Abstract: The invention relates to a converter (1) comprising an intermediate circuit (3) for providing a DC voltage (10) between a positive conductor (11) and a negative conductor (12), a phase conductor (8, 9) for receiving and/or output of an AC voltage, and a half-bridge circuit (17) comprising a first switch arrangement (18) for connecting the positive conductor (11) to the phase conductor (8, 9) and a second switch arrangement (19) for connecting the negative conductor (12) to the phase conductor (8, 9). In case of a defect of a semiconductor switch (20, 21) of the converter (1), the converter (1) is to be able to protect itself and continue to operate.

Abstract: Provided herein is a housing for at least one object detection device of a system for inductive power transfer to a vehicle. The housing includes at least a top element and at least one bottom element. The top and the bottom element are made of a non-metallic material, and at least a part of the at least one object detection device is arrangeable in between the bottom and the top element. A primary unit and pavement slab assembly are also provided herein.

Abstract: A power inverter includes an array of stacked cards each having switches arranged to transform direct current from a battery into alternating current (AC). Each of the cards also includes a first terminal attached to some of the switches and configured to pass AC therefrom to a first electric machine, and a second terminal attached to other of the switches and configured to pass AC therefrom to a second electric machine. First and second substrates of the power inverter sandwich the switches and terminals.

Abstract: A proximity detection apparatus including a detection circuit is provided. The detection circuit is configured to receive a proximity signal indicative of a first voltage level and a reference signal indicative of a second voltage level and to receive a wake up signal at predetermined intervals. The detection circuit is further configured to compare the first voltage level to the second voltage level in response to the wake up signal and to generate a first output indicative of an external power source being electrically coupled to a vehicle to charge one or more batteries in the vehicle based on the comparison of the first voltage level to the second voltage level.

Abstract: A system including a remote server connected over a network to a battery charger is configured to track usage of rechargeable batteries. Values of various sensed parameters of a battery, such as temperature, charge, current, and water level are stored with the battery and uploaded to the remote server, either wirelessly or through the network, and either directly from the battery or by way of the battery charger when the battery is coupled to the battery charger. The remote server operates to determine the condition, value and warranty of the battery based on the sensed parameters and on the user history of the battery. Alerts and warnings can be forwarded to the user and/or an enterprise manager or shop manager in the case of enterprise vehicles such as warehouses operating multiple electric forklifts, or rental car agencies, so that multiple rechargeable batteries can be readily tracked, monitored and maintained.

Abstract: A connector is for a charging station. The charging station has a charging box having a signaling mechanism. The connector includes an electrical receptacle structured to be electrically connected to the signaling mechanism; a housing coupled to the electrical receptacle; an indicating assembly coupled to the housing; and an interface between the indicating assembly and the signaling mechanism in order to energize the indicating assembly and provide an indication of charging status.

Abstract: A two part closure for a combo chargeport for use on an electric vehicle is provided. The closure comprises: an inner part including a dust cover for a DC chargeport; and an outer part configured to cover the AC chargeport. The inner and outer parts are hingeably attached to the vehicle such that the closure can be closed with a single action.

Abstract: In order to provide a charging and discharging current quantity display device for an electric vehicle, with which it is possible for a current quantity during charging or discharging of a battery to be easily ascertained in the vicinity of a power-feed unit, an electric vehicle (1) provided with a power-feed unit (14) having charging ports (141 and 142) and a battery (11) which is charged by means of electric power supplied from an external power supply, by way of the power-feed unit (14), is provided with: a current sensor (15) which detects a charging current quantity or a discharging current quantity flowing to or from the battery (11); a current quantity display unit (143) which comprises a plurality of display bodies (143a to 143d) arranged on the power-feed unit (14), and which displays the magnitude of a current quantity (i) by varying the lighting state of each indicator (143a to 143d); and a current quantity display control unit (16) which controls the lighting state of each of the display bodies (1

Abstract: Currently the most common method on the market to charge electric vehicles is to plug in the electric vehicle to a power source. Wireless charging technologies are also being developed and infrastructure has begun to be rolled out into the marketplace. Designing separate charging systems for wireless and wired systems may lead to drawbacks as not all chargers will be compatible with all vehicles. The invention described herein illustrates a system for bridging the gap between wired and wireless charging infrastructure through the use of a multi-mode electric vehicle charging system capable of delivering power through a plurality of transmission methods, where one of those methods is wireless power transfer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering brake energy via dynamic wireless power transfer. The system may include a first charging pad disposed at a first location of a road structure and configured to receive an electric power wirelessly from a contributing vehicle. The system may further include a second charging pad disposed at a second location of the road structure and configured to receive the electric power from the first charging pad and charge a receiving vehicle wirelessly with at least a portion of the electric power.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling engagement between a vehicle and a charging device includes: attempting to discover a charging device; when the charging device is discovered, identifying the discovered charging device on a list of charging equipment stored in the vehicle; determining a charging history count of the discovered charging device according to the stored list of charging equipment; when the charging history count of the discovered charging device is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, performing a charging operation with the discovered charging device; and when the charging history count of the discovered charging device is less than the predetermined number, performing a Signal Level Attenuation Characterization (SLAC) procedure against the discovered charging device.

Abstract: An energy storage apparatus for an onboard electrical system of a motor vehicle has a first electrical energy store characterized by a first voltage characteristic curve defining the quiescent voltage of the first store depending on the relative state of charge of the first store, and a second electrical energy store which can be connected in parallel with the first electrical energy store by a controllable switching element and which is characterized by a second voltage characteristic curve defining the quiescent voltage of the second electrical energy store depending on the relative state of charge of the second store. A first voltage value range covered by the first voltage characteristic curve and a second voltage value range which is covered by the second voltage characteristic curve partially overlap. The energy storage apparatus further has a device for determining the state of charge of the first energy store and/or of the second energy store.

Abstract: A battery control method includes: receiving a reprogramming request from a diagnostic device located outside of a vehicle to reprogram software of one or more electronic control units (ECUs) of the vehicle; performing reprogramming of the one or more ECUs or recharging of an auxiliary battery according to a number of the ECUs to be reprogrammed and whether or not a state of charge (SOC) of the auxiliary battery exceeds a critical value varied depending on the number of the ECUs to be reprogrammed; and sending a signal informing of the reprogramming or a warning signal associated with the recharging to the diagnostic device.

Abstract: A system for changing rear seat positions in a vehicle between deployed and folded configurations. The system comprises means to effect the steps of initiating a movement of the rear seating and, after initiation, moving the front seat so that collision between the seating is avoided. The front seat is returned to its previous position, or as near as possible thereto, afterwards. The system includes means to detect the position of the seating and to calculate whether a collision will occur, and automatically to effect the requisite movements of the front seating to avoid the collision.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle comprising a seat, a first sensor coupled to the seat for detecting a seat angle, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the seat, and configured to output a control signal for correcting the seat angle if the seat angle is not within a predetermined range of values. Embodiments also include a method of correcting a position of a vehicle seat having an occupant seated therein. The method comprises receiving, at a processor, an output detected by a sensor unit coupled to the seat; comparing, using the processor, the output to a predetermined threshold to determine whether an alarm condition exists; if it does, outputting a control signal for correcting the seat position, wherein the sensor unit includes an angular position sensor.

Abstract: A quick adjust power adjuster for adjusting the position of an upper track relative to a tower track of a seat track assembly comprises an elongated guide rod extending axially between opposite first and second ends and fixedly secured to the lower track. A tubular lead screw is slidably coupled to the guide rod. A driven, assembly is operatively coupled to the tubular lead screw for axial travel along the tubular lead screw in response to rotation of the driven assembly. A drive assembly is fixedly coupled to the upper track and operatively coupled to the driven assembly for selectively rotating the driven assembly in opposite first and second directions for axial travel along the tubular lead screw.

Abstract: A slide rail includes a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, and a reinforcing structure that prevents detachment of the movable-side rail from the fixed-side rail. The reinforcing structure includes a fixed-side engaging portion attached to the fixed-side rail, and a movable-side engaging portion attached to the movable-side rail. The fixed-side and the movable-side engaging portions are configured, while allowing sliding of the movable-side rail, to come in contact with each other due to an action by a large load in a detaching direction input between the fixed-side rail and the movable-side rail, and to be engaged with each other to restrict movement of the movable-side rail in the detaching direction. A contact surface, that comes in contact with the movable-side engaging portion, of the fixed-side engaging portion includes surface regions that have mutually different positions in the detaching direction and are provided side by side in a sliding direction.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is provided. The seat includes a seat base and a seat back coupled to the seat base so as to be rotatable with respect to the seat base about a seat back rotation axis. The seat also includes a first linkage having a first link rotatably coupled to the seat back at a first connection and a second link rotatably coupled to the seat base at a second connection. The first link is also rotatably coupled to the second link at a third connection. The third connection is structured to be movable with respect to the seat base responsive to rotation of the seat back about the rotation axis.

Abstract: A tether hook bracket for a vehicle subjectable to an external force event, followed by a rebound event, and having a body structure and a child seat connectable to the body structure via a tether having a tether hook includes a body structure attachment portion, a tether hook connection portion, and a tether hook rebound blocker portion. The body structure attachment portion is configured to be attachable to the body structure. The tether hook connection portion is configured to receive the tether hook, such that the tether hook is connected to the tether hook bracket. The tether hook rebound blocker portion is disposed between the body structure attachment portion and the tether hook connection portion and is configured to maintain the connection of the tether hook to the tether hook bracket when the vehicle is subjected to the rebound event.

Abstract: A headrest (1) for a vehicle has a headrest body (1.1). The headrest body (1.1) has a substantially C-shaped cross section. A holder (5), for holding at least one object (3), is arranged inside a hollow space (H) enclosed by the C-shaped cross section. The holder (5) is integral with the headrest body (1.1) and is formed by a molded portion, or several molded portions, of the headrest body (1.1), and/or by at least one mechanically flexible portion of the headrest body (1.1). The headrest body (1.1) is thereby configured such that the object (3) can be retained by a clamping between the limbs of the C-shaped cross section.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an adjustable passenger seat headrest which includes articulating side wings, provides a more acute angle of support, and fits the width of a standard economy seat when stowed. In some embodiments, fabric may be stretched across the extreme ends of the wings to a center headrest, forming a hammock in which a passenger may rest their head. In an illustrative example, passengers may be provided with improved head support and comfort by employment of a mechanism that enables the side wings of the headrest to be articulated further apart, and/or extend out further from the back of the seat. These features may offer a more acute angle of passenger head support.

Abstract: A headrest assembly includes a front surface and a frame member disposed within an interior of the headrest bun. First and second hinge members are coupled to opposite sides of the frame member and first and second side supports are operably coupled to the first and second hinge members, such that the first and second side supports are independently operable between stowed and extended positions relative to the headrest bun. The first and second side supports extended outwardly from the front surface of the headrest bun in the extended position, and the friction hinges are tuned to move the first and second side supports towards the stowed position when the first and second side supports are contacted by a vehicle occupant during a vehicle impact event.

Abstract: A control system and method for the seat suspension described herein utilizes a pneumatic cylinder which forms the shock absorber, an air compressor, solenoid valve and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based control. In operation, the pneumatic cylinder is filled with a compressible gas and sustained under pressure for the purpose of supporting the static weight of the occupant as well as providing comfort by reducing transmitted vibrations and high acceleration from external disturbances. A control process utilizes vibration data from the MEMS to adjust the gas cylinder pressure accordingly to reduce and damp the undulations of the supported mass.

Abstract: Described herein is a shock mitigation apparatus. The shock mitigation apparatus may be utilised in a marine environment, able to absorb shocks transmitted to a seat system from a structure to which the seat is affixed. The shock mitigation apparatus includes at least one leaf spring wherein the leaf spring is cantilevered at one end and pivoted at a distal end thereof, and wherein the pivoted end is free to articulate upon flexure of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, has a seat part (4), a backrest (2) which has a backrest structure (20) as a supporting structure, and at least one fitting (6). The fitting (6) connects the backrest structure (20), at least indirectly, to the seat part (4) and is pivotble relative to the seat part (4). A backrest adapter (12) connects the backrest structure (20) to a fitting part of the at least one fitting (6); wherein the backrest structure (20) has a receiving space (22) in which the backrest adapter (12) is accommodated in a form-fitting manner at least in sections.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a footrest including: a bracket that has a plurality of wings and that is coupled to a back of a seat, the plurality of wings spaced apart at a predetermined distance from each other and extending rearward; an actuating unit to rotate a rotary shaft hingedly coupled to the plurality of wings; and a panel that is coupled to the rotary shaft and is folded or unfolded toward or away from a seatback when the rotary shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A stabilized container having a rectangular top, a four-sided rectangular middle section supported by four corner columns and a corrugated base having a sealed compartment and separate mating compartments for the four corner columns.

Abstract: A hose reel arrangement for sewer jetting includes a reel; a hose wound around the reel; a reel frame holding the reel; and a cover arrangement. The reel frame with the reel is rotatable about a frame axis perpendicular to a horizontal mounting surface. The cover arrangement is over a majority of the reel and reel frame. The cover arrangement is selectively movable to expose a portion of the reel to provide access to the hose. The cover arrangement is fixed in position relative to the rotatable reel frame and reel.

Abstract: A Murphy bed assembly for a motorhome which is actuated hydraulically from a stored position in which the bed is vertically positioned within the space provided by an extension formed in the motorhome to a horizontal position extending into the interior of the motorhome.

Abstract: An extendable compartment assembly having a first compartment and a second compartment each having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling, a first frame coupled to the first compartment, a second frame coupled to the second compartment, and a slide assembly coupling the first frame to the second frame such that the second compartment is slideable relative to the first compartment between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second compartment is at least partially disposed within the first compartment and in the second position the second compartment is at least partially disposed outside the first compartment. A hitch assembly comprising a base arm having first and second ends, a first mating arm coupled with the first end, a second mating arm coupled with the second end, and a bias member coupling the first mating arm to the second mating arm.

Abstract: A cargo retention system for retaining a cargo apparatus in the bed of a truck is disclosed. The retention system has a rear bracket attachable to the bed of the truck and a front bracket attachable to the bed of the truck. The cargo apparatus has a rear male protrusion attached to and extending from a rear portion of the cargo apparatus configured to be received within the rear bracket orifice by sliding the cargo apparatus toward the rear of the bed of the truck toward the cab, and also a clasp attached to its front portion configured to selectively engage the front bracket.

Abstract: A headlight control apparatus 1 that controls an illumination state of a headlight 10 that illuminates an area ahead of a vehicle includes an illuminance sensor 21 that detects luminance around the vehicle, an illumination control section 31 that switches on or off the headlight 10 in accordance with the luminance detected by the illuminance sensor 21, a forward detection sensor 22 that detects an object that is present within a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle, and a dimming control section 32 that dims the headlight 10 when the forward detection sensor 22 detects an object after start of the vehicle.

Abstract: A housing having an extrusion forming a first channel and a second channel; a lighting system in the first channel adapted to direct light away from the first channel; a mounting system in the second channel adapted to couple the extrusion to a vehicle; a first end cap including a first connector, the first end cap being coupled to a first end of the extrusion; a second end cap including a second connector, the second end cap being coupled to a second end of the extrusion; wherein the first connector and the second connector are electrically coupled to one another, and wherein the first connector and the second connector are electrically coupled to the lighting system.

Abstract: An elongate automotive illumination assembly includes an elongate housing; at least one light source; an elongate lens having an apex region and a pair of spaced-apart blade portions. The spaced-apart blade portions extend away from the apex region to define a generally V-shaped cross-section with the apex region including an elongate light emitting surface. The blade portions connect to the elongate housing to define an enclosure. An elongate light guide guides light from the at least one light source to the elongate light emitting surface. The elongate light guide includes a body extending away from the light source(s) towards the elongate light emitting surface. The light guide is housed within the enclosure and between the blades of the lens such that the light emitting surface of the light guide is adjacent to the light emitting surface of the lens.

Abstract: A vehicle side marker is provided herein. The side marker may include a translucent lens having a texture thereon. A substrate may be attached to the lens. A first photoluminescent structure and a second photoluminescent structure are disposed between an exterior surface of the lens and the substrate. The first and second photoluminescent structures are configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light source. The first photoluminescent structure may include a long persistent photoluminescent material therein.

Abstract: There are provided in the present disclosure a vehicle communication device and method, and a vehicle. Herein, the device comprises: a processing unit and a display unit. The processing unit is configured to generate first information according to at least one of breakdown information, congestion information, GPS information, vehicle information and personalization information; and the display unit is configured to display the first information. The device comprises: an image acquisition unit, a processing unit and a display unit. The image acquisition unit is configured to acquire first information displayed by other vehicle; the processing unit is configured to process the first information, present the processed information to the user, and generate second information according to at least one of identification information of a current vehicle and user additional information as well as the first information; and the display unit is configured to display the second information.

Abstract: An LED driver chip for a car reading light and a state control method thereof are provided. The LED driver chip includes a state machine control circuit module, a state machine output logic module, a current on/off control logic circuit module, and a current source module. An OUT pin of the LED driver chip is connected with an LED. The LED driver chip determines the next state of LED current according to a driver chip PWM input signal, an EN pin low lever pulse input signal, and a present LED state, enabling the LED to switch among nine different states.

Abstract: The electronic mirror device has a display unit and a control unit. The display unit, which is disposed on the mounting position of the rearview mirror of a vehicle, displays the image captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle. The control unit controls the display unit. The display unit contains an image display section having a display surface, and a half mirror disposed facing the display surface of the image display section. When the control unit determines that the image display section is turned off, it lights up an illuminator disposed in the vehicle interior.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an alarm system for safety of infants from being left out in vehicles and comprises a pressure sensor, batteries, speaker, multiple set of actuating buttons and a recorder embodied inside a cushioned pillow or back rest. The alarm system uses the pressure sensor by locating it inside a back rest preferably used by the driver of a vehicle. The alarm system of the present disclosure further is in the form of a recorder connected to the pressure sensor and speaker and functions using battery power.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises methods and devices for alerting those outside a vehicle that a passenger or package is present within the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a collision warning to a driver of a host vehicle. The method estimates geometry of a lane of a road in which the host vehicle is traversing and further identifies, via a non-line-of-sight sensor, at least one remote vehicle traversing ahead of the host vehicle in the estimated lane of the road. The host vehicle tracks, via a line of sight sensor, a preceding vehicle traversing directly ahead of the host vehicle in the estimated road-lane and detects a speed of a slowest remote vehicle of the at least one identified remote vehicles. The host vehicle predicts a motion of the preceding vehicle based on the detected speed of the slowest remote vehicle and an inter-vehicle distance, and generates a warning to the driver of the host vehicle based on the predicted relative motion of the preceding vehicle to the host vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle comprising an end facing an external object, at least one vehicle light positioned adjacent to the end and projecting a light pattern onto the object, a window adjacent to the end, and at least one proximity indicator coupled to the window at a predetermined position corresponding to an expected location of the light pattern on the object when the end is located a predetermined distance from the object. The proximity indicator can be removably adhered to the window. The light pattern can be visible through the window from a vehicle interior. In some embodiments, the object is positioned adjacent to a rear end of the vehicle and the at least one vehicle light is a rear vehicle light. In other embodiments, the object is positioned adjacent to a front end of the vehicle and the at least one vehicle light is a front vehicle light.

Abstract: A method for collision warning is provided comprising determining the presence of a second vehicle, driving behind a first vehicle in the same direction. A danger value is determined, which is indicative of a potential collision of the first and the second vehicle. A warning signal is generated, which is displayed in a side or rear-view mirror of the first vehicle, if the danger value crosses a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An asymmetrical mirror lens, usable on front fenders of school buses and similar vehicles, which has a plurality of mirror sections, each having a distinct constant radius of curvature to reduce image distortion. Optional sections located between sections of the constant radius of curvature have a step-wise changing radii of curvature to smooth the image sizes as an object moves across the mirror lens.

Abstract: A storage container for a vehicular seat includes a cushion pan for supporting a cushion. A lateral support bar extends between opposing side members and is positioned below the cushion pan. A container housing is disposed between the opposing side members and is fixedly attached to an underside of the cushion pan. A rear clamp of the container housing defines a containment region within which the lateral support bar is disposed. The rear clamp defines a surface engagement with the lateral support bar and is slidably engaged with the lateral support bar. Generally vertical displacement of the container housing relative to the lateral support bar biases the lateral support bar against the rear clamp to define an absorbing state of the rear clamp that receives at least a portion of the generally vertical displacement of the container housing relative to the lateral support bar.

Abstract: A cable cleat system that secures cables to a ladder rack. The cable cleat system includes a mounting bracket assembly with a bracket body and a floating support bracket slidably mounted to the bracket body. A metal locking tie is positioned between the floating support bracket and the mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly is secured to a ladder rung of the ladder rack and the floating support bracket supports the cables secured to the ladder rack. The metal locking tie wraps around the cables supported by the floating support bracket. The floating support bracket and the metal locking tie slide along the bracket body for enabling thermal expansion and contraction of the cables secured to the ladder rack.

Abstract: A holder and system for holding or retaining trailer components, such as trailer chains and/or electrical components, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a holder includes a first portion and a second portion configured for connection to the first portion. In an embodiment, the holder comprises first and second portion that are configured to form an opening that encircles a portion, such as a shaft, of a trailer lift. An embodiment of a system for holding or retaining trailer components may include trailer lift and a holder portion that extends outwardly from a portion of the trailer lift.

Abstract: A storage unit intended for mounting on the rear of a golf cart type vehicle is designed to protrude from the rear of the golf cart to provide more storage space. The storage unit is further designed to be removable, and may be subdivided with movable partitions. Several features are described for its attachment onto the rear of the golf cart in different ways, including specific types of attachments and frameworks for use with and without rear shelf wells on the golf cart. These are designed for greater security in holding the storage unit onto the golf cart, and include adjustable or removable bottom protrusions for use with a rear shelf well, or the attachment frame system without a rear shelf well. In addition, a system is described to allow the storage unit to be folded, such that it can be more compactly folded and shipped, stored or transported.

Abstract: A wheel holder for a bicycle carrier for a vehicle includes at least one body having at least one wheel receiving surface, a first plane aligned with a rotation plane of the bicycle wheel after the bicycle wheel has been mounted to the wheel holder, and at least one fastening member configured to retain the bicycle wheel to the at least one wheel receiving surface of the body. The fastening member has a released position in which the bicycle wheel can be positioned in the wheel holder and a secured position in which the wheel holder retains the bicycle wheel. The at least one fastening member is configured to extend in a diagonal direction across the first plane when positioned in the secured position.

Abstract: A magnetic pouch attachment mechanism includes one or more magnetic pouch mounts (500) having an alignment plate (505) with one or more magnetic areas (520) disposed within the alignment plate (505). The magnetic pouch mount (500) also includes a pouch (900) removably coupled with the one or more magnetic pouch mounts (500) such that when the pouch (900) is placed in proximity to the one or more magnetic pouch mounts (500), an attractive magnetic force is exerted between the pouch (900) and the one or more magnetic pouch mounts (500) such that the pouch (900) aligns with and couples to the one or more magnetic pouch mounts (500). A mounting bracket (920) coupled to the pouch (900) includes one or more bracket magnetic areas (935) disposed within the mounting bracket (920) and configured to induce an attractive magnetic force with the one or more magnetic areas (520).