Abstract: A battery pack discharging device having a hand-held member and a docking device are provided. The hand-held member has a handle portion, first and second extension members, first and second conductive members, and a resistor. The resistor is disposed in the handle portion between the first and second conductive portions. The device further includes a docking device having a housing and first and second contact members. The first and second extension members are disposed in the first and second apertures, respectively, of the docking device such that the first and second conductive members contact the first and second contact members, respectively.

Abstract: A charging port structure includes a guide plate, and is configured such that a release lever of a port cap can be prevented from being exposed to water even when water has flowed into a port housing. The guide plate receives water that has flowed into a port housing from the periphery of a port lid for covering a forward opening part of the port housing so as to be capable of opening and closing. The port housing surrounds a charging port having an end connection to which a charging connector for supplying electric power from an outside power source is connected, and guides the water away from where the release lever is disposed for opening the port cap for covering the end connection of the charging port so as to be capable of opening and closing. The guide plate is disposed above the charging port.

Abstract: An alignment assembly includes a first track, a first shield, a first positioning device, a second track, a second shield, a second positioning device and an induction coil. The first track defines a first axis. The first shield is movable along the first track and the first axis. The first positioning device is configured to move the first shield along the first track. The second track is fixedly attached to a second side of the first shield opposite the first side of the first shield. The second track defines a second axis transverse to the first axis. The second shield has a first side mounted to the second track for movement along the second track. The second positioning device is coupled to the first shield, and is configured to move the second shield along the second track. The vehicle-side induction coil is fixedly attached to the second shield.

Abstract: This electric charging system (10) of a plurality of electric vehicles (12) comprises, an electric power supply (14) suitable for delivering a maximum electric power, and a plurality of charging points (18). Each charging point (18) is suitable for being connected to an electric vehicle (12) and delivering a plurality of electric power levels. The system (10) comprises, for each charging point (18), a control device (20) for controlling the electric power level delivered. The control devices are connected to each other by communication links (30) and are suitable for controlling the distribution of the maximum power between the charging points as a function of time and the number of electric vehicles (12) connected to the charging points (18) and requiring charging.

Abstract: The general field of this invention is electrical connectors and their actuating mechanism. More specifically, this invention teaches a novel connector and its actuating mechanism for establishing an electrical connection between two arbitrarily oriented objects such as an arbitrarily parked EV and infrastructure. In most of the prior art, a conductive connection requires precise and guided alignment of mating conductors. The prior art achieves this either by a sensor guided search or mechanical guides to being the two objects into desired alignment. In order to tolerate a wider misalignment between the two objects, the guides have to have a large footprint. In contrast, this invention breaks down the process of aligning the two halves of connector into a series of simple motions—when carried out in a particular order, would deliver the necessary alignment of the two sides of a connector.

Abstract: An alignment method for a vehicle wireless charging system, that includes detecting reception of electromagnetic radiation received by a vehicle-side coil from a transmitter coil with the vehicle-side coil at a current position relative to the transmitter coil. Other steps include determining efficiency of electromagnetic radiation reception by the vehicle-side coil, and determining whether or not the efficiency of electromagnetic radiation reception by the vehicle-side coil achieves a predetermined level of reception efficiency. Further steps include repositioning the vehicle-side coil in response to determining that the efficiency of the electromagnetic radiation reception is less than the predetermined level of reception efficiency, and repeating the determining of the efficiency of electromagnetic radiation reception and the repositioning the vehicle-side coil until the determined efficiency is equal to or greater than the predetermined level of reception efficiency.

Abstract: After turning on a switching element by receiving a discharge command from a motor ECU via a control circuit, a drive circuit of a discharge device causes, upon receipt of an overheat protection command from an overheat protection circuit, the switching element to turn off and keeps the resulting state thereof. And, the motor ECU sends the discharge command, after establishment of a diagnostic condition, to the control circuit of the discharge device and determines that the discharge device is abnormal if an electric current will not flow through a discharge resistor and the switching element.

Abstract: A modular stacked DC architecture for traction system includes a propulsion system includes an electric drive, a direct current (DC) link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first DC-DC converter coupled to the DC link. A first energy storage device (ESD) is electrically coupled to the first DC-DC converter, and a second DC-DC converter is coupled to the DC link and to the first DC-DC converter. The system also includes a second energy storage device electrically coupled to the second DC-DC converter and a controller coupled to the first and second DC-DC converters and configured to control a transfer of energy between the first ESD and the DC link via the first and second DC-DC converters.

Abstract: An electric vehicle recharging station is provided. The electric vehicle recharging station includes an electric power supply system for rapidly recharging an onboard electric vehicle battery. The electric power supply system includes a first energy source and a battery bank including one or more rechargeable charging batteries for rapidly recharging the onboard electric vehicle battery. The electric vehicle recharging station also includes a temperature management system providing heat exchange fluid to both the onboard electric vehicle battery and the battery bank to thermally condition the onboard electric vehicle battery and the battery bank. A method of recharging onboard electric vehicle batteries is also provided.

Abstract: A battery that supplies electric power to a battery-driven work vehicle, includes: battery cells; a casing including storing the battery cells in a space surrounded by the top, the bottom, and the sides thereof; an inlet hole open to the side to introduce a gas into the casing; an outlet hole open to a side facing the side to which the inlet hole is open, and discharging the gas from an inside of the casing; and a fan introducing the gas from the inlet hole into the casing to make the gas flow in contact with the top and bottom surfaces of the battery cells, and then discharging the gas from the inside the casing, wherein the casing includes rod-shaped members extended from the inlet hole to the outlet hole, and wherein the rod-shaped members come in contact with the bottom surface of the battery cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell electric automobile includes a fuel cell stack, a traction motor, a first control device for controlling output of the fuel cell stack, and a second control device for controlling electrical energy supplied to the traction motor. The first control device is provided vertically above the fuel cell stack, and the second control device is provided vertically below the fuel cell stack and on a lateral side of the traction motor.

Abstract: A slide rail of a vehicle seat includes a first rail to which a screw having a screw thread formed on an outer periphery is fixed, and a second rail that retains a nut into which the screw screws, and moves relative to the first rail by the nut rotating. The first rail has a through-hole into which the screw is inserted. At least one end of the screw has a deformed portion that is deformed toward an outside in a radial direction of the screw with respect to the first rail while the at least one end of the screw is in a state passing through the through-hole, and that keeps the screw from slipping out of the through-hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a locking device for the precise adjustment of the movement position of a vehicle seat rail relative to a fixed rail while not compromising the strength of the seat rail. The locking device includes the seat rail having locking holes, and four locking pins to be inserted in the locking holes. In particular, the locking holes and pins are arranged with predetermined gaps along a longitudinal direction of the seat rail, and a distance between second and third locking pins is different from a distance between first and second locking pins which is the same as a distance between third and fourth locking pins.

Abstract: A seat apparatus includes a lower arm including one of an internal gear and an external gear, an upper arm including the other of the internal gear and the external gear, a lock member restricting and allowing a movement of a seat; a lever being rotatably connected to the lower arm, the lever being linked with an operation of the lock member to restrict the movement; and a transmission portion disposed between the lower arm and the upper arm, the transmission portion transmitting a rotation of the upper arm which corresponds to a forward inclination of a seatback to the lever by absorbing an eccentricity of the internal gear and the external gear.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a torsion bar that biases a seat back toward a seat bottom about a pivot axis when in a loaded condition, thereby providing a return force when the seat back is in a reclined position. The torsion bar has a transverse portion that engages a stationary hook. The transverse portion of the torsion bar is oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the seat pivot axis so that the torsion bar remains engaged with the stationary hook during twisting motion of the torsion bar that occurs with increased torsion bar loading.

Abstract: A child seat including a tensioning mechanism for applying tension to a seat belt to more fully secure the child seat to a vehicle seat is provided herein. The child seat, which may be front- and/or rear-facing, includes a seat base defining a seat portion and a backrest portion. The seat base can receive an untensioned belt to secure the child seat to a vehicle seat in an untensioned configuration. A tensioning mechanism attached to the backrest portion and is rotatable between a first position substantially adjacent to the backrest portion and a second position disposed therefrom. In the second position, the tensioning mechanism can receive a portion of the belt. In the first position, the tensioning mechanism applies tension to the portion of the received belt to secure the child seat to the vehicle seat in a tensioned configuration. Methods of manufacturing child seats are also provided herein.

Abstract: A harness tensioner for a child safety seat has a lower lever part pivotable about an axis and an upper lever part above the lower lever part and pivotable about a different axis. A lower portion of the upper lever part contacts with an upper portion of the lower lever part. Harness straps of a child safety seat are coupled to the upper lever part. Upon an impact event, the lower part is moved against a biasing force, which in turn moves the upper part to apply rearward tension to the harness straps.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat pan and four linkage arms individually pivotably coupled with the seat pan. The assembly further includes a mounting plate, each of the four linkage arms being pivotably coupled therewith. A gear rack is coupled with the seat pan and defines an articulation path therefor, and a pinion is operably engaged with the rack to drive articulation of the seat pan including pivoting of the four linkage arms and sliding of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat including a seatback part and a sitting part, the sitting part including a base panel bordered at least partially by a side panel, and a mechanism mounting the seat on the vehicle floor panel in two different positions: a first accommodating position in which the side panel extends at least partially in an extension of the seatback part, between the seatback part and the sitting part base panel, and a second reversed position in which the base panel extends between the seatback part and the side panel of the sitting part. The motor vehicle seat further includes a mechanism locking the sitting part in at least one of the two accommodation and reversed positions, at least part of the locking mechanism belonging to the seatback part.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle seat including: a seatback frame that includes a plate-shaped back face panel portion; a headrest; a seatback pad that is provided at a front face side of the seatback frame, with a space formed between the seatback pad and the back face panel portion; a back spring that is formed from wire and includes left and right side portions extending in an up-down direction of the seatback, at both seat width direction sides inside the space, and includes a lower portion coupling together lower end portions of the left and right side portions in the seat width direction, wherein the left and right side portions are supported so as to be capable of undergoing displacement toward a seat width direction outer side with respect to the seatback frame, and support the seatback pad from a seat rear side.

Abstract: A mat system for a vehicle floor that has a floor mat retainer defining a fixed first vertical axis. The floor mat system includes an adapter portion and a mat portion. The adapter portion has a first receiver to enable engagement of the adapter portion to the mat and a plurality of second receivers to enable engagement of the adapter portion to the mat retainer at a selected one of a multitude of locations. Each engagement of the adapter portion to the mat retainer is rotational about the fixed first vertical axis, according to a selection from the plurality of second receivers.

Abstract: A mobile drive unit including a docking head assembly is provided. The docking head assembly is configured with two or more actuator assemblies to lift an inventory holder and tilt the inventory holder in two or more directions. The direction of tilt and an associated angle may be determined based on a location of a center of gravity of the inventory holder relative to the mobile drive unit. The direction of tilt and the associated angle may also be determined based on information describing external forces acting on the inventory holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dumping work determination system for a haulage vehicle provided with a body frame, a vessel and a drive mechanism for selective raising or lowering of the vessel. The system is applicable to the vehicle to determine a state of loading in the vessel in dumping work, and includes a body frame speed detector, a tilted state detector, a shake detector, and a payload-stuck state determination unit. Based on signals from the detectors, the unit determines whether or not the state of loading is a payload-stuck state. Specifically, the unit determines the payload-stuck state when the speed of the body frame is detected to have reached lower than a predetermined speed, the vessel is detected to have tilted to a predetermined position, and a state where the vessel can be considered to have no longer produced shakes is detected by the shake detector.

Abstract: A device and method for stabilizing a vehicle during transport provides a detachably attached anchoring point on a vehicle for a tethered cable to securely fasten to from multiple directions and with strong tensions on the tethered cable. This creates a unique anchor on the vehicle that helps stabilize the vehicle during transport while minimizing damage to the vehicle. The device utilizes a biased, spring hinge to pivotally enclose a linear member, such as a grip, on the vehicle. A fastener at the terminus of the cable flexibly and detachably joins with the device at apertures. Tabs extend from the device to facilitate gripping for moving the device between an open and a closed position. The device may detachably attach to multiple areas of the vehicle, and multiple devices may be used throughout the vehicle. These flexible, multi-positional features of the device increase the effectiveness of the tethered cables.

Abstract: An industrial tank transport system used to transport an industrial tank without the use of a trailer. The industrial tank transport system is comprised of four components; a semi-tractor truck, a removable lift system, a dolly, and a tank. When these four components are combined together, the tank can be transported without the use of a conventional semi-tractor trailer. Various combinations of these four components are used to practice the various methods of raising and lowering the tank between a horizontal position and vertical position using the semi-tractor truck, transporting the dolly using the removable lift system and semi-tractor truck, attaching and removing the removable lift system to the semi-tractor truck, and attaching and removing the dolly to and from the tank using the removable lift system and semi-tractor truck.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a load-carrying platform, an elastic band is provided so a rear portion of a tailgate and a rear portion of a bed extender enter a tensioned state. A rotation regulation mechanism is provided to the tailgate and the bed extender that regulates further rotational movement by the tailgate and the bed extender making contact when the tailgate is rotated towards a closed position. The bed extender and the tailgate are prevented from rotating in the same direction by the rotation regulation mechanism, and the load on the elastic band is mitigated.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an illuminated roadway ahead of a vehicle, having a step of recognizing a first light object as a first roadway illumination unit. The method also includes a step of ascertaining a distance covered by the vehicle. The method also includes a step of recognizing a second light object as a second roadway illumination unit. The method also includes a step of providing a signal when the first roadway illumination unit and the second illumination unit have been recognized. The signal is provided using the distance covered, the signal representing a recognition of an illuminated roadway ahead of a vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for an automatic vehicle exterior light control system including an optical sensor and a processor. The processor is in communication with the optical sensor and a speed sensor. A light control subroutine may be activated in response to a control signal output by the processor in response to a plurality of conditions. The subroutine is activated in response determining that the speed of the vehicle is maintained between a first speed and a second speed and a detection of an external light from an external light source detected by the optical sensor. Once the light control subroutine is activated, the processor changes the light level of the light source from the first level to a second light level and maintains the second light level until the processor detects the vehicle speed exceeding a third speed.

Abstract: An exterior mirror for a motor vehicle that has a filling funnel for filling at least one liquid container arranged in the motor vehicle. The exterior mirror may have an optical fluid level display. The exterior mirror also includes a flap that is opened to provide access to the filling funnel. The flap may comprise a portion of the outer surface of a housing portion of the exterior mirror.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is provided herein. The grille assembly includes a plurality of grille bars, each including a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of each grille bar illuminates in a first color and the second portion of at least one grille bar illuminates in a second color that is visually distinct from the first color.

Abstract: A vehicle is presented that includes a lift gate operably connected to a body, a cargo lamp configured to emit light positioned near a rear of the body, a first luminescent structure disposed on a lift gate sill of the body, and a second luminescent structure disposed on an interior side of the lift gate. The first and second luminescent structures are configured to interact with the light from the cargo lamp.

Abstract: A directional indicator system includes a directional indicator that includes a plurality of LED series circuits each connected in parallel to another of the LED series circuits. Each LED series circuit includes LEDs connected in series. A driver is configured to control driving of the directional indicator. The driver includes LED drivers that are each configured to drive a corresponding one of the LED series circuits. The driver also includes a plurality of current detectors that are each configured to measure a value of a current in a corresponding one of the LED series circuits.

Abstract: A turn signal lamp for a vehicle includes a light source unit including light sources arranged in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction and a control unit configured to turn on the light sources sequentially starting from the left-most or the right-most light source of the light sources by a first time interval or intervals and reduce respective light quantities of the respective light sources by a second time interval or intervals.

Abstract: An electronics device is configured for installation in the brake light circuitry of a vehicle braking system. The electronics device is particularly configured to provide a flashing or pulsing appearance for a brake light, such as an automobile CHMSL. The pulsing is accomplished in a precise manner and that provides additional operational safety features than standard automotive brake lights. The electronics device is configured to avoid over-triggering of the pulsating lights due to multiple application of the automobile's brakes in a short time frame. The electronics device is further configured to function correctly even if the automobile is equipped with sophisticated computer systems that analyze the brake light circuitry, and is configured to avoid detection as a problem by the vehicle's diagnostic systems. At the same time, the electronics device will still allow the vehicle's diagnostic scans to detect any actual problems with the brake light system without hindrance.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided herein. The assembly includes a housing including a light permeable portion and a photoluminescent portion. A first light source and a second light source are each located inside the housing. Light emitted from the first light source is outputted from the housing via the light permeable portion and light emitted from the second light source excites the photoluminescent portion to generate a visible light that is outputted from the housing.

Abstract: An approach is provided for selecting variable message signs (VMS). More particularly, this disclosure relates to personalized VMS delivered to a driver of a vehicle via an on-board display. The approach monitors driver behavior to form a driver behavior history and an analytic analysis is applied to the driver behavior history to determine characteristics of the driver. When a wireless notification is received from an external data provider, the notification is modified based on the determined driver characteristics, and the modified notification is displayed to the driver on a display device visible within the vehicle that is being operated by the driver.

Abstract: A blind spot detection system. The system includes a camera mounted at the rear of a vehicle, a controller coupled to the camera, and an indicator coupled to the controller. The camera is configured to capture images in a field-of-view to the rear of the vehicle. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the camera indicative of the images, and controller determining when a second vehicle in the images enters a blind spot of the vehicle. The controller activates the indicator when the second vehicle enters the blind spot of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly having a folding portion and a non-folding portion configured for mounting at a side of a vehicle. A reflective element is disposed at the folding portion. The reflective element is mounted to a backing plate that is supported by an electrical actuator operable to move the reflective element. The exterior mirror assembly includes an indicator having at least one light emitting diode that emits an intensity of light when electrically operated. During low ambient lighting conditions at night, the intensity of light emitted by the at least one light emitting diode of the indicator is reduced under photosensor control to a nighttime intensity level. The nighttime intensity level is greater than about 0.3 candela and is less than about 200 candelas. The indicator may include a module and the module may be substantially water impervious.

Abstract: A step assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. A step pad is pivotally coupled to a quarter panel of the vehicle and is movable between a stowed position and deployed position. At least one light source is provided in the step pad and the step pad transmits light emitted by the at least one light source in an outward direction.

Abstract: The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a storage assembly for a vehicle with a storage platform, where the storage assembly includes a retaining part including a retaining portion, the retaining part being at least pivotably connected to the storage platform, and an elastic part connected with the retaining part such that the elastic part exerts a pulling force the retaining part toward a rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A headrest hook hanger that clamps to a headrest rod with a hook is attach to a stand that holds upright a dual hook and the stand can rotate at any angle and the elongated clamp has a series of groves for the rod to fit into different position on the clamp and a latch at the end of the clamp holds the two sides of the clamp together and the handle locks the clamp down. The headrest hook hanger mounts to the side of a headrest inside a car, truck, and suv allows the drivers and passenger to hang their hats, caps, coat, and jacket along the side of the headrest.

Abstract: A holder for holding a portable device inside a vehicle including a body portion having a fixed pad supporting one side of the portable device when placed thereon; a moving portion having a moving pad that is linearly movable between first and second positions; an elastic plate that holds the movement of the moving pad at the second position; and a button that is pushed by the portable device when placing the portable device onto the body portion to release the moving pad from a fixed state to a movable state. The moving portion may include a spring that is compressed while the moving pad moves from the first position to the second position, and moves the moving pad back to the first position from the second position by an elastic force.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes an electro-acoustic transducer for converting electrical audio signals into sound waves, and a housing that supports the electro-acoustic transducer. The loudspeaker also includes a shutter that is supported by the housing and is displaceable between a first, closed position in which the shutter substantially covers the transducer, and a second, open position in which the transducer is exposed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly has an entertainment system, and includes a seat back having a cavity disposed therein. A display screen arrangement is rotatably attached to the seat back and is movable between a first position wherein the display screen arrangement is disposed within the cavity in the seat back and a second position wherein the display screen arrangement is disposed outside of the cavity in the seat back. A speaker arrangement is in electrical communication with the display screen arrangement and disposed behind the cavity in the seat back such that the speaker arrangement is covered by the display screen arrangement when the display screen arrangement is in the first position.

Abstract: A cross-over truck box is provided having folded end walls and folded tub ends that permit the box to be fabricated efficiently, at reduced cost and with improved strength.

Abstract: A vehicle trim structure has a vehicle floor, a bracket assembly, a main body and a side trim panel. The vehicle floor has a plurality of first attachment parts located within a central region of a vehicle passenger compartment. The bracket assembly has a plurality of second attachment parts and at least one alignment pin. The plurality of second attachment parts are fastened to the first attachment parts. The at least one alignment pin is rigidly fixed to the bracket assembly. The main body has a horizontally extending slot along a leading edge thereof with the alignment pin being inserted into the horizontally extending slot positioning the main body relative to the bracket assembly and the vehicle floor. The side trim panel is installed to a side of the center console concealing the horizontally extending slot and the at least one alignment pin.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim assembly includes a passenger compartment, a first trim assembly, a second trim assembly and a flexible seal member. The first trim assembly is fixedly installed within the passenger compartment and has a first surface. The second trim assembly is fixedly installed within the passenger compartment and has a second surface adjacent to the first surface of the first trim assembly. The first surface and the second surface are spaced apart from one another defining a gap therebetween. The flexible seal member is attached to the one of the first surface and the second surface. The flexible seal member extends along the gap between the first and second surfaces contacting both the first surface and the second surface thereby covering the gap.

Abstract: A strength-reinforcing metal sheet having repetitive concave and convex features is provided. Concave beads extend in repetitive quadrangular lattice features. A plurality of convex cells are defined between the beads, protrude above the beads, and have repetitive convex features. The upper portion of each of the cells has a pyramidal shape similar to a dome. The uppermost point thereof is formed at an eccentric point offset from the central point of the cell.

Abstract: A vehicle undercover is disclosed which avoids giving an excessive impact on an object that collides with a vehicle in a vehicle collision. The vehicle undercover includes: an installation surface to be attached to a bracket; a vertical wall surface that is bent at a front edge of the installation surface and extends downward; and a bottom wall surface that is bent at a lower edge of the vertical wall surface and extends in a front direction of the vehicle. The vehicle undercover further includes easily-deformable portions that are formed in a vehicle width direction at least at a corner portion between the installation surface and the vertical wall surface and at a corner portion between the vertical wall surface and the bottom wall surface, respectively, and that allow the respective corner portions to bend easily.

Abstract: A license plate holder including a flexible body having a T-shape contour and a single layer of material or multilayer material including a material from the group of rubber, polychloroprene, nitrile, nitrile butadiene rubber, cyanocarbons, styrene butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber and a combination thereof.