Abstract: A valve assembly including a housing and a first movable member which divides the housing into a control chamber and a main chamber. A second movable member has a first valve part and a second valve part and is movable to engage the first valve part with a corresponding inlet valve part to substantially prevent flow of fluid into the main chamber via an inlet port. The first movable member is provided with an exhaust valve part and is movable to engage the second valve part of the second movable member to substantially prevent flow of pressurized fluid out of the main chamber via an exhaust port. A support part is secured relative to the housing, there being a first seal between the second movable member and the support part and a second seal between the support part and the first movable member.

Abstract: A parking brake for a body mounted brake cylinder having either a single locking mechanism cooperates with a threaded shaft that is centrally mounted within the brake cylinder or with multiple locking mechanisms that are positioned symmetrically about the centerline of the brake cylinder push rod so that the push or piston rod can still accommodate arcuate motion of the level of the braking system. The locking mechanism may be controlled by a mechanical linkage or through a pneumatic circuit. Activation of the locking mechanisms prevents axial movement of the brake piston. As a result, engagement of the locking mechanism may be used to prevent a release of the brakes after then have been applied to provide an automatic parking brake.

Abstract: A method of controlling lash crossing in a hybrid electric automotive powertrain. During deceleration while the powertrain is operating in electric only mode, an input is slowed to a first speed lower than an idle speed of an internal combustion engine. Lash crossing is delayed until the input has slowed to the first speed. When the first speed is zero, lash crossing is delayed until receipt of an acceleration request.

Abstract: A hybrid work vehicle includes a work device, a traveling drive device, a lever operation quantity detection unit, an engagement state detection unit, a pedal operation quantity detection unit, a travel state detection unit, and an engine control unit. The engine control unit controls an engine rotation rate based upon at least either the lever operation quantity or the pedal operation quantity in correspondence to either the engaged state or the non-engaged state and either the traveling state or the non-traveling state.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has an engine and a motor-generator as power sources and has an inter-vehicle distance detection unit to detect an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle. A power generation amount is restricted according to the inter-vehicle distance in a power generation travel mode in which power of the engine drives the motor-generator while being transferred to the drive wheels. Output torque of an engine drivetrain is reduced according to the restricted power generation amount.

Abstract: A powertrain system for a vehicle is described, and includes an internal combustion engine mechanically coupled to an electric machine to generate propulsion torque and electric power storable on an energy storage device. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a first desired powertrain output power associated with a road load and determining a second desired powertrain output power associated with a feed-forward state-of-charge (SOC) for the energy storage device. The internal combustion engine and the electric machine are controlled responsive to the first and second desired powertrain output powers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for a vehicle (10) having an electric machine (11). The electric machine (11) is coupled to at least one wheel (16) of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) can optionally be operated in at least a first operating mode (21) and a second operating mode (22). In the first operating mode (21), the electric machine (11) applies a torque to the wheel (16), and in the second operating mode (22) the electric machine (11) does not apply any torque to the wheel (16). In the method, a request for switching over between the first and the second operating modes (21, 22) is detected and the vehicle (10) is operated in a transition operating mode (23) if the request to switch over from the first operating mode (21) into the second operating mode (22) is detected. In the transmission operating mode (23), a torque is applied to the at least one wheel (16) counter to a rolling direction of the vehicle (10) for at least a predetermined time.

Abstract: An engine stop device includes: a detection part that detects a difference between a current position of a crankshaft and a target stop position of the crankshaft; and a control part that controls a motor based on the detected difference so that the crankshaft is able to approach the target stop position when an engine is stopped or after the engine is stopped. The control part selects one of a plurality of maps that define a relationship between a moving distance and a rotational speed based on the detected difference, and controls the motor based on the selected map.

Abstract: A side wind assistant for a vehicle and a method for the operation of the side wind assistant involve detecting a side wind disturbance acting on the vehicle and reacting to the side wind disturbance by carrying out a side wind compensation intervention to at least partially compensate for the influence of the side wind disturbance, at least when an intervention threshold has been exceeded. The side wind assistant thus reacts to the side wind disturbance in a frequency selective manner in which the frequency selectivity is controlled depending on the side wind compensation or a state of the side wind assistant correlating with the side wind compensation intervention. In particular, the frequency selectivity is controlled depending on whether the side wind compensation intervention is carried out or not carried out, and depending on the duration of the side wind compensation intervention.

Abstract: An intelligent intervention method based on an integrated tire pressure monitoring system includes monitoring a tire pressure and a tire temperature of a vehicle, and monitoring, a wheel speed of the vehicle; transmitting the tire pressure, the tire temperature and the wheel speed to a host; judging in real time whether the vehicle is in a normal status or in an abnormal status, via integrating the tire pressure, the tire temperature and the wheel speed; producing a deviation signal, when the tire pressure, the tire temperature and the wheel speed deviate from normal thresholds and transmitting the deviation signal to an intelligent intervention system; and performing intelligent intervention to slow down the vehicle in a straight line until the vehicle stops, when the deviation signal is received. The method enables the vehicle to run safely until stopping even in case of tire blowout, so as to prevent rollover or collision.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a target curve incline of a motor vehicle during traveling of a curved roadway section is disclosed. A momentary transverse acceleration of the motor vehicle is determined depending on a momentary speed of the motor vehicle and a momentary roadway curvature of the curved roadway section determined by an optical detection system. A momentary target curve incline for the motor vehicle is calculated from the determined momentary transverse acceleration. A modified momentary target curve incline is calculated by weighting of the calculated target curve incline with a speed-dependent target curve incline weighting factor. The momentary roadway curvature is determined by additionally using a vehicle navigation system of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Operations of an autonomous vehicle while waiting to make a turn from a center turn lane are described. In response to determining that the detected object intends on turning through the center turn lane from a transverse direction, it can be determined whether an object turning path for the detected object would impinge upon the autonomous vehicle in the center turn lane. If the object turning path would impinge upon the autonomous vehicle, determining a driving maneuver for the autonomous vehicle that would move the autonomous vehicle to a new position within the center turn lane to allow the autonomous vehicle to make the turn according to an adjusted vehicle turning path while also allowing the detected object to turn through the center turn lane according to an adjusted object turning path without impinging upon the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can be caused to implement the determined driving maneuver.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes a surface evaluation circuit configured to determine a surface fraction characteristic of at least a portion of a driving surface of a possible collision avoidance path of a vehicle. The system includes a rating circuit configured to assign a risk value to the possible collision avoidance path responsive to the determined surface traction characteristic. The system includes a selector circuit having a rule-set configured to select a collision avoidance path from at least two possible collision avoidance paths in response to an evaluation of the respective assigned risk value for each of the at least two possible collision avoidance paths.

Abstract: A vehicle driving control apparatus is provided for controlling an own vehicle to track a target vehicle. The vehicle driving control apparatus includes: (1) means for acquiring an actual relative speed of the target vehicle to the own vehicle; (2) means for setting a target acceleration of the own vehicle based on the product of a relative speed gain and the actual relative speed acquired by the acquiring means, the relative speed gain being normally set to a reference gain; (3) means for detecting occurrence of an event which causes the target acceleration set by the setting means to discontinuously change; and (4) means for correcting, upon detection of occurrence of the event by the detecting means, the relative speed gain so as to gradually increase the relative speed gain from a value that is less than the reference gain.

Abstract: A passenger actionable emergency vehicle management system for altering the behavior of the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle management system comprises a vehicle overriding mechanism operatively connected to the vehicle and capable of overriding driver controlled vehicle systems, a control circuit operatively connected to the vehicle overriding mechanism and an actuator, operatively connected to the control circuit and located in the vehicle within reach of a vehicle passenger seat.

Abstract: A method for displaying vehicle information includes: setting a driving velocity and an inter-vehicle distance after activating a smart cruise control function; performing a smart cruise control according to the set driving velocity and the set inter-vehicle distance and displaying smart cruise control-related information in an augmented reality display region located in a front portion of a driver's own vehicle; comparing an actual inter-vehicle distance between the driver's own vehicle and a nearby vehicle to the set inter-vehicle distance during performance of the smart cruise control; determining an information displayable region in the augmented reality display region when the actual inter-vehicle distance is less than the set inter-vehicle distance; and displaying display information corresponding to the set inter-vehicle distance in the information displayable region.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving user input identifying a travel destination for a first vehicle, determining, by a processor, a first route for the first vehicle to follow, and configuring the first vehicle to follow the first route. The method further includes obtaining a model for a second vehicle that shares a road with the first vehicle and comparing model to a pre-determined template for a vehicle that is known to be a special purpose vehicle in order to determine whether the first template and the second template match. The method further includes determining, by the processor, a second route that leads to the travel destination, when a match is found to exist, and switching the first vehicle from following the first route to following the second route.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a rotational velocity acquisition unit that acquires a rotational velocity of a rotary electric machine that imparts a steering force or a steering additive force to a steering system. A drive control device controls a left and right driving force difference by a driving device on the basis of a rotational velocity of the rotary electric machine.

Abstract: A SSC control method includes a condition satisfaction determination step of determining whether a vehicle can coast and a navigation information acquisition step of obtaining forward road information regarding a road section ahead of a current vehicle position when it is determined, in the condition satisfaction determination step, that the vehicle can coast. The method further includes a forward quick turn section determination step of determining whether a quick turn section exists in the road section ahead by using the forward road information obtained in the navigation information acquisition step, and an SSC entry step of controlling the vehicle to coast when it is determined in the forward quick turn section determination step that the quick turn section does not exist in the road section ahead.

Abstract: An upper limit value of an upward gradient of a road surface for starting neutral coasting is set to be larger than an upper limit of the upward gradient of the road surface for starting free-run coasting, so, when the upward gradient is relatively large and a coasting distance is short, the vehicle is caused to travel in the neutral coasting, and stop and restart of the engine are not carried out. Therefore, a decrease in drivability of the vehicle is suppressed. When the upward gradient is relatively small and the coasting distance is long, the vehicle is caused to travel in the free-run coasting, and supply of fuel to the engine is stopped, so fuel economy of the vehicle is obtained. Thus, it is possible to achieve both fuel economy and drivability of the vehicle during coasting on an upward gradient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle controller (1) for activating a vehicle glide mode. The controller (1) receives vehicle operating data including torque request data representative of a torque request; acceleration data representative of vehicle acceleration; and output torque data representative of an output torque. The controller (1) is configured to analyze the vehicle operating data to identify a vehicle glide opportunity. The controller (1) is operative to generate an activation signal (4) for activating the vehicle glide mode when said vehicle glide opportunity has been identified and the torque request is positive. The controller is thereby operative to implement a vehicle glide strategy. The controller (1) can also operate to deactivate the vehicle glide mode. The present invention also relates to a method of activating a vehicle glide mode.

Abstract: A control method and apparatus of a vehicle including a drive motor are provided. The control apparatus includes a data detector that detects data to operate the vehicle and a controller that determines whether a braking condition is satisfied based on the data. The controller calculates a total braking amount and a regenerative braking allowance when the braking condition is satisfied and determines whether a shifting condition is satisfied when the braking condition is satisfied. A first actuator receives a control signal from the controller to adjust a hydraulic pressure supplied to each frictional element of the transmission and a second actuator receives the control signal from the controller to adjust the hydraulic pressure supplied to the wheel cylinder. An inverter receives the control signal from the controller to determine a switching operation of a switching element.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.

Abstract: A clutch burst prevention method for preventing a non-drive input shaft clutch of a vehicle provided with a double clutch transmission (DCT) from damage may include a torque reduction operation of reducing a torque of an engine by an ECU when a stuck phenomenon occurs on a shift gear of the non-drive input shaft.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems comprising vehicle gear shifting controls are disclosed. One embodiment is a method comprising operating a vehicle system comprising an engine structured to output torque, a transmission structured to receive torque from the engine and output torque to one or more ground contacting wheels, and an electronic control system in operative communication with the engine and the transmission. The electronic control system is structured to estimate an engine load parameter using one or more dynamically determined vehicle operating parameters, set an engine load threshold using the engine load parameter, evaluate a current engine load relative to the engine load threshold, and selectably perform an operation to control or influence a shifting event in response to the evaluation.

Abstract: An on-board vehicle computing system stores values in a memory of a first engine control unit (ECU) and stores corresponding backup values in a memory of a second ECU. In this way, the second ECU provides data backup functionality for the first ECU's data. The system may retrieve a backup value from the first ECU and restore the corresponding value in the second ECU using the backup value. In one illustrative scenario, if an original engine ECU (EECU) fails and a replacement EECU is installed, the system can retrieve backup values for vehicle speed limiter (VSL) parameters from memory in a cab ECU (CECU) and update the corresponding data in the replacement EECU with the backup values.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a bottom valve for a cargo tank of a railroad tank car, in which a valve operating lever is normally disconnected from a valve operating shaft and a valve operating shaft assembly includes a weak-link connector to prevent inadvertent opening of the bottom valve in case of derailment of the tank car.

Abstract: A device for damping vibrations between a pair of sub-structural components of a carbody in a locomotive is provided. The sub-structural components are supported on a single undercarriage frame. The device includes a first support bracket affixed to a first sub-structural component, and a second support bracket that is interleaved with the first support bracket and affixed to a second sub-structural component. The device further includes a first stiffening element and a second stiffening element that are disposed on the first support bracket and in opposing relation to each other. The device further includes a reciprocating member that is rigidly connected to the second support bracket. The reciprocating member is movable between the first stiffening element and the second stiffening element to abut against one of the first stiffening element and the second stiffening element in response to a relative movement between the pair of sub-structural components of the carbody.

Abstract: A fastening configuration for connecting a roof-side equipment container to the roof of a rail vehicle includes a fastening rail and a clamping device which engages in the fastening rail in order to clamp a retention section of the equipment container. The fastening rail is constructed as a T-rail which has a web associated with the roof and a support plate at the end of the web which runs perpendicular to the web and which is associated with the retention section of the equipment container. The T-rail has a hole which extends through the support plate into the web, and the clamping device can be inserted in the hole and engages under the support plate.

Abstract: A device transmits a force between a chassis and a body of a rail vehicle. The device is a structurally simple, space-saving device which allows spring movements and rotational movements of the body relative to the chassis. This is achieved in that at least one first traction link buffer, which has a first end face, and at least one second traction link buffer, which has a second end face, are fixed to the chassis. The first end face is spaced from the second end face in a longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. The two end faces point in at least approximately opposite directions, and a stop plate with sliding portions which are mutually spaced in the longitudinal direction is provided on the body. The end faces of the traction link buffers rest against the sliding portions in a slidable manner at least along some sections.

Abstract: A coupler head and mounting bracket combination for supporting a brake hose fitting uses a lug formed integrally with the coupler head and a support bracket mating with the lug. In embodiments, the bracket may be installed in a plurality of vertical positions on the coupler head. The bracket is maintained in a position inboard of the lateral side of the coupler head, to reduce or eliminate the likelihood that the bracket will interfere with the other equipment or the car body. Embodiments of the invention are particularly adapted for “E” type and “F” type coupler heads.

Abstract: A disk brake includes a floating caliper, a pair of brake pads, a driving piston and a caliper return mechanism. The floating caliper includes a base portion which is slidably supported via a guide pin to a support and a pair of pressing arms which extend from the base portion to pinch a disk rotor. The brake pads are provided in tip portions of the pressing arms so as to face side surfaces of the disk rotor. The driving piston is provided on one of the pressing arms so as to drive one of the brake pads toward one of the side surfaces. The caliper return mechanism is arranged in at least one of both end portions of the guide pin on a side opposite to the driving piston side so as to elastically bias the base portion to the side opposite to the driving piston side.

Abstract: An asset management system for a machine is disclosed. The asset management system may include a sensor associated with an asset of the machine and configured to generate a signal indicative of an operational status of a system associated with the asset. The asset management system may further include a user interface associated with the machine and a controller in communication with the sensor and the user interface. The controller may be configured to display on the user interface a graphical representation of the asset, receive via the user interface a user selection of the system from a plurality of systems associated with the asset, and display on the graphical representation of the asset a visual indicator of the system in response to the user selection. The visual indicator of the system may indicative of the operational status of the system.

Abstract: A detection system for a rail vehicle includes a control module, which has a sensor input for receiving a signal from a sensor. The control module is configured to receive the signal and to output information responsive to the signal. In operation, the control module and a sensor are deployed on board the rail vehicle. The sensor is configured to generate the signal responsive to detecting a designated condition on board the rail vehicle. When the condition occurs, the sensor outputs the signal, which is received by the control module. Responsive to the signal, the control module outputs the information, such as communicating information of the signal content to another rail vehicle, or to an off board location. The designated condition may be unauthorized use of a handheld wireless device in a rail vehicle, or intruder entry into an unmanned rail vehicle.

Abstract: In a method and system for monitoring rail operations and transport of commodities via rail, a monitoring device including a radio receiver is positioned to monitor a rail line and/or trains of interest. The monitoring device including a radio receiver configured to receive radio signals from trains, tracks, or trackside locations in range of the monitoring device. The monitoring device receives radio signals, which are demodulated into a data stream. That data stream is then decoded to find an identification number, which identifies a particular train carrying a commodity. From an analysis of the radio signals and/or identification of the position of the train, information about the train and/or the commodity it is carrying is derived and then reported to an interested party.

Abstract: Collapsible reusable carrying cases are provided in sizes varying from small food containers to large push cart bins on casters. The cases are assembled or disassembled from a joined flat space-saving configuration to a functioning case and vice-versa. All parts that make up a carrying case do not separate from the carrying case and no parts can be removed. The cases are formed from rigid plastic panels, and are assembled or disassembled without tools. The sides of the cases are erected progressively by hand by interlocking elements at the corners. The panels also disassemble progressively by being manually pulled apart. When folded into a flat storage or shipping configuration, the panels stay together, resisting unfolding by virtue of snaps which are either molded into the panels or bonded to them. The carrying cases are resistant to water, dirt, bacteria, molds, allergens, and inclement weather.

Abstract: A selectively extendable length trolley for supporting and conveying various sized and configured containers for pieces or components in an industrial plant. The trolley includes an adjustable length trolley structure, front and rear adjustable frames and locating supports for the containers that include side supports adjustable in position in a transverse direction, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L). A steering control unit (2) of the trolley (1) is articulated to the front frame (32) and operates in such a way that the front wheel unit and the rear wheel unit are made to oscillate in opposite directions to keep the wheels aligned with the curved path to be followed. In a preferred embodiment, the front and rear adjustable frames are T-shaped providing an open or free space at the two sides of the central structure of the trolley.

Abstract: A medical trolley cart having a main housing with an interior chamber. The main housing has front, back, first side, second side, top and bottom panels. A front door on the front of said main housing provides accessing an interior chamber, which may have a plurality of sliding shelves. A rear door on the rear of said main housing provides access to a rear portion of the interior chamber or to a second chamber within the cart. The rear door has a hinge around which the door is opened and a latch for holding the rear door in a closed position. The rear door opens to a maximum point at which the rear door forms an angle of 15-40 degrees with the main housing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein that are useful for holding containers open. For example, in some forms a cart accessory and cart are disclosed herein with an apparatus for holding open a receptacle or container. In one form, the apparatus is an accessory including an elongated body having a cart attachment mechanism for securing the cart accessory to at least a portion of a cart, a receptacle securing mechanism connected to the elongated body via a tether, the receptacle securing mechanism being movable between a retracted position wherein the securing mechanism is positioned proximate the elongated body and an extended position wherein the securing mechanism is spaced apart from the elongated body closer to at least a portion of a receptacle to assist in holding open the receptacle when connected thereto. In another form a cart is disclosed having such a container holding apparatus.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger motor vehicle, is disclosed. The steering column arrangement has a console and a steering column that is mounted between respective console arms by intercession of an intermediate section, in particular a casing pipe box. The steering column is set releasably on the console by a clamping device where the clamping device includes at least one wedge pair that is held on the console by a support element. The wedge pair has respective clamping wedges where the clamping wedges adjoin each other directly and the wedge pair is supported on its side facing away from the intermediate section, in particular the casing pipe box, by the support element.

Abstract: A first plate of a stationary bracket has long holes which extend parallel to a column movement direction, and through which large-diameter portions of suspension bolts are passed. The inner circumferences of the long holes include: recessed curved surface portions of end portions in a direction opposite to the column movement direction; first inner edge portions which are on the side of a middle position between the long holes; and second inner edge portions. In a secondary collision, when the one suspension bolt slides over the first inner edge portion of the long hole, for example, a gap is formed between the other suspension bolt and the second inner edge portion of the long hole.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering system includes a pinion shaft having pinion teeth, a rack shaft on which rack teeth are formed which mesh with the pinion teeth; and a rack bush which supports the rack shaft slidably in an axial direction thereof. An outer circumferential surface of the rack shaft includes a first area which is a concave formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rack shaft and extending in the axial direction and a second area which is an area of the outer circumferential surface excluding the first area and lies adjacent to an end portion of the first area in the axial direction. The rack teeth are formed in the first area. A chamfered portion or a rounded portion is provided on a boundary between the end portion of the first area and the second area to chamfer or round a corner portion on the boundary.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a control unit configured to: compute an assist control amount (current amount), based on multiple kinds of state quantities indicating a steering state; control a motor based on the assist control amount, the motor being a source of assist force to be applied to a steering system of a vehicle; individually set, for the respective state quantities, limiting values that limit a variation range of the assist control amount, based on the respective state quantities used to compute the assist control amount; limit a value of the assist control amount using the limiting values; acquire a command value generated by a host control unit to change the assist control amount; and take the command value into account in setting of at least one of the limiting values, when executing control of the motor based on the assist control amount that reflects the command value.

Abstract: A motor control device includes a motor, a control device, and a motor drive circuit. The motor includes a motor rotor, a motor stator, and a plurality of coil groups divided into a first coil group and a second coil group of at least two systems for each of three phases, and configured to excite a stator core by three-phase alternating currents. In the motor drive circuit, a first motor drive circuit supplies a three-phase AC first motor drive current to the first coil group based on a command value, and a second motor drive circuit supplies a three-phase AC second motor drive current having a phase difference from a phase of the first motor drive current, to the second coil group.

Abstract: An online load detection device for a self-balancing two-wheel vehicle, comprising a support platform load detection device: the support platform load detection device comprises at least a group of magnetic detection devices; each group of magnetic detection devices comprise a permanent magnet and a magnetic sensor; the permanent magnet is supported on a support platform via an elastic member; the magnetic sensor is disposed in the easing of the support platform, and is used to detect the magnetic field change caused by the relative displacement between the permanent magnet and the magnetic sensor and output a detection signal. The detection device further comprises a seat pressure sensor disposed on a seat. The detection device detects the load pressure of the support platform in a non-contact manner, and can avoid wear, judge and warn the driving attitude of a driver.

Abstract: A ball bearing for rotatably supporting a steering shaft, which is comprised of an input shaft and an output shaft connected to each other via a torsion bar is secured by a lock nut. The lock nut has an inside diameter Y1 greater than a maximum outside diameter X6 of the sensor body of a torque sensor mainly configured from a permanent magnet, first and second yoke members, and a magnetic sensor, which are disposed on the outer periphery of the steering shaft. With this configuration, the torque sensor and the lock nut radially overlap with each other, thus reducing the size of a device. Also, because of the lock nut being assembled so as to pass through the outer peripheral side of the torque sensor, component parts can be installed from one direction, thus improving the assembling workability of the device.

Abstract: A High Performance Steering System for amplifying the turning motion of an axle as the turning motion is applied to wheels or tracks at the outer ends of the axle. The present invention generally includes a support member such as an axle which is secured underneath the frame of a vehicle such as a garden tractor or automobile. The support member includes a fixed post and an outer post for each wheel that is steered. Wheels or tracks are connected to the outer posts, such as by mounts. Rotation of the support member imparts forces through sprockets, gears, pulleys, tie rod linkages, or the like to amplify the turning motion of the support member as it is applied to the outer post. The amount of such amplification of turning motion between the support member and outer posts may be varied with differing size ratios of the sprockets, gears, or pulleys.

Abstract: A steering control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The steering control system may have left and right motors, at least one input device configured to generate first and second signals indicative of desired speed and desired steering, a left speed sensor configured to generate a third signal, and a right speed sensor configured to generate a fourth signal. The steering control system may further have a controller configured to determine a difference between desired and actual steering based on the second, third, and fourth signals, to determine a steering command change that should be implemented based on the difference, and to determine a gain based on the second signal. The controller may also be configured to adjust the steering command change as a function of the gain, and to selectively apply the adjusted steering command change to one of the left and right motors.

Abstract: The present invention is a guidance computing system used by the driver of a vehicle towing a trailer while backing-up that rapidly calculates and predicts the direction in which the tow vehicle and trailer will become generally in-line for a given position of the steering wheel, thereby enabling the use of slower, lower cost microcomputers. This is accomplished by using a predetermined table, based on a baseline trailer of known length, having a measure of turning as one of its axes; such an axis is necessary to facilitate ratiometric scaling to convert table values to correspond to any length trailer. In a specially equipped vehicle incorporating servomechanisms to enable the vehicle to steer itself, the driver indicates the direction desired for the trailer to travel. The present invention also predicts left and right path limits for controlling the direction of the trailer when maneuvering complex paths.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method of generating a travel route, which generate a travel route by using fixed objects positioned at a front side. The apparatus for generating a travel route includes: a space information obtaining unit configured to obtain information on a space, in which a driver's vehicle is allowed to travel, by using fixed objects positioned at both sides of the driver's vehicle; a travelling direction estimating unit configured to estimate a travelling direction of the driver's vehicle based on travelling information about the driver's vehicle and information on distances to the fixed objects; and a travel route generating unit configured to generate a travel route of the driver's vehicle based on the space information and the travelling direction of the driver's vehicle.