Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric motor and a clutch disposed on a drive shaft. The electric motor is disposed on one side from a middle of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, while the clutch and a sprocket are disposed on a second side from the middle of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. The clutch is connected to a clutch lever so that the state of engagement of the clutch is changed in response to an operation of the clutch lever. It is thus possible to increase the degree of freedom in torque transmission control by a driver, to increase an output torque of the electric motor, and to reduce the size of the clutch.

Abstract: An energy management strategy for boats and ships is provided. The output and distribution of energy are dynamically adjusted in accordance with commands, tides, time, locations, weather, hydrologic conditions and other factors may impact the sailing, in order to optimize the energy efficiency of boats and ships.

Abstract: The invention relates to an on-board electrical system supply system (1), having a DC/DC converter (11) with at least one semiconductor rectifier element (4), having two supply connections (9a, 9b) for an on-board electrical system, which supply connections are connected at the output end to the DC/DC converter (11), having an isolating switch (5) which is coupled between one of the supply connections (9a, 9b) and the DC/DC converter (11), and having an on-board electrical system isolating circuit (10) which is designed to determine a reverse voltage (U, Ua, Ub) across at least one of the semiconductor rectifier elements (4), and to actuate the isolating switch (5), in order to decouple the on-board electrical system from the DC/DC converter (11), depending on a value of the determined reverse voltage (U, Ua, Ub).

Abstract: A charging apparatus includes: a first conversion circuit that converts alternating-current power supplied from an external power supply into direct-current power; a second conversion circuit that converts an output voltage from the first conversion circuit into a voltage for a battery and supplies the voltage to the battery; and a controller configured to change charging power to be supplied to the battery by controlling the first conversion circuit and the second conversion circuit when the output voltage falls outside a predetermined reference range, and to determine whether the output voltage in the changed charging power falls within the reference range. When the output voltage falls outside the reference range, the controller controls the first conversion circuit and the second conversion circuit such that the charging power decreases stepwise until the output voltage falls within the reference range.

Abstract: A vehicle may require an electric recharge. A request may be sent to obtain identification of charge locations along a route. Along with the request, data may be sent identifying vehicle location, route, and desired safety rating. A response may be obtained from a remote server, and the results may be displayed, which include the safety rating of the charge station. The desired safety rating may be adjusted based on the battery's state of charge (SOC). The desired safety rating, for example, may be decreased as the battery state of charge decreases.

Abstract: A system for cost-effective charge planning for a battery of a vehicle includes a battery having a SOC corresponding to an amount of energy stored by the battery. The system also includes an internal electric vehicle charger capable of receiving energy from a charging station and transferring the energy to the battery to increase the SOC. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that can predict a route set including a first destination and a second destination and an amount of time spent at each. The ECU can determine charge planning data including an amount of energy required to reach the first and second destinations and a cost of energy at the first and second destinations. The ECU can determine how much to charge the battery at the first destination and at the second destination based on the predicted route set and the determined charge planning data.

Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging system includes an EVSE charging station that is configured to switch a power source between a first power source and a second power source based on a time of use or real-time energy pricing data from a utility. Switching additionally and/or optionally may be based on at least one of charging information and metering information. The first power source may be a renewable source and the second source may be the power grid. In this way, a smart electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging station may manage and optimize energy supply from a grid and a renewable source when charging an electric vehicle (EV) with the smart the EVSE charging station.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery and a controller programmed to, in response to a duration of current flow through the traction battery exceeding a predetermined duration, output a state of charge based on a first resistance value that is greater than a second resistance value used when the duration is less than the predetermined duration to compensate for a change in voltage drop caused by diffusion processes within the traction battery.

Abstract: An exemplary electrified vehicle charging method includes waking a portion of an electrified vehicle, reading a state of charge for a battery of the electrified vehicle during the waking, charging the battery using an internal combustion engine in response to the reading if the electrified vehicle is in an open space, and disabling the charging if the electrified vehicle is in an enclosed space.

Abstract: An electrical source control apparatus has a selecting device for selecting one switching element from at least two switching elements each of which constitutes predetermined arm element whose switching state should be changed to perform the electrical power conversion, when the electrical power converter performs the electrical power conversion with either one of the first and the second electricity storage apparatuses; and a controlling device for controlling the electrical power converter to change a switching state of the selected one switching element while keeping a switching state of another one switching element in an ON state, the selecting device newly selects the one switching element to reduce a difference between temperatures of the at least two switching elements each of which constitutes predetermined arm element.

Abstract: A vehicle charging station according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cooling system configured to communicate a cooling airflow to a portion of a thermal management system located onboard an electrified vehicle, the cooling system including a fan and a chiller assembly.

Abstract: Cooling of a battery pack of an electrified vehicle is performed with an optimized energy usage and with minimal impact on cooling of the passenger cabin. The battery is actively cooled by circulating coolant from the battery to a chiller of an air conditioning system when a battery temperature is above a predetermined power-limiting temperature. The battery is passively cooled by circulating coolant from the battery to a radiator when the battery temperature is between a first threshold and the power-limiting temperature and a difference between a battery coolant temperature and an ambient air temperature is greater than a predetermined difference. The battery is actively cooled using the chiller when the battery temperature is between the first threshold and the power-limiting temperature and the difference between the battery coolant temperature and the ambient air temperature is less than the predetermined difference.

Abstract: An auxiliary thermal management system is provided that can be used to supplement an electric vehicle's on-board thermal management system during charging, thereby allowing a fast charging system to be used without adding weight or taking up packaging volume in the EV. The auxiliary system is configured to allow it to be coupled, for example using quick-disconnect couplings, to thermal conduits within the vehicle's battery pack.

Abstract: An auxiliary thermal management system is provided that can be used to supplement an electric vehicle's on-board thermal management system during charging, thereby allowing a fast charging system to be used without adding weight or taking up packaging volume in the EV. The auxiliary system is configured to allow it to force cooled, or heated, air through the radiator of the on-board thermal management system. An air duct, which may be adjusted in order to accommodate a wide range of EVs, provides efficient transfer of conditioned air to the on-board radiator.

Abstract: A drive system includes a first energy storage, a second energy storage, a driver, and a controller. The first energy storage is charged and discharged. A first amount of heat is generated by charging and discharging the first energy storage. The second energy storage is charged and discharged. The second amount of heat is generated by charging and discharging the second energy storage and is smaller than the first amount of heat. The driver generates driving power to move an electrically powered vehicle with electric power supplied from at least one of the first energy storage and the second energy storage. The controller controls temperature of the first energy storage and temperature of the second energy storage with a coolant flowing inside the electrically powered vehicle. The first energy storage is cooled by the coolant before the second energy storage is cooled by the coolant.

Abstract: A ground-preparation appliance device includes an energy storage unit, a movably drivable preparation unit, and a temperature control unit. The preparation unit is configured to generate an airflow. The temperature-control unit is configured to use the airflow to transmit heat at least one of to and from the energy-storage unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid vehicle, including a power battery, a fuel storage tank, an electrical power generation unit, a pressure detection unit and a work mode controller, and adopts a pressure protection mode under the work mode controller, wherein the work mode controller is configured to control the vehicle to enter the pressure protection mode when the electrical power generation unit is in a stop state and when the gas pressure detected by the pressure detection unit is higher than a pressure threshold; and in the pressure protection mode, the electrical power generation unit is started from the stop state to enter the working state to consume the fuel in the fuel storage tank, and the gas pressure in the fuel storage tank is accordingly reduced.

Abstract: Electromechanical systems using magnetic fields to induce eddy currents and generate lift are described. Magnet configurations which can be employed in the systems are illustrated. The magnet configuration can be used to generate lift and/or thrust. Arrangements of hover engines, which can employ the magnet configurations, are described. Further, vehicles, which employ the hover engines and associated hover engines are described.

Abstract: An electric motorcycle includes a vehicle controller that outputs an instruction value based on an operation amount of at least an accelerator grip, and a motor driving unit that supplies a driving electric power in accordance with the instruction value to an electric motor. The vehicle controller is disposed outside a case that includes the motor driving unit disposed therein. The distance from the steering handle to the vehicle controller is shorter than the distance from the steering handle to the motor driving unit in a side view of the vehicle body, to simplify the cost of the electric wire and the work required to lay out the electric wire.

Abstract: A wheelchair having two drive wheels, each provided with a rotary drive motor wherein the value of the drive torque applied by each motor is controlled such as to stabilize the wheelchair, while in motion on the two drive wheels and occupied by a user, in an inclined balance position.

Abstract: This system for powering an overhead contact line, which includes a contact wire consisting of a plurality of conductive sections separated by insulating sections, includes power supply sub-stations, each conductive section being connected, on the side of an upstream end, to an upstream sub-station via an upstream controlled switch and, on the side of a downstream end, to a downstream sub-station via a downstream controlled switch. This system includes a detection device, associated with a conductive section, to be monitored, which includes a means for transmitting a characteristic signal to an upstream or downstream end of said conductive section and a receiving means able to receive the characteristic signal at the other end, the receiving means modifying the value of a state signal applied to a control circuit for actuating the opening of the downstream switch and/or of the upstream switch.

Abstract: An occupant support for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat and a foundation. The vehicle seat is configured to support an occupant of the vehicle above a floor of the vehicle. The foundation is configured to interconnect the vehicle seat to the floor to permit movement of the vehicle seat relative to the floor along a linear path.

Abstract: A rail for a vehicle seat, comprising first and second profiles (8, 9) that slide relative to one another, a lock (19) movably mounted inside the first profile, a spring blade (29) fixed to the first profile and comprising a control portion (31) designed to act on the lock so as to unlock it.

Abstract: A vehicle seat lifter device includes: a pinion gear which meshes with an input gear of a link mechanism which causes a seat to undergo lifting and lowering operations; and a rotational control device which controls rotation of the pinion gear. The rotational control device includes a rotating shaft which rotates in synchronization with the pinion gear, a rotation restriction mechanism including a first meshing member which rotates with the rotating shaft and a second meshing member which restricts rotation of the rotating shaft by meshing with the first meshing member, an input member which is linked to an operation handle to rotate around the rotating shaft, a release mechanism which releases the meshing of the first and second meshing members through rotation of the input member from a neutral position, and a braking mechanism which applies a braking force to the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat comprises at least one backrest which is pivotally mounted relative to a seating surface of the vehicle seat; a backrest adjusting mechanism and a drive for pivoting the backrest; and at least one headrest on the backrest, which by means of a headrest adjusting mechanism is adjustable in its height relative to the backrest at least along a direction of longitudinal extension of the backrest. It is provided that beside the backrest adjusting mechanism the drive is coupled with the headrest adjusting mechanism, in order to simultaneously transmit an adjustment force to the headrest adjusting mechanism when the backrest is pivoted in at least one backrest adjustment direction. In addition, there is proposed a backrest module with a drive which beside a backrest adjusting mechanism is coupled with a headrest adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a track latch assembly having a lower track configured to couple to a vehicle floor, an upper track coupled to a seat base, a recline handle rotatably coupled to a seat bottom, and a track release mechanism configured to move between a disengaged position that enables relative sliding movement between the lower track and the upper track, and an engaged position that facilitates preventing relative sliding movement between the lower track and the upper track. Rotation of the recline handle is configured to move the track release mechanism from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and movement of the seat bottom from a lowered position to a raised position is configured to move the track release mechanism from the engaged position to the disengaged position. A pivot latch assembly prevents movement of the seat bottom to and from the lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A seat reclining device includes: a reclining unit that includes a fixing member fixed to a seat cushion side and a rotating member fixed to the seat cushion side and supported by the fixing member to rotate freely, and that switches freely between a locked state and an unlocked state; a transmission lever supported by the fixing member to rotate freely on the same center as the fixing member; a release operation lever supported on the seat cushion side to rotate freely between lock operation and unlocking operation positions; a link which includes a protruding portion, in which each end portion of the link is supported by one of the transmission and release operation levers to rotate freely, and which switches the reclining unit from the locked state to the unlocked state; and a holding plate that includes an unlock holding portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of use of a movable seat for a law enforcement vehicle. A method of restraining a detainee within a vehicle may include the steps of: opening a door on a vehicle comprising a movable seat; retracting the movable seat from a first position in the vehicle to a second position adjacent the door of the vehicle; seating a detainee in the movable seat of the vehicle; wherein the detainee's hands are restrained behind its back; positioning the detainee's hands in an opening in a back of the movable seat; restraining the detainee in the movable seat with a seat belt coupled to the movable seat; returning the movable seat to the first position inside the vehicle; and closing the door on the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a hook and cam latching mechanism that releasably couples an occupant support to the vehicle body. The latching mechanism has a hook and a cam that apply clamp loads at opposite sides of an anchor to lock the occupant support in a use position in a manner that can reduce or eliminate loose conditions and associated noise often associated with other types of latching mechanisms. Cam movement is coordinated with hook movement to accommodate an engaged condition with a secured clamp load along with easy engagement and disengagement of the hook. The latching mechanism can be used with easy-entry vehicle seats or other types of vehicle seats where movement of a seat bottom or seat back away from the vehicle body is desired.

Abstract: A head rest is illustrated and described that has a head box (11) by which at least one support rod (12) can be secured to a vehicle seat, wherein at least one end of the support rod (12) is received in a bearing (14) carried on the head box (11) or the vehicle seat, wherein the support rod (12) can be latched releasably to at least one bearing (14) by a latch (15) movable between a latching position and a release position, wherein the latch (15) has at least one notch (16) that extends over a region of the circumference of the support rod (12) and has a latch element (17) carried by the bearing (14). The special feature is that the latch element (17) is movably mounted, so that in the latching position, in the event of a relative rotation between the support rod (12) and the bearing (14), it is movable out of a starting position into at least one crash position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric-powered headrest comprising: a plate-shaped base which is fixed to the upper portion of a stay rod and has a bent part formed therein, the bent part having opposite ends upwardly bent; a main bracket which has a coupling part formed on the lower end thereof to be coupled to the bent part of the plate-shaped base and pivots back and forth around the coupling part; an operating part arranged in a space part formed in the main bracket; and a lead screw which has one end coupled to the main bracket and the other end coupled to the operating part, and moves back and forth according to an operation of the operating part.

Abstract: A trim cover assembly securable over a cushion is provided. The trim cover assembly includes a leather trim material. A trim fastener is attached to the leather trim material for retaining the trim cover to the cushion. Therein the trim fastener elastically deformable so that the fastener that elongates between an extended position and a retracted position to allow the leather trim material to expand while minimizing deformation.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback configured to be tiltable in a front-rear direction; and a flexible covering configured to extend from the seatback to a deck board positioned behind the seatback. The covering includes a shaped portion that is provided in an intermediate location in a length direction of the extending covering, and is shaped so as to facilitate bending of the covering toward a region below the deck board, and a reinforcing portion that increases rigidity of a region away from the shaped portion so as to facilitate transmission of elastic force to the shaped portion, the elastic force being generated at a time when the covering bends due to a change in a separation distance between both end portions of the extending covering in the length direction in response to tilting of the seatback.

Abstract: A cover material for a vehicle seat sheet is provided. The cover material for a vehicle seat sheet includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and a decorative piping member. The decorative piping member includes an approximately rectangular seam margin part, a tubular part connected to a widthwise end part of the seam margin part, and a core part arranged in the tubular part in an inserted state. The decorative piping member includes a warp and a weft that both form the tubular part and the seam margin part, and an insertion thread that forms the core part. These are integrally woven with a loom. The seam margin part of the decorative piping member is sandwiched by and between an end part of the first fabric and an end part of the second fabric, and these parts are sewed together in a mutually overlapped state.

Abstract: Provided is to stabilize a fixed state of each bag body provided at a vehicle seat and configured to expand to push a corresponding one of the shoulders of a seated passenger. Of a seat back provided at the vehicle seat, each shoulder support configured to support a corresponding one of the shoulders of the seated passenger includes an air cell configured to expand by injection of air. The air cell includes protrusions extending in a predetermined direction and provided at respective end portions of the air bag in the extending direction thereof. The air cell is attached to the inside of the seat back in such a manner that each of the protrusions provided at respective end portions in the extending direction is fixed to a corresponding one of fixing positions separated from each other in the width direction of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A Collapsible Organizer for in-Vehicle Storage. The organizer provides the driver with a large, stable container for food, drinks and other items. The organizer is attachable to a seat in a vehicle either by hanging from the seat back, or alternatively, by engaging the existing seat belts. The organizer is comprised of a set of movable panels and elements that allow the organizer to be collapsed into a very compact package. The organizer is also easily expandable when desired for use, without the need for tools. The organizer has built-in handles to allow the user to easily remove the organizer from a vehicle and then carry the organizer while the drinks or other items are being held in the organizer. In addition to its ability to safely hold food and drinks, the organizer provides a generous storage area that can be used to store childrens' toys, personal carry items, and portable electronic devices. Finally, the organizer is lightweight, durable, and preferably be made primarily from plastic.

Abstract: A conveyor system for loading a trailer is disclosed. The conveyor system includes a support frame adapted to couple to a floor of a trailer, a conveyance mechanism coupled to the support frame and configured to extend from a rear of the trailer toward a front of the trailer, and a conveyor rail arranged to extend between and interconnect the support frame and the conveyance mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile service module (1) for servicing a large mechanical and/or electrical device (2). The service module (1) comprises a first area (3) arranged to hold the large mechanical and/or electrical device (2), wherein the first area (3) is at least partly enclosed by a first roof part (4), a first left side part (5) and a first right side part (6). The service module (1) also comprises a second area (7) including servicing means (8) for servicing the large mechanical and/or electrical device (2) while located in the first area (3) and wherein the second area (7) is at least partly enclosed by a second roof part (9), a second left side part (10) and a second right side part (11).

Abstract: A tie-down cleat includes a body having at least one stop surface and a wall with an opening, and a fastener assembly having a first retainer extending through the opening and having a head, and a second retainer operable to actuate the first retainer. The first retainer is rotatable relative to the body and includes a stop surface oriented to selectively engage the stop surface of the body to limit rotation of the first retainer relative to the body.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting apparatus includes: a light source device that includes a semiconductor laser which emits laser light and a wavelength conversion member which converts the wavelength of at least part of the laser light and that emits, from a light emission part, light from the wavelength conversion member; a reflection member that reflects light emitted from the light emission part of the light source device in a vehicle frontward direction as parallel light; a light shield member that blocks light which is emitted in the vehicle frontward direction from the light emission part and which is not incident on the reflection member; and a light detection part that is arranged at a vehicle rearward positon of the reflection member and detects part of the light emitted from the light emission part.

Abstract: A vehicle state indication system includes a light indicator and a controller. The light indicator includes a first on mode and second on mode, and is disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle at least in a forward direction of the vehicle. The controller is programmed to determine whether the vehicle intends to enter the first state or the second state, and to activate the first on mode while the vehicle intends to enter the first state and the second on mode while vehicle intends to enter the second state.

Abstract: A headlamp device for a vehicle is provided to generate a light beam having a directed spotlight having an illumination direction and a spotlight distribution, and an orientation light having a broader orientation light distribution than the spotlight. The illumination direction of the spotlight is adjustable horizontally and vertically and the spotlight distribution may be at least partly suppressed to avoid dazzling other road users.

Abstract: Headlight leveling systems and methods are described. A determination can be made as to whether an input corresponding to a loading condition of the vehicle has been received from a vehicle occupant. If an input corresponding to the loading condition of the vehicle has been received from the vehicle occupant, a headlight level setting can be determined based upon the input. Further, an orientation of a light emitting portion of a vehicle headlight assembly can be caused to be adjusted based on the headlight level setting. Manual lookup of a loading conditions correlation table by the vehicle occupant to determine a correct headlight level setting can be avoided. In some instances, responsive to receiving a signal indirectly indicative of a potential change in a loading condition of the vehicle, a prompt can be presented to a vehicle occupant to provide an input corresponding to the loading condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for notifying a third party or a third party device (e.g., a mobile phone or a second vehicle) as to whether a first vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode or a semi-autonomous mode. The method includes receiving, at a first electronic control unit, notification information including whether the first vehicle is operating in the autonomous mode or the semi-autonomous mode and a description of or details about the first vehicle and transmitting from a transmitter of the first vehicle to a receiver of the third party device, the notification information. The method also includes displaying, using a display screen of the third party device, the notification information including whether the first vehicle is operating in the autonomous mode or the semi-autonomous mode and the description of or the details about the first vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle state indication system includes a detection system and a light indicator. The detection system is configured to sense an external moving object. The light indicator includes a first on mode and second on mode, and being disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle in a direction of the external moving object detected.

Abstract: A vehicle state indication system includes a detection system and a text display. The detection system is configured to sense an external moving object. The text display is disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle in a forward direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device is provided for communicating one or more pieces of information about a vehicle to a police officer or other law enforcement employee, wherein said pieces of information are selected from the group consisting of: a. vehicle ID number, b. identity of vehicle owner, c. whether or not registration fees for the vehicle have been paid, and d. insurance information about the vehicle, and wherein such communication happens through the device transmitting said information via a wireless method to a computer device in the possession of said police officer or other law enforcement employee, and wherein said device includes a computer memory on which is stored said pieces of information. Systems and processes utilizing said device are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic assembly for a motor vehicle includes a housing, a control and evaluation device disposed in the housing which is adapted to be coupled to a control device of the motor vehicle and an illumination device coupled to the control and evaluation device. The illumination device is adapted to be actuated by the control and evaluation device. A target area characterizing a detection area outside of the housing can be marked by an optical signal. The illumination device is adapted to be activated by the control and evaluation device for emitting light with different colors.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle storage compartment is disclosed. The lighting apparatus comprises a sensor configured to generate a detection signal and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to interpret a detection signal and activate a first lighting mode in response to the detection signal communicating a closure of the storage compartment being open. The controller is further configured to activate a second lighting mode in response to the detection signal communicating that an object is proximate in opening of the storage compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the generation of an alarm signal when it is determined that the vehicle cabin is occupied when the vehicle cabin temperature falls outside of a predetermined range of acceptable temperatures.