Abstract: An ATV jack may include a clamping engagement member and a leg which pivots which respect to the clamping engagement member a limited amount to enable the jack to lift and hold an ATV. The leg may telescope to allow the jack to be used at variable heights.

Abstract: A travel limiter for landing gear extension legs which employs a pair of mechanically-operable cross-port valves fluidly coupled to the hydraulic circuit, and a pair of supplemental electronic limit switches electrically coupled to the drive motor of the hydraulic circuit, that are operably synchronized for mechanical actuation based on movement of the telescoping upper and lower leg assemblies of the landing gear between respective extend and retract travel stop limit positions. Upon reaching a travel stop limit position, a cross-port valve partially diverts the system's fluid flow away from the drive motor until a limit switch is actuated to cut electrical power and stop fluid flow through the drive motor. If the limit switch fails, the valve completes the fluid flow bypass, thereby permitting all fluid flow to bypass the drive motor and disable the landing gear prior to reaching its final mechanical stop.

Abstract: A jack assembly including a telescopic column driven via a gear box, wherein: the gear box is coupled to a rotary input of a drive mechanism that extends and retracts the column; the gear box has only a single input gear and a single output gear that is coupled to the drive mechanism; and the input gear has a connector adapted to be engaged and driven by a portable, hand-held power tool. A jack assembly with a gear box for use as a jockey wheel for attachment to a towed vehicle, to raise and lower a draw bar of the vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A rear brake unit for a cargo dolly includes a left and a right brake that each have a leaf spring with an eye end and a loop end. The eye end of the leaf spring is fixed but can rotate about its pin and the loop end of the leaf spring can slide in relation to a loop end pin when the brake shoe is in a braking position. The movement of the leaf spring allows the brake shoe to accommodate uneven tire wear between the pair of tires and apply effective braking force to each tire. The brakes are also connected to one another by a bar arranged to pivot about a center point of the brake unit, thereby allowing the brake unit to accommodate uneven tire wear between the left and right pair of rear tires.

Abstract: A side collision avoidance system and method for a vehicle combines data from radar sensors mounted on front and rear surfaces of the vehicle with data from ultrasonic sensors mounted on side surfaces of the vehicle, and detects obstacles on the basis of the combined data, so as to increase accuracy in the detection of obstacles and predict the probability of collisions with obstacles with high accuracy. The system includes: radar sensors detecting an obstacle around the vehicle; ultrasonic sensors detecting the obstacle around the vehicle; a controller combining sensor data from the radar sensors with sensor data from the ultrasonic sensors to generate combined data, detecting the obstacle on the basis of the combined data, and predicting collision or non-collision with the detected obstacle on the basis of the combined data; and a brake driver braking the vehicle when the collision is predicted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of detecting if a garage door is open, in order to prevent a vehicle which is leaving the garage from hitting the door or approaching the door before it is sufficiently open enough for the exiting vehicle to clear the door.

Abstract: A method for providing a clamping force that is generated with an automatic parking brake for a vehicle using a brake motor and a brake piston that acts upon a brake disk, includes building up a hydraulic pressure in a braking circuit of the vehicle after the automatic parking brake is applied. The method further includes determining a pressure loss gradient in the braking circuit of the vehicle. The method further includes performing or not performing a further application of the automatic parking brake based in part upon the determined pressure loss gradient.

Abstract: A method for controlling an active aerodynamic element in a vehicle having road wheels with tires in contact with a road surface includes receiving driver input signals and vehicle kinematics data. The driver input signals correspond to a requested aerodynamic performance operating point. Tire coefficients of friction in the longitudinal and lateral directions are provided to the controller. Desired longitudinal and lateral forces acting on the tires are determined using the input signals, kinematics data, and actual force data. Additionally, a desired total aerodynamic downforce for meeting the aerodynamic performance operating point is determined as a function of the tire forces and coefficients. A position of the aerodynamic element(s) is controlled such that the total aerodynamic downforce is achieved. A system includes the aerodynamic element(s), actuator(s), and controller. A vehicle includes the body, road wheels, active aerodynamic element(s), actuator(s), and controller.

Abstract: A method for operating a brake system in a motor vehicle, having at least one hydraulic circuit that has a hydraulic pump and at least two wheel brakes, at least one actuatable inlet valve being allocated to each wheel brake. The brake system is monitored for a driver's braking request. To acquire the driver's braking request, a first wheel behavior of at least one wheel allocated to one of the wheel brakes is acquired, such that, upon acquiring of an unexpected wheel behavior, the braking intervention is interrupted and a second wheel behavior of the wheel is acquired and compared to the first wheel behavior of the wheel, and the driver's braking request is recognized as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: A braking system includes a master cylinder including a master cylinder output, at least one wheel cylinder, a shuttle valve including a shuttle, a volume booster distinct from the master cylinder, a first hydraulic fluid path connecting the master cylinder output to the at least one wheel cylinder through the volume booster and the shuttle valve and a second hydraulic fluid path connecting the master cylinder output to the at least one wheel cylinder through the shuttle valve, bypassing the volume booster. Only one of the first hydraulic fluid path or the second hydraulic fluid path is operable at any one time.

Abstract: A vehicle control device which is applicable to a vehicle brake device, controls the pressure increasing control valve and the pressure decreasing control valve so that an actual servo pressure detected by the servo pressure sensor becomes a target servo pressure and sets a control dead zone in which a control of the pressure increasing control valve and the pressure decreasing control valve is prohibited to be an area which has a first predetermined width from the target servo pressure when a normal braking operation is performed and sets the control dead zone to be an area which has a second predetermined width, wider than the first predetermined width when the brake actuator executes the braking control which accompanies a brake fluid pumping back control, wherein the brake fluid supplied to the wheel cylinder is returned to the master cylinder by pumping back operation of the built-in pump.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system has a vehicle that is self-powered and configured to generate an air cushion on a trackless lane having a substantially flat surface. The vehicle is configured to move over the substantially flat surface on the air cushion. The transportation system also has a guidance system configured to guide the vehicle between peripheries of the trackless lane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating and hybrid driveline are presented. In one example, driver demand torque may be supplied to vehicle wheels via a hydraulic torque path and a friction torque path. Torque is distributed between the friction torque path and the hydraulic torque path in a way that ensures that driver demand torque is met and the friction torque path transfers torque up to its capacity.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter is driven when an inter-terminal voltage of a low-voltage battery is lower than a determination voltage and an engine is started when the inter-terminal voltage becomes lower than a determination voltage during the driving of the DC/DC converter so that an alternator is driven at a predetermined driving point at which the alternator can he efficiently driven and the DC/DC converter is controlled such that the inter-terminal voltage of the low-voltage battery becomes a rated voltage. Energy efficiency can be improved since the alternator is efficiently driven.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, in double-drive mode of an electric drive mode, in which the hybrid vehicle travels by using two motors, that is, a first motor and a second motor, in a state where execution of vibration damping control with the use of the second motor is being required, when it is possible to output a total torque, which is the sum of a second distribution torque and a vibration damping torque, from the second motor to a drive shaft, the vibration damping control with the use of the second motor is executed; whereas, when it is not possible to output the total torque from the second motor to the drive shaft, vibration damping control with the use of the first motor is executed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a transmission of a hybrid powertrain that includes a motor/generator are described. The systems and methods may permit or inhibit transmission shifting in response to objects or conditions in a vehicles travel path. Transmission shifting is not permitted when conditions indicate the possibility of excessive transmission shifting.

Abstract: A driving control method for a hybrid vehicle is provided to overcome a slip of the vehicle by a conversion of an EV mode into an HEV mode. The driving control method includes: determining by a controller whether the hybrid vehicle is insufficiently driven backward only by power of a motor when the vehicle is driven backward on an uphill road by driving the motor backward; starting an engine and engaging a backward stage gear; releasing a first clutch and at the same time requesting a brake operation signal to the hybrid vehicle while the motor is converted into forward driving; and then engaging a second clutch and requesting a brake release signal to the hybrid vehicle while an engine clutch is engaged to control the hybrid vehicle to be started by the power of the motor and the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for controlling an engine (552) in a sweeper-scrubber. An electrical system alternator (554) provides power to at least one cleaning function (576, 578, 580) of a self-propelled hybrid vehicle and to driven wheels. The operational load is monitored, and the running state of an internal combustion engine (552) is controlled based on the monitored operational load. A threshold charge, of an electrical system battery pack (556) is maintained.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling engine starting in a hybrid vehicle having first and second electric machines include starting the engine in response to an engine start request using the first electric machine and releasing second electric machine reserved engine starting torque for use in propelling the vehicle. The first electric machine may be controlled to start the engine in response to the first engine start after key-on and when the vehicle speed is below a corresponding threshold, with the second electric machine used when vehicle speed is above the threshold. The first electric machine may be an integrated starter-generator.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle comprises two electrical machines arranged between a combustion engine and an input shaft to a gearbox. The first machine rotor is connected with a planetary gear component, and the input shaft of the gearbox with another planetary gear component. The second machine rotor is connected with the output shaft of the combustion engine, which is also connected with another planetary gear component. A first locking means movable between a locked position, wherein the planetary gear's three components rotate at the same rotational speed, and a release position, wherein the components rotate at different rotational speeds. A second locking means movable between a locked position, and a release position wherein the combustion engine's output shaft is locked to a stationary element in the locked position and disconnected in the release position to rotate with the second machine rotor and a planetary gear component.

Abstract: A method for providing swerve assistance for a motor vehicle, in which a threatening or imminent collision of the motor vehicle is detected, the driver is notified to steer the vehicle onto a collision-avoiding swerve trajectory, it is detected whether the driver heeds the warning and initiates a swerve maneuver, and if the driver initiates a swerve maneuver, a driver-independent implementation of a steering or braking intervention assisting in the steering onto the swerve trajectory takes place.

Abstract: A controller for an autonomous vehicle receives audio signals from one or more microphones and identifies sounds. The controller further identifies an estimated location of the sound origin and the type of sound, i.e. whether the sound is a vehicle and/or the type of vehicle. The controller analyzes map data and attempts to identify a landmark within a tolerance from the estimated location. If a landmark is found corresponding to the estimated location and type of the sound origin, then the certainty is increased that the source of the sound is at that location and is that type of sound source. Collision avoidance is then performed with respect to the location of the sound origin and its type with the certainty as augmented using the map data. Collision avoidance may include automatically actuating brake, steering, and accelerator actuators in order to avoid the location of the sound origin.

Abstract: A controller is adapted to receive signals indicative of an image including a representation of a posted speed limit for a current section of a road on which an associated vehicle is traveling. The controller evaluates the image to identify the posted speed limit and dynamically determines if the posted speed limit is above a predetermined threshold speed limit. Only if the posted speed limit is above the predetermined threshold speed limit, the controller sets the identified posted speed limit as a warning threshold. If a speed of the associated vehicle is more than a predetermined range over the warning threshold, the controller transmits a warning signal to a notifier for notifying an operator of the associated vehicle and controls a speed of the vehicle based on the posted speed limit.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving user input identifying a travel destination for a first vehicle, determining, by a processor, a first route for the first vehicle to follow, and configuring the first vehicle to follow the first route. The method further includes obtaining a model for a second vehicle that shares a road with the first vehicle and comparing model to a pre-determined template for a vehicle that is known to be a special purpose vehicle in order to determine whether the first template and the second template match. The method further includes determining, by the processor, a second route that leads to the travel destination, when a match is found to exist, and switching the first vehicle from following the first route to following the second route.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a shift control method for a hybrid vehicle with a DCT that includes: a shifting state-determining step in which a controller determines whether an inertia phase of power-off down-shift is entered; a motor torque-adjusting step that request to reduce regenerative braking torque of a motor as much as a predetermined requested reduction amount, when the controller determines that the inertia phase has been entered in the shifting state-determining step; and a clutch torque-reducing step that ends the motor torque-adjusting step and reduces torque of an engagement clutch, when the requested reduction amount of the regenerative braking torque of the motor is less than zero while the controller performs the motor torque-adjusting step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for adaptation of a vehicle's performance. This system comprises a receiving device arranged to receive a request that a driver of the vehicle wishes to use a temporary performance mode. The system also comprises a first initiation device arranged to initiate a use of a preparation mode based on the driver's request, where the vehicle, during such preparation mode, prepares the vehicle to use an increased fraction of the power, generated by the engine in the vehicle, for the propulsion of the vehicle. The system also comprises a second initiation device arranged to initiate a use of the temporary performance mode, wherein such temporary performance mode uses the increased fraction of the power generated, released by the preparation mode, to provide a temporary performance boost for at least one feature relating to the propulsion of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for preventing damaging of a gear box of a vehicle provided with a servo-actuated clutch system and a servo-actuated gear shift system, the servo-actuated clutch comprising a clutch-servo housing a pneumatic piston, movable between a first and a second positions corresponding to an open and a closed system of the clutch. The functioning of servo-actuated gear shift system is enabled when the pneumatic piston position exceeds, toward said disengagement state, a third predefined position.

Abstract: A machine may include an engine, a traction device, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) connecting the engine to the traction device, an operator input device outputting engine output command signals input by an operator, an engine speed sensor monitoring an engine output speed, and an electronic control module (ECM). The ECM may control the engine to a target engine speed using engine speed sensor signals as feedback. A desired percentage of peak power of the engine may be determined from the engine output command signals, and the target engine speed may be determined from the desired percentage of the peak power. The ECM determines a CVT transmission ratio that will cause the CVT to apply a load to the engine that will cause the engine to run at the target engine speed.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle which drives or is able to be driven at least partially automatically includes: detecting a gaze direction of a driver of the motor vehicle; inferring a driver distraction if the detected gaze direction deviates from a setpoint gaze direction beyond a predefinable measure; monitoring the driver for a secondary activity if a distracted driver was detected; and ascertaining a time period that the driver would require to take over the at least partial control of the motor vehicle, as a function of a detected secondary activity.

Abstract: A method for validating a driver assistance system (3) of a vehicle, wherein tests (T) defined by test parameters (P) are carried out for a predetermined test scenario (4), during a first test (T(n)) at least on test parameter (P) is determined, and to generate a second test (T(n+1)) the first test (T(n)) is altered in order to displace the first test parameter (P) within a critical range (7) assigned to it.

Abstract: An input device includes an input unit having at least one button arranged to produce a sound signal when pressed, a sound collector for collecting the sound signal produced from the button, a memory for storing control command information corresponding to a frequency of the sound signal produced from the button, and a controller for determining a control command corresponding to the frequency of the sound signal produced from the button based on the information stored in the memory, and for sending the control command to a subject to be controlled.

Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle progression along a ride path of an amusement park ride. The method includes receiving inputs from a passenger of a vehicle on the ride path and processing the received inputs to determine a vehicle state change. The method includes determining a present or predicted vehicle state and comparing the present or predicted vehicle state with constraints defined by a dynamic boundary associated with the vehicle. The method includes issuing vehicle control commands to a drive assembly to implement the vehicle state change if it complies with the constraints. The dynamic boundary is moved logically along the ride path at a nominal to define a set of boundaries for movement of the vehicle along the ride path. The vehicle state change may be a change that causes the vehicle to travel at a speed differing from the dynamic boundary while remaining within the dynamic boundary.

Abstract: A trapdoor assembly for use on railcars is provided. The trapdoor assembly is pivotable between an up position and a down position. In the up position, the trapdoor assembly provides access to stairs on the railcar so that passengers can egress between the railcar and a ground level platform at a rail station. In the down position, the trapdoor assembly covers the stairs and provides a platform so that passengers can egress between the railcar and an elevated platform at a rail station. The trapdoor assembly also includes an extendible platform for bridging the gap between the railcar and the elevated station when the trapdoor is in the down position and the railcar is stopped at the elevated station.

Abstract: A coupling head for a central buffer coupling for vehicles that are able to be coupled has a coupling head housing and an end plate that terminates the coupling head housing on the end face and is releasably connected to the coupling head housing. The coupling head housing has a first connection region for coupling to the end plate and a second connection region for establishing the connection to a coupling rod. The coupling head housing is designed in one piece as a forged component. The first connection region is formed on the coupling head housing by at least two contact surfaces arranged separately from one another in order to be at least indirectly supported on partial surfaces of the end plate and the coupling head housing is connected to the end plate in the first connection region by non-positive connections.

Abstract: Braking systems for railway cars are provided. A braking system defines a longitudinal axis, and includes a first brake assembly, a second brake assembly, and an actuator operable to generate a linear force, the actuator disposed proximate the second brake assembly. The braking system further includes a movable rod and a fixed rod extending between the first brake assembly and the second brake assembly. In some embodiments, the braking system further includes a dead lever and a slack adjuster disposed proximate the first brake assembly, the slack adjuster connected to the first brake assembly and the dead lever and operable to adjust a distance along the longitudinal axis between a reference point of the first brake assembly and a pivot point of the dead lever.

Abstract: A method and system monitor coupler fatigue by determining an upcoming fatigue metric representative of fatigue that is to be experienced by a coupler configured to connect plural vehicles in a vehicle system, determining whether a failure metric of the coupler during the upcoming trip exceeds a designated failure threshold (where the failure metric is based on the upcoming fatigue metric), and, responsive to determining that the failure metric exceeds the designated failure threshold, one or more of notifying an operator of the upcoming fatigue metric, displaying one or more of the upcoming fatigue metric or the failure metric, changing a driving plan for controlling movement of the vehicle system during the upcoming trip, and/or changing a characteristic of the vehicle system.

Abstract: A light apparatus for use with a power source and a control switch, the control switch including an input node, an output node and at least first and second independently selectable current paths between the input and output nodes, the first selectable current path having a resistance value that is greater than the second current path, controlling light intensity as a function of which of the current path is selected, at least one light source, a controller linked to the control switch and determining the selected path and generating a control signal and a light driver linked between the output node and the light source, the driver receiving the control signal and adjusting the current applied to the light source as a function of the control signal.

Abstract: A train control unit may comprise a probe attached to a first rail of a track way, and a sensor device attached to a second rail of the track way configured to determine the position of the probe, whereby the position of the first rail relative to the second rail may be determined. The train control unit is preferably independent of equipment controlling the position of the first and second rails. Some embodiments of the train control unit may be employed as a track monitor, a switch monitor and/or a wayside monitor.

Abstract: A method of operating a railway vehicle on a network of tracks forming one or more vehicle routes, includes providing: vehicle status information including the present track location of the vehicle, the route to be taken by the vehicle and operation profile information relating vehicle operational recommendations and/or requirements to track locations and to vehicle routes; and determining operational risks for the vehicle from the vehicle status information, the route to be taken by the vehicle and the operation profile information, each operational risk being the likelihood of future vehicle operation departing from the operation profile information at a given section of track or a given location on the route. Advisory notices for a driver of the vehicle are generated on the basis of the operational risks, and each advisory notice, when acted on by the driver, reduces the likelihood of future vehicle operation departing from the operation profile information.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating action recommendations for the driver of a rail vehicle includes a device that can be carried by the driver in order to provide a type of apparatus that can be retrofitted quickly and easily to an existing rail vehicle. The device has at least one data interface unit for receiving basic data, a memory unit for storing at least one program module, a processing unit provided for executing the program module in order to generate the action recommendations at least on the basis of the basic data, and an output unit for outputting the action recommendations. A rail vehicle having the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A takedown utility cart includes rectangular platforms each having four corners, each platform including a main panel having four beams; four sets of post sections, each set secured through one corners of the platforms; two side walls each threadedly fastened between sides of two adjacent platforms; a rear panel having two sides threadedly secured to rear ends of the side walls respectively so that an open space is defined by the platforms, the side walls, and the rear panel; at least one drawer retractably mounted in the space; and a lock assembly mounted on the rear panel for locking or unlocking the drawer.

Abstract: A transport structure, such as a cart or dolly having a handle structure that can be inserted laterally into an opening in the transport structure is provided. The handle structure includes a first connection hook portion and a second connection hook portion moveable from a first spaced position to a second spaced position greater than the first spaced position. The handle structure includes a hinged beam that enables the hook portions to contract and expand from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An assisted propulsion system, method and chassis for conveying a payload along a surface are described. A plurality of wheels disposed about the chassis support it on the surface. A drive provides at least assisted propulsion to the chassis along the surface. At least a driving part of the drive is connected to the chassis via a mount having a resiliently sprung link. At least the driving part of the drive has a fixed orientation and is moveable independently of the chassis and the plurality of wheels in a direction towards the surface. The resiliently sprung link is arranged to direct at least the driving part onto the surface during provision of the assisted propulsion. A sensor is arranged to monitor acceleration of the drive and to communicate data on acceleration to a controller, which controls operation of the drive in dependence on the data received from the sensor.

Abstract: A dolly capable of allowing relatively heavy and bulky objects to be easily manipulated and moved without adding significantly to the dimension of the object thereby allowing the object to be easily moved through conventional door openings. Preferably, the dolly comprises a first frame having generally vertical legs mechanically coupled to a generally horizontal brace and a second frame having generally vertical legs mechanically coupled to a generally horizontal brace such that the first frame and the second frame are in position on opposite sides of the object and the generally horizontal braces are positioned under corresponding edges of the object. The generally vertical legs of the first frame and the second frame when moved into a more vertical orientation operate to mechanically lift the generally horizontal braces to lift the object and allow the object to be transported to a desired location.

Abstract: The collapsible stroller with bouncing seat comprises a frame, four sets of wheels, handles that extend upwards so that an adult can push the device, and a seating area that allows the seated child to push their feet against a surface for leg exercise and fun. In addition the collapsible stroller with bouncing seat comprises a play center, cup holder, a set of utility hooks, and a mesh storage bag. The collapsible stroller with bouncing seat collapses for easier storage when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact universal infant carrier transporting device which is used to transport most infant carriers/car seats from one point to another with ease with the infant secured in the carrier. The device's portability and size allows for use in the smallest of spaces and allows users to avoid having to manually hold a heavy infant and carrier/car seat combination. The core components of the invention are a collapsible patio chair style frame supported on wheels. The frame supports a fabric base having an opening therein for receiving the carrier/car seat. A strap is provided to secure the carrier to the device, and a foot brake is provided on at least one of the wheels. The device folds so that it can be stored in a bag similar to a bag similar to those used for a folding patio chair.

Abstract: A stand-up stroller assembly for rolling a standing child includes a first plate and a second plate. The second plate is coupled to and extends substantially perpendicularly from a rear edge of the first plate. A seat is hingedly coupled to a first side of the second plate. A first handle is coupled proximate to a front edge of the first plate and is configured to be grasped in hands of the user, such as a child, who is positioned on the first plate between the first handle and the second plate. A second handle is coupled to a second side, proximate to a top edge, of the second plate and is configured to be clasped in hands of an operator so that the operator is positioned to locomote the first plate, and the user, upon wheels that are axially coupled to the first plate.

Abstract: A steering input apparatus for a vehicle includes a grip position sensor configured to sense a grip position on a rim of a steering wheel of the vehicle. The steering input apparatus also includes at least one processor configured to, based on a determination that the grip position on the rim of the steering wheel sensed through the grip position sensor is improper for a driving situation of the vehicle, perform a control operation to output grip guide information for the rim of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A power transmission coupling that couples an output shaft of an electric motor and a worm shaft together includes a first rotation element coupled to the output shaft, a second rotation element coupled to the worm shaft, and an intermediate element formed of an elastic body and interposed between the first rotation element and the second rotation element. The intermediate element forms a unit integrally including an annular support portion, power transmission portions extending radially from the support portion and interposed between engaging protrusions of the first rotation element and the second rotation element, a spacer arranged inward of the support portion in a radial direction to apply a preload to the worm shaft in an axial direction, and a coupling portion that couples the support portion and the spacer together.

Abstract: In a CPU (10) for calculating a control amount of an electric power steering control apparatus including a motor for assisting a steering force of a steering wheel generated by a driver of a vehicle, a filter section (18) subjects a value of a motor rotation speed calculating section (17) for calculating an rotation speed of a motor (4) to filter processing, to thereby output the resultant value to a target d-axis current value setting section (11b). With this configuration, in a high-torque and high-motor-rotation speed region, responsiveness of a target d-axis current value with respect to the motor rotation speed is decreased, to thereby suppress vibrations and noise when the steering wheel is operated.