Vehicle wheels and methods of making vehicle wheels are provided. A vehicle wheel comprises a generally annular first region, a second region, and a flange extension. The first region comprises an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat. The second region extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The flange extension extends from the first region in a direction away from the second region. The flange extension comprises a first extension end integral with the first region, a second extension end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end. The elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end.

A method for producing a motor vehicle rim made of an aluminum alloy for a wheel of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle rim having a rim base limited on opposite sides by an outer horn and an inner horn, a hub with a central recess and a hole circle, and a rim center connecting the rim base and the hub to one another. The motor vehicle rim is produced in one piece and continuously in a casting mold by die casting of a casting material, the casting material being the aluminum alloy.

A hybrid vehicle includes an electric motor, an engine including an exhaust gas purifying unit, and an engine clutch disposed between the electric motor and the engine. A method of controlling the hybrid vehicle includes determining a driving environment condition including a first condition related to at least a driving load when a request for operating the exhaust gas purifying unit is received, determining a state of the engine clutch and an operation condition of the exhaust gas purifying unit when the exhaust gas purifying means operates according to the result of determining the driving environment condition, and operating the exhaust gas purifying unit while maintaining the determined state of the engine clutch when the driving environment condition is satisfied.

The invention relates to a wheel, especially for motor vehicles, comprising a wheel rim and a wheel disc, the wheel rim having a rim base made of fiber composite material. The invention is characterized in that the wheel disc (3, 11, 20, 29, 40) can be indirectly connected to the wheel rim (1), in particular the rim base (2), by means of a connecting element (5, 14, 22, 31, 35, 42) which is designed and associated with the rim base (2) in such a way that the connected wheel disc (3, 11, 20, 29, 40) is not in contact with the rim base (2).

A cover for a vehicle having a first compartment and a second compartment includes a first section, a second section and an intermediate section. The first section includes at least one connector and is adapted to overlie the first compartment. The second section includes at least one connector and the intermediate section is located between the first section and the second section. In a first position the cover defines a first effective surface area, and the first section is in a first position, the second section is in a first position, and the intermediate section is not parallel to the first section and second section. In a second position, the cover defines a second effective surface area that is less than the first effective surface area, and either or both of the first section and the second section is in a second position.

A self-contained, compact camera wash system 1000 for a drone 800 or as an automotive aftermarket kit 1101 uses a pressurized container 1002 similar to a common aerosol can to supply washer fluid to a washer nozzle 1020 via actuable valving. The fluid supply container is small for use with drone cameras (e.g., ˜15 ml in volume) and is readily packaged in a compact assembly. For the automotive aftermarket kit 1101 a larger volume container volume is provided and configured to be easily replaced as needed.

A mobile work system and methods for operationally receiving a work performing and/or energy delivering attachment. A work platform is powered by a power output device and includes a source of electricity for powering the attachment. The platform has a first end and a second end generally opposite the first end. A first attachment interface is connected to the first end, and a second attachment interface, substantially operationally equivalent to the first attachment interface, is connected to the second end. The first end of the platform also includes a first steering mechanism, and the second end includes a second steering mechanism substantially operationally equivalent to the first steering mechanism, whereby the platform is configured to be propelled and steered in a first direction and propelled and steered in a second direction generally opposite the first direction by the first and second steering mechanisms, respectively.

A vehicular wheel assembly defines an axis of rotation and includes a wheel having an inner hub, an outer rim, and a plurality of hollow spokes. The outer rim defines an outer circumference. Each hollow spoke of the plurality of hollow spokes extends between the inner hub and the outer rim and includes a wall that at least partially defines a hollow chamber. The outer rim defines a plurality of openings that are each in fluid communication with one of the hollow chambers and each of the openings includes a tuning member.

A vibration absorber for vehicle wheels is capable of absorbing and attenuating vibration of a vehicle wheel and of increasing a vibration absorption capability of the wheel without changing the external appearance and design of the wheel. The vibration absorber includes a vibration absorption unit mounted on a back surface of a center cap of the vehicle wheel to absorb a first vibration in an axial direction of the wheel transmitted through the center cap.

An axle tube assembly includes an axle tube, a first tube reinforcement apparatus disposed in the axle tube at one end and a second identical tube reinforcement apparatus disposed into the axle tube at the second end the reinforcement apparatuses welded in place to the axle tube, a first spindle assembly coupled to the first tube reinforcement apparatus, a second spindle assembly coupled to the second tube reinforcement apparatus, and an elongated connector rod or tube connected to the first and second reinforcement apparatuses inside the axle tube and disposed between the reinforcement apparatuses the first and second spindle assemblies having spindle bodies welded to the cylindrical ends of the axle tube.