Abstract: A charge coupler with integrated electrical and mechanical disconnect switching can include a first member. A charging coupler can include a first member and a second member. The second member can be coupled at a first end with the first member. A charging coupler can include a first switch disposed at the first member and operable to cause, in response to a movement of the second member to a first angle with the first member that engages the first switch, a charging device to electrically decouple the charging device from a vehicle. A charging coupler can include a second switch disposed at the first member and operable to cause, in response to a movement of the second member to a second angle with the first member that engages the second switch, the charging device to mechanically decouple the charging device from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle charger may be connected to a vehicle by a charging cable, and the charger may determine a mode of communication based on a control signal received from the vehicle over the charging cable, determine payment information based on the mode of communication, and charge the vehicle using the charging cable based on the payment information.

Abstract: A data processing system can receive, from a plurality of electric vehicles (EVs), data on a plurality of charging stations. The data can include first data on availability of the charging stations and second data on performance of the charging stations captured by the plurality of EVs via a plurality of power cables coupled with the charging stations. The system can determine, based on the data, availability of a charging station of the plurality of charging stations. The system can determine, based on the data captured via a power cable of the plurality of power cables, performance of the charging station. The system can generate, based on the availability and the performance, a score for the charging station and provide, based on a comparison of the score with a second score for a second charging station of the plurality of charging stations, an indication corresponding to the charging station.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allocating charge from an electric vehicle to a connected accessory device. The electric vehicle includes a charge port coupled to a vehicle battery and configured to connect to an accessory device. When the accessory device is connected to the charge port, charge is allocated from the vehicle battery to the accessory device based on a current state of charge (SOC) of the vehicle battery and energy requirements of the vehicle. The connection between the charge port and the accessory device may allow for the transfer of both power and data between the electric vehicle and the accessory device.

Abstract: A charge coupler adapted to be coupled to a charging inlet of an electric vehicle, the charge coupler including: a housing including a first portion adapted to be disposed around a first plurality of contacts and a second portion adapted to be disposed around a second plurality of contacts; a conductive member disposed between the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing; and a control system coupled to the conductive member and operable for sensing a break in the conductive member indicating damage to one or more of the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing or that the second portion of the housing is detached from the first portion of the housing. Optionally, the conductive member includes a conductive loop disposed around an inner periphery of the housing, the first plurality of contacts, and the second plurality of contacts.

Abstract: A charge coupler adapted to be coupled to a charging inlet of an electric vehicle, the charge coupler including: a housing including a first portion adapted to be disposed around a first plurality of contacts and a second portion adapted to be disposed around a second plurality of contacts; a conductive member disposed between the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing; and a control system coupled to the conductive member and operable for sensing a break in the conductive member indicating damage to one or more of the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing or that the second portion of the housing is detached from the first portion of the housing. Optionally, the conductive member includes a conductive loop disposed around an inner periphery of the housing, the first plurality of contacts, and the second plurality of contacts.

Abstract: A method of compressing a gas includes pumping, using a pump, at least a portion of a liquid contained in a first chamber to a second chamber containing a gas at a first pressure such that the portion of the liquid pumped into the second chamber compresses the gas in the second chamber to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, wherein the portion of the liquid pumped into the second chamber is admitted into the second chamber so that the admitted liquid flows along an internal surface of the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of compressing a gas includes pumping, using a pump, at least a portion of a liquid contained in a first chamber to a second chamber containing a gas at a first pressure such that the portion of the liquid pumped into the second chamber compresses the gas in the second chamber to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, wherein the portion of the liquid pumped into the second chamber is admitted into the second chamber so that the admitted liquid flows along an internal surface of the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of compressing a gas includes maintaining a first volume of liquid in a first high pressure chamber and maintaining a first volume of gas in a second high pressure chamber, wherein the first volume of gas is at a first pressure and the first high pressure chamber and the second high pressure chamber are fluidly connected through a high pressure pump. A pressurized gas is forced into the first high pressure chamber having the first volume of liquid and simultaneously pumping, using the high pressure pump, at least a portion of the first volume of liquid in the first high pressure chamber to the second high pressure chamber, wherein the first volume of liquid pumped into the second high pressure chamber compresses the first volume of gas in the second high pressure chamber to a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: A fastener automation system for assembly of fasteners to a substrate, includes a projection system for projecting an image on a substrate of a predetermined location of a correct fastener to be installed in the substrate and data relating to the correct fastener and the substrate, and a computer operably associated with the projection system storing data regarding the correct fastener and the predetermined location on the substrate where the correct fastener is to be installed. An automated method of installing a fastener in a substrate at a predetermined location includes using a projector system to identify a predetermined location for installation of a correct fastener to the substrate, collecting data regarding the correct fastener installation at the predetermined location and storing the data in a computer, and installing the correct fastener in the substrate at the predetermined location based upon the data.