Abstract: A tire removal assembly includes a press that has a base and an actuator. The base may be positioned on a support surface and the actuator is spaced from the base. The actuator may be fluidly coupled to an air source thereby facilitating the actuator to move downwardly with respect to the base. The actuator is biased to move upwardly with respect to the base. The press may have a tire positioned between the base and the actuator thereby facilitating the actuator to engage the tire such that the actuator breaks a bead on the tire.

Abstract: A valve for air chambers includes a fixed body and a mobile selector body, wherein the mobile selector body is disposed coaxially in the fixed body. The mobile selector body is configured to slide with respect to the fixed body. The mobile selector body has a first position of use, associated during use to at least a first outlet, and a second position of use, associated during use to at least a second outlet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for an adjustable trailer hitch which allows each of three differently sized user selected balls to be adjusted laterally and longitudinally so that the tongue of the trailer can be more easily attached to the towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a body portion mounted on a slide-tube for insertion in a receiver-tube wherein the body portion has an interior space which allows the draw bar to move laterally from side to side inside the space along with a plurality of apertures so that the draw bar can be laterally adjusted using the apertures and a locking pin. When the draw bar is moved all the way to the left or right the user selected ball is automatically aligned with the receiver tube due to the effective sizing of the draw bar which is assured by the right and left stops of the body portion contacting the right and left outer edges of the draw bar.

Abstract: A drawbar for a trailer hitch receiver tube has a translation screw passing from the back end to the front end of the drawbar in a longitudinal unthreaded passage in the drawbar. A ramp nut is threaded onto the translation screw and is retained in a ramp nut chamber in the front end of the drawbar. A captive ball is retained in a captive ball retention chamber passing between the ramp nut chamber and the exterior of the drawbar. A ramp on the ramp nut pushes the ball to extend beyond the exterior of the drawbar when the translation screw is turned to pull the ramp nut backward in the ramp nut chamber. This eliminates all play between the drawbar and the receiver tube in which the drawbar is inserted. A spring between the ramp nut and the drawbar may urge the ramp nut forward.

Abstract: A trailer hitch spring bar cover system for providing clean and safe storage of a trailer weight distribution system including spring bars and towing balls. The cover for a trailer weight distribution spring bar generally includes a first body and a second body movably connected to the first body. Each of the bodies have a first end, a second end, a perimeter edge, a cavity, and a cutout near an end of the body. The cover has an opened state adapted to receive or remove a greased portion of the spring bar. The cover also has a closed state to substantially enclose a greased portion of the spring bar.

Abstract: A suspension spring unit for a vehicle chassis can be positioned between a vehicle body and a wheel carrier. In some examples, the suspension spring unit may comprise at least four fiber composite leaf springs. The leaf springs may have a flat extent between two spring ends and may be connected to each other in pairs at a distance from each other. End connecting elements disposed over the spring ends may receive the spring ends so as to form at least two leaf spring pairs arranged in series. The leaf spring pairs may be connected to each other by central connecting elements via central regions between the spring ends of the leaf springs.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a wheel height adjustment assembly. The wheel height adjustment assembly includes a mounting bracket, a tapered insert, a drawbar and a wheel connected together. The mounting bracket has a first end, a second end and a sidewall. A tapered opening is formed in the sidewall of the mounting bracket for receiving the tapered insert. The tapered insert has a first end, a second end a body portion positioned between the first end and the second end. The first end and the second end are provided with threaded openings. The openings are offset from one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides various devices and systems comprising a controller in connection with a first deployment mechanism to raise and lower a first lift axle on a wheeled vehicle, and in some cases a second deployment mechanism in connection with the controller for raising and lowering a second lift axle. A fail-safe mechanism is provided that automatically lowers the lift axle(s) if the controller is not receiving any electrical power.

Abstract: A tensioning device for attachment to a vehicle suspension system reduces play at ends of a pan hard bar (track bar) of the vehicle suspension system, remedying instabilities that can occur in vehicle suspensions. The device can include a bracket clamped to the pan hard bar at a point between the ends of the pan hard bar, or may be otherwise mounted to a bracket formed on the pan hard bar in OEM installations. The other end of the device is secured to the frame or the axle of the vehicle, generally near an end of the pan hard bar. The device is pre-tensioned to apply force at the ends of the pan hard bar, and includes a damping plunger to also damp forces that vibrate the ends of the pan hard bar, further loosening attachments. The tension is field-adjustable and may be tuned for various applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning device comprising a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit. The refrigerant circuit comprises at least a compressor, an internal heat exchanger, an external heat exchanger and an evaporator The coolant circuit comprises at least a first heat exchanger associated with a first component, a second heat exchanger associated with a second component and a radiator. A fluid/fluid heat exchanger is installed in the refrigerant circuit and in the coolant circuit, with the coolant circuit comprising a first loop and a second loop which are interconnected by an interconnection device. The first loop comprises the fluid/fluid heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger associated with the first component and a means for heating the coolant with the means interposed between the interconnection device and the fluid/fluid heat exchanger, the second loop comprising the second heat exchanger associated with the second component and the radiator.

Abstract: An environmental control system for a battery in a vehicle includes an air intake for receiving ambient air from outside the vehicle. A duct system provides communication between the air intake and the battery. The duct system includes a movable door which can facilitate or inhibit movement of air between the air intake and the battery. An air outlet facilitates air flow from the duct system to the ambient environment outside the vehicle. A fan cooperates with the duct system for moving the air through a heat exchanger in the duct system and across the battery. A control system controls operation of the fan and the movable door, and is configured to determine whether the battery environment requires fresh air or recirculated air.

Abstract: A vehicle temperature-control system includes a refrigerant circuit (22). The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor (24), at least one condenser heat-exchanger assembly (28) around which air (L1) to be heated can flow, and at least one evaporator heat-exchanger assembly (40), around which air (L2) to be cooled can flow. For each of the two heat-exchanger assemblies (28, 40), there are two inflow regions (48, 50, 78, 80) and two outflow regions (62, 64, 84, 86), which can be switched by means of flap assemblies (44, 56, 88, 92). Both a heating operating mode and a cooling operating mode are selected with the flap assemblies. A heat pump operation in the vehicle, e.g., a bus, is enabled.

Abstract: An interior component has a projecting portion projecting rearward at a position forward and downward from a vehicle occupant when the occupant maintains a sitting posture in a passenger compartment. The interior component has a front inclined surface section and a rear inclined surface section in a lower section of the projecting portion. A retainer and air-direction changing members arranged in the retainer are arranged immediately below the projecting portion at positions forward from the front inclined surface section. A manipulating member is arranged above the rear inclined surface section with at least a part of the manipulating member exposed rearward from the projecting portion. A first transmission mechanism and a second transmission mechanism, which transmit movement of the manipulating member to the air-direction changing members, are arranged in the interior component.

Abstract: An air conditioning case includes a first partition wall that receives a condensed water generated by an evaporator, and the first partition wall is disposed above an overlapped portion of a heater core and between the evaporator and the heater core. Therefore, the first partition wall can prevent the condensed water dropped from the evaporator from being applied directly to the heater core. As a result, in a structure in which at least a portion of the heater core overlaps with the evaporator from below, the condensed water of the evaporator is less likely to be applied to the heater core.

Abstract: An air vent for a vehicle includes a housing extending between an inlet and outlet end. The housing includes a first wall and a second wall that cooperate to define an interior volume therebetween. The inlet end defines an inlet opening and air enters the interior volume through the inlet opening. The outlet end has a length and a width that cooperate to define an outlet opening having a low aspect ratio. Air exits the interior volume through the outlet opening. The first wall includes a directional wall section that extends non-linearly from a transition location to the outlet end. Air travelling through the interior volume is directed by the directional wall section to create a flow direction of air exiting the outlet opening. Vanes may be disposed in the interior volume to allow directability of air exiting the outlet opening, while providing a low pressure drop therethrough.

Abstract: A roller blind arrangement for shading a transparent vehicle section having a roller blind web, which can be wound to form a roller blind winding and is guided at its lateral edges in relation to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roller blind in each case in one guide rail, as well as a drive device having a drive pinion which drives two driving means which are each guided in one of the guide rails. The driving means are in each case designed as a toothed belt. The toothed belt can have at least one flat surface for coupling to the roller blind web, and the driving means are joined within the guide rails to the roller blind web in each case solely via their respective flat surfaces and are detached from the roller blind web in a section arranged between the guide rails and the roller blind winding.

Abstract: A visor assembly for a vehicle includes a visor body comprising adjacent hingedly connected panels each fabricated of a polarizing material. A closure is provided to hold the adjacent panels in a closed configuration. The assembly may further include an articulating mirror assembly whose movement is independent of any movement of the visor assembly.

Abstract: A moon roof module includes a first transparent panel, a second transparent panel and a third transparent panel packaged in a compartment between the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel. The moon roof module also includes an actuator configured to displace the third transparent panel between a first position and a second position. A related method of switching a moon roof module between a transparent state and an opaque state is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door is provided. That door includes a door body that carries a door handle and a decorative trim feature remote from the door handle. A key cylinder is carried on the door body behind an access door in the decorative trim feature. The positioning of a hidden key cylinder at a position remote from the door handle frees designers to provide a motor vehicle door with a cleaner and more aesthetically appealing appearance.

Abstract: A vehicle door including a door inner and a reinforcing beam fixed to the door inner. The reinforcing beam includes a first layer and a second layer bonded to each other. The first layer includes a polymer and fibers impregnated in the polymer and extending continuously across the polymer of the first layer. The first layer extends along an axis and has first and second ends spaced from each other on the axis. The second layer includes a polymer and fibers impregnated in the polymer and extending continuously across the polymer of the second layer. The second layer has first and second ends spaced from each other on the axis. The first and second ends of the second layer are each disposed between the first and second ends of the first layer along the axis.

Abstract: A vehicle attached shielding assembly for protecting a user from the elements includes a base that is configured to couple to a vehicle proximate to a door of the vehicle. An umbrella is coupled to the base. The umbrella is selectively configurable in a stowed configuration, wherein the umbrella is positioned such that the vehicle is drivable. The umbrella also is selectively configurable in an extended configuration, wherein the umbrella is configured to shield a user who is positioned under the umbrella from elements, such as sunshine and rain. In the extended configuration, the umbrella also is configured to prevent the elements from entering the vehicle when the door and a window that is coupled to the door are opened.

Abstract: Sunscreen assembly for an open roof construction in a vehicle of the type includes a flexible sunscreen having a center part and two opposed longitudinal edges connected to the center part and folding lines along which the longitudinal edges fold inwardly and whereby the center part of the flexible sunscreen comprises at least one layer of cloth. The sunscreen assembly further comprises a rotatable winding shaft configured to wind and unwind the sunscreen at a first one of its transversal edges, two opposed longitudinal guides configured to receive therein and guide corresponding ones of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges of the sunscreen, and wherein the folding lines are formed substantially by at least one respective incision made in the center part of the sunscreen along which the longitudinal edges are folded inwardly.

Abstract: A tailgate seal with taper seal. The tailgate seal with taper seal provides a seal for pickup truck beds with covers to prevent infiltration of dirt, rain, snow, and the like from infiltrating into the truck bed, thereby protecting cargo from damage. The tailgate seal with taper seal can be produced in a variety of sizes depending on the width of the gap to be sealed, and is easily installed by the end user.

Abstract: A battery mounting structure to enhance rigidity of a vehicle body without increasing a vehicle weight is provided. The battery mounting structure comprises a pair of frame members extending longitudinally and a battery pack an all-solid battery having a cell stack. The battery pack is disposed between the frame members. The battery pack is connected to the frame member through a connection member.

Abstract: A utility vehicle provided with an engine in a rear portion of a vehicle body is disclosed. The engine is provided with a cylinder head, and has an exhaust gas outlet port formed to be open in a front surface of the engine. An exhaust pipe extends forward from the exhaust gas outlet port, then curves, and extends rearward. A cover that covers a front portion of the exhaust pipe includes: a front-side portion that covers a front side of the front portion of the exhaust pipe; an upper-side portion that extends rearward from an upper end portion of the front-side portion and covers an upper side of the front portion of the exhaust pipe; and an extension portion that extends rearward from a rear end portion of the upper-side portion and covers an upper side of a front portion of the cylinder head.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes: an engine; an engine room in which the engine is contained and that has a front opening in a front face thereof and a rear opening in a rear face thereof; and an air intake duct that has an air inlet in a front part of a vehicle body and extends in a front-rear direction, the air intake duct guiding air from the air inlet to the front opening, in which the engine room includes a bottom plate and a left partition wall and a right partition wall that are provided on respective sides, in a vehicle width direction, of the engine and cover at least a crankcase part of the engine in side view.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an operating fluid container (10) made of thermoplastic material for a motor vehicle and a method for equipping an operating fluid container with a stiffening element (20).

Abstract: A power transmission device includes: an axle housing having a central hole where a drive shaft is penetrated; a wheel hub disposed in an outer portion of the axle housing via wheel bearings; a speed-reducer housing chamber provided in the wheel hub to cover an opening end portion of the axle housing; a gear speed reducer, formed inside the speed-reducer housing chamber, to decelerate a rotation of the drive shaft and transmit the rotation to the wheel hub; and a wet-type brake mechanism housed in a brake chamber formed between the axle housing and the wheel hub, and actuated such that braking is applied to a rotation of the wheel hub relative to the axle housing. Further, floating seals are disposed between a lubrication space and the speed-reducer housing chamber, and a circulation passage for oil that includes an oil filter is connected to the lubrication space.

Abstract: A power train supporting structure for a vehicle is provided with: a power train including a transversely disposed engine, a transmission, and a transfer; and a rear mount bracket which connects a rear portion of the power train and a suspension cross member. A front portion of the rear mount bracket is connected to the transfer at a position which is below a drive shaft, and is in a vehicle up-down directional area that is an overlapping of the transmission and the transfer in view of the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic-electric drive assembly for a work vehicle has a hydraulic pump drive including a manifold housing, a power input interface configured to couple with a prime mover for receiving rotational input power, and a plurality of power output interfaces coupled to the power input interface to transmit the input power from the prime mover mechanically at a first drive speed. At least one hydraulic pump is mounted to at least one of the power output interfaces to be driven by the input power from the prime mover. At least one electric generator is coupled to at least one of the power output interfaces to be driven by the input power from the prime mover. The at least one electric generator is configured to convert the input power from the prime mover into electric power.

Abstract: A transfer case (26) for translating rotational torque from an engine (22) to first and second differentials (34, 36). A primary shaft (50) is supported in a housing (48) and has an input in communication with the engine (22) and an output in communication with the first differential (34). A secondary shaft (52) is disposed in communication with the second differential (36). A clutch (54) selectively translates torque between the shafts (50, 52) and moves between a first position (54A) wherein torque is translated to the secondary shaft (52), and a second position (54B) wherein torque is interrupted. An actuator (64) with a piston (68) movably supported in a cylinder (66) moves the clutch (54). A lock (70) moves between a locked configuration (70A) engaging the piston (68) to prevent the clutch (54) from moving, and an unlocked configuration (70B) releasing the piston (68) allowing the clutch (54) to move.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively measuring an analyte in a vehicle driver and controlling a vehicle based on a measurement of the analyte. At least one solid-state light source is configured to emit different wavelengths of light. A sample device is configured to introduce the light emitted by the at least one solid-state light source into tissue of the vehicle driver. One or more optical detectors are configured to detect a portion of the light that is not absorbed by the tissue of the vehicle driver. A controller is configured to calculate a measurement of the analyte in the tissue of the vehicle driver based on the light detected by the one or more optical detectors, determine whether the measurement of the analyte in the tissue of the vehicle driver exceeds a pre-determined value, and provide a signal to a device configured to control the vehicle.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for performing vehicle control. Multiple target rotation rates for a vehicle shaft may be identified. A first actual rotation rate may be determined to exceed a first target rotation rate. In response, a computing system may send a first signal in order to cause a first component of a vehicle to limit the rate of rotation of the vehicle shaft. A second actual rotation rate may be determined to be below a second target rotation rate. In response, the computing system may send a second signal in order to cause the first component of the vehicle or a second component of the vehicle to increase the rate of rotation of the vehicle shaft.

Abstract: A module support bracket for a vehicle instrument panel includes a first module receiving surface defining an internal aperture, the first module receiving surface configured to receive a first module, and a second module receiving surface arranged within the internal aperture on a different plane than the first module receiving surface. The second module receiving surface is configured to receive a second module in a stacked relationship to the first module. The second module is configured to be inserted through an opening in the instrument panel in an installation direction to couple the second module to the second module receiving surface. The first module is subsequently inserted through the opening in the instrument panel in the installation direction to couple the first module adjacent the second module in a compact arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle driven by a motor includes: a secondary battery configured to supply an electric power to the motor; a power regeneration portion configured to supply, to the secondary battery, a regenerative electric power that is recovered at a time of braking the vehicle; a power storage amount detecting portion configured to detect a power storage amount of the secondary battery; and a controlling portion configured to control charging and discharging of the secondary battery. The controlling portion estimates a regenerative electric power, and estimates an expected power-storage increasing amount, so as to calculate a virtual power storage amount from a sum total of the expected power-storage increasing amount and an actual power storage amount. The controlling portion performs charging and discharging on the secondary battery based on the virtual power storage amount.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus includes a driving unit configured to drive a motor according to a torque inputted by a rotation input from a human being; and a controller configured to control driving of the driving unit according to a relationship between an accumulated value of first amounts that correspond to the rotation input from the human being and an accumulated value of second amounts that correspond to rotation of a rotating object driven by the motor. The controller may be further configured to cause the driving unit to suppress driving of the motor when an accumulated difference that is calculated by subtracting the accumulated value of the second amounts from the accumulated value of the first amounts is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A target longitudinal force sum/yaw moment setting section is provided which is configured to determine and set a target longitudinal force sum to be exerted on drive wheels by drive sources and a target yaw moment of a vehicle. A failure detection section is provided which is configured to detect occurrence of a failure in the drive source of each of the drive wheels and a drive system including a control system of the drive source. A one-wheel-failure control section is provided which is configured to, when a failure of one of the wheels is detected by the failure detection section, drive the drive sources of all the remaining sound wheels so as to minimize a sum of squares of load factors of the sound wheels and to be matched with the target longitudinal force sum and the target yaw moment that are set.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a selected speed of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle is powered in part by an electric motor and a battery. The electric motor is operable to drive in either a driving state or a charging state. In the charging state the polarity of the electric motor is modified so as to slow the vehicle down and supply power to the battery. A load bank is provided. The load bank is in electrical communication with the electric motor. The controller is further operable to direct power from the electric motor to the load bank when the electric motor is in the charging state.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a power unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that may generate a current from a conductor of an overhead power line carrying an AC power signal. The power UAV has a receptor that includes a secondary coil. Current is generated by the secondary coil of the receptor from magnetic fields emanating from the overhead power lines while the power UAV is flying. The generated current may be used to fly the power UAV, recharge an energy storage device of the power UAV, or be provided to another UAV. In various implementations, while the power UAV is flying, the power UAV may receive another UAV, recharge the other UAV, and then release the UAV to resume flying. In various implementations, the power UAV may also monitor characteristics of the power delivery system.

Abstract: Embodiments describe a battery system that includes a first battery module coupled to a regenerative braking system and a control module that controls operation of the battery system by: determining a predicted driving pattern over a prediction horizon using a driving pattern recognition model based in part on a battery current and a previous driving pattern; determining a predicted battery resistance of the first battery module over the prediction horizon using a recursive battery model based in part on the predicted driving pattern, the battery current, a present bus voltage, and a previous bus voltage; determining a target trajectory of a battery temperature of the first battery module over a control horizon using an objective function; and controlling magnitude and duration of electrical power supplied from the regenerative such that a predicted trajectory of the battery temperature is guided toward the target trajectory of the battery temperature during the control horizon.

Abstract: Provided are a power supply device for a vehicle provided with a battery, a converter, and a controller, and a method for controlling the same. The controller controls the converter in a continuous boost mode in which the converter is continuously operated and an intermittent boost mode in which the converter is intermittently operated. The controller does not control the converter in the intermittent boost mode when a control that adjusts a reference point of a resolver of a motor generator is underway.

Abstract: An on-board charger for an electrically driven vehicle having (i) at least one connector for connecting a plug, the connector including a seal for sealing the connector; and (ii) an edge, running around the connector, for protecting the seal against sprayed water. A method for manufacturing the on-board charger includes the steps of injection molding a housing of the on-board charger, and integrally injection molding the edge onto the housing. A vehicle includes a drive which is supplied with electrical driving energy, a traction battery for storing the driving energy, and the on-board charger for charging the traction battery with the driving energy.

Abstract: A charging apparatus (22) for a motor vehicle (10) has a plurality of plug connection members (12, 14, 16) to connect the charging apparatus (22) to at least one external electrical energy source (18, 20), a plurality of temperature measuring elements (26, 28, 30) are associated respectively with the plug connection members (12, 14, 16) to detect a temperature of the plug connection members (12, 14, 16), and an evaluation unit (32) electrically connected to the temperature measuring elements (26, 28, 30) to evaluate the detected temperature of the temperature measuring elements (26, 28, 30). The temperature measuring elements (26, 28, 30) are connected to the evaluation unit (32) by a common first connecting line (42), and connectable electrically to the control unit (32) individually by a second connecting line (36, 38, 40) in each case.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system may include a drive system mounted to a chassis, a positionable electrical connector assembly, a position sensor, a proximity sensor, and a control module. The control module may be programmed to operate the drive system to place the chassis proximate a vehicle electrical connector and operate the positionable electrical connector assembly to releasably engage the vehicle electrical connector.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an auxiliary battery charging system for monitoring and regulating the energy flow to an auxiliary battery in a vehicle. More specifically, the auxiliary battery charging system of the present disclosure includes a monitoring controller configured to operate with a plurality of sensors, a display device and a battery charger to display the battery status (such as temperature, voltage, time of last charge); initiate charging of the auxiliary battery when the auxiliary battery voltage reaches a predetermined minimum voltage; and disable the charging process when the auxiliary battery voltage has reached an optimum level.

Abstract: A method for managing the charge of a battery comprising: control of a rapid charging phase at increasing voltage, followed by control of an absorption phase at decreasing current regulated to a first voltage value, and in which the rapid charging phase is controlled until the voltage at the terminals of the battery reaches a second voltage value that is strictly higher than the first voltage value.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a plug-in vehicle fleet having a plurality of battery packs across the vehicle fleet. Each vehicle includes a battery pack. The system includes sensors for measuring battery performance data and includes an open-circuit voltage, charging current, and/or temperature of the battery pack, a GPS receiver, a user interface, and a controller. The controller executes a method to monitor degradation of each battery pack using a variety of current and historical data points. The controller then controls a charging operation of each battery pack in a fleet via a charging control signal sent to a particular vehicle in the fleet. The controller also then determines the new location for each particular vehicle in a fleet.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for analyzing a vehicle battery system of a hybrid or electric vehicle that includes a battery pack and a battery controller. More specifically, a battery controller is disclosed for determining battery identification information of the battery pack based on a configuration of active and non-active pins in a connection module between the battery pack and the battery controller. It follows that the battery controller may identify the battery pack type in an efficient manner that does not require any additional components. The battery controller may further reference the battery identification to implement a battery operational strategy that may better realize an efficiency or durability of the identified battery.

Abstract: In a low power charging mode, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of external charging, the external charging ends. With this, it is possible to suppress excessive extension of a power feeding time from an external power supply, and to secure a charging amount of a high voltage battery at least to some extent.

Abstract: Each battery block is formed by a plurality of unit cells arranged. Coupling a plurality of battery blocks with each other forms a battery module. Guiding members, through which a rail is made to pass, is provided on an external surface of the battery block, where the rail is used to couple the battery block with another battery block. The guiding members are provided on at least two adjacent lateral faces of four lateral faces excluding electrode faces of the battery block.