Abstract: Level voltage levels/states of charge are maintained among a plurality of high voltage DC electrical storage devices/traction battery packs that are arrayed in series to support operation of a hybrid electric vehicle drive train. Each high voltage DC electrical storage device supports a high voltage power bus, to which at least one controllable load is connected, and at least a first lower voltage level electrical distribution system. The rate of power transfer from the high voltage DC electrical storage devices to the at least first lower voltage electrical distribution system is controlled by DC-DC converters.

Abstract: A seat mounting structure for mounting a vehicle seat to a floor frame of a vehicle includes two side sills, and a cross-member extending between the two side sills. The cross-member has a receiving structure on an upper surface of the cross-member. A reinforcement rail is attached to the cross-member generally perpendicularly to the cross-member, and the reinforcement rail is configured to be received in the receiving structure of the cross-member. A floor skin is disposed over a top surface of the reinforcement rail. The reinforcement rail is configured to receive fasteners that fasten the vehicle seat to the reinforcement rail.

Abstract: A mounting clip for attaching a vehicle body to a frame using a tool includes a generally J-shaped body having a frame attaching portion configured to be attached to the vehicle body, and a hook portion extending from the frame attaching portion and configured to engage the frame. At least one fastener hole is disposed on the frame attaching portion. A positioning formation is disposed on the frame attaching portion, where the positioning formation is configured to receive a tool.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle with hybrid-electric powertrain having an engine, a generator, and a battery is provided. A vehicle start input signal is received from an operator interface. A master controller initiates after receiving input from the operator interface. A secondary controller initiates after starting initiation of the master controller. A battery pack cell voltage balancing test is performed utilizing the master controller. Voltage within the battery pack cells is balanced based upon the balancing test. An isolation contactor closes after balancing the voltage within the battery pack. A signal from the master controller to the secondary controller to begin operation is generated after closing the isolation contactor. Alternately, voltage within the battery pack cells based upon results of the balancing test may take place dynamically during vehicle operation after closure of the isolation contactor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical power distribution system includes a plurality of distribution sub-systems, an electrical power storage sub-system and a plurality of switching devices for selective connection of elements of and loads on the power distribution system to the electrical power storage sub-system. A state transition initiator provides inputs to control system operation of switching devices to change the states of the power distribution system. The state transition initiator has a plurality of positions selection of which can initiate a state transition. The state transition initiator can emulate a four position rotary ignition switch. Fail safe power cutoff switches provide high voltage switching device protection.

Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle carries batteries for storing reserve electrical power. The batteries have a state of charge which is monitored by a control system. The state of charge indicates the amount of reserve electrical power available and, under some conditions, the rate at which reserve electrical power can be sourced as electric current. The vehicle further includes an internal combustion engine which can, depending upon vehicle configuration, be used to propel the vehicle, to drive an electrical machine to source electric current for storage, or to drive the electrical machine to source electric current to power a traction motor(s). The control system provides, in response to operator requests for propulsion and in response to the state of charge of the batteries, for allocating available power between propulsion and battery charging.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a motor vehicle supports operation of a power steering gear and a power assisted park brake unit incorporating a spring actuated hydraulic release (SAHR) chamber. The hydraulic circuit includes a pump with the power steering gear being connected to receive hydraulic fluid under pressure from the pump. Hydraulic fluid from the pump is delivered to first and second valves, the first or release control valve being connected to the SAHR chamber and the second or recirculation valve being coupled to return hydraulic fluid to a pump inlet.

Abstract: A hanger assembly includes a first bracket having a first side surface, a second side surface, and a locating pin extending from the second side surface. The assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to nest with the first bracket, where the mounting bracket has a base portion, and an extension portion extending generally perpendicularly from the base portion. The extension portion has a first side surface, a second side surface, and a top surface. A mounting bolt extends from the second side surface of the mounting bracket, through the mounting bracket, and through the first bracket to the first side surface of the first bracket. The first surface and/or the top surface of the extension portion are configured to receive the locating pin.

Abstract: Blast absorbing structures and system for use in absorbing blast forces exerted on a floor of a personnel cabin of a vehicle, are disclosed. The blast absorbing flexing structure comprises a bottom section forming a floor of the cabin, a first side section and opposing second side section, each side section extending from the bottom section and including a plurality of steps along a length of the second side section. The steps flex in response to a blast force. In another embodiment, the blast absorbing expanding structure comprises a force abatement device forming a floor of the cabin, a cover plate having a plurality of slots arranged around a perimeter of the plate. The cover plate is movable between a neutral position and a blast force position to diminish the blast forces prior to the blast forces to reaching an occupant of the cabin.

Abstract: A controller area network (CAN) installed on a hybrid electric vehicle provides one node with control of high voltage power distribution system isolation contactors and the capacity to energize a secondary electro-mechanical relay device. The output of the secondary relay provides a redundant and persistent backup signal to the output of the node. The secondary relay is relatively immune to CAN message traffic interruptions and, as a result, the high voltage isolation contactor(s) are less likely to transition open in the event that the intelligent output driver should fail.

Abstract: An interchangeable passenger seat for a vehicle having a seat-mounting surface includes a base frame having at least one end member attachable to the seat-mounting surface of the vehicle, and at least one cross-member extending generally perpendicularly from the end member. At least one back frame is removably attachable to the base frame. An adaptor bracket is disposed around the cross-member. The adaptor bracket has a plurality of locating structure along the length of the adaptor bracket for selectively locating and attaching components of passenger restraint systems.

Abstract: This is a system and apparatus for precisely mounting a ring shroud to a motor vehicle cooling system and engine. A cooling fan subassembly is mounted to an engine and ring shroud subassembly containing fan braces that are mounted to the engine via mounting brackets. A mounting gap tool is inserted through apertures in the ring shroud to prescribe the radial and axial clearance between the ring shroud and the cooling fan subassembly. Once the ring shroud and cooling fan assembly are aligned to predetermined specifications for clearance, the installer secures all the fasteners in the mounting brackets and retrieves any or all the mounting gap tools.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system includes a dual mode electrical motor/generator, high voltage traction batteries, bi-directional direct current power transmission lines connectable between the dual mode electrical motor/generator and the high voltage traction batteries, first and second isolation contactors including magnetic blow out and connected into the power transmission lines to exhibit opposed polarity and an electrical system controller. In order to deenergize the electrical power distribution system the polarity of current on the bi-directional transmission lines is determined. Once the polarity has been determined the isolation contactor of corresponding polarity is selected to be opened.

Abstract: A blast dissipation device for an armored vehicle includes a first absorption system and a second absorption system that are usable to dissipate initial blast forces exerted upon an underbelly of the vehicle caused by, for example, detonation of an IED below the vehicle. The second absorption system has a delayed reaction to forces exerted upon the underbelly of the vehicle. The first absorption system reacts more quickly and serves to dissipate initial forces until the second absorption system is activated to dissipate the remaining forces.

Abstract: A control interface for drivetrain braking provided by a regenerative brake and a non-regenerative brake is implemented using a combination of switches and graphic interface elements. The control interface comprises a control system for allocating drivetrain braking effort between the regenerative brake and the non-regenerative brake, a first operator actuated control for enabling operation of the drivetrain braking, and a second operator actuated control for selecting a target braking effort for drivetrain braking. A graphic display displays to an operator the selected target braking effort and can be used to further display actual braking effort achieved by drivetrain braking.

Abstract: A vehicle having a hydraulic hybrid powertrain comprises a power take off unit, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic accumulator, an accumulator isolation valve, an accumulator solenoid, and a vehicle hydraulic component. The hydraulic pump mechanically connects to the power take off unit and is driven by the power take off unit. The hydraulic accumulator is disposed in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump and receives and stores pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The accumulator isolation valve has a first position and second position. The accumulator isolation valve is disposed in fluid communication with the hydraulic accumulator. The accumulator solenoid connects to the accumulator isolation valve and positions the accumulator isolation valve to the first position and the second position. The vehicle hydraulic component is disposed in fluid communication with the accumulator isolation valve and the hydraulic accumulator.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical power distribution system includes a plurality of distribution sub-systems, an electrical power storage sub-system and a plurality of switching devices for selective connection of elements of the power distribution system to the electrical power storage sub-system. A state transition initiator directs control system operation of switching devices to change the states of the power distribution system. The state transition initiator has a plurality of positions selection of which initiates a state transition. The number of states of the power distribution system exceeds in number the number of positions of the state transition initiator. The control system enables the state transition initiator to emulate a four position rotary ignition switch, provides for interaction with fail safe power cutoff switches and provides high voltage switching device protection during instances of control system low voltage conditions.

Abstract: An hybrid vehicle control system controls the output from one of two prime movers installed on the vehicle by reference to available angular acceleration rates for the first and second prime movers. When angular acceleration is called for and the prime mover having greater capacity for angular acceleration is active, acceleration is limited to that which would have been available from the lower capacity prime mover. One application of the system is to provide consistent throttle responsiveness, particularly for a power take-off operation vocation installed on the vehicle.