Abstract: A computer-readable detailed map format is disclosed. The detailed map format includes a lane segment and one or more border segments. The map format can be used in the operation of an autonomous vehicle. A current location of the autonomous vehicle can be determined. The current location of the autonomous vehicle can be compared to the computer readable map format. A distance between the current location of the autonomous vehicle and an edge of the lane segment at a location along the lane segment can be determined by, for example, measuring a distance between the current location of the autonomous vehicle and a portion of the border segment closest to the current location of the autonomous vehicle. A driving maneuver can be determined based at least in part on the determined distance. One or more vehicle systems of the autonomous vehicle can be caused to implement the determined driving maneuver.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing camera disposed in a windshield electronics module attached at a windshield of the vehicle and viewing through the windshield. A control includes a processor that, responsive to processing of captured image data, detects lane markers on a road being traveled by the vehicle. The processor determines curvature of the road being traveled by the vehicle and detects another vehicle that is present exterior of the equipped vehicle and determines that the detected other vehicle is in the same traffic lane as the equipped vehicle or is in an adjacent traffic lane. The processor processes captured image data to determine distance from the equipped vehicle to the detected other vehicle that is present exterior of the equipped vehicle and within the exterior field of view of the forward-viewing camera. The processor processes captured image data for vehicle speed control.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting movement of a vehicle and/or for changing operating modes of the vehicle switch between transitional operating mode of the vehicle at a first vehicle speed and a moving mode of the vehicle at a second vehicle speed. Movement of the vehicle is controlled to maintain a speed and/or location of the vehicle within designated limits during operation of the vehicle in the transitional operating mode. Movement of the vehicle is controlled to keep an operating parameter of the vehicle below a designated limit during operation of the vehicle in the moving mode. The vehicle switches between the transitional operating mode and the moving mode based at least in part on the vehicle speed, a distance from the target stopping location, an environmental condition, a vehicle characteristic, and/or a route occupancy condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing worksite operations based on operator conditions are disclosed. One method includes receiving first data including one or more of a worksite model and information relating to actual operation of a worksite, wherein the worksite model includes a simulated operation of a machine associated with the worksite. Second data may be received, the second data associated with an operator of a machine at the worksite and including one or more of nutritional data, health data, and sleep data. An operation state may be determined based at least on the first data and the second data. A response may be generated based at least on the determined operation state.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a detection system configured to acquire data regarding operation of the vehicle, and a robotic driving device configured to provide robotic control of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a control system configured to determine whether the robotic driving device is activated, such that the vehicle is in robotic driving mode; receive a request by a prospective operator of the vehicle to deactivate the robotic driving device to initiate a manual driving mode; determine whether the prospective operator is impaired based on the data; and selectively grant or refuse the request based on the determination.

Abstract: A railroad gondola car may have stake pockets in which to mount stakes to permit a greater vertical envelope to be occupied by lading. The stake pockets are collapsible from a deployed position to a storage position. The stake pockets are mounted on doublers that mount to the side walls of the car in line with the side wall stiffeners and their associated cross-bearers. The connection between the stake pocket and the doubler is deliberately made weaker than the connection between the doubler and the side wall such that under abusive loading conditions the stake pocket may tend to shear off the doubler, and may tend thereby to leave the sidewall less damaged than might otherwise be the case.

Abstract: A folding table and chair device has a chair assembly and a table assembly. The chair assembly has a supporting bracket, a seat mounted securely on a top of the supporting bracket, a backrest mounted pivotally on a rear end of the seat, and a footrest mounted pivotally on a front end of the seat and being capable of pivoting forward to a horizontal position. The table assembly is mounted in front of the chair assembly and has a wall board mounted in front of the chair assembly, and a folding table mounted pivotally on the rear of the wall board and being capable of pivoting downward to a horizontal position. The folding table and chair device allows a user to lie completely down thereon.

Abstract: A railcar truck and adapter pad system for placement between a roller bearing and side frame pedestal roof of a three-piece railcar truck. Many different features of the pad and/or the adapter-pad interface are configured to improve stiffness characteristics to satisfy both curving and high speed performance of the railcar truck.

Abstract: This traveling bogie is provided with: steered wheels; a main body for supporting the steered wheels; a guide device turning when subjected to a reaction force from a guide rail; a steering mechanism for applying a steering force to the steered wheels utilizing the reaction force applied to the guide device; and an assist mechanism for applying an assist steering force to the steered wheels, the assist steering force assisting the steering force applied by the steering mechanism. The assist mechanism is provided with: a first operation arm pivoting together with the steered wheels in the direction in which the steered wheels are steered; a second operation arm rotating about a rotation axis relative to the main body in response to the turning of the guide device; and an elastically deformable section connected to the first operation arm and the second operation arm and elastically deformable.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment the present invention provides a transverse rail switching element for switching a rail vehicle from a first position to a transversely removed second position in a thrilling manner, having an entry track section, a vehicle shuttle adapted to receive a rail vehicle from the entry track section at the first position, a transverse track section extending from the first position to the transversely removed second position, at least one exit track section, primary propulsion means adapted to translate the rail vehicle from the vehicle shuttle to the at least one exit track section when the vehicle shuttle is in the transversely removed second position.

Abstract: Provided is a hand brake, comprising a hand wheel (4), a chain (5), an enclosure (1), a drive shaft assembly (3) which is disposed in the enclosure (1), bull gear (13), and base assembly; the hand wheel (4) is connected to the drive shaft assembly (3), one end of the chain (5) is fixed to the bull gear (13) by means of rivets, and the main shaft of the bull gear (13) is a chain winding shaft (2). The hand brake further comprises a limiting device disposed on the chain winding shaft (2) between the bull gear (13) and the base (22); the limiting device comprises a bearing I (10), a torsion spring (11), a guide plate (9), and a guide plate holder (23); the torsion spring (11) is sleeved on the outside of the bearing I (10).

Abstract: A device for reducing vibrations of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the device includes at least a vehicle frame, a brake carrier, a mechanically operative brake unit and a suspension bracket that interconnects the vehicle frame and brake carrier, where the suspension bracket includes at least one element elastically connecting the vehicle frame to the brake carrier that allows movement of the brake carrier in the transverse direction of the vehicle frame in order to dampen vibrations.

Abstract: A wayside friction management system, and method for monitoring and controlling a wayside friction management system is described. The system comprises one or more wayside device for mounting with a track of a rail system. The wayside device comprises a delivery system connected to a reservoir comprising a friction control media, the delivery system for applying the friction control media from the reservoir to one or both rails of a track. The wayside device further comprises one ore more data collection module located at or adjacent to the delivery system. The data collection module for collecting and transmitting data to a remote performance unit. The data may comprise performance information, track status information, information of an environment of the track, information of a train passing over the track, status of the one or more wayside device, or a combination thereof. The wayside device may comprise a power source operatively connected to one or more components of the wayside device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the dynamic train-to-rail shunting performance of a train as it is moving along the rails of a railroad track. The systems and methods use portable equipment temporarily installed at a site where it is desired to test the shunting of one or more trains or the electrical equipment installed at the track. The systems and method use sensor plates and a high speed recording system to simultaneously capture measured train-to-rail shunting characteristics and the positioning of a train's axles and any rail conditions impacting the measurements. The captured information can be used to fine tune the train, the electrical equipment installed at the track and/or to design new devices.

Abstract: A railway machine comprising a first electrical traction motor, a first wheel assembly, a first gear assembly and a controller module is disclosed. The first gear assembly may include a first pinion gear rotatably engaged with a drive shaft of the first electrical traction motor. The first gear assembly may further include a first driven gear that may be rotatably engaged with the first pinion gear and also operatively coupled to the first wheel assembly. The controller module may observe a plurality of railway machine operating conditions, execute program instructions while the railway machine is being operated and may determine whether the first pinion gear is decoupled from the drive shaft of the first electrical traction motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting train direction and route along a railroad track. The systems and methods use wireless train presence detection sensors such as e.g., magnetometer sensors to detect the presence of the train, and its direction and route along the track.

Abstract: A system (e.g., a control system) includes a sensor configured to monitor an operating condition of a vehicle system during movement of the vehicle system along a route. The system also includes a controller configured to designate one or more operational settings for the vehicle system as a function of time and/or distance along the route. The controller is configured to operate in a first operating mode responsive to the operating condition of the vehicle system being at least one of at or above a designated threshold, and in a second operating mode responsive to the operating condition of the vehicle system being below the designated threshold. The controller designates operational settings to drive the vehicle system toward achievement of a first objective when in the first operating mode and toward achievement of a different, second objective when in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A method of operating a railway vehicle on a network of tracks forming one or more vehicle routes, includes providing: vehicle status information including the present track location of the vehicle, the route to be taken by the vehicle and operation profile information relating vehicle operational recommendations and/or requirements to track locations and to vehicle routes; and determining operational risks for the vehicle from the vehicle status information, the route to be taken by the vehicle and the operation profile information, each operational risk being the likelihood of future vehicle operation departing from the operation profile information at a given section of track or a given location on the route. Advisory notices for a driver of the vehicle are generated on the basis of the operational risks, and each advisory notice, when acted on by the driver, reduces the likelihood of future vehicle operation departing from the operation profile information.

Abstract: A switch alignment detection and enforcement system for a switch for a railway track having a normal leg and a reverse leg, the switch having a normal position for entry on the normal leg after the switch and a reverse position for entry on the reverse leg after the switch. The system includes: a first switch monitor device configured to generate at least one signal when the switch is in the normal position; a second switch monitor device configured to generate at least one signal when the switch is in the reverse position; and a train management computer configured or programmed to implement at least one train control action based on: a signal or absence thereof from the first switch monitor device and/or the second switch monitor device; and the content of a form-based authority. A switch alignment detection and enforcement arrangement and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes an energy management system configured to be communicatively coupled with a communication system of a vehicle that travels on a trip along a route. The energy management system is configured to be removably coupled with the communication system such that the energy management system is mechanically disengageable from the communication system. The energy management system is further configured to receive data parameters from the communication system and to generate at least one of a trip plan or a control message for the vehicle based on the data parameters. The trip plan and/or the control message dictates tractive and braking efforts of the vehicle during the trip. The energy management system is configured to communicate the trip plan and/or the control message to the communication system for the communication system to implement for controlling movement of the vehicle during the trip.

Abstract: A collapsible utility cart (CUC) having a base, an axle and wheel assembly, a lower structure and an upper structure. The axle and wheel assembly is attached to the base, and the base extends forward from a lower end of the lower structure. The base can fold upward to a position interfacing with and parallel to the lower structure. The base is pivotally attached to the lower structure, and the lower structure is pivotally attached to the upper structure by right and left U-shaped connectors. Also attached to the upper structure are a handle assembly and a tray assembly. The CUC can be used to simultaneously transport a variety of multiple items, and when not in use, can be collapsed to a small size for transportation and storage of the CUC.

Abstract: An apparatus to maneuver a load includes a set of uprights including a set of legs extending generally vertically upward and a set of arms extending from the legs in an adjustable manner. A set of rollers supports the legs to facilitate rolling of the apparatus over the ground. The load is suspendible within a space between the arms, and the uprights are adjustably movable in a direction toward one another to maneuver the load. The apparatus also may include a set of adjustable links extending between at least two uprights of the set of uprights, wherein the set of adjustable links aid in adjusting the uprights between angled and substantially upright positions. The apparatus may be a hoist for raising or lowering a hard top from a vehicle, wherein the apparatus straddles a vehicle hard top. A method is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A cart includes a chassis and attached wheels; an upper basket attached to the chassis; and a lower basket attached to the chassis. In some embodiments, the cart includes no widthwise push bar in a rear of the cart such that access is unobstructed to the upper and lower baskets from the rear of the cart by a person. In some embodiments, the chassis defines on each lateral side of the cart a pair of vertically spaced handles, each handle surrounding and defining an opening. The handles preferably include handle bars shaped in an oval. On each cart side a curved elongate member extends between and connects the handles, and the curved elongate members represent the rearmost part of the cart. The rear area of the upper basket defines a seat for an infant, and a rear ledge of the lower basket defines a seat for a toddler.

Abstract: A mountable smart device holder for use on a shopping cart handle or the like. The holder includes: a front side having a generally planar surface; a lip that extends about a bottom and a side portion of the generally planar surface; a horizontal clamp and a vertical clamp proximately located in a lower corner region of the front side for holding a smart device, wherein the horizontal clamp and the vertical clamp include a lifting mechanism that raises both the horizontal clamp and the vertical clamp in response to pressing a single lever on one of the horizontal clamp and the vertical clamp; a mounting clamp affixed to the rear side of the holder, wherein the mounting clamp includes a spring loaded claw and lever element; and an opening in the generally planar surface that provides access to the lever element of the mounting clamp from the front side.

Abstract: A convertible toddler platform including a platform having at least one wheel mounted to an underside of the platform, a pair of mounting arms extending forwardly from a mounting portion provided at a front end of the platform for connecting the platform to a pram or stroller and a storage basket integrated with the platform which is released from a closed stored configuration to an open expanded configuration via a release mechanism provided on the platform.

Abstract: A ski for a snow vehicle has a ski body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface has a lift surface and a central runner. The central runner extends along a length of the ski body. The central runner depends from the ski body below the lift surfaces. There is a spindle with a first end and a second end. A ski attachment attaches the first end of the spindle to the ski body. The ski attachment has a pivot point that is positioned below a portion of the lift surface and in line with the central runner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering column for a vehicle. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a steering column for a vehicle, including: an upper tube coupled to the exterior of a steering shaft and having a first long hole axially formed in one side surface thereof; a lower housing coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the upper tube and having a second long hole axially formed in one side surface thereof that corresponds to the first hole; a first support member supported on the inner circumferential surface of the upper tube; and a second support member, one side of which is coupled to a telescope drive unit and the opposite side of which is located on the outside of the lower housing and is coupled to the first support member through a fastening member passing through the first and second holes.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle may include: a pinion gear rotated in connection with a steering wheel; a rack housing for housing a rack bar which is rotated while engaged with the pinion gear; and a mounting member coupled to the rack housing, wherein the mounting member may be coupled to a subframe while the shape thereof is changed according to the position or shape of the subframe.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for assembling a modular cradle (1) for a vehicle steering axle, said method comprising a prefabrication step (a), which involves separately producing a base (3), a first module (10) that comprises a first section (2A) of a steering housing (2) for guiding a rack, and a first bearing (11) for receiving a stabiliser bar (13), a second module (20), separate from the base (3) and from the first module (10), which comprises a second section (2B) of the steering housing (2) for guiding the rack and a second bearing (21) for receiving the stabiliser bar (13), followed by an assembly step (b), which involves mounting and securing the first module (10) on a left-hand receiving area (7) of the base (3), and the second module (20) on a right-hand receiving area (8) of said base (3).

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus having a function for detecting a steering speed, includes a time stamp attaching section that attaches a time stamp (ATi) to a detection signal (Ai) and attaches a time stamp (BTj) to a detection signal (Bj); a storing section that stores the detection signal (Bj) to which the time stamp (BTj) is attached; a synchronous signal searching section that searches the detection signal (Bj) most synchronized with the detection signal (Ai) based on the time stamps (ATi and BTj); a vernier calculating section that performs a calculation of an angle difference between synchronous signals searched by the synchronous signal searching section and a vernier calculation and outputs an absolute steering angle of a sensor reference; an initial steering angle calculating section that calculates an initial steering angle value from the absolute steering angle; and a steering angle output section that obtains a steering angle.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus is configured to provide steering assistance as rotary torque of a driving toothed-pulley fixedly fitted to a rotary shaft of an electric motor is transmitted through a toothed belt to a driven toothed-pulley that rotates together with a ball screw nut in an integrated manner. The electric power steering apparatus is configured such that the amount of axial travel of a rack shaft is limited when a rack end and a housing come into contact with each other in the axial direction. The electric power steering apparatus includes a tilt allowing portion configured to cause the ball screw nut to tilt relative to a ball screw shaft such that the distance between the center of rotation of the driven toothed-pulley and that of the driving toothed-pulley increases when the rack end and the housing come into contact with each other in the axial direction.

Abstract: A steering locking system is provided for a motor vehicle that includes a pin, a locking disc to receive the pin, an actuation device, and a control unit. The actuation device is configured to control movement of the pin. The control unit is configured to control rotation of the locking disc and movement of the pin via the actuation device. Further, the control unit is configured to permit movement of the pin into the pocket after the occurrence of a predetermined event. The steering locking system can further include a motor operatively associated with the locking disc. The control unit may be configured to control the motor at a first power level to maintain the motor in a state of readiness and to control the motor at a second power level, different from the first power level, when the locking system detects a torque applied to the steering system.

Abstract: A method operates a steering system of a motor vehicle having a steerable wheel controlled using a steering wheel. The method begins by ascertaining a prevailing control angle of the steering wheel of the motor vehicle. A variable steering ratio between the prevailing control angle and a steering angle of the steerable wheel is defined. A static steering ratio from the variable steering ratio to set the steering angle of the steerable wheel is then selected.

Abstract: The simultaneous actuating mechanism for parallel axis rotors includes a base and a plurality of rotating rotors mounted in spaced relation inside the base, the rotors having parallel axes of rotation. A crank pin extends from each rotor at a position offset from the corresponding axis of rotation. A driving assembly is coupled to the crank pin of all the rotors. Operation of the driving assembly causes simultaneous rotation of the rotors to facilitate various mechanical functions, such as threading, steering, and reciprocation of multiple elements.

Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for vehicles utilizes surface slope data to provide an alert to an operator if a problematic operating condition is present and/or imminent while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to utilize surface slope data to control steering, braking, or other vehicle operating parameter while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to generate a warning and/or control the vehicle if a jackknife condition is imminent. The surface slope data may be obtained utilizing sensors on the vehicle, or the surface slope data may be obtained utilizing a database that includes topographical data.

Abstract: A vehicle controller includes a follow travel instructor conducting a lead vehicle follow control by auto-steering for a following of an own vehicle to follow a lead vehicle, an other vehicle information obtainer obtaining transmitted information transmitted from the lead vehicle, the transmitted information including information regarding a front situation of the lead vehicle, and an across-boundary move determiner determining whether the lead vehicle may cross a traffic lane boundary to an opposite traffic lane, based on the front situation information of the lead vehicle obtained by the other vehicle information obtainer. The follow travel instructor stops conducting the lead vehicle follow control based on a determination by the across-boundary move determiner that the lead vehicle may cross the traffic lane boundary. In such manner, an occupant of the own vehicle is prevented from becoming frightened by the auto-steering.

Abstract: A parking assistance system is provided for carrying out an automated parking maneuver of a motor vehicle into a perpendicular parking space transversely with respect to the roadway along a parking trajectory to a parked end position. The parking assistance system is configured to determine an offset between the extent of one object in the direction of the roadway on one side of the parking space and the extent of another object in the direction of the roadway on the other side of the space by way of a sensor system. The parking assistance system is configured to determine a parking trajectory with a parked end position based on the offset.

Abstract: A vehicle framework structure according to a first aspect includes: a framework member that structures a framework of a vehicle, a cross-sectional shape of the framework member viewed in a length direction thereof being formed as a closed cross section shape; a reinforcing rod disposed inside the framework member along the length direction of the framework member; and a plurality of brackets provided inside the framework member so as to be spaced apart in a length direction of the reinforcing rod, the plurality of brackets supporting the reinforcing rod.

Abstract: A vehicle side portion structure includes: a rocker disposed along a vehicle front-rear direction at a lower portion of a vehicle side portion, a cross-sectional shape of the rocker viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction being formed as a closed cross section shape; a front pillar that rises toward a vehicle upper side from a front end portion at a vehicle front side of the rocker, a cross-sectional shape of the front pillar viewed in a vehicle vertical direction being formed as a closed cross section shape; and a load-bearing rod that is inflected along the rocker and the front pillar as viewed in a vehicle width direction, one end side in a length direction of the load-bearing rod being disposed inside the rocker and joined to the rocker, and another end side in the length direction of the load-bearing rod being disposed inside the front pillar.

Abstract: An exemplary rocker assembly includes a vehicle rocker at a lateral side of a vehicle, and a battery rocker at a lateral side of a battery pack of the vehicle. An exemplary energy absorbing method includes directing a first portion of a side load through a first load path that extends through a vehicle rocker at a lateral side of a vehicle, and directing a second portion of the side load through a second load path that extends through a battery rocker at a lateral side of a battery pack.

Abstract: The sill panel is of multi-part design and consists of a lower sill panel part facing the carriageway and composed of nonwoven fabric (LWRT) and of an upper adjoining sill panel part composed of plastic (PTT). The two sill panel parts are connected to each other by means of an edge-side overlap which is adhesively bonded or welded.

Abstract: A side structure for a vehicle is provided and includes a sill and a header spaced apart from the sill. A pillar outer body extends between the sill and the header and defines an inner channel open toward an interior of the vehicle. An inner cover is attached to the pillar outer body and extends between the sill and the header. The inner cover has a lower cover portion disposed proximate to the sill and formed of a first material having a first ductility and an upper cover portion disposed proximate to the header and formed of a second material having a second ductility less than the first ductility.

Abstract: A service panel for a motor vehicle is disposed between a bulkhead that separates an engine compartment and a passenger cabin from one another and a vehicle bonnet of the motor vehicle to bridge an intermediate space between the bulkhead and the vehicle bonnet. The service panel has a first end having the form of a bulkhead connecting zone and a second end, opposite the first end, having the form of a bonnet connecting zone. The second end is designed as a bonnet seal for sealing the service panel off from vehicle bonnet.

Abstract: An elastically averaged alignment system includes a threaded alignment member, a first component comprising a first inner wall defining a first alignment aperture, and a second component comprising a second inner wall defining a second alignment aperture. The first and second alignment apertures are configured to receive the threaded alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The threaded alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the threaded alignment member is interferingly inserted into the first and second alignment apertures, the threaded alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate coupling and aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A method and attachment assembly for securing a polymeric compartment arrangement to a cross channel of a truck bed. The attachment assembly includes a body member transversely extending from a support flange. The support flange comprises first and second slots for engaging a cross channel of a track bed and the body member includes a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners for securing the body member to a compartment arrangement. The body member manufactured from a first material and the support flange manufactured from a second material, wherein the first material is different from the second material.

Abstract: An air ride suspension kit for a track style articulating-type tractor. The kit comprises one or more support beams, air bags, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars and related hardware. Automatically controlled ladder on the original factory tractor can be preserved. Methods and products resulting from the methods pertaining to the disclosed apparatus are provided.

Abstract: An underbody panelling part of a wheel axle near the wheelhouse of a motor vehicle includes a substantially flat main part, a first mounting point provided on the main part, which first mounting point can be rotatably connected to a transverse link of the motor vehicle, and a second mounting point provided on the main part, which second mounting point can be coupled to a wheel carrier or a steering rod. The underbody panelling part can be pivoted about the first mounting point when the wheel carrier is pivoted. A subassembly having the underbody panelling part is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention involves a spare tire carrier and handling device for mounting on a vehicle. The device is adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored position under a vehicle to an accessible position. The device may be mounted so as to be accessible from the rear, side, or front of a vehicle as desired.

Abstract: In a truck vehicle, a controller controls a mechanism to apportion the sum total of weight borne by a tandem axle between a drive axle and a tag axle.

Abstract: A kingpin stabilizer having a kingpin-retaining bracket having a base plate and upwardly extending walls along at least two sides of the base plate. The upwardly extending walls and the base plate forming a receiving cavity with the upwardly extending walls spaced apart to fit said kingpin therebetween. At least one upwardly extending wall has a pin retainer. The stabilizer includes three telescoping legs extending from the pin-retaining bracket forming a tripod.