Abstract: A reaching tool device is disclosed that enables users to reach the roof of their vehicle without any hassle. The reaching tool device comprises an elongated arm, a handle secured to the arm, and at least one interchangeable head secured to the arm, opposite the handle. The elongated arm can be telescopically extended lengthwise and secured in a desired position via a push-spring button. The handle is removably secured to an end of the elongated arm via a pivoting hinge which allows the arm to pivot about the handle. Once the arm is in position, it can be secured in the desired position. The interchangeable head comprises a round or rectangular sponge, a brush, a scrubber, etc. and also a pivoting and rotating ball swivel that allows the interchangeable head to rotate and pivot and lie flat at an angle when in use.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a landing gear on a trailer utilizes two pair of locking pins mounted for simultaneous movement between an open position and a locked position such that in the locked position the landing gear is restrained in either a supporting position or a stowed position.

Abstract: An easy-to-install, low cost hydraulic lift system and method for installation on a trailer with a removable gooseneck. The device reduces the number of steps required to manually connect and disconnect a trailer from an RGN thereby saving time and labor.

Abstract: A parking lock arrangement for a motor vehicle transmission has a blocking arrangement actuatable between a release position and a blocking position. The blocking arrangement is designed to immobilize a motor vehicle in the blocking position. The parking lock arrangement has an arrangement for actuating the blocking arrangement. The actuating arrangement has a cam disc supported on a housing and driveable for rotation and has an actuating cam portion that extends over a first circumferential region of the cam disc that is greater than 5° and less than 180°. The actuating arrangement has a lever supported pivotably on the housing and coupled to the blocking arrangement. The lever is connected to a driving feature that is coupled to the cam disc, such that, when the cam disc is rotated, the driving feature is taken along by the actuating cam portion in such a way that the lever is pivoted in order to actuate the blocking arrangement.

Abstract: There is provided a drum brake type electric parking brake apparatus includes an electric actuator unit, a backing plate and a knuckle. The electric actuator unit includes an electric motor and a decelerator, and expands a gap between one end portions of the brake shoes based on activation of the electric motor. The electric actuator unit is separately provided from the backing plate. The electric actuator unit is arranged at an inner-side surface of the knuckle, and the backing plate is arranged at an outer-side surface of the knuckle. The backing plate and the electric actuator unit are supported and fixed to the knuckle.

Abstract: Systems and vehicles for calculating trailer brake control parameters are disclosed. A system for calculating a trailer brake control parameter includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules. The one or more memory modules include the trailer brake control parameter. The machine readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to receive an image including a trailer, determine a trailer characteristic from the image using image analysis logic stored in the one or more memory modules, and calculate the trailer brake control parameter based on the trailer characteristic.

Abstract: A brake device for a vehicle includes: a cylinder body in which brake oil is compressed; a first piston pressurizing brake oil while moving along the inside of the cylinder body; a connection part having a smaller outer diameter than the first piston, and including one side connected to the first piston and the other side extended to the outside of the cylinder body; a pipe line part connecting the cylinder body and a wheel brake, and transferring the brake oil compressed through the movement of the connection part to the wheel brake; and a valve controlling the flow of the brake oil transferred along the pipe line part.

Abstract: An electric brake device, in which the rotational drive force of an electric motor (72) drives a first slave piston and a second slave piston housed in a cylinder body and thereby generates brake fluid pressure, an actuator housing (172) is coupled to the cylinder body, and the mechanism housing part (173a) and a brake fluid encapsulating part in the cylinder body are partitioned by a sealing member, the actuator housing having a mechanism housing part (173a) for housing an actuator mechanism (74) for converting the rotational drive force of the electric motor (72) into the linear drive force for the first slave piston and the second slave piston; wherein the electric brake device is characterized in being provided with an interconnecting hole (179) for interconnecting the mechanism housing part (173a) and the atmosphere.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake valve unit for a rail vehicle, includes: a main device (20) that selectively controls a communication path between a brake pipe connector (18) and either an atmospheric exhaust line (19) or an auxiliary reservoir connector (16), such that the pressure at the brake pipe connector (18) is k times the difference between the pressure at a control reservoir connector (14) and the pressure at a main brake pipe connector (12), k being a proportionality factor; a cut-off valve (21) that controls a communication path between the main brake pipe connector (12) and the control reservoir connector (14); an accelerator device (22) that controls a communication path between the main brake pipe connector (12) and an air discharge member (19); and a driving pilot (39) which is common to both the valve (21) and the accelerator device (22) and which controls their respective communication paths.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitor assembly for an air disk brake includes a brake actuator having a pushrod projecting from inside a chamber of said brake actuator. The pushrod releasably actuates a lever arm of a caliper thereby moving the disk brake into a braking position when the pushrod is in an extended position and releasing the disk brake from the braking position when the pushrod is in a retracted position. The pushrod includes a pushrod shaft and a contact member biased in a telescoping relationship relative to the pushrod shaft and the lever arm of the caliper abuts the contact member counteracting the bias of the contact member. A sensor is integrated with the assembly proximate the contact member and detects movement of the pushrod relative to the lever arm and to the pushrod shaft.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for monitoring a brake operation are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, the brake operation monitoring system comprises a plurality of wheel speed sensors, a brake demand sensor; a plurality of stability sensors and a controller. The controller comprises wheel speed ports; a brake demand port; stability sensor ports; a communication port for receiving a plurality of messages; and a processing unit comprising control logic. The control logic receives a brake demand signal, at least one stability signal indicative of the cornering of the vehicle, and individual wheel speeds. The control logic calculates a master value to compare to individual wheel speed signals if the brake demand signal indicates no braking.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for an air disk brake includes an actuator housing having a pushrod that is extensible from the actuator housing. A lever arm is disposed inside a caliper housing. The lever arm is actuated by the pushrod for transferring motion from the actuator to a brake pad. A sensor element is disposed between the actuator housing and the caliper housing with the sensor element being sealably engaged to the actuator housing providing an air tight enclosure between the caliper housing and the actuator. An inspection port is disposed in the sensor element providing access to receive a visual sensor and a pressure sensor for identifying a condition of the brake actuator and for identifying a condition of the air tight enclosure.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle includes a control unit configured to: implement a first travelling mode of engaging a power connecting/disconnecting device at a time an accelerator opening is greater than a fully closed state and not greater than a first opening; implement a second travelling mode of releasing the power connecting/disconnecting device at a time the accelerator opening is greater than the first opening and smaller than a second opening; implement a third travelling mode of stopping a fuel supply to an engine with the power connecting/disconnecting device engaged at a time the accelerator opening is fully closed; and control an output of the engine so that a vehicle deceleration at a time of implementing the first travelling mode gradually changes.

Abstract: A velocity profile can be used in conjunction with vehicle operating condition data to determine a gear shift schedule that mitigates the amount of service brake effort required to slow a vehicle by making optimal use of engine speed, friction and engine brakes. The gear shift point drives the engine to a higher operating speed and greater frictional torque, slowing the vehicle, which can then coast to a desired speed. The gear shift point can be timed to minimize fuel consumption during the maneuver. Thus, a vehicle downshift event is created based on the transmission gear recommendation. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability.

Abstract: A vibration damping control apparatus is mounted on a hybrid vehicle provided with an engine and a motor generator coupled with the engine. The vibration damping control apparatus (i) calculates pulsating torque of the engine and inertia torque of the engine, (ii) sets, as consumption torque, a value obtained by subtracting the inertia torque from the pulsating torque, (iii) sets, as shaft torque of an output shaft of the engine, a value obtained by subtracting the consumption torque from base torque of the motor generator, (iv) calculates vibration damping torque which is torque for suppressing a variation in the shaft, and (v) controls the motor generator such that torque outputted from the motor generator is a sum of the base torque and the vibration damping torque.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus mounted on a vehicle has a front-wheel speed sensor for sensing a rotation speed of a front wheel. A control unit has a ratio-change correction part that determines a correction in transmission control of the transmission apparatus using the rotation speed of the front wheel sensed by a front-wheel speed sensor. The control unit limits execution of the correction under a condition that an external device is connected to a connector. Thereby, the execution of the correction based on the rotation speed of the front wheel without a worker's intention during driving on a chassis dynamo may be suppressed.

Abstract: A charge utilization control system for an electric vehicle includes a controller, an electric motor connected to the controller, a battery connected to the electric motor and an internal combustion engine connected to the controller. The controller is adapted to minimize electric charge stored in the battery as the electric vehicle approaches a charging destination for the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control device for a vehicle including an engine and a motor generator both for supplying a travel driving force to a driving wheel. The control device causes the engine to stop while the vehicle is traveling on a descending slope under constant vehicle speed control where the vehicle is controlled to travel at a predetermined vehicle speed. That reduces a load on a brake device.

Abstract: A number of variation may include a method that may include providing a drive system that may deliver a torque supply to a vehicle. An electric unit may be provided. The torque supply may be reduced. A torque fill may be initiated when the torque supply is reduced. The torque fill may be supplied from the electric unit.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided to improve a response of shifting operation of a drive mode while avoiding a shortage of drive force. The control system is applied to a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and two motors, and configured to select a drive mode from a mode where the vehicle is powered by the engine and a mode where the vehicle is powered by at least one of the motors while stopping the engine. The control system predicts a fact that the engine is expected to be started based on a detection value representing a running condition of the vehicle, during propulsion of the vehicle by the two motors while stopping the engine; shifts a drive mode to a mode where the vehicle is powered by one of the motors without using a power of the other motor to be used to start the engine; and starts the engine upon satisfaction of a condition for propelling the vehicle by the power of the other motor.

Abstract: A drive system for a hybrid vehicle includes a planetary gear unit, a first rotating machine connected to a sun gear of the planetary gear unit, an engine connected to a carrier of the planetary gear unit, a second rotating machine and drive wheels connected to a ring gear of the planetary gear unit, a regulating mechanism that regulates rotation of the carrier, a first running mode in which the vehicle runs using the second rotating machine as a power source, and a second running mode in which the vehicle runs using the first rotating machine and the second rotating machine as power sources while the regulating mechanism regulates rotation of the carrier. The carrier is rotated by the first rotating machine when the vehicle shifts from the first running mode to the second running mode.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method of controlling a vehicle are provided. The vehicle may include a controller programmed to, in response to a change from a first to a second powertrain operating mode, operate an engine and electric machine to increase a state of charge target of a traction battery to increase propulsion torque available from the electric machine. The controller may be further programmed to, in response to a decrease in accelerator pedal position and a vehicle speed being less than a threshold speed while operating the powertrain in the second powertrain operating mode and the engine and electric machine are coupled via a friction element, decrease a pressure of the friction element to a first target pressure to decouple the engine from the electric machine.

Abstract: An example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a speed of the electric vehicle is at or below a threshold speed, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the speed of the electric vehicle is above the threshold speed. The threshold speed is an operator-adjustable threshold speed. Another example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a state of charge of a battery of the electric vehicle is at a threshold state of charge, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the state of charge of the battery is at or below the threshold state of charge.

Abstract: A traction control system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a yaw rate detector configured to detect the yaw rate of a saddled vehicle, and a controller configured to perform a traction control based on the detected yaw rate.

Abstract: Methods of assessing driver behavior include monitoring vehicle systems and driver monitoring systems to accommodate for a driver's slow reaction time, attention lapse and/or alertness. When it is determined that a driver is drowsy, for example, the response system may modify the operation of one or more vehicle systems. The systems that may be modified include: visual devices, audio devices, tactile devices, antilock brake systems, automatic brake prefill systems, brake assist systems, auto cruise control systems, electronic stability control systems, collision warning systems, lane keep assist systems, blind spot indicator systems, electronic pretensioning systems and climate control systems.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to safely navigating crosswalks by responding to potentially occluded objects in such crosswalks. For example, a vehicle approaches a crosswalk and the vehicle's one more computing devices may generate a set of samples corresponding to locations in the crosswalk. Sensor data is periodically received by the one or more computing devices. For each given sample of the set of samples a probability value indicative of a probability of sample being occluded is set to an initial value by the one or more computing devices. As the vehicle approaches the crosswalk, probability values for the given sample are periodically adjusted by the one or more computing devices based on the periodically received sensor data. The speed of the vehicle then changed by the one or more computing devices based upon a determination that a sample of the set of samples has met the threshold value.

Abstract: When a pedestrian or the like in an area that is ahead in the direction of movement of a vehicle travelling on a road and is adjacent to the road is moving in an direction to cross the road, a system ECU varies the time of execution of a safety operation for ensuring the safety of the pedestrian in accordance with a road condition in the area where the pedestrian or the like is present. Specifically, the time of execution of the safety operation is delayed in the order of a first road condition, in which the area in which the pedestrian is present is not in a roadway, a second road condition, in which the area is in a roadway and not in an opposing traffic lane, and a third road condition, in which the area is in a roadway and in an opposing traffic lane.

Abstract: A method and system for mitigating the impact of a vehicle collision senses location, speed, orientation, and direction of movement data of a host vehicle and an interfering vehicle that has moved or is moving into the path of the host vehicle. A control unit analyzes the data and determines whether a collision is unavoidable. If so, the control unit determines a vehicle path for the host vehicle that will minimize the effects of the collision. By changing the vehicle path, the impact of the collision is less direct and the effect on both of the vehicles is mitigated to some degree.

Abstract: A collision prediction apparatus includes a sensor that obtains positional information representing a position of a target object with respect to a host vehicle and a processing device wherein the processing device calculates a movement trajectory of the target object with respect to a vehicle, based on the positional information obtained at time points by the sensor, and the processing device predicts a probability of a collision between the target object and the vehicle, based on the calculated movement trajectory and at least one of three parameters which includes a number of obtainment time points of the positional information used to calculate the movement trajectory, a change manner of a lateral width of the target object related to the positional information between time points, and a change manner of the positional information of the target object with respect to the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a setpoint trajectory of a vehicle, including the following: recording the surroundings of the vehicle, ascertaining a clearance based on the recorded surroundings and checking the setpoint trajectory for freedom from collision, based on the clearance, in order to ascertain whether traveling on the setpoint trajectory would result in a collision or not. Also described is a device for monitoring a setpoint trajectory of a vehicle and a related computer program.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may be configured to receive, using a computer system, a plurality of remission signals from a portion of a lane of travel in an environment in response to at least one sensor of the vehicle sensing the portion of the lane of travel. A given remission signal of the plurality of remission signals may include a remission value indicative of a level of reflectiveness for the portion of the lane of travel. The vehicle may also be configured to compare the plurality of remission signals to a known remission value indicative of a level of reflectiveness for a lane marker in the lane of travel. Based on the comparison, the vehicle may additionally be configured to determine whether the portion of the lane of travel in the environment is indicative of a presence of the lane marker.

Abstract: A drive control device for a vehicle including an engine and a clutch device provided in a power transmission path between the engine and a drive wheel includes: a normal traveling unit causing the vehicle to travel while the engine is connected to the drive wheel; a free-run coasting unit disconnecting the engine from the drive wheel during traveling and causing the vehicle to coast while the engine is stopped; a neutral coasting unit disconnecting the engine from the drive wheel during traveling and causing the vehicle to coast while the engine is autonomously operated; and a coasting switching control unit setting an upper limit value of an upward gradient of a road surface, at which the neutral coasting is stopped, such that the upper limit value is larger than an upper limit value of the upward gradient of the road surface, at which the free-run coasting is stopped.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle having a hybrid powertrain with an engine and a motor/generator includes receiving data indicative of anticipated future vehicle operating conditions, and determining via a controller optimal operating parameters for the engine and for the motor/generator based at least partially on the data. A controller then commands a powertrain operating strategy for the engine and the motor/generator based on the determined optimal operating parameters. The data received can be from active onboard sensing systems and from vehicle telematics systems.

Abstract: A method for enabling a user of a hybrid vehicle to assign different modes of operation to different segments of a particular route instead of, for example, simply operating the vehicle in an electric mode until its battery is depleted and then switching to an engine or charge-sustaining mode. This method may be useful in situations where a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is being frequently driven on a particular route whose distance exceeds the PHEV's electric mode range. The customized route, complete with operating mode selections for certain route segments, can be stored at the vehicle and automatically implemented when the vehicle recognizes the stored route. Other potential features include evaluating the route after it has been developed and/or driven and providing the user with some feedback so that they can make it more efficient.

Abstract: A system and method for providing engagement of a dog clutch differential on a vehicle are disclosed. The system may comprise a power source, a dog clutch differential, a CVT and a controller. The dog clutch differential may have first and second members and may distribute torque between first and second output shafts. The second member may be moveable between a disengaged and an engaged position. When the second member is in the engaged position, the first and second output shafts may rotate together. The CVT may be configured to receive power from the power source and to provide output torque to the dog clutch differential. The CVT may receive a torque or speed or ratio command that is independent of engine speed. The controller may, in response to an activation trigger, move the second member to the engaged position when the output torque from the CVT is about zero.

Abstract: The method, system, and computer-readable medium cause the monitoring of a vehicle operator during the course of vehicle operation to determine whether the vehicle operator is impaired and causes a mitigating response when an impairment is determined to exist. The vehicle operator, the environment surrounding the vehicle, or forces acting on the vehicle may be monitored using a variety of sensors, including optical sensors, accelerometers, or biometric sensors (e.g., skin conductivity, heart rate, or voice modulation). When the vehicle operator is determined to be impaired, an alert or other mitigating response is implemented, based on the sensor data. In some embodiments, mitigating actions may be taken to avoid vehicle operator impairment. In further embodiments, a training period may be used to generate a profile for the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A system or method capable of using automobile camera system data to generate biometric information for the use in identifying authorized drivers and customizing and controlling automobile components. The system is versatile enough to distinguish between a new or unauthorized person in the automobile and respond accordingly.

Abstract: A driver advice system for a vehicle having at least one vehicle subsystem comprises a selector for receiving at least one driving condition indicator for the vehicle and for selecting, from a plurality of settings, a preferred setting for the at least one vehicle subsystem in response to the at least one driving condition indicator. The driver advice system includes an indication device for providing to the driver an indication of the preferred setting for one or more of the vehicle subsystems.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an interactive display subsystem operable to generate output for display on a vehicle window, the output associated with a two-way communication interface for remote communication with a user input subsystem. A method of operating a system for a vehicle includes displaying a two-way communication interface on a vehicle window for remote communication with a user input subsystem.

Abstract: A ceiling assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of supporting elements for fastening components, and a plurality of connecting elements connecting the supporting elements. The plurality of connecting elements is integrally designed with the plurality of the supporting elements forming an integrated ceiling assembly. Further, a vehicle and a method for manufacturing a ceiling assembly to a ceiling of a vehicle are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layered window structure of the present invention includes: a first window pane made of glass; a second window pane made of polycarbonate, being smaller in both height and width than the first window pane, and formed to a thickness of 5 mm to 30 mm; a hollow annular spacer disposed so as to extend along edges of the first window pane and the second window pane, and having holes in a side wall facing an air layer between the first window pane and the second window pane; and a primary sealer being an elastic body, with a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and a width of 6 mm or more, that extends along the edges of the first window pane and the second window pane, and is disposed between the first window pane and the spacer, and between the second window pane and the spacer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring device including a spring body substantially made of a polymeric material and defining an axial direction and a radial direction. The spring body, in the axial direction, has a central section located between a first end section terminating in a first outer end surface and a second end section terminating in a second outer end surface, the central section having at least one radially waisted section. The first end section has a recess extending, in the axial direction, from the first outer end surface towards the central section such that an axial spring body cavity is formed, the axial spring body cavity being confined by a compliant inner surface. An insert is inserted into the axial spring body cavity, the insert contacting the inner surface of the spring body to modify a rigidity of the spring device.

Abstract: A compact buffer having overload protection, comprising a buffer connected to a coupling, a mount (1) connected to a vehicle body, and a rotating shaft (2) connecting the buffer to the mount (1); the buffer comprises an elastic element (4), a buffer housing (3) accommodating the elastic element (4), and a protective cover (5) for bearing impact force located at the tail end of the buffer housing (3); the buffer housing (3) and the protective cover (5) are connected by means of an overload protection device (6). Use of the method which involves breaking the connection between a buffer housing and an elastic element enables the integration of an overload protection device and a coupling buffer.

Abstract: A rail applicator assembly includes a rail having a head portion, a base portion, and a web portion extending between the head portion and the base portion. The head portion defines an outer surface. An applicator for applying a friction modifying material to the surface of the rail includes a foam body and an applicator support. The foam body is secured to the applicator support and defines a flow passageway that extends through the foam body for friction modifying material to flow through.

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 modular food service equipment system includes an equipment docking station configured for receiving and docking a piece of food service equipment. The docking station further includes a work table having a work surface on an upper face of it. The docking station also includes a docking unit configured for receiving a piece of food service equipment inside of it. The modular food service equipment system may likewise include that the docking unit is provided adjacent to the work surface.

Abstract: An umbrella folding table cart has a deployed position and a folded position. The folding cart has a folding table that receives an umbrella. The folding cart has four wheels including a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. A first table leaf, and a second table leaf are hinged to each other at a table support. A frame including a front wheel frame is connected to the pair of front wheels and a rear wheel frame is connected to the pair of rear wheels. The front wheel frame is hinged to the rear wheel frame at a front wheel frame upper hinge. The front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame have a hinged connection relative to each other.

Abstract: A stroller assembly is provided that includes a frame. The stroller assembly may also include a plurality of wheel assemblies that are operable to mount to the frame. In addition, the stroller assembly may include a front seat module and a back seat module comprised of a plastic material. The front seat module and the back seat module may include integral fastener members that are operative to engage with each other when the front seat module and the back seat module are mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A bracket is used in a support structure for a steering column. The support structure includes an instrument panel reinforcement, a steering support bracket, and a floor brace. In one aspect, the bracket includes a first portion and a second portion, which are configured to be arranged spanning between the steering support bracket and the floor brace. The first portion is arranged between the steering support bracket and the floor brace at a first angle with respect to horizontality. The second portion is arranged between the steering support bracket and the floor brace at a second angle, which is different from the first angle.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.