Abstract: Provided are battery coupling systems. The system may comprise a first terminal electrically coupled to a vehicle electrical system; and a first contactor electrically coupled to a first battery connection of a battery and the first terminal, the first contactor comprising a first solid state switch for selectively coupling and decoupling the first battery connection to and from the first terminal, using a first control signal. The system may also comprise a second terminal electrically coupled to the vehicle electrical system; and a second contactor electrically coupled to a second battery connection of the battery and the second terminal, the second contactor comprising a second solid state switch for selectively coupling and decoupling the second battery connection to and from the second terminal, using a second control signal.

Abstract: Provided are current carriers for vehicle energy-storage systems comprising: a positive power plane; a negative power plane; a dielectric isolation layer disposed between the positive power plane and the negative power plane; a plurality of positive contacts formed in the positive power plane, the positive contacts being for electrical coupling to a respective cathode terminal of each battery cell of a plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of negative contacts formed in the negative power plane, the negative contacts being for electrical coupling to a respective anode terminal of each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: Provided are battery modules. Each module may comprise an enclosure having a base, the base having a plurality of first holes disposed therein, the enclosure including a coolant input port, a coolant output port; the enclosure having a coolant sub-system for circulating coolant being directed into the enclosure through the coolant input port and the plurality of first holes and out of the enclosure through the coolant output port; a center divider affixed to the enclosure; a module cover coupled to the enclosure at an opposite end of the module from the center divider; a retainer disposed within the enclosure and configured to support a plurality of cells; a current carrier disposed between the module cover and the retainer; and the plurality of cells disposed between the current carrier and the center divider, the cells being coupled to and supported by the retainer.

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, i.e., a mutual 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: Some embodiments are directed to an exercise apparatus having a frame comprising a first end, a second end and two generally horizontal frame members extending from the first end to the second end, a carriage supported by the horizontal frame members, the carriage being configured to translate along at least a portion of a length of the horizontal frame members and having a planar support surface, a first set of springs supported by the carriage, the first set of springs being configured to extend toward at least the first end of the frame, and a convertible platform positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second ends of the frame. A vertical height of the convertible platform is adjustable from a first, platform or carriate height position to at least a second, chair position relative to a ground surface.

Abstract: A control system for use with a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, the control system including a door switch, upper and lower door portions, primary and secondary door drive systems and a controller. The upper door portion pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof while the lower door portion pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. The controller monitors door switch activation and determines whether activation corresponds to a door open or door closed command; performs preset door opening and closing sequences using the drive systems; and modifies the preset door opening and closing sequences based on data from proximity sensors, pinch sensors, latch sensors, drive system motor speed and the current draw by the drive systems.

Abstract: A dual hinged door assembly for a vehicle is provided, the assembly including an upper door portion and a lower door portion. The upper door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof. The lower door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems may be used to provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. Each drive system may include a powered strut, e.g., a hydraulic strut, and a non-powered strut, e.g., a gas strut.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, where the dual hinged door assembly includes a first door portion hingeably coupled to a structural member within the vehicle's roof such that it pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with the structural roof member, a second door portion hingeably coupled to the first door portion such that it pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the first door portion, a primary drive system providing powered motion for the first door portion about the primary axis, a secondary drive system providing powered motion for the second door portion about the secondary axis, and a controller coupled to the drive systems that provides independent motion control of the first and second door portions via the primary and secondary drive systems.

Abstract: A dual hinged door assembly for a vehicle is provided, the assembly including an upper door portion and a lower door portion. The upper door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof. The lower door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems may be used to provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. Each drive system may include a powered strut, e.g., a hydraulic strut, and a non-powered strut, e.g., a gas strut.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, where the dual hinged door assembly includes a first door portion hingeably coupled to a structural member within the vehicle's roof such that it pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with the structural roof member, a second door portion hingeably coupled to the first door portion such that it pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the first door portion, a primary drive system providing powered motion for the first door portion about the primary axis, a secondary drive system providing powered motion for the second door portion about the secondary axis, and a controller coupled to the drive systems that provides independent motion control of the first and second door portions via the primary and secondary drive systems.

Abstract: A control system for use with a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, the control system including a door switch, upper and lower door portions, primary and secondary door drive systems and a controller. The upper door portion pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof while the lower door portion pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. The controller monitors door switch activation and determines whether activation corresponds to a door open or door closed command; performs preset door opening and closing sequences using the drive systems; and modifies the preset door opening and closing sequences based on data from proximity sensors, pinch sensors, latch sensors, drive system motor speed and the current draw by the drive systems.

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.