A vehicle shutter device includes first and second flaps, one actuator, and a link mechanism. The link mechanism includes a connecting rod that couples the flaps to each other such that the flaps rotate in synchronization with each other. The shutter device is provided with stoppers configured to prohibit each of the flaps from being displaced beyond a normal opening and closing range when the link mechanism is in a normal state. When coupling between the connecting rod and the first flap is released in the first pivotally attaching portion in a state where coupling between the connecting rod and the second flap is maintained in the second pivotally attaching portion, the actuator is allowed to rotate beyond a normal rotation range of the actuator corresponding to the normal opening and closing ranges of the first and second flaps.

A multiply-redundant system that prevents a driver from starting and/or moving a vehicle if a compressed natural gas fill system is not correctly and completely disconnected from the vehicle. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to lock-out the vehicle's ignition or otherwise prevent it from starting and/or moving. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used with the lowest level having a single proximity sensor sensing the presence or absence of a high-pressure fill hose. The highest level of safety being achieved by having separate proximity sensors on the fuel fill hose fitting, the gas cap cover and a manual safety valve along with a redundant microswitch. An optional override that may be restricted as to the number of times it can be used can allow starting with a faulty sensor in order to allow maintenance.

A control system in a vehicle includes a sensor and a control module. The sensor is programmed to detect an impact to the vehicle while the vehicle is in a key-off state and output an impact signal in response to detecting the impact. The control module is programmed to activate in response to the impact signal, receive a condition signal identifying a vehicle condition, and prevent at least one vehicle operation based at least in part on the condition signal.

When an engine is in a stopped state and a rotation speed of a first rotating electric machine is not within a range in which the engine can be started by a drag torque generated by three-phase-short-circuit control, an electronic control unit performs transmission control of an automatic transmission such that the rotation speed of the first rotating electric machine falls within the range.

An emergency steering control apparatus of a four-wheel independent steering system includes a sensor module to detect a malfunction in a steering system of a vehicle provided with a wheel independent steering system and a processor to, when at least one leading wheel in a direction of movement of the vehicle malfunctions during forward movement or reverse movement of the vehicle, control normal wheels located opposite the at least one malfunctioning wheel in the direction of the movement so that the vehicle turns in an intended direction for emergency parking.

A method for operating a braking system, wherein a switchable connection between two connection points is open in normal operation, and a voltage difference across the switchable connection is reduced by recuperation before said switchable connection is closed, which serves to compensate for a disturbance in an on-board electrical system. As a result, it is possible to avoid excess currents in the event of the closing of the switchable connection.

Using an estimated electric angle calculated by an electric angle estimation unit, a PWM control unit controls an output of a motor generator (MG2) having an abnormality of a resolver. The electric angle estimation unit converts, into an estimated rotation angle speed, a rotation speed of MG2 estimated from rotation speeds of an engine and a normal motor generator mechanically coupled to MG2. The estimated electric angle is calculated by correcting a sum of the estimated electric angle in a previous control period and an estimated electric angle change amount between the previous control period and a present control period obtained from the estimated rotation angle speed, with a calculated and estimated electric angle error. The electric angle error is estimated from a control command for an inverter and an actual current value detected by a current sensor.

A latch and fail-safe mechanism suitable for use with an industrial cart, dolly, trailer or other types mobile platforms or carriers. According to an embodiment, the latch comprises a housing or enclosure, a latch mechanism, a hitch hook and a fail-safe mechanism. The housing includes a back-plate configured to attach the latch to a mounting bracket or frame plate on the cart. The latch mechanism is operatively coupled to the hitch hook and configured to bias the hitch hook in a closed or engaging position. The fail-safe mechanism is operatively coupled to the hitch hook and configured to bias and maintain the hitch hook in the closed position in the event of failure of the latch mechanism.

A system for managing refueling and charging of a plug-in hybrid vehicle is provided to prevent charging from being performed simultaneously with refueling to prevent accidents attributable to the occurrence of gas fumes and static electricity. The system includes a plurality of input units configured to receive instructions for refueling and charging a battery. A fueling/charging controller is configured to determine whether a process for refueling and a process for charging the battery are progressing and to start a process that corresponds to the instruction input from any one of the plurality of input units when neither the process for refueling nor the process for charging the battery is progressing.

A multiply-redundant system that prevents a driver from starting and/or moving a vehicle if a compressed natural gas fill system is not correctly and completely disconnected from the vehicle. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to lock-out the vehicle's ignition or otherwise prevent it from starting and/or moving. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used with the lowest level having a single proximity sensor sensing the presence or absence of a high-pressure fill hose. The highest level of safety being achieved by having separate proximity sensors on the fuel fill hose fitting, the gas cap cover and a manual safety valve along with a redundant microswitch. An optional override that may be restricted as to the number of times it can be used can allow starting with a faulty sensor in order to allow maintenance.