Abstract: In an embodiment, movement-data is gathered with one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, GPS receivers, etc.) during a driver's driving session. A score may be calculated for the driving session, and the driver's progress is evaluated by a driver-evaluation system. A driving session report or graphical user-interface (GUI) is generated with a computer processor and displayed at a display device. The displayed report or GUI includes a graphic representing the driver's progress relative to historical data.

Abstract: A method of assisting a driver of a vehicle in driving a road, the method includes determining a location of a road boundary relative to the vehicle using a sensor, selecting, via a controller, a parameter to assist a driver of the vehicle at the location of the road boundary, updating the parameter based on a previous operation of the vehicle, determining, via the controller, whether the vehicle is approaching the road boundary based on a vehicle trajectory and the location of a road boundary, and providing a feedback operation to assist the driver in avoiding the road boundary, the feedback operation based on the selected parameter.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting an operating variable of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, an electric generator is driven by the internal combustion engine and a current output value of a mechanical driving power required by the generator is repeatedly determined from at least one current parameter value of the generator by an energy management unit. On the basis of the output value, an engine control unit determines a control setpoint for adjusting the operating variable. Sudden load variations at the generator are compensated by monitoring an operating variable of the generator, by determining after a sudden load variation of the electrical load a relative change of the operating variable and by determining an adjusted control setpoint caused by the sudden load variation independently of the output value of the energy management unit and dependent on the relative change in the monitored operating variable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a motor vehicle control system for selecting a driving surface and for controlling a plurality of vehicle subsystems to operate in a plurality of subsystem configuration modes in dependence on the selected driving surface, the system being operable in a manual operating mode in which a user is able to select said driving surface and an automatic operating mode in which the system is operable to select said driving surface automatically; wherein the system is able to be switched between said manual and automatic operating modes by means of a user-operable input device; and wherein when operating in the automatic operating mode and a change from the automatic operating mode to the manual operating mode is made via the user-operable input device, the system is configured to select a default subsystem configuration mode.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for vehicle use and performance restrictions based on detected users. A user may check-in to a vehicle so that the vehicle identifies the user, such as through providing identification to the vehicle using biometrics, logins, or other information. Using the identification, the vehicle may determine parameters and restrictions on use of the vehicle by the user. Parameters may include information about the user, such as age, health, or other statistic stored with the identification for the user, and may be utilized to determine restrictions on use of the vehicle by the user, such as a speed of the vehicle and passengers allowed in the vehicle. Restrictions may also be set for the user, including speeds of travel, routes of travel, and usage of media players in the vehicle. The usage of the vehicle may be monitored and enforced using the restrictions.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes prompting a user to change an operating mode of an electrified vehicle from a first mode to a second mode that is different than the first mode. The first mode is a default mode. The second mode is a non-default mode.

Abstract: In an information providing apparatus, a controller is configured to: (i) acquire traveling environment information indicating a traveling environment of the vehicle; (ii) acquire, from a predetermined server via a network, a determination condition that is used to determine whether or not use of a vehicle function included in the vehicle is suitable; and (iii) provide, to a user of the vehicle, a message suggesting use of the vehicle function in a case where the traveling environment indicated by the acquired traveling environment information satisfies the acquired determination condition.

Abstract: A method for advising a driver of a vehicle may include measuring a plurality of parameters representing the vehicle's current handling condition and the vehicle's limit handling condition, determining a margin between the vehicle's current handling condition and limit handling condition, and initiating an alert for the driver before the vehicle achieves the limit handling condition if the margin exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A curved plate for a railcar bodyshell includes: a plate main body including an outer surface facing an outside of a railcar and an inner surface facing an inside of the railcar and the plate main body having a curved shape; and reinforcing ribs projecting from the inner surface of the plate main body toward the inside of the railcar. At least two of the plurality of the reinforcing ribs include machining reference surfaces formed on a same plane as reference surfaces used when machining an outer surface of the plate main body. At least one of the plurality of the reinforcing rib includes a mounting reference surface perpendicular to one of a rail direction, a sleeper direction, and a vertical direction as a reference surface used when mounting the curved plate to the railcar.

Abstract: A rail-borne vehicle includes an inner ceiling assembly having at least one air duct, a multiplicity of lighting devices and at least one ceiling cladding. The air duct is disposed between an inner surface or face of a roof of the rail-borne vehicle and the ceiling cladding and the air duct is provided with a multiplicity of air outlet openings. The ceiling cladding also has a multiplicity of openings. Both the lighting devices disposed between the inner surface of the roof of the rail-borne vehicle and the ceiling cladding as well as the air outlet openings of the air duct are disposed relative to the openings in the ceiling cladding in such a way that both the air of the air duct and the light of the lighting devices pass through the openings in the ceiling cladding.

Abstract: A brake unit for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, has a brake cylinder, a brake piston and a device for adjusting a clearance. The latter has two first stops that strike against each other when the brake unit is opened. One of the first stops is formed on a blocking element that is functionally connected to the brake piston. In order to be able to open the brake unit beyond the clearance, a blocking member is in engagement with the blocking element under the force of a pre-stressing spring. The blocking element is blocked by the blocking member when the first stops strike. Actuators displace the blocking member that is in engagement with the blocking element counter to a force of the pre-stressing spring into a position detached from the blocking element.

Abstract: The system provides a railroad switch for use in un-signaled (dark) territory. In particular, the system includes a plurality of audio messages maintained on a discrete audio board, where a DTMF signal is validated, initializes the control of a switch, and triggers an audio board to report a correspondence condition, where the output of the audio board is checked by a relay status.

Abstract: A travel cooler, includes a body comprising a base, sidewalls, and a lid connected together to define an interior, insulated containment space for holding cooler items. A lengthwise dimension of the cooler extends between opposite ends of the cooler, and the body defines recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler. The cooler further includes a U-shaped handle having two legs connected by a handle portion. The cooler is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle extend a substantial length from the body of the cooler, and a second configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle are received within the recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler, the handle portion extending in close proximity to an end of the body of the cooler.

Abstract: A powered pallet truck is provided having a base support portion and a load lift portion. The powered pallet truck has a lift cylinder device connected at a lower portion to a forward extending lift cylinder device seat on the base frame and pivotally connected at an upper portion within a recessed channel in the load lift frame.

Abstract: A power generation system for wheeled objects comprises a generator mechanically coupled to one or more of the object's wheels to convert wheel rotational energy into electrical energy. The power generation system may comprise an electrical storage device configured to store the electrical power produced by the generator. Power from the generator and/or the electrical storage device can be used to provide power to other electrical systems in or on the object. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device comprises a bank of high-capacity capacitors connected in series. Some embodiments use a control circuit, for example, to regulate the charging and discharging of the capacitor bank and to provide suitable voltages for other systems. The power generation system may be disposed within an object's wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.

Abstract: A stroller system including a rear suspension system comprising two springs is discussed. The stroller system is configured to withstand a variety of operating conditions including various terrain, speed and weight requirements. An embodiment of a stroller with a dual elastic suspension system is also discussed.

Abstract: A cover for a steering wheel of an automobile includes at least one fastening member that has a plurality of resilient, generally C-shaped clips that are spaced apart to define an outer periphery. Each clip includes a base portion and first and second oppositely disposed arms. The clips are configured to be received over the rim of a steering wheel, whereby the cover may be selectively attached to and removed from the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column includes first and second shaft parts respectively coupled to an intermediate piece via first and second joint disks. The joint disks are configured such that when the steering column is in an uninstalled state, the first and second shafts are substantially coaxial, and when the steering column is in an installed state, the first and second shafts form a non-zero inclination angle via elastic deformation at the joint disks.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column pivotably coupled to a rake bracket at a first pivot point, a rake locking mechanism including a rotatable rake bolt, and a multi-link assembly including a first member, a second member and a third member. The first member includes a first end fixedly coupled to the rotatable rake bolt and the second end rotatably coupled to a first end of the second member. The second member includes a second end rotatably coupled to a first end of a link portion of the third member. The third member includes a link coupled to a lever. A first end of the lever is coupled to a second end of the link. The lever includes a thumb pad. Rotation of the thumb pad around a second pivot point effects rotation of the rotatable rake bolt to lock or unlock the rake locking mechanism.

Abstract: A steering system includes an outer jacket including a pair of clamped portions disposed on both sides of a slit, an inner jacket coated with an insulating coating layer all along an outer periphery of the inner jacket except for a predetermined area, an upper bracket that supports the clamped portions and that is fixed to a vehicle body, and a clamping mechanism including a clamping shaft that is supported in clamping shaft insertion holes in the clamped portions so as to be energized. The steering system further includes a conductive elastic member including a first portion engaged with one of a slit inside portion of the clamping shaft positioned in the slit and the predetermined area so as to be energized and a second portion that slide-contacts the other of the slit inside portion and the predetermined area.

Abstract: A steering gear box for a vehicle includes a housing having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion. A first flange is coupled to the first end portion to mount a steering shaft to the housing. A front mounting leg at the first end portion outboard from the first flange defines a first aperture for receiving a fastener to couple the steering gear box to a body casting of the vehicle. The front mounting leg is configured to fail when a predetermined load is applied to the front mounting leg. A rear mounting leg at the first end portion outboard from the first flange defines a second aperture for receiving a fastener to couple the steering gear box to the body casting of the vehicle. The rear mounting leg is configured to withstand the predetermined load applied to the front mounting leg.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a frame portion, a drive source, a pair of suspension assemblies, a pair of drive shafts, a steering wheel, and a transfer mechanism which transfers movement of the steering wheel to the pair of front wheels. Each of the pair of suspension assemblies includes an upper arm supported pivotably by the frame portion, a lower arm supported pivotably by the frame portion below the upper arm, and a knuckle arm connecting the upper arm and the lower arm to each other. The transfer mechanism includes a steering shaft portion extending from the steering wheel and rotates with the steering wheel, a rack-and-pinion portion provided at a tip region of the steering shaft portion, and a pair of tie rods extending in a width direction of the vehicle and connecting the rack-and-pinion portion to the pair of knuckle arms. Each of the pair of drive shafts passes through between the upper arm and the lower arm, whereas each of the pair of tie rods passes above the upper arm.

Abstract: An ECU acquires a steering torque detected by a torque sensor (step S1). The ECU drives an electromagnet of a solenoid actuator (step S2). The ECU drives a steering operation motor in accordance with the direction of the detected steering torque acquired in step S1 to apply, to an output shaft of a clutch, a torque acting in such a direction that a torque being exerted on a clutch mechanism is reduced (step S3). When a predetermined time has elapsed since driving of the steering operation motor in step S3 (step S4: YES), the ECU 40 reverses a driving direction of the steering operation motor to apply, to the output shaft of the clutch, a torque acting in a direction opposite to the direction of the last torque applied (step S5).

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus (1) is provided with a heat sink (5) and an intermediate member (4) whose surface portions are perpendicularly placed with respect to an axial direction of a motor's shaft center, and arranged in such a way that each of power modules (51a, 51b) of a plurality of driving circuits is attached on a surface portion of the heat sink (5) so that an extending direction of a maximum outer dimension of the power modules (51a, 51b) is perpendicular to the axial direction, and each of electric devices (C1a-C1b) of the plurality of driving circuits is attached on a surface portion of the intermediate member (4) so that an extending direction of a maximum outer dimension of the electric devices (C1a-C1b) is perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: An electric power steering device includes a torque detector including an input shaft rotational angle detector and an output shaft rotational angle detector configured to respectively detect rotational angles of an input shaft and an output shaft coupled by a torsion bar arranged in a steering system of a vehicle; an electric motor configured to be controlled based on a torque detection value detected by the torque detector, and to generate a steering assistance force to be exerted on the output shaft; a motor rotational angle detector configured to detect a motor rotational angle of the electric motor; and a noise suppression unit configured to reduce a noise in a signal of the rotational angle of the output shaft detected by the output shaft rotational angle detector, by using the motor rotational angle detected by the motor rotational angle detector.

Abstract: A steering intermediate arm for linking dual steer axles on a vehicle is mountable for pivoting movement on a vehicle frame rail about a non-horizontal axis. The intermediate arm provides for a connection between a first linking rod extending rearwardly from a pitman arm and a second linking rod extending rearwardly to a steering arm of a rearward steerable axle of the dual steerable axles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle control system comprising a projecting device, a camera device, a control device and an actuating device. The vehicle steering control system does not need a physical steering wheel, thus the weight and cost of the vehicles can be reduced. In addition, the steering control system according to the present invention provides the drivers with brand new driving experience.

Abstract: A motor controller has an assist controller generating an assist instruction for a generation of an assist torque based on a detection value of a steering torque, a follow controller obtaining a target value of a physical quantity regarding a steering operation and generating a follow instruction, and a motor driver driving, according to a sum of the assist instruction and the follow instruction, a motor that generates the assist torque and an automatic steering toque. In addition, the follow controller changes, according to a degree of intervention by a driver that is detected by an intervention detector, responsiveness of the follow control, making it possible to naturally hand over a motor control to the driver or to a system when the driver or the system intervenes a current control of the motor that generates the assist torque and/or the steering torque.

Abstract: A travel control apparatus for a vehicle includes a frontward environment recognition unit, a map information storage unit, a vehicle position information obtaining unit, a traveling road information obtaining unit, a rut information detector, a first course setting unit, a second course setting unit, and a target course setting unit. A target course over a road surface on which a vehicle is to travel is set as a first course on the basis of map information, the target course over the road surface on which the vehicle is to travel is set as a second course or a third course on the basis of rut information, the first course is compared with the second and third courses, and the target course over the road surface on which the vehicle is to travel is set on the basis of traveling road information and the rut information.

Abstract: A vehicle body rail for a motor vehicle, which is constructed of fiber-reinforced plastic and is designed as a vehicle body rail which absorbs energy in the event of a collision of the motor vehicle, includes a wall. The wall is provided with indentations and/or elevations such that, in the event of an application of a predetermined collision threshold load in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body rail, a failure of the wall by fragmentation takes place in the area of the indentations and/or elevations.

Abstract: Junction regions are formed by mutually joined side portions of a pillar inner and a pillar outer, and an opening-defining region is formed by mutually spaced side portions of the pillar inner and the pillar outer. The junction regions include a first junction region adjacent to the opening-defining region on one side in a longitudinal direction and a second junction region adjacent to the opening-defining region on the other side in the longitudinal direction. A bypass connection wall connecting the opening-defining region and at least one of the first junction region and the second junction region extends from at least one of the pillar inner and the pillar outer.

Abstract: An arrangement including elements of a motor vehicle body on which hood mountings are mounted, and a water box which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and at ends of which water is discharged. The water box includes a central element, and two end elements for closing the water box which are connected to the central element and through which the water is discharged. Each end element extends toward an inside of the vehicle in a direction transverse to the vehicle body, beyond an inner edge of each corresponding hood mounting, such that the central element can pass between the hood mountings when mounting the central element along a path substantially lying in a plane vertical and longitudinal to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A strut is provided for reinforcing a vehicle body of a vehicle, in particular an engine compartment, wherein the strut has a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion for fastening the strut to the vehicle body. Further fastening portions are, situated between the first and second fastening portion, for further fastening the strut to points on the vehicle. The strut has a profile with at least two vertices between the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion.

Abstract: A carrier for an automobile with integrated active ducting, and a method of making a louver therefor. The carrier includes at least one aperture, and at least one louver rotatably mounted in the aperture. Also attached to the carrier is an actuator, and the actuator is connected to the louver. The actuator is operable for moving the louver between an open position and a closed position such that when the louver is in the open position, air flow passes through the aperture.

Abstract: A hood assembly is provided. The hood assembly includes an outer panel having an interior surface and a peripheral edge. The hood assembly further includes a frame mounted to the outer panel. The frame has a contoured section. The contoured section is spaced apart from the interior surface of the outer panel and adjacent a forward portion of the peripheral edge of the outer panel. The contoured section includes an opening disposed on the contoured section so as to facilitate a deformation of the outer panel from a top down load.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle is provided with a front-side housing that has a rear end that defines a gap with an upper end of a front-floor cover that is spanned by a flexible member that is a separate component from the front-side housing and the front-floor cover.

Abstract: A body panel that is attachable to a body structure is provided. The body panel has a single thickness portion and a double thickness edge portion where the body panel is hemmed over onto itself and is attachable to the body structure. The body panel may be made of a metal material or a non-metal material. The attachment may be via a weld, a fastener, and/or an adhesive.

Abstract: A rack system that is configured to allow the omission of cross bars. The cross bars can be easily removable and replaceable or can be adjustable along a length of the rack system. In some configurations, the rack system includes at least one side support arrangement comprising a first vertical support and a second vertical support. Two or more side support arrangements can be provided on each side of the truck bed. Pairs of support arrangements on one side of the truck bed can be connected by one or more longitudinal supports. Accessories, such as tool boxes or gas cans, can be connected to the one or more longitudinal supports.

Abstract: Provided is a frame structure for a vehicle including: a pair of main side rails which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and faces each other; and an extension side rail which is connected to a front portion of the main side rail in the vehicle longitudinal direction and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, wherein the extension side rail is formed so as to have a substantially C-shaped cross-section and is formed so that a front portion is lower than a rear portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A mounting member for securing a vehicle body to a chassis frame includes a horizontal base wall defining a mounting hole used to assemble the body to a receptacle on the frame. The mounting member further includes a plurality of side walls extending from the base wall to connect to a floor panel of the vehicle body. A boss protrudes from the base wall to the floor panel and includes a bore aligned with the mounting hole. The mounting member also includes at least one gusset extending from the boss to the base wall. The base wall, side walls, boss, and the at least one gusset are integrally formed as a single unitary body.

Abstract: A system of wake control for a ground vehicle to help promote increased fuel efficiencies of the ground vehicle by modifying an air flow wake generated during the movement of the vehicle in a forward direction. The system includes at least one slot jet configured to be located along a rear profile portion of the ground vehicle. The at least one slot jet is configured to provide a continuous flow of air at a non-zero velocity when the ground vehicle is moving in a forward direction, the non-zero velocity being at least partially directed in a rearward direction with an output velocity less than a velocity at which the ground vehicle is moving in the forward direction, but sufficient to modify the air flow wake generated by the movement of the ground vehicle in the forward direction.

Abstract: A ground robot having a main body, two opposing drive systems, a flipper disposed distal to the main body, and a front wheel and a rear wheel, both disposed substantially parallel to the vertical plane and between the inner track and the flipper. The main body has a sagittal plane and two opposing lateral sides. Each drive system having an inner track disposed proximal to the main body. The inner track extends along a corresponding lateral side of the two opposing lateral sides and substantially parallel to a vertical plane of the main body, and is supported by a plurality of inner pulleys. The flipper extending along the corresponding lateral side and substantially parallel to the vertical plane. The flipper has a flipper body, an outer track, and a plurality of outer pulleys supporting the outer track. The diameter of the front wheel and the rear wheel of each of the opposing drive systems ranges between 1.2 to 1.3 times of a diameter of the inner track.

Abstract: Provided is a track drive for outdoor power equipment including a support frame and a drive axle configured to attach to an associated drive hub. A hub bearing is mounted on the drive axle and the support frame enabling the drive axle to rotate relative to the support frame. A drive sprocket is attached to the drive axle and includes an interior half sprocket and an exterior half sprocket. The half sprockets are located on either side of the support frame. Drive teeth are spaced radially about the drive sprocket. The drive sprocket is movably engaged with an endless track to transmit force to rotate the endless track and propel the outdoor power equipment. A kit for adding or replacing a track drive of outdoor power equipment is also provided.

Abstract: A track system for steerable vehicles having at least one axle. The track system is capable of adjusting to changes in terrain by pivoting in clockwise and counterclockwise directions relative to an axle assembly as the vehicle moves across the ground. The pivotal movement of the track system relative to the axle assembly is restricted by a limiter attached to an inboard member of the track system frame. Pivotal movement is limited by the axle assembly housing engaging the limiter when the track system pivots in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to a maximum point along a pivot arc.

Abstract: A system includes a first drive module connected to a first end of a linkage arm and a second drive module connected to a second end of the linkage arm. Two magnetic wheels are connected to each of the first and second drive modules. The first and second drive modules may be independently controlled or controlled using a coordinated controller. The linkage arm may include a first linkage arm portion having at least one degree of freedom with respect to a connected second linkage arm portion, which may be connected via a hinged or ball-joint connection. One or both ends of the linkage arm may have at least one degree of freedom with respect to its respectively connected drive module. Additional linkage arms and drive modules may be connected to form a multi-segment system.

Abstract: A cart assembly includes a cart that has an upright section and a tongue section. The upright section may have an object removably secured thereto and the tongue section may be coupled to a vehicle thereby facilitating the cart to be towed. A basket is removably attached to the cart. The basket is positioned on the upright section such that the basket may contain an object.

Abstract: A method for producing a vehicle body with a roof part, lateral roof frame parts, a roof channel provided between said components on each side of the roof, and also front and rear roof-structure transverse parts, obtains a simpler and more cost-effective connection of the roof part to the adjacent components, while avoiding disadvantages associated with thermal connections. The roof part and the lateral roof frame parts are fixedly connected to one another at least along the respective roof channel by beading/seaming. The same also applies to the connection of the roof part to the front and rear roof-structure transverse parts. The beading/seaming can additionally be combined with an adhesive or an adhesive tape.

Abstract: A bicycle and bicycle parking and lock system wherein a hub locking device that is secured to a bicycle cooperates with a parking rack. The bicycle includes an engagement member that is secured to an axle of the bicycle. The engagement member selectively removably cooperates with a recess formed in the parking and lock system. The parking and lock system includes a number of upstanding members that are positioned to generally flank the front wheel of a bicycle to maintain the bicycle in a generally upright orientation. Each or select number of the upstanding members include a lock system that cooperates with the locking engagement member so as to secure the respective bicycle with respect to the parking system.

Abstract: A protective solar, ultraviolet radiation barrier and rain barrier configured in the shape of a truncated spherical lune and supported on each side longitudinally by flexible bendable support poles that connect to a bicycle to form a canopy of a protective barrier, said bicycle having front and rear anchor blocks that include a pair of pole end receiving sockets at an angle to each other front and rear. The support poles are extra length and much longer than the distance between the front and rear anchor block sockets causing the poles to be bowed under tension when supporting the barrier sheet in position above the bicycle. The device can also be used for other vehicles that are slow-moving such as a kayak. Each support pole is formed from individual actually aligned segments and fasteners that can be collapsed into the small individual segment pieces so that the entire system including a protective barrier and the support poles can be mounted into a portable storage device.

Abstract: A step structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle is configured to permit easy adjustment of a position and also of an angle of a step. A pair of opposed clamp pieces, that are formed as part of a step-support bracket provided to a vehicle body of a saddle-ride vehicle, are provided to sandwich an eccentric collar (rotor) from both sides thereof in a radial direction. The clamp pieces are configured to be tightened against the eccentric collar by a bolt, thereby non-rotatably fixing a position of the eccentric collar. The eccentric collar is configured such that when the clamp pieces are loosened, a shaft part of a step is pivotally movable in relation to a shaft insertion hole, and the step, supported by the shaft insertion part, can be adjustably rotated in relation to the step-support bracket.