Abstract: In a method for detecting the loading state of a motor vehicle, first wheel loads of all wheels are ascertained in the absence of cornering, second wheel loads of at least the rear wheel which is on the inside of the curve and of the front wheel which is on the inside of the curve are ascertained when cornering, and information relating to the loading state of the motor vehicle is ascertained on the basis of the first and second wheel loads of the wheels which are on the inside of the curve.

Abstract: A vehicle maneuvering system and method are provided. The system includes an input device coupled to a first vehicle and a processor. The processor is configured to determine if the first vehicle is a master vehicle or a slave vehicle to a second vehicle. If the first vehicle is the master vehicle, the processor determines an instantaneous center of rotation based at least partly upon an input received from the input device. If the first vehicle is the slave vehicle, the instantaneous center of rotation is received by the first vehicle. The system also includes a controller configured to position a wheel unit of the first vehicle with the path of the wheel unit being perpendicular to a line passing through the center of the wheel unit and the instantaneous center of rotation.

Abstract: A technique for determining shifted cargo on a vehicle is described. A method realisation of this technique comprises the steps of acquiring data from a positional sensor and determining a change in a balance of loads upon wheels of the vehicle. Shifted cargo is determined if the change in load balance does not correspond to the positional data. Furthermore, a device and system suited for carrying out the method are provided.

Abstract: A method for estimating the total mass of a motor vehicle by a recursive least squares algorithm. The method involves a vehicle longitudinal acceleration computing according to a fundamental dynamic equation by analysing errors by an acceleration variation caused by errors including a variation error of the vehicle mass with respect to a predetermined mass, declivity error of a surface on which the vehicle is placed, and model errors. The declivity is delivered by a declivity sensor or by declivity estimation mechanism.

Abstract: A method for determining mass-related variables of a vehicle is described. Spring compression travel values (Le,1, Le,r) are measured on at least one sprung axle of the vehicle, and an actual value (zs,1) for the height of the center of gravity of the vehicle is determined from the measured spring compression travel values (Le,1, Le,r), their temporal variation ({dot over (L)}e,1, {dot over (L)}e,r), and at least one transversal dynamics variable which describes the transversal dynamics of the vehicle.

Abstract: Relative center of gravity height in a motor vehicle changes from a nominal value to an actual value depending upon vehicle loading. Method and apparatus for determining actual relative center of gravity height are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for determining a center of rotation of a vehicle around the vehicle's vertical axis determines the center of rotation as a function of a yaw rate and a float angle.

Abstract: A method for fore-aft stabilization of a vehicle for motion in a specified direction over an underlying surface. The vehicle has at least one forward wheel and at least one aft wheel, and the forward wheel is characterized by a force normal to the instantaneous direction of motion of the vehicle. A motor actuator drives each aft wheel, and a controller governs the motor actuator or motor actuators in such a manner as to dynamically stabilize the vehicle, according to a uniform control law, when the forward wheel is in contact with the underlying surface or not. A torque is applied to the aft wheel on the basis of vehicle pitch or the force on the forward wheel normal to the direction of motion. Additionally, a periodic rotational modulation may be applied to the aft wheel, and a stabilizing torque provided based on a detected response, either of vehicle pitch or of normal force on the front wheel.

Abstract: A method for enhancing payload control is disclosed. The method includes removing material during a plurality of work cycles with at least one loading machine and associating the loading machine relative to at least one haulage machine. The method also includes determining the relative locations of the loading machine and the haulage machine and, during the plurality of work cycles, loading removed material into the haulage machine with the loading machine. The method also includes determining payload and payload distribution within the haulage machine at least before a last work cycle of the plurality of work cycles and communicating to the loading machine, via a machine-to-machine communication system, the amount and position within the haulage machine of additional payload desired in at least the last work cycle of the plurality of work cycles for desired payload and payload distribution.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) for providing a passenger profile. The method can include the steps of receiving (212) one or more passengers having mobile units (112) in a vehicle (110) in which at least some of the mobile units have been programmed with passenger profiles and receiving (214) the passenger profiles from the mobile units. The method can also include the step of informing (216) at least the driver of the vehicle of the passenger profiles once the passenger profiles are received. As an example, setting one or more parameters of the vehicle can be based on the received passenger profiles. In addition, setting the parameters of the vehicle based on the received passenger profiles may restrict the operation of the vehicle in a predefined manner.

Abstract: A vehicle load control system, in which information on the cargo loading condition of a moving vehicle is obtained through communication between the moving vehicle and a control center via a communication network to provide centralized control of efficient cargo loading operation. A vehicle load control system provides centralized control of efficient cargo loading operation through communication between a moving vehicle (100) and a control center (120) via a communication network (110). The moving vehicle (100) includes a radio section (101) for receiving a load data acquisition request signal and transmitting measured load data determined by at least one distance sensor (105) in the luggage compartment and location data of the vehicle.

Abstract: Control method of a traveling dolly, having wheels 2 and 3 driven by motors 4 and 5 which are drive means, a body 1 supported by the wheels 2 and 3, and a control computer 10 as a control means commanding control command value to the motors 4 and 5, a centroid of the body 1 positioning above a rotation axis of the wheels 2 and 3, is characterized in that: the control computer 10 estimates external force moment, which is moment of inertia around the rotation axis of the wheels 2 and 3 generated by external force applied on the body 1; tilt angle of the body 1, which makes gravity moment around the rotation axis of the centroid of the body 1 balances with the external force moment, is set as target body tilt angle; and based on the target body tilt angle, torque command value for the motors 4 and 5 is calculated.

Abstract: A device and a method for estimating the position of the center of gravity of a vehicle are described. A sensing device which determines a weightload variable which indicates a weightload, and an evaluation unit which, on the basis of the acquired weightload variable, determines a center of gravity position variable which represents the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle are provided. The sensing device is arranged in the spatial vicinity of an additional load which can be mounted in the roof region of the vehicle, wherein the evaluation unit determines the center of gravity position variable on the basis of the weightload variable which indicates the additional load.

Abstract: In an inverted pendulum type mobile unit that performs inverted pendulum stabilization control and traveling control based on a velocity target value as an input variable, a change in tilt angle of a vehicle body occurring during traveling is smoothed. The target value generating portion in the inverted pendulum type mobile unit generates the velocity target value VREF of the mobile unit and the tilt angular rate target value ?REF of the vehicle body so that a second-order time derivative of VREF is continuous and ?REF is continuous with respect to time. The controller in the inverted pendulum type mobile unit calculates a torque command value Tcom for the motor drivers using VREF and ?REF as a control target to allow the mobile unit to travel at VREF while maintaining the state where the gravity center of the vehicle body or the gravity center of total mass of the vehicle body and a subject supported on the vehicle body is located upper than the rotation center of the wheels.

Abstract: A method of predicting vehicle rollover is provided to assist in preventing vehicle rollover. The method contains the steps of: determining a center of gravity of a vehicle; determining an actual lateral acceleration of the vehicle; determining a maximum lateral acceleration of the vehicle; and determining if the actual lateral acceleration is more than a predefined percentage of the maximum lateral acceleration. When the actual lateral acceleration is more than the predefined percentage of the maximum lateral acceleration, a warning is issued to the driver such that preventative measures can be taken to avoid a rollover.

Abstract: A process for determining a center of gravity of a vehicle having a sprung portion and an unsprung portion on the basis of selective variation of a lateral and a longitudinal orientation of the sprung portion relative to the unsprung portion.

Abstract: There is provided a motorized cycle comprising a frame, a seat mounted upon the frame, a plurality of suspensions mounted to the frame, a plurality of wheels each coupled to a suspension wherein the operation of the motorized cycle is based on the physical position and movements of the rider. Also provided is a suspension system for a motorized cycle comprising a plurality of suspensions each coupled to the frame of the motorized cycle, and a plurality of wheels each coupled to a suspension such that each wheel is able to move relative to the other wheels and the frame. According to another aspect, there is provided a rider positioning system for a motorized cycle comprising handle bars and a seat wherein the movement of the handle bars affects the movement of the seat.

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: A method and device for warning a driver of lane departure, wherein a first analyzer is used to detect the vehicle's lane departure based on image data and/or vehicle data and/or driver activity. The driver then receives a warning as a function of the detection by the first analyzer. In addition, a second analyzer for evaluating the driving situation is provided, which either performs the evaluation of the driving situation after the detection and via which the warning is suppressed as a function of the evaluation, or which alternatively performs an evaluation of the driving situation before the detection and via which a detection of lane departure is suppressed as a function of the evaluation.

Abstract: A procedure for controlling the driving functions of a vehicle with a control unit, which analyzes sensor signals measuring particular driving states and uses this information to generate driving instructions or similar. Driving instructions of this kind can be communicated to the driver of the vehicle or passed directly to the systems concerned as control instructions. Because the road gradient or the resulting vehicle inclination significantly influences driving, the procedure includes measuring the inclination of the vehicle, relative to the horizontal, by at least one inclination sensor, transmitting the inclination sensor signals to the control unit and analyzing these inclination sensor signals for the generation of driving instructions or similar, when in inclination-related driving states. Preferably both the longitudinal and the transverse inclination are measured and analyzed.

Abstract: A method for increasing the driving stability of a vehicle, particularly of a commercial vehicle, which counteracts a vehicle instability by a control intervention in a control system operating the drive and/or the brakes of the vehicle, in which the control intervention occurs as a function of the ratio between the height of the center of gravity of the vehicle and a spring constant of the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A device used in an aircraft with an electrical flight control system to reduce load applied to the wing during a lateral roll maneuver, by comparing a roll control with a threshold, and filtering a control. As a result of this action on the roll control, resulting load increases on the wing can be anticipated and reduced. Loads can thus remain below a maximum design value for the wing if the applied roll control is too high for planned use of the aircraft, therefore limiting overdesign of the wing.

Abstract: A method and a system in the classification of objects occupying a seat, in particular for the reliable control of the triggering of restraint systems in motor vehicles. Utilized are the dynamics of a person seated on the seat, based on the acceleration forces acting on the person. Using the variables of these forces and the force exerted on the seat cushion of the seat by the mass of the person and its change, there is a determination, as a redundant variable, the mass, the location of the center mass and other physical variables and these are used for the reliable classification.

Abstract: A system and method of calculating a center of gravity of an aircraft positions an aircraft on an aircraft scale. Weight readings are recorded at each wheel of the aircraft. A photograph of the aircraft on the aircraft scale is taken. The photograph is downloaded to a computer. Relative position readings between identifiable points on the photograph of the aircraft are taken. The relative position readings are transformed into an aircraft coordinates system. The weight readings taken at each wheel of the aircraft are then entered and the longitudinal center of gravity of the aircraft is calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a directional attitude of a driven load in respect to a level plane is employed to adjust initial driving power requirements in order to overcome the effects of such attitude. The apparatus employs a sensor for measuring the attitude, a processor for comparing the measurement against a threshold and a driver for altering the initial driving power requirements. Additional sensors for measuring shock, vibration, and temperature levels that the load is subjected to prior to the movement may be employed for calibration of the directional attitude measuring sensor or for further adjustment of the initial driving power requirements.

Abstract: A detector 22 detects action forces acting on a wheel 5 provided to a vehicle. An estimator 21a estimates the present value of a vehicle mass m on the basis of an action force acting in a component force direction out of the action forces, and an acceleration of the vehicle in the component force direction. Specifically, the estimator 21a estimates the present value of the vehicle mass m on the basis of an acceleration ax in the longitudinal direction and a longitudinal force Fx or on the basis of an acceleration ay in the lateral direction and a lateral force Fy. The estimator estimates the present value of a center-of-gravity height of the vehicle on the basis of the detected variation amount of the vertical force and the detected longitudinal force.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for determining an estimate of the weight and balance of an aircraft automatically in advance and up to the point of take-off. A weight and balance system may receive information from a flight operating system, a reservation system, a bag loader and/or a pilot in advance and up to the point of take-off. The information received from the flight operating system, the reservation system, the bag loader and/or pilot is used to estimate the weight and balance of an aircraft automatically in advance and up to the point of take-off, such as via software. For example, the flight operating system may provide information related to fuel, weather, airplane, airports, and flight information. The reservation system may provide information related to passenger and bag information. The bag loader may provide additional information related to bag information.

Abstract: A three-dimensional balance assembly is provided. The assembly includes a center shaft, two or more eccentric weighted shafts encompassing the center shaft and a first and a second locking mechanism that lock each weighted shaft into any rotational location. Each eccentric weighted shaft includes at least one eccentric weight. The two or more eccentric weighted shafts are independently rotatable around the center shaft to balance the assembly in two dimensions. The center shaft includes a first and a second bore extending inwardly from each end of the center shaft or a single bore all the way through the shaft. The first and second bores are adapted to receive and secure one or more axial weights and balance the assembly in a third dimension.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments there is provided a method and/or system for operating an aircraft, including (a) before an aircraft is loaded with passengers and luggage, performing a first measuring to measure a load on front landing gear strut(s) and rear landing gear strut(s) in order to obtain first weight data; and (b) after the aircraft has been loaded with passengers and luggage, performing a second measuring to measure a load on front landing gear strut(s) and rear landing gear strut(s) in order to obtain second weight data. Then, the first weight data is subtracted from the second weight data, while optionally compensating for fuel added to the aircraft between the times of the first and second measuring steps, in order to determine a total weight of the passengers and luggage on the aircraft. This total weight can be used in determining whether or not the plane is overloaded.

Abstract: A work machine may have a payload overload control system. The system may include a payload carrier and a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the payload carrier. The system may further include a payload monitor configured to determine a payload in the payload carrier. The system may also include a controller configured to compare the determined payload with a predetermined maximum payload and to selectively control lift of the payload carrier by the lift mechanism based on the comparison between the determined payload and the predetermined maximum payload.

Abstract: A driver load measuring method, device, and program, and a storage medium for storing the program for accurately measuring a load on a driver driving a vehicle accompanied by attitude changes.

Abstract: A method and the associated device for ascertaining the center-of-gravity height of a motor vehicle, in which a variable representing the rolling motion of the vehicle about its roll axis oriented in the vehicle longitudinal direction is ascertained, a variable representing the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is ascertained, the center-of-gravity height is ascertained from the variable representing the rolling motion and the variable representing the lateral acceleration, the center-of-gravity height is ascertained only in predefined driving conditions, the change in the roll rate per unit of time entering into the ascertainment of the predefined driving conditions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed for hidden spokes placement of balancing weights on a wheel, having a hub, a rim and the hub and the rim being connected by several spokes, comprising determination of spoke configuration data. Now, it is possible to analyze spoke configuration and width of the spokes in details, enabling the weight splitting behind spokes even if spokes are forked, oblique, not equidistant, or they have different dimension.

Abstract: A method for balancing vibrations in a rotating machine is provided. The rotating machine has a first and a second plane of imbalance. The method includes determining a first set of solution mass vectors that includes a first solution mass vector for the first plane and a first solution mass vector for the second plane. Each first solution mass vector includes a mass and a phase angle. A first phase difference between a phase angle of the first solution mass vector for the first plane and a phase angle for the first solution mass vector for the second plane is calculated. The first phase difference is compared to a pre-selected value. If the first phase difference is less than the pre-selected value, the first set of solution mass vectors is retained. The first set of solution mass vectors is then incremented to create a second set of solution mass vectors that includes a second solution mass vector for the first plane and a second solution mass vector for the second plane.

Abstract: A system that detects a lateral acceleration and roll rate of the vehicle and estimates a mass distribution parameter. The system then generates a tuned mass distribution parameter that is based on the the lateral acceleration, the roll rate, and the mass distribution parameter and introduces the tuned mass distribution parameter to a rollover stability control system.

Abstract: Three-dimensional parameters of a tire are measured dynamically in a non-contact way using laser vision technology. Two laser vision sensors are used, which are calibrated and then used for practical measurement. The system offers a wide measuring range, high accuracy and high efficiency, even though the tire is moving, and it minimizes the size of the measuring apparatus, and reduces the cost of the apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimized position between the tire and rim of a wheel to improve operation smoothness of the wheel. Measurements are conducted to determine respective effects of wheel imbalance and non-uniformities contributed by the tire and rim at different rotational positions. An index vector representing the respective effects is defined. The optimized position is determined based on an observation of changes of the index vector relative to the changes of respective effects of wheel imbalance and non-uniformities contributed by the tire and rim at different rotational positions. The relative position between the tire and rim is adjusted according to the optimized position to achieve better operation of the wheel.

Abstract: A projecting direction control system for a vehicle headlamp comprises a wheel-speed detecting means for detecting left and right wheel speeds and a posture decision means for calculating centrifugal force from the left and right wheel speeds obtained by the wheel-speed detecting means, difference between the wheel speeds, and characteristic information of the vehicle including vehicle width and vehicle weight so as to apprehend a rolling condition. The rolling condition can be recognized accurately from the direction and strength of the centrifugal force by calculating the centrifugal force during turning motion.

Abstract: A vehicle weight estimating device includes an acceleration detecting portion, a driving force estimating, a filtered acceleration obtaining means portion for eliminating a low frequency component from the detected acceleration, a filtered driving force obtaining portion for eliminating a low frequency component from the estimated driving force, an acceleration integrating portion for obtaining an acceleration integration, a driving force integrating portion for obtaining a driving force integration, a vehicle weight estimating for estimating the vehicle weight based on the acceleration integration and the driving force integration, a vehicle weight averaging portion for averaging the estimated vehicle weight, a limiter determining portion for setting an limiter initial value, an upper limiter and a lower limiter and setting an initial area framed by each limiter, and a vehicle weight correcting portion for correcting the vehicle weight averaged based on the initial area.

Abstract: A method and system for determining weight and/or position of a vehicle seat occupant to be used for controlling the reaction of a safety restraint system. A plurality of spaced weight sensors are disposed between a seating surface and seat mounting surface to provide output signals indicative of an applied weight on each sensor. The sensors are spaced such that the sensors measure the weight applied to a seat back and the seating surface. A controller calculates the weight and/or position of the seat occupant in response to the output signals of the sensors. The controller sends the weight and position of the seat occupant to the safety restraint system to be used to tailor or suppress the reaction of the safety restraint system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile working machine, particularly a mobile concrete pump, comprising a device for monitoring the stability thereof when in operation. The working machine comprises a chassis (10), which contains a supporting structure with two front and two rear support struts (20). The support struts can be extended out of a transporting position and into at least one supporting position and each can be supported on a surface (28) by a telescopic supporting jack or foot (26). The working machine additionally comprises a working boom (14), which can be extended out of a transporting position and into working positions that project beyond the chassis, which can rotate about a vertical axis that is fixed with regard to the chassis, and which is preferably provided in the form of a concrete distributing boom. Measuring devices for determining the respective supporting load are arranged in the area of the supporting foot and their output signals are sent to a stability monitoring device.

Abstract: An occupant weight detecting device includes a load detector provided at a seat body and detecting load applied to the seat body and an occupant detector for detecting an occupant sitting on the seat body based on the load detected by the load detector. The occupant detector includes a load calculator for calculating the load based on a detected value detected by the load detector, a load area determination device for determining a load area by comparing the load with a predetermined threshold, and an occupant determination device for determining a type of occupant sitting on the seat body based on the load area.

Abstract: System for monitoring vehicle operating conditions and parameters and issuing warnings to the operator when a predetermined vehicle status is present. The predetermined vehicle status includes a variety of unsafe driving conditions and is responsive to a changing center of gravity. The warnings include visual, audible and tactile feedback. By way of the tactile feedback, the system can affect the operator's operation of the vehicle to prevent vehicle instability, rollover, loss of vehicle control or other unsafe driving conditions from occurring.

Abstract: Mass of a payload delivered to a water-borne vessel is provided with high accuracy and without the need for human measurement or the need for personnel to enter the water. The draft of the vessel in an unloaded or empty condition is compared to a loaded or loading condition. A plurality of sensors positioned about the perimeter of the vessel's deck at a height above the waterline produce signals representative of their height above the waterline. These signals are then transmitted to a processor, which calculates the volume and mass of the payload utilizing volumetric equations and the payload's known density. In one embodiment, the sensors are coupled to radio transmitting devices that transmit the signals to the processor.

Abstract: A method for providing a centering check for a rotating body mounted on a wheel balancer based on measuring at least one imbalance parameter and for determining weight display thresholds for static and dynamic imbalance correction weights which vary with parameters of the wheel and/or tire. The rotating body is mounted on a spindle of the wheel balancer and an imbalance parameter or runout measurement taken. The mounting of the rotating body on the spindle is then altered, and a second measurement of the imbalance parameter or runout is taken. A processor in the wheel balancer determines if the difference between the first and second measurements exceeds a predetermined threshold value, indicative of off-center mounting of the rotating body one the spindle. Upon centered mounting of the rotating body, imbalance measurements are acquired, and required correction weights are displayed to an operator if they exceed an identified imbalance threshold level.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, a computer usable medium including a program, and a system for determining a vehicle payload condition. The method and computer usable medium include the steps of determining a first payload-state parameter, a second payload-state parameter, and at least one roll value. A first differential is determined based on the first payload-state parameter and the second payload-state parameter. A second differential is determined based on the first payload-state parameter and the roll value. A multiplier is determined. A payload estimate is determined based on the first payload differential, the second payload differential, and the multiplier. The system includes means for achieving the method steps of the invention.

Abstract: A process for monitoring load conditions on a lifting machine having a rated load moment includes determining an actual load moment of the lifting machine due a weighted load. The actual load moment may be determined by measuring a tilt pressure within a hydraulic tilt cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the actual load moment from the tilt pressure within the hydraulic tilt cylinder. The location of a center of gravity of the weighted load is also determined by measuring a lift pressure within a hydraulic lift cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the weight of the weighted load from the lift pressure. Once the weight is determined, the location of the center of gravity of the weighted load may be found using the actual load moment and the calculated weight.

Abstract: Method for estimating the mass of a vehicle which is being driven on a road with varying gradient, comprising the following method steps: measurement of the vehicle's speed for generating input data for a calculation device; measurement of a variable which comprises a longitudinal force acting on the vehicle for generating input data for a calculation device, and method for estimating the gradient of a road on which a vehicle is being driven, comprising the following method steps: measurement of the vehicle's speed for generating input data for a calculation device; measurement of a variable which comprises a longitudinal force acting on the vehicle for generating input data for a calculation device.

Abstract: A system allowing for an integrated flight loads balancing process at one or more time instances of a flight maneuver of an aircraft includes a processor and a plurality of resources. Additionally, the system includes a resource integration program that is executable by the processor. Upon execution by the processor, the resource integration program operates to integrate the plurality of resources so that the integrated resources are accessible to the system while balancing the flight loads at the one or more time instances.