Abstract: An energy storage system includes multiple cells, a heat pipe, a first heat transfer channel, and a second heat transfer channel. Each cell has a first end with anode and cathode terminals and a second end opposite the first end with the multiple cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned. The heat pipe has a U-shape and includes an evaporation portion having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends of the multiple cells, a first condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion, and a second condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion. The first condensation portion is at a first end of the evaporation portion and the second condensation portion is at a second end of the evaporation portion. The first heat transfer channel abuts the first condensation portion and the second heat transfer channel abuts the second condensation portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention can provide a system for fabricating a photovoltaic structure. During fabrication, the system can form a sacrificial layer on a first side of a Si substrate; load the Si substrate into a chemical vapor deposition tool, with the sacrificial layer in contact with a wafer carrier; and form a first doped Si layer on a second side of the Si substrate. The system subsequently can remove the sacrificial layer; load the Si substrate into a chemical vapor deposition tool, with the first doped Si layer facing a wafer carrier; and form a second doped Si layer on the first side of the Si substrate.

Abstract: A moveable panel system for a vehicle comprises: non-parallel tracks on a body of the vehicle, the body having an opening; a panel sized to cover the opening; a transverse guide member on the panel; and compensation drive mechanisms that couple the panel to the respective non-parallel tracks, each of the compensation drive mechanisms moveable along the transverse guide member and moveable in one of the non-parallel tracks.

Abstract: A method of thermally servicing a solvent-refining column comprises: running a closed-loop water-steam system past a top and bottom of a first column, the first column containing at least a solvent and impurities; boiling pressurized water in the closed-loop water-steam system to steam using first heat from the top of the first column; compressing the steam in the closed-loop water-steam system to a higher temperature; and providing second heat to the first column by condensing the steam at the bottom of the first column after compression.

Abstract: A structural beam component for a vehicle comprises: a beam body that has an I-section for at least part of its length, the beam body having first and second sides opposite each other, wherein the I-section extends at least partially along the first and second sides; a crash rail attachment at one end of the beam body, the crash rail attachment providing a fore-aft backup structure for a crash rail in the vehicle; another attachment at an opposite end of the beam body, the other attachment connecting the structural beam component to a side sill of the vehicle; and first and second ribbing on the first and second sides, respectively.

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: One or more techniques are disclosed for a method for functionalized a graphitic material comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) providing a first molecule comprising a first group, a spacer, and a second group; 3) providing a second molecule comprising a third group, a spacer, and a fourth group, wherein the third group is a different group from the first group; and 4) bonding the first molecule and the second molecule to the graphitic material. Also disclosed is a tunable material composition comprising the functionalized carbon nanotubes or functionalized graphene prepared by the methods described herein.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a solar cell panel that includes a front-side cover, a back-side cover, a number of solar cells situated between the front-side cover and the back-side cover, and a number of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) devices situated between the front-side cover and the back-side cover.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes: a door; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the door; a push-open actuator mounted at a rear of the door, the push-open actuator configured for pushing against a body of the vehicle; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle. A system for a vehicle includes: a front door; a rear door behind the front door, the rear door having a dual-hinge design that opens and closes in a substantially vertical direction; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the front door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the front door; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an energy storage system, an integrated drive system assembly having a gearbox, a power inverter, and an electric motor, wherein the gearbox, the electric motor and the power inverter are assembled into a single unit with a multi-piece housing. The electric vehicle may also include two half shafts for respective wheels of the electric vehicle. The gearbox, the electric motor and the power inverter may be oriented such that the gearbox extends along a center line of the electric vehicle and the electric motor and the power inverter extend from the gearbox in opposite directions. The electric vehicle may also include a mutual thermal management system coupled to the integrated drive system assembly and having at least one liquid coolant loop that is thermally coupled to the electric motor, the power inverter, the gearbox, a cooling system, a refrigeration system, and an HVAC system.

Abstract: An inter-protocol charging adapter for equipment to be charged via a bus includes: first connectors corresponding to a first charging protocol that requires the bus to be energized before the equipment closes onto the bus; second connectors corresponding to a second charging protocol that does not energize the bus before the equipment closes onto the bus; and a boost converter coupled to the bus and to at least one of the second connectors, wherein the boost converter uses energy from the second connector to energize the bus before the equipment closes onto the bus.

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: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating solar cells. During operation, an anti-reflection layer is deposited on top of a semiconductor structure to form a photovoltaic structure, and a front-side electrode grid comprising a metal stack is formed on top of the photovoltaic structure. The metal stack comprises a metal-adhesive layer comprising Ti or Ta, and a conducting layer comprising Cu or Ag situated above the metal-adhesive layer.

Abstract: A monopost for a free-standing seat of a vehicle comprises: an inner subassembly of first clamshell components attached to each other; an outer subassembly of second clamshell components attached to each other around the inner subassembly, the outer subassembly forming a wing portion at one end; and a wing clamshell attached to the first clamshell components and to the wing portion.

Abstract: One or more techniques are disclosed for a method of functionalizing graphitic material, comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) cutting the graphitic material; 3) providing a catalyst comprising at least one catalyst of a metal atom, metal cation, metal alcoholates, metal alkanoates, metal sulfonates, and metal powder; 4) providing a reagent; 5) binding the catalyst to the reagent; 6) binding the reagent to the graphitic material; and 7) recovering the catalyst. Also disclosed is a composition prepared from the methods described herein.

Abstract: One or more techniques are disclosed for a method for functionalized a graphitic material comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) providing a first molecule comprising a first group, a spacer, and a second group; 3) providing a second molecule comprising a third group, a spacer, and a fourth group, wherein said third group is a different group from said first group; and 4) bonding the first molecule and the second molecule to the graphitic material. Also disclosed is a tunable material composition comprising the functionalized carbon nanotubes or functionalized graphene prepared by the methods described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in a vehicle can involve determining that a plurality of closures of a vehicle have been closed, running an HVAC system in a fresh air mode after determining that the plurality of closures have been closed, and thereafter recirculating air while adding newly filtered air to maintain a positive air pressure level in a passenger cabin of the vehicle. The determining can occur after one or more people enter the vehicle and being driving, and the recirculating and adding can involve activating a recirculation mode and a fresh air mode simultaneously. Adding newly filtered air maintains a positive air pressure level in a passenger cabin, which level can be set based on an amount of leaks, a user setting, a vehicle type and a pollution level. The determining, running, and recirculating and adding can occur again after determining a vehicle closure has been opened.

Abstract: A system for exchanging an electrical energy storage system (EESS) of an electric vehicle includes. An EESS station is configured to position an electric vehicle in x and y directions. A vehicle lift raises the electric vehicle to a predetermined height. An EESS lift supports and lowers the EESS and replaces the EESS with a differing EESS. The vehicle lift may be an inboard lift and the EESS lift may be an outboard lift. The system may also include one or more rollers configured to guide the electric vehicle. The system may include a horizontal door having at least one tube positioned thereon for guiding the electric vehicle and/or at least one vehicle chock for positioning the electric vehicle in at least one of the x and y directions. The vehicle lift may include lifting arms to engage jack pads of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: One or more techniques are disclosed for a method for functionalized a graphitic material comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) providing a first molecule comprising a first group, a spacer, and a second group; 3) providing a second molecule comprising a third group, a spacer, and a fourth group, wherein the third group is a different group from the first group; and 4) bonding the first molecule and the second molecule to the graphitic material. Also disclosed is a tunable material composition comprising the functionalized carbon nanotubes or functionalized graphene prepared by the methods described herein.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes: multiple cells, each cell having a first end with anode and cathode terminals, and a second end opposite the first end, the cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned; for each of the cells, electrical connections coupled to the anode and cathode terminals at the first end; and a heat pipe having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention can provide a system for fabrication of a photovoltaic structure. The system can include a physical vapor deposition tool configured to sequentially deposit a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metallic layer on an emitter layer formed in a first surface of a Si substrate, without requiring the Si substrate to be removed from the physical vapor deposition tool after depositing the transparent conductive oxide layer. The system can further include an electroplating tool configured to plate a metallic grid on the metallic layer and a thermal annealing tool configured to anneal the transparent conductive oxide layer.

Abstract: Electric vehicles and, more particularly, a control system for an all-wheel drive electric vehicle.

Abstract: One embodiment can provide a system for curing conductive paste applied on photovoltaic structures. The system can include a wafer carrier for carrying a plurality of photovoltaic structures and a heater. The wafer carrier can include a surface element that is in direct contact with the photovoltaic structures and is substantially thermally insulating. The heater can be positioned above the wafer carrier. The heater can include a heated radiation surface that does not directly contact the photovoltaic structures.

Abstract: A rotor assembly is provided in which a solid rotor ring is formed at either end of a stack of laminated discs, the solid rotor rings yielding improved electrical and mechanical characteristics in a low weight assembly. The solid rotor rings are fabricated by brazing slugs between the end portions of the rotor bars, the braze joints contacting a large percentage (at least 90%) of the rotor bar end portions.

Abstract: A device includes an integrated circuit (IC) die, a top-side base plate to which the IC die is mounted, and a body attached to the top-side base plate such that the IC die is inside the body, the body configured for attachment to a printed circuit board (PCB) such that the top-side base plate faces away from the PCB. The device may or may not include legs that abut the PCB upon installation.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket includes a body of quadrilateral shape that defines an attachment plane for a device, which includes a first adjustment mechanism located adjacent a first corner of the quadrilateral shape, a second adjustment mechanism located adjacent a second corner of the quadrilateral shape, and a pivot. The first adjustment mechanism includes a first passage transverse to the attachment plane, a second passage parallel to the attachment plane and leading to the first passage, and a first moveable member extending in the first passage. The second adjustment mechanism includes a third passage transverse to the attachment plane and a fourth passage parallel to the attachment plane, and a second moveable member extending into the third passage. The pivot locates adjacent a fourth corner of the quadrilateral shape such that the first and second adjustment mechanisms are configured for adjusting the adjustable bracket relative to the pivot.

Abstract: A rotor including: a shaft; a structure comprising at least one end ring and rotor bars, wherein at least the end ring comprises a material subject to expansion or movement radially outward from the shaft upon a rotor balancing process that involves spinning of the structure; a core that at least partially encloses the rotor bars; and means for limiting the expansion or movement of the structure radially outward. A method including: providing a structure comprising at least one end ring and rotor bars, wherein at least the end ring comprises a material subject to expansion or movement radially outward from the shaft upon spinning of the structure; assembling a rotor from the structure and a core, the core at least partially enclosing the rotor bars; spinning the rotor in a rotor balancing process; and limiting the expansion or movement of the structure radially outward in the rotor balancing process.

Abstract: A process for preparing an anticorrosive coating includes providing a substrate, providing a sacrificial metal particle, chemically binding a graphitic material to a first molecule comprising a first group, a first spacer, and a second group, chemically binding said graphitic material to a second molecule comprising a third group, a second spacer, and a fourth group, wherein said third group is a different group from said first group, binding said sacrificial metal particle to either said first or said third group, binding either said first or said third group with said substrate, wherein said group bound to said substrate is different from said group bound to said sacrificial metal particle, chemically binding said second group and said fourth group to said graphitic material, growing thermoset resin side chains on said graphitic material, and growing siloxane side chains on said graphitic material.

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 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: A charging system for an electric vehicle includes: a power supply; a cable having first and second ends, the first end attached to the power supply, the cable comprising a charging conductor and a cooling conduit, each of which extends from the first end to the second end; and a connector attached to the second end of the cable, the connector having a form factor corresponding to a charge port of the electric vehicle; wherein the cooling conduit is adapted to convey a fluid that cools the charging conductor.

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 heat-recovering oven system based on temperature gradient comprises: multiple chambers arranged in a sequence, the chambers configured for operating at various temperatures according to a temperature gradient arrangement that spans the sequence; a conveyor configured for transporting product through the multiple chambers in the sequence for heat treatment according to the temperature gradient arrangement; and multiple temperature-segregated heat exchanger systems, each heat exchanger system including a heat exchanger, a conduit to at least one of the chambers based on its temperature in the temperature gradient arrangement, and a return conduit from the at least one chamber to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An air filtration system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a HEPA filter for filtering air from an air inlet into filtered air, the HEPA filter including a fine particulate filter and a gas filter, and air passageways formed in the vehicle and configured to convey the air from the air inlet to the HEPA filter, and to convey the filtered air from the HEPA filter to the passenger compartment

Abstract: A freestanding vehicle seat assembly includes: a seat having a seat portion connected to a back portion; a monopost attached at a bottom of the seat portion such that the seat rests only on the monopost; and a track assembly attached at a bottom of the monopost, the track assembly configured for providing fore and aft movement of the freestanding vehicle seat assembly. The freestanding vehicle seat assembly can have a pitch mechanism on the monopost configured for pitching at least part of the seat forward and rearward.

Abstract: A method of exchanging an electrical energy storage system (EESS) in an electric vehicle includes: positioning an electric vehicle in x and y directions on an EESS exchange station; after positioning, raising the electric vehicle to a predetermined height using a first lift; after raising the electric vehicle, raising an EESS lift toward the electric vehicle until the EESS lift is correctly positioned relative to a first EESS; after raising the EESS lift, removing fasteners that secure a first EESS to the electric vehicle; placing an EESS conveyor underneath the EESS lift; after placing the EESS conveyor, lowering the first EESS onto the EESS conveyor using the EESS lift; after lowering the first EESS, removing the first EESS and instead placing a second EESS underneath the electric vehicle; after placing the second EESS underneath the electric vehicle, raising the second EESS toward the electric vehicle using the EESS lift until the second EESS is correctly positioned relative to the electric vehicle; after

Abstract: A battery cell design is disclosed that provides a predictable pathway through a portion of the cell (e.g., the cell cap assembly) for the efficient release of the thermal energy that occurs during thermal runaway, thereby reducing the chances of a rupture in an undesirable location. Furthermore the disclosed design maintains the functionality of the cell cap as the positive terminal of the cell, thereby having minimal impact on the manufacturability of the cell as well as its use in a variety of applications.

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: An electrochemical cell includes: a cell can; electrolyte and an active-material roll in the cell can; and a cap that closes at least one opening of the cell can, the cap comprising: a substantially flat member that covers the opening, the substantially flat member having a separation portion defined therein; and a diaphragm that covers the separation portion on an inside of the substantially flat member.

Abstract: An integrated drive system assembly is provided that combines an electric motor, a power inverter assembly and a gearbox into a single, multi-piece enclosure. Combining these components into a single enclosure reduces weight, reduces drive system complexity, reduces system volume, simplifies assembly integration into an electric vehicle, reduces manufacturing cost, allows the flexible and lengthy electrical cables between the power inverter and the electric motor to be replaced with short, low loss, rigid bus bars, and simplifies component cooling by allowing the use of a common thermal management system. The common thermal management system includes a liquid coolant loop that is thermally coupled to the electric motor, the power inverter assembly and the gearbox.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes: a host; energy storage modules; a plurality of nodes, each implemented at a corresponding one of the energy storage modules and configured to monitor and control that energy storage module; a communications and data transmission medium forming a loop from a first portion of the host and sequentially through the nodes to a second portion of the host; and in each of the nodes, first and second devices configured to perform at least partially redundant communication and data transmission functions using the communications and data transmission medium.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises: a vehicle structure without a continuous roof rail; a B-pillar attached to the vehicle structure, the B-pillar having a first initiator; and a header attached to the B-pillar and extending at least partly across the vehicle, the header having a second initiator, wherein the first and second initiators are configured to provide a B-pillar deformation mode upon side impact.

Abstract: An energy storage pack includes a coolant inlet manifold, a coolant outlet manifold, and a plurality of thermal-exchange tubes extending between the coolant inlet manifold and the coolant outlet manifold to exchange heat between coolant passing through the plurality of thermal-exchange tubes and a plurality of battery cells mounted adjacent to and among the plurality of thermal-exchange tubes within the energy storage pack. In one embodiment, at least one of coolant inlet manifold and the coolant outlet manifold includes a plurality of thermal-exchange tube terminating structures and a plurality of hose segments intercoupling the plurality of thermal-exchange tube terminating structures. The energy storage pack may further include a coolant inlet opening located on the coolant inlet manifold and a coolant outlet opening located on the coolant outlet manifold.

Abstract: A monopost for a free-standing seat of a vehicle comprises: an inner subassembly of first clamshell components attached to each other; an outer subassembly of second clamshell components attached to each other around the inner subassembly, the outer subassembly forming a wing portion at one end; and a wing clamshell attached to the first clamshell components and to the wing portion.