Abstract: A method for operating a speed control system of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises detecting an occurrence of a slip event, of a step encounter event, or of both events at a leading wheel of the vehicle. The method also comprises predicting that the occurrence of the detected event(s) will occur at a following wheel of the vehicle. The method yet further comprises automatically controlling vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, or both vehicle speed and acceleration in response to the detection, the prediction, or both the detection and prediction. A speed control system comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to perform the above-described methodology is also provided.

Abstract: A self-propelled off-road agricultural vehicle such as a product applicator is provided with a system for torque control at shift points. The self-propelled applicator has a drivetrain configured with two power levels of its engine. One power level limits engine power output to a value at or below a shifting-state clutch rating of the transmission to protect the transmission while shifting. The second power level allows engine power to exceed a shifting-state clutch rating of the transmission when the transmission is not shifting.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle information processing apparatus which, in order to link driver operation information to a learning result more smoothly, learns operation information obtained in response to respective vehicle operations performed by the driver in association with locations in which the vehicle operations have been respectively performed. The vehicle information processing apparatus learns a reproducibility of an identical type of operation information in an identical location in accordance with a number of times the identical type of operation information is obtained consecutively in the location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system for determining a movement of a control device and a system for detecting drowsiness of a driver of a vehicle, as well as an according processing unit used for this purpose and an according method. The system (12) for determining a movement comprises a plurality of light sensors (16), a processing unit (14) and an interface (18), wherein the light sensors (44-58) are able to transmit light intensity information to the processing unit (14) and the latter is able to provide information to a user. Further, the processing unit (14) is able to determine the movement of the control device based on the light intensity information submitted by the light sensors (44-58).

Abstract: A driver-specific vehicle control method is provided that can adjust one or more vehicle control systems in response to a difference in current driver driving characteristics with respect to safe driver driving characteristics on the same roadway type and vehicle operating conditions. The method maintains a driver score for each driver of a vehicle, in the form of a set of the driver's driving characteristics scores for each different roadway type. The method, via a control apparatus, determines a current position of the vehicle on a roadway and the roadway features to select the appropriate driver score for comparison. When the driver's score exceeds a threshold difference from a safe driver score on the same roadway type, the method can adjust a control system parameter.

Abstract: A system for automatic engagement of a driver assistance system comprises an input interface, a processor, and an output interface. The input interface is configured to receive data associated with one or more events. The processor is configured to evaluate the risk associated with the data and to determine that the risk indicates a state change in a driver assistance system is appropriate. The output interface is configured to provide an indication that the state change in the driver assistance system is appropriate.

Abstract: A line bypass system is provided having a guide wire. The line bypass system has a support structure defining a first channel, into which a first wire portion of the guide wire is received. The support structure has a second channel, extending parallel to the first channel, into which a second wire portion of the guide wire is received. The first channel is dimensioned to facilitate engagement of a robot with the first wire portion and the second channel is dimensioned to facilitate engagement of a robot with the second wire portion as the robot traverses the support structure.

Abstract: Generally disclosed is an adhesively secured seal and related methods for sealing a hopper car hatch without the risk of contaminating the hopper car load with food-grade adhesive and without damaging the hopper car or requiring excessive cleaning when removed. The disclosed seal comprises a piece or sheet of plastic with self-contained food-grade adhesive. Preferably, the plastic is cut to fit the length of the hatch of a rail car and features food-grade adhesive along on its surface its edges. In another embodiment, the apparatus is rolled, like tape, wherein the apparatus is installed over a hatch opening so that the sides of the apparatus containing food-grade adhesive are contacted with the rim and sides of the hatch.

Abstract: A railcar bogie includes: a cross beam supporting a carbody; a pair of front and rear axles sandwiching and arranged in front of and behind the cross beam in a railcar longitudinal direction to extend in a railcar width direction; bearings provided at both railcar width direction sides of each and rotatably supporting the axles; axle boxes accommodating the bearings; side members extending in the railcar longitudinal direction supporting both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam and each including both railcar longitudinal direction end portions supported by the axle boxes; contact members provided at both railcar width direction end portions and disposed on railcar longitudinal direction middle portions of the side members so as not to be fixed to the side members in an upper-lower direction; and supporting members provided at the axle boxes and supporting the railcar longitudinal direction end portions of the side members.

Abstract: A continuous assist braking and control system (10) operable to control the movement, speed and acceleration of a zipline rider (32) traversing a zipline (12). A brake line (40) is entrained around first and second reels (50, 52), and suspended above the zipline (12). The rider (32) is tethered to the brake line (40). A brake (56) is coupled to at least one of the reels (50, 52). When the brake (56) is disengaged, the brake line (40) is pulled along with the rider (32) as the rider (32) traverses the zipline (12). When the brake (56) is engaged, the reels' rate of rotation is slowed, thereby slowing the brake line (40) and the rider (32). When the brake (56) is engaged to stop the reels' rotation, the brake line (40) is brought to a stop, thereby arresting the motion of rider (32).

Abstract: A walkway system comprising a plurality of support assemblies, each having a pair of spaced apart beam support plates on an upper side thereof, and a plurality of pairs of beams. Each pair of beams is supported by pairs of spaced apart beam support plates of at least two support assemblies. A plurality of cross members extend between lower portions of the pairs of beams. The cross members are configured to support one or more cables resting thereupon. A plurality of decking members extend between the pairs of beams. The decking members are secured to upper sides of the beams. The cross members, beams and decking members cooperate to form a partial enclosure for the cables, thereby eliminating the need for a separate cable tray.

Abstract: A continuous scanning side laser detector system and method for real time, instantaneous accurate speed and direction measurement of a slow moving bulk material transport vehicle through a bulk material processing station.

Abstract: A torch cart includes a base for supporting first and second storage tanks, a wall provided between the tanks for separating the tanks, a container for housing a torch, a pair of holsters for holding a pair of fire extinguishers, and a hands-free striker mounted to the cart for igniting the torch. The hands-free striker has a tip and a friction pad for passing a torch tip over and igniting the torch.

Abstract: A picking ladder cart with a synchronized brake is provided, which includes a frame, a plurality of wheels, a ladder, and a stopper. The ladder is pivotally connected to a side of the frame, wherein the ladder is pivotally movable between a first position and a second position. The ladder includes two side rails and a plurality of steps, which are connected between the two side rails. The stopper has a first end and, a second end. When the ladder is moved to the second position, one of the plurality of steps, which is arranged at the lowest position among the steps, abuts against the second end of the stopper, which causes the stopper to contact one of the wheels. When an operator steps on the ladder of the picking ladder cart, the lowest step drives the stopper to abut against one of the wheels.

Abstract: A collapsible trunk-accessible cart includes a basket that is supported by a set of wheels, and which can be rolled forward and backward on the wheels. The wheels are in turn supported by a pair of cantilever horizontal support arms to which both front and rear legs are attached. The front and rear legs can be folded up over respective sides of the basket. The front legs extend forward at an angle to allow some of the lower portions of the front legs to pass under the rear of a vehicle so that the basket can then be moved into the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle. The basket can be rolled forward into the trunk, while a lift assist mechanism retains the legs to the basket, which can then be folded over the sides of the basket.

Abstract: A collapsible personal shopping cart device includes a rolling frame assembly having a plurality panels that are joined together. A set of wheels extend from the bottom of the frame assembly, and two of the panels include pivoting handle receivers. A telescoping handle assembly is connected to the handle receivers, and a basket assembly is suspended from the handle assembly. The device transitions from an extended position to a fully collapsed position for storage.

Abstract: A shopping cart child safety lock system. It includes a support post locked to a shopping cart with slideable and lockable yoke to restrain and then release a child's thighs.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a steering wheel, in the spoke of which an operating device, in particular a modular multi-function operation device, for arrangement in a spoke of a motor vehicle steering wheel, that includes, but is not limited to an operating element that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, in particular a turn-push operating element for operation with turning and/or pushing, which is coupled to at least one sensor for generating a control signal. The axis of rotation is obliquely mounted with an angular contact bearing, so that the operating device is oriented projecting in radial direction and in axial direction and the axis of rotation is variable with respect to the inclined mounting with the angular contact bearing, so that a rocking function is realized. In addition, a method is provided for operating instruments of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric steering lock device of a vehicle and an assembly method thereof, more specifically, the invention can also be provided on a column housing of a different vehicle having a manual steering lock device by reducing the height of the product, and is capable of reducing the number of assembly process during assembling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack-and-pinion steering, including a toothed rack having a longitudinal axis, a toothed rack housing in which the toothed rack is guided for axial displacement between two end stops, and an end stop damping assembly which includes at least one stop ring and at least one elastic compression body, the compression body surrounding the toothed rack, and its spring/damping section having an axial length in a non-loaded condition. The stop ring has a continuously surrounding axial guide extension which is located radially inside in relation to the compression body and which has an axial length that is smaller than the axial length of the spring/damping section of the compression body.

Abstract: A control device in an electric power steering device calculates a first assist component based on steering torque and a vehicle speed. The control device also calculates a compensation component associated with an reverse input and calculates a steered angle command value based on an addition value of the compensation component and basic drive torque that is an addition value of the steering torque and the first assist component, produces a second assist component by performing steered angle feedback control that causes the steered angle of a vehicle to follow the steered angle command value. The control device controls drive of a motor based on an assist command value that is an addition value of the first assist component and the second assist component.

Abstract: To suppress a voltage drop of a battery in an idle reduction state, a vehicle includes an idle reduction function of stopping the idling of the engine and restarting the engine when the vehicle starts moving. Then, a steering-by-wire control processing is performed to disengage a clutch and to control driving of turning motors. When the idling of the engine is stopped by the idle reduction function, a disengaged state of the clutch is maintained and the driving of the turning motors is restricted.

Abstract: A ball screw includes a nut, a screw shaft, an end deflector attached to the nut, plural balls, and a pair of ball lifting portions. A spiral groove is formed at an outer peripheral surface in the screw shaft. The plural balls roll along the spiral groove. The pair of ball lifting portions is provided at the end deflector so as to interpose a width center of the spiral groove. The pair of ball lifting portions supports the balls by a first part of one of the pair of ball lifting portions and a second part of other of the pair of ball lifting portions being apart from each other in a width direction of the spiral groove so as to interpose the width center of the spiral groove between the first and second parts to thereby lift the balls from the spiral groove.

Abstract: A physical quantity detecting device that can determine abnormality of a signal transmission system between a physical quantity detector and a controller and an electric power steering apparatus using the physical quantity detecting device are provided. The physical quantity detecting device includes a physical quantity detector configured to detect a physical quantity and to output a physical quantity detection signal and a controller configured to receive the physical quantity outputted from the physical quantity detector via a transmission line and to perform a control operation on the basis of the physical quantity. The physical quantity detector outputs a diagnostic signal for detecting abnormality of a transmission system between the controller and the physical quantity detector and the controller includes an abnormality determining unit configured to determine abnormality of the transmission system on the basis of the diagnostic signal when receiving the diagnostic signal.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for an electric power steering device includes a steering mechanism converting an input torque into a steering force and transmitting the steering force to wheels, a torque sensor outputting a torque detection signal according to an input torque, an electric motor applying a steering assist torque according to a torque detection signal output from the sensor, a sensor circuit changing output characteristics of the sensor, an actuator applying an input torque to the steering mechanism, a steering force meter actuating the motor via the sensor according to an input torque and measuring a steering force output by the steering mechanism, and a sensor output adjuster adjusting the output characteristic of the sensor circuit to approximate a steering force measured by the meter to an ideal value set in advance according to a deviation amount calculated based on a difference between the steering force and the ideal value.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a column shaft, a column pipe rotatably supporting the column shaft through a plurality of bearings, and a torque sensor for detecting torque generated on the column shaft by using magnetism. The column pipe is composed of a steel pipe. The torque sensor includes a magnetically variable portion and a magnetic change detector. The magnetically variable portion is disposed on the column shaft and has a magnetic permeability that varies with the torque generated on the column shaft. The magnetic change detector is configured to detect a change in the magnetism of the magnetically variable portion. The magnetic change detector is attached to the column pipe by being inserted in an axial direction through an opening at an axial end of the column pipe.

Abstract: A rotational angle detecting device continues a portion of operation by electric power from a battery when an electric switch is off. The rotational angle detecting device includes a sensor, a first calculator, a second calculator and a communication portion. The sensor detects a detection value that is variable according to a rotation of a detection object. The first calculator starts calculating first rotational information associated with the rotation of the detection object based on the detection value when the electric switch is turned on. The first calculator stops calculating the first rotational information when the electric switch is turned off. The second calculator calculates second rotational information associated with the rotation of the detection object regardless of an on/off state of the electric switch, based on the detection value. The communication portion outputs the first rotational information and the second rotational information to a controller.

Abstract: A method of providing automatic collision avoidance in a vehicle with a front wheel electric power steering (EPS) system and rear wheel active rear steering (ARS) system and an automatic collision avoidance system are described. The method includes generating a vehicle math model including the control variables, designing a steering control goal as a criterion to determine the control variables, and implementing a model predictive control to solve the steering control goal and determine the control variables. The method also includes providing the control variables to the EPS system and the ARS system to respectively control a front actuator associated with front wheels and a rear actuator associated with rear wheels.

Abstract: Provided is a parking assist apparatus capable of appropriately guiding a self-vehicle into a parking space even when accuracy of estimation of a corner position of each object located at a position adjacent to the parking space is low. Parking-space information, which is estimated by detecting the corner position of each of the objects sandwiching the parking space while the parking space is being searched, is sequentially corrected by using a reflection-point position on each of objects, which is detected while the self-vehicle is being guided into the parking space. Guiding assistance processing to the parking space is performed by using the corrected parking-space information.

Abstract: A structure of a front side member of a vehicle includes a front side member body mounted to a lower right side and a lower left side of the vehicle and extending along a length direction of the vehicle. The front side member includes a variable thickness part formed along the length of the vehicle and having a thickness that varies along the height of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inner panel for a vehicle bonnet. The inner panel comprises a peripheral portion, extending along at least a portion of a periphery of the inner panel, and a central portion, located within the peripheral portion. The central portion has a longitudinal extension and a transverse extension. The central portion comprises a reinforcing framework, a portion of which forms an arch-shaped member. A longitudinal extension of the arch-shaped member is equal to or greater than 30% of the longitudinal extension of the inner panel. A transverse extension of the arch-shaped member is equal to or greater than 40% of the transverse extension of the inner panel. The disclosure further relates to a bonnet comprising such an inner panel and an outer panel.

Abstract: An instrument panel reinforcement structure has: a housing (24), that is made of metal and is disposed within an instrument panel (16), of a head-up display device (20) that projects image information onto a front windshield glass (14); and an instrument panel reinforcement (18) that is made of metal, and extends along a vehicle transverse direction within the instrument panel, and is joined to the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a front structure of a vehicle body having a wheel installation strut and a side member which flanks an interior defined by the front car. The side member has a convex surface, by means of which it is fastened to an end of the wheel installation strut in multiple points. At least one point is offset relative to the other points towards the interior. As a result, a front structure with good stiffness for improved occupant protection can be provided, which can also be assembled in a simple manner.

Abstract: A safety rail for a flatbed trailer including a track that is engaged adjacent an edge of the flatbed trailer and a plurality of post holder assemblies engaged with the track. The post holder assemblies are selectively movable along the track between an operational position and a storage position. When the safety rail is in the operational position, the post holder assemblies are spaced a distance apart from each other and, when in the storage position, the post holder assemblies are in tongue-and-groove interlocking engagement with each other. A post is engaged with each of the post holder assemblies and a cable is threaded through an aperture in each of the posts. The post holder assemblies include one or more wheels which engage the track and roll therealong as the safety rail is moved between the operational and storage positions.

Abstract: A pick-up truck tailgate is disclosed that is constructed of components made of aluminum alloys. A hinge reinforcement and hinge plate reinforce a lower corner of the tailgate. A transversely extending reinforcement, including a U-shaped body, is provided within the tailgate that reinforces the central portion of the tailgate. An access panel is provided on the inner panel of the tailgate and includes a hem and fasteners that are assembled to the inner panel through holes formed inboard of the hem.

Abstract: A locking apparatus of a side-gate in which a locker pivotably mounted to a post binds a hook when the side-gate mounted with the hook pivots to be raised, may include a knob that is located to be spaced apart from the locker and is pivotably mounted to the post, and a link bar, one end of which is connected to the locker, and another end of which is connected to the knob, wherein rotational force generated by the knob is transmitted to pivot the locker through a link bar.

Abstract: A pneumatic suspension system for a vehicle is provided comprising a mounting arrangement for mounting a portion of the vehicle on a chassis; the mounting arrangement including at least one pneumatic spring to be arranged and coupled between the portion of the vehicle and the vehicle chassis. A vehicle state control system is provided that provides a pressure set value in the pneumatic spring and a pressure controller is arranged to a valve device alternatively for pressurizing or depressurizing the each pneumatic spring. The valve device comprises at least a first valve having a valve outlet coupled to the spring terminal and a valve inlet communicatively coupled to the pressure terminal. A support structure (102) distinct from the sealing edge (104) is provided arranged to providing supporting contact to the sealing face to counteract deformations of the sealing face.

Abstract: A cabin unit mounted on a horizontal platform includes a mechanism for locking the cabin unit when in a raised position above the horizontal platform. The locking mechanism includes an articulated member attached between the cabin unit and the horizontal platform, the articulated member including an upper support arm and a lower support arm coupled at a joint and a cylinder attached between the horizontal support and the articulated member. A cylinder arm is retracted to move the joint of the articulated member to a locked position while the cabin is in a raised position.

Abstract: In a front air-flow streamlining structure of an automotive vehicle comprising a cover front portion of an under cover of a vehicle front portion and an air dam provided at a front bumper, a deflector is provided between the air dam and a front wheel house to be spaced rearward apart from the air dam, to project downward, and to extend in a vehicle width direction, an outward end portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the air dam is provided substantially continuously to the deflector, a pocket portion enclosed by the cover front portion, the air dam, and the deflector is provided such that an inward side, in the vehicle width direction, thereof opens, and a traveling-air intake portion which opens so as to take in traveling air toward the pocket portion is provided at the air dam.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape.

Abstract: A resilient or flexible skirt panel assembly having an integral bracing system is provided. In operation, the bracing system need not attach directly to a trailer base rail. The innovation includes straight, straight-angled and curved skirt panel orientations. Additionally, angled braces, ‘v-braces,’ ‘v-wings,’ and integral rib bracing mechanisms are provided. In aspects, the skirt panel and bracing mechanisms can absorb (or bend) under force while effectively having a ‘memory’ to return to their original shape upon removal of the force. The skirt assembly can include a hem along the bottom edge of the skirt panel thereby enhancing performance and longevity of the assembly. Additionally, an “anti-skid” clamping assembly can be employed to connect the skirt assemblies to the trailer I-beam, base rail or cross-members.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle includes a first vane configured to be rotatable on a wheel guard. An actuator is configured to provide the first vane with rotational force so as to rotate the first vane. A controller is configured to receive vehicle speed information and steering angle information of a steering wheel, and to control the operation of the actuator.

Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel retraction assembly that can be used with a convertible cart for transport of cargo. The convertible cart includes a support structure, first and/or second wheels, each with a retraction assembly that includes telescopic and fixed struts. The wheel retraction assembly is operatively associated with the support structure and is movable between retracted and expanded positions. One end of telescopic strut mounts the wheel axle structure and the opposite end is connected to the support structure. In the retracted position, the wheel retraction assembly maintains the first and/or second wheels in a position to enable the cart to be moved. In the expanded position, the retraction assembly moves the first and/or second wheels to another position to be adjacent the support structure wherein the wheels do not support the cart. The cart also features a convertible handle assembly and a mountable platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle provided with a movable saddle, which comprises: the movable saddle; a saddle moving module connected to the movable saddle and coupled with the seat post area of a bicycle frame so as to move the movable saddle in the direction of travel of the bicycle or in the opposite direction as a wire is pulled or pushed; and a control lever provided in the handle area of the bicycle, wherein the wire is bound thereto, for controlling the pulling or pushing of the wire.

Abstract: A seat assembly (10) for a bicycle, the seat assembly (10) having a seat (34) and a mounting assembly (50) located proximate a front of the seat (34) and being connected thereto, a hub (22) for receiving mounting assembly (50) in a rotatable manner, the axis of rotation (88) being diagonal with respect to horizontal and vertical planes, the arrangement being such that the seat (34) can move from side to side, and a lower frame member (24) extending between the hub (22) and a seat post mounting element (12).

Abstract: A seat structure with function of suspension includes a seat tube and a cushion body installed on the seat tube. The seat tube and cushion body are made of carbon-fiber materials. The cushion body includes an integrated seat and a bracket. The bracket is installed on the seat tube. The bracket is an arc piece. The front end of the bracket and the front end of the seat are integrally molded and connected to form a first angle. The rear end of the bracket and the rear end of the seat are integrally molded and connected to form a second angle. The first angle and the second angle are less than 90°, thereby enabling the seat being good elasticity relative to the bracket, which can effectively reduce the vibration transferred from the seat tube. The seat structure has larger elasticity coefficient and better effect of damping.

Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly for providing enhanced comfort while riding a bicycle includes a mount that may be coupled to a seat post of a bicycle. A seat is rotatably coupled to the mount such that the seat may be positionable at a selected angle with respect to the seat post. The seat is structured to be substantially chevron shaped thereby enhancing a comfort of the seat.

Abstract: A light device includes a light engine. A plurality of petals extends radially outward from the light engine. A trim is disposed over the petals and light engine. An installation card is disposed between the trim and the petals and includes an elongated opening. A strap extends through the elongated opening of the installation card. A light-emitting diode is connected to the light engine. A support component is formed on a surface of the petals. The strap includes a hook surface and a loop surface opposite the hook surface. The installation card includes a second elongated opening formed near an edge of the installation card and a third opening formed in a central region of the installation card. A plurality of straps includes a width of the straps being less than a width of the elongated opening. The plurality of straps includes a zip tie.

Abstract: A motorcycle of the present invention comprises a vehicle body; and a protruding section which is mounted to the vehicle body such that the protruding section protrudes from the vehicle body to at least one of right and left, and the protruding section has a structure which causes air to flow from front to back along an upper surface of the protruding section to generate a force for pushing the vehicle body downward.