Abstract: A system includes a computing device with memory configured to store instructions and a processor to execute the instructions for operations that include receiving information representative of an amount of energy stored over a first period of time in an energy storage device of a vehicle that includes a first propulsion system. Operations include receiving information representative of a performance measure of the vehicle for a second period of time, shorter than the first period of time, and, determining an assistance adjustment from an estimated value of stored energy from the information representative of the amount of energy stored over the first period of time. Operations include determining a level of assistance for a second propulsion system included in the vehicle from the received information representative of the performance measure, and, adjusting the level of assistance using the assistance adjustment determined from the estimated value of the stored energy.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus computes a fuel consumption decrease or a fuel consumption increase for each of a plurality of travel modes. The vehicle control apparatus includes a control section that calculates an engine efficiency of an engine and an MG-INV efficiency which is a combined efficiency of a motor generator and an inverter. The engine efficiency is calculated based on an engine power and an ideal fuel consumption line. The MG-INV efficiency is calculated based on an MG power. As such, based on the engine efficiency and the MG-INV efficiency, the control section computes the per-unit-electric-power fuel consumption decrease or the per-unit-electric-power fuel consumption increase.

Abstract: A vehicle having mounted thereon a differential device including a sun gear, a ring gear and a carrier, a first motor generator coupled to the sun gear, a second motor generator coupled to the ring gear, an automatic transmission provided between the ring gear and a drive wheel, an engine coupled to the carrier, and a brake suppressing the rotation of the carrier. The vehicle has a traveling mode that is selected from a first mode in which traveling is performed by using a torque outputted from the first and second motor generators in a state where the brake is engaged, and a second mode in which the traveling is performed by operating the engine in a state where the brake is disengaged.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a trailer hitch includes detecting the trailer hitch being in use, commanding an engine to stop, and commanding the engine to start in response to a torque to accelerate being within a predetermined offset below an unladen vehicle torque pull up schedule.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving support apparatus for setting a traveling lane in which a vehicle can travel on the basis of a road marking to indicate a lane boundary or a traveling-prohibited region and performing support by combining steering of the vehicle and deceleration of the vehicle so that the vehicle is allowed to travel in the traveling lane if the vehicle is to be departed from the traveling lane, wherein the steering of the vehicle and the deceleration of the vehicle, which are to be performed when the support is performed so that the vehicle is allowed to travel in the traveling lane, are individually controlled depending on a difference ?Y between a target yaw rate Ytrg and an actual yaw rate Yrea if the actual yaw rate Yrea is smaller than the target yaw rate Ytrg in order not to allow the vehicle to exceed the traveling lane.

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: A parking assistance system for supporting a parking maneuver of a motor vehicle, during which the motor vehicle is automatically moved into a parked position. The parking assistance system has an unloading mode that can be activated by a user to enable the unloading of an object and/or to enable the disembarkation of a passenger before completion of the parking maneuver, wherein a temporary stop of the motor vehicle in an unloading position is automatically caused before reaching the parked position in response to the activation of said unloading mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collision system in a vehicle that uses a three dimensional imaging device to map a three dimensional object external to the vehicle. A positioning module will superimpose the position of the body of the vehicle onto the mapped object in dependence of the potential impact location. The positioning module will communicate the impact location to a collision avoidance aid such as an audio or visual warning.

Abstract: Data is collected from vehicle sensors to generate a virtual map of objects proximate to the vehicle. Based on the virtual map, an in-vehicle computer determines a traffic condition in front of and behind a host vehicle. The in-vehicle computer determines collision avoidance maneuvers. The computer instructs vehicle control units to implement the collision avoidance maneuvers. The computer may additionally or alternatively communicate the collision avoidance maneuvers to a driver via an interface. In the case of unavoidable collisions, the computer determines and initiates damage mitigation actions.

Abstract: It divides the network communication protocol for the communication between automobile into a software protocol layer (L1), a signal protocol layer and a physical protocol layer wherein the software protocol layer is used for checking coding and decoding the data required to be sent and received by a system, and the signal protocol layer is used for performing combined coding of data package signals and basic light signal on data packages produced by the software protocol layer according to the protocol agreement, and the physical protocol layer is used for converting digital signals and light signals mutually. A device comprises a light receiving apparatus arranged at the head of the automobile and a light emitting device, which collects the operating status information of automobile, performs information exchange with surrounding automobiles through digital information, arranged at the tail of the automobile.

Abstract: A driving support apparatus for a vehicle includes an actual longitudinal acceleration specifying section which specifies actual longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle, a target longitudinal acceleration specifying section which specifies target longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle, an acceleration and deceleration instruction section which allows acceleration and deceleration control so that the actual longitudinal acceleration specified by the actual longitudinal acceleration specifying section coincides with the target longitudinal acceleration specified by the target longitudinal acceleration specifying section.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting the drive-off torque while driving off in a vehicle, the rise (?Mdr) of the effectively acting actual drive torque (Mist) is limited to a maximum rise (?Mmax).

Abstract: A travel controller carries out acceleration suppression control of suppressing acceleration of a vehicle depending on an accelerator manipulation amount based on a parking frame existing ahead in a driven direction of the vehicle. Then, the travel controller is configured to gradually release the acceleration suppression control when detecting that the vehicle is in a stop state while carrying out the acceleration suppression control. In addition, the travel controller is configured to hold a release state of the acceleration suppression control at the time of detection of the travel state, when the travel state detector detects that the vehicle is in a travel state while releasing the acceleration suppression control.

Abstract: A transmission system is disclosed for use with a machine. The transmission system may have a first clutch to transfer power in a first direction, a second clutch to transfer power in a second direction, a brake, a sensor to generate a first signal indicative of speed, and an input device to generate a second signal indicative of a desire to shift directions. The transmission system may also have a controller to cause disengagement of the first directional clutch in response to the second signal, and to cause the brake to apply retarding torque. The controller may also be configured to determine an error value based on the second signal and a target transmission system speed, to selectively increase retarding torque when the error value increases, and to selectively transfer retarding torque to the second directional clutch when a value of the second signal is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: A drive assist device includes a driver state detection unit that outputs an emergency evacuation start signal, an consent confirmation unit that inquires of the driver, whether or not emergency evacuation control to stop a vehicle at a safe position regardless of a driving operation of the driver is permitted and receives a reply with respect to the inquiry from the driver, and a control unit that performs the emergency evacuation control when the reply which permits the performing of the emergency evacuation control is received from the driver by the consent confirmation unit. The control unit alleviates conditions for performing a preventive drive assist in which the risk for the traveling of the vehicle is avoided during a period from the time of receiving the emergency evacuation start signal to the time of receiving the reply of permitting the performing of the control by the consent confirmation unit.

Abstract: A system includes a primary vehicle operable by a driver. The driver is associated with a first device having a plurality of features with which the driver may interact. The system further includes a second device integral with the primary vehicle and in communication with the first device. The second device is configured to detect an interaction between the driver and at least one of the features of the first device, and calculate a driver distraction level based upon the interaction between the driver and the at least one feature of the first device.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for generating prioritized alerts for a driver based on a fusion of data from a plurality of sensors. In one example, a method comprises calculating a first route of a vehicle, calculating a second route of an obstacle, calculating a gaze of a driver of the vehicle, generating an alert responsive to the gaze not including the obstacle and the first route intersecting the second route within a threshold duration, and suppressing a generation of the alert otherwise.

Abstract: A device and method for estimating the charge of a motor vehicle. A device for estimating the charge of a combustion or hybrid powered motor vehicle comprising an automatic transmission, comprising a module for determining the charging of the vehicle capable of determining if the vehicle is charged and an activation module for activating a program for controlling the automatic transmission on the basis of the determination of the charging of the vehicle. The module for determining the charging comprises a first unit for estimating a first slope value on the basis of the acceleration of the vehicle derived from the driving force and the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle, a second unit for estimating a second slope value on the basis of the moment of inertia applied to a non-driving wheel of the vehicle and the engine and resistant torques and a third unit for determining the charging of the vehicle on the basis of the first and second slope values.

Abstract: A fall protection system that is easy to assemble, up to international safety standards, and allows fluid progression. The system includes an at least engagement hook, an at least one bifurcating plate, an at least one cable tensioning anchor, and an at least one T-shaped anchor plate. The engagement hook includes a C-shaped body, a first stud, and a second stud. The first stud and the second stud are integrated through the C-shaped body, on either side of an interlocking gap of the C-shaped body. The user is attached to the engagement hook by a tether attachment hole of the C-shaped body. The bifurcating plate includes a cross-shaped body and a plurality of third studs. Each of the third studs is integrated through a corresponding leg of the cross-shaped body. The bifurcating plate, the cable tensioning anchor, and the T-shaped anchor plate are tethered by a system of cables.

Abstract: A superstructure for a railcar comprising at least a first side assembly, a roof extending from the first side assembly and being comprised of at least a first top chord extending inwardly and upwardly from the first side assembly and a first top chord stiffener comprised of at least a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs are disposed at a right angle to each other, and the first top chord stiffener is attached to the first top chord and the first side assembly.

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 railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.

Abstract: A signal bond plate system for electrically bonding onto a railroad rail comprising: first and second conductive plates, first and second wires; and first and second conductive washers; a boltlike attachment means attaching, in order, the first conductive plate, the first conductive washer, a web of the rail, the second conductive washer, and the second conductive plate; the conductive plates each having an inside surface proximal to the web of the rail and an outside surface distal to the web of the rail; each wire having a wire first end and a wire second end; each conductive plate having a conductive plate first end and a conductive plate second end; the first wire first end is attached to the first conductive plate near the first conductive plate first end at a first attachment point; the first wire second end attached to the rail; the second wire first end attached to the second conductive plate first end at a second attachment point; the second end of the second wire attached to the rail; the first cove

Abstract: A train control system includes: an on-board device 3 mounted on a train 2 travelling on a track 1; a vehicle radio set 7 that transmits and receives travel distance information and speed information of the train 2 obtained by the on-board device 3; a wayside radio set 8 disposed at a predetermined location of the track 1 and transmitting information to and receives information from the vehicle radio set 7; and a ground device 9 connected to the wayside radio set 8, in which the ground device 9 obtains a location of the train 2 based on the travel distance information and the speed information of the train 2 transmitted from the on-board device 3, and sets a safety buffer on each of a travelling direction side of the train 2 and the opposite side thereof, the safety buffer being only set to be longer, during train 2 travelling.

Abstract: Fuel tank support systems for use with grill carts or stands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dolly for transporting or presenting goods, including a braking member (8) that includes a flexible body, that is positioned near a tread of a wheel (6, 7) and that is fixedly connected with a first body part with a bottom part (3) or a suspension system of the wheel (6, 7) and with a second body part is connected to an end of an activation member (15), wherein, upon movement of an operating member (9) arranged on the dolly to a braking position, the second body part is bent towards the tread of the concerned wheel (6, 7) by the activation member (15) for engagement of the flexible body on the tread.

Abstract: A stroller is provided herein. The stroller includes a frame configured to transition between an open position and a closed position and having a right side and a left side. The stroller also includes a linkage having one or more substantially rigid members connected between the right side and the left side. Each of the substantially rigid members has a right end and a left end. The right end and the left end respectively are slidably connected to a portion of the right side and the left side of the frame. The stroller can include at least one stand structure connected to the frame and configured to maintain the stroller in a substantially upright orientation when the stroller is in the closed position.

Abstract: A child's riding vehicle has a handle by which a parent can push and steer the vehicle, as well as a cutout in the roof which defines a handhold by which the parent can walk alongside the vehicle while holding it. The vehicle can be propelled either by the parent pushing via the parent handle or via the parent handhold, or the child can propel the vehicle as a foot-to-floor vehicle. When the handle is not being used, it can be rotated so that it is stowed at least partially within the body and roof support pillars of the vehicle for a clean appearance. A biasing and locking mechanism loosely biases and retains the handle in the stowed position, and automatically locks it into a deployed position.

Abstract: In a position adjustment device of a steering wheel, a step forming surface is provided in a portion close to one axial end of an adjustment rod. A nut is threadedly fixed to one end portion of the adjustment rod in the axial direction. An adjustment lever is connected to a driving cam of a cam mechanism. The driving cam is sandwiched between the step forming surface and the nut.

Abstract: A steering column device includes: telescopic guide holes provided in one of a pair of upstanding walls constituting a lower jacket and a pair of vertical walls constituting an upper jacket and also constituted by through-holes opening along a vehicle longitudinal direction; and co-fastening pins penetrating through the telescopic guide holes movably in the telescopic guide holes by which the upstanding walls and the vertical walls are jointly fastened to each other so that the vertical walls can move on the upstanding walls.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly, connected to a power source or a detection sensor through a cable, includes (a) a base body made of a synthetic resin, the base body having a bottom surface wall, a side surface wall standing up from a periphery of the bottom surface wall, and an interior space defined on the bottom surface wall and enclosed by the side surface wall; and (b) a connector body for achieving an electrical connection, the connector body extending from the bottom surface wall along the side surface wall through the interior space. The bottom surface wall of the base body has an inclined plane that is inclined in relation to a horizontal plane. The interior space of the base body is filled with a sealing agent by allowing the sealing agent to flow down on the inclined plane by gravity.

Abstract: A control computing unit blends a feedforward axial force and a feedback axial force at an allocation ratio, based on an axial force difference, a lateral acceleration, a vehicle velocity, a steering angle, and a steering angular velocity so as to set a final axial force. Then, the control computing unit applies a steering reaction force based on the final axial force that has been set.

Abstract: There is provided an electric power steering apparatus capable of alleviating an impact force at the time of an end contact, while giving natural and smooth steering feeling to a driver without degrading the steering feeling. When steering angle (?s) is equal to or larger than a limit starting steering angle (?st), a voltage target value (Vt) of an electric motor (13) is limited, and an upper limit (current limiting value I_Lim) of a current command value (Iref) is set based on the limited voltage target value (Vt) and the motor rotation speed (N) by use of a motor output characteristic of the electric motor (13). Then, the electric motor (13) is driven and controlled based on a current command value (Iref_Lim) that has been limited with the current command value (I_Lim).

Abstract: Techniques are provided for deactivating or disabling one or more actuators of a steering wheel of a vehicle to prevent unintended actuation. In one example, the techniques include detecting, at a controller of the vehicle, a deactivation condition, which includes an operating condition of the vehicle indicative of a lack of interaction by a driver with the one or more actuators of the steering wheel. The one or more actuators are configured to receive an input from the driver to control or actuate one or more associated vehicle systems. In response to detecting the deactivation condition, the techniques include deactivating or disabling, by the controller, the one or more actuators of the steering wheel until the deactivation condition is no longer present.

Abstract: A rotation detecting device includes first and second members that are rotatable relative to each other around a rotation axis, a magnetic member fixed to the first member and having poles alternately arranged around the rotation axis, a detecting member arranged to face the magnetic member and made of a magnetic material, and a holding member fixed to the second member. The holding member is made of thermoplastic resin and includes first and second holding members that are welded and fixed to each other. The detecting member is disposed between the first and second holding members to prevent relative contact between the detecting member and the second member. The rotation detecting device further includes a magnetic sensor that detects relative rotation between the first and second members by sensing a change of magnetic field in the detecting member due to the relative rotation.

Abstract: A steering knuckle to be used with the steering assembly of a vehicle such as a farming tractor is disclosed. The steering knuckle comprises preconfigured attachment areas where attachment element(s) or bracket(s) can be releasably yet rigidly secured. The attachment areas may be further reinforced with additional knuckle material (e.g. metal, metallic alloy). The steering knuckle therefore provides predetermined and preconfigured attachment location(s) where a wheel-replacing track system can be secured, thereby allowing the track system to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient or weak locations.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus includes a worm gear that transmits a rotational force of an electric motor to a steering mechanism through engagement of a worm shaft and a worm wheel and a backlash adjustment mechanism that reduces backlash between the worm shaft and the worm wheel. The backlash adjustment mechanism has a ball bearing mounted to the worm shaft, a slider movable in a movement direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the worm shaft, a first sliding surface provided on an outer circumferential side of an outer race of the ball bearing, and a second sliding surface provided on the slider and brought in sliding contact with the first sliding surface such that forward movement of the slider in the movement direction causes relative sliding of the first and second sliding surfaces to bring the worm shaft closer to the worm wheel.

Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer, according to one embodiment, includes a sensor that senses a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. The trailer backup assist system also includes a steering input device movable between a plurality of successive positions that each provide an incremental change to a desired curvature of the trailer. In addition, the trailer backup assist system includes a controller that generates a steering command for the vehicle to guide the trailer on the desired curvature based on the sensed hitch angle and a kinematic relationship with the trailer. The incremental change is substantially equal for a population of trailers to normalize control of the desired curvature.

Abstract: A method wherein, when a vehicle is pulled into or out of a parking space, the dimensions of the parking space in which the vehicle is located or in which the vehicle is being pulled into are determined by an assistance system. Furthermore, the assistance system detects a distance between the vehicle and an obstacle. If the distance is below a threshold value, the assistance system produces a notice. The assistance system sets the threshold value according to the dimensions of the vehicle and the dimensions of the parking space.

Abstract: A parking assist system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to detect an available parking area in an area around a vehicle, calculate a parking guidance path for guiding the vehicle from a current position of the vehicle to a parking target position included in the available parking area, execute guidance control for guiding the vehicle to the parking target position by executing at least steering control along the parking guidance path, and, when an end condition for ending guidance is satisfied in the middle of execution of the guidance control, end the guidance control and carry out at least one of steering to keep a steering angle at an end of the steering control for a predetermined period or steering to gradually reduce the steering angle from the steering angle at the end of the steering control toward a neutral position.

Abstract: A subframe assembly for a vehicle includes a multipart subframe having two spaced-apart longitudinal members and two spaced-apart cross members connecting the longitudinal members. A transfer case is supported on the subframe between the longitudinal and cross members and has an input shaft in driving relation to two output shafts, and a bearing element which extends in axis-parallel relation to the input shaft and which is shifted in a direction of one of the longitudinal members and projects from the transfer case. A first one of the cross members is crossed by a portion of the transfer case at a crossing section and has two shell parts connected to one another at least at one area. Each shell part has a bracket, with the bracket of one shell part and the bracket of the other shell part jointly forming a bearing mount for the bearing element.

Abstract: An axle support for a motor vehicle includes at least one first support and at least one second support fitted onto the first support. A cavity between the first and second supports that is defined by the surfaces of the supports and circumferential sealing rings is filled with adhesive to adhere the supports to one another. One of the supports is preferably made of metal, preferably cast aluminum, and the other support is preferably made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A method of varying vehicle width on a single platform includes providing a plurality of vehicles, where each vehicle includes a side sill extending longitudinally along a lower portion of a vehicle body. The side sill defines a door opening interface on each opposing side of the vehicle body. Each of the plurality of vehicles also includes a floor panel extending laterally across a width of each vehicle. The floor panel is joined at a lateral edge to the side sill. The method also includes maintaining a common lateral position of the joint between the floor panel and the side sill across each of the plurality of vehicles. The method further includes positioning the door opening interface at first lateral position corresponding to a first one of the plurality of vehicles and at a second lateral position corresponding to a second one of the plurality of vehicles.

Abstract: Embodiments include a support member for an extendable trailer with one or more flange members and one or more web members. In an embodiment, the web members include tabs and the flange members define slots. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A supporting frame for a motor vehicle has two parallel longitudinal members oriented in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and form part of the body. Two longitudinal struts are oriented at least partially in the longitudinal direction and are fixed at first ends to a contact section of the longitudinal members. The longitudinal struts are connected at a second end opposite the first end to an impact plate that is arranged on at least one driving component of the motor vehicle to form a load path between the contact section of the longitudinal members and the at least one driving component.

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: A B-pillar for a vehicle is made by the press-hardening method. The blank is made by placing together two blank elements (20,21) with an overlap (23) and welding the elements together before the shaping process.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes: a power unit provided on a front part of a vehicle; a front side member which is arranged outside the power unit in a vehicle width direction and which extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction; and a load receiving portion which is provided on a side portion on a front side member side of the power unit and which is located inside the front side member in a vehicle width direction while stiffness thereof in the vehicle width direction is higher than other location of the side portion.

Abstract: Provided is a carrier for a vehicle of which a replacement cost is minimized at the time of collision of the vehicle at a low speed by configuring head lamp mounting parts of the carrier in which head lamps are to be mounted in a separable form and allowing the head lamp mounting parts to be coupled through both ends of a bumper beam coupled to the carrier.

Abstract: A powertrain unit includes an engine and a power transmission device that transmits drive force of the engine to a drive wheel of a vehicle, the power transmission device including a transmission provided in a power transmission path between the engine and the drive wheel. An oil pan is provided below the transmission. A guard member covering at least a portion of the oil pan from below is provided below the oil pan. The guard member has a first end secured to a portion of the powertrain unit which is located in front of the transmission in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and has a second end, opposite the first end, secured to a portion of the powertrain unit which is located behind the transmission in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The rigidity of the powertrain unit is improved by utilizing the rigidity of the guard member.