Abstract: A clutch control device is provided for a four-wheel drive vehicle for transmitting drive force to the rear wheels. The clutch control device includes a dog clutch and a friction clutch, and a controller that controls the engagement and disengagement of the dog clutch and the friction clutch. In this clutch control device, when there is a request to engage the dog clutch from a disengaged state, the controller, during the engagement control of the friction clutch, first controls the engagement of the friction clutch, monitors the change gradient of the clutch rotational speed difference of the dog clutch and starts engagement of the dog clutch upon determining that the gradient of the clutch rotational speed difference is no longer decreasing.

Abstract: A driving force distributing device includes a single pump for supplying control hydraulic pressure to each of first and second hydraulic clutches, an electric motor for driving the pump, a flow rate variable mechanism for changing a ratio of flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied to each of the first and second hydraulic clutches and a controlling means for controlling the electric motor and the flow rate variable mechanism. The driving force distributing device can variably control a flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied to first and second hydraulic clutches based on changing a ratio of flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied to the first and second hydraulic clutches in the flow rate variable mechanism and a control of changing rotational speed of the pump using the motor.

Abstract: A method of minimizing the occurrence of wheel slip in a traction vehicle includes a drivetrain, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface, and a ground-engaging implement moveable relative to the support surface. The method includes estimating a first force acting against the ground-engaging implement, estimating a second force provided by the at least one wheel operable to move the vehicle on the support surface, and controlling the ground-engaging implement based on a difference between the first force and the second force.

Abstract: A seal for a meter ring includes a sealing section and a connecting portion. The sealing section is configured to block transmission of light from a first portion of a meter cluster to a second portion of the meter cluster. The connecting portion extends from the sealing section and is configured to couple the sealing section to a meter ring.

Abstract: A vehicular display device includes: an information screen display device that displays an information screen on a display unit when a vehicle stops; a gazing point position identifying device that identifies a position of a driver's gazing point; a gazing point position determining device that determines whether a gazing point position is disposed on the display unit; a monitoring device that starts monitoring of a peripheral situation of the vehicle when the gazing point position is disposed on the display unit; a startable state determining device that determines whether the vehicle is in a startable state, based on the peripheral situation; a situation screen display device that displays a situation screen on a rear side of the information screen in a superimposed manner when the vehicle is in the startable state; and a transparentizing device that transparentizes the information screen.

Abstract: An auxiliary power source device for a vehicle is incorporated in an electric vehicle and includes a three-phase inverter that converts an input DC voltage into a desired three-phase AC voltage and applies the three-phase AC voltage to a load. The auxiliary power source device further includes a filter reactor that is connected to respective output terminals of a three-phase inverter, a filter capacitor that is connected in a Y-shape at an end on a load side of the filter reactor and is not grounded at a neutral point, and a three-phase transformer that includes primary windings that are connected in a Y-shape at the end on the load side of the filter reactor and is grounded at a neutral point and secondary windings that are connected in a delta shape.

Abstract: A method for predicting mechanical failure of a traction motor in a vehicle includes monitoring first characteristics of an electrical signal supplied to a traction motor of a vehicle during a first detection window. The first characteristics represent a first motor electrical signature for the traction motor. The method also includes deriving one or more signature values from a first mathematical model of the first motor electrical signature and predicting a mechanical failure of the traction motor based on the one or more signature values.

Abstract: A controller of an AC electric vehicle includes a first specific-frequency-current computation unit that extracts a current component corresponding to a first specific frequency set value from a main-transformer output current and outputs the current component as a first specific-frequency current, a subtractor that subtracts the first specific-frequency current from the main-transformer output current and outputs a subtraction result as a current deviation, a second specific-frequency-current computation unit that extracts a current component corresponding to a second specific frequency set value from the current deviation and outputs the current component as a second specific-frequency current, and a power-failure detection unit that compares the second specific-frequency current with a predetermined power-failure detection-current set value and outputs a power-failure detection signal when the second specific-frequency current is larger than the power-failure detection-current set value.

Abstract: A system control method is provided for measuring a distance between a smart key and a vehicle. When the distance between the smart key and the vehicle is changed based on a predetermined distance whether a hydrogen leak occurs is detected by a hydrogen sensor detection controller. A driver is then informed of a hydrogen leak via a display on a cluster, a turn-on of an emergency light, and a warning sound of the vehicle. Alternatively, a starting-impossible state of the vehicle or shutting-down starting of the vehicle is maintained to ensure safety measures based on the concentration of the leaking hydrogen.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure of an autonomous vehicle includes: a first driver integrally configured of a drive portion for a first wheel, a drive shaft for the first wheel and a first shaft support for the drive shaft; a second driver integrally configured of an axle for a second wheel and a second shaft support for the axle; and, a pair of side frames arranged on each side in a width direction of the chassis and each extended in a front-to-rear direction of the chassis to support the first driver and the second driver. The first shaft support and the second shaft support each have an attachment part to be fixed to a flank of the side frame from an outside. Each of the first and second drivers is integrally attached to, and detached from, the side frame, by access from the flank of the side frame.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling dispatch of electric vehicles (EVs) to perform vehicle-to-grid regulation of power of an electric grid are presented. An aggregator component can individually control transitioning respective EVs of a set of EVs between a charging state and a not-charging state. The aggregator component includes a dispatch controller component (DCC) that can employ a defined dispatch algorithm for EVs to facilitate enabling the DCC to perform unidirectional regulation. The DCC can switch EV charging stations on and off using remote switches to meet a system regulation signal. The DCC can use the dispatch algorithm to make determinations regarding which EV to switch using charging priorities, in accordance defined power regulation criterion(s). The aggregator component can reduce communication signals used to adjust dispatch by sending switching signals to only those EVs of the set of EVs that are changing their charging state at a given time.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for a vehicle having an energy accumulator includes a charging socket with nine electrically assignable contacts by which the user of the vehicle may establish a charging connection independently of the type of charging supported by the charging source and the used plug.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of wirelessly charging a battery are disclosed. The wireless charging system may include a charge receiver, charge transmitter, and an active control sheet. The active control sheet may include a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells may be activated or deactivated according to the location of the charge receiver relative to the charge transmitter. Charging may be initiated, and electrical charge transferred, from the charge transmitter, through the activated cells on the active control sheet, and to the charge receiver.

Abstract: A wireless power supply system includes a power transmission device having a power transmission coil and a power receiving device having a power receiving coil. The power receiving device calculates a first efficiency based on a transmission power command value and the electric power supplied to the battery. The power transmission device calculates a second efficiency based on a phase difference between a voltage and a current supplied to the power transmission coil. The power transmission device controls electric power supplied to the power transmission coil according to the transmission power command value, and regulate the electric power supplied to the power transmission coil when the first efficiency falls to a predetermined first threshold efficiency or less or when the second efficiency falls to a predetermined second threshold efficiency or less.

Abstract: A transportable ground station for a UAV includes a container in which the UAV may be transported and housed. The container includes a wireless or contact-based recharging station that recharges the UAV's batteries or other power sources after the UAV returns from a mission. The recharging station may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more solar panels that generate energy to power the recharging station. The ground station may be deployed virtually anywhere, from any vehicle (e.g., plane, train, boat, truck, etc.), and may operate over an extended period of time without human intervention.

Abstract: An on-vehicle power supply system and an electric vehicle are provided. The on-vehicle power supply system includes: a power battery (10); a charge-discharge socket (20) connected with an external load (1001); a three-level bidirectional DC-AC module (30) having a first DC terminal connected with a first terminal of the power battery (10) and a second DC terminal connected with a second terminal of the power battery (10); a charge-discharge control module (50) having a first terminal connected with an AC terminal of the three-level bidirectional DC-AC module (30) and a second terminal connected with the charge-discharge socket (20); and a control module (60) connected with the charge-discharge control module (50) and the three-level bidirectional DC-AC module (30), and configured to control the three-level bidirectional DC-AC module (30) to convert a DC voltage of the power battery (10) into an AC voltage.

Abstract: A control device for electric motor vehicle configured to decelerate by a regenerative braking force of the motor detects an accelerator operation amount, calculates a motor torque command value and controls the motor on the basis of the calculated motor torque command value. Further, a speed parameter proportional to a traveling speed is detected, and a feedback torque for stopping the electric motor vehicle is calculated on the basis of the detected speed parameter. Furthermore, the speed parameter is estimated in accordance with a state of the electric motor vehicle, and a feedforward torque is calculated on the basis of the estimated speed parameter. When accelerator operation amount is not larger than a predetermined value and the electric motor vehicle stops shortly, the motor torque command value is converged to zero on the basis of the feedback torque and the feedforward torque with a reduction in the traveling speed.

Abstract: A system includes at least one application device, a control unit, and at least one processor. The at least one application device is conductively or inductively coupled with at least one of a first conductive track or a second conductive track. The control unit is configured to control supply of electric current from a power source to the at least one application device to electrically inject at least one examination signal into the conductive tracks. The at least one processor is configured to monitor the one or more electrical characteristics of at least one of the first or second conductive tracks, and to identify a construction feature of the route based on the one or more electrical characteristics, wherein the construction feature corresponds to a man-made aspect of the route.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gantry type movable catenary system at railway crossing having a simple and reliable structure, which can be applied to a conventional railway crossing as well as to a new railway crossing, and at the same time is improved such that service and maintenance are easy.

Abstract: The rigid T-rail conductor system is configured to support a contact wire in an overhead railway electrification system. The rigid T-rail includes a first rail configured to be disposed in an overhead position of the railway electrification system. The rigid rail includes a keeper disposed on a side of the first rail, the keeper configured to be movable. When the keeper is in the first position, the keeper holds and affixes the wire on the first rail. When the keeper is in the second position, the keeper allows the wire to be installed or to be removed from the rail.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion adapted to be mounted for translation. A seat back is adapted to be pivotally mounted adjacent the seat cushion. At least one actuator is operably connected to at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back for adjustment of at least one of a plurality of settings of the seat assembly. A controller is in electrical communication with the at least one actuator and configured to: receive a data input indicative of occupant anthropometry data, receive a mode selection input indicative of a selected seat positioning mode, compare the data input with predetermined data ranges for the selected seat positioning mode, and adjust at least one of the plurality of settings of the at least one actuator to a predetermined setting based on the predetermined data range.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection device that smoothly operates a seat and a seatbelt. When a collision is predicted, if the time to the collision reaches a preset time t1, a seat control ECU starts operation of a seat actuator, and if a time to the collision reaches a preset time t2 (t1>t2), the seat control ECU starts operation of a seatbelt actuator. Further, when the time t2 to the collision is reached or when the time t3 (t1>t2>t3) is reached at which time the seatbelt actuator is activated to start application of a predetermined tensile force to the seatbelt, the seat control ECU stops operation of the seatbelt actuator. Seat adjustment and seatbelt adjustment may be adapted such that both the adjustments are not performed at the same time or, alternatively, such that both the adjustments are operated at the same time only during a time period in which application of the predetermined tensile force to the seatbelt starts.

Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a protrusion member installed to a lower portion of a back frame inside a seatback to protrude forward and to absorb an impact on the hips of an occupant upon a vehicle collision, wherein a lower portion of the seatback, which has a protrusion shape due to the protrusion member, induces a sitting posture of the occupant to be modified when the occupant sits down on the vehicle seat, thereby reducing a gap between a head of the occupant and a headrest in a state that the hips of the occupant moves forward.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a conformal seating assembly coupled with a rigid shell and includes a seat base, a seatback base, seat side bolsters, and seatback side bolsters. An air-filled sender panel is disposed in the seat base. An air-filled receiver cell is disposed in one of the seat side bolster and the seatback side bolster. A liquid-filled sender panel is disposed between the air-filled receiver cell and the rigid shell. A liquid-filled receiver cell is adjacent the air-filled receiver cell and disposed in one of the seat side bolster and the seatback side bolster. A first distribution rail system is disposed on a first side of the seat base. A second distribution rail system is disposed on a second side of the seat base. A plurality of capillaries provide fluid communication between the sender panels and the receiver cells. A topper pad extends over the conformal seating assembly.

Abstract: A headrest device that integrates with vehicle's seats for providing persons with a device for resting ones head when traveling as a passenger in a vehicle, the headrest device including a headrest assembly that removably mates with a mount assembly.

Abstract: A seat with a warmer may include a heating unit mounted on a rear side of a seat back and radiating heat toward a rear seat; an air duct disposed close to the heating unit on the seat back, extending up and down on the seat back, and passing air therein, and a blowing unit disposed in the air duct generating a sucking force in the air duct so that air heated by the heating unit flows into the air duct, and sending out the heated air in the air duct to a floor under the rear seat.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle has upwardly extending seat back assembly comprising a seat back frame, a decorative seat back rear panel module, and a seat back cushion and suspension module attached to the seat back frame. The decorative seat back rear panel module has a first seat back rear perimeter panel and a second seat back rear central panel operably connected with the first seat back rear perimeter panel that define a rear exterior surface area of the decorative seat back rear panel module.

Abstract: A seat cover for a vehicle may include a lower or bench portion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented top of a bench of a vehicle seat. The lower portion may include a first section and a second section separated by a slit. The seat cover for the vehicle may also include an upper or backrest portion coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion may be sized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A seat cover including an elongate body sheet for placement between a user and a seat is provided. A pair of arm protectors extend laterally from sides of an intermediate portion of the seat cover. The arm protectors provide a barrier between the user and armrests. An adhesive strip is integrally formed with a back surface of the seat cover and proximate an upper portion binds the cover to the seat. A pocket is integrally formed with a front lower surface of the seat cover for storing a sanitizer container.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a vehicle seatback includes a plurality of air bladders defining a lumbar support. A valve body has an inlet and a plurality of outlets that are coupled with the associated plurality of air bladders. A selection device is operably coupled with the valve body for engaging a select one of the plurality of air bladders with the inlet. A manually compressible air chamber is coupled with the inlet for inflating the select one.

Abstract: A retention grommet has a bottom grommet and a top grommet. A floor cover retention flange extends radially outwardly from an outer sidewall of the bottom grommet. The outer sidewall extends upwardly from the retention flange to a hinge plane of the bottom grommet. Plural fingers are disposed around the bottom grommet axis so as to be angularly spaced from each other and an inner surface of the outer sidewall. An upper end of each finger is joined to the outer sidewall at the hinge plane. Near a free, downwardly displaced end of each finger, a retention bead is formed to have an upwardly and radially outwardly inclined surface. This surface is capable of engaging with any of several types of vehicle floor cover retention posts. The top grommet fastens to the bottom grommet to secure the vehicle floor cover in place.

Abstract: Device for holding at least one container in a vehicle interior and armrest unit. The device has a carrier housing which encloses a receiving cavity open towards one end face, and having a carrier slide which is mounted to the carrier housing to be movable between a rest position plunged in the receiving cavity and a functional position moved out of the end face of the receiving cavity, wherein the carrier slide has at least one container recess and at least one bottom support part pivotably mounted to the carrier slide. The bottom support part is designed as a sheet-type component made of a flat material having uniform thickness connected to the carrier slide by at least one articulated hinge.

Abstract: A vehicle food holder or container comprises a cup configured to hold at least one food item or food receptacle and a clip configured to removably attach the food holder to an internal portion of a vehicle. The food holder can have single or multiple food holding compartments, and can be disposable or reusable.

Abstract: A method for implementing and canceling an automatic operation of a body of a machine includes receiving a selection of an automatic setting according to a first operation of a hoist mode actuator, determining an activation state of the automatic setting, causing an automatic operation of an engine of the machine to adjust an idle level of the engine and an automatic operation of a hoist system to move the body in a first direction to a first position. The method includes canceling the automatic operation of the engine and the automatic operation of the hoist system and controlling the idle level of the engine according to operations of a throttle, the hoist system to move the body according to the idle level of the engine and respective directions of the second operation the hoist mode actuator and subsequent operations of the hoist mode actuator.

Abstract: A ramp deployment system for deploying and securing first and second ramps to the entrance of a container-type vehicle using a ratchet strap arrangement. The ratchet strap arrangement includes first and second ratchet strap devices each having a tightening strap coupled to a respective hook and collar mechanism that includes a closable hook operable to engage a collar to form a loop portion by the tightening strap around the undercarriage of the container-type vehicle. A ratchet mechanism is operatively coupled to the tightening strap for tightening or loosening the tightening strap relative to the first and second ramps when the ratchet strap mechanism is actuated. The ratchet mechanism is also engaged to a fixed length strap having a hook portion configured to engage the cross rungs of the first and second ramps and secure the ratchet strap arrangement securely between container-type vehicle and the first and second ramps.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveniently loading or unloading objects to and from a cargo bed of a vehicle. The system includes at least one ramp, a bumper, and a tailgate. The ramp includes a retaining member extending therefrom. The bumper has a configuration capable of receiving therethrough at least a portion of the ramp, to store the ramp under the vehicle in a stored position. The tailgate includes a plurality of retaining openings defined therein. The retaining openings have a configuration capable of receiving at least a portion of the retaining member of the ramp, to place the ramp in an in-use position. The ramp can be retained in the stored position by way of engaging ledges, which can be easily disengaged by a user to withdraw the ramp for use in loading or unloading objects from the cargo bed.

Abstract: A Retention Strap Stabilization Device is provided that improves the safety and longevity of retention straps used to secure cargo in transportation. The Retention Strap Stabilization Device has a foil body and a strap retaining slot, where in use, the foil body effectively lengthens the trailing edge of a retention strap thus changing the resonant frequency of the retention strap to prevent oscillation of the retention strap while in use on a moving vehicle. The device is held in place by a plurality of retention grips that embed themselves in the retention strap. The device not only prevents damage and resulting breakage of retention straps and the associated safety implications, but also reduces the potential for damage to the cargo being secured by the retention straps when unwanted oscillations of retention straps occur during transit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided and include a light source projector with a positional actuator mounted on a subject vehicle that projects laser lines on a roadway upon which the subject vehicle is traveling. A controller receives steering angle data from a steering system of the subject vehicle, the steering angle data corresponding to a steering angle of the subject vehicle. The controller determines a turning path of the subject vehicle based on the steering angle data and controls the positional actuator to project the laser lines on the roadway to correspond to the determined turning path of the subject vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a rotating element of the apparatus with as few as a single light source and a method for assembling such apparatus are disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a center, a clear substrate element that may rotate about the center, and a light source for evenly illuminating the clear substrate element. The light source is configured to emit light toward the clear substrate element at an angle, which is predetermined based on one or more attributes of the clear substrate element, such as the geometry and the index of refraction.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided configured for installation within a wheel of a vehicle. The system includes a stator having a plurality of face-mounted permanent magnets; and a rotor having a plurality of windings configured to rotate, with rotation of the wheel, in proximity to the permanent magnets thereby generating a current. The stator is mounted to a brake caliper of the vehicle. Also provided is a wheel-based vehicle display system including a light emitting diode (LED) array arranged on or within a wheel of a vehicle; a power source connected thereto; and a controller connected to the LED array. The display system is configured to display at least one of: textual information, visual images or full-motion video.

Abstract: A system and method are provided and include light source projectors with positional actuators mounted on a subject vehicle. A controller controls the light source projectors and the positional actuators to project at least one laser line on a roadway upon which the subject vehicle is traveling. A location of the at least one laser line corresponds to at least one blind spot alert area of the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A window for a vehicle is provided herein. The window includes an outer panel separated from an inner panel. A light guide is disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel. A first light-blocking layer is disposed between the light guide and the outer panel. A second light-blocking layer is disposed between the light guide and the inner panel. A light source is optically coupled with the light guide and is configured to direct excitation light towards a photoluminescent structure disposed between the first and second light-blocking layers. The photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to receiving the excitation light.

Abstract: A car door opening pre-detection system for a car includes a first detecting module, a second detecting module and a control module. The first detecting module is installed within the car. The first detecting module issues a motion detecting signal according to a result of detecting a motion of a palm. The second detecting module is installed outside the car. When the car is stopped, the second detecting module is enabled to selectively provide a first detection range or a second detection range. The control unit judges whether a car door of the car is about to be opened according to the motion detecting signal. When the car is stopped and the control module judges that the car door is about to be opened, the second detecting module provides the second detection range to detect whether there is a moving object behind the car.

Abstract: The present patent application discloses an elongated warning lamp. The elongated warning lamp includes a body, two main light modules and a number of side lights modules; By the match of the upper position cavity and the upper position block and the match of the lower position cavity and the lower position block, in conjunction with the guide position of the guide block and the guide groove, the two main light modules can be quickly assembled into the two sides of the body.

Abstract: A Bluetooth based vehicular internal monitoring device for preventing or mitigating the likelihood of leaving a living entity behind within an unattended vehicle with an interior exhibiting life threatening environmental conditions. The system leverages ultra-low powered micro sensors, and open source communication systems to convey data acquired by a number of remote monitoring apparatuses and a head unit controller. The system is activated using a remote controller area network device attached to the factory installed controller area network system to detect the presence of a driver or caregiver exiting the vehicle when the living entity is present within the vehicle. Should the driver side door open with the living entity within the vehicle, the head unit controller alarms to notify the driver of such. Integration with vehicle telematic services enables delivery of alerts and information to parents, caregivers, emergency contacts, and emergency responders.

Abstract: This invention has an object to assist for traveling operation of a self-propelled industrial machine to display underneath image of the self-propelled industrial machine on a monitor of a display device mounted in a operator's cab. The display device of the self-propelled industrial machine according to the present invention is provided for a dump truck, which comprises cameras having field of view to underneath of the dump truck, a symbol image storage section to store a symbol image which is symbolized the dump truck, a superposing process section to make transparent with a predetermined transparent ratio in the symbol image as a transparent region and to superpose an image taken by the camera on the area corresponding to the transparent region as underneath image, and a monitor mounted in a cab of the dump truck for displaying the symbol image composed by the superposing process section.

Abstract: An electronic camera system is operable in a first operating state, in which a video signal delivered by the image sensor is based on the detection of visible light only, and a second operating state, in which a video signal delivered by the image sensor is at least in part based on the detection of infrared light. The camera system includes an electronic image sensor that is sensitive to visible light and infrared light, a lens system that is transparent to visible light and infrared light and serves for projecting an image onto the image sensor and a filter assembly arranged in front of the image sensor.

Abstract: The image display system includes a display that is provided on an interior surface of a vehicle body structure and that includes a first display region facing the doorway, and a camera adapted to capture an image of a blind spot region outside the vehicle body structure. When the door is in a closed state, the image display system is adapted to cause the display to display the image of the blind spot region, and when the door is in an open state, the image display system is adapted to cause the display to display an illumination image of a fixed pattern.

Abstract: A mirror base, a mirror housing rotatable to the mirror base between a non-driving retracted position and a driving protracted position around an axis (X), a non-metallic spring for providing an axial spring force between the mirror base and the mirror housing whose force differs at least between the non-driving retracted and the driving protracted positions; and a first guide portion for contacting a first contact area of the non-metallic spring, and a second guide portion for contacting a second contact area of the non-metallic spring. The guide portions are configured such that, during rotation of the mirror housing to the mirror base, at least one deformable portion of the non-metallic spring between the first and second contact areas is deformed in a direction (Y) substantially perpendicular to the mirror rotation axis (X).

Abstract: A vehicle center console assembly includes a main body structure, a lid and a tray. The main body structure defines a storage compartment having a first tray supporting portion. The lid is attached to the main body structure for pivoting from a closed orientation completely covering the storage compartment to an open orientation exposing the storage compartment. The lid has a second tray supporting portion. The tray has a pair of projections that extend from opposite sides of the tray. The tray is movable to each of the following: a first orientation with the pair of projections supported by the first tray supporting portion within the storage compartment, a second orientation with the pair of projections inserted into the second tray supporting portion for movement with the lid, and a third orientation where the tray is completely removed and separated from the center console assembly.