Abstract: A spindle device has a spindle rod and a spindle nut, wherein an internal thread of the spindle nut interacts with an external thread of the spindle rod, and the spindle rod and/or the spindle nut can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the spindle rod. At least one bearing device is provided, in which the spindle rod or the spindle nut is mounted. The bearing device allows compensating movements, which are oriented at least radially to the longitudinal axis, for the spindle rod and/or the spindle nut. To compensate for tolerances of the spindle rod and/or the spindle nut, while at the same time intending to ensure a high degree of stiffness in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis, the bearing device has a plurality of elastically deformable bars for realizing the compensating movements.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering shaft which extends along a central axis and to which a steering wheel is coupled on one side in an axial direction; a tubular steering column which is disposed on an outer circumferential side of the steering shaft and extends in the axial direction; and a gearbox which is disposed on the other side in the axial direction of the steering column and is fixed to the steering column. The steering column includes a fixing member provided at an end on the other side in the axial direction and fixed to the gearbox, and an outer circumferential surface on one side in the axial direction of the fixing member has an outer diameter which increases toward the other side in the axial direction.

Abstract: An autonomous omnidirectional drive unit including a drive chassis supported on two independent, parallel, and coaxial drive wheels, actuated by two drive motors; a transport chassis the central area of which is superimposed on and connected to the drive chassis through a rotary joint, the transport chassis being supported on multiple omnidirectional wheels. The drive unit further includes a rotating device, actuated by a rotary motor, integrated in the rotary joint between the transport chassis and the drive chassis, which determines the angular position of the drive chassis with respect to the transport chassis, and a control device configured for adjusting at least the two drive motors and the rotary motor in a coordinated manner to obtain omnidirectional movement of the transport chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing malfunction of a steering angle sensor. A steering angle sensor includes a main gear mounted on a steering shaft, first and second sub-gears meshed with the main gear at a specific gear ratio different from that of the main gear, and position sensors attached to the first and second sub-gears, respectively. A processor receives a signal output with rotation of the corresponding sub-gear from each of the position sensors of the steering angle sensor, detects at least one of the two position sensors which outputs different output signal values that are not designated in correspondence with a value of the same system angle, and determines the detected at least one position sensor as a cause of a malfunction.

Abstract: A method for estimating the absolute angular position of a steering wheel equipping a power-steering device, referred to as “relative steering wheel position”, of the shaft of a power-steering motor is assessed, a first estimation (Angle1) of the absolute angular position of the steering wheel is assessed from at least one first model using the speed difference between the left and right rear wheels, a first dynamic offset equal to the difference between the first estimation (Angle1) of the absolute angular position of the steering wheel and the relative steering wheel position is estimated, and the absolute angular position of the steering wheel is calculated by adding to the relative steering wheel position a total compensation offset determined from the first dynamic offset, also when restarting the vehicle, a switching-off offset corresponds to the value of the total compensation offset at the time when the vehicle was previously switched off.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for automatically detecting internally blocked rear and side view mirrors. An example method to detect an obstruction may include detecting via sensors in the vehicle an obstruction preventing a driver from viewing a region of interest associated with a mirror, determining a permanence associated with the obstruction, and switching to a camera mode in lieu of the mirror when the obstruction has a permanence beyond a threshold.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for reversing an articulated vehicle combination along a road curvature of a road, comprising obtaining image data representing a rearward view with respect to the articulated vehicle combination, wherein the method further comprises detecting road edges of the road in the image data; determining a plurality of longitudinal and lateral positions of the respective detected road edges; calculating road curvature of the road based on the determined lateral and longitudinal positions; calculating vehicle path curvature to stay on the road; and reversing the articulated vehicle combination by automatically steering the articulated vehicle combination to follow the calculated vehicle path curvature in order to follow the road curvature, wherein the road edges are detected by use of an image analysis algorithm which is based on a plurality of predefined types of road edges of a plurality of different road types.

Abstract: A control apparatus according to the present disclosure is configured to perform a process of calculating a command torque that is given to a steering mechanism, an adjustment gain calculation process in which an adjustment gain for the command torque is calculated based on a steering torque, a process of calculating an adjusted command torque obtained by applying the adjustment gain to the command torque, and a process of controlling the steering mechanism in accordance with the adjusted command torque. It should be noted herein that the adjustment gain calculation process includes a process of calculating an adjusted steering torque having predetermined hysteresis characteristics with respect to changes in the steering torque, based on the steering torque, and a process of converting the adjusted steering torque into the adjustment gain.

Abstract: A steering control method includes detecting a current state of a vehicle, setting a target state of the vehicle, setting a basic steering command value based on a difference between the current state and the target state, calculating a first steering command value and a second steering command value by distributing the basic steering command value between the first steering command value and the second steering command value in a prescribed ratio, driving a first steering motor of a steering mechanism based on the first steering command value, and driving a second steering motor of the steering mechanism based on the second steering command value.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis platform including: a frame having a front frame end, a rear frame end, a longitudinal frame axis, an upper frame surface, a bottom frame surface, a first longitudinal lateral frame surface and a second longitudinal lateral frame surface, wherein the upper frame surface is substantially flat; and two or more mechanical connectors each on one of the first and second longitudinal lateral surfaces, each of mechanical connectors to couple a vehicle corner module (VCM) to the frame and to transfer mechanical loads between the frame and the VCM when the VCM is on the frame.

Abstract: A structural member is elongated in a longitudinal direction, and includes a first member made of a steel plate and a second member made of a steel plate, the first member and the second member being joined. In the structural member, a closed cross-sectional shape is formed by the first member and the second member in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first member has a tensile strength of equal to or greater than 980 MPa, and includes a first hemming process part subjected to hemming bending at both end parts in a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The second member has a tensile strength of equal to or greater than 980 MPa, and includes a second bonded part held in the first hemming process part at both end parts in the width direction and bonded to the first hemming process part by an adhesive.

Abstract: A front-end structure for a vehicle has a wheelhouse, a rocker panel, a support carrier which is connected to the wheelhouse and the rocker panel and which extends at an angle, an A-pillar, a door flange and a connecting portion connecting the A-pillar to the door flange. The connecting portion extends, at least in portions, substantially parallel to the support carrier.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a frame, a passenger compartment, a cargo compartment, an engine, an air intake assembly and an exhaust assembly. The engine is coupled to the frame and located under the cargo compartment, the engine has an engine intake port and an engine exhaust port arranged in two sides of a cylinder head of the engine in a length direction of the frame. The air intake assembly is substantially located at a side of the engine in a width direction of the frame, and the exhaust assembly is substantially located at the other side of the engine in the width direction of the frame.

Abstract: A modular vehicle assembly platform is disclosed. In some embodiments, the platform may comprise a cast bulkhead, a cast cowl, one or more cast front strut towers, a front subframe, a cross-car beam, one or more door rings, a structural central floor comprising a battery, a cast structural rear floor, a cast upper rear section (or d-ring), and a rear motor cradle. The platform may allow for the use of common parts and structure across different vehicle types.

Abstract: A suspension system for a work vehicle includes a shock absorber including a fluid, a coil positioned at least partially in the fluid, a sensor configured to detect a work status of the work vehicle, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine the work status of parked or operational based on the sensor, determine an electrical resistance of the coil in a shock absorber based on the work status, predict a temperature of a fluid in the shock absorber based on the electrical resistance of the coil, provide an electric current in the coil based on the predicted temperature of the fluid, determine the electrical resistance of the coil while the electric current is on, and terminate the electric current in the coil based on the work status and the predicted temperature.

Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with a body, a driver section and an air conditioner, and the air conditioner is supported by the body and located on a side of the body.

Abstract: In a work vehicle, a safety frame includes a base, a pair of left and right lower frames extending from the base and fastened to a pair of left and right rear wheel fenders, and an upper frame having an inverted U shape connecting upper portions of the pair of left and right lower frames. The base is removably fastened to a rear axle case. A length in a width direction between a pair of left and right rear wheels is changed by changing a length in a width direction of the upper frame and changing a fastening position of the base to the rear axle case.

Abstract: Described is a rotation limitation module for a steer-by-wire steering system. Said rotation limitation module comprises a housing in which a shaft portion that is rotatable about a central axis and is able to be rotatably coupled to a steering wheel shaft or is configured as a portion of the steering wheel shaft is received. Furthermore provided is a limiter disk which by way of a sliding guide is coupled in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner to the shaft portion and has an external thread which is driven into an internal thread of the housing. Moreover, the rotation limitation module comprises a first detent ring having a first detent wing, and a second detent ring having a second detent wing, both detent wings for limiting a rotation of the shaft portion being able to cooperate with the limiter disk. A steering wheel module for a steer-by-wire steering system is also disclosed, which comprises such a rotation limitation module.

Abstract: A steering reaction force generation device for a vehicle may include a housing; a transfer shaft part rotatably installed in the housing, and disposed coaxially with a steering shaft; a stator part fixed to the inside of the housing; a rotor part connected to the transfer shaft part, and configured to rotate the transfer shaft part through an electromagnetic interaction with the stator part; and a power transfer part installed in the rotor part, and configured to transfer a rotational force of the transfer shaft part to the steering shaft.

Abstract: An electric power steering device includes a motor housing of an electric motor. The motor housing includes an end face part opposite to an output part of a rotating shaft of the electric motor. An electronic control part is arranged at the end face part. A connector assembly is arranged on a side of the electronic control part opposite to a side of the electronic control part that faces the end face part. A metal cover for the electronic control part includes a bottom part and a lateral peripheral part. The bottom part includes: an exposure hole through which an external terminal forming part is exposed to outside; and an annular reinforcing projecting portion formed at an edge of the exposure hole. The lateral peripheral part is angled from the bottom part, and forms an opening through which the lateral peripheral part is fixed to the end face part.

Abstract: A steering transmission for an electro-mechanical steering system for a vehicle includes an electric motor, a servo transmission, and an angle transmission for connecting a steering column of the steering system to a control stalk of the steering system. The angle transmission is a mechanically driven recirculating-ball transmission with a ball nut, which is engaged with a segment shaft of the steering transmission that is/can be connected to the steering stalk. A spindle of the recirculating-ball transmission is continuous. The spindle is connected to an output shaft of the servo transmission on one side. The servo transmission is/can be driven by the electric motor.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement may be used to mount a worm shaft meshing with a worm wheel in a housing of an electromechanical power steering system. The bearing arrangement comprises a first rotary bearing, a second rotary bearing, and a pivoting ring. The first rotary bearing is configured to permit a pivoting movement of the worm shaft. The pivoting ring comprises a first pivoting ring component and a second pivoting ring component and is configured to act resiliently between the second rotary bearing and the housing. The second rotary bearing is at least partially arranged between the first pivoting ring component and the second pivoting ring component. The first pivoting ring component has two first points, with respect to which the first pivoting ring component is configured resiliently. The second pivoting ring component has two second points, with respect to which the second pivoting ring component is configured resiliently.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a steer-by-wire steering system which includes at least one steering input element, at least one steering actuating element operatively connected to the steering input element, at least one first end stop for mechanically limiting a movement of the steering actuating element in a first direction of movement and at least one second end stop for mechanically limiting a movement of the steering actuating element in a second direction of movement, wherein a steering ratio between the steering input element and the steering actuating element is adapted such that a maximum deflection of the steering input element in a first steering direction, in which the steering actuating element reaches the first end stop, and a maximum deflection of the steering input element in a second steering direction, in which the steering actuating element reaches the second end stop, are at least substantially identical.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a power assist control apparatus and a power assist control method. The power assist control apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises: a main motor driven at a first rotation speed; a sub-motor driven at a second rotation speed; and a controller which receives steering information from a steering wheel to calculate a target rotation speed value of an output shaft, and controls the main motor and the sub-motor such that the output shaft is rotated at the target rotation speed.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a steering system for vehicles that precisely compensates an influence of the friction generated in the turning mechanism and enables a vehicle to respond properly. The control apparatus controls a turning mechanism by drive-controlling a turning actuator based on steering information communicated electrically.

Abstract: A device for determining a temperature of a semiconductor power switch with a built-in temperature-dependent gate resistor may include a non-inverting amplifier circuit comprising an operational amplifier and a feedback resistor. Inverting input of the operational amplifier may be connected to the semiconductor power switch such that a gain of the non-inverting amplifier circuit in a predefined frequency range of an input signal depends on the built-in temperature-dependent gate resistor and the feedback resistor and is a measure of the temperature of the semiconductor power switch. The feedback resistor may be disposed between a negative input and an output of the operational amplifier.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology involve controlling a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode. This includes receiving a set of environmental inputs including temperature information from different temperature sources, receiving initial steering information from a steering system of the vehicle, and obtaining an initial rack position command by a motion control module of the vehicle. The system determines, based on the environmental inputs, the initial steering information and an initial rack position, a likelihood that a steering actuator of the steering system of the vehicle is blocked or likely to become blocked. The system determines whether a threshold excitation amount has been applied to the steering system within a selected amount of time or a selected driving distance. When the threshold amount of excitation is not met, an excitation profile is applied to the steering system in order to modify the initial rack position.

Abstract: A track system for traction of a vehicle is controllable, including while the vehicle is in motion, notably to control how the track system is positioned and moves relative to at least part of a frame of the vehicle other than for steering the vehicle, based on one or more factors, including: an environment of the track, position and orientation of the track system relative to the frame of the vehicle, speed of the track system, speed of the vehicle, user's preferences and other suitable factors.

Abstract: An example method may include i) determining a first distance between a pair of feet of a robot at a first time, where the pair of feet is in contact with a ground surface; ii) determining a second distance between the pair of feet of the robot at a second time, where the pair of feet remains in contact with the ground surface from the first time to the second time; iii) comparing a difference between the determined first and second distances to a threshold difference; iv) determining that the difference between determined first and second distances exceeds the threshold difference; and v) based on the determination that the difference between the determined first and second distances exceeds the threshold difference, causing the robot to react.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a robot including a yawing actuator that allows yawing of a trunk of the robot, a pitching actuator that is arranged above the yawing actuator and is supported by the yawing actuator, the pitching actuator allowing pitching of the trunk, and a rolling actuator that is arranged in a rear of the pitching actuator and is supported by the pitching actuator, the rolling actuator allowing rolling of the trunk.

Abstract: The walking robot is an electromechanical device. The walking robot is an automatic device. The walking robot is a mobile device. The walking robot incorporates a superior structure, an inferior structure, and a control circuit. The superior structure attaches to the inferior structure. The control circuit mounts in either the superior structure or the inferior structure. The inferior structure provides the motive forces the move the walking robot. The inferior structure allows the walking robot to walk. The control circuit generates the motive forces and coordinating systems that allow the inferior structure to walk.

Abstract: A method is for operating a steering system, more particularly a steer-by-wire steering system. The steering system includes at least one wheel steering angle control element which is provided to influence and/or change a wheel steering angle of at least one vehicle wheel depending on a target specification signal correlated with a steering specification. The wheel steering angle control element has a limited maximum wheel steering angle control range for changing the wheel steering angle, and the target specification signal is limited by a saturation to the maximum wheel steering angle control range. The target specification signal is modified in such a manner that the, more particularly modified, target specification signal has a constant and differentiable curve at least in an edge range of the wheel steering angle control range.

Abstract: The vehicle steering system includes: a predicted lateral deviation fluctuation amount calculation circuitry to calculate a predicted lateral deviation fluctuation amount predicted as a lateral deviation fluctuation amount with respect to the target traveling line of the vehicle; and a steering control amount limiting circuitry to output a limited steering control amount to which the steering control amount is limited by the steering control amount limit value on the basis of a steering force and the predicted lateral deviation fluctuation amount, and in a case where the absolute value of the steering force is the same, when the absolute value of the predicted lateral deviation fluctuation amount is large, the steering control amount limiting circuitry sets the steering control amount limit value to a value larger than or equal to that when the absolute value of the predicted lateral deviation fluctuation amount is small.

Abstract: A torque sensor can measure torque introduced into an upper shaft that is rotatable around a longitudinal axis and is connectable to a lower shaft via a torsion rod. A first component is connectable to the upper shaft, and a second component is connectable to the lower shaft. The components have surfaces that protrude in a longitudinal direction and at least partially overlap. A sensor coil that can generate a high-frequency alternating magnetic field is arranged on one of the surfaces of one component, and a metallic element is arranged on one of the surfaces of the other component. A torque introduced into the upper shaft causes a change in distance between the sensor coil and the metallic element. A device can measure a frequency change of the alternating magnetic field caused by the change in distance and determine the torque introduced into the upper shaft.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, coordinate dynamic adjustments of a trailer based in part on a user profile associated with a user physically present at the trailer and an activity profile associated with an activity selected to be performed at the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a tilt of a lower surface of the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a dimension(s) of the trailer based in part on a detected object(s). Various dynamic adjustments may occur concurrently, individually and/or sequentially. The trailer may be a moveable trailer for temporary attachment with a vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement of the column (1) neutralising transient forces (C1, EA1) generated by a jolt to which the column (1) is subjected, by an automatic decoupling between two coaxial sections (1a, 1b) of the column (1). This decoupling is caused by angular movement of a coupling link (5) between the sections (1a, 1b), preventing transmission of the forces (C1, EA1) by a distal section (1a) to a proximal section (1b) of the column (1). Simultaneously with the decoupling, a compression is also caused of a prestressed elastic mounting region (6a) between the sections (1a, 1b), the jolt then no longer being absorbed by the driver but by the compression of the elastic region. The decoupling is followed by an automatic re-coupling between the two sections (1a, 1b) under the effect of the relaxing of the elastic region (6a).

Abstract: A seat rail installed on a vehicle body of a motorcycle. The seat rail includes a lateral member located on a lateral side in a width direction of the vehicle body, the lateral member has a laminated structure in which a sheet material including one layer made of a fiber reinforced resin or a plurality of layers made of a fiber reinforced resin and laminated to each other is folded back and doubly overlapped, and a folded edge part formed by folding back the sheet material is located at a lower edge part of the lateral member. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a seat rail.

Abstract: A saddle assembly (10) for bicycles comprising a saddle (12) and means for stabilizing and supporting said saddle at one end (13?) of a seatpost tube (13) of the bicycle, the saddle (12) comprising a hull or shield (12?) defining a seat for a rider, a support frame (12?) arranged supporting said saddle and comprising a sheet or leaf (12A) and means for coupling said sheet or leaf (12A) with respect to the seatpost tube (13), the coupling means comprising means for adjusting the distance of the saddle (12) with respect to a handlebar of the bicycle defined in the connection between said sheet or leaf (12A) and the coupling means and means for adjusting the inclination of the same saddle (12) with respect to a horizontal plane defined in the connection between said coupling means and the seatpost tube (13).

Abstract: A fuel tank includes an outer component including an outer panel forming a tank outer shell and an inlet plate formed separately from the outer panel, an inner component including an inner panel forming a tank inner shell and an inner connection plate formed separately from the inner panel, and a pipe passing through inside of the outer panel and the inner panel and connecting the inlet plate and the inner connection plate. The inlet plate is joined to the outer panel, the inner connection plate is joined to the inner panel, and the inner panel is joined to the outer panel.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cargo securing apparatus for securing cargo placed on the deck of a scooter are described. The cargo securing apparatus comprises one or more mounting bodies disposed between the front wheel and operator so as to be in front of operator.

Abstract: An accessory mounting fixture for a vehicle is provided. The accessory mounting fixture includes a fixture body connectable to a vehicle surface and having a substantially U-shape defining a frontal opening and adapted to receive an accessory portion. The accessory mounting fixture also includes a locking assembly adapted to selectively secure the accessory portion within the frontal opening. The locking assembly has a first lock member pivotally connected to the fixture body on a first side of the frontal opening and a second lock member pivotally connected to the fixture body on the second side of the frontal opening. The first and second locking members are operable between a closed position for confining the accessory portion within the frontal opening, and an open configuration. Positioning the first and second lock members in the closed position secures the accessory portion within the frontal opening.

Abstract: A straddle type vehicle comprises a steering mechanism configured to steer a front wheel; a steering damper device capable of variably generating a damping force working on a rotating action of the steering mechanism; and a control unit configured to control the damping force of the steering damper device. The control unit controls the damping force, based on a change amount per unit time of steering torque generated in the steering mechanism and a deceleration of the front wheel.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber includes: a cylinder that has an opening portion in a side wall surface on an axle side thereof; a reservoir that stores oil; a control unit that generates a damping force; and a movement prevention member at least a part of which is disposed outside the cylinder and on a vehicle body side of the opening portion, and that obstructs the oil from moving from the axle side to the vehicle body side.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a control device of a human-powered vehicle. The control system includes a first operating device, a second operating device, a wireless communication unit and a control unit. The first operating device includes a first base, a first operating member, a first handlebar and a first electrical switch unit. The second operating device includes a second base, a second handlebar attachment and a second electrical switch unit. The second operating device is electrically connected to the first operating device. The wireless communication unit is electrically connected to the first operating device and the second operating device. The control unit is configured to selectively control the wireless communication unit to establish wireless communication with an operated device in accordance with a control state of the control unit.

Abstract: An electric snowmobile that prevents temperature rise of a control unit is provided. An electric snowmobile includes a body frame extending in a front-rear direction, a driver's seat supported by the body frame, an electric motor supported by the body frame, a ski supported by the body frame, a track mechanism including a track belt, supported by the body frame below the driver's seat, a battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor, and an inverter including an electronic component controlling a rotation of the electric motor and a housing for housing the electronic component. An opening is formed in the body frame so that a portion of the inverter is exposed from the opening to face the track belt.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electric drive motor of an electrically drivable bicycle includes determining a cadence of a rider of the bicycle, and operating the electric drive motor under specification of (i) a first predefined target speed for the electric drive motor, which is lower than the cadence of the rider, and (ii) a first predefined torque for the electric drive motor, when the determined cadence of the rider exceeds a predefined cadence threshold value. The method further includes operating the electric drive motor under specification of (i) a second predefined target speed for the electric drive motor, which is higher than the first target speed, and (ii) a second predefined torque for the drive motor, when a rider torque exerted by the rider on a drive train of the bicycle exceeds a first predefined rider torque threshold value.

Abstract: An electric mobility apparatus that can include at least one electric carbon fiber component. The electric carbon fiber component incorporating a structural battery, the structural battery including energy storage devices, each of the energy storage devices having an anode core of a continuous carbon fiber, an electrolyte arranged on the at least one continuous carbon fiber core, and a cathode layer arranged to the continuous carbon fiber core on the electrolyte. An interface is electrically connected to the structural battery, the interface for inputting power for charging the structural battery and for outputting power.

Abstract: A foil displacement system includes one or more foils that can be deployed and stowed. When deployed, each foil can exert downforce or uplift depending on its orientation. For example, each foil may be positioned to have an angle of attack that creates a downward force effectively transmitted to the hull to pull the hull deeper within the water to, for example, create a larger wake. Use of the foil displacement system can enhance or replace the use of a ballast tank system, can be integrated into a new boat or retrofitted to existing boats, can be electronically or manually positioned, can enhance activities such as wake surfing, wake boarding, water skiing or other similar or related water sports.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air supply system for supplying air to an outside of a hull of a vessel, the vessel holding a combustion engine. The air supply system comprises one or more air discharge units (ADUs) for releasing compressed air to an outside of the hull below a waterline of the vessel. The air supply system comprises a plurality of turbocharger(s) for supplying a compressed air flow to the combustion engine of the vessel via a first flow path. The plurality of turbochargers each comprises a turbine configured to be driven by an exhaust gas flow of the combustion engine and a compressor connected to the turbine and comprising an inlet for receiving air and an outlet for providing the compressed air flow to the first flow path. The plurality of turbochargers comprises a first turbocharger and a second turbocharger arranged in series with the compressor of the second turbocharger being downstream of the compressor of the first turbocharger in the first flow path.

Abstract: A lifting element connection device for connecting a lifting element suspended from a cable to a sling element. The lifting element connection device includes a top surface having at least one angled portion which guides the lifting element towards a receiving area, and a lifting element receiving portion which holds the sling element, receives the lifting element from the receiving area, and provides a connection between the lifting element and the sling element when the lifting element is positioned in the lifting element receiving portion.