Abstract: A mobile work system and methods for operationally receiving a work performing and/or energy delivering attachment. A work platform is powered by a power output device and includes a source of electricity for powering the attachment. The platform has a first end and a second end generally opposite the first end. A first attachment interface is connected to the first end, and a second attachment interface, substantially operationally equivalent to the first attachment interface, is connected to the second end. The first end of the platform also includes a first steering mechanism, and the second end includes a second steering mechanism substantially operationally equivalent to the first steering mechanism, whereby the platform is configured to be propelled and steered in a first direction and propelled and steered in a second direction generally opposite the first direction by the first and second steering mechanisms, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use with a battery having an electronic system connected to a battery network configured to generate a state variable associated with the receiving, storing and/or outputting of electricity by the battery. The system includes a router connected to the battery network and the electronic system for monitoring the at least one detectable state variable, and based on such monitoring, selectively modifying the receiving, storing and/or outputting of electricity by the battery. The system also may include a second network and a controller connected to the second network and to the router via the battery network and configured to monitor the router, and based on the monitoring of the at least one router, selectively modify the router and the receiving, storing and/or outputting of electricity by the battery.

Abstract: A method and stand-alone composite power station having multiple power sources including one or more photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and/or generators, detached from a utility grid. The composite power station supplies power to the composite energy storage arrangement for supplying power to equipment, vehicles, and/or power consumers. The power station includes a composite energy storage arrangement having at least one stationary element and at least one mobile element. A composite power import processing arrangement supplies power to at least one of the stationary element and the mobile element under allocation control of a composite power import allocation arrangement, and a composite power export processing arrangement supplies power from at least one stationary element and mobile element under allocation control of a composite power export allocation arrangement for downstream use by a vehicle, equipment, and/or power consumer.

Abstract: A mobile work system and methods for operationally receiving a work performing and/or energy delivering attachment. A work platform is powered by a power output device and includes a source of electricity for powering the attachment. The platform has a first end and a second end generally opposite the first end. A first attachment interface is connected to the first end, and a second attachment interface, substantially operationally equivalent to the first attachment interface, is connected to the second end. The first end of the platform also includes a first steering mechanism, and the second end includes a second steering mechanism substantially operationally equivalent to the first steering mechanism, whereby the platform is configured to be propelled and steered in a first direction and propelled and steered in a second direction generally opposite the first direction by the first and second steering mechanisms, respectively.

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to devices and methods to impart charge to battery cells. Still further, the present invention incorporates to pulse charging methods and systems related thereto that provide improvements in charging speed, efficiency and additional benefits.

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to devices and methods to impart charge to lithium ion battery cells. Still further, the present invention incorporates to pulse charging methods and systems related thereto that provide improvements in charging speed, efficiency and additional benefits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for use with a motor vehicle utilizing a torque sensor and an electronically controlled hydraulic valve used to supply or meter hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder that provides power assist to the steering system. The torque sensor measures driver input and provides a signal to the controller that controls an electrically actuated hydraulic valve. Additionally, steering wheel rotational speed and position are also input to the controller wherein the controller generates a steering assist command that minimizes the magnitude of difference, or error, between the steering torque reference value determined from the steering wheel speed and position and the measured torque. By doing so, the invention controls steering wheel feel, as opposed to the conventional practice of controlling the steering assist boost curve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for use with a motor vehicle utilizing a torque sensor and an electronically controlled hydraulic valve used to supply or meter hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder that provides power assist to the steering system. The torque sensor measures driver input and provides a signal to the controller that controls an electrically actuated hydraulic valve. Additionally, steering wheel rotational speed and position are also input to the controller wherein the controller generates a steering assist command that minimizes the magnitude of difference, or error, between the steering torque reference value determined from the steering wheel speed and position and the measured torque. By doing so, the invention controls steering wheel feel, as opposed to the conventional practice of controlling the steering assist boost curve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for use with a motor vehicle utilizing a torque sensor and an electronically controlled hydraulic valve used to supply or meter hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder that provides power assist to the steering system. The torque sensor measures driver input and provides a signal to the controller that controls an electrically actuated hydraulic valve. Additionally, steering wheel rotational speed and position are also input to the controller wherein the controller generates a steering assist command that minimizes the magnitude of difference, or error, between the steering torque reference value determined from the steering wheel speed and position and the measured torque. By doing so, the invention controls steering wheel feel, as opposed to the conventional practice of controlling the steering assist boost curve.

Abstract: A foot heating device for heating an occupant's feet on the floor of a motor vehicle. The device includes a panel having a bottom surface residing on the floor and a top surface that supports the occupant's feet. The panel also includes and insulating layer, a radiant barrier layer disposed adjacent to the insulating layer and a heating layer disposed between the radiant layer and the top surface. A heater is included in the heater layer. The heater is configured to provide heat for heating the top surface. A lower portion of the panel has a first thermal resistance and an upper portion of the panel has a second thermal resistance. The first thermal resistance being greater than the second thermal resistance.

Abstract: Provided is an air distribution system for use in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The air distribution system has a conduit in fluid communication with an HVAC system. The conduit has an outlet that is located under a vehicle seat, and which transfers conditioned air from the HVAC system through the conduit and which discharges the conditioned air generally under the seat in such a manner that the conditioned air flows out from under the vehicle seat and up along a side of the seat. The outlet may also, or in the alternative, be configured to specifically direct conditioned air upward along a side of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for use with a motor vehicle utilizing a torque sensor and an electronically controlled hydraulic valve used to supply or meter hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder that provides power assist to the steering system. The torque sensor measures driver input and provides a signal to the controller that controls an electrically actuated hydraulic valve. Additionally, steering wheel rotational speed and position are also input to the controller wherein the controller generates a steering assist command that minimizes the magnitude of difference, or error, between the steering torque reference value determined from the steering wheel speed and position and the measured torque. By doing so, the invention controls steering wheel feel, as opposed to the conventional practice of controlling the steering assist boost curve.

Abstract: A pedestal console for a motor vehicle includes a housing stationarily mounted within the vehicle beneath and transverse to a bench seat of the vehicle. The console includes an air duct defined by structural features extending the length of the console. This allows air from a forward ventilation system to be provided, through the air duct, to an aft portion of the vehicle. The structural features extend between the bottom surface and the top surface of the console and are dimensioned to allow the console to accept passenger floor loads. To reduce cost and parts count, the entire console is formed of a one piece construction. Finally, an interior opening may be provided to route wiring of the vehicle's electrical system to the aft portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power steering pump comprises a housing that includes a bore, a fluid discharge port that supplies pumped fluid into the bore, and a fluid bypass port for recycling excess fluid to the pumping elements. The pump outlet is at one end of the bore. A flow control valve is slideably received in the bore and regulate the size of the inlet to the fluid bypass port. The pump includes a solenoid assembly that has a plunger that is operatively connected to the flow control valve through the second end of the bore opposite the pump outlet. By adjusting the magnitude of the current to the electromagnetic coil of the solenoid assembly, the position of the flow control valve is varied to increase or decrease fluid flow to the fluid bypass port and thereby regulate the output from the pump.

Abstract: A power steering pump comprises, as main elements, a cam plate, a discharge cover plate and a suction cover plate that cooperate to define a cam chamber, a fluid discharge passage and fluid suction passage for the pump. The cam chamber is formed in the cam plate. The discharge cover plate includes a face that abuts a first face of the cam plate and includes a recess that cooperates with first cam plate face to define a fluid discharge passage. A suction cover plate includes a suction cover face that abuts a second face of the cam plate and comprises a recess that cooperates with the second cam plate face to define a suction passage. The power steering pump further comprises a rotor within the cam chamber and comprising slideable vanes.

Abstract: A power steering pump for an automotive power steering system or the like comprises a housing defining a bore and a fluid discharge port and a fluid bypass port communicating with the bore. A flow control assembly is received in the bore and comprises a cartridge that includes a first opening for admitting fluid from the fluid discharge port and a second opening communicating with the fluid bypass port. A flow control valve slides to open and close the fluid bypass port. The flow control valve is biased in the closed position by a coil spring and a retainer. During assembly of the flow control valve, the coil spring and the retainer within the cartridge, the spring compression force may be measured, and the position of the retainer adjusted, to obtain a predetermined opening force for the valve.

Abstract: A power steering pump comprises, as main elements, a cam plate, a discharge cover plate and a suction cover plate that cooperate to define a cam chamber, a fluid discharge passage and fluid suction passage for the pump. The cam chamber is formed in the cam plate. The discharge cover plate includes a face that abuts a first face of the cam plate and includes a recess that cooperates with first cam plate face to define a fluid discharge passage. A suction cover plate includes a suction cover face that abuts a second face of the cam plate and comprises a recess that cooperates with the second cam plate face to define a suction passage. The power steering pump further comprises a rotor within the cam chamber and comprising slideable vanes.

Abstract: A power steering pump comprises a housing that includes a bore, a fluid discharge port that supplies pumped fluid into the bore, and a fluid bypass port for recycling excess fluid to the pumping elements. The pump outlet is at one end of the bore. A flow control valve is slideably received in the bore and regulate the size of the inlet to the fluid bypass port. The pump includes a solenoid assembly that has a plunger that is operatively connected to the flow control valve through the second end of the bore opposite the pump outlet. By adjusting the magnitude of the current to the electromagnetic coil of the solenoid assembly, the position of the flow control valve is varied to increase or decrease fluid flow to the fluid bypass port and thereby regulate the output from the pump.

Abstract: A torque sensing device includes a housing, an input shaft, and a pinion shaft. A torsion bar interconnects and allows rotation of the shafts relative to one another. The shafts are supported to allow axial movement within the housing. A plurality of magnets are spaced radially about the input shaft, and a stator assembly mounted to the pinion shaft extend axially over the magnets. A pair of flux rings is supported by the housing and extend annularly around the stator assembly at a radial distance from the stator assembly. Each one of a pair of flux brushes is magnetically proximal to one of the flux rings. The flux brushes are spaced apart from one another by a gap. A pair of sensors within the gap measures the direction and magnitude of a magnetic flux passing between the flux brushes.

Abstract: A torque sensing device includes a housing, an input shaft, and a pinion shaft. A torsion bar interconnects and allows rotation of the shafts relative to one another. The shafts are supported to allow axial movement within the housing. A plurality of magnets are spaced radially about the input shaft, and a stator assembly mounted to the pinion shaft extend axially over the magnets. A pair of flux rings is supported by the housing and extend annularly around the stator assembly at a radial distance from the stator assembly. Each one of a pair of flux brushes is magnetically proximal to one of the flux rings. The flux brushes are spaced apart from one another by a gap. A pair of sensors within the gap measures the direction and magnitude of a magnetic flux passing between the flux brushes.