Abstract: Custom-form batteries can supply complex, practical systems with an optimal energy density that wouldn't otherwise be possible using traditional battery form-factors. For example, iron disulfide (FeS2) is a prominent conversion cathode of commercial interest. 3D direct-ink write (DIW) printing of FeS2 inks can be used to produce ridged cathodes from the filamentary extrusion of highly concentrated FeS2 inks (60-70% solids). These ridged cathodes exhibit optimal power, uniformity, and stability when cycled at higher rates (in excess of C/10). Meanwhile, functional cells with custom-form wave-shaped electrodes (e.g., printed FeS2 cathodes and pressed lithium anodes) exhibit improved performance over similar cells in planar configurations. In general, the DIW of concentrated inks is a viable path toward the making of custom-form conversion lithium batteries. More broadly, ridging is found to optimize rate capability.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for a vehicle having a cargo area bounded by a floor and at least one wall is provided along with a method of operation. The vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat back, a seat base, and a linkage assembly. The seat back of the vehicle seat assembly mounts to the wall and the linkage assembly mounts to the floor. The seat bottom is mounted to the linkage assembly and is moveable between stowed and deployed positions. When the seat bottom is in the deployed position, the seat bottom defines a deployed seat bottom plane. When the seat bottom is in the stowed position, the seat bottom is positioned below the deployed seat bottom plane. The seat bottom is separate from the seat back and is spaced apart from the seat back when the seat bottom is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for a vehicle having a cargo area bounded by a floor and at least one wall is provided along with a method of operation. The vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat back, a seat base, and a linkage assembly. The seat back of the vehicle seat assembly mounts to the wall and the linkage assembly mounts to the floor. The seat bottom is mounted to the linkage assembly and is moveable between stowed and deployed positions. When the seat bottom is in the deployed position, the seat bottom defines a deployed seat bottom plane. When the seat bottom is in the stowed position, the seat bottom is positioned below the deployed seat bottom plane. The seat bottom is separate from the seat back and is spaced apart from the seat back when the seat bottom is in the stowed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle is provided that includes a structural enclosure configured to attach to both first and second spaced battery module housings while spanning the gap between the spaced battery module housings. The structural enclosure is configured to support power electronics and is configured to allow connection of the power electronics to the battery modules through the structural enclosure. A method of servicing vehicles and a method of manufacturing vehicles is also provided.

Abstract: A battery module for a vehicle comprises a first portion adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and a second portion mounted to a battery box. A first pair of high voltage electrical connectors is mounted to the first portion and a second pair of high voltage electrical connectors are mounted to the second portion. The first pair of high voltage electrical connectors are configured to mate with the second pair of high voltage electrical connectors. Additionally, a first general electrical connector is mounted to the first portion of the battery box and a second general electrical connector is mounted to the second portion of the battery box. The first general electrical connector is configured to mate with the second general electrical connector.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a battery management system that has a plurality of loads connected in electrical series with one another, and a controller operatively connected to the plurality of loads. A first battery pack has battery cells connected in electrical series with respect to one another to establish a system voltage. The first battery pack is connected in electrical parallel to the plurality of loads. The controller is operable to balance charges of the battery cells by activating selected ones of the loads. The battery management system and the first battery pack are configured such that an additional battery pack with additional battery cells connected in electrical series with respect to one another or an additional load pack with additional loads connected in electrical series with respect to one another is connectable to the battery management system. A method of managing battery capacity is also provided.

Abstract: A battery module for a vehicle comprises a first portion adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and a second portion mounted to a battery box. A first pair of high voltage electrical connectors is mounted to the first portion and a second pair of high voltage electrical connectors are mounted to the second portion. The first pair of high voltage electrical connectors are configured to mate with the second pair of high voltage electrical connectors. Additionally, a first general electrical connector is mounted to the first portion of the battery box and a second general electrical connector is mounted to the second portion of the battery box. The first general electrical connector is configured to mate with the second general electrical connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle is provided that includes a structural enclosure configured to attach to both first and second spaced battery module housings while spanning the gap between the spaced battery module housings. The structural enclosure is configured to support power electronics and is configured to allow connection of the power electronics to the battery modules through the structural enclosure. A method of servicing vehicles and a method of manufacturing vehicles is also provided.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a battery management system that has a plurality of loads connected in electrical series with one another, and a controller operatively connected to the plurality of loads. A first battery pack has battery cells connected in electrical series with respect to one another to establish a system voltage. The first battery pack is connected in electrical parallel to the plurality of loads. The controller is operable to balance charges of the battery cells by activating selected ones of the loads. The battery management system and the first battery pack are configured such that an additional battery pack with additional battery cells connected in electrical series with respect to one another or an additional load pack with additional loads connected in electrical series with respect to one another is connectable to the battery management system. A method of managing battery capacity is also provided.

Abstract: An accessory drive system for a vehicle comprises an electric motor adapted for receiving power from a battery and a least one accessory component for the vehicle. A serpentine belt is connected the motor and to the at least one accessory component such that the motor drives the at least one accessory component. A frame supports the electric motor and the at least one accessory component.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a drive sub-system having an engine and a first motor and a generator sub-system having a transmission and a second motor. The transmission for the vehicle is driven with the first motor, the second motor and the engine individually and in combination such that the vehicle may selectively operate in a serial hybrid mode and a parallel hybrid mode.

Abstract: A battery module for a vehicle comprises a first portion adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and a second portion mounted to a battery box. A first pair of high voltage electrical connectors is mounted to the first portion and a second pair of high voltage electrical connectors are mounted to the second portion. The first pair of high voltage electrical connectors are configured to mate with the second pair of high voltage electrical connectors. Additionally, a first general electrical connector is mounted to the first portion of the battery box and a second general electrical connector is mounted to the second portion of the battery box. The first general electrical connector is configured to mate with the second general electrical connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a motor vehicle having a roof system, the motor vehicle further having a body with a passenger compartment and a trunk space, the apparatus comprising a roof system comprising any one of a rigid panel hardtop, a retractable hardtop moveable from an extended position disposed above the passenger compartment to a retracted position, or a soft convertible top movable from an extended position disposed above the passenger compartment to a retracted position, wherein any one of the rigid panel hardtop, retractable hardtop or convertible soft top includes an attachment bracket. A transverse support beam having a first end and a second end is included, the support beam carrying any one of the rigid panel top, the retractable hardtop or the soft convertible top, wherein the first end and said second end include universal adapter brackets. The universal adapter brackets are connected to the attachment brackets and to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A pair of side linkages for raising a convertible top between a raised position, covering the vehicle body passenger compartment, through a body opening, and a lowered position folded into a storage compartment within the vehicle body, said top including a header for engaging the vehicle windshield in the top raised position and at least one crossbow extending between the side linkages, each linkage comprising side rails pivoted to and extending rearwardly from the header, and a plurality of links forming 4-bar linkages connecting the header, side rails and vehicle body for folding the top in a Z-shaped folding action to a compact shape in the storage compartment such that the header is not inverted and covers the folded top and closes the body opening.

Abstract: A three-dimensional four bar linkage mechanism is described which provides in and out movement of the rear corners of a convertible top as the top is being lowered or extended which allows the storage space for the retracted top to be smaller in width than the width of the foot print of the top when extended. A drag link which is hinged at one end to one bar and connected by a ball joint to a second bar which in turn is obliquely hinged to a third bar provides the three-dimensional action.

Abstract: A convertible top architecture for a series of vehicles of a common platform is disclosed, the vehicles having roof styles of different shapes or passenger spaces of different lengths, the top designed to cover the different length passenger spaces, the top characterized by a rear rail, top cover and backlight that are unique to each length passenger space or roof style and further including common componentry for the remainder of the top regardless of the length of the passenger space or roof style.

Abstract: A pair of side linkages for raising a convertible top (10) between a raised position, covering the vehicle body passenger compartment, through a body opening, and a lowered position folded into a storage compartment within the vehicle body, said top including a header (12) for engaging the vehicle windshield in the top raised position and at least one crossbow (14) extending between the side linkages, each linkage comprising side rails (18, 22) pivoted to and extending rearwardly from the header, and a plurality of links (34, 50, 56, 62) forming 4-bar linkages connecting the header (12), side rails (18, 22) and vehicle body for folding the top (10) in a Z-shaped folding action to a compact shape in the storage compartment such that the header (12) is not inverted and covers the folded top (10) and closes the body opening.

Abstract: A pair of side linkages for raising a convertible top (10) between a raised position, covering the vehicle body passenger compartment, through a body opening, and a lowered position folded into a storage compartment within the vehicle body, said top including a header (12) for engaging the vehicle windshield in the top raised position and at least one crossbow (14) extending between the side linkages, each linkage comprising side rails (18, 22) pivoted to and extending rearwardly from the header, and a plurality of links (34, 50, 56, 62) forming 4-bar linkages connecting the header (12), side rails (18, 22) and vehicle body for folding the top (10) in a Z-shaped folding action to a compact shape in the storage compartment such that the header (12) is not inverted and covers the folded top (10) and closes the body opening.

Abstract: A retractable hard-top roof for an automotive vehicle is comprised of a rigid front roof section which is retractable upon a rear roof section for horizontal stowage between the front seat and the trunk. Another aspect of a retractable roof provides for a floating pivot.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle having a rear egress. The convertible top includes a dynamic rear bow which rests on a rear portion of the vehicle body and is pivotable for providing access to the rear of the vehicle.