Abstract: A module for providing security to a vehicle's in-vehicle communication network that is responsive to an operational state of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile power supply device includes plate-shaped metal wirings and configured to supply electric power from a battery that is installed in an engine room of a vehicle body to a vehicle interior.

Abstract: A wire harness includes an exterior member having a tube shape. The exterior member includes a flexible tube part formed in a flexible bellows tube shape and a straight tube part. The straight tube part is formed continuously with the flexible tube part so as to arrange the conductive path straight and has a non-bellows tube shape. A continuous portion between the flexible tube part and the straight tube part includes a tapered portion formed in a whole peripheral direction of the exterior member so as to reduce stress concentration in the continuous portion. An inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion include slopes connecting a top of a bellows projection of the flexible tube part and the straight tube part, or connecting a groove bottom of a bellows recess of the flexible tube part and the straight tube part.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided for securing a plurality of elongated vehicle components to a first side of a vehicle structural member. The fastening device includes a first elongated strap member configured to form a loop around a first bundle of the elongated vehicle components, and a head member configured to be positioned on a second side of the vehicle structural member opposite the first side. The head member is provided with a through hole configuration for receipt of two portions of the first elongated strap member forming the loop and configured to allow tying of the first elongated strap member from the second side of the vehicle structural member. Moreover, the fastening device includes a second elongated strap member configured to form a loop around a second bundle of the elongated vehicle components. The head member through hole configuration is configured for receipt of two portions of the second elongated strap member forming the loop.

Abstract: Ground compaction machine, which can be a rubber-tired roller, operable to compact ground in a working direction is presented, along with a wheel cover for the same. The machine can have a machine frame and a chassis supporting the machine frame. The machine frame having a front chassis portion and a rear chassis portion. At least one of the front chassis portion or rear chassis portion has at least two chassis units, each chassis unit being rotatable about a distinct steering axis. Each chassis unit having at least one wheel, and a wheel cover, which is formed for thermal insulation of the chassis units from the external surroundings, the wheel cover comprising at least two wheel cover units, and a wheel cover unit being arranged on each chassis unit, which is configured to be rotatable about the respective distinct steering axis together with the respective chassis unit.

Abstract: A hollow profiled element, includes a plurality of longitudinal edges, which extend in a longitudinal direction and are connected by side walls, wherein a longitudinal edge has at least one depression, the depression base of which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction and at an angle to the side walls forming the longitudinal edge. According to an embodiment of the invention, a side wall forming the longitudinal edge has a transversely extending bulge in the region of the depression, wherein the depression base transitions at the end into the bulge in the region of said side wall and the bulge is designed with a shape that has a convex form in the transition to the depression and drops to the level of the side wall before an opposite longitudinal edge is reached.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing device includes a beam having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of lobes attached to and positioned sequentially along the beam. The lobes are spaced from each other, deformable relative to the beam, and configured to contact adjacent lobes when deformed. The size and spacing of the lobes is such that if a single lobe is deformed, the lobe will not contact adjacent lobes, but if adjacent lobes are deformed, the lobes will contact each other.

Abstract: A vehicle lower structure includes: an introducing port into which air is introduced, the introducing port being provided to a front part of a vehicle; an air outlet from which the air blows, the air outlet being provided to an underfloor downward of a bumper cover in a vehicle-vertical direction, the bumper cover being located at the front part of the vehicle; and a spat provided frontward in a vehicle-longitudinal direction of a front wheel, the spat including: a front wall protruding from a front edge of the air outlet in the vehicle-longitudinal direction toward a vehicle-downward direction in the vehicle-vertical direction; and a rear wall protruding from a rear edge of air outlet in the vehicle-longitudinal direction toward the vehicle-downward direction, and the spat opening at both sides of the air outlet in a vehicle-width direction.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper guard assembly adapted for use on a vehicle having a license plate and a bumper. The preferred vehicle bumper guard assembly comprises a license plate frame having at least one frame attachment structure and being adapted to receive and retain the license plate. The preferred vehicle bumper guard assembly also comprises at least one lateral assembly having a first end, a second end, and at least one pad. In the preferred vehicle bumper guard assembly, the first end of the lateral assembly comprises a first lateral assembly attachment means adapted to be attached to the at least one frame attachment structure of the license plate frame, the second end of the lateral assembly comprises a second lateral assembly attachment means adapted to be attached to the vehicle, and the at least one pad is disposed adjacent to the bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle shield is provided according to the invention. The vehicle shield is constructed to avoid excessive hood flutter. The shield includes a vehicle shield region and an attachment region. The vehicle shield region is constructed for extending across at least a portion of a vehicle hood for protecting the vehicle hood. The attachment region is constructed for attaching the vehicle shield region to a vehicle. Also provided is a method of installing the shield to a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for activating a passenger protection device of a vehicle. A relative velocity value, which represents a relative velocity between the vehicle and an object, and at least one correction value are read in. In a further step, a velocity reduction value, which represents a decrease of a velocity of the vehicle when the vehicle collides with the object, is ascertained using the relative velocity value and the correction value. Finally, an activation signal for activating the passenger protection device is generated using the velocity reduction value.

Abstract: A microcontroller uses a combination of several synchronized PWM outputs to generate a low distortion sine wave by summing the PWM outputs and filtering the summed signal. The sine wave is used as a guard voltage. The unknown impedance is measured by impinging the guard voltage on the sense electrode by a transistor connected in common base configuration and then transferring the sense current through the common base connected transistor to a transimpedance amplifier made out of a second transistor connected in common emitter configuration. The output voltage at the collector of the second transistor is measured by an ADC input of the microcontroller. The microcontroller translates the ADC output values into the unknown impedance to be measured by doing a software demodulation of the ADC output values. A reference impedance can be connected in parallel to the unknown impeder to eliminate gain errors of the signal sensing circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle partition mounted in a vehicle for separating a driver's compartment and a cargo compartment. The partition has a perimeter defining the outer extent of the surface area. The perimeter is contoured to closely fit within the contoured surfaces of the vehicle. The partition has a top section and a bottom section. The top section is transparent over the entire expanse of the top section extending to the perimeter such that top section can be seen through without visual obstructions over the entire surface area of the top section.

Abstract: A knee bolster of a glove box for a vehicle is provided. The knee bolster of a glove box increases the stiffness of the front surface of the glove box with which the knees of a passenger may collide when a vehicle collision occurs, and thus restrains the knees of the passenger from rushing into the glove box. The knee bolster of a glove box for a vehicle can reduce the weight of the knee bolster, the production cost thereof, and a number of manufacturing processes compared to the conventional knee bolster for passenger seats.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus for a vehicle my include an airbag housing accommodating an airbag cushion, an inflator supplying gas into the airbag cushion, a hard retainer fixing the inflator to the airbag housing, and a soft retainer having a first side coupled to the hard retainer and controlling a flow of the gas supplied from the inflator.

Abstract: Airbag cushion assemblies for anchoring an airbag cushion in a desired position during deployment. Some embodiments may be configured for use in connection with eccentric steering wheels, such as steering wheels lacking an upper rim portion. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag housing coupled with the steering wheel, an airbag cushion positioned in the airbag housing, and means for anchoring a portion of the airbag cushion to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from being pushed in a direction opposite to the missing steering wheel structural element relative to the steering wheel during deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: A first airbag has a first joining panel. A second airbag has a second joining panel. The first and second airbags are both inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The first and second joining panels are spaced from each other in the uninflated position. in the inflated position, the first joining panel is fixed to the second joining panel.

Abstract: A curtain airbag for a vehicle may include a curtain airbag cushion including a rear panel disposed at a door window side of the vehicle and a front panel disposed inside the vehicle, a protrusion formed by bending the curtain airbag cushion to protrude toward the inside of the vehicle, and connections for attaching upper and lower ends of a protruding part of the protrusion.

Abstract: Airbag assemblies are disclosed that can reduce rotational velocity of an occupant's head during a collision event and thereby mitigate traumatic brain injury/head injury to an occupant. An airbag includes a pair of lobes or protrusions to deploy and extend from the rear face of the airbag on either side of the occupant's head to limit rotation of the head. A pair of vertical tethers within an interior of the airbag configure the lobes and contour the rear face to form one or more low fabric tension zones or bubbles. The lobes maintain high fabric tension, similar to a pressurization of a main inflatable chamber of the airbag.

Abstract: The airbag device includes an airbag including a base fabric and an occupant protection fabric whose outer peripheries are joined together. The occupant protection fabric is positioned on the vehicle rear side of the base fabric and configured to restrain an occupant, and includes: at least one protruding portion that protrudes to the vehicle rear side; a flat portion that is continuously formed from the at least one protruding portion and is designed to come into contact with the occupant; and a tether that is disposed between the base fabric and the at least one protruding portion in the airbag, extending from the flat portion to the joint between the occupant protection fabric and the base fabric. The tether is joined at its end on the joint side with a base edge of the at least one protruding portion and the outer periphery of the base fabric.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle airbag device including: an airbag that inflates and deploys due to supply of gas, that has a main body and a projection that projects in a vehicle rearward direction, and that has a gap portion, between the main body and the projection, which opens in the vehicle rearward direction; and a coupling portion that couples together a first attachment portion set at the airbag at a front end portion side of the gap portion and a second attachment portion set at a side portion of the projection, and which, when inflation and deployment of the airbag, stretches between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion, which is positioned further in the vehicle rearward direction than the first attachment portion.

Abstract: Provided is an airbag device in which an inflator can be fixedly mounted easily. The airbag device includes an inflator which generates a gas; an airbag which is inflated by the gas generated by the inflator; a retainer which is provided with an insertion port into which the inflator is inserted; a bag ring which mounts the airbag in the retainer; and a spring which fixes the inflator inserted into the insertion port.

Abstract: A car-transportable cradle for injured animals used to hold a pet in place while riding in a car. The apparatus includes a resting panel, a first wing, a second wing, a first handle, a second handle, a first harness-attachment point, a second harness-attachment point, a standing base, and a car-seat securing mechanism. The resting panel retains an injured animal in a semi-recumbent position. The first wing and the second wing enclose the sides of the resting panel preventing the injured animal from being displaced from the proper securing position. The first handle and the second handle provide the user with gripping surfaces to easily transport the present invention into and out or a passenger car. The standing base retains the present invention securely on top of the car-seat. The car-seat securing mechanism prevents the present invention ensure the present invention remains mounted when the car accelerates or changes direction.

Abstract: In a locking tongue (10) for a seat belt comprising an inserting portion (12) adapted to be inserted in a belt buckle and a deflecting portion (14) for webbing, wherein the deflecting portion (14) includes a webbing passage (20) as well as a damping element (22) for the webbing and the clamping element (22) is movable between a home position in which the webbing is freely movable and a blocking position in which the clamping element is moved against a wall of the webbing passage so that the webbing is clamped between the clamping element (22) and the wall of the webbing passage (20), and wherein at least one spring element (34) is provided for forcing the clamping element (22) into the home position, it is provided that the spring element (34) is formed integrally on the deflecting portion (14).

Abstract: An electrical system includes a contactor having a pair of contacts and a coil configured to electrically close and open the contacts. The electrical system also includes a high voltage (“HV”) circuit including a power supply electrically connected to at least one of the contacts of the contactor. The electrical system further includes a low voltage (“LV”) circuit electrically connected to the coil and configured to selectively energize the coil of the contactor. A disconnect mechanism is coupled with the LV electrical circuit and operable to electrically open the LV electrical circuit to actuate electrical opening of the contacts of the contactor.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the invention is a water draining cover (1) for an automotive windshield wiping mechanism, containing a positive connection element (4) of the cover, adapted for securing on the body (2) of the shaft (11), containing an opening on the shaft (5) and surrounded by a gutter part (6) containing a drainage opening (7), characterized in that the positive connection element of the cover (4) does not have a continuous rotary symmetry with regard to the X axis, and in each transverse section in the plane perpendicular to the X axis it has the shape of a convex figure, and furthermore the positive connection element of the body (3) has means of blocking the movement of the cover (1) in a direction parallel to the X axis when the cover (1) is mounted on the body (2), preferably in the form of at least one projection and/or recess (9), preferably perpendicular to the X axis, while the X axis is defined as a straight line passing through the opening on the shaft (5), coinciding with the axis of rotat

Abstract: A nozzle assembly (18) for a windshield washer system or the like provides an elongate heater element (30) that can extend along a supply tube connected to the washer nozzle (20) to better transfer heat energy into the washer fluid and the nozzle for preventing nozzle clogging caused by low temperatures.

Abstract: Of moving directions of a piston, the direction in which high-pressure air is delivered is a delivery direction, and the direction in the opposite direction from the delivery direction is a force accumulation direction. The piston is moved in the force accumulation direction by the moving mechanism, and moved in the delivery direction by the biasing force of the biasing spring in response to the release of the moving force exerted by the moving mechanism. The cylinder is provided with: a piston supporting portion that supports the piston; and a connection protrusion that has a delivery path for delivering the high-pressure air to the nozzle. The inner surface of an end of the piston supporting portion in the delivery direction is formed as a closed surface. The delivery path is located further toward the force accumulation direction than the closed surface is.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for a robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle. A semi-autonomous portable robot is programmed to interchange depleted rechargeable batteries disposed in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Portable battery pod dispenses batteries to semi-autonomous portable robot for swap. Semi-autonomous portable robot uses navigational sensors to transport battery to predetermined position at the battery interchange location. Battery disposition and configuration data are wirelessly communicated by battery pod to semi-autonomous portable robot. Battery pod is also in electrical communication with vehicle for timely latching and unlatching of battery modules.

Abstract: A lane keeping control method for a vehicle may include determining, by a controller, whether a wheel speed difference exists between predetermined wheels, during braking while the vehicle travels straight, determining, by the controller, a reference wheel and a control wheel, based on the wheel speed difference between the predetermined wheels, and reducing, by the controller, a wheel speed difference between the reference wheel and the control wheel by performing pre-decompression control for the control wheel, when the wheel speed difference exists.

Abstract: Provided is a brake device capable of maintaining pads and a rotor in a desired positional relationship. When receiving a release request within a time period from start of execution of an application request to detection of contact between brake pad and a disc rotor, a parking brake control device inhibits execution of the release request, and executes the release request after detection of the contact between the brake pad and the disc rotor. Further, when receiving the application request within a time period from start of execution of the release request to detection of separation between the brake pad and the disc rotor, the parking brake control device inhibits execution of the application request, and executes the application request after detection of the separation between the brake pad and the disc rotor.

Abstract: A valve module is provided for enabling a vehicle to control an autonomous event of the vehicle. The valve module comprises a relay valve, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve. A first control pressure can be delivered through the first solenoid valve and applied to a control port of the relay valve. In one embodiment, a second control pressure can be delivered through the second solenoid valve and combined with the first control pressure. The combined first and second control pressures are applied to the control port of the relay valve.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle carries out, when a vehicle travels in a downhill control section or a congestion control section, pre-charge/discharge control of changing a target state of charge (SOC) SOCcntr from a standard SOC SOCcntr-n to a specific SOC, and is within a permissible range, in a period in which the vehicle travels from a control start point (Ds) to at least a start point (Dk) of a subject downhill section or a subject congested section. Further, the control device is configured to inhibit, when return control is carried out while the pre-charge/discharge control is being carried out, the pre-charge/discharge control from a start time point (D5) of the return control to a time point (D9) at which the vehicle has passed through the control section. As a result, fuel efficiency can be improved when the return control is carried out during the pre-charge/discharge control.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus has a power distribution mechanism which is connected to an engine and a first motor-generator an in which at least three rotation elements enable to rotate in differential motions to one another, a power combining mechanism which is connected to the power distribution mechanism, a second motor-generator and an output shaft and in which four rotation elements enable to rotate in differential motions to one another, a brake mechanism which enables to selectively fix a rotation element of the power combining mechanism and a brake mechanism which enables to selectively fix a rotation element of the power combining mechanism which is connected to the engine.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling backlash in a vehicle powertrain includes the step of controlling a torque request of the powertrain with a first control strategy after an occurrence of a backlash predictor and before an occurrence of a backlash. Another step may be employed whereby the torque request is controlled with a second control strategy after the first control strategy and before the occurrence of the backlash such that a torque request level is below a highest torque request level obtained during the first control-strategy.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle powertrain including an engine and a motor operable to propel the vehicle includes reducing a torque of the motor at a first torque reduction rate from a torque level above a minimum motor torque in response to a deceleration request. A torque of the engine is reduced at a second torque reduction rate less than the first torque reduction rate in response to the deceleration request.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling backlash in a vehicle powertrain includes the step of controlling a torque request of the powertrain with a first control strategy after an occurrence of a backlash predictor and prior to an occurrence of backlash. The first control strategy is modified when backlash occurs during the first control strategy. The torque request is controlled with the modified first control strategy after another occurrence of a backlash predictor and before another occurrence of backlash.

Abstract: A shifting control method of a vehicle includes inhibiting, by a controller, a line pressure from being increased when the controller senses a power-off upshift condition of the vehicle, calculating, by the controller, a target speed of a motor after the inhibiting step, synchronizing, by the controller, the motor to the target speed after the calculating step, and increasing, by the controller, an oil pressure of an engagement side clutch of a transmission to complete shifting after the synchronizing step.

Abstract: A method of protecting the high voltage DC bus of a hybrid vehicle as well as to a hybrid vehicle and controller configured to implement the method. The method involves detecting a plurality of requests to start the vehicle and, in response to at least the first request, precharging and energizing the high voltage DC bus without starting the engine. When one or more further requests are detected the engine is started and the high voltage DC bus is energized if each of the further requests is detected within a respective predetermined time interval from the preceding request. Starting the engine provides an audible feedback to the driver that the vehicle is ready for operation, thereby preventing overheating of the precharging circuit.

Abstract: A method controls state changes of a drivetrain of a vehicle connecting at least one heat engine and/or one electric motor to the wheels of the vehicle via a transmission, providing the transfer of torque from the heat engine and/or from the electric motor to the wheels in one or more gear ratios. The authorization to switch from a current state to a target state depends on reducing an acceleration of the vehicle in an intermediate state causing a lower acceleration of the vehicle during the transition between the current state and the target state.

Abstract: An environmental sensing system relating to vehicle lane position includes first and second sensors respectively configured to provide first and second signals indicative of a vehicle lane position. A steering system achieves a desired lane position in response to a command from a controller to keep the vehicle in its lane, for example, during autonomous control of the vehicle. The controller uses the first signal if the first sensor provides a desired lane marker confidence. The controller switches to the second sensor and uses the second signal if the first sensor cannot provide the desired lane marker confidence and the second sensor can provide the desired lane marker confidence.

Abstract: A method for the closed-loop and/or open-loop control of a lateral guidance of a vehicle with the aid of a lane-keeping assist. In the process, a detection signal is read in which represents hands-off and/or hands-on driving of the vehicle. If the detection signal represents the hands-off driving, then a closed-loop control signal is provided for controlling the lateral guidance in closed loop. On the other hand, if the detection signal represents the hands-on driving, then an open-loop control signal is provided for controlling the lateral guidance in open loop.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous host vehicle. The method includes receiving data measured from a plurality of sensors, wherein the measured data relates to one or more target vehicles in the host vehicle's field of view, calculating a desired speed command based on a driver-selected set-speed and the measured data, detecting initiation of a host vehicle lane change to a desired adjacent lane, and in response to initiation of the lane change, selecting an acceleration profile based on at least one set of operating conditions, calculating a modified speed command by adjusting the desired speed command according to the selected acceleration profile; and controlling a host vehicle speed based on the modified speed command.

Abstract: An system and method of operating an adaptive cruise control system for a vehicle. In one example, the system includes a rearward facing sensor, a speed control, and a controller. The controller receives at least one parameter indicative of a road condition or a traffic condition. The controller then activates a coasting mode based on the at least one parameter. The controller receives a signal from the rearward facing sensor indicative of a presence of a target vehicle positioned behind the host vehicle and restricts the coasting mode when the signal from the rearward facing sensor detects the target vehicle is positioned behind the host vehicle. The controller performs coasting via the speed control when the signal from the rearward facing sensor does not detect the target vehicle positioned behind the host vehicle and when the coasting mode is active.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided with: a database configured to store therein, for each vehicle, vehicle data including a plurality of types of information about vehicle operation; a group divider configured to divide the vehicle data of a plurality of vehicles into groups each including similar driving characteristics; a specifier configured to specify to which of the groups a host vehicle belongs, from a running history of the host vehicle; an extractor configured to extract the vehicle data of a vehicle with higher evaluation regarding a predetermined evaluation item, which can be evaluated by using the vehicle data, than that of the host vehicle, from the group specified by the specifier; and a controller configured to control a running aspect of the host vehicle such that it approaches to a running aspect performed on the basis of the vehicle operation indicated by the vehicle data extracted by the extractor.

Abstract: A system and method that detects, using processing circuitry, a predetermined energy condition. The processing circuitry determines a geographic location of a vehicle, identifies at least one energy station as a function of a plurality of factors, determines a vehicle range based on an energy level of the vehicle and a first mode of vehicle operation, determines whether an energy saving condition is satisfied based on the vehicle range, a location of the at least one energy station, and the geographical location of the vehicle, and enters an economy mode when the energy saving condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Work vehicle having a coupling member which is switchable between a coupled state where left/right brake operation tools are integrally coupled and a released state releasing the coupling. A coupled state detector is utilized. A controller controls a traveling state and is switchable between a first or normal mode and a second or vehicle speed suppression mode. The second or vehicle speed suppression mode can be switched back to the first or normal mode when the coupled state is detected and a predetermined releasing operation is performed.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system for a vehicle including a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven transmission, and a rechargeable power source can be configured for reduced fuel consumption at idle. The vehicle drive system includes an electric motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the first prime mover. The control system causes fuel to be eliminated to the first prime mover while the vehicle is stopped and causes the electric motor to rotate the first prime mover at a speed, thereby reducing fuel consumption at idle for the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating and non-deactivating valves are presented. In one example, an actual total number of deactivated cylinders may be adjusted to control driveline braking. The driveline braking may be controlled in a towing mode, a hill descent mode, and during normal driving conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting traffic signals and their associated states are disclosed. In one embodiment, an example method includes a scanning a target area using one or more sensors of a vehicle to obtain target area information. The vehicle may be configured to operate in an autonomous mode, and the target area may be a type of area where traffic signals are typically located. The method may also include detecting a traffic signal in the target area information, determining a location of the traffic signal, and determining a state of the traffic signal. Also, a confidence in the traffic signal may be determined. For example, the location of the traffic signal may be compared to known locations of traffic signals. Based on the state of the traffic signal and the confidence in the traffic signal, the vehicle may be controlled in the autonomous mode.