Abstract: A suspension device includes a leaf spring and a buffer. The leaf spring applies an elastic force for relatively moving an unsprung member in a predetermined direction with respect to a body (sprung member) of a vehicle. The buffer includes a first expansion/contraction member, a second expansion/contraction member, an intermediate member, and a damping passage. The first and second expansion/contraction members form first and second gas chambers filled with gas therein and are expandable and contractible. An upper end and a lower end of the first and second expansion/contraction members are connected to the body. The intermediate member couples the first and second expansion/contraction members and is connected to the leaf spring. The damping passage allows the first and second gas chambers to communicate with each other, and applies resistance to flow of flowing gas. When one of the first and second expansion/contraction members expands, the other contracts.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an active ride comfort tuning system that reactively and/or proactively alters a parameter of a system of the autonomous vehicle to mitigate or avoid interruptions to ride smoothness. An indication that a ride smoothness interruption occurred at a vehicle may be generated at the vehicle and/or at a remote computing device. The remote computing device may determine an altered parameter for controlling how the vehicle operates and a ruleset for when the vehicle should implement the altered parameter in place of a nominal parameter.

Abstract: A rear suspension for a three-wheeled reverse trike includes a front lever arm pivotably affixed to a frame pivotable about a front lever arm pivot axis. A slider is translatably attached to the front lever arm. A first pushrod is pivotably connected at a first end to the slider and pivotably connected at a second end to at least one of a front upper or lower control arms for the front wheels. A rear lever arm is pivotably affixed to the frame and pivotable about a rear lever arm pivot axis, the rear lever arm extending to a rear lever arm distal end. A rod pivotably connects the front and lever arms. A first pivotable end of the rear upper control arm is pivotably connected to the rear lever arm distal end, and a second pivotable end of the rear upper control arm is pivotably connected to a rear spindle.

Abstract: A left suspension unit supports a left wheel. A right suspension unit supports a right wheel. A steering actuator imparts a force causing the left suspension unit and the right suspension unit to turn about a left steering axis and a right steering axis respectively to a steering force transmission mechanism. A leaning actuator imparts a force causing a body frame to lean leftward or rightward of a leaning vehicle to a link mechanism. A control unit is capable of selecting a first mode wherein both of the steering actuator and the leaning actuator are employed, and a second mode wherein the steering actuator is employed without employing the leaning actuator, in order to control a leaning angle of the body frame in cooperation with a steering mechanism.

Abstract: A loading frame includes a rectangular u-shaped frame with an opening at one side, forks extendable and retractable between the closed side and the open side of the U-shaped frame, loading frame wheels on one arm of the U-shaped frame, and a truck interface on the other arm of the U-shaped frame. The loading frame wheels and truck interface support travel of the frame in a direction other than the direction of travel of the forks between the open and closed sides of the U-shaped frame.

Abstract: A hitch assist system is provided herein that includes an imager for capturing one or more images of a trailer having a coupler. The hitch assist system may also include a user-input device for inputting specifications of a hitch ball. A controller within the hitch assist system may be used for estimating a hitch ball height based on the inputted specifications and estimating a trailer height based on a height and projective geometry of the imager.

Abstract: A method of maneuvering a vehicle in reverse for attachment to a trailer is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more images from one or more cameras positioned on a back portion of the vehicle and identifying one or more trailers within the one or more images. The method also includes receiving an indication of a selected trailer from the one or more trailers. Additionally, the method includes determining a vehicle path from an initial position to a final position. The vehicle path includes maneuvers configured to direct the vehicle in a rearward direction along the vehicle path from the initial position to the final position. The method also includes executing one or more behaviors causing the vehicle to take an action to autonomously follow the vehicle path and execute the maneuvers.

Abstract: Autonomous and manually operated vehicles are integrated into a cohesive, interactive environment, with communications to each other and to their surroundings, to improve traffic flow while reducing accidents and other incidents. All vehicles send/receive messages to/from each other, and from infrastructure devices, enabling the vehicles to determine their status, traffic conditions and infrastructure. The vehicles store and operate in accordance with a common set of rules based upon the messages received and other inputs from sensors, databases, and so forth, to avoid obstacles and collisions based upon current and, in some cases, future or predicted behavior. Shared vehicle control interfaces enable the AVs to conform to driving activities that are legal, safe, and allowable on roadways. Such activities enable each AV to drive within safety margins, speed limits, on allowed or legal driving lanes and through allowed turns, intersections, mergers, lane changes, stops/starts, and so forth.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a boom lift, cherry picker, or other similar device are disclosed, including monitoring a controller for an operator desired action; receiving signals from one or more sensors through one or more inputs; using a platform location algorithm and the signals from the one or more sensors to compute current angles and/or lengths of the boom lift; using a platform control algorithm to calculate a control signal to achieve the operator desired action; and using a control signal generator to communicate the control signal to one or more assembly controllers of the boom lift. Other embodiments are desired and claimed.

Abstract: A hitch assist system is provided herein that includes a sensing system configured to detect a trailer proximate a vehicle. A steering system is configured to alter a path of the vehicle. A transmission system has one or more gears therein. A controller is disposed within the hitch assist system and is configured to control the steering system of the vehicle along a path to align a hitch ball with a coupler of the trailer, detect a fault of the steering system or a gear change in the transmission system and pausing the control of the vehicle, and monitor the coupler during repositioning of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle-height control system includes: a fluid supply and discharge device including a compressor device and a tank storing fluid pressurized by the compressor device; a vehicle-height control actuator corresponding to a wheel and connected to the fluid supply and discharge device; a vehicle height controller that controls a vehicle height for the wheel by controlling the fluid supply and discharge device to control supply and discharge of fluid to and from the vehicle-height control actuator; a tank pressure controller that controls a tank pressure; and a fluid supply controller that supplies the fluid to a low pressure portion by controlling the fluid supply and discharge device at start and/or termination of at least one of control executed by the vehicle height controller and control executed by the tank pressure controller. The low pressure portion is at least a portion of the fluid supply and discharge device.

Abstract: In a vehicle comprising a maneuvering system for maneuvering a predetermined part of the vehicle into a target position provided by a target object, wherein the maneuvering system comprises a first optical sensor device, arranged at the vehicle, for capturing the target object and a calculating device for calculating a trajectory of the predetermined part of the vehicle into the target position with the aid of an image of the target object captured by the first optical sensor device, fast and safe maneuvering should be facilitated by improved monitoring of the maneuvering process and an improved calculation of the trajectory of the predetermined part of the vehicle into the target position, as a result of which accidents and damage to humans, vehicles and wares are avoided. This is achieved by virtue of the maneuvering system comprising a second optical sensor device arranged at the vehicle in a manner offset relative to the first optical sensor device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of a system for vehicles comprising a vehicle suspension, a sensor operable to measure an operational characteristic of the vehicle suspension, and a processor in communication with the sensor that is operable to suggest an operational setting of the vehicle suspension in response to an input from the sensor corresponding to the operational characteristic. A method for adjusting a suspension of a vehicle may comprise receiving suspension data with a processor, calculating a suspension setting suggestion with the processor, communicating the suspension setting suggestion to a user interface device, and adjusting the suspension based on the suspension setting suggestion.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings an accessory cart is described and shown with a base, a housing element that is connected to the base and extends upward from the base, and a platform, which is connected to the housing element with the height of the platform being automatically adjustable.

Abstract: A method of adjusting an air suspension system comprises detecting with a positioning system that the vehicle is approaching a park location and reporting the park location is approaching to an electronic control unit for the air suspension system. A vehicle speed is determined and compared to a predetermined speed threshold, with the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit selects a park mode for the suspensions system when the vehicle is approaching the park location and when the vehicle speed is below the predetermined threshold. Air supply for the air suspension system is controlled to adjust the corner assemblies for the air suspension system to lowered positions associated with the park mode.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly including a first end, a second end, and a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is movable between a retracted position providing the vehicle suspension assembly with a first overall length, and an extended position providing the vehicle suspension assembly with a second overall length greater than the first overall length. The vehicle suspension assembly is configured to raise a vehicle when moved from the first overall length to the second overall length by the hydraulic actuator. The vehicle suspension assembly is configured to lower the vehicle when moved from the second overall length to the first overall length by the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for lowering the ride height of a vehicle includes at least one hydraulic shock mounted to the suspension of the vehicle. Each of the hydraulic shocks has a floating bearing in the hydraulic shock, and an inlet. The inlet is hydraulically connected to a central manifold that is adapted to move fluid into and out of the hydraulic shock for moving the floating bearing in each of the hydraulic shocks. When the floating bearing is moved in the hydraulic shock, the hydraulic shock shortens thereby lowering the ride height of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle with a lifting function includes an upper rolling piston and a lower rolling piston disposed opposite to each other. A rolling bellows encloses a compressed air space and has double rolling folds. The pressure effective surfaces of the rolling folds are coordinated with each other in such a manner that, during dynamic spring operation of the air spring over a predetermined spring travel, the pressure effective surface of the rolling fold on the lower rolling piston is larger than the pressure effective surface of the rolling fold on the upper rolling piston.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle that includes: a single front wheel; two rear wheels; a passenger cabin; an electronic steering control unit; and a steering input device configured to send an electronic signal to the electronic steering control unit corresponding to an input received at the steering input device associated with turning the three-wheeled vehicle; wherein the electronic steering control unit is configured to counter-steer the front wheel in response to receiving the electronic signal, wherein the counter-steering of the front wheel initiates a leaning of the passenger cabin a direction of turning of the three-wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: A remote controlled load transport system that has a frame with a retractable gate assembly that is able to retract in order to accommodate a load. A control system is provided having a drive that operates and rotates and steers a wheel. The control system and the gate are remotely controlled by an electronic controller that is in electronic communication with the control system to remotely operate the transport system, open the gate, lift a load and haul the load to a desired location.

Abstract: An anti-rollover motorized vehicle includes a chassis, a front wheel and a rear two wheels assembly including a tilting base and a four-bar linkage structure. The tilting base is connected to the chassis through a supporting structure. The four-bar linkage structure suitable for connecting the chassis with two rear wheels includes first, second, third and fourth linkages. The first and second linkages are pivoted to the tilting base. The third and fourth linkages pivoted to two ends of the first and second linkages respectively are connected to the supporting brackets of the two rear wheels respectively. When the chassis is tilted, the tilting base and the supporting structure are also tilted, the first and second linkages are maintained at a constant angle relative to a road surface, and the third and fourth linkages are also tilted, such that track width of the two tilting rear wheels is maintained.

Abstract: Messaging in a controller area network is modified to hide thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests originating with selected nodes with relatively low contention access priority from an engine controller and to route the messages instead through an intermediary controller which is an independent source of thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests. More specifically, in a hybrid vehicle having a body controller with operational control over power take off equipment, a hybrid controller and a thermal engine controller, angular velocity and torque change requests to support power take off operation are embedded in auxiliary input/output messages. The hybrid controller operates on these auxiliary messages, conflating the embedded angular velocity and torque change requests with its own and rebroadcast in conventional form.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings an accessory cart is described and shown with a base, a housing element that is connected to the base and extends upward from the base, and a platform, which is connected to the housing element with the height of the platform being automatically adjustable.

Abstract: Described herein is a hydraulic suspension system mounted on a vehicle, including a plurality of hydraulic suspension units having a section of the vehicle corresponding thereto, and a hydraulic power device in communication with the plurality of hydraulic suspension units for providing a hydraulic fluid under pressure to actuate the plurality of hydraulic suspension units. The hydraulic suspension system mounted on a vehicle further includes a plurality of hydraulic valve assemblies associated with each of the plurality of hydraulic suspension units, wherein the plurality of hydraulic valve assemblies are in fluid communication between the plurality of hydraulic suspension units and the hydraulic power device, and a control device for controlling each of the hydraulic valve assemblies associated with each of the plurality of hydraulic suspension units.

Abstract: A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Using Super Single rear wheels and an airbag suspension, for example, sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle and an increase in payload height.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame pivotally connected to the lower end of a shock tower, the pivotal connection defining a frame leaning axis wherein the frame is adapted to lean to a right side and to a left side relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis. An actuated lock locks the frame to the shock tower and prevents relative movement between the frame and the shock tower about the frame leaning axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a storage container loading/unloading and transporting apparatus, which loads one storage container or a plurality of storage containers on a loading table of a vehicle, transports the storage container(s) to a designated place, and then unloads the storage container(s).

Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle includes a support mechanism arranged to support a pair of wheels to be movable up and down relative to a vehicle body, a lock mechanism connectable to the support mechanism and arranged to limit up-and-down motion of the pair of wheels, various sensors arranged to detect vehicle states, and a controller arranged to control the lock mechanism based on results of detection by the various sensors. The controller controls the lean limitation to the up-and-down motion of the pair of wheels and its cancellation automatically. The rider need not carry out a special control for operating the lock mechanism. In addition, the lock mechanism is controlled according to the vehicle states, which allows the rider to travel lightly and comfortably.

Abstract: A heavy equipment system is provided that includes a tractor for hauling a trailer, wherein the trailer may have its height adjusted by a hydraulic system controlled by a bank of control levers. Also included is a safety system that comprises a blocking member, such as a handle, a sensor and a communication system. The safety system operates to sense and communicate to a driver of the tractor the possibility that the trailer is in the raised position by sensing when the blocking member is in a position to allow access to the control levers. Advantageously, such a system can guard against a driver driving into a low overpass or other hazard with the trailer in an elevated position.

Abstract: A device has a pneumatic spring for supporting a load on a bogie of a rail vehicle and a compressed air supply which is pneumatically connected to the air spring via an air spring valve in order to vent and to fill the air spring with compressed air. A closed-loop control unit adjusts the air volume and/or the air pressure in the air spring. A compressed air line provides for the pneumatic connection between the compressed air supply, air spring, air spring valve and control unit. Unnecessary filling and venting of the air spring is prevented by way of a device for limiting the volume flow into the compressed air line in dependence on the speed of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle with carriage anti-tilting structure, which comprises a frame and, a carriage of a cylindrical shape, with its central axis in parallel along the length of the vehicle and is connected with the frame in a free rotation state. The rotating axis of the carriage is the central axis of the carriage, and the gravity center of the carriage is lower than the rotating axis. An electrical locking mechanism for stopping the rotation of carriage is arranged between the carriage and frame, and is connected with a vehicle tilting angle detector which installed on the frame. The locking mechanism acts as an actuator of the vehicle tilting angle detector. In the event of tilting of the vehicle, the vehicle tilting angle detector detects the tilting condition, and then output signal to the electrical locking mechanism, which releases the locking of the carriage and enables it to stay leveled.

Abstract: By bending and stretching a link mechanism, both left and right wheels of a vehicle can be inclined toward inside of cornering to generate a camber thrust as a lateral force, i.e. an increase in cornering force. Further, by bending and stretching the link mechanism, the passenger compartment can be inclined in accordance with inclination of a connecting link, and thus the center of gravity of the vehicle can be moved toward its inner wheel during cornering. By preventing lifting of the inner wheel during cornering, cornering performance is improved. Because the passenger compartment is inclined toward the inner wheel during cornering, centrifugal force is less likely to be felt by the occupant.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an automatic leveling of heavy equipment. The system, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit, includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for sensing twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment. A control unit receives the twist angles and the traveling speed, sets a limit of an operation time for the automatic leveling in a standstill state of the equipment while calculating a corrected angle to which a twist angle of the upper frame is to be corrected, without setting the limit of the operation time for the automatic leveling, in a traveling state of the equipment, and generates a control signal for instructing an operation of a tilting unit in accordance with the corrected angle. A driving unit performs a tilting control through the tilting unit in accordance with the received control signal.

Abstract: An electric actuator motor drives an actuator leg between inner and outer limits of an actuator stroke relative to an actuator base. A controller detects when the actuator leg is at one of the inner and outer stroke limits by monitoring and comparing actuator motor power draw to known actuator motor power draw values associated with the operation of an electric actuator when its leg has reached an actuator leg stroke limit. A position sensor senses changes in the position of a monitored actuator component and provides corresponding signals to the controller. The controller calculates the position of the monitored actuator component relative to the position that the monitored actuator component was in when the actuator leg was in a predetermined home position. The controller recognizes and records the concurrent position of the monitored actuator component as indicating that the actuator leg is in the home position whenever the leg reaches a stroke limit.

Abstract: A pneumatic drop frame trailer has lateral wheels connected to the frame by pivotal wheel support arms with airbags between the support arms and frame, a pivotal tongue member with an airbag between the tongue and the frame, a deck having an inclined ramp portion at the rear end, and a control box on the deck containing an air compressor, air storage tank, and associated valves and controls. The wheel airbags and tongue airbag can be inflated or deflated while hitched to a vehicle to raise or lower the frame evenly and horizontally relative to the ground and may also be inflated to provide stiffness or shock absorbing characteristics. When the wheel airbags are deflated, the bottom of the frame is disposed substantially horizontally and very close to the ground surface with the ramp portion substantially flush with the ground surface in a loading and unloading position.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel includes a hub rotatable about a wheel axis and a first row of angled rollers about the hub each rotatably supported by the hub. There is at least a second row of angled rollers about the hub each also rotatably supported by the hub. The rollers of the second row are axially offset along the wheel axis from the first row, and rotationally offset from the first row about the wheel axis, and not coaxial with the rollers of the first row.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the height of the body of a motor vehicle having a bearing spring which is connected between the wheel guiding element of the wheel suspension and the body and which is supported on a spring disk which is vertically adjustable by way of an actuating device, and having an overload spring which limits a defined spring path in the deflection direction. According to the invention, the overload spring is assigned an actuating device with which the overload spring is vertically adjustable, preferably following the vertical adjustment of the spring disk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that comprises: a box 100; a tilting frame 200; and a passive joint 300 that enables tilting of the frame relative to the box; and joint locking means 400. The device further comprises: an accelerometer (500) for measuring the transverse acceleration to which said tilting frame (200) is subjected; and a control circuit for activating the locking means if the transverse acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a tricycle, provided with said device.

Abstract: A kit for providing an air suspension as a retrofit to an existing trailer using a leaf spring suspension makes use of hanging brackets, support arms and air bladders connected to a control system that determines whether the bladders require inflation or deflation to level the bed of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling assembly includes a plurality of jack assemblies corresponding to four quadrants of a vehicle, and a plurality of sensors for determining jack position and rate of movement. A method of detecting contacting between the shafts of the jack assemblies and the ground includes measuring pulse width of current emitted by the hall effect sensor to monitor the speed of the shafts and recognizing contact with the ground when the shaft slows down. A method of detecting contacting between the shafts of the jack assemblies and the ground includes measuring the electric motor current signal and correlating a pulse from the current signal to the electric motor revolutions per minute and travel of the shafts. A method of calibrating the leveling assembly includes measuring a change in inclination as the jack assemblies are extended a known distance to determine the distance between the jack assemblies.

Abstract: A machine includes an axle assembly coupled with a frame and defining a central axis. The axle assembly includes a wheel axle disposed within a spindle housing, and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the wheel axle about the central axis by rotating the spindle housing. According to one embodiment, for example, the rotary actuator may be configured to adjust a wheel axis of rotation relative to the frame of a machine, such as a scraper, by rotating the spindle housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose ground vehicle (10) that may serve as a platform (12) for carrying a payload (14). The vehicle has a chassis (16) and a suspension (18) mounted to the chassis (16) for varying ride height and for influencing a response of the chassis (16) to underlying terrain. Track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) are associated for the suspension. These modules (22, 24, 26, 28) can be reoriented independently of each other. Preferably, at least some of the track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) include a band track (38) that circumscribe one or more wheels (30, 32) that are associated with a given track module (22, 24, 26, 28).

Abstract: A vehicle body and vehicle frame assembly is disclosed that includes a complete rolling chassis with wheels, motor, drive train, transmission and all other components found in contemporary automotive vehicles with the addition of a scissor lift situated in the center of the vehicle frame that is connected to the chassis frame at the lower end and to the body of the vehicle at the upper end through a frame and turntable device. Controls are used to lower, elevate and rotate the body of the vehicle relative to the chassis, so that observers may readily view the chassis components.

Abstract: A suspension height modification apparatus includes a first portion that is securable to a vehicular biasing suspension device and a second portion that is securable to a vehicular frame. The apparatus includes an axis along which a suspension height may be determined between the vehicular frame and the vehicular wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a movable portion which may be actuated along such axis to adjust suspension height, and a spacer device connectable between an upper ball joint stud and a steering knuckle.

Abstract: A damping force control apparatus for a vehicle includes adjustable-damping-force shock absorbers. When the vehicle turns, an electronic controller calculates an actual roll angle of the vehicle body in accordance with sprung accelerations detected by sprung acceleration sensors. The electronic controller also calculates a target roll angle of the vehicle body in accordance with a lateral acceleration detected by a lateral acceleration sensor. The target roll angle is set such that it increases with the lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle during turning and is uniquely determined by the lateral acceleration. The electronic controller sets target damping forces of the shock absorbers such that the actual roll angle coincides with the target roll angle, and controls the damping forces of the shock absorbers in accordance with the set target damping forces.

Abstract: A stroller includes a base frame assembly and a seat assembly supported by the base frame assembly. A seat leg extending from the seat assembly is slidably engaged with the base frame assembly for movement of the seat assembly relative to the base frame assembly from a first seating height level to a second seating height level. In some cases, a support post of the base frame assembly is oriented in a telescopic arrangement with the seat leg along a generally vertical axis. In some cases, one or more slider mechanisms slidably couple the seat assembly to the base frame assembly, where each slider mechanism has a lock to secure the seat assembly at either the first seating height level or the second seating height level.

Abstract: A traveling apparatus is provided with two wheels parallel each of which is driven independently, being controlled to be stable in an anteroposterior direction between the two wheels and traveling. The traveling apparatus includes a mechanism estimating an inclination of a plane where a pitch angular velocity sensor is horizontally installed with respect to a horizontal plane by using a sensor measuring a tilt of a vehicle body in a roll axis direction and a mechanism calculating a correct pitch angle by obtaining a yaw rate mixed in the pitch angular velocity sensor based on the estimated inclination and a turn velocity of the vehicle body and by canceling the yaw rate mixed.

Abstract: A hub for mounting a plurality of wheels of a vehicle, the hub including: an annular cylinder including at least two tire mounts disposed about a circumference of an outer surface of the cylinder, each of the mounts including at least one set of mounting features for receiving mounting hardware and retaining the tire. A dual wheel assembly and a vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for indicating the state of load of a vehicle having suspension components comprising: at least one transducer mountable on a single suspension component such that a signal relating to the angular deflection of the suspension component can be generated; and a controller configured to receive the signal and generate an output representative of the state of load of the vehicle.

Abstract: A height controlling apparatus for controlling at least one actual height as a relative position of (a) a body of a vehicle and (b) at least one wheel of the vehicle relative to each other, the apparatus including at least one height controlling actuator which changes the at least one actual height; and an actuator control device which controls the at least one height controlling actuator so that the at least one actual height approaches at least one target height.