Abstract: A color erasing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a color erasing unit with a heating unit that heats a paper to erase an image formed on the paper by a heat-erasable coloring material. A sensor outputs a sensor signal indicative of a thickness of the paper. A paper thickness detector determines the thickness of the paper based on the sensor signal. A heating unit controller controls temperature of the heating unit based on the thickness of the paper determined by the paper thickness detector. When the thickness of the paper determined by the paper thickness detector is greater than a predetermined thickness, the temperature is controlled to be a first temperature. When the thickness of the paper determined by the paper thickness detector is less than the predetermined thickness, the temperature is controlled to be a second temperature less than the first temperature.

Abstract: An image erasing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a sheet feeding cassette that accommodates a sheet on which an image is formed. A detector acquires cassette identification information which identifies the sheet feeding cassette, from the sheet feeding cassette. A scanner reads the image formed on the sheet and acquires print identification information based on the read image. An erasing device erases the image formed on the sheet. A controller determines whether the print identification information matches the cassette identification information. The controller controls the erasing device to erase the image if the print identification information matches the cassette identification information, and controls the erasing device to not erase the image if the print identification information does not match the cassette identification information.

Abstract: One object is to provide a structure including a thin primer film formed by a dry process and tightly bound to a fluorine-containing silane coupling agent. In accordance with one aspect, a structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a substrate; and a thin primer film containing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of silicon, titanium, aluminum, aluminum oxide, and zirconium and formed on a surface of the substrate by a dry process.

Abstract: The current invention is a non-lethal personal defense combination of tactical pen and spray dispenser that has the writing capabilities of a pen and ability to use one end as a window breaker. The tactical pen body is made of aircraft aluminum or similar durable material for strength and textured in the middle for extra grip when striking the assailant. On one end, the spray nozzle swivels open, similar to tops of spray-on sunscreen, to protect from accidental dispense and the ability to unlock with one hand. The embodiment's clip is configured to secure to any material that would give the user quick access, such as jacket, shirt or pant pockets, purse or a vehicle visor.

Abstract: An apparatus inserts documents into envelopes and includes a document insert station and a document conveyor that conveys documents to be inserted within envelopes to the document insert station. Each envelope has an envelope opening and a flap to close the opening and defines a hinge line. An envelope feeder feeds envelopes upside down on the hinge line with the flap up into the document insert station and angled from the document conveyor. An insert plate is positioned at the document insert station that receives a document conveyed from the document conveyor and includes orifices though which air is blown onto the envelope fed into the document insert station to open the envelope and receive a document conveyed from the document conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for transferring an impression from a substrate to a surface comprising a surface coated with first layer of release agent; either a second layer of polyvinyl acetate; and a third layer of mixture of acrylamide and styrene acetate or a single layer of mixture of polyvinyl acetate, acrylamide and styrene acetate; and having the impression to be transferred thereon, and a method of making the aforesaid device and transferring an impression from a substrate to a surface.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a wheel rim portion; a hub portion; a plurality of spoke portions extending radially from the hub portion to the wheel rim portion and connected to the wheel rim portion; and one or more extending portions each of which is configured to partially cover an opening portion provided between two adjacent spoke portions among the plurality of spoke portions, and to extend from the wheel rim portion toward the hub portion without contacting any of the hub portion and the plurality of spoke portions, the one or more extending portions having a thickness that is smaller than a thickness of each of the plurality of spoke portions in a cylindrical axis direction of the wheel rim portion.

Abstract: An antitheft nut may include a virtual reference line extending in a circumferential direction on a basis of a center with respect to one surface of a nut body, a plurality of key assembling portions continuously protruding or depressed along the virtual reference line, and an assembling line having the plurality of key assembling portions repeatedly formed while being spaced apart from each other in an inside direction and an outside direction of the virtual reference line.

Abstract: A center cap is provided for a motor vehicle wheel. The center cap comprises a body having a front side and a rear side. A recess lever is carried on the rear side. An access aperture is provided in the body. The access aperture extends through the body and opens to the release lever whereby the release lever may be engaged and displaced from a lock position to a release position to allow removal of the center cap from the wheel.

Abstract: A multi-lobed wheel adapted to be mounted to an agricultural platform for traversal of an agricultural field generally traverse to adjacent rows of planted crops without crushing the individual plants. The multi-lobed wheel having a wheel hub including a central axis on which the multi-lobed wheel is configured to rotate and a plurality of spaced apart lobes defining an outer perimeter configured to make ground engaging contact with the agricultural field, the outer perimeter including structure presenting a plurality of gaps between the plurality of spaced apart lobes, the gaps shaped and sized to provide sufficient clearance for individual plants within a planted crop row so as to enable the multi-lobed wheel to pass over a planted crop row without crushing the individual plants therein.

Abstract: A reinforcement cord which comprises a first fiber (302) having a first radiation attenuation coefficient. The reinforcement cord also comprises a contrast agent applied to the first fiber. The contrast agent has a second radiation attenuation coefficient that is different (e.g., greater) than that of the first radiation attenuation coefficient. In some embodiments, the reinforcement cord is incorporated into a composite product, such as a tire. In some embodiments, the contrast agent improves and/or enhances the discernibility of the reinforcement cord in a composite product during a radiation examination, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan. A method of manufacturing the reinforcement cord is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire is provided having a body ply that is displaced from the conventional equilibrium curve along the shoulder and upper side wall region of the tire in a manner that provides more uniform inflation growth along the crown region so as to reduce differences in rigidity between the center and shoulders of the tire, reduce load sensitivity, and/or decrease the propensity for cracking. A method for designing or constructing such a tire is also provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a plurality of first shoulder blocks arranged in a tire circumference direction cn a main groove side in a shoulder land portion, and a plurality of second shoulder blocks arranged in the tire circumference direction on a tire ground contact end side in the shoulder land portion, in which the first shoulder blocks and the second shoulder blocks are arranged alternately in the tire circumference direction, the first shoulder blocks each include a protruding portion protruding into: a space between two of the second shoulder blocks arranged in the tire circumference direction, at least at the time of being grounded, the protruding portion overlaps in the tire circumference direction with the second shoulder blocks on both sides in the tire circumference direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire including a plurality of main grooves extending in a tire circumference direction and a land portion interposed between the main grooves being segmentalized by a plurality of lateral grooves to form a plurality of blocks arranged in the tire circumference direction, wherein the block includes a first protruding portion protruding from a portion on one side in a tire width direction to one side in the tire circumference direction and a second protruding portion protruding from a portion on the other side in the tire width direction to the other side in the tire circumference direction, and the second protruding portion of the block on the one side and the first protruding portion of the block on the other side overlap with each other in the tire circumference direction between the blocks adjacent to each other in the tire circumference direction.

Abstract: A VF rated radial implement tire is provided utilizing a steel belted radial TBR tire body design which can be utilized in existing TBR cavity molds, and modifying the tire to have a ribbed implement tread pattern. The tire is designed for operation at relatively low inflation pressures with relatively high wall flexibility. Thus an agricultural implement tire is provided having higher load carrying capability than similarly sized conventional bias ply agricultural implement tires.

Abstract: Provided is a tire in which, by improving a decorative portion provided on a side portion, while a high visibility and a crack resistance are secured, molding man-hours are reduced, thereby improving a moldability and a cost performance.

Abstract: A ballistic resilient run-flat tire device, kit and method for manufacturing the same are presented for providing a vehicle a capability of traveling for at least 30 miles at 30 miles per hour, after the device has been compromised as of result of exposure due to ballistic ordinance rifle shots such as 7.62×39 mm and 7.62×54R or air loss from road hazard punctures. The device includes a tire carcass and a polyurethane inner coating inside the tire carcass that defines an inflatable hollow chamber within the ballistic resilient run-flat tire. The tire carcass has an annular tread, sidewalls, and beads. The polyurethane inner coating inside the tire carcass defining a hollow chamber provides additional protection along the sidewalls and tread of the tire carcass. The kit includes the un-interconnected elements of the device. The method includes the steps of curing, discharging, filling, injecting, introducing, mounting, obtaining, and preparing.

Abstract: An assembly for a tire inflation system including a spindle having a fluid conduit. The spindle is coupled with a rotary joint spindle, and the rotary joint spindle includes a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the spindle fluid conduit. A fluid collector ring is located about the rotary joint spindle such that the fluid collector ring may rotate. The fluid collector ring is also in fluid communication with the rotary joint spindle fluid conduit.

Abstract: Sensor and method for determining operating states associated with one or more tires. The operating state of the tire can be determined based on one or more measures environmental conditions of the tire(s). For example, a controller can be configured to determine a change in one or more environmental conditions, including determining, for example, a rate-of-change value, a variance value, a standard deviation, or the like. The rate-of-change, variance, and/or standard deviation values can be compared to one or more threshold values to determine the operating state(s) associated with the tire(s). The environmental condition can include, for example, acceleration of the tire, pressure of the tire, and/or temperature of the tire. The operating state can be, for example, a filling state indicative of the tire being inflating, and/or a drive state indicative of the tire rotating about its axle.

Abstract: A storage arrangement for lines from a tractor truck includes a housing member secured external to a cab of the truck, a receiver connected to the housing and configured to couple to a select one of an electrical line and first and second pneumatic lines, and a control arrangement coupled to the receiver such that upon coupling of one of the lines with the first receiver the control arrangement allows an operator to at least one of release brakes of the truck, release brakes of a trailer, and unlock a kingpin from a fifth wheel hitch plate assembly, wherein the control arrangement prevents the operator from the at least one releasing the brakes of the truck, releasing the brakes of the trailer, and unlocking the kingpin from the fifth wheel hitch plate assembly prior to one of the lines being coupled with the receiver.

Abstract: A wall mount trailer hitch for securing a trailer in a substantially flat position when not in use and related systems and methods are disclosed. The wall mount trailer hitch includes a planar base plate member having a means for securing the base plate member to a wall. The wall mount trailer hitch further includes a hitch receiver member projecting outward from the base plate member and away from the wall. The hitch receiver can be engaged with a hitch member, such as a ball mount insert, a pintle mount or other hitch that can be mated with the coupling device of a trailer. The wall mount trailer hitch can be vertically positioned to secure a trailer, and in particular a single-axle trailer, in a substantially level position.

Abstract: The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include a structural frame member including at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch. Also provided is an underbed hitch mounting system having at least one socket and receiving member exposed above a bed of a vehicle. The system includes trim and ring brackets configured to cover the exposed socket and receiving members along the bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle drive unit and land vehicle comprising the drive unit are disclosed. Each drive unit comprises a pair of longitudinally aligned and longitudinally spaced apart ground wheels. The land vehicle comprises a pair of drive units on opposite sides thereof. The drive units comprise an electric motor for powering the pair of wheels and a gear drive assembly comprising structure for disengaging the electric motor from the ground wheels. The drive units may be remotely controllable, may be water-tight and may be floatable. The vehicle comprising the drive unit may be amphibious.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle wheel for damping NVH effects, wherein the NVH effects are transmitted from an automatic transmission to the driven wheel via the drive train at idle. The NVH effects can potentially be transmitted from the wheel to the vehicle structure via the wheel suspension. The wheel suspension having at least one elastic element, the stiffness of which in a vertical direction of deflection has a softer stiffness characteristic in a deflection range close to the zero point than in deflection ranges more remote from the zero point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functional hydro-elastic element to be lodged in a hydro-elastic joint for damping load vibrations between two structural parts, in particular a wheel suspension and a vehicle body, the functional hydro-elastic element having a longitudinal axis and a circumferential direction around this longitudinal axis. The functional hydro-elastic element has at least one row of hydraulic chambers, extending circumferentially and comprising at least three hydraulic chambers and at least one throttling duct that enables a communication of liquid between each pair of respective circumferentially adjacent hydraulic chambers so that a variation of at least one working volume of the hydraulic chambers due to load vibrations can be balanced by enabling a flow of liquid into at least one of the other hydraulic chambers.

Abstract: In an automobile air conditioner, two heating devices for air heating (a condenser 13 and a heater core 14) are disposed in series close to each other. A housing 2 of a HVAC unit 1 defines therein an air feed passage. Two insertion/ejection slots 31 and 32 are formed in mutually different surfaces of the housing 2. The condenser 13 for heat pump cycle is mounted in the housing 2 by being inserted through the insertion/ejection slot 31 formed in the lower surface of the housing 2. The heater core 14 is mounted in the housing 2 by being inserted through the insertion/ejection slot 32 formed in a side surface of the housing 2. In place of the heater core 14, an electric heater (PTC heater 15) may be mounted in the housing 2.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body panel coupled to a vehicle frame and having an outer surface and an inner surface, a thermal structure disposed proximate the inner surface of the body panel, wherein the thermal structure includes at least one of a heat-emitting portion and a heat-absorbing portion, wherein the thermal structure is in communication with the outer surface of the body panel to define an ambient temperature portion and a differential temperature portion, and wherein the differential portion is in communication with the thermal structure and cooperates with the thermal structure to generate a predetermined pattern. A controller having at least one of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor is in communication with the outer surface of the body panel, wherein the controller operates the thermal structure according to data delivered to the controller from at least one of the humidity and temperature sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for controlling the climate of a vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module and a heat exchanger. The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. The thermoelectric module and the heat exchanger heat or cool the air flow provided to the cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system and method provides distributed localized heating, cooling, or both heating and cooling. The thermoelectric system includes a plurality of thermoelectric assemblies. Each thermoelectric assembly comprises a plurality of thermoelectric elements, and each thermoelectric assembly is in thermal communication with a first working fluid and in thermal communication with a region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly. Each thermoelectric assembly is selectively operable either to heat the region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly by transferring heat from the first working fluid to the region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly or to cool the region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly by transferring heat from the region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly to the first working fluid. Each thermoelectric assembly is operable independently from operation of other thermoelectric assemblies of the plurality of thermoelectric assemblies.

Abstract: An arrangement for the air distribution of an air conditioning system (1) of a motor vehicle. The air conditioning system (1) is configured with a housing (2) with at least two flow paths (6, 7), which empty into a mixing chamber (8), and at least one air outlet (3a, 3b, 3c) as well as an air flap (10, 11, 12) which can open and close the at least one air outlet (3a, 3b, 3c). The arrangement has a device (18) for air mixing with at least one air resistance element (21), which is supported so that it can turn about an axis of rotation (20) and which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation (20).The air resistance element (21) is configured with at least one flow through opening, so that depending on the position of the device (18) a cross section of at least one flow path (6, 7) of the housing (2) can be changed.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a vehicle function at a vehicle using data received from a portable consumer electronic device includes: establishing a communication link between the vehicle and the portable consumer electronic device; receiving data indicative of a human condition at the vehicle from the portable consumer electronic device via the communication link; generating a command that controls one or more portions of vehicle electronics based on the data indicative of the human condition; and transmitting the command over a vehicle bus.

Abstract: A method and device for influencing a climate in the interior of a motor vehicle, the influence occurring at least as a function of one operating state and/or operating behavior of the motor vehicle ascertained before the influence.

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising drawing air into a robotic vapor device, exposing the drawn air to a sensor to detect one or more constituents in the drawn air, determining measurement data for the one or more constituents of the drawn air via the sensor, receiving a parameter from a transportation vehicle system, determining one or more vaporizable materials to vaporize based on the measurement data and the parameter, and dispensing a vapor comprised of the one or more vaporizable materials from the robotic vapor device.

Abstract: An apparatus for avoiding windowpane misting in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, by activating an anti-misting mode on the basis of measured values of the air humidity and air temperature in the interior of the vehicle and the outside temperature in the environment of the vehicle, a dew or frost point being determined from the measured values. The determination of the dew or frost point is based on variables which are the measured values of the air humidity and the air temperature plus their respective tolerances.

Abstract: A heating system for an electric vehicle includes a heat pump subsystem, an electric heater subsystem, and a controller. The heating system further includes one or more sensors for determining an ambient temperature value and a heat pump operational efficiency metric value and for providing those values to the controller. The controller is configured to determine an optimal heating contribution percentage of the heat pump subsystem and the electric heater subsystem from the determined ambient temperature value and the determined heat pump operational efficiency metric value. The heat pump operational efficiency metric may be a compressor discharge pressure value. A related method is described for determining an optimal heating contribution percentage of the heat pump subsystem and the electric heater subsystem.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system in a hybrid or battery-electric vehicle is provided. The HVAC system includes a compressor that has its own dedicated motor to control its speed. The compressor includes an inlet pressure sensor to determine and output the suction pressure, and an outlet pressure sensor to determine and output the discharge pressure of the compressor. At least one controller can be programmed to determine the discharge-to-suction pressure ratio, and limit the operating speed of the compressor in response to the ratio exceeding a pressure-ratio-threshold. The pressure-ratio-threshold can vary based on ambient air temperature. In the event an inlet pressure sensor is not available, the operating speed of the compressor can be reduced in response to the outlet pressure exceeding an ambient-temperature-based variable threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle condenser including an accumulator and a header tank to which the accumulator is connected in parallelism relationship therewith, wherein said accumulator comprises a tubular container with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet which are disposed on the side wall thereof and can be connected to a condensing section (SC) and a sub-cooling section (SSR) of the condenser, respectively. The condenser in use is disposed in a horizontal arrangement in which the fluid inlet comprises an inlet port formed at the side wall of the container of the accumulator, and the fluid outlet comprises an outlet port disposed at or close to the side wall, at the lower part of the container.

Abstract: A ventilation duct (10) for a passenger interior of a motor vehicle has an inflow duct (12) for supplying air and a main guiding duct (14) that extends from the inflow duct (12) to an outlet opening (16) for guiding at least part of the air of the inflow duct (12) along a main flow direction (28) toward the outlet opening (16). At least one bypass duct (18, 40) can branch from the inflow duct (12) for discharging part of the air of the inflow duct (12). The bypass duct (18, 40) opens into the main guiding duct (14) upstream of the outlet opening (16) and introduces a flow jet (32) into the main guiding duct (14) at an angle to the main flow direction (28) for setting the flow direction of air at the outlet opening (16) without openings or louver grilles that are visible from the passenger interior.

Abstract: A personal air flow device for a vehicle is provided. The personal air flow device (10) comprises a plurality of air flow ducts (11, 12) with a common air exit region for the outflow of a desired total air mass flow. Each air flow duct (11, 12) is connected to the air exit region in such a way that the air flow duct (11, 12) applies an air mass flow ({dot over (m)}1, {dot over (m)}2) to the air exit region. The air mass flows ({dot over (m)}1, {dot over (m)}2) can be controlled relative to one another in such a way that they are superimposed to form the total air mass flow. The direction of the total mass flow can be adjusted (infinitely or in increments) by changing the impetuses of the individual air mass flows.

Abstract: An airflow outlet assembly and a passenger compartment for a vehicle includes a housing defining an aperture extending along a central axis. The housing includes a central support disposed in the aperture proximal to the central axis. First and second outlet components are at least partially disposed in the aperture of the housing. The first outlet component includes a first plate and a first vane extending outwardly from the first plate toward the central axis. The second outlet component includes a second plate and a second vane extending outwardly from the second plate toward the central axis. The first and second outlet components are rotatable concurrently with each other to change the position of the first and second plates and the first and second vanes relative to the housing such that the first and second plates selectively close and open the aperture.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding device for providing a glare shield in a vehicle is designed to select a first element from the plurality of elements of the first layer, so that the first element lies on a light trajectory between the source of glare and a first eye of the viewer, the light trajectory between the source of glare and the first eye lies within the viewing direction range of the first element, and a light trajectory between the source of glare and a second eye of the viewer lies outside of the viewing direction range of the first element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a retractable roof vehicle system. The system comprises an open sided vehicle having an occupant space for one or more occupants of the vehicle; a cover configured to at least partially shield the occupant space from ambient environmental conditions, the cover positioned over the occupant space of the vehicle, the cover configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position over the occupant space; and a frame coupled with the vehicle configured to support the cover over the occupant space, the frame comprising a first side rail and a second side rail positioned along opposing sides of the vehicle over the occupant space, the first and second side rails both forming cover guides configured to guide movement of the cover between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A frame can include front and back generally vertically and laterally extending frame members. The frame members can each have a generally trapezoidal configuration comprising a crossbeam portion extending generally laterally between two generally upwardly and laterally inwardly extending side leg portions. A rigid, non-collapsible shell can extend over the frame that is adapted to be supported on the truck body. The rigid, non-collapsible shell can include opposite side walls and a roof extending between the side walls. A plurality of posts can be attached to the frame through the roof, with each of the posts extending externally above the roof of the rigid, non-collapsible shell. A first rack can be attached to and can extend between at least two of the posts externally of the rigid, non-collapsible shell overlying the roof.

Abstract: A hatch assembly attachable to a roof of a vehicle includes a removable dome attached to a frame including opposed first and second linkage mechanisms and a latch assembly. The frame includes an annular sidewall section defining an aperture and an outwardly extending flange portion peripheral to the annular wall portion and includes a continuous upper peripheral surface. The dome has an outer planar surface covering the aperture and an inner surface including a hinge portion attached to the first linkage assembly. A latch assembly attaches to the inner surface of the dome on a side of the dome that is opposed to the hinge portion. The latch assembly rotatably couples to a lock wedge, which includes a helical locking surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle drive system utilizing a flywheel for storing recaptured kinetic energy from a moving vehicle is described. Alternators mounted to the drive train generate electrical power from the passively spinning wheels of a moving vehicle. This power may be used to rotate a flywheel. Energy from the continuously spinning flywheel is used or stored for later use to charge batteries which provide power to the drive wheels of the vehicle. The disclosed drive system can be mounted in an all-electric or gasoline-electric hybrid motor vehicle and provides additional power to an electric drive motor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle drive system utilizing a flywheel for storing recaptured kinetic energy from a moving vehicle is described. Alternators mounted to the drive train generate electrical power from the passively spinning wheels of a moving vehicle. This power may be used to rotate a flywheel. Energy from the continuously spinning flywheel is used or stored for later use to charge batteries which provide power to the drive wheels of the vehicle. The disclosed drive system can be mounted in an all-electric or gasoline-electric hybrid motor vehicle and provides additional power to an electric drive motor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid driveline which may be operated in a hydrostatic drive mode and a direct drive mode and a method of operating a hybrid driveline in a hydrostatic drive mode and a direct drive mode is provided. The hybrid driveline comprises a power source, a first hydrostatic unit drivingly engaged with the power source, a second hydrostatic unit selectively drivingly engaged with a vehicle output and in fluid communication with the first hydrostatic unit, an accumulator assembly in fluid communication with the first hydrostatic unit and the second hydrostatic unit, and a clutching device selectively drivingly engaged with the vehicle output and one of the first hydrostatic unit and the second hydrostatic unit. The hybrid driveline provides the benefits of a series hybrid arrangement and a parallel hybrid arrangement, reduces torque interruptions during operation and shifting procedures, and increases an efficiency of a vehicle the driveline is incorporated in.

Abstract: A drive train for a vehicle includes an engine having an output shaft, a first gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear and planetary gears coupling the sun gear to the ring gear, a second gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear and planetary gears coupling the sun gear to the ring gear, a first motor/generator coupled to the first gear set, a second motor/generator coupled to the second gear set and electrically coupled to the first motor/generator, a first clutch that selectively engages the output shaft of the engine with the second motor/generator, and a second clutch and a third gear set that cooperate to selectively engage the ring gear of the second gear set with the planetary gear carrier of at least one of the first gear set and the second gear set.

Abstract: An integrated motor-gear drive unit, for example an in-wheel motor, for transmitting rotational movement from a motor output shaft with cycloidal reduction to an outer rotatable body includes a mounting carrier body (3) and a secondary carrier body (2) structurally connected by at least two carrier pin devices (4,11) forming a combined carrier body (2, 3, 4, 11); an outer rotatable body (1) rotatably supported on the mounting carrier body (3) and on the secondary carrier body (2); a motor (5) and a rotatable motor output shaft (6m), at least one cycloidal gear disc (10) and an eccentric body (8), wherein the eccentric body (8) is rotatably supporting the cycloidal gear disc (10) and wherein the motor output shaft (6m) is arranged for rotating the eccentric body (8) within the cycloidal gear disc (10), and a device to which such a unit is connected.

Abstract: In the link structure linking an in-wheel motor drive device (11) placed in a hollow area of a road wheel (W) of a turnable wheel to a damper (31), a damper bracket (32) extends in the vehicle traverse direction and at least a transversely outer end (321) of the damper (31) is placed in the hollow area of the road wheel (W). A first joint (18) is placed in the hollow area of the road wheel, and rotatably links the transversely outer end (321) of the damper bracket (32) to the in-wheel motor drive device (11). The damper (31) has a lower end (311) coupled to a transversely inner end (322) of the damper bracket (32).