Abstract: A layline labeling process includes providing a layline material including a carrier film and a plurality of ink regions applied to the carrier film; applying a laser to laser-treat the ink side of the layline material to remove a first portion of ink to form a pattern of labeling; applying the laser treated layline material to a product with the ink side against the product; curing the product; and removing the carrier film after curing, wherein a second portion of ink of the ink regions of the laser treated layline material not removed by the laser treatment remains bonded to an outer layer of the product. Because of the laser treatment to form the pattern of labeling where the ink has been removed from the carrier film, the labeling is visible by the contrast of the outer layer of the product where the ink was burned away, against the remaining ink that has bonded to such outer product layer during curing.

Abstract: Provided are an on-machine development-type lithographic printing plate precursor including: an image-recording layer on an aluminum support having an anode oxide film, in which an end portion of the lithographic printing plate precursor has a shear droop shape, the image-recording layer contains a compound having a support adsorptive property, having a molecular weight of 1,000 or less, and not having an unsaturated double bond group in a molecule, and a content of the compound is substantially the same in a plane of the image-recording layer and a method for producing a lithographic printing plate in which the lithographic printing plate precursor is used.

Abstract: Provided are a lithographic printing plate precursor including an image recording layer on a support, in which the lithographic printing plate precursor has projections which are discontinuously formed on a surface of an outermost layer on a side where the image recording layer is provided, and a melting point of each projection is in a range of 70° C. to 150° C.; and a method of producing a lithographic printing plate obtained by using the lithographic printing plate precursor. It is preferable that the method of producing a lithographic printing plate includes a step of image-wise exposing the lithographic printing plate precursor to form an exposed portion and an unexposed portion, and a step of supplying at least one of printing ink or dampening water to remove the unexposed portion.

Abstract: A sheet bundle discharging apparatus, including: a guide unit configured to guide a sheet bundle with a spine as a leading end; a receiving unit configured to receive the spine of the sheet bundle guided by the guide unit; and a discharging unit configured to discharge the sheet bundle, wherein the receiving unit includes: a first surface configured to receive the spine at a first position; a second surface configured to push the sheet bundle in a rotation direction of the receiving unit; and a third surface configured to regulate a movement of the sheet bundle in the rotation direction while the receiving unit rotates from the first position to a second position, and wherein a friction coefficient between the sheet bundle and the third surface in a direction away from the first surface is larger than a friction coefficient between the first surface and the sheet bundle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods which allow a user, or multiple users, to remotely record personalized greeting messages and deliver them to a centralized server, for example over the Internet. The centralized server may process one or more audio files and load the message, or combined messages, onto a personalized, physical item for an intended recipient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an encoding method and a decoding method using a chiral metal nanostructure. The encoding method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes preparing a plurality of metal nanostructures having a chiral structure; obtaining the optical data of the plurality of metal nanostructures, and preparing a security medium including the plurality of metal.

Abstract: A pocket structure including a first panel, and a second panel coupled to the first panel to define a pocket with the first panel. The second panel has an opening intersecting an outer edge thereof. The opening has a transverse portion oriented generally parallel to the outer edge and a leg portion oriented generally perpendicular to the outer edge.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a double detection apparatus for a mail-piece inserter includes a detectable flag affixed to a rotating mail-piece gripper of a mail-piece rotary feeder. A stationary proximity sensor may generate a voltage output based on a presence of the detectable flag in a direction along a first axis normal to the rotation of the mail-piece gripper. A decision unit may then generate a double detect alert signal when a phase shift above a pre-determined threshold value is detected in the voltage output generated by the stationary proximity sensor. According to some embodiments, the decision unit may also generate a thin detect alert signal when a phase shift past another pre-determined threshold value is detected in the voltage output generated by the stationary proximity sensor.

Abstract: A method of forming an aesthetic surface on a concrete structure. The aesthetic surface includes a mosaic design including a plurality of aesthetic elements, such as tiles, aggregate or the like, which are embedded within the hardened concrete structure. The aesthetic elements are affixed to the concrete form in the arrangement corresponding to the mosaic design prior to using the form during construction of the concrete structure. The concrete is poured into the form and allowed to harden, after which, the forms are stripped from the concrete, thereby exposing the embedded aesthetic elements within the concrete structure.

Abstract: A method of painting is presented. The method is provided in a container such as a bag. The bag may be plastic. A paint mixture is placed into the plastic bag. The bag is sealed and then one of a plurality of corners of the plastic bag is removed. The plastic bag is squeezed to extract the paint. The corner of the plastic bag may be removed by a tool such as a knife, scissors, etc. The size of the opening in the corner of the plastic bag is useful in determining width of the lines of paint that are placed onto a painting surface.

Abstract: A wheel rim including a flange profile on a tire side of an open end flange of the wheel rim, the flange profile defined by the equation: y 1 = ( aTheta ? ? 1 + 1 ( 1 + Exp ? ( aTheta ? ? 3 + aTheta ? ? 4 · X 1 ) ) aTheta ? ? 5 ) · aTheta ? ? 2 wherein, for 0?X1?1, aTheta1 is between ?1.004 to ?0.974, aTheta2 is between—?1.049 to ?1.0182, aTheta3 is between ?3.601 to ?2.760, aTheta4 is between 18.791 to 25.965, and aTheta5 is between 0.185 to 0.277.

Abstract: A hub structure includes an axle housing, a hub having an insertion hole in a vehicle width direction through which the axle housing is inserted, and an inner bearing disposed between the hub and the axle housing in the insertion hole and rotatably supporting the hub with respect to the axle housing, and an oil seal disposed between the hub and the axle housing in the insertion hole on an inner side relative to the inner bearing in the vehicle width direction. A spacer is provided between the inner bearing and the oil seal in the insertion hole. The spacer has an outer end surface that is contactable with an inner end surface of an inner race of the inner bearing.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a two tire lift tower and platform that is movable on castors. A motorized belt system is used to lift the tires. The belt system is mounted on each tower and is connected to a horizontal tire lifting bar. It is designed for portability by using a rechargeable battery is mounted on a rotating frame that allows each tire to be lifted separately. Simple buttons operate the tire belt lifting design that also allows for motor speed control to be adjusted by the operator. The dual belt system ensures that the horizontal lift bar is adequately maintained in a horizontal orientation. The maintenance of the unit is relatively simple due to the simplified design.

Abstract: In one version there is provided a shaft locking assembly for use in an apparatus, to provide motion control and unwanted movement elimination of the apparatus. The shaft locking assembly includes a locking device with a locking shaft having a castellated ring element with castellations. The shaft locking assembly includes a drive shaft and a rotating element disposed around the drive shaft. The shaft locking assembly includes a retaining structure assembly having a side portion with projection members corresponding to the castellations. The shaft locking assembly is in a locked position when the castellations are engaged and interlocked with the projection members, and the shaft locking assembly is in an unlocked position when a shaft engagement device is engaged with the drive shaft and the locking shaft, and actuates the locking shaft, so that the castellations are disengaged and unlocked from the projection members, and rotates the drive shaft.

Abstract: A rubber compound for pneumatic tyres comprising a cross-linkable unsaturated-chain polymer base, carbon black, a silane bonding agent and a vulcanization system. Part of the carbon black is carbon black from pyrolysis having a surface functionalization deriving from a treatment with an aminoacidic compound comprising at least one thiol group or a disulfide group.

Abstract: A pneumatic tyre includes a tread portion, two axially spaced sidewall portions extending radially inwardly from the tread portion, at least one of the sidewall portions being provided with a side protector that protrudes axially outwardly and having an inner end located radially outwardly of a tyre-maximum-width position, and two axially spaced bead portions connected to radially inward of the respective sidewall portions. Each bead portion includes a bead apex rubber having an outer end in the tyre radial direction being located radially inwardly of the tyre-maximum-width position. A radial length of a tyre inner region from a bead baseline to the outer end of each bead apex rubber is in a range of from 0.8 to 1.2 times a radial length of a tyre outer region from a radially outermost position of the tread portion to the inner end of the side protector.

Abstract: A tyre for a motorcycle includes a tread portion. The tread portion includes a crown longitudinal groove extending in a tyre circumferential direction on a side of a tyre equator, a shoulder longitudinal groove extending in the tyre circumferential direction on a side of a first tread edge, and a middle groove arranged between the crown longitudinal groove and the shoulder longitudinal groove. The middle groove includes a plurality of middle main groove portions arranged in the tyre circumferential direction and each protruding toward the tyre equator or the first tread edge. Each of the middle main groove portions is formed in a bent line shape or in an arc shape. Each of the middle main groove portions includes a shallow bottom portion having a groove depth smaller than a maximum groove depth of the shoulder longitudinal groove and a maximum groove depth of the crown longitudinal groove.

Abstract: A tyre includes a crown main groove formed by unit patterns. Each of the unit patterns includes a first inclined element, a second inclined element, a first bent element, and a second bent element. The first inclined element extends obliquely. The second inclined element extends obliquely in a direction opposite to the first inclined element. The first bent element extends so as to connect between the first inclined element and the second inclined element. The second bent element is connected with the second inclined element. The first bent element is bent so as to be convex toward the first tread edge without having a component extending in parallel with the tyre circumferential direction. The second bent element is bent so as to be convex toward the second tread edge without having the component extending in parallel with the tyre circumferential direction.

Abstract: A tread for a tire includes a first circumferential main groove, a second circumferential main groove, and a third circumferential main groove. The first, second, and third circumferential main grooves together define a first shoulder rib, a first intermediate rib, a second intermediate rib, and a second shoulder rib. The second shoulder rib has a plurality of first linear, lateral grooves circumferentially alternating with a plurality of second linear, lateral grooves and a plurality of double blind lateral sipes disposed circumferentially midway between each adjacent first lateral groove and second lateral groove. The first and second lateral gooves extend both axially and circumferentially toward the third circumferential main groove. The first lateral grooves terminate nearer the third circumferential main groove than the second lateral grooves.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a shoulder main groove, shoulder lateral grooves extending from the shoulder main groove beyond a ground contact end in a direction inclined with respect to a tire width direction, and a shoulder block defined by them. The shoulder block is provided in its top face with a plurality of lateral edges that extend in the tire width direction, and that include an acute angle side lateral edge having an acute angle with respect to a tire circumferential direction, being formed with a chamfered portion. The chamfered portion occupies 50% or more of a region defined by a width of ¼ of a shoulder ground contact width W in the tire width direction, from the ground contact end to inward in the tire width direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tyre includes a plurality of shoulder lateral grooves crossing shoulder lard regions. In a cross-sectional view of at least one of the shoulder lateral grooves taken along a groove width center line thereof, a groove bottom of the shoulder lateral groove includes a first bottom surface portion arranged on an inner side in a tyre axial direction and a second bottom surface portion extending between the first bottom surface portion and the tread surface outer end in a concave arc shape having a radius of curvature.

Abstract: A stud is inserted into a tread portion of a tire. The first stud includes a tip end protruding from the tread portion for contacting a surface, the tip end comprising a radially outer portion with a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, a sixth surface, and a seventh surface, the first surface defining an irregular quadrilateral and extending radially inward from the fourth surface toward a planar side of the tip end; and a base including a flanged bottom portion provided on an end opposite the tip end and extending radially outward, a stump portion provided between the bottom portion and the tip end, and a shank portion interconnecting the stump portion and the bottom portion, the base being embedded and secured in the tread portion of the tire in which the first stud is installed, the bottom portion having a tear-drop shape comprising three planar sides and one semi-cylindrical side.

Abstract: This application relates generally to sensor systems and, more particularly, relates to systems and methods for management of smart wheel sensors that collect actionable sensor data from a rotatable component of a vehicle's wheel. In certain embodiments, a system includes a vehicle body; a rotatable component configured to rotate relative to the vehicle body; an energy harvesting component disposed along a circumference of the rotatable component, wherein the energy harvesting component is configured to generate electric power based on a force to the rotatable component; a sensor configured to produce sensor data by using the electric power while disposed on the rotatable component; and at least one processor disposed within the vehicle body, the at least one processor configured to perform an action within the vehicle body based on a parameter value meeting a threshold value, wherein the parameter value is based on the sensor data.

Abstract: A tire data information system includes at least one tire that supports a vehicle and a processor. At least one sensor is mounted on the tire and is in electronic communication with the processor. The sensor measures a temperature and a pressure of the tire. A memory for storing tire identification information is in electronic communication with the processor. Tire wear state means generate a wear state of the tire and are in electronic communication with the processor. Tire wear rate means generate a wear rate of the tire and are in electronic communication with the processor. Transmission means transmit the temperature, pressure, identification information, wear state, and wear rate of the tire to a display device that is accessible to a user of the vehicle. The display device includes indicators for showing the temperature, pressure, identification information, wear state, and wear rate to the user.

Abstract: Thread depth ascertainment for vehicle tires involves a plurality of vehicles transmitting respective adaptation data to a central data processor. The data processing device forming optimization data on the basis thereof and transmitting the optimization data to the vehicles. The adaptation data are formed by the vehicles based on tire type, mileage and rotation speed of the tire and a velocity of the vehicle and at least one operating parameter of the tire, and the optimization data are used by each of the vehicles for ascertaining the tread depth of a relevant tire based on model of the ascertained tire type, wherein the model supplies the tread depth based on the rotation speed of the tire, the velocity of the vehicle and at least one operating parameter of the tire using at least one model parameter, which is determined based on the optimization data received from the central data processor.

Abstract: A protrusion portion of a pneumatic tire is formed by center side protrusion piece portions, and end side protrusion piece portions formed at a maximum width position of the tire. The protrusion portion is formed between an end portion in a tire width direction of a tread portion, which contacts a road surface, and a folded end of a carcass ply, in a tire radial direction. A height from a surface of a side wall of the end side protrusion piece portions is larger than a height form the surface of the side wall of the center side protrusion piece portions.

Abstract: A bead for a tire in accordance with the present invention includes a core with at least one yarn of a multifilament textile fiber embedded in an organic matrix having a density between 0.9 g/m3 and 2.0 g/m3 and an outer sheath layer including at least one metal wire wound around, and in contact with, the core. The core has a diameter between 5.0 mm and 30.0 mm.

Abstract: Provided is a tire structure technology with which sufficient reading performance can be maintained even when a tire having an electronic component provided therein is caused to travel at high speed with severe handling. A pneumatic tire in which an electronic component is provided farther outward in a tire axial direction than a carcass, and in which the E*(1)50° C. at 50° C. and E*(1)150° C. at 150° C. of a first rubber member, and the E*(2)50° C. at 50° C. and E*(2)150° C. at 150° C. of a second rubber member, satisfy the following formula, where the first rubber member is a tire rubber member that has the greatest E* at 50° C. among tire rubber members positioned inward from the electronic component in the tire axial direction, and the second rubber member is a tire rubber member that has the greatest E* at 50° C. among tire rubber members positioned outward from the electronic component in the tire axial direction. (E*(1)50° C./E*(2)50° C.)?(E*(1)150° C./E*(2)150° C.)?1.

Abstract: A pump for use on the inside surface of the tread of a tyre, the pump comprising: a base plate for attaching to the inside surface of the tread of a tyre; a compression plate; a first restraint connected to the base plate and arranged to engage a first side of the compression plate; a second restraint connected to the base plate and arranged to engage a second side of the compression plate; and a compressible chamber arranged between the compression plate and the base plate; wherein the compressible chamber comprises an inlet and an outlet and is arranged to contain a fluid; wherein the pump is arranged such that when the pump is attached to the inside surface of the tread of a rolling tyre, the first and second restraints move the compression plate relative to the base plate as the pump traverses a contact patch of the tyre such that the compressible chamber is peristaltically compressed between the compression plate and the base plate, ejecting fluid from the compressible chamber through the outlet and then

Abstract: A vehicle wheel service apparatus that includes: a frame; a plurality of working tools, connected to the frame and movable to perform operations for mounting and/or demounting the tyre relative to the wheel rim; a shaft driven by an actuator rotationally about a longitudinal axis and connectable to the rim; a measuring system for generating vibration signals representing vibrations of the shaft produced by wheel imbalances; a control unit, connected to the measuring system to receive the vibration signals; a support device, connected to the frame and movable between an activated position, where it encircles the shaft while still allowing it to rotate, and a deactivated position, where it is spaced from the shaft; a connector, movable between a working position, where it mechanically connects the measuring system to the frame, and a rest position, where the measuring system is mechanically disengaged from the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crawler-type adjustable anti-skid device for vehicles which can be quickly connected. The device includes a support base, a crawler mechanism and a transmission mechanism. The support base includes a support plate, a side plate, a guide plate disposed above the support plate, a guide rail, a connecting member, a baffle and a guide cable. The crawler mechanism includes a crawler wheel, a crawler body and a single type of hydraulic cylinder. The transmission mechanism is symmetrically arranged on the support plate. The device has simple and reasonable structure, easy to use, automatic positioning, safe and reliable and can be quickly installed, and does not need extra modification, etc. which effectively solves the problem that vehicles lack safe and reliable anti-skid device which can be quickly connected.

Abstract: Method and system for magnetic platooning of vehicles is disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a battery and a vehicle coupler that includes a magnet carrier block having at least one power terminal and at least one magnet. The at least one power terminal is supplied by the battery and the magnet carrier block is configurable in one of two modes. In a first mode, the at least one magnet is disabled from magnetically coupling to a second vehicle coupler. In a second mode, the at least one magnet is enabled to magnetically couple to the second vehicle coupler.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a vehicle brake system, an accelerometer mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The controller receives a first signal from the accelerometer and, during reversing of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction, transmits an actuation signal to the vehicle brake system when the first signal from the accelerometer indicates a deceleration in the longitudinal direction above a predetermined rate within a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A motorcycle towing hitch 20 includes a receiver 22 to which is attached a lift system 24. The lift system 24 is operable to raise and lower a cradle 26 which receives the front wheel 30 of a motorcycle 32 to hold the front wheel captive in the cradle. The cradle 26 is hinged relative to the lift system to be rotatable about an upright axis 28, for instance, when towing the motorcycle around a corner. A restraint system 34 is provided for preventing the handlebars of the motorcycle to rotate relative to the motorcycle frame. In this manner, when the motorcycle is towed around a corner, the motorcycle frame does not tilt downwardly into the corner as would be the case if the motorcycle frame were permitted to rotate relative to the motorcycle handlebars when negotiating a corner.

Abstract: A plug for insertion into a through hole of a king pin coupler plate of a trailer includes a body defining an axial direction and having an outer surface defining a perimeter with a distance around the perimeter. A plurality of pliable ears extend from the outer surface. The ears are each individually aligned in the axial direction. The ears each have a width that is less than ten percent of the distance around the perimeter of the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: A jack assembly for a towed vehicle is provided. The jack assembly includes an outer tube, an inner tube supported for telescopic movement within the outer tube, a jack screw operatively engaging a jack nut within the inner tube, and a mounting assembly attached to the outer tube for attaching the jack assembly to the towed vehicle. A cover may be positioned over a portion of the outer tube attached to the mounting assembly and supported by the mounting assembly. An L-shaped release pin is utilized and accommodated by the cover. The mounting assembly may be adjustable in height along the outer tube. A reservoir may be provided to facilitate protection of the jack screw by ensuring its lubrication, and a foot having a convex bottom surface may be utilized.

Abstract: A combinable and detachable vehicle includes: a front connecting portion and a rear connecting portion provided at a front portion and a rear portion of a vehicle, respectively, and connected to another vehicle when the vehicle is combined with the other vehicle; a front monitoring portion and a rear monitoring portion monitoring a forward area and a rearward area of the vehicle, respectively; and a controller determining whether the other vehicle is connected to the front connecting portion or the rear connecting portion of the vehicle based on information received from the front connecting portion or the rear connecting portion, or the front monitoring portion or the rear monitoring portion, and controlling whether to operate each of a front component and a rear component of the vehicle depending on a direction of the vehicle is connected to the other vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle may include a knuckle configured of rotatably supporting a wheel, and a lower control arm mounted along a vehicle's width direction and connecting the knuckle and a vehicle body, wherein the lower control arm may include a wheel-side end portion connected to a lower portion of the knuckle through a lower external joint, a vehicle body-side front end portion connected to the vehicle body through a front lower inner joint, and a vehicle body-side rear end portion connected to the vehicle body through a rear lower inner joint, wherein one of the vehicle body-side front and rear end portions is connected to a portion of the vehicle body through a compliance control arm.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle may include a knuckle rotatably supporting a wheel, and a lower control arm disposed along a vehicle's width direction and connecting the knuckle and a vehicle body, wherein the lower control arm includes a wheel-side end portion connected to a lower portion of the knuckle through a front lower external joint and a rear lower external joint, and two vehicle body-side end portions connected to the vehicle body through a front lower inner joint and a rear lower inner joint, the two vehicle body-side end portions including first and second vehicle body-side end portions, wherein the first vehicle body-side end portion among the two vehicle body-side end portions is connected to the vehicle body interposing a compliance control arm between the first vehicle body-side end portion and the vehicle body.

Abstract: A coil spring includes a wire shaped to be helical, and is compressed between an upper spring seat and a lower spring seat. The coil spring includes an upper portion and a lower portion. A positive pitch winding end portion is formed on the upper portion of the coil spring. A terminal-point-strong-abutting-portion is formed at a distal end of the winding end portion. The terminal-point-strong-abutting-portion is in contact with the upper spring seat at one point at a position deviated to an inner side of a vehicle with respect to a coil central axis. On the lower portion of the coil spring, an end turn portion which contacts the lower spring seat is formed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a suspension thrust bearing device, for use with a suspension spring in an automotive suspension strut of a vehicle. The device comprises a bearing having upper and lower annular bearing members in relative rotation, and a damping element made of resilient material and interposed between the lower annular bearing member and the suspension spring. The damping element comprising at least one deflecting flange for reducing any ingress of water and other pollutants between the upper and lower annular bearing members. The damping element is provided with an annular groove open axially towards the suspension spring, said annular groove radially defining a spring support surface on inner side, and the said deflecting flange on outer side.

Abstract: An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.

Abstract: A stabilizer (1) for a chassis of a vehicle. The stabilizer has a curved stabilizer body (2) that forms a torsion spring, a pendulum support (5, 6) and a connecting element (7, 8). The connecting element (7, 8) connects the stabilizer body (2) and the pendulum support (7, 8) to one another. To reduce the cost and complexity of assembly. The stabilizer is characterized in that a first end (11) of the connecting element (7, 8) is injection-molded onto a pendulum support end (9).

Abstract: An air flow device for an instrument panel which blows an air from the instrument panel at a front of a vehicle compartment of an automobile to make the air flow to the vehicle compartment, includes a blower, a blower outlet on the instrument panel, from which an air sent from the blower to which the blower outlet is coupled is blown to the vehicle compartment, and a blower inlet on the instrument panel for the blower outlet, into which the air blown from the blower outlet is drawn. The blower outlet is installed so as to open to the blower inlet along a surface of the instrument panel while the blower inlet is installed so as to open to the blower outlet along the surface of the instrument panel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for thermal management of sensors of a vehicle. The system includes a sensor that is attached to a vehicle, a temperature monitor configured to collect temperature data corresponding to the sensor, a processor, and a sensor cleaning subsystem. The sensor cleaning subsystem includes a cleaning fluid reservoir and a port that is positioned to direct cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the sensor. The processor is configured to: receive temperature data corresponding to the sensor from the temperature monitor, determine that a current temperature of the sensor is greater than a first threshold temperature, and cause the sensor cleaning subsystem to initiate a cleaning cycle and direct the cleaning fluid to the sensor to cool down the sensor in response to determining that the current temperature of the sensor is greater than the first threshold temperature.

Abstract: A support device secures first tubes and second tubes to a vehicle body. The first tubes and the second tubes extend outward from an air conditioning case of a vehicle air conditioning system. The support device is outside the air conditioning case. The support device includes a first bracket in contact with the first tubes, and a second bracket in contact with the second tubes. The support device includes a common bracket coupled to both of the first bracket and the second bracket. The common bracket and the first bracket are in contact with the first tubes from opposite sides, holding the first tubes therebetween. The common bracket and the second bracket are in contact with the refrigerant tubes from opposite sides, holding the refrigerant tubes therebetween.

Abstract: A method for selecting an autonomous mobility-as-a-service (MAAS) vehicle is presented. The method includes transmitting, to a customer, location information of an autonomous MAAS vehicle within the customer's vicinity. The method also includes transmitting, to the customer, a compartment climate value corresponding to the autonomous MAAS vehicle. The method further includes selecting the autonomous MAAS vehicle based on the compartment climate value, such that the selected autonomous MAAS vehicle navigates to a location of the customer.

Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. The vehicle HVAC unit includes an evaporator, a driver side face outlet, and a passenger side face outlet. A face airflow control door extends across both the driver side face outlet and the passenger side face outlet. A divider separates a driver side airflow path from a passenger side airflow path. The driver side airflow path extends across the evaporator to the driver side face outlet, and the passenger side airflow path extends across the evaporator to the passenger side face outlet. A passenger side airflow control door is within the passenger side airflow path between the face airflow control door and the evaporator. The passenger side airflow control door is movable to block airflow through the passenger side airflow path to the passenger side face outlet.

Abstract: A vehicle a sensor system disposed adjacent to a headrest portion of a seat within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The sensor system includes at least one of an air velocity sensor, an air temperature sensor, a radiant heat flux sensor, a heat flux sensor, or a humidity sensor. The sensor system is positioned near the headrest, facing a forward end of the vehicle, in a position that is not blocked by a head of a passenger seated in the seat. The sensor system provides data related to the air velocity, the air temperature, the radiant heat flux, the heat flux, or the relative humidity, enabling a climate controller to accurately calculate a current Equivalent Homogenous Temperature (EHT) of a passenger seated in the seat. The climate controller may then control a climate system of the vehicle based on the calculated EHT to provide a desired EHT.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control system for a vehicle includes an acquisitor configured to acquire an exposure temperature of an exposed body surface of an occupant and a clothing surface temperature of the occupant, a non-exposure temperature estimator configured to estimate a non-exposure temperature of a non-exposed body surface of the occupant on the basis of the exposure temperature and a clothing amount, a clothing amount estimator configured to estimate the clothing amount on the basis of the non-exposure temperature and the clothing surface temperature, and a control unit configured to control an air conditioner of a vehicle into which the occupant gets on the basis of an estimation result of the clothing amount estimator.