Abstract: A spring guide includes: a mounting portion formed so as to be depressed, the rubber sheet being fitted to the mounting portion; and a plurality of lock pieces formed to stand at an outer periphery of the mounting portion. At least one of the plurality of the first lock pieces and the second lock piece is disposed at a position that restricts deformation of a circumferential end portion of the rubber sheet to an outside in a radial direction, in a state where the rubber sheet is fitted to the mounting portion.

Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.

Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.

Abstract: Payload properties may be determined utilizing actuator parameter data. A mobile drive unit may transport a payload around a workspace in accordance with one or more safety. To comply with safety policies, a motion controller of the mobile drive unit may limit acceleration and deceleration to safe maximums for given payload characteristics such as payload mass and payload center of gravity. The motion controller may utilize actuators to cause various motions of the mobile drive unit, including motion across a surface, vertical movements of the payload and motion rotating the payload. To ameliorate worst case assumptions about payload characteristics, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, a payload characterization module may obtain information about payload characteristics based on measurements of operational parameters of the actuators.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.

Abstract: A weight distribution system for dynamically controlling and adjusting the weight load on each axle of a vehicle uses a manifold that is fluid flow disposed between a source of pressured air and the air bags of the vehicle. The manifold allows an individual air bag to be inflated or deflated independently of the other air bags to a desired pressurization depending on either preprogrammed or user input parameters or external conditions. The system can be used to raise and lower the tractor or trailer for tractor and trailer coupling and decoupling. The system can quickly change air bag pressure to try and avoid a rollover. The system can monitor road and weather conditions and adjust the vehicle suspension accordingly. The system can adjust the suspension based on vehicle speed. The system can keep the vehicle at a constant height while loading or unloading. The system can keep track of the weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: An active roll control apparatus is provided. To adjust a stiffness value of the stabilizer bar by moving a stabilizer bar installed between left and right wheels of a vehicle and extending in a first direction and a stabilizer link connected to the stabilizer bar, the active roll control apparatus includes a sliding part having one side connected to the stabilizer bar and the other side connected to the stabilizer link to slide the stabilizer link in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a movement restricting part installed at the sliding part to restrict movement when the sliding part slides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizer link for automobile suspensions, comprising: a tubular body (1), having at one end a pair of first flattened areas (2, 2?) configuring a leak-tight closure of a first inner cavity (9) of the tubular body (1) located between both flattened areas (2, 2?); and a first covering (4) made of polymeric material coupled, during the forming process thereof, on the end of the tubular body (1) such that it surrounds the pair of first flattened areas (2, 2?), and wherein said covering (4) comprises a first articulation (6).

Abstract: An air conditioning system for hybrid vehicles includes: a heater core receiving engine cooling water from an engine and heat an air blown into a vehicle room; an electric water pump pumping the engine cooling water through the heater core when a motor vehicle is switched from an engine drive mode to a motor drive mode; a discharged air temperature sensing unit sensing a discharged air temperature as a temperature of an air discharged into the vehicle room; and a control unit when the motor vehicle is switched from the engine drive mode to the motor drive mode differentially controls a rotational speed of the electric water pump depending on a temperature difference between the discharged air temperature inputted from the discharged air temperature sensing unit and a target discharge temperature calculated in advance based on internal/external temperature conditions and a user set temperature.

Abstract: A hanger for securing an HVAC fluid line to a vehicle includes a rigid wire having a first end and a second end. The first end is formed to define a first aperture configured to receive a first fastener to couple the first end to the vehicle. The second end is configured to support the HVAC fluid line in a desired orientation.

Abstract: Methods and system for operating a vehicle climate control system comprising a heat pump and one or more coolant loops are described. In one example, the heat pump sends fluid to high and low temperature coolant loops based on operating mode. The systems and methods may be incorporated into electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine propelled vehicles.

Abstract: Methods and system for providing heat to a vehicle are presented. In one example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater provides heat to a passenger cabin and an engine via heating engine coolant. Additionally, a heat pump may supply heat to the passenger cabin via heating the engine coolant.

Abstract: A system comprising a cryogenic engine system and a refrigeration system, wherein the cryogenic engine system and the refrigeration system are mechanically and/or thermally coupled with each other. The refrigeration system is driven by the cryogenic engine system and the cryogenic engine system enhances cooling of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A vehicular cooling system is provided which includes a water tank, a cooling unit, a vent unit, a closed loop conduit assembly, and a water pump. The cooling unit includes an evaporative media in the shape of a closed loop structure having a center hole. The evaporative media is gas porous and preferably made of bactericidal wood shavings. The water pump pumps water from the water tank to saturate the evaporative media to provide water-saturated-air. The cooling unit includes an air pump for sucking air through the evaporative media into a vehicle's interior. Advantageously, the vehicular cooling system requires minimal modification of a vehicle structure.

Abstract: A method for freeze protection for a temperature control system, and a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a temperature-controlled space at a set point temperature. The method includes monitoring a discharge air temperature, monitoring a return air temperature, setting a target temperature to equal the set point temperature, controlling the return air temperature at the target temperature, and adjusting the target temperature based on the return air temperature when the discharge air temperature drops to one of at or below freezing.

Abstract: An HVAC system is provided for a motor vehicle. That HVAC system includes a heater plenum, a fresh air inlet, an odor absorbent and a regeneration blower assembly that is connected between the heater plenum and the fresh air inlet. The HVAC system further includes a controller configured to regenerate the odor absorbent when an ignition system of the motor vehicle is switched off and a coolant temperature of the motor vehicle exceeds a predetermined coolant temperature required for odor absorbent regeneration.

Abstract: A windshield according to the present invention is a windshield to which an information acquisition device that emits and/or receives light to acquire information from an outside of a vehicle can be attached, and that includes a glass sheet, and a mask layer that is formed on the glass sheet and blocks a visual field from the outside of the vehicle, and at least one opening is formed in the mask layer. The glass sheet and the mask layer have different heat shrinkage percentages and are molded together by being heated. The information acquisition device is configured to be capable of using the information while reducing an influence of distortion that occurs in a predetermined range from an inner peripheral edge of the opening toward a center of the opening due to the molding.

Abstract: A sun visor assembly comprises a support rod displaceable between a first position, extending along a windshield, and a second position extending along a side window. A visor body is carried on the support rod. A cam is configured to displace the visor body along the support rod from a home position to an extended position as the support rod is displaced toward the second position. A sun visor operating method and method of educating an operator with respect to a capability of a visor body to slide along a support rod are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for a vehicle extendable sun visor includes a track element defining a channel, a compression spring disposed within the channel, and a carrier slidably received within the channel, the carrier including a spring plate detent. A first compression spring end may contact a first track element end and a second, opposed compression spring end may contact the carrier. The track element includes a detent aperture for engaging the spring plate detent. The spring plate detent may include a pin for engaging the detent aperture. An arm is slidably received within the carrier and the track element. Extendable sun visor assemblies including the carrier assembly are described.

Abstract: A door impact beam that is disposed across a door frame of a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the door impact beam may include a body formed in a pipe shape and concaved on a side facing an external side of the vehicle; and coupling portions integrally extending from first and second end portions of the body to be coupled to the door frame through spot welding.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing an inflow of dust in a rear rail of a sunroof may include a rear rail of a sunroof; a tilt lever which has one end portion coupled to a moving glass and the other end portion positioned on the rear rail, and slides along a trajectory of the rear rail; a tilt lever shoe which is positioned at the other end portion of the tilt lever, and configured to be fastened by being fitted with the rear rail; and at least one guide rail which is positioned at the rear rail in a width direction of a vehicle, in which the tilt lever shoe is positioned to surround upper and lower portions of the guide rail, and the guide rail is configured to be sealed to prevent dust from flowing into the rear rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, such as a chip train carrying wood chips, is provided. A flexible cover (e.g., tarp) is deployed and retracted using a roller moved overtop of the container using pivotable arms. A recessed region houses the base of the arm and associated components. A secondary cover covers the recessed region and is biased toward a cover closed position. An actuating surface associated with the arm pushes the secondary cover to a cover open position. Other features include inwardly angled container sides, a foam sealing member integral with the flexible cover, the secondary cover closing when the flexible cover is both fully opened and fully closed, channels between the recessed region and the container, narrow and/or sloped surfaces, and a retaining hook for capturing a roller connected to the arm.

Abstract: A door weather strip includes a molded portion and an insert member. The molded portion includes an attachment base, an extension, and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a sealing lip and a molded hollow sealing portion. The extension is divided by a slit into an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion. The insert member includes a base extending in the circumferential direction in the attachment base, an intermediate section extending in the circumferential direction in the inner peripheral portion, and a stay portion extending to the outer peripheral side in the outer peripheral portion. The width of at least the section of the stay portion that crosses the molded hollow sealing portion in the circumferential direction is set smaller than the widths in the circumferential direction of the base and the intermediate section.

Abstract: A variable belt molding structure for a vehicle door, may include a skin disposed in a fixed quarter window and a rear door window formed in a rear door of a vehicle to have a width that is varied in a longitudinal direction; a carrier portion internally coupled to the skin to maintain air-tightness by being in contact with a window glass of the rear door window; a clip mounted to be internally coupled to the carrier portion and mounted in a door panel of the rear door; and a mounting clip coupled to a fixed quarter window bracket attached to the fixed quarter window.

Abstract: A roof mounted retractable car cover. The cover includes front and rear cover portions independently extended and retracted into a housing. The housing preferably includes a springed retractions mechanism and the front and/or rear portions include folded panels to cover side windows of a vehicle. The housing may be integrated into a roof rack to utilized a single mounting system.

Abstract: A bag is disclosed for covering an endless track or chain of a tracked heavy equipment vehicle during transport. The bag includes an outer segment for covering an outer portion of the track extends laterally beyond side edges of the trailer flatbed. Forward and rearward lobes of the bag, respectively engage and cover forward and rearward ends of the track. An inner bag segment engages and covers the track between the side edges of the flatbed trailer supporting the tracked vehicle. A recess in an inside segment of the bag accommodates a track and allows the track to directly engage the supportive trailer. Tensioning straps and cords are used to further secure the bag to the track.

Abstract: The invention provides a mounting structure for a power unit of a utility vehicle. The mounting structure includes a pair of left and right front support portions supporting a front end of the power unit, and a rear support portion supporting a rear end of the power unit. The front support portions and the rear support portion are disposed to cause a centroid of a triangle connecting the front support portions and the rear support portion to agree with a centroid of the power unit in a planar view of the power unit.

Abstract: A mount system for mounting a first component of a vehicle to a second component of the vehicle can include a tube portion and a shaft portion. The tube portion can include a first outer magnet support portion provided with an inwardly facing magnet that is parallel to a centerline; and a second outer magnet support portion provided with an inwardly facing magnet set that includes magnets oblique to the centerline. The shaft portion can include a first inner magnet support portion, oriented about the centerline, provided with an outwardly facing magnet that is parallel to the centerline; and a second inner magnet support portion provided with an outwardly facing magnet set that includes magnets oblique to the centerline.

Abstract: A semi-active engine mount for a vehicle is provided to improve the NVH performance and ride quality. An engine mount for a vehicle includes a rubber module with a rubber having a core therein, and a case that surrounds an exterior circumference of the rubber and a fluid module with a module case coupled to the rubber module to define an upper and lower chamber and having straight and a bypass flow paths, a closure configured to open or close the straight flow path, and a diaphragm installed on the module case to close the lower chamber. A coil module has a coil embedded in the fluid module and configured to open and close the closure when a power source is turned on or off. In particular, a high loss factor when the vehicle travels is reduced, and decreasing dynamic characteristics when the vehicle idles is decreased.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first power transmission path, a first clutch, a first rotating electrical machine, a second power transmission path, a second clutch, and circuitry. The first clutch is provided in the first transmission path to select a connection state between a first connecting state and a first disconnecting state. The second clutch is provided in the second power transmission path to select a connection state between a second connecting state and a second disconnecting state. The circuitry is configured to control the first clutch and the second clutch such that the second clutch switches to the second disconnecting state in a case where the first clutch switches to the first connecting state so as to transmit the power from an internal combustion engine to a wheel and where a vehicle speed of the vehicle is larger than a first vehicle speed threshold value.

Abstract: A drive device includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit. A transmission unit includes a primary shaft for connection to the first drive unit, a secondary shaft, and at least one gear pair via which the primary and secondary shafts are operatively connectable to one another. Mounted in coaxial relationship to the secondary shaft is a driving gear which is operatively connected to the second drive unit, and mounted in coaxial relationship to the primary shaft is an output gear which meshes with the driving gear. A secondary-shaft coupling device can couple the driving gear directly with the secondary shaft, and a primary-shaft coupling device can couple the output gear directly with the primary shaft.

Abstract: A final drive for a motor vehicle. A drive assembly having a drive shaft, the drive shaft is coupled via a gear stage to an output shaft of the final drive. The drive shaft is coupled to the gear stage via an intermediate shaft that is arranged offset with respect to it. The intermediate shaft is present on a first side of a conceptual plane that incorporates an axis of rotation of the drive shaft, and a power electronics unit is electrically connected to the drive assembly via connection terminals arranged at its front end on a second side of the plane, which lies opposite to the first side.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor for vehicle wheel includes a hydrodynamic element, a reaction element, an oil distributor rotating as one with the reaction element, and a brake mounted between the two elements to oppose the rotational movement. The hydrodynamic element has a flange that surrounds the oil distributor. On its radially exterior face, it has means for rotationally coupling with the rotary discs of the brake. The brake is thus positioned around the distributor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating a cooling demand of a vehicle powertrain component and selecting a mode of operation of a vehicle cooling system based on the estimated cooling demands of the vehicle powertrain component and the energy usage of the cooling system components. Based on the selected operating mode, each of a radiator fan speed, a coolant system pump output, a vehicle grille shutter opening, and an opening of vents coupled to a powertrain component insulating enclosure may be concurrently adjusted to minimize the cooling parasitic losses while satisfying the cooling requirements of the vehicle.

Abstract: A grille shutter device includes a fin unit including slat members inside an opening provided at a part of a decorative side of a vehicle front. The fin unit is configured to selectively assume a closed state and an open state, and the closed state is a state where the slat members are each disposed so as to close the opening in a vehicle front view. The open state is a state where the slat members have been moved from respective positions in the closed state to a vehicle rear side of the opening and arrayed in a row substantially along a vehicle front-rear direction.

Abstract: A canister mounting arrangement includes a vehicle frame having a plurality of base members for supporting at least one seat in an occupant area, a pair of front upright members extending in an upward direction with respect to the base members and positioned at a forward portion of the occupant area, and a pair of rear upright members extending in an upward direction with respect to the base members and positioned at a rearward portion of the occupant area. The arrangement includes a fuel tank and a canister for receiving vapor from the fuel tank. The canister is mounted in a location above the base members, behind the front upright members and in front of the rear upright members.

Abstract: A fuel door arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a filler neck compartment, a fuel door and a pivot arm carrying the fuel door. The pivot arm is coupled to the filler neck compartment and can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position about a pivoting axis. The fuel door can be radially displaced on the pivot arm relative to the pivoting axis. The fuel door at least sectionally closes the filler neck compartment in a closed position. The filler neck compartment is sufficiently revealed for refueling the motor vehicle when the fuel door is in an open position.

Abstract: A fuel storage assembly includes a power source, a first tank, a fuel pump, an electric relay, a second tank, and a shut-off device. The fuel pump is adapted to remove fuel from the first tank. The electric relay is electrically connected between the power source and the fuel pump for terminating electric power to the fuel pump. The second tank is adapted to receive the fuel removed from the first tank. The shut-off device is located in the second tank and is electrically connected to the electric relay, and is configured to detect a shut-off level of fuel in the second tank. Upon detection of the shut-off level, the shut-off device effects shut-down of the fuel pump via the electric relay.

Abstract: A final drive for a road vehicle comprises a pinion gear on a pinion axle journaled in a housing, the pinion gear being in gear engagement with a crown gear journaled for rotation transversely to the pinion axle. The final drive is combined with an all wheel drive (AWD) coupling, comprising a disc package axially controlled by a hydraulic piston for optionally transmitting torque from an ingoing axle to the pinion axle, the disc package being rotatably connected to the pinion axle. The ingoing axle of the AWD coupling is radially journaled only by the pinion axle in the final drive.

Abstract: A pushbutton shifter interface is provided on a vehicle and includes a plurality of pushbutton keys arranged horizontally on a dashboard. The pushbutton shifter interface may be fixedly coupled with the dashboard generally forward of a driver seat. The pushbutton shifter interface is accessible by a driver to select a vehicle operating mode.

Abstract: A power take off device includes input and output shafts and an integral planetary gear set. The power take off device may be a single speed or a multi-speed device. The input shaft and the output shaft are mechanically connected through the planetary gear set. The output shaft may be driven in a forward direction and/or may be driven in a reverse direction. For example, the output shaft may be driven with a speed reduction, a speed increase, or at a 1:1 ratio with the input shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle display system includes a display device, a driver state determiner, and a display controller. The display device is configured to provide a display on a window of a vehicle. The driver state determiner is configured to determine whether a driver of the vehicle is in a normal state. The display controller is configured to control displaying of the display device, depending on whether the driver is in the normal state. The display controller is configured to control the displaying of the display device to provide a display for the driver when the driver is determined by the driver state determiner as being in the normal state, and to provide a display for an outside of the vehicle when the driver is determined by the driver state determiner as not being in the normal state.

Abstract: A polarizer plate includes a base film, an adhesive layer disposed on one surface of the base film, a polarizer protection film disposed on one surface of the adhesive layer, a polarizer disposed on one surface of the polarizer protection film, and a cutting line formed perpendicular to the surface of the base film and configured to divide the polarizer protection film and the polarizer into separate regions.

Abstract: In a sign information display system or method, if a road sign is recognized by a sign recognition device, a display control device determines whether or not it will cause a sign information display device to display first sign information, which is information concerning the road sign, on the basis of a driving state of a front vehicle driving in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle controller determines likelihood of downshifting, such as by detecting braking and clutch disengagement. In response, the vehicle controller determines a desired angular velocity for the engine for a gear lower than a current gear. A tachometer display is updated to indicate the current angular velocity of the engine and the desired angular velocity. A difference between current and desired angular velocities is determined and fill in a region of the tachometer display, such as a sector between needles indicating current and desired angular velocities or most or all of a surface of the tachometer. The tachometer may be updated in the same manner according to a desired angular velocity in cases where the drive shifts into gear following coasting in neutral.

Abstract: Provided are a projection type display device and an operation assistance method that enable an operator to enjoy an operation assistance function even in the case of occurrence of abnormality in an optical modulation unit or an image information input unit during operation of a vehicle. A system control unit 47 of a HUD, if sensing abnormality in an optical modulation device 44 and a drive unit 45, stops a light source unit 40 and, furthermore, in the case of image information generated by a projected image information generation unit 52 including image information that calls attention of the operator to the front field of view, displays an alert image based on the image information on a liquid crystal display device 61 in a meter cluster.

Abstract: A waste heat utilization system may include an air conditioning circuit for air conditioning a vehicle interior of the electric vehicle, wherein a working medium may circulate in the air conditioning circuit, which may have arranged therein a compressor for compressing the working medium, a condenser for condensing the working medium, and an evaporator for evaporating the working medium.

Abstract: Techniques for electric vehicle systems, and in particular to electric vehicle charging systems and associated methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, a system for aligning a charging panel of an electrical vehicle to receive a charge from an external source is provided, the system comprising a charging panel interconnected to the electrical vehicle; an actuator interconnected to the charging panel; a sensor configured to sense an alignment measurement between the charging panel and an external power source; and an alignment controller that receives the alignment measurement and determines a required alignment adjustment, wherein the charging panel may be adjusted to receive the charge from the external power source.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control apparatus capable of stabilizing a behavior of a vehicle when a regenerative braking force is generated. To achieve this object, a vehicle control apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an electric motor configured to provide a regenerative braking force to left and right drive wheels that are one of front wheels and rear wheels, a friction braking device configured to provide a friction braking force to left and right trailer wheels that are the other of the front wheels and the rear wheels, and a behavior estimation unit configured to estimate a behavior of a vehicle. The vehicle control apparatus reduces the regenerative braking force and increases the friction braking force provided by the friction braking device, if the behavior estimation unit estimates a preset behavior when the regenerative braking force is generated.

Abstract: A power control method of an electric storage apparatus that includes an output terminal, an electric storage device connected to the output terminal via a power supply route in the electric storage apparatus, and a monitoring apparatus including a detector, a communication unit, and a controller, includes detecting a variation value corresponding to an amount of charge of the electric storage device, shutting down the power supply route in the electric storage apparatus, which connects the electric storage device to the output terminal, and causing the communication unit to receives an input signal from outside.