Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is comprised of a frame and high tension strings combined to create a useful, distinct and novel display frame. The high-tension strings are interwoven vertically and horizontally across the surface area within the perimeter of the frame, creating vertices and slots for securely holding art objects, such as photographs. The vertical and horizontal high tension strings are affixed to the backside of the frame with a fastener and further secured by intricate knots to prevent the shifting and moving of the strings. The high tension strings are strung at the highest tension and are specifically spaced to accommodate pictures of varying sizes. The specific sized slots created by the interweaving of the vertical and horizontal strings make it easy and simple to slip pictures in and out of the available slots, or rotate the pictures to display in a collage format.

Abstract: A bucket for use in painting comprises a cylindrical container having a flat base. The bucket also comprises a container having a flat wall extending from the base and the container having an open top. The bucket also comprises a ledge extending from an inside surface of the container wherein the ledge extends to an end of the wall. The bucket also comprises a plurality of vertically aligned ribs extending from the wall a predetermined distance, wherein the plurality of ribs extend in an inward direction from the wall. The paint roller bucket of the present invention may incorporate a roller grate directly into a paint bucket.

Abstract: A kit and method for assembling a frame supporting a stretched sheet includes a set of four stretcher bars, a set of braces, a stretching lever, and a sheet of material. A first stretcher bar can be initially attached to a first edge of the sheet. Remaining second, third, and fourth stretcher bars can be assembled with the first stretcher bar and corner braces to form a frame that rests upon the sheet. The stretching lever can be used to stretch the sheet between opposing stretcher bars just before the sheet is attached to a stretcher bar. The method of using a stretching lever as opposed to stretching pliers greatly reduces the time and difficulty of uniformly stretching the sheet.

Abstract: A material and method for manufacturing components. The method includes squeeze casting the material into a component of a desired shape and flow-forming the component that has been squeeze cast to refine the shape of the component. The method also includes heat treating the component to enhance the microstructure of the component and machining the component to further refine the shape.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for visually indicating a loose wheel nut on a motor vehicle has a first means, such as a ring (12), for engaging a first wheel nut so as to be rotatable therewith and a second means, such as a ring (14), for engaging a second wheel nut adjacent to the first wheel nut so as to be rotatable therewith. The first ring (12) has a first pointer (18) for indicating a start position of the first ring (12), and the second ring (14) has a second pointer (20) for indicating a start position of the second ring (14). An elongate member (22), which is resiliently flexible, interconnects the first and second rings (12, 14). The elongate member (22) is configured to curve in at least two directions and has a first end portion (28) and an opposed second end portion (30). The first end portion (28) is connected to the first ring (12) and the second end portion (30) is connected to the second ring (14).

Abstract: A vehicle wheel lock assembly includes a main body and a first sleeve. The main body has a wheel engaging end, a key portion, a first supporting section and a key receiving end. The key portion has a plurality of surface contours defining a first key pattern configured to couple with a tool for torsional movement of the main body. The first sleeve has an open end and a closed end. The open end is installed to the first supporting section of the main body such that the closed end of the first sleeve covers the key receiving end with the key portion exposed relative to the first sleeve. The first sleeve is retained by the first supporting section for rotation about the central axis of the main body and is non-movably retained relative to an axial direction of the main body.

Abstract: A wheel bearing unit includes a wheel hub, a first rolling-element bearing, and a fastener assembly, and the fastener assembly is formed separately from the wheel hub and is spaced from an axial end of the wheel hub. The fastener assembly secures at least one component of the rolling-element bearing against falling out of the wheel hub away from a center of mass of the wheel bearing unit, and the fastener assembly contacts the wheel hub.

Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly having a rotational axis and comprising a sidewall defining first and second ends, a connector body coupled to the sidewall first end, and a first flange extending radially outward and axially away from an outer surface of the sidewall at the sidewall first end such that the first flange axially overlaps with a portion of the connector body. The hub assembly can further comprise a second flange extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the sidewall at the second end, wherein the first flange projects radially farther away from the sidewall than the second flange. In one embodiment, the first flange at least partially defines a concave receptacle that houses at least a portion of the connector body. In this embodiment, the hub assembly can further comprise an adapter body positioned around the connector body and at least partially in the concave receptacle.

Abstract: Vehicle systems and components are set forth, which aim to reduce rolling friction caused in part by the contact between the vehicle's tires and the ground surface over which the vehicle is traversing. These systems and/or components thereof may increase the overall fuel efficiency of a vehicle. In the examples provided, the systems and/or components change the tread contact patch of one or more tires during movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire assembly includes a non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential ring and an outer circumferential ring defining an annular space and a cylindrical space inside the inner circumferential ring. A plurality of partitions connect the circumferential rings within the annular space. A ground-contacting tread is located on the outer circumferential ring. A rim, including a plurality of pieces, is located within the cylindrical space. The non-pneumatic tire assembly further includes a hub that is removably connected to the rim.

Abstract: A solid-tire-and-hub assembly is provided. The assembly includes a solid tire defining a pair of opposed, spaced side surfaces and a pair of opposed, spaced facial surfaces extending between the side surfaces such that the solid tire defines a substantially trapezoidal transverse cross-section. The solid tire is disposed about a partially hollow hub, which defines a substantially “I” transverse cross-section substantially aligned with the cross-section of the solid tire, an axial aperture configured to receive a drive shaft, and a plurality of holes defined about the aperture. A power-drive unit is also provided. The unit includes a housing, a drive shaft, and at least one of the solid-tire-and-hub assembly connected to the housing.

Abstract: Tire tread has a central rib (411-413) and two lateral ribs (421-422) which are separated by circumferential grooves (141-144). A first lateral rib (421) adjacent to the outer axial edge of the tread and a central rib have a first portion (4211, 4111, 4121, 4131) the axial width of which exceeds 20% of the axial width of the relevant rib made from a first rubber composition containing an elastomer and a reinforcing filler consisting predominantly of carbon black, and an axially adjacent second portion (4212, 4112, 4122, 4132) made of a second rubber composition containing an elastomer and a reinforcing filler a minority proportion of which consists of carbon black. The second rubber composition has a tan d0 value which is less than the tan d0 value of the first rubber composition, the tan d0 values being measured at a temperature of 0 C and under a stress of 0.7 MPa.

Abstract: In a pneumatic tire, shoulder blocks are formed with one of two types of values for block width measured in the tire circumferential direction. A cross-sectional shape of a tread ground contact edge of the shoulder blocks with the smaller block width value when sectioned in a plan that includes a tire axial center is formed with a squared portion formed by a curved line having a radius of curvature of 10 mm or less, or is formed with a squared portion taper cut along a straight line having a length of 10 mm or less. A cross-sectional shape of a tread ground contact edge of the shoulder blocks with the larger block width value when sectioned in the plan that includes the tire axial center is formed with a rounded portion formed by a curved line having a radius of curvature of from 30 mm to 60 mm inclusive.

Abstract: A motorcycle tire for running on rough terrain, the tire includes a tread portion including a central region, a pair of shoulder regions and a middle region. The tread portion is provided with at least one central block with a ground contact face whose centroid is located within the central region, at least one shoulder block with a ground contact face whose centroid is located within the shoulder region on each side of a tire equator, and at least one middle block with a ground contact face whose centroid is located within the middle region on each side of the tire equator. When the respective blocks are projected onto a tire meridian cross section along a circumferential direction of the tire, every pair of axially adjacent two blocks are arranged so as to overlap one another at least partially on the tire meridian cross section.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a rim, an inflatable tire, a grounding tire, and a safety unit. The rim includes two tire engagement portions spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction. The inflatable tire is mounted around the rim and includes an inner annular bottom wall and two inner annular sidewalls respectively on left and right sides of the inner annular bottom wall. Each inner annular sidewall includes an inner side having a lip pressing against one of the tire engagement portions of the rim. The grounding tire is mounted around the inflatable tire and includes an outer annular bottom wall capable of in rolling contact with the ground. The safety unit is sandwiched between the inflatable tire and the grounding tire to couple the inflatable tire and the grounding tire together, permitting synchronously rotation of the inflatable tire and the grounding tire while increasing the anti-slipping effect.

Abstract: A tyre pressurisation arrangement on a vehicle in which the pressurisation of the tyre is controlled by a vehicle control unit and the vehicle control unit is notified of a desired tyre pressure or desired tyre volume. An air flow rate in a supply line to the tyre is established so that the time to pressurise the tyre to the desired tyre pressure/volume is calculable, or the time taken to pressurise the tyre to an interval pressure/volume is calculable, said interval pressure/volume being between a current tyre pressure/volume and the desired pressure/volume.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for maintaining tire inflation on a vehicle is provided. The central tire inflation system includes a rotary union assembly having a housing that is coupled to and rotates with the hubcap. The housing is rotationally coupled to a stationary shaft. A flexible torque transfer shaft is connected to the stationary shaft on one end and to an axle plug on the other end. The axle plug has a hub forming a bore where the hub is movable on a web of material. The flexible torque transfer shaft and hub have cooperative non-circular shapes to resist rotation. An air vent is provided in the rotary union assembly that is isolated from the lubrication area, which inhibits the pressurized air from the central tire inflation system from pressurizing the lubrication area.

Abstract: A method for determining position of a tire pressure monitor equipped on a tire of a vehicle. The method is performed by a controller and comprises: detecting a radial acceleration and a tangential acceleration of the tire; computing a radial-versus-gravity value and a tangent-versus-gravity value based on the radial acceleration, the tangential acceleration and a gravity acceleration; determining an operating state according to variations of the radial-versus-gravity value and the tangent-versus-gravity value; determining whether the operating state is changed to another operating state; and when the operating state is changed, determining a position of the tire pressure monitor according to a change sequence of the operating states.

Abstract: A pulse count part acquires the minimum value among the numbers of pulse signals outputted by respective wheel-speed sensors during a wheel speed is within a minute low speed range. The pulse count part sets said minimum value as the numbers of the pulse signals of respective wheel-speed sensors during the wheel speed is within the minute low speed range, when the wheel speed increases out of said minute low speed range. Thereby, even when a vehicle stops in the middle of a wheel location discrimination treatment, a wheel location discrimination treatment can be continued using a proper pulse count value.

Abstract: A management computer transmits to a vehicle a request of vehicle ID to identify the vehicle, when a tire ID of the vehicle is not registered in a registration portion. Upon receiving the request, a transmission pattern adjustment section of an ECU of tire pressure monitoring system of the vehicle controls a sensor unit of at least one tire to transmit electric waves in transmission pattern expressing the vehicle ID. The management computer permits the vehicle to use a facility when a vehicle ID specified from the received transmission pattern on electric waves is registered in a registration portion.

Abstract: A device for detecting tire parameters of transiting vehicles, comprising an electronic unit for processing radio signals that carry measurements of at least one parameter of at least one tire of a vehicle, such as the pressure, and further comprising a detector of the transit of vehicles for the activation of the processing of the radio signals.

Abstract: In a device for detachably fixing to each other two relatively movable parts of a device for generating compressed air, in particular a bicycle pump, a substantially cylindrical end region of the pump piston facing a bicycle saddle is designed to have a diameter enlarged relative to the part of the pump piston guided in the sleeve, the region of enlarged diameter and a free end region of the sleeve are surrounded by a union nut provided with an internal thread in an end region and the internal thread of the union nut is detachably connectable to a thread arranged on the sleeve or on the region of enlarged diameter of the pump piston, in order to design both the union nut and one of the two relatively movable parts of the seatpost with interacting stops.

Abstract: The tyre-changing machine comprises: a base structure which can rest on the ground; a gripping and rotation unit, suitable for gripping the rim of a wheel and placing it in rotation, mounted on a front part of the structure; a supporting post, arranged at the rear of the unit, connected to the structure by means of a hinge arranged in correspondence to a front part of the post facing the unit, the post being rotatable around the hinge between a work position, wherein it is closer to the unit, and a disengagement position, wherein it is tilted to the rear and is farther from the unit; and a tool-carrying arm fitted on the post suitable for carrying a tool to fit/remove a tyre onto/from the rim.

Abstract: An improved trailer hitch coupler is provided that includes a tongue recessed portion, a moveable base plate inside the tongue recessed portion, and moveable coupler arms that close around a trailer hitch, and slide into the recessed portion in a closed position. The trailer hitch coupler can include spring biased locking arms that rest in a saddle to secure the coupler arms in a locked position. The improved trailer hitch coupler provides ease of coupling without accurate alignment between the towing vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes a cross-vehicle beam and a receiver welded to the cross-vehicle beam. The cross-vehicle beam extends from a first end to a second end. The cross-vehicle beam includes a middle section, a first round section, and a second round section. The middle section includes a flat. The first round section is integral with the middle section and extends from the middle section to the first end. The second round section is integral with the middle section and extends from the middle section to the second end. The receiver is welded directly to the flat.

Abstract: A carrier is provided for attachment to the trailer hitch of a vehicle which is light-weight, easy to manufacture and includes a tray that may be fabricated in one-piece from a single sheet of material.

Abstract: A vehicle (20) consisting of a frame (22) with a pair of paddles (72) extending longitudinally and rotatably supported by the frame (22) in pendulum fashion for swinging movement between an extended position engaging the surface and a retracted position moved vertically out of engagement with the surface. A pair of foot platforms (74) are operatively connected to the paddles (72). A pair of depressors (84) interconnects the foot platforms (74) and the paddles (72) to rotate the paddles (72) between the extended position and the retracted position. The paddles (72) include a propulsion bar (86) and an oar (88) connected by a lost-motion connection to slide relative to one another between the extended position and the retracted position. The oars (88) have a fin-shape to propel the vehicle (20) over water and include a striker (90) to propel the vehicle (20) over land. The vehicle (20) allows movement over a surface of water and land using an elliptical motion similar to the natural motion of walking.

Abstract: A damping force generation device for a vehicle includes a shock absorber including a cylinder and a piston. The shock absorber is coupled to a vehicle body, a wheel carrier, and the like at a rod part of the piston and the cylinder, respectively, and is configured to generate a damping force due to a flow resistance when oil passes through an orifice formed in the piston. Each of self-discharge type charge eliminators is fixed to a surface of a specific member being at least one of a component of the shock absorber or an auxiliary member connected to the component. The charge eliminator reduces positive electric charge that is charged to the specific member, to thereby reduce a charge amount of the oil.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a damping force varying damper includes a target current determining section, an upper limit setting section, and a supplied current determining section. The target current determining section determines a target current supplied to a solenoid valve that controls a damping force. The upper limit setting section sets an upper limit value for a current supplied to the solenoid valve. The supplied current determining section determines a supplied current, from the target current and the upper limit value. The upper limit setting section determines a coefficient that increases or reduces the upper limit value based on an already determined supplied current and then determines the upper limit value from the coefficient. The upper limit setting section determines a coefficient that increases or reduces the upper limit value based on an already determined supplied current and then determines the upper limit value from the coefficient.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle having at least a first axle and at least a second axle, wherein the motor vehicle has a chassis that can be adjusted by the user, and which is operable at least in a first mode and at least in a second mode, which is more comfortable than the first mode. When the user activates the more comfortable second mode, a loading state of the motor vehicle is checked. The chassis is not shifted from the first mode into the second mode for at least axle, or is changed from the second mode into the first mode of the chassis if a limit load is exceeded.

Abstract: Vehicle climate control systems include heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for adjusting the vehicle cabin temperature. The HVAC system can deliver heated or cooled air to the vehicle interior to achieve a desired temperature inside the vehicle cabin. Some vehicles are equipped with secondary comfort features, such as heated or cooled seats, for additionally addressing occupant comfort. These features are typically stand-alone devices that function separately from the HVAC system.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a heat-transfer liquid and a refrigerant, in particular for a motor vehicle, is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a housing and a unit for circulating the refrigerant, and defining blades for circulating the refrigerant superposed in a stacking direction, where the unit is disposed in the housing. The heat exchanger is configured to define a circuit for the flow of said heat-transfer liquid in the housing between the blades, such that a heat exchange can take place between the heat-transfer liquid and the refrigerant.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and oxygenating an automobile cabin includes at least one oxygen sensor adapted to determine oxygen level inside an automobile cabin, at least one infotainment system adapted to facilitate user of the system to select a required amount of oxygenation with in a preferred range of oxygenation, at least one oxygen producing unit configured to provide oxygen rich air into said automobile cabin and a control device adapted to regulate functioning of all other elements of the system. Further, the control device determines the preferred range of oxygenation based on the oxygen level inside an automobile cabin and regulates functioning of oxygen producing unit to provide the required amount of oxygenation.

Abstract: A volatile organic compound purge system is provided for a motor vehicle. The purge system includes a blower and a computing device. The computing device is configured to operate in a shipping mode whereby the blower is periodically operated to draw fresh air into and purge volatile organic compounds from an interior of the motor vehicle as the motor vehicle is being shipped from a first point to a second point.

Abstract: An active seal arrangement associated with a radiator and condenser of a vehicle is disclosed. At least one movable seal is provided. The seal is selectively movable between a closed, air-restricting position and an open, air-passing position. The seal is pivotably associated with one or the other of the radiator and the condenser. Alternatively, the movable seal is slidably attached to a side wall fitted between the radiator and the condenser. A position controller associated with at least one sensor regulates the position of the seal. The seal is moved to its closed, air-restricting position, during times of high condenser load such as when idling or when the vehicle is operated at very low vehicle speeds during hot weather. The seal is moved to its open, air-passing position during high powertrain cooling demand such as in hot weather, or when ascending a grade, or with a large trailer or payload.

Abstract: An air conditioning device for a vehicle includes a first water-refrigerant heat exchanger, a second water-refrigerant heat exchanger, and a first flow rate adjusting unit. The first water-refrigerant heat exchanger exchanges heat between a refrigerant of low-temperature and low-pressure in a heat pump and an engine coolant flowing in an engine coolant path to vaporize the refrigerant. The second water-refrigerant heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant of high-temperature and high-pressure and the engine coolant to condense the refrigerant. The first flow rate adjusting unit is capable of adjusting a flow rate of the engine coolant supplied to a flow path connecting with the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger, and a flow rate of the engine coolant supplied to a flow path bypassing the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an expander, a condenser, a pump, and a heater in sequential fluid communication in a thermodynamic cycle containing a working fluid. The thermodynamic cycle is provided for waste heat recovery in the vehicle. A heat pipe contains a phase change material and has a condenser region and an evaporative region. The evaporative region is in thermal contact with a recirculating fluid of a vehicle system. The heater provides thermal contact between the working fluid and the condenser region of the heat pipe.

Abstract: An electric heating device may include a housing having two opposing walls extending in an upward direction and defining a flow chamber that allows the massage of a medium in a flow direction. The electric device may also include an electric heating element located inside the flow chamber and configured to heat the medium. The electric device may further include a printed circuit board furnished with at least one electric component for controlling the heating element, the printed circuit board being located inside the housing. The heating device may further include a flow guidance element with at least one diversion section for diverting the medium towards the printed circuit board, the flow guidance element extending over at least a subsection of the flow chamber in the upward direction.

Abstract: A front end part (10) of a motor vehicle has cooling air openings (11) arranged next to one another and separated by webs (12). Flaps (13) are arranged next to one another and are assigned to the cooling air openings (11). The flaps (13) can be displaced between a first position in which the flaps (13) prevent a cooling airflow through the cooling air openings (11), and a second position in which the flaps (13) enable a cooling airflow through the cooling air openings (11). Reinforcing ribs (18) extend in the region of the webs (12) on an inwardly directed side thereof. The flaps (13) are mounted rotatably on the reinforcing ribs (18) so that corresponding bearing points of the flaps (13) on the reinforcing ribs (18) lie outside the cooling air openings (11) and thus outside the cooling airflow when the flaps (13) are in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine having an exhaust system, and a heat pipe containing a phase change material. The heat pipe has a condenser region and an evaporative region in thermal contact with the exhaust system, and defines a vapor space and a liquid space separated by a wicking layer. The vehicle has an expander, a condenser, a pump, a first heater, and a second heater in sequential fluid communication in a thermodynamic cycle containing a working fluid. The first heater is in thermal contact with exhaust gases in the exhaust system. The second heater is in thermal contact with the condenser region of the heat pipe.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle roof comprises a cover, which is embodied to close off an opening in the vehicle roof. The cover has an outer layer, which faces away from the vehicle interior, an inner layer, which faces the vehicle interior, and a solar cell layer, which is arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer. The assembly further has a darkening device, which is assigned to the cover and which has a reflective layer which, in a closed state, faces the inner layer so as to reflect light that enters through the cover in the direction of the vehicle interior back in the direction of the cover.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the driving of a motor vehicle comprising a screen with variable transmission intended to be arranged between a road scene in front of the vehicle and a driver of the vehicle, the device comprising a number of sensors suitable for recovering data representative of the environment in which the vehicle is located, the device being configured to drive a transmission coefficient of the screen with variable transmission, wherein the device is configured to take into account the data recovered by the sensors and to compute the transmission coefficient by combining the data.

Abstract: A vehicle door manufactured at a low cost and providing a flush feeling of a vehicle, wherein a front door includes a door body, a door sash, and door glass, the door sash including a receiving part receiving the door glass, and a molding adjacent to an outside surface of the vehicle body around a door opening, the molding including an outside wall being a wall part at a vehicle outer side of the receiving part, and an inclined wall inclining inward a vehicle as getting closer to a parting line, wherein an outer surface of the outside wall is positioned more outside a vehicle than the parting line, and a distal edge of the inclined wall is positioned more inside a vehicle than the parting line, or included in a tangent plane to the outer surface of the vehicle body near the parting line.

Abstract: A vehicle door is provided with: a main sash that is disposed above a door main body and that encircles a window opening; and an auxiliary sash of which the upper end abuts the main sash. The auxiliary sash is provided with: a second vehicle interior wall abutting a first vehicle interior wall of the main sash; a second vehicle exterior wall abutting a first vehicle exterior wall; and a second bottom wall coupling the second vehicle interior wall and the second vehicle exterior wall. A notch that is notched alongside the first vehicle exterior wall is formed solely at the second vehicle exterior wall. The bottom end of the notch is disposed below the tip side of the second bottom wall and the top side of the second vehicle interior wall formed contiguously.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a top movable between a closed position covering a vehicle interior and a storage position uncovering the vehicle interior. The top is arranged in a rear top accommodating space in the storage position and includes a linkage with a link arrangement on each side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle. The link arrangement includes two main links pivotably mounted at a respective main bearing and each connected to the main bearing via a lower articulation point and to at least one roof link via an upper articulation point. At least one rigid roof shell is fixed at a respective one of the roof links, which, in the closed position, spans the vehicle interior in a direction transverse to the top. The vehicle includes a substantially vertical rear window arranged toward the front of the vehicle with respect to the top accommodating space.

Abstract: An interior side wall part of a rear die-molded corner part of a run channel is provided with a plate-shaped protrusion abutting on an interior seal lip at the time of upward and downward movement of a window pane, the protrusion extending in a direction from a base end side toward a distal end side of the interior side wall part along a wall surface of the interior side wall part. Accordingly, a force by which the interior seal lip presses the window pane to a vehicle exterior can be increased to increase a seal pressure. Also, the protrusion is formed so as to protrude obliquely from the wall surface of the interior side wall part.

Abstract: A car awning including a mounting frame, a main rolling mechanism and a hauling mechanism. The main rolling mechanism has a main rolling drum rotatably disposed on the mounting frame, two layers of first awning cloths are layered wound on the main rolling drum, and two first awning supporting poles connected to the two first awning cloths. The two first awning supporting poles are capable of moving towards opposite directions along a first path perpendicular to the axis of the main rolling drum. The hauling mechanism is used for hauling the two first awning supporting poles to move. By mounting the awning on the top of a car via the mounting frame, the car awning can shade sunshine for the car when the awning cloths are unfolded, and the car awning can be used as a luggage carrier when the awning cloths are rolled up.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus includes a transmission gear mechanism and a power split mechanism including a first rotation element connected to a first input member, a second rotation element connected to a rotary machine, and a third rotation element connected to the drive shaft via a first output member. The transmission gear mechanism is configured to transmit a torque to the first input member and the first rotation element via a second output member. The transmission gear mechanism and the power split mechanism are arranged on the same rotation axis as an output shaft of an engine. The transmission gear mechanism and the power split mechanism are arranged in the order of the transmission gear mechanism and the power split mechanism from the side closer to the engine. The second output member and the first input member are connected to each other by a spline or a serration.

Abstract: An in-wheel motor drive device is provided including a brake caliper which can be easily mounted in position and dismounted. The in-wheel motor drive device includes a hub to which the wheel body of a vehicle wheel is mounted, an electric motor arranged inside of the hub in the width direction of the vehicle so as to be coaxial with the hub, a motor housing in which are received the electric motor, and the brake caliper, which is arranged to clamp a brake disk through a pair of brake pads disposed on both sides of the brake disk. The brake caliper is fixed to the outer periphery of the motor housing by driving bolts radially inwardly, from radially outside, of the motor housing.

Abstract: A dual level, vibration isolation system is provided that isolates a vehicle in general, and the vehicle's passenger cabin in particular, from the vibrations generated by the vehicle's motor during normal operation. The first isolation level uses a first plurality of isolation bushings to mount the motor assembly to a first portion of the battery pack. The second isolation level uses a second plurality of isolation bushings to mount the first portion of the battery pack directly to the vehicle. In addition to providing two levels of vibration isolation, this compliant mounting scheme allows the mass of the battery pack to absorb and damp out undesirable rotational oscillations caused by the motor, especially when the motor is undergoing strong acceleration or deceleration.