Abstract: A pneumatic tire is provided including a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses of at least one tire side portion. A region including the recesses is provided in the outermost side in a tire radial direction. The protrusions are formed as convexities having a longitudinal shape in a predetermined direction. A region including the protrusions is provided inward in the tire radial direction of the region including the recesses.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire in which a sealing layer can be provided at a desired position on an inner circumferential surface of the tire is provided. The pneumatic tire (10) includes a tire frame member (12) formed in a circular shape and made of a resin, and a sealing layer provided by fixing a sealant housing member (34) internally filled with a sealant (38) to an inner circumferential surface of the tire frame member (12).

Abstract: A rapid inflation system is provided for the tires of a machine such as an agricultural machine which must periodically move between field conditions and road conditions. The system can relatively rapidly inflate the tires from a lower field ready state to a higher pressure road ready state by the use of a high pressure reservoir chamber defined within the tire.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transmitter for a wireless tire pressure monitoring system. The transmitter includes: an insulating housing including a top and a sidewall extending downward from the periphery of the top, wherein the interior surface of the top and the interior surface of the sidewall are configured to define a cavity; an antenna made of metal wire, wherein the antenna is provided on the top and the sidewall of the insulating housing and continuously extends along the top and the sidewall; and a wireless signal transmission assembly covered by the insulating housing and electrically connected to the antenna.

Abstract: The invention relates to the vehicles for off-road driving, both on land and on water, which can be used for construction of vehicles with good cross-country ability, (all-terrain vehicles). An all-terrain vehicle comprises a cabin with a glazing and a door, a passenger compartment, a frame, an engine with an exhaust system, a transmission gearbox, a steering gear, a running gear comprising a final drive system connected with at least two pairs of axle shafts with the wheels mounted on them having the low pressure tires, a suspension connected with the wheel tires, a tire inflation system, a heating system, a control system, is different in that it comprises an air line connected simultaneously with all wheel tires and associated with a tire inflation system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire lifting and removing tool of that facilitates shifting of tires on/off the trucks or the like, holding the tire at a place. The tool may be used for removing the spacer rings between the tires, as a pry bar. The tool allows an upper tire bead to be lifted beyond its wheel rim flange in one lever-like operation.

Abstract: A movable tow-bar assembly comprising: an elongate frame configured to be attached to a vehicle; a towing attachment comprising a sleeve that is shaped to receive a section of the elongate frame and allow translation of the towing attachment along a length of the frame; and a driving arrangement coupled with the towing attachment and the frame for effecting translational movement of the towing attachment along the length of the frame.

Abstract: A universal hitch system includes a vehicle that has a frame and the frame has a front end. A hitch is removably coupled to the frame and the hitch is positioned on the front end. The hitch may have an implement removably coupled thereto. Thus, the vehicle may tow the implement. The hitch comprises a central member and a pair of end members. The central member has an adjustable width such that the central member accommodates a variety of frame widths. Each of the end members is removably coupled to the central member. Each of the end members is removably coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A middle hoop system for a vehicle joint arranged between a vehicle front part and a vehicle rear part of a vehicle and forms a passage between the vehicle front part and the vehicle rear part. The middle hoop surrounds the passage. The middle hoop system comprises a cable strand which extends between the vehicle front part and the vehicle rear part, wherein the cable strand is arranged above the passage. The middle hoop system comprises a pivot lever between the middle hoop and the cable strand. A first pivot joint is formed between the pivot lever and the middle hoop. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot lever guides the cable strand at a distance from the first pivot joint. The middle hoop system is cost-effective and provides reliable guidance for the cable strand.

Abstract: An improved amphibious vehicle comprising: a drive train; a plurality of ground engaging wheels; a cooling system; a water propulsion system; and a hull which defines a passenger compartment, wherein the form/shape of the hull below the waterline is substantially defined by a plurality of buoyancy modules that are demountably mountable to the amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides, with reference to FIG. 1, an amphibian operable on land and in/on water. The amphibian comprises a planing hull, at least one retractable wheel, the at least one retractable wheel being retractable from a protracted land engaging position when the amphibian is operated on land to a retracted position when the amphibian is operated in/on water, at least one prime mover for providing power to drive, directly or indirectly, the amphibian on land and/or in/on water, and at least one steerable wheel which is, at least when the amphibian is operated on land, connected directly or indirectly to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian.

Abstract: A bumper rubber for a shock absorber includes: a body portion in which a cylindrical coupling hole vertically penetrates such that a piston rod is connected thereto; one or more inner grooves formed concavely along a circumferential direction of the coupling hole and arranged in a vertical direction; and an inner protrusion protruding from an inner peripheral surface of the inner groove radially inward, wherein a laterally protruding end of the inner protrusion comes into close contact with an outer surface of the piston rod when the body portion is vertically compressed.

Abstract: A vibration damper with a piston, a piston rod fastened to the piston, a working chamber divided by the piston into a first working chamber and second working chamber, and a generator drivable by movement of the piston rod. The damping force of the vibration damper can be influenced by energization of the generator. An energizable component part is provided that short-circuits the windings of the generator when unenergized and cancels the short circuit when energized.

Abstract: A control system and method is disclosed for controlling an active suspension and a leveling system for a motor vehicle. The control system may use estimator, controller and management modules. The estimator module processes measured signals obtained from various components and sensors of the vehicle relating to modal displacements, velocities and accelerations, and calculates derived signals which are used as inputs to the controller module. The controller module calculates the desired damper force for each active damper based on motions of the vehicle body and wheels. The management module translates the desired active damper force into an appropriate set of control signals to control each active damper. These operations are performed for each active damper of the vehicle to control each damper in real time.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a suspension system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving, by a processor, sensor data indicative of conditions of a roadway in a path of the vehicle; determining, by a processor, a continuous road profile based on the sensor data; and selectively controlling, by a processor, at least one suspension element of the vehicle based on the continuous road profile.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator circuit is disclosed for use with first and second shock absorbers, which each may include a piston disposed within a housing. The piston helps define upper and lower working chambers. The circuit may have a motor, a first pump, driven by the motor, and is associated with the first shock absorber and the motor. A second pump, driven by the motor, may be associated with the second shock absorber. A first accumulator communicates with both of the first and second pumps. A first switch valve may assist in controlling fluid flow into the chambers of the first shock absorber. A second switch valve may assist in controlling fluid flow into the chambers of the second shock absorber.

Abstract: An air spring with damping characteristics for a suspension assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle includes a bellows chamber, a piston chamber and an asymmetrical orifice. The asymmetrical orifice is in fluid communication with the bellows chamber and the piston chamber of the air spring. The asymmetrical orifice provides asymmetrical damping characteristics to the air spring of the heavy-duty vehicle.

Abstract: A cab for a machine. The machine has a longitudinal axis extending between a front, and a back opposite to the front. The cab includes a roof and a floor extending generally about the longitudinal axis. A vertical seat index axis extends through intermediate portions of the roof and the floor and is associated with a position of the operator disposed to face the front. The vertical seat index axis intersects perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at an intersection. A plurality of support members are disposed between the roof and the floor, including a rear support member disposed at a rear end of the cab. At least an upper portion of the rear support member is positioned at an angle relative to the intersection at an angle along the longitudinal axis and defines a rear view opening to facilitate rear end visibility of the machine.

Abstract: A vehicle having a system which includes at least one sensor contained therein. The systems utilizes conditional probability to determine if an occupant (i.e. child and/or animal) is in the vehicle in the absence of an adult. The system used conditional probability to predict the likelihood that a child and/or animal was left unsupervised within the vehicle. The system collects data from existing vehicle sensors (door sensor, weight sensor, seatbelt sensor, face detection sensor, input sensors or any other suitable sensor already imbedded within the hardware of the vehicle) and uses that data to assume if an adult, child and/or animal is present. A motion sensor and a temperature sensor (infrared camera) are further utilized to determine the presence of a child/animal and the temperature of a child. Input from the motion sensor and/or temperature sensor (infrared camera) are utilized to provide warnings or to take corrective measures.

Abstract: A method for controlling a climate control system is disclosed. In one example, the climate control system includes an air mixing valve that is adjusted in response to an energy conversion device load demand. The method may provide improved climate control in a vehicle cabin during high energy conversion device load conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing control of a heat pump of a motor vehicle are presented. In one operating mode, speed of a heat pump compressor is controlled responsive to an outlet pressure of the heat pump compressor. In a second operating mode, speed of the heat pump compressor is controlled responsive to a pressure ratio between an inlet and an outlet of the heat pump compressor.

Abstract: A vane adjustment device in an air register includes a front vane connector pivotably connected to a front vane and a rear vane connector pivotably connected to a rear vane. The front vane connector includes a sliding member substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the front vane and the rear vane connector includes a first joint. The first joint is movably connected to the sliding member to enable a linear movement of the sliding member relative to the first joint.

Abstract: A visor can be manually positioned in a number of directions such that it is manually rotatable about an axis of rotation, and wherein that axis of rotation is itself manually pivotable through a range of angles about a pivot member. The visor manually repositionable, and includes a visor blade, a blade holder for securing the visor blade, a visor clip, and a pivot ball for connecting the blade holder and the visor clip. The pivot ball is repositionable throughout a range of angular motion; and the pivot ball has an axis.

Abstract: An automobile windshield shade system of multiple retractable sun visors is disclosed. The system includes a base, the base dimensioned to fit around an automobile sun visor and attaching thereto; a first sun visor tube, the first sun visor tube connected to the base by a first telescoping slide rail and containing a first retractable sun visor; a second sun visor tube, the second sun visor tube connected to the base by a second telescoping slide rail and containing a second retractable sun visor; and a third sun visor tube, the third sun visor tube connected to the base and containing a third retractable sun visor. The second sun visor tube extends along the second telescoping slide rail linearly to distance from the automobile sun visor. The first sun visor tube extends along the first telescoping slide rail linearly to a distance beyond the second sun visor tube. The third sun visor tube remains in a static relationship with the automobile sun visor. The system is deployed by two movements by a user.

Abstract: A vehicle sun visor assembly includes a sun visor body and an electrical system. The electrical system includes a power source tray configured to receive a power source. The sun visor body includes a mounting feature configured to couple the power source tray to the sun visor body and to facilitate removal of the power source tray from the sun visor body. In addition, the electrical system includes at least one electrical contact coupled to the sun visor body and configured to establish an electrical connection with the power source while the power source tray is engaged with the mounting feature.

Abstract: Vertical frame portions provided at both side portions of a door frame are a light-metal casting, plural connecting frames, which are a light-meal hollow extrusion molding, connect the vertical frame portions, the vertical frame portions are provided with protrusion portions which engage with inward connecting frames in a longitudinal direction, plural attachment portions which attach the outward connecting frames and the vertical frame portion are provided at different points in the longitudinal direction, and an outward connecting frame is provided with an upper rib which engages with an engagement recess portion provided at an upper portion of a door outer panel formed in a non-planar shape.

Abstract: A door impact beam for a vehicle includes a beam main body 2 and an attaching portion 3 formed of first and second brackets 4 and 5, the first bracket 4 is coupled to the second bracket 5 by a coupling portion 20 to enable absorbing a relative movement due to difference in thermal expansion between the beam main body 2 and the components 6 of the vehicle door, a first locking hole 11 is bored in one of the first and second brackets 4 and 5 and a second locking hole 12 is bored in the other bracket, the first and second locking holes 11 and 12 are adapted to be locked by a temporarily fixing member 13 at a normal temperature and the temporarily fixing member 13 is adapted to be softened at a predetermined temperature or higher, and the second locking hole 12 includes an engaging hole 12a adapted to be engaged with the temporarily fixing member at a normal temperature and a slit 12b which is smaller in width than the maximum inner diameter of the engaging hole 12a.

Abstract: Guide rails with which a window regulator is provided are respectively fixed to a module plate. The guide rails are fixed, together with the module plate, to an edge of an opening portion provided at inward frames from an outward side in a vehicle width direction. Attachment portions which are capable of afterward attaching outward frames to the inward frames are provided, and attachment portions which are capable of afterward attaching a door outer panel to a door frame comprising the inward frames and the outward frames are provided.

Abstract: In a Targa top vehicle, a detachable roof unit is supported between a front roof arch along an upper edge of a front windshield and a rear roof arch along an upper edge of a rear windshield. The roof unit is fixed to the front roof arch and the rear roof arch by engaging an axially movable front fixing pin with a pin hole of the front roof arch and engaging an axially movable rear fixing pin with a pin hole of the rear roof arch, and an opening formed in a central part of the roof unit is opened and closed by a canvas that can be unfolded and folded. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a balance between an open feel of the Targa top vehicle and convenience of simply opening and closing the opening of a roof.

Abstract: A pickup truck having a tonneau cover is provided. The tonneau cover includes a first panel section pivotable with respect to the opposing first and second upward-extending side walls. A first latching assembly is attached to the first panel section and is configured to selectively secure and release the first panel section with respect to the first and second side walls of the pickup truck. The first latching assembly includes first and second pinch latch assemblies. The first pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the first upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck and the second pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the second upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck.

Abstract: The invention relates to automotive weatherstrip material. More specifically, the invention utilizes thermo-expand-able microspheres in the sponge bulb member of the weatherstrip to produce a microcellular structure which provides a lower weight weatherstrip material with improved surface appearance and comparable stiffness to known materials for use in the auto-motive industry, and exhibiting a blown specific gravity of less than about 0.60 g/cc.

Abstract: An open roof construction is provided for a vehicle having an opening in a fixed roof where the fixed roof has a roof edge defining the opening and protruding in a downward direction and further comprises a stationary part, at least one panel for at least partly opening and/or closing the roof opening. The panel is movable in vertical and longitudinal directions with respect to the roof opening. The stationary part is provided with sealing assembly comprising a first seal part capable of sealing the panel towards the fixed roof part, and a second seal part capable of sealing the stationary part against an inner part of the fixed roof and wherein the sealing assembly further comprises a third seal part capable of sealing the stationary part against a lower part of the roof edge.

Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism has a sun gear disposed to a rotating shaft, a plurality of pinion gears, a carrier supporting the plurality of the pinion gears, a ring gear meshing with the pinion gear on the outer diameter side of the carrier and a case holding the ring gear on the outer diameter side thereof. The ring gear is slidable in the axial direction of the rotating shaft with respect to the case. The planetary gear mechanism has a load transmission member abutting to an inner diameter side end portion of the ring gear and holding the carrier and the ring gear so as to be relatively rotatable. The load transmission member transmits an axial load from the ring gear to the carrier.

Abstract: A drive unit of a hybrid vehicle includes an engine; an electric motor; first and second differential mechanisms; a selectable one-way clutch; and a case accommodating the electric motor. Further, the first differential mechanism includes a first rotational element coupled to the electric motor, a second rotational element coupled to the engine, and a third rotational element that outputs power toward drive wheels, the second differential mechanism includes a sun gear coupled to the electric motor, a carrier coupled to the engine, a ring gear whose rotation is regulated by the selectable one-way clutch, and a ring gear flange that rotates integrally with the ring gear, and the selectable one-way clutch switches a state thereof between a locked state and an unlocked state, and the ring gear flange is supported by a rotor shaft of the electric motor via a radial bearing.

Abstract: A multimode clutch may be adapted for selectively connecting and disconnecting front and/or rear axles from respective internal combustion engine and electric motor powertrains connected to such front and rear driving axles in a through-the-road hybrid vehicle. For example, the engine may be part of a front axle driven powertrain connected to the front wheels, while the motor may be part of a separate rear axle driven powertrain connected to the rear wheels, or vice versa. By selective disconnection of an axle not being actively driven, a real time reduction in parasitic losses may be achieved, leading to higher overall operating efficiencies. The multimode clutch offers greater flexibility over the use of standard friction clutches; each multimode clutch may provide four distinct operational modes for accommodating a wide diversity of driving conditions. For example, bi-rotational freewheeling of the rear axle may occur whenever the motor is not in use.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a first tank, a second tank, first and second valves for releasing gas, a gas passage for supplying gas to a fuel cell via the first and second valves, a pressure-reducing valve for decompressing the gas, side members disposed on the respective sides of the vehicle, and a motor disposed rearward of the second tank and configured to drive wheels. The first tank is not disposed downstream of the second tank, on the gas passage. The pressure-reducing valve is disposed in a region located rearward of a rear end of the second tank in a vehicle front-rear direction, forward of a rear end of the motor in the vehicle front-rear direction, and between one of the side members and an extended line extended in the vehicle front-rear direction from a side wall of the motor. The pressure-reducing valve is disposed on the second valve side.

Abstract: A fuel door opener may include a main body coupled in a fuel door housing, and disposed to face a hinge of a fuel door rotatably coupled at one side of the fuel door housing, a locking rod which is disposed to be movable between a locking position where the fuel door is locked and an unlocking position where the fuel door is unlocked in accordance with opened and closed states of the fuel door, and an opening detection switch disposed in the main body adjacent to the locking rod, and detecting the opened and closed states of the fuel door by selectively coming into contact with the locking rod as the locking rod is positioned at the unlocking position.

Abstract: A substantially slow moving lawnmower capable of slowly mowing a lawn solely depends on the sun power is presented. The lawnmower needs no recharging from any other power source. A small battery is used to regulate the unsteady sun power so that normal mowing operation can be continued for a specific time period depends on the capacity of the battery. The lawnmower operates by itself continuously with least human interruption.

Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) drive assembly for a transmission includes a shaft defining a shaft axis, a PTO gear defined radially about the shaft axis, and a clutch assembly positioned between the shaft and the PTO gear and having an engaged position and a disengaged position. When the clutch assembly is in the engaged position, torque is transferred from the shaft to the PTO gear. When the clutch assembly is in the disengaged position, torque is not transferred from the shaft to the PTO gear.

Abstract: A transfer case comprises a primary output shaft, and a secondary output shaft selectively coupleable to the primary output shaft with a plate clutch to transfer torque therebetween. The plate clutch includes a housing, a plurality of interleaved plates that are engaged alternatingly with the primary output shaft and the housing to rotate therewith, and an apply plate non-selectively coupled to the primary output shaft to rotate therewith. The apply plate is moveable axially along the primary output shaft into a first configuration in which the apply plate is positively coupled to the housing to rotate therewith, a second configuration in which the apply plate rotates independent of the housing, and a third configuration in which the apply plate compresses the interleaved plates to form a friction coupling between the primary output shaft and the housing.

Abstract: In a pedal structure of an automotive vehicle which includes a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal which are provided at a vehicle body side by side in a vehicle width direction, the accelerator pedal comprises an accelerator pedal body to receive a pressing operation by a right foot, a hinge portion pivotally supporting a lower end of the accelerator pedal body, and a pedal base supporting the accelerator pedal body via the hinge portion, and a heel support portion to support the right foot's heel is provided at the pedal base. The heel support portion is positioned on a left side of and adjacently to the hinge portion and spaced apart forward from the hinge portion by a specified distance.

Abstract: A gas tank-equipped vehicle equipped with a plurality of gas tanks includes: a vehicle body; a first gas tank disposed with a longitudinal direction thereof along a front-rear direction of the gas tank-equipped vehicle; a second gas tank that is disposed closer to the rear of the gas tank-equipped vehicle than the first gas tank is, and disposed with a longitudinal direction thereof along a left-right direction of the gas tank-equipped vehicle; a first mounting mechanism by which the first gas tank is mounted to the vehicle body; and a plurality of tank bands wound around the second gas tank to mount the second gas tank to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling vehicle speeds of a track-based work vehicle may include monitoring, with a computing device, a load transmitted through a pivot pin of a track assembly of the work vehicle and determining, with the computing device, a speed limit setting for the work vehicle based on the monitored load, wherein the speed limit setting is associated with maintaining an operating temperature of a track of the track assembly below a predetermined temperature threshold. In addition, the method may include automatically limiting, with the computing device, a vehicle speed of the work vehicle based on the determined speed limit setting.

Abstract: A camera on a vehicle captures an image of the surroundings, and the image is presented in a window of the vehicle that is established by a transparent display such as an OLED display or transparent LCD display. The image from the camera is presented on the display according to the angle of the camera with respect to the vehicle, such that an occupant of the vehicle sees the image on the window substantially in the same relative location with respect to the surroundings as the occupant would see looking at the objects in the image through the window. In other embodiments images from a database are presented on the window superimposed onto background objects seen through the window.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards providing a dynamic application environment where separate components of an application can execute on separate processing hardware at any given point in time. A host device monitors current operating characteristics associated with a computing device, such a head unit of an automobile, and based on those characteristics selects which components of one or more applications to execute on the computing device and which components to execute on the host device, if any. The host device provides the selected components to the computing device for execution by the computing device and the host device executes any other components that are not executed by the computing device. The host device monitors the current operating characteristics associated with the computing device, and modifies the selection of which components are executing on which device based on changes in current operating characteristics.

Abstract: A motor vehicle supply network, in particular a 48V on-board power supply of a motor vehicle, contains a current source, a power distributor connected to the current source via a supply current path, and at least one load connected to the power distributor via a load current path with an integrated semiconductor switch. A current-measuring unit, a voltage-measuring unit and a monitoring unit are integrated into the power distributor. The monitoring unit is configured in such a way that same detects an imminent fault based on the measurement data of the current-measuring unit and/or the measurement data of the voltage-measuring unit, and in such a way that same initiates a switching-off of the at least one load using the semiconductor switch. Both imminent over-current faults and imminent arc faults are detected as an imminent fault.

Abstract: A power supply method carried out in a system that includes a fuel cell, a secondary battery, a motor, and an auxiliary for the fuel cell includes controlling an intermittent operation by which execution and stoppage of power generation by the fuel cell is switched intermittently to supply power to electric power loads including the motor and the auxiliary, determining whether or not an abnormality occurs in the secondary battery during the intermittent operation, instructing the motor to regenerate power on a condition that it is determined that an abnormality occurs in the secondary battery in the determination of whether or not the abnormality occurs, and supplying power, which is obtained by carrying out the regeneration, to the auxiliary.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for a vehicle includes at least one electrical contact device for an intermittently detachable electrical connection to a vehicle-external electrical network, a vehicle-internal electrical network and at least one detector device which determines if a connection exists between the contact device and the vehicle-external network. The circuit has at least one switching device which closes the electrical connection between the contact device and the vehicle-internal network depending on the connection determined between the contact device and the vehicle-external network. A method for making contact and/or breaking contact of a vehicle with a vehicle-external electrical network is also provided.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack (20) for an electric or hybrid vehicle (1), comprising: at least one electric connection member (23) to a powertrain unit (5) of the electric or hybrid vehicle (1); a plurality of mutually electrically connected cells (30); at least one first circuit block (40) integrated in the rechargeable battery pack (20) and comprising a radio communication interface (45).

Abstract: A transmission for outputting a rotational torque in accordance with a torque requirement. The transmission includes a generator, a motor and a control device. The generator includes a rotor configured to receive first rotational power from an engine, a stator including a stator core with a winding wound thereon, a magnetic circuit for the winding passing through the stator core, and a supply current adjustment device configured to adjust magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit for the winding, to thereby change an inductance of the winding to adjust a current outputted by the generator. The motor is driven by the current outputted from the generator, to thereby output second rotational power. The control device controls the supply current adjustment device to change the inductance of the winding, in accordance with the torque requirement.