Abstract: A system, and method for communicating navigation information to a vehicle operator through actuators in a steering mechanism for a vehicle. The steering mechanism can include multiple actuators along or in a surface a vehicle operator touches to steer the vehicle. Different numbers of actuators can be actuated under an operator's hand to communicate the severity of an upcoming turn. Alternatively, an actuator can be actuated by different amounts to communicate the severity of an upcoming turn. Proximity of an upcoming turn can be communicated by cycling actuators at different rates for different turns. By actuating actuators under an operator's left hand or the left portion of a hand, a left-hand turn can be communicated. Conversely, by actuating actuators under an operator's right hand or the right portion of a hand, a right-hand turn can be communicated.

Abstract: Disclosed and described herein is a vehicle object notification system comprising a steering interface that includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, each of the light-emitting elements arranged in an elongated pattern along a respective portion of the steering interface, wherein a first light emitting element is configured to illuminate based on a detection of an object relative to a first portion of a vehicle and a second light emitting element is configured to illuminate based on a detection of an object relative to a second portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: A locomotive-to-wayside device communication system for a train having a locomotive travelling in a track network having wayside devices associated therewith. The system includes: an on-board communication device associated with the locomotive for transmitting and receiving data; and a wayside communication device associated with a wayside device, wherein the wayside communication device is programmed or configured to transmit data at or over (a) at least one power level, (b) at least one reporting interval, (c) at least one frequency, (d) at least one communication protocol, or any combination thereof. A wayside communication device and a locomotive-to-wayside device communication method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A turn signal adaptor for use with a turn signal lever of a vehicle. The turn signal adaptor includes a mounting member and a crossover signal arm. The crossover signal arm extends from the mounting end at the right side of a steering column of a steering wheel of the vehicle to the free end at the left side of the steering column. At least one height adjustment screw allows leveling of the mounting member and the crossover signal arm relative to the turn signal lever such that the crossover signal arm extends across the steering column of the vehicle while creating no or minimal visibility issues with the driver seeing an instrument cluster panel of the vehicle, allowing a user to activate the turn signal lever with the use of the right hand, without taking hands off the steering wheel.

Abstract: A control input for operating an actual vehicle actuator and a control input for operating a vehicle model are determined by an FB distribution law based on a difference between a reference state amount determined by a vehicle model and an actual state amount of an actual vehicle such that the state amount error is approximated to zero, and then an actuator device of the actual vehicle and the model vehicle are operated based on the control inputs. The FB distribution law determines a control input for operating the model such that a state amount error is approximated to zero while restraining a predetermined restriction object amount from deviating from a permissible range. A vehicle control device capable of enhancing robustness against disturbance factors or their changes while performing operation control of actuators that is as suited to behaviors of an actual vehicle as possible is provided.

Abstract: A control input for operating an actual vehicle actuator and a control input for operating a vehicle model are determined by an FB distribution law based on a state amount error which is a difference between a reference state amount determined by a vehicle model and an actual state amount of an actual vehicle such that the state amount error is approximated to zero. An actuator device of the actual vehicle and the model vehicle, respectively, are then operated based on the control inputs. The FB distribution law estimates an external force acting on the actual vehicle due to a control input for operating an actual vehicle actuator, and determines a control input for operating the vehicle model on the basis of the estimated value and a basic value of a control input for operating the vehicle model for approximating the state amount error to zero.

Abstract: A vehicle direction indicator system is designed to alert surrounding drivers of the intentions of the vehicle operator to continue in a forward direction. The indicator system has a plurality of indicator light end points and each end point is powered by the vehicle's electrical system and includes a housing, a light source holder and a lens attached to the front portion of the housing, and a vibration feedback element to indicate to the driver when the signal is activated. The end points may be positioned in various locations such as the grill, spoiler, side markers and the like and may simultaneously emit a color when the vehicle driver actuates the indicator system within the vehicle. The system is preferably mounted onto the front portion of the vehicle and is capable of signaling to other drivers at a four way intersection an intention to continue in a straight direction.

Abstract: A wheel identifying apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of transceivers, a triggering device, a receiver, and a wheel identifier. Each of the transceivers is located on one of a plurality of wheels of a vehicle and works to receive a trigger signal and transmit a response signal in response to receipt of the trigger signal. The triggering device is located on a body of the vehicle at different distances from the transceivers and works to transmit the trigger signal. The receiver works to receive the response signals transmitted by the transceivers. The wheel identifier is operatively connected to the receiver and works to identify, for each of the response signals received by the receiver, the wheel on which the transceiver having transmitted the response signal is located using the fact that strengths of the trigger signal at the transceivers are different from each other.

Abstract: A steering wheel for motor vehicles is disclosed. The aim of the steering wheel is to supply information from a driver guidance system or a driver assistance system to a driver in such a way that said information is easily received and that the driver can also input information for said systems or for a telephone, without having to divert his or her attention from the traffic. To achieve this, the steering wheel is configured as a communication interface for the driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling driving forces supplied to left and right wheels of a vehicle, for effectively inhibiting oversteer and understeer states, includes driving force adjusting device for adjusting driving forces supplied to the left and the right rear wheels, first controlling device for controlling the driving force adjusting device such that a wheel speed difference between the left and the right rear wheels coincides with a target wheel speed difference, and second controlling device for controlling the driving force adjusting device such that a yaw momentum of the vehicle coincides with a target yaw momentum. If the vehicle is in an understeer state, the contribution of the second controlling device is increased relative to that the first controlling device and if the vehicle is in an oversteer state, the contribution of the first controlling device is increased relative to that of the second controlling device.

Abstract: A train control system includes a positioning system and consults a database to determine when the train is approaching a configurable device such as a switch or grade crossing gate. The system continuously interrogates the device to determine its status as the train approaches the device, and forces an engineer/conductor to acknowledge any detected malfunction. The train is forced to come to a complete stop before proceeding past the device or may be slowed down to a speed that will allow the engineer/conductor to visually determine whether it is safe to proceed past the device if the engineer/conductor acknowledges a message warning of the malfunction and will stop the train if the engineer/conductor fails to acknowledge the warning message.

Abstract: A vehicle signaling system for alerting drivers approaching from a rear of a vehicle is provided which includes an audio signal emitting device, preferably arranged on the vehicle facing rearward, having an activated state in which an audio signal is emitted and an inactivated state in which an audio signal is not emitted.

Abstract: A vehicle motion indicator having a base; a shaft rotatably attached to the base; at least one winder having a hub attached to the shaft; a motor for rotating the shaft to rotate the winder; and switch means responsive to the brake system in the vehicle, such that: (1) when the brake system is engaged, the switch means electrically connects the motor to a power supply in the vehicle to rotate the winder, and (2) when the brake system is disengaged the switch means electrically disconnects the motor from the power supply to stop rotation of the winder.

Abstract: A substantial arch; attached to handlebars or front portion of any cycle; having reflective, illuminative, or decorative attachments; the purpose of which is to make the cycle highly visible at a distance, to other vehicular drivers.