is provided with means for electronically regulating the speed of the vehicle and attachment means for releasably attaching the handle bar via a mounting piece to (or near) the steering column without the use of tools.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.

Abstract: A railroad train marshaling system or marshaling method is disclosed. The railroad train includes cars within platform area which are made up of several cars; door-free cars which are connected with the cars within platform area at both ends or one end and made up of at least one car with no side door for passengers to get on and off the train. When the railroad train stops at the platform, the cars within platform area are arranged to stop within the area of platform or corresponding to the platform, the door-free car is arranged to stop beyond platform area and passengers in the door-free car will get to the platform directly from the car within platform area. The sum of length of door-free car and cars within platform area is more than that of the platform.

Abstract: A method of producing plate springs for a railcar bogie, the plate springs each extending in a car longitudinal direction and elastically supporting a cross beam while being supported by an axle box in the railcar bogie, the axle box accommodating a bearing for an axle, the method includes: a molding step of molding a mother plate made of fiber-reinforced resin, the mother plate including a layer made of continuous fibers oriented in a first direction when viewed from a normal direction of a main surface of the mother plate; a cut position determining step of determining positions of a plurality of parallel cut lines for cutting the mother plate along the first direction; and a cutting step of cutting the mother plate along the plurality of cut lines to take out the plate springs made of the fiber-reinforced resin.

Abstract: A prolonged release system having a locking member pivotally mounted on a post within a hand brake and having an arm that contacts a clutch assembly to prevent the clutch assembly of the handbrake from engaging after it has been manually released. Rotation of the hand brake wheel causes a pawl on a ratchet gear to move into contact with a cam of the locking member so that the arm of the locking member moves out of contact with the clutch assembly. By maintaining the clutch assembly in a released position, the prolonged release system ensures that the brake chain drum is decoupled from the driveshaft of the hand brake and prevents the inadvertent application of the brakes. When a user turns the hand brake wheel, the locking member is disengaged from the clutch assembly and the hand brake can be set by a user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a rail vehicle event analysis system configured to facilitate analysis of rail vehicle event records that correspond to rail vehicle events. The system may be configured to visually present a user with information related to operation of a rail vehicle. The user may review the information related to operation of the rail vehicle in real time, responsive to the rail vehicle being involved in a rail vehicle event, and/or at other times. The system may be configured to visually present information based on output signals generated by one or more sensors associated with the rail vehicle. The system may synchronize the presented information such that information from individual sensors may be compared and/or viewed at the same time by the user. The system may be configured to receive observations made by the user based on the user's review of the presented visual information.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system configured to identify geolocations in a rail network where rail vehicle events are likely to occur. In some implementations, the system may include one or more of a processor, a computing system, electronic storage, external resources, and/or other components. The system may be configured to illustrate the geolocations in the rail network where rail vehicle events are likely to occur on a map of the rail network, predict geolocations in the rail network where rail vehicle events will likely occur, generate coaching information based on the identified geolocations, and/or perform other actions.

Abstract: A route examining system includes first and second detection units and an identification unit. The first and second detection units are configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle system traveling along a route having plural conductive tracks. The first and second detection units are disposed at spaced apart locations along a length of the vehicle system. The first and second detection units are configured to monitor one or more electrical characteristics of the conductive tracks in response to an examination signal being electrically injected into at least one of the conductive tracks. The identification unit includes one or more processors configured to determine that a section of the route includes an electrical short responsive to the one or more electrical characteristics monitored by the first and second detection units indicating that the examination signal is received by only one of the first and second detection units.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system configured to detect rail vehicle events. Some or all of the system may be installed in a rail vehicle and/or be otherwise coupled with the rail vehicle. In some implementations, the system may detect rail vehicle events based on pre-determined rail vehicle event criteria sets. The system may include one or more sensors configured to generate output signals conveying information related to the rail vehicle. In some implementations, the system may detect rail vehicle events based on a comparison of the information conveyed by the output signals from the sensors and/or parameters determined based on the output signals to the pre-determined rail vehicle event criteria sets.

Abstract: A video analytic sensor system and methods for sensing an operating state of a railroad crossing gate processes images to detect and communicate railroad crossing gate position information to non-railroad systems such as vehicular traffic control systems. The sensor system may be retrofit to existing railroad crossing gates and does not require modification to or direct connection with existing railroad systems.

Abstract: A rolling cart comprises a frame unit defining an interior space in which items are transportable; a tire, the tire having a boundary defined by a circumference, a left edge maximum extent, and a right edge maximum extent, a distance between the left edge maximum extent and the right edge maximum extent sufficient to provide the cart with inherent lateral stability; a handle supported optionally removably from the frame, the cart moved and controlled by the handle; and the interior space at least partly within the boundary. The rolling cart may further comprise a container in which the items are transportable suspended within the interior space. The tire may include several segments, which may or may not be inflatable with distributions system for an inflation fluid including a bi-directional pump and valves.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic imaging device capable of controlling a moving device according to a movement direction of a platform in the front or the rear thereof. An ultrasonic imaging device includes a platform to which an ultrasound probe is connected, a moving device configured to move the platform, and a manipulation unit configured to control the moving device to be in any mode of an aligned movement mode, a free movement mode and a stop mode, wherein the manipulation unit includes a first manipulation unit that is provided in a first direction of the platform and controls operations of the moving device and a second manipulation unit that is provided in a second direction facing the first direction of the platform and controls operations of the moving device.

Abstract: A utility cart for storage and/or transport of voting or other machines or supplies in a more convenient and secure manner. The utility cart is capable of supporting a touch-screen voting terminal, separate ballot counter, and multiple (collapsible) voting booths. The cart is generally formed with a pair of opposing side-rails defined by contiguous tubing bent in a closed rectangular loop with one or more pairs of horizontal struts for supporting a suspended shelving unit, wherein the vertical distance between a shelving unit and the corresponding pair of horizontal struts is adjustable to allow for various combinations of differently sized voting equipment to alternately be stored thereon. The suspended shelves further increase the weight capacity of the shelving unit.

Abstract: Integrated banana transport system from the banana plantation to the retail point of sale. The system consists of twelve baskets and a wagon. A bunch of bananas is placed on each basket. The basket can be used at all stages of harvesting, washing, processing, storage, transportation and final disposal. The contact with the bananas, which causes an aesthetic degradation of the product, is minimised. The bunch of bananas is placed on the basket. The upper part of the stalk is nailed on the nail (1) of the hanger (2), while the lower part is placed on the embossed area of the basket's base (3). Beams are placed at the corners of the wagon's base where the rack is attached at the desired height. Six baskets are placed at the bottom of the wagon's base and six on the rack. The basket and the wagon can be assembled and disassembled by hand without any need of tools. The disassembled system occupies minimal space, making less expensive the return to the plantation.

Abstract: A foldable cart for holding a plurality of baskets. Each basket has collapsible sidewalls and an upper-frame secured to and surrounding an upper rim of the collapsible sidewalls. The cart has shelf-supports, each shelf-support supporting at least one basket. First and second arms are each pivotally coupled to a side of each of the plurality of shelf-supports, the sides being opposite one another. Basket-retainers for removably receiving a basket are provided, each basket-retainer pivotally coupled to the first arm at a first side thereof and to the second arm at a second side thereof, the first and second sides being opposite one another. Each basket-retainer is pivotally coupled above each shelf-support to secure the upper-frame of one basket above the shelf-support. Also provided is cart handle coupled to an upper-end of both the first and second arms, and a leg pivotally coupled to each of the first and second arms.

Abstract: A carriage assembly includes a cart with a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. A top side of the cart is open. The peripheral wall has a front side, a back side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The cart may contain a plurality of objects. A handle is attached to the cart. A rolling apparatus is coupled to the cart to facilitate the cart is rolled along a support surface. The rolling apparatus is positionable in a deployed position to elevate the cart a maximum distance above the support surface. The rolling apparatus is positionable in a retracted position to lower the cart to a minimum distance above the support surface. A lock coupled to the cart and is in mechanical communication with the rolling apparatus. The lock releases the rolling apparatus to facilitate positioning the rolling apparatus between the deployed position and the retracted position.

Abstract: The present sanitary handle cover relates to a shopping cart, pushcart, or stroller handle cover that prevents the passage of germs bacteria, dirt, bodily fluids, infectious agents, disease organisms, contaminants, or particles of debris from previous users to new users; additionally, the cover is able to be detached from a handle, folded for size reduction and storage, easily transported, and does not cross-contaminate itself during storage or transport.

Abstract: The Convertible Ice Fishing Sled Shelter provides the user with a stable and easy to pull utility ice fishing sled that converts into an easy set up single person shelter. The A frame design ensures a stable structure even in windy conditions. The shelter protects the occupant from wind, snow, and rain on three sides and partially overhead. The one motion opening and closing design is unique to this invention. Furthermore, the sled shelter can be relocated in the open or closed position increasing the mobility of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.

Abstract: Example embodiments presented herein are directed toward a steering wheel assembly, and corresponding method, for retracting a steering wheel in a vehicle. In the steering wheel retraction, a steering column is configured to first pivot upwards about a horizontal axis directed along the vehicle's width via a pivoting member. Thereafter, the steering wheel column is configured to slide, via an actuating member, in a forward direction towards the instrument panel of the vehicle. Thus, before moving the steering column in a forward direction, the steering wheel is moved away from the driver's legs by the pivoting action. This helps reduce the likelihood of the steering wheel hitting the driver's legs during the retraction.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steering column including a cylindrical outer column and a cylindrical inner column partially inserted into the outer column, and rotatably supporting an input shaft connected to a steering wheel, two telescopic adjustment portions projecting from an outer peripheral surface of the outer column to extend facing each other, the two telescopic adjustment portions each including an elongated hole elongated in an axial direction of the outer column, a rod penetrating the elongated hole, and an urging member provided on an outer peripheral surface of the inner column exposed from a slit provided between the two telescopic adjustment portions on the outer peripheral surface of the outer column, and urging the rod outward in a radial direction of the inner column and being positioned in an opening portion provided in an outer peripheral surface of the inner column.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises a shroud having a first part that is fixed in position axially relative to the vehicle and a second part that can in use can move relative to the first part for adjustment of the length of the shroud, a support bracket that in use is secured to a part of the vehicle, and a clamp mechanism that has a locked position in which it locks the position of the moving part of the shroud relative to the first part of the shroud and an unlocked position in which it permits movement between the first and second parts of the shroud.

Abstract: A steering stop for a steer-by-wire steering system, includes a steering shaft for functionally connecting to a steering wheel, wherein a pressure chamber is provided for each direction of rotation of the steering shaft. A rotation of the steering shaft produces a reduction in the volume of a corresponding pressure chamber, and the steering stop also comprises a hydraulic valve such that resistance against a further rotation of the steering shaft is generated by the operation of said hydraulic valve when predetermined environmental conditions are met.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining an intensity of an automatic steering intervention of a vehicle. Said intensity is determined in accordance with how solidly a driver holds the steering wheel in his hands or in accordance with how many hands the steering wheel is held.

Abstract: A power steering system having two or “dual” steering ratios is provided. The power steering system includes a transmission having first and second gear ratios, a steering gear coupled to the transmission, and a power assist coupled to the steering gear for providing power assist to the steering system. In one embodiment, the power steering system is configured to operate with a first steering ratio, such as a “fast” ratio, during normal operating conditions of the steering system (e.g., when power-assist is functional), and is configured to operate with a second steering ratio, such as a “slow” ratio, during abnormal operating conditions of the steering system (e.g., power-assist is non-functional, partially functional, etc.). The second steering ratio of the steering system can provide a fail safe mode for the vehicle operator so that the vehicle can be safely steered to a suitable location (e.g., side of the road, etc.) during abnormal operations conditions of the steering system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering column of a vehicle. According to the present invention, the tensional force of a belt becomes higher as the distance between a motor shaft and a rack bar becomes larger because a second inclined portion of a support body passing through a guide hole is moved upwards along a first inclined portion to be inserted into a coupling recess, and accordingly, noise and damage to the belt can be prevented. If the support body is inserted into the coupling recess by a third inclined portion of a coupling recess and a motor housing is moved upwards, the tensional force of the belt becomes higher as the distance between the motor shaft and the rack bar becomes larger and, accordingly, noise and damage to the belt can be prevented.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine configured to auto stop and auto start. The vehicle includes an active front steering system with an electric actuator. A controller operates the electric actuator at a current limit that is less than a requested current of the electric actuator in response to a request to change a steering ratio by an amount that results in the requested current being greater than the current limit during an engine auto stop event. The current limit may decrease from the requested current to a predetermined limit after transitioning to the engine auto stop event. The current limit may increase from the predetermined limit to the requested current after transitioning from the engine auto stop event.

Abstract: Provided is a control device for a rotary machine including: a power feed unit configured to feed electric power in accordance with a power feed command to a rotary machine; a rotation-state detecting unit configured to detect a rotation state of the rotary machine; a torque detecting unit configured to detect an output torque output from the rotary machine; an abnormality determining unit configured to determine an abnormality in the rotation-state detecting unit or the torque detecting unit; and an excitation-command generating unit configured to generate an excitation command for oscillating the rotary machine, in which the power feed command is generated based at least on the excitation command, and the abnormality determining unit is configured to determine the abnormality in the detecting units based on a response of the rotation state and a response of the output torque to the excitation command.

Abstract: In a power steering device and a vehicle-mounted instrument, an abnormality detection accuracy of a state quantity detection means is increased. In an electric power steering device and a vehicle-mounted instrument that are each provided with a plurality of state quantity detection means, an abnormality detection for the state quantity detection means is carried out by comparing detection signals issued from the state quantity detection means provided on a redundant system, and by comparing the detection signals issued from the state quantity detection means with signals that are issued from other state quantity detecting means and calculated to be matched with the same unit as the compared detection signals, a value or close value that is possessed by the largest number of signals is set as a normal value.

Abstract: A controller of a steering apparatus includes a calculating unit that calculates a correction assistance quantity based on a steering angular velocity coefficient and a torque coefficient, a steering angular velocity coefficient setting unit that sets the steering angular velocity coefficient depending on a steering angular velocity and that sets the steering angular velocity coefficient to become larger as a feedback quantity of a negative feedback unit becomes larger, and a torque coefficient setting unit that sets the torque coefficient depending on a steering torque and that sets the torque coefficient to become larger as the feedback quantity of the negative feedback unit becomes larger. The feedback quantity of the torque coefficient setting unit when the steering torque is in a predetermined high-frequency range is larger than the feedback quantity of the steering angular velocity coefficient setting unit when the steering angular velocity is in a predetermined high-frequency range.

Abstract: A motor controller, an electric power steering device using the motor controller, and a vehicle using the motor controller are provided. The motor controller includes plural hardware sets configured to operate in a normal state and to output a motor current, a control operation device configured to control the plurality of hardware sets commonly, an electric motor configured to operate with motor current output from each of the plurality of hardware sets, and an abnormality diagnosis unit configured to diagnose an abnormality of each of the plurality of hardware sets. In the control device, when there is an abnormal hardware set that has been diagnosed by the abnormality diagnosis unit, the control operation device stops an operation of the abnormal hardware set that has been diagnosed, and continues driving of the electric motor with a normal hardware set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling in steering knuckles, which comprises locating a casted steering knuckle onto a drilling fixture for a steering knuckle, and aligning the center lines of the maching points of the left and right pieces of the steering knuckle. The method provided by the present invention can meet the requirement for simultaneously drilling the left and right symmetrical pieces of the steering knuckle when in use, and in the meantime, has outstanding advantages of advance technology, high positioning precision, firmness in positioning, high machining efficiency and the like.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, which turns the rear wheels of a lawn mower or similar vehicle at different speeds in a coordinated method with the front steering wheels in order to achieve the best turning radius (including a tight or zero turn radius, if desired) under most conditions. The system comprises two stages: the first stage comprising a Fixed Center Distance CVT pulley system, and the second stage comprising dual CVTs (e.g., left and right) that input into dual gear reducers (left and right), which are mechanically connected to the rear wheels. The second stage dual CVTs (left and right) are synchronized with the steering wheel, thus achieving different rear wheel speeds and/or directions based on the steering wheel position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a steering system of a vehicle. A method includes: determining that an automated steering event is occurring; and minimizing motion of a hand wheel of the steering system by controlling, by a control module, a motor of an active steering system.

Abstract: For steering a vehicle around obstacles, proceeding along a path from a starting position to an end position, the path including linear sub-paths which are defined by an increment ? and a steering angle ?, a method includes: a) determining a maximum steering angle range and a maximum and a minimum increment range; b) determining the present distance eP from the end position, the target angle ?O, and the angle difference e? between the present vehicle angle and the target angle; c) performing an optimization method for ascertaining a sub-path by minimizing the value of a cost function lO assigned to the sub-path; d) determining the new position by adding the ascertained sub-path to the present position; and e) repeating steps (b) through (d) until the end position is reached.

Abstract: A method of providing automatic collision avoidance in a vehicle with a front wheel electric power steering (EPS) system and rear wheel active rear steering (ARS) system and an automatic collision avoidance system are described. The method includes generating a vehicle math model including the control variables, designing a steering control goal as a criterion to determine the control variables, and implementing a model predictive control to solve the steering control goal and determine the control variables. The method also includes providing the control variables to the EPS system and the ARS system to respectively control a front actuator associated with front wheels and a rear actuator associated with rear wheels.

Abstract: In a suspension tower plate, in a plate body that is made of a sheet metal and is a part of an upper wall portion of a suspension tower, three suspension fixing portions are disposed. Three suspension fixing portions fix to an upper end part of a suspension. Further, in the plate body, a bend portion is disposed on an outer periphery side of the three suspension fixing portions. In the suspension fixing portion and the bend portion like this, strain is likely to be generated by an upward load that is input from the suspension. However, in the suspension tower plate, the suspension fixing portion and the bend portion thick portions are disposed. Thick portions are thicker than the plate body.

Abstract: Embodiments include a support member for an extendable trailer with one or more flange members and one or more web members. In an embodiment, the web members include tabs and the flange members define slots. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: [Object] Provided is a press-molded product capable of improving the bonding strength between a vehicle body reinforcing member and the other member or the rigidity of a vehicle body by enlarging a cross-section of a member to a fullest extent of a design cross-section without forming a notch for preventing a press-molding failure in a ridge-portion flange. [Solution] A press-molded product is formed by a steel plate having a tensile strength of 340 MPa or more, and includes an inward continuous flange in at least one end portion in a predetermined direction, the inward continuous flange being obtained by continuously forming a ridge-portion flange formed inward in the end portion of the ridge portion, a first flange formed inward in at least a part of an area of the end portion of a first surface portion, and a second flange formed inward in at least a part of an area of the end portion of a second surface portion.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a sill structure, a roof rail structure, a pillar structure, and a reinforcement member. The roof rail structure has a box section defining a roof rail cavity. The pillar structure has a box section defining a pillar cavity in communication with the roof rail cavity.

Abstract: A hood assembly includes an outer panel that is connected to an inner panel. The inner panel includes one or more elongated slots that extend lengthwise in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The elongated slots can provide a line of weakness to reduce deceleration of an impacting body. A slot protector is fitted within the elongated slots. The slot protector is formed of a flexible material that facilitates an interference fit within the slot.

Abstract: An instrument panel reinforcement structure has: a housing (24), that is made of metal and is disposed within an instrument panel (16), of a head-up display device (20) that projects image information onto a front windshield glass (14); and an instrument panel reinforcement (18) that is made of metal, and extends along a vehicle transverse direction within the instrument panel, and is joined to the housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle dashboard crossbeam includes a tubular beam made in a single piece provided to extend between the A posts of the structure of the motor vehicle substantially in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle and means for fastening a or each end section of the beam on an A post. The fastening means includes a first and second fastening opening in the longitudinal direction, the first opening being formed through the beam. The fastening means also includes a fastening member attached on the end section, the second fastening opening being formed through the fastening member.

Abstract: A tire skirt system configured for attachment to a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a first skirt bracket adapted for attachment to the vehicle, a skirt panel having a first edge adapted for attachment to the first skirt bracket, and a transparent window in the first skirt bracket, the window having an outside face and an inside face. The window may be aligned with at least a portion of a tire when the tire skirt system is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A structural component for a body of a passenger car includes a first component having a first material property, a second component having a second material property different from the first material property, and a third component arranged between the first component and the second component and having a first connection area with the first material property and a second connection area with the second material property.

Abstract: An approach to designing lightweight metal-polymer composite structures in a manner that decomposes the structure into at least two parts. In one specific embodiment, the approach is a manufacturing process for a vehicle that includes attaching an impact beam to a vehicle structure. The process includes providing a vehicle structure including a back plate of the impact beam being made of a suitable material, such as a metal, that can withstand high temperature processes. A front part of the impact beam including a front plate and a polymer core is attached to the back plate. The back plate is designed to provide structural integrity that allows the vehicle structure to go through the high temperature processes and/or the vehicle structure provides structural integrity that allows the back plate to go through the one or more processes. The back plate is also designed to provide desired functional characteristics of the beam.