Abstract: An ergonomically improved vehicle ladder rack has the top of its side rail(s) flush with the top surface of the rear cross-bar so that a foot portion of a ladder being transported may be made to slide off from the rack without a need for lifting it. To prevent lateral shifting of the ladder during transport on the vehicle, an abutment finger is added to the rotatable rung clamping assembly. The abutment finger blocks lateral shifting of a ladder when the rung hook is engaging a ladder rung and is non-blocking when the rung is disengaged.

Abstract: A safety railing for attachment to a vehicle roof mounted rack to reduce the likelihood of fall injuries to workers who have mounted to roof of the vehicle has a pair of side railings joined by a front railing and supported by balusters that pivotally attach to the roof rack. A crank operated mechanism is provided for shifting the balusters between an erect, vertical orientation and a collapsed orientation where the safety railing lies flat against the roof rack.

Abstract: A device for movably mounting a storage container in relation to the storage bed of a pickup truck. The device includes a container support frame with a mounting member configured to be fixedly secured in relation to the pickup truck storage bed, and a lift arm having a first end coupled to the container support frame for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second end configured to be coupled to the storage container for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis. The second end of the lift arm is movable along an arcuate path about the first pivot axis between a stowed position in which the storage container is disposed between the side rails and an extended position in which the storage container is disposed above a side rail. The storage container is pivotable about the second pivot axis to maintain an upright orientation in the stowed and extended positions, providing a variety of convenient access and storage options.

Abstract: A storage box system for a motor vehicle includes a folding storage box and a sliding rail assembly for translating the folding storage box between a hidden storage position below a cargo bay of the motor vehicle and a deployed position extending from a rear portion of the motor vehicle. The storage box includes at least a back and opposed sides being connected to a floor for transitioning between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. Structures are provided for retaining the opposed sides and back in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to a plane defined by the floor when the folding storage box is in the unfolded configuration. The sliding rail assembly includes one or more sliding rails associated with the folding storage box floor and one or more cooperating sleeves disposed below the cargo bay for slidingly receiving the sliding rails therein.

Abstract: An elastically deformable clip includes a first and second outer wall arranged substantially parallel to each other, each of the first outer wall and the second outer wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first edge and a second edge arranged substantially parallel, and a third edge and a fourth edge arranged substantially parallel. The clip also includes at least one inner wall extending between the inner surfaces of the first and second outer walls, the at least one inner wall having at least one slot, wherein the first outer wall, the second outer wall and the at least one inner wall are formed of an elastically deformable material. The clip further includes a rib protruding from the outer surface of at least one of the first and second outer walls, the rib arranged substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle for receiving a latch plate of a vehicle seat belt includes a housing having a slot for receiving the latch plate, a locking mechanism within the housing for securing the latch plate within the slot, a display supported by the housing for displaying information and for releasing the latch plate from the locking mechanism when depressed, and a cable connected to a vehicle power source to provide power for the display. The display includes a controller and a transceiver. A method of displaying information within a vehicle includes the steps of: (a) supporting a display with a seat belt buckle housing; (b) receiving data via a transceiver positioned in the seat belt buckle housing; and (c) controlling the information displayed on the display based upon the data received via said transceiver.

Abstract: A bracket assembly adjustably mounted a flat screen TV monitor in the sleeper compartment of an over-the-road truck. The bracket base mounts to the ceiling of the truck cab and to the front wall of the sleeper compartment. An arm is slidably connected to the base. The TV is mounted to a plate on the end of the arm so as to reside in the entry/exit opening between the cab and the sleeper compartment. The TV can be moved between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly includes a front pillar extending at an incline rearwards and upwards to form a part of a door opening. The front pillar includes a tubular structural member. The structural member defines a vehicle exterior-side wall section and a passenger compartment-side wall section. A windshield is adhered to the vehicle exterior-side wall section of the structural member. A pillar outer cover is disposed outwardly of the front pillar and is secured to the exterior-side wall section of the structural member. The pillar outer cover includes an edge section overlapping and sealingly engaged to the windshield.

Abstract: A corner assembly comprising an elongated main portion including a central section opposed by first and second lip sections, with the first and second lip sections extending laterally from the central section. The corner assembly additionally comprises first and second flange sections extending generally laterally from the central section, with the first flange section extending generally parallel with the first lip section and the second flange section extending generally parallel with the second lip section. The first flange section is separated from the first lip section so as to present a first receiving channel and the second flange section is separated from the second lip section so as to present a second receiving channel. The corner assembly further comprises an elongated cap section operable to be securely positioned over the elongated main portion.

Abstract: A structure of a door trim and a door inner belt including a door trim mounted to an inner side of a vehicle door to form an interior space of the door together with a door outer panel. A trim inner rail is fixedly mounted to the door trim in the interior space of the door and has a hollow polygon shape. A door inner belt includes at least one contact rib extending in a width direction of a vehicle toward and to be in contact with a door glass. A coupling portion extends in the opposite direction of the at least one contact rib and coupled to at least one of the door trim and the trim inner rail.

Abstract: An interior trim component is provided that includes multiple substantially parallel ribs each configured to engage a track to facilitate movement of the interior trim component along the track. The interior trim component also includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is coupled to the ribs, and the second surface is opposite the first surface and is substantially smooth.

Abstract: A vehicle battery charger for charging a vehicle that is operable to detect a disengagement of a connecter or a preparing operation of the disengagement of the connector by a change in an electric current value of an electric current output from a terminal of the connecter and to stop charging a storage battery of the vehicle upon the detection includes a charging device configured to charge the vehicle, and a simulation operation device configured to change the electric current value by switching a pathway of the electric current output from the terminal of the connecter in a state that the connecter is in engagement and the preparing operation of the disengagement of the connecter is not carried out so as to cause the vehicle to stop charging the storage battery.

Abstract: A system for controlling access into a vehicle in the event of loss of electrical power is disclosed. The vehicle has an access opening into the vehicle's interior with a first door for access thereto, a cargo enclosure with a second door therefor, and an energy storage device for generating the electrical power. A first latch selectively latches and unlatches the first door, while a first switch operates the first latch. A second latch selectively latches and unlatches the second door, while an actuator connects the second door to the vehicle body and selectively opens and closes the second door. A second switch selectively connects a motor-generator to the energy storage device for operating the actuator in a first mode and disconnects the motor-generator from the energy storage device for generating electric current when the second door is operated manually to operate the first latch in a second mode.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for an in-vehicle computing system, and methods of controlling vehicle settings using the in-vehicle computing system based on input received from a wearable device. Input may also be received from a mobile device. The in-vehicle computing system may automatically adjust one or more vehicle settings based on the received input.

Abstract: A wire harness including a wire fitting is provided that maintains the length of the portion of the wire bundle that extends to the outside of the wire fitting reliably at a tolerance range without impeding the freedom of bending the wire bundle. A wire harness includes a wire fitting having a base and a cover covering a portion of a wire bundle together with the base. The base is provided with a protrusion that pierces the insulated wires at a portion further to an outer edge of the base than a portion of the wire bundle that is tied together by a first tie member, the wire bundle extending from the base to an outside of the base.

Abstract: A wire harness (9) includes two high-voltage conducting paths (15), an exterior member (16) which receives and protects the high-voltage conducting paths (15), and a metal foil shield member (17) which covers and shields the high-voltage conducting paths (15) collectively. The metal foil shield member (17) includes a flexible sheet-like shield member body (18), and a retention member (19) which is used after the shield member body (18) is wrapped around the high-voltage conducting paths (15). A plurality of slits 23 are formed in the shield member body (18). The numerous slits (23) are disposed in places so as not to overlap with each other vertically when the shield member body (18) is wrapped around the two high-voltage conducting paths (15) twice.

Abstract: A grommet includes: a grommet body including a lip portion which contacts a water stopped surface defining an accommodation recess portion in a state in which the grommet body is attached to the accommodation recess portion; an outer which presses the lip portion toward the water stopped surface in a state in which the grommet body is sandwiched between the outer and the water stopped surface; and a rigid body portion which is interposed between the outer and the lip portion with respect to a pressing direction of the outer and which has rigidity higher than that of the lip portion. At least a part of the lip portion is placed in a pressed region pressed by the outer.

Abstract: A method for reducing signal distortion in the transmission of binary coded signals in a motor vehicle, preferably in a power interface, is characterized in that an edge of the binary coded signal is formed in the transmitter by adapting the frequency and phase response of a harmonic such that the signal distortion to be expected on the entire transmission line can be compensated.

Abstract: A system for implementing strobing of existing vehicle hazard lights including an interface to a vehicle wiring harness configured to receive input to an existing vehicle flasher module, and a strobing circuit that responds to an activation signal from the vehicle wiring harness that is indicative of a hazard flasher deployment event by producing an electrical output through the interface to the vehicle wiring harness that causes a strobing of existing vehicle hazard lamps.

Abstract: A power system for an aircraft is disclosed. The power system comprises a power panel, at least one power rail coupled to the power panel, wherein the power rail is integrated with a mounting rail for the passenger service unit, and at least one universal serial bus (USB) port coupled to the power panel and mounted in the passenger service unit.

Abstract: A bumper back beam for a vehicle may include side portions connected to a vehicle body and formed of general plastic on both sides and an intermediate portion connecting the side portions on both sides and formed of high-strength plastic and a predetermined section, both ends of which encroach into the side portions to form overlap sections.

Abstract: An extension portion extending out toward the vehicle width direction outer side is provided at a rear face of a vehicle width direction outer side end portion of bumper reinforcement. A projection portion projecting out toward the vehicle front side is disposed at a front face of the extension portion, at a position separated to the vehicle width direction outer side of the vehicle width direction outer side end portion of the bumper reinforcement. A front end portion of a spacer, having a rear end portion joined to the side face on the vehicle width direction outer side of a front side member and extending out to the vehicle width direction outer side of the front side member, is joined to a rear face of the extension portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) detects a pedestrian/vehicle impact, the apparatus including a plurality of sensors (62, 64, 66) mounted near a forward location of a vehicle (52), each sensor providing an associated signal indicative of an impact event. A metric determining device (80) determines metric values for each of the sensor signals. A controller (80) determines if any of said determined metric values indicates the occurrence of a misuse event. The controller also determines if a pedestrian/vehicle impact event is occurring by comparing the metric value of at least one sensor signal against a selectable threshold. An actuation signal is provided in response to the comparison. The selectable threshold is selected in response to the determined occurrence of a misuse event. An actuatable pedestrian impact mitigation device (84) is attached to the vehicle and is actuated in responsive to the actuation signal from said controller.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vehicle steering arrangement comprising a steering wheel and a torque transmitting steering column arrangement arranged to connect the steering wheel with front wheels of a vehicle. The steering arrangement comprises at least a first steering column part connected to the steering wheel and a second steering column part connected to the front wheels. The first and second steering column parts are connected to each other by a decoupling device adapted to decouple the first and second steering column parts from each other when an accident is detected so that the second steering column part can rotate in relation to the first column part. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising such a steering arrangement.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component includes disposing a fiber panel within a mold cavity, and aligning an airbag chute assembly with the fiber panel. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel within the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. At least a portion of the fiber panel is compressed between a surface of the mold cavity and a surface of the airbag chute assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a trim component includes forming a skin layer of the trim component, and spraying a foam layer on the skin layer according to a first spray pattern that establishes a first gap in the foam layer arranged as a predetermined tear pattern. The skin layer extends across the first gap. A corresponding trim component has a skin layer with an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, and a foam layer sprayed on the inner surface of the skin layer according to a predetermined spray pattern so that the foam layer has a first gap arranged as a predetermined tear pattern, with the skin layer extending across the first gap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including a cylindrical housing having therein an ignition device chamber and a pressurized gas chamber, a closing member in a circular shape having a fragile portion provided on one surface and closing between the chambers, a piston being disposed inside the ignition device chamber and having a base plate and a rod that extends in the axial direction from one surface of the base plate to abut against or face the closing member, the fragile portion being a groove formed with a curve extending from a start point A on Y1 to an end point E through a first intermediate point B on Y2, a second intermediate point C on Y1, and a third intermediate point D on Y2, where Y1 and Y2 are two straight lines drawn to be orthogonal to each other and to pass through a crossing point X2 on one surface of the closing member, the groove formed so that distances from the crossing point X2 to the respective points satisfy the following relationship: the distance to the start point

Abstract: A rupturable type hood hinge device is provided on a vehicle body for opening or closing an engine room and reduces injury to a walker by reducing impact caused from collision with a hood. The hinge device includes a hinge bracket disposed on the engine room and fixed to the vehicle body and a hinge arm fixed to the hood to be rotatable with respect to the hinge bracket. A lowering lever link-connects one side of the hinge arm and one side of the hinge bracket. A rupturable bolt hinge-connects a connection portion of the lowering lever and the hinge bracket and is configured to sense the impact caused when the walker collides with the hood and at the same time to rupture such that the hood and the hinge arm fall and thereby the impact of the walker is dampened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety belt arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a safety belt having a safety belt section and a pelvic belt section (6), which safety belt has a belt diverter (13) on the outer attachment point (A) in the motor vehicle transverse direction (y), above which belt diverter the pelvic belt section (6) is guided to a belt tensioner unit (19) in the region of a rocker panel (7). According to the invention the rocker panel (7) has a retaining profile part (27) which supports a door sill panel (4) delimiting the door entry area, wherein between the retaining profile part (27) and a bottom group (41) of the motor vehicle lying underneath an installation space (33) is formed, in which the belt tensioner unit (19) is arranged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper element comprising a wiper blade made of an elastomeric material and reinforced with at least one elongated element (30). The elongated element (30) comprises a core (32) and a coating system (36). The coating system comprises a zinc alloy coating and a polyester coating on top of the zinc alloy coating. Using this coating system, the elongated element (30) is made corrosion resistant.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device is provided. The windscreen wiper device includes an elongated wiper strip of a flexible material for sealing against the windshield and at least one elongated groove. At least one flexible and elongated carrier element is disposed in the at least one groove of the wiper strip for biasing the wiper strip into a predetermined configuration when in a relaxed state. The at least one carrier element presents at least one upwardly facing curve and at least one downwardly facing curve when in a relaxed state.

Abstract: A braking control system for a vehicle includes a camera configured to be disposed at a vehicle so as to have an exterior field of view. After actuation of the brake system by an automatic emergency braking system of the vehicle, a control controls the brake system of the subject vehicle. While the control is controlling the brake system of the subject vehicle, the braking control system determines if the driver of the subject vehicle is impaired. Responsive to a determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is impaired, the braking control system does not allow the driver to override the control's control of the brake system of the subject vehicle, and responsive to a determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is not impaired, the braking control system allows the driver to override the control's control of the brake system of the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A control device for a motor vehicle such that during a driving direction change from an original direction and/or during a starting process and/or during a stopping process and/or during a rolling process, in order to assist with the driving direction change and/or starting process and/or stopping process and/or rolling process, an appropriate control signal is provided by the control device to automatically activate a service brake. The control device automatically determines the friction energy produced at a starting clutch, during the driving direction change and/or starting process and/or stopping process and/or rolling process, without activation of the service brake. The control device only automatically activates the service brake, to assist with the driving direction change and/or starting process and/or stopping process and/or rolling process, if the determined friction energy exceeds a limit value.

Abstract: A method of controlling the braking of a tractor-trailer combination (10) in which the tractor (11) includes a drive train having an engine and at least one ground-engaging member (14, 16) driveably connected thereto via an adjustable-ratio transmission; at least one ground-engaging member (14, 16) of the tractor includes at least one tractor brake; and at least one ground-engaging member (17) of the trailer (12) includes at least one further, trailer brake, comprises the steps of determining (i) the deceleration of the tractor-trailer combination (10) resulting from braking effort applied via the tractor brake and/or (ii) the deceleration of the tractor-trailer combination resulting from engine braking. The method also includes establishing from one or both the said, determined decelerations as a target value in a control system a braking effort of the trailer brake that approximates the braking of the tractor-trailer combination (10) to the braking of the tractor (11) when considered alone.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an internal gear pump for a slip-controlled hydraulic vehicle brake system. According to the disclosure a separating piece of the internal gear pump is formed having an inner part and an outer part, which engages around the end of the inner part with allowance for tolerance. In this way, the inner part and the outer part are movably connected to one another in a radial direction, and can be installed in the internal gear pump as a pre-mounted assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for control and use in connection with an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP)-equipped train after transmission of a brake pipe emergency dump command message by a helper locomotive associated with the train. These methods and systems are implemented in an effort to improve braking safety and reduce brake system recovery time of a train.

Abstract: A brake ECU uses a control pressure acquired from a control pressure sensor to determine whether a valve closing operation abnormality or a valve opening operation abnormality occurs in one of a pressure increasing linear control valve and an adjusted flow rate cut valve in a state where a hydraulic pressure is supplied from an accumulator. The brake ECU controls, if the brake ECU determines that an abnormality occurs, respectively the control valve and the cut valve to change to an open state or a closed state, and identifies, based on a change in the control pressure acquired from the control pressure sensor, in which of the control valve and the cut valve the valve opening operation abnormality or the valve closing operation abnormality occurs. The brake ECU can use, after a valve in which the valve opening operation abnormality or the valve closing operation abnormality occurs is identified, a valve in which the abnormality does not occur to carry out brake control.

Abstract: A transition plate connects an electronic manifold to a pipe mounting bracket of a railway brake system and includes a body having a manifold portion that defines a face configured to engage the manifold and a pipe bracket portion that defines a face configured to engage the pipe mounting bracket; ports defined in the manifold face that are configured to align and communicate with ports in the face of the manifold; ports defined in the pipe bracket face that are configured to align and communicate with ports in the face of the pipe mounting bracket; and a plurality of air passages extending through the body for connecting the plurality of ports defined in the manifold face with the plurality of ports defined in the pipe bracket face. The transition plate establishes a pneumatic interface between the electronic manifold and the pipe mounting bracket.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle and method of control are disclosed wherein the vehicle is propelled solely by the motor in some operating modes and the internal combustion engine is set to run whenever a brake pedal is released in other operating modes. In some operating modes, the engine is controlled to simulate a vehicle with a discrete ratio transmission, wherein the engine speed is controlled in response to vehicle speed and a virtual gear number. The virtual gear number changes in response to driver activation of shift selectors. When the driver selects a high gear number, a revised algorithm is utilized which allows some motor only operation but starts the engine in response to specified increases in accelerator pedal position.

Abstract: A vehicle-hold control method is used to hold an engine-powered vehicle from rolling backward on a road gradient during an engine start. The engine shuts down when the vehicle is stopped following operation of the vehicle under engine power. The engine is re-started during an engine cranking interval as vehicle wheel brakes are applied. The brakes are released in response to detection of pre-calibrated engine speed characteristics.

Abstract: A method to reduce fuel consumption when driving a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, and a gearbox that is settable to a plurality of transmission ratios, and the vehicle is configured to be driven in at least a first mode (M1) and a second mode (M2), wherein, when the vehicle is driven according to the second mode (M2), a reduced fuel consumption is prioritized to a larger extent at the cost of performance compared with when the vehicle is driven according to the first mode (M1).

Abstract: An emergency operation method of a hybrid vehicle, which includes an engine, a first motor connected to the engine through an engine clutch and transmitting power to a vehicle wheel, and a second motor connected with the engine to directly transmit power, includes charging a DC-link terminal with a first counter electromotive force of the first motor and the second motor generated by driving energy of the vehicle or power from the engine when a main relay is off while the vehicle travels. A voltage of the DC-link terminal is controlled by using a second inverter which is connected between the DC-link terminal and the second motor in a driving state of the engine. Power is supplied by using the DC-link terminal, of which the voltage is controlled, for an emergency operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A driving device for hybrid vehicle, having an engine, a first motor capable of generating electric power by driving force of the engine, a second motor capable of supplying driving force to drive wheels, a first driving force transmission path for transmitting driving force of the engine to the drive wheels, a second driving force transmission path for transmitting driving force between the first motor and the engine, and a third driving force transmission path for transmitting driving force of the second motor to the drive wheels, includes a second damper capable of absorbing torque fluctuations in the second driving force transmission path and a third damper capable of absorbing torque fluctuations in the third driving force transmission path, in addition to a first damper capable of absorbing torque fluctuations in the first driving force transmission path.

Abstract: When a K0 clutch 34 is interrupted to stop a direct injection engine 12 during vehicle running, if a stop position of a crankshaft 114 is out of a range of a target stop range ?target, the once interrupted K0 clutch 34 is temporarily frictionally engaged to slightly rotate the crankshaft 114. As a result, the crankshaft 114 stopped near compression TDC (top dead center) is rotated to and stopped in a minimum region of pumping energy in combination with a pumping action. Since the minimum region of the pumping energy overlaps with the target stop range ?target suitable for ignition start associated with a small assist torque at the time of engine start, the ignition start can properly be performed at the next engine start and the assist torque at the time of engine start can be reduced.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with a crankshaft rotating on a first axis, motor/generator unit (MGU), belted drive system, transmission, actuator assembly, and controller. An MGU rotor shaft rotates about a second axis. The belted drive assembly has a first pulley connected to the crankshaft, a second pulley selectively connected to the rotor shaft, and an endless rotatable drive element that connects the pulleys. The transmission is connected to the flywheel via an input clutch. The actuator assembly has a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, a linear actuator(s), pinion gears translatable along the third axis to selectively engage the first and second gear elements, and overrunning clutches to passively disengage the pinion gears from the first or second gear element. The controller transmits control signals to the MGU and linear actuators to command a control state via translation of the pinion gears.

Abstract: A starting method for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle involves detecting at least one engine related parameter to determine whether an electric machine is to be used for cranking the engine and opening the clutch to separate the electric machine from the engine. Subsequently, the at least one detected engine related parameter is used to select rotatable components to be used for assisting engine start. The selected components are rotated by connecting the countershaft to the clutch. The electric machine is operated. The clutch is then closed in order to start the engine.

Abstract: When an air density is relatively low and a predicted regeneration zone is present within a predetermined travel distance, a vehicle control device executes at least one of the following: i) prohibition of setting a target value of a remaining battery level to a corrected target value; and ii) prohibition of control of an engine and a motor based on the corrected target value.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, a torque converter and damper, and a controller. The controller is programmed to operate the electric machine to apply a regenerative torque according to a deflection of the damper and a difference between a speed of the electric machine and an output speed of the torque converter.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle provided with an engine, an electric motor, and a damper disposed in a power transmitting path between said engine and said electric motor, wherein said engine is started with its speed being raised by a drive force of said electric motor, wherein said damper has characteristics of generating a larger hysteresis torque during its torsion in a negative direction of transmission of the drive force from said electric motor toward said engine, than a hysteresis torque generated during its torsion in a positive direction of transmission of a drive force from said engine toward said electric motor, said control apparatus comprising a hybrid control portion configured to ignite said engine by igniting said engine in the process of a rise of the speed of said engine while said damper is subjected to the torsion in the negative direction by said electric motor.

Abstract: A driving control apparatus and method for a hybrid vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a vehicle speed calculator that is configured to detect a driving speed of the vehicle and output information regarding the detected driving speed. An inclination sensor is configured to detect an inclination of a road on which the vehicle is being driven and output information regarding the detected inclination. In addition, a mode shift controller is configured to determine a driving load of the vehicle based on the driving speed and the inclination and execute the driving mode of the vehicle based on a magnitude of the driving load.