Abstract: A drive and control system is provided for use on a zero turn vehicle, and includes first and second hydraulic ground drives independently driving a pair of driven wheels. Each ground drive has an electric actuator to control the output thereof. An operator mechanism generates a drive signal corresponding to a neutral drive position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral drive positions of the operator mechanism, and a steering signal corresponding to a neutral steering position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral steering positions of the operator mechanism. Sensors generate signals corresponding to sensed roll, pitch and yaw parameters. A stability control module includes a processor for receiving the drive and steering signals and for providing output signals to the electric actuators.

Abstract: A control device for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes a differential restriction device which varies a differential restriction degree between a front wheel rotary shaft and a rear wheel rotary shaft, a differential restriction device and control units for controlling the differential restriction device. The control device is configured to control a behavior when the vehicle is being braked. Further, the control unit is configured to lower the differential restriction degree when a yaw rate of the vehicle is lower than a predetermined yaw rate threshold and a time decreasing rate of an estimated vehicle body speed which is a vehicle body speed estimated based on a wheel speed of the vehicle falls below a predetermined decreasing rate when the vehicle is being braked, in a vicinity of a maximum value.

Abstract: An automatic parking system is provided. The automatic parking system includes a camera processor that acquires images around a subject vehicle, converts the acquired images into external images and synthesizes the external images. A sensor processor measured spaced distances between the subject vehicle and surrounding vehicles. A parking space recognizing unit periodically receives the spaced distances and the external images and comparing the consecutive external images with the spaced distances using an image recognition technology to recognize parking areas. A controller calculates a moving path between a current position of the subject vehicle and an optimal parking area and operates the subject vehicle based on the moving path.

Abstract: An evacuation travel assist apparatus includes a stop lane determination section that determines a stop lane and an evacuation place in the stop lane in which an own vehicle should be urgently stopped when the vehicle drive is detected to be in a state of being not able to drive the own vehicle properly, and a transverse position determination section that determines, as a stop transverse position, a position in a transverse direction of the evacuation place in the stop lane so as to ensure a space for the vehicle driver and passengers to get in and out of the own vehicle safely at a side of the own vehicle.

Abstract: Techniques pertaining to vehicle occupancy indication and utilization thereof are described. A method may involve determining occupancy information regarding a number of occupants in a vehicle. The method may also involve indicating the occupancy information in either or both of a human-perceivable way and a machine-perceivable way.

Abstract: The invention and use method provides advanced warning of one or more proximate vehicle's high likelihood of action, such as lane change, speed change, turn and exit by sharing impending navigation system directives among proximate vehicles. The shared directives are combined with real-time sensors data to provide drivers and autonomous vehicles with anticipated proximate vehicle actions so as to reduce the risk of unsafe distance and speeds among the proximate vehicles. By having advanced warning, a vehicle's driver or autonomous vehicle control system has more time to anticipate and react to such actions. The system may warn and direct the driver or autonomous vehicle control system to decelerate and/or change lanes.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and avoiding a collision includes measuring speed of one or more vehicles and at least one parameter indicating road surface and condition, weather, and tire pressure. Rear image dimensions are proportional to the speed of the trailing vehicle and front image dimensions are proportional to the speed of the index vehicle. The timing of the projected images will allow for safe deceleration of trailing and of the index vehicles The images are projected either as flat images on the roadway or three-dimensional (holographic) images. The occurrence and severity of a collision is defined by the rate of change in dimensions of the projected images that exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to a deceleration or acceleration of more than 1.1 g. Collision data measured by vehicle or extra vehicular (such as GPS) sensors are instantly stored and transmitted to the police department and emergency medical services.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for a speed controller for a vehicle. An example disclosed vehicle includes a power train control unit and an autonomy unit. The example power train control unit controls a speed of the vehicle based on a control signal. The example autonomy unit (a) receives a speed profile based on a preview of traffic information from an profile generator on an external network, and (b) based on vehicle dynamic data and the speed profile, generate the control signal to control the speed of the vehicle according to the speed profile.

Abstract: A vehicle control device mounted on the own vehicle and configured to control the own vehicle according to the position of another vehicle ahead of the own vehicle. The vehicle control device comprises an estimated course calculation means calculating an estimated course of the own vehicle; a setting means setting a parameter indicating whether the other vehicle is in the path of the own vehicle based on the relative position of the other vehicle with respect to the own vehicle in a lateral direction orthogonal to the estimated course of the own vehicle; a determination means determining whether the other vehicle is a leading vehicle in the path of the own vehicle based on the parameter; and a changing means changing the likelihood of being determined as the leading vehicle when the estimated course is a curve, based on the estimated course and the position of the other vehicle.

Abstract: A controller is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a spatial locating speed or a spatial locating position for determining the spatial locating speed. The controller is configured to determine a sensed speed of the work vehicle based on a calibration and a second signal indicative of a rotational rate of a wheel of the work vehicle, and to determine whether a difference between the sensed speed and the spatial locating speed exceeds a calibration threshold. In response to determining that the difference exceeds the calibration threshold, the controller is configured to update the calibration such that the sensed speed is substantially equal to the spatial locating speed, and update the sensed speed based on the updated calibration and the second signal. Further, the controller is configured to instruct a speed control system to limit a ground speed of the work vehicle based on the sensed speed.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided to allow an autonomous vehicle to promptly launch after picking up a passenger. A controller comprises a drive controller for controlling a drive motor, and electric power is supplied to the drive motor from a power source. A main switch is manipulated by the controller to selectively connect and disconnect the drive controller to/from the power source. The controller is configured to propel the vehicle autonomously to a pickup location to pick up a passenger, and to turn on the main switch if the passenger is detected within a predetermined area at the pickup location.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, a coolant circuit, a refrigerant circuit, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to charge a battery via regenerative braking. The coolant circuit has an electric heater. The refrigerant circuit has an electric compressor. The controller is programmed to, responsive to a capacity of the battery to receive power being less available regenerative braking power and ambient air temperature being less than a first threshold, direct regenerative braking power to the heater but not the compressor. The controller is further programmed to, responsive to the capacity of the battery to receive power being less available regenerative braking power and ambient air temperature exceeding a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, direct regenerative braking power to the compressor but not the heater.

Abstract: An ECU includes a deviation calculating circuit an assist control circuit, an automatic steering control circuit including an intervention determination switching circuit, an adder, a current command value calculating circuit The intervention determination switching circuit includes a count amount calculating circuit, an adder, an immediately-preceding count amount output circuit, a switching determination circuit, and an output switching circuit. The count amount calculating circuit calculates a count amount having a positive value or a negative value based on a steering torque absolute value calculated by an absolute value switching circuit. The adder calculates a total count amount that is the total sum of a presently calculated count amount and an immediately-preceding count amount calculated in an immediately-preceding calculation cycle.

Abstract: A bicycle component control system is basically provided with an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to output a control signal to operate both of a first bicycle electric component and a second bicycle electric component in accordance with a correspondence table between an operating state of the first bicycle electric component and an operating state of the second bicycle electric component. The first bicycle electric component includes one of a height adjustable seatpost and a suspension. The second bicycle electric component includes one of a gear transmission and the other of the height adjustable seatpost and the suspension.

Abstract: Noise and vibration occurring when a parking lock is released can be efficiently reduced in the hybrid vehicle which includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor serving as the driving sources and a stepped type transmission divided into two systems of a shift shaft at an odd shift stage side and a shift shaft at an even shift stage side. A 2-speed stage is selected as a pre-shift stage set when a meshing member is meshed with a parking lock gear and a parking lock mechanism has a parking lock state. The 2-speed driving gear is joined to an output shaft using a second engagement switching mechanism in a state in which the 2-speed stage is set as the pre-shift stage so that a larger inertial mass can be secured as an inertial mass of a parking lock gear and members joined to an output shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using machine learning classifiers to identify anomalous driving behavior in vehicle driver data obtained from vehicle telematics devices are provided. In one example, a vehicle telematics device receives vehicle driver data from sensors, identifies anomalies in the vehicle driver data by using an unsupervised machine learning process, calculates a driver risk score by using the anomalies identified in the vehicle driver data, and transmits the risk score to a remote server system. In another example, a server system receives vehicle driver data from a plurality of vehicle telematics devices, identifies anomalies in the vehicle driver data by using an unsupervised machine learning process, and calculates a driver risk score by using the anomalies identified in the vehicle driver data.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle for determining whether a trailer is attached to the vehicle, the system being configured to receive an input of pitch data for the vehicle and to determine from the pitch data whether a trailer is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is a modular vehicle that is intended for a variety of operations including both military and civilian operations. The vehicle addresses the issue of performing special purpose tasks that the vehicle is asked to do. Such tasks can be accomplished by configuring the vehicle as an ambulance, as a fire-fighting vehicle, as a communications van, as a command and control vehicle, etc. Thus, the vehicle is readily adapted using standardized and customized modules that are readily attached to a standardized platform that includes an appropriate interconnection means.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) performance optimization system can determine a set of performance metrics for determining AV performance. The system can receive AV performance data from AVs operating or configured for operation throughout a given region. Based on the AV performance data, the system can determine a set of deficient performance metrics in which the AV does not meet one or more performance thresholds of a set of performance metrics. The system may then generate a configuration package, executable by the AV, comprising a set of control system parameter adjustments for meeting or exceeding the one or more performance thresholds corresponding to the deficient performance metrics.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one component of a motor vehicle, involves determining a current driving profile of the motor vehicle using at least one sensor present in the motor vehicle and comparing the current driving profile to a stored reference driving profile. At least two different components are simultaneously controlled depending on a result of this comparison.

Abstract: A user interface unit alternately designates an automatic switching mode, a manual-on mode, and a manual-off mode. A determining unit determines whether or not execution of driving assistance is permitted at a current time, based on a predetermined determination index related to whether or not execution of driving assistance is possible. A control unit executes a driving assistance mode when the execution of driving assistance is permitted and executes a manual driving mode when the execution of driving assistance is determined to not be permitted, under a condition that the automatic switching mode is designated. The control unit executes the driving assistance mode when a switch for designating the manual-on mode is operated, under a condition that the execution of driving assistance is permitted. The user interface unit does not receive input that designates the manual-on mode when the execution of driving assistance is determined to not be permitted.

Abstract: An autonomous driving system issues a notification to a driver of a vehicle during autonomous driving. The notification is a proposal or a previous notice of a vehicle action, or a request for manual driving. A notification timing is a timing to issue the notification to the driver. Necessary vehicle control required in connection with the notification includes acceleration/deceleration control and steering control. A start timing limit is a slowest timing to start the necessary vehicle control with which acceleration/deceleration and a steering speed during the necessary vehicle control can be respectively suppressed to predetermined values or lower. In a situation where the start timing limit is earlier than the notification timing, the autonomous driving system starts preliminary control, which is at least a part of the necessary vehicle control, at or before the start timing limit.

Abstract: A method for output of haptic information to a driver of a motor vehicle via a brake pedal includes ascertaining, based on signals of an environment-sensor system, imminence of a traffic situation that poses a potential risk to the motor vehicle, and modifying, during a driving of the motor vehicle, independent of a driver input, and in response to the ascertained imminence of the traffic situation, a characteristic of the brake pedal of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An aerial cableway system has at least two stations between which vehicles, such as gondola cars, travel as they are pulled by a cable. The stations include a boarding zone for passengers to board the vehicles and a disembarking zone, where passengers disembark from the vehicles. A sensor can be activated by a vehicle entering a station. At least one restricted area with at least one restrictor is located in the station and the restrictor has a controller which can be activated by the sensor.

Abstract: A system includes a drive system having one or more traction motors coupled in driving relationship to a plurality of wheels of a vehicle system. The traction motors are configured to provide both motive power for the vehicle system in a propel mode of operation and retarding effort to brake the vehicle system in a braking mode of operation. The system further includes a parking brake for maintaining a static position of the vehicle system when in an engaged state, and a controller configured to detect when the parking brake is in the engaged state. The controller is further configured to control at least one of the one or more traction motors to provide a braking effort to resist movement of the vehicle system when the parking brake is in the engaged state.

Abstract: A side glazing of a transport vehicle, particularly a glazing for a tramway, includes a mounting plate that has a hole passing all the way through and opening onto the exterior face and onto the interior face of the mounting plate and a glazed element that has at least one hole passing all the way through and opening onto the exterior face and onto the interior face of the glazed element, the hole in the glazed element being coaxial with the hole in the mounting plate.

Abstract: An elastomeric pad is provided for use in a railway car truck that includes two sideframes and a bolster. Each sideframe has a pedestal opening at each end to receive a bearing adapter assembly. The bearing adapter assembly includes a cast steel bearing adapter that is formed to fit on top of an axle bearing assembly. An elastomeric pad, comprised of a selected hardness elastomer, is fit on top of the bearing adapter. Contact buttons extend from the top surface and bottom surface of the elastomeric pad and are received in openings in the elastomeric pad. A conductor provides an electrical connection between the contact buttons.

Abstract: A device for reducing vibrations of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the device includes at least a vehicle frame, a brake carrier, a mechanically operative brake unit and a suspension bracket that interconnects the vehicle frame and brake carrier, where the suspension bracket includes at least one element elastically connecting the vehicle frame to the brake carrier that allows movement of the brake carrier in the transverse direction of the vehicle frame in order to dampen vibrations.

Abstract: Method for determining structural parameters of a railway track having a sensor array, includes measuring vertical and/or lateral irregularities of the rail with the sensor array along the rail, thereby providing signals corresponding to geometrical irregularities at different distance from the wheel-load. A model is provided describing the rail's deflection shape, which is dependent on structural parameters of the rail and on the loads on the rail. The model is stored in a processor where geometrical irregularities are compared under different load influence for generating a measured deflection shape. At least one theoretical rail deflection shape is generated using the model by varying structural parameters and the load in the model. At least one of theoretical deflection shapes is compared with the measured deflection shape for each point of the rail, and the structural parameters of that theoretical deflection shape which best matches the measured deflection shape are determined.

Abstract: A train control system enabling a train to smoothly travel while performing handover. The system includes an on-vehicle wireless station mounted on a train following a preceding train and connected to an on-vehicle control device of the train, ground wireless base stations capable of wirelessly communicating with the on-vehicle wireless station, and a base station control device to control the base stations. The ground wireless base station is located between the ground wireless base station with which the on-vehicle wireless station is communicating and the ground wireless base station forming a communication area including a travelling permission point determined by a position of the train. The base station control device reserves radio resources of the ground wireless base stations while communicating with the ground wireless base station.

Abstract: An automated warning time inspection system and method to test a warning time at a railroad grade crossing on each route for a train. The automated warning time inspection system comprises a track circuit configured to activate when a train enters the track circuit, an event recorder configured to record a first log time for activation of a crossing warning system, a camera to detect a first motion detection indication in a motion detection zone of the camera if there is any motion and an island circuit to detect a presence of the train as the train enters an island. The event recorder to record a third log time for switch position indications when present. The event recorder to record a fourth log time for activation of the island circuit. The camera to detect a second motion detection indication in the motion detection zone of the camera after the activation of the island circuit if there is any motion.

Abstract: A video content analysis system for mobile assets that includes track detection and infrastructure monitoring component. The track detection and infrastructure monitoring includes a reinforcement learning component, an object detection and location component, and an obstruction detection component to analyze video data, audio data, vehicle data, weather data, and route/manifest data to determine internal and/or external conditions relating to an the asset. A data acquisition and recording system uploads the data, internal and/or external condition information, object detection information, object location information, and obstruction detection information to a remote memory module and provides streaming video data in real-time to a remotely located user. Remotely located users can view the data in various view modes through a web browser or virtual reality device, which provides for quicker emergency response, validates the effectiveness of repairs and rerouting, and monitors crew performance and safety.

Abstract: To provide a wireless train control system that can perform a stable operation. The wireless train control system controls a wireless-control compliant train following a wireless-control noncompliant train by a ground control device. A stop limit point of the wireless-control compliant train is set by a track circuit in which a tail end position of the wireless-control noncompliant train is present. By using a track-circuit state signal indicating that the track circuit is turned on or turned off and a time-element-added track-circuit state signal indicating turn-off at a timing delayed by a set time after the track-circuit state signal has indicated turn-off, when the track-circuit state signal indicates turn-off and the time-element-added track-circuit state signal indicates turn-on, it is determined that turn-off indicated by the track-circuit state signal is caused by the wireless-control compliant train that is a train itself being present, and the stop limit point is not updated.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a track location and/or a direction of travel of a train includes at least one computer programmed or configured to determine at least one of a track on which the train is located and a direction of travel of the train on the track based at least partly on at least one location associated with at least one locomotive or control car of the train and at least one other location associated with at least one other locomotive or control car of the train. The at least one computer can be programmed or configured to determine a track on which the train is located based at least partly on the at least one location associated with the at least one locomotive or control car of the train and at least one additional location associated with at least one additional locomotive or control car of at least one additional train.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable chassis of manually driven carrier vehicles capable of self-locking in unfolded position. The chassis includes a frame having a reference plane, an actuator attached pivotally to said frame, a first mechanism comprising said actuator and a platform attached pivotally to said frame, and a second mechanism comprising said actuator and two arms, each attached to said frame pivotally around a first axis and configured for attaching a wheel arrangement rotatable around a second axis. Said first and second mechanisms configured to move independently of each other between at least a first position, in which said platform generally perpendicular to said frame and said wheel arrangements generally perpendicular to said reference plane, and a second position, in which said platform adjacent to said frame and said wheel arrangements adjacent and parallel to said reference plane.

Abstract: A foldable wagon is provided that converts from a use configuration to a folded configuration for storage and transportation. The foldable wagon has a collapsible frame, a foldable floor assembly and a linkage assembly. The foldable wagon may also have a flexible housing over a portion of the frame. The flexible housing may have a retractable sidewall.

Abstract: A cart for transporting an object, such as a storage container or a cooler for storing food and/or beverages, is provided. The cart includes a securing member to attach the cart to the storage container. The securing member includes first and second clasps each formed from a resilient material and configured to engage respective first and second securing members of the storage container. The first and second clasp are configured to resiliently flex away from the storage container to receive the storage container.

Abstract: A climate controlling mechanism may be provided for car seats/strollers that may be temperature regulated and may include a fail safe such that the climate controlling mechanism may shut down if not within the desired temperature range. The climate controlling mechanism may be built into a car seat/stroller and/or incorporated into a blanket or covering to be placed over a child. The climate controlling mechanism also may be portable. Further, the climate controlling mechanism may be self-charging or the climate controlling mechanism may be plugged into a car charger or other outlet in order to cool and/or heat.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering column assembly including a steering column. A steering wheel apparatus is connected to the steering column. The steering wheel apparatus includes a steering wheel hub that is connected to the steering column and a steering wheel rim that is connected to the steering wheel hub. A clutch mechanism selectively decouples the steering wheel rim from the steering wheel hub thereby allowing rotation of the steering wheel hub within the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: A steering rack meshes with a pinion rotatably driven by the input shaft of a steering gear constituting an automotive steering device. The steering rack is provided with a an axially extending rod part of round cross section, and a plurality of rack teeth formed on a radial one side surface of an axial portion of the rod part, the rack teeth meshing with the pinion. At least one dummy tooth is formed in portions that are axial parts of the rod part and are adjacent to both axial sides of the plurality of rack teeth. The dummy tooth has a tooth height less than the rack teeth and does not mesh with the pinion.

Abstract: A power steering control system is provided. The control system includes an actual module that determines an actual load torque associated with a vehicle chassis. A steering module generates a steering control signal based on the actual load torque.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power steering device 1 having a control unit 33 equipped with an abnormality detection circuit 50. The abnormality detection circuit 50 is configured to judge the occurrence of an abnormality in the power steering device when a peak level Trp of a frequency component of a steering torque Tr etc. that periodically changes in a frequency range of 20 to 25 Hz becomes higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A CPU 38 is connected to a first judgment circuit 36 accommodated in a sensor housing 15 through a first signal line 44A and a second signal line 45A. The first judgment circuit 36 is connected to first to fourth torque detection elements 32a, 33a, 34a and 35a of a quadruple torque sensor 16 through first to fourth torque signal lines 46, 47, 48 and 49. Normal and abnormality of torque signals from the torque detection elements 32a, 33a, 34a and 35a are judged are judged by a predetermined judgment manner in the first judgment circuit 36. Then, two normal torque signals, which have been judged to be normal, are transmitted to the CPU 38 through the first signal line 44A and the second signal line 45A.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a steer by wire system includes a first motor and a second motor configured to provide a torque. A first planetary gear set is configured to receive the torque from the first motor and to generate a reaction torque required for steering. A second planetary gear set is configured to receive the torque from the steering wheel and the second motor, and to variably output a gear ratio for an input by the steering wheel depending on a rotation of the second motor. A stopping mechanism is configured to limit a maximum rotation angle of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist apparatus of the invention executes an interpolation estimation process for estimating a road end line when the road end line becomes unable to be acquired and executes a road end line departure prevention control to prevent a vehicle from departing from the estimated road end line. The apparatus stops the interpolation estimation process and the road end line departure prevention control when a predetermined time elapses. When a last road end line extends toward an own vehicle traveling lane, the apparatus sets the predetermined time such that the predetermined time set when a road end line angle defined between extending directions of the last road end line and the own vehicle traveling lane is large, is smaller than the predetermined time set when the road end line angle is small.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a vehicle framework structure, which comprises: a front frame that configures a part of a framework of a vehicle front section; a rear frame that configures a part of a framework of a vehicle rear section; an intermediate frame that configures a part of a framework of a vehicle intermediate section, and that includes a framework member disposed between the front frame and the rear frame and having a length direction in a vehicle front-rear direction; and a coupling section that includes a first configuration member attached to the framework member of the intermediate frame so as to be continuous with the framework member in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a second configuration member attached to the first configuration member so as to be continuous with the first configuration member in the vehicle front-rear direction.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame system having a frame rail that extends along and is laterally offset from a longitudinal axis. A body is mounted to the frame system, and includes a rocker panel that extends along the longitudinal axis, and is disposed outboard of the first frame rail. A side load transfer device is positioned between the frame rail and the rocker panel. The side load transfer device is attached to one of the frame rail or the body. The side load transfer device is operable to transfer an applied load from the rocker panel to the frame rail. The applied load being applied to the rocker panel in an inboard direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A joining structure for a vehicle includes: a panel formed of resin; a temporary holding member, formed of metal, formed in a hat shape in cross-section, and having a top wall and a pair of flange portions, the pair of flange portions being fastened to the panel; a reinforcing member, formed of metal, welded to the top wall, and being disposed so as to face the panel; and a thermosetting adhesive, provided between the panel and the reinforcing member, and joining the panel and the reinforcing member.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for mitigating turbulent air for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more downforce elements, one or more sensors, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to obtain one or more parameter values for the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The processor is processor coupled to the one or more sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate determining whether turbulent air for the vehicle is likely using the parameters, and adjusting a downforce for the vehicle, during operation of the vehicle, by providing instructions for controlling the one or more downforce elements when it is determined that turbulent air for the vehicle is likely.

Abstract: A counterweight system includes a bracket and a counterweight. The bracket includes a base configured to couple to a vehicle and at least one arm extending from the base. The counterweight is coupled to the at least one arm. The counterweight is configured to be at least one of (i) pivotally repositionable, (ii) extensionally repositionable, and (iii) translationally repositionable relative to the vehicle.