Abstract: Axle system for use in utility vehicles includes a suspension arm and a clamping unit, wherein the clamping unit has a base element and a clamping element, wherein the base element is substantially arranged on a first side and the clamping element on the second side of the suspension arm lying opposite the first side, wherein the base element is configured to be secured to an axle element, and wherein a tensile element is configured to apply a tensile force between the clamping element and the base element, such that the suspension arm is held by force fit between the clamping element and the base element.

Abstract: A shear band that may be used e.g., in a non-pneumatic tire is provided. The shear band uses interlaced reinforcing elements positioned within a shear layer of elastomeric material. A variety of configurations may be used to create the interlaced positioning of the reinforcing elements including e.g., a horizontal diamond or vertical diamond configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire. A partial tie rubber layer is selectively disposed between a carcass layer and an inner liner layer in an area on a tread portion on either side in a tire lateral direction excluding a center region of the tread portion such that a length of intrusion from a perpendicular line extending from an outermost edge of a belt layer in a tire lateral direction through the inner liner layer toward a tire equator of each of the partial tie rubber layers is within the range from 0 to 15 mm and a length of protrusion from the perpendicular line toward a bead portion of the partial tie rubber layer is within the range from 15 to 120 mm.

Abstract: A tire includes a tread portion provided with lateral grooves extending in a tire axial direction and blocks divided by the lateral grooves. At least one of the lateral grooves is provided with a first projected portion with a bottom protruding from a groove bottom of the at least one of the lateral grooves. The first projected portion includes at least one tie-bar portion connecting a pair of blocks with each other which is arranged adjacently through the at least one of the lateral groove, and a narrow rib-portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the at least one of the lateral groove from the at least one tie-bar portion without being connected to the pair of blocks.

Abstract: A tread for a tire includes a plurality of circumferential rows extending around a radially outer portion of the tire. Each row defines a plurality of tread lugs. Each tread lug has a radially outer surface. The radially outer surfaces have an asymmetric curvature such that a radially outermost point on each surface is not located on an axis of symmetry of each tread lug.

Abstract: A tire comprises a tread portion 2. The tread portion 2 has a repeated pattern portion 7 in which a plurality of minimum pattern constituent units 8 is arranged in a tire circumferential direction. Each of the minimum pattern constituent units 8 includes a center block 10, a plurality of surrounding blocks 11 surrounding the center block 10, and dividing grooves 15 each arranged between adjacent ones of the plurality of the surrounding blocks 11. The dividing grooves 15 include first dividing grooves 16 and second dividing grooves 17 inclined in opposite directions to each other.

Abstract: A tire includes a tread portion including a tire equator, a tread edge located axially outwardly of the tire equator, and at least one block. The at least one block includes a ground contact top surface having an axially extending first edge, and a first sidewall surface extending radially inwardly from the first edge. The first sidewall surface includes an axially inner portion located on the tire equator side and an axially outer portion located on the tread edge side. A maximum inclined angle of the inner portion with respect to a tire normal is greater than a maximum inclined angle of the outer portion with respect to a tire normal.

Abstract: A heavy duty pneumatic tire includes a tread pattern that includes circumferential main grooves, a center wide groove extending in a center region between the circumferential main grooves, and center lug grooves disposed in a first center region and a second center region on either side of the center wide groove in the tire lateral direction, the center lug grooves having a linear shape and opening to the center wide groove. The center lug grooves and the circumferential main grooves have a narrower groove width than shoulder lug grooves disposed in a shoulder region. The center lug grooves of the first center region and the center lug grooves of the second center region extend parallel with one another. The center wide groove has a constant groove depth that is shallower than the maximum groove depth of the circumferential main grooves and the center lug grooves.

Abstract: The present invention includes tire treads having a plurality of sipes (14) where at least one of the opposing sides of the sipe thickness includes a plurality of projections (18, 36) and recesses (20, 38) and a method for forming the same.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a first circumferential groove extending in a circumferential direction of the pneumatic tire, a second circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction of the pneumatic tire, a third circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction of the pneumatic tire; and a fourth circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction of the pneumatic tire, the first, second, third, and fourth circumferential grooves defining first, second, third, fourth, and fifth ribs. Each of the ribs includes lateral grooves and lateral sipes. The lateral grooves of the first rib each having chamfers on an upper side at an intersection with the first circumferential groove.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a sidewall region extending in a tire radial direction, the sidewall region comprises a protruding region that protrudes in a tire width direction, and a recess that is recessed in the tire width direction, the protruding region extends in the tire radial direction, and the recess is contiguous with the protruding region.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire mountable on a 15° tapered specified rim includes a bead core, a carcass, a steel cord reinforcing layer, a bead rubber layer, and a first reinforcing rubber layer. A distance from a second line segment to a third line segment is from 4 mm to 12 mm, a complex modulus of the first reinforcing rubber layer is from 6 MPa to 10 MPa, an elongation at break of the first reinforcing rubber layer is from 300% to 450%, a complex modulus of the second reinforcing rubber layer is from 10 MPa to 15 MPa, and a complex modulus of a shock absorbing rubber layer is from 2 MPa to 6 MPa.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination flat-proof tire and low friction insert having particular application for use on a motorcycle. The insert is preferably manufactured from a resilient (e.g., closed cell foam) material. The insert fills the tire and is movable relative thereto. A low friction sleeve surrounds the insert so as to reduce both friction and heat at the interface of the insert and the tire to minimize the degradation and replacement of the insert. By way of example, the low friction sleeve is manufactured from a smooth textile material having a thickness of about 0.005 inches. In one embodiment, the insert is separated into a plurality of compressible segments aligned side-by-side one another around the tire. Relatively hard spacers are located between adjacent pairs of the insert segments to apply compressive forces to the insert segments in response to road conditions.

Abstract: A control circuit includes a controlled pressure line, connectable to a compressor, a first line, connectable to the controlled pressure line and connected to the first volume for introducing air inside the first volume, and a second line, connectable to the controlled pressure line and connected to the second volume for introducing air inside the second volume. The control circuit also includes a first spool valve, which is a three way-two positions valve, configured to switch from a first position to a second position if the pressure in the first volume exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A pressure sensing assembly configured to be attached to a bicycle wheel having a tire and a rim mounted to the tire. The pressure sensing assembly includes a housing, a pressure transmitting member, a sensing chamber defined by the housing and the pressure transmitting member, and a sensing element. The pressure transmitting member is coupled the housing and has a central portion offset from the plane in a first direction. The sensing element is offset from the plane in a second direction opposite the first direction. The pressure transmitting member is configured to transmit a pressure in the tire to the sensing element via the sensing chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rubber coating for an electronic communication module, the coating comprising 100 phr of at least one diene-based elastomer, and at least one nano-sized inorganic material having a dielectric constant of at least 9 and a loss tangent of less than 0.1, wherein the coating when cured has a dielectric constant of at least 4.5 and a loss tangent of less than 0.01. Also disclosed are an electronic communication module comprising a radio device having at least a portion of its outer surface surrounded by the rubber coating (i.e., a rubber composition of specified composition), tires or tire retreads incorporating the electronic communication module, and methods for increasing the dielectric constant of a rubber coating without increasing its loss tangent.

Abstract: In accordance with one series of embodiments of the current disclosure, there is provided a tractor hitch system for hitching a tractor to a trailing implement. The tractor hitch system comprises a base, an actuator, a pin and a lever arm. The base is configured to be mountable on a drawbar of the tractor. The actuator is movable between a first position and a second position. The lever arm is attached to the base, connected to the actuator, and attached to the pin. The attachment of the lever arm to the pin allows the pin to pivot and move laterally with respect to the lever arm such that, when the actuator is in the first position, the pin engages the drawbar so as to be able to couple the tractor to the trailing implement, and when the actuator is in the second position, the pin is disengaged from the drawbar so that the tractor is not coupled to the trailing implement.

Abstract: A hitch ball mount is shown and described. The hitch ball mount may include a generally tubular body having first and second end portions, the first end portion engageable with a hitch receiver of a towing vehicle, and a drop portion monolithic with the tubular body and formed between the first and second end portions of the tubular member. The hitch ball mount may further include a hitch ball mounting portion monolithic with the drop portion and tubular body, the hitch ball mounting portion formed at the second end portion of the tubular member and extending from the drop portion, where a hitch ball is selectively attachable to the hitch ball mounting portion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coupling device for a stabilizer of a suspension. The coupling device has a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion that is supported thereon. One coupling portion has a connection location for the stabilizer and another coupling portion has a connection location for a wheel suspension. and the coupling device also has a locking device, which, in a locking position, limits a relative movement of the second coupling portion with respect to the first coupling portion in a first direction. In order to better protect a stabilizer from overload, the locking device is configured in a release position to release the relative movement when a first force acting between the connection locations exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a bearing arrangement for a motor vehicle, having a first component with a bearing eye, which a bearing bushing is arranged, a second component with a first and second attaching portion, which are arranged on both sides of the first component in a region of the bearing eye, and a tensioning device, which is guided axially through an inner sleeve of the bearing bushing via a shaft portion to optimize connection of two components via a bearing bushing. The tensioning device tensions the inner sleeve axially against the second attaching portion, avoiding the first attaching portion, and is received with radial form fit in a first recess of the first attaching portion by a head portion.

Abstract: A bushing for use in an axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle. A beam supports an axle for pivotal movement with a hanger of the heavy-duty vehicle at a pivot connection. A bumper is fixed to the beam and contacts an engagement member of the heavy-duty vehicle to limit the relative pivotal movement of the beam and axle in one direction. A force is applied to the pivot connection in a force application direction that is angularly spaced from horizontal and vertical planes. The pivot connection includes a bushing to connect the beam and the hanger. The bushing includes an elastomeric bushing body with at least one void for decreasing rigidity of the bushing body in a substantially vertical direction. The one void is located in the bushing body angularly spaced from the force application direction. The bushing body is substantially solid along the force application direction.

Abstract: An axle/suspension assembly for a heavy-duty vehicle supported by a frame and a hanger includes a beam, an axle, and a bumper. The axle is supported by a first portion of the beam for pivotal movement of the beam relative to the hanger at a pivot joint. The first portion of the beam is located on a first side of the pivot joint. The bumper is fixed to at least one of the frame, the hanger, and a second portion of the beam. The second portion of the beam is located on an opposite second side of the pivot joint. The bumper includes a portion for contacting structure of at least another of the frame, the hanger, and the beam to limit pivotal movement of the axle in one direction.

Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric energy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.

Abstract: System and method for operating an active suspension system of a vehicle includes actuating a switch on the vehicle, setting the active suspension system for the vehicle to a demonstration mode, setting a timer when the active suspension system is set to the demonstration mode, and setting the active suspension system for the vehicle to a normal operating mode after the timer reaches a predetermined time. Prior to expiration of the timer, the system and method determines a gear in which the vehicle is placed, determines whether an engine of the vehicle is running if the transmission gear of the vehicle is drive, reverse, or neutral, and determines a throttle angle of the vehicle if the engine is running. The active suspension system is set to a normal operating mode if the throttle angle is greater than a predetermined angle. An iterative process determines the status of the timer.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing energy consumption by an active suspension system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system and method includes determining whether the vehicle is in park or neutral and determining the speed of the vehicle. The active suspension system is set to a normal operating mode if the speed is greater than a predetermined speed. A throttle angle is determined if the speed is less than a predetermined speed. The active suspension system is set to a normal operating mode if the throttle angle is greater than a predetermined angle and to a power saving mode if the throttle angle is less than a predetermined angle for more than a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A modified shock absorber for tiltable vehicles, with means to maintain the vertical of the vehicle without offering resistance to the extension movements during tilting maneuvers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating an actuator unit (102) of a roll stabilizer for a vehicle (100), wherein the actuator unit (102) has a supply line port (118) for supplying a supply voltage, a converter (112) for supplying an alternating voltage using the supply voltage, and at least two phase lines (114, 116) for supplying the alternating voltage to actuator ports (132, 134) of an actuator (110) which can be operated using the alternating voltage, comprises a step for importing an interrupt signal (140), which indicates an interruption (130) in the provision of the supply voltage or a deviation from the supply voltage at the supply line port (118) and a step providing (203) a protection signal (142, 144, 146, 148) in response to the protection signal (142, 144, 146, 148) at an interface having protection equipment (152, 154, 156, 158) using the interrupt signal (140) in order to at least partly prevent a generator voltage from being transmitted, which is fed or can be fed into the phase lines

Abstract: An air conditioning device for a vehicle includes a seat air conditioning unit that blows out air from a front side of a seat and an interior air conditioning unit that blows out air whose temperature has been adjusted by a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger toward the vehicle interior space. The air conditioning device for a vehicle includes a first duct member for guiding the air flowing between the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger in the interior air conditioning unit to the seat air conditioning unit. The air conditioning device for a vehicle further includes a second duct member for guiding the air higher in temperature than the air flowing between the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger to the seat air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A computer cooling assembly for a computer of a vehicle, such as an autonomous driving vehicle, includes a shell that defines an interior space. The shell is configured to house the computer. A cooling loop is positioned in the interior space proximate to the computer. The cooling loop is configured to couple to an air conditioning system. A heat transfer medium is positioned in the interior space. The heat transfer medium is in contact with the cooling loop and the computer. The heat transfer medium is configured to transfer heat that is generated by the computer to the cooling loop.

Abstract: Provided is a high-voltage equipment cooling system for electric-powered vehicles, which is capable of cooling high-voltage equipment (an IPU herein) at an optimum air flow rate without impairing the air-conditioning state of a vehicle interior. This high-voltage equipment cooling system is equipped with an IPU cooling ECU with a control unit, which controls the air flow rate of an IPU fan on the basis of information related to the air blowing method for the IPU, information related to the air flow rate of a blower fan, information related to the selection of inside air circulation mode or outside air introduction mode by an HVAC, information related to the selection of one of air blowing modes by the HVAC, and information related to the air flow rate to be supplied to the IPU.

Abstract: A seat thermal conditioning device includes a seat portion having a vent configured to provide conditioned air to a seat occupant neck area. A thermoelectric module is arranged in the seat portion. The thermoelectric module is configured to both heat and cool an air supply to provide the conditioned air.

Abstract: An off road vehicle has an air heater with right and left shells surrounding and supporting a core, with the right and left shells connected by screws extending through ears on one of the shells into bosses on the other shell. Dual air control plates are mounted in the shell on a shaft for pivoting movement. An actuator is linked to the shaft by a swing arm with a guide pin riding in an arced slot of a drive plate rotationally secured to the shaft. The right and left shells are secured to the vehicle using a resilient compressible grommet, with a bushing extending through the grommet and a bolt extending through the bushing and attached into the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air diffusion system and method for a vehicle passenger compartment, comprising at least one aerator (60) and means (50) for orienting said at least one aerator that are suitable for directing a flow of air (62) delivered by said aerator. According to the invention, a device for detecting a face (Vi) of at least one person present in the passenger compartment is connected to said orientation means so as to direct said flow of air towards at least one of the faces detected.

Abstract: A two-door HVAC air intake comprising an air intake body having a fresh air opening and first and second recirculated air openings is disclosed. A first door is provided that is movable from a first recirculation opening-unblocking/fresh air opening-blocking position to a first recirculation opening-blocking/fresh air opening-unblocking position. A second door is provided that is movable from a second recirculation opening-unblocking position to a second recirculation opening-blocking position. The doors may be shell doors or flap doors. Fresh air mode is achieved by moving the first and second doors to their recirculation opening-blocking positions. Partial air recirculation mode is achieved by moving the first door to its first recirculation opening-blocking position and the second door to its second recirculation opening-unblocking position.

Abstract: A vehicle heater housing (46) has an inlet area (49), an outlet area (51) and an air flow space (47) for air to be heated with a burner chamber assembly unit (30), to be fed with combustion air and fuel. A heat exchanger area (11), including a heat exchanger housing (12), is elongated in the direction of a housing longitudinal axis (L) with an outer side (24) around which air flowing in the air flow space flows. Heat transfer ribs are on a side of the heat exchanger housing. The heater housing has a housing circumferential wall (56) and an outlet front wall area (58). The heat transfer ribs have a longitudinal edge (64) extending along the housing circumferential wall and a radial edge extending along the outlet front wall area. A distance of the radial edge from the outlet front wall area changes from radially outwards to radially inwards.

Abstract: A radiant heating system includes a radiant heating zone, a first radiant heating feature on a first side of the radiant heating zone and a second radiant heating feature on a second side of the radiant heating zone opposite the first side. A method of radiant heating is also disclosed.

Abstract: An extraction device is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular for a motor bike or for a motor vehicle similar to a motor bike. The extraction device includes at least one duct-like air-guide which has at least one opening which is arranged in or at an exhaust-air region of a ventilated vehicle component of the motor vehicle, such as engine, gearbox or the like, and which is extended between the used-air region of the vehicle component and a rear wheel of the motor vehicle, and at least one suction apparatus which is connectable or is connected to the air-guide and in which a negative pressure can be produced in order to suck air out of the exhaust-air region via the at least one air-guide.

Abstract: A pressure relief assembly includes a housing defining an air passage chamber having at least one airflow opening. A flap is secured within the air passage chamber. The flap is configured to move into an open position to expose the airflow opening(s) to relieve air pressure. A cushion is secured to the housing underneath the flap. The cushion is configured to cushion motion of the flap. A first attachment securely couples the flap to the housing. A second attachment securely couples the cushion to the housing. The first attachment is separate and distinct from the second attachment.

Abstract: An air register for use in a vehicle includes a vent housing having an outlet. A frame member is operably coupled to the sidewalls of the outlet and contains a perimeter wall framing an open central portion. Disposed within the open central portion is a plurality of chambers operably coupled to the frame member and movable between first and second positions. Each chamber includes a perimeter wall having vertical and horizontal surfaces disposed in a common plane around an open interior portion.

Abstract: A portable apparatus, and methods to operate the apparatus, comprising a base that securely engages with a tire, a motor support structure, an electric motor coupled to an electrical power source, a pulley system, one or more attachment devices, and an electrical motor control device utilized to raise and lower a windshield (or other component) from a vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable overhead assembly for a vehicle having a retractable cover (912) under tension and an integrated stiffening rod that includes attachment features (916) to selectively connect to a windshield area. The retractable system is self contained within an extrusion keeping the overall package size small and the installation/removal simple. The retractable cover creates a sun shade over the vehicle front cockpit and/or rear passenger area when deployed, and is retractable to a stowed position. The retractable overhead assembly is installable under any hard or soft top assembly configuration, and does not impede use or operation of the hard top or soft top assembly.

Abstract: A sunroof device includes support members, which are attached to a movable panel, sliding members, which are slidable along guide rails, movable members, rotating bodies, two front-side rack gears, and two rear-side rack gears. Each movable member is fixed to one of the sliding members and supported by the corresponding one of the support members to be movable. Front and rear-side rotating bodies are respectively supported by front and rear portions of the movable panel. The front-side rack gears are coupled to the front-side rotating body such that the distances from the center of the movable panel to the front ends of the two movable members are equal. The rear-side rack gears are coupled to the rear-side rotating body such that distances from the center of the movable panel to the rear ends of the two movable members are equal.

Abstract: Linear motor actuated moonroofs are provided to include first and second channels and a glass sheet with a first and second edge each contained in the first and second channel, respectively. Each of the first and second channel has a plurality of magnets, which are configured to interact with a plurality of coils positioned on the top and/or bottom surface of the glass sheet proximate to the first and second edges. The plurality of coils are selectively energized by a control module to induce a movement of the glass sheet relative to the first and second channels. In some examples, the moonroof and associated components are contained within a cassette. The plurality of coils are preferably affixed to the glass sheet surfaces by a lithographic or silk-screen printing process.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a retractable tonneau cover for a vehicle that has been modified in order to generally minimize the size of a housing of the tonneau cover, providing more vehicle cargo space for a user. The modified retractable tonneau cover can be automatically closed through an electronic system.

Abstract: A linkage for opening and closing a lid through actuation of an electric motor 12 includes a base bracket 21 extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, and a driving lever 14 having one end pivotally connected to the bracket 21 and the other end connected to the lid. The driving lever is driven via a pinion 22 by a sector gear 31 driven by the electric motor. The sector gear is attached to the bracket 21. The electric motor is fixed to a motor bracket 11 and attached via the motor bracket 11 to the bracket. Loosening a member supporting a lateral end portion of the motor bracket 11 and a bolt 41 fixing the bracket 11 to the bracket 21 allows the pinion and the sector gear to be axially disengaged from each other.

Abstract: There is provided a torque rod (1) in which any one of a partition wall (27) between an interior of a first accommodation portion (15) for accommodating a first elastic bush (11) and an interior of a third accommodation portion (17) for accommodating an actuator (14) and a partition wall (28) between an interior of a second accommodation portion (16) for accommodating a second elastic bush (12) and the interior of the third accommodation portion (17) has a communication hole (29) for allowing the interiors of both the accommodation portions to communicate with each other, and a whole area of the other partition wall is closed. In the communication hole (29), a counterbore (29a) is formed in an end portion on a side opposite to the third accommodation portion (17). The torque rod includes a bolt (30) that is inserted into the communication hole (29), and that has a head portion (30a) accommodated in the counterbore (29a).

Abstract: A torque rod including: a rod member; and a rubber bushing provided at a lengthwise end of the rod member, wherein the rubber bushing includes an inner axial member, an outer tubular member, and a rubber elastic body connecting the inner axial member and the outer tubular member with each other, the lengthwise end of the rod member is fixed to the inner axial member of the rubber bushing constituted by a part separate from the rod member, and a stopper to limit a relative displacement amount of the inner axial member and the outer tubular member in the rubber bushing is constituted in contact sections of the rod member and the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A torque rod for straddling connection target members including a rod member and a rubber bushing provided to a lengthwise end of the rod member. The rubber bushing includes an inside shaft member, an outer peripheral member to be attached to one of the connection target members, and a rubber elastic body connecting the inside shaft member and the outer peripheral member. The rubber bushing is a part separate from the rod member and the end of the rod member is fixed to the inside shaft member. The rod member includes an abutting face to abut against the one of the connection target members without interposing the outer peripheral member of the rubber bushing. A stopper to limit an amount of elastic deformation of the rubber elastic body in the rubber bushing is constituted by including the abutting face of the rod member.

Abstract: A prismatic battery stack includes a first lithium-ion battery cell and a second lithium-ion battery cell. The battery stack also includes a first channel disposed around the first lithium-ion battery cell and the second lithium-ion battery cell. The battery stack includes a second channel disposed around the first lithium-ion battery cell and the second lithium-ion battery cell. The first channel and the second channel serve as heat sinks.

Abstract: Provided herein is an auxiliary hybrid system (AHS) that may be configured to provide electrical propulsion to an e.g., internal combustion-powered vehicle through the use of a battery and electric motor. Alternatively, the AHS may be configured to increase range to electric vehicles through the use of an internal combustion-powered generator. In either embodiment, the AHS is added to a vehicle without altering the operation of the vehicles standard drivetrain, allowing the vehicle to operate conventionally when the AHS is not engaged. The AHS is compatible with a wide range of vehicles with a minimum of vehicle-specific parts.