Abstract: A display screen mount mounts a display screen (6) to the rear of a seat (1). The mount includes a guide which defines a guide path to guide the display screen support (7) from a stowed position to a deployed position. The guide path also allows for adjustment of the viewing angle in the deployed position. The guide path has a linear portion (105) along which the display screen support (7) is guided into a deployed position in which the screen is visible to the user and a non-linear portion (106) which allows different viewing angles of the display screen (6) to be adopted in the deployed position.

Abstract: A sensor assembly may include a housing and a collection of optical sensors. The housing may include a base portion, and a raised portion defining a summit of the housing. A collection of optical sensors may include a first set of forward-facing optical sensors individually aligned with a corresponding opening in a front segment of the base portion for the housing, a second set of rear-facing optical sensors individually aligned with a corresponding opening in a rear segment of the base portion for the housing, and multiple sets of lateral optical sensors. Each set of lateral optical sensors may be aligned with a corresponding opening in one of multiple lateral segments of the base portion of the housing. Additionally, at least a first long distance sensor may be mounted on the summit.

Abstract: An in-vehicle camera is provide which has a case and a lens, and which is attached in a vehicle interior so that the lens is exposed at a top face of the case and the top face is opposed to a windshield or another window. The top face has an angular shape bent at a ridge line passing through the top face. The lens is positioned in the vicinity of the ridge line. The in-vehicle camera includes a hood attached to a front portion of the case, the front portion being positioned at a front side of the case with respect to the lens.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an in-cabin camera having a field of view that encompasses at least a hand of a driver of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by the in-cabin camera. The control, responsive to image processing by the image processor of image data captured by the in-cabin camera, is operable to determine a movement of a hand of the vehicle driver. Responsive to determination of the movement of the driver's hand, the control is operable to determine if the movement is indicative of a gesture for controlling an accessory of the vehicle. Responsive to the determined gesture, the control may control pitch of another camera, yaw of another camera, roll of another camera, and/or a virtual viewing angle of a virtual camera of the bird's eye view system.

Abstract: A composite applique assembly for a vehicle interior trim piece includes a flexible receiver element and a flexible insert connected to the flexible receiver element by a sliding joint. An end of the flexible receiver element is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. An end of the flexible insert opposite to the flexible receiver element end is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. The flexible receiver element defines an internal channel configured for slidingly receiving the flexible insert therein. The flexible receiver element further defines at least a partial-length slot providing fluid communication with the internal channel.

Abstract: A composite applique assembly for a vehicle interior trim piece includes a flexible receiver element and a flexible insert connected to the flexible receiver element by a sliding joint. An end of the flexible receiver element is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. An end of the flexible insert opposite to the flexible receiver element end is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. The flexible receiver element defines an internal channel configured for slidingly receiving the flexible insert therein. The flexible receiver element further defines at least a partial-length slot providing fluid communication with the internal channel.

Abstract: A driving information display apparatus acquires driving information that is to be displayed to a driver of a vehicle along with driving of the vehicle, and outputs the acquired driving information to a display. Further, extra information to be displayed in addition to the driving information, and risk level information about a level of risk involved in the driving of the vehicle are acquired. When outputting the extra information to the display, a display time of displaying the extra information is set based on the risk level information and outputting of the extra information is controlled based on the set display time.

Abstract: A grommet includes a cylindrical portion and an attachment portion formed to project from an outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion. An annular groove into which an inner peripheral edge portion of the through-hole can be fitted is formed in an outer peripheral portion of the attachment portion. A bottom face of the annular groove is formed with a racetrack shape having a pair of straight portions and a pair of arc portions that are formed with an outwardly convex arc shape and respectively connect end portions of the pair of straight portions on one side and end portions on the other side. Inner peripheral portions of the arc portions include portions in which the thickness dimension gradually increases from the centers of the arc portions toward connection portions that connect the arc portions to the straight portions.

Abstract: A wiring protection device in a vehicle comprises a support base and a support branch. The support base includes a fixed end and a free end opposite the fixed end and extending away from the fixed end, and a guide rail. The support branch is slidably connected to the support base and includes a first end, a second end and a main body. The first end is adjacent to the free end of the support base at a retracted position, and at least a portion of the main body extends outside the support base at a use position. The extended portion of the support branch and the support base at least partially encloses wiring disposed between a first part and a vehicle part at the use position.

Abstract: A vehicle security system having controller area network buses, electronic control units connected to the controller area network buses, a vehicle security module connected to the controller area network buses, and an on board diagnostics connector connected to the vehicle security module. The vehicle security module may according to a policy discriminate between authorized and unauthorized signals that are input to the on board diagnostics connector. Authorized signals may be forwarded by the vehicle security module to the controller area network busses. Authorized signals may affect operation of one or more of the components of the vehicle via the electronic control units. Authorized signals may change the policy used by the vehicle security module. Unauthorized signals may be refused entry to the controller area network busses. The on board diagnostics connector may receive the signals from diagnostic instrumentation, control instrumentation, tracking instrumentation, a dongle, and so forth.

Abstract: Even in the case where a vehicle is not utilized for a long period of time, not only maintenance notification but notification of countermeasures is performed by use of vehicle information.

Abstract: Provided is an electrical junction box including a main body casing accommodating a circuit, an electric-wire mounting section is disposed on the outer side of the main body casing, a terminal section of an electric wire is mounted thereto. The electric-wire mounting section includes: an accommodation section that can be opened so as to accommodate the terminal section of the electric wire, wherein a connection section is electrically connected to the terminal section; an electric-wire holding cover that can be opened and closed covers the accommodation section. When closed, the electric-wire holding cover engages the electric wire yet to be connected to the connection section, keeping the electric wire from being dislodged from the accommodation section and forming an opening area for accommodating the connection of the terminal section of the electric wire to the connection section. The main cover is configured to cover the opening area.

Abstract: A vehicle component may operate in a plurality of connectionless functional states including a watchdog state in which the component broadcasts advertisements indicating presence of the vehicle component to personal devices; a notify state in which the component broadcasts cycles of advertisements indicating available features of the component; and a process command state in which the component broadcasts current feature state advertisements responsive to command advertisements received from the personal devices.

Abstract: A compressed air system for a motor vehicle with an air supply system, including: an electric drive motor, which can be controlled for variable speed, an air compressor coupled to be driven by the electric drive motor, an electric power supply for supplying electric power to the electric drive motor, at least one air reservoir connected with the air compressor to receive air from the air compressor, an air utilization system connected to the at least one air reservoir to receive air from the at least one air reservoir, a controller to control the speed of the electric drive motor. The controller controls the electric drive motor to determine the speed of the electric drive motor so that during filling of the air reservoir, when the pressure level in the air reservoir passes a setpoint that is between a minimum level and a higher cut off pressure level, the controller changes the compressor speed so that specific power consumption per unit mass of air compressed is decreased.

Abstract: A bumper device for a motor vehicle has two bumper support members arranged parallel to the vehicle longitudinal center plane. The bumper device has a bumper crossmember arrangement arranged transversely with respect to the vehicle longitudinal center plane. The bumper crossmember arrangement has two fastening portions at which the bumper crossmember arrangement can be fastened to the associated bumper support member directly or by a respective connecting structure. A central portion between the fastening portions and two lateral end portions protrudes beyond the fastening portions. The central portion of the bumper crossmember arrangement is designed as a frame member surrounding an opening, with an upper crossmember, a lower crossmember, a left support post and a right support post.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover sensing system using driving information for optimization includes a longitudinal-velocity estimator determining a longitudinal velocity of a vehicle using a wheel speed, a steering angle, and GPS vehicle velocity information; a lateral-velocity estimator determining a lateral velocity of the vehicle using the longitudinal velocity, a yaw rate, a steering angle, a lateral acceleration, and GPS vehicle heading direction information; a rollover type determinater deciding a rollover type of the vehicle using the longitudinal velocity and the lateral velocity of the vehicle; and a restraint device deployment determinater determining whether or not to deploy a vehicle restraint device according to the decision by the rollover type determinater.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system including a detection system and a related method. The detection system is arranged to detect objects and includes at least two detectors. At least one control unit is arranged to determine that an object that is detected by an initial detector is classified as a confirmed object for the initial detector in its initial coverage area. The control unit is also arranged to determine whether at least one detection of another detector is from the same object. If so, a first preliminary detection of the other detector is classified as an intermediate low quality confirmed object for the other detector. A confirmed object is considered as a more reliable detection than a low quality confirmed object, which in turn is considered as a more reliable detection than a preliminary detection.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing device includes an antenna electrode for emitting an alternating electric field in response to an alternating voltage caused in the antenna electrode and a control and evaluation circuit configured to maintain the alternating voltage equal to an alternating reference voltage by injecting a current into the antenna electrode and to measure the current. The control and evaluation circuit includes a microcontroller with a digital output for providing a digital signal and a low-pass filter operatively connected to the digital output for generating the alternating reference voltage by low-pass-filtering the digital signal.

Abstract: A structure for deploying a side airbag installed in a seat of a vehicle is provided. The structure includes an interior pad is disposed adjacent to a first side of a side airbag and an exterior portion surrounded by an interior covering. An exterior pad is disposed adjacent to a second side of the side airbag and has an exterior portion surrounded by an exterior covering. An interior reinforcing fabric penetrates a pad aperture portion formed between the interior pad and the exterior pad and surrounds a first side of the side airbag. An exterior reinforcing fabric is integrally coupled to the exterior covering and surrounds the exterior portion of the exterior pad. The interior reinforcing fabric is spaced apart from the interior covering and disposed in a path different from a path of the interior covering. The collision performance is easily adjusted and production costs and weights are reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a connector to attach an accessory member to a vehicle part. The connector includes a base including an assembling hole and a connecting hole positioned adjacent to a first end of the base to attach the accessory member, a first anchor positioned at a second end portion of the base opposite to the first end portion and a second anchor positioned adjacent to a side of the base between the first end portion and the second end portion. The assembling hole is used to receive a fastener to secure the connector to the vehicle part. The first anchor includes a first locking portion and a second anchor includes a second locking portion to facilitate alignment of the connector with the vehicle part during the assembling.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an assembly for housing and covering a vehicle airbag in an un-deployed state. The assembly can include a hollow housing that defines an interior that is configured to house the airbag in the un-deployed state. The housing can include a door having a linearly extending primary weakened portion spanning longitudinally opposing ends of the housing. The housing door can also include a pair of angled seams that each extend proximate the primary weakened portion to a location adjacent opposing corners of the door. The assembly can also include an intermediate layer disposed over and joined to the housing door, and an exterior layer disposed over and joined to the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A passenger-side airbag includes a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a first center panel having a first side edge part toward the first side panel, a second side edge part opposite the first side edge part, and a first front face situated between the first side edge part and the second side edge part to face an occupant, and a second center panel having a third side edge part toward the second side panel, a fourth side edge part opposite the third side edge part, and a second front face situated between the third side edge part and the fourth side edge part to face an occupant, wherein the second side edge part has a flange projecting in an opposite direction from the first side edge part, and the flange is bonded to the fourth side edge part such that the second front face bulges relative to the first front face.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus may include: an airbag cushion having a vent hole; a cover member covering the vent hole; a vent tether connected to the cover member and configured to adjust an opening degree of the vent hole by pulling the cover member when the airbag cushion is expanded; and a release device connected to the vent tether and configured to release the vent tether from pulling the cover member.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle seat in the event of a vehicle crash in an oblique direction. The module includes an inflatable cushion and an inflator for providing inflation gas for the cushion. The cushion is configured to inflate into a position inboard of the vehicle seat and includes a first inflatable chamber fluidly connected to a forward inflatable chamber. The cushion is configured to inflate into a position to absorb energy relating to movement of the occupant in an oblique direction. The first inflatable chamber is in a position to absorb energy resulting from relative movement of the occupant in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The forward inflatable chamber is configured to inflate into a position to absorb energy resulting from relative movement of the occupant in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: An inflator cap comprising: an outer cover; an anti-corrosion lining formed in or inside the outer cover; and a magnetic member formed on, in or inside the outer cover, whereby the magnetic member of the inflator cap, once unscrewed from the inflator, will be magnetically attractable on a ferromagnetic object to prevent its loss; or whereby the anti-corrosion lining will preclude a direct contact between the outer cover of the inflator cap and a valve stem of the inflator to prevent from sticking of the oxide of the outer cover once oxidized on the valve stem of the inflator, thereby smoothly unscrewing the cap from the inflator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including: a housing with a gas discharge port; an igniter assembly and a gas generating agent in the housing; and a metallic cup of constant inner diameter covering the igniter to define a charging chamber. The igniter assembly includes a main body, including an ignition portion and a electro-conductive pin integrated with a metallic collar by a resin. The metallic collar has a fixing portion inserted into a hole in a bottom surface of the housing and a remaining portion projecting inward from the bottom surface of the housing, and a guide portion. An inner circumferential wall surface of the metallic cup and an outer circumferential wall surface of the fixing portion are press-fitted, and an annular gap is formed between the inner circumferential wall of the metallic cup member and an outer circumferential wall surface of the guide portion.

Abstract: Described are seat belt connection assemblies having a seat belt twist link integrally formed as a single piece construction having a mounting portion and a linking portion connected by a twist portion. A plane of the mounting portion is positioned at approximately a right angle to a plane of the linking portion. The linking portion has a planar section and a curled section, and a slot that extends through at least some of the planar section and the curled section. The curled section of the linking portion has a pronged end that extends along sides of the slot.

Abstract: Provided are a pretensioner, a retractor, and a seat belt device that can effectively reduce kinetic energy of an injected power transmission member. A power transmission unit includes a power transmission member that is engageable with external teeth of the ring gear, a pipe that contains the power transmission member, a gas generator that is disposed at an end of the pipe, a piston that receives gas generated from the gas generator to press the power transmission member, a first stopper that is disposed on an upstream side of the power transmission member, a second stopper that is disposed between the power transmission member and the piston, and a pretensioner cover that defines a passage for the power transmission member.

Abstract: A buckle switch-and a microcontroller are provided. A power supply is connected to the buckle switch, which switches the connection with the power supply between a connected state and a disconnected state. The microcontroller is connected with the buckle switch and includes a removal switch input port and a removal control port. The removal switch input port detects the state of the buckle switch. The removal control port is connected to the buckle switch-via a pull-down resistance and controls whether the pull-down resistance operates. The microcontroller controls the removal control port such that the pull-down resistance does not operate when the buckle switch is in the connected state and such that the pull-down resistance does operate when the buckle switch is in the disconnected state.

Abstract: There are provided a buckle switch that detects an insertion of a tongue into a buckle of a seatbelt and an ejection of the tongue from the buckle, a signal transmitting section that wirelessly transmits a signal showing a state of the buckle switch, and an attaching detection control unit that controls the signal transmitting section such that the signal transmitting section transmits different signals that correspond to a first time lasting from the insertion of the tongue into the buckle until the ejection of the tongue from the buckle or a second time lasting from the ejection of the tongue from the buckle until the insertion of the tongue into the buckle.

Abstract: A vehicle-internal security device is configured to perform a method, for example, by executing a computer program, in which method, when access takes place to a vehicle component or a to plurality of vehicle components from outside the vehicle, the vehicle-internal security device restricts or interrupts the access if a corresponding request was received by the vehicle via a communications network.

Abstract: The wiper device includes a carrier element and a wiper blade with at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove the carrier element is disposed. The wiper device also includes a connecting device for pivotally connecting the wiper blade with an oscillating arm. The connecting device has spaced-apart sidewalls, each with a protrusion that extends sidewardly and outwardly. The connecting device and oscillating arm are interconnected by the protrusions pivotally and snappingly engaging into correspondingly shaped recesses of the oscillating arm. The oscillating arm has a guiding tongue engaging into a guiding groove of the connecting device. The connecting device has an asymmetric form with respect to its middle transverse plane, seen in vertical direction, in order to ensure that the wiper blade can only be mounted on the oscillating arm in a predetermined orientation of the wiper blade relative to the oscillating arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector (6) for assembling a motor vehicle actuating arm with a wiper blade (2), said connector comprising; a transverse pin (8) intended to be linked to an actuating arm, said transverse pin (8) being located transversely between a first and a second lateral wall (10a, 10b) of the connector (6), a lateral connection interface (11) supported by one of the two lateral walls (10a, 10b), characterized in that the connector (6) moreover comprises at least one latching tab (19a, 19b) projecting from the lateral wall (10b) supporting the lateral connection interface (11), said latching tab (19a, 19b) being configured to cooperate with a lateral edge (20) of the connection platform (7). The present invention also relates to a connection device (3) and a wiper device (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid level sensor-attached motor pump for a washer fluid, in which a fluid level sensor for detecting the remaining amount of a washer fluid stored in a washer fluid reservoir and outputting a detection signal is integrally mounted to a motor pump for a washer fluid so that an operator can check the remaining amount of the washer fluid through a dashboard of a vehicle and thus can replenish an insufficient washer fluid, in which the fluid level sensor is integrally mounted to the motor pump for a washer fluid to solve a problem in that the motor pump and the fluid level sensor are separately wiring-connected to the washer fluid reservoir to thereby deteriorate workability of wiring so that workability of wiring can be increased and the wiring can be simplified to reduce a defective proportion, in which the motor pump for a washer fluid and the fluid level sensor are integrally manufactured so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and in which the fluid level sensor fo

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for automatic dispensing of a maintenance agent, such as an anti-icing agent or a de-icing agent, on specific parts of a rolling stock travelling on a railway track. The device comprises a dispensing unit, a detection unit configured to generate a detection signal before said rolling stock reaches the dispensing unit, a sensor unit configured to determine position and velocity of the rolling stock, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive said detection signal from said detection unit, determine a dispensing schedule based on said rolling-stock velocity, and transmit a control signal to the dispensing unit to control said dispensing unit based on said dispensing schedule. Furthermore, the present inventive concept also relates to an associated method.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operating member, an electrical switch, and a wireless communication unit. The brake operation member is movably coupled to the base member. The brake operating member is movable relative to the base member in a first direction and movable relative to the base member in a second direction different from the first direction. The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal in response to a movement of the brake operating member in the second direction. The electrical switch is disposed at one of the base member and the brake operating member. The wireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operating member, an electrical switch, and a wireless communication unit. The brake operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal. The electrical switch is disposed at one of the base member and the brake operating member. The wireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal. The wireless communication unit is disposed at the other of the base member and the brake operating member.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic train operation system which can stop a train precisely at a stop target position without worsening ride quality even with the control system being a discrete system. The automatic train operation system comprises a relative distance measuring device to acquire information about a relative distance of the train relative to a stop position of a station to output average distance information that is the average of relative distances and a brake control device. The brake control device includes a sensor information holding unit to hold speed information and position information detected by sensors to output; a correction amount computing unit to compute a specifying value correction amount to output; and an instruction planning unit to compute a deceleration specifying value based on the specifying value correction amount and sensor information.

Abstract: A variable linked braking system controlled by motorcycle speed includes a brake master cylinder; a hydraulic pressure proportion variable valve connected to the brake master cylinder by an oil path; front and rear brake units connected to the hydraulic pressure proportion variable valve by first and second oil paths, respectively; a hydraulic pressure proportion controller for controlling the hydraulic pressure proportion variable valve; a motorcycle speed sensor for converting a sensed motorcycle speed into a speed signal and sending the speed signal to the hydraulic pressure proportion controller; and a brake switch for starting the brake master cylinder and sending a brake signal to the hydraulic pressure proportion controller for controlling the hydraulic pressure distribution proportion of the hydraulic pressure proportion variable valve so that the ratio of braking force of the front brake unit to braking force of the rear brake unit increases with the motorcycle speed.

Abstract: A brake assistant control system for a vehicle includes one or more sensors, to detect a movement state of the vehicle. The one or more sensor includes a g-sensor to detect acceleration of a movement of the vehicle, a braking force control unit to adjust a braking force of the vehicle, and a brake assistant control module. The brake assistant control module is coupled to all the sensors and can receive signals from all the sensors. When the motion sensor detects the vehicle is in a stationary state and the g-sensor detects acceleration of the vehicle, the brake assistant control module can increase braking force to slow the speed of the vehicle, through the braking force control unit.

Abstract: A braking control system for a trailer includes a braking system on a semi-trailer with the brake application handle located at the inside rear of the trailer. The handle has a locking member so that personnel loading the trailer are able to apply and lock the brakes on the trailer, and only the person(s) holding the key are able to release the brakes. The system prevents the trailer from moving away from the dock plate and having the dock plate fall through the space between the moved trailer and the dock, injuring personnel and/or damaging equipment.

Abstract: A negative-pressure-type booster includes: a booster shell attached to a support member of a vehicle; a front shell and a rear shell which constitute the booster shell; and, at the four corners of a flat part of the rear shell, linking bolts having affixed thereto protruding parts that each protrude rearward from the flat part, the protruding parts being passed through continuous connecting holes in the support member, the negative-pressure-type booster characterized in that the linking bolts are composed of upper linking bolts arranged to the upper side of the center axis of the booster shell and lower linking bolts arranged to the lower side of the center axis of the booster shell, the protruding part of either of the upper linking bolts extending farther rearward than the protruding part of the other upper linking bolt and the respective protruding parts of the lower linking bolts.

Abstract: A brake hose support structure of a vehicle includes a brake hose through which pressure fluid is flowed between a pressure source mounted to the vehicle and a brake caliper of a disk brake device of the vehicle, and a hose support supporting the brake hose. The brake hose has a first end that is located adjacent to the pressure source, a second end that is located adjacent to the brake caliper, and a supporting portion that is disposed between the first and second ends. The hose support supports the brake hose at the supporting portion such that an axis of the brake hose extends parallel to a kingpin axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that receives a brake control signal from the brake controller of a tow vehicle, and displays characteristics of that brake control signal including commanded brake force. The apparatus includes a data processor, brake simulation circuitry, brake integration circuitry, and display circuitry. The brake simulation circuitry sequentially applies several parallel resistors to the brake control signal in response to commands received from the data processor. These parallel resistors cause the load current on the brake controller to ramp up, mimicking the electrical signature of electric trailer brakes. At the same time, the brake integration circuitry integrates the brake control signal. Lastly, the display circuitry displays an indication of a value of the integrated brake control signal.

Abstract: A method for detecting a movement of a vehicle that has been shut down in a parked state, including: detecting a movement variable which describes a movement of the vehicle, integrating the movement variable, in a manner dependent on a movement direction of the vehicle, to obtain a movement travel, and, if the movement travel meets a predetermined condition, making a decision on the movement for detection.

Abstract: Provided is a charging control device that allows the actual state of charge of a secondary battery to converge quickly to an upper limit value given as a control center value when the actual state of charge is higher than the upper limit value so that charging may be performed in an efficient manner and fuel economy may be improved. The charging control device (10) includes a charge/discharge integration unit (23) for computing an integrated charge/discharge value (IW) of the secondary battery, a charge control unit (26) for controlling the charging of the secondary battery such that the recognized state of charge is maintained at a prescribed upper limit value (80%) lower than a fully charged state (100%) by switching a generation voltage of a generator.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine and a transmission arranged in a parallel configuration with a non-combustion torque machine to transfer traction power to a driveline. A method of controlling the hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring vehicle speed and an accelerator pedal position and determining a traction power command based thereon. A motor power that is input to the driveline from the torque machine is determined, and an adjusted engine power command is determined based upon the traction power command and the motor power from the torque machine. An adjusted accelerator pedal position is determined based upon the adjusted engine power command and the vehicle speed, and a preferred transmission state is determined based upon the adjusted accelerator pedal position and the vehicle speed. The transmission is controlled to the preferred transmission state.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention there is provided a speed control system for a hybrid electric vehicle, the vehicle having at least one engine and at least, one electric machine, the system being operable to allow a driver to set a target vehicle speed, the system being operable in first and, second speed control modes to control the vehicle to maintain the target vehicle speed, in the first speed control mode the system being configured to limit operation of the vehicle to an electric vehicle (EV) mode, in the second speed control mode the system being configured not to limit operation of the vehicle to the EV mode, wherein when the control system is in the first mode and at least one of a prescribed one or more conditions is met, e.g. a rate of acceleration demanded by the driver or a difference between a target vehicle speed and a current vehicle speed exceeds a respective prescribed threshold value, the system is operable to not limit operation of the vehicle to the EV mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for conserving energy used by an energy consuming device. In certain embodiments, an energy conservation system can be configured to deliver energy to the energy consuming device for a period, followed by a period where energy delivery is dampened and/or cut. By cycling the delivery of energy in this fashion, the energy conservation can achieve a pulsed efficiency.

Abstract: A control strategy is provided for a hybrid vehicle that will increase drivability during low or decreasing driver demands. Coordination between shifting the transmission and stopping or (non-demand) starting of the engine can increase drivability. The vehicle includes a motor/generator with one side selectively coupled to the engine and another side selectively coupled to the transmission. The control strategy acts when an engine start or stop is requested while driver demand is decreasing and a shift of the transmission is demanded. To inhibit these events from proceeding simultaneously, the control strategy delays the engine from starting or stopping until the transmission has finished shifting, or vice versa.