Abstract: One embodiment is a system comprising an engine structured to output torque to an accessory drive, a rotary load structured to be selectably driven by the accessory drive, and an electronic control system. The electronic control system is operable to selectably engage and disengage the rotary load effective to vary the load on the engine, monitor engine load values in coordination with engagement of the rotary load, store a data set comprising the monitored engine load values in association with values of one or more associated system conditions in a non-transitory memory medium, update a mathematical model of the system stored in the non-transitory memory medium in response to the engine load values to converge one or more model parameters, diagnose or prognosticate a failure state of the rotary load in response to a change in the one or more model parameters, and output a perceptible diagnostic indication of the failure state in response to the diagnosis or prognostication.

Abstract: A system and method for planning activities for a driver of a vehicle, where a scheduled route is planned for the vehicle, include an assignment unit configured for assigning a pilot assisted driving mode to a first part of the scheduled route and assigning an autonomous driving mode a second part of the scheduled route, the assignment of the driving mode determined based on a first parameter. An interface is configured for indicating the first and second parts of the scheduled route to the driver, and a proposal unit is configured for, upon execution of the assigned driving mode in the vehicle, proposing a first activity to the driver for the first part of the scheduled route and a second activity for the second part of the scheduled route, the proposal of an activity determined based a second parameter.

Abstract: A transmission gear control apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an automatic transmission, a torque converter, and an accelerator operation amount sensor. The torque converter is disposed between the engine and the automatic transmission. The transmission gear control apparatus includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to: (i) control switching of a transmission gear stage of the automatic transmission at least on a basis of a change in vehicle speed of the vehicle; (ii) control lockup of a lock-up clutch of the torque converter on a basis of a state of the vehicle; and (iii) control the automatic transmission when the accelerator operation amount is equal to or larger than a specified value such that an upshift of the automatic transmission is performed at a higher vehicle speed as a rotation difference between input and output of the torque converter is reduced.

Abstract: A control system controls a power transmission system located between a motive power source and drive wheels. The power transmission system includes a fluid coupling and an engagement device. The control system includes an electronic control unit configured to: obtain information concerning vibration of the power transmission system; determine whether the vibration of the power transmission system is in a resonance region of the power transmission system; control the engagement device so that the engagement device slips, when the electronic control unit determines that the power transmission system is in the resonance region; and control the motive power source when the electronic control unit determines that the power transmission system is in the resonance region, so that a rotational speed of the motive power source increases as compared with a case where the power transmission system is not in the resonance region.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, when an abnormality occurs in a first current sensor and a second current sensor during operation of an engine, a controller is configured to execute one-phase on control to a first inverter, and perform gate shutoff to a second inverter. The controller is configured to, in switching a target phase in the one-phase on control, when an electric angle of a first motor is within a switching range where an assumption is made that a torque difference between torque of the first motor before switching of the target phase and torque of the first motor after switching of the target phase becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, switch the target phase.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle mobile device usage monitoring with a cell phone usage sensor. An example disclosed vehicle includes a cellphone usage sensor and a communication enforcer. The example cellphone usage sensor monitors a detection area around a driver's seat. The example communication enforcer changes an operation of the vehicle when the cellphone usage sensor detects usage of a mobile device within the detection area, a communication management feature is enabled, and the mobile device is not communicatively coupled to a wireless module of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sightline estimation system includes a sightline detection unit, a related information acquisition unit, a holding unit, which holds sightline information, and a difference extraction unit. The difference extraction unit performs a selection process to select, from the related information held in the holding unit, the related information corresponding to the related information acquired at the time of current detection of a sightline of the driver and also extracts the difference between the distribution of sightlines of the driver acquired from the sightline information associated with the selected related information and the distribution of the sightlines acquired within a predetermined period including the current detection of the sightline. The sightline estimation system further includes a sightline estimation unit.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a vehicle, the method may include measuring a speed of the vehicle to provide speed measurements; measuring, by at least one vibration sensor, vibrations of the vehicle to provide vibrations measurements; determining, based on the vibration measurements and speed measurements, an actual relationship between speed and vibrations of the vehicle; comparing between the actual relationship between the speed and vibrations of the vehicle and a reference relationship between speed and vibrations of the vehicle to provide a comparison result; and determining the quality of the driving based on the comparison result.

Abstract: A trailer-detection system includes a radar-sensor, an angle-detector, and a controller. The radar-sensor is used to detect an other-vehicle present in a blind-zone proximate to the host-vehicle. The angle-detector is used to determine a trailer-angle relative to a host-vehicle of a trailer being towed by the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the angle-detector and the radar-sensor. The controller is configured to determine a trailer-presence of the trailer based on the radar-signal and the trailer-angle.

Abstract: A system includes a controller in a vehicle in communication with sensors supported on pedals of the vehicle. The controller includes instructions for determining a user intention based on a detected movement of a foot of the user. Upon determination that the user intention is to take over control the vehicle, the controller sets a control mode of the vehicle to a manual control mode.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided comprising a cabin area, a steering wheel, a plurality of microphones positioned in the cabin area and configured to have pick-up sensitivity in select directions, and a cue generator configured to provide a haptic cue on the steering wheel in response to a sound detected by the plurality of microphones. Also provided are systems and methods for indicating a detected sound direction in a vehicle. A plurality of microphones are positioned in a vehicle cabin and configured to have pick-up sensitivity in select directions. A comparator is configured to compare the detected audio signals to identify a highest amplitude signal. And a cue generator is configured to provide haptic feedback at a vehicle cabin location associated with the microphone detecting the highest amplitude signal.

Abstract: A lifting device for lifting a rail car includes a frame with a load plate movably disposed thereon and a back plate movably disposed on the frame and coupled to the load plate. The lifting device further includes a first actuator disposed on the frame and operatively coupled to the back plate and at least one second actuator operatively coupled to the load plate such that the first actuator and the at least one second actuator produce forces in first and second directions. Further still, the first actuator and the at least one second actuator move the load plate of the lifting device in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle-based infrastructure diagnostic apparatus to assist in the maintenance of rail networks. This is a complete system—from the acquisition of vibration signals in a moving vehicle, to the presentation of the infrastructure changes to the maintenance workers. This apparatus relies on novel techniques to account for the variable speed of the train (making it useful even on non-dedicated rail vehicles) and novel techniques to normalize for various environmental conditions. This system could help maintenance departments identify and remediate anomalies more rapidly, as well as trace network deterioration over time. The apparatus consists of low-cost unobtrusive sensors, software for data analysis, and hardware that makes it easy to deploy widely even on existing rail networks.

Abstract: A movable rack system for storing carts or other suitable transports for storing rolls of synthetic turf. Alternatively, the rolls of synthetic turf may be stored directly on the rack systems. A first row of rack systems contains N rack systems. An adjacent row contains N?1 rack systems. The rack systems in the adjacent row can be moved laterally so that access to the first row is available for loading and unloading rack systems contained in that row. In a second moveable rack system, a plurality of satellite hubs rotate about a central hub such that support structures on the satellite hubs are capable of rotating into a loading position and then rotating away from the loading position to a storage position.

Abstract: A cart for transporting folded tables and/or folded chairs includes rear and front boards; a lower left side bar interconnecting the rear board and the front board; a lower right side bar interconnecting the rear board and the front board; first grooves vertically oriented and formed on the lower left side bar; second grooves vertically oriented and formed on the lower right side bar; an upper left side bar interconnecting the rear board and the front board; an upper right side bar interconnecting the rear board and the front board; first troughs oriented horizontally and formed on the upper left side bar; second troughs oriented horizontally and formed on the upper right side bar; and a pivotal handle secured to a rear surface of the rear board. The first grooves are aligned with the second grooves. The first troughs are aligned with the second troughs.

Abstract: A supportive cushion and restraint for an infant or young child in a shopping cart seat which includes an upper cushioned body that provides torso and back support by including a rigid plastic sheet insert located posterior and parallel to compressed polyester padding; and is hinged at a horizontal seam to a lower cushioned body (the seat portion), which encloses compressed polyester padding; a wide belt that secures by hook and loop type fasteners and extends from the upper cushioned body, wrapping forward around the torso, securing the child in place and adjusting to most girths; the upper and lower cushioned bodies are enclosed in the same durable fabric as the wide belt; two pairs of heavy duty strap-and-buckle units extend from the upper cushioned body, providing the means to secure the upper cushioned body to the shopping cart seat, and ensuring proper support and comfortable restraint of the child.

Abstract: A shopping cart deflection measurement system and associated methods are described. The shopping cart deflection measurement system includes a shopping cart, a sensor, and a processing device equipped with a processor. The shopping cart includes a frame, a basket portion pivotably mounted to the frame so as to enable deflection of at least one edge of the basket portion downward in the direction of gravity following a weight being placed in the basket portion, and a lower rack portion mounted to the frame and disposed below the basket portion. The processing device can be configured to execute instructions to measure deflection of the basket portion relative to the lower rack portion of the shopping cart using data acquired by the sensor. The measured deflection can be indicative of a fullness of the basket portion with one or more products.

Abstract: A laundry cart comprised of a base assembly, casters, steel frame assembly, handle, and fabric hamper body. The quadrilateral base includes a pair of longitudinally spaced U-shaped members interposed between a pair of longitudinal slats and a plurality of transverse slats fixed together in a common lattice fashion. The steel frame assembly is comprised of uprights along the periphery of the base platform, which includes offset uprights and corner uprights. The corner uprights are attached above the base, thereby reducing the shear stress on the laundry cart. The Z-shaped offset uprights allow all the uprights on the short side and long side of the cart to be on the same plane. The hamper body is sized and configured to seat within the uprights and crossmembers. The hamper body includes reinforced trim along the top periphery, which is constructed of a sewn soft rubber to prevent scuffing and damage to walls and doors.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a two-wheeled apparatus for transporting commercial appliance units on a rooftop or other location without the use of a crane or helicopter. The two-wheeled apparatus may include a chassis configured to support a load of a commercial appliance unit, the chassis comprising a first telescoping member and a second telescoping member. Further, the chassis may include a first mount positioned at a first end of the chassis and a second mount positioned at a second end of the chassis. A first wheel assembly may be coupled to the first distal end of the chassis by a first fixed axle and a second wheel assembly may be coupled to the second distal end of the chassis by a second fixed axle.

Abstract: A compact multifunction collapsible stroller and cart which provides increased convenience with its small factor when collapsed. It is able to be reversibly converted from a stroller to a shopping or utility cart. The seat and receptacle of the invention have no rigid connections to the wheeled frame, instead they are suspended in place by non-rigid connections such as cables or wires connecting them to the wheeled frame. The wheeled frame may be telescopic and collapsible, and can be wrapped in the flexible material of the seat or cart receptacle thereby allowing the seat or cart receptacle to act as a carrying bag.

Abstract: A climate control device (15) for influencing at least one climatic parameter of a handle (5) of a steering device (2), the climate control device (15) having an air moving device (21) for providing a stream of air, a handle distributor (26) for distributing a stream of air towards at least a part of the handle (5). It is planned that the air moving device (21) as well as the handle distributor (26) can be or are mounted to a static area, which remains static in relation to adjustment movements of the steering device (2), the handle distributor (26) has at least one air outlet (35,35?) to generate a stream of air from the handle distributor (26) at the static area towards the handle (5).

Abstract: A driver interface for a vehicle includes a steering column assembly and a structural facial. The steering column assembly includes a column constructed and arranged to move between a retracted state and an extended state, and an attachment projecting outward from the column. The structural facial defines an alcove for receipt of the attachment when the steering column is in the retracted state.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes first jacket, a second jacket, and a locking assembly. The first jacket is disposed about a first shaft. The second jacket is at least partially received within the first jacket. The second jacket is disposed about a second shaft that is selectively coupled to the first shaft. The locking assembly includes a shaft sleeve and a sensor assembly. The shaft sleeve is disposed about the first shaft and has a position feature. The sensor assembly is disposed within the second jacket and is operatively connected to a jacket sleeve. The sensor assembly is arranged to detect a position of the position feature relative to the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle includes a first steering shaft operatively coupleable to a steering wheel, the first steering shaft and the steering wheel rotationally coupled to each other. Also included is a second steering shaft operatively coupled to the first steering shaft, the first and second steering shafts manually telescopingly movable relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position, the first steering shaft disengaged from the second steering shaft in the retracted position and the first steering shaft engaged with the first steering shaft in the extended position, the retracted position rotationally decoupling.

Abstract: A vehicle has a wheel, a frame, a suspension component, a steering knuckle, and a steering system. The suspension component is connected to the frame. The steering knuckle is connected to the suspension component and is connected to the wheel. The suspension component is operable to control vertical movement of the steering knuckle and the wheel relative to the frame. The suspension component and the steering knuckle define a steering axis for the wheel. The steering axis has a caster inclination angle of zero degrees. The steering system is connected to the suspension component and controls a steering angle of the wheel based on an electronic control signal.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a reducer of an electric power steering apparatus. An embodiment of the present invention provides a reducer of an electric power steering device. The reducer includes: a worm shaft having a worm formed thereon; a worm wheel having a worm gear formed thereon to be engaged with the worm; and a clearance compensation device coupled to a worm shaft bearing provided on an end of the worm shaft and configured to elastically support the end of the worm shaft within a reducer housing.

Abstract: A vehicle control device is provided, which includes a drive source configured to generate torque as driving force of a vehicle, a transmission torque control mechanism configured to control transmission torque to drive wheels according to the generated torque, and a processor configured to execute a vehicle attitude controlling module to perform a vehicle attitude control by controlling the transmission torque control mechanism to reduce the transmission torque so as to decelerate the vehicle when a starting condition that the vehicle is traveling and a steering angle related value increases is satisfied, and then, when a given terminating condition is satisfied, controlling the mechanism to resume the transmission torque back to the torque before being reduced. The transmission torque is controlled so as to cause a yaw rate that occurs in the vehicle while the vehicle attitude control is performed, to be lower than an upper limit yaw rate.

Abstract: A steer by wire steering system for a vehicle includes a reaction force actuator 25, a steering actuator 28, a control unit 40, and a clutch 20, 120 that can selectively connect a steering wheel 11 with road wheels 3 to be steered. The control unit is configured to operate in an emergency mode when a failure is detected while the control unit is operating in a steer by wire mode. The emergency mode includes commanding the clutch to engage, terminating the steer by wire mode, performing a position keep control whereby the steering actuator is driven so as to maintain a fixed steering angle of the road wheels, initiating a power assist mode using the reaction force actuator, and once the clutch is fully engaged, terminating the position keep control.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a first sensor section and a second sensor section, and the first sensor section has sensor elements and an output circuit for generating and transmitting an output signal including signals that respectively correspond to sensing values from the two sensor elements, and the second sensor section has sensor elements and an output circuit for generating and transmitting an output signal including signals that respectively correspond to sensing values from the two sensor elements. The sensor device further includes an ECU that has an abnormality determiner for determining abnormality of the sensor sections, and a calculator, thereby enabling a continuation of abnormality monitoring of a normal sensor section, even when a part of the sensor sections is abnormal.

Abstract: Technical solutions for compensating for lash in a steering system are described. An example method includes determining a rack pressure value based on a driver torque value and a differential pressure across a rack of the steering system. The method also includes determining a compensation friction value based on a position of a handwheel of the steering system and a speed of a vehicle equipped with the steering system. The method also includes computing a pressure value based on the rack pressure value and the compensation friction value. The method also includes generating a torque command using the pressure value, the torque command being added to the driver assist torque for the steering system.

Abstract: When a steering operation by a driver intervenes during autonomous driving of a vehicle, the intervention operation is fully reflected and a feeling of strangeness and a feeling of discomfort that may be given to the driver are reduced. In order to attain this, an ECU of an electric power steering apparatus includes: a steering angle control section 200 to which a steering angle command value is input to control a steering angle; an assist control section 147 to which an assist map gradual change gain is input to output an assist control output gradual change gain; and a switching determination/gradual change gain generating section 145 that generates a gradual change gain, by which steering angle control output and assist control output are multiplied, and multiplies the gradual change gain to make a switching determination between a steering angle control mode by the steering angle control section 200 and an assist control mode by the assist control section 147.

Abstract: A front suspension lift kit for a golf cart includes a kingpin sleeve and a kingpin. The kingpin is configured to extend through both the kingpin sleeve and a steering knuckle of the golf cart. A frame spacer is mountable to a frame of the golf cart, and a leaf spring is mountable to the frame spacer. The frame spacer is configured for positioning the leaf spring such that the leaf spring is spaced from the frame of the golf cart when the frame spacer is mounted to the frame of the golf cart and when the leaf spring is mounted to the frame spacer.

Abstract: A rod-end front suspension is provided for an off-road vehicle. The rod-end front suspension comprises a spindle assembly that is pivotally coupled with an upper suspension arm by way of a first rod-end joint and pivotally coupled with a lower suspension arm by way of a second rod-end joint. A steering rod-end joint coupled with the spindle assembly pivotally receives a steering rod. An axle assembly coupled with the spindle assembly conducts torque from a transaxle to a wheel coupled with the spindle assembly. Each of the first and second rod-end joints comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing. The ball is fastened within a recess between parallel prongs extending from the spindle assembly. A threaded shank extending from the casing is threadably fixated with the suspension arm, such that the spindle assembly may be moved with respect to the casing and the suspension arm.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes: a cylindrical slider which is disposed on an outer side of a support member so as to slide in a front-to-rear direction and which is biased to the rear; a cap member which covers at least respective rear end portions of the support member and the slider from the rear; a movable-side contact portion which is provided inside the cap member; an annular damper holder which is mounted inside the cap member; an annular elastic member which is interposed between the slider and the damper holder; a transmitting portion which is provided in an inner circumferential portion of the damper holder; and a movement catch portion which is provided on an outer circumferential portion of the slider so as to be positioned immediately before the transmitting portion and to which a forward movement of the damper holder is transmitted through the transmitting portion.

Abstract: A grain cart is provide having a wheel assembly with four ground wheels that all pivot in unison. The wheel assembly can include a first side front wheel, a first side rear wheel, a second side front wheel and a second side rear wheel. A first side steering link assembly can be operatively coupled between the first side front wheel and the first side rear wheel to cause the first side front wheel and the second side rear wheel to pivot in opposite directions. A second side steering link can be operatively coupled between the second side front wheel and the second side rear wheel to cause the second side front wheel and the second side rear wheel to pivot in opposite directions. A unison linkage assembly operatively can couple the movement of the first side rear wheel and second side rear wheel.

Abstract: A wheel carrier for a two-track motor vehicle including a wheel-side carrier part, which carries a vehicle wheel; an axle-side guide part; axle-side rotary parts arranged between the wheel-side carrier part and the axle-side guide part and supported on a common bearing site for rotation relative to each other about a rotation axis by respective rotation angles, wherein the carrier part is pivotable about the rotation axis about a pivot point for toe and/or camber adjustment of the vehicle wheel by rotation of at least one of the rotary parts by the respective rotation angle into a rotary position, which correlates with a toe and/or camber angle of the vehicle wheel, wherein the toe and/or camber angle being arbitrarily adjustable within a toe and/or camber angular range. The wheel carrier further includes at least one movement stop adapted for limiting the toe and/or camber angular range of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: Motor vehicle hybrid structural part, comprising a main structural part 2 and at least one reinforcement patch the main structural part 2 being embodied as a sheet-metal structural part made of a steel alloy or light metal alloy and the reinforcement patch being made of light metal, which is characterized in that the reinforcement patch is an extruded structural part with at least two wall thicknesses differing from one another in cross section.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure for absorbing side impacts includes a pipe member extending laterally from a first lateral side of a vehicle frame to a second lateral side of the vehicle frame. The vehicle body structure also includes a lower stamped member or assembly and an upper stamped member. The lower stamped member or assembly is disposed on an underside of the pipe member and extends laterally from the first lateral side of the vehicle to the second lateral side of the vehicle. The upper side stamped member is disposed over the pipe member to sandwich the pipe member between the lower side and the upper side stamped members. The upper side stamped member extends laterally from the first lateral side of the vehicle frame to the second lateral side of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A B-pillar for a motor vehicle body comprises a sheet metal formed part having a head portion, a central portion and a base portion, and an inner side and an outer side. The head portion, on the inner side, comprises a connecting region for connection to a roof region of the motor vehicle body. The base portion can connect to a sill region. The central portion extends between the head portion and the base portion and defines a longitudinal direction of the B-pillar. The sheet metal formed part comprises a hat profile such that on the inner side a hollow chamber is formed; and a fiber composite part having an upper portion, a central portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion comprises a contact region that laterally embraces a supporting region and is supported against same in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A dash panel supporting structure includes a center member rested on a tunnel portion of a vehicle, a bridge member connected to an upper portion of the center member, and a pair of side members configured to support both ends of the bridge member and both ends of the center member on inner portions of side pillars of the vehicle. Therefore, the tunnel portion, a cowl panel and A-pillars of the vehicle are supported by each other through the dash panel supporting structure, so that the torsional rigidity of the vehicle is improved.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle configuration of the dual configuration floor assembly includes a single-piece integrally-molded thermoplastic coupling seal plate having an interior and exterior side and including: (1) a coolant delivery passage extending through coupling seal plate and having an interior and an exterior quick-connect coolant delivery coupling at respective ends of the coolant delivery passage; (2) a coolant return passage extending through the coupling seal plate with an interior and an exterior quick-conned coolant return coupling at respective ends of the coolant return passage; (3) an electrical harness opening through the coupling seal plate; and (4) floor-plate coupling elements. A non-hybrid electric vehicle configuration of the dual configuration floor assembly includes an operating unit and an operating unit gasket positioned around an interior side of the floor opening between the operating unit and the sheet metal floor component.

Abstract: Described herein are a viscous drag reduction apparatus and a method. The apparatus includes a pair of rollers connected to a supporting surface on a roof of the vehicle, a belt having a frictional surface and partially wrapped around the pair of rollers, such that the pair of rollers allow the belt to rotate in response to an air flow generated around the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion, the pair of rollers having a length in an axial direction that is at least as long as a width of the belt, an assembly of the pair of rollers and the belt being at least partially recessed with respect to a top line of the roof, and a reverse flow cover connected to the front end of the roof of the vehicle to block an air back flow generated by the belt when rotating.

Abstract: An aerodynamic system for a vehicle having a plurality of heat exchangers can include a front assembly, a pair of front fenders, a hood, a ducting assembly, and a rear assembly. The front assembly can include air inlets. The air inlets can be in fluid communication with at least one of the heat exchangers. The pair of front fenders can include fender outlets in fluid communication with at least one of the heat exchangers. The ducting assembly can be in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of heat exchangers. The rear assembly can include raised C-pillars, air inlets adjacent the pair of raised C-pillars, a rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, and rear slot assemblies adjacent the rear spoiler.

Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined geometry and ratio of links to each other for movement of the active front deflector assembly between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. The deflector panel is positionable at multiple heights. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. A drive shaft transmits the drive from one side to the other side. The deflector is both rigid and semi rigid to absorb impact energy.

Abstract: A front splitter assembly includes a front splitter having a first end and a second end, a first side splitter at the first end and a second side splitter at the second end. Each side splitter includes a contoured body. In one embodiment each side splitter includes an underwing extending between the extension section and the wicker section inboard of the end plate of the side splitter. A related method of improving stability and peak cornering speed of a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A working vehicle where a front axle case is supported by two front axle brackets includes a body flame formed by disposing beams at a prescribed interval, by welding reinforced plates to plate faces of the beams which face to each other, and by welding both end parts of one of the front axle brackets to the reinforced plates; and a front hitch formed by welding both end parts of the other front axle bracket to both end parts of a plate member which are bent. The front hitch is attached to the body flame such that the two front axle brackets are opposed to each other.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling device is adapted for a towing vehicle that vertically receives a kingpin of a trailer. The device includes a plate having a kingpin hole formed therethrough defining a vertical path adapted to permit entry of the kingpin into the kingpin hole and through the plate along the vertical path, and to prevent release of the kingpin out of the kingpin hole along a lateral path leading outside the plate. A support base is attached to the plate, and is adapted to mount the plate to the towing vehicle. A lifting mechanism is operatively connected to the plate and is adapted to be mounted on the towing vehicle for raising and lowering the plate relative to the trailer. A locking mechanism is movably attached to the plate and is provided with an actuating portion.

Abstract: An undercarriage includes a plurality of bottom support rollers defining a bottom support roller platform distance and front and rear wheels defining a wheel pitch distance, and a track chain defining a link pitch distance and a ratio of the bottom support roller platform distance to the wheel pitch distance ranges from 0.70 to 0.95 and a ratio of the roller spacing distance to the link pitch distance ranges from 0.75 link pitch distance to 1.50 link pitch distances.

Abstract: An elastic crawler includes an elastic crawler body and plural cord layers. The elastic crawler body is shaped into an endless loop. The plural cord layers are formed by plural cords covered by the elastic body, and the plural cord layers are embedded in the elastic crawler body. Respective cords included in mutually adjacent cord layers are disposed so as to intersect each other when viewed along a thickness direction of the elastic crawler body, and in at least one pair of adjacent cord layers inside at least a partial region of the elastic crawler body, a total area of portions where the respective cords included in each layer of the adjacent cord layers overlap with each other, is smaller than a total area of portions where respective regions of each layer of the adjacent cord layers in which none of the cords are disposed overlap with each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a continuous track center guide traction cap that is mountable to a conventional center guide for a continuous track assembly. The cap includes traction engagement features to increase traction. The features may include one or more grousers or other protrusions that provide better performance. The invention also includes the method of installing the traction cap to an existing center guide.