Abstract: The pen holder includes a first, second and third cover portions, a connecting part and a fixing unit. The first, second and third cover portions are respectively inserted into a thumb, a forefinger and a middle finger. The connecting part connects the first, second and third cover portions. A first end of the connecting part is fixed to one of the first, second and third cover portions. A force is applied to a second end of the connecting part such that the first, second and third cover portions are closed to each other. A fixing unit fixes to the second end of the connecting part and applies the force to the connecting part.

Abstract: A combined umbrella and pen system includes an umbrella that has a shaft unit and a canopy unit. The canopy unit is selectively deployed from the shaft unit thereby facilitating the canopy unit to block precipitation. A writing unit is coupled to the canopy unit and the writing unit may be utilized to write.

Abstract: An adhesive applicator comprising: (iv) an elongate tubular body having a first open end and an opposed, second end, (v) a rod of adhesive material located within the tubular body, said rod being axially moveable along the body so that a free end of the rod is able to travel relatively past the first end of the body, and for said rod being retainable at a selected axial position, and (vi) an applicator head mounted on the first end of the body, wherein the head is axially moveable relative to the body and has a mouth configured as a transverse slot into which the edge of a sheet material may be inserted, said mouth having a roof surface between which and the free end of the rod the edge of the paper may be held, and the head has a pressure applicator to which pressure may be applied to effect movement of the head relatively towards the second end of the body; wherein the applicator head is completely removable from the body; and wherein the applicator head is configured to act as a closure for the first end o

Abstract: Temporary graphic films that may be applied to rough, outdoor surfaces such as concrete or asphalt pavement are provided. The temporary graphic films are durable, yet easily removed and may include a fracturable material that permits fluid flow to reduce slip and fall situations.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the mask-etching of a piercing element having an elongate shaft, a distally protruding tip, a proximal holding part, and a laterally open collecting channel that collects bodily fluid and extends along the shaft as far as the area of the tip, wherein a side of a double-sided etching mask is applied respectively to the two sides of a substrate and, under the action of an etching agent, the piercing element is formed as a part made by chemical blanking, wherein a channel side of the etching mask is provided with a channel etching slit for unilateral etching of the collecting channel.

Abstract: A method for the refinement of a panel and an apparatus for the refinement of a panel according to a method of this type. The method for the refinement of a panel includes: unpacking of a panel having a core made from wood material from a transport-safe packaging, a grounding in the form of at least one synthetic resin layer pressed together with the core and, if appropriate, a primer being arranged on a top side of the core, and a coating being arranged on a core underside lying opposite the top side of the core, and connection and locking means being attached to at least two mutually opposite side faces; application of a decorative layer having a decoration to the grounding or primer; and application of at least one wear layer to the decorative layer.

Abstract: The invention is a paint can rim protector for protecting the rim of a paint can from infiltration of paint during painting or during the pouring of paint. The invention includes a rim engagement member for attaching the paint rim protector to the rim of a paint can. The rim engagement member may be in the form of a circular tab which engages a groove of the paint can rim or it may be an outer wall which snaps around an outer edge of a paint can rim. The invention includes a top flat surface which is inclined downwards towards the center of the paint can and which cantilevers over the inner edge of the rim of the paint can to form a scrape edge. The invention also includes a spout attached to the topside of the top surface.

Abstract: An article is disclosed that includes a metallic layer overlaying a substrate surface; a plasma vapor deposited (PVD) oxide layer overlaying the metallic layer; and an exposed polymeric layer overlaying the oxide layer to form a protective layer at the interface between the exposed polymeric layer and the oxide layer.

Abstract: A spoked wheel for tubeless tires, particularly for motorcycles, cars and similar vehicles includes a rim, a hub, and spokes suitable for fixing the rim to the hub. Each spoke is connected to the rim by a fastening device inserted in two opposite ears located in an inner surface of the rim.

Abstract: A tire comprises a rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler predominantly comprising silica, a crosslinking system, and a hydroxyalkylpiperazine of formula (I): in which R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R2 represents a linear or branched alkylene group comprising from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, it being understood that R1 and R2 can bear one or more additional hydroxyl groups. The rubber composition is essentially devoid of guanidine derivative.

Abstract: A motorcycle tire includes, on an outer circumferential side of a crown region of a radial carcass, a belt layer, a single auxiliary belt layer, and a tread rubber in the stated order, a periphery width of the auxiliary belt layer being greater than a periphery width of the belt layer. The cords of the auxiliary belt layer extend in a direction in which an inclination angle of the cords of the auxiliary belt layer with respect to a tire circumferential direction gradually decreases from each of both ends of a tire equatorial region including a tire equatorial plane toward a corresponding ¼ position which is at a distance of ¼ of the periphery width of the auxiliary belt layer from the tire equatorial plane along a periphery of the auxiliary belt layer, and the inclination angle in the ¼ position is 60° or more and 85° or less.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is provided in a tread portion with a center land portion which is defined between center main grooves and whose top surface has a certain area and a maximum axial width of 15% to 19% of a tread width. The center land portion is provided with axial sipes and recesses. The recess extends from the center main groove toward the tire equator, and has a depth of 60% to 80% of the depth of the center main groove. The total area of the recesses is 5% to 9% of the area of the above-mentioned top surface. The center land portion is formed as a substantially continuous rib.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a shoulder land zone provided with lateral grooves arranged at variable pitches in the tire circumferential direction and extending at an angle of not more than 30 degrees with respect to the tire axial direction. The domains defined between the shoulder lateral grooves include a smallest domain having the smallest circumferential length and a largest domain having the largest circumferential length. The domains are each provided with at least one sipe extending at an angle of not more than 30 degrees with respect to the tire axial direction. The number of the sipe(s) in the smallest domain is less than the number of the sipes in the largest domain.

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural tire includes first and second rows of angled lugs. Each lug is provided with a leading wall rising up from a tread floor to a leading edge of the lug surface. The leading wall has a wedge shaped leading nose rising up from the tread floor and sloped in the trailing direction so that ground stubble is engaged by and pushed aside by the wedge shaped leading nose thereby reducing stubble damage at a root of the leading wall.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic radial tire which is configured so that circumferential main grooves to be provided on a tread surface are suitably defined in shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a dynamic tire air pressure system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a tire pressure sensor that measures an air pressure of a tire. The system also includes a first reservoir tank maintaining a lower air pressure than the measured air pressure of the tire. The system further includes a second reservoir tank maintaining a higher air pressure than the measured air pressure of the tire. The system additionally includes one or more valves that control deflation and inflation of the tire by selectively coupling the tire to the first or second reservoir tanks.

Abstract: A tire sensor locating system for auto-location of a tire-based air pressure sensor at any tire location on a vehicle includes a hub acceleration sensor mounted to make a hub vertical acceleration measurement at a preset and known location on the vehicle for a respective one of the wheel hubs and a chassis acceleration sensor mounted to a chassis of the vehicle to make a chassis vertical acceleration measurement for the vehicle chassis. An estimator model is employed to derive a tire vertical stiffness estimation from the hub vertical acceleration measurements and the chassis vertical acceleration measurement. A look-up table correlates tire vertical stiffness estimation against measured tire air pressure and from the look-up table an assigned location of the tire sensor is made through a correlation between the tire measured air pressure and the tire vertical stiffness estimation.

Abstract: A TPM sensor is programmed. The TPM sensor is configured with a TPM identifier and makes transmissions according to a current transmission protocol or protocols. A low frequency (LF) signal is received and the LF signal was transmitted according to a predetermined transmission protocol or language. An identity of the predetermined transmission protocol or language associated with the LF signal is determined. Based upon the identity of the predetermined transmission protocol or language, at least one of the TPM identifier or the current transmission protocol or protocols are adjusted, and the TPM sensor subsequently makes transmissions according to the predetermined transmission protocol associated with the LF signal.

Abstract: A tire spoon may be provided. The tire spoon may include: a bar; and a spoon portion at one end of the bar, the spoon portion having two outer side edges and a middle portion located between the two outer side edges, and at a given cross section of the spoon portion, the middle portion cross sectional thickness is greater than a cross sectional thickness of the two outer side edges. A method of forming a tire spoon is provided. The method may include: providing a spoon portion on an end of a bar; and forming the spoon portion to have middle section that has a thicker cross section than either side portion of the spoon portion.

Abstract: A drawbar for a towing vehicle includes a longitudinal support and an attachment which is removably fixed to the longitudinal support. The longitudinal support and the attachment form a towing-eye receiving area, and the longitudinal support and the attachment each have a receiving opening for a coupling pin. The attachment has at least one tilting protrusion which is arranged in a recess of the longitudinal support in a self-locking manner relative to a removal force in the direction of the central line of the coupling pin.

Abstract: A system for setting front axle load restoration for a load distributing trailer hitch that is used to hitch a trailer to a motor vehicle may include at least one sensor associated with a wheel of the motor vehicle. The system may further include at least one controller configured to receive signals from the at least one sensor to estimate one or more corner weights of the motor vehicle based on the signals. The at least one controller may be configured to calculate a load restoration that is required at a front axle of the motor vehicle to achieve a recommended load restoration based on the one or more estimated corner weights.

Abstract: A tie down apparatus that may be utilized for securing an item, such as a safety chain, wherein the tie down apparatus may be used with a hitch mounting system. In one embodiment, the tie down apparatus may include a receiving member, a tie down member, and a clocking member. The receiving member may include an opening located there through. The tie down member may include at least one aperture, wherein the tie down member may be capable of being located and rotated within the receiving member. The tie down member may be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. The locking member may include at least one leg capable of being housed within the aperture. The locking member may engage the receiving member once the tie down member is rotated, thereby trapping the item within the tie down apparatus.

Abstract: An energy management system for a vehicle limits movement of a tire and wheel assembly in a wheel cavity. The vehicle has a wheel well structure that defines the wheel cavity. The energy management system includes a tether attached to the tire and wheel assembly. The tether is configured to limit movement of the tire and wheel assembly within the wheel cavity under a predetermined load that is applied to the vehicle forward of the tire and wheel assembly and offset from a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.

Abstract: A polymer composite strut insulator may include a polymer composite bracket made of polymer composite, divided into a mounting fastening portion having an inserter into which mounting bolts are press-inserted to penetrate and a bearing assembling portion, and provided with a central hole at a central portion, an elastic mass cross-linked to the polymer composite bracket in order for the cup hole surrounding the central hole formed at the central portion of the polymer composite bracket to be divided into an upper cup hole and a lower cup hole, the upper cup hole being coupled to an upper cup and the lower cup hole being coupled to a lower cup, and a bearing disposed at the bearing assembling portion.

Abstract: A vehicle selectively operates in a plurality of operational modes. The operational modes carry with them different commands for operating a controlled suspension system such as a continuously controlled damping suspension system, a controlled steering system such as an electronic power-assist steering system, and a powertrain of the vehicle. For example, in one operational mode, the powertrain might be more sensitive to output torque from a motor or engine quickly with little hesitation. The vehicle includes a sensing system, such as a plurality of suspension height sensors and a corresponding controller programmed to receive suspension height signals indicating the characteristic of the road, to categorize the signals, and to compute categorized vehicle characteristics such as vehicle pitch, heave, roll, yaw, etc. The controller can discretize the categorized signals into a discrete number of index values, and then command the vehicle to change operational mode based on the discrete index value.

Abstract: An active suspension apparatus for a vehicle including: a pump that adjusts a movement of a fluid; and an actuator in which the fluid is supplied to a coil spring and which compensates for displacement of the coil spring, wherein the actuator includes first, second, third, and fourth actuators that are disposed at a left front wheel, a left rear wheel, a right front wheel, and a right rear wheel of the vehicle, respectively, and the pump is capable of simultaneously supplying the fluid to the first and second actuators or to the third and fourth actuators based on driving of a motor.

Abstract: A twist beam (22) for a suspension assembly (20) comprises a base portion (44) and side walls (46) presenting an open U-shaped cross-section and a bulged middle section (24). The twist beam (22) includes end sections (56, 58), the middle section (24), and transition sections (60, 62) each extending from one of the end sections (56, 58) to the middle section (24). The width (w) and the height (h) of the twist beam (22) increase along the transition sections (60, 62) to the middle section (24). The width (w) and the height (h) of the middle section (24) are greater than the width (w) and the height (h) of the end sections (56, 58). The cross-sectional area of the bulged middle section (24) is typically 10% to 30% greater than the cross-sectional area of the end sections (56, 58).

Abstract: A vehicular heat pump system may have two inside heat exchangers within an HVAC module, and may operate in mild cooling and mild heating modes. In mild cooling mode, a first isolation valve and a second isolation valve are fully open and closed, respectively, to direct the refrigerant flow to the first inside heat exchanger only. In mild heating mode, the first isolation valve and the second isolation valve are fully closed and fully open, respectively, to direct the refrigerant flow to the second inside heat exchanger only. In both modes, a first metering device is partially open to control the flow and expansion of the refrigerant, and a second metering device is fully closed to prevent the refrigerant from flowing between the inside heat exchangers. This staged operation of the heat pump system may reduce the risk of flash fog as well as reduce discharge air temperature spreads.

Abstract: An unintentional operation of a door is prevented while the usability of the door is improved. A power back door control device includes: an operation signal acceptor configured to accept an operation signal of a back door opening/closing switch for performing an operation of opening or closing a back door of a vehicle; a controller configured to control opening/closing of the back door via a motor when the operation signal acceptor accepts the operation signal; and a stopping state detector configured to detect whether or not the vehicle is in a stopping state based on information about traveling or stopping of the vehicle acquired by a vehicle-side ECU. When the stopping state detector detects that the vehicle is not in the stopping state, the controller performs fixing control of the back door so as to keep the back door from moving.

Abstract: A vehicle construction, having a displaceable top which includes a linkage that, on each of its two sides, in relation to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, and can have one link arrangement, the link arrangement being pivotably mounted at a main bearing that is fixed relative to the vehicle. In a closed position of the top, a top surface element abuts against a component part that is fixed relative to the vehicle via a sealing arrangement, wherein the sealing arrangement is arranged at a sealing carrier unit, which can be pivoted with respect to the component part that is fixed relative to the vehicle and with respect to the top surface element.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a fuel tank, a first vapor line having a first open end, a second vapor line having a second open end, a valve including a check valve, a vent outlet, and wherein the first vapor line and second vapor line may be in fluid communication with the valve and the vent outlet and may be constructed and arranged to allow fluid to flow from the valve, through the first or second vapor line, or the first or second open end, or the vent outlet.

Abstract: A misfuelling prevention system for a vehicle may include an upper housing and an inner housing supported in the fuel filler neck, positioned in a bottom portion of the upper housing, and slidable in a single direction by a center returning spring interposed between the upper housing side and the inner housing, a stopper being rotatably installed at a side of the inner housing and elastically biased by a stopper spring, wherein the stopper is rotatable when a fuelling gun contacts with an end of the stopper, and a flapper having a first end rotatably installed at another side of the inner housing and a second end selectively caught in a groove portion of the stopper, wherein the flapper is opened by being pushed by the fuelling gun when the flapper is released from being caught by the stopper while the fuelling gun contacts with the end of the stopper.

Abstract: A mis-fuel inhibitor (MFI) assembly is configured to prevent an improper fuel nozzle from dispensing fuel into a fuel tank. The assembly may include a main body having an MFI nozzle passage formed therethrough. The main body is configured to allow a proper fuel nozzle to pass through the MFI nozzle passage, and prevent the improper fuel nozzle from passing therethrough. The assembly may also include at least one securing member configured to connect to the main body within a fuel fill line. The securing member(s) is configured to securely retain the main body within the fuel fill line.

Abstract: The present teachings relate generally to a small remote vehicle having rotatable flippers and a weight of less than about 10 pounds and that can climb a conventional-sized stairs. The present teachings also relate to a small remote vehicle can be thrown or dropped fifteen feet onto a hard/inelastic surface without incurring structural damage that may impede its mission. The present teachings further relate to a small remote vehicle having a weight of less than about 10 pounds and a power source supporting missions of at least 6 hours.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a steering wheel which is rotatable about a steering axis, a transmission, and a manually actuable selector device. The selector device is provided for selecting different states of the transmission, is arranged at a distance from the steering wheel on a side of the latter which faces away from a driver, and has a selector element which is rotatable or pivotable about an axis of rotation or pivot axis which is substantially transverse to the steering axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supplying feedback to a driver of a vehicle so that transmission shifting busyness may be reduced are presented. In one example, the systems and methods include increasing resistance of an accelerator pedal in response to a difference between an available powertrain torque and a desired powertrain torque.

Abstract: A system may include a user interface, a transmitter, a processor, and a memory having a program communicatively connected to the processor. The processor may be configured to receive a body sensor output associated with an occupant of a vehicle, receive a vehicle sensor output associated with the vehicle, compare the body and vehicle sensor outputs with a threshold, prompt for a confirmation associated with at least one of the body and vehicle sensor outputs, determine an issue type based on at least one of the body and vehicle sensor outputs, and send a notification including the issue type.

Abstract: A method and system for accurately estimating one or more vehicle battery parameters, such as state-of-charge (SOC). In an exemplary embodiment, a battery control module gathers standard battery readings for estimating SOC at a relatively slow sampling rate. The battery control module receives adjustment data from one or more control modules located around the vehicle, where the control modules gather readings at faster sampling rates and then provide the information to the slower battery control module. The adjustment data from the faster control modules is representative of energy consumption and/or generation events that occur in between the readings taken by the battery control module at the slower sampling rate, and enable the method to make a more accurate and complete estimate of SOC.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, auxiliary and high-voltage electrical loads, a drivetrain, and an electrical system. The electrical system, characterized by an absence of a DC-DC converter, includes a full-bridge active rectifier/inverter, a semi-active auxiliary rectifier, an MGU connected to the engine via the drivetrain, and a controller. The controller executes a first operating mode in which the bridge rectifier is disabled and the MGU operates as a motor to restart or assist the engine, and a second operating mode in which the MGU is a generator, with the rectifier/inverter powering the HV-ESS and HV electrical load. The auxiliary rectifier provides an auxiliary DC output voltage to the LV-ESS and auxiliary electrical load. Switches may be positioned between a DC bus connection point and the HV-ESS and LV-ESS, with a switch closed and another opened in the first operating mode, and vice versa in the second operating mode.

Abstract: An ECU determines whether or not first operation for limiting an upper limit value of discharge power of a power storage device for supplying electric power to a rotating electric machine for generating a driving force of a vehicle has been received, by setting a first threshold value of an operation duration of an operation device required to determine the reception of the first operation to be greater than a second threshold value of operation duration of the operation device required to determine the reception of second operation for canceling the limitation of the upper limit value.

Abstract: When a vehicle configured to be capable of charging an auxiliary battery with a driving battery's electric power while the vehicle is left unattended has ignition turned off with the main battery having an SOCm smaller than a threshold value, an ECU calculates and indicates to the user a currently permissible unattended period of time in days, and the ECU also inquires of the user whether the user requests to execute engine involved charging control to extend the permissible unattended period of time in days. If the engine involved charging control is requested, the ECU initiates the engine involved charging control, and once the engine involved charging control has been executed for a duration exceeding a commanded period of time, the ECU ceases the engine involved charging control.

Abstract: A charging station for an electric vehicle may include a charge head configured to engage with the charging blade of the vehicle to transfer power. The charge head may include a housing with a central cavity extending along its longitudinal axis and a plurality of electrode holders. Each electrode holder may include an electrode configured to transform from an extended configuration when the charging blade is not positioned in the central cavity to a retracted configuration when the charging blade is positioned in the central cavity. In its extended configuration, the electrode may extend into the central cavity from a side wall of the housing, and in the retracted configuration, at least a portion of the electrode may retract into the housing. Each electrode may also include a plurality of springs configured to bias the electrode in the extended configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an inductive charge coupling arrangement that can be electrically connected with a traction battery. The arrangement includes a charge coil and a plurality of permeable panels surrounding the charge coil. The vehicle further includes at least one controller that, in response to an inductive charge request, causes the panels to move to positions selected to minimize electromagnetic field leakage between the charge coil and a charge station.

Abstract: A charging station transmits weak electric power from an available power transmission device of a plurality of power transmission devices when a second communication unit receives a power transmission request signal from a first communication unit. The charging station performs pairing between a vehicle and the power transmission device with which the vehicle has been aligned, in response to reception of an alignment completion signal from the vehicle. The charging station transmits a charging cancellation signal to a vehicle other than the vehicle that has been aligned with the power transmission device, when the pairing is completed.

Abstract: A control system includes a boost-buck converter, a control apparatus and a voltage sensor. The boost-buck converter is provided between a battery and a motor-generator. The control apparatus controls the boost-buck converter. The voltage sensor outputs a sensor output value of a system voltage supplied to the motor. The control apparatus calculates a current stagnation continuation period based on the sensor output value of the voltage sensor and corrects a duty ratio of the boost-buck converter in accordance with a calculation value of the continuation period. The continuation period includes a predetermined time point, at which current stagnation is assumed to be generated. The current stagnation indicates that at least a reactor current stagnates. In the continuation period, a system voltage-related voltage continues to have a voltage difference of the same polarity side relative to a reference voltage.

Abstract: A system and control method for reserved charge of a vehicle battery is provided. The method includes receiving, at a controller, a vehicle operation start time input and a reserved charge command via an input device and receiving information regarding an output state of a charger when the vehicle is connected to the charger. In addition, the controller calculates an estimated charging time consumed for charging the battery using the information on the output state of the charger and calculates a charge start time for completing the battery charge before a vehicle operation starts based on the vehicle operation start time and the estimated charging time. The vehicle is operated to be in a standby state before the charge until the charge start time is reached and the charge is adjusted to charge the battery with power input from the charger when the charge start time is reached.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional battery networks are presented that are intrinsically superior to the standard battery networks that are currently being used in electric vehicle applications. The higher dimensional battery networks are more stable against failures in individual batteries. The networks can be implemented using Li-ion batteries and enhance the lifetime of battery networks, which is critically important, for example in automotive applications.

Abstract: A thermal management system is provided which may be miniaturized and may have a reduced weight by integrating thermal management parts in a fuel cell vehicle. In particular, a new type of thermal management system integrated housing in which a housing of a pump housing part, a housing of a 3-way valve fluid part, and a bypass channel among parts of the thermal management system for a fuel cell vehicle are integrated into a single structure to reduce the size of the overall system.

Abstract: Electromechanical systems using magnetic fields to induce eddy currents and generate lift are described. Magnet configurations which can be employed in the systems are illustrated. The magnet configuration can be used to generate lift and/or thrust. Arrangements of hover engines, which can employ the magnet configurations, are described. Further, vehicles, which employ the hover engines and associated hover engines are described.

Abstract: A tire angular velocity controller (211) is input with a difference between a target value of a rotational angular velocity of 0 for main wheels (11) and a rotational angular velocity of the main wheels (11), which is a differential value of a signal output from a main wheels rotary encoder (26). The tire angular velocity controller (211) calculates an inclination angle for the main body (10) that will cause the difference to become zero. In a second control mode, the calculated inclination angle is used as a target inclination angle and the difference between this target inclination angle and the inclination angle of the main body (10) at the present time input from an inclination angle sensor (20) is input to a main body inclination angle controller (212).