Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring the volume of fluid in a variable volume vessel.

Abstract: A tire wear state estimation system includes a vehicle-based sensor for measuring wheel speed of a tire-supporting and first and second features extracted from the wheel speed signal. A data classifier conducts a classification of the first extraction feature data relative to the second extraction feature data by a statistical analysis of the wheel speed signal to estimate the wear state of the tire.

Abstract: An assembled dual-use balance car, comprises balance car body comprising a first foot board, a second foot board, a first and a second wheel, a first and a second motor respectively, and a balance control system, the balance car body being moved forward, draw back, and turns by tilting the first and second foot board forward and backward, and rotating around each other; a steering assembly comprising a locking part configured to prevent the first and second foot board from being rotating around each other, and a sensor assembly disposed at a bottom end of the steering rod and configured as a steering control of the balance car body, the sensor assembly being electrically connected with the balance control system; the steering assembly can be assembled and disassembled flexibly in the assembled dual-use balance car based on actual using situation.

Abstract: A machine for balancing vehicle wheels includes: a base frame; a balancing shaft on which a vehicle wheel to be balanced can be fixed; a rotoidal resting unit, fitted on the base frame and supporting the balancing shaft in a revolving way around its own axis; and motor elements for placing in rotation the balancing shaft around its own axis; wherein the balancing shaft includes at least a measuring section which is magnetized and subject to a stress condition due to the unbalance of the wheel revolving on the balancing shaft, in proximity of the measuring section being arranged magnetic field sensor elements which are suitable for detecting by magnetostrictive effect the stress condition of the measuring section and are operatively associated with at least one processing and control unit suitable for determining the unbalance of the wheel starting from the stress condition of the measuring section.

Abstract: A position calculating system for a haulage vehicle including wheels and a body frame mounted on the wheels. The system includes an attitude detection sensor fixed on the body frame, a wheel rotational speed sensor, a loading status information acquiring unit, a correction amount setting unit, a velocity vector calculating unit, and a position calculating unit. The loading status information acquiring unit acquires loading status information indicating whether the body frame is in a loaded state or in an unloaded state. The correction amount setting unit calculates, based on the attitude information, a correction amount required for bringing detection axes in the loaded state into coincidence with corresponding detection axes in the unloaded state. The velocity vector calculating unit calculates the velocity vector of the haulage vehicle. The position calculating unit calculates a position of the haulage vehicle by using the velocity vector.

Abstract: An inverted moving body includes: a riding part; a posture detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the riding part in a front-back direction; and a controller that switches, when a switching condition is satisfied, a non-inverted control state to an inverted control state. The inverted moving body includes a supporting part capable of supporting the inverted moving body in the inverted state while being in contact with the ground in the non-inverted control state. The switching condition includes a condition that an angle variation amount from the rotation angle of the riding part in the front-back direction in a state in which the supporting part is in contact with the ground is equal to or larger than a threshold.

Abstract: A method for determining or estimating a load weight of a load (28) carried by a commercial vehicle, in particular by an industrial truck such as a forklift truck (10), comprises: a) determining a speed ratio between a first speed of at least one first wheel (12) loaded by a load carried in a load carrier (18) of the vehicle and a second speed of at least one second wheel (14) of the operating vehicle (10) which has received the load in the load carrier, which second wheel is less heavily loaded or not loaded by a load carried in the load carrier or is relieved by a load carried in the load carrier; b) determining or estimating the load weight of the carried load (28) on the basis of the determined speed ratio and predetermined reference data. A commercial vehicle (10) comprising a control system (22) carrying out a method of this kind is also provided.

Abstract: Method of assembling a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine having a plurality of components. The method comprises in one aspect calculating the bending forces due to the mass distribution along the rotor. In another aspect, an optimization routine iterates different rotor arrangements, comparing the calculated bending moments to determine a set of component positions that minimizes the bending forces. In another aspect, mass corrections are optimized to balance the rotor assembly.

Abstract: An oleo-pneumatic shock absorber having a casing, a rod slidably mounted in the casing, first and second fluids in the casing, and a gauge. The gauge has a substrate positioned on the shock absorber. The substrate has a first region with a slot sized to fit an ultrasonic transducer arranged to encompass a range of possible oil levels within the shock absorber, a second region corresponding to a range of possible extension states of the shock absorber and a third region comprising one or more traces. Each trace corresponds to a temperature value and is indicative of an optimum relationship between the oil levels and the range of extension states at the respective temperature value associated with the trace.

Abstract: A tire angular velocity controller (211) is input with a difference between a target value of a rotational angular velocity of 0 for main wheels (11) and a rotational angular velocity of the main wheels (11), which is a differential value of a signal output from a main wheels rotary encoder (26). The tire angular velocity controller (211) calculates an inclination angle for the main body (10) that will cause the difference to become zero. In a second control mode, the calculated inclination angle is used as a target inclination angle and the difference between this target inclination angle and the inclination angle of the main body (10) at the present time input from an inclination angle sensor (20) is input to a main body inclination angle controller (212).

Abstract: The present invention proposes a system and method for preventing a vehicle from rolling over in curved lane. The road images captured by the image capture devices are used to calculate road information. The road information together with the vehicular dynamic information, such as the speed and acceleration of the vehicle are used to predict the rollover angle and lateral acceleration of the vehicle moving on the curved lane. The height of the gravity center and critical rollover speed of the vehicle moving on the curved lane are worked out and used to define a vehicular rollover index. If the vehicular rollover index exceeds a preset value, the system warns the driver or directly controls the speed of the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from rolling over in the curved lane.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle condition estimating device which enables the estimations of the longitudinal position of a vehicle centroid, loads exerted on front and rear wheel axles and cornering powers even during the running of a vehicle without detecting directly the loads exerted on front and rear wheel axles. The inventive device is characterized by estimating a centroid position in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle based on a vehicle weight value, a stability factor value, a relation between a front wheel axle load and a front wheel cornering power and a relation between a rear wheel axle load and a rear wheel cornering power.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing the crew of a vehicle with a potential collision alert. The alert is based on presumed flight-crew action and reaction times, ownship speed, and required distance to safely stop the ownship before intersection with traffic. An exemplary system located aboard an ownship includes a communication device that receives information from a ground traffic; a memory device that stores ownship information and predefined constants; and a processing device that determines a distance to the traffic when the traffic passes the ownship after the ownship stops at a estimated full-stop location, based on the received ownship information and the predefined constants, determines distance to the ground traffic vehicle, based on the determined point in time, and generates a potential collision alert if the determined distance is less than a predefined safe distance value. An exterior lighting device outputs a visual illumination after the potential collision alert is generated.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting the state of a two-wheel balance vehicle are provided. The method comprises the following steps: S1, detecting pressure output by pedals of the two-wheel balance vehicle in real time after starting; S2, judging if the pressure increases; S3, if the pressure increase is greater than a predetermined half-load threshold value, switching into half-loaded state; and if the pressure increase is greater than a predetermined full-load threshold value, switching into fully-loaded state. Through the method and the system, getting on and off the vehicle becomes more convenient, effectively improving safety for drivers.

Abstract: A Center of Gravity Determination Apparatus for Fixed Wing Aerial Systems (NC#102046) comprising a lifting support structure designed to support a fixed wing aerial system (FWAS) wherein the lifting support structure allows the FWAS to freely pitch, a 3-D translation mechanism, operatively coupled to the lifting support structure, designed to precisely position the lifting support structure in the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis, a base support structure, operatively coupled to the 3-D translation mechanism, designed to support other components, at least one resting support structure, operatively coupled to the base support structure, designed to support the FWAS when the lifting support structure is not providing support to the FWAS and wherein the at least one resting support structure is designed to prevent the FWAS from pitching, rolling, or yawing when the lifting support structure is not providing support to the FWAS.

Abstract: A method of controlling a three-wheeled vehicle comprises: determining a state of a load sensor associated with a portion of vehicle; selecting a first start mass when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state; selecting a second start mass when the load sensor is in a loaded state; determining at least one vehicle parameter during operation of the vehicle; determining a calculated mass based at least in part on the at least one vehicle parameter; determining an effective mass based at least in part on the calculated mass and a selected one of the first and second start masses; defining an output of an electronic stability system of the vehicle based at least in part on the effective mass; and controlling a stability of the vehicle using the output of the electronic stability system.

Abstract: A method which creates a justification basis to expand an aircraft's Center of Gravity limitations, which are established by the aircraft designer; relating to aircraft landing gear strength assumptions. Strut load sensors such as pressure sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record aircraft landing gear strut compression loads. A history of measured landing gear load values is compiled and related to any assumed landing gear loads, which define the life-cycle limit of the landing gear, allowing relief from existing aircraft Center of Gravity limitation caused by landing gear strength assumptions to further expanded CG limitations beyond current limits, based on measured landing gear loads.

Abstract: A method for estimating a location of a center of gravity (CG) of a sprung mass of a vehicle includes steps of a) determining whether the vehicle is stationary or moving; b) if the vehicle is stationary, calculating estimated x and y coordinates of the CG; c) storing the estimated coordinates in memory; and d) repeating steps a)-c) until the vehicle is no longer stationary.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to receiving, by a computing device comprising a processor, at least one control input associated with an aircraft, obtaining, by the computing device, a predicted response to the at least one control input by filtering on a trim position, wherein the predicted response is based on a model of the aircraft, obtaining, by the computing device, an actual response of the aircraft to the at least one control input, comparing, by the computing device, the predicted response and the actual response, and determining, by the computing device, at least one attribute based on the comparison

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of autonomously self-righting a maneuverable robot. In one embodiment, an autonomous method for self-righting a maneuverable robot to affect recovery from an overturned state to its nominal upright configuration may include: defining a convex hull and center of mass of each link of the robot; determining the convex hull and overall robot center of mass for each joint configuration of the robot; analyzing each convex hull face to determine its stability or instability; grouping continuously stable orientations of the robot and joint configurations together defining nodes and transitions there between; assigning a cost to transitions between nodes; computing an overall cost for each potential set of transition costs resulting in achievement of the goal; and determining a sequence of one or more actions to self-right the robot such that the sequence of actions minimizes the overall cost of self-righting the robot.

Abstract: As a measurement table (10), an object provided with a flat surface (11) having an area on which all wheels of a vehicle can be mounted at the same time and a front wheel mounting table (12) which is disposed in front of the flat surface (11) and is lifted by a step of a predetermined height is used, a wheel position detector (8) which is capable of detecting a front wheel position and a rear wheel position of a vehicle to be measured is provided, a computation processing device (3) is provided with anterior-posterior displacement calculation means, an inter-axle distance calculation means (21), a vehicle inclination calculation means (22), a front wheel axle load calculation means (23A), a rear wheel axle load calculation means (23B), an anterior-posterior gravity center position calculation means (24), a storage means (32), an anterior-posterior gravity center displacement calculation means (25), and a vehicle gravity center height position calculation means (26), and from a gravity center displacement whic

Abstract: A system includes a fluid reservoir containing a first fluid, a pair of fluidic channels in fluidic connection with the fluid reservoir, a counter-fluid reservoir having a second fluid that is non-miscible with the first fluid, and a pump connected to the fluid reservoir. The pump is configured to pump the first fluid from the fluid reservoir into the pair of fluidic channels. When contained in a vehicle, the system allows for control of the vehicle's orientation. The system may use sensor input to determine when to actuate the pump. Each fluidic channel may have a cross-section that varies along its length. The fluidic channels may be geometrically symmetric about the fluid reservoir. The system may be incorporated into a vehicle to control the vehicle's orientation.

Abstract: Provided is a traveling apparatus which performs desired traveling under an inverted pendulum control. The traveling apparatus includes: a ground contact member that operates to come into a ground-contact state or a non-ground-contact state with respect to a road surface; a drive portion that drives the ground contact member; a control portion that controls the drive portion; an abnormality degree calculation portion that calculates a degree of abnormality of a traveling state; and an upper bound calculation portion that changes an upper bound of a distance between the ground contact member and the road surface according to the degree of abnormality of the traveling state calculated by the abnormality degree calculation portion. The control portion controls driving of the drive portion so that the distance between the ground contact member and the road surface is smaller than or equal to the upper bound calculated by the upper bound calculation portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the axle load of a vehicle (10) having at least two tires on an axle. During cornering, the axle load is determined from a difference between wheel speeds at a wheel on the inside of the bend and wheel speeds at a wheel on the outside of the bend and by taking into account the lateral acceleration and track width.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immersive vehicle multimedia system that that is affected by vehicle sensors and collected data concerning environmental. The immersive vehicle multimedia system includes a vehicle, at least one sensor or other vehicle component gathering input as data from an external and internal vehicle environment, an immersive multimedia device connected to each sensor, and media content run through the multimedia device. The media content includes a primary script and a secondary script, the secondary script depending on the gathered input.

Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle capable of making mounting and dismounting of an occupant smooth. A control device of an inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a control gain adjustment unit. The control gain adjustment unit changes the magnitude of the control gain used for motion control of an actuator device according to the tilting state of an occupant riding section in a situation where the stepping on of an occupant to the occupant riding section is executed or in a situation where the stepping off of the occupant from the occupant riding section is executed.

Abstract: The system (1) comprises means for determining the distance at the current time of the target aircraft (B) with respect to the merge waypoint (P0) along its path (TB), this distance being transmitted to calculation means in order to determine the speed control commands which are subsequently applied to the reference aircraft (A) in order for it to carry out the acquisition of the spacing at said merge waypoint (P0).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may transfer energy from a flywheel motor-generator to a capacitor bank in response to detecting an input to increase the speed of a vehicle, and transfer energy from a drive wheel motor-generator to a capacitor bank in response to detecting an input to decrease the speed of the vehicle. The flywheel motor-generator may function to transfer energy to and from a flywheel included in a gyroscope-stabilizer of the vehicle, while the capacitor bank, which includes a battery, may function to transfer energy to and from a drive wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A payload control system includes a sensor system and a force sensor system. A controller determines a calibration machine state, a calibration linkage force, and machine calibration parameters based at least in part upon the calibration machine state and the calibration linkage force. The controller also determines a loaded implement machine state, a loaded implement linkage force, and a mass of the payload based at least in part upon the machine calibration parameters, the loaded implement machine state, and the loaded implement linkage force.

Abstract: A computer implemented fuel management method and system for monitoring and minimizing a fuel consumption of an aircraft. The fuel management system and method determines, on the basis of model assumptions, a theoretical value relating to the quantity of fuel that is necessary for travelling along at least one sector of a flight route. Furthermore, the fuel management system and method determine a practical value relating to a quantity of fuel that is necessary for travelling along the same sector of the flight route, taking into account actual measured values. Moreover, the system and method compare the theoretical value with the practical value and to provide at least one measure in order to save fuel during a flight when the practical value differs from the theoretical value by a predeterminable amount.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an actively variable shock absorbing system for actively controlling the load response characteristics of a shock absorbing strut. In one embodiment the shock absorbing system comprises a controllable valve adapted for actively varying a load response characteristic of the shock absorbing strut. The shock absorbing system further comprises an electronic control system comprising an input for receiving a signal from a sensor, an algorithm adapted to determine an optimal position for the controllable valve in view of the sensor signal, and an output for sending a control signal to the controllable valve to place the valve in the optimal position.

Abstract: Bias values of pitch axis and roll axis angular velocity sensors in a stationary state where a reference yaw axis of a two-wheeled inverted pendulum vehicle body is stationary in parallel with a vertical direction are acquired. Bias values of the pitch axis and roll axis angular velocity sensors in a turning state where a two-wheeled inverted pendulum vehicle is turned at a predetermined turning angular velocity in a state where the reference yaw axis of the two-wheeled inverted pendulum vehicle body remains parallel to the vertical direction are acquired. Mounting angle errors of the pitch axis and roll axis angular velocity sensors with respect to the two-wheeled inverted pendulum vehicle body are estimated on the basis of the bias values of the sensors in the stationary state, the bias values of the sensors in the turning state and the predetermined turning angular velocity.

Abstract: A device for determining the actual center of gravity of a vehicle, having a control command input interface, a movement modeling unit, a sensor interface, and a computation unit. The control command input interface determines control command inputs for controlling the movement of the vehicle. The movement modeling unit calculates reference acceleration data at a model reference point of the vehicle on the basis of movements of the vehicle, which are derived from a vehicle movement model, with respect to the control command inputs. The sensor interface determines sensor acceleration data which are measured at a sensor reference point of the vehicle and relate to the vehicle's actual movements resulting from the command inputs. The computation unit determines the actual center of gravity of the vehicle on the basis of an assumed center of gravity and the difference between the reference acceleration data and the sensor acceleration data.

Abstract: A system for sensing a force applied to an aircraft includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a processor operative to define a first velocity vector as a function of a first velocity due to a rotation motion of the aircraft, define a second velocity vector as a function of a second velocity due to the rotation motion of the aircraft, define an instant axis of rotation of the aircraft as a function of the first velocity vector and the second velocity vector, determine whether a force has been exerted on a first portion of the aircraft, and output an indication that a force has been exerted on the first portion of the aircraft responsive to determining that the force has been exerted on the first portion of the aircraft.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide leveling for a vehicle, such as an overland vehicle. Sensors associated with the vehicle may provide signals representing one or more operating conditions of the vehicle, including forces acting on the vehicle and a path of travel of the vehicle. The vehicle can be leveled based on one or more of the signals from the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a pitch-over condition of a vehicle comprises a first accelerometer for sensing acceleration in a Z-axis direction substantially perpendicular to both a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle and a side-to-side axis of the vehicle and for providing a first acceleration signal indicative thereof. A second accelerometer for senses acceleration in an X-axis direction substantially parallel to said front-to-rear axis of the vehicle and provides a second acceleration signal indicative thereof. A controller determines a Z-axis velocity value from the first acceleration signal and a pitch-over condition of the vehicle in response to both the determined Z-axis velocity value and the second acceleration signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining the current weight of a vehicle and any implement or trailer being towed or carried thereby. The system has an electronic control unit and means to determine the current value of vehicle operating parameters indicative of the current wheel output torque and acceleration of the vehicle. These current parameter values are forwarded to the electronic control unit so that the unit can calculate the current vehicle weight from a predetermined relationship involving wheel output torque, vehicle acceleration and other known current operating parameters of the vehicle. The other known current operating parameters of the vehicle are wheel rolling radius, angle of inclination of the vehicle, gravitational acceleration and rolling resistance of the wheels.

Abstract: A dynamic load estimation system and method is provided, the system including a tire supporting a vehicle; a vehicle-mounted acceleration sensor for determining a vehicle lateral acceleration and a vehicle longitudinal acceleration; a roll angle calculating model for determining a vehicle roll angle; a roll rate calculating model for determining a vehicle roll rate; a static normal load calculation model for calculating a measured static normal load; and a dynamic tire load estimation model for calculating an estimated dynamic load on the tire from the measured static normal load, the vehicle roll angle, the vehicle roll rate, the vehicle lateral acceleration and the vehicle longitudinal acceleration.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining a center of gravity of a motor vehicle are described. In said method and apparatus, for at least one wheel of the motor vehicle, two different drive force values representing a drive force are determined. In addition, longitudinal acceleration values associated with the determined drive force values, and wheel slip values associated with the determined drive force values, are determined. As a function of the drive force values, the associated longitudinal acceleration values and the associated wheel slip values that are determined, coordinates of the center of gravity of the vehicle are determined.

Abstract: The motor vehicle of the invention is provided with at least three wheels and includes a driving cab capable of accommodating a single person in the width direction. The motor vehicle comprises a bend-balancing means that acts by the inclination of at least the portion of the chassis that bears the driving cab. According to the invention, the vehicle is also provided with speed, acceleration and/or inclination sensors, and the balancing means are automatically controlled when the information supplied by the sensors is lower than a main predetermined threshold. The invention also provides that the automatic control of the balancing means is deactivated when the information provided by the sensors is higher than said main threshold.

Abstract: A stability detection system is provided for detecting the stability of an articulated vehicle. The stability detection system may include a weigh system configured to measure the weight distribution of the vehicle. A controller may provide a warning when the detected weight distribution exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a number of landing gear components for a vehicle, a number of systems, and a number of processor units. The number of systems is configured to generate data about the number of landing gear components and the vehicle. The number of processor units is configured to monitor the data and manage health of the number of landing gear components.

Abstract: A vehicle system and method that estimates or approximates the mass of a vehicle so that a more accurate vehicle mass estimate can be made available to other vehicle systems, such as an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system or an automated lane change (LCX) system. In an exemplary embodiment, the method compares an actual acceleration of the vehicle to an expected acceleration while the vehicle is under the control of an automated acceleration event. The difference between these two acceleration values, along with other potential input, may then be used to approximate the actual mass of the vehicle in a way that takes into account items such as passengers, cargo, fuel, etc. Once an accurate vehicle mass estimate is generated, the method may make this estimate available to other vehicle components, devices, modules, systems, etc. so that their performance can be improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety system for a working machine, which allows an operator to instantaneously, readily and precisely recognize current stability during work including operations of a front working mechanism and swing operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a working machine that computes and displays moment by moment its dynamic stability and its state of contact with a ground in view of an inertia force and an external force applied to the working machine. Specifically, a working machine is provided with an undercarriage, a working machine main body mounted on the undercarriage, a front working mechanism attached pivotally in an up-and-down direction to the working machine main body, and a working attachment connected to a free end of the front working mechanism.

Abstract: A spherical infrared robotic vehicle (SIRV) is provided for remote reconnaissance. The SIRV includes a spherical shell, a chassis within the shell, an infrared sensor within the chassis and a set of wheels between the shell and chassis. The spherical shell has inner and outer surfaces. The chassis contains a platform, an electric motor and a power supply, and includes an infrared aperture. The infrared sensor mounts to the platform and is disposed to receive an infrared signal through the aperture as infrared images. The sensor can be a plurality of infrared cameras mounted in separate directions. The wheels are driven by the motor and supported by the chassis. The wheels engage the inner surface and turn in response to the motor. The shell rolls by turning the wheels to propel the SIRV.

Abstract: A method for monitoring loading and unloading procedures in the cargo holds of an aircraft, in which method the actual states that are present in each cargo hold are acquired. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device as well as to a computer program product for implementing the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A pulse active steering control system and method for use in a motor vehicle for improving vehicle stability by reducing a likelihood for rollover and/or skidding sends pulses to the steerable wheels whenever a rollover coefficient and/or the difference between the estimated and actual yaw rate is outside a predetermined range. The pulses are asymmetrical in the form of a smooth curve with a gradually increasing rapid rising edge and a slower falling edge and provide steering input that, along with the driver steering input, returns the rollover coefficient and/or yaw rate to the predetermined range to reduce the likelihood of rollover and/or skidding.

Abstract: The motor vehicle of the invention is provided with at least three wheels and includes a driving cab capable of accommodating a single person in the width direction. The motor vehicle comprises a bend-balancing means that acts by the inclination of at least the portion of the chassis that bears the driving cab. According to the invention, the vehicle is also provided with speed, acceleration and/or inclination sensors, and the balancing means are automatically controlled when the information supplied by the sensors is lower than a main predetermined threshold. The invention also provides that the automatic control of the balancing means is deactivated when the information provided by the sensors is higher than said main threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle.