Abstract: A system and method for detecting wheel lift of an automotive vehicle includes a yaw rate sensor (28) that generates a yaw rate signal, a lateral acceleration sensor (32) that generates a lateral acceleration signal, a roll rate sensor (34) generating a roll rate signal, and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) for generating a longitudinal acceleration signal. A controller (18) is coupled to the yaw rate sensor (28), the lateral acceleration sensor (32), the roll rate sensor (34), and the longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller determines a dynamic load transfer acting on the plurality of wheels as a function of yaw rate, lateral acceleration roll rate, and longitudinal acceleration. Normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is determined as a function of the dynamic load transfer. Wheel lift is indicated when at least one of the normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is less than a normal force threshold.

Abstract: An automatic accident informing apparatus for a two-wheel vehicle is provided which can detect the occurrence of accident with the use of a simple arrangement. The automatic accident informing apparatus for a two-wheel vehicle includes an accident detecting module 3 for detecting an accident of the vehicle and an accident informing module 7 arranged responsive to the occurrence of the accident detected by the accident detecting module 3 for informing an external party(s) of the accident. The accident detecting module 3 includes an inclination sensor 2 for measuring the inclination angle of the vehicle and an accident judgment unit 340 for judging that the vehicle met with the accident when the inclination of the vehicle remains higher than a predetermined degree throughout a specific length of time.

Abstract: A yaw stability control system (18) is enhanced to include roll stability control function for an automotive vehicle and includes a plurality of sensors (28-39) sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle. The sensors may include a speed sensor (20), a lateral acceleration sensor (32), a yaw rate sensor (28) and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller (26) is coupled to the speed sensor (20), the lateral acceleration sensor (32), the yaw rate sensor (28) and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller (26) generates both a yaw stability feedback control signal and a roll stability feedback control signal. The priority of achieving yaw stability control or roll stability control is determined through priority determination logic. If a potential rollover event is detected, the roll stability control will take the priority.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a light bar assembly for guiding the movement of a vehicle on a tilted surface. The light bar assembly is comprised of a housing having a light bar and a tilt sensor. The light bar is disposed in the housing and adapted to guide the movement of the vehicle. In addition, the tilt sensor is disposed in the housing and adapted to indicate the attitude of the vehicle. As such, the attitude of the vehicle is taken into consideration when the vehicle is being guided along the adjusted travel path on the tilted surface. Moreover, with the addition of the light bar assembly, an existing prior art guidance control system can be conveniently and economically upgraded to a robust system that includes the tilt sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover detection apparatus and method are provided for detecting an overturn condition of the vehicle. The rollover detection apparatus includes an angular rate sensor sensing angular rate of the vehicle, and a vertical accelerometer for sensing vertical acceleration of the vehicle. A controller processes the sensed angular rate signal and integrates it to produce an attitude angle. The vertical acceleration signal is processed to determine an inclination angle of the vehicle. The rollover detection apparatus adjusts the attitude angle as a function of the inclination angle and compares the adjusted attitude angle and the processed angular rate signal to a threshold level to provide a vehicle overturn condition output signal. Additionally, the rollover detection apparatus detects a near-rollover event and adjusts the variable threshold in response thereto to prevent deployment of a vehicle overturn condition, thus providing immunity to such events.

Abstract: A tilt detector includes a magnet, a plurality of magnetoelectric transducers, a container, and a mounting member for mounting the magnet. The mounting member is rotatably supported within the container and the plurality of magnetoelectric transducers is mounted on the container. The tilt detector detects a tilt condition from signals generated by the magnetoelectric transducers due to changes in a relative position of the magnet and the magnetoelectric transducers as the mounting member rotates within the container.

Abstract: A rollover sensing system (10) includes a roll rate sensor (14) operative to sense a roll rate of rotation of a vehicle (12) and to provide a roll rate signal having an electrical characteristic indicative thereof. A controller (26) is connected to the roll rate sensor (14) and is operative to determine a roll angle of the vehicle (12) based on the roll rate signal. The controller (26) includes a threshold having a value functionally related to roll angle. The controller (26) determines the occurrence of a vehicle rollover condition in response to the sensed roll rate crossing the threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover sensing apparatus and method are provided for detecting an overturn condition of the vehicle. The rollover sensing apparatus includes an angular rate sensor for sensing attitude rate of change of a vehicle and producing an output signal indicative thereof. The rollover sensing apparatus also has an integrator for integrating the sensed attitude rate of change signal over a variable time window and producing an attitude angle. The rollover sensing apparatus further includes deployment logic for comparing the attitude angle and attitude rate of change to a pair of variable threshold values, with a gray-zone that varies based on time, and an output for deploying a vehicle overturn condition signal based on the comparison. Adaptive bias removal and output minimum logic reduces bias and noise associated with the sensed signal.

Abstract: A geographic information display control system displays objective geographic information using geographic data stored in a plurality of databases. A plurality of geographic data acquiring units instruct acquiring conditions, including a job script generated from a job selection, for acquiring the geographic data stored in the plurality of databases, and a processing request receiver determines, based on an attribute of the geographic data necessary for displaying the objective geographic information, which geographic data acquiring processor among the plurality of geographic data acquiring processors is requested to execute processing. As a result, a user can obtain required geographic data without knowledge of where the desired geographic data is or without being aware of where the knowledge is prepared.

Abstract: A motion detection apparatus and method for securing a detector, transducer or accelerometer. The detector is securely positioned in a location corresponding to a portion of the body such as the head, stomach, heart, sternum, or other portion. The mounting apparatus includes a base section to which the detector is secured and support members. Support members can have a fixed-length or be extendable. The support members are adjusted if necessary to position the mounting apparatus and detector to the predetermined position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining likelihood of rollover of a vehicle and/or mitigating rollover of the vehicle is responsive to measured vehicle lateral acceleration and a measured one of vehicle roll rate and vehicle suspension displacements to derive estimates of roll angle and roll rate. First, preliminary, estimates of roll angle and roll rate are derived and used as pseudo-measurements in a dynamic, closed loop observer equation which represents a model of the vehicle in a first roll mode for roll angles small compared to a reference value indicating two wheel lift-off and a second roll mode for roll angles at least near a reference value indicating two wheel lift-off. The observer equation has parameters and gains with values for each mode stored as a function of roll angle index derived from measurements and pseudo-measured values. The observer equation produces second, improved values or roll angle and roll rate together indicating the likelihood of vehicle rollover.

Abstract: In a method for the avoidance of rollover phenomena in semitrailers with the emission of warning signals for the driver of the vehicle when driving inappropriately, the center of gravity of the load of the semitrailer is calculated in an on-board computer. From the center of gravity thus determined and the known weight of the loaded semitrailer, the on-board computer calculates a rollover limit as a function of instantaneous driving parameters, on exceeding of which limit a warning is issued to the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A body incline sensor includes an erroneous detection preventing circuit for transmitting an inclined state signal by determining that a body is in an inclined state when an incline angle detector detects a weight, and a state so detected continues over a predetermined length of time. In the event that the incline angle detector does not detect a weight within a predetermined length of time due to an inertia force resulting when a body is rolling, no inclined state signal is transmitted from an inclined state transmitter, whereby the erroneous detection of the incline of the body can be prevented, the accuracy with which the incline of the body is detected being thus improved.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover sensor 10 is provided, including a movable member free 12 free to rotate about a single axis 14. The movable member 12 includes an inertial mass 18. A magnet 22 is mounted to the movable member 12. The vehicle rollover sensor 10 further includes a magnetoresistive sensor 24 capable of sensing changes in the magnetic field due to changes in the orientation of the moveable member 12.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover sensor (10) includes a rotor (12) having a central rotor axis (14) and which is mountable within a vehicle (18). The rotor (12) is inertially balanced and freely rotatable about the rotor axis (14). The sensor (10) also includes a detector (32) for detecting rotation of the rotor (12) relative to the rotor axis (14). The detector (32) is operative to provide a detector signal (43) indicative of the detected relative rotation. The detector signal (43) is used to determine the occurrence of a vehicle rollover condition.

Abstract: A method is used to largely suppress the offset of a rotation rate sensor in that a given rotation rate is only subjected to integration if it exceeds a lower rotation rate threshold and lies below an upper rotation rate threshold. The thresholds are predefined as a function of an offset of the rotation rate sensor in question, and integration of the rotation rate is aborted after a predefined reset time and restarted.

Abstract: The present automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing system is comprised of an on-board monitoring system for being installed on a heavy truck, and an interrogation system for being installed in enforcement vehicles and inspection stations. The monitoring system is comprised of a processor connected to speed and weigh sensors installed in the truck and trailers. The processor is arranged to monitor various operating parameters of the truck, such as loading, load distribution, speed, driver maintenance information, driving time, and mileage. The processor is also connected to an interface which enables the truck operator to input driver and vehicle information, and a transceiver for communicating with the interrogation system. The interrogation system is comprised of a processor connected to a transceiver, and arranged to interrogate the monitoring system to download data.

Abstract: A device and method used to indicate vehicle inclination and conditions indicative of a potential rollover is disclosed. The device and method may be embodied in original equipment or in an aftermarket product in a manner so that the driver may easily determine the vehicle inclination. For example, the device and method may be embodied in a mirror assembly mounted in the vehicle. The device and method may also be used to detect the rate of change of inclination to provide a warning of adverse driving conditions. The device and method may also include a compass that indicates a corrected heading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for warning of a tip over condition in a motor vehicle, such as a tractor trailer, that is carrying a cargo load. The system includes at least one left side sensor for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the left side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. Similarly, at least one right side sensor is provided for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the right side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. A microprocessor is coupled to both the left side sensors and the right side sensors. The microprocessor calculates a ratio of the cargo load borne by the left side of the motor vehicle and the right side of the motor vehicle. An alarm is provided that is coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor sounds an alarm when the calculated ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold value, thus indicating a potential tip over condition.

Abstract: In the present invention, the distance from a predetermined point to the center of gravity of the load and a first portion of a work machine and the distance from that predetermined point to the center of gravity of the second portion of the work machine are compared, either singly or in a combination, to a predetermined value. Optionally, the articulation angle of the machine and weight and position of the load are combined with a vehicle weight value into a stability value and the stability value is compared to an alarm value. Should an instability condition be detected, an output signal is sent to an output device to alert the operator and/or affect the movement of the machine to prevent instability of the work machine.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover event detector (10) includes an accelerometer (80) that senses vehicle acceleration in a direction offset from a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle (12) and provides an acceleration signal (101) indicative thereof. A rollover sensor (14) senses vehicle roll and provides a roll signal (32) indicative of vehicle roll about the front-to-rear axis of the vehicle. A controller (26) compares the roll signal (32) against a first rollover threshold (42) when the acceleration signal (101) is less than an acceleration threshold (113) and compares the roll signal (32) against a second rollover threshold (116) when the acceleration signal (101) is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold (113) and for indicating a vehicle rollover condition when the roll signal is greater than the threshold (42, 116) it is compared against.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for determining and detecting the rollover hazard of a vehicle through a dynamic detection of variations in the center of gravity of the vehicle. During cornering of the vehicle, first condition variables, which correspond to the respective wheel load, are detected on at least two wheels. The detected first condition variables are compared to reference values representative of the respective cornering maneuver. A corresponding change in the center of gravity is calculated from the differences between the detected first condition variables and the reference values.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover event detector (10) includes a rollover sensor (14). A first accelerometer (80) senses vehicle acceleration in a direction offset from the front-to-rear axis of the vehicle (12) up to a maximum acceleration sensing level and provides a first acceleration signal indicative thereof. A second accelerometer (96) senses vehicle acceleration in the offset direction at acceleration levels in excess of the maximum acceleration sensing level of the first accelerometer and provides a second acceleration signal indicative thereof. A controller (26) selects the first accelerometer or second accelerometer and provides an actuation signal (110) when the signal from the rollover sensor and the selected first or second accelerometers both indicate a vehicle rollover event.

Abstract: A rollover sensing system (10) includes a roll rate sensor (14) operative to sense a roll rate of rotation of a vehicle (12) and to provide a roll rate signal having an electrical characteristic indicative thereof. A controller (26) is connected to the roll rate sensor (14) and is operative to determine a roll angle of the vehicle (12) based on the roll rate signal. The controller (26) includes a threshold having a value functionally related to roll angle. The controller (26) determines the occurrence of a vehicle rollover condition in response to the sensed roll rate crossing the threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover event detector (10) includes an accelerometer (80) that senses vehicle acceleration in a direction offset from a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle (12) and provides an acceleration signal (101) indicative thereof. A rollover sensor (14) senses vehicle roll and provides a roll signal (32) indicative of vehicle roll about the front-to-rear axis of the vehicle. A controller (26) compares the roll signal (32) against a first rollover threshold (42) when the acceleration signal (101) is less than an acceleration threshold (113) and compares the roll signal (32) against a second rollover threshold (116) when the acceleration signal (101) is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold (113) and for indicating a vehicle rollover condition when the roll signal is greater than the threshold (42, 116) it is compared against.

Abstract: The chamber (3) of the sensor (1) comprises a first and a second passage (16, 17) that communicate with the outside; a source of visible light (11) outside the chamber, through the first of the said passages (16), illuminates the interior of the chamber (3) and the spherical body (7) arranged inside it; an element sensitive to the quantity of light (9) outside the chamber to receive, through the second of the said passages (17), the light reflected from inside the chamber and electronic circuit that analyzes the electric signals correlated with the quantity of light seen by the said light-sensitive element (9) to generate at least one pulse that activates a movement control system of the means in which the sensor (1) is installed and an alarm system.

Abstract: A sensing and notification system helps prevent vehicle rollover accidents, and/or, in the event of such an accident, notifies emergency rescue and/or medical personnel of the same. Vehicle sensors and an associated microprocessor and central controller cooperate to determine whether a potential or immediate rollover condition exists, and then appropriately communicate the existence of such condition to the vehicle operator or other vehicle occupants through local alarms and/or a remote call center through radio transmission of emergency signals. Should a potential rollover condition exists, the system provides local notification to the vehicle operator or occupants through an audible alarm and/or a visible alarm, and further provides a recommended steering correction.

Abstract: An industrial truck, particularly a fork-lift truck, wherein the front and rear wheels are supported on a vehicle frame and one of which is adapted to be driven, a load-receiving means which is adjustable at least in height by means of a power-exerting apparatus, and a safety device which detects a tilt of the industrial truck and is in an operative communication at least with an alarm signal emitter, whereby a load sensor is associated with at least one wheel and the safety device has a comparison device which provides a signal to the alarm signal emitter when one or more of the wheel loads measured fall below a preset value.

Abstract: A process for preventing overturning of a utility vehicle equipped with an ABS or EBS braking system comprises: (a) detecting the load on two corresponding wheels on each side of the vehicle; (b) when the vehicle is traveling in a curve to the left or right, determining the lateral acceleration of the vehicle; (c) simultaneously determining the change in load value for the inner of the two corresponding wheels at that lateral acceleration value; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for a curve in the other direction; (e) from the lateral acceleration value and the associated changes in load values, determining and storing limit acceleration values for curves to the left and to the right, which limit acceleration values represent the lateral acceleration of the vehicle as it travels in a curve to the left or to the right which result in no load on an inner wheel of the vehicle; (f) continuously monitoring the lateral acceleration the vehicle; and (g) when the lateral acceleration of vehicle as it travels in

Abstract: A system for detecting wheel lift of an automotive vehicle has a speed sensor (22) coupled to a wheel (12) of automotive vehicle (10). A torque control system (20) is coupled to wheel (12) to change the torque at the wheel. A controller (18) is coupled to the torque control system and a speed sensor. The controller (18) determines lift by changing the torque of the wheel, measuring the change in torque and indicating lift in response to the change in torque which may be indicated by wheel speed.

Abstract: A system for determining an out of balance wheel condition on a vehicle incorporates a wheel speed signal such as provided by ABS systems. The wheel speed signal is associated with acceleration information from an accelerometer on the axle. If a particular acceleration profile is repeated across several rotational cycles of the wheels, then an indication is made that an out of balance condition exists.

Abstract: A stability control system 24 for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors 28-37 sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle and a controller 26 that controls a distributed brake pressure to reduce a tire moment so the net moment of the vehicle is counter to the roll direction. The sensors include a speed sensor 30, a lateral acceleration sensor 32, a roll rate sensor 34, and a yaw rate sensor 20. The controller 26 is coupled to the speed sensor 30, the lateral acceleration sensor 32, the roll rate sensor 34, the yaw rate sensor 28. The controller 26 determines a roll angle estimate in response to lateral acceleration, roll rate, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The controller 26 may ultimately be used to determine a tire force vector such as brake pressure distribution or a steering angle change in response to the relative roll angle estimate.

Abstract: A mobile object information recording apparatus includes first and second cameras and various vehicle condition sensors for detecting mobile object information representing the status of a vehicle. An abnormal level detector detects an abnormal level of the vehicle on the basis of the acceleration detected by a 3-dimensional sensor. A data amount setting unit sets the amount of data to be stored in a file area to a value corresponding to the detected abnormal level, and memory controller stores, into the file area, mobile object information with a length of time corresponding to the determined amount of data, including periods immediately before and after the moment at which the abnormal level is detected, such as when a collision occurs, whereby the mobile object information is stored in a highly efficient fashion.

Abstract: A stability control system 24 for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors 28-37 sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle and a controller 26 that controls a distributed brake pressure to reduce a tire moment so the net moment of the vehicle is counter to the roll direction. The sensors include a speed sensor 30, a lateral acceleration sensor 32, a roll rate sensor 34, and a yaw rate sensor 20. The controller 26 is coupled to the speed sensor 30, the lateral acceleration sensor 32, the roll rate sensor 34, the yaw rate sensor 28. The controller 26 determines a roll angle estimate in response to lateral acceleration, roll rate, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The controller 26 changes a tire force vector using a steering angle change in response to the relative roll angle estimate.

Abstract: To estimate the readiness of overturn of vehicle accurately at quick timing corresponding to the behavior of an actual vehicle, at first, a roll angle &phgr;0 and a roll rate &phgr;0′ which indicate an actual tendency of overturn of a running vehicle are measured (calculated). Then, the maximum amplitude A (estimation value) is calculated based on an operational expression for estimating the maximum amplitude A of the behavior estimation value &phgr; (t) of the roll angle &phgr; before damp derived from the following physical model describing the vehicle behavior based on the roll angle &phgr; indicating the overturn tendency of the running vehicle and the estimation value A is set as the overturn parameter X which indicates the readiness of overturn of the vehicle: J&phgr;″+D&phgr;′+K&phgr;=F (where, J: roll inertia, D: damper constant, K: spring constant, F: centrifugal force, &phgr;″: roll rate differential value, &phgr;′: roll rate, &phgr;: roll angle).

Abstract: An attitude angle estimator and method of estimating attitude angle of a vehicle. According to one embodiment, an angular attitude rate sensor senses angular attitude rate of a vehicle, and an accelerometer detects lateral or longitudinal acceleration. An attitude angle estimate is produced and is updated as a function of the sensed angular attitude rate. An acceleration-based attitude angle is determined as a function of the sensed acceleration, and a blending coefficient is provided. A *current vehicle attitude angle estimate is generated as a function of the updated attitude angle estimate, the acceleration-based attitude angle, and the blending coefficient. According to a second embodiment, both a roll angle estimate and a pitch angle estimate are determined.

Abstract: An integrated message system for a vehicle provides an extendable, prioritized message scheme. Using this scheme, the message system acts as a centralized message provider for variety of alerts and operating data originating throughout the vehicle. The message system defines a hierarchy of message levels, each having a unique output protocol. The protocol defines attributes associated with messages at a particular level such as textual or graphical message, an auditory alert, as well as the scheme for playing these messages and alerts. The system integrates a variety of subsystems that conventionally have separate driver interfaces such as a collision warning system and an adaptive cruise control system.

Abstract: A rollover sensing system (12) that may be used in the determination of when to deploy restraints in the vehicle. The rollover sensing system (12) may include lateral acceleration sensors (32), a roll rate sensor (18) and a roll angle detector (20). A control circuit (16) determines a predetermined rollover threshold in response to the roll rate and roll angle detector (20) and calculates an adjusted threshold as a function of the predetermined rollover threshold and the lateral acceleration. The control circuit (16) generates a control signal in response to the adjusted threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring tread wear, shock absorber performance, balance condition of a vehicle tire, and/or rotation speed of a vehicle wheel, use a sensor to provide acceleration signals. To monitor tread wear, acceleration signals from the sensor determine at least one resonance frequency of at least one of the radial and lateral acceleration of the tire and compares it to at least one stored resonance frequency To monitor shock absorber performance, the amplitude of the Fourier component of the radial acceleration is compared to a stored amplitude value. To monitor a balance condition of a vehicle tire, the sensor provides acceleration signals measured over a specified time duration to determine an amplitude of the Fourier component of the radial acceleration that is compared to a stored amplitude specification balance condition of the tire.

Abstract: An intergated secruity, tip-over, and turn signal system for a motorcycle. The system provides multiple-functions with one control unit and a simplified wiring network. The system provides vehicle turn signal control including automatic turn-off of turn signal lamps at the end of a turn. The systems monitors the lateral forces acting on the motorcycle and disables the turn signal lamps, starter system, and fuel system when a tip-over condition is detected. For theft deterrence and prevention, the system allows a rider to disable the vehicle starter and ignition systems while the vehicle is parked. Tamper sensors in the system activate turn signals and an audible alarm if tampering is detected.

Abstract: A processor-based system may be utilized to analyze signals from at least two supports supporting a device, such as a motor vehicle, to provide an indication when a weight change is such that tipping or rollover of the device or vehicle is of concern. In this way, an early warning may be provided when a condition arises which may cause a dangerous event to occur. The processor-based system may provide a variety of indications of tipping levels, a variety of different types of warnings and information about how to overcome the potential tipping.

Abstract: In a system for detecting imminent or occurring rollovers in a vehicle having at least one rollover sensor for detecting a vehicle rollover and for emitting a corresponding signal, at least one rotational wheel speed sensor is provided which emits a signal corresponding to the respective rotational wheel speed to a control unit which is indirectly or directly connected with the at least one rollover sensor. The control unit is constructed such that a triggering signal can be generated for a safety system on the basis of the rollover signal, taking into account the at least one rotational wheel speed signal.

Abstract: In a failsafe method and apparatus for signalling theft for a motor vehicle, an item of theft-signalling information is produced as a function of the signal state of at least one of a plurality of monitoring signals, which are indicative of vehicle states. According to the invention, the theft-signalling information is produced only if the signal states of a plurality of monitoring signals are present in one of one or more prescribed theft-signalling combinations. Each theft-signalling combination comprises one or more signalling conditions, which succeed one another in a specific time sequence and which signalling conditions themselves comprise one or more theft indicative combinations of jointly interrogated signal states of associated monitoring signals.

Abstract: A device for controlling a motor vehicle occupant protection system. Such a device has a control unit with an encoder for encoding messages and a transmitter for transmitting the encoded messages in the form of output signals. The encoded messages include a first encoded message having a first number of positions and a second encoded message having a second number of positions, the first number of positions being smaller than the second number of positions. In this case, at least one of the encoded messages may be provided with an error-correction code.

Abstract: A roll-over detector for vehicles includes a first accelerometer mounted on a first axle of the vehicle, a second accelerometer mounted on a second axle of the vehicle, and a third accelerometer mounted on a third axle of the vehicle. A controller compares data received from the first and second accelerometers and actuates a safety device to prevent a roll-over condition if the differences between the data exceed a predetermined value. The controller utilizes data from the third accelerometer to account for the effect of road conditions on the variations between the data from the first and second accelerometers.

Abstract: A roll sensor system for a land vehicle is provided to determine when a vehicle roll condition has occurred and to trigger a safety system in response to that determination. In certain embodiments, an angular rate sensor is used to obtain an angular rate and, from the angular rate, an angle relative to the roll axis of the land vehicle. If the angular rate and the angle correspond to a safety system activation event, the roll sensor system will provide a trigger signal to the safety system. In some embodiments, the system includes an incline sensor to aid in detecting and compensating for drift in the output of the angular rate sensor. In other embodiments the output of an angular rate sensor is used to validate the output of the incline sensor to aid in determining whether a vehicle safety system trigger event has occurred.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle including an axle to which wheels are mounted and supported to pivot vertically relative to a body of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a pivot control apparatus for controlling pivoting of the axle. The industrial vehicle further includes a controller for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the pivot control apparatus. A warning lamp having two or more different modes is located in the cabin. The modes include an abnormality mode for indicating the occurrence of an abnormality in the pivot control apparatus and a normality mode for indicating normal functioning of the pivot control apparatus. The controller also notifies the operator of two or more additional different pieces of information using the modes of the warning lamp. That is, the single warning lamp also indicates the reason for restricting the axle by its color.

Abstract: In a disclosed embodiment, a steering axle wheel assembly for a vehicle is provided with a system for actively sensing and alerting a vehicle user of wheel misalignment. The wheel assembly includes an elongated tie rod extending between two wheels and a rotatable knuckle system connecting each wheel to a respective end of the tie rod. A steer angle, that is, the angle of a wheel with respect to an axle, is monitored. When the steer angle is significant, result in a tensile or compressive force is provided on the tie rod. This force on the tie rod is small when the steer angle is small. The tie rod is provided with a system to measure the force. An alerting system is provided which alerts a vehicle user when significant tensile or compressive force on the tie rod is measured, and the steer angle is small. Thus, a vehicle user is actively alerted of wheel misalignment.

Abstract: A drive line vibration sensor includes a mercury switch, a controller, and a warning device. The mercury switch is preferably positioned such that it is minimally affected by radial acceleration yet remains sensitive to longitudinal accelerations along the longitudinal axis of a drive line. To minimize the affect of radial acceleration, the mercury switch is attached to the drive line such that the mercury switch is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis such that the radial acceleration of the drive line does not activate the mercury switch. If the mercury switch experiences a predetermined acceleration, the controller identifies that the mercury switch is activated and the controller then awakes and activates a transmitter, such as a radio frequency (RF) transmitter to send a signal to a remote warning device such as a warning light.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus determine the frequency or the period of the natural characteristic oscillation of a vehicle, and therefrom determine the mass of the vehicle and provide a warning if a dangerous oscillation condition exists which could lead to a tipping or rollover of the vehicle. The evaluation is carried out while the vehicle is driving. The apparatus includes a sensor such as a rotation rate sensor, a timer, an evaluating unit, and a warning unit. The method involves measuring the time interval between two characteristic features of the oscillation measured by the sensor, such as zero crossings, minimum points or maximum points of the angular velocity of the oscillation, and then calculating the period and/or the frequency of the oscillation from the measured time interval. Then the moment of inertia and/or the mass of the vehicle can be determined from the period or frequency.