Abstract: A battery pack thermal management system includes a plurality of battery cells connected to at least one DC power bus. At least one thermoelectric device is operatively disposed in thermal contact with the plurality of battery cells. At least one temperature measuring device is operatively connected to the thermal management system, and configured to measure a temperature of a predetermined portion of the plurality of battery cells. A cell balancing circuit is operatively connected to the plurality of battery cells, and configured to selectively divert a portion of electric current from at least one of the plurality of battery cells to the at least one thermoelectric device. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the cell balancing circuit, and configured to control a flow of electric current to the at least one thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle or mechanism includes a portable displacement controller which permits a non-technical user to achieve effective control of the vehicle or mechanism, by moving the portable displacement controller intuitively with little learning effort. A first sensing device, attached to the displacement controller, detects the user's controlling motion. A second sensing device, attached to the object being controlled, detects motion thereof. An interface device receives signals from the sensing devices, processes those signals to determine relative motion of the controlling motion and the object's motion and outputs a control signal in accordance with the processed signals. The sensing devices each detect motion in six degrees of freedom; the sensing devices each include a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope, and a three-axis magnetometer. In specific embodiments, the accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers include micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices.

Abstract: A battery pack with phase change materials (PCM). The PCM would improve the heating and cooling capabilities under various vehicle operating conditions. Methods of controlling the temperature in battery packs are also described.

Abstract: The operation of internal combustion, reciprocating engines in some automotive vehicles may be managed such that the engine operation is stopped each time the vehicle is brought to a stop, and then the engine is re-started when the operator presses the accelerator pedal to put the vehicle in motion. In some driving situations the engine of the vehicle may be stopped and re-started many times, which is a mode of engine operation for which the traditional 12 volt, lead-acid battery is not well suited. It is found that a six cell, lithium-ion battery combining LiFePO4 as the active positive electrode material and Li4Ti5O12 as the active negative electrode material, together with suitable separators and a suitable low freezing point electrolyte may be adapted to deliver starting power for repeated engine starting, despite short intervening charging periods.

Abstract: The use of battery cells to store energy for EV charging and grid optimization and regulation service. The major components of the system and the benefits of such concept are also described.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle or mechanism includes a portable displacement controller which permits a non-technical user to achieve effective control of the vehicle or mechanism, by moving the portable displacement controller intuitively with little learning effort. A first sensing device, attached to the displacement controller, detects the user's controlling motion. A second sensing device, attached to the object being controlled, detects motion thereof. An interface device receives signals from the sensing devices, processes those signals to determine relative motion of the controlling motion and the object's motion and outputs a control signal in accordance with the processed signals. The sensing devices each detect motion in six degrees of freedom; the sensing devices each include a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope, and a three-axis magnetometer. In specific embodiments, the accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers include micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices.

Abstract: A handheld controller allows a human operator to control various aspects of a vehicle's operation. The operator's fingers are used to manipulate various devices (e.g., buttons, switches, joysticks, levers, triggers, trackballs and the like) disposed on the handheld controller to control aspects of the vehicle's operation associated with these devices. The handheld controller may provide control signals to the vehicle by a cable, or by a wireless connection. The handheld controller allows the operator to freely move about the vehicle's compartment or to move outside the compartment, while still being able to control the various aspects of vehicle operation. Furthermore, the handheld controller allows the operator to control the various aspects of vehicle operation from a location away from potentially hazardous surfaces within the compartment, which helps to prevent the operator from contacting these surfaces in the event that the vehicle is struck by an object (e.g., enemy artillery, another vehicle, etc.

Abstract: A reconfigurable control for a combat vehicle such as a tank, personnel carrier, or aircraft, is presented. The control includes a grip, a base and a seal. The grip has a lower surface and a chamber. The grip includes a first electrical connector and a key located within the chamber. The base has an upper surface and a shaft. The base includes a second electrical connector and a keyway. In an installed position, the shaft is located within the chamber such that the grip's lower surface and the base's upper surface are substantially coplanar, the first connector electrically engages the second connector, the key mechanically engages the keyway, and the seal facilitates a compression fit between the grip and the base for sealing the chamber such that at least one of contaminants are prevented from entering the chamber and noise vibration rattle is eliminated.

Abstract: A handheld controller allows a human operator to control various aspects of a vehicle's operation. The operator's fingers are used to manipulate various devices (e.g., buttons, switches, joysticks, levers, triggers, trackballs and the like) disposed on the handheld controller to control aspects of the vehicle's operation associated with these devices. The handheld controller may provide control signals to the vehicle by a cable, or by a wireless connection. The handheld controller allows the operator to freely move about the vehicle's compartment or to move outside the compartment, while still being able to control the various aspects of vehicle operation. Furthermore, the handheld controller allows the operator to control the various aspects of vehicle operation from a location away from potentially hazardous surfaces within the compartment, which helps to prevent the operator from contacting these surfaces in the event that the vehicle is struck by an object (e.g., enemy artillery, another vehicle, etc.