The invention relates to a device for controlling a vehicle that comprises an operating component that can be moved by an operator of the vehicle, and a sensor device for providing a status signal that represents a position of the operating component and a movement signal that represents a movement of the operating component. The device also comprises a control device that is configured to provide a steering signal for actuating a steering mechanism in the vehicle based on the movement signal, when the status signal indicates a position of the operating component that is assigned to a forward driving mode of the vehicle.

A vehicle immobilization system includes a detection element operable to detect a level of an intoxicant in a user's breath. A control module is operable to receive a signal from the detection element indicating the level of intoxicant in the user's breath, and to selectively restrict operation of a vehicle based on the level of intoxicant in the user's breath exceeding a threshold. A wireless relay is operable to replace a standard relay in the vehicle, and to wirelessly communicate with the control module such that the control module is operable to control the wireless relay to selectively restrict operation of the vehicle.

A tool assembly for mounting a tailgate to a car body is provided. The tool assembly includes a bracket adapted to engage with an overhead structure and a frame movably coupled to the bracket and configured to move in a vertical direction relative to the bracket. The tool assembly also includes a linkage mechanism movably coupling the frame with the bracket and configured to maintain the frame parallel to the bracket during the vertical movement of the frame. Further, a pair of torque guns is coupled to the frame and is configured to hold a pair of fasteners. The pair of torque guns engages and tightens the pair of fasteners to the car body and a hinge attached to the tailgate.

A vehicle includes first and second electric machines constrained to rotate in unison and configured to power a common axle. A controller is programmed to, in response to activation of the vehicle, select one of the first and second speed sensors as a representative speed sensor, and, in response to the electric machines being in speed control, command speeds to the first and second electric machines based on a difference between a target speed of the electric machines and a measured speed of the representative speed sensor.

A network including a sensory assembly having a first wire coil coupled to a stationary component, and a spaced apart second wire coil coupled to a movable component. An interstice is formed between the wire coils. The stationary first wire coil is employed in a primary electrical circuit and the movable second wire coil is employed in a second electrical circuit. A magnet flux field permits at least a portion of an electrical current varied as a function of a parameter of the movable component to be transmitted between the electrical circuits.

Various embodiments are described that relate to wave transmission from a vehicle, and reception of a response to the transmitted wave. A vehicle wheel can include a sensor that transmits a radio wave in front of the vehicle. The radio wave can reflect off a non-uniformity, such as a speed bump or pothole, and be returned to the sensor. A controller can compare the transmitted wave against the returned wave to identify the existence of the non-uniformity.

A pre-collision system for an occupant protection system of a vehicle, includes a predictive sensor system, a vehicle seat, a restraint system, and an evaluation and control unit that evaluates output signals of the predictive sensor system and activates a belt tensioning function of the restraint system if the evaluation of the output signals indicates an imminent collision, where the belt tensioning function generates a tensile force in the belt, which presses a corresponding occupant into the vehicle seat, with a resulting kinetic energy of the occupant that releases a pre-trigger mechanism, which is integrated into a mounting of the vehicle seat, and that enables a blocked degree of freedom of the vehicle seat so that the entire vehicle seat tilts about a defined tilt axis in the direction of an expected impact force.

A motorcycle which provides multi-purpose high-agility hybrid power having an integrated rear-wheel structure in which a tire is mounted on an outer wheel is disclosed. An electric motor and a one-way clutch are mounted on an inner wheel. The motorcycle provides a plug-in mode and provides automatic power conversion to reduce the overload of the electric motor in an automatic driving mode.

A mower can be adaptively controlled to optimize efficiency based on loads experienced by motors that drive the cutting blades and/or based on vertical movement that a mower deck is experiencing. If the load is below a threshold, the ground speed of the mower can be increased. If the vertical movement or load exceeds a threshold, the ground speed can be reduced. The mower's performance can also be monitored to identify characteristics of an area being cut and then such characteristics can be used to further enhance the efficiency of the mower. A density map can be created based on monitored load, vertical movement and possibly other characteristics as a mower is cutting a particular area. The density map can be employed by any mower that is subsequently used to cut the same area.

An adjustable clamping mechanism for a throttle control device on a handlebar of a vehicle includes a throttle lever and a clamp assembly that retains the throttle control device at a desired angular position upon said handlebar. The clamp assembly includes a body having a main section and a secondary section, the secondary section being disposed in a slot of the main section. A clamping member provides a clamping force upon the main section and secondary section. In an engaged position of the clamping member, the clamping member provides a clamping force to retain the throttle lever in a predetermined angular orientation upon said handlebar during operation of said vehicle. In a disengaged position of the clamping member, the clamping member does not provide the clamping force in order to permit the throttle lever to rotate about a longitudinal axis of said handlebar.