Abstract: A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes a reflective element disposed at a driver or passenger side portion of a vehicle and a camera disposed at or near the reflective element and having a field of view that encompasses at least a portion of the reflective element. The camera and the reflective element are disposed at the side portion of the vehicle so that images of the scene occurring to the side and rear of the vehicle are reflected off of the reflective element and viewed by the camera. The camera captures image data for display of images by a display device that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when normally operating the vehicle so as to provide the driver with a generally sideward and rearward field of view.

Abstract: A rear-view side mirror assembly includes a base for attachment to a vehicle, one or more support arms extending from the base, and a mirror head attached to the support arm and configured for telescoping movement along the support arm. A camera is fixedly attached to the support arm so as to remain stationary relative to the mirror base and vehicle as the mirror head telescopes inward and outward. An elongated aperture in the mirror head housing ensures that the camera lens is not occluded as the mirror head telescopes between a retracted position and an extended position. A flexible track covers portions of the elongated aperture on alternate sides of the lens as the housing telescopes relative to the lens.

Abstract: A space divider and a method of dividing a space with the space divider including an elongated support and a partition, the method comprising the steps of: supporting the support within the space; and securing a partition to the support so that the partition can rotate between a first position and a second position, the partition being able to translate relative to the support when the partition is in the first position, and the partition not being able to translate relative to the support when the partition is in the second position.

Abstract: A utility vehicle has a riding space surrounded with a ROPS, a bonnet, and a windshield. The utility vehicle includes a storage box disposed in a bonnet chamber covered with the bonnet. The storage box includes a box body having an opened upper end, and a detachable box cover disposed substantially flush with the bonnet and covering, from above, the box body. The box cover has a front edge positioned behind a lower end of the windshield.

Abstract: A cargo carrier device supports cargo thereon for movement relative to a truck box between a loading position substantially at ground level rearward of the truck box and a transport position above the vehicle. The device includes a cargo frame defining a planar rack for supporting cargo thereon above a passenger cab of the truck in the transport position. A cargo supporting crossbar can be selectively positioned above the planar rack which is adapted to suspend cargo therefrom. A four bar linkage which pivots through an intermediate over-center position between the loading and transport positions is adapted to support the crossbar i) centrally above the truck box in the transport position and ii) rearward of the truck box and lower in elevation in the loading position for use in hoisting suspended cargo into the truck box.

Abstract: An attachment for mounting onto a hitch receiver on a vehicle. The attachment is used for transporting a snow blower. The snow blower has wheels, an engine, a front housing and a pair of arms. The attachment comprises a drawbar. A base is supported by the drawbar. An elongate member is supported by the drawbar and has a support surface disposed above and in spaced apart relation to the base. The base is configured and arranged to support the front housing of the snow blower. The base also is configured and arranged to establish a fulcrum as the arms of the snow blower are rotated forward until the snow blower makes contact with the support surface.

Abstract: An adjustable bicycle carrier may include a frame and a hub assembly. One or more limb members may be rotatably attached to the hub assembly. Each limb member may be selectively locked in position by a rotatable release mechanism having an axially-translating lock portion. The frame may define a continuous, closed perimeter. The hub assembly may be connected across the frame between upper and lower end portions of the frame.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier device for a vehicle may include a carrier portion provided on a lower side of a bumper back beam to slidably move in forward and backward directions to be drawn out from or accommodated in the bumper back beam, and provided with a panel portion and a sliding rail extending from both side ends of the panel portion in the forward and backward directions, an illumination plate disposed on the panel portion of the carrier portion to be rotatable in upward and downward directions and provided with a lamp mechanism that emits light toward the panel portion when being upwardly rotated, an extended support portion disposed on the carrier portion to extend and spread in both side directions of the carrier portion to carry a bicycle thereon, and an illumination mechanism disposed on the extended support portion and configured to move along with the extended support portion.

Abstract: A media system for a vehicle comprises a housing mounted to an overhead portion of the vehicle, and a media unit that is capable of being coupled to the housing, wherein the housing includes a receiving portion that pivots with respect to the housing and receives the media unit in the receiving portion.

Abstract: Numerous fine projections (20) are formed interspersed on a plate-shape member (18), and the neutral plane (S) of each fine projection (20) is inclined at an inclination angle ? to the normal line (O) such that the contact center (Q) does not overlap with the base part in the plane direction of the surface (22), so when a pressing load (F) is applied, the moment acting on the fine projections (20) is large, and the fine projections (20) easily deform to bend in the respective inclination direction. By this means, the tactile softness (cushion properties) are improved by preventing the fine projections (20) from undergoing simple compression deformation in the axial direction, and stick-slip due to friction between the fine projections (20) and the surface (22) is avoided, making it possible to obtain a smooth and stable tactile softness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trim panel (1; 101) for a motor vehicle. The trim panel (1; 101) has a first connector (11; 103) for mounting the trim panel (1; 101). The first connector (11; 103) is elongated and extends longitudinally along the trim panel (1; 101). The present invention also relates to a method of mounting a trim panel (1; 101); and a method of forming first and second connectors (11, 13; 103, 105).

Abstract: Provided is a bushing for manufacturing a three-dimensional composite preform using a tow made of a fiber reinforced polymer. The bushing includes a base plate in which one or more through-holes are formed, and a plurality of spools spaced apart from each other on the base plate. A flat top is formed at an end portion of the spools, and grooves are formed on outer surfaces of the plurality of spools in a circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: A core unit includes a magnetic substance core formed in an annular shape, electric wires of plural phases being wound around the magnetic substance core at respective positions that are different from each other, and a restriction member that restricts the displacement of the electric wires about the axis of the magnetic substance core, the electric wires being wound around the magnetic substance core. The restriction member has a body fixed to one end of the magnetic substance core in the axial direction, and a plurality of cutout portions are formed in edge portions of the body, the cutout portions surround the respective electric wires wound around the magnetic substance core separately from the inside of the magnetic substance core in the radial direction.

Abstract: A power connection box is disclosed for a hybrid vehicle and includes a current supply member and a lead line installation member. The current supply member has a first main relay, a second main relay, a bus bar, and a preliminary relay. The bus bar is connected to the first main relay and has a side connected to a battery and an opposite side connected to an inverter. The preliminary relay is positioned between the first main relay and the bus bar connected to the first main relay. The lead line installation member has a plurality of lead lines connected to the first main relay, the second main relay, and the preliminary relay.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes a plurality of power distribution divisions, a rechargeable energy storage system, switching devices for connection of the power distribution divisions to the rechargeable energy storage system, a plurality of loads energized from the power distribution divisions, a control network including nodes for control over the loads and the switching devices, a mobile transponder and a transceiver which is connected to the controller area network and which provides for communicating with the transponder. Sensors monitored by the controller area network and proximity of the mobile transponder determine a state for vehicle power distribution system.

Abstract: A bumper device for an automobile includes a bumper beam consisting of a fiber-reinforced resin and bumper extensions which consist of a fiber-reinforced resin. The bumper device for an automobile is characterized in that the bumper beam has a ?-shaped cross-section and in that the bumper beam and the bumper extensions are molded integrally. The bumper device for an automobile has desirable strength and rigidity and is capable of exhibiting excellent energy absorption performance when a large load is inputted to the bumper beam.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a base, a driver seat rotatably disposed on the base, a sensor, and a processor. The sensor is programmed to measure an angular displacement of the driver seat relative to the base and output a displacement signal representing the angular displacement. The processor is programmed to receive the displacement signal and select at least one of a plurality of passive safety devices based at least in part on the angular displacement represented by the displacement signal and only deploy the selected passive safety devices during a collision.

Abstract: A seat back panel for a vehicle has a plate-shaped main body disposed between a vehicle compartment and a trunk, and having a first plate member disposed on a vehicle compartment side of the vehicle, and a second plate member disposed on a trunk side while facing the first plate member and a fiber assembly having a plurality of fibers housed between the first plate member and the second plate member. An opening portion which establishes communication between the vehicle compartment and the trunk is formed in the plate-shaped main body. The fiber assembly is disposed along a peripheral edge portion of the opening portion. A space is provided between the first plate member and the second plate member. An intermediate member is interposed in the space.

Abstract: Systems for providing for an external vehicle airbag to mitigate the negative effects of vehicle rollover are described. In an exemplary implementation, one or more airbags are disposed inside the roof rails attached to a vehicle roof. In the event of a vehicle rollover, the airbags will deploy and extend downward along the sides of the vehicle. The airbags may be held in desirable deployed position by one or more elastic tethers.

Abstract: An airbag includes at least one panel defining an interior of the airbag, a divider positioned in the interior so as to divide the interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and at least one tethering mechanism positioned within the lower chamber. The at least one tether mechanism is structured and attached to the at least one panel so as to restrict movement of a portion of the at least one panel during airbag inflation such that a first recess is formed along an exterior surface of the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

Abstract: A knee airbag (KAB) can be constructed with an adaptive vent for reducing internal cushion pressure when the deployment path is obstructed. Obstruction may occur, for instance, by an out-of-position occupant, or when the occupant's legs are in close proximity to the deploying KAB. By reducing the cushion pressure through adaptive venting, a potential for injury due to the deploying KAB can be reduced. External straps can be used to close the vents when no obstruction is encountered. With an adaptive KAB vent design, a direct contact between the occupant and the KAB adaptive vent straps can determine an amount of venting. In addition, the straps may be designed so that they are adaptive (tapered, positioned on an angle, or using different spacing) to account for different occupant sizes/knee spacing/knee contact locations.

Abstract: A sewn airbag includes a plurality of base fabrics sewn together, wherein in a sewn region where reinforcement is required, a reinforcing coating film made of an adhesive coating material that is adhesive to both a sewing yarn and fibers forming the base fabrics is formed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the sewn region, the reinforcing coating film having the smallest possible width along a stitching region in the form of one or more strips forming the sewn region made with the sewing yarn.

Abstract: An inflator for a protective device in a vehicle includes a diffuser (10) forming a substantially rotation-symmetric external housing of the inflator with a closing member (12), wherein the diffuser (10) includes a plurality of discharge orifices (78) arranged in a row, and which are of circular shape. The inflator also includes an igniter sleeve (38) which at least partially encloses an igniter (34) and an igniter chamber (42) filled with a booster charge and is adjacent to a first combustion chamber (44) filled with fuel, wherein the igniter sleeve (38), related to a central axis B of the igniter sleeve (38), has overflow orifices (98) unevenly distributed in circumferential direction.

Abstract: A seat belt installation structure of a vehicle may include a seat which has a seat cushion and a seat back, and on which occupants can be seated alongside in a vehicle width direction. The seat belt installation structure may also include a three point seat belt device provided with a retractor that can wind a webbing, a through anchor that guides a shoulder belt part and a supporting part that supports a lap belt part. In the three point seat belt device, a through anchor for at least a first seat out of a plurality of seats adjacent to one another in the vehicle width direction may be attached to a headrest for a second seat located next to the first seat or a fixing part that fixes the headrest for the second seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle windscreen with an electrically heatable coating. The vehicle windscreen may extend over a major part of the surface area of the vehicle windscreen and may be electrically connected to at least two low-impedance bus bars lying opposite one another. The vehicle windscreen may include at least one conducting structure only covering the heating area outside a central viewing area, in order to shorten electrically the distance between the bus bars. The vehicle windscreen may be configured such that that current flows in the part of the heating area that is not covered by at least one conducting structure.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a rear opening that is formed in a rear surface of a vehicle body, a tailgate that is provided to open and close the rear opening, a sub door opening that is formed in a transverse portion of the tailgate, and a sub door that is provided to open and close the sub door opening. In the tailgate, a tailgate side window panel is provided on the tailgate, and a sub door side window panel is provided on the sub door. These tailgate side window panel and the sub door side window panel are made substantially level with each other while being disposed continuously in a transverse direction. The control unit prohibits the operation of a wiper device that moves over the individual window panels so as to clean and remove water therefrom, with the sub door left open.

Abstract: A windshield touch and clean system that can clean either the entire windshield of an automobile or spot clean a localized area of the windshield is disclosed. The windshield touch and clean system may control a cleaning head in a number of ways including but not limited to two articulating extension members or a gantry system. The cleaning head may be retrofitted with a spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid and also a vibration unit to assist in cleaning of residue on the windshield.

Abstract: A heated wiper system includes a wiper blade with a resilient wiper element having a passage along the wiper element from an opening at one end of where a heating element is inserted into the passage. The temperature of the heating element is controlled by controlling the current supplied to the element by a control unit contained either in the engine compartment or in a recess on the wiper blade. The control unit uses an algorithm including wiper blade and outside ambient temperature, wind chill, ignition on, motor running, heating element resistance value and wipers and varies the current supplied in dependence on a value of the resistance of the heating element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly (22) of an arm head T and of an adapter (2) for a vehicle windscreen wiper system, the said adapter (2) being configured so that a connector of a wiper of the wiper system can be mounted rotatably on the said adapter (2) by means of at least one flexible tongue (2b) of the adapter able to establish a pivot connection with the said connector, the said assembly (22) being configured to immobilize the said tongue (2b) after mounting the wiper in the arm head T.

Abstract: An aircraft electric brake actuator assembly includes an actuator housing, a motor housing, an actuator, an electric motor, and an actuator brake. The actuator housing is configured to be mounted on an aircraft landing gear. The motor housing is coupled to the actuator housing and is removable therefrom. The motor housing is also accessible when the actuator housing is mounted on an aircraft. The electric motor is disposed within the motor housing and is coupled to the actuator. The actuator brake is disposed within the motor housing and is removably coupled to the motor.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a patient support, and a lift mechanism wherein the lift mechanism is coupled to the patient support by at least one upper pivot connection. The upper pivot connection includes an elongated slot and a pin captured in the elongated slot to form a sliding pivot axis, with the sliding pivot axis traveling along the elongated slot when the lift mechanism raises or lowers the patient support.

Abstract: A brake or clutch actuating lever is rotatably connected to a support structure. An adjustment lever, mechanically distinct from the actuating lever, transmits the angular actuation stroke of the actuating lever to a brake or clutch actuation unit. The adjustment lever comprises a mechanism for adjusting the rest position of the adjustment lever, mechanically separate from the actuating lever.

Abstract: A brake measuring gauge and method are disclosed. The measuring gauge comprises two measuring rods and a horizontal rule. Each of the two measuring rod has at least a connecting rod formed at an end of the measuring rod to engage with a nut. The horizontal ruler has a central hole formed at a central portion of a surface thereof, and two through holes are formed at relative positions on two ends of the horizontal ruler, and two scales are separately formed at a lateral side of the horizontal ruler. By using the measuring gauge to measure and calculate the dimensions of components of the brake rotor, the user can obtain precise sizes of the adapter bases for different types of the calipers or the brake discs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an advanced emergency brake system that performs an emergency brake if a target is situated at a location close to a vehicle. The emergency brake system includes a radar sensor; a camera; an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an object situated at a close distance from the vehicle; and an electronic control unit that outputs a predetermined alarm control signal or performs an emergency brake depending on the input from the radar sensor, the camera, and the ultrasonic sensor. The emergency brake system disclosed herein can perform emergency brakes even when a target outside the angle of view of the radar sensor or the camera abruptly intervenes. Also disclosed is a method for controlling a brake with the emergency brake system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for selecting a plurality of brake assemblies desired for activation during an aircraft taxi braking event from a total number of brake assemblies are disclosed. One method includes determining an estimated peak temperature for each brake assembly and determining a first subset of the brake assemblies having an estimated peak temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The method also includes determining whether the number of first subset brake assemblies is greater than or equal to the number of brake assemblies desired for braking. At least a portion of the first subset brake assemblies is then activated if the number of brake assemblies in the first subset is determined to be greater than or equal to the number of desired brake assemblies, wherein the number of brake assemblies in the activated portion of the first subset is greater than or equal to the number of desired brake assemblies.

Abstract: A miniaturized ABS hydraulic unit is provided. In an ABS hydraulic unit 100 where a pump 12 and valves 13, 14 are disposed in the inside of a hydraulic circuit 1 for making a hydraulic brake perform braking, and an antilock brake control of the hydraulic brake is performed by controlling the pump 12 and the valves 13, 14, a motor 11 for operating the pump 12 is configured to operate the pump 12 by way of a planetary gear mechanism 30.

Abstract: A brake booster assembly and method of operation thereof are provided. The assembly includes a rack moveable along a first axis. A sensor is coupled with the rack for sensing force and displacement of the rack and outputting a proportional signal. A clutch subassembly is disposed adjacent and coupled to the rack and includes a drum and a hub in a spaced relationship with the drum. A motor is disposed adjacent the rack and coupled to the clutch subassembly for rotating the drum. A magnetorheological fluid is disposed between the drum and the hub. An electromagnet is disposed about the clutch subassembly for generating an electromagnetic field to affect the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid. A controller is electrically connected to the electromagnet and to the sensor and to the motor for controlling the motor and the electromagnetic field of the electromagnet in response to the signal from the sensor.

Abstract: The operation of an air compressor is controlled to control engine performance to thereby improve the performance of the vehicle. A compressor (4) driven by an engine (3) of a vehicle and supplying compressed air to loads (51-54) is controlled by an ECU (2). A loaded state and an unloaded state of the compressor (4) are switched between each other according to the requirements from the loads (51-54). When the vehicle requires braking force, the compressor (4) is set to the loaded state irrespective of the requirements from the loads (51-54).

Abstract: A method for monitoring at least two aircraft wheel electromechanical braking actuators. For each electromechanical actuator, the method includes first determining a current value representative of the power supply current of the electromechanical actuator and determining a reference current value estimated from the power supply currents of at least one other electromechanical actuator. Then, the representative current value and the reference current value are compared. Any abnormal operation of the electromechanical actuator is detected when the difference between the representative current value and the reference current value is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a vehicle drive unit having at least two individual drives and a vehicle control unit, a continuous torque comparison between a permissible torque MZul and a further torque is performed by the control unit. The permissible torque MZul is continuously compared to setpoint torques Msetpoint,V and Msetpoint,E for the least two individual drives.

Abstract: An apparatus as an aspect of the invention acquires a vehicle motion index value, a driving state index value of a driver, a driving characteristic value that is estimated based on the vehicle motion index value and the driving state index value, and a vehicle motion target value and a driving state target value that are determined regardless of the driver's driving. Using these values, the apparatus determines a target value of a steering assist torque and a target value of a difference in braking/driving force between right and left wheels that converge at least one of a difference between the vehicle motion target value and the vehicle motion index value and a difference between the driving state target value and the driving state index value. The apparatus controls the steering assist torque and the difference in braking/driving force between the right and left wheels to their respective target values.

Abstract: A method for generating torque commands includes: setting a threshold increase rate and a threshold decrease rate of an initial torque command according to performance of a torque source; comparing an increase rate of the initial torque command with the threshold increase rate, while generating a final torque command based on the initial torque command; determining a first time at which the increase rate of the initial torque command reaches the threshold increase rate, and generating the final torque command which increases according to the threshold increase rate after the first time, when the increase rate of the initial torque command is greater than the threshold increase rate; determining a second time at which the final torque command reaches the initial torque command, and calculating a torque loss amount between the first time and the second time, when the final torque command reaches the initial torque command after the first time; and generating the final torque command for correcting the torque lo

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for a hybrid electric vehicle (100), the vehicle having a powertrain (135) comprising at least one electric propulsion motor (123) and at least one engine (121), the control system being operable to control the vehicle to operate in an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engine remains switched off and the at least one electric propulsion motor is configured to deliver drive torque and a boost mode in which the at least one engine is switched on to provide additional power to drive the vehicle. When the vehicle is operating in EV mode the system is further operable to determine whether a boost location exists ahead of the vehicle being a location at which a gradient of a driving surface is sufficiently high to require selection of the boost mode, the control system being operable automatically to command starting of the at least one engine before the boost location is reached.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, an exhaust emission control device and a controller. The controller is configured to execute catalyst warm-up control for warming up a catalyst of the exhaust emission control device. The catalyst warm-up control includes first control and second control. The first control is control for operating the internal combustion engine at a first operating point. The second control is control for, after the first control is executed, operating the internal combustion engine at a second operating point irrespective of a driving force that is required to propel the hybrid vehicle. An output of the internal combustion engine at the second operating point is larger than an output of the internal combustion engine at the first operating point.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain and a method for controlling the powertrain are provided to convert an EV mode, a power slit mode, and a parallel mode based on a driving state. The powertrain includes an input shaft connected to an engine and first and second motors/generators installed within a transmission housing. A planetary gear set is installed on an input shaft and includes a combination of a sun gear, a planetary carrier, and a ring gear. A first output gear is connected to the second motor/generator and a second output gear is connected to the planetary carrier of the planetary gear set. A rotation restraint mechanism restricts a rotation of the input shaft. An overdrive brake is connected to the sun gear of the planetary gear set or the first motor/generator. An output shaft is supplied with power through the first and second output gears.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a plurality of motors is provided. An operating mode of the hybrid vehicle is selected depending on a required driving force from a first mode where the vehicle is powered by the engine, a second mode where the vehicle is powered by the plurality of motors, and a third mode where the vehicle is powered by any one of the motors. The control system is characterized by a detection means that detects an output power of the prime mover, and a setting means that alters a selectability of the second mode in accordance with the output power of the prime mover.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle drive device having a speed change mechanism that attains a predetermined shift speed by engaging multiple engagement elements. The control device predicts an amount of heat generation and determines whether any jumping shift from the current shift speed to the shift speed that is the multiple shift speeds higher or lower than the current shift speed can be permitted or not between the current shift speed and the target shift speed, and if the jumping shift can be permitted, the control unit performs the jumping shift and controls the speed change mechanism so as to shift the shift speed from the current shift speed to the target shift speed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission, a motor, and at least one controller. The motor is configured to be selectively coupled to the transmission. The at least one controller is programmed to output a fault for a coil temperature sensor of the motor based on an oil temperature of the transmission, a phase current of the motor, and a temperature change in a coil of the motor.

Abstract: In the case where a throttle valve has a sticking abnormality, a hybrid vehicle performs failsafe operation (limp home mode) with fixing the throttle valve to an opener position (S100) and sets a restoration diagnosis cooling water temperature T1 such as to decrease with a decrease in state of charge SOC of a battery (S120). When cooling water temperature Tw of the engine becomes equal to or higher than the restoration diagnosis cooling water temperature T1, the hybrid vehicle performs sticking restoration diagnosis to determine whether the throttle valve is restored from the sticking abnormality (S150). This allows for earlier diagnosis of whether the throttle valve is restored from the sticking abnormality at the lower state of charge SOC of the battery and enables the hybrid vehicle to return to normal operation at an earlier time. As a result, this ensures the more adequate sticking restoration diagnosis.

Abstract: A method (110), a device (10), and a powertrain (70) are provided for the safe operation of a hybrid vehicle (20). The hybrid vehicle has at least one first (30) and one second (40) drive assembly. The drive assemblies in each case drive the hybrid vehicle, alone or jointly in a hybrid type of operation. The first drive assembly is operated using fuel from a fuel tank (50). An amount of fuel in this fuel tank is monitored. If the amount of fuel is smaller than a specifiable value, then a safety operation of the hybrid vehicle is activated. During the safety operation, the output of the second drive assembly is reduced if the hybrid vehicle is driven using a type of operation which negatively influences the driving dynamics of the hybrid vehicle in the case of a failure of the first drive assembly.