Abstract: Described herein are electric vehicles comprising power distribution systems and methods of operating thereof. Specifically, a power distribution system is mechanically coupled to an electric motor, a road wheel, and an auxiliary unit. This system is configured to switch among multiple operating modes and selectively transfer mechanical power among the electric motor, wheel, and auxiliary unit. For example, the power distribution system is configured to transfer mechanical power between the electric motor and the road wheel, but not the auxiliary unit, when switched to a wheel operating mode. The power distribution system is configured to transfer mechanical power between the electric motor and the auxiliary unit, but not the road wheel, when switched to an auxiliary operating mode. The power distribution system is configured to transfer mechanical power between the electric motor, the auxiliary unit, and the road wheel when the system is switched to a combined operating mode.

Abstract: Described herein are immersion-cooled axial flux electric motors and methods of operating thereof. An immersion-cooled axial flux electric motor comprises a rotor and an immersion-cooled stator. The rotor comprises a set of magnets and a magnet support plate extending perpendicular to the motor axis. The set of magnets is attached to the magnet support plate and distributed about on the motor axis. The immersion-cooled stator comprises a cooling-fluid inlet, a cooling-fluid outlet, a set of stator windings, and a stator-sealed space. The set of stator windings is positioned within the stator-sealed space proximate to the set of magnets such that during the operation of the motor magnetic flux between the set of stator windings and the set of magnets is aligned substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The cooling-fluid inlet and the cooling-fluid outlet are fluidically coupled to the stator-sealed space.

Abstract: Described herein are battery modules comprising integrated module converters, electric-vehicle battery systems comprising such modules, and methods of operating thereof. An electric-vehicle battery system comprises a high-voltage battery pack and high-voltage contactors that controllably isolate the pack's high-voltage area from other areas in the vehicle. The pack comprises multiple battery modules with battery cells and a primary module converter constantly connected to these cells. Each module has a lower voltage than the entire pack. The power output from the primary module converters is used to operate a battery controller and to close/activate the contactors in response to the switch position (e.g., an ignition switch). The primary module converters can be either constantly activated or controllably activated in response to the switch moving into an activated position. For example, a secondary module converter, with a lower power rating, can be used for this primary module converter activation.

Abstract: A foldable non-highway electric vehicle (EV) for recreational use. The non-highway EV may include a chassis and a foldable battery module coupled to the chassis. The foldable battery module may fold to a position to allow portable transport of the non-highway EV. Suspension may control movement of the wheels relative to the chassis. The suspension may also be set in a plurality of different configurations, including a configuration where the suspension is set in a transport position. With the battery folded and the suspension set in the transport position, the footprint of the non-highway EV may be significantly reduced, to allow for convenient transportation of the non-highway EV.

Abstract: An image acquisition and analysis system are disclosed. The system enables high throughput, objective analysis of microbial samples over days or weeks. The system may accommodate upwards of twelve 96- or 384-well plates simultaneously (liquid or solid media). The system may acquire and analyze a large number of samples in a short period of time. For example, over 384 samples per minute or 18,432 samples per hour. The system hardware may include a multi-spectral imager (fluorescence and bright field detection), electro-mechanical assemblies, and an optional high-resolution stage. The system may automate image acquisition, image data processing, simplify data storage, and enable automated analysis tools to significantly reduce the manual labor and time associated with such tasks. The system may allow for quick processing and analysis of data into clear phenotypic classes.

Abstract: Described herein are swappable battery modules comprising immersion-thermally controlled prismatic battery cells and methods of operating thereof. A method comprises positioning a swappable battery module on an external charger comprising charger fluidic ports and sliding the swappable battery module to the charger fluidic ports until these charger's ports are fluidically coupled with the module's fluidic ports. Specifically, the external charger comprises an enclosure and a module support rail slidably coupling the swappable battery module and the enclosure. The module support rail comprises a rail base, a first slider, a second slider, and a lever-based unit, interconnecting the rail base and both sliders. The rail base is fixed to the enclosure, while the second slider is detachably coupled to the module. The two sliders move at different speeds or at the same speed relative to the charger base depending on proximity of the first end plate to the charger base.

Abstract: Described herein are swappable battery modules comprising immersion-thermally controlled prismatic battery cells and methods of operating thereof. A module comprises a tubular enclosure attached (e.g., glued) to different surfaces of the cells and forming two fluid channels with one side of the cells and two additional fluid channels with the opposite side. The module also comprises a first end plate, which is attached to the tubular enclosure and comprises two electrical terminals for connecting to an electric vehicle (EV) and/or external charger. The first end plate also comprises a first fluidic port (fluidically coupled with two fluid channels) and a second fluidic port (fluidically coupled to the remaining two fluid channels), both are configured to form fluidic coupling to the electric vehicle and/or the external charger. The module also comprises a second end plate that fluidically interconnects paid fluid channels from different cell sides.

Abstract: Described herein are swappable battery modules comprising immersion-thermally controlled prismatic battery cells and methods of operating thereof. A method comprises positioning a swappable battery module on an external charger comprising charger fluidic ports and sliding the swappable battery module to the charger fluidic ports until these charger's ports are fluidically coupled with the module's fluidic ports. Specifically, the external charger comprises an enclosure and a module support rail slidably coupling the swappable battery module and the enclosure. The module support rail comprises a rail base, a first slider, a second slider, and a lever-based unit, interconnecting the rail base and both sliders. The rail base is fixed to the enclosure, while the second slider is detachably coupled to the module. The two sliders move at different speeds or at the same speed relative to the charger base depending on proximity of the first end plate to the charger base.

Abstract: Described herein are DC-DC converters with a ratio of the power output to volume of at least 2 kW per liter or even at least 4 kW per liter. Such DC-DC converters can operate at power levels of at least 150 kW or even at least 200 kW. A DC-DC converter comprises an enclosure and a front plate sealed against the enclosure using a set of fasteners. The DC-DC converter also comprises a converter unit comprising a switching sub-module, a diode sub-module, and an inductor as well as an additional converter unit comprising an additional switching sub-module, an additional diode sub-module, and an additional inductor. The switching sub-module and the additional switching sub-module or, more generally, the converter unit and the additional converter unit are configured to operate out of phase. The inductors are immersed cooled, the switching sub-modules are conductively cooled, while the diode sub-modules are convectively cooled.

Abstract: Described herein are battery modules comprising immersion-cooled prismatic battery cells and methods of fabricating thereof. A battery module comprises prismatic battery cells that are stacked along the primary module axis. The module also comprises top, bottom, and side covers and two end plates, collectively enclosing these battery cells. Each cover forms two fluid channels, both fluidically open to the prismatic battery cells. Furthermore, the module comprises bus bars that interconnect the cell terminals and protrude into the fluid channels formed by the top cover. One end plate comprises two fluid ports for connecting to a thermal management system. Each port is fluidically coupled to one fluid channel, formed by the top cover, and one fluid channel, formed by the bottom cover. The other end plate fluidically couples the two fluid channels, formed by the top cover, and, separately, the two fluid channels, formed by the bottom cover.

Abstract: Described herein is a gearbox for an electric vehicle drivetrain unit comprising a gearbox enclosure, a support rod, a first piston, a second piston, and various hydraulic fluid passages. The support rod extends into the gearbox enclosure and at least partially protrudes/extends into the first and second pistons. The first piston, second piston, and support rod are fluidically connected with the hydraulic fluid passages such that when the gearbox is in a neutral gear, pressurized hydraulic fluid forces the first piston and the second piston against the support rod. When the gearbox is in a first gear, pressurized hydraulic fluid forces the support rod against the gearbox enclosure either directly or through the first piston. When the gearbox is in a second gear, pressurized hydraulic fluid forces the support rod against the gearbox enclosure directly or through the second piston. Also described are electric vehicles and shifting methods.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a support garment testing system comprising a torso form having a motion tracking sensor associated with one or more breast structures of the torso form. A support garment is secured to the torso form, and the torso form is mounted on a motion platform that, when actuated, causes displacement of the breast structures. The amount of displacement is measured by the sensor, and the data is used to assign a level of support provided by the support garment.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a source of a first fluid (204), a fluid displacement device (210) for moving the first fluid from the source to a sealed storage chamber (214), means for introducing a second fluid (207), different from the first fluid into the first fluid prior to reaching the storage chamber, the arrangement being such that the sealed storage chamber receives a mixture of the first and second fluids under a pressure greater than the pressure at the point at which the second fluid is introduced into the first fluid and includes a first fluid outlet (220) for directing the first fluid separated from the second fluid in the storage chamber externally of the storage chamber.

Abstract: Described herein are DC-DC converters with electronic module cooling units used for air-convection cooling of some components of power electronic modules and conductive cooling of other components, e.g., switching sub-modules. A cooling unit may have a heat exchanger and a cooling plate, thermally coupled to one or more heat exchangers and one or more switching sub-modules. For example, the cooling plate can be positioned between and thermally coupled to heat exchangers. One fan can direct air through one heat exchanger and to one power electronic module as a part of convection cooling. An additional fan can direct air through the second heat exchanger and to the second power electronic module. The cooling plate can be also positioned between and thermally coupled to switching sub-modules of these power electronic modules thereby enabling conductive cooling. The plate-cooling liquid is pumped through the cooling plate.

Abstract: Electric lawnmowers comprise drive units and mowing units disengageably coupled to the drive units. For example, a drive unit can be disengageably coupled to any one of multiple mowing units (e.g., rotating mowing units, reel mowing units) collecting forming a mowing system. For example, each of the drive and mowing units may be equipped with corresponding mechanical-engagement structures that are configured to be disengageably coupled. Each mowing unit is equipped with its electric motor (e.g., for rotating the cutting blades or the reel of that unit). The electric motor may comprise an electric connector, which is disengageably coupled to the drive unit's electrical wiring. In some examples, each mowing unit can also form a liquid disengageable coupling for circulating a thermal liquid between the drive unit and mowing unit, e.g., for cooling various components of the drive unit.

Abstract: Electric lawnmowers comprise mowing-unit decks with fluid passages used for cooling batteries, power electronics units, and/or drive motors. Specifically, a lawnmower comprises a drive unit (with a battery, power electronics, and one or more drive motors) and a mowing unit (with a mowing-unit deck). The deck's fluid passage is fluidically coupled to the drive unit (e.g., the motor and power electronics). The thermal liquid is heated by the drive unit's components and cooled as the liquid passes through the deck's fluid passage. The mowing unit may be equipped with a pump (for circulating this liquid), which can be powered by an electric motor on the mowing unit. The same motor may be used for rotating the cutting blades. The drive unit may have an additional cooling circuit providing immersion cooling to the batteries.

Abstract: Described herein are battery modules comprising integrated module converters, electric-vehicle battery systems comprising such modules, and methods of operating thereof. An electric-vehicle battery system comprises a high-voltage battery pack and high-voltage contactors that controllably isolate the pack's high-voltage area from other areas in the vehicle. The pack comprises multiple battery modules with battery cells and a primary module converter constantly connected to these cells. Each module has a lower voltage than the entire pack. The power output from the primary module converters is used to operate a battery controller and to close/activate the contactors in response to the switch position (e.g., an ignition switch). The primary module converters can be either constantly activated or controllably activated in response to the switch moving into an activated position. For example, a secondary module converter, with a lower power rating, can be used for this primary module converter activation.

Abstract: Described herein are electric vehicles comprising power distribution systems and methods of operating thereof. Specifically, a power distribution system is mechanically coupled to an electric motor, a road wheel, and an auxiliary unit. This system is configured to switch among multiple operating modes and selectively transfer mechanical power among the electric motor, wheel, and auxiliary unit. For example, the power distribution system is configured to transfer mechanical power between the electric motor and the road wheel, but not the auxiliary unit, when switched to a wheel operating mode. The power distribution system is configured to transfer mechanical power between the electric motor and the auxiliary unit, but not the road wheel, when switched to an auxiliary operating mode. The power distribution system is configured to transfer mechanical power between the electric motor, the auxiliary unit, and the road wheel when the system is switched to a combined operating mode.

Abstract: Described herein are vehicle charging systems, each comprising a recharge vehicle and a work vehicle configured to form an electrical connection and charge the work vehicle battery from the recharge vehicle battery. In some examples, this charging is performed at 500 kW or more or even at 1,000 kW or more. Furthermore, the connection and/or charging can be performed while both vehicles are moving (e.g., the recharge vehicle moving in front of the work vehicle). The recharge vehicle comprises one or more DC-DC converters, configured to boost a first voltage (V1) of the recharge vehicle battery to a second voltage (V2) of the work vehicle battery. It should be noted that these voltages vary depending on the state of charge of these batteries. In some examples, each DC-DC converter utilizes a combination of immersion, conductive, and convective cooling for different components of the converter.

Abstract: Described herein are DC-DC converters having various immersion-cooling features enabling high-power applications, such as cross-charging electric vehicles. For example, the inductor of a DC-DC converter may be formed using metal and insulator sheets stacked and wound into an inductor coil assembly. The metal sheet comprises grooves, extending parallel to the coil axis and forming coil fluid pathways through this assembly thereby providing immersion cooling to the inductor. An inductor-cooling liquid may be pumped through these fluid pathways while being in direct contact with the metal sheet, at least around the grooves. In some examples, these grooves are distributed along the entire length of the metal sheet. Multiple inductors may be used to enable operations of multiple converter units, e.g., operating out of phase. These inductors may be fluidically interconnectors and have the same cooling features.