Abstract: A drive system is provided for a utility vehicle and includes an alternating-current (AC) motor for providing a drive torque. An AC motor controller receives a battery voltage signal, throttle pedal position signal, brake pedal position signal, key switch signal, forward/neutral/reverse (FNR) signal, and run/tow signal indicative of the utility vehicle being configured to be driven and being configured to be towed. The AC motor controller generates an AC drive signal for the AC motor, wherein the AC drive signal is based on the battery voltage signal, throttle pedal position signal, brake pedal position signal, key switch signal, FNR signal, and run/tow signal.

Abstract: A suspension system for a golf car includes a vehicle frame having at least first and second longitudinally configured frame elements and first and second channel members, the first channel member connected to the first frame element and the second channel member connected to the second frame element. First and second wishbone assemblies are also provided, the first wishbone assembly coupled to the first channel member and the second wishbone assembly coupled to the second channel member. Each of the first and second wishbone assemblies includes a first wishbone member rotatably connected to a first end of one of the first and second channel members; a second wishbone member rotatably connected to a second end opposite to the first end; and a wheel hub assembly rotatably connected to both the first and second wishbone members.

Abstract: A drive system for an electric vehicle includes a motor for providing a drive torque and an electrically actuated brake for providing a braking torque to the motor. The system includes a controller that receives a plurality of inputs which may include a battery voltage input, a throttle pedal position input, a brake pedal position input, a key switch input, a forward/neutral/reverse (FNR) input, and a brake full-stroke input in addition to the brake pedal input. The controller may generate a drive signal for the motor based on some or all of the inputs.

Abstract: A lightweight utility vehicle brake lighting system comprising a brake pedal position sensor, a controller and a brake light circuit. The brake pedal position sensor senses the position, e.g., amount of depression, of a vehicle brake pedal. The controller of interprets a brake pedal position signal from the brake pedal position sensor to determine the position of the brake pedal. When the controller determines that the brake pedal has been depressed to initiate a braking operation of the vehicle, the controller transmits a brake light signal to an electronic switching device, such as a relay switch, of the brake light circuit. Upon receipt of the brake light signal, the electronic switching closes to complete, or close, the brake light circuit to enable a current flow through the brake light circuit, thereby illuminating at least one brake light of the vehicle.

Abstract: A protection system for at least one electrical component of a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The system comprises a hood having a top panel and a side panel. The top panel can be connected to an interior side of at least one wall of a vehicle body structure. The side panel extends substantially perpendicularly from an edge of the top panel and can be connected to a top side of a vehicle floor structure.

Abstract: A mono-leaf spring for a golf car includes a homogenous body. The homogenous body includes: a substantially planar portion; a first bend portion extending from the planar portion to a first distal end, the first bend portion having a first length; and a second bend portion oppositely extending from the planar portion with respect to the first bend portion to a second distal end, the second bend portion having a second length. A wall thickness of each of the first and second bend portions continuously decreases from the planar portion to each of the first and second distal ends.

Abstract: A vehicle operation control switch for a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The vehicle operation control switch includes an ‘Off’ setting or position. When the switch is placed in the ‘Off’ position, the switch disables a vehicle prime mover that generates motive forces utilized to propel the vehicle when enabled. The switch additionally includes a ‘Forward’ setting or position, whereby when the switch is moved to the ‘Forward’ setting, the vehicle prime mover is enabled and the vehicle is configured in a ‘Forward’ movement operational mode. Furthermore, the switch includes a ‘Reverse’ setting for enabling the vehicle prime mover and placing the vehicle in a ‘Reverse’ movement operational mode.

Abstract: A battery hold-down assembly is provided including a retaining member and a fastener member. The retaining member can have a body with first and second surfaces generally connected by a sidewall. The second surface can include a dividing member generally extending therefrom. The dividing member can have a width generally less than the width of the second surface. The second surface can be configured to abut a top of a battery and the divider can be configured to extend between adjacent batteries. The retaining member can include at least one aperture passing therethrough. The fastener member can have a first end passing through the aperture at the first surface and a second end passing through the aperture at the second surface.

Abstract: A small utility vehicle frame has tubular frame members with blind holes therein. Threaded inserts are disposed in the blind holes and are axially and rotationally fixed to the tubular frame members. The threaded inserts allow attachment of components of the small utility vehicle to the frame without requiring access to the back of the blind opening to retain a fastener.

Abstract: Seat support assembly for use in a small utility vehicle. The seat support assembly can be removably attached to a frame to allow assembly of small utility vehicles of varying configurations. Components of the seat support assembly can have various support features thereon to support other components of the small utility vehicle. The seat support assembly can be removably attached to the structural members of the frame with threaded fasteners, such as bolts.

Abstract: A power cell charge monitoring system for a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The monitoring system can comprise a receptacle module electrically connectable to at least one power cell of the vehicle. The receptacle module is removably mateable with a power cell charger connector and can comprise at least one indicator light. The receptacle module can be configured to utilize the indicator light to indicate a charge status of the power cell when the receptacle module is mated with the charger connector.

Abstract: A vehicle wiring harness for a lightweight utility vehicle is provided. The wiring harness comprises a plurality of vehicle function components integrally connected to a plurality of branch wires. Thus, the wiring harness is fabricated to form a unitary wiring harness that includes the function components.

Abstract: A small utility vehicle frame can include a unitary cast component. The unitary cast component can be a single, integral element or part having a variety of structural portions and/or attachment features formed therein. The attachment features can provide for the direct attachment of auxiliary frame components and other vehicle components to the unitary cast component. The unitary cast component can be machined to accommodate tolerances required for the attachment of other components. The unitary cast component can extend about two-thirds of the length of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: Solar blind ultraviolet communication systems can provide short to medium range non line-of-sight and line-of-sight links which are covert and insensitive to meteorological conditions. Operation in the solar blind region provides zero background conditions and strong scattering interactions. Scattering provides the basis for transferring information when non line-of-sight conditions exist. Zero background conditions are a result of strong absorption of solar radiation in the upper atmosphere. These conditions make it possible to operate very sensitive wide field-of-view quantum noise limited photon counting receivers, and provide communication systems that perform very differently than free space optical systems that operate in other spectral regions. These systems may be compact and require very low primary power for operation. Non line-of-sight ultraviolet communication systems can provide reliable inter-nodal communications for unattended ground sensor networks.

Abstract: A tow harness is provided that that spans between connectors of respective towing and towed vehicles. The tow harness includes a first end that mates with the connector of the tow vehicle and includes a first jumper for completing a brake control circuit between a brake of the tow vehicle and a brake signal source of the tow vehicle. A second end mates with the connector of the towed vehicle and includes a second jumper that completes the brake control circuit between the brake signal source of the towing vehicle and a brake of the towed vehicle. In other embodiments a brake system includes an electric brake that includes inputs for a brake control signal. A brake controller receives power from a battery and generates the brake control signal. An electrical connector includes signal terminals connected to the brake control signal and power terminals connected to the battery.

Abstract: A protection system for an accelerator and brake (A&B) assembly of a utility vehicle is provided. The protection system comprises a brake pedal (BP) protective boot that conforms with and sealingly fits around a brake pedal arm. The protection system additionally includes an accelerator pedal (AP) protective boot that conforms with and sealingly fits around an accelerator pedal arm.

Abstract: A modular accelerator and brake (A&B) assembly for controlling the movement of a utility vehicle is provided. The modular A&B assembly controls operation of a vehicle prime mover and braking assembly. The modular A&B assembly includes a mounting plate coupled to a frame structure of the vehicle. An accelerator pedal subassembly includes an accelerator pedal shaft that is rotationally mounted within a pair of opposing apertures in a pair of accelerator mounts extending from an underside of the mounting plate. A brake pedal subassembly includes a brake pedal shaft that rotationally mounted within a pair of opposing apertures in a pair of brake mounts extending from the underside of the mounting plate. The accelerator pedal shaft and the brake pedal shaft are mounted to the mounting plate such that an axis of the accelerator pedal shaft is offset from an axis of the brake pedal shaft.

Abstract: A horn activation system for a lightweight utility vehicle can comprises a pressure sensitive horn switch (PSHS) operably connected to a horn button. The horn button is operable with the PSHS such that pressing the horn button compresses the PSHS. The horn activation system additionally can comprise an electronic switching device communicatively connected to the PSHS. The electronic switching device is responsive to a horn activation signal transmitted by the PSHS when the PSHS is compressed in response to depression of the horn button. The horn activation system further can comprise a horn configured to receive a current flow resulting from the electronic switching device closing a horn control circuit upon receipt of the horn activation signal.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for a utility vehicle and includes an alternating-current (AC) motor for providing a drive torque. An AC motor controller receives a battery voltage signal, throttle pedal position signal, brake pedal position signal, key switch signal, forward/neutral/reverse (FNR) signal, and run/tow signal indicative of the utility vehicle being configured to be driven and being configured to be towed. The AC motor controller generates an AC drive signal for the AC motor, wherein the AC drive signal is based on the battery voltage signal, throttle pedal position signal, brake pedal position signal, key switch signal, FNR signal, and run/tow signal.