Abstract: A latch plate for a vehicle safety belt includes a latch plate tongue element and a grip element. The grip element includes a gripping portion that is held on a plane that is offset from a plane defined by the latch plate tongue element. The gripping portion plane may be parallel to the plane defined by the latch plate tongue element. The gripping portion may be held at a plane defining an included angle to a plane defined by an associated safety belt webbing element when the latch plate tongue element is secured to a safety belt buckle element.

Abstract: A seat belt attachment device is an integral body having a buckle component which has a tongue fastening mechanism configured to connect with the seat belt tongue of an existing seat belt system. An attachment tongue extends from the buckle component and is designed to connect with the seat belt connector of the existing seat belt system. At least one rigid bar extends outwardly from the buckle component such that when the seat belt buckle connector and the seat belt tongue are connected to the tongue fastening mechanism and the attachment tongue, the attachment device is located between the seat belt buckle connector and the seat belt tongue and the seat belt strap can be custom wrapped around the rigid bar in order to configure the strap comfortably away from and around the body of the occupant.

Abstract: Provided are a seat belt retractor and a seat belt device with which it is possible to improve energy absorption characteristics and a restraining property. The seat belt retractor includes a spool that performs winding of a webbing for restraining an occupant, a shaft inserted through an axial center of the spool, and a locking base connected to the shaft and capable of switching between a rotating state and a non-rotating state. The seat belt retractor further includes a load adjustment member disposed between the shaft and the locking base and that blocks or reduces load transmission in a case where a load equal to or greater than a threshold is applied to the shaft, and an energy absorption device disposed between the spool and the locking base and capable of changing an energy absorption amount according to a relative rotation speed between the spool and the locking base. The energy absorption device is connected in parallel with the load adjustment member.

Abstract: A webbing take-up device includes: a spool that takes up webbing worn by an occupant and is rotated in a pull-out direction due to the webbing being pulled out; a base lock that is provided capable of rotating integrally with the spool and is restricted from rotating in the pull-out direction of the spool in vehicle emergency; a pawl that is rotated together with the spool and that, by being displaced to an engaged position, engages with a winding ring and transmits rotation force of the spool to the winding ring; and a trigger ring that is provided capable of being displaced in a rotation circumferential direction of the spool with respect to the spool and includes a pawl-abut portion, abutting the pawl and displacing the pawl to the engaged position when the spool is rotated in the pull-out direction with respect to the lock section.

Abstract: A ignition start system in which authentication of a key is carried out twice, first to activate the ignition switch to allow starting the engine and second at the time when the brake pedal is depressed to put the car in a drive gear. The two step authentication prevents driving off in a car that has been started without having the key for security purposes and also to avoid inconvenient situations that can otherwise occur.

Abstract: The present invention is a remote vehicle starter and appliance activation system including a base unit, and a remote unit capable of communicating with a remote vehicle starting unit. The base unit can transmit a signal to the remote unit and provide power to a power outlet at a predetermined time. This allows a vehicle's engine to start and an appliance plugged into the power outlet to turn both a predetermined time. The remote unit can be recharged by a charging port connection with the base unit. The base unit can include a support bracket that is engageable with a clip of the remote unit, with the charging port connection being associated with the support bracket and the clip.

Abstract: Technical solutions are described for facilitating access for servicing a vehicle. An example computer-implemented method includes receiving a servicing notification for the vehicle, and generating, in response, a virtual key for servicing the vehicle. The computer-implemented method also includes facilitating access for servicing the vehicle based on the virtual key.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper arm, particularly for automobiles, includes a mounting head mountable on a drive shaft and an arm member pivotally connected to the mounting head by means of a pivot pin. The arm member has a substantially U-shaped cross-section near the pivot pin comprising two side walls. A part of the mounting head extends between the side walls and beyond the pivot pin. Protrusion/groove features are provided on the part and the side walls for limiting a pivot angle of the arm member. The protrusion/groove means comprise at least one groove and at least one protrusion cooperating with the groove, the protrusion is movable in the groove between a first position corresponding with a wiping position of the arm member and a second position corresponding with a mounting position of the arm member. The part is provided with opposite abutting surfaces for abutting against the side walls.

Abstract: A wiper blade is presented having a wiper strip, a primary frame, and a pair of secondary frames. The primary frame having a connection device capable of connecting the wiper blade to a wiper arm disposed on a top side of the primary frame, and a connection structure disposed, on opposite ends of the primary frame. The pair of secondary frame, each have a central pivot connection portion and two leg portions extending from the central pivot connection portion, a pivot structure disposed on the central pivot connection portion of the secondary frames wherein the pivot structure of the secondary frames are connected to the connection structures on the ends of the primary frame. A wiper blade is also presented having a wiper strip, a force distribution structure having opposite ends, and a cover.

Abstract: An end piece (100) for a wiper (102) provided with a rigidifying element (110) comprises a channel (120) for receipt of the rigidifying element, as well as first positioning stops (130), and a first means (150) for locking this element. The end piece comprises at least one second positioning stop (140) in order to cooperate equally well with a first or second type of rigidifying element with different dimensions. The first positioning stops (130) are operational when the first type of rigidifying element (110) is inserted in the channel, and at least one second positioning stop (140) is operational when the second type of rigidifying element is inserted in the receipt channel (120).

Abstract: The invention concerns an end-piece (1) for a motor vehicle glass wiper including at least one flexible support (3) and a wiper blade intended to be pressed against the glass. The end-piece (1) includes a housing (5) adapted to receive an end portion (6) of the flexible support (3). The end-piece (1) includes means (7) for locking the end portion (6) of the flexible support (3) in an engaged position inside the housing (5). The locking means (7) include at least one tongue (107e). The locking means (7) include at least one cavity (107a) that is delimited at least by a first lateral wall (107b), a second lateral wall (107c) and the tongue (107e).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade adapter system comprising a wiper blade adapter unit (10) having a coupling unit (18) and at least two connection units (12, 14, 16) that have different forms. According to the invention, the coupling unit (18) comprises a lateral plug-in unit that is provided for coupling to one of the at least two connection elements (12, 14, 16) in an assembly step.

Abstract: A computer is programmed to, upon determining that obstruction of a window exceeds a first threshold and that a fluid level of a reservoir is above both of two level sensors vertically spaced in the reservoir, pump fluid from the reservoir toward the window; and upon determining that obstruction of an external sensor exceeds a second threshold and that the fluid level is above at least one of the level sensors, pump fluid from the reservoir toward the external sensor.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a sensor can include a first valve, a second valve, a set of fluid nozzles, and a housing structure. The housing structure includes a first channel to enable fluid to move from the first valve to the set of fluid nozzles, a cavity, a second channel to enable air to move from the second valve to the cavity, and a slit opening to enable air to move from the cavity to outside the housing structure.

Abstract: A parking mechanism in a vehicle is controlled to rotate, which engages and disengages a pawl with a spoke or gear of a wheel to selectively hold the wheel against rotation in park. A spring is connected to the parking mechanism at a first end, and is connected to the transmission housing or a stop block at a second end. The first end of the spring is a closed loop, such as a helix shape that extends over 360 degrees over a loop axis. The second end of the spring is open-ended, such as a hook. After attaching the first end of the spring to the park mechanism, but prior to attaching the second end, a valve assembly can be mounted as well as the stop block. After those components are assembled in place, the second end of the spring can simply hook into place.

Abstract: In an emergency stop situation, the regenerative braking system is used to assist in rapid deceleration, by combining regenerative braking with conventional friction brakes. Sensors can also be used to trigger the braking systems, even before the driver is able to react. These sensors might include external cameras, ABS activation detection, radar and ultrasound.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for adjusting coasting guidance and control. The coasting guidance system includes a user interface for displaying coasting information. The coasting guidance system includes an electronic control unit coupled to the user interface and configured to determine a location of a stop event. The electronic control unit is configured to determine a braking location and a target speed based on the location of the stop event. The electronic control unit is configured to determine an ideal coasting location based on the braking location and determine an actual coasting location. The actual coasting location is where the driver begins coasting. The electronic control unit is configured to control a deceleration drive force of the vehicle to decelerate the vehicle to the target speed at the braking location based on the braking location, the actual coasting location and the ideal coasting location.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle, including: a brake operation member; a hydraulic brake device configured to give a braking force based on an operation of the brake operation member; an electric brake device configured to give a braking force generated by an electric actuator; a regenerative brake device configured to give a braking force utilizing electric power generation by rotation of a wheel, and a controller configured to determine insufficient braking force by excluding the braking force by the hydraulic brake device from a required overall braking force required for the vehicle as a whole and to control the braking force by each of the electric brake device and the regenerative brake device based on the insufficient braking force, wherein the brake system is configured such that the hydraulic brake device gives the braking force when the required overall braking force exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: In a braking maneuver using a braking assistant (9) in a motor vehicle (3), the braking assistant (9) initiates an automatic braking maneuver when an actual distance (a) between the motor vehicle (3) and an object (5) located ahead of the motor vehicle (3) becomes less than a specified minimum distance (amin). Then an acceleration of the decelerating vehicle (3) is ascertained during the braking maneuver, and if the acceleration is positive then the braking maneuver initiated by the braking assistant (9) is automatically interrupted.

Abstract: A brake system comprises a master cylinder, a first brake cylinder, a second brake cylinder, an electronically-controlled pressure generating unit distinct from the master cylinder, a first hydraulic circuit in selective fluid communication with the master cylinder and the first brake cylinder, a second hydraulic circuit in selective fluid communication with the master cylinder and the second brake cylinder, and a controller. In a first mode, the controller is operable to actuate the electronically-controlled pressure generating unit to deliver hydraulic fluid pressure to the first brake cylinder and the second brake cylinder proportional to an input. In a second mode, the controller is operable to actuate the electronically-controlled pressure generating unit to deliver hydraulic fluid pressure to the first hydraulic circuit and the first brake cylinder and the master cylinder is in communication with the second hydraulic circuit to deliver hydraulic fluid pressure to the second brake cylinder.

Abstract: A drain valve for a compressed air brake system of a vehicle comprises a valve housing defining a valve chamber open at one end and a drain aperture at the opposite end. A poppet has a poppet body at least partially received in the valve chamber and provided with a seal. The poppet is slidable between a closed position in which the poppet and the seal contact the inner wall of the valve housing around the drain aperture thereby closing the drain aperture, and an open position moved away from the drain aperture. A spring urges the poppet to the closed position. The poppet and the seal are incorporated in a single multi-component injection molded plastic part comprising at least two components. The poppet body is formed of a first plastic component and the seal is formed of a second plastic component partially embedded in the first plastic component.

Abstract: System and method for removing copper species from a hydraulic fluid are described. The system includes a filter including a thiol resin. The filter is configured to be in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has at least one torque transmission device which when rotating splashes in a fluid, at least two axles each having at least two wheels and at least one controllable coupling device adapted for selectively coupling or decoupling the torque transmission device with at least one of the wheels. The method includes the steps of: in an operating state in which no torque is requested by a driver of the vehicle, decoupling with the control device the torque transmission device and the at least one wheel when a driving speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold value and coupling with the control device the torque transmission device and the at least one wheel for torque transmission when the driving speed is smaller than the predetermined speed threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid vehicle driveline that includes an engine and a motor are presented. In one example, the systems and methods include one or more speed control modes where torque output of a motor is adjusted responsive to different control parameters in the different control modes.

Abstract: A control device is configured to, in a case that an internal combustion engine is made to start up before travel start of a vehicle in a parked state, when an auxiliary battery has at least a predetermined value of battery voltage, make the internal combustion engine start up after executing fuel heating processing for heating fuel by glow plugs to which electric power is transmitted, or when the battery voltage of the auxiliary battery is less than the predetermined value, execute the fuel heating processing after executing charge processing for charging the auxiliary battery using a main battery and then start up the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is equipped with an engine that is connected to a power split mechanism, a generator, an electric motor, and also a stepped transmission that is arranged between the electric motor and a drive shaft. An electronic control unit (an ECU) with which this hybrid vehicle is equipped revises a down line downward to make a downshift likely to occur when at least one of a prescribed generator condition and a prescribed electric motor condition is fulfilled. The generator condition includes that the temperature of the generator is equal to or higher than a first reference temperature and that an absolute value of a rotational speed of the generator decreases due to the making of the downshift. The electric motor condition includes that the temperature of the electric motor is equal to or higher than a third reference temperature.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle having an electric drive with a power accumulator, a fuel cell, and a control unit configured to control the operation of the fuel cell. The control unit has logic, at least partially including hardware configured to activate and deactivate the fuel cell as a function of a first characteristic map having a first input variable representing a present power demand of the hybrid vehicle which exists over a first defined observation time range.

Abstract: A battery system includes an electricity storage device including a plurality of battery units. The electronic control device is configured to switch a travel mode of the vehicle between a CD mode and a CS mode. The electronic control device is configured to calculate a vehicle state of charge at a higher value than an average state of charge when the average state of charge is higher than a threshold value, and calculate the vehicle state of charge at a lower value than the average state of charge when the average state of charge is lower than the threshold value. The threshold value is set at a lower value than a center value between an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the vehicle state of charge.

Abstract: A control method for a vehicle may include shifting request check step of checking whether there is request for shifting in vehicle on the basis of acceleration pedal depression extent and vehicle speed by shifting control device; target engine speed determination step of determining engine target speed on basis of the vehicle speed and gear ratio of pseudo target gear stage by target engine speed determiner when request for shifting is found to have been received as the result of the shifting request check step; and engine speed control step of controlling the engine speed to follow the target engine speed by determining the engine speed control torque on the basis of the difference between the target engine speed and the current engine speed and by applying the determined engine speed control torque to the first motor generator, after the engine target speed determination step.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an in-range error of a pressure sensor arranged downstream of a lift pump in a fuel system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include performing feedback control of the lift pump based on output of the pressure sensor, monitoring the pressure sensor output for flattening during the application of the voltage pulses, and adjusting operation of the fuel system depending on whether the pressure sensor output flattens for at least a threshold duration, which is indicative of an in-range error. The method may further include dynamically learning a setpoint pressure of a pressure relief valve of the fuel system and a fuel vapor pressure within the fuel system by monitoring pressure sensor output while adjusting the duty cycle of voltage pulses applied to the lift pump.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a hybrid vehicle has an abnormal sound generation condition determination unit that determines whether or not a drive state of the hybrid vehicle satisfies an abnormal sound generation condition of a gear train, and a pressing processor that executes a pressing process to apply a pressing torque to suppress generation of abnormal sound from a first rotary electric machine to the gear train of a transmission mechanism when the abnormal sound generation condition is satisfied and to not apply the pressing torque when the abnormal sound generation condition is not satisfied. A pressing torque setting unit sets a pressing torque to be applied by the first rotary electric machine to a torque in a direction to suppress an engine cam torque that may rotate an engine output shaft during a period in which the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a hybrid powertrain includes an electric machine coupled between an automatic gearbox and an engine. The vehicle includes paddle shifters configured to output a driver requested gear change. The hybrid powertrain is configured to selectively operate in an economy mode that optimizes fuel economy. While operating in the economy mode, a controller may selectively inhibit the driver requested gear change when the change may negatively impact fuel economy. In the economy mode, the driver requested gear change may be inhibited during a demand for braking. If the driver requested gear change is a downshift request, the downshift is inhibited and simulated using electric machine torque.

Abstract: A method of controlling a powertrain of a vehicle includes opening and/or closing one or more of a first switching device, a second switching device, a third switching device, and engaging and/or disengaging at least one of a pair of actuators for a starter mechanism or a motor/generator clutch. Many different control modes are provided for the powertrain by changing the operation of a motor-generator between a motor or a generator, and changing the electrical connections between a first energy storage device, a second energy storage device, an auxiliary electric system, the starter mechanism, and the motor-generator.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes an engine and a first electric machine each configured to selectively provide torque to propel the vehicle. A second electric machine is coupled to the engine to provide torque to start the engine from an inactive state. A high-voltage power source is configured to power both of the first electric machine and the second electric machine over a high-voltage bus. A propulsion controller is programmed to start the engine using cranking torque output from the second electric machine powered by the high-voltage power source. The controller is also programmed to operate both of the first electric machine and the combustion engine to propel the vehicle in response to an acceleration demand greater than a threshold. The controller is further programmed to decouple the engine and propel the vehicle using the first electric machine in response to vehicle speed less than a speed threshold.

Abstract: A shovel is provided that includes a lower running body, an upper turning body pivotally mounted on the lower running body, an engine mounted on the upper turning body, a motor generator driven by the engine, a power storage device for storing electric power generated by the motor generator, an electric motor for supplying regenerative electric power to the power storage device, a selective reduction catalyst system for purifying exhaust gas by injecting a reducing agent stored in a reducing agent storage tank into an exhaust pipe of the engine, an abnormality detection unit for detecting an abnormality of the selective reduction catalyst system, and a control device that performs abnormality determination on the selective reduction catalyst system based on a detection result of the abnormality detection unit. The control device continues to control the electric motor before and after the abnormality determination.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for classification of the type and weight of a trailer being towed by a vehicle. The classification is based on a comparison between a real-time road gradient as determined by the vehicle system and an expected road gradient as determined from an off-board or an onboard map. Vehicle operations may be adjusted based on the classification of the attached trailer.

Abstract: To provide drive torque control capable of avoiding acceleration failure even when a wheelie occurs. A drive torque control method for a vehicle detects or computes a wheelie amount of the vehicle, reduces drive torque that is applied to a rear wheel to be lower than the drive torque in a normal state when the wheelie occurs, and maintains or increases the drive torque when the wheelie amount is reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods for driving control of a given vehicle in motion. An object detecting transducer that is fixed to the given vehicle is driven in order to detect an object in a detection area at a detection distance away from the given vehicle. A notification message is communicated from the given vehicle to the object in the detection area. The notification message is sent when the object is detected at a too close distance.

Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus of a vehicle, which includes a transmission mode switching control program for controlling the automatic transmission to switch between an automatic transmission mode and a manual transmission mode, a coast idle stop control program for performing a coast idle stop control in which the engine is stopped automatically and the automatic transmission is changed into a neutral position while the vehicle is traveling, and a coast idle control program for performing a coast idle control in which the engine is made running idle and the automatic transmission is changed into the neutral position while the vehicle is traveling.

Abstract: Brake force distribution via a combination of mechanical braking and regenerative braking techniques is described. In an example, a brake system of a vehicle can detect a braking action and can cause a first negative force to be distributed across two or more wheel assemblies associated with the vehicle. A control system of the vehicle can send a command to at least a power system of the vehicle to cause the power system to affect a second negative force on a first wheel assembly and a positive force on a second wheel assembly to cause an uneven distribution of brake force between the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly. As a result, a combined net braking force is applied to the front wheels—the wheels with the most grip—and a reduced net braking force to is applied to the rear wheels to prevent rear-wheel lock-up.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle including an engine, an electric motor configured to give braking force to the vehicle, a battery configured to exchange electric power with the electric motor, a hydraulic brake configured to give braking force to the vehicle, and an electronic control unit configured to execute regeneration cooperative control such that braking force is given from the engine, the electric motor, and the hydraulic brake to the vehicle based on a driver's brake-on operation, when an open end voltage of the battery is equal to or greater than a first predetermined voltage, the regeneration cooperative control is limited.

Abstract: A method for shifting in a vehicle (1) with a hybrid powertrain (2), the powertrain includes: a combustion engine (3), an electric machine (4), a gearbox (6) with an input shaft (10) and a main shaft (14), wherein the combustion engine (3) and the electric machine (4) are connected to the input shaft (10); and a lay shaft (16), via gear sets (50, 52 and 58, 60, 62) is connected to the input shaft (10) and the main shaft (14), so that they form a split gear unit (13) and a main gear unit (15).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to monitor and evaluate vehicle operator behavior. An example method includes processing, using a particularly programmed processor, image data obtained with respect to a vehicle to identify an object in the image data. The example method includes measuring, using the mobile device, a geographic location of the vehicle. The example method includes determining, using the mobile device, an operating state of the vehicle. The example method includes analyzing the object in the image data, the geographic location, and the operating state of the vehicle to determine a behavior of the vehicle. The example method includes generating a score for a driver associated with the vehicle by comparing the behavior of the vehicle with a reference behavior, the reference behavior quantified by one or more driving metrics. The example method includes outputting the score.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for determining vehicle driver distractions. More particularly, apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for determining distractions associated with vehicle driving routes based on postures of vehicle occupants.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing profile information, in which a mobile device is connected to a vehicle device through a first communication network and connected to a profile information providing server through a second communication network, includes a driving information collection unit configured to collect driving information of a vehicle, a driving state determination unit configured to determine a driving state of a mobile device user based on the driving information, and a communication unit configured to transmit a driving state determination result to the profile information providing server.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for controlling operation of a vehicle. Driver assistance system (DAS) data may be used for controlling one or more function of the vehicle via a driver assistance system. Driver profile data (DPD) is generated and/or received that includes training data from sensor monitoring of a driver's usage characteristics for at least one feature of a vehicle type during a driver-controlled mode of vehicle driving. The DPD is processed with the DAS data to determine if the DPD conform to a tolerance parameter of the DAS data. A driver profile data file may be created by overwriting the portions of the DAS data with the DPD conforming to the tolerance parameters. One or more functions on the vehicle may be controlled via the driver profile data file using the driver assistance system during one of a semi-autonomous and fully autonomous mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for controlling functions of a vehicular alarm. The method includes receiving one or more signals including location information, determining a location of the vehicle using the location information, setting one or more functions based on the location information, determining whether an alarm function is activated, and activating the one or more functions according to the setting upon determining that an alarm has been activated. The method may further include using GPS data or signals transmitted from one or more base stations (e.g., from cellular telephone base stations, computer networks, proprietary transmitters, etc.) to determine the position of the apparatus (e.g., installed in the vehicle). The apparatus may also inform a user of regulations relating to an area dependent upon its location.

Abstract: A transportation system includes a first support tower, a second support tower, a suspension cable extending between the first and second support towers, and a tube defining an interior channel extending between the first and second support towers. A vehicle is configured to travel through the interior channel. A tension support member has a first end coupled to the suspension cable and a second end coupled to the first tube through an actuator. The tension support member exerts tension force to upwardly pull the first tube towards the suspension cable. The actuator adjusts the tension force when the vehicle travels through the interior channel under the tension support member to reduce deflection of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an equipment envelope (10) for a hopper wagon. The equipment envelope comprises a housing (11) that is configured to define an enclosed cavity storage space (12) in a bulk commodities storage chamber of a hopper wagon body, in which hopper wagon control means and/or other component parts of the hopper wagon (30) can be housed for use. The equipment envelope may be configured to be arranged in the chamber such that it is located above a hopper wagon bogie (40), preferably adjacent a closable outlet. The equipment envelope may comprise a first end wall (111) that is configured to extend at a predetermined incline angle ? towards the outlet. Depending on the configuration of the hopper wagon, the equipment housing may be configured to be located adjacent a further or alternative closable outlet. The equipment envelope may comprise a second end wall (112) that is configured to extend at a predetermined incline angle ? towards the further outlet.

Abstract: A railcar system that includes a railcar and a nested sliding gate assembly disposed within the railcar. The nested sliding gate assembly includes an upper deck, a lower deck, and a driving system. The upper deck has a plurality of holes. The lower deck is positioned below the upper deck and has a plurality of discharge ports. The driving system positions the lower deck in a first position with respect to the upper deck, where the holes of the upper deck and the discharge ports of the lower deck do not align when the lower deck is in the first position. The driving system also positions the lower deck in a second position with respect to the upper deck, where the holes of the upper deck and the discharge ports of the lower deck at least partially align when the lower deck is in the second position.