Abstract: Voltage control of electric vehicle batteries is provided. A system can include an electrical circuit of an electric vehicle that can include a plurality of power supplies and a driver component that can be configured to be energized by the plurality of power supplies and provide a voltage greater than a threshold from a battery of the electric vehicle to a motor of the electric vehicle. The electrical circuit can include a switch module that connects the driver component with the plurality of power supplies. The switch module can detect that the electric vehicle generated a signal to actuate an element of the electric vehicle and disconnect, in response to the detection, the driver component from the plurality of power supplies to reduce the voltage provided to the motor below the threshold.

Abstract: A safety bumper assembly for a vehicle shutting off a vehicle engine when the vehicle hits an obstacle, particularly an autonomous vehicle used for agricultural purposes. The assembly includes bumper shafts holding a bumper bar at a distance from a support structure of the vehicle and shuts off the vehicle engine in such fashion that the vehicle comes to a full stop before the bumper has reached its most inward position closer to the vehicle body. A vehicle equipped with the safety bumper assembly has vehicle frame integrating a support structure of the safety bumper assembly.

Abstract: A method for reactivation of an electrical system of a vehicle comprising a first electrical system operating at a first lower voltage and a second electrical system operating at a second higher voltage, comprising: detecting a fault or a crash situation in the second electrical system; disconnecting a power source of the second electrical system; determining the fault of the second electrical system is no longer present or that the crash situation is resolved; reconnecting the power source to the second electrical system and increasing the voltage of the second electrical system from zero to an intermediate voltage lower than the second voltage; and if a detected current in the second electrical system is higher than a current threshold value; or if a detected voltage of the first electrical system is higher than a voltage threshold value; reducing the voltage of the second electrical system to zero.

Abstract: A guidance apparatus for an autonomous vehicle and a method therefor are provided. The guidance apparatus includes a first guidance device that guides a passenger in the autonomous vehicle through first response information, a second guidance device that guides a rescuer outside the autonomous vehicle through second response information, and a controller that controls guidance on the first response information and guidance on the second response information, when abnormality occurs in the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a radiant heater device includes a radiant heater device, a heater ECU that controls an energization and a deenergization of a heat generation unit, and an integrated ECU that transmits an operation prohibition command for prohibiting the energization of the heat generation unit and an operation permission command for permitting the energization of the heat generation unit to the heater ECU. The integrated ECU transmits the operation prohibition command when receiving a collision signal indicative of a vehicle collision or a prediction of the vehicle collision, and transmits the operation permission command when not receiving the collision signal. The heater ECU performs the deenergization control when a non-reception state in which the operation permission command is not received from the integrated ECU is continued for a predetermined time or more. As a result, the energization can be interrupted before an occupant is adversely affected.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first sensor, a second sensor and a processor. The first sensor may be configured to generate a first video signal based on a targeted view from a vehicle. The second sensor may be configured to generate a second video signal based on a targeted view of a driver. The processor may be configured to (A) receive the first video signal, (B) receive the second video signal, (C) determine a field of view to present to the driver, (D) generate a third video signal and (E) present the third video signal to a display showing the field of view. The field of view is determined based on (i) a body position of the driver extracted from the second video signal and (ii) the first video signal.

Abstract: A safety device for a mechanical motion device and a method for protecting a person or object in the vicinity of a mechanical motion device are described herein. The safety device may include: a shroud; a coupling mechanism; and a detection device. The coupling mechanism joins the shroud in a displaceable manner to a mechanical motion device. The detection device is configured for communication with the safety control system of a mechanical motion device. The detection device is capable of detecting misalignment of the shroud from its initial aligned position and/or a collision between the shroud and a person or object. The detection device may send a signal to the safety control system of the mechanical motion device to at least slow the movement of the mechanical motion device before the mechanical motion device reaches the location of the collision of the shroud with an object or person.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator capable of achieving suppression of decrease in weight of a counterweight and appropriate arrangement of an exhaust gas treatment device is provided. A rear leg portion forming a leg portion supporting the exhaust gas treatment device against the revolving frame has a main body portion formed to have a U-shaped cross-section, and an open side of the U-shape of the main body portion is opposed to a counterweight. The counterweight has a pair of groove-shaped recesses formed, in which a pair of end portions of the U-shape of the main body portion is inserted.

Abstract: During external charging, a charger converts AC electric power from an external power supply into electric power for charging a main battery. An AC/DC converter converts the AC electric power on the power line into auxiliary electric power. The charger is further capable of executing power conversion for converting output electric power of the main battery into AC electric power for output to the power line. While a vehicle is running, normally, the charger and the AC/DC converter are stopped, and the auxiliary electric power obtained by converting the output electric power of the main battery by a main DC/DC converter is output. At the time of regenerative braking of the vehicle, where charging of the main battery is prohibited or restricted, the charger and the AC/DC converter are further operated to intentionally increase loss power, thereby generating auxiliary electric power.

Abstract: A vehicle control device and a vehicle control method automatically bring a vehicle to a halt by operating a brake. Thereafter, when the vehicle stops, a shift position is switched to a parking position by the control of a shift position actuator. This makes it possible to keep the vehicle stopping without any difficulty, and to prevent the vehicle from moving again.

Abstract: The described method and system allow a service provider to remotely interact with a vehicle analysis system, high voltage battery contactors, and other vehicle systems to eliminate certain sources of inconvenience for service personnel and users. For example, when the high voltage battery contactors are disconnected inadvertently or as a precaution, they may later need to be safely reengaged to allow the user to drive the disabled but otherwise operational vehicle. Conversely, when an electric vehicle has become disabled and needs to be towed or serviced, the disengagement of the high voltage battery contactors as well as the activation or deactivation of related systems will assist the servicing entity in properly moving and servicing the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control device and a vehicle control method of an embodiment of the present invention automatically bring a vehicle to a halt by operating a brake (16). Thereafter, when the vehicle stops, a shift potion is switched to a parking position by the control of a shift position actuator (17). This makes it possible to keep the vehicle stopping without any difficulty, and to prevent the vehicle from moving again.

Abstract: In a method for operating a tank device of a motor vehicle having a tank and a valve which is adjustable by a driver stage connected to an energy supply, the valve is closed in response to an ascertained fault. Based on the fault, two output signals are formed for closing the valve: one of the output signals represents a relay signal and interrupts the energy supply to the driver stage.

Abstract: A golf cart safety apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention reduces the incidence of injured protruding limbs A safety pedal is provided that prevents the golf cart from operating unless engaged. The safety pedal comprises a hinge, a “kill switch”, and a platform upon which an occupant's foot can rest. The hinge is secured to a floor of the golf cart and the platform. The “kill switch”, which prevents the golf cart from operating unless depressed, is operably associated with the platform. Because the foot of the occupant must engage the safety pedal in order to disable the “kill switch”, the occupant's leg must be properly positioned inside the golf cart. Thus, a golf cart safety apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention reduces the incidences of golf cart injuries.

Abstract: [PROBLEM] To provide a construction machine capable of performing necessary operation or operations without a difficulty even when a remaining amount of a reducing agent becomes small.

Abstract: A battery control system and method for a battery of a vehicle includes a battery for supplying electrical power to a plurality of loads of the vehicle and a controller that receives a battery signal representative of a condition of the battery, an ignition key signal representative of a state of an ignition key of the vehicle, and an engine signal representative of a state of an engine in the vehicle. The controller selectively electrically connects/disconnects the plurality of loads of the vehicle and the battery based on at least one of the battery signal, the ignition key signal, and the engine signal. An interface provides information on at least one of the battery and a connection state between the plurality of loads and the battery.

Abstract: The present invention is operative to disable at least one infotainment device under certain conditions relative to the current driving environment of the user. The system uses a weighted matrix to assign risk to certain sensed conditions while driving. A changed condition is assigned a weight and the weighted risks are summed to calculate risk level information. The risk level information is thereafter compared to priority level information associated with at least one infotainment device. When the risk level information exceeds or is equal to the priority level information of the at least one infotainment device the system temporarily disables the infotainment device until the driving environment changes to a condition where it is safe to operate the infotainment device.

Abstract: A safety logic for vehicle rollover detection systems comprising a main rollover detection logic and at least one protection device for the occupant or occupants of the vehicle, including a vehicle lateral acceleration sensor (11), which generates an output signal indicating a near rollover event, when a lateral acceleration of a vehicle exceeds the first predefined threshold value (15) or, when a lateral acceleration of vehicle exceeds the second predefined threshold value (16) that is lower than the first predefined threshold value (15) and simultaneously at least one additional safety logic activation signal is present (1, 1?, 1?, 1??).

Abstract: A device for blocking the steering shaft of a motor vehicle against rotation by a locking bolt which can be axially moved back and forth between locked and released positions via a two-directionally rotatable control member, and comprises a locking element and an actuating element. The control member surrounds the actuating element and has two helically extending interior grooves and a planar end surface adjoining the grooves and extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the control member. A transverse pin axially displaced in the actuating element cooperates with the grooves and the end surface. A helical compression spring is supported on the actuating element via a plunger having an oblong hole through which the transverse pin extends, and which plunger can be axially displaced in the actuating element by a stop so that the helical compression spring presses the transverse pin against the end surface via the locking element and the actuating element in the released position of the locking bolt.

Abstract: In a method for preventing collisions of vehicles, first the surroundings of a vehicle 2 and motion parameters of the vehicle 2 are detected by means of sensors 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5. From the output signals of the sensors, a failure-to-yield criterion and a collision risk criterion are derived. From a combination of the failure-to-yield criterion and the collision risk criterion, a risk level is ascertained. Depending on the particular risk level ascertained, finally, steps for reducing the risk of collision are initiated.

Abstract: A tire protecting apparatus mounted on a vehicle provided with a wheel having a tire on a wheel filled with pressurized air, which protects the tire from abnormally deforming while the vehicle is running, is provided with a tire temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the tire, and a determinator that determines whether it is necessary to cool the tire based on the tire temperature detected by the tire temperature sensor when there is a possibility that abnormal tire deformation will occur. Accordingly, the invention protects the tire from abnormally deforming by considering the temperature of the tire while the vehicle is running.

Abstract: This patent discloses a vehicle having mounted therein a safety system. The safety system may indicate contact between an external object and the vehicle as the vehicle moves in reverse gear. The indication of contact may include automatically shutting down the vehicle engine, engaging the hand braking system of the vehicle, and honking the vehicle horn. The reverse drive safety system for a vehicle may include arms, a sensor cable that may extend between the arms and connect to a sensor spool. The reverse drive safety system additionally may include a sensing device to sense whether an external object has contacted the sensor cable or the arms and may include an electric motor that winds and unwinds the sensor cable based on a signal from the sensing device or a signal from a reverse indicator. The electric motor also may engage and disengage the vehicles hand brake system based on a signal from the sensing device and the reverse indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining whether the interior of a vehicle is occupied. The inventive device comprises image acquisition means (10) for acquiring images of an area of the vehicle interior, an image acquisition data generation unit (14) for generating image acquisition data in which every image point of a three-dimensional surface image is presented as a vector in an acquisition coordinate system of the image acquisition means, and a conversion unit (16) that converts the image acquisition data to vehicle image data. Said vehicle image data describe every image point as a vector in a coordinate system that is specific of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing an erroneous operation of an electro-motion pedal device in an automobile and methods of use thereof, wherein an engine starting condition, positions of a shift lever and a parking brake activated condition are detected. When a safe condition of a non-moving automobile is detected, power is transmitted to an electro-motion pedal device to allow the pedal to be electronically adjusted, such that an erroneous operation of an electro-motion pedal device that might occur during an automobile in operation can be prevented to thereby avoid an accident in advance.

Abstract: A system for use with a motor vehicle that minimizes injury after a loss of control event. The motor vehicle has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and an engine. The system includes a control which detects a loss of control event and automatically actuates a brake system and/or a steering system and/or commands an engine controller to reduce power output of an engine.

Abstract: A power device for an automotive vehicle includes an interlock switch 1, a crash sensor 2 for detecting an impact of an automotive vehicle, an interlock relay 3 controlled and turned ON and OFF by the interlock switch 1, and a contactor 4 for interrupting an output circuit 11 when the interlock relay 3 is turned OFF. In the power device, when the interrupting signal is outputted from the crash sensor 2, or when the interlock switch 1 is turned OFF from ON, the contactors 4 are turned OFF to interrupt the output circuit 11. Further, the power device has a switching element 6 connected to exciting coils 4a of the contactors 4 in series and is turned ON and OFF by an interrupting signal from the crash sensor 2. When the crash sensor 2 outputs the interrupting signal, the contactors 4 are turned OFF by the switching elements 6.

Abstract: A door unlock control system detects collision to a vehicle and executes door unlocking. The type of collision to the vehicle is determined. The order of execution of door unlocking is determined based on the type of collision. Door unlocking is then executed based on the order of execution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for increasing the security of a motor vehicle comprising an automatic transmission, which is impinged upon by an electrical transmission control system and a detection unit for detecting a critical driving situation and for generating a corresponding signal. In order to increases driving security, an evaluation device is provided which checks whether the generated signal has reached a specific value or exceeded a specific threshold. If said value has been reached or the threshold has been exceeded, the evaluation device causes the transmission control system to interrupt the positive engagement of the transmission.

Abstract: A motor vehicle acquires driving power for running from a high voltage power supply. The vehicle has a collision detecting device that detects a vehicle collision, a deceleration detecting device that detects a deceleration of the motor vehicle, and a high voltage system shut-off control device that provides control such that a circuit of the high voltage power supply is broken in response to a collision detection signal from the collision detecting device. The circuit of the high voltage power supply is reconnected when the deceleration detected by the deceleration detecting device does not become equal to or greater than a predetermined value within a short period of time from the receipt of the collision detection signal. Therefore, if the vehicle has collided, the power supply is shut off immediately, and if the vehicle has not really collided, the power supply is not shut off so as to surely enable the vehicle to run.

Abstract: Provided is a Vehicular Crash Life Guard System (referred to hereinafter as “VCLGS”) for:

Abstract: This invention is a method and system to disconnect drive wheels from the powertrain of any electric powered vehicle. A vehicle controller monitors input from, for example, an inertia switch and electric motor generator conditions and can disconnect the output shaft from the drive wheels in predetermined vehicle conditions such as during a rear-end collision, or abnormal electric motor conditions such as over-torque, over-temperature, or over-current. The invention can be configured to monitor and respond to driver demand for four-wheel drive, two-wheel drive, and neutral tow. The disconnect device can comprise a disconnect actuator and joint attached to an axle disconnect. The axle disconnect can be electric or vacuum powered and positioned as a center disconnect or a wheel-end disconnect. The invention can be configured for conventional or limited slip axles.

Abstract: There is provided a motor vehicle that acquires driving power for running from a high voltage power supply, comprising a collision detecting device that detects a collision of said motor vehicle; a deceleration detecting device that detects a deceleration of the motor vehicle; and a high voltage system shut-off control device that provides control such that a circuit of the high voltage power supply is broken in response to a collision detection signal from the collision detecting device, and the circuit of the high voltage power supply is reconnected in a case where the deceleration detected by the deceleration detecting device does not become equal to or greater than a predetermined value within a short period of time from the receipt of the collision detection signal. Therefore, if the vehicle has collided, the power supply is shut off immediately, and if the vehicle has not really collided, the power supply is not shut off so as to surely enable the vehicle to run.

Abstract: An automatic safety protector relates to a safety protecting device for a traveling motor vehicle. It is installed with a set of automatic flameout, braking mechanisms in front of the head of a motor vehicle, and a shock absorbing device is mounted between a fender-guard and a frame side member. When motor vehicle is in collision, the former realize automatic flameout and braking, and the latter buffers the impact force on collision, thereby the loss due to a collision accident is minimized.

Abstract: An anti-theft steering shaft lock for an energy-absorbing motor vehicle steering column having a linearly collapsible mast jacket includes a unitized construction consisting of a cylinder lock attached to an instrument panel of the motor vehicle remote from the mast jacket, a lateral housing between the cylinder lock and the mast jacket, a lock bolt in the lateral housing, rack and pinion gears which convert rotation of an element of the cylinder lock into linear translation of the lock bolt, and a frangible connection means at which an inboard part of the unitized construction adjacent the mast jacket separates from an outboard part in the direction of linear collapse of the mast jacket. The frangible connection means includes a pair of laterally aligned frangible joints between inboard and outboard segments of the lateral housing and between inboard and outboard segments of the lock bolt.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device designed to reliably prevent uncontrolled travel or runaway of a vehicle when a collision accident occurs. A breaker is connected in a current path between a battery and a controller. In a processing section of a distance measuring unit, a time difference between the moment at which a laser light emitting section emits light and the moment at which a laser light receiving section receives light is detected and the distance and the relative speed between the vehicle and an object against which the vehicle may collide are calculated. When the distance between the vehicle and the object becomes zero while the relative speed between the vehicle and the object is larger than a predetermined value, the processing section determines that a collision has occurred, and supplies a control signal to the breaker to open the same.

Abstract: In a anticollision device for driverless industrial trucks (1), preferably automotive assembly platforms, switching bails (9) are articulated by a bilateral lever mechanisms at one end of the industrial truck. These switching bails are located in an outer operating position (37) during single travel and they trigger an emergency stop via switches (11, 30) on impact against an obstacle. On entry into a pushing unit section, control rollers (13) run, in a mechanically restrictedly guided manner, up onto stationary guide rails (14), and automatically engage the lever mechanisms (42) via roller levers (12), and two guide sleeves (24), arranged on a cross guide (25), are displaced linearly in relation to one another against the pretensioning force of at least one spring (26) via spring levers (23).

Abstract: A safety guard uses a strip switch to prevent injury at pinch points on either lift gates or pedestrian-operated industrial trucks. A strip switch is provided at the pinch point between the lift gate and the truck bed or vehicle body to stop or reverse operation of the lift gate when contacted by body parts or items improperly loaded on the lift gate. A strip switch may also be located adjacent the portions of a pedestrian-operated lift truck. The strip switch is disposed located about a portion of the perimeter of the pedestrian-operated lift truck adjacent the operator. Upon contacting the strip switch, the pedestrian-operated lift truck may be stopped or reversed to permit the operator to free his foot from the potential pinch point where injury can occur.

Abstract: A warning system for warning a lack of a working fluid for an engine. The engine is provided with an ignition unit supplied with an ignition power supply from a magneto. A sensing unit senses the lack of the working fluid and produces a detection signal. A warning element, connected to the magneto, receives a power supply to give a warning indicating the lack of the working fluid. A controller is responsive to the detection signal from the sensing unit for actuating the warning element to provide the warning without deteriorating a performance of the ignition unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic control device adapted for preventing rear-end collision of a front motorized vehicle and a rear motorized vehicle running behind the front vehicle. The automatic control device for preventing rear-end collision according to this invention comprises: a microprocessor, a least one signal emitter, a speed detector, a least one signal receiver, a brake controller and an accelerator pedal controller, in which the at least one signal emitter is installed at the rear end of the front vehicle while the other comprising mechanisms are installed in the rear vehicle. The microprocessor couples separately with the signal emitter, the speed detector, the signal receiver, the brake controller and the accelerator pedal controller so as to transfer and process various signals.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus capable of delivering a control signal in response to contact between an element of the apparatus and an external object should respond readily to a predetermined level of contact, and should be sensitive along all portions of the contact sensing surface. The instant invention provides a contact sensing apparatus including a conduit having a generally hollow tubular construction and being formed a resilient deformable material. A sonic generator is connected to one end of the conduit and a sonic detector is connected to the other end of the conduit. An electrical circuit is connected to the sonic generator and sonic detector, and is adapted to controllably produce a control signal in response to contact between the conduit and an external object.

Abstract: A passenger carrying motor vehicle safety system for monitoring a space underneath the vehicle includes a photodetector assembly for generating a light beam and sensing interruptions in the light beam. A switch which is energized by the opening of the passenger door of the motor vehicle, activates the safety system. Holding contacts maintain the system in the activated state until the system is reset by the driver. A system reset switch, which is located within reach of the bus driver on the inside of the motor vehicle, is provided to reset the system so long as it has not been tripped. A trip reset switch, which is located on the outside of the motor vehicle, is provided to reset the system after it has been tripped.

Abstract: With this safety beading or ledge the drive of, for example, a driverless transport vehicle can be switched-off on collision with an obstacle, and can be switched-on again after removal of the obstacle. The safety beading or ledge mounted along a shock-absorbing or impact edge of the transport vehicle is provided for this purpose with a plurality of similar contact elements which are disposed in series and touch one another at contact points in an elastically deformable, pre-stressed tube. During collision with an obstacle and deformation of the safety beading or ledge the contact elements perform a rocking movement against one another, whereby contact is interrupted and the drive is switched-off. After removal of the obstacle the elasticity of the tube effects a return into the initial position, whereupon the contact points again touch and the drive is switched-on again.

Abstract: A vehicle driver's seat is equipped with an electromagnetically operated vibrator arranged in its back-rest to be activated by energization of an electric control circuit for periodically supplying an electric current to the vibrator from a vehicle battery. A safety device for the driver's seat comprises a parking brake switch arranged between the electric control circuit and the battery to be opened during the inoperative condition of a parking brake of the vehicle and to be closed in response to operation of the parking brake, and an additional control circuit for energizing the electric control circuit in response to closing of the switch to activate the vibrator during arrest of the vehicle and for deenergizing the electric control circuit in response to opening of the switch to deactivate the vibrator during movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bumper assembly (12) is disclosed for use with a self-propelled vehicle (10) and includes a bumper (18) mounted to a bumper frame (16) pendulously suspended from a vehicle frame (14) by means of a plurality of hangers (20). When the vehicle (10) collides with an obstacle in its path, the bumper (18) and the bumper frame (16) pendulously swing and deflect at least one spring-loaded arm (32), thereby activating corresponding electrical switch assemblies (30) connected thereto to disconnect the driving power to the vehicle motor and decelerate the vehicle.