Abstract: A trailer hitch ball mount with an integral lock mechanism is disclosed, which may include a shank having a longitudinal bore and a transverse bore. A lock shaft may be disposed in the longitudinal bore and a first and second slide pin may be disposed in the transverse bore. The first slide pin include a contact portion facing toward the lock shaft. The contact portion of the first slide pin may include a flat surface.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional vehicle configured for aerial and ground mobility is provided and includes a vehicle body, a plurality of vehicle wheels movably associated with the vehicle body and configurable between a ground mobility configuration and an aerial mobility configuration and a control device, wherein the control device is configured for wireless communication and is associated with the plurality of vehicle wheels to controllably operate the plurality of vehicle wheels and to controllably configure the plurality of vehicle wheels between the ground mobility configuration and the aerial mobility configuration, wherein each of the plurality of vehicle wheels include a wheel rim having an inner rim circumference and a plurality of fan blades distributed along the inner rim circumference, wherein the plurality of fan blades are configured to create a flow channel between each of the plurality of fan blades and an adjacent fan blade.

Abstract: A leading-edge steering system is provided for a front suspension of an off-road vehicle. The leading-edge steering system is comprised of a spindle assembly that supports a drive axle assembly to conduct torque from a transaxle to a front wheel. A first rod-end joint pivotally couples an upper suspension arm and the spindle assembly, and a second rod-end joint pivotally couples a lower suspension arm and the spindle assembly. A steering rod-end joint pivotally couples a first end of a steering rod with a leading-edge portion of the spindle assembly. A steering gear is coupled with a second end of the steering rod and configured to move the steering rod, such that the spindle assembly rotates with respect to the upper and lower suspension arms. The leading-edge portion is configured to exert primarily tensile forces on the steering rod during travel over rough terrain.

Abstract: A rod-end front suspension is provided for an off-road vehicle. The rod-end front suspension comprises a spindle assembly that is pivotally coupled with an upper suspension arm by way of a first rod-end joint and pivotally coupled with a lower suspension arm by way of a second rod-end joint. A steering rod-end joint coupled with the spindle assembly pivotally receives a steering rod. An axle assembly coupled with the spindle assembly conducts torque from a transaxle to a wheel coupled with the spindle assembly. Each of the first and second rod-end joints comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing. The ball is fastened within a recess between parallel prongs extending from the spindle assembly. A threaded shank extending from the casing is threadably fixated with the suspension arm, such that the spindle assembly may be moved with respect to the casing and the suspension arm.

Abstract: A rod-end front suspension is provided for an off-road vehicle. The rod-end front suspension comprises a spindle assembly that is pivotally coupled with an upper suspension arm by way of a first rod-end joint and pivotally coupled with a lower suspension arm by way of a second rod-end joint. A steering rod-end joint coupled with the spindle assembly pivotally receives a steering rod. An axle assembly coupled with the spindle assembly conducts torque from a transaxle to a wheel coupled with the spindle assembly. Each of the first and second rod-end joints comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing. The ball is fastened within a recess between parallel prongs extending from the spindle assembly. A threaded shank extending from the casing is threadably fixated with the suspension arm, such that the spindle assembly may be moved with respect to the casing and the suspension arm.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes a chassis rail. Also included is a pivot block operatively coupled to the chassis rail and rotatable relative to the chassis rail. Further included is a leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate an end of the leaf spring. Yet further included is a half leaf spring operatively coupled to the pivot block proximate a first end of the half leaf spring and operatively coupled to a vehicle axle proximate a second end of the half leaf spring.

Abstract: A coil air spring combination (13) in this case includes a coil (11) and airbag (12) and an airbag protective sleeve (13) fitted over the airbag. The sleeve may be made from an inextensible fabric with tapered elastic ends so that the sleeve can fit over the airbag for installation.

Abstract: A structure of rocking lock operation part for a saddle riding vehicle, the structure of rocking lock operation part includes a rocking lock mechanism configured to lock lateral rocking of a vehicle body and a lock operator configured to switch between locking and unlocking of the rocking lock mechanism, wherein the rocking lock mechanism and the lock operator are disposed on the vehicle body, and, when seen in a side view, a gripping section of the lock operator is disposed in front of a position overlapping a pivot support member configured to pivotably support the steering handle in the vehicle body and disposed in rear of a headlight disposed in front of the pivot support member.

Abstract: A suspension device includes a fluid pressure circuit disposed between a damper, a pump, and a reservoir. The fluid pressure circuit includes an extension-side damping valve disposed in an extension-side passage, a contraction-side damping valve disposed in a contraction-side passage, and a suction passage that connects a discharge path to a supply passage at a point between an electromagnetic throttle switching valve and a supply-side check valve. The suspension device further includes a control unit configured to control the electromagnetic throttle switching valve on a basis of a differential pressure between the extension-side passage and the contraction-side passage.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for providing task-specific ride-height control in a self-propelled agricultural product applicator utilize a controllable ride-height trailing arm suspension system for independently joining each wheel to a frame of the applicator. Each trailing arm suspension system includes upper and lower suspension arms, an extensible air strut, and an angular position sensor operatively interconnected to one another and disposed between a rolling axis of the ground engaging wheel independently supported by that suspension system and a point of attachment of the suspension system to the frame, such that the position sensor detects a relative angular position between the upper and lower suspension arms at a present extension of the air strut. An electronic control unit utilizes the angular positions detected by the sensors, in conjunction with a desired task input, to control the air struts in a manner providing a ride-height corresponding to the desired task input.

Abstract: A structure of rocking controller of a saddle riding type vehicle includes a rocking lock mechanism configured to lock lateral rocking of the vehicle body; wherein the rocking lock mechanism includes an arc shaped lock plate which crosses with an axial direction of a rocking shaft of the vehicle body and a lock caliper configured to lock a relative rocking between the lock plate and the lock caliper by clamping the lock plate, and a motor for the actuator is arranged in front of the rocking lock mechanism and the rotating drive shaft of the motor is arranged so as to penetrate an inner circumferential region of the arc shaped lock plate.

Abstract: A roll control apparatus for a vehicle which comprises front wheel side and rear wheel side active stabilizer devices and a control unit that is configured to control the stabilizer devices, to calculate a target anti-roll moment, to determine optimum control gains of electric actuators of the stabilizer devices among pre-stored control gains based on a vehicle speed and a frequency of change in a roll angle of a vehicle body, and to control the electric actuators so that a sum of anti-roll moments generated by the front wheel side and rear wheel side active stabilizer devices becomes the target anti-roll moment and control gains of the electric actuators become the optimum control gains.

Abstract: A system and method for accounting for a mismatch that exists between a vehicle's bumper and potential impact point using an active suspension is disclosed. The system and method determine that a mismatch exists between a vehicle's bumper and a potential impact point and actuate the suspension to account for the determined mismatch. The system and method account for the mismatch existing between a vehicle's bumper and a potential impact point using a sensor for detecting that a mismatch exists between the bumper and the potential impact point, and a suspension configured to be actuated to account for the sensed mismatch to enable improved alignment of the bumper and the potential impact point.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for providing task-specific ride-height and speed control in a self-propelled agricultural product applicator utilize a controllable ride-height trailing arm suspension system, including an extensible air strut and an angular position sensor, for independently joining each wheel to a frame of the applicator. An electronic control unit utilizes the angular positions detected by the sensors, in conjunction with a desired task input, to control the air struts in a manner providing a ride-height corresponding to the desired task input. The electronic control unit also controls maximum speed of the applicator for each task, per a predetermined schedule, or in response to a suspended load of the applicator.

Abstract: A suspension device includes a fluid pressure circuit disposed between a damper, a pump, and a reservoir. The fluid pressure circuit includes an extension-side damping valve disposed in an extension-side passage, a contraction-side damping valve disposed in a contraction-side passage, a differential pressure control valve that controls a differential pressure between the extension-side passage and the contraction-side passage, a suction passage that connects the discharge passage to the supply passage at a point between the differential pressure control valve and the supply-side check valve, and a suction check valve disposed in the suction passage that allows only a flow of fluid heading for the supply passage from the discharge passage.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder having a piston chamber in which a piston moves and a rod chamber in which a rod moves. The hydraulic cylinder operably moves between a retraction and an extension. The system also includes a throttle valve, a branching, and a hydraulic reservoir fluidly coupled to the hydraulic cylinder. A fluid flow from the piston chamber is divided at the branching into a first fluid flow portion and a second fluid flow portion. The first fluid flow portion flows to the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder, and the second fluid flow portion flows through the throttle valve to the hydraulic reservoir.

Abstract: A load distribution apparatus of magnetic wheel, includes: a plurality of cylinder parts including one sides respectively connected to a plurality of magnetic wheels and an upper space portion and a lower space portion whose interiors do not communicate to each other; and a passage part which serves as a moving path of fluid and interconnects the plurality of cylinder parts. The passage part is configured to evenly distribute a load applied to the magnetic wheels by moving fluids in the upper space portion and the lower space portion in such a manner that the fluids are not mixed.

Abstract: A cold storage heat exchanger includes: a plurality of refrigerant tubes disposed at intervals, each of the refrigerant tubes including a refrigerant passage that allows a refrigerant to flow therethrough; a cold storage material adjacent to the refrigerant tubes; and a heat transfer suppressor that suppresses heat transfer from the refrigerant tubes to the cold storage material in an overheated area of the refrigerant formed in the refrigerant passage.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for controlling the internal air-quality of a vehicle. In-vehicle sensor data of a vehicle are acquired and the usage status of the vehicle is determined based on the acquired in-vehicle sensor data. Based on the acquired in-vehicle sensor data and the determined usage status, a changing trend of the in-vehicle air-quality is determined and responsive to the determined changing trend of the in-vehicle air-quality, a control system of the vehicle is signaled to control the usage status of the vehicle based on a control policy.

Abstract: A control device that includes a body, a movable element that is movable according to a first degree of freedom relative to the body, an actuator for moving the movable element relative to the body, and a secondary control device. The secondary control device has a switch movable between an open position in which a function is deactivated and a closed position in which the function is activated. The actuator is movable according to a second degree of freedom between a spaced apart position and a control position in which the actuator moves the switch between its open position and its closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle cooling system for cooling a vehicle battery may include a cabin cooling system having an electrical compressor arranged on a first refrigerant path and driven by a vehicle electrical system to cool a vehicle cabin, a battery cooling system having a mechanical compressor arranged on a second refrigerant path and driven by a vehicle engine, and a battery chiller in communication with both refrigerant paths and configured to cool coolant provided to a vehicle battery.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for an electric vehicle, may include a heating line on which an electric heater and a heating pump are provided; a first heating line connected to the heating line through a main valve, provided with a heater core for indoor heating, and having cooling water flow therethrough to form a first heating channel along with the heating line; a second heating line having one end portion connected to one end portion of the heating line through the main valve and the other end portion connected to the other end portion of the heating line, and having the cooling water flow therethrough to form a second heating channel along with the heating line; and a controller configured for controlling an opening degree of the main valve to control the flow of cooling water of the first heating channel or the second heating channel.

Abstract: An air extraction system includes an air inlet, an air extractor in an acoustic air duct extending from the air inlet to the air extractor. The acoustic air duct includes an outer wall defining an elongated area flow passageway and a plurality of channels extending along and dividing the airflow passageway within the outer wall.

Abstract: An air extraction system includes an air inlet, an air extractor in an acoustic air duct extending from the air inlet to the air extractor. The acoustic air duct includes an outer wall defining an elongated airflow passageway and a plurality of channels extending along and dividing the airflow passageway within the outer wall. A first channel of the plurality of channels includes alternating expansion chambers and constriction zones.

Abstract: A vehicle ventilating/cooling system may include at least one sun-load sensor arranged within the vehicle, and a controller configured to receive a sun-load signal indicating a sun-load level from the sensor and programmed to instruct at least one cooling component to conduct a purge of vehicle cabin air in response to the sun-load level exceeding a sun-load threshold.

Abstract: An air handling system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment, includes a main housing having a first mode door rotatably disposed therein and a second mode door rotatably disposed therein. An actuator drives the first mode door. A control mechanism is disposed within the housing and is configured to control a simultaneous rotational position of each of the first mode door and the second mode door.

Abstract: A heat pump system for a motor vehicle comprises at least two heat exchangers 10, 12, through which, for heating and/or cooling the motor vehicle interior, a flow is conducted, and at least two coolant circulations 14, 16 separable from one another, of which at least one is connectable, independently of the other coolant circulation, with one, two or more heat exchangers 10, 12 such that through these, in the presence of a connection with two or more heat exchangers 10, 12, a flow is successively conducted and the other coolant circulation is connectable with at least one heat exchanger 10, 12.

Abstract: An air extraction system for a motor vehicle includes a trim panel inlet, an air extractor and an acoustic air duct extending from the trim panel inlet to the air extractor. The acoustic air duct includes an outer wall defining an elongated internal airflow passageway and a plurality of channels. Those channels extend along the airflow passageway within the outer wall. At least one of the channels has an expansion chamber.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for motor vehicles includes a compressor, a condenser, a plurality of air conditioning units connected in parallel with each other with respect to the compressor and the condenser, and a flow rate control unit configured to, when a specific one of the air conditioning units is additionally turned on or is turned off, prevent occurrence of a sudden change in refrigerant amount in the remaining air conditioning units.

Abstract: To improve the accuracy of detecting a current flowing through an electric compressor after operation of the electric compressor, the electric compressor having a large change in temperature before and after operation. An inverter-integrated electric compressor (1) that compresses and discharges a refrigerant suctioned therein, includes an inverter device (2) provided with a circuit board (60) mounted with an inverter circuit (40), the inverter device (2) being integrally incorporated in an inverter case. The circuit board (60) is provided with a current detection circuit (30) that detects an input current flowing through the inverter circuit (40), and an offset correction circuit (20). The current detection circuit (30) includes a shunt resistor (32) that is serially connected to the inverter circuit (40) and detects a current, and a first amplifier (31) that amplifies and outputs a voltage appearing as a voltage drop in the shunt resistor (32).

Abstract: An apparatus for improving vehicle indoor air quality, may include a controller configured to correct and verify air dust concentration data; determine dust concentration outside a vehicle based on the verified data; and control an operation mode of an air conditioning device according to the determination; and the air conditioning device, wherein an operation of an intake door configured to control an introduction of outdoor air into the vehicle is controlled in response to signals of the controller.

Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to complexly curved laminates made from a complexly curved substrate and a flat substrate, such as automotive window glazings, and methods of cold forming complexly-curved glass products from a curved substrate and a flat substrate. In one or more embodiments, the laminate includes first complexly-curved glass substrate with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second complexly-curved glass substrate with a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface with a thickness therebetween; and a polymer interlayer affixed to the second convex surface and third surface, wherein the third surface and fourth surface have compressive stress values respectively that differ such that the fourth surface has as compressive stress value that is greater than the compressive stress value of the third surface.

Abstract: Provided is an automotive laminated glass having quite an excellent sound insulating property despite its light weight and having high foaming resistance and yellowing resistance. The automotive laminated glass has: three or more glass plates disposed in lamination; and a plurality of intermediate films each sandwiched between the respective glass plates, wherein, among the glass plates, a vehicle exterior-side glass plate positioned closest to a vehicle exterior side has a thickness of 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm, vehicle interior-side glass plates positioned closer to a vehicle interior side than the vehicle exterior-side glass plate each have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the vehicle exterior-side glass plate, and the automotive laminated glass has a surface density of 12 kg/m2 or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for window used for moving a sliding window plate between an insertion position to be inserted into an opening portion of a fixed window plate, an extraction position to be extracted from the opening portion, and an open position to be shifted in a slide direction from the extraction position and to uncover the opening portion, includes a rotary member rotatably supported with respect to the sliding window plate; a drive member moved in a predetermined direction with respect to the sliding window plate; a fixation guide configured to convert a movement of the drive member in the predetermined direction with respect to the sliding window plate into a movement of the sliding window plate in an extraction/insertion direction with respect to the fixed window plate; and a wire configured to pull and move the drive member in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A windshield with an electrically controllable sun visor is described. The windshield includes an outer pane and an inner pane that are bonded to one another via an intermediate layer. According to one aspect, a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties is incorporated into the intermediate layer and above a central field of vision. The functional element is connected to the outer pane via a region of a first thermoplastic layer, and is connected to the inner pane via a region of a second thermoplastic layer. According to another aspect, the region of the first thermoplastic layer and/or the region of the second thermoplastic layer is tinted or colored.

Abstract: A method for re-initializing a moon roof control system includes sequentially re-initializing first a sunshade controller and then a moon roof panel controller. The step of sequentially re-initializing is implemented by actuating one or more sunshade and/or moon roof panel actuators for a predetermined re-initializing time period that is less than a full duration of the re-initializing.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover assembly is provided that includes a side rail and a rear rail that is removably securable to the side rail. The rear rail is rotatable between a closed position wherein a flexible cover secured thereto is under tension, and an open position wherein the flexible cover is untensioned. Optionally, the assembly includes a securing member that is securable in a fixed position with respect to the side rail and defines a channel, and the rear rail is rotatable between the open position and the closed position when the rear rail is positioned in the channel of the securing member. Optionally, the flexible cover includes a cable operatively connected to the rear rail, and the side rail receives the cable therein when the rear rail is in the closed position to secure the flexible cover to the side rail.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover assembly includes a pair of side rails positioned on side walls of a cargo box of a motor vehicle, two sliding elements slidably received in the side rails, spring blocks inserted within each side rail, and a spring located between the sliding element and the spring block in each side rail. The flexible tonneau cover assembly also includes a front rail including a first end having an opening for receiving a projection of the first sliding element, and a second end having a latch receivable by the latch receptacle of the second sliding element. A tonneau cover is attached to the front rail and extends to cover the cargo box of the vehicle, which is tensioned by the springs.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover assembly includes a pair of side rails positioned on the side wall of a cargo box of a vehicle. A first element is received in the first side rail having a projection extending laterally inward from the first side rail. A second element is received in the second side rail having a laterally inward facing latch receptacle. A front rail includes a first end having an opening for receiving the projection of the first sliding element and a second end having a latch receivable by the latch receptacle of the second sliding element. The tonneau cover is removable by rolling it up, disengaging the latch from the laterally inward facing latch receptacle, lifting the second end of the front rail from the second element, and removing the first end of the front rail from the projection of the first element.

Abstract: A telescoping truck bed shell is disclosed herein. The truck bed shell is capable of being retracted so that the user can have full access to the truck bed and also extended so that the user can have a protected volume at the truck bed in order to store things. The telescoping truck bed has traversable frames and a traversable cover wherein the frames and cover may be traversed between extended and retracted positions depending on whether the truck bed shell is being deployed or stored.

Abstract: A gap seal for a tonneau cover assembly is provided to seal between a front rail, a sliding element, and a side wall of a vehicle between the front rail and the sliding element. The gap seal includes a base, an extension extending from a first side of the base, the extension being disposed in the front rail, and a series of lips extending from a second side of the base, the lips each having a distal edge making sealing contact with the sliding element and a bottom edge making sealing contact with the side wall. Notches in the bottom of the lips allow the lips to easily move with the sliding element.

Abstract: A motor vehicle, including a subfloor as well as at least one energy storage unit arranged above the subfloor, as well as one or a plurality of line(s) running above the subfloor. The energy storage unit is arranged on at least one sheetlike damping element, on which there is provided at least one channel-shaped opening through which at least one of the lines running above the subfloor is led.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a roll restrictor system for an automotive powertrain, comprising: a torque roll restrictor bracket configured for attachment to the automotive powertrain; wherein attachment is mediated by a bushing; wherein the bushing is provided within a bearing which facilitates rotation of the bushing within the torque roll restrictor bracket.

Abstract: A smart active mount apparatus configured for removing a complicated wiring for connecting a controller, a mount, and an engine ECU, a vacuum negative pressure hose, and a controller may include an insulator disposed in a case to define a liquid chamber; a lower orifice plate disposed in the case to partition the liquid chamber into upper and lower liquid chamber; an upper orifice plate disposed above the lower orifice plate; a membrane disposed between the lower and upper orifice plates; a diaphragm disposed under the lower orifice plate, an air chamber defined between the membrane and the lower orifice plate; a solenoid valve connected to the air chamber; and a generator disposed to the diaphragm, the generator generating electrical energy by movement or deformation of the diaphragm to supply the electrical energy as actuating power of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a hybrid vehicle includes a gearbox having an input shaft configured to be coupled with an internal combustion engine, and a pinion shaft configured to be coupled with a chassis, and a switchable planetary gear having a first connecting shaft configured to be coupled with an electric machine and a second connecting shaft non-rotatably coupled to the pinion shaft of the gearbox.

Abstract: Hybrid drive for a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine, an electric engine and an output shaft. The hybrid drive is designed as a parallel hybrid and provided with at least one operating state, in which both the internal combustion engine and the electric engine are coupled to the output shaft. Between the internal combustion engine and the electric engine is arranged a shifting element, which can be operated either connected in a first shifting position, in which the electric engine is connected to the output shaft and the internal combustion engine is decoupled, or in a second shifting position, in which both the electric engine and the internal combustion engine are connected to the output shaft.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system for a hybrid vehicle (100), comprising a belt-type continuously variable transmission (120) adapted to receive torque from more than one power sources (106, 108), wherein said belt-type continuously variable transmission (120) includes a plurality of pulley sets (132, 134, 136), said pulley sets (132, 134, 136) being operatively connected by means of a belt (138) extending over width-variable grooves defined between halves (132a, 132b; 134a, 134b; 136a, 136b) of said pulley sets (32, 134, 136), said belt (138) being held in position by means of belt tightener (150a, 150b, 150c), more than one of the pulley sets (132, 134, 136) being adapted to act as drive pulleys (132, 134) for independently receiving torque from the power sources (106, 108), and at least one pulley set being adapted to act as driven pulley (136) for receiving the torque from said drive pulleys (132, 134) and transmitting said torque to a set of drive wheels for running the vehicle (100).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a baffle for regulating air flow around an object. The baffle can be of unitary construction and can be made by a single shot injection molding process. The baffle can have an edge portion that is more flexible than the base portion. The baffle has also can have a base portion with a base portion thickness and an edge portion with an edge portion thickness that is less than the base portion thickness. A method of making a baffle by an injection molding process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an operating liquid container system comprising at least one operating fluid container, a quality and/or filling level sensor arranged in the operating liquid container, for determining at least one quality characteristic of the operating liquid contained in the operating liquid container and/or a filling level of the operating liquid container, and a display device arranged in a tank recess and/or tank flap of the operating fluid container system, wherein the display device is connected to the quality and/or filling level sensor by means of a data line for transmitting data from the quality and/or filling level sensor to the display device, wherein the data represents at least one quality characteristic of the operating liquid contained in the operating liquid container and/or the filling level of the operating liquid container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising a tank body made from thermoplastic with a tank wall which defines a tank volume which can be closed in a substantially fluid-tight manner, with at least one filler opening and with one or more functional insert components which are arranged within the tank volume, at least one blind opening with a single use closure being provided in the tank wall.