Abstract: Misfire detection techniques for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) including an internal combustion engine and an electric motor involve utilizing a crankshaft speed sensor configured to generate a crankshaft speed signal indicative of a rotational speed of a crankshaft of the engine that is coupled to the electric motor via a flywheel. The techniques also utilize a controller configured to control the electric motor to provide a vibrational response to dampen disturbances to the crankshaft, receive the crankshaft speed signal, selectively modify the crankshaft speed signal to obtain a modified crankshaft speed signal, and detect a misfire of the engine based on the modified crankshaft speed signal and a set of thresholds including at least one of a negative misfire threshold and a positive vibrational response threshold.

Abstract: A system for analyzing driver fitness to drive with consideration given to any of various conditions such as driver drowsiness, fatigue, and anxiety. The system includes a processing hardware unit, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device comprising various modules to determine if the driver is impaired. The modules include an input interface module that, when executed by the processing unit, receives sensor data indicating a present driver health factor. A database module includes pre-established driver-profile data particular to a driver. And the modules include an activity module that, when executed by the processing unit, obtains the driver-profile data and the sensor data, and determines based on the present health factor and the pre-established driver-profile data, fitness of the driver to drive. The disclosure relates various embodiments to a computer-readable storage device, separately, and processes performed by the system and device.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting a condition in a vehicle, including at least one imaging device having a field of view including at least a portion of an interior cabin of the vehicle occupied by an operator of the vehicle during operation, a data storage medium configured to store parameter data in a database, the parameter data including control parameter data for the interior cabin of the vehicle, and at least one processor in communication with the at least one imaging device and the data storage medium. The at least one processor is programmed or configured to receive operational image data from the at least one imaging device, generate operational parameter data from the operational image data, compare the operational parameter data to the control parameter data, and determine if at least one operator is absent from the interior cabin and/or if at least one unauthorized display device is present in the vehicle.

Abstract: A driving support device for a vehicle includes: a detector that detects a driving condition of a driver; a memory that stores a proper driving condition of the driver; and a controller that compares a detected driving condition with the proper driving condition stored in the memory, calculates a difference between the detected driving condition and the proper driving condition, and executes a notification operation to the driver according to the difference when the controller recognizes the difference. The controller executes the notification operation to facilitate a recovery to the proper driving condition. Thus, the driving support device reduces uncomfortable feeling of the driver when the controller executes the notification operation.

Abstract: An environment detection device for a vehicle is includes a sensor unit for determining environment information of a surrounding area of the vehicle itself, with a temperature measurement unit, configured to measure at least one state temperature of the sensor unit, and with a controller, configured to trigger at least one action for reducing the state temperature if a prescribed temperature warning value is exceeded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to selectively disable functions in electronic control units are disclosed. An example method includes executing, via a processor of an electronic control unit in a vehicle, a first software function and a second software function. The method further includes preventing the execution of the first software function while continuing to execute the second software function.

Abstract: A multi-touch smartphone display used as a track pad in a motor vehicle is provided. A system includes a handheld device having a multi-touch display, a vehicle controller that transmits and receives data from the handheld device when the handheld device is docked into the vehicle, and a display that is mounted within the vehicle. The docked handheld device functions as a track pad to receive user input. The display is configured to display vehicle functions and applications on the handheld device. The vehicle controller is configured to transmit one or more commands to one or more vehicle components based on the received user input to execute the command.

Abstract: An operating unit for a motor vehicle includes a vehicle interface that forms an interface between the motor vehicle and a driver, a central control unit configured to control a vehicle state and/or an operating element of the vehicle interface, and a data interface that is connected to the central control unit and that forms a wireless link between the central control unit and an external data service. The data interface is configured to transmit data from the vehicle interface to the external data service. The data interface is configured to transmit data from the external data service to the vehicle interface via the central control unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an autonomous battery pod. The autonomous battery pod for harnessing kinetic energy of rotating wheels to produce electrical energy while the autonomous battery pod is movably coupled with a train is provided. The autonomous battery pod includes a turbine adapted for producing electrical energy using harnessed kinetic energy through a plurality of extendable wheels connected with the turbine using a plurality of gearbox; and a plurality of batteries electrically coupled with the turbine, adapted for storing produced electrical energy using harnessed kinetic energy through the plurality of extendable wheels connected to the turbine.

Abstract: A system to transport and unload bulk materials includes at least one rail car and a moving wall system. The moving wall system has a first end, a second end, and a trough. The trough is configured to contain a payload of the at least one rail car. The trough includes sidewalls that contact the payload when loaded and move with the payload to move the payload towards the second end. The trough may be formed of at least one conveyor belt that forms a hopper of the at least one rail car. The trough may span a plurality of rail cars. The system may include a take-up system connecting the sidewalls. Each of the rail cars may include a frame and a plurality of pulleys connected to the frame may support the trough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rail vehicle including at least one car and at least one bogie carrying the car. The bogie includes a chassis and a secondary suspension system between the chassis and the car. The secondary suspension system includes a spring assembly mounted between the chassis and the car.The secondary suspension system includes a actuator, provided with a piston extending at least partially between an upper stop secured to the car and a lower stop secured to the chassis, and a supply device of the actuator.The supply device of the actuator is able to supply the actuator such that the distance between the upper and lower stops is kept constant by the actuator.

Abstract: A tubular elastic linkage device for axle beam for elastically linking a truck frame and an axle beam including: an inner axial member; two outer segments opposed in axis-perpendicular direction peripherally outside the inner axial member for attachment to a housing part on an axle-beam side; and a main rubber elastic body elastically connecting them. A pocket part opens in an outer peripheral face of the main rubber elastic body onto outside via a window penetrating one outer segment. A stopper supported by the inner axial member is disposed in the pocket part to face the housing part distantly via the window. Contact of the stopper with the housing part constitutes a displacement limitation mechanism between the inner axial member and the outer segments. The other outer segment has an aperture having the main rubber elastic body exposed outside via it.

Abstract: A wireless target activation system for a train, the system including at least one computer programmed or configured to: receive at least one first target location and at least one second target location associated with a forward route of the train, wherein the at least one first target location is located before the at least one second target location on the forward route of the train; determine a gap time between when the leading edge of the train leaves the at least one first target location and is estimated to arrive at the at least one second target location based at least partially on a distance between the at least one first target location and the at least one second target location and a design speed; and based at least partially on the gap time, an allowable acceleration of the train, and a required warning time, generate an activation message configured to activate or cause the activation of at least one function associated with the at least one second target location.

Abstract: A device for moving a load is provided. The device includes a platform defining a surface and an edge extending downward therefrom. The device further includes two pairs of opposing legs each defining a top portion pivotally engaged with the platform interior of the edge, wherein each pair of legs has an extended position where each leg extends away from the edge. Each pair of legs further includes a collapsed position where the top portion of each leg extends substantially parallel and interior to the edge, a middle portion of each leg extends through a corresponding slot defined by the edge, and a bottom portion of each leg extends substantially parallel and exterior to the edge.

Abstract: A disclosed vehicle control system provides control over complex vehicle functions including transmission shifting to enable differently abled drivers to operate a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A planar carrier for mounting on a rim of a steering wheel without wrinkles, the planar carrier including a portion of planar flexible foil of roughly rectangular shape having two longitudinal sides and two lateral sides, wherein the length B of the lateral sides is 0.96 to 1.00 times the perimeter of the rim, and wherein N cut-outs per unit length are provided on each of the longitudinal sides. The cut-outs of one side are located in a staggered fashion relative to opposing cut-out portions on the opposite side. The optimum shape and size of the cut-outs may be determined as described. The planar carrier may be implemented as a heat carrier, a heating device and/or a sensing device.

Abstract: First teeth of a first tooth member that moves together with an upper jacket mesh with second teeth of a second tooth member. The second tooth member includes a received portion received by a receiving surface of a receiving member (energy absorption member). The second tooth member is rotatably supported by a fulcrum that is formed on the receiving surface at a contact position between the receiving surface and the received portion and is movable in a column axis direction. A guide shaft supported by a support member that is supported by a lower jacket is inserted into an elongated hole of the second tooth member, thereby guiding the second tooth member in a meshing and unmeshing direction.

Abstract: Construction is achieved of a steering device that is capable of preventing impact going forward from being applied to a support bracket even when a steering wheel is vigorously displaced to a front-end position when adjusting the forward-backward position of the steering wheel. Part of the stopper member 28 is supported by a fastening member such as a housing 10a. When an outer column 22a is displaced forward in a state in which the forward-backward position of the steering wheel can be adjusted, a portion that displaces forward together with the outer column 22a hits a pair of stopper surfaces 41 of the stopper member 28 before an adjustment rod hits a pair of long telescopic-adjustment holes.

Abstract: There is provided a steering control device that can control even when a systematic error has occurred. An update amount calculation processing circuit manipulates a control angle in accordance with an update amount in order to control steering torque, which is obtained by subjecting the magnitude of steering torque to a decrease correction by a threshold, to target torque through feedback control. The control angle is used to convert a current command value to a value in a fixed coordinate system or the like. The update amount is subjected to a guarding process in accordance with the steering torque by a torque-based guarding processing circuit, and determined as a final update amount for the control angle. The torque-based guarding processing circuit performs the guarding process on the update amount such that the update amount is in an allowable range that matches the steering torque.

Abstract: Using an update amount, an update amount calculating circuit manipulates a phase-control angle so as to perform feedback control such that a steering torque corresponds to a target torque. The steering torque is obtained by reducing a steering torque in magnitude by a predetermined value. The phase-control angle is used to convert a current command value to a value of a fixed coordinate system, for example. Using a guard value, a guard processing circuit performs a guard process on a current command value set by a command value setting circuit, so that the current command value becomes the current command value. The guard value is used to determine an appropriate range for a variation in the current command value in accordance with an amount by which the steering torque exceeds in magnitude the target torque.

Abstract: A system for determining driver torque includes a rack torque estimator module that determines an estimated rack torque value based on a motor angle, and a motor velocity. The system further includes a driver intent detection module that computes a disturbance torque scaling factor based on the estimated rack torque value. The system further includes a blend module that generates a motor torque assist command based on a scaled value of the estimated rack torque value using the disturbance torque scaling factor.

Abstract: A behavior control apparatus for a vehicle, comprising a control unit that controls braking/driving forces of wheels so that the magnitude of a deviation between a steering angle and a steering angle conversion value of a yaw rate decreases when it is determined that the deviation exceeds a threshold value in magnitude and the vehicle is in an understeer state; the vehicle has a steering device including a variable gear ratio type rack bar; and, when the sign of the steering angle is the same as the sign of the offset amount and the zero point offset amount exceeds a reference value in magnitude, the control device corrects at least one of the threshold value and the magnitude of the deviation according to the steering angle and the zero point offset amount so that it becomes difficult to determine that the magnitude of the deviation exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a spatial location system configured to derive a geographic position of an autonomous vehicle. The vehicle system further includes a computing device communicatively coupled to the spatial location system, the computing device comprising a processor. The processor is configured select a calibration mode via a user input. The processor is also configured to execute an automatic steering calibration based on the calibration mode to update one or more steering parameters, wherein executing the automatic steering calibration comprises driving the vehicle via autoguidance to spatially follow a desired path segment.

Abstract: A vehicle energy absorbing system for a high-speed, small-overlap impact, comprising: lobes (12) spaced intermittently along a vehicle rail (1), wherein the lobes (12) include an impact arm (14), a reactionary arm (16), and a base (22), wherein a shape of the base (22) is complimentary to a shape of the vehicle rail (1) and wherein the impact arm (14) and the reactionary arm (16) protrude outwardly from the base (22) and the vehicle rail (1), wherein a channel (20) is formed in the space between the base (22), the impact arm (14), and the reactionary arm (16), wherein the channel (20) extends through the lobe (12) from end to end.

Abstract: A hood for a vehicle includes an inner panel having a deformation region on at least a portion of the inner panel. The deformation region defining a plurality of perforations configured to tear at an area between the perforations. The perforations being defined in an array constituting at least a partial outer periphery of the deformation region such that upon impact, the deformation region is configured to break along the outer periphery at the area between the perforations.

Abstract: A roof module for a motor vehicle comprises an RTM frame and a Class-A covering layer, which at least partially covers the frame and is made of polyurethane. A method for manufacturing a roof module comprises the following steps: Initially, a fiber mat is put into a first mold. Then, a reactive resin system is introduced into the closed mold and the resin cures, so that a blank is formed. The blank is put into a second mold, into which subsequently polyurethane is introduced in the open condition. The polyurethane expands, wherein it at least partially forms a Class-A surface.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a body. The vehicle includes a panel configured to cover a portion of the body of the vehicle. The vehicle includes an operator station configured to be stowed within the body of the vehicle to enable the panel to cover the operator station while the vehicle is at least partially autonomously controlled. The operator station is configured to be deployed at least partially external to the body of the vehicle to enable an operator to control the vehicle.

Abstract: A front spoiler arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a support component, a flow guiding component, which is positioned on the support component in a movable way between a further retracted position and a further extracted position, a guiding formation, which guides the movement between the two positions and a moving actuator, which is coupled to the flow guiding component by way of a coupling element, the coupling element and at least one component of either the moving actuator and the flow guiding component are coupled to each other through a connection arrangement, which has a surmountable detent formation, which separates from each other two possible relative operating positions between a component and the coupling element, i.e. a normal operating position and an emergency operating position, wherein a retraction movement of the flow guiding component in the direction opposite to the further extracted position beyond a retracted end position is mechanically prevented.

Abstract: An automotive chassis which has an H-shaped base mounted to a vehicle. An electric motor having a rotatable axis is mounted to a metal floor situated in a square, box-shaped center in the H-shaped base. A metal disk is coupled to the axis of the electric motor, and rotation of the axis of the electric motor causes rotation of the metal disk, creating a centrifugal force that stabilizes the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided are multi-tread vehicles and methods of operating such vehicles to access small interior spaces. A multi-tread vehicle may include two or more tread sections such that each pair of adjacent tread sections is interconnected by a connector section. Furthermore, each pair may have one or more degrees of articulations, such as being pivotable with respect to each other around one or more axis and/or being bendable with respect to each other around one or more axis. These articulation degrees may be provided by the connector section and/or by couplings between the connector section and each tread section. In some embodiments, each tread section may include two portions detachably coupled to each other. This detachable coupling may be used for disassembly of the multi-tread vehicle after or even during its use, for example, when only a portion of the vehicle needs to be retrieved from an interior space.

Abstract: A sprocket (10) is capable of engaging with engaging portions (22) on an elastic endless belt (21). On a tooth face (F) of a tooth (12) of the sprocket (10), a portion of a tooth base on at least one side of a center line (O1) of the tooth (12) is a tooth base surface (12b), and the tooth base surface (12b) is inclined relative to the center line (O1) of the tooth (12) at an angle (A1) in a range of 0° or greater to 7.5° or less so as to approach the center line (O1) of the tooth (12) towards a tooth tip surface (12d).

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a process for forming a reinforced rocker panel assembly, and which includes positioning a reinforcement patch having first and second patch sections in surface-to-surface contact with a blank panel sheet, and welding the first patch section to the blank panel sheet. The process further includes bending both the blank panel sheet and the reinforcement patch along a bend line interposed between the first and second patch sections to form the blank panel sheet into a rocker panel portion having an elongated base section and a longitudinal flange, where the first and second patch sections are in at least partial abutting contact with the base section and the flange. The process also includes welding the second patch section to the flange.

Abstract: A device alignment tool is disclosed. The alignment tool may have a frame. The alignment tool may also have at least one connector attached to the frame. The at least one connector may be configured to releasably attach the frame to a surface of a windshield. The alignment tool may have at least one link member. The link member may be fixedly attached to the frame at one end. The link member may also have an edge connection member at the opposite end. The edge connection member may be configured to engage with at least one edge of the windshield. The at least one link member may also have an adjustable length. The at least one link member may be configured to releasably attach the frame to the at least one edge of the windshield.

Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly for reducing frictional and pressure discomfort to the buttocks and urogenital region of a cyclist. The seat assembly provides for rotation of a bicycle seat about a longitudinal axis of a bicycle to accommodate the movement of the cyclist's legs and hips while pedaling. The assembly may also provide for rotation of the seat about a vertical axis to provide additional relief of frictional and pressure discomfort.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide an air cushion saddle which includes a cushion member formed of a rubber material with high elasticity and tension, with a closed space where air is injected being formed within the cushion member, thereby relieving saddle pain caused by frequent road friction and impact and allowing comfortable riding when a user rides a bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle bag includes a bag body and at least one adjusting belt assembly. The bag body is adapted to store bicycle accessories and includes a first penetration portion and a second penetration portion. The at least one adjusting belt assembly is selectively inserted through one of the first and second penetration portions to form a suspending portion attachable to a bicycle. Thus, the bicycle bag can be attached to an up tube or a seat post of a bicycle, or attached between the saddle and the seat post of a bicycle to meet user needs.

Abstract: A bicycle display is provided that allows the user to recognize the selected operation mode. The bicycle display includes a display screen configured to display information corresponding to a first operation mode and a second operation mode of a bicycle component that is selectable between at least the first operation mode and the second operation mode in accordance with operation of an operation unit. The display screen includes a switching region switched between a first display state, which shows the switching region in a first color in a state where the first operation mode is selected, and a second display state, which shows the switching region in a second color in a state where the second operation mode is selected.

Abstract: In an inverted pendulum vehicle (10) including a vehicle body frame (12) fitted with a saddle (32) at an upper end thereof; a main wheel (40) combining a plurality of free rollers (44) arranged along a circle such that rotational center lines of the free rollers are each directed along a tangential line of the circle, a pair of drive disks (50) each carrying a plurality of free rollers (52) arranged along a circumferential direction and configured to engage the free rollers of the main wheel, and a pair of drive units (72, 86) including a pair of electric motors (68, 82) for individually driving the drive disks under an inverted pendulum control, the two drive units are positioned one behind the other between the saddle and a rotational center line of the main wheel.

Abstract: Provided is an inverted pendulum vehicle including a display unit for providing a guide on an operation for putting the vehicle body into the tilted position from the upright position or into the upright position from the tilted position according to a state of the vehicle. In particular, the display unit indicates a direction in which the vehicle body is required to be moved when placing the vehicle body from the tilted position to the upright position and from the upright position to the tilted position.

Abstract: An accessory for a self-balancing board is provided. The self-balancing board comprises a foot-deck having two lateral foot-deck ends. Each lateral foot-deck end is coupled to a motor that drives a wheel in response to an orientation of the lateral foot-deck end relative to a horizontal plane. The accessory includes a chassis, at least one travel surface-contacting element coupled proximal to a first longitudinal end of the chassis to facilitate travel of the chassis over a travel surface, and a seat coupled to the chassis and configured to support a person.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly includes a first trimmed panel having a planar configuration defining a first plane and a second trimmed panel having a planar configuration defining a second plane. The first and second trimmed panels have a predetermined shape configuration and are positioned such that the first plane and second plane intersect. The bicycle frame assembly includes trimmed panels that include planar panels that define two, four, or even six planes.

Abstract: A bicycle handle has an inner sleeve surrounded by a handle element. In a clamping region, the inner sleeve is surrounded by a clamping element, in particular in a clip-like manner. The clamping element is at least partly surrounded by a protective sleeve, wherein it is preferred that the protective sleeve is surrounded with softer material, in particular the material of the handle element.

Abstract: A pedal for use in pedal exercise equipment such as a bicycle, in which a sole is stably placed on a pedal body while the stepping angle of the sole is adjusted in the right and left directions within a predetermined range. The pedal includes a pedal body; a plurality of brake pads provided at a predetermined interval from each other on the front surface and the rear surface of the pedal body such that one side surface of each of the plurality of brake pads is in contact with the front surface or the rear surface of the pedal body; and inclination control plates respectively positioned at the front side and the rear side of the pedal body, and having a plurality of brake mounting grooves which are formed on one side surface thereof and into which the brake pads are inserted and fixed.

Abstract: An electrical assistance device for a bicycle includes an electrical machine, a drive roller, an actuatable positioner, and a controller. The electrical machine includes a support arm and a rotor shaft, which carries the drive roller via a free wheel. The support arm is mounted on the bicycle by a pivot shaft, which pivots between a drive position and a separated position. The actuatable positioner releasably holds the support arm in the separated position. The controller controls operation of the electrical machine and is able to cause the electrical machine to produce a motive torque in a direction toward a wheel of the bicycle driven in forward movement. The controller also is able to deliver an electrical pulse to the electrical machine to produce a reaction torque in a direction opposite to the motive torque to cause the support arm to pivot, causing actuation of the positioner.

Abstract: A bicycle controller includes an electronic control unit controlling output of a motor that assists in propelling of a bicycle based on a manual driving force input to the bicycle. The electronic control unit further configured to control the motor in any one of operation modes including first, second and another operation modes, which control the output of the motor based on the manual driving force. The other operation mode excludes the first and second operation modes. In the first operation mode, the upper limit of output torque of the motor is a first value. In the second operation mode, the upper limit of output torque of the motor is a second value, which is 1.5 times or more than the first value. In the other operation mode, the upper limit of the output torque of the motor is the first value or less, or the second value or greater.

Abstract: A kick-scooter having an electric-motorized drive, a footboard, a rear wheel arranged on the footboard, a steering assembly, and a front wheel connected to the steering assembly to pivot in unison with the steering assembly about an inclined steering assembly axis.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket element, a first shifting facilitation projection, and a second shifting facilitation projection. The sprocket element includes a rotational center axis, a sprocket body, and a plurality of sprocket teeth. The sprocket body includes a radially outer periphery disposed about the rotational center axis. The plurality of sprocket teeth are arranged on the radially outer periphery. The first shifting facilitation projection is coupled to the sprocket element to engage with an inner link plate of a bicycle chain when the bicycle chain is shifted from a smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket. The second shifting facilitation projection is coupled to the sprocket element to engage with an outer link plate of the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain is shifted from the smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket.

Abstract: The derailleur has a damper that breaks the angular movements of a chain guide. Variable volume chambers in the damper are filled with a damping fluid and connected through a controlled fluid passage system so that fluid flows between chambers in response to angular movement of the chain guide. The damper comprises a dividing body in a mobile body coaxial to the axis X, mechanically constrained so that each rotation of the dividing body about the axis X is accompanied by a translation of the dividing body along the axis X. The dividing body is mechanically constrained to the chain guide and moves with it in the angular direction about the axis X. The chambers are formed in the mobile body on opposite sides of the dividing body and change volume in opposite directions when the dividing body moves along the axis X.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable wing equipping a watercraft. The wing includes a first support upright, a first end of which engages with the hull of the watercraft and a second end of which supports a first hydrofoil. The wing is characterized in that the first hydrofoil and first support upright engage with one another by way of an articulated connection having a degree of freedom in rotation about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis passing through the ends of the first support upright, allowing the hydrofoil to fold parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A superstructure-integrated backspray mitigation system for yachts including an aft spoiler secured to the vessels hardtop for directing airflow about the hardtop downwardly into the aft cockpit area to interfere with, mitigate and eliminate the natural reverse backspray created by the low-pressure region behind the yacht. The spoiler protrudes from the hardtop and includes at least one air ducting channel directing airflow at select angles into the cockpit area presenting a protective shield preventing the backspray from entering the cockpit. An optional pivotal panel member selectively enables operation of the spoiler.