Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot adapted to traverse vertical obstacles. The robot comprises a frame and at least one wheel positioned in a front section of the robot, at least one middle wheel positioned in a middle section of the robot, at least one back wheel positioned in a back section of the robot, and at least one further wheel in the front, middle or back of the robot. The robot also comprises at least one motor-driven device for exerting a downward and/or upward force on the middle wheel and at least two motors for driving the wheels and the motor-driven device. Also disclosed is a method of climbing using a mobile robot as disclosed.

Abstract: A chassis arrangement and method for leveling a vehicle with at least one vibration damper permitting an active height adjustment. The chassis arrangement has a stabilizer having a restoring force that rises with a first slope during a transverse acceleration in a first range up to a first threshold value and has a restoring force which rises with a second slope after the first threshold value in a second range. The second slope is greater than the first slope.

Abstract: A valve control device is configured to execute a specific valve control when a valve switching condition at high pressure is satisfied. The specific valve control switches the spring constant change valves for front wheel to a blocking state and switches a spring constant change valves for rear wheel to a communication permission state. The valve switching condition at high pressure is satisfied when oil pressure of hydraulic oil of rear wheel side oil hydraulic cylinders, which is detected by rear wheel side oil pressure detection means, is more than or equal to a predetermined oil pressure threshold and the traveling state determination means determines that a vehicle is in a predetermined traveling state.

Abstract: The twist axle assembly includes a pair of spaced apart trailing arms and a twist beam which is made of a single piece and is operably connected with the trailing arms. The twist beam has a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls. The twist beam presents a pair of end portions which are bent to present edges that face towards one another when viewed in cross-section, and the twist beam presents a middle portion which extends between the end portions. The middle portion has an opening with a generally elliptical shape formed into the bottom wall for reducing a torsion stiffness of the middle portion of the twist beam in comparison to the end portions.

Abstract: An annular reference surface is formed around a through-hole of an eye portion. A distal-end-side curved portion is formed at a first corner portion, on an outer side of the annular reference surface. The thickness of the distal-end-side curved portion is reduced in a range of a length from the first flat surface toward the distal end surface. A hole-side curved portion whose thickness is reduced toward an inner surface of the through-hole is formed at a second corner portion, on an inner side of the annular reference surface. The length of the hole-side curved portion is less than the length of the distal-end-side curved portion. The hole-side curved portion is curved with a greater curvature than that of the distal-end-side curved portion.

Abstract: A roll stabilization system (1) for a motor vehicle which has a DC voltage converter (6) associated with an electric roll stabilizer (2). By way of the DC voltage converter, a feed voltage can be transformed into a supply voltage for the roll stabilizer (2). To produce as compact a structure as possible, the DC voltage converter (6) is integrated in the electric roll stabilizer (2).

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle has a housing. The housing defines an air passage therein, includes a suction port, and houses a blower fan. The blower fan draws an air from the suction port and discharges the air into the air passage. The housing includes a facing portion that faces an inlet defining member including an air inlet. The facing portion includes the suction port. The facing portion has a rib that protrudes from the facing portion toward the inlet defining member. The facing portion and the rib define at least a part of an air guiding passage that guides the air from the air inlet to the suction port.

Abstract: A vehicle detector assembly for detecting solar radiation may include a housing, a fixed plate fixed to an upper surface of the housing in a flat form, a plurality of photo detectors bonded to a surface of the fixed plate, each being connected to a lead having a uniform one-directional inclination structure, and a detector cap fastened to the housing and transmitting sunlight.

Abstract: An in-vehicle fan system for use in a vehicle or home comprises a main body and a fan connected to the main body. The in-vehicle fan system further comprises a shroud arranged over the fan and connected to a first surface of the main body. A filter housing is connected to a second surface of the main body of the in-vehicle fan unit. The in-vehicle fan unit further comprises a first flange extending from or near a first end of the main body and a second flange extending from or near a second end of the main body. The in-vehicle cooling system may allow for the operator of the vehicle to cool the interior of the vehicle without running the engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: An engine fuel cooling system for vehicles exchanges heat between fuel and a flow of cold liquid in a coaxial fuel rail. The coaxial fuel rails include an inner fuel path through an inner tube surrounded by an outer cold liquid path through an outer tube, to cool the fuel provided to fuel injectors. The inner tube has no substantial direct contact with the outer tube to prevent external heat from being conducted to the inner tube. In one embodiment, the inner tube is solely supported by an fuel inlet fitting and injector hats teaching through the outer tube and into the inner tube. The coaxial fuel rail may be constructed using dip soldering.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a climate control system of a vehicle are provided. The provided system and method determines whether an auxiliary seat is in fluid communication with the climate control system. When an auxiliary seat is in fluid communication with the climate control system, commands are generated for the climate control system to assure that a combination of airflow temperature and airflow velocity to the auxiliary seat are within configurable targets.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature in a vehicle cabin, while the vehicle engine is turned off, includes the following steps: importing a State-of Charge information of a vehicle traction battery, an outside temperature, and inside temperature of the cabin into an electronic controller; calculating a normal electric power required for operating an HVAC system in a Normal mode; calculating a maximum operation time of the HVAC system in the Normal mode based on the State-of-Charge information; displaying the maximum operation time on a display; reading an operator input selecting one mode of at least the Normal mode and a first Eco mode of the HVAC system, wherein in the first Eco mode the HVAC system operates at a reduced electric power compared to the Normal mode; and operating the HVAC system in accordance with the operator input. A suitable HVAC system includes an appropriate user interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods can determine whether an air conditioning (AC) system of the vehicle is being operated under a maximum cooling condition. Responsive to determining that the AC system is being operated under the maximum cooling condition, it can be determined whether vehicle fluid temperatures meet associated predetermined thresholds. If none of the vehicle fluid temperatures meet the associated predetermined thresholds, a heater core valve can be switched to a closed position to reduce a flow rate of the coolant through a heater core. If one or more of the vehicle fluid temperatures meet the associated predetermined thresholds, the heater core valve can be switched to an open position to increase the flow rate of the coolant through the heater core. Such systems can force coolant to flow through the heater core to reduce vehicle fluid temperatures even when the AC system is being operated under the maximum cooling condition.

Abstract: A method for controlling an air plume expelled from an air register includes configuring a plurality of vanes of the air register to provide the air plume with a width W1 when in a first position to direct the air plume in a first direction, such as toward an individual in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, and a width W2 when in a second position to direct the air plume in a second direction such as away from the individuals where W1>W2.

Abstract: An inertial particle separator includes a body with an outer wall, an inlet, an outlet, an inner nozzle, a settling chamber, a serpentine channel, and a filter element. The inlet is disposed on an upstream end of the body. The outlet is disposed on a downstream end of the body. The inner nozzle is disposed radially inward from the outer wall and forms a primary flow passage. The settling chamber is disposed in the body and extends between the outer wall and the inner nozzle. The settling chamber forms a secondary flow passage and is fluidly connected to the inlet and the outlet. The serpentine channel fluidly connects fluidly connects the inlet and the settling chamber and is disposed radially between the outer wall of the body and the inner nozzle. The filter element is disposed in the settling chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vision system configured to output a signal indicative of exterior conditions in a vicinity of the vehicle and a temperature sensor configured to output a signal indicative of an interior temperature of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a plurality of articulable openings arranged to allow fluid flow communication between an interior and an exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a controller programmed to adjust at least one articulable opening toward an open position in response to the interior temperature exceeding a temperature threshold. The controller is also programmed to adjust at least one articulable opening toward a closed position in response to detection via the vision system of a threat condition in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A zipper less removable window system having removable windows for use with a foldable, stowable roof for a vehicle. A plurality of attachment devices of the zipper less removable window system connect the windows to the foldable, stowable roof and to the vehicle without the use of zippers. The operator zipper effort caused by traditional windows is thereby eliminated and misalignment issues present with traditional zippered windows is eliminated or reduced. The stress placed on the portions of the windows connectable to the foldable roof during installation and removal, including around curved portions of the removable window, is eliminated or reduced.

Abstract: An anti-glare device for reducing night-time road glare includes an anti-glare panel for attenuating and/or filtering light traveling from a source of glare through the panel to a driver's eyes. The anti-glare panel is secured to a sun visor of an automobile via an attachment mechanism comprising an elastic member, which compresses around the sun visor. The anti-glare panel attaches to the elastic member via attachment arms of the anti-glare panel that are folded over and secured, forming loops through which the elastic member is threaded. The attachment mechanism can further comprise a secondary elastic member for holding the anti-glare panel in an inactive position when the device is not being used. Additionally, the horizontal width of the anti-glare panel can decrease over the panel's vertical length, forming a recess at the panel's bottom corner for allowing natural visibility of a center line and/or lane markings of the road.

Abstract: Provided is an exterior structure of a vehicle door that includes a first exterior member and a second exterior member which are attached to the vehicle door and overlap each other as viewed from the vehicle exterior side. The first exterior member creates a clearance between the vehicle door and a portion of the first exterior member which overlaps the second exterior member. The vehicle door exterior structure is provided at the overlapping portions between the first exterior member and the second exterior member with an alignment portion which determines the position of the first exterior member in the vehicle interior and exterior directions via the second exterior member. The alignment portion makes it possible to properly align the overlapping portions of the two exterior members in the vehicle interior and exterior directions, thus making it possible to raise the quality of the vehicle door exterior structure.

Abstract: A utility task vehicle includes a vehicle body including an opening. A door is positioned adjacent the opening. The door is configured to pivot about a first axis between an open position and a closed position. A window assembly is positioned adjacent and operably coupled to the door. The window assembly is configured to pivot about a second axis between an open position and a closed position. Rotation of the window assembly about the second axis is driven by rotation of said door about the first axis. In combination, the door and the window assembly substantially seal the opening of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A roof apparatus for a vehicle includes: a pair of guide rails that is disposed in each of both edge portions of an opening formed in a roof of a vehicle body in a width direction of a vehicle and extends in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle; a frame that includes a main body portion disposed below the guide rails in an up-and-down direction of the vehicle and an extension portion extending in a width direction of the vehicle, and that is disposed so as to be bridged over the pair of guide rails; and a pair of brackets which is fixed to one of the frame and the pair of guide rails and is configured to come into contact with the other of the frame and the pair of guide rails, and in which the frame and the pair of guide rails are integrally formed.

Abstract: A battery carrier for an electric motor vehicle is disclosed having a trough for receiving at least one battery. The trough is produced in the form of a formed sheet-metal component deep-drawn from a hardenable steel material with a base and walls arranged at an angle to the base. The load paths arising in the trough are hardened locally, and/or connecting points for struts arranged in the trough are hardened locally.

Abstract: A covering of an outer sill of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has a covering region and a mounting region, which extend between first and second ends of the covering along a direction of longitudinal extension. The mounting region extends in a first direction of transverse extension perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension and has mounting elements in order to be able to be mounted on an underside of the outer sill for a mounted state. The mounting region has a lateral edge facing away from the covering region in the direction of longitudinal extension, which has recesses between mounting elements, which are formed such that sections of the lateral edge of the mounting region extend in a recessed manner in the first direction of transverse extension towards the covering region.

Abstract: A torque rod capable of suppressing an outside member from being deformed or broken at the time of a vulcanized molding. A torque rod includes: a first antivibration device including: a cylindrical outside member having an axial end face, an axial inside member disposed on an internal peripheral side of the outside member, and an antivibration base body including a rubber-like elastic body adhered, in a vulcanized manner, to an external peripheral face of the inside member and to an internal peripheral face of the outside member; and a connecting member connected to a second antivibration device connecting two members by a rubber-like elastic body, the connecting member being an article integrated with the outside member, wherein the outside member includes a level difference which is provided at the axial end face around an entire circumference and which has a radial outside axially concaved relative to a radial inside.

Abstract: A power-split hybrid transmission includes a direction reversing mechanism between the transmission input and a power-splitting planetary gear set. The transmission input is driven by an internal combustion engine. Engaging the direction reversing mechanism to drive the carrier in a direction opposite of engine rotation permits the transaxle to achieve higher output torque in reverse when using predominantly engine power. The direction reversing mechanism may also be used to hold the carrier stationary, providing a torque reaction to propel the vehicle with a generator, thus increasing the output torque in both directions when operating under only battery power.

Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes: a pocket plate including a plurality of accommodating recess portions formed in one surface; a plurality of engaging pieces accommodated in the respective accommodating recess portions; a notch plate relatively rotatable with respect to the pocket plate, and including a plurality of engaging recess portions formed in a surface facing the one surface of the pocket plate; and a selector plate positioned between the pocket plate and the notch plate, and configured to be coaxially rotated with the notch plate to switch between: a state in which the engaging pieces rise toward the engaging recess portions; and a state in which the engaging pieces are accommodated in the respective accommodating recess portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ventilation flap assembly for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (8), the assembly having at least one first and one second ventilation flap (2, 2?) in addition to an actuating element (3). Each of the first and the second ventilation flaps (2, 2?) can be moved from a first position into a second position, in order to allow the passage of a quantity of air, which differs in the second position in comparison to the quantity of air in the first position, through an air opening (83, 84) of the vehicle. The actuating element (3) is used to move both the first and the second ventilation flaps (2, 2?) and said actuating element (3) is designed, when actuated, to firstly move the first ventilation flap (2) from its first position into its second position and only then to move the second ventilation flap (2?) from its first position into its second position.

Abstract: A fuel supply device (FS) includes a filler neck (10) that includes a nozzle guiding path that guides a fuel supply nozzle (FN), and a fuel passage that is continuous to the nozzle guiding path on a downstream side of the fuel passage, through which fuel that has been discharged from the fuel supply nozzle (FN) passes; a fuel vapor port (23) located outside of the filler neck (10) that has a through hole (23H) that communicates with the fuel passage (11Pd); and a vapor introduction body (70) that guides the fuel vapor from the fuel vapor port to the fuel passage (11Pd).

Abstract: A fuel vapor suppression system in a fuel tank in a vehicle comprises a fuel storage compartment, an opening, an inlet check valve in the opening connected to a fuel filler pipe, and a vapor suppression device disposed in the fuel storage compartment and connected with the inlet check valve.

Abstract: A work vehicle such as a tractor includes including a fuel tank (19), a fuel tank cover (30), a dashboard support member (40), and a dashboard (50). The fuel tank (19) is disposed in a rear portion of a hood in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body of the tractor. The fuel tank cover (30) covers a rear portion of the fuel tank (19). The dashboard support member (40) is attached to the fuel tank cover (30). The dashboard (50) is supported by the dashboard support member (40). The fuel tank cover (30) includes a first attachment portion (31) for attaching the dashboard support member (40). The dashboard (50) is configured to be directly attachable to the first attachment portion (31) (without using the dashboard support member (40)).

Abstract: A tank mounted on a working vehicle is provided with an exterior member including a first plate unit, a second plate unit, a third plate unit, a fourth plate unit, a fifth plate unit, and a sixth plate unit, a first baffle plate joined to a first inner surface of the first plate unit, a second inner surface of the second plate unit, and a third inner surface of the third plate unit, and a second baffle plate joined to a fourth inner surface of the fourth plate unit, a fifth inner surface of the fifth plate unit, and a sixth inner surface of the sixth plate unit.

Abstract: According to the method, transmission apparatus of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a drive engine (18), a mechanical transmission (16) connected to the drive engine, and a hydraulic transmission (20) having a pump (24) and n hydraulic motors (26A, 26B), where n is greater than or equal to 1, the pump being suitable for being driven by the drive engine for feeding fluid to the hydraulic motors. The method consists in performing a “low-speed” assistance stage, during which, when the vehicle is driven by the mechanical transmission, the method consists in establishing a setpoint pressure for the pressure difference between the feed and the discharge of each of the hydraulic motors, in feeding the hydraulic motors by the pump, in detecting the pressure difference between the feed and the discharge (28A, 28B) of each of the hydraulic motors (26A, 26B), and in adjusting the delivery rate of the pump so that said pressure difference is substantially equal to said setpoint pressure.

Abstract: A drive device for a motor vehicle, with a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, and an auxiliary drive having at least one auxiliary assembly. The auxiliary drive being coupled to or can be coupled to, respectively, the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly via an epicyclic gear transmission. The auxiliary drive is coupled to a first transmission element of the epicyclic gear transmission. In this case, a second transmission element of the epicyclic gear transmission is coupled by a gearshift transmission, which is shifted in a speed-dependent manner, to an auxiliary-drive drive shaft, which is coupled to or can be coupled to the first drive assembly.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes multiple display portions each of which displays a content different from one another, a decoration member which decorates one of the multiple display portions, an actuator which moves the decoration member, and a control portion which controls the actuator to move the decoration member to a position at which the decoration member decorates one display portion selected among the multiple display portions.

Abstract: An aircraft includes an electric power source having a combustion engine and an electric generator. The electric generator is powered by the combustion engine. The aircraft also includes a propulsion assembly including a propulsor and an electric motor, the electric motor configured for rotating the propulsor. The aircraft also includes an electrical outlet configured for connection with an outside power sink. The electrical outlet and the propulsion assembly are selectively in electrical communication with the electric power source such that the electric power source selectively provides electrical power to one of the electrical outlet or the propulsion assembly.

Abstract: A harvester may include a reciprocating member to engage a crop, an electrical generator to convert reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member into electrical energy and an electrical storage unit storing the electrical energy. The harvester may include a first movable member to engage a crop, an electrical generator at least partially carried by the first movable member to generate electrical energy from movement of the first movable member, a second movable member carried by the first movable member and an actuator to drive movement of the second movable member using the electrical energy.

Abstract: A vehicle management method is provided for managing an electric vehicle by using a management server based on vehicle-specific ID information that defines a condition of use transmitted from an onboard controller. The vehicle management method includes acquiring vehicle ID information from the electric vehicle by using the management server; determining the vehicle ID information to be valid if the vehicle ID information acquired falls within a use period set in advance and determining the vehicle ID information to be invalid if the vehicle ID information acquired falls outside a use period set in advance; and applying a prescribed limitation to charging of a battery of the electric vehicle having the vehicle ID information upon determining that the vehicle ID information is invalid.

Abstract: A power distribution system for a vehicle includes a switching circuit configured to selectively enable power flow between a first bus and a second bus operable within a common voltage range. The power distribution system further includes a controller programmed to, in response to power flow being inactive and a current flowing through the first bus exceeding a current threshold, operate the switching circuit to enable power flow from the second bus to the first bus.

Abstract: A brake system (100) and a brake method for a four-wheel drive electric vehicle and a four-wheel drive electric vehicle, in the system, according to a brake mode of the electric vehicle, a state of charge of a battery pack (4) and a vehicle speed, a first brake control unit controls a motor (6) to brake a wheel (9) through a motor controller (2) and a second brake control unit controls a brake actuator (12) to brake the wheels (9). The first brake control unit further determines whether a brake torque of the brake actuator (12) on the wheels (9) fails. If yes, the first brake control unit controls the motor (6) to brake the corresponding wheel (9) through the motor controller (2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods allowing for the rapid storage of power on mobile units that in some case do not have a power source. The disclosed devices and methods allow for such mobile units to power one or more electronic components located on the mobile units.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling fast charging of an electric vehicle at a charging station. An electric vehicle in positioned in a given location for charging and/or discharging. A charging arm comprising a plurality of charging brushes is then positioned relative to the position of the electric vehicle. The plurality of charging brushes on the charging arm is positioned to contact a charging interface of the electric vehicle. The charging brushes are moved relative to the charging interface such that a portion of the charging brushes is removed as a result of the movement.

Abstract: Systems of an electrical vehicle and the operations thereof are provided. More particularly, a vehicle including a first charging port at a first location on the vehicle and a second charging port at a second location on the vehicle is provided. The first charging port of the vehicle may be different from the second charging port of the vehicle. That is, a standard associated with a receptacle of the first charging port may be different from a standard associated with a receptacle of the second charging port.

Abstract: A vehicle for a controller includes an electronic control unit which includes an alternator that can generate electric power using rotation of an engine and a first battery and a second battery that can be charged by the alternator. The first battery is connected in parallel to the alternator and the second battery is connected in parallel to the alternator and the first battery via a second switch. The electronic control unit is configured not to charge the second battery with regenerative power generated by the alternator by switching the second switch to an OFF state when the temperature of the alternator is higher than a first predetermined value.

Abstract: In a number of embodiments, an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) connector (120), includes a plurality of charging lines (150, 151) configured to provide electrical charge to an electric vehicle (EV) (140) at least one control line (153, 154) configured to carry signals to control charging of the EV via the charging lines (150, 151) and a detector (170) that detects a thermal event, wherein in response to detecting a thermal event the detector (170) manipulates the at least one control line (153, 154) to alter charging of the EV via the charging lines (150, 151).

Abstract: An exemplary charging energy recapture assembly includes a fluid loop outside a traction battery of an electrified vehicle. The fluid loop communicates a charger fluid through a charger to the electrified vehicle and returns the charger fluid to a charging station without combining the charger fluid with a vehicle fluid. An exemplary charging energy recapture method includes circulating a charger fluid through a charger between a charging station and an electrified vehicle without the charger fluid commingling with a vehicle fluid or communicating through a traction battery of the electrified vehicle.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system comprises one or more system power and control modules (SPCM) and vehicle charging stations (VCS); wherein the SPCM distributes power from a power source to the VCS, and the VCS distributes power to one or more electric vehicles. Another electric vehicle charging system comprises an SPCM, VCS, a fleet management system (FMS) for monitoring and controlling the charging system, and a communications network for sharing information. A system for managing a plurality of electric vehicles comprises a plug-in module configured to collect and store information from an on-board diagnostics system of at least one of the plurality of electric vehicles, management software, a communications network, and a smart device software application for displaying system information. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for supporting a management system for a plurality of electric vehicles to extract, organize, and display information from the management system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an electric vehicle. The system includes a battery control unit configured to be in a grid-connected mode or a stand-alone mode. The system includes a shared boost converter connected to a battery. The shared boost converter receives alternating current (AC) power, steps up voltage and converts the AC power to direct current (DC) power when the battery control unit is in the grid-connected mode. The shared boost converter receives DC power from the battery and steps up voltage when the battery control unit is in the stand-alone mode. The system also includes an inverter configured to receive the stepped up DC power when the battery control unit is in the stand-alone mode and convert the DC power to AC power. The system also includes a motor/generator connected to the inverter and configured to receive AC power for powering a drivetrain of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply apparatus for a vehicle capable of supplying a stable voltage to an electronic system, and the power supply apparatus for a vehicle, which supplies power to a first electronic system and a second electronic system installed in the vehicle and includes the first electronic system including an inverter configured to drive a motor and an electronic control unit configured to control the inverter, a first battery configured to supply power to the second electronic system and the electronic control unit, a second battery configured to supply power to the inverter, and a charger configured to receive power from the first battery and charge the second battery.

Abstract: A heat management control device for a vehicle that includes: an electric motor that is applied as a motive power source; a power supply section that includes a storage battery and that supplies electrical power to the electric motor; a charging device that charges the storage battery through a connection to an external power source; a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange of heat generated by the charging device during charging with fluid flowing in a specific transport path; a heat storage section that uses a chemical reaction partway along the specific transport path in order to recover heat from the fluid and that stores the recovered heat; and a fluid supply controller that, from immediately after a vehicle is started, releases heat stored by the heat storage section to the fluid, and selectively supplies the fluid to a predetermined plurality of warm-up targets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a battery cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells stacked on one another so that a pair of electrode leads protrudes on one side of each battery cell; and an ICB assembly configured to cover one side of the battery cell assembly to electrically connect the pair of electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, the ICB assembly having a plurality of lead slots through each of which electrode leads of two battery cells facing each other pass in common.