Abstract: A method in which at least one piezoceramic sensor, which converts every mechanical force to which it is subjected into an electrical signal and having a Curie temperature higher than 200° C., is solidarized directly onto the surface of a metal support element of a vehicle braking element, which during use faces a vehicle element to be braked. While in contact with such a surface, an electrical circuit is implemented that picks up and eventually processes the electrical signal, the electrical circuit being connected with a connector integrated with the metal support element. An electrically insulating layer sandwiches the at least one piezoceramic sensor and the electrical circuit, and a block of friction material with an underlying damping layer is formed upon the electrically insulating layer. After forming the block of friction material, the piezoceramic sensor is polarized by applying a predetermined potential difference thereto by means of the connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing haptic information to the driver of a motor vehicle, equipped with a brake-by-wire brake system, about the operating state of the brake system, in which method the brake pedal characteristic is generated by a pedal travel simulator, in the form of a functional relationship between the brake pedal opposing force and the brake pedal travel, and is modified as a function of an operating state. In order to provide the driver with the haptic information channel via which electronically controlled information can be communicated to the driver during braking, without the impression of a defect arising, the invention proposes that a basic brake pedal characteristic is generated by a passive simulator spring which assigns pedal travel, on which pedal return travel transporting the haptic information is superimposed, to a given pedal force in an unchanging, constant relationship.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring pressures on the service and emergency brakes, tires and suspension of a tractor trailer. The system also monitors electrical stoplight power to the ABS brakes as well as various additional vehicle systems listed within the claims. The monitoring system also provides visual and audible alarms to the operator as well as an additional output to signal a wireless device to warn the operator's employer if the warning is ignored.

Abstract: Calibration of an engine disconnect clutch for a hybrid electric powertrain. The clutch is prestroked while an engine and machine are stopped. A machine torque is increased until the machine starts rotating. A pressure of the clutch is adjusted as a function of a torque produced by the machine when the machine started rotating.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving gear shifting of a step-ratio automatic transmission in a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods may provide for adjusting torque capacity of one or more driveline clutches to reduce driveline torque disturbances that may be related to driveline inertia torque during transmission gear shifting.

Abstract: A method, comprising propelling a vehicle with an engine and a motor starting the engine if energy stored in an energy storage device is greater than an upper threshold level when a contaminant amount in the engine oil is greater than a threshold amount. In this way, it is possible to harmonize fuel degradation along with oil degradation, while still providing efficient vehicle and engine operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle performance and efficiency attributes are presented. In one example, an electric machine maximum available torque is controller limited so as to improve conservation of battery charge and driveline performance consistency. The electric machine torque may be limited as a function of driveline speed, battery discharge limit, and other parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes: a steering wheel having the capacity to steer a vehicle; a turning actuator having the capacity to turn a wheel; a backup clutch arranged between the steering wheel and the turning actuator and having the capacity to be able to mechanically connect the steering wheel to the turning actuator; and a clutch disengagement checking unit having the capacity to check whether the backup clutch is disengaged.

Abstract: A regenerative control device of a vehicle an engine; a first motor; a second motor performing regenerative power generation; a battery connected to the first and second motors; and a heating device heating using heat, includes: a determiner determining whether the heating device is in operation or not, and determining whether charging the battery is regulated or not; and a controller performing parallel firing control in which a driving force is given to the engine by the first motor while burning fuel in the engine, during the regenerative power generation when the heating device is in operation and charging the battery is regulated, and setting a target torque of the engine in the parallel firing control to be equal to or lower than a burning limit torque of the engine.

Abstract: A travel control device is applied to a hybrid vehicle which includes a planetary gear mechanism capable of distributing power of an internal combustion engine to a first MG and an output part, and a second MG capable of outputting power to the output part. The travel control device allows the vehicle to travel in an acceleration-deceleration travel mode in which, when a high-speed steady travel condition is established during travel of the vehicle, acceleration travel for accelerating the vehicle with power output from the internal combustion engine and coasting travel for allowing the vehicle to coast with the internal combustion engine in a stop state are alternately repeated within a target vehicle speed range. In the travel control device, given power is output from the internal combustion engine at the time of acceleration travel, and the internal combustion engine is controlled such that the vehicle is accelerated at an acceleration such that the rotation speed of the first MG becomes zero.

Abstract: A high-order control unit provided in a control device for a hybrid vehicle includes an elevation MAP that is used in common for up and down lines and in which at least two predetermined elevation values on a running track are described, and an energy estimation unit that estimates a target charge/discharge amount SOC_ref with respect to a power storage device on the basis of a traveling direction signal Rev expressing a traveling direction of a vehicle, distance information Dis from a distance translation unit, and information on the elevation MAP, to control a power generation device on the basis of the target charge/discharge amount SOC_ref.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a powertrain in a vehicle includes controlling a speed of an engine in the vehicle using a first engine speed control when an accelerator pedal position is less than a first predetermined position and a battery discharge limit of a battery in the vehicle is at least a predetermined discharge limit. The speed of the engine is controlled using a second engine speed control different from the first engine speed control when the accelerator pedal position is less than the first predetermined position and the battery discharge limit is less than the predetermined discharge limit.

Abstract: A method for exiting the vehicle transport mode including placing the vehicle ignition in a predetermined position, monitoring the fuel level and exiting the vehicle transport mode when the fuel level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method may also include the step of monitoring the inclination angle of the vehicle and maintaining the vehicle in the vehicle transport mode when the inclination angle exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A control device in a hybrid vehicle includes a controller capable of switching, between an operating state and a non-operating state, a fuel-cut recovery control in which engine rotation speed is kept at or above a predetermined rotation speed by starting supply of fuel upon the engine rotation speed falling to the predetermined rotation speed from a state in which the engine rotation speed is higher than the predetermined rotation speed and the supply of fuel is stopped.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having a first axle that is coupled to first and second wheels, an internal combustion engine that drives a first output shaft, an electric drive motor that drives a second output shaft, and a torque transfer device coupled to the first axle and the first and second output shafts. The torque transfer device is operable in a first mode to receive torque from the first output shaft only and output a motive force to the first axle, a second mode to receive torque from the second output shaft only and output the motive force, a third mode to receive torque from the first output shaft and the second output shaft simultaneously and output the motive force, and a fourth mode to receive torque from the first output shaft and output a drive force to the second output shaft cause the electrical drive motor to generate electrical power.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine configured to automatically stop in response to an engine stop request and automatically start in response to an engine start request include selectively inhibiting an engine stop request based on an anticipated duration of an expected decreased driver power command state to reduce occurrence of successive automatic stops and automatic starts.

Abstract: A vehicle control device basically includes a first risk computation unit, a second risk computing unit and a first risk adjustment unit. The first risk computation unit calculates a first risk with respect to a nearby obstacle located in a nearby detection region near a host vehicle. The second risk computing unit calculates a second risk with respect to a remote obstacle located further from the nearby detection region. The first risk adjustment unit adjusts at least one of the first and the second risks to preferentially execute a warning or vehicle control based on one of the first risk or the second risk versus a warning or vehicle control based on the other of the first risk or the second risk based on an entry state of the host vehicle of entering a planned parking place, or an exit state of the host vehicle of exiting from a parking place.

Abstract: Provided is a drive assist apparatus such that, in a vehicle in which a plurality of types of drive assist is implemented, the appropriateness of each drive assist can be maintained. A drive assist unit is provided with: a collision avoidance assist unit that implements individual drive assists; a vehicle-to-vehicle distance assist unit; and a cruise travel assist unit. An assist arbitration unit arbitrates between at least two or more drive assists when the at least two or more drive assists are implemented by the drive assist unit within a prescribed time on the basis of a plurality of types of assist elements.

Abstract: A lane departure monitoring system uses a forward sensor to determine a lane position of a host vehicle and to detect oncoming vehicles. Rear side sensors monitor the side blind-spots of the host vehicle as well as vehicles in the adjacent lanes that are approaching from the rear. A control system combines the information provided by these sensors and runs integrated programs to carry out a method for providing lane keeping assist and lane departure warnings.

Abstract: Systems and methods use cameras to provide autonomous navigation features. In one implementation, a driver assist navigation system for a primary vehicle may include at least one image capture device configured to acquire a plurality of images of an area in a vicinity of the primary vehicle; a data interface; and at least one processing device. The at least processing device may be configured to: receive the plurality of images via the data interface; identify a target object within the plurality of images; monitor, via the plurality of images, a motion of the target object and a distance between the primary vehicle and the target object; determine an indicator of an intercept time between the primary vehicle and the target object based on the monitored motion and the distance between the primary vehicle and the target object; and cause a response in the primary vehicle based on a comparison of the intercept time to a plurality of predetermined intercept thresholds.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining careless driving are provided and determine more reliable careless driving by generating normal driving patterns using driving performance data for a reference time at the beginning of driving. In addition, careless driving patterns greater than a predetermined number are detected using the normal driving pattern and a boundary between the normal driving and the careless driving is determined using a supervised learning method. The careless driving of the driver is then determined based on the determined boundary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle control system (110) and method operable to control at least one vehicle subsystem (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) to operate in a selected one of a plurality of subsystem configuration modes. The control system is operable in a plurality of driving modes in each of which it is arranged to select the subsystem configuration mode of the at least one vehicle subsystem in a manner suitable for a respective type of driving surface. The control system uses the output of an imaging device (115) capturing the driving surface on which the vehicle is driving or will likely be driving.

Abstract: A zip line attraction and methods are provided. The zip line attraction includes a tower and a stopping point. One or more cables extend between the tower and the stopping point. At least one end of the cable can change in elevation to allow users to travel from the tower to the stopping point, and back to the tower from the stopping point without disconnecting from the cable.

Abstract: A diesel-electric locomotive has two separate engine systems, including a large engine system and a small engine system. The power output from the separate engine systems may be combined to power the locomotive's traction motors. When the locomotive requires low power output for propulsion, only the small engine system is used to power the traction motors. When the locomotive requires higher power output, only the large engine system is used to power the traction motors. When the locomotive requires maximum power output, the small and the large engine system may both be used and their power output combined to power the traction motors. Also, a unique control strategy maintains a smooth delivery of power to the traction motors in the event that one engine shuts down or starts as a result of a change in the commanded power output of the locomotive.

Abstract: A system for controlling locomotive compressors in a multiple locomotive consist to optimize compressor life, cold weather operation, and maintenance schedules. Each compressor is associated with a controller than can communicate via an interface to a network with the corresponding controllers of the other compressors that are also interfaced to the network. A lead compressor controller may then issue commands to the other compressor controller to more efficiently restore pressure to the system, to implement improved usage schedules, or to manage maintenance intervals to maximize usage of each compressor during periodic maintenance intervals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transitional mode high speed rail system. The high speed rail infrastructure employed by the system is constructed adjacent a conventional host highway. The infrastructure can be provided adjacent to acceleration/deceleration lanes, or emergency parking/paved shoulder lanes. The vehicles used by the system are individual, self-powered, self-operating, individual mass passenger transport vehicles similar in size and appearance to municipal buses. These are transitional mode vehicles because they operate as railroad vehicles on the high speed rail infrastructure, but transition to automotive vehicle mode traveling on ordinary paved roads. They are mass passenger transport vehicles because many passengers can be accommodated.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a condition associated with a wheel on a train car. The method may include detecting a position of the wheel. The method may also include detecting a position of a rail on which the wheel travels. The method may further include comparing the position of the wheel relative to the position of the rail, and determining a wheel condition based on the comparison.

Abstract: The invention is a combination wheelbarrow and step stool. The invention includes a wheeled cart having a container with an open top and a set of inverted steps molded into the rear wall of the container. The wheeled cart operates in a hauling position for hauling materials and in a stool position for affording elevation above level ground. In the hauling position, the open top faces upward allowing material to be placed in the container. In the stool position, the container is flipped upside down so that the open top faces the level ground and the inverted steps form an ascending step stool.

Abstract: A cooler cart preferably includes a carrier member, a handle, an axle and a pair of wheels. The carrier member preferably includes a bottom frame, a top frame, a first axle frame member, a second axle frame member and a plurality of vertical frame members. An expandable cooler cart preferably includes a left rear support, a right rear support, a left middle telescoping section, a right middle telescoping section, a left front section, a right front section, a plurality of widthwise telescoping tubes and a plurality of pipe clamps. In use, the plurality of pipe clamps are loosened and the plurality of telescoping connections are slid to accommodate the outer perimeter of a cooler. The plurality of pipe clamps are then tightened.

Abstract: A frame for attachment to an article is provided, the frame comprising a crosspiece and an arm, the crosspiece being coupled to the arm and comprising pegs, the pegs being structured and arranged for insertion within an article opening. The arm comprises a distal end for insertion within a second opening of the article. The frame comprises transport members, such as wheels or sliding members, adapted to permit the article and frame to be moved when the frame is attached to the article. The frame may be adapted for attachment to a portable cooler comprising a foot opening and a handle opening, the pegs being adapted for insertion within the foot opening, the arm adapted for insertion within the handle opening. The crosspiece and arm may be adjustable in length. One or more frames may be attached to the portable cooler.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying and/or storing shelves which is capable of folding into a compact condition to minimize the footprint of the device when not in use for carrying or storing shelves. The apparatus includes a releasable transverse cross member extending between the side frames to form a base for supporting shelves.

Abstract: A cart suitable for transporting game that includes a shield, an axle, an electric motor, a battery, a first wheel, a second wheel, and a frame. The axle is attached to the frame so that the axle can rotate around the longitudinal axis of the axle, the first wheel is spaced apart from the second wheel. The first and second wheels are attached to the axle. The electric motor is in mechanical communication with the axle. The electric motor is in electrical communication with the battery so that the electric motor causes the axle and wheels to rotate. The shield is attached to the frame at a position below the axle so that the cart is protected when traversing undeveloped and rough terrain where, for example, rocks, stumps or other such conditions may be encountered which could damage components of the cart such as the motor or axle.

Abstract: A device and assembly for transporting a child, such as a pram and/or buggy. The pram comprises two wheel-bearing arms which are pivotally coupled by a coupling housing. One of these arms is pivotally connected to a connector element for coupling to, for instance, a child's seat. The pram further comprises a transmission between the connector element and the other arm for the purpose of rotating the connector element during said pivoting of the pram from the folded-open position to the collapsed position.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes an armature having a hub, a rim and at least two spokes extending between the hub and the rim, and a damper. The damper connects the at least two spokes and the hub and prevents contact between the spokes and hub. The at least two spokes and hub may include interdigitating projections which the damper prevents from contacting one another. The damper substantially fills a gap between the interdigitating projections and envelops the interdigitating projections. In one embodiment, the damper is annular and the interdigitating projections extend radially and include a base and a distal end having a length greater than a length of the base.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an adjustment assembly for allowing or preventing adjustment of a component is provided. The adjustment assembly includes a first bracket at least partially surrounding the component, a second bracket at least partially surrounding the first bracket, and a piezoelectric device biasing against one of the first bracket or the second bracket in a first position, the piezoelectric device configured to contract and release the bias against one of the first bracket and the second bracket in a second position.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a first member which rotates together with an operation lever which is operated to rotate and a third member which is supported rotatably via a friction reducing mechanism by a second member which is restricted from rotating. A cam mechanism which brings a fixed side plate into press contact with a column side plate includes an axially facing surface which is provided on the first member and on which a cam surface is formed, an axially facing surface which is provided on the third member, rolling elements which are interposed between both the axially facing surfaces, and a retainer which holds the rolling elements and which is restricted from rotating by the second member.

Abstract: In an upper end portion of a front end portion of an outer column, a cutout which is opened to a front end edge of the outer column is provided in a state of being overlapped on a front end portion of an outer shaft in a radial direction. Accordingly, during insertion work, a state of core dislocation can be visually confirmed through the cutout.

Abstract: A steering apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including friction plates 23, 24a, 24b clamped by a clamping bolt 10 together with a clamp portion and a vehicle-sided bracket 6 to extend toward a rear side of a vehicle in an axial direction; and a holding member 20 fitted on an inner column 3 and connected to portions, on the rear side of the vehicle, of the friction plates 23, 24a, 24b, the holding member 20 and the inner column 3 being connected together via shearing pins 21a, 21b, the shearing pins being sheared into fracture upon receiving a predetermined level of impact force to enable a more stable and lower separating load to be acquired.

Abstract: A steering apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including: friction plates 23, 24a, 24b fastened by a fastening mechanism with a clamp portion and a vehicle-sided bracket 6; and an annular member 20 fitted on an inner column 3 and connected to the friction plates 23, 24a, 24b, the annular member 20 and the inner column 3 being formed with through-holes 20a, 3a penetrating the annular member 20 and the inner column 3 in the vicinity of a connecting portion between the friction plates 23, 24a, 24b and the annular member 20 and being connected by a pin 21 inserted into the through-holes 20a, 3a, the pin being fractured upon receiving predetermined impact force, resulting in canceling the connection between the annular member 20 and the inner column 3 to enable a more stable and lower separating load to be acquired.

Abstract: The invention discloses an automobile active steering system with a cycloidal-pin wheel mechanism, and aims at overcoming the contraction between light steering effort and flexibility. The automobile active steering system comprises a steering hand wheel (47), a steering shaft (52), a steering transmission shaft (48), a cycloidal-pin wheel type transmission mechanism (49), a rotary hydraulic valve (50), and a steering box (51). The steering hand wheel (47) is connected with an upper end of the steering shaft (52) by use of a spline pair, a lower end of the steering shaft (52) is connected with an upper end of the steering transmission shaft (48) by use of a universal joint, a lower end of the steering transmission shaft (48) is connected with a right end of an input shaft (21) of the cycloidal-pin wheel type transmission mechanism (49) by use of a universal joint.

Abstract: A method of controlling a power steering system is provided. The method generates a base torque command based on a hand wheel torque signal without altering the hand wheel torque signal at a range of relatively low frequencies. The method generates a motor inertia compensation command based on a motor inertia of a motor of the power steering system. The method generates an assist torque command based on the base torque command and the motor inertia compensation command. The method operates a motor of the power steering system to generate a torque based on the assist torque command.

Abstract: A power steering device for assisting a steering force applied to a steering wheel by a driver includes a worm shaft that rotates in association with driving of an electric motor, a worm wheel that meshes with the worm shaft and transmits a rotational force of the electric motor to a rack shaft steering a wheel, a bearing that supports a tip end side of the worm shaft, a gear case that houses the worm shaft, a lid that closes an opening formed in a tip end portion of the gear case, a first elastic portion arranged in a compressed manner between the gear case and the lid, and a second elastic portion arranged between an inner circumferential surface of the gear case and an outer circumferential surface of the bearing. The first and the second elastic portion are formed in an integrated manner via a small thickness portion.

Abstract: A telescopic actuator includes a rod a support member and a stroke sensor. The support member supports the rod. The stroke sensor is disposed on one end side of the rod. The stroke sensor includes a bar-like section to be detected and a detecting section. The section to be detected can enter into the detecting section. The detecting section detects a length of a portion of the section to be detected that has entered into the detecting section. The rod has a bottomed cylindrical portion that is open toward the one end side. The section to be detected is fixed to a bottom surface of the bottomed cylindrical portion. When the rod is maximally extended, the support member supports an outer peripheral surface of the bottomed cylindrical portion. When the rod is maximally contracted, the detecting section is at least partly housed in the bottomed cylindrical portion.

Abstract: In a power steering system, when power is on, a normal mode process is executed and a target rotational speed is set based on a rotational speed map for a normal mode. When the normal mode process is being executed, if a first mode switching condition that a detected vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a prescribed value, the absolute value of a detected steering angle is equal to or greater than a prescribed value, and the absolute value of a detected steering, angular velocity is equal to or less than a prescribed value is satisfied, the target rotational speed is set based on a rotational speed map for a rack end mode.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a power steering assist system is provided. The system includes a housing, an actuator assembly, a rotary valve assembly, a bearing assembly, a differential pressure transducer, and a coupler. The coupler includes a first end and a free second end, the free second end extending from the housing and configured to couple to a component of a steering gear system.

Abstract: A stability control device is provided that controls a turning amount of the turning unit based on a steer-by-wire turning amount corresponding to a steering amount of a steering unit that is mechanically detached from the turning unit and based on a suppression turning amount for suppressing a yaw angle that is generated to a vehicle by a disturbance. The stability control device corrects the suppression turning amount to increase as the lateral position of a host vehicle becomes closer to the white line, when controlling the steering reaction force that is applied to the steering unit based on the steering amount, without reflecting the suppression turning amount on the steering reaction force that is applied to the steering unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for displaying objects in the surroundings of a vehicle having a sensor arrangement, in order to sense objects in the surroundings of the vehicle and to determine the position thereof relative to the vehicle, wherein the sensor arrangement covers, with its detection range, only a partial area of the surroundings of the vehicle; in order to improve the assistance provided to the driver during parking processes and the processes of removing a vehicle from a parking space, the processing device is designed to determine the area of the surroundings of the vehicle for which no object information is yet available, since said area has not yet been passed over by the detection range of the sensor arrangement, and the display device is designed to display the extent of this area.

Abstract: A front vehicle body structure has a member provided at a side section of a vehicle body along a vehicle-body front-rear direction, a powertrain disposed on an inner side of the vehicle body relative to the member and fixed to a front section of the vehicle body, and a load transmission member provided on the member and configured to come into contact with one end portion, in a vehicle width direction, of the powertrain when receiving a collision load applied by an obstacle from a front side of the vehicle body, and to transmit the load from the obstacle to the powertrain in a state of being sandwiched between the obstacle and the powertrain. The load transmission member has a concave curved surface formed in a surface thereof along the vehicle-body front-rear direction. The concave curved surface is elastically deformed in the state of being sandwiched between the obstacle and the powertrain and receiving the load.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle front portion structure having a front side member that extends along a vehicle longitudinal direction at a vehicle transverse direction outer side of a vehicle front portion, a gusset that is provided at a vehicle transverse direction outer side of a vehicle longitudinal direction front portion of the front side member, a first bead that is provided at a side surface of the gusset with the vehicle longitudinal direction being a length direction thereof, and that is structured as a concave portion that is recessed toward a vehicle transverse direction inner side or as a convex portion that projects-out toward a vehicle transverse direction outer side, and a second bead that is provided at a side surface of the front side member, and that is engaged with at least a rear end portion of the first bead.

Abstract: A vehicular cowl structure is equipped with a cowl top, a cowl inner panel, and a cowl brace. A part of an upper portion of the cowl brace is protruded forward with respect to a vehicle as a flange portion, and is connected with a front side of the cowl top. Another part of the upper portion of the cowl brace is bent rearward with respect to the vehicle as a flange portion, and is connected with a rear side of the cowl top and an upper portion of the cowl inner panel.