Abstract: A game call device which can be tossed from a concealed position. A preferred embodiment includes a flat bottom surface which is weighted such that the device will land against that face. A button located within the flat bottom surface activates the device, turning on a speaker which plays a sound. The sound will typically be the sound of a prey animal, intended to draw a predator animal to the device. Because the device is tossed from a concealed location, the device can be deployed without the user being forced to physically disturb the area where the call is placed, thereby decreasing the likelihood of being detected by the animal.

Abstract: A vehicle safety rollover device, that upon detection of a vehicle rollover, automatically shuts-off power to an ignition system of said vehicle and shuts down an electrical system of said vehicle. Power flows through a first latching relay switch to an ignition starter, and a second latching relay switch disconnects the electrical shutoff signal from the power input. When a sensor is activated, power flows from the power input to the set pins of the latching relay switches, causing the relay switches to switch positions from the first output position to the second output position. This causes power to the ignition starter to be disconnected, and power to flow to the electrical shutoff signal via the second latching relay switch, thereby causing the electrical system of the vehicle to shut down.

Abstract: In a method for starting a synchronous machine, a default torque is predefined, and a rotational speed of the synchronous machine is adjusted after starting. A torque which is higher than the default torque is predefined, and the higher torque is reduced in the subsequent second step to a positive value which is less than the default torque, and is increased to the default torque in a third step.

Abstract: An electric actuator includes a motor, an electricity storing body, a manual operating unit, a switch and a resetting unit. In a state wherein a controlled element has arrived at a first opening and a supply of power to the motor from the electricity storing body is cut off, the motor and the controlled element are in a non-linked state only while a button is pushed. The switch keeps a supply path of electric power open when the button has been pressed once. The resetting unit closes the switch at a point in time that the controlled element that is driven by the motor arrives at a specific second opening at a time of restoration of the external power supply in a state wherein the non-linked state of the motor and the controlled element by the button has been undone.

Abstract: An information display system includes an information display that communicates relevant information relating to the operation of a vehicle. The information display conveys a score representing lifetime or long-term driving or operating efficiency of the vehicle. The score can be conveyed numerically or graphically using a number of indicators, or both. Each indicator may correspond to a different achievement level attained for efficient driving or vehicle use behavior.

Abstract: Apparatus for a road vehicle has a plurality of deployable devices, each performing a crash safety function. A device controller controls deployment of a respective deployable device and that provides respective status messages according to a deployment status of the respective deployable device. Respective status messages for each deployable device include a ready message and a deployed message. A crash sensor detects a crash event when the vehicle is involved in an impact, wherein the crash sensor generates a crash event message. A display controller is coupled to the deployable devices to receive the status messages and coupled to the crash sensor to receive the crash event message. A display is coupled to the display controller for displaying status information to a driver of the vehicle. The displayed status information includes pre-crash status of the deployable devices and post-crash status of the deployable devices.

Abstract: A vehicle including an engine, a tilting sensor configured to detect that a vehicle body of the vehicle has been tilted a predetermined angle or larger, a driving state sensor configured to detect a driving state of the vehicle using a component other than the tilting sensor, and a determiner configured to determine whether or not to stop the engine, based on a signal received from the tilting sensor, and a signal received from the driving state sensor.

Abstract: This fuel efficiency display device for a fuel cell vehicle includes: a first interval vehicle efficiency obtaining device which obtains a first interval vehicle efficiency being a fraction of a generated traveling energy with respect to a consumed fuel amount in a predetermined first time-interval; a second interval traveling energy obtaining device which obtains a second interval traveling energy being a traveling energy generated in a predetermined second time-interval which is shorter than the first time-interval; and a second interval fuel efficiency obtaining device which obtains a second interval fuel efficiency being a fuel efficiency in the second time-interval, based on at least the first interval vehicle efficiency and the second interval traveling energy.

Abstract: A bicycle meter assembly with locating function includes a sensor module and a receiver module. The sensor module includes a microprocessor, a sensing unit, a display unit, a keypad, an encoder, and a wireless transceiver. The receiver module includes a wireless receiver, a decoder, and a warning unit. The sensor module and the receiver module are separately installed on a bicycle at two selected positions. The sensor module senses and displays traveling information and user's body signals that are generated when the bicycle is moving. When the user wants to locate the bicycle being parked at a selected place, the keypad can be pressed to generate a call signal, which is sent to the receiver module for the warning unit to emit a warning signal.

Abstract: An automotive fuel tank storage system includes a fuel storage tank installed in a vehicle and a barrier fluid tank containing a supply of barrier fluid. A distribution system connected with the barrier fluid tank and with the fuel storage tank distributes barrier fluid about the outer periphery of the fuel contained within the storage tank in the event of a collision event, creating a boundary layer of more viscous fluid which inhibits exfiltration of the fuel from the fuel storage tank.

Abstract: An automotive fuel storage system includes a fuel storage tank and a binder fluid tank containing a supply of binder fluid. A mixer system connected with the binder fluid tank and the fluid storage tank mixes binder fluid throughout fuel contained within the storage tank, so as to increase the bulk viscosity of the fuel stored within the tank restricting the ability of the fuel to flow from the tank in the event of a collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fuel safety control device includes a fuel pump disposed in a fuel tank and coupled to a vehicle engine with a fuel piping system, a fuel system safety controller coupled to the fuel pump for controlling the driving direction of the fuel pump, and an impact detector coupled to the fuel system safety controller for supplying an impact signal to the fuel system safety controller and to reverse the driving direction of the fuel pump, and to draw the fuel from the fuel piping system back to the fuel tank when receiving an impact signal, in order to prevent the impact firing from being occurred. A transformer circuit may be coupled to the fuel pump for increasing the driving speed of the fuel pump when required.

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: The present invention provides a system and method for degrading and disabling a vehicle's engine throttle. The vehicle disable system includes a throttle position sensor that generates a throttle position signal, an electronic control module (“ECM”) input connected to the ECM on which the throttle position sensor provides the throttle position signal to the ECM, and an override input that enables an idling signal to be transmitted to the ECM instead of the throttle position signal. The method of the present invention includes the steps of receiving an input signal related to the state of the driver input mechanism, interpreting the input signal, and at least one of degrading and disabling the throttle based on the interpretation of the input signal.

Abstract: A front end portion of a rear swing arm of a motorcycle is pivoted to a vehicle body frame via a rear swing-arm bracket. A rear wheel is rotatably supported by a rear end portion of the rear swing arm. The rear swing arm is provided with a shaft drive mechanism for driving the rear wheel. The rear swing-arm bracket includes a left/right pair of frame members, cross members and a connection portion. A front end portion of the shaft drive mechanism faces a right-side opening at a position biased towards the frame member. The connection portion is extendedly provided at a position biased toward the center line (the center) extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The front end portion of the rear swing arm is fastened to the frame member and the connection portion via a pivot shaft and a nut in a left-side opening.

Abstract: An algorithm for use with a restraint control module that controls a signal output to a vehicle fuel pump. The algorithm deploys a fuel cutoff signal when crash sensors sense a vehicle crash condition that meets or exceeds a fuel cutoff threshold employed by the algorithm. The fuel cutoff threshold is generally elliptical.

Abstract: A system 10 and method for reducing the possibility of fires and/or explosions when a vehicle impacts an object includes a cable connector 12 having a first portion 14 connected to an ungrounded terminal 20 of a battery 22 in the vehicle and a second portion 16 connected to all vehicle electrical components requiring power from battery 22, an inert gas canister 18 having an internal pressure that facilitates the separation of the first and second portions 14 and 16 of the cable connector 12 when predetermined conditions are satisfied, electric squib means 24 for initiating pressurized inert gas flow from the canister 18 to the first portion 14 of the cable connector 12, an accelerometer 28 for sensing impact between the vehicle and the object, and a microprocessor 30 for signaling the accelerometer 28 to “fire” the squib means 24 when the magnitude of impact requires an inert gas flow to the first portion 14 whereby the second portion 16 is forcibly ejected from the first portion 14 and the area adjacent to t

Abstract: A fuel safety control device includes a fuel pump disposed in a fuel tank and coupled to a vehicle engine with a fuel piping system, a fuel system safety controller coupled to the fuel pump for controlling the driving direction of the fuel pump, and an impact detector coupled to the fuel system safety controller for supplying an impact signal to the fuel system safety controller and to reverse the driving direction of the fuel pump, and to draw the fuel from the fuel piping system back to the fuel tank when receiving an impact signal, in order to prevent the impact firing from being occurred. A transformer circuit may be coupled to the fuel pump for increasing the driving speed of the fuel pump when required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for degrading and disabling a vehicle's engine throttle. The vehicle disable system includes a throttle position sensor that generates a throttle position signal, an electronic control module (“ECM”) input connected to the ECM on which the throttle position sensor provides the throttle position signal to the ECM, and an override input that enables an idling signal to be transmitted to the ECM instead of the throttle position signal. The method of the present invention includes the steps of receiving an input signal related to the state of the driver input mechanism, interpreting the input signal, and at least one of degrading and disabling the throttle based on the interpretation of the input signal.

Abstract: A saddle ride type all-terrain vehicle having an engine and a saddle type driver's seat, includes a first sensor for detecting an inclination in the left-right direction of the vehicle, a second sensor for detecting an inclination in the front rear direction of the vehicle, and a controller receiving outputs from the first and second sensors, determining a tumble condition based on the outputs, and then outputting a tumble condition signal. Further, a fuel shut-off element is provided for shutting off the supply of fuel to the engine when the tumble condition signal is received from the controller.

Abstract: An integrated fuel management system and method for controlling the fuel storage and delivery in a vehicle. The fuel management system includes a fuel storage tank for storing fuel in a vehicle, a vapor collection canister located within the fuel storage tank, a vent actuator coupled to the vapor collection canister for venting gas from the canister during a vent operation, and a purge actuator is coupled to the vapor collection canister for purging fuel vapor from the vapor collection canister during a purge operation. A variable speed fuel pump is disposed within the fuel storage tank for delivering fuel to a fuel delivery line for an engine. The fuel management system has a controller provided in a module disposed in communication with the fuel for controlling the amount of fuel pumped with the variable speed fuel pump to deliver fuel to the fuel delivery line and further controlling the purge and vent actuators.

Abstract: An apparatus in a mechanical returnless fuel system is provided that includes a fuel pump motor for providing fuel to a powertrain system. A powertrain control module provides an activation signal for activating the fuel pump motor. A restraint control system includes a restraint control module for providing a disabling signal for disabling the fuel pump motor in response to a vehicle impact. An electronic relay switch is adapted for coupling to the fuel pump motor to selectably energize the fuel pump motor according to a conductive state and a non-conductive state of the electronic relay switch. A relay controller packaged with the electronic relay switch is responsive to the activation signal and the disabling signal for selecting the conductive state according to the activation signal when the disabling signal is not present and selecting the nonconductive state when the disabling signal is present.

Abstract: In a power train supporting apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, at least three mount portions support a power train constituted by an engine and a transmission on a frame of a vehicle body in such a manner that the output axle of the engine intersects a center line of a vehicular longitudinal direction as viewed from a top of the vehicle. The three mount portions comprise engine front and rear side mounts arranged on a vehicular front side and a vehicular rear side with respect to the engine and a transmission side mount arranged in the vicinity of the transmission. The mounts are arranged in such a manner that a distance from a weight center of the power train to each of the engine front and rear side mounts is shorter than a distance from the weight center of the power train to the transmission side mount.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted internal combustion engine controller is provided that can properly stop an internal combustion engine in accordance with an operational state no matter whether a vehicle body is inclined. The vehicle-mounted internal combustion engine controller comprises an inclination sensor for detecting vehicle body inclination; a mechanism for determining the operational state of a combustion engine; and a controller for stopping the operation of the combustion engine in accordance with a vehicle body inclination and an operational state. The cutoff mechanism stops the operation of the vehicle-mounted internal combustion engine when it is judged that a vehicle body inclination angle ? detected by the inclination sensor is greater than a predetermined angle A for a greater or equal period of time as a threshold stop time T1, T2 setting, which varies with the operational state determined by the operational state sensor.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel control module for regulating a fuel pump within a fuel tank independent of the engine control module. The fuel control module is connected to a restraint control module for receiving a signal directly therefrom in the event of vehicle impact. The fuel control module is adapted to cease fuel pump operation in response to an impact signal without requiring a signal from the engine control module.

Abstract: A fuel cut-off control system (12) for a vehicle (10) is provided. This system (12) includes one or more crash sensors (24) for detecting a fuel cut-off event and for generating a crash signal. These sensors (24) are coupled to a controller (26) and are utilized for transmitting the crash signal thereto. This controller (26) is coupled to a fuel supply system (14) and is intended to temporarily disable the fuel supply system (14) when the controller (26) receives the crash signal. The controller (26) is also coupled to an indicator mechanism (28) and is intended to transmit a cut-off notification signal to the indicator mechanism (28). This indicator mechanism (28) can then display a cut-off notification message to an occupant of the vehicle (10). Finally, the controller (26) also has a reset mechanism (30) coupled thereto. This reset mechanism (30) is intended to be manually operated by the occupant for the purpose of returning the fuel supply system (14) to an operational condition.

Abstract: To enable restart of an engine by detecting that a vehicle is restored to the upright position after overturning in an early state. An acceleration sensor having a detection axis laid laterally of a vehicle body is integrated into an ECU and mounted on the vehicle body. Outputs of the acceleration sensor are weighted and averaged, and when an average value exceeds an overturn threshold repeatedly, an overturn determination unit determines that the vehicle is overturned. On the other hand, when outputs of the acceleration sensor are determined to be below a restoration threshold, and the determination is repeatedly made, it is determined that the vehicle is restored from the overturned state. The engine is stopped when determination of overturn is made, while restart of the engine is enabled when determination of restoration is made. Especially, the reference value of determination is set so that determination of restoration is made at an early stage.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel control module for regulating a fuel pump within a fuel tank independent of the engine control module. The fuel control module is connected to a restraint control module for receiving a signal directly therefrom in the event of vehicle impact. The fuel control module is adapted to cease fuel pump operation in response to an impact signal without requiring a signal from the engine control module.

Abstract: A restraint and fuel pump cutoff control system is disclosed wherein a restraint control module controls the restraint system such as an air bag deployment system and a fuel system power supply based upon data inputs from sensors positioned at various locations on the vehicle. When data received from the sensors indicates that a collision event has occurred and has reached the predetermined level of severity, power to the fuel system is cut off to prevent undesired pumping of fuel. If power is interrupted during a collision event, the fuel system will be cut off and remain cut off until reset by turning the ignition switch to off and then to run/start indicating a clean shutdown. The restraint control module utilizes collision data profiles to distinguish between power shutdowns occurring during a collision event and power shutdowns occurring when only background data is being received from the sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for fuel metering in a motor vehicle in which the fuel in a reservoir has a definable pressure. A second device for reducing the pressure and a first device for issuing a signal relevant to vehicle safety are provided. The pressure is reduced by the second device in response to the signal relevant to vehicle safety. The first device is configured in such a way that, in order to increase vehicle stability, the braking effect for at least one vehicle wheel brake can be modified, and the signal relevant to vehicle safety is issued as a function of a definable modification of the braking effect.

Abstract: The occurrence of degradation and damage to a fuel cell when power supply to accessories for driving the fuel cell is stopped, is prevented. Respective collision judgment sections read in an acceleration signal output from corresponding acceleration sensors and judge if the acceleration signal is greater than a predetermined first threshold acceleration, and if the judgment result is “YES”, close a hydrogen control valve. They then judge if the acceleration signal exceeds a predetermined second threshold acceleration greater than the first threshold acceleration, and if the judgment result is “YES”, stop power supply from a power storage unit to an air compressor for driving the fuel cell.

Abstract: An improved engine torque control method uses existing powertrain sensors and controls to reliably detect and suppress power-hop with minimum degradation of vehicle acceleration. Power-hop is detected by identifying a characteristic wheel jerk magnitude and oscillation frequency based on driven wheel speeds. Once a power-hop condition is detected, the control method computes a desired engine torque output for suppressing the detected power-hop without unnecessarily degrading vehicle performance, based on the wheel jerk magnitude, the engine speed and vehicle acceleration. A combination of engine cylinder fuel cut-off and spark retard is then scheduled for reducing the engine output torque to the desired level for the duration of the power-hop condition.

Abstract: An impact sensitive fuel supply control system comprising a fuel cell and a fuel line connecting said fuel cell to an engine, an electromechanically activated valve connected to said fuel line, a fuel pump located proximate to said engine, an impact sensative mechanical limit switch coupled to a limit switch locator mounted on or adjacent to said fuel pump, said electromechanically activated valve and said impact sensative mechanical limit switch in series in an electrical circuit which is interrupted when said switch and said limit switch locator are dislocated.

Abstract: Several embodiments of rear wheel suspension systems for motorcycles wherein the leaf spring is employed that is contained within the suspension arm so as to be protected and yet facilitate servicing. The spring is loaded so as to provide a progressive rate and various damper arrangements are also disclosed employing either rotary or tubular-type dampers.

Abstract: The invention provides a metal-air battery-powered electric vehicle of the type having a motor powered by a plurality of metal-air cells wherein air is continuously provided to the cells by a blower system energized from a power source, in combination with a collision-activated switch for disconnecting the air blower system from the power source, wherein upon activation of the switch the air in the cell is immediately depleted and the battery is rendered substantially inert in less than 5 seconds.

Abstract: An anti-hijacking and theft prevention device for motor vehicles having a fuel restricting solenoid valve assembly including an interchangeable solenoid operated fuel restricting valve and a circuit for operating the system. The solenoid operated fuel restricting valve is installed in the vehicle's fuel line. When the ignition key is inserted into the ignition switch of a vehicle and turned to the "on" position and the engine is started, a timer will start to count down from a predetermined period of time. If the system is not disabled by activating a hidden switch during the count down period, the solenoid operated fuel restricting valve moves from an open position to a closed position. The solenoid valve has a small valve orifice which allows only a small restricted amount of fuel to flow through the valve assembly in the fuel line. While the amount of fuel is sufficient to keep the engine from stalling, the vehicle will be capable of a speed of no more than 5 to 10 miles per hour.

Abstract: An integral automatic system for the protection and rescue of occupants in crashed automobiles comprising an aggregate of mechanical and electrical elements connected to an electronic central control unit, incorporated within the vehicle. The control unit is in turn connected to an impact-operated battery disconnector of high breaking power which will initiate the cycle of partial disconnection of circuits and initiate timed commands, such as the activation of an electrovalve for shutting off the fuel, locking of the ignition coil contact and others, including electric opening of the windows, centralized opening of the doors, and disengagement of the seat belts from their anchors. The system is intended to prevent risks that may arise after an accident takes place and also facilitates the extraction of the occupants from the crashed vehicle.

Abstract: There is proved a driving force control system which comprises device for measuring operating state of the vehicle brake system and generating an output signal, and device for controlling a driving force upon a predetermined condition being fulfilled after the output signal has indicated a predetermined operating state of the vehicle brake system.

Abstract: A vehicle security system is disclosed which includes a code entry module and a decoding module. The decoding module is preferably a sealed module mounted within the fuel tank of the vehicle and arranged so as normally to disable the vehicle fuel system (e.g., a fuel pump or fuel valve mounted within the fuel tank) and further arranged to respond to a predetermined access code being entered on the code entry module to enable the fuel system for normal running of the vehicle.

Abstract: An engine brake control device comprising a fuel cutting unit, slippage detecting unit, and a control unit, whereby, when an engine braking operation is underway, the fuel cutting unit stops the supply of fuel to the engine, but if a slippage of the driven wheels of the vehicle is detected by the slippage detecting unit, while the fuel cutting operation is being executed by the fuel supply cutting unit, the control unit prohibits the operation of the fuel supply cutting unit, and therefore, when a slippage of the driven wheels is caused by an engine braking operation, fuel is fed into the engine and the slippage of the driven wheel is prevented.

Abstract: The device has a first detecting device for detecting a running speed of the vehicle, a second detecting device for detecting a specific point of time during a starting period of the vehicle, and a judging device for comparing the running speed of the vehicle detected by the first detecting device, with a predetermined threshold value, when the specific point of time is detected by the second detecting device. The judging device determines that the vehicle is on the uphill road, if the detected running speed is lower than the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A wheel slip control system has a vehicle speed detector for detecting a running speed of a vehicle; a driving wheel rotating condition detector for detecting an actual driving wheel rotating speed of the vehicle and the acceleration thereof; an advance driving wheel speed computer for calculating an advance driving wheel speed using as parameters the above actual driving wheel rotating speed and acceleration thereof; a second throttle valve provided in an intake passage in a position upstream or downstream of the position where a first throttle valve interlocked with a vehicle accelerator pedal is located; a driver for opening and closing the second throttle valve; and an opening/closing controller for determining a target throttle position on the basis of the detected vehicle running speed and the advance driving wheel speed and controlling the driver so that an actual throttle position of the second throttle valve approaches the above target throttle position.

Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting an incipient overturning moment acting on a vehicle, detection is accomplished by means of a sensing arrangement, which measures the centrifugal force to which the vehicle is subjected to, along a generally lateral direction transverse to the direction of movement of the vehicle. The sensing arrangement operates in cooperation with a force-amplifying device which, in turn, amplifies the measured force, and transmits the amplified force to the brake, and/or the acceleration pedal, and/or the steering wheel of the vehicle so as to act thereon in a sense to eliminate or at least reduce the incipient overturning moment.

Abstract: An automatic circuit breaker for an electrical storage battery is adapted to be mounted on a battery terminal post so that the battery post forms one contact of the circuit breaker. A latch mechanism holds a contact piston against the battery post to form the main contacts of the breaker, and a solenoid trip mechanism disengages the latch mechanism when energized by a condition responsive switch. An auxiliary switch is provided to be held open by the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism releases the contact piston to open the main contacts of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a carburetor equipped with the usual throttle valve means controlling the flow of air-fuel flow to the intake manifold is provided with a normally open cut-off valve means located between the throttle valve and intake manifold to close communication therebetween when it is moved to closed position. A vehicle speed responsive device is operatively connected to the cut-off valve to move it to the closed position whenever the vehicle is coasting or moving under closed throttle valve conditions at or below a predetermined vehicle speed. In addition, there is provided a conduit between the intake manifold and the crank case with a pivoted plate clapper type check valve therein to permit flow from the crank case into the intake manifold.