Abstract: A method for operating an automatic transmission is provided. The method includes commanding a positive shifting element to actuate to a disengaged configuration or an engaged configuration and opening at least one non-positive shifting element if the positive shifting element does not properly actuate. Opening the at least one non-positive shifting element may terminate power flow from the automatic transmission in order to protect the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling alternator voltage during a remote engine start (“RES”) event is provided. The method includes receiving an RES command into at least one control unit of the system. The method further includes starting an engine in response to receiving the RES command and operating an alternator in a first voltage mode where the alternator is operating at a first voltage V1 to charge a vehicle battery. The method further includes detecting a brake pedal has been pressed with a brake switch. The method further includes operating the alternator in a second voltage mode where the alternator is operating at a second voltage V2, which is less than the first voltage V1, to charge the vehicle battery based on detecting the brake pedal has been pressed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, an intersection located at the bottom of a hill. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where an intersection of roads is located at the bottom of a hill and then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate such locations. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to take a precautionary action as the vehicle approaches such a location.

Abstract: An alarm assembly includes a vehicle. A housing is provided that has a mount portion and a display portion and the housing is positioned within the vehicle. A tracking unit is coupled to the housing and the tracking unit is operationally coupled to the vehicle. The tracking unit is manipulated to record a number of passengers in the vehicle before the vehicle can be turned on. The tracking unit is manipulated to acknowledge the number of passengers in the vehicle before the vehicle can be turned off thereby preventing the passengers from being inadvertently left in the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle state estimating device for estimating the state amount of the vehicle at high accuracy from the wheel speed irrespective of the change in the vehicle property. A vehicle state estimating device includes a wheel speed detection unit that detects a wheel speed of each vehicle wheel; a vehicle speed detection unit that detects a vehicle speed; and a state amount estimation unit that estimates an unsprung state amount and/or a sprung state amount of the vehicle, based on a wheel speed of reverse phase of left and right wheels based on the wheel speed of each wheel detected by the wheel speed detection unit, and a value obtained by dividing a wheel base of a predetermined front-rear wheel by the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling a vehicle speed includes a first unit configured to drive data of a vehicle from electric control units (ECUs) to determine driver's habits, a second unit configured to receive the drive data from the ECUs and receive a driver's habit value from the first unit to control a speed of a smart cruise control apparatus, a third unit configured to guide the driver visually or audibly by using information about a result of controlling the smart cruise control apparatus by the second unit, the drive data and driver's habit information, and a fourth unit configured to monitor the result of controlling the smart cruise control apparatus or drive data generated while the smart cruise control apparatus is operated to transmit the controlling result or the generated drive data to the first unit.

Abstract: A vehicle control system including human-control members generating signals for manual piloting of actuators of the vehicle, an automatic control module generating signals for automatic piloting of the actuators of the vehicle, and a switching module to select the manual-piloting signals in a manual mode of operation and the autonomous-piloting signals in an autonomous mode of operation. The automatic control module includes a block for automatic formulation of at least one calculated autonomous piloting signal and a security block to transmit to the switching module a calculated autonomous piloting signal in a case of normal autonomous operation and an emergency autonomous piloting signal in a case of abnormal autonomous operation.

Abstract: A method of controlling an HMI-apparatus for providing information comprising comparing data from two or more remote-ranging sensors disposed at an elevation greater than the threshold wading depth of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling a pneumatic spring assembly of a motor vehicle includes deriving discrete condition parameters from a condition of the motor vehicle, wherein the discrete condition parameters are combined into parameter sets. Each parameter set is furthermore associated with a defined height control behavior, and wherein a height control behavior that is associated with a specific condition of the vehicle is set by activating at least one valve of the pneumatic spring assembly.

Abstract: A traction control assembly for connection between a monorail bogie frame and a monorail car. The traction control assembly comprising a first traction link pivotally connected to a first bell crank mechanism and a second traction link pivotally connected to a second bell crank mechanism. The first traction link and the second traction link are capable of absorbing traction forces applied to the monorail bogie. The traction control assembly further comprises a cross link interconnecting the first bell crank mechanism and the second bell crank mechanism and a passive steering assist device interconnecting the first bell crank mechanism and the second bell crank mechanism. The steering assist device causes the traction control assembly to insert shear forces on the monorail bogie during travel of the monorail bogie over a curved section of monorail track for facilitating rotational motion between the monorail bogie and the monorail car.

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: Strollers with removable child supports and related methods are disclosed. An example stroller and child support assembly disclosed herein includes a stroller frame comprising a front support, a rear support, and a handle. The example stroller and child support assembly also includes a front wheel coupled to the front support and a rear wheel coupled to the rear support. The example stroller and child support assembly also includes a first joint disposed on a first side of the stroller frame and a second joint disposed on a second side of the stroller frame. The stroller and child support assembly example also includes a child support having a first connector releasably coupled to the first joint and a second connector releasably coupled to the second joint, where the child support is removable from the stroller frame and independently usable as a child carrier.

Abstract: A compact collapsible stroller includes a mobile base provided with front and rear wheels. A push handle is coupled to the mobile base.

Abstract: A cup holder includes a fixed seat, a movable clamping bar and a support rack. When the movable clamping bar is pushed to shorten the distance between the movable clamping plate and the fixed clamping plate, the first locking teeth mesh with the second locking teeth, so that the locking block is disposed at a successively jumping state, and the rail of the baby stroller is sandwiched between the movable clamping plate and the fixed clamping plate. Then, the rotation member is rotated to drive the pull rod which drives the positioning piece to slide into the transverse slot to stop the locking block. When the rotation member is rotated successively, the movable clamping bar performs a micro-adjustment tightening action, so that the rail is clamped between the movable clamping plate and the fixed clamping plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for influencing at least one climatic parameter and more specifically the device is provided to influence a zone meant for handling.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a support unit connectable with the chassis of the motor vehicle, a securement part disposed between the side jaws of the support unit, a setting unit disposed between the side jaws of the support unit; a counter-securement part connected with the setting unit; and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is operably engaged with the setting unit such that in the opened state of the clamping mechanism the setting unit is displaceable with respect to the support unit at least in a longitudinal direction of the steering column, and in the closed state of the clamping mechanism the setting unit is secured at a set position with respect to the support unit. In the event of a motor vehicle crash, the counter-securement part is shiftable with respect to the setting unit with the consumption of energy.

Abstract: An inner tube for a telescopic steering column (8) is provided, with a first end sector (2) for assembling a bearing (9), having a substantially circular cross-section obtained by reducing and drawing, a second end sector (3) and an intermediate sector (4) having a regular polygonal section, provided with longitudinal planar external guiding faces (5), wherein the first end sector (2) comprises a plurality of external flanges (6) emerging longitudinally from its external surface (2a) in axial alignment with at least some of the external guiding faces (5), and a plurality of longitudinal internal recesses (7) penetrating its inner surface (2b), each internal recess (7) extending under one of the external flanges (6); each external flange (6) comprises an essentially planar external surface which is at least partially flush with the external guiding face (5) with which it is aligned.

Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a steering bracket includes, a steering bracket supporting a steering column and including a first capsule-side hole and a second capsule-side hole, a separation capsule including a first bracket-side hole and a second bracket-side hole, a resin member straddling the first bracket-side hole and the first capsule-side hole, a shear pin straddling the second bracket-side hole and the second capsule-side hole, and a cam mechanism including a rotatable weight portion to pull out the shear pin from the second bracket-side hole, the weight portion constituted to rotate around the shear pin by inertia due to a primary collision and to move to a front of a vehicle, and the cam mechanism constituted to pull out the shear pin from the bracket-side hole by a rotation of the weight portion.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system that hardly gives a driver a feeling of strangeness even in mode switching is provided. Even if condition such as a defect of a system, which caused switching from SBW mode to EPS mode, has been resolved, a mode switching section waits for a timing of switching from EPS mode to SBW mode until a second condition is satisfied. The second condition is that the vehicle is in a certain state in which the driver hardly notices mode switching. The mode switching section waits for and judges a timing when the vehicle becomes into a certain state in which the driver hardly notices mode switching, and then performs switching from EPS mode to SBW mode.

Abstract: There is provided an electric power steering system that makes it possible to reduce an uncomfortable feeling given to a driver even when current feedback control is executed in a state where a detected steering torque value is held. The electric power steering system includes a torque sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a steering torque; and a controller that controls driving of a motor. The controller computes a detected steering torque value based on the detection signal from the torque sensor, and executes current feedback control for causing an actual current value of the motor to follow a current command value based on the detected steering torque value. When the detected steering torque value is held, the controller makes a feedback gain of the current feedback control smaller than a feedback gain that is used when the detected steering torque value is not held.

Abstract: The turning amount of a turning unit is controlled according to the steering amount of a steering unit mechanically uncoupled from the turning unit. A steering reaction force characteristic in which the larger the self-aligning torque, the larger the steering reaction force is set on coordinates with the self-aligning torque and the steering reaction force as coordinate axes. When the steering reaction force corresponding to the self-aligning torque is applied to the steering unit based on the steering reaction force characteristic, the steering reaction force characteristic is offset on the coordinates in such a direction that the closer the lateral position of an own vehicle to a white line, the larger the absolute value of the steering reaction force.

Abstract: A vehicle body front portion structure is provided with a suspension member, a vertical wall and a protruding member. A side portion of the suspension member is disposed at a vehicle body lower side of a front side member. The vertical wall is formed at the suspension member and includes a coupling portion to which a vehicle width direction inner side end portion of a lower arm is coupled, which lower arm supports a front wheel. The protruding member is fastened to a fastening portion provided in the vertical wall, at a vehicle width direction outer side relative to the coupling portion, so as to protrude to the vehicle width direction outer side relative to the front side member in plan view.

Abstract: A vehicle subframe includes, at the bottom of a main body section, a lateral expansion section, a left vertical expansion section, a right vertical expansion section, and a concavity. The lateral expansion section joins a left front joining section and a right front joining section, and expands below the concavity. Of the left vertical expansion section, the front end is joined to the left end of the lateral expansion section, and the left vertical expansion section is inclined with a downward slope from the rear side of the main body section towards the front end. The right vertical expansion section is formed in a left-right symmetrical manner with respect to the left vertical expansion section, and the front end is joined to the lateral expansion section. The concavity is encircled by the vertical expansion sections and the lateral expansion section, and is formed in a concave shape facing upwards.

Abstract: A vehicle-body front structure includes: a front side member which has a closed section by joining an inner panel placed on a vehicle-width inner side to an outer panel placed on a vehicle-width outer side, the front side member being placed in a vehicle-body front portion along a vehicle-body front-rear direction and being provided with an energy absorption portion that is provided on a vehicle-body front side of the front side member; and a reinforcing member provided on an inner-panel side in an offset manner toward the vehicle-width inner side from a vehicle-width outer end of a rear end of the energy absorption portion in a plane view.

Abstract: A fender bracket includes a composite structure having a first flange to operatively connect to a fender, a second flange to operatively connect to a vehicle body structure, and a web connecting the first flange and the second flange. At least one actuator is positioned in at least a portion of the web. The at least one actuator is selected from a piezoelectric actuator, an active material actuator, and a pyrotechnic actuator. The at least one actuator is to cause a fracture or buckling of the web in response to an activation signal.

Abstract: A joint structure for a vehicle body member, the vehicle body member including at least two panel members, the at least two panel members constituting part of a vehicle body and being formed of a steel plate, the joint structure includes: spot-welds formed by spot-welding the at least two panel members to each other at a predetermined spot interval such that a predetermined clearance is formed between the at least two panel members; a laser-weld formed by laser-welding the at least two panel members to each other between the spot-welds; and an electrodeposition coating film portion that covers a surface of each of the at least two panel members, at least part of the electrodeposition coating film portion filling the clearance.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present development, a platform trailer includes a chassis comprising first and second aluminum beams each including an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The first and second beams are arranged parallel to each other and each extend from a forward end to a rear end in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The first and second beams are each defined with an arch comprising an upwardly oriented apex located between the forward and rear ends. At least one axle assembly connected to the chassis and includes a left wheel and tire assembly and a right wheel and tire assembly. A platform is supported on the first and second beams of the chassis. The platform includes spaced-apart left and right side rails and a plurality of extruded aluminum panels that each extend from a left lateral end abutted with said left side rail to a right lateral end abutted with said right side rail.

Abstract: An air deflector device configured for mounting on the hood of a motor vehicle adjacent a windshield for deflecting air away from the windshield as the vehicle moves rapidly forward. This deflector device comprises an elongate deflector member configured to be mounted substantially horizontally on the hood of the vehicle, transverse to its central, longitudinal axis (the deflector member having a forward edge and a rearward edge when so mounted); and a hinge on the forward edge of the deflector member to enable the rearward edge of the member to be raised and lowered in front of the windshield. A drive or spring bias mechanism may also be provided to raise and lower the member between a first position in which it is substantially parallel (e.g., flush) with the surface of the hood and a second position, with the rearward edge raised, in which the member deflects air upwards and away from the windshield.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the field of steering dampers for motorcycles in general and in particular it refers to a steering head integrating a magnetorheological type steering damper.

Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a front or rear suspension system with a shock absorber. A front suspension system can be a suspension fork. A rear suspension system can include a rear shock absorber. The shock can have a shock body and a pressurized main air chamber within the shock body to act as an air spring. The shock can also have a valve configured to receive a pump for adding air to the main air chamber. A secondary air chamber and a control member can be used to reduce the pressure within the main air chamber by venting the secondary air chamber to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A straddle vehicle includes a steering stem coupled to a handle; a head pipe into which the steering stem is inserted; and a ring-shaped seal member provided at an end portion of the head pipe to seal a gap between the head pipe and the steering stem; wherein the seal member has a lip portion provided on an inner peripheral portion thereof and an engagement portion provided on an outer peripheral portion thereof; wherein the engagement portion is engaged with an inner peripheral surface of the head pipe; and wherein the lip portion is biased to slidably contact an outer peripheral portion of the steering stem.

Abstract: A foot pedal structure for a saddle-type vehicle for preventing peripheral components in the periphery of a brake pedal from being damaged even though the brake pedal and the peripheral components are not widely spaced from each other. A brake pedal includes at least an arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle from a step support member and a pedal member mounted on a distal end of the arm and extending in a vehicle widthwise direction. An upward extension in the form of a plate member extends upwardly from a treading surface of the pedal member and is disposed on an inner end of the pedal member in the vehicle widthwise direction.

Abstract: A bicycle battery holder is basically provided with a battery holder body, an operating member and a battery engaging member. The battery holder body includes a contact portion. The operating member is movably mounted to the battery holder body between a first position and a second position. The battery engaging member is pivotally coupled to the operating member on an axle such that the battery engaging member moves in a first direction with respect to the battery holder body to a battery retaining position as the operating member moves from the first position to the second position. The contact portion of the battery holder body limits rotational movement of the operating member around an axis of the axle to maintain the operating member in the first position while the operating member is disposed in the first position.

Abstract: A bicycle wireless control system is basically provided with a first electric component and a second electric component. The first electric component includes a wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits a plurality of control signals in response to a single operation of at least one operating member. Each of the control signals is transmitted for a predetermined transmission period at a predetermined non-transmission interval between adjacent ones of the control signals. The second electric component includes a wireless receiver and a controller. The wireless receiver wirelessly receives the control signal. The controller periodically operates the wireless receiver for at least two predetermined listening periods that each includes a set of predetermined listening periods with a non-listening interval therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for stopping lateral displacement of a bicycle chain. The device comprises a mounting element configured to be mounted on a bicycle frame. The mounting element comprises a first portion configured to be coupled, at a first coupling axis, with a front derailleur of a bicycle, and a second portion configured to be coupled, at a second coupling axis distinct from said first coupling axis, with a stop element that stops the lateral displacement of said chain.

Abstract: A recreational water flotation device includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front end and a rear end. A left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defines a left end of the flotation device. A right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defining a right end of the flotation device. The device is buoyant in water. A propeller can be mounted to the bottom surface of the central body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a variable-depth sonar. A null in the frequency response between a first and second operating frequency band is identified. A center operating frequency for each of the first and the second operating band is adjusted based on the ambient pressure. Furthermore, the velocity state of a vehicle may be calculated using periodic velocity updates. At least one transducer transmits a first signal in a first direction, and a Doppler sensor receives an echo of the first signal. The vehicle is turned in a second direction, and the at least one transducer transmits a second signal in the second direction. Using the first and the second velocity measurement, a vehicle velocity state is calculated.

Abstract: An aerodynamic wingsail and mast assembly, which does not utilize a boom or gaff, and which is simply designed to include a singular sailcloth and resilient bow rod which are removably attached to a free standing mast. The bow rod includes a pair of open-ended brackets to engage the mast, and is positioned in a curved sleeve on the trailing edge of the sailcloth. The sailcloth includes a forward sleeve for receiving the mast. Flanges on the mast engage the brackets, and the sailcloth is simply slid off the mast by releasing the brackets and tension of the bow rod. Alternative embodiments are described for 3 dimensional wingsails.

Abstract: A jet propulsion watercraft includes a vessel body, a steering nozzle, and a bucket. The steering nozzle includes a jet port from which a jet of water is ejected to propel the vessel body. The bucket is configured to move to a retracted position away from the jet of water ejected from the jet port and a jet receiving position to receive the jet of water ejected from the jet port. The bucket includes a right opening, a left opening, a first opening, and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening. The jet of water flows rightward from the right opening, leftward from the left opening, and rearward from the first opening and the second opening when the bucket is located in the jet receiving position. The first opening is located at least partially rightward of a right end of the jet port. The second opening is located at least partially leftward of a left end of the jet port.

Abstract: A self transportable aerostat system comprising: a first motorized mooring truck; a mooring tower removably attached to a base assembly of the first mooring truck, generally vertically arranged in relation to the bed of the first mooring truck; a proximal and distal boom deck removably attached to the base assembly; a flying sheave for redirecting a tether carried by the base assembly and attachable to an aerostat; a second motorized mooring truck attachable to the outer edge of the distal boom; and, an aerostat truck having an electrical connection for connecting to the first mooring truck and having an aerostat storage compartment for storing the aerostat is a retracted configuration.

Abstract: A method of forming a direct bearing joint includes providing a load bearing structure including a first structural feature having an arcuate shape and providing a composite skin including a second structural feature also having an arcuate shape. The method also includes coupling the first structural feature to the second structural feature such that the first and second structural features are mated against each other to facilitate distributing compressive loads induced into the load bearing structure into the composite skin.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage, a wing, and a decoupled joint interconnecting the fuselage and the wing. The decoupled joint can be an active suspension system. A method of adapting an aircraft to attenuate forces between a main wing and a fuselage thereof includes providing a plurality of sensors upon the aircraft, configured for sensing motion and/or mechanical stress of the main wing and/or the fuselage and producing signals indicative thereof, and providing a plurality of active suspension elements interconnecting the wing and the fuselage, the active suspension elements being configured to move at least in response to the signals to adjust a position of the wing with respect to the fuselage.

Abstract: A fitting for a vent stringer of a type having an open end and an outer edge defining the open end. The fitting may include a fitting body receivable along the open end of the vent stringer, the fitting body having a groove that generally corresponds with the outer edge of the vent stringer, the groove of the fitting body shaped to receive the outer edge of the vent stringer to create a tongue and groove joint with the outer edge; and a connection between the fitting and the stringer to prevent slidable movement of the fitting relative to the stringer.

Abstract: A closeout fitting for a hat stringer includes a cover that has a fitting surface. The fitting surface is substantially complementary to at least a portion of an outer surface of the hat stringer. The cover is configured to couple against the hat stringer outer surface. The cover also includes a first portion configured to extend across a gap defined in a cap portion of the hat stringer. The closeout fitting also includes an insert. The insert includes a first outer perimeter surface that is substantially complementary to at least a portion of an interior surface of a channel defined by the hat stringer. The insert is configured to couple against the channel interior surface proximate the hat stringer closeout portion. The insert and the cover are formed with a suitable stiffness to limit a deformation of the hat stringer proximate the closeout portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flight control system includes a pilot control module configured to receive commands from a pilot, a flight control module operable to transmit an instruction to change at least one operating condition of an aircraft, and a flight control computer in communication between the flight control module and the pilot control module. The flight control computer is configured to receive a pilot command to change a first flight characteristic, wherein changing the first flight characteristic would result in an expected change to a second flight characteristic. The flight control computer may instruct the flight control module to transmit an instruction to change a first operating condition of the aircraft and instruct the flight control module to transmit an instruction to change a second operating condition of the aircraft to at least partially offset the expected change to the second flight characteristic.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bearing is situated in a rotor system. The bearing features a housing having a first opening therethrough, a first member disposed within the first opening and having a second opening therethrough, and an elastomeric bearing disposed within the second opening and having a third opening therethrough configured to receive a shaft. The first member having at least one substantially curved surface. A sliding element bearing disposed between the housing and the first member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and a control mechanism. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The control mechanism is adapted to constrain the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device.

Abstract: An aerial delivery system is configured to allow delivery of one or more releasable items after the system is extracted from an aircraft. One or more linear guidance devices and releasable securing mechanisms allow the aerial delivery system to deploy one or more releasable items at an appropriate time. The releasable securing mechanisms may utilize one or more rotatable latch plates. The one or more releasable items may be deployed simultaneously, or in a staged or staggered fashion. Through use of drag or lift-producing devices, the system may be recovered and reused. The attitude and/or azimuth orientation of the system may be varied prior to, during, and/or after release of a releasable item.

Abstract: An aerial delivery system includes at least one container mounted on a platform, an impact attenuator initially interposed between the container and the platform, an activation tether arranged to cause contents of the container to disperse, and rigging material attached to the impact attenuator, the platform and the activation tether and configured to rotate the platform to face upward and the impact attenuator to face downward during aerial delivery.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit for an aircraft galley comprises a frame establishing a main compartment, and a side window that receives a side access compartment, where a the dividing wall separates the side compartment interior space from a main chilled compartment. A side door mounted to the side access compartment allows access to the side compartment but not the main compartment, allowing segregation of snacks and items accessible to passengers via self-serve from those that are only distributed by flight attendants.