Abstract: The pneumatic tire (1) comprises at least three circumferential grooves (22) extending in a tire circumferential direction in a tread portion (2), and at least four ribs (23) defined by the circumferential grooves (22), the at least four ribs (23) extending in the tire circumferential direction. At least two of the ribs (23) protrude outward in a tire radial direction beyond the profile line (L) of the tread surface when viewed in the meridian cross section. The protruding amount (G) of the at least two ribs (23) decreases in order from a first side in a tire width direction to a second side.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with a pair of central blocks arranged on both sides of a tire equator. Each of the central blocks includes a ground contacting face having an axially inner block edge facing the tire equator. The inner block edge extends in a V-shaped manner including a first inclined edge and a second inclined edge inclined in an opposite direction to the first inclined edge. The second inclined edge has a circumferential length shorter than a circumferential length of the first inclined edge. Each of the central blocks includes a first portion having the first inclined edge and a second portion having the second inclined edge. The second portion of the central block includes an end wall at an opposite side to the first portion. The end wall includes a stepwise wall extending in steps toward a groove bottom.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is provided with improved braking performance and turning performance on ice. Circumferential narrow grooves are disposed at a density in the tire width direction of not less than 0.06 grooves/mm and not more than 0.2 grooves/mm. Width direction narrow grooves extend at an angle with respect to the tire width direction of not less than ?45° and not more than +45°. The circumferential narrow grooves have at least one bent portion. The bend angle of the bent portion is not less than 40° and not more than 160°.

Abstract: A tread and tire for a multipurpose agricultural machine, that improves field traction while ensuring a satisfactory compromise with wear under engine torque and vibratory comfort on the road having a tread having a plurality of lugs distributed in a first row extending axially from a first axial end of the tread and in a second row extending axially from a second axial end of the tread, the second row differing from the first row by a symmetry relative to the equatorial plane of the tire followed by a rotation about the rotation axis of the tire, each row having an alternation of long lugs and of short lugs. The axially inner end face of a first long lug of a row of lugs is separated from the trailing lateral face of the second long lug of the symmetrical row of lugs, closest to the axially inner end face of the first long lug, by an end groove with a width at least equal to 10% and at most equal to 100% of the lug height.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with a first shoulder main groove, a second shoulder main groove and at least one main groove to separate a first crown portion and a second crown portion. The first crown portion is provided with first crown sipes with a width less than 2 mm, but is not provided with any grooves with a width equal to or more than 2 mm. The second crown portion is provided with second crown sipes having a width less than 2 mm, but is not provided with any grooves with a width equal to or more than 2 mm. Each first crown sipe extends from the crown main groove to the first shoulder main groove with a first inclination direction. Each second crown sipe extends from the crown main groove to the second shoulder main groove with the first inclination direction.

Abstract: The contact patch of the center land portion partitioned by the center side main grooves protrudes outward in the tire radial direction from the overall standard profile line of the tread portion. The maximum protruding amount is not less than 1.0% and not more than 2.5% of the tire width direction dimension of the center land portion. The contact patch of the intermediate land portion partitioned by the center side main groove and the shoulder side main groove protrudes outward in the tire radial direction from the standard profile line. The maximum protruding amount is not less than 0.7% and not more than 2.0% of the tire width direction dimension of the intermediate land portion. The maximum protruding amount of the center land portion is greater than the maximum protruding amount of the intermediate land portion.

Abstract: The pneumatic tire includes a tread portion having lug grooves, and side portions which are contiguously formed with the tread portion. Projections which differ in at least one of a shape and a size are arranged on a side portion in a plurality of rows in a tire radial direction. Opening positions of small lug grooves on both sides of the tread portion are made to agree with a straight line which passes the projection and extends in the tire radial direction.

Abstract: To provide a motorized two-wheeled vehicle tire for traveling on uneven terrain, the block durability performance of which has been improved; and a tire vulcanization mold capable of molding said tire. A motorized two-wheeled vehicle tire for traveling on uneven terrain wherein multiple blocks are provided on the tread at intervals in the tire circumference direction. Recesses are provided on the bottom surfaces of the grooves. Multiple recesses are provided at intervals in the axial direction of the tire. Spew, which was drawn up into the vent holes of the mold during vulcanization molding, or removal marks thereof are provided between each recess and the block that is adjacent in the tire circumference direction.

Abstract: A tire made of rubbery material having a sidewall includes a pattern formed on this sidewall. The pattern has a plurality of protruding elements, with the protruding elements having the form of spherical-cap portions having a radius, and, within the pattern, each protruding element interpenetrates with several adjacent protruding elements so that the distance between a tip of the protruding element and a tip of another adjacent protruding element is less than the diameter of the protruding element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a pair of spaced apart bead components, a connecting carcass between the bead components, a pair of sidewalls overlying the carcass, and a rubber chafer portion adjacent to each of the sidewalls and positioned around at least a portion of each of the bead components and intended for contacting a rigid rim of a wheel, the rubber chafer portion comprising a radially innermost toe guard and a chafer adjacent to a radially outer end of the toe guard; wherein the ratio of a modulus of the toe guard to a modulus of the chafer is in the range of 3 to 10.

Abstract: A tire inflation system for a small trailer may include a fluid pressure source mountable to the trailer, and fluid conduits providing sealed fluid communication between the fluid pressure source and the small trailer's pneumatic tires. The system may further include a fluid connector configured for connection to an external fluid power source.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an integrated wireless data system and method for mounting the system on one or more components within a vehicle wheel hub assembly for measuring operational data relating to the condition or status of a brake rotor or other components within a wheel hub assembly, where the integrated wireless data system rotates with the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A wheel position detecting device can suppress an erroneous detection of a wheel position even if a moving direction of a vehicle cannot be determined by wheel speed sensors whether in a forward direction or in a rearward direction. When an edge number (or a tooth number) is incremented based on detection signals of the wheel speed sensors of one, two or three wheels while the vehicle is at a halt, the edge number (or the tooth number) is not used as learning data. Thus, it is less likely that the wheel position is erroneously detected based on erroneous learning data. Therefore, even if the moving direction of the vehicle cannot be determined whether in the forward direction or the rearward direction by the wheel speed sensors, the wheel position detecting device can suppress the erroneous wheel position detection.

Abstract: A wheel parameter resolving system, apparatus and method are disclosed and described. The wheel parameter resolving system comprises a wheel unit configured to sense radial acceleration in a wheel, the wheel comprising a rim and a tire, the rim having a diameter, and a transmitter configured to transmit a transmit signal indicative of sensed radial acceleration, a controller configured to resolve a rotation parameter indicative of the rim diameter in response to the sensed radial acceleration, and a receiver configured to receive a receive signal based on a transmit signal indicative of sensed radial acceleration, the receiver communicatively coupled to the controller. Resolving the rotation parameter comprises calculating the rotation parameter based on the sensed radial acceleration and a predetermined roll parameter.

Abstract: A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air tube mounted within a tire sidewall groove. The air tube is in contacting engagement with opposite angled groove surfaces surrounding the air tube. A segment of the air tube is flattened from an expanded diameter to a flat diameter by bending and compression of the groove in a rolling tire footprint to force air evacuated from the flattened segment along a tube air passageway. A tube is positioned within the groove, wherein the tube has a circular cross-sectional shape and an outside diameter D, and the groove does not have a circular cross-sectional shape, wherein said groove has a width W and a length L, wherein D is greater than W.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer (2) for a bicycle (1), having a braking device acting on wheel(s) (4) of the trailer (2); a sensor device (12) which supplies a measured variable, which is a measure of an acceleration force acting on the trailer (2) via a tow bar (5); a controller (18) for controlling the braking device and that is configured to act on the braking device, depending on the measured variable determined by the sensor device (12), such that an inertial force of the trailer (2) generated in the pulling mode or during braking of the bicycle (1) is compensated for or is at least reduced; and a decoupling device (10; 410; 510) which is configured for the partial mechanical decoupling of a movement of the bicycle trailer (2) with respect to the bicycle (1) in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle trailer (L).

Abstract: Robotic devices are presented including: a body; an electronic computing device housed within the body; and at least two wheeled suspension systems coupled with the body, each wheeled suspension system including, a first suspension system including: a frame, a rotating arm pivotally coupled to the frame on a first end and coupled to a wheel on a second end, and an extension spring coupled with the rotating arm on a third end and the frame on a fourth end, where the extension spring is extended when the wheel is retracted, a second suspension system including: a base slidingly coupled with the frame, and a number of vertically positioned extension springs coupled with the frame on a fifth end and the base on a sixth end.

Abstract: A non-driven axle for a vehicle or a trailer is provided. The non-driven axle includes a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a central portion. The first arm portion is for rotatably mounting a first wheel hub. The second arm portion is for rotatably mounting a second wheel hub. The second arm portion is on an axial end of the central portion opposite the first arm portion. The central portion is between the first arm portion and the second arm portion and may be substantially arch-shaped or substantially ring-shaped. The substantially arch-shaped central portion includes a main portion and a radially inner portion. The substantially ring-shaped central portion includes a main portion and an inner portion. The non-driven axle reduces a weight of a vehicle or trailer while capable of being lifted without interfering with an operation of a drive axle.

Abstract: An equalizer includes a pivot arm pivotally connected between first and second spaced-apart plates fixedly connected to each other. First and second bump stops extend from one of the first and second plates to or toward the other of the first and second plates. A first shock absorber is disposed and selectively compressible between the pivot arm and the first bump stop. A second shock absorber is disposed and selectively compressible between the pivot arm and the second bump stop.

Abstract: A structural component 1 is provided for a vehicle designed for driving off-road on rough terrain. The component 1, such as the lower control arm of a suspension system, is formed from aluminum, aluminum-alloy or other light-weight material and provided on its underside with a parallel arrangement of chamfered ribs 5 which extend in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The spacing between adjacent ribs 5 is less than or equal to 10 mm so as to prevent underlying rocks and stones 7 from impacting, and thereby abrading the inner surface 3 of the component 1. The ribs 5 are provided as sacrificial elements and will become eroded in use until they no longer provide the desired protection of the inner surface 3. The extent of abrasion of the ribs 5 can be ascertained by a visual inspection of the underlying surface of the vehicle, and, if necessary, the component 1 can be replaced.

Abstract: An axle unit comprising a first suspension arm element and a second suspension arm element, wherein the first suspension arm element and the second suspension arm element can be mounted on a vehicle frame so as to be pivotable about a common pivot axis, wherein the first suspension arm element has a first joining region configured as a recess, and the second suspension arm element has a second joining region configured as a recess, wherein the first joining region and the second joining region are arranged on two opposing sides of an axle tube extending substantially along a tube axis, and wherein the axle tube can be secured by substance bonding in the first and second joining regions to the first and second suspension arm elements.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle having a chassis and a control arm moveably coupled to the chassis includes a first spring seat configured to be fixed to the chassis, a second spring seat configured to be supported by the control arm, a coil spring extending between the first spring seat and the second spring seat, and a sensor module supported by the first spring seat or the second spring seat. The sensor module is operable to determine a state of compression of the coil spring.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper including a piston assembly having a piston body including at least two first channels and at least two second channels. The first and second channels are sloped. A compression side of each of the first channels is positioned radially outward relative to a rebound side. A rebound side of each of the second channels is positioned radially outward relative to a compression side. At least one main disc at least partially covers the rebound side of each of the first channels, and at least one main disc at least partially covers the compression side of each of the second channels. At least one supplementary channel is positioned radially inward with respect to the first and second channels. At least one supplementary disc at least partially covers at least one of a rebound side and a compression side of the at least one supplementary channel.

Abstract: A vehicle with 3 or more wheels includes at least two wheels aligned on the same axis. The vehicle has an intermediate centerline plane between the wheels parallel to a direction of movement, including a mass suspended in relation to the wheels defining a passenger or containment compartment, and two suspension groups kinematically connecting the suspended mass to the two aligned wheels. An anti-roll stabilizer device has at least one compensation mass kinematically connected to the suspended mass via a guide and movable in relation thereto. The anti-roll stabilizer device has a drive of the compensation mass to distance or bring the compensation mass closer to the centerline plane on the side opposite the displacement of a barycenter of the suspended mass with respect to the same centerline plane, to oppose the displacement with respect to the centerline plane of the position of the barycenter of the suspended mass.

Abstract: A robot has a robot body on a frame structure, the robot body having at least one enclosed space to hold at least one delivery item. At least one sensing device detects objects along a direction of motion of said robot. The robot has six wheels, where at least two wheels on a side of the frame are connected to each other. The axis of rotation of each wheel is substantially fixed with respect to the robot during forward, rearward, and turning motion of the robot. During transition, via a substantially vertical obstacle, from a first substantially horizontally surface to a second substantially horizontally surface higher than the first substantially horizontally surface, one of the connected wheels causes an upward or a downward force to be applied to the other connected wheel.

Abstract: A method for determining an actual level of a vehicle, includes determining an actual level of the vehicle as a function of a distance between at least one wheel of the vehicle and a superstructure of the vehicle, wherein the distance is determined by means of a signal detected by at least one chassis sensor, wherein the signal includes at least signal portions that correspond to an own movement of the vehicle and signal portions that correspond to an excitation by a road on which the vehicle actually drives; filtering the signal portions corresponding to the own movement of the vehicle out of the signal detected by the at least one chassis sensor by means of a filter function; calculating the actual level of the vehicle from a difference between the filtered signal without the signal portions that correspond to the own movement of the vehicle and the signal detected by the at least one chassis sensor.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a cooling module in which a plurality of evaporation cores are disposed and a heating module in which a plurality of condensers are disposed. The plurality of condensers and the plurality of evaporation cores are connected onto a refrigerant channel.

Abstract: A vehicle roof fan for providing air conditioning to a user of a vehicle. The vehicle roof fan may include a plurality of individually controlled fans. The apparatus includes power management features to limit the power consumption, such as a user presence detector and/or battery threshold monitoring. The plurality of fans may be associated with one or more optical sensors that each control the operation of one or more of the fans based upon the presence of a user. The air conditioning apparatus may also include heating and/or cooling components to modify the air temperature from the apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle air conditioner of a heat pump system in which there is prevented or inhibited frosting to an outdoor heat exchanger when heating in a vehicle interior is beforehand performed during plug-in, thereby realizing comfortable heating in the vehicle interior during running and also extending a running distance. The vehicle air conditioner includes a heating medium circulating circuit 23 to heat air to be supplied from an air flow passage 3 to a vehicle interior, a controller has frosting estimation means for estimating frosting to an outdoor heat exchanger 7, and when a heating mode is executed in a state where a power is supplied from an external power source to a compressor 2 or a battery which supplies the power to drive the compressor 2, the controller executes the heating by a heating medium circulating circuit 23, in a case where the frosting to the outdoor heat exchanger 7 is predicted on the basis of the estimation of the frosting estimation means.

Abstract: A device and to a method are provided for using part of the heat given off by an internal combustion engine. A waste-heat-collecting housing surrounds at least part of an exhaust-gas manifold and/or at least part of an engine-side segment of an exhaust-gas system of the internal combustion engine. Air contained in the waste-heat-collecting housing is heated, and the heated air is used indirectly or directly to heat at least one of air that is introduced in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, cooling liquid of the internal combustion engine and oil in an oil circuit of the internal combustion engine. The waste-heat-collecting housing is similarly useable in a stationary apparatus having an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An air outlet device for feeding air to a vehicle interior of a motor vehicle in a controlled manner includes an air flow duct and an air outlet opening element with an air outlet opening. The air flow duct is connected to the air outlet opening element and is adapted to conduct air from an interior ventilation device into the vehicle interior via the air outlet opening. The air flow duct has a first duct segment and a second duct segment, which is arranged between the first duct segment and the air outlet opening element. The first duct segment can be displaced in direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first duct segment. The first duct segment is designed to control a direction of the air flowing out of the air outlet opening in accordance with the displacement of the first duct segment.

Abstract: An air conditioning register includes: a retainer, fins, a connecting plate and a drive mechanism; wherein: connecting pins of the fins are engaged with cam grooves provided in the connecting plate so that all fins are connected to the connecting plate, wherein: each of the cam grooves has a parallel blowing zone for bring adjacent fins into a parallel blowing mode, and has a diffusion blowing zone for bringing adjacent fins into a diffusion blowing mode; and the drive mechanism is provided with an allowing part which allows the connecting plate to move in the arrangement direction of the fins, while maintaining the zone where each connecting pin is positioned in each cam chamber in the parallel blowing zone, when the operation of tilting the fins is performed with the fin shafts as a fulcrum, and only when each connecting pin is in the parallel blowing zone.

Abstract: A glazing and notably a vehicle glazing, includes a laminated glazed element including an outside sheet of glass, an inside sheet of glass and an interlayer sheet of plastic situated between the two sheets of glass, wherein the profiled beading includes, when viewed in cross section, an interlayer flange situated between the interlayer face of the outside sheet of glass and the interlayer face of the inside sheet of glass.

Abstract: A sun visor retention system includes a vehicle that has at least one sun visor. The at least one sun visor has a support bar and a panel that is rotatably coupled to the support bar. A retainer is removably coupled to the at least one sun visor. The retainer selectively frictionally engages the support bar. The retainer engages the panel such that the retainer retains the panel at a selected angle of rotation about the support bar.

Abstract: An impact beam and a method of producing the impact beam for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A light metal profile with an extrusion width is produced by flattening the light metal profile to a working width and cutting to length to form semi-finished products. The semi-finished products are subjected to further treatment by press-forming techniques to form the impact beam. The impact beam has a longitudinal length which extends transversely to the direction of extrusion of the light metal profile.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a housing (1) for the transportation of a cargo, such as truck trailers, housings mounted on the chassis of a truck, or shipping containers. The housing of the present invention comprises: (a) walls (1R) defining a closed inner space (1i), (b) an opening (2) provided in one of the walls, and further comprises a rigid door comprising one or more rigid panels (3) which are movable to seal or unseal said opening (2); (c) a flexible fast door comprising a motorized driving mechanism (10) suitable for moving a leading edge (4L) of a flexible shutter (4), wherein the flexible shutter (4) comprises two lateral edges engaged in parallel guiding rails (7) fixed to two parallel and opposite edges of the opening (2), wherein the rigid panel (3) and/or the parallel edge of the opening (2) is provided with a groove to accommodate the guiding rails (7).

Abstract: A vehicle includes an opening, a first panel, and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel obstruct the opening in a closed position and are movable to an open position. In the open position, at least part of the first panel may be positioned forward of the opening, and at least part of the second panel may be positioned rearward of the opening. In the open position, at least part of the first panel may be pivoted upward relative to the opening, and at least part of the second panel may be positioned rearward of the opening. In the open position, at least part of the first panel may be positioned forward of the opening. In the open position, the first panel may be moved forward and downward into an interior space, and the second panel may be moved rearward and downward into the interior space.

Abstract: A sliding apparatus for a sunroof of an automobile including a shoe having a first channel and a second channel slidably connected to a rail, a guide block including a front channel connecting a lower channel to form a first path, and a rear channel connecting to an upper channel to form a second path, and a lever with a first pin projecting from a first side and a second side, a second pin projecting from the first side and a third pin projecting from the second side. The first pin is connected to the front channel and the second pin is connected to the rear channel on the first side, and the first pin is connected to the first channel and the third pin is connected to the second channel on a second side.

Abstract: A cover (9) of a folding-top compartment in a cabriolet vehicle can be pivoted by way of links (10, 10) between a position in which the cover (9) covers the folding-top compartment and a position in which the cover (9) does not cover the folding-top compartment. The cover (9) has, at a distance from its pivoting connection, at least one first guide element (15), and on the body, there is provided at least one second guide element (18). During the transfer of the cover (9) into its closed position, the two guide elements (15, 18) interact, and guide the cover (9), as far as the closed position.

Abstract: A body-panel golf-cart having multi-functional canopy-supports, a roof-canopy having U-type storage-channels about its periphery, and a lower body-panel. The multi-functional roof-canopy back-supports are either sited in-line with the cart's structural struts or encompass the structural struts to widen the space between the supports providing an enlarged space between the rear supports for viewing and storage. Roof-canopy and roof-canopy back-supports are formed as a one piece unit with a lower body-panel that extends from the rear-most of cart to under the seat providing a streamlined cart with more storage capacity. Increased roof-canopy storage space offers out-of-the-way positioning of cart's side protective-enclosure brackets and rollers and out-of-the-way storage of the protective-enclosures when undeployed. Roof-supports offer tight closure for side protective-enclosures and space for cooler and sand and seed box.

Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.

Abstract: A trailer has a container with top doors having a frame and weatherproof thermoplastic inserts. Sealing flaps are provided at edges of the top doors to make sealing contact with sidewall top rails or top edges of end walls and tailgate. The top doors have angled extensions with grooves for ball gaskets to overlap in hand-in-hand fashion to form a reliable seal where the top doors come together. The system provides a weatherproof means to enclose the container to prevent or deter entry of water.

Abstract: A multi-purpose vehicle having a fastback state and a wagon state, which comprises a vehicle body, a main liftback body and a first driving device. The vehicle body comprises a roof, a C-pillar and a tail. The main liftback body is movably connected with the roof and the tail. The first driving device is located in the vehicle body and is connected with the main liftback body, so as to drive the main liftback body to move relative to the C-pillar, therefore the multi-purpose vehicle can be converted between the fastback state and the wagon state.

Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes at least one fixed window panel and a movable window panel. A perimeter seal is disposed at a surface of the fixed window panel and includes a continuous sealing element that circumscribes an opening of the fixed window panel and that is configured to substantially seal against a surface of the movable window panel about a periphery of the movable window panel when the movable window panel is closed. The perimeter seal includes a sealing tab at a corner region of the perimeter seal where an upper sealing portion engages a first elongated side sealing portion. The sealing tab is joined with an elongated sealing lip of the upper sealing portion or the first elongated side sealing portion. The sealing tab extends from the elongated sealing lip toward the surface of the at least one fixed window panel.

Abstract: A vehicle door sealing assembly includes a door trim panel and an inner frame panel defining a door cavity, a window positioned proximate the door trim panel and the inner frame panel, a beltline seal disposed between the door trim and inner frame panels and in selective engagement with the window and a leak seal extending between the door trim panel and the beltline seal to divert a flow of air from the door cavity.

Abstract: A beltline sealing member includes a block portion that comes into contact with a glass run to assemble the beltline sealing member in a normal position in the longitudinal direction of the beltline sealing member.

Abstract: An automated sunshade apparatus for protectively shading a roof of a vehicle includes one or more support members, a first elongate member, two sets of flexible shades, and a second elongate member. The first elongate member is rigidly attached to the support members positioned at an end of the roof. The flexible shades are positioned above the first elongate member, each set of flexible shades fixedly attached to rods operably connected to a linkage of a drive mechanism. The linkage is pivotably attached to a central portion of the first elongate member and configured to retractably extend the flexible shades outwardly in one of a clockwise and a counter clockwise direction over the roof of the vehicle. The second elongate member is positioned above and apart from the first elongate member and is rigidly attached to the first elongate member for accommodating the retracted flexible shades therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus with an electric motor including a stator and a rotor; a shaft secured to the rotor; a gearing assembly coupled with the shaft; and a housing assembly defining a non-partitioned interior space housing both the electric motor and gearing assembly. The shaft may be unsupported by bearing assemblies and/or free of oil seals and similar sealing engagements between the electric machine and gearing assembly. The motor may be an axial flux motor having a single stator. The gearing assembly may be a planetary reduction gear assembly with a sun gear mounted on the shaft. The apparatus may include only a single electric motor or include a second electric motor and second gearing assembly. The embodiments having a single motor may be used to drive a fan or a vehicle wheel. The embodiments having two motors may be used as a differential drive.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle including one or more in-wheel motors, a power electronics supplying power to the one or more in-wheel motors, and a Rankine cycle system is described. The Rankine cycle system includes a pump driving a working fluid, a first three-way valve having an input, a first output, and a second output. The Rankine cycle system also includes, a second three-way valve having a first input, a second input, and an output, an evaporator receiving the working fluid from the output of the second three-way valve and heating the working fluid utilizing heat from an exhaust gas from an engine, an expander receiving the working fluid from the evaporator, and a radiator cooling the working fluid received from the expander.

Abstract: A concrete mixer vehicle includes a chassis having a frame member extending in a generally-horizontal direction, an engine coupled to the chassis, and a CNG tank coupled to the engine and configured to provide fuel thereto. The CNG tank is positioned in a generally-vertical orientation relative to the frame member.