Abstract: A vehicle warning includes a tire pressure monitoring device disposed in each tire of the vehicle. Each tire pressure monitoring device obtains information regarding pressure within the associated tire and communicated the tire pressure information in a wireless manner. A receiver receives the communicated tire pressure information from each tire pressure monitoring device. A processor circuit, associated with the receiver, determines if the communicated tire pressure information from at least one of the tire pressure monitoring devices is significantly less than a tire pressure determined to be safe for vehicle operation and, if so, to generate a warning signal. A body control module, upon receiving the warning signal, automatically activates the hazard lights without driver input.

Abstract: A drawbar and hitch receiver movement eliminating system has three main embodiments, each very similar and functioning with the same operational characteristics though they vary slightly in structural characteristics. Each embodiment has a means for the drawbar to push outwardly against the face of the receiver to eliminate the typical movement of the drawbar within the receiver caused by the standard clearances between the two, thereby considerably reducing the amplified swaying movement of the trailer that is caused by the small movements of the drawbar within the receiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system, method, and device related to data collection and communication related to after-market and external vehicle systems, such as towing systems, cargo carrying systems, trailer breakaway systems, brake systems, braking control systems, and the like. Data is sensed, processed, shared, and further leveraged throughout the discrete components of the system, and possibly via internet and other communications' links, to effect various beneficial actions with minimal driver/user interaction or intervention. In the same manner, data from the system may be used for diagnostic reasons, safety controls, and other purposes.

Abstract: A constructive arrangement in mechanical coupling device applied in vehicles for tow traction is described comprising a square tubular structure (10) arranged horizontally provided in its ends by through-holes (11) receiving the fastening fitting structures (20) next to the vehicle chassis, said square tubular structure (10) showing in the central portion a set of fastening through-holes (12) of a “T”-shaped structure (30) enabling to fit an end cap (40) in a sinuous shape, describing technical improvements by reducing the number of parts, simplifying the constructive process and fast coupling system between the bracket and the end cap, facilitating the use, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of the equipment.

Abstract: A gooseneck coupler may be used on a towing vehicle to help tow certain types of towed vehicles, such as trailers. The gooseneck coupler may include a hitch ball attachment member selectively securable to a hitch ball of a towing vehicle, and a support member attached to the hitch ball attachment member, the support member including first and second ends. The gooseneck coupler may also include a trailer attachment member configured to secure a portion of a towed vehicle thereto, the trailer attachment member positionable on the support member between the first and second ends of the support member, where the support member is free of a telescoping relation with the trailer attachment member.

Abstract: A golf cart hitch assembly may be attached to a golf cart in a manner to evenly distribute the weight of a towed element across the frame of the golf cart. This may be helpful in towing a relatively substantial element, such as a trailer. One advantage of the inventor's golf cart hitch is that it requires relatively little or no permanent modification to the golf cart itself. Another advantage is the ability to attach one or more conventional ball hitches at different locations on the assembly. In its simplest form, the assembly includes a pair of brackets for attachment to the frame of the golf cart, such as via bolts or screws, and a plate attached to both brackets, the plate including one or more locations for the attachment of one or more ball hitches.

Abstract: A vehicle (20) consisting of a frame (22) with a pair of paddles (72) extending longitudinally and rotatably supported by the frame (22) in pendulum fashion for swinging movement between an extended position engaging the surface and a retracted position moved vertically out of engagement with the surface. A pair of foot platforms (74) are operatively connected to the paddles (72). A pair of depressors (84) interconnects the foot platforms (74) and the paddles (72) to rotate the paddles (72) between the extended position and the retracted position. The paddles (72) include a propulsion bar (86) and an oar (88) connected by a lost-motion connection to slide relative to one another between the extended position and the retracted position. The oars (88) have a fin-shape to propel the vehicle (20) over water and include a striker (90) to propel the vehicle (20) over land. The vehicle (20) allows movement over a surface of water and land using an elliptical motion similar to the natural motion of walking.

Abstract: A suspension arm includes an arm body having a longitudinal shape, a wheel-side attachment portion disposed at one end of the arm body, and a vehicle body-side attachment portion disposed at the other end of the arm body, and is mounted near a drive shaft to extend in a lateral direction of a vehicle, the arm body including an overlap portion that overlaps the drive shaft as viewed from a front in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a weak portion having lower strength than the overlap portion being provided between the overlap portion and the wheel-side attachment portion, the arm body having a hollow longitudinal shape, and portions on both sides of the weak portion being quenched by high frequency heating so as to have high strength, such that the weak portion is partially provided at an intermediate position between the overlap portion and the wheel-side attachment portion.

Abstract: An air spring with damping characteristics for a suspension assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle includes a bellows and a piston. The bellows includes a bellows chamber. The bellows is attached to a main member of the heavy-duty vehicle and to the piston. The piston includes an open bottom that is sealingly closed by a disc attached to the open bottom. The piston and the disc define a piston chamber. The piston is mounted on the suspension assembly of the heavy-duty vehicle. The bellows chamber and the piston chamber are in fluid communication with each other via at least one opening, wherein airflow between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber provides damping to the suspension assembly of the heavy-duty vehicle.

Abstract: An active vehicle suspension system includes an active damping mechanism operatively coupled to a vehicle wheel and configured for controlling a damping force applied to the wheel responsive to a control signal. A controller is operatively coupled to the damping mechanism and configured for generating a control signal to the damping mechanism responsive to velocity of the wheel in a downward vertical direction. At least one of a timer threshold and velocity threshold, used to determine whether a vehicle wheel has encountered a depression in a road surface, may be varied on a basis of a speed of the vehicle. A damping mechanism for a rear wheel of a vehicle may be controlled on a basis of how a damping mechanism for a front wheel is controlled.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle device includes an air heat exchanger that heats air to be blown into an interior of a vehicle compartment using refrigerant discharged from a compressor, a high-stage side expansion valve decompressing the refrigerant flowing out of the air heat exchanger, and a battery heat exchanger that heats air to be blown to a battery using the refrigerant decompressed by the high-stage side expansion valve. In an air heating-warming up mode of heating the air for the interior and the air for the battery, a refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor is controlled such that an air temperature for the interior approaches a target air temperature, and an opening degree of the high-stage side expansion valve is controlled such that a battery temperature becomes within a predetermined reference temperature range. A selector switch allows a passenger to select which operation of air conditioning or warming-up is prioritized.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame supported by the ground-engaging members, a powertrain assembly supported by the frame which includes an engine, an alternator coupled to the engine through a housing, and a heating, ventilation, and air condition (“HVAC”) assembly including a compressor operably coupled to the engine. The compressor is supported on a first side of the housing plate and the alternator is supported on a second side of the housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle may have a cylindrical component having two grooves aligned orthogonally to a cylinder axis, recessed into local areas of a lateral surface, and running parallel to each other, and a blind hole in an end of the cylindrical component. A fastening component for the cylindrical component may include a holding device having a U-shaped socket and a head portion having a through opening. The holding device may be matched to the cylindrical component in such a way that the cylindrical component is positively insertable via the two grooves into the U-shaped socket until the blind hole in the end is in alignment with the through opening in the head portion of the holding device. The fastening arrangement may also have a fastening element that is insertable and screwable through the through opening in the head portion into the blind hole in the cylindrical component.

Abstract: A vehicle climate control system. An air conditioner and heater are operatively connected to a controller and control the temperature of the cabin area of a vehicle. A processor, operatively connected to the controller, determines the amount of time for an operator of the vehicle to travel between their location and the location of the vehicle. The processor determines an amount of time required to adjust the temperature of the cabin area of the vehicle to a selected temperature by using one of the air conditioner and the heater. The processor automatically operates one of the air conditioner and the heater to begin adjusting the temperature of the cabin area to the selected temperature when the amount of time required for the operator to travel between their location and the location of the vehicle is less than or equal to the amount of time required to adjust the temperature of the cabin area vehicle to the selected temperature.

Abstract: Condenser systems for vehicle air conditioning systems and processes for controlling condenser systems are disclosed. The condenser systems include a plurality of fans that can be activated and/or deactivated based on a load indicating parameter of the heat transfer circuit of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner with a refrigerant circuit has as components at least one evaporator, a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser, an expansion valve associated with the evaporator and at least one heat exchanger with an associated expansion valve for coupling with a coolant circuit of a heat source, wherein the components are connected by a refrigerant line. A refrigerant container is provided which is connected on the high-pressure side of the refrigerant compressor with the refrigerant line and has a refrigerant-receiving chamber with a controllable volume, and a control unit is provided with which the volume of the chamber of the refrigerant container is controlled as a function of operating parameters of the refrigerant circuit. Alternatively, the refrigerant container is connected on the high-pressure side of the refrigerant compressor with the refrigerant line by way of a branch line.

Abstract: A visor bracket is provided to be mounted over a bracket aperture of an interior trim, where the visor bracket includes a bracket housing including a base and a side wall, the base defining a shaft aperture to receive there-through a support shaft of a visor panel, the side wall extending from the base and to be received through the bracket aperture along a mounting direction, and the visor bracket further includes an electrically-conducting material contacting the side wall.

Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, a second substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, an electrochromic composition contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates that includes at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and at least one solvent, wherein at least one of the anodic electroactive and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic, and wherein the electrochromic device exhibits a contrast ratio of at least 20,000:1, a darkening time less than about 30 seconds, and a clearing time of less than about 150 seconds.

Abstract: In this vehicle, a rear opening is formed across the entire rear surface of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, a tailgate capable of opening and closing the rear opening is attached to the vehicle body so as to be capable of swinging up and down, a passenger opening is formed that allows passengers to enter and exit through the tailgate, and a seat is provided adjacently to the rear surface. The passenger opening is formed in a portion of the rear surface in the vehicle width direction. One end of the seat in the vehicle width direction is positioned on one end of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, and the other end of the seat in the vehicle width direction is positioned in a portion overlapping with the passenger opening in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle, having a roof opening in its fixed roof, comprises at least one movable panel closing said roof opening in its closed position and being movable from said closed position rearwardly and upwardly above the fixed roof. A driven operating mechanism supports the panel and comprises a telescope including a first telescopic part attached to the panel and a second telescopic part attached to a remainder of the operating mechanism. A height adjusting mechanism is provided between the panel and the operating mechanism. This height adjusting mechanism is arranged and adjusts the height between the first and second telescopic parts.

Abstract: A tonneau cover can be foldable between an extended configuration and a folded configuration. In the extended configuration, the primary panel plane of each of the plurality panels can all be substantially coplanar with each other and with a first plane. In the folded configuration, the plurality of panels can all be substantially aligned to form a stack of the plurality of panels, wherein the stack is disposed above the cargo box. The forward panel can be pivotable between a raised configuration corresponding to the folded configuration and a storage configuration. In the storage configuration, the primary plane of the forward panel can be in a second plane that is substantially orthogonal to the first plane to dispose the stack within the cargo box.

Abstract: A sunroof structure for a wheeled vehicle includes a fixed roof that forms a top portion of the wheeled vehicle, a movable roof that opens and closes a front opening portion which is provided in the fixed roof, and a left side lip that is provided on a left side portion of the movable roof. The left side lip is provided to be spaced apart from the fixed roof when the movable roof is in a tilt-up state. This left side lip includes a lip main body that protrudes downwards from the left side portion of the movable roof and a projecting portion that projects transversely outwards from a lower end of the lip main body.

Abstract: A method for forming a seal or cover on an opening of a vehicle body. An extruded strand made of an elastomer material is adhered to a body support surface which receives the strand, and the support surface and/or a strand surface to be adhered is supplied with adhesive material prior to the adhesion process. The supply of adhesive material is controlled according to an adhesive material quantity requirement based on the strand length, the requirement changing in the longitudinal direction of the support surface, as a result of depressions and/or steps for example, and/or according to an arrangement of the strand surface to be adhered on the strand, the arrangement changing in the longitudinal direction of the support surface.

Abstract: A hollow seal member integrally molded with an installation base member includes a first hollow wall with a first bent point as a part bendable toward an outside and a second hollow wall with a second bent point as a part bendable toward the outside. A protrusion is formed on an end of a second outer-cabin side wall, which is continuous with an outer surface of the second outer-cabin side wall, protrudes upward with respect to the first hollow wall, and makes elastic contact with a door. An end of a first outer-cabin side wall connects with a position on the second outer-cabin side wall as an inner side of the hollow seal member, from which the protrusion protrudes toward the outer-cabin side. A thick part, which protrudes toward an outer side, is formed on the first outer-cabin side wall as the outer side of the hollow seal member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis comprises two side members that are at least partially hollow and have an approximately rectangular cross-section, and two identical reinforcement parts each capable of engaging with a side member to support a power train in an engine compartment of the motor vehicle. Each reinforcement part comprises a substantially parallelepipedic stamped metal sheet open on one face. Each reinforcement part is disposed entirely inside one of the side members and comprises two orifices in a first face and two orifices in a second face, which is separate from and orthogonal to the first face. The four orifices are tapped so as to define four identical nuts.

Abstract: A stud assembly is coupled between an underhood propulsion system and an underhood cover in order to manage energy from an external force applied to the underhood cover. The underhood cover is coupled over the underhood propulsion system. The stud assembly is coupled between the underhood propulsion system and the underhood cover and includes a polymeric isolator and a stud coupled to the polymeric isolator. The stud includes a shank and a head coupled to the shank. The head is coupled to the polymeric isolator. The stud assembly includes a boss coupled to the underhood cover. The boss is disposed adjacent the polymeric isolator. The shank includes a bending initiator feature in order to allow the shank to bend when the underhood cover is subjected to an external force.

Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid vehicle includes a drive assembly with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, and a transmission featuring several sub-transmissions shifting between the drive assembly and an output. Through a planetary transmission, the electric motor is coupled to an input shaft of a first sub-transmission and an input shaft of a second sub-transmission. Through a separating clutch, the internal combustion engine is to the input shaft of the first sub-transmission and, if the separating clutch is locked, is coupled to the same element of the planetary transmission as the input shaft of the first sub-transmission.

Abstract: An energy efficient vehicle and a disc-type dynamic motor thereof are disclosed. The vehicle comprises front wheels and rear wheels, and a gasoline engine is assembled in the vehicle for driving a generator producing power. The power is transported to a capacitor battery via a circuit control system and then to disc-type dynamic motors, which are assembled with the rear wheels, from the capacitor battery via two power lines respectively, whereby the disc-type dynamic motors directly driving the vehicle travelling at high-speed and high torque via the wheels. Accordingly, the energy efficient vehicle does not include transmission devices, such as the clutch, the transmission, the power transmission shaft, and the differential. The power produced by the generator is directly provided to the disc-type dynamic motors to drive the vehicle travelling and is enough to drive the disc-type dynamic motors, so the vehicle does not need to stop for charging.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. One system to facilitate user safety when using an electrically motorized wheel includes a proximity sensor on the electrically motorized wheel in communication with a user mobile device and a proximity alert module on the mobile device enabled to alert a user when a sensed proximity crosses a threshold.

Abstract: An airflow guiding system for a vehicle may include an ambient air intake to receive ambient air in front of a vehicle, engine compartment air holes disposed at a rear side of the ambient air intake and formed to transmit air passing through the ambient air intake to an engine compartment, main ducts disposed at a rear side of the ambient air intake and formed to transmit the air passing through the ambient air intake to each of front wheels, and air flaps operable so as to selectively open or close the engine compartment air holes, in which the air flaps may be configured to close the main ducts when the engine compartment air holes are opened.

Abstract: An intercooler air-guide of dual duct type for improving crash performance guiding head wind toward an intercooler may include a guide frame including a first opening portion and a second opening portion, and a guide portion coupled to the guide frame to improve crash performance of the intercooler air-guide of dual duct type.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a fuel supply on a vehicle, which is specifically adapted for the operable support and positioning of an auxiliary fuel supply. The vehicle with which the mounting assembly is utilized may vary significantly, but is primarily structured for use on mine haul vehicles, bulldozers, and other heavy duty commercial vehicles, wherein the operation thereof is significantly benefited or enhanced through the provision of an auxiliary, or alternate fuel supply such as, but not limited to, liquid natural gas (LNG), selectively powering the engine of the vehicle as determined by an improved electronic control system. The mounting assembly comprises a containment structure in the form of at least one fuel tank and a housing is structured to enclose the fuel tank. A base supports the housing and provides a pivot point about which the housing may be disposed between a first and second orientation.

Abstract: The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a base for supporting shifter, wherein the base includes longitudinal axis, a first cross-section including a first border defining therein a first aperture, and a second cross-section positioned spaced apart from the first cross-section along the longitudinal axis and including a second border defining therein a second aperture. The base as provided is believed to be advantageous in supporting the shifter while allowing arrangement for the air duct to pass through and therefore to improve comfort for the rear-seat passenger without having to necessarily increase the interior packaging size.

Abstract: Exception event recorders and analysis systems include: vehicle mounted sensors arranged as a vehicle event recorder to capture both discrete and non-discrete data; a discretization facility; a database; and an analysis server all coupled together as a computer network. Motor vehicles with video cameras and onboard diagnostic systems capture data when the vehicle is involved in a crash or other anomaly (an ‘event’). In station where interpretation of non-discrete data is rendered, i.e. a discretization facility, captured data is used as a basis for production of supplemental discrete data to further characterize the event. Such interpreted data is joined to captured data and inserted into a database in a structure which is searchable and which supports logical or mathematical analysis by automated machines. A coupled analysis server is arranged to test stored data for prescribed conditions and upon finding such, to initiate further actions appropriate for the detected condition.

Abstract: A decorative part for a vehicle display device includes a substrate body that is molded by synthetic resin and a mirror surface that is formed on a surface of the substrate body, in which the mirror surface is formed so that mirror surface roughness becomes larger than 0 and equal to or smaller than 0.35 ?m and a ratio of a wavelength becomes equal to or larger than 1:600 and equal to or smaller than 1:6000 in the case of an amplitude of 1, the amplitude being captured by a ratio of the amplitude corresponding to an average height of an undulation waveform and the wavelength corresponding to an average length of the undulation waveform in an undulation curve in which a cutoff value from a surface shape is 250 ?m.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle control panel having a camera system and a gesture recognition device. includes filming a person gesticulating using at least one arm in the inside of the vehicle. Description data relating to a position and/or a sequence of movements of the at least one gesticulating arm is determined by the gesture recognition device and is associated with a control gesture. At least one situation parameter, which describes a gesticulation context of the person, is determined by a plausibility device which decides whether the person has performed a possible control gesture or only a gesture which is to be ignored. If it is determined that it is a possible control gesture, a control command is generated for the control gesture.

Abstract: A system includes a grid coupled to an electrical bus; an electrical power modulation device coupled to the electrical bus that can output modified electrical power received from the electrical bus; a blower motor coupled to the electrical power modulation device that can receive the modified electrical power output and can provide a stream of air to affect a temperature of the grid, and a controller. A speed of the blower motor may be based at least in part on an amount of the modified electrical power. The controller can receive an operating parameter, and is responsive to that parameter by causing the electrical power modulation device to vary the amount of the modified electrical power. A blower motor speed may be controlled based at least in part on the operating parameter.

Abstract: A fail-safe method and apparatus for high voltage parts in a hybrid vehicle is provided. In the fail-safe method, it is determined whether or not a high voltage main relay is turned off. Here, when the high voltage main relay is turned off, a voltage is charged into a direct current (DC) link using a counter electromotive force generated in a motor generator linked with a revolution of an engine. Voltage control is performed such that the voltage of the DC link is uniformly maintained using an inverter for the motor generator.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission, hood, DC energy storage system, power inverter module, high-voltage AC device, sensors, and a controller. The sensors are operable for determining input signals and conditions, including a position sensor operable for detecting an open/closed position of the hood. The controller is programmed to execute a method for preventing access or exposure to the AC-side of the high-voltage system in an ignition-on state, to receive the input signals and conditions, and to selectively prevent access to the AC-side via a corresponding control action using the received input signals and conditions. The input signals and conditions include the open/closed position of the hood, a PRNDL position, and a powertrain mode of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic hybrid system for a vehicle utilizes both the advantages of the hydraulic hybrid system and the electric hybrid system to maximize the collection of energy lost during a braking process and to provide launch assists in an acceleration process. The electro-hydraulic hybrid system includes an ECU that controls the electro-hydraulic hybrid system, a hydraulic drive pump, an accumulator, a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a power converter, and a battery. The hydraulic reservoir is in fluid communication with the accumulator through the hydraulic drive pump that functions as the main component of the hydraulic regenerative braking system. The hydraulic reservoir is also in fluid communication with the accumulator through the hydraulic pump that acts as the main component of the electro-hydraulic inter-conversion unit along with the electric motor, the at least one battery, and power converter that are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electric drive. The electric drive may include a first power inverter, a second power inverter, and a positive DC bus connecting the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The electric drive may also include a first switch connected to the positive DC bus between the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The electric drive may include a second switch connected to the positive DC bus between the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The electric drive may further include a control unit connected to the first switch and to the second switch. The control unit may be configured to selectively allow current to pass through the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: A stable power supply device for a high voltage battery system in a vehicle enables the voltage of a capacitor in a high voltage component to be gradually increased at an initial stage of ignition, using a heat generating resistor of a temperature raising system mounted to raise the temperature of a battery in the vehicle. Further, the stable power supply device enables a capacitor in a high voltage component to be discharged using a heat generating resistor of a temperature raising system after the ignition of the vehicle is off, thereby ensuring the stability of the system.

Abstract: A system for supplying electrical power to a plurality of vehicles from a central power supply through a plurality of electrical outlets includes an outlet control unit for each of the outlets and a vehicle control unit for each of the vehicles. The outlet microprocessor switches the supply of power to the outlet to communicate data to the vehicle. The vehicle microprocessor communicates data by switching a load across the power supply to provide interaction between the microprocessors to manage requirement and availability of power. The data includes whether the power plant of the vehicle is gasoline powered, diesel powered, hybrid or electric battery powered. The microprocessor of the vehicle control unit is arranged to control switches which supply power to selected loads in the vehicle and includes an interface which is arranged to connect to a Canbus communication system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for contactless charging of a battery of an electric motor vehicle by magnetic induction using a transmitter coil of a charging device and a receiver coil of the vehicle, the method including: controlling electrical power supply and instructions of an inverter at terminals of which the transmitter coil is connected, according to a variable frequency; measuring, in an analog circuit, at least one analog signal relative to a current or to a voltage at terminals of the transmitter coil; digitally processing at least two incoming digital signals by a control board, a first incoming signal being relative to the voltage and a second incoming signal being relative to the current; transmitting output signals from the control board to the inverter to lock the inverter to a value of a phase difference calculated between the current and the voltage.

Abstract: A plurality of projections is arranged in a matrix on the upper surface of the housing of a contactless charging unit (110). When supplying power wirelessly to an onboard power reception device, a beam emission unit in a beam reception and emission unit (120) emits a laser beam progressing along the upper surface of a power transmission unit (170) to scan the upper part of the entire upper surface of the power transmission unit (170). When receiving a reflected beam, the beam reception unit in the beam reception and emission unit (120) sends the results of beam reception to a determination unit. The determination unit determines the presence or absence of a foreign substance supported on at least one projection existing on the upper surface of the contactless charging unit (110) on the basis of the results of beam reception.

Abstract: Battery carriers that provide replaceable and exchangeable batteries and systems are provided. One example battery carrier is for batteries used in electric vehicles. The battery carrier includes a housing with a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is configured to receive a battery that is configured for hand-insertion and hand-removal from the battery carrier. Each slot and each battery has a form factor that is dimensioned to at least partially fit within ones of the slots. A plurality of electrical connectors are provided, and each electrical connector is disposed inside respective ones of the slots and each electrical connector is configured to mate with an electrical connector of the battery when present in a slot of the plurality of slots and each electrical connector is configured to provide power transfer between a power source to which the battery carrier is connected and a battery when present in one of the slots.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wireless charging device includes: receiving information sensed by at least one of a yaw rate sensor, a gyro sensor, and a tire pressure sensor of a vehicle; calculating a longitudinal/transversal gradient of the vehicle according to the received information; and adjusting a height or a gradient of a receiving pad equipped in the vehicle or adjusting a height, a gradient, a transmission power, or a frequency of a transmitting pad corresponding to the receiving pad, based on the calculated longitudinal/transversal gradient.

Abstract: A wireless power supply system includes a power transmission device having a power transmission coil and a power receiving device having a power receiving coil. The power transmission coil transmits electric power to the power receiving coil via a wireless connection. The power transmission device includes a power factor calculator configured to calculate a power factor based on a phase difference between a voltage and a current supplied to the power transmission coil, and a control amount calculator configured to control electric power supplied to the power transmission coil according to a power command value, and regulate the electric power supplied to the power transmission coil when the power factor falls to a predetermined threshold power factor or less. The power transmission can therefore be regulated immediately when the power receiving coil is shifted from the power transmission coil.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for detecting a charger for a designated vehicle based on the circumstances including a plurality of chargers in a charging station. Also, provided is a method of operating the charger using the method or the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided are a power generation control method for a vehicle configured to perform idling stop at a predetermined vehicle speed or less by a stop/start system, the vehicle including: a power generator configured to be driven by an internal combustion engine to generate power; and a battery to be charged by the power generated by the power generator, the power being generated in the vehicle under control so as to reduce an amount of fuel to be consumed by the internal combustion engine for power generation, the power generation control method including: detecting a charged and discharged state of the battery; and controlling the internal combustion engine to interrupt power generation involving fuel consumption when a charged state of the battery has recovered to a charged state before the idling stop through charging after the idling stop in accordance with the detected charged and discharged state.