Abstract: A power supply device includes a battery, an inverter, a converter, an electronic control unit. The inverter includes an upper arm having a third switching element and a lower arm having a fourth switching element. The converter includes an upper arm having a first switching element and a lower arm having a second switching element. The electronic control unit is configured to, when a state where the primary-side voltage is at least equal to the specified threshold continues for a specified time or longer, i) increase the primary-side voltage by repeatedly switching the second switching element between ON and OFF state while maintaining the first switching element to be OFF state, and apply the increased voltage as the secondary-side voltage to the inverter, and ii) convert the secondary-side voltage to the AC voltage by repeatedly switching each of the third and the fourth switching element between ON and OFF state.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems for managing power supply at a device. The device is capable of receiving power via a plurality of power inputs. The device first determines whether or not a first condition is satisfied. A first switch is maintained in a closed position if the first condition is satisfied. When the first switch is in a closed position, the device is capable of receiving power from a first power supply. Alternatively, when the first condition is not satisfied, the device determines whether or not a second condition is satisfied. If the second condition is satisfied, the first switch is maintained to be in a closed position. If the second condition is not satisfied, the first switch is opened after a predefined time period.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving vehicle information from a wireless charging-capable vehicle via a wireless communication means; calculating an air gap between a primary coil of a wireless charging system that is operable to wirelessly charge the vehicle and a secondary coil of the vehicle based on the received vehicle information; and causing electric current to flow only through a portion of the primary coil having a size that is less than or equal to a size of the entire primary coil. The size of the portion of the primary coil through which the electric current flows is determined based on the calculated air gap between the primary coil and the secondary coil.

Abstract: A hybrid battery charger is disclosed that includes a linear charger circuit for providing vehicle starting current and battery charging and a high frequency battery charging circuit that provides battery charging current. The linear charger circuit and the high frequency battery charging circuits are selectively enabled to provide vehicle starting current, maximum charging current and optimum efficiency.

Abstract: A charging cable locking device locks or unlocks a charging cable in association with the locking and unlocking of a vehicle door. In the charging cable locking device, a power supply plug of the charging cable is joined to an inlet provided in a power supply opening, and the charging cable is locked when a state in which a battery is being charged by power supplied from the charging cable continues for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising: central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units, wherein the central control system comprises: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that cause the control circuit to: identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station.

Abstract: A method is provided for setting up an on-board charger in an electrically driven vehicle with the following features: a proxy resistor of a charging socket of the vehicle is queried (44, 68); if the proxy resistor is present (46), a master configuration (48, 50, 52) of the on-board charger is carried out; and if the proxy resistor is not present (70), a slave configuration (72, 74, 76) of the on-board charger is carried out.

Abstract: A system for generating a local autonomous response to a condition of an electric grid by electric vehicle charging stations, comprising: a first electricity meter for reading current, frequency, or voltage from a first electricity supply line to one electric vehicle charging station; a second electricity meter for reading current, frequency, or voltage from a second electricity supply line to all of the electric vehicle charging stations; a third electricity meter for reading current, frequency, or voltage from a third electricity line from one or more renewable generators; and an electric vehicle charging controller operatively coupled to the first electricity meter, the second electricity meter, the third electricity meter and the electric vehicle charging stations and operable to obtain readings from the first electricity meter, the second electricity meter and the third electricity meter and to control the electric vehicle charging stations based on the obtained readings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelling work machine in the form of a tracked vehicle having an electric drive, with a generator drivable by an internal combustion engine, an auxiliary unit connected to the engine, and a braking apparatus for braking the work machine. The braking apparatus provides regenerative braking by the electric drive and comprises a feedback apparatus for feeding back electrical motor braking power of the electric motor to the generator to apply the motor braking power on the engine and on the auxiliary unit. The invention further relates to a method for braking the work machine. In accordance with the invention, a control apparatus is provided for the automatic increase and/or decrease of the power pick-up of the auxiliary unit in dependence on the electrical motor braking power fed back to the engine and/or on the operating state of the engine acted on by motor braking power.

Abstract: The autonomous charging management system for electric vehicles utilizes a voltage feedback control structure that compares the system voltage at the point of charging against a reference, while also taking into account the EV battery state of charge (SOC). A proportional control structure reduces the EV charging as the system voltage approaches the reference. Moreover, the control structure does not require any communication between the EV and the utility.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a battery pack supplying power to propel a vehicle are disclosed. One example method comprises, adjusting a battery pack state of charge window in response to vehicle mass. Adjusting the battery pack state of charge window in response to vehicle mass may allow the battery pack to provide an increased amount of energy to a motor so that the motor may provide torque to a driveline for a longer period of time and/or absorb more vehicle generator produced power during vehicle operations.

Abstract: In electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), interruption of charging due to overheating is prevented by adjusting the pulse duty cycle on the control pilot conductor communicating the maximum allowed current level to the electric vehicle, the adjustment being performed whenever the EVSE temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature below the maximum operating temperature as a function of the approach of the temperature to the maximum operating temperature.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a floor pan and a battery assembly mounted to an underside of the floor pan. The battery assembly includes an open top such that the floor pan acts as a cover of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A system and method in at least one embodiment provides magnetic levitation to a vehicle above and/or partially about a rail or track using a flux field generator having a plurality of members having mated waveform patterns. In a further embodiment, the magnetic levitation also uses a distribution system. In a further embodiment, the plurality of members forms a disk-pack turbine. In a further embodiment, the flux field generator is not vehicle based.

Abstract: When a rotational difference is generated between a left driving wheel and a right driving wheel, by controlling the frequency f0 of alternating currents to be fed to stator windings of first and second induction machines by a shared inverter, torque distribution to the left driving wheel and the right driving wheel is controlled.

Abstract: At a time that a parking operation is performed, a vehicle parking control device detects that a power receiving pad of an electric vehicle lies within a characteristics modifying range. Furthermore, the vehicle parking control device detects that other predetermined conditions are satisfied. In the case that the power receiving pad is positioned inside of the characteristics modifying range, and if all of the predetermined conditions have been satisfied, an acceleration-OFF-state movement characteristic of the vehicle, for example, a creep torque characteristic or a brake hydraulic pressure characteristic, is switched to an appropriate characteristic from a characteristic thereof at normal times.

Abstract: An electrically operated backrest adjuster (1, 1?) for a vehicle seat (3) includes a seat part (3.1) and a backrest (3.2) which is adjustable relative to the seat part (3.1). At least one of two fitting sides—of which each includes a fitting upper part (B 1) mounted on the backrest and a fitting lower part (B2) mounted on the seat part—includes a fitting (2, 2?) for adjusting the inclination of the backrest (3.2). The fitting (2, 2?) is arranged between the fitting upper part (B1) and the fitting lower part (B2). The fitting sides are coupled to each other by a transmission rod (5). An electric drive unit (6, 6?) is provided on one of the fitting sides. The drive unit is arranged on the outside of the associated fitting lower part (B2) is being coupled to the transmission rod (5) for driving same.

Abstract: An easy-entry system (EE) for a vehicle seat (1) with a backrest (1.1) and a seat cushion (1.2), in arrangement with a fitting (2) for adjusting the inclination of the backrest (1.1) relative to the seat cushion (1.2) at least within a comfort range and optionally with an extended comfort function for positioning the backrest (1.1) beyond an easy-entry position into a loading floor position. The system includes, for initiating an easy-entry function, at least one actuating lever (4) which is coupled via at least one tension element (6) to an unlocking lever (8) for unlocking the inclination adjustment of the backrest (1.1). A translatory movement of the tension element (6) is transformed by means of a sliding element (7.2) of a transmission arrangement (7) into a rotatory movement of the unlocking lever (8) for opening the fitting (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displacing a portion of either or both of a vehicle seat back and a seat base to reveal a CRS anchor are disclosed. The inventive concept disclosed herein provides the use of a seat back foam displacing assembly that includes a user-operable actuator, an interface attachment member, and a tension extension member connecting the actuator and the interface attachment member. By moving the user-operable actuator, a portion of either or both of the seat base and the seat back may be displaced allowing visualization of and access to the CRS anchor. Such a system fully satisfies the need to provide easy access to the CRS anchor while fully and aesthetically concealing the anchor when not in use. The actuator may be any one or more of a lever, a handle, or a strap. A tension member guide may optionally be provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a vehicle-rider arm rest, comprising a brace having a first section configured to be inserted at least partially within an interior portion of a vehicle door and a second section extending from the first section and configured to be supported only by a an upper portion of a vehicle door; and a pad configured to be detachably coupled directly to the second section.

Abstract: To make it possible to provide an acoustic device in a headrest device such that a standard of a shock is satisfied and the performance of the acoustic device can be efficiently exhibited. In the headrest device, a shock resistant surface is formed in a core material of a headrest main body, an opening is formed in the shock resistant surface, and a non-contact type acoustic microphone is disposed on the inner side of the opening.

Abstract: A pillow has a pillow body and two ends. The pillow body has a generally rounded spiral shape which allows it to be wrapped around body parts, such as the neck and waist. It can also be compacted into a head pillow. The mulipositional and multifunctional nature of the pillow allows for compact storage and travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concealing the CRS anchor of a vehicle when not in use and exposing the anchor when CRS attachment is required. The inventive concept disclosed herein provides the use of concealing seat trim that can be removed, slid, or rotated to reveal the CRS anchor. The disclosed system provides accessibility and finger and hand clearance to the anchor. The anchor concealing trim piece of the disclosed inventive concept may be small and individual, one for each affected anchor, or may be a single insert that spans the distance between multiple anchors. The size of the anchor concealing trim piece can vary based on anchor location and styling as well as on how much additional accessibility is desired. The anchor concealing trim pieces may be held in their concealing position in a pocket formed in the seat by hook-and-loop fasteners or CRS web strap and clip s fastened to a wire frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat frame. The seat frame has a hollow deformable portion that is bent, and linear recessed portions formed by partially recessing an inner side of the deformable portion. The deformable portion has a linear separation portion formed in a projecting manner relative to the recessed portions and extending on the inner side of the deformable portion. A plurality of recessed portions is formed on each of one side and the other side of the separation portion so as to sandwich the separation portion, and placed independently from each other such that adjacent recessed portions are not connected to each other.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat frame; a sheet-like support member disposed to stretched across the seat frame to support a sitting person's body; and a connection member having a linear shape and connects the sheet-like support member to the seat frame, wherein the sheet-like support member is provided with a tubular portion at at least one side of the sheet-like support member, the tubular portion being inserted with the connection member, and wherein the connection member is provided with at least one of a concave portion and a convex portion directed to a direction opposite to that of a tensile stress which is applied in the sheet-like support member by sitting of the sitting person.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a handle intended to be gripped by an occupant of a vehicle is shown to comprise the steps of selecting a substrate including a first part and a second part. The first part and second part are wrapped with a covering material that may be a premium material such as leather and may also include a layer of foam padding. The first part and second part are assembled together and attached to each other. After the two parts are wrapped, the first part and second part are assembled together and attached to each other. A line of stitches may be formed on the covering material before the wrapping step that are wrapped to be visible on the handle.

Abstract: A hand pole and socket arrangement (1) for use in a passenger service vehicle includes a hand pole (3) having a first end (2) and a first socket (4) for fitting to a passenger vehicle and for receiving the first end of the hand pole. The first end (2) of the hand pole and the first socket (4) are formed and arranged to prevent rotation of the hand pole relative to the socket when they are fitted together. A passenger service vehicle including the hand pole and socket arrangement (1) is also provided.

Abstract: The design is for an automotive cup holder that can be mounted on the door and provide easier accessibility without interfering with switches and controls on the center console. It also is larger in design to accommodate larger drink containers.

Abstract: There is shown a skidding assembly having a pair of rail platforms. Each rail platform has a base member and a pair of boxed members spaced to form a gap there between. A pair of sawtooth racks are positioned adjacent the inside portions of the side boxed members. A pair of skid shoes are mounted over the upper walls of the boxed members and is configured to connect to a hydraulic cylinder system positioned in the gap between the boxed members. The hydraulic cylinder system includes movable cams that are able to adjust orientation to control the direction of travel of the skid shoes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of operating a tipper comprising a tipper body pivotably moveable with respect to a frame with a hydraulic cylinder disposed therebetween which can be actuated by a hydraulic actuation system to pivot the tipper body. The method comprises receiving at least one lateral state parameter relating to at least one lateral state of the hydraulic cylinder; determining whether the lateral condition of the hydraulic cylinder is within acceptable limits based on the at least one lateral state parameter; and altering, or permitting the alteration of, at least one operational parameter of the hydraulic actuation system if it is determined that the lateral condition of the hydraulic cylinder is within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer system for loading, transporting and unloading a load includes a wheeled trailer structure for attachment to a towing vehicle; a carriage mounted for bidirectional travel on the trailer structure; a carriage hitch carried by the carriage, the carriage hitch configured for coupling to the load; a movable, preferably pivotable arm carried by the trailer structure; and an arm actuating cylinder operably engaging the movable arm to selectively position the movable arm in lowered and raised positions. In a first raised position, the movable arm can suspend a cable attached to the load and lift the load when the cable is pulled by a winch. In a second raised position, the movable arm can arrange the cable so that it presents a strong vertical component for lowering the load onto the carriage hitch. When the movable arm is arranged in the lowered position, the carriage can travel over the movable arm as the cable pulls the load onto the trailer structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tail door assembly, such as for a cargo container or a truck. The tail door assembly includes a left door rotatable about a left vertical axis, and a right door rotatable about a right vertical axis. Further, there is a first set of actuators, wherein a left actuator is coupled to the left door and a right actuator is coupled to the right door. The first set of actuators is operable for actuating the left and right doors synchronously or simultaneously about a horizontal axis between a vertical position and a horizontal position. The tail door assembly can be selectively operated or used like a usual pair of out-swinging doors, and also like a single tail gate which can be lowered from a vertical closed position to a horizontal open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for delivering proppant to a well site has a trailer with a bed thereon and at least one track of rollers extending in parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. The track of rollers extend substantially for an entire length of the bed of the trailer. At least one proppant container is translatably positioned on the track of rollers. The proppant container is movable along the array of rollers from one end of the bed to an opposite end of the bed. A bin can be removably positioned below the bed of the trailer in a position rearward of the front end of the trailer and forward of a rear end of the trailer so as to allow the proppant container to discharge into the bin. A conveyor is cooperative with the bin so as to move proppant from the bin to a location at the well site.

Abstract: A housing contains a plurality of motorized transport units in a stacked relationship to one another, with a bottom-most one of the plurality of motorized transport units serving as a locomotion mechanism that selectively causes movement of the housing with the plurality of motorized transport units contained therein. By one approach the aforementioned housing has a cylindrical form factor and includes a cylindrically-shaped chamber configured to receive the motorized transport units By one approach, for example, this housing includes no lifting mechanism to lift any of the motorized transport units into itself and further has no integral locomotion mechanism by which the housing can move itself. The interior of the housing can include at least one track formed therein to receive a corresponding part of each of the plurality of motorized transport units which the motorized transport units can engage to thereby lift themselves into the interior of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a lighting apparatus, particularly lighting apparatus for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a vehicle and a method for illuminating a region rearward of a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a braking system for braking the vehicle, a reverse gear for starting to drive the vehicle (10) in reverse, and a sensor for detecting an engaged reverse gear. Furthermore, a brake activating device connected to the sensor is provided, wherein the brake activating device activates the braking system automatically once the sensor has detected an engaged reverse gear, and wherein when the braking system is activated, at least one brake light of the vehicle can be switched on by means of a light switch-on device.

Abstract: An automotive lamp provides information to vehicles approaching from at least one side of the rear of a vehicle of the driving state of the vehicle by irradiating light for forming a road pattern indicating the driving state of the vehicle. The automotive lamp includes a detection unit configured to detect a driving state of a vehicle, a reversing lamp configured to indicate a reverse movement of the vehicle, a lamp unit configured to irradiate light for forming a road pattern indicating the state of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle such that the road pattern can be formed on at least one side of the vehicle. A control unit is configured to control the lamp unit based on the detected driving state of the vehicle. The luminous intensity of the lamp unit is equal to, or greater than, the luminous intensity of the reversing lamp.

Abstract: A vehicle sill illumination assembly has a main body, an illumination panel and a controller. The main body includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion that together define an inverted U-shaped structure as viewed in cross-section. The first portion has an upright surface. The second portion extends horizontally inboard from an upper edge of the first section. The third portion extends downward from an inboard side of the second portion. The illumination panel is installed to an area of the first portion of the main body such that the illumination panel faces in an outboard direction with the main body installed to a vehicle sill structure. The controller is located within the main body and is configured to control illumination of the illumination panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light emitting wheel, characterized in that, a light emitting device is attached to the light emitting wheel, the light emitting device is composed of a bulb, a first elastomer, a second elastomer, a power supply, a conducting wire and a protective cover. When a vehicle is started, the on-off state of the bulb can be controlled by a switch, the bulb will move towards a direction away from the center of the wheel hub, and a ring of light will be formed due to the phenomenon of persistence of vision. The higher the speed of the vehicle is, the larger the diameter of the ring of light is, so that the vehicle is driven with rich dynamic effect.

Abstract: An illumination device which can contribute to traffic safety is provided. An illumination device according to the present invention illuminating a license number plate of a vehicle comprises a first light source with an optical axis directed to a display surface of the number plate, a second light source with an optical axis extending along the display surface, and a support member arranged around the number plate to support the first light source and the second light source.

Abstract: A seat back illumination module is provided having a housing defined by an interior and a partially open front face. A switch member with a first position and a second position at least partially protrudes from the front face of the housing and is engaged thereto. An illumination assembly is defined by an output end and has an illumination source. At least a part of the illumination assembly is mounted to the switch member, and the output end is proximal to a section of the switch member that protrudes from the front face of the housing. An electrical switch is connected to the illumination source and operated by movement of the switch member between the first position and the second position to selectively power the illumination source.

Abstract: Disclosed and described herein is a vehicle object notification system comprising a steering interface that includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, each of the light-emitting elements arranged in an elongated pattern along a respective portion of the steering interface, wherein a first light emitting element is configured to illuminate based on a detection of an object relative to a first portion of a vehicle and a second light emitting element is configured to illuminate based on a detection of an object relative to a second portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a control device for a vehicle open-close member: including a current signal input unit configured to receive an inputted current signal indicating a current value of a current flowing through an electromagnetic clutch of the vehicle open-close member, the electromagnetic clutch being operated with the current supplied from a power supply; a clutch state judgement unit configured to judge that the electromagnetic clutch is in a deteriorated state, if the current signal indicates that the current value is less than a predetermined threshold; and a warning signal output unit configured to output a warning signal to a warning device configured to give a warning to a user, if the clutch state judgement unit judges that the electromagnetic clutch is in the deteriorated state.

Abstract: A vehicle load warning apparatus utilizing inductive proximity sensors to signal an alarm to an operator when a vehicle achieves a maximum weight. The vehicle load warning apparatus can also provide an intermediate warning to an operator when the vehicle approaches the maximum weight. The vehicle load warning apparatus can also utilize inductive proximity sensors at each end of both axles of a vehicle and provide imbalance warning signals if the weight on a vehicle is not equally distributed throughout the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: To detect parked vehicles at night, the present invention discloses night-detection device and method. The night-detection device comprises a moving-vehicle sensor and a parked-vehicle sensor. It uses the light beam from a passing-by vehicle to detect parked vehicles.

Abstract: In one aspect a vehicle includes a vehicle body, a processor, a camera disposed on the vehicle body which is accessible to the processor, at least one window onto which at least one image is presentable, and memory. The memory comprises instructions executable by the processor to receive data from the camera and, based at least in part on the data, present on the window at least one image corresponding to a representation of a field of view of a mirror. The field of view is identified at least in part based on a current position of at least a portion of a driver.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior sideview mirror assembly includes a main mirror element having a first primary field of view rearward of the vehicle and an auxiliary curved mirror element having a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle. The main mirror element and the auxiliary mirror element are adjacently disposed at a mirror backing plate element in a side-by-side relationship. The first primary field of view of the main mirror element may overlap the second auxiliary field of view of the auxiliary mirror element by between about 2 degrees and about 20 degrees. When used in an exterior sideview mirror assembly of a vehicle, the main mirror element may have a rearward field of view that subtends an angle of less than about 20 degrees relative to the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A variable reflectance exterior mirror reflective element suitable for use in a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly a front substrate and a rear substrate and an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween. A mirror reflector is disposed at a third surface of the rear substrate. A perimeter layer is disposed at a second surface of the front substrate proximate a perimeter edge and generally conceals the perimeter seal from view by a person viewing through the front substrate. Light that reflects off of the mirror reflector and passes through the electrochromic medium and the front substrate exhibits a substantially non-spectrally selective reflectance characteristic when no voltage is applied to the electrochromic medium. A display is disposed proximate a fourth surface of the rear at a light-transmitting portion of the mirror reflector established by laser ablation. The display is configured to be operated responsive to a blind spot detector of the vehicle.

Abstract: A storage compartment for a motor vehicle includes a fixed structural and at least one dividing element that is magnetically fastenable to the structural part in order to form a section together therewith in such manner that a surface section of the dividing element forms a first part of a partition of the section, and a surface section of structural part forms a second part of the partition. The dividing element is deformable in such manner that it can he fastened to structural part in a plurality of different installation form, thereby creating different sections together with the structural part without requiring varied partitions.

Abstract: A blind for closing a storage compartment in a central console of a motor vehicle is provided. The blind has rod-shaped guide elements which are slidably guided in lateral grooves. Slats are clipped onto the guide elements, which slats project laterally and become wider in a longitudinal direction of the blind, so that in a closed position of the blind they completely cover an intermediate space between two obliquely diverging side walls of the central console.