Abstract: Power supply system for a vehicle, in the case of which an onboard voltage supply system for supplying electric consuming devices can be fed by at least one power accumulator, and in which external electric consuming devices can be connected to the onboard voltage supply system. At least one portable removable accumulator, which can be charged by way of the onboard voltage supply system of the vehicle, is provided, which removable accumulator is constructed as an energy accumulator expansion unit controllable by way of a battery management system, by way of which energy accumulator expansion unit electric consuming devices, which are part of the vehicle and/or external electric consuming devices, may be operated, so that the removable accumulator can optionally be utilized as a stationary power supply device in the vehicle when the onboard voltage supply system is connected or, when the onboard voltage supply system is not connected, can be used as a mobile power supply device independently of the vehicle.

Abstract: An engine unit includes a crank shaft that receives a driving force of an engine and a moving pulley that is movable in an axial direction. Keyholes are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the crank shaft. Axially extending guide holes are formed on a boss portion of the moving pulley in positions that correspond to the keyholes. Ends of keys are mounted to the keyholes. The guide holes receive therein bases of the keys to guide relative movements of the moving pulley and the crank shaft in an axial direction.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle having improved fuel economy is equipped with a drive system having a primary internal combustion engine and an auxiliary internal combustion engine of smaller size and better fuel economy than the primary engine. The primary engine is adapted to take the vehicle to its cruising speed, at which point the auxiliary engine is activated and interacts by way of an automatic clutch system to power the vehicle while the primary engine is disconnected from the drive system and throttled down.

Abstract: A radiator mounting system for a skid steer vehicle includes an air box with a front wall having an opening sized to receive engine fan blades, an oil cooler disposed in the air box, a radiator; and a radiator frame supporting the radiator that is hingeably coupled to the air box. The radiator has plastic tanks and an aluminum core and the frame extends around the periphery of the radiator.

Abstract: A tool cart has a front end and a rear end. A bottom of the tool cart having wheels includes at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel; the tool cart being installed with a driving device for driving the wheels to rotate. The tool cart is installed with a handle for controlling the tool cart. The tool cart has at least one actuating switch installed near the handle for actuating the driving device. The user can actuate the actuating switch by operating the actuating switch so as to control the moving ways of the wheels. The driving device is installed within the tool cart. The driving device is installed at a rotary shaft of each rear wheel. Each front wheel is rotatable without being controlled by the driving device. The actuating switch is installed on the handle for controlling the rotation of each wheel.

Abstract: A fully formulated lubricating oil, lubricated surface, and lubricant additive concentrates for lubricants providing improved lubricant characteristics. The lubricating oil composition has therein a dispersant mixture derived from a reaction product of polyalkylene compound, a carboxylic acylating agent, and a polyamine. The polyalkylene compound of at least one dispersant in the dispersant mixture has a number average molecular weight of at least about 1200 and at least one dispersant in the dispersant mixture contains boron such that a weight ratio of boron to nitrogen (B/N) in the dispersant mixture ranges from above about 0.25 to about 1.0.

Abstract: In a power unit for a vehicle, which is a unit composed of an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft and of a power transmission system equipped with a continuously variable transmission and configured to transmit the torque from the crankshaft to the drive-wheel side while reducing the speed of the torque, to provide a power unit for a vehicle, equipped with two oil pumps and formed, with fewer component parts, into a compact structure. A first oil pump for ejecting lubricant oil and a second oil pump for ejecting for ejecting oil for at least one of the controlling of the speed change in, and the lubricating of, the continuously variable transmission share a common pump shaft, and are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a transmission, an ECU, an engine and a transmission operating mechanism. The engine has a crank. The transmission operating mechanism includes a shift pedal and a load sensor. The load sensor detects an operation of the shift pedal by a driver, and applies a detected value to the ECU. The ECU decreases an output of the engine when a torque (driving force) having at least a predetermined value is transmitted from the crank to the transmission when a shift operation of the driver is detected by the load sensor. Moreover, the ECU does not decrease the output when the torque transmitted from the crank to the transmission is less than the predetermined value when the shift operation of the driver is detected by the load sensor.

Abstract: A counterweight arrangement for an internal combustion engine with three cylinders. The internal combustion engine having a crankshaft rotating about an axis of rotation, with three cranks which succeed one another in the axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation and are distributed at angular intervals of 120° and each crank corresponding to a respective cylinder, the counterweight arrangement including at least two counterweights for at least partial compensation of inertia forces caused by rotating masses on the crankshaft, wherein exactly two counterweights are provided for the two outer cranks, at least one of the two counterweights being arranged in a position which is rotated about the crankshaft axis with respect to an assigned crank through angle (?counter), the amount of which differs from 30°+N*180°, N being equal to a natural number or equal to zero.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a transmission, a CPU, an engine, a load sensor and a notification lamp. The load sensor detects a shift operation by a driver. When the shift operation is performed by the driver, an output of the engine is adjusted by the CPU so that a torque (driving force) transmitted between the engine and the transmission is reduced. The CPU does not adjust the output when the torque is transmitted from the transmission to the engine when an up-shifting operation is performed by the driver. Moreover, a notification lamp is lit by the CPU when the torque having at least a predetermined value is transmitted from the transmission to the engine when the up-shifting operation is performed by the driver.

Abstract: A power system that provides power between an energy storage device, an external charging-source/load, an onboard electrical power generator, and a vehicle drive shaft. The power system has at least one energy storage device electrically connected across a dc bus, at least one filter capacitor leg having at least one filter capacitor electrically connected across the dc bus, at least one power inverter/converter electrically connected across the dc bus, and at least one multiphase motor/generator having stator windings electrically connected at one end to form a neutral point and electrically connected on the other end to one of the power inverter/converters. A charging-sourcing selection socket is electrically connected to the neutral points and the external charging-source/load. At least one electronics controller is electrically connected to the charging-sourcing selection socket and at least one power inverter/converter.

Abstract: There is provided a wheel motor device comprising a hydraulic motor main body, a speed reduction gear mechanism for reducing a speed of a rotational output of the hydraulic motor main body, an output member for outputting the rotational output whose speed has been reduced by the speed reduction gear mechanism to a driving wheel and a casing for accommodating the hydraulic motor main body and the speed reduction gear mechanism. The casing has a motor space and a gear space for respectively accommodating the hydraulic motor main body and the speed reduction gear mechanism, the motor space being capable of storing fluid in a state of being liquid-tightly separate from the gear space. The casing is provided with a flow-in port for introducing fluid into the motor space and a flow-out port for discharging fluid outward from the motor space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are deodorizer systems and methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, a deodorizer system comprises: a mesh, nanoparticle titania coating on the mesh, and a frame disposed around a periphery of the mesh such that the mesh is configured to be in optical communication with sunlight and for receiving contaminated gas to be deodorized. The mesh has an open area of greater than or equal to about 35%, and has greater than or equal to 6,400 openings/in2. In another embodiment, a deodorizer system comprises: a mesh disposed in a housing and for receiving contaminated gas to be deodorized, nanoparticle titania coating on the mesh, and a UV light source disposed to be in optical communication with the mesh. The mesh has an open area of greater than or equal to about 35%, and has greater than or equal to 6,400 openings/in2.

Abstract: This invention provides an oil-hydraulic vehicle whose driving force can be adjusted finely and which can be run smoothly and comfortably. The oil-hydraulic vehicle comprises a wheel-driving means 40 for driving a wheel 31, which includes an oil-hydraulic motor 45 to drive the wheel 31 and a means 41 for controlling the rotational frequency of the oil-hydraulic motor 45. The oil-hydraulic motor 45 includes an output shaft 45s on which the wheel 31 is mounted and a plurality of oil chambers 45a-45e. Each oil chamber contains (i) a driving cogwheel 46 which is mounted on, and drives, the output shaft 45s and (ii) a driven cogwheel 47 which engages with the driving cogwheel 46. The means 41 for controlling the rotational frequency of the oil-hydraulic motor 45 includes a housing 42 with a circular rotor chamber 42h in it and a rotor 43 fitted in the circular rotor chamber 42h for free rotation.

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 or equipment having a frame, a plurality of wheels, and an engine coupled to the frame. The engine includes a shaft. The vehicle or machine further comprising a first driving member coaxially coupled with the shaft, a first driven member driven in response to the first driving member, a transmission interconnecting the first driven member and at least one of the wheels, a second driving member coaxially coupled with the shaft, a second driven member driven in response to the second driving member, auxiliary equipment operable in response to the second driven member, and an alternator. The alternator includes a stator comprising a core and conductors disposed on the core, and a rotor coaxially coupled with the shaft. The rotor is operable to interact with the stator to produce electrical energy in the conductors.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a plurality of electric consuming devices and a power supply system for supplying the electric consuming devices with electric energy. The power supply system has a decentralized construction and, for supplying electric energy to at least one electric consuming device or to a group of electric consuming devices, has a fuel cell system which is electrically isolated from other power sources and which is arranged in the proximity to the assigned consuming device or group of consuming devices. The decentralized construction may have many mutually independent fuel cell systems, permitting a high-efficiency power supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train for a motor vehicle, having an internal combustion engine (1), having an electric machine (2), which upon starting of the engine (1) generates a torque, and having a clutch (3), which is disposed between the engine (1) and a gear train (4) by way of which a torque generated by the engine (1) can be transmitted to at least one vehicle drive wheel. A mechanism (5, 6) is provided, which upon starting of the engine can actuate the clutch (3) in such a way that a first part of the torque generated upon starting of the engine by the electric machine (2) is transmitted to the at least one vehicle drive wheel, and a second part of the torque generated by the electric machine and sufficient for starting the engine is transmitted to the engine.

Abstract: A solid oxide regenerative fuel cell system is used to supply power in a fuel cell mode and to generate metabolic oxygen and a hydrocarbon fuel reserve in an electrolysis mode. The system may also be used as a secondary power source or for energy peak shaving applications.

Abstract: In a method for operating a load-dependent power-generating system which supplies electric energy to at least one electric drive motor in a vehicle, a performance setpoint value is determined for the electric drive motor from an accelerator pedal position, and a power request is made to the power-generating system before a torque request to the drive motor. Dynamic movement parameters of the accelerator pedal are also used to calculate the performance setpoint value.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel system for a vehicle includes a fuel tank having a fuel inlet for receiving a borohydride fuel into a fuel holding portion of an internal cavity, and a waste inlet arranged to receive the waste liquid generated by an on-board hydrogen reaction process. The waste liquid is received into a waste liquid portion of the internal cavity. An expandable divider element is positioned within the tank to keep the fuel holding portion of the internal cavity separate from the waste liquid holding portion. The waste liquid holding portion can be positioned within the internal cavity so as to allow heat from the waste liquid to preheat the fuel stored in the fuel holding portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost-effective method of producing pure hydrogen gas from hydride-based solid materials. The hydride-based solid material is mechanically processed in the presence of a catalyst to obtain pure gaseous hydrogen. Unlike previous methods, hydrogen may be obtained from the solid material without heating, and without the addition of a solvent during processing. The described method of hydrogen production is useful for energy conversion and production technologies that consume pure gaseous hydrogen as a fuel.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising rhodium on a support, the support comprising 52-95% zirconia and 5-48% rare earth oxide, based on the total weight of (a) and (b), the concentration of the rhodium on the support being 0.035-0.35% based on the total weight of the rhodium and the support, and the catalyst containing 1.2-4.0 g per in3 (g per 16.4 cm3) in total of (a) and (b).

Abstract: A new and improved air powered vehicle and power plant therefore which include an engine having an engine block and at least one cylinder therein. A piston is mounted for reciprocation within the cylinder and the cylinder is provided with an air inlet valve, and exhaust valve and an intake valve. The piston within the cylinder is connected to a crank shaft. The valves are also operatively connected to the crank shaft whereupon the valves are opened and closed in sequence as the crank shaft rotates whereby time blasts of air may be introduced into the cylinder through said air intake valve and air may be exhausted through the exhaust valve to rotate the crank shaft.

Abstract: A chassis having systems responsive to a nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes preassembled modules to enhance ease and simplicity of chassis assembly. The chassis is preferably configured to minimize the possibility of a preassembled module being incorrectly positioned within the chassis. Methods for advantageously employing preassembled modules to assemble vehicle chassis are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-purpose ground support vehicle for an aircraft comprises a four wheel drive land vehicle in which the main power unit is also connected to an aircraft services gearbox by a power take-off shaft to provide a self-propelled aerospace ground equipment facility in a variety of terrains. The aircraft services gearbox includes a plurality of service devices such as e.g. a hydraulic pump, an electrical generator, a low or high pressure air compressor etc.

Abstract: A radiator fastener which tightens a radiator to a car body includes a first engagement member having a fit protrusion piece and fixed to the car body, and a second engagement member with a fit depressed portion, which is free to be fitted to and removed from the fit protrusion piece of the first engagement member. The second engagement member is engaged with a part of the radiator through an elastic member, and is fixed to the first engagement member. The radiator fastener can be tightened through one-touch operation and this improves workability significantly.

Abstract: A hybrid driveline for an automotive vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and a power transmission mechanism for transferring torque to the traction wheels of the vehicle. An electric starter motor/alternator unit is situated between the torque input element of the automatic transmission and the crankshaft of the engine. A wet clutch disc assembly receives torque from the engine through a damper assembly. The torque output side of the clutch is connected to the rotor of the motor/alternator unit, which in turn is connected driveably to the torque input shaft of the transmission. The damper attenuates peak torque fluctuations of the internal combustion engine, thereby reducing the maximum torque transmitting requirements of the clutch. The damper and the clutch are arranged in a compact assembly within the stator and rotor of the motor/alternator unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying the functionality and aesthetic characteristics of a vehicle. The method includes removing a first body from a vehicle chassis, wherein the first body and vehicle chassis form a first type of vehicle. A second body is then attached to the vehicle chassis without subjecting the second body to significant value-added manufacturing processes. The second body and vehicle chassis form a second type of vehicle different from the first type of vehicle and having different functionality and aesthetic characteristics. The bodies and chassis comply with a standardized body/chassis interface system which enables such interchangeability of bodies on a single chassis, or on a family of chassis.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying the functionality and aesthetic characteristics of a vehicle. The method includes removing a first body from a vehicle chassis, wherein the first body and vehicle chassis form a first type of vehicle. A second body is then attached to the vehicle chassis without subjecting the second body to significant value-added manufacturing processes. The second body and vehicle chassis form a second type of vehicle different from the first type of vehicle and having different functionality and aesthetic characteristics. The bodies and chassis comply with a standardized body/chassis interface system which enables such interchangeability of bodies on a single chassis, or on a family of chassis.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying the functionality and aesthetic characteristics of a vehicle. The method includes removing a first body from a vehicle chassis, wherein the first body and vehicle chassis form a first type of vehicle. A second body is then attached to the vehicle chassis without subjecting the second body to significant value-added manufacturing processes. The second body and vehicle chassis form a second type of vehicle different from the first type of vehicle and having different functionality and aesthetic characteristics. The bodies and chassis comply with a standardized body/chassis interface system which enables such interchangeability of bodies on a single chassis, or on a family of chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for releasable engagement with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: An earth moving machine having a frame that supports an engine and a radiator that is located proximate a rear end of the frame. A service center module is positioned between the engine and the radiator. The service center module has a support member, a support plate on an upper surface of the support member, a back plate that is perpendicular to the support plate, and at least one mounting location on the back plate for mounting one or more components that may require routine maintenance such as an air tank, an ether aid, an air dryer, or a transmission filter. The central service center module increases maintenance efficiency by locating components, which may require routine maintenance, in a single easily accessible location.

Abstract: A riding mower includes a pair of right and left propelling wheels, an engine disposed rearwardly of axles of the propelling wheels, a pair of right and left transmission cases corresponding to the propelling wheels and supporting the propelling wheels, respectively, a pair of right and left HSTs coupled to the transmission cases for outputting power thereto, respectively, a center case housing a power distributor for transmitting power from the engine to the pair of right and left HSTs, and a mower unit disposed forwardly of the propelling wheels. The center case is disposed forwardly of the axles of the propelling wheels.

Abstract: A motorized golf cart for movement over a ground surface comprising a motor, a vertical golf bag bay, and two golf club carrier hitches. A vertical golf bag bay is provided, i.e., a bottomless bag bay without a horizontal support plane.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is controlled remotely using a drive-by-wire system and a propulsion system, such as fuel cell technology. The remote control feature takes advantage of drive-by-wire technology in that the control signals used in powering, driving and controlling a chassis are electrical as opposed to mechanical signals. In this manner, the electrical impulses are used to remotely control the vehicle, which enables remote movement of the chassis during manufacturing, assembly, and shipping, as well as parking and docking and undocking of the chassis with a corresponding body.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction unit for delivering mechanical power to drive at least one wheel drive shaft with driving wheels; electric loads; a vehicle cooling loop for cooling vehicle components and/or said combustion engine; a fuel cell system for supplying the electric loads with electric power, the fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack, an anode fuel input and an anode exhaust and a cathode fuel input and an cathode exhaust, and a fuel cell cooling loop for cooling the fuel cell stack including an input line for delivering a cooling medium into the fuel cell stack and an output line for removing the heated cooling medium from the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for automatically shutting down a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle system for performing a vehicle function such as brakes for performing braking of the vehicle. A vehicle control system controls the vehicle system by controlling valve switches or actuators to manipulate the vehicle system. A portable handheld computing device includes a program defining a vehicle shutdown sequence. Preferably, the portable handheld computing device is what is known as a personal digital assistant (PDA), such as a Handspring® or Palmpilot®. A cradle removably receives the portable handheld computing device to connect the portable handheld computing device with the vehicle control system, such as through the vehicle databus. A switch enables the portable handheld computing device to command the vehicle control system to perform the vehicle shutdown sequence.

Abstract: A method of determining shift points in a step gear transmission system to maximize fuel economy is disclosed. In operation, the method uses fuel economy data from a first gear ratio to determine a first series of constant fuel consumption curves for the first gear ratio. The method then uses fuel economy data from a second gear ratio to determine a second series of constant fuel consumption curves for the second gear ratio. Next, the method determines points of intersection where a respective fuel consumption curve for the first gear ratio intersects its corresponding fuel consumption curve for the second gear ratio. A decision curve is generated from the points of intersection.

Abstract: An engine mounted skid plate including a skid plate body, a support structure, and a mounting structure. The support structure is secured to the skid plate body and serves to reinforce same. The mounting structure is secured to the support structure and is directly and removably attached to the engine. The skid plate body is supported and disposed relatively beneath the engine by the support structure and the mounting structure. By being directly attached to the engine, the skid plate exploits the resilient suspension of the engine and transmission and is thereby better able to handle severe impacts.

Abstract: A modular vehicle assembly includes a power operated module having a drive mechanism and a carrying compartment located substantially above the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is in communication with a power source. The power operated module is in communication with a stability module, which engages the ground to provide fore and aft balance to the power operated module. The power operated module also has a pair of ground engaging devices located on opposite sides thereof to effectuate movement of the assembly. Each of the ground engaging devices is in communication with the drive mechanism.

Abstract: Dry homogenized metal hydrides, in particular aluminum hydride compounds, as a material for reversible hydrogen storage is provided. The reversible hydrogen storage material comprises a dry homogenized material having transition metal catalytic sites on a metal aluminum hydride compound, or mixtures of metal aluminum hydride compounds. A method of making such reversible hydrogen storage materials by dry doping is also provided and comprises the steps of dry homogenizing metal hydrides by mechanical mixing, such as be crushing or ball milling a powder, of a metal aluminum hydride with a transition metal catalyst. In another aspect of the invention, a method of powering a vehicle apparatus with the reversible hydrogen storage material is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus and method drives a driven device with power from a drive power source, and performs a control of stopping the drive power source based on a stop request. The load on the drive power source is reduced by controlling the driven device so as to reduce the load on the drive power source if the stop request has been output and a system that controls the rotating of the drive power source is in a state where the system is not allowed to stop the drive power source.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement is provided for a radiator module. In order to ensure a tight connection between corresponding openings in the vehicle body and in the module, the fastening points are constructed as elongated openings constructed in the same direction.

Abstract: A wheel thruster for converting rotary motion to a unidirectional thrust resulting from an unbalance of centrifugal force produced by air or steam pressure and rotation of weights about an axis, comprising a housing, a rotatable wheel within the housing, the rotatable wheel mounted on a shaft for rotation about a common axis, a plurality of weights connected to the wheel; a plurality of bearings located between the shaft and the wheel; the shaft being powered by a motor; and, a means for supply air or steam pressure, which pressure is distributed within the housing producing ambient pressure to the rotating wheel.

Abstract: A vehicular hood device has a hinge serving also as a coupling link mechanism. The hinge in a usual time allows a hood to make opening and closing movements about a hinge pin connecting a second link to the hood. When an obstacle collided with the vehicle to lift the hood by an actuator, the hinge enables the extended first and second links to determine a hood raise position. The hinge includes a stopper pin. The stopper pin has strength designed to be cut by operation of the actuator but not to be cut by a usual hood opening and closing force, thus preventing the hood from floating in a usual time. Because the hood opening and closing in the usual time and the hood lift upon collision are possible by a simple structure having only the stopper pin, a number of parts can be reduced to suppress the cost.

Abstract: A pollutant treating device especially adapted for motor vehicles in which a housing containing a catalyst composition for treating pollutants is positioned within the normal flow pattern of ambient air within the motor vehicle and is preferably removably placed within a support, such as a bracket assembly where the housing can be readily removed and replaced and/or reused.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel or component part having a reinforcing backing plate reconciled to a part of a blank material at a position wherein a bending formation is implemented. The backing plate has one or more than two apertures formed in at least one lateral raw at a location equivalent to the position of the bending formation. When forming the blank material and the backing plate concurrently by bending operation, the backing plate becomes intimate with the blank sheet to avoid the backing plate from locally separating from the blank material and from forming a gap relative thereto, with a resultant improved product quality.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid drive for a motor vehicle includes a clutch integrated in an electric motor unit of the electrical machine of the parallel hybrid drive for allowing the electric motor unit to be disengaged from the drive train. Therefore, pure internal combustion engine drive is possible, without rotating the rotor of the electrical machine or the electric motor unit.

Abstract: A methanol reforming reactor includes a reforming reaction space into which a methanol reforming catalyst is charged. The methanol reforming catalyst is present at the start of the reforming reaction operation in a pre-aged state in the reforming reaction space. A process for pre-aging the methanol reforming catalyst comprises heating at a temperature of between approximately 240° C. and approximately 350° C. and at a load of between approximately 0.5 m3H2/h and approximately 50 m3H2/h per liter of catalyst material in a methanol/water atmosphere. The reactor may be used in fuel-cell-operated motor vehicles for generating hydrogen for the fuel cells by means of the water vapor reforming of methanol.