Abstract: An adaptor for electric vehicle charging connectors allows an EV to be shifted from park even though the charging connector is still connected to the charging port. As a result, a driver needs not leave the EV to unplug the charging connector. The adapter can include an inner portion housing inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions and an outer portion housing outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions. The adapter can also include a switching mechanism for selectively forming a connection between one of the outer communication pin portions and one of the inner communication pin portions. The outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions can be configured to separate from the inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions respectively when the outer portion of the adapter is separated from the inner portion of the adapter.

Abstract: Trailer electrical connector assemblies can facilitate the automatic coupling and decoupling of a trailer. A trailer electrical connector assembly can include a vehicle portion and a trailer portion. The vehicle portion can include a hitch ring that is secured to a hitch ball and guides within which contacts are positioned. The trailer portion can include a sleeve that is positioned around a coupling mechanism of the trailer and a sleeve ring that forms receivers within which contacts are positioned. When the hitch ball is inserted into the trailer's coupling mechanism, the receivers can be automatically coupled with the guides to thereby form an electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer coupler assembly facilitates the automatic coupling and decoupling of a trailer. A trailer coupler assembly can include a main body with a frontward-facing opening for receiving a rearwardly oriented trailer ball. A locking assembly can be integrated with the main body and can allow the rearwardly oriented trailer ball to insert into the frontward-facing opening to automatically secure a trailer to a vehicle. A release assembly can interface with the locking assembly to enable the rearwardly oriented trailer ball to be decoupled from the main body.

Abstract: An ejector for electric vehicle charging connectors is provided. An ejector can be configured to be secured on the inside of the charging port of an EV and to automatically eject or push the charging connector from the charging port. The ejector may include a pusher assembly that selectively extends through an opening in a housing forming the socket of the charging port. The ejector may also include a driver assembly that forces the pusher assembly through the opening to eject the charging connector while allowing the pusher assembly to be freely withdrawn when the charging connector is inserted.

Abstract: A trailer coupler assembly facilitates the automatic coupling and decoupling of a trailer. A trailer coupler assembly can include a main body with a frontward-facing opening for receiving a rearwardly oriented trailer ball. A locking assembly can be integrated with the main body and can allow the rearwardly oriented trailer ball to insert into the frontward-facing opening to automatically secure a trailer to a vehicle. A release assembly can interface with the locking assembly to enable the rearwardly oriented trailer ball to be decoupled from the main body.

Abstract: A management system for an EV charging cable is provided. The management system can be used to manage a charging cable in a location where an EV is charged while also allowing the charging cable to be quickly and easily removed for storage or for use when charging in a different location. The management system may be configured to retract the charging cable in a controlled manner to prevent damage to the cable, the management system, or surrounding structures.

Abstract: An ejector for electric vehicle charging connectors is provided. An ejector can be configured to be secured on the inside of the charging port of an EV and to automatically eject or push the charging connector from the charging port. The ejector may include a pusher assembly that selectively extends through an opening in a housing forming the socket of the charging port. The ejector may also include a driver assembly that forces the pusher assembly through the opening to eject the charging connector while allowing the pusher assembly to be freely withdrawn when the charging connector is inserted.

Abstract: An ejector for electric vehicle charging connectors is provided. An ejector can be configured to be secured on the inside of the charging port of an EV and to automatically eject or push the charging connector from the charging port. The ejector may include a pusher assembly that can be selectively retracted to allow a charging connector to be plugged into the charging port and can be selectively released to eject the charging connector from the charging port. The ejector can include a retracting assembly for selectively retracting the pusher assembly and a locking assembly for retaining the pusher assembly in the retracted position until it is desired to eject the charging connector.

Abstract: An ejector can be used to automatically eject charging connectors of electric vehicle chargers. The ejector can be configured to be secured to any of a variety of charging connectors for electric vehicles. The ejector can include an ejector mechanism that is configured to force the charging connector out from the charging port. The ejector can also include circuitry by which the ejector mechanism can be controlled via a wired and/or wireless interface.

Abstract: An ejector can be used to automatically eject charging connectors of electric vehicle chargers. The ejector can be configured to be secured to any of a variety of charging connectors for electric vehicles. The ejector can include an ejector mechanism that is configured to force the charging connector out from the charging port. The ejector can also include circuitry by which the ejector mechanism can be controlled via a wired and/or wireless interface.

Abstract: Trailer electrical connector assemblies can facilitate the automatic coupling and decoupling of a trailer. A trailer electrical connector assembly can include a vehicle portion and a trailer portion. The vehicle portion can include a hitch ring that is secured to a hitch ball and guides within which contacts are positioned. The trailer portion can include a sleeve that is positioned around a coupling mechanism of the trailer and a sleeve ring that forms receivers within which contacts are positioned. When the hitch ball is inserted into the trailer's coupling mechanism, the receivers can be automatically coupled with the guides to thereby form an electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A control system of a charging station can automatically and intelligently connect to and charge an electric vehicle's battery or otherwise provide power to a component of a vehicle. The control system can be configured to detect the position of an onboard unit on a vehicle and automatically maneuver a receiver underneath the onboard unit. The control system can then cause the onboard unit to extend and plug into the receiver. The control system can then deliver power via the receiver and onboard unit.

Abstract: A charging station can automatically and intelligently connect to and charge an electric vehicle's battery or otherwise provide power to a component of a vehicle. A charging station can be configured to detect the position of an onboard unit on a vehicle and automatically maneuver a receiver underneath the onboard unit. The charging station can then cause the onboard unit to extend and plug into the receiver. The charging station can then deliver power via the receiver and onboard unit.

Abstract: A telescoping actuator may be used with a charging station or other solution. The telescoping actuator can include a telescoping assembly that is hollow to thereby facilitate running wires or cables through the telescoping assembly. The telescoping actuator may also include a pulley system that enables the telescoping assembly to be extended and retracted without unduly occupying the hollow interior of the telescoping assembly.

Abstract: A receiver may be used with a charging station or other power delivery solution. The receiver can be configured to be maneuvered beneath a plug that is electrically coupled to a battery or other component of a vehicle. The receiver can include an opening into which the plug is inserted. The opening can form contacts for establishing an electrical connection with contacts on the plug. The receiver can include a cover that protects the contacts when the plug is not inserted into the opening.