Abstract: Improvements are disclosed regarding the way in which vehicle wheels are designed and assembled, including ultralight, airless vehicle wheels adapted for mounting on a rim to receive a tire. One or more flexible ring-shaped tendons are disposed over the rim. A stuffer component is disposed over the tendons, and the wheel is disposed over the stuffer. A cover is bolted onto the rim holding the stuffer and tendons in position. Importantly, the tendons, stuffer and cover are all installed onto the rim from the outside toward the vehicle, thereby easing installation and maintenance. The invention may be adapted for all-terrain vehicles, and the wheel may have diameter on the order of 7 inches, 14 inches, or any other appropriate dimensions.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus and corresponding methods are provided. The apparatus employs weights within a spherical assembly that can rotate within the spherical assembly. Gravity, acting on the weights, causes a moment of a gravitational force to be applied to the spherical assembly, which can cause the spherical assembly to propel. The spherical assembly may also include one or more motors to rotate the weights within the spherical assembly. In some embodiments, the weights include magnetic cores and conductors. The apparatus can include magnetic windings that provide a magnetic flux through which the weights may rotate. The apparatus can also provide an electrical current to the conductors. As the weights with the magnetic cores rotate through the magnetic flux, the apparatus applies a current to the conductors. As such, a magnetic force is applied to the weights, which can propel the spherical assembly.

Abstract: A composite rim is used in spoked wheels, such as bicycle wheels. The composite rims has molded-in spoke holes. The composite rim is manufactured using a unique fabricating technique. The construction of the composite rim dramatically improves the bearing and loading strength of the composite rim over prior composite rims, which drill the spoke holes therein after fabrication of the rim hoop.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a polymer film including: a base film including polyamide-based resin including two or more different kinds of repeat units; and a copolymer including polyamide-based segments and polyether-based segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the synthesis of a polymer bearing one or more pendant hydroxyaryl groups, comprising the reaction of a polymer bearing at least one epoxide functional group with a nucleophilic compound simultaneously bearing the hydroxyaryl group and a nucleophilic functional group selected from the group consisting of the phosphonic acid functional group and its ionic form.

Abstract: The cap ply reinforcement strip is a ready-to-use plain woven fabric and is composed of hybrid cord warps (3) and texturized weft yarns (2). The cap ply reinforcement strip for pneumatic tires (1) eliminates calendering and strip preparation steps by eliminating the need for rubber coating and decreases the rolling resistance of the tire and the fuel consumption.

Abstract: A reinforced product (21) comprises: an elastomer matrix (23), several reinforcing elements (44) embedded in the elastomer matrix (23), the reinforcing elements (44) being arranged side by side in a main direction (X1). Each reinforcing element (44) comprises: at least one filamentary element, and at least one sheath coating the filamentary element and comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic polymer composition. The ratio R1=ODO/E of the mean minimum thickness ODO of elastomer present on the back of the sheath to the mean thickness E of the reinforced product (21) is less than or equal to 0.17.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a side wall having a side surface and a roughened region formed on the side surface such that the roughened region is extending in circumferential direction. The roughened region includes lands and dimples formed between adjacent lands, the lands include first lands and second lands formed such that the first and second lands are alternately arrayed in the circumferential direction and the first and second lands are inclined relative to radial direction in opposite inclination directions, and the roughened region is formed such that when the tire is mounted on a normal rim and filled with air at normal inflation pressure, the roughened region has an outer periphery formed on radially inner side of position 30 mm away in radially inward direction from tire maximum-width position, and the roughened region has an inner periphery formed on radially outer side of radially outer edge of the rim.

Abstract: In an apex 34 of a tire 2, a reinforcing portion 48 is located inward of a main body 46 in an axial direction. When a position on an outer surface of the tire 2 at which position a height from a BBL is 14 mm is defined as a first point P1 and a position on the outer surface of the tire 2 at which position a height from the BBL is 20 mm is defined as a second point P2, the reinforcing portion 48 overlaps the first point P1 and the second point P2 in a radial direction. A loss tangent of the reinforcing portion 48 is equal to a loss tangent of the main body 46 or less than the loss tangent. A hardness of the reinforcing portion 48 is equal to a hardness of the main body 46 or greater than the hardness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resonance noise reduction tire having a sound absorbing material mounted therein. The resonance noise reduction tire has a sound absorbing material which is mounted therein so as to be adhered to an inner liner formed inside the tire in a circumferential direction thereof. The sound absorbing material is adhered to the inner liner in the circumferential direction thereof, and is configured so that opposite ends thereof are adhered with being separated at a predetermined interval so as not to be abutted to each other.

Abstract: A tire management system includes a control valve and a check valve. A method for managing a tire includes: determining a pressure parameter value, determining an operational parameter for a valve based on the pressure parameter value, and controlling the valve based on the operational parameter.

Abstract: An air maintenance tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity bounded by first and second sidewalls extending to a tire tread region, a pressure control assembly attached to an elongate valve stem projecting from a rim, the pressure control assembly being external to the tire cavity, the elongate valve stem projecting outward from the tire cavity and operative to admit pressurized air into the tire cavity through the pressure control assembly, the first sidewall having an annular sidewall air passageway therein operatively located to compress segment by segment responsive to a bending strain introduced into the first sidewall from a rolling tire footprint thereby forcing air, segment by segment, along the annular air passageway, a tube housing joining both ends of the annular air passageway, and a connecting tube extending from the tube housing to the pressure control assembly, the connecting tube operative to sequentially direct air forced along the air passageway, first, into the tube housing, the p

Abstract: A sensor device for tire inspection is provided. The sensor device is configured for removable placement upon or near the surface of the tire. The sensor device includes one or more tire inspection sensors configured to inspect e.g., the condition of one or more components or portions of the tire. The sensor device also includes one or more proximity sensors configured to detect whether the sensor device is in proper proximity of the tire such that the one or more tire inspection sensors can operate correctly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tire repair assemblies, methods for repairing tires, standalone currency operated tire repair assemblies, tire sealant vending assemblies configured to provide tire sealant via the valve stem of a tire, tire valve coupling assemblies that are configured to provide gas and/or sealant to a tire, tire valve coupling assemblies, and/or methods for providing one or both of gas and/or tire sealant to a tire are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for deflating an air-pressurized tire used on heavy machinery or mining equipment. The apparatus can include a venturi tube having a feed tube with one end terminated in the constricted throat of the venturi tube and the other end operatively connected to an exit port of a valve extraction tool connected to a valve stem disposed on the tire's rim. A stream of air can be passed through the throat of the venturi tube to create a region of pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. When the extraction tool removes the valve core of the valve stem, pressurized air in the tire can flow to the low-pressure region in the venturi tube thereby resulting in decreased time to deflate the tire.

Abstract: A trailer hitch attachment device for securing a trailer hitch to a hitch receiver includes a collar that comprises a tube. A channel defining an upper guide and a lower guide is positioned in each of a pair of alignment blocks coupled to a left side and a right side of the tube. A latch with a pair of biasers and a pair of extractors coupled to an inside surface is hingedly coupled to the tube. Each of a pair of pins with a curved end, an actuator end, and a pivot hole is positioned in an associated one of the channels with the curved ends extending toward the tube and with the actuator ends positioned proximate to a back end of the tube. A pair of pivots is coupled to and extends from an associated one of the upper guides, through an associated one of the pivot holes and is coupled to an associated one of the lower guides.

Abstract: A towing hook attachment structure includes: a towing hook; a bumper reinforcement having: a first wall extending in a vehicle width direction, a wall surface of the first wall facing the vehicle cabin; and an second wall and a third wall respectively extending to the vehicle cabin side from an upper end and a lower end of the first wall; and a nut member fastening the towing hook to the bumper reinforcement. The first, second and third walls are respectively provided with a first, second and third holes. The nut member is fixed to the bumper reinforcement while extending in a vehicle height direction and being inserted in the second hole and the third hole. A tip of the towing hook is inserted in the bumper reinforcement through the through hole and is fastened to the nut member.

Abstract: A replacement ball joint assembly (10) adapted to be pressed into a previously used and possibly distorted receiving hole (26) in a suspension component such as a control arm (28). A socket housing (12) of the assembly (10) includes a plurality of generally annular, concentric knurls (36) each having a respective crest portion (38) and separated one from another by intervening relief grooves (40). The crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) may be tapered so as to provide a lead-in feature to minimize misalignment during a press-in installation operation. The knurls (36) are preferably softer than the control arm material so that they yield during press-in rather than further disfiguring or enlarging the receiving hole (26). Displaced material from the crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) flows into the relief grooves (40).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension in which joint devices are interposed in coupling parts between a vehicle body and links serving as suspension components and coupling parts between the links and a wheel support component. Self-discharge type charge eliminators are provided on a surface of a specific component, which is at least one of the vehicle body, the links, the wheel support component, or the joint devices. The charge eliminator is configured to diselectrify the specific component by changing air around the charge eliminator to a negative air ion and attracting the air ion to positive electric charge of the specific component to neutralize the specific component, to thereby decrease a charge amount of the specific component and decrease charge amounts of rubber bushes and grease in the joint devices.

Abstract: An air spring includes a bellow at least partially delimiting at least one working chamber that is constructed and arranged to be filled with compressed air. A guide tube surrounds at least a portion of the bellow. A bonding agent solely fixes a portion of the bellow to the guide tube. A piston is associated with the bellow. The bellow is constructed and arranged to roll with respect to an outer surface of the piston and an inner surface of the guide tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dynamically adjustable suspension device including one or more springs having similar or different spring rates, where said one or more springs are arranged in a pre-defined configuration, and a dynamically adjustable damper. The dynamically adjustable damper, includes a rotatable knob coupled to the dynamically adjustable damper to change the damping coefficient dynamically in real-time, means to rotate the knob so as to adjust damping coefficient in real-time while the dynamically adjustable suspension device being used, means to identify compression of the one or more springs by sensing one or more positions of the springs, between a fully elongated state and a fully compressed state in real-time.

Abstract: An adjustable floating traction bar is disclosed. The traction bar comprises a rigid body having a threaded portion on a first distal end to receive a threaded eyelet having a spherical joint to provide a connection point to an axle of a vehicle. The traction bar further comprises an opposing distal slip end being machined and fitted with a UHMW (ultra high molecular weight) polyethylene bushing that acts as a slip-joint the slip joint having a first end that mounts to the UHMW polyethylene bushing of the tubular body and an opposing end having an eyelet to provide a connection point to a vehicle frame. A two-stage nested coil spring located inside the slip end of the rigid body that rests against the slip joint end when it is inserted into rigid body.

Abstract: Systems and method for assigning vehicle suspension dynamics are disclosed. Control signals that correspond to a current driving dynamic of a suspension system of a vehicle are generated. A vehicle state associated with the generated control signals is computed and a non-traditional suspension mode is selected. Based on the computed vehicle state and the selected suspension mode, a suspension height of the vehicle is adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a shock absorber for a vehicle having a gas spring with first and second gas chambers, wherein the first chamber is utilized during a first travel portion of the shock absorber and the first and second chambers are both utilized during a second portion of travel. In one embodiment, a travel adjustment assembly is configured to selectively communicate a first gas chamber with a negative gas chamber.

Abstract: An oil channel that connects a right damper and a left damper includes a switching valve arranged between a right oil channel ER and a left oil channel EL. The switching valve includes a valve main body in which a first switching channel is formed for connecting the right oil channel ER and the left oil channel EL. The valve main body is rotatable to a first position where the first switching channel connects the right oil channel ER and the left oil channel EL to each other and to a second position different from the first position. According to this damping system, it is possible to adjust oil flow in the oil channel by performing a simple operation for the switching valve.

Abstract: The twist axle assembly includes a pair of spaced apart trailing arms and a twist beam which is made of a single piece and is operably connected with the trailing arms. The twist beam has a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls. The twist beam presents a pair of end portions which are bent to present edges that face towards one another when viewed in cross-section, and the twist beam presents a middle portion which extends between the end portions. The middle portion has an opening with a generally elliptical shape formed into the bottom wall for reducing a torsion stiffness of the middle portion of the twist beam in comparison to the end portions.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner device of a heat pump system, control of an air mix damper is appropriately performed in each operation mode, thereby achieving efficient vehicle interior air conditioning. The vehicle air conditioner device includes an air mix damper 28 to adjust a ratio at which air in an air flow passage 3 passed through a heat absorber 9 is to be passed through a radiator 4. In a cooling mode, a controller controls the air mix damper 28 to adjust the ratio at which the air is to be passed through the radiator 4 on the basis of one, any combination, or all of a target outlet temperature, a temperature of the radiator and a temperature of the heat absorber, and in a heating mode, the controller controls the air mix damper 28 to pass all the air in the air flow passage 3 through the radiator 4.

Abstract: An air-conditioning unit of a motor vehicle may include a fan, an evaporator, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be arranged downstream of the evaporator. The evaporator and heat exchanger may both be arranged in a housing. The air-conditioning unit may also include a first bypass channel bypassing the evaporator. The first bypass channel may be arranged centrally on a side of the evaporator. A width of the first bypass channel may be smaller than a width of the side of the evaporator on which the first bypass channel is arranged.

Abstract: A solid-state cooling apparatus for a galley installed in an aircraft that includes at least one storage enclosure for containing chilled beverage and/or foods for storage and a solid-state air-to-air thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side mounted in the galley and having at least one fan for circulating chilled air in proximity to the storage enclosure. A waste heat capture device is provided and includes a hot air outlet for discharging waste heat from the hot side of the cooling thermoelectric devices into the aircraft exterior to the galley.

Abstract: There is disclosed a refrigeration device which is capable of inexpensively improving durability of an electronic expansion valve (an outdoor expansion valve) for use in a refrigerant circuit. A vehicle air conditioner 1 has a refrigerant circuit R including an outdoor expansion valve 6. The vehicle air conditioner includes a controller which controls energization to a coil of the outdoor expansion valve 6, and this controller executes operation limit control to limit an operation of the outdoor expansion valve 6 so that a temperature of the coil of the outdoor expansion valve 6 is not in excess of a predetermined value. The controller lengthens a control period of the outdoor expansion valve 6 and suppresses an operation amount of the outdoor expansion valve 6 within a predetermined limit value to limit a duty factor, in the operation limit control.

Abstract: A work vehicle that facilitates attachment of an air conditioner main body, the work vehicle including an air conditioner main body arrangement part for arranging therein an air conditioner main body. The air conditioner main body arrangement part is provided in a ceiling part of a cabin covering a driver unit of the work vehicle so that the air conditioner main body arrangement part protrudes rearward from a pair of left and right rear strut pieces of the cabin. The air conditioner main body arrangement part includes a main body support member protruding rearward, which is provided to an upper rear beam piece laterally bridged between upper end portions of the pair of left and right rear strut pieces. The main body support member has support rigidity to support the air conditioner main body from below so that the air conditioner main body is mounted thereon from above.

Abstract: A vehicular air-handling system includes a blower assembly for a vehicle having a fan and a return-air baffle operable between a fresh-air position. The fan is in communication with a fresh-air duct and a recirculating position and the fan is at least partially in communication with a recirculating duct. A noise-attenuating end of the recirculating duct is positioned below an instrument panel of the vehicle and oriented substantially perpendicular to a portion of a floor below the instrument panel, wherein noise from the fan drawing air through the recirculating duct is directed into the floor below the instrument panel.

Abstract: A foam molded body has a cylindrical shape, is produced by foaming a resin, and has a mass per unit area of 0.090 g/cm2 or less and an expansion ratio of from 3.4 to 40 times. A duct for an air conditioner and a duct for a vehicle air conditioner include a foam molded body that has a cylindrical shape, is produced by foaming a resin, and has a mass per unit area of 0.090 g/cm2 and an expansion ratio of from 3.4 to 40 times.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for controlling air filtration, circulation, climate control and/or other adjustable components. The air control system includes an air filtration or circulation unit for filtering or circulating air. The air control system includes a navigation unit for providing at least one of a navigational map information or environment information including a current location of the vehicle. The air control system includes an electronic control unit connected to the air filtration or circulation unit. The electronic control unit is configured to determine an air control event based on at least one of static air quality information or dynamic air quality information. The electronic control unit is configured to determine that the air control event is within a range of the current location and is approaching. The electronic control unit is configured to activate the air filtration or circulation unit before the air control event reaches the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an HVAC system for a vehicle having a first heat source and having a primary loop through which a coolant circulates and a secondary loop through which refrigerant circulates. The primary loop having two parallel sub-loops, namely a first sub-loop and a second sub-loop in which the coolant may circulate. The first sub-loop of the primary loop includes the first heat source, a second heat source, and a first heat exchanger. The first sub-loop may partially extend into a case of the HVAC system to place the first heat exchanger adjacent an air heater. The second sub-loop of the primary loop includes the first heat source, the second heat source, and a second heat exchanger. The HVAC system having a plurality of operation modes for efficiently conditioning air in a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air handling system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of a motor vehicle includes a conduit configured to convey air from the air handling system to a vent of the air handling system. A control door is rotatably disposed in the conduit. The control door selectively rotates between a first position and a second position. The first position blocks passage of the air flowing through the conduit. The second position blocks passage of the air flowing through a first portion of the conduit and allows the air to flow through a second portion of the conduit. A control feature is disposed in the second portion of the conduit to control at least one of a volumetric flow rate and a pressure of the air flowing through the second portion.

Abstract: A system including mode and battery modules. The mode module, based on parameters, determines whether to operate in a shore power, engine or battery mode. One or more batteries are charged based on received utility power while in the shore power mode. The batteries, while in the engine mode, are charged based on power received from a power source. The battery module, while operating in the battery mode, determines a speed based on a temperature within a temperature controlled container of a vehicle and a state of charge of the batteries. The compressor is run at the speed while in the battery mode. While in the battery mode, the batteries are not being charged based on power from a shore power source and the power source from which power is received during the engine mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sun protection for an occupant of a vehicle having at least one window. The method includes receiving, by a processor, an input from a source that identifies a selected location for sun protection on the at least one window; determining, by the processor, a coordinate location on the at least one window associated with the selected location; and outputting, by the processor, one or more control signals to a first image output system of a first projector to output a first image onto the at least one window at the coordinate location to provide sun protection for the occupant.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle door opening system includes a vehicle assembly with a body having an opening therein to allow passenger entry. The opening has a front edge, a rear edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. A door is pivotally coupled to the body adjacent to the front edge and is positionable in a closed position closing the opening or in an open position exposing the opening. The door has an inner edge positioned adjacent to the front edge and an outer edge positioned opposite of the inner edge. An opening assembly is mounted on the vehicle assembly. The opening assembly is mounted on the vehicle and moves the door from an ajar position to a fully open position when the opening assembly is actuated. The outer edge of the door moves at a speed greater than 30 mph when the opening assembly moves the door.

Abstract: A latch assembly comprising: (I) a head having: (a) two corners; and (b) two fillets that are each connected to the two corners by a sidewall that extends between each of the two fillets and each of the two corners; and (II) an engaging portion coupled to the head, the engaging portion being configured to engage a wall of a cargo box of a pickup truck to compressibly secure a foldable tonneau system to the cargo box, wherein two of the sidewalls extending between the two corners and the two fillets form a locking portion that is configured to lock the latch assembly in a cross bow member of the foldable tonneau system when the latch assembly is in communication with the cross bow member, and the latch assembly is configured to be insertable and removable from the cross bow member of the foldable tonneau system without disassembly of the cross bow member.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a floor, a seat including a back, and a traction battery module located behind the seat. The seat and floor form an air passageway, underneath the seat, from a cabin to the traction battery module. The vehicle also includes a plenum disposed between the air passageway and fraction battery module, and a sealing member fixed to the plenum and configured to engage the back to form a substantially airtight seal therebetween.

Abstract: An electrical energy storage for a motor vehicle may include a plurality of main cell modules, each having a plurality of accumulator cells. The plurality of accumulator cells may be electrically contacted with one another to form a main power supply network. The plurality of main cell modules may be arranged in a main housing. An emergency cell module may include a plurality of accumulator cells. The plurality of accumulator cells of the emergency cell module may be electrically contacted and arranged in a separate emergency housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for starting an engine of a mild hybrid electric vehicle may include: an ignition switch including a plurality of contact points; a mild hybrid starter & generator (MHSG) including a stator and a rotor internally disposed within the stator, and starting the engine or generating electricity according to an output of the engine; an MHSG wheel rotating integrally with the rotor, and having at least three teeth on a circumference thereof; an MHSG position detector configured for detecting positions of the teeth; and a controller configured for determining a top dead center (TDC) of a predetermined cylinder according to a signal of the MHSG position detector, and rotating the MHSG to start the engine.

Abstract: A gearing device for a motor vehicle, which is equipped with an input shaft that can be operationally connected to a drive unit, as well as a first output shaft and a second output shaft, wherein the first output shaft is connected or can be connected via a first gear with a first partial shaft of a wheel axle and the second output shaft is operationally connected or can be operationally connected via a second gear with a second partial shaft of the wheel axle.

Abstract: A transmission (G) for a motor vehicle includes three planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3), an electric motor (EM) and five shift elements (B1, K1, K2, K3, K4). Selective engagement of the five shift elements (B1, K1, K2, K3, K4) realizes at least eight selectable forward gear ratios (G1-G8) between an input shaft (GW1) and an output shaft (GW2) of the transmission (G).

Abstract: A displayed rotation speed control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes: a displayed rotation speed controller having a display mode in which a target primary rotation speed stepwisely set is displayed as a driving source rotation speed in the rotation speed display device in the simulated stepwise shift mode, when the mode is switched from the EV mode to the HEV mode to initiate a starting of the engine, and when the mode is switched from the continuous shift mode to the simulated stepwise shift mode while an actual engine speed is smaller than a predetermined rotation speed, the displayed rotation speed controller being configured to display a value obtained by retarding the actual engine speed, during a period from the initiation of the starting of the engine to a rotation speed smaller than a predetermined rotation speed.

Abstract: A control unit is able to selectively control a motor to realize a first starting mode of starting an internal-combustion engine by increasing a rotation speed of the internal-combustion engine to a predetermined first rotation speed by the motor and a second starting mode of starting the internal-combustion engine by increasing the rotation speed of the internal-combustion engine to a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed by the motor and a determination unit determines whether to allow the second starting mode based on a predetermined vehicle starting condition at the time of activating a vehicle (S13, S14, S19, S20) and determines whether to allow the second starting mode based on an EV traveling condition different from the vehicle starting condition while supplying driving power to a vehicle wheel only from the motor (S3, S4, S6).

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission to simulate a step-ratio transmission. The method includes increasing an output torque based on a modified accelerator pedal position in response to a corresponding virtual gear selection. An initial virtual gear is determined or selected from a predetermined finite number of available virtual gears based on an accelerator pedal position, a vehicle speed, and whether an upshift or downshift has been requested. The engine speed and engine torque are controlled to meet driver expectations of increased or decreased engine speed or vehicle output torque.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a clutch and a transmission unit configured to be able to switch into a neutral state. The hybrid vehicle is able to transmit power of an engine through any one of a first path through which power is transmitted from the engine to a first MG via a transmission unit and a differential unit and another second path through which power is transmitted from the engine to the first MG. The clutch is provided in the second path, and switches between an engaged state and a released state. The controller controls the engine, the first MG, the transmission unit and the clutch. The controller sets the transmission unit to a non-neutral state, sets the clutch to the engaged state, and then causes the vehicle to travel by using driving force from the first MG and driving force from the second MG.

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid work machine in which a hybrid system and a downsized engine are used. The hybrid work machine performs rapid charging of a power storage device while preventing decreases in the output power of a hydraulic pump. A vehicle body controller performs engine revolution speed decreasing control in which, if the charge rate of a battery becomes equal to or less than a minimum charge rate, the target revolution speed of an engine is reduced. The vehicle body controller also performs torque reducing control in which the maximum absorption torque of a hydraulic pump is reduced. By performing these control operations, the vehicle body controller coercively generates surplus torque for the engine and operates a generator-motor as a generator.