Abstract: A heat exchanger integrated into an electric vehicle's battery pack enclosure is provided, where the heat exchanger conduits are mechanically and thermally coupled to the inside surface of the enclosure base plate and where the battery pack enclosure is mounted such that ambient air flows over the outside surface of the enclosure base plate during vehicle motion. A thermal management system is coupled to, and controls operation of, the integrated battery pack heat exchanger such that in a first operational mode the heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the batteries within the battery pack, and in a second operational mode the heat exchanger is thermally decoupled from the batteries within the battery pack.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and distributing side impact system for use with a vehicle is provided, the system utilizing a battery pack enclosure that includes a plurality of cross-members that transverse the battery pack enclosure and absorb and distribute at least a portion of the load received when either the first or second side of the vehicle receives a side impact. The battery pack enclosure is positioned between the front and rear vehicle suspension assemblies and mounted between, and mechanically coupled to, vehicle structural members (e.g., rocker panels) located on either side of the vehicle. In addition to providing rigidity, strength and impact resistance, the battery pack cross-members segregate the batteries contained within the battery pack enclosure into battery groups.

Abstract: A battery system is provided in which the batteries are mounted between a pair of substrates, the system further including at least one cooling tube mounted next to the batteries, the cooling tube used to withdraw heat from the batteries via a circulating liquid coolant.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and responding to exceptional charge events of series-connected energy storage elements.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and responding to exceptional charge events of series-connected energy storage elements.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and responding to exceptional charge events of series-connected energy storage elements.

Abstract: An electric circuit, including an electric load operable from an operating current; an energy storage system providing the operating current at both a first mode and a second mode with the first mode having a first current in a first range of zero to a first particular current value and with the second mode having a second current in a second range of the first particular current value to a second particular current value; and an active protection coupled to the energy storage system, the active protection dynamically reconfigurable between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode applying a first overcurrent protection rating to the operating current when the operating current is operating in the first mode and the second mode applying a second overcurrent protection rating to the operating current when the operating current is operating in the second mode.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and responding to exceptional charge events of series-connected energy storage elements.

Abstract: An MRIS gradient coil sub-assembly comprising a first coil layer comprising a first conducting coil portion, a second coil layer comprising a second conductive coil portion electrically connected with the first conductive coil portion so that the first and second conductive coil portions act together as one coil, and a B-stage material consolidation layer sandwiched between the first and second coil layers.

Abstract: A system and method for early identification of an impending fast-charge or fast-charge opportunity and use of that information to prepare the battery cells for the fast-charge.

Abstract: A magnet apparatus which comprises a first vacuum chamber, a second vacuum chamber, a first magnet disposed within the first vacuum chamber such that the first magnet can be thermally isolated from the exterior of the first vacuum chamber, and a load connector extending from the first vacuum chamber into the second vacuum chamber so that a load on the first magnet can be transferred to the second vacuum chamber, wherein the load connector is in thermal contact with the first magnet and can be thermally isolated from the exterior of the first vacuum chamber and the exterior of the second vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A method of launching a software program or application is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display. One portion of the GUI display includes a taskbar while a second portion is divided into a plurality of windows. To launch one of the programs/applications represented by the icons within the taskbar, the user first selects the icon representing the icon to be launched. Once an icon is selected, a visual cue is displayed, where the visual cue includes a plurality of mini-windows representing the plurality of display windows. When the user drags the selected icon into one of the mini-windows and then releases the icon, the selected program/application is launched in the window that corresponds to the selected mini-window.

Abstract: An audio system is provided, as well as a method of using same, which utilizes a plurality of sensors integrated into the vehicle's seats to determine which of the seats are occupied. The system selects a pre-defined optimum acoustic sweet spot from a plurality of stored acoustic sweet spots based on which seats are occupied and based on a set of acoustic optimization configuration instructions. The system automatically adjusts the left-right speaker balance controller and the front-rear speaker fade controller to the specific left-right speaker balance setting and the specific front-rear speaker fader setting defined by the optimum acoustic sweet spot. The acoustic optimization configuration instructions, which define the optimum acoustic sweet spot for each combination of occupied vehicle seats, may be stored in the system's memory by a vehicle manufacturer, third party, or end user.

Abstract: A method of automatically adjusting the ride height of a vehicle each time the vehicle is in a particular location is provided, where the automatic ride height adjustment is based on location and ride height information previously gathered from a user.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system interface is provided, as well as a method of using same, in which a visual representation of the vehicle's passenger cabin is displayed on the vehicle's touch-screen. Also displayed on the touch-screen is a touch sensitive balance slide controller and a touch sensitive fade slide controller. As the user makes left-right balance selections on the balance controller, and front-rear fader selections on the fade controller, an acoustic sweet spot designator is presented on the displayed representation of the passenger cabin. The acoustic sweet spot designator, which corresponds to the pre-determined acoustic sweet spot, is based on the combination of the current left-right balance and front-rear fader settings.

Abstract: An audio system interface is provided, as well as a method of using same, in which a visual representation of the vehicle's passenger cabin is displayed on the vehicle's touch-screen. When a user's touch registers on the visual representation of the passenger compartment, the system matches the touch with one of a plurality of pre-defined acoustic sweet spots within the passenger compartment, and then adjusts the left-right speaker balance controller and the front-rear speaker fade controller to the specific left-right speaker balance setting and the specific front-rear speaker fader setting defined by the selected acoustic sweet spot.

Abstract: A sunroof control interface, as well as a method of using the interface, is provided. The interface may use a visual representation of the vehicle's exterior and/or a slide controller to help the user to quickly identify the desired sunroof position. Preset sunroof positions are used with the control interface to simplify sunroof positioning. Assuming a touch-screen interface, the user can simply tap on the visual representation of the vehicle, or tap on the slide controller, to select a preset sunroof position. The preset sunroof position may also be selected using a mouse controller. The visual depiction of the vehicle may include a phantom sunroof overlay to further aid the user in selecting the desired sunroof position. A numerical indicator may be used with either the overlay or the slide controller to indicate the selected sunroof position relative to a fully open or fully closed sunroof.

Abstract: A method of launching a software program or application is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display. One portion of the GUI display includes a taskbar while a second portion is divided into a plurality of windows. To launch one of the programs/applications represented by the icons within the taskbar, the user first selects the icon representing the icon to be launched. When the user drags the selected icon into one of the windows and then releases the icon, the selected program/application is launched in the selected window.

Abstract: A method for controlling application windows is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display which is divided into at least first and second application windows. Various software applications may be launched in the first and second application windows. In order to switch locations of the software applications launched in the first and second application windows the user selects a swap window button, for example by tapping or clicking on a swap window icon on the GUI display.

Abstract: A sunroof control interface, as well as a method of using the interface, is provided. The interface may use a visual representation of the vehicle's exterior and/or a slide controller to help the user to quickly identify the desired sunroof position. Assuming a touch-screen interface, the user can simply tap on the visual representation of the vehicle, or tap on the slide controller, to select the desired sunroof position. The desired sunroof position may also be selected using a mouse controller. The visual depiction of the vehicle may include a phantom sunroof overlay to further aid the user in selecting the desired sunroof position. A numerical indicator may be used with either the overlay or the slide controller to indicate the selected sunroof position relative to a fully open or fully closed sunroof.

Abstract: A controller identifies a condition of a hazardous internal short by comparing patterns of series element voltages to the last known balance condition of the series elements. If the loaded or resting voltage of one or more contiguous series elements uniformly drop from the previously known condition by an amount consistent with an over-current condition, an over-current internal short circuit fault is registered. The desired response is to prevent the affected series elements from heating to a hazardous temperature by summoning the maximum heat rejection capability of the system until the short ceases and the affected elements cool, the cooling function is no longer able to operate due to low voltage, or the affected series string has drained all of its energy through the short. Also includes are responses that allow the battery pack to continue to power the cooling system even though it may enter an over-discharged state.

Abstract: An impact protection structure for a vehicle impacting a blunt-object barrier includes a support structure of the vehicle, an energy absorbing rail coupled to the support structure, and a localized energy dissipation structure. The energy absorbing rail extends an energy absorbing rail length and includes a plurality of lumens. The localized energy dissipation structure extends a localized energy dissipation structure length less than the energy absorbing rail length.

Abstract: A system and method for a shielded coaxial cable including a collar including a cylindrical housing having a cylindrical inner bore, the inner bore having top and bottom openings the top opening having a diameter about equal to an outer diameter of an outer insulating layer of the cable and the bottom opening having a diameter about equal to an outer diameter of a shield layer of the cable with a terminating portion of the shield layer exposed and returned over an exterior portion of said collar near the bottom opening with the terminating portion overlapping said exterior portion; and a termination ferrule joined to the terminating portion that overlaps the exterior portion to simultaneously provide an electrical communication between the shield layer and the collar and provide a strain relief for the shielded cable disposed within the inner bore.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a sealed housing defining a manifold having an inlet port for receiving an input fluid stream into the manifold and an outlet port for exiting an output fluid stream from the manifold; and a bleed structure having a proximal end, a distal end, and a hollow channel communicating a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening at the distal end, the distal end disposed within the manifold and the proximal end disposed in the outlet port outside of the manifold.

Abstract: A method for charging a metal-air battery pack at the maximum possible rate while maintaining an ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration is provided, thereby minimizing the risks associated with generating oxygen during the charging cycle.

Abstract: A system and method for providing energy management and maintenance of a high energy battery pack through use self-discharge features and processes. A battery pack is configured with self-discharger enabled-components that selectively discharge energy from the battery pack without the battery pack providing operational power.

Abstract: A charging method using a multiphase line voltage for charging an energy storage system (ESS) using a polyphase motor drive circuit communicated to a polyphase motor, the polyphase motor drive circuit including a plurality M of driver stages, one driver stage for each phase of the polyphase motor with each driver stage coupled across the energy storage system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing energy management and maintenance of a high energy battery pack that does not require installation of the battery pack into an operational EV. A secondary service port is provided to enable certain maintenance operations while by-passing battery pack interlocks and protection mechanisms used when the battery pack is installed into an operating environment.

Abstract: A system and method for providing energy management and maintenance of a high energy battery pack that does not require installation of the battery pack into an operational EV. A battery service unit has multiple access mechanisms to charge or discharge a high energy battery pack through a primary or secondary high voltage port of the pack, irrespective of whether the battery pack is installed into an operating environment by adding a capability of providing a signature duplicating installation of the pack in the operating environment when necessary.

Abstract: A charging system for a battery pack, including a charging station transferring energy to the battery pack at a maximum fast charge rate in a first operational mode and transferring energy to the battery pack at a slower charge rate in a second operational mode; a data collection system acquiring data indicating a state of charge of the battery pack and one or more desired charge optimization parameters; and a station control, responsive to the data and to the desired charge optimization parameters, automatically establishing a charging profile for the battery pack to assert a control signal and operate the charging station in the second operational mode whenever the charging station is able to transfer sufficient energy to the battery pack at the slower charge rate to meet an SOC target and a charge completion time target.

Abstract: A system and method for low-cost, fault tolerant, EMI robust data communications, particularly for an EV environment.

Abstract: A system and method for low-cost, fault tolerant, EMI robust data communications, particularly for an EV environment. A data communications method, including a) enabling a transmission of a wake signal from a host to a remote client through an isolator disposed at the remote client when the wake signal is asserted from the host at a host-portion of the isolator concurrent with a periodic enablement of a client-portion of the isolator by the remote client; and thereafter b) transmitting the wake signal from the host to the remote client through the isolator; c) controlling enablement of the client-portion responsive to the wake signal transmitted through the isolator; and thereafter d) disabling the transmission by deassertion of the wake signal at the host.

Abstract: A system and method for low-cost, fault tolerant, EMI robust data communications, particularly for an EV environment.

Abstract: A system and method for low-cost, fault tolerant, EMI robust data communications, particularly for an EV environment.

Abstract: A data communications system having a plurality of communication devices including a host having a first receiver and a second receiver; and one or more clients, each client including a transmitter coupled between a signal node and a transmitter node, the transmitter selectively transmitting a multistate signal from the signal node to the transmitter node; and a single conductor daisy-chain loop redundantly communicating each multistate signal from each the transmitter to both receivers, the single conductor daisy-chain loop electrically communicating each transmitter node to the receivers. A data communications method including a) transmitting selectively a multistate signal from each of one or more clients; b) communicating electrically each multistate signal to a first location on a host using a single conductor coupled to each the client; and c) communicating electrically each multistate signal to a second location on the host using the single conductor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method efficiently integrating inductive and conductive charging systems, including embodiments directed towards enabling user selection of either, or both, of conductive and inductive charging. Conductive charging and inductive charging both have, in certain contexts or when judged by different criteria, advantages over the other. Systems and methods relying on one or the other would not have as wide-spread value to a user with opportunities to access both types of charging modalities.

Abstract: A park lock of a transmission, including a park gear; a park pawl rotating about a pawl shaft, the park pawl having a pawl portion locking the park gear, the park pawl including a cam contact portion; a park rod responsive to an operation of a controller, the park rod having a cam portion pressing the cam contact portion to have park pawl engage the park gear; a park sleeve receiving the cam portion and defining a first contact point providing a reactive force to the cam contact portion of the park pawl pressing against the cam portion at a second contact point; a pawl torsional spring biasing the park pawl towards disengagement; and a pawl stopper limiting the rotation of the park pawl wherein motions are constrained within a plane of the transmission and components are rotatingly disposed in parallel axis bores in one half of a transmission case.

Abstract: An enhanced multiobject potting fixture for exposure to a curing modality that sets an adhesive includes a fixture housing supporting a plurality of objects, the fixture housing having a wall defining a plurality of bonding wells with each the bonding well receiving a first portion of one of the objects, each the bonding well including an aperture in the wall proximate the first portion wherein each bonding well includes a target zone for selective cure of the adhesive to inhibit the adhesive from exiting the aperture; and a fixture enhancement structure integrated into the wall concentrating the curing modality in each the target zone.

Abstract: An impact protection structure for a vehicle impacting a blunt-object barrier includes a support structure of the vehicle, an energy absorbing rail coupled to the support structure, and a localized energy dissipation structure. The energy absorbing rail extends an energy absorbing rail length and includes a plurality of lumens. The localized energy dissipation structure extends a localized energy dissipation structure length less than the energy absorbing rail length.

Abstract: Impact protection structures for vehicles are described. An impact protection structure includes a support structure of the vehicle, an interior rail coupled to the support structure, and an exterior rail coupled to the interior rail. The exterior rail has an inboard boundary wall positioned between an upper mounting region and a lower mounting region. The upper and the lower exterior mounting region of the exterior rail are coupled to an upper and a lower mounting region of the interior rail. At least a portion of the inboard boundary wall is spaced apart from an outboard wall of the interior rail such that when the exterior rail is impacted by a blunt-object barrier, the inboard boundary wall of the exterior rail deforms, thereby damping energy of the impact at the exterior rail and arresting crack propagation between the exterior rail and the interior rail.

Abstract: A system for detecting thermal events, e.g., thermal runaway, within a sealed battery pack based on a characterization of monitored pressure variations within the pack is provided. The system includes at least one pressure sensor coupled to the battery pack and to a pressure monitoring system that outputs pressure data representative of the battery pack pressure over time; a system controller that analyzes the pressure data and outputs a control signal when the pressure data fits a specific curve shape; and a thermal event response subsystem that performs a preset response upon receipt of the control signal from the system controller. The system may include a secondary effect monitoring system, wherein the thermal event response subsystem performs the preset response when the pressure data fits a specific curve shape and the secondary effect is detected by the secondary effect monitoring system.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the torque applied by each motor of a dual motor drive system of an all-electric vehicle is provided, the torque adjustments taking into account wheel slip as well as other vehicular operating conditions.

Abstract: An automated charge preparation method periodically determines critical parameters for the set of relevant operating conditions, determines whether fast charging is possible, applies fast charging when possible, otherwise applies a dynamically scaled charging rate that is optimized based upon current critical parameters (while optionally heating the individual battery cells as long as fast charging is not available) to reduce/eliminate a risk of lithium-plating.

Abstract: A multi-orientation cryostat 5 for a superconducting magnet 4 for use in a plurality of orientations. The cryostat 5 comprises a vessel 6 for holding cryogenic liquid and, leading away from the vessel, a quench duct 7 for allowing escape from the vessel of gas generated by boiling of the cryogenic liquid due to quenching of the magnet. The quench duct 7 is sinuous so as to provide at least to differently orientated anti-convection portions 71, each portion for functioning as an anti-convection portion with the cryostat in a respective corresponding orientation.

Abstract: A high voltage (HV) interface housing is provided that includes an assembly of levers within the housing that detect whether or not the HV lines are coupled to the interface housing. If the HV lines are not in place, the lever assembly prevents the interface cover from being fully installed onto the interface housing, thereby preventing the HV interlock loop switch from being closed. As a result, when the HV cables are not in place, the HV interlock loop switch prevents power from being applied to the HV circuit. If, however, the HV lines are properly positioned within the interface housing, the levers of the lever assembly automatically retract, thus allowing the interface cover to be fully installed onto the interface housing. In this state, the interface cover closes the HV interlock loop switch, thus closing the HV interlock loop and allowing power to be applied to the HV circuit.

Abstract: A method of setting the operational mode of an electric vehicle is provided, where the operational mode is selected from a plurality of operational modes that include at least a Battery Life mode and a Standard mode, wherein the Battery Life mode is configured to select operating and charging parameters that emphasize battery health and battery life over vehicle range and/or vehicle performance. The system includes a thermal management system for maintaining the vehicle's battery pack to within any of a plurality of temperature ranges, and a charging system for charging the vehicle's battery pack to any of a plurality of minimum and maximum SOC levels and at any of a plurality of charging rates.

Abstract: A multi-mode operating system for an electric vehicle is provided, the system including means for a user to select a preferred mode of operation from a plurality of operational modes that include at least a Battery Life mode and a Standard mode, wherein the Battery Life mode is configured to select operating and charging parameters that emphasize battery health and battery life over vehicle range and/or vehicle performance. The system includes a thermal management system for maintaining the vehicle's battery pack to within any of a plurality of temperature ranges, and a charging system for charging the vehicle's battery pack to any of a plurality of minimum and maximum SOC levels and at any of a plurality of charging rates.

Abstract: A robotic processing system includes a microprocessor-controlled workpiece processor having a mobile processing element to be positioned independently in three orthogonal dimensions with respect to each of a plurality of target locations on a workpiece, with each particular target location of the plurality of target locations including an element to be processed, the mobile processing element processing the element at each particular target location by first moving to an initial location that is offset from the particular target location in a single dimension and then second moving along the single dimension towards the element at the particular target location until a contact signal is detected; and a control, coupled to the workpiece and to the mobile processing element, communicating the contact signal to the workpiece processor when the processing element makes physical contact with the element at the particular target location.

Abstract: A controller identifies a condition of a hazardous internal short by comparing patterns of series element voltages to the last known balance condition of the series elements. If the loaded or resting voltage of one or more contiguous series elements uniformly drop from the previously known condition by an amount consistent with an over-current condition, an over-current internal short circuit fault is registered. The desired response is to prevent the affected series elements from heating to a hazardous temperature by summoning the maximum heat rejection capability of the system until the short ceases and the affected elements cool, the cooling function is no longer able to operate due to low voltage, or the affected series string has drained all of its energy through the short. Also includes are responses that allow the battery pack to continue to power the cooling system even though it may enter an over-discharged state.

Abstract: A power source comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) is provided, wherein the second battery pack is only used as required by the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first battery pack or as a result of the user selecting an extended range mode of operation. Minimizing use of the second battery pack prevents it from undergoing unnecessary, and potentially lifetime limiting, charge cycles. The second battery pack may be used to charge the first battery pack or used in combination with the first battery pack to supply operational power to the electric vehicle.