Abstract: A restraint system includes a side air curtain, a sail panel, and a secondary cushion. The side air curtain is inflatable to an inflated position and has a top edge, a bottom edge, and a forward edge extending from the top edge to the bottom edge. The sail panel extends from the forward edge. The secondary cushion is inflatable to an inflated position and is elongated in a direction away from the bottom edge and the forward edge toward the top edge.

Abstract: A gas generator includes at least two functional subassemblies and at least two retention parts. The functional subassemblies each have an axis defining an axial direction and at least one outer dimension in a plane normal to the axial direction. The retention parts are each radially crimped for retaining one of the at least two functional subassemblies on the gas generator. The at least two retention parts are formed on the same part of the gas generator and the at least two functional subassemblies are positioned on the gas generator with a center distance of axes less than or equal to 1.5 times this outer dimension and that each retention part is radially crimped over at least 90% of its periphery.

Abstract: A gas generator contains an anti-vibration, auto-igniting pad. The pad is formed from a mixture of a known auto-igniting composition mixed with an elastomeric polymer, and then cured, thereby forming a polymer—auto-igniting composition matrix. The pad is placed in thermodynamic communication with a housing on the gas generator, thereby enhancing the safety of the gas generator while yet providing a multi-functional pad. The pad is formulated to reduce vibrations when biased against an associated gas generant, while augmenting the amount of gas produced upon gas generator activation, while yet providing an auto-igniting material that is ignited during a high heat event.

Abstract: A safety guard which functions to push objects lying in the path of a vehicle out of the path of the wheels of the vehicle, such as a school bus, for safety purposes includes a front guard includes a first, fixed guard section and a second, movable guard section positioned at an angle of at least 30° in front of at least one wheel of the vehicle beneath the vehicle. More particularly, the first and second guard sections are hingedly interconnected such that the second guard section can pivot or otherwise shift from a first operational position to at least a second operational position relative to the first guard section upon engagement with an animate or inanimate object. At the same time, the second guard section is biased or otherwise forcibly shiftable by an actuator, such as a shock absorbing device, toward the first operational position.

Abstract: Provided is a cyclist protection apparatus for a vehicle that includes a front section that protrudes forward from a boarding section. The cyclist protection apparatus includes a cyclist airbag device that includes airbags, and is configured to be disposed in a front-end area of the front section. The cyclist airbag device is configured to deploy the airbags adjacently in a front-rear direction on an upper surface of the front section.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus (1) for a front hood (2) of a motor vehicle has an integrated pedestrian protection that includes a hood-side fastening arrangement (4) articulated to a body-side fastening arrangement (6) via a link arrangement (5) that has a stop link (50). The hood-side fastening arrangement (4) has a hinge upper part (40) and a coupling (41), and the body-side fastening arrangement (6) has a lock (60) that acts on the coupling (41) to lock the hood (2) in a normal state and to unlock it by a pyrotechnical actuator (9) that acts on the lock (60) and the stop link (50). The pyrotechnical actuator (9) has a piston rod (90) and an ignition in a housing (92). A free end (91) of the piston rod (90) is articulated on the lock (60), and an opposite end (93) of the housing (92) is articulated on the stop link (50).

Abstract: A seat belt device 30 includes a second buckle 48 connected to a vehicle 10 side by a second webbing 49, and a tubular buckle hoder 46 which is able to hold the second buckle 48 in a state in which the second buckle 48 is accommodated therein. A tongue 76 is inserted into the second buckle 48. In addition, the buckle holder 46 is provided on an anchor 32 so as to be rotatable in vehicle forward and rearward directions. Furthermore, a length dimension L1 of the second webbing 49 is set such that the second buckle 48 can be pulled out from the buckle holder 46.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt retractor for a safety belt, having: a belt reel (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) for winding up the safety belt; a locking base (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) which during normal operation is conjointly rotated with the belt reel and the rotary motion of which upon abrupt belt extraction is locked by means of a locking mechanism; and a belt force limiting installation which upon locking of the locking base permits relative rotation between the belt reel and the locking base. It is provided according to the invention that the belt retractor has a deactivation installation which after a predefined maximum relative rotary angle between the locking base and the belt reel blocks the relative rotation which is permitted between the belt reel and the locking base by the belt force limiting installation and, on account thereof, deactivates the belt force limiting installation.

Abstract: A password authentication mechanism is capable of determining whether a password has expired without referring to a database or other information repository. Additional information can be encoded in the password without unduly lengthening the password, so that the additional information can be extracted from the password when the user provides the password for authentication purposes. Thus, the password serves as an information-carrying data item as well as acting as an authentication mechanism. Such a password can be used, for example, to provide time-limited access to a vehicle in response to receipt of timely payment, and to disable the vehicle if payment is not made.

Abstract: A body controller may monitor a vehicle bus for diagnostic requests received from a scan device connected to a diagnostic port when a vehicle perimeter alarm of a body controller is armed. The body controller may reset a predetermined lockout timeout responsive to receipt of a session request from the scan device. Upon expiration of the lockout timeout, the body controller may request to establish the session with the body controller from the scan device for a predetermined access timeout. When the session is established, the body controller may allow a user to program entry devices to the body controller and/or download software updates to the body controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a police vehicle monitor. An example disclosed police vehicle includes first beacons positioned on a chassis of the police vehicle, second beacons position on a lightbar of the police vehicle, and a police assistance unit. The example police assistance unit is to track a distance of wearable nodes associated with a police officer. Additionally, the example police assistance unit is to, in response to the distance satisfying a first threshold, lock doors and roll up windows of the police vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing power consumption for a smart entry door handle in a vehicle is provided. The method and system include determining if a portable device is located within a polling range of the vehicle. The method and system further include supplying a first predetermined amount of power to a smart entry door handle if it is determined that the portable device is located within a polling range of the vehicle. The method and system also include supplying a second predetermined amount of power to the smart entry door handle if it is determined that the portable device is located outside of the polling range of the vehicle.

Abstract: A streamlined flat windscreen wiper for a vehicle is disclosed. The flat wiper includes a longitudinal wiper blade, at least one longitudinal stiffening member, a longitudinal member for retaining the wiper blade and the stiffening member, a longitudinal streamlined portion comprising two terminal caps and a central mounting extending between the terminal caps and being connected thereto. The mounting includes means for fixing to the stiffening member or to the member for retaining the stiffening member, and each cap includes means for guiding in translation terminal parts of the member.

Abstract: A kit for connecting a wiper blade and multiple types of wiper arms, the kit including a container and a set of connectors located within an interior of the container. The set of connectors includes a first connector having a structure to receive and be connected to at least two different wiper arms that are part of a first class of wiper arms. The set of connectors includes a second connector having a structure to receive and be connected to at least two different wiper arms that are part of a second class of wiper arms. The set of connectors includes a third connector having a structure to receive and be connected to at least two different wiper arms that are part of a third class of wiper arms, wherein the first class, the second class and the third class are different from one another.

Abstract: A controller for a parking brake system for a commercial vehicle is disclosed. The controller receives a signal indicative of a request to park a tractor, a signal indicative of a request to supply air to a trailer and a signal indicative of a vehicle operating condition. The controller transmits a control signal to a tractor parking brake device and a trailer air supply device in order to park the tractor and maintain the air supply to the trailer to suspend the parking of the trailer in response to the signals.

Abstract: The inventive vehicle braking control device performs a brake assist control of increasing a braking force for avoiding a collision of a vehicle at a more appropriate time. The device comprises a portion which acquires an estimated time until a vehicle reaches to an obstacle; a portion which judges based on a braking operation amount and a braking operation speed value if the driver performed an urgent braking operation; and a portion which determines the start of a braking force assist control when an urgent braking operation is judged in a case that the estimated time is less than a first predetermined time, wherein, if the estimated time is less than a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time, the urgent braking operation is judged when the braking operation amount exceeds a threshold value irrespective of the braking operation speed value.

Abstract: A method for braking a vehicle which is operable by a motor or by muscular power, in particular an electric bicycle. During a braking operation, a brake force influencing device is controlled by an electric brake pressure control device, and the brake pressure for the front wheel brake and/or for the rear wheel brake, and thus the brake force thereof, is increased and/or decreased. The brake pressure control device receives brake pressure signals in each case from a brake actuation detector for the front wheel brake and for the rear wheel brake, and an improved distribution of a total brake force on the front wheel and the rear wheel is effectuated which differs from the distribution that is effectuated by the driver.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a vehicle brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus. The apparatus includes an inlet valve; an outlet valve; a pump; a motor and a control unit. The control unit executes an antilock brake control and a control to return a brake fluid accumulated in a reservoir due to a pressure decreasing control in the antilock brake control to a hydraulic pressure source by driving the motor. The control unit includes: a target delivery amount calculator configured to calculate a target delivery amount which corresponds to an amount of brake fluid discharged from the reservoir per a predetermined time; a temperature information fetcher configured to acquire a temperature of the brake fluid; and a drive signal determinator configured to determine a drive signal of the motor based on the target delivery amount and the temperature of the brake fluid.

Abstract: A brake hose support structure of a vehicle includes a brake hose through which pressure fluid is flowed between a pressure source mounted to the vehicle and a brake caliper of a disk brake device of the vehicle, and a hose support supporting the brake hose. The brake hose has a first end that is located adjacent to the pressure source, a second end that is located adjacent to the brake caliper, and a supporting portion that is disposed between the first and second ends. The hose support supports the brake hose at the supporting portion such that an axis of the brake hose extends parallel to a kingpin axis.

Abstract: An automatic start-stop system for vehicles with an automatic gearbox or and automated gearbox in which the motor vehicle can creep in a released state of a brake pedal is provided. The automatic start-stop system is designed to detect an obstruction in the present direction of travel of the vehicle, to trigger an automatic deactivation process of a drive machine of the vehicle if the vehicle speed is lower than a predefined speed threshold close to standstill and the brake pedal is actuated, and to trigger an automatic activation process of the automatically deactivated drive machine if a released brake pedal is detected, with creeping of the motor vehicle being prevented by not initiating automatic activation of the drive machine or by activating a creep prevention measure, if, upon release of the brake pedal or in a released state of the brake pedal, an obstruction situated in the present direction of travel of the motor vehicle is detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for traffic learning are described. One embodiment of a method includes predicting a vehicle route of a vehicle, determining historical traffic data related to at least one segment along the vehicle route, and determining an energy traffic budget for electric power consumption of the vehicle along the vehicle route, where the energy traffic budget is learned from the historical traffic data. Some embodiments include creating a schedule for transitioning between gasoline power and electric power for the vehicle route, implementing the schedule as the vehicle traverses the vehicle route, and in response to encountering traffic along the vehicle route, implementing the energy traffic budget.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for managing energy efficiency of a vehicle. The system includes a GPS unit configured to detect a current location of the vehicle. The system includes a network access device configured to receive traffic data. The system includes a navigation unit configured to determine whether traffic is upcoming along a route based on the traffic data. The system includes a speed sensor configured to detect a current speed of the vehicle. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to activate a pre-charge mode when the upcoming slowdown in vehicle speed is determined, the pre-charge mode causing the engine to charge the battery via the motor/generator. The electronic control unit is configured to deactivate the pre-charge mode to prevent charging of the battery by the engine when the detected current speed of the vehicle is below a speed threshold for a set period of time or distance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, a rear drive unit electric machine, an integrated starter/generator, and a transmission are described. In one example, charging of an electric energy storage device may be allocated between the rear drive unit electric machine and the integrated starter/generator to increase charge stored in the electric energy storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an unit that plans any driving mode of an EV mode in which the motor is used as the drive source and an HV mode in which at least the engine is used as the drive source for each section, into which a route from the current location to the destination is partitioned, when a load for running in each section is set. The setup unit plans the mode using an aspect in which the HV mode is preferentially planned for a section including at least one of a current section including the current location and a section after the current section when a remaining amount of the battery is lower than a threshold of the remaining amount of the battery, and regenerative energy obtained from running load information is higher than or equal to a value determining a restoration of the remaining amount of the battery.

Abstract: A computing device implemented method includes receiving one or more signals that represent an angular speed of a permanent magnet electric motor of a hybrid electric vehicle, the one or more signals being provided by an angular sensor connected to the electric motor, receiving a signal representing a voltage from the electric motor, the voltage being a direct axis voltage component of a three-phase motor model, determining if the angular speed is within a predetermined threshold, calculating an error angle representing a correction factor for an alignment of the electric motor based on a ratio of the voltage and the angular speed, storing the correction factor, and determining a binary indication of a status of error angle, and repeating the steps until the binary indication is positive.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a laser ignition system of an engine. In one example, a controller may operate the laser in a sealed cylinder hours after key-off. Then, the cylinder may be unsealed and a change in exhaust temperature may be correlated with laser functionality.

Abstract: A sprung vibration estimation unit is configured to calculate a pitch rate of a vehicle body based on the wheel speeds detected by wheel speed sensors. A vibration suppression driving force calculation unit is configured to calculate a vibration suppression driving force for suppressing pitching of the vehicle body based on the pitch rate. An integration unit is configured to calculate a vehicle body speed based on a driver required driving force. A second sprung vibration estimation unit is configured to calculate a pitch rate of the vehicle body (vehicle body speed pitch rate) generated by a change in the vehicle body speed. A determination unit is configured to output a cutoff command for the vibration suppression driving force to an adjustment unit when the vehicle body speed pitch rate is more than a threshold.

Abstract: A controller in a host vehicle includes a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions. The processor is programmed to calculate an error bound for confidence intervals of a predicted position at a future time of a target vehicle relative laterally to a current position and orientation of the host vehicle at a current time based on a current position and velocity of the target vehicle and the future time.

Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a trailer distance module, a trailer contact module, a trailer distance module, and at least one of a driver warning module, a brake control module, and a steering control module. The trailer distance module determines a distance from a cab of a truck to a fifth wheel trailer attached to the truck based on an input from a sensor. The trailer contact module identifies potential contact between the trailer and the truck cab based on the cab-to-trailer distance. The driver warning module warns a driver of the potential contact. The brake control module applies a brake of at least one of the truck and the trailer when potential contact is identified. The steering control module increases an amount of driver effort required to steer the truck in at least one direction when potential contact is identified.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a sensor system outputting one or more signals and an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the sensor system. The electronic control unit may be configured to detect a target vehicle external to the vehicle based on the one or more signals output by the sensor system, identify the detected target vehicle, determine rating information for at least one of the target vehicle and a driver of the target vehicle, predict at least one action of the target vehicle based on the rating information, and effect one or more changes to the vehicle based on the predicted at least one action of the target vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle operating in accordance with a predetermined advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) control logic includes a sensing unit configured to acquire environment information of a given area, and a controller configured to change a setting value of the ADAS control logic based on the acquired environment information in real time and control the vehicle in accordance with the ADAS control logic using the changed setting value.

Abstract: A computer-readable detailed map format is disclosed. The detailed map format includes a lane segment and one or more border segments. The map format can be used in the operation of an autonomous vehicle. A current location of the autonomous vehicle can be determined. The current location of the autonomous vehicle can be compared to the computer readable map format. A distance between the current location of the autonomous vehicle and an edge of the lane segment at a location along the lane segment can be determined by, for example, measuring a distance between the current location of the autonomous vehicle and a portion of the border segment closest to the current location of the autonomous vehicle. A driving maneuver can be determined based at least in part on the determined distance. One or more vehicle systems of the autonomous vehicle can be caused to implement the determined driving maneuver.

Abstract: A method for use with a speed control system of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises receiving readings from one or more vehicle sensors to determine the nature of the terrain over which the vehicle is traveling. The method further comprises gathering information relating to one or more parameters of the vehicle that correspond to the configuration of the vehicle. The method still further comprises determining, based on the nature of the terrain and the gathered information, whether the vehicle is appropriately configured to travel over the terrain. A system comprising an electronic control unit configured to perform the method is also provided.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a vehicle for causing an own vehicle to travel following a preceding vehicle calculates a requested acceleration of the own vehicle on the basis of a feedback requested acceleration to maintain an inter-vehicle distance at a target distance and a feedforward requested acceleration to cause the own vehicle to travel following the preceding vehicle. The apparatus calculates the feedforward requested acceleration on the basis of information on an acceleration of the preceding vehicle sent from the preceding vehicle through a wireless communication. The apparatus sets the feedforward requested acceleration to zero when a vehicle travel stabilization control is executed in the preceding vehicle to control a friction braking force applied to at least one of vehicle wheels of the preceding vehicle to stabilize a travel of the preceding vehicle, and the feedforward requested acceleration is larger than zero.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an actuator and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to determine one of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) an adjacent vehicle has started; (ii) a first timing at which the preceding vehicle has started does not indicate a second timing at which a slipping-by vehicle has been lost; and (iii) a second preceding vehicle has started. The electronic control unit is configured to start the host vehicle by using the actuator when at least one of the conditions is satisfied.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras, at least one radar sensor, and a control having at least one processor. Captured image data and sensed radar data are provided to the control. The control processes captured image data to detect objects present exteriorly of the vehicle and is operable to determine whether a detected edge constitutes a portion of a vehicle. The control processes sensed radar data to detect objects present exteriorly of the vehicle. The control, based at least in part on processing of (i) captured image data and/or (ii) sensed radar data, detects another vehicle and determines distance from the equipped vehicle to the detected other vehicle. The control, based at least in part on determination of distance from the equipped vehicle to the detected other vehicle, may control a steering system operable to adjust a steering direction of the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: In a control device for a vehicle including: a dog clutch mechanism that is disposed in a power transmission path in which a driving force is transmitted from an engine to a wheel and is operated by a hydraulic actuator; and an electric oil pump that supplies hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator, rotation of the engine is stopped in a state in which the dog clutch mechanism is engaged by the hydraulic pressure supplied from the electric oil pump at a time during an engine stop operation, the rotation of the engine is started in the state in which the dog clutch mechanism is engaged by the hydraulic pressure supplied from the electric oil pump at a time during an engine restart operation, hence occurrence of up-lock of the dog clutch mechanism is prevented.

Abstract: A method of controlling creep torque of a vehicle being provided with an Auto Hold function, includes: a brake detection step for detecting a brake signal of the vehicle; a braking step for activating a brake force and reducing creep torque according to the brake signal; a start detection step for detecting a start signal of the vehicle after the vehicle is stopped; and a starting step for deactivating the brake force and increasing the creep torque according to the start signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system arranged for control of at least one temperature Texhaust for an exhaust treatment system in a vehicle. The system comprises a first determination unit arranged for the determination of the at least one temperature Texhaust for the exhaust treatment system. The system also comprises a second determination unit arranged for the determination of an order of priority for the use of brakes in the vehicle. These brakes comprise at least the service brakes and the auxiliary brakes, the auxiliary brakes in turn comprising at least one engine fitted auxiliary brake, which is fitted in connection with an exhaust stream through the exhaust treatment system. The order of priority is determined based on the at least one temperature Texhaust. The system also comprises an utilization unit arranged for the use of the determined order of priority at braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a braking device and drive engine which can be used independently of one another for decelerating the vehicle. A method of controlling the vehicle during a thrust operation includes steps of detecting a requirement to change a currently engaged first gear in a transmission that transfers the braking force from the engine; determining a first deceleration brought about by the engine in the first gear; determining a second deceleration brought about by the engine in a second gear to be engaged; and changing the gear by disengaging a clutch that couples the engine to the transmission, the first gear is disengaged, the second gear is engaged, and the clutch is again engaged. In this case, the braking device is controlled, during the gear change, in such manner that any jerk experienced by the vehicle is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A transmission includes a torque converter with both a variable pitch stator and a bypass clutch. These are controlled in two modes to maintain a target slip speed. In a first mode, the bypass clutch is fully released and slip is controlled by varying the pitch of the stator blades. In a second mode, the stator is held in the tightest position and slip is controlled by varying the torque capacity of the bypass clutch. The target slip is calculated based on a variety of different input signals depending on what type of vehicle maneuver is being performed.

Abstract: A method for damping juddering in the drive train of a vehicle having an electric motor as the drive motor, and a vehicle having a closed-loop control system to carry out the method. The method includes calculating an electric motor setpoint torque for actuating the electric motor from an electric motor request torque which corresponds to a current request for a torque, and calculating a correction torque as a function of the electric motor request torque and a correction factor which is determined from a rotational speed of the electric motor.

Abstract: A system for processing sensor data in a vehicle has a processor and a chassis sensor in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to record driving dynamics data and chassis sensor data for the vehicle, and filter driving dynamics data or the chassis sensor data on the basis of the chassis sensor data or the driving dynamics data.

Abstract: A computing system determines an estimated weight of a vehicle by measuring kinematic data of the vehicle, including at least one of a velocity or an acceleration of the vehicle. The computing system processes the data to determine an estimated weight of the vehicle. Based on the estimated weight of the vehicle, the computing system can autonomously operate the throttle, braking, and steering systems of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for guidance, control, and testing of autonomous vehicle features and a driver's response thereto. The system may activate a plurality of autonomous driving features of an autonomous vehicle. In response to a determination to initiate a driving test, the system may generate an indication to a driver of the autonomous vehicle of the initiation of the driving test and may deactivate or adjust parameters of one or more of the plurality of autonomous driving features. The system may receive, from one or more sensors of the autonomous vehicle or one or more sensors of a mobile computing device within the autonomous vehicle, driving data associated with the autonomous vehicle. Based on the driving data associated with the autonomous vehicle, the system may determine the driver's response time and actions taken by the driver during the driving test.

Abstract: High speed rail transportation systems are provided for improving transportation costs, speed and convenience for passengers, owners and operators. The high speed rail transportation system may include a high speed propulsion segment assembly, a segment of rails and a load station for transporting vehicles independent from each other and at high speed. In an embodiment, the high speed propulsion segment assembly may include a propulsion cylinder, a free cylinder and a cable assembly movably connected to the propulsion cylinder and the free cylinder.

Abstract: A truck mounted braking system is provided with a mechanical pivot adjustment on a lever connected to the brake actuator to permit the braking force applied to the wheels to vary depending on the lading condition of the car, without involving additional pneumatic elements such as a pneumatic empty load device. The system adjusts the braking force applied when the hand brake is activated, even when the railway car is disconnected from the pneumatic brake line.

Abstract: A combination hand truck and equipment stand to be used by musicians, sound reinforcement companies and sound personnel, lighting companies and lighting personnel, clubs, schools, theaters, concert halls and Houses of Worship for transporting equipment (instrument amplifiers, sound and lighting consoles, speaker enclosures, audio processing racks and general miscellaneous equipment) transforms into a stand for said musical instrument amplifiers, sound and lighting consoles, standard 19? audio equipment racks, stage monitors, loudspeaker enclosures, and storage boxes, etc.

Abstract: A multipurpose mobile utility lifting ergonomic cart consists of a structural frame, a platform, at least one insert, a plurality of wheels, and a height-adjustable arm. The height-adjustable arm extends from the structural frame and is connected to the platform so that the platform can be positioned at varying heights. The platform provides workspace for the user by being attached to the at least one insert that can be, but is not limited to, a dish drying rack, a podium insert, or a house cleaner rack. The structural frame can be used for holding items such as boxes or cleaning supplies. The plurality of wheels allows the user to move the apparatus from one location to another.

Abstract: A multi-mode load carrier is convertible to assume a storage mode, a cart mode, and a hand-truck mode. The load carrier includes a rolling base and a base pusher having a handgrip.