Abstract: A thermal management system is provided that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based control circuit and a pair of non-refrigerant-based control circuits, where one of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's battery system and the other of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits is thermally coupled to the vehicle's drive train. The refrigerant-based control circuit may be operated either in a heating mode or a cooling mode and is coupled to the vehicle's HVAC system using a refrigerant-air heat exchanger, and to one of the non-refrigerant-based control circuits using a refrigerant-fluid heat exchanger. Multiple diverter valves allow the three thermal control circuits to be arranged in any of a variety of configurations, and to be coupled to any of a variety of radiators, thus allowing the system to efficiently regulate the temperature of the passenger cabin, the battery system and the drive train.

Abstract: A dual ratio constant mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes.

Abstract: A power distribution module for use in a vehicle's power control system is provided. The power distribution module includes a plurality of control circuits, each of which is under the control of its own circuit switch, and each of which is coupled to one or more electronic control modules. The power distribution module also includes a processor that is configured to close each of the circuit switches, thereby providing power to the corresponding control circuits, in response to current vehicle conditions and in accordance with a preset set of conditions. An extended storage switch, when closed, prevents the power distribution module from electrically connecting any of the control circuits to the power source, thereby allowing parasitic power loss to be reduced to the point where the only loss is due to internal self-discharge.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal feedback system is provided that utilizes a virtual spring assembly to provide controllable pedal resistance, thereby supplying the driver with a tactile indicator of changes in a monitored vehicle characteristic, such as a low battery pack level.

Abstract: A power distribution module for use in a vehicle's power control system is provided, the use of which helps to minimize parasitic battery losses while providing additional control over the vehicle's electrical components and subsystems. The power distribution module includes a plurality of control circuits, each of which is under the control of its own circuit switch, and each of which is coupled to one or more electronic control modules. The power distribution module also includes a processor that is configured to close each of the circuit switches, thereby providing power to the corresponding control circuits, in response to current vehicle conditions and in accordance with a preset set of conditions.

Abstract: A dual ratio constant mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal feedback system is provided that supplies the driver with a tactile indicator, via a change in pedal resistance, when a monitored vehicle characteristic such as battery pack capacity falls below a preset level. The change in pedal resistance is achieved by preloading the accelerator pedal's spring assembly.

Abstract: A dual ratio constant mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes.

Abstract: A dual ratio constant mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes.

Abstract: A dual stage accelerator pedal spring assembly is provided that allows the transition point between stroke stages to be adjusted in order to control pedal travel within the first stroke stage and provide the driver with a customizable accelerator pedal interface. The spring assembly, which uses two springs exhibiting different spring force, allows adjustment of the relative positions of the two springs in order to control the transition point between the first and second pedal stroke stages.

Abstract: A method of limiting belt slip in a continuously variable transmission (CVT) of a vehicle. The CVT is operatively connected to an engine. The method includes determining a slip speed of a belt of the CVT, determining the accumulated energy based on the slip speed of the belt and an engine torque produced by the engine, and controlling the engine torque in an intervention mode when the accumulated energy is greater than a threshold energy. Controlling the engine torque in the intervention mode comprises controlling at least one of cycling the engine torque, and limiting the engine torque. Systems and vehicles for performing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual stage accelerator pedal spring assembly is provided that allows the transition point between stroke stages to be set, thereby controlling pedal travel within the first stroke stage, and notifies the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a pedal feedback system. The spring assembly, which uses two springs exhibiting different spring force, allows adjustment of the relative positions of the two springs in order to control the transition point between the first and second pedal stroke stages. The change in pedal resistance used to notify the driver of a change in a monitored vehicle characteristic is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the spring assembly.

Abstract: A dual stage accelerator pedal assembly is provided that is capable of communicating various vehicle operating conditions to the driver as well as notifying the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a change in pedal resistance. The change in pedal resistance is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the accelerator pedal's spring assembly. The spring assembly uses two springs exhibiting different spring force to achieve distinguishable first and second pedal stroke stages.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal feedback system is provided that supplies the driver with a tactile indicator, via a change in pedal resistance, when a monitored vehicle characteristic such as battery pack capacity falls below a preset level. The change in pedal resistance is achieved by preloading the accelerator pedal's spring assembly.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal feedback system is provided that utilizes a virtual spring assembly to provide controllable pedal resistance, thereby supplying the driver with a tactile indicator of changes in a monitored vehicle characteristic, such as a low battery pack level.

Abstract: A dual stage accelerator pedal spring assembly is provided that allows the transition point between stroke stages to be adjusted in order to control pedal travel within the first stroke stage and provide the driver with a customizable accelerator pedal interface. The spring assembly, which uses two springs exhibiting different spring force, allows adjustment of the relative positions of the two springs in order to control the transition point between the first and second pedal stroke stages.

Abstract: A dual stage accelerator pedal spring assembly is provided that allows the transition point between stroke stages to be set, thereby controlling pedal travel within the first stroke stage, and notifies the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a pedal feedback system. The spring assembly, which uses two springs exhibiting different spring force, allows adjustment of the relative positions of the two springs in order to control the transition point between the first and second pedal stroke stages. The change in pedal resistance used to notify the driver of a change in a monitored vehicle characteristic is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the spring assembly.

Abstract: A sealing device for a chamber including at least one rotary member and at least one static member of a jet engine and can contain a lubricating oil droplet suspension. The sealing device includes at least one brush seal that includes juxtaposed strands and is set to ensure sealing between at least one rotary member and at least one stationary member, a mechanism to recover part of the oil suspended within the inner space of the chamber, and a mechanism to deliver the recovered oil. The delivery mechanism is set up to generate a flow of oil along the strands of the brush seal, the oil flow being oriented in the direction of the rotary member. The brush seal thus provides better resistance to coking.

Abstract: A dual ratio constant-mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes.

Abstract: A dual stage accelerator pedal assembly is provided that is capable of communicating various vehicle operating conditions to the driver as well as notifying the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a change in pedal resistance. The change in pedal resistance is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the accelerator pedal's spring assembly. The spring assembly uses two springs exhibiting different spring force to achieve distinguishable first and second pedal stroke stages.