Abstract: A charge transfer apparatus having an input and an output includes: an AC/DC converter coupled to the input of the charge transfer apparatus and configured to receive AC power at a first power level; and a charge storage device coupled to the AC/DC converter, where the charge storage device is configured to receive charge at the first power level and to transfer charge to the output of the charge transfer apparatus at a second power level, and the second power level is greater than the first power level.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for connecting an electric or hybrid electric vehicle to a charging station. Automated charging and docking processes may be provided. In some embodiments, a vehicle arrival and position may be detected. The vehicle may be charged with a charging arm and some automated vehicle positioning may occur. The vehicle may be charged and released. Fault detection may occur.

Abstract: A motor generates a kinetic energy for use in running of a vehicle. An electric storage apparatus is charged and discharged and outputs a driving electric power for the motor through the discharge. A display displays a cruising distance over which the vehicle can be run with the motor. A controller calculates the cruising distance based on a full charge capacity of the electric storage apparatus and displays the cruising distance on the display. When the full charge capacity at a present time is smaller than the full charge capacity at a past time and the electric storage apparatus is not discharged, or when the full charge capacity at the present time is larger than the full charge capacity at the past time and the electric storage apparatus is not charged, the controller displays the cruising distance based on the full charge capacity at the past time on the display.

Abstract: A technique for supercharging a fuel cell is provided. In particular, a speed of an acceleration pedal is calculated and a first output order value of a fuel cell stack or a second output order value of the fuel cell stack which is smaller than the first output order value is set, in accordance with the value of the calculated speed. An amount of air flow corresponding to the set first output order value or the second output order value to be supplied to the fuel cell stack is then controlled accordingly.

Abstract: A SOFC system for producing a refined carbon dioxide product, electrical power and a compressed hydrogen product is presented. Introducing a hydrocarbon fuel and steam to the SOFC system, operating the SOFC system such that the steam-to-carbon molar ratio in the pre-reformer is in a range of from about 3:1 to about 4:1, the oxygen in the reformer combustion chamber is in excess, greater than 90% of the carbon dioxide produced during the process forms the refined carbon dioxide product are steps in the process. An alternative fueling station having a SOFC system is useful for fueling both electrical and hydrogen alternative fuel vehicles. Introducing steam and a hydrocarbon fuel, operating the alternative fueling station, coupling the alternative fuel vehicle to the alternative fueling station, introducing an amount of alternative fuel and decoupling the alternative fuel vehicle are steps in the method of use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing power in a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor, and an energy storage element coupled to the motor. The method involves receiving a request to supply operating power to drive the vehicle and responding to the request by selecting an apportionment of operating power between the engine and the motor from among a plurality of apportionments having respective operating costs such that the selected apportionment is associated with a minimum operating cost, the operating cost including at least an engine fuel consumption cost and a storage element lifetime cost. The method further involves causing power to be supplied by at least one of the engine and the motor in accordance with the selected apportionment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a close out bracket for securing a seat mounting structure to a support rail in a floor of a vehicle. The bracket has a generally flat center portion that is rigidly engaged between the seat mounting structure and the support rail. The bracket also has a curved portion extending radially outward from the center portion. The curved portion has a generally inverted U shape and extends along the perimeter of the center portion. The bracket serves as a finish trim piece by closing out along the edge of the floor covering that was cut to expose the support rail below.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a seat, in particular of a vehicle seat, has at least one fixing device for securing the position of the seat, which device has at least one locking element, each of which, in the locking position thereof locks at least two guide parts of the device to each other, which are held such that they can move in relation to each other, wherein at least one traction mechanism, with which the locking element can be moved out of the locking position thereof, is coupled to the locking element. A preloading element is associated with the traction mechanism, which preloading element acts directly on a section of the traction mechanism and preloads the traction mechanism without play.

Abstract: An infant car seat base has a body, a belt path on the body configured to accept a base anchoring strap there along, and a lock-off arm coupled to the body. The lock-off arm is movable between a blocking position and a lock-off position. The lock-off arm, when in the lock-off position, permits a child seat to be attached to the body. The lock-off arm, when in the blocking position, blocks, inhibits, or prevents attachment of the child seat to the body. A base anchoring strap is captured between the lock-off arm and the body of the base when the base is mounted and secured to a vehicle seat.

Abstract: An insert for the seat of a child is provided. The insert has detachable elements which may be selectively added or changed depending on the size of the child. The insert has a head rest having a removable interior hollow sound channel or a two way traditional speaker system. The head rest has an internal Bluetooth, a micro SD/TF slot and/or an audio port which may connect to an external mp3 player. A plurality of parallel slits through the main body section of the insert allows harness hardware of a child's car seat (or other seat) to be inserted through the main body section of the insert at various locations; therein allowing the insert to be used in connection with various car seats.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a folded state of a seat for a vehicle may include first links each of which rotates depending on whether the seat is fastened to a vehicle body, a second link that rotates depending on the rotation of the first links, and a locking link which has a plurality of fastening portions and is rotatable in accord with rotation of the seat. The second link is selectively fastened to different fastening portions of the locking link depending on the rotation of the second link.

Abstract: A seat divider device, in particular an air passenger seat divider device, has at least one seat divider unit which has at least two main support elements formed separately from one another.

Abstract: A method for protecting and restraining a passenger on a passenger seat of a vehicle in case of an accident, with the aid of at least one restraint element of a protection and restraint device, an evaluation and control unit for a protection and restraint device for carrying out the method, a protection and restraint device for protecting a passenger having such an evaluation and control unit, as well as a corresponding computer program and computer program product for carrying out the method are described. A positioning applied force is generated as a function of an ascertained current driving situation, the applied force accelerating the passenger away from a vehicle side structure in the direction of the middle of the vehicle if a predefined precrash situation is detected.

Abstract: A headrest system comprises a headrest, a bracket to which the headrest is mounted and an actuator. The actuator is configured to displace at least a portion of the headrest relative to the bracket in a displacement direction which is transverse to a longitudinal member of the bracket. The actuator comprises a spindle transmission and a power drive coupled to the spindle transmission. The spindle transmission comprises a spindle and a spindle nut engaged with the spindle. The power drive is arranged in a cavity defined within an outer shell of the headrest.

Abstract: A vehicle with a driver's cab including a driver seat unit with a vertically suspended floor structure and including a steering control, a speed control, and a driver's seat. The cab is provided with a locking mechanism for preventing the floor structure from moving vertically in relation to the cab when the vehicle is immobile. The floor structure is able to move from a first position to a second position, lower than the first position, when the driver's door is opened and to move back to the first position when the driver's door is closed.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base. A seatback is operably coupled to a rear of the seat base. First and second independently moveable thigh supports include a top side, a bottom side, an exterior side, and an interior side. A slide assembly is operably coupled to each of the thigh supports. Each of the thigh supports are independently laterally translatable forward relative to the seat base. A button assembly operably secures each of the thigh supports at any of a multitude of lateral positions. The button assembly is disposed on the exterior side of each thigh support. A spring assembly urges each thigh support to a fully forward lateral position. A pivot member operably couples each of the thigh supports to the seat base. Each of the thigh supports are rotatable relative to the seat base.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a composite support structure formed by a lower pressure compression mold and defines at least one open section. A subassembly is disposed over the composite support structure and includes a trim piece integrally formed on the subassembly and defines a center seat and at least one cushion attachment support is disposed adjacent to the at least one open section. A seat cushion insert is operably coupled to the at least one cushion attachment support and is disposed over the at least one open section and defines a side seat.

Abstract: A foot-rest for a motor vehicle including a support surface facing at least part of which a sound insulation mat can be extended, mounted on the floor of the motor vehicle, including an insulating layer interposed between the floor and a coating layer mounted on the insulating layer, the foot-rest further including a storage compartment. The support surface includes an inner face configured to be positioned facing an outer face of the coating layer, the inner face being including links configured to support the storage compartment such that an inner volume of the storage compartment extends between the inner face of the support surface and the outer face of the coating layer.

Abstract: A foot rest device for a child installed in a child car seat fixed to a seat or bench of a vehicle passenger compartment, includes an upright to be installed in a vertical median plane of the child car seat, a rotation-proof bar and a foot rest bar each transverse to the upright, elements for securing the device to the child car seat, and the upright having at its bottom end a foot for resting on the floor of the passenger compartment, the rotation-proof and foot rest bars being fixed in their middles substantially at right angles to the upright so that each forms two lateral parts symmetrical about the median plane, and the rotation-proof and foot rest bars being in vertical planes offset from one another, the rotation-proof bar being set back from the foot rest bar when the device is installed, with reference to a forward travel direction.

Abstract: The Hot or Cold Cup Holder for Vehicles is a beverage holder that is capable of warming or cooling a beverage to a temperature suitable for consumption. It provides a space to store the beverage, an apparatus capable of heating or cooling the stored beverage, switching capable of changing the cup holder mode from heating to cooling and vice versa, and the power system necessary to support these functions.

Abstract: A trailer comprising: a trailer body defining an interior chamber and having left and right side walls; a rear gate mounted adjacent a rear end of the trailer body; an inner gate which divides the interior chamber into a forward and rearward compartments; a perforated panel which has a plurality of holes formed therein, which is mounted along one of the left and right side walls adjacent a lower end of the one of the left and right side walls and which is adapted to allow fluids to drain through the holes; a doorway which is formed in the inner gate, which communicates with the forward and rearward compartments and which is adapted to allow a person to walk through the doorway; and a rigid door which is mounted on the inner gate and which is movable between open and closed positions for opening and closing the doorway.

Abstract: A truck body includes a front wall, side walls, and a floor. The floor has panels disposed at predetermined angles from the horizontal that, with the other parts of the body, form a payload volume within the body. The floor also includes a tail panel disposed at a lesser angle from the horizontal to facilitate the shedding of the payload when dumping, and further to maintain the center of mass of the payload in a generally forward position during dumping.

Abstract: A truck having a truck body with lift track and a battery electrically connected to the body and a platform for moving along the lift track. A box holding a hydraulic unit with solenoid valves for moving the platform is attached to the truck body. A movable wireless switch having an internal power source is on the platform. When a user operates a switch the movable wireless switch emits a movement signal from a movable antenna electrically connected to the truck body. A fixed wireless switch is on the truck body. When a user operates a switch the fixed wireless switch emits a movement signal from an antenna electrically connected to the body. A wireless receiver receives the movement signal and then applies control signals to the hydraulic unit. The wireless receiver also receives a sensor signal and emits an alert if the hydraulic unit has a problem.

Abstract: A loading rail has a cross-sectional profile which is uniform over at least part of the length of said loading rail, has, on an upper side, a longitudinal groove for receiving at least one sliding block, the longitudinal groove being constricted in an upper region by at least one web, which is attached to a side wall of the longitudinal groove, to form a longitudinal slot, and the web bearing at least one downwardly projecting projection, wherein the projection forms an undercut on a side facing away from the longitudinal slot, as seen from below. The disclosure also relates to a sliding block for a loading rail.

Abstract: Vehicle instrument gauges and an instrument cluster with warning telltales each having a gauge surface area with two or more indicia on a viewing surface area. At least one of the indicia is a warning indicia with an illuminated marker positionable between the indicia. The illuminated marker has a nominal luminescence mode when positioned in an area of the viewing surface area to indicate optimal vehicle operating conditions, a range of increased luminescence mode when indicating changing vehicle operating conditions and the illuminated marker will begin to brighten as the position of the illuminated marker moves toward the warning indicia, a maximum luminescence mode when in a caution zone area and used to indicate that the vehicle operating conditions need attention soon, and flashing mode indicating that the vehicle operating conditions need immediate attention.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle lamp control apparatus including a receiver and a controller. The receive receives an output value of an inclination sensor and a signal output from at least one of a foot brake sensor, a parking brake sensor and a shift position sensor. A total angle which is an inclination angle of a vehicle with respect to a horizontal plane can be derived from the output value of the inclination sensor. The controller adjusts an optical axis angle of a vehicle lamp using the output value of the inclination sensor. The controller outputs an adjustment signal to adjust the optical axis angle of the vehicle lamp in response to change in the total amount when the vehicle is static, except for non-static load change caused by changeover in at least one of a foot brake, a parking brake and a shift position.

Abstract: A signal lighting system for a vehicle includes a housing having an open front end. A bottom and top of the housing each have an arcuate front edge. The bottom extends farther forward than the top so the front edge of the bottom is in front of the front edge of the top. The system includes a plurality of lights between the bottom and top and positioned for directing light generally forward. Gaskets are at the front edges of the top and bottom of the housing for conforming the lighting system to a windshield of the vehicle. The lighting system is adjustable to facilitate mounting the lighting system in a wide range of different makes and models of vehicle notwithstanding differences that may exist between their windshield geometries. The lights may be included in light modules that can be rotationally adjusted while the system is mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for actuating a brake light of a hydraulic driven working machine that includes equipment to detect the condition of travel including a travel speed sensor, a gear selector switch, a travel direction switch and a travel pedal pressure sensor. The equipment automatically activates a brake light via a control circuit depending on the selected gear if the machine decelerates without the brake pedal being pushed.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to the field of safety devices, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to systems and methods for providing advanced warning and risk evasion when hazardous conditions exist. In one embodiment, a vicinity monitoring unit is provided for monitoring, for example, oncoming traffic near a construction zone. In some embodiments, the vicinity monitoring unit may be mounted onto a construction vehicle to monitor nearby traffic and send a warning signal if hazardous conditions exist. In some embodiments, personnel tracking units may be worn by construction workers and the personnel tracking units may be in communication with the vicinity monitoring unit. In some embodiments, a base station is provided for monitoring activities taking place in or near a construction site including monitoring the locations of various personnel and vehicles within the construction site.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus, in particular a reading lamp, is provided. The apparatus can be recessed in a trim of a passenger cab of a vehicle, which can be a land vehicle, an aircraft, or a watercraft. The apparatus has a first light-emitting device that is pivotably mounted to a recess-mounting frame, so that a light-emitting direction of the first light-emitting device with respect to the recess-mounting frame is changeable. To simplify the design of the apparatus, a second light-emitting device is mounted to a visible side of the recess-mounting frame. The second light-emitting device at least partially surrounds the first light-emitting device and is fitted to the recess-mounting frame, so that the light-emitting direction of the second light-emitting device is invariable.

Abstract: A vehicle having a light in an exterior and a cluster and a center fascia in an interior includes a first lighting unit provided in the cluster, a second lighting unit provided in the center fascia, a recognizer configured to recognize ON and OFF operations of the light, a detector configured to detect illuminance, and a controller configured to adjust luminance of the first and second lighting units based on operation information of the light and the illuminance. A structure of the lighting unit within the center fascia may be simplified by adjusting brightness of the lighting unit within the center fascia in the controller configured to control the lighting unit of the cluster and therefore manufacturing cost may be reduced.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a vehicle having an engine which transitions between an activated mode and a deactivated mode. The control system includes a vehicle bus transmitting a signal indicating a vehicle selected mode and if the engine is operating in one of the activated mode and the deactivated mode. The control system also includes an engine sound enhancement (“ESE”) module configured to receive the signal. The ESE module is configured to select at least one ESE tone and a set of ancillary tones associated with one or more of the deactivated mode, the activated mode, and an activation transition. The ESE module selects a specific type of ancillary tones based on the vehicle selected mode.

Abstract: A gauge assembly for a motor vehicle includes a gauge surface with graphics representing a vehicle operating parameter and a pointer supported for movement about an axis to indicate a current condition of the vehicle operating parameter by pointing to a specific location on the gauge surface. The pointer includes a pointer arm extending away from a hub and a bottom surface with a negative slope angled away from a plane normal to the axis toward the gauge surface.

Abstract: A camera module for a vehicle vision system includes a circuit element including an imaging sensor, associated circuitry and a circuitry connector. A cable has a cable portion and a cable connector for connecting to the circuitry connector. A housing portion includes a lens receiving portion and a cable receiving portion that mate together to substantially house the circuit element. The lens receiving portion includes a lens assembly. The cable receiving portion includes a connector receiving portion configured to receive and retain the cable connector therein and a wire receiving portion configured to receive and retain the cable portion therein. The tube has an appropriate form for a given cable shape and the tube encompasses at least a portion of the wire receiving portion and the cable portion. The tube substantially seals around the portion of the wire receiving portion and the cable portion.

Abstract: A vehicle windshield with a top edge extended such as to provide a lower drag coefficient and giving the driver a wider panoramic vertical viewing angle and having an integrated shading means, having no movable parts and utilizing a material which is capable changing its light transmittance electrically and with a controlling means which mimics the aesthetics of a conventional mechanical blind.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data relating to a driver assistance system installed on a vehicle, including capturing sensory data (such as images) external to the vehicle via a sensor of the driver assistance system, buffering a first group of vehicle signals and storing a pre-event value for a signal of the first group in a pre-event buffer, and analyzing the sensory data to detect one or more types of probability events. After a probability event is detected, the method includes monitoring a second group of vehicle signals for a post-event time period after the occurrence of the detected probability event, and during the post event time period processing signals of the second group with a predetermined function to generate a post-event signal value, and recording data in a memory, with the recorded data including the type of detected probability event, a pre-event signal value and a post-event signal value.

Abstract: A device for visually confirming a forward direction that allows a crew member to visually confirm a desired range on the forward side of a vehicle includes a first reflecting mirror that reflects the desired range and a second reflecting mirror that reflects a reflected image reflected on the first reflecting mirror toward the crew member, the first reflecting mirror is arranged on a dashboard that is located inside the vehicle, and the second reflecting mirror is arranged on a lower side of the dashboard, and a first light transmitting part and a second light transmitting part are disposed in an area that connects the first reflecting mirror and the second reflecting mirror and an area that connects the second reflecting mirror and an eye-point of the crew member.

Abstract: A fastening device for connecting a unit (120) to two mutually spaced headrest bars (101b, 101c) of a vehicle seat (101) has a first coupling element (102,102a) for receiving a second coupling element (103, 103a) arranged on the unit (120) as well as a first fastening element (105) arranged on the first coupling element (102,102a) and a second fastening element (106) movable connected to the first fastening element (105). The fastening elements are used to fasten the first coupling element (102,102a) to the headrest bars (101b, 101c). The first fastening element (105) and the second fastening element (106) are supported on the headrest bars (101b, 101c) and can be moved relative to each other parallel to a connecting line (100) extending approximately horizontally between the centers of the headrest bars (101b, 101c).

Abstract: An onboard equipment fixing structure for an onboard equipment which is mounted in a vehicle includes a bracket which fixes the onboard equipment to a vehicle body part of the vehicle. The bracket includes a vehicle body attaching portion which is attached to the vehicle body part, an equipment attaching portion which is attached to a side surface of the onboard equipment which extends in a vertical direction of a vehicle body, a connecting portion which connects the vehicle body attaching portion and the equipment attaching portion, and an opening portion which is formed in an area surrounded by the vehicle body attaching portion, the equipment attaching portion and the connecting portion. The vehicle body attaching portion is fixed to the vehicle body part so as to be disposed closer to the outside of the vehicle body than the equipment attaching portion.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle including a pillar assembly. The pillar assembly comprises a structural reinforcement member and an associated garnish. The garnish is constructed of an elongated polypropylene inner layer mated to a cooperatively shaped fiber filled outer layer.

Abstract: A seat device with an integral toilet permits a person to use a toilet while seated in a vehicle. The device includes a seat having a top side, a bottom side, and a perimeter wall attached to and extending between the top side and the bottom side. A slot extends into the top side of the seat. The slot has a bottom wall and an outer wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the outer wall define an interior space of the slot. A liner is removably positioned within the slot.

Abstract: A collapsible support structure for flexible hoses has a plurality of X-frames, each X-frame consisting of two opposing pairs of stringers, each pair of stringers is hingedly connected together at an axis point in the center region of each stringer, the pairs are connected at the distal ends of the stringers by bridge members (24), and adjacent X-frames are hingedly connected together at the distal ends of their stringers.

Abstract: A grommet assembly that has a retainer and a grommet that is coupled to the retainer. The retainer includes first and second body portions that are connected via a hinge that permits the first and second body portions to be spread apart into an open condition to receive a wire harness. The retainer also includes a latch that permits the first and second body portions to be held in a closed position. The grommet is coupled to the retainer and is configured to form a seal about the retainer. The grommet can have seal members that sealingly engage one another when the retainer is latched in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the retainer can have a channel that is configured to support a wire harness and the grommet can have a resilient tubular portion that can be stretched over the channel and the wire harness.

Abstract: A grommet includes a wire harness insertion portion, and an annular projecting portion that is made of an elastic material and projects outward from the wire harness insertion portion, the annular projecting portion being provided with an annular locking recess arranged at an outer circumferential portion of the annular projecting portion, a receiving-side annular portion arranged on one side of the annular locking recess, with respect to an axial direction of the wire harness insertion portion, and an insertion-side annular portion arranged on the other side of the annular locking recess, with respect to the axial direction of the wire harness insertion portion. The outer circumferential portion of the insertion-side annular portion on the annular locking recess side is provided with projections that are formed at portions in the circumferential direction of the insertion-side annular portion. The projections are each provided with a slant surface and a panel facing surface.

Abstract: A wireless activator is used for a vehicle. The wireless activator includes a transmitting control module, a transmitting module, a receiving module, and a receiving control module. The transmitting control module is positioned in a main portion of the vehicle. The transmitting module is positioned in the main portion and electrically coupled to the transmitting control module. The receiving module is positioned in a movable portion of the vehicle. The receiving control module is positioned in the movable portion and electrically coupled to the receiving module. The wireless activator is used for wirelessly supplying electrical power to the movable portion, and controlling the movable portion move relative to the main portion. A vehicle using the wireless activator is also provided.

Abstract: A device (1) for stabilizing a supply voltage (UBatt) in a motor vehicle, having a function component of the motor vehicle, in particular in the form of a starter (4), a voltage source (10) which is connected to the function component (4) in order to supply the function component (4) with the supply voltage (UBatt), characterized in that the voltage source (10) is connected to the function component (4) via a resistor cascade (30) in order to stabilize the supply voltage (UBatt).

Abstract: A battery charger device and controller is provided. The battery charger includes a DC/DC converter operative to convert an input current and an input voltage to an output current and an output voltage. The controller is configured to determine whether the input voltage is between a minimum voltage and a maximum voltage and dynamically adjust the output current based on the determination that the input voltage is between the minimum voltage and the maximum voltage.

Abstract: A first DC/DC converter is provided between a rectifier for rectifying output of an electric generator driven by an engine, and a battery for supplying power to an in-vehicle load. An electric double layer capacitor and a second DC/DC converter for charge/discharge current control for the capacitor are provided between the rectifier and the first DC/DC converter. A control circuit sets a current target value which is a control target value for the second DC/DC converter, based on the voltage value of a battery bus, and when charging of the electric double layer capacitor is to be stopped based on a charge/discharge instruction signal, performs, before the charging is stopped, control of gradually attenuating the current target value for the second DC/DC converter, based on a voltage value VEDLC of the electric double layer capacitor.

Abstract: An active leg engagement system for a vehicle includes a selectively deployable leg-engaging member.

Abstract: A method for series production of a vehicle assembly, especially an interior assembly, including a vehicle-side support, especially a vehicle steering wheel (12), and a component to be fastened at the support, especially a horn module (14), wherein a module-side bearing unit (22) consisting of at least two bearing members (46, 50) is assigned to the component and/or a support-side bearing unit (24) consisting of at least two bearing members (26, 28) is assigned to the support, and wherein one of the bearing members (28, 50) of the respective bearing unit (22, 24) has a contact surface (34, 58) and the other one of the bearing members (26, 46) has at least one bearing surface (38, 54) includes the step of individually orientating the two bearing members (26, 28, 46, 50) of at least one bearing unit (22, 24) relative to each other as a function of the actual dimensions of the support installed and/or the component installed, fastening the two bearing members (26, 28, 46, 50) orientated relative to each other, a