Showing papers by "Toyota published in 1997"

Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene−Clay Hybrids

Abstract: Polypropylene (PP)−clay hybrids (PPCH) have been prepared by simple melt-mixing of three components, i.e., PP, maleic anhydride modified polypropylene oligomers (PP-MA), and clays intercalated with stearylammonium. The dispersibility of 10-A-thick silicate layers of the clays in the hybrids was investigated by using a transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. It is found that there are two important factors to achieve the exfoliated and homogeneous dispersion of the layers in the hybrids: (1) the intercalation capability of the oligomers in the layers and (2) the miscibility of the oligomers with PP. Almost complete hybrids were obtained in the case where the PP-MA has both intercalation capability and miscibility. The hybrids exhibit higher storage moduli compared to those of PP especially in the temperature range from Tg to 90 °C. The highest relative storage modulus at 80 °C of the hybrid based on a mica and the miscible PP-MA is as high as 2.0 to that of PP and is 2.4 to that of the ...

Synthesis and properties of polyimide-clay hybrid films

Abstract: Polyimide-clay hybrid films with four different sizes of clay minerals have been synthesized to investigate the effect of the size of clay minerals to the properties of the hybrids. Hectrite, saponite, montmorillonite, and synthetic mica were used as clay minerals. Those clays consist of stacked silicate sheets about 460 A (hectrite), 1650 A (saponite), 2180 A (montmorillonite), and 12300 A (synthetic mica) in length, 10 A in thickness. The longer the length of clay mineral was, the more effectively properties of polyimide were improved. In the case of polyimide-mica hybrid, only 2 wt % addition of synthetic mica brought permeability coefficients of water vapor to value less than one-tenth of that of ordinary unfilled polyimide, and thermal expansion coefficient was lowered at the level of 60% of the original one. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 2289–2294, 1997

Synthesis of polypropylene oligomer—clay intercalation compounds

Abstract: The synthesis of polypropylene (PP) oligomer—clay intercalation compounds was studied by using three kinds of PP oligomers and organophylic clay. PP oligomers were two types of maleic-anhydride-modified PP oligomers containing different amount of maleic anhydride groups and one type of hydroxy modified PP oligomer. Organophylic clay was sodium-ion-exchanged montmorillonite with octadecylammonium ion (C18—Mt). PP oligomer was mixed with C18—Mt at 200°C. Maleic-anhydride-modified PP oligomer, which was of high acid value type, and hydroxy-modified PP oligomer were intercalated between silicate layers of clay; and PP oligomer—clay intercalation compounds were synthesized successfully. But maleic-anhydride-modified PP oligomer, which was of low acid value type, was not intercalated. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 1781–1785, 1997

Power output apparatus and method of controlling the same

Abstract: A power output apparatus of the invention includes a clutch motor (30) and an assist motor (40) that allow energy output from an engine (50) driven at a driving point of high efficiency to be converted to energy expressed as the product of a revolving speed and a torque of a drive shaft (22) and to be output to the drive shaft (22). In case that a large torque is required, for example, when the vehicle starts on a rising slope or runs at a low speed, the engine (50) is driven at a high-energy driving point having a large torque and a high efficiency. This structure causes large electric power to be generated by excess energy greater than the energy generally consumed and enables a battery (94) to be charged with the large electric power. The power output apparatus of the invention further has functions of predicting the process of charging the battery (94) with the large electric power based on a driving state of the vehicle and topographical information and lowering the remaining charge of the battery (94) in advance according to the requirements. This process effectively prevents the battery (94) from being damaged with excess charging.

Human-robot contact in the safeguarding space

Abstract: In this paper, we discuss a human-robot (H-R) coexistent system which allows H-R contact actions in the safeguarding space mechanically bounded by the human pain tolerance limit. The first half of this paper describes our study on the evaluation of the human pain tolerance limit which determines an individual's safeguarding space. We also show the human-safety-oriented design of a robot. The robot is covered with a viscoelastic material to achieve both impact force attenuation and contact sensitivity, keeping within the human pain tolerance limit. The robot, with simple direct-drive (DD) motor torque detection and emergency stop capabilities, automatically stops whenever any severe H-R contact occurs. In the second half of the paper, we propose a more efficient H-R system, which allows H-R contact for improving work efficiency, as long as the contact does not exceed the human pain tolerance limit. For this purpose, a robot is controlled to reduce its velocity with high reliability at an incipient stage of its contact with a human. Through experiments, we demonstrate the validity and efficient utility of the safeguarding space. The first experiment verifies that the developed robot exerts a contact force less than the human pain tolerance limit establishing the safeguarding space. The second experiment comparatively shows the robot's velocity reduction to accept a safe contact with the human in the space.

Angular velocity detecting apparatus of a vibration type

Abstract: To suppress dispersion of detection sensitivity due to a change in ambient temperature in a vibration type angular velocity detecting apparatus. An angular velocity detecting apparatus comprising a vibrator, excitation means for exciting the vibrator, detecting means for detecting an amplitude of vibration based on Coriolis' force occurring with rotation of the vibrator excited to vibrate by the excitation means, and angular velocity calculating means for calculating an angular velocity of the rotation from a magnitude of the amplitude detected by the detecting means, wherein in an X, Y, and Z, three-dimensional, orthogonal coordinate space, the vibrator has a vibrator base extending in the X-direction on the XY plane, two first vibrating bars projecting in the direction of +Y from the vibrator base and at substantially symmetric positions with respect to a Y-directional axis passing a central portion of the vibrator base, two second vibrating bars projecting in the direction of -Y from the vibrator base and at the same X-directional positions as the two first vibrating bars, and a single supporting rod having prescribed torsional rigidity, projecting from the central portion of the vibrator base, and fixed at the tip thereof to a body to be detected.

Giant magneto-impedance effect in layered thin films

Abstract: Giant Magneto-Impedance (GMI) of films with a layered structure has been studied. They are Co-Si-B/Cu/Co-Si-B, Co-Si-B/Ag/Co-Si-B, and Fe-Co-Si-B/Cu/Fe-Co-Si-B with a magnetic closed-loop structure. They also have a certain magnetic configuration, for which the uniaxial anisotropy is perpendicular to both the driving current and the external field. Consequently, both reactance X and resistance R of the films change remarkably due to the external field in the frequency range from 100 kHz to 10 MHz, at which the GMI effect hardly appears in the single layer films of the same thickness. The conductivity difference between the outer and inner layers is important in order to achieve a high impedance change ratio in this frequency range. As a result, the ratios /spl Delta/Z/|Z/sub 0/|=(Z/sub maximum/-Z/sub [Hext=0]/)/Z/sub [Hext=0]/ of Co-Si-B/Ag/Co-Si-B films are 440% for a field of 9 Oe at 10 MHz, and the average sensitivity is 49%/Oe. Furthermore, /spl Delta/Z/|Z/sub 0/| of Co-Si-B/Cu/Co-Si-B and Co-Si-B/Ag/Co-Si-B films at 1 MHz is as much as 140%, and the average sensitivity reaches 15%/Oe. The sensitivity at 1 MHz is higher than that of single-layer magneto-impedance films of the same thickness by three orders of magnitude.

Positional information providing system and apparatus

Abstract: An information center (10) provides a terminal (22) with the positional information, when requested by the terminal (22), on the position of facility such as a parking lot as relative position data using a feature object such as its access road. The terminal (22) corrects the facility position by computing the difference between the received position of the feature object and the position of the feature object in its own map database (24), using a map matching computer (34). The terminal (22) sends again relative data on another road if the feature object is not stored in its map database (24).

Integrated Robust Control of Active Rear Wheel Steering and Direct Yaw Moment Control

Abstract: SUMMARY An integrated control system of active rear wheel steering (4WS) and direct yaw moment control (DYC) is presented in this paper. Because of the tire nonlinearity that is mainly due to the saturation of cornering forces, vehicle handling performance is improved but limited to a certain extent only by steering control. Direct yaw moment control using braking and/or driving forces is effective not only in linear but also nonlinear ranges of tire friction circle. The proposed control system is a model matching controller which makes the vehicle follow the desired dynamic model by the state feedback of both yaw rate and side slip angle. Various computer simulations are carried out and show that vehicle handling performance is much improved by the integrated control system.

Method of and apparatus for refroming fuel and fuel cell system with fuel-reforming apparatus incorporated therein

Abstract: Methanol supplied as a raw fuel is mixed with water, vaporized in an evaporator 24, and supplied to a reformer 22 as a raw fuel gas. The reformer 22 also receives a supply of the compressed air from an air tank 36. The raw fuel gas is mixed with the compressed air in the reformer 22. An oxidation reaction of methanol supplied as the raw fuel proceeds in the reformer 22 to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide, while a steam reforming reaction of methanol simultaneously proceeds in the reformer 22 to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The amount of heat required for the endothermic reforming reaction can be supplied by the oxidation reaction of methanol. No external heat source is accordingly required in the reformer 22 to supply the heat required for the reforming reaction.

Control system for controlling the behavior of a vehicle based on accurately detected route information

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a route information detector, which detects route information for the vehicle, and behavior control system, which is controlled by the route information detector and which controls the behavior of the vehicle. The control system also includes a means for detecting the accuracy of the detection of the route information, and a changing controller which changes the control of the behavior control system based on the accuracy of the detection of the route information. In this case, the behavior control system can be a transmission, a suspension system, a brake system, a steering system, an engine, or an auto drive control system. The behavior control system is controlled by control patterns that can be changed by a changing controller.

Variable valve timing mechanism for internal combustion engine

Abstract: A variable valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine varies the valve timing by varying the rotation phase of the camshaft with respect to a reference rotation phase of the drive shaft of the engine The mechanism has a first rotation member and a second rotation member The first rotation member rotates in fixed synchronism with the drive shaft and has at least one recess therein The second rotation member is located within the first rotation member and rotates integrally with the camshaft The second rotation member has a vane within the recess The vane is movable between two walls of the recess and divides the recess into first and second pressure chambers Hydraulic fluid pressure causes relative rotation of the second rotation member with respect to the first rotation member by applying pressure to the first and second pressure chambers to move the vane The mechanism further has a lock device The lock device restricts the relative rotation of the second rotation member with respect to the first rotation member such that the vane is kept between the two recess walls when the engine is cranking The lock device is released after the engine reaches a predetermined running condition

Hybrid vehicle drive system having a drive mode using both engine and electric motor

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, having a power drive state in which there is available a power drive mode in which an engine and an electric motor are both operated as a drive power source for driving the vehicle, and wherein a manually operated power drive selector is provided for selecting the power drive mode, and a power drive restricting device is provided to inhibit the vehicle from being driven in the power drive state and therefore in the power drive mode if the power drive selector is not manually operated The hybrid drive system may have an engine assist drive mode in which the electric motor is operated as an auxiliary drive power source, together with the engine operated as a primary drive power source, according to a selected one of different drivability modes of the vehicle selected by a manually operated drivability performance selector

Apparatus for controlling electric generator of hybrid drive vehicle to control regenerative brake depending upon selected degree of drive source brake application

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a drive source brake force to be applied to a hybrid drive vehicle including an engine (10), an electric motor (12), and a transmission (26), the apparatus including a manually operated member (88) for selecting one of different degrees of application of a drive source brake to the vehicle, an electric generator (12) driven by a kinetic energy of the vehicle to generate an electric energy and apply as the drive source brake a regenerative brake force corresponding to the generated electric energy to the vehicle, and an electricity generation control device (64, Q2-4, Q2-5, Q2-6) for controlling the electric energy generated by the electric generator, depending upon the selected degree of the drive source brake application. The apparatus may include a shift control device (64, Q2-8, Q2-9, Q2-10) for changing the speed ratio of the transmission so that an engine brake force produced by the engine as the drive source brake is controlled depending upon the selected degree of the drive source brake application. The regenerative brake or engine brake is selectively applied depending upon stored electric energy amount.

System for planning and revising an itinerary based on intended travel time and expected consumption time

Abstract: An itinerary preparing system capable of easily preparing a complete travel plan that efficiently incorporates desired visiting places. A user inputs from a terminal an intended travel time of a trip together with visiting place information. Based on the visiting place information, a calculating section for calculating an expected consumption time in an information center calculates an expected consumption time for transportation to reach a visiting place or an expected length of stay thereat. An excess/shortage determining section compares the intended travel time with the total expected consumption time of the trip, and adjusts the intended travel time or the total consumption time based on the comparison result. Consequently, an itinerary preparing section makes a travel plan and transmits it to the terminal via an I/O section. When the received itinerary is approved at the terminal, the information center revises the itinerary by filling in free time of the itinerary. When the revised itinerary is sent back to the terminal and approved, a final itinerary is provided.

Emergency calling system

Abstract: A Mayday contact address database (20) is connected to a navigation control (10). The Mayday contact address database (20) stores emergency contacts which shall be given an emergency report in what priority according to factors such expressway, ordinary road, human involved accident or damage only accident. Therefore, emergency reports can be made in an appropriate order according to the Mayday contact database (20). Transmission methods can be determined according to stored data. By transmitting a Mayday standby call from a two-way communications device (22) to a Mayday center (24), the Mayday center (24) presumes the occurrence of an emergency if no reset call has been received within a predetermined time.

Composite oxide, composite oxide carrier and catalyst

Abstract: The composite oxide and the composite oxide carrier are manufactured by the precursor forming step and firing step. The precursor forming step includes high speed mixing means. The composite oxide catalyst is obtained by preparing a composite of catalytic components simultaneously with the formation of the precursor of composite oxide in the step of forming the precursor of composite oxide. The composite oxide and the composite oxide carrier are composed of a composite oxide in which at least one of cerium and zirconium, and aluminium disperse with extremely high homogeneity. With this structure, the heat resistance of the carrier is improved and consequently, enlargement of particles of the composite oxide defining the carrier, and sintering of adjacent particles of the composite oxide can be restrained, whereby the catalyst using the composite oxide carrier in accordance with the present invention is excellent in heat resistance. With the present invention, the carrier is not limited to a general catalyst carrier. The carrier may be interpreted to indicate general formed bodies. For example, the carrier with the present invention can be also used as materials for sensors and electrodes, optical materials, semiconductors and structure materials. Furthermore, the carrier can be used for a three-way catalyst, NOx catalyst or oxidation catalyst or a part thereof, and a promoter.

Malignant histiocytosis‐like B‐cell lymphoma, a distinct pathologic variant of intravascular lymphomatosis: a report of five cases and review of the literature

Abstract: Malignant histiocytosis (MH)-like B-cell lymphoma (BCL) is a neoplastic proliferation of large B cells clinically characterized by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, haemophagocytosis and abnormal laboratory data, without lymphadenopathy or skin lesions. Interestingly, most cases have been reported in Asian patients, and it is unclear whether MH-like BCL is biologically distinct from conventional large B-cell lymphomas. We report five Japanese patients with MH-like BCL. Biopsied specimens of bone marrow, liver and/or spleen showed infiltration of neoplastic B cells accompanied by haemophagocytosing histiocytes. Lymphoma cells were positive for CD19, CD20 and HLA-DR surface antigens, and negative for CD5 and CD10. In four cases elevated serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and the soluble IL-2 receptor isoform were noted, but not IL-1beta, IL-2 or tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Autopsies of two cases were pathologically diagnosed as intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL). Based on these observations, the current and nine previous cases reported as MH-like BCL in Japan were re-evaluated. They appear to form a peculiar variant of IVL, characterized by bone marrow involvement at presentation, haemophagocytic syndrome, and a rapidly aggressive clinical course, but rarely neurological complications or skin lesions. This variant may merit separate consideration because of the problems posed in the initial diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.

Air bag for side air bag device

Abstract: An air bag (11) for side air bag devices, which ensures a tension line (L - L) upon expansion while making the device (M1) small in size and lightweight. An air bag (11) is mounted to a peripheral edge of a door opening (W) inside a car room, has a gas inflow portion (19) for passing therethrough an expansion gas, and is adapted to expand to a bag-shape of substantially rectangular plate to cover the door opening. The air bag is provided with joints (22) which partially connect an inside wall portion (12) and an outside wall portion (13) with each other so as to form a tension line (L - L) upon expansion. The respective joints (22) are provided adjacently along the tension line to cross the tension line, and disposed substantially intermediately in a vertical direction so that an expansion chamber (18) produced upon expansion is divided into upper and lower spaces (18a, 18b) in the vertical direction for allowing the expansion gas to flow.

Hybrid drive system wherein planetary gear mechanism is disposed radially inwardly of stator coil of motor/generator

Abstract: Hybrid drive system (40, 130, 160, 200, 230, 260) for a motor vehicle, including (a) an engine (42) operated by combustion of a fuel, (b) a planetary gear mechanism (46) having a sun gear (46s) and a carrier (46c) one of which is connected to the engine, and a ring gear (46r) connected to an output member (50, 232), (c) a motor/generator (48) connected to the output member, and (d) a differential gear device (72) having output shafts (76, 78) and an input member (74) rotated by a drive force received from the output member, and wherein the motor/generator, the planetary gear mechanism and the output member are arranged coaxially with each other along a first axis (O1), and the output shafts are disposed along a second axis (O2) parallel to the first axis. The planetary gear mechanism (46) is disposed in a radially inner space provided radially inwardly of a stator coil (90) of the motor/generator, and the input member (74) includes a radially outer portion which overlaps a radially outer portion of the motor/generator in the radial direction of the motor/generator.

Silicon carbide semiconductor device with trench

Abstract: A silicon carbide semiconductor device having a high blocking voltage, low loss, and a low threshold voltage is provided. An n+ type silicon carbide semiconductor substrate 1, an n- type silicon carbide semiconductor substrate 2, and a p type silicon carbide semiconductor layer 3 are successively laminated on top of one another. An n+ type source region 6 is formed in a predetermined region of the surface in the p type silicon carbide semiconductor layer 3, and a trench 9 is formed so as to extend through the n+ type source region 6 and the p type silicon carbide semiconductor layer 3 into the n- type silicon carbide semiconductor layer 2. A thin-film semiconductor layer (n type or p type) 11a is extendedly provided on the surface of the n+ type source region 6, the p type silicon carbide semiconductor layer 3, and the n- type silicon carbide semiconductor layer 2 in the side face of the trench 9. A gate electrode layer 13 is disposed through a gate insulating layer 12 within the trench 9. A source electrode layer 15 is provided on the surface of the p type silicon carbide semiconductor layer 3 and on the surface of the n+ type source region 6, and a drain electrode layer 16 is provided on the surface of the n+ type silicon carbide semiconductor substrate 1.