Abstract: A method and system for swapping batteries in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The method includes dismounting a first battery assembly, moving to a second battery assembly and mounting the second battery assembly onto the vehicle. Mounting and dismounting are accomplished by an onboard mounting and dismounting system. The method can be used in a zero infrastructure environment such as an underground mine since mounting and dismounting are accomplished by components on the vehicle itself. An auxiliary battery pack powers the vehicle during between dismounting a battery pack and mounting another battery pack.

Abstract: A zero emissions electrically powered haul truck is disclosed. The haul truck has a 40 metric ton hauling capacity and a form factor that allows the truck to travel through underground mines. The truck also includes a primary battery assembly that is externally mounted along the front and sides of the truck.

Abstract: A mounting and dismounting system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be located onboard of an electric vehicle powered by a battery pack disposed in the battery assembly. The system includes a pair of four-bar linkages that can be used to raise and lower the battery assembly. Each four-bar linkage includes a pair of hooks with different vertical positions. The hooks are positioned to grasp horizontal mounting bars that are disposed on the battery assembly. Using vertically displaced hooks ensures the battery can be raised and lowered without rocking.

Abstract: An alignment and locking system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be located onboard of an electric vehicle powered by a battery pack disposed in the battery assembly. The system includes a set of receiving members fixed to the chassis. The battery assembly includes a cage with mounting bars. When the mounting bars are received in the receiving members they may be locked into place against the chassis. The system can also include a set of v-blocks that engage vertically oriented bars in the cage to help with horizontal alignment of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A planetary gear system includes a ring gear supported by a housing, the ring gear having teeth on an inner sidewall of the ring gear, and a plurality of helical gears, each of the plurality of helical gears including a first cylindrical segment having teeth that are configured to mate with teeth of an input drive shaft, the teeth of the first cylindrical segment having helical teeth disposed at a first angle, and a second cylindrical segment extending from the first cylindrical segment, the second cylindrical segment having teeth configured to mate with teeth of the ring gear, the teeth of the second cylindrical segment having helical teeth disposed at a second angle. Advantageously, a linear axial force produced by each of the plurality of helical gears is substantially zero, which creates a thrust balancing within the planetary gear system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a mining vehicle are disclosed. The embodiments provide mining vehicles that are battery powered rather than diesel powered. The embodiments also provide vehicles that have relatively high hauling capacity relative to their length and footprint (area). The embodiments also provide vehicles with improved forward and rearward ground visibility. In addition, the mining vehicles have a higher density compared to traditional vehicles, which helps to improve traction, as well as better vehicle handing and power density because of increased power relative to diesel powered vehicles.

Abstract: A modular cover for a battery system and a method for assembling the modular cover are disclosed. The apparatus can include a first modular segment and a second modular segment that are interconnected. The modular cover can be expanded in size for use with different types of battery systems and housings.

Abstract: The disclosed battery management system generally includes at least one bi-directional balancing circuit and a power supply including a first battery module and a second battery module, each having at least one battery cell. The balancing circuit may be configured to transfer excess charge from one or more battery cells of the first battery module to one or more battery cells of the second battery module. By redistributing the level of charge within one or more battery cells, the balancing circuit can cause the overall charge of a power supply to last longer by taking advantage of excess charge found within one or more battery cells. Additionally, the balancing circuit may be connected to a bus bar that may be utilized to power additional accessories within a vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible connector a battery system and a method for assembling in a battery assembly. The apparatus can include a plurality of pads that are secured to a central spine. The flexible connector may be a single piece connector. The flexible connector can include monitors that are mounted to the flexible connector to gather data regarding battery cells.

Abstract: Thrust balanced planetary gear systems are described herein. An example planetary gear system includes a ring gear supported by a housing, the ring gear having teeth on an inner sidewall of the ring gear, and a plurality of helical gears, each of the plurality of helical gears including a first cylindrical segment having teeth that are configured to mate with teeth of an input drive shaft, the teeth of the first cylindrical segment having helical teeth disposed at a first angle, and a second cylindrical segment extending from the first cylindrical segment, the second cylindrical segment having teeth configured to mate with teeth of the ring gear, the teeth of the second cylindrical segment having helical teeth disposed at a second angle. Advantageously, a linear axial force produced by each of the plurality of helical gears is substantially zero, which creates a thrust balancing within the planetary gear system.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to light sources that have variable and adjustable luminous intensities. According to certain preferred embodiments of the invention, devices are provided that generally comprise (1) a conductive elastomeric material that is located between a first and second conductive surface; (2) a power source operably connected to the first conductive surface; and (3) a light source operably connected to the second conductive surface. In such embodiments, the conductive elastomeric material comprises an electrical resistance that decreases when the material is compressed or contacts a greater surface area of the first or second conductive surface. By modulating the compression state of the elastomeric material (and, therefore, the ohmic resistance thereof), the amount of electrical power transmitted from the power source to the light source is controlled, which in turn affects the luminous intensity of the light emitted therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to light sources that have variable and adjustable luminous intensities. According to certain preferred embodiments of the invention, devices are provided that generally comprise (1) a conductive elastomeric material that is located between a first and second conductive surface; (2) a power source operably connected to the first conductive surface; and (3) a light source operably connected to the second conductive surface. In such embodiments, the conductive elastomeric material comprises an electrical resistance that decreases when the material is compressed or contacts a greater surface area of the first or second conductive surface. By modulating the compression state of the elastomeric material (and, therefore, the ohmic resistance thereof), the amount of electrical power transmitted from the power source to the light source is controlled, which in turn affects the luminous intensity of the light emitted therefrom.